Tag Archives: Leah McSweeney

March 1, 2023 – Sonny Sets a Trap, Well Done, CYA Time, For the Ratings, VanderSuits, Winning Ones, More Last, SAGging, Priceless, Octonary Quotes & Rhythm

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Scout’s birthday is being celebrated at the Quartermaines, and Drew tells Carly that he has the balloons set up in the foyer. Carly says, when he throws a party, he really goes all out, doesn’t he? and he asks if she thinks it’s too much, but she says, Scout’s going to love it. He says, not just the balloons, but all of it, and she says, it’s not like he has a 100-foot bouncy house outside and ponies walking around. He says, they do have two horses and an alpaca, and she says, because they live here in the stable where they belong. He wants Scout to feel at home on her birthday, and this is their home. He says he guesses he just missed out on so much time with her. Any chance he has, holidays, birthdays, he just wants to hold on and never let go. She says, he should hang onto that. He should stay present with his daughter. You can’t do that if you’re focused on revenge. He says he didn’t even mention Nina’s name, but she says, he didn’t have to. She could hear him thinking about it. He thanks her for snapping him out of it, so he can focus on what’s important. He kisses her, when Scout comes in with Sam, Jake, and Danny. Scout says, he won’t believe it. There’s so many balloons by the front door. Drew says, they’re all for her. Happy birthday. He hugs her.

Maxie lets Felicia into the apartment, and thanks her for coming by with zero notice. She has a ton of work to do for Deception tonight. Felicia says she’d move heaven and earth to spend time with her grandchildren, but as thrilled as she is to be here, she has to ask. Why isn’t Spinelli available? Maxie says, because she sent him packing.

Dante finds Chase at the hospital and asks, what’s he got? Chase says he just talked to the officer on duty. Assault and battery. The victim was brought here for treatment. He tried to question him just to see what was going on, but the guy’s not talking. He didn’t even give them his name. Dante looks through the door window of victim’s room and says he knows who that is. That’s Selina Wu’s bodyguard.

On the phone at the penthouse, Sonny says, everything ready… Okay. Keep him posted. Thanks. Ava walks in, and he says, is there something she wants to ask him? Go ahead. She says, really? He hasn’t exactly been forthcoming of late. He didn’t say anything to her yesterday after his talk with Nina. He says he’s sure Nina is going to tell her all about it, but if she wants to ask him directly…

John walks into Anna’s office, and she says, please come in. What can she do for him? He says he wants Sonny Corinthos out of his life – for good, and she’s going to help him.

Alexis walks into the Quartermaines’ with a stack of gifts and asks, where’s the guest of honor? Scout says, right here, and Alexis tells her, happy birthday. Scout asks if all those presents are for her, and Alexis says, there’s more in the car. Scout thanks her, and Alexis says, she’s welcome. She can’t take all the credit though, because some of them are from TJ and Molly. Scout asks where they are, and Alexis says, they both have very mean bosses who wouldn’t let them have time off. Drew asks Jake to get the rest of the presents from the car and takes the stack from Alexis, saying, he’ll put them with the other presents. Carly asks Sam where Dante is, but Sam says, he couldn’t get off of work, but she thinks he’s going to make it by later. She looks around and sees the others have gone, and tells Carly, it’s just the two of them now. She wanted to say that she thinks Drew is a little bit more… relaxed. Carly says, she thinks so? and Sam says, yeah. Carly says, they talked before, and he was having a really hard time coming out of Pentenville with everything that happened there. She really thinks he’s slowly, but definitely, moving past it.

Chase comes back from the reception desk and reads to Dante from his notes. Someone called 9-1-1 to report a disturbance on the pier. When officers arrived at the scene, they interrupted a fight between two guys. One, Mr. Li, had been badly beaten, and the attacker appeared to be going in for the kill, when the officers identified themselves as the police. The attacker then fled on foot. Luckily, they apprehended him and he’s in lock-up now. Dante says, so Li must have ID’d the attacker, but Chase says, that’s where things get interesting. Li’s assailant is another one of Selina Wu’s guys. He goes by Morse. Dante says, so this wasn’t random, and Chase says, infighting in Selina Wu’s organization. What does that mean? Dante says he thinks it means everything’s about to get even more dangerous.

Anna closes the door and asks if John would like to take a look around. He might notice, this is the office of the Port Charles Commissioner of Police. Then he might come to the conclusion that the individual occupying said office is, in fact, the Port Charles Police Commissioner, and he’d be right. And who doesn’t love to be right? He says, obviously the Port Charles Commissioner of Police likes it a lot, and Anna says, she likes it a lot. In fact, it’s one of her favorite pastimes. So do they need to have a discussion about the meaning of jurisdiction over a nice cup of tea or something, or is there some other way she might assist him? He says he apologizes, and she says she accepts. She gestures for him to sit down, and he does, saying, he had a bear of a day, and he shouldn’t have taken it out on her. She says, but he did, and it does seem to be a bit of a pattern. He says, it is? and she says, yeah. He barged in on her operation at Pentenville and tried to shut it down. He says he had a legitimate reason to request she leave his witness alone, but she says, that wasn’t a request; it was a demand. He says, and she accused him of obstructing his own investigation, and she says she shouldn’t have questioned his integrity. She’s sorry. He says he was not expecting her to apologize, like ever, and she says she wasn’t expecting him to apologize. So it’s a banner day for both of them. He’s always been good friends with Robin, and she respects that friendship. So there’s really no reason for them to be at odds with each other. He says he can think of one reason, but their difference over Sonny aside, he does respect her, and he wants to say thank you. She says, for what? and he says, for talking him down when he barged in here, acting like he owned the place, and for at least trying to diffuse the tension between them. He wants them to be able to work together. She says she wants that too. Why don’t they make that happen? (Hmm… Is this a couple in the making?)

Ava says, what goes on between Sonny and Nina is his business. She just wants to let him know that her friendship with Nina doesn’t mean she’s choosing sides. She’s staying out of it. He says, wise decision – there’s a knock at the door – because nothing’s more important right now than Dante, not Nina. He goes to the door and says, come on in, Spinelli. Spinelli says sees Ava and says he assumes Sonny must be taking him up on his offer to learn the ways of Dungeons and Dragons, but Sonny says, he can talk in front of Ava. Spinelli says, as you wish. All systems are go for tonight. Ava says, all systems, huh? What’s happening tonight? Sonny says, tonight, he’s bringing his enemy down to his knees.

Maxie says, can Felicia believe Spinelli? He knows everything that happened with Austin and Peter, yet he still lied to her so easily. Felicia says, it sounds like his heart was in the right place, but Maxie says, his heart had nothing to do with it. This was his savior complex. Can she imagine anything more insulting? Felicia says, uh… yeah, and Maxie says, for sure, but he still lied. She knows she’s told her fair share of fibs in the past, but she can’t believe Spinelli would manipulate her this way. Felicia says, that’s not what happened, and Maxie says, what’s not what happened? Felicia says, it wasn’t Spinelli’s idea to move in with Maxie and help her with her finances. It was hers.

Willow and Michael come in with Danny, and Sam wonders if there weren’t more children at the party. Willow says, Scout wanted to visit the horses and the alpaca, so Wiley and Leo are – in Leo’s words – hosting a tour of the stables. Sam says, but Cody’s there, right? and Michael says, yeah. Sam says, perfect. And Danny and Jake brought in the rest of  their grandmother’s presents? Danny says, turns out it was a one-man job. Is there anything else he can do? Sam says, everything is under control. Just go have fun. Danny says, cool. He left his coat down at the stables. He’ll be back. Sam says, he leaves that coat everywhere, when Kristina comes in with Blaze. Danny hugs Kristina, and tells Blaze, hi, obviously starstruck. Blaze says, hi, Danny, and he says, she remembered his name. Blaze says, of course (🍷) she did, and he leaves. Kristina hugs everyone and says she thinks most of them know Blaze, her girlfriend. Sam says, of course (🍷). It’s good to see her again. Blaze says, it’s great to see Sam, and Willow says she thinks they met at Rice Plaza. Blaze says she remembers. It’s nice to meet her again.

 Alexis is getting some party stuff from plastic tubs, when Drew joins her. She says she’s glad they have some time alone. She wants to talk to him about something. He says, great. What’s up? She says she understands this is a touchy subject, but she’s sure he’s heard Nina is now the publisher of The Invader. He says he did hear that. How’s that going? She says she has reservations. Many. She said she was fired from Crimson for personal reasons. Is that true? He says, if she’s asking if this has anything to do with Nina turning him and Carly in to the SEC… She says, that’s exactly what she’s asking, and he says, then the answer’s yes. She was not acting as a concerned citizen trying to right a wrong. Her motivation was strictly vindictive, and if she can exploit federal law to her own ends, should she really be running a major magazine? And as the owner of Aurora, he felt like he couldn’t trust her judgement anymore. She says, that sounds like something he’d say in a press release or a court of law. Tell her what he really thinks, and he says, between the two of them? Someone as reckless and self-absorbed as Nina is capable of anything. If he were Alexis, he’d watch his back.

Maxie says, so it was Felicia’s idea. All right. Explain. Felicia says she knew Maxie was in financial trouble and wouldn’t take her help, even though she clearly needed it and Felicia had the means. Maxie says, except she doesn’t. She kept dipping into her savings. Felicia says, those were the means, and Maxie says, but she couldn’t pay Felicia back because she’s a bad investment. Felicia says, that’s why she called Spinelli. She knew Maxie wouldn’t accept charity from anybody, so she had to get creative. Spinelli was helping her help Maxie. Maxie says, Felicia should have respected her boundaries. It was important to her that she be the one to fix her finances. Felicia says she understands that, but she’s Maxie’s mother and couldn’t just sit back and watch while she was struggling. Maxie says, okay, she gets that. She absolutely does not approve of Felicia’s methods, but if she could see her kids needed help, she’s capable of doing much crazier things, whether they wanted her to or not. She wouldn’t care. She’d just do it. Felicia says, then Maxie forgives her? and Maxie says, absolutely. Felicia says, and she forgives Spinelli, but Maxie says, no way. Felicia says, why? Not that she’s complaining, but why is Maxie so much angrier with Spinelli than with her, especially since it was her idea? Maxie says, because Spinelli is not her parent, and he doesn’t have the right to conspire with her mother to fix her finances. Felicia says, maybe not, but… Maxie says, there’s no maybe about it, but Felicia says, Spinelli is family. He’s the father of Maxie’s oldest daughter and her oldest grandchild, and Maxie knows he’d do anything for her. Maxie says, except respect her autonomy, and Felicia says, because she told him to. Maxie knows she would do the same thing if the positions were reversed. Maxie says, that is precisely the problem, and Felicia says, that they both care enough about each other that they’d do anything for each other? but Maxie says, that is not the problem. It’s because… It’s because she… Felicia says, what? and Maxie says, because she fell in love with him again. Spending all this time with him, having him live in her house. It was all under false pretenses. Felicia and Spinelli didn’t just meddle with her finances; they meddled with her heart.

Spinelli says, so whoever is targeting Sonny is expecting him to be holding a summit, building bridges, as it were, giving them an opportunity to take out both parties at once. Meanwhile, he’ll be monitoring the situation with cameras set up around the warehouse. Ava asks if Sonny is sure Selina’s guy did as he asked, because Li has betrayed her before, and Sonny says, he made sure Li carried out the orders. She says, good. Question. Sonny says, go ahead, and Ava says, isn’t it highly unlikely this enemy is going to show up there himself? Won’t he, too, be monitoring from a safe distance, letting his hired guns do the job for him? Sonny says he’s counting on it.

Dante tells Chase, this assault on Li sounds like a botched execution attempt, which means it relates to the FBI’s investigation that Cates is running. Chase says, but only Li can confirm that, and Dante says, then let’s hope he’s able… and willing.

Jake comes in and is startled to see Blaze. He says, oh… hi, and she says, hi. He says, she’s… Everyone laughs, and Kristina says, this is Blaze, her girlfriend. She tells Blaze, this is Danny’s brother, and Blaze says, nice meeting him. He says, nice meeting her too. He’s a… Willow asks if Jake can track down Danny and let him know it’s time for cake. He left his coat outside. Jake is obviously at a loss for words, seeing Blaze, and says, uh… yeah. He leaves, and Michael says, three… two… one. Jake comes back in, gets his own coat, then leaves again. Blaze laughs and shrugs.

Sam finds Drew and says she was going to send out a search party for him. He says he was just making sure everything was… yeah… She asks if he’s okay, and he says, yeah. He thought he misplaced this Pin the Tail on the Donkey – he shows her a stack of tails – but… She says, crisis averted. She was going to ask if he could do a favor for her. He says, she can ask him anything, always. He wants her to know that. She says she’s not sure about that. He’s been having a pretty rough time ever since… He says, it hasn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows, and she says, is it ever? (Not here, I can assure you.) He says, but he’s trying to focus more on the silver lining than the clouds, and she says she’s glad to hear that. He wonders what she wanted to ask him, and she says, Danny. He’s been having a really tough time lately, and she knows it’s more than teenage boy stuff. She guesses what she wanted to say is, is there any way Drew can talk to him? He trusts Drew and she thinks he would confide in Drew. She doesn’t think he’d talk to her about anything like that. He says he’d be happy to. He’ll spend some time with Danny. Maybe he’ll take him to a game or something. She says, okay. That sounds good. But is he sure he’s up for it? She doesn’t want to put too much on his plate. He says he’s learning that it really helps focusing on somebody that means more to him than himself. She can count on him. She thanks him and gives him a hug.

Jake goes down the footbridge near the boathouse calling for Danny. He says, they’re going to cut the cake. Danny jumps up by the benches, and Jake asks if he found his jacket. Danny says, yeah. He put it in the car. It’s fine. Jake asks if he’s okay, and Danny says, yeah. It’s a kids’ party. Jake says, well, it’s time for cake, so… He sniffs the air and asks if Danny smells something, but Danny says, no, and starts walking. Jake says, it’s really… sweet. He notices something under one of the benches and picks it up. He examines it, then looks at Danny.

Anna says, despite their differences of opinion, she does understand how John feels about Sonny, and he says, with all due respect, he doesn’t think she does. Sonny Corinthos is now the head of one of the most powerful organized crime syndicates on the east coast. So forgive him if he doesn’t buy into the narrative that underneath it all, Sonny’s a really good guy. She tells him that she wouldn’t say he’s one of the good guys, but she also doesn’t think John has taken his full measure. John says, meaning, and she says, meaning that he’s not a saint, but he’s not a sadist who wants to destroy and torment people for sport. John says he just had a conversation with Sonny that would suggest otherwise, and she asks if that’s why John came barging in here, demanding she get Sonny out of his life. He says, she’s good. Anybody ever tell her that she should be a cop? She says, too often. All she’s saying is, maybe he has issue with the man Sonny used to be, rather than the man he is now.

Dante introduces himself and Chase to Li and asks if Li can tell them what happened to him today. Li says, someone tried to kill him, and Chase says, not just someone, one of his colleagues from Selina Wu’s organization. Dante says, so he’s guessing this isn’t the result of an argument gone bad, right? They have Mr. Morse in custody. He was following orders. Li says he doesn’t talk to cops, and Chase says, his boss wants him dead. Dante says, he walks out of here, he’s probably got days, hell, even hours to live, and Li says, death comes to us all. Dantes says, it does, but judging from the way Li looks, he’s guessing Li fought like hell to stay alive, so he’s not really buying Li’s zen on dying thing he’s trying to sell them. Chase says, how about this? They put in a call to the DA and make sure he’s protected, and Li says, how comforting. Dante says, he’s right. Talking to them is probably just going to buy him some time. A day, maybe another after that. He doesn’t know. But keeping his mouth shut? He’s willing to bet Li ends up in an unmarked grave by the morning. So you tell me, what’s it going to be?

Sonny says he wishes whoever’s targeting him would get in his face, but he knows they’re too scared, and Ava says, so what’s the endgame here? Sonny says, somebody will be sent to eliminate him and Selina, and they’re going to grab them, and let them take them to whoever’s behind the shooting, and this thing is going to end. Ava asks when they leave, but Sonny says, they’re not going anywhere. She says, yes, they are, and walks over to her coat. Sonny asks Spinelli to do him a favor. He thinks they’re done. He’ll keep Spinelli posted. Spinelli says he eagerly awaits Sonny’s communication, and leaves. Ava puts on her coat, and Sonny says he appreciates what she’s doing, but she’s not part of this. She says, on the contrary. If this plan of his is going to work, he needs her.

Felicia tells Maxie that she’s so sorry. It never occurred to her that this would happen this way. Maxie says she never thought Spinelli would lie to her like this, but Felicia says, it isn’t really like that. It’s not like they set out to deceive her. Maxie says, were Spinelli’s pipes actually broken? and Felicia says, so they did set out to deceive her, but if they’d offered Maxie the money, she would have just said no, again. Maxie says, at least it would have been her decision, and Felicia says, yes, and it would have been a bad one. The point is, she and Spinelli were in a lose-lose situation and since there was no good decision to make, they made the least bad decision to help her. Deceiving Maxie like that, helping her with her finances while providing free babysitting, was all an act of love on both their parts. Maxie says she knows that, and she knows that Spinelli would never lie to her out of malice. That is not her main problem. Felicia says, then what is? and Maxie says, the thing that’s bugging her the most is, she couldn’t tell Spinelli was keeping something from her. Felicia says she could understand why that might be troubling for Maxie, but it’s not like what happened with Peter. Maxie says, way to sugarcoat it, and Felicia tells Maxie that she’s just saying, Spinelli never lied to her about his mafia connections. Maxie says she’s always known about this (what?), and Felicia says, he never tried to steal her baby or isolate her in a forest cabin… Maxie says, okay. She gets where Felicia is going with this, but that is a very low bar to clear. It’s just that, aside from Felicia and Mac, Spinelli was always the person she could trust the most. Felicia says, doesn’t this prove that he still is? and Maxie says, maybe it proves that her acting on her feelings for Spinelli was a huge mistake.

Jake asks if this is Danny’s, holding up a vape pod, and Danny says, no, it isn’t, but reaches for it. Jake says, it’s garbage now, and Danny says he can’t just throw that out, but Jake says he can’t leave it lying around. Danny says, okay, fine, it’s his, reaching for it again, and Jake says, he’s vaping? Danny says, who is he to even care? and Jake says, maybe he doesn’t want his brother to get popcorn lungs. Danny says, calm down. It’s not like really smoking. Jake says, they’re not having this conversation here. Right now, they’re going back to the house to celebrate their sister’s birthday, with their whole family there. Is Danny trying to get caught? Danny asks, why? Is Jake going to rat him out?

Anna tells John that recently, she’s gotten to know Sonny as a person, and he’s always been a very good friend to her daughter Robin. John says, come on, and Anna says, just in the very same way he was a good friend to John’s brother Stone. John says, a lot of good people see the best in bad people (agreed), and she says, he’s done a lot of positive things for this community. John asks if she’s talking about the hospital wing Sonny bought in his brother’s memory. She does know crime lords use philanthropy as a way of laundering money. She says, her point is, while she wouldn’t hesitate to arrest him if she had evidence of a crime, she still doesn’t believe he should be reduced to just that. Because if John hopes to take him down one day, he can’t just focus on Sonny’s crimes and flaws, which admittedly are many. He has to take into account the good things as well. If he just lets himself be blinded by prejudice, he’ll miss the opportunity to apprehend Sonny when it presents itself. John and I both ponder this.

Ava says, if Sonny is going to sell this mediation, he’s going to need a third party to arbitrate. That’s the play, isn’t it? Which means he needs a rep from a third family. What’s he going to do, call what’s left of the Novaks? The Buscemas? Does he trust them? She happens to be a former member of the Jerome family. Her presence could help sell this thing. He says, she’s not wrong, and she says, he and Selina are the bait, but she could be what convinces his enemy that this meeting is legit and draws them out. Plus, if she’s being honest – he says he can’t wait to hear this one – his circle of trust has gotten pretty small. It’s so small, she’s in the center of it. He doesn’t have to do this alone. Don’t do this alone. Let her help him.

Maxie says, she and Spinelli have been down this road before and it did not work out, and Felicia says, a long time ago. Maxie says, doesn’t she think that proves that maybe it never will? and Felicia says, how? Maxie says she and Spinelli literally admitted to each other how they felt, and then instantly, everything fell apart. Felicia says she wants Maxie to listen to her and really take this to heart, and Maxie says she’ll try. Felicia says, Maxie may think that when Spinelli moved in, that’s what caused her to fall in love with him, but the truth is, they’ve always had a connection. Not just as friends, not just as co-parents. They’ve always been a little bit in love with each other, even when they were with other people. Maxie asks how Felicia knows that for sure, and Felicia says she’s seen the bond between Maxie and Spinelli. Everybody’s seen it. Nathan saw it. Ellie saw it. Mac is still annoyed by it. And Spinelli, now he sees it. The only person who says they haven’t seen it is Maxie. She thinks it’s time for Maxie to get honest about what she’s afraid of. Maxie says she doesn’t know what she would do if she and Spinelli tried to be together and she lost him for good, and Felicia says she can understand why Maxie would be afraid of that, given all the loss she’s had to endure. Putting our hearts on the line is really scary. Maxie says, it’s not just her heart though. Georgie would be devastated if she and Spinelli didn’t work out. And Bailey Lou and James, they’re both crazy about Spinelli. Felicia says, Maxie is right. There is a lot at stake here. She can’t tell Maxie what decision to make. Maxie says, since when? and Felicia says she can tell Maxie that she’s a survivor. She’s endured so much and come out of it stronger each time. Maxie says she’s just tired. How many growth experiences should one person have? Felicia says, what she has to know is, if things don’t work out with Spinelli, then she’ll survive that too. Or the two of them could get back together again, older and wiser than they ever have been, and stumble into some happiness they never dreamed is possible. It’s up to her to decide if it’s worth the risk.

Jake tells Danny, don’t worry. He’s not going to tell anyone. This is his business. He holds the pod out, but pulls it back when Danny tries to take it. Danny says, what the hell? Give it back. Jake says, not going to happen. He might not be a snitch, but he’s not going to let Danny do this. Danny says he’s not messing around. Give it back. Jake says, or what? and Danny says, or he’ll take it from Jake. Jake says, oh really? This is that important to Danny that he’d try to forcibly take it from him? Danny says he wouldn’t just try, and he grabs Jake, saying, give it back. Willow calls to them, and Jake slips the pod in his back pocket. She says she thought she heard shouting. What’s going on? Jake says, they were just messing around, and Danny says, pretty much. She says, they’re taking a family photo. Come on.

Michael says he wanted to tell Carly this sooner, but he didn’t have a chance, and she says, something wrong? He says he talked to Dante, and Dante told him that he thinks there’s a link between whoever’s targeting Sonny and Olivia Jerome’s death. She says she knows, and he says, she knows how? She says she had a conversation with Special Agent John Cates of the FBI. Does Michael know him? Michael says, they just met, and she says, okay. Is there more to that story? He says, just that he’s worried about dad, and she says, her too. She doesn’t know what to do about it. Does he have any ideas? He says he told Josslyn to bring Dex back to town, and she says, what? Why would he do that? Why would he do that to Dex? Michael says, he’s a grown man. He can decide whether or not he wants to come back. She says, if something happens to Dex, his sister is going to be devastated, but he says he’ll cross that bridge when he comes to it. She asks how he thinks Sonny is going to react. He was furious when he found out Michael hired Dex to spy on him. Now he went behind Sonny’s back again. Michael says, if he’s angry, he’s angry. He’s going to help his father whether he likes it or not. Kristina comes in and says, what’s going on with dad? Why does he need help?

John tells Anna, so O’Neill says they’re looking for a dead man. At least someone who’s dead on paper. Anna says, according to Cyrus. His trustworthiness is questionable at best. Plus, the mic dropped out just as he was acquiring that piece of intel. John says, maybe there’s a way to corroborate his story. Any ideas? There’s a knock at the door and Anna says, yeah? Dante comes in with Chase and says, sorry to interrupt. It’s important. John asks if it’s about his case, and Dante says, he means their case. Yeah, it is. Anna asks what he’s got, and Dante says, Sonny and Selina Wu are making moves. (Well, that’s one way to put it, but I got a mental picture of them dancing.)

Selina waits at the warehouse, and her man comes in. She asks if everything is in place on their end for tonight, and he says, yes. And Mr. Corinthos assured him it’s all taken care of, but… She says, but what? and he says, the associate seems odd. She says, Mr. Spinelli is certainly unique, but very good at what he does. Sonny comes in with Ava and a bodyguard, and Selina says, Miss Jerome, what a surprise. She wasn’t expecting her. Ava says, Miss Wu. She hopes Selina doesn’t mind her joining them at the last minute. Selina says, actually she does. This wasn’t part of their plan. Sonny says, plans change. She can trust Ava.

Maxie calls Spinelli and gets voicemail, saying he’ll return the call posthaste. She says, hey, it’s me. Call me.

Michael tells Kristina, it’s just that he hasn’t talked to dad in a while. Has she? She says, not a whole lot. She’s been busy. Why? What’s going on? Is there something she should know about? Carly says, they were just wondering how things are going with her and Blaze, and Kristina says, things are good. It’s still new, so… Anyway, she’s been asked to summon them for cake and photos. Carly says she’s got to get in there, and leaves. Kristina asks Michael if he’s sure everything’s okay with dad, and Michael says, yeah. He’ll be fine. She says, okay, and leaves. Michael says he’ll make sure of it.

Dante says, Sonny and Selina coerced her bodyguard Li to leak to his source that they’re meeting up tonight, and Chase says, presenting a prime opportunity for Li’s boss to take Wu and Corinthos out. Anna says, so they’re setting up a trap to smoke out their assassin, and John says, which is exactly what he didn’t want to happen. He knew if they let Corinthos in on what was going on, he’d go vigilante and take their suspect out. Anna says, they can’t let him take the law into his own hands, and John says, whatever Corinthos and Wu are planning, they have to stop them. Anna says, let’s go, and they all leave.

Selina says, let her congratulate Sonny on the trust he’s established in Miss Jerome, who is – let’s not forget – the mother of one of his children. Sonny asks what that means, and Selina says, he has incentive to trust her. She doesn’t. He says, Ava acting as a mediator makes the meeting look more legit, but Selina says, her presence further destabilizes an already volatile situation. That’s not a risk she wants to take. She starts to leave, but Sonny says, it’s already in motion. Let it play out. Selina says, at the risk of all of their lives? and he says, they’re all targets at this point. Here’s what they’re going to do. They‘re going to let their enemies come get them.

On Monday, Tracy tells Brook, that is a scheme worthy of a Quartermaine; Cyrus asks Laura, what precipitated this step forward in their relationship; in the hospital, Heather screeches to someone to get away from her grandson; and Sonny tells Selina, let’s get down to business.

👏 Kudos. The vape storyline isn’t just timely, it’s important. I’ve never been interested in vaping, but had a friend who literally died from an addiction to it. He was in the hospital, being treated for an unrelated (but who really knows?) illness. He was told to knock it off, but couldn’t even stop vaping while in the hospital. Even though the prognosis had been good, he went downhill and passed away. IMO, it makes sense that vaping is worse than cigarettes since you’re also inhaling moisture, which cannot be good for your lungs. I mean, inhale too much moisture, you drown, right? Okay, off the soapbox, but applause to GH for including it.

👠 Calling In ReinforceWives…

Being a part of the Housewives universe doesn’t look like a fun experience to me. And I still wouldn’t bet the farm that what Leah says isn’t true. It’s been said all along that alcohol flows freely from Bravo and they tend to egg on problematic situation.

https://pagesix.com/2024/02/29/entertainment/margaret-josephs-kyle-richards-more-housewives-hit-back-at-leah-mcsweeneys-andy-cohen-claims

🎭 Because They’re a Fake, Baby…

I hadn’t considered this, but it sounds like something Jax would drum up.

Not buying this romance at all.

Still on the fence about this. The only thing is, it’s doubtful they would have involved their kids in a ruse like that.

🍸 It’s Spreading…

Another one who seems to be lawsuit happy. Has she gotten to Andy yet? Although there seems to be a line…

https://ew.com/rachel-leviss-sues-tom-sandoval-ariana-madix-scandoval-fallout-8602594

No surprise this was dropped. It doesn’t even make any sense as a lawsuit. It’s just a bunch of complaints about being in a situation she could have easily walked away from

⚰️ Dead At the Top…

Good for them. It’s not a huge shock though. Personally, I didn’t miss Rick, but I think there were a whole lot of fans awaiting his return.

🌁 The Latest In Last…

More characters coming out of the woodwork.

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-owen-nora-mel-manny-8602951

🏆 It’s In the SAG…

A little late, but the winners.

https://ew.com/2024-sag-awards-winners-full-list-8598439

All the 2024 fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/36899/sag-awards-2024-red-carpet-fashion

All the fashion from forever.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1395589/give-it-up-for-the-best-sag-award-red-carpet-fashion-moments-of-all-time

🦄 This Week In Pet…

Omg. Jiffpom.

So what’s the problem?

🎙 Quotes of the Week

We love a spiral. – Gabby Prescod, Summer House

One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.Henry Ford

When deeds speak, words are nothing. – Pierre-Joseph Proudhon

You are here for a purpose. There is no duplicate of you in the whole wide world. There never has been, there never will be. You were brought here now to fill a certain need. Take time to think that over. – Lou Austin (And let’s hope it’s not to create stupid names for lipstick.)

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.Archimedes

Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.W. Clement Stone

I wasn’t flirting. I’m naturally adorable. If you have a problem with that, take it up with God. – Genevieve Delatour (Susan Lucci), Devious Maids

🐜 Marching Into Spring…

Flip your script this weekend and do something you’ve never done before. Or binge watch something you’ve never watched before. It’s your call. Then join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap, mischief on Deck, and a nod to the Ones. Until then, stay safe, stay not saying yes or maybe when you mean no, and stay trying to focus more on the silver lining than the clouds.

February 3, 2023 – Elizabeth Tells Finn the Truth, Back Peddle, Guilty, Blackout Blessed, Blame Game, Rumors, Gifting, Blackeye, Godfather On Deck, Farewell Sal, Pup (!) Guide, 3 X 3 Quotes & Cold Night

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn asks why Elizabeth lied about being pregnant with Nikolas’s baby.

Josslyn goes to Dex’s apartment, apologizing for just showing up. She throws herself into his arms.

After a performance at The Savoy, Brook compliments Chase and Blaze, and tells them that they’re single keeps climbing the charts. Blaze goes inside the club, and Brook tells Chase that he’s a natural.

Ava holds the door for Austin, and they run into Kelly’s. She calls him the hero of the hour. She heard he helped save Willow’s life, and Willow is important to a dear friend of hers. He says, she should thank Dr. Navarro; he was just part of a team. She wants to buy him supper, and won’t take no for an answer. She’s feeling generous, since her divorce has really paid off.

Nikolas says he appreciates Spencer wanting to be involved in his new sibling’s life, and Laura says, they know Britt’s memorial was hard on him. They’re both very sorry. Nikolas says, he wouldn’t have missed it if something important hadn’t come up, and Spencer says, there’s always something more important than him. Why does he keep coming in second? How many times will Nikolas fail before he ruins the baby’s life? That’s why he’s seeking full custody of Nikolas’s child. Laura says, he’s just angry right now, but Spencer says, it’s not a rash decision made in the heat of the moment. Nikolas says, Spencer has no idea what it take to raise a child, but Spencer says, neither does Nikolas. Laura tells them to stop. She knows they love each other. Spencer says, a long time ago, Nikolas meant the world to him, and Nikolas says Spencer is his world. Maybe the problem is, he spoiled Spencer and didn’t prepare him for life. Spencer says, Nikolas taught him life’s hardest lessons, like, heroes aren’t always who they seem to be, that the people you love can hurt you in unimaginable ways, and the people you trust to protect you can sacrifice you for their selfish interests. Nikolas broke his heart a thousand times, and he refuses to let Nikolas do the same to his sibling. He’s dead serious.

Chase asks if Brook has heard from Michael, because he’s not answering calls or texts, but she says she hasn’t. He says, Sasha texted, and said she saw the baby, but Willow is still in the ICU. She takes his hand, and says, Willow is tough. She’s going to pull through. Have faith. He tells her, they can’t do this anymore.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she was never pregnant. She didn’t have an affair with Nikolas or anyone. She never cheated on him. He wonders why she said she did, and she says, he saw her with those prenatal vitamins. He says he thinks she needs to start from the beginning, and she says, when she came back from California, she felt guilty and couldn’t face him. She wasn’t thinking, and went to Nikolas to get support from her oldest friend. She discovered Nikolas had gotten himself into a bad situation and needed her help. He asks, with what? and she says, Esme.

Josslyn tells Dex that she’s been on overload; so much joy, sadness, and fear at the same time. She’s happy he was home. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, her niece was born, and she’s healthy and perfect. Josslyn, her mom, and grandma visited her in the NICU, introducing her to the matriarchy. Dex says, if Josslyn’s niece is anything like her, she’s going to be amazing, and stubborn. He means that as a compliment. She says, Willow still hasn’t held her baby; she hemorrhaged after the C-section. She’s stable, but not conscious, and Michael is with her in the ICU. She’s so weak from the leukemia. What if she doesn’t wake up? Dex holds her.

Chase says he still wants to keep his promise to take Linc down, and get Brook’s songs back, but the CCRB spring meeting is coming up. If the Review Board votes in his favor, that’s it. He goes back to being a cop full-time, and can’t go after Linc anymore. And face it, they’re no closer to their goal. Brook says, these things take time, and he says, Blaze isn’t interested in turning Linc in for sexual harassment, and he’s not going to pressure her, which leaves them with tempting Linc to buy out the contract; signing Brook’s songs back over to her just in time for him to quit. She says, it’s still a solid plan, and he says, they have to move on it. He has to be done with this by the time the CCRB meets. She asks if he doesn’t mean done with her.

Josslyn tells Dex, the reason her niece was delivered early was so they could use the stem cells from the cord for Willow’s transplant. What no one is saying is, maybe Willow’s too weak, and maybe it’s too late. She feels guilty even saying that. He says she can say anything to him. Sometimes saying something out loud can take away it’s power. Willow has the best medical care money can buy, and she wants to live. Attitude can make a crucial difference. Josslyn says she hopes so. She just feels so powerless. And Britt’s memorial was today. She couldn’t go because of her niece of course (🍷), but she still feels like she should have been there to pay her respects. Britt saved Josslyn’s life, and it killed her.

Elizabeth tells Finn, the night she was on the docks, Nikolas was there too. Esme told her that Nikolas knew she’d been in town for weeks; she’d shown up pregnant with his child. Nikolas thought she was behind The Hook killings, and couldn’t let her hurt anyone else. At the same time, he had to protect his unborn baby. Finn asks what he did, and Elizabeth says, he kept Esme locked in a tower at Windymere. He says, that’s pretty disgusting, even for Nikolas, and she says she wanted to go to the police, but Nikolas convinced her not to. Finn asks, how? and she says, he told her that he wanted to make sure his child was safe from harm, and the people of Port Charles were safe from Esme, so she agreed to help him. That’s when Finn saw the bottle of prenatal vitamins at Windymere; she was providing Esme with medical care. When Finn saw her with the same vitamins at the hospital and asked her about it, she panicked. She said she was pregnant with Nikolas’s baby to keep their secret. She asks Finn to say something.

Austin says, so in the divorce, Ava got the house, and it’s a big house, called Windymere. It suits her. She seems like the lady of the manor. Congratulations. She says, it’s the least she was owed, and he says, when he first came to Port Charles, she was divorcing Nikolas, but they worked it out. She doesn’t want to do that now? She says, different circumstances. At that time, she left Nikolas to protect her daughter. Now she’s leaving to protect herself.

Laura says, Spencer has reason to be angry, but every parent makes mistakes. It doesn’t erase the bond between parent and child. Nikolas says, it’s okay. He owns everything he’s done to Spencer, but is taking his child away what’s best for the baby, or is Spencer getting even with him? Spencer says, this isn’t about revenge. It’s about how unfit Nikolas is to be a father. Not only because of what Nikolas has done to him, but what he’s done to other people as well. Unlike Nikolas, he’s going to do what’s best for the baby. Laura tells Spencer to think about what he’s saying, and he says he’s discussed this with his friends, and discussed his case with Diane Miller. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure Nikolas doesn’t destroy another innocent life. Laura says, he’s still a kid himself. He can’t raise the baby all alone. Nikolas says, she’s right. He loves this child, and he’ll make damn sure he doesn’t repeat… Spencer says, Nikolas is incapable of keeping that promise, and Nikolas says, if Spencer goes down this path, he’ll be forced to fight him, and he’ll use every weapon in his arsenal to make sure he gets custody. Don’t make him do this. Spencer says, it won’t go that far. Nikolas is going to hand him custody of his own free will.

Finn says, Elizabeth is now an accomplice to a kidnapping, but Elizabeth says she thought she was doing the right thing. She was protecting an innocent baby, and Esme couldn’t kill anyone as long as she was locked up. He says, Esme was the number one suspect in The Hook attacks. How long was Elizabeth going to let the police keep thinking that, when she knew Esme wasn’t the murderer? She says, it wasn’t until Officer Cabrera was killed that she knew she’d made a huge mistake. He has no idea how badly she wanted to say something, but at that point, she’d already given up everything to help Nikolas. She put herself in legal jeopardy, which would affect her kids, and threw away her relationship with him. She’s beaten herself up every single day for this, but she couldn’t see a way out. Then Esme escaped. When she was found, everything Elizabeth did, and everything she gave up, was all for nothing.

Josslyn says, Dex warned her about survivor’s guilt, and he was right. She wakes up in the middle of the night with her head spinning, wondering if she’d done something different, would Britt still be alive? He says he’s the one who got her to leave before the police showed up, and she says, his argument made sense. She knows it woudn’t have made a difference if they’d stayed, but she still feels guilty. It’s the same thing with Cam. She knew the right thing was to break up with him, and feels guilty about that too. Dex says he really messed up her life.

Chase says, that’s not what he meant, but Brook says, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. He says he doesn’t want to be a pop star; it’s not his passion. He wants his badge back. She says, they might not even reinstate him, and he says, then he’ll have to figure out what’s next, but music isn’t his future. She says, translation, he doesn’t want to be around her, and he asks her to stop putting words in his mouth. It’s time to finish what they started. She says she gets that she screwed up by not writing the letter when Dante asked her to, and ruined any chance of them having a relationship, even a professional one. Is she wrong?

Nikolas says, like hell he’s going to grant Spencer custody, but Spencer says, Nikolas doesn’t have a choice. One way or another, Nikolas is going to be out of his child’s life. Laura tells them, stop it right now. They’re father and son, and should be able to work out their differences. Spencer says, Nikolas had every opportunity to work out their difference, but he couldn’t… or wouldn’t. Nikolas asks if Spencer thinks guilting him over his shortcomings is going to motivate him to sign his child over, and Spencer says, motivate. What a good word. The motive; revenge, justice, guilt. Take your pick. Laura says, but Spencer told them this wasn’t about revenge, and Nikolas flashes back to Ava recording his confession, and him saying, the motive; revenge, justice, guilt. Take your pick. Again using Nikolas’s words, Spencer says, any chance of reconciling with him is ruined, and Nikolas says, this isn’t a game. Spencer says, honestly, his only regret is not doing it sooner, and Nikolas flashes back to using those words Spencer says, this, I solemnly swear, and Laura asks, what’s happening right now? What aren’t they telling her? Nikolas says, this is Ava’s doing. She’s thrown in with Spencer, hasn’t she? Spencer says, it sure would be a shame for other people to find out what he knows, like Commissioner Ashford. Nikolas says, he wouldn’t, and Spencer says, not if Nikolas relinquishes his parental rights. Laura says, stop right here. Nothing that’s been said or done up to this point can’t be taken back. Nikolas says, there’s no coming back from this. His son is truly gone.

Finn says he knows Elizabeth and Nikolas are friends, but going along with something like this doesn’t seem like her at all. Elizabeth says, at times she didn’t recognize herself. He saw her when she came back from California, after finding out she’d killed his wife. He says, it wasn’t like that at all, but she says she was responsible and will feel guilty about that for the rest of her life. Everything was compounded by the way she hurt him. She’ll never forget the look on his face, and how he walked out of here. She was rapidly losing her grip, and there was nothing left to hold on to. He says he never should have walked out like that, but she says, his reaction was normal. Hers on the other hand… there’s no excuse. She should have remembered what really matters, and hung on for dear life to her boys and him. Instead, she shut out everything good in her life. He says, Nikolas bears responsibility here too, but she says she’s not letting him off the hook, especially now that he’s gone too far. Finn asks how that’s even possible.

Chase says he and Brook were friends first, and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss that, but she put her wants and needs ahead of his. He can’t forget that. So they’re going to take Linc down, get her songs back, and have that squared away before the CCRB meeting. She says, understood. There won’t be anything left between them by them. She excuses herself, and goes into the club. Blaze comes out, and asks where Brook is off to. Chase says, beats him, and she says, it looks like she came back just in time. She hands him a beer, and says she proposes a toast to the gig they just knocked out of the park, their adoring audience, and their new single, which drops next week, and she guarantees will be a smash. Or how about the unlikely partnership between the ex-cop and would-be folk singer? May it be long and profitable. She lifts her glass, but he doesn’t, and she asks, what’s wrong? He says he told Brook that he wants out, and she says, he can’t quit.

Austin says, if Ava is standing up for herself, good for her. It seems to be something she’s good at, since he saw it first hand with his cousin. She asks if Mason has given him any more trouble, but he says, it’s been quiet on that front. She asks if he’d tell her if it wasn’t, and he says, 100% no, because it’s not her problem, and he’s a grown person who can look after his own life. She says, there was a time Ava Jerome would have gone in for the kill – metaphorically speaking – anytime anyone crossed her. He asks, what changed? and she says she became Ava Cassadine, who made excuses in the name of true love, but she’s gone. He says, in his experience, when people are in relationships like the one she’s had with Nikolas, it doesn’t just end with a signature. She says, maybe not, but she did something today that should make it clear to Nikolas where they stand. And what could come of crossing her.

Nikolas asks if Ava isn’t Spencer’s sworn enemy. Does Spencer hate him this much? Spencer says, if he hated Nikolas, he wouldn’t be giving Nikolas this chance. For redemption. They both know what would happen if he went to the police with this information. Laura, who looks like her head is about to explode, says, what information? Spencer says he could have gone directly to Commissioner Ashford, who was standing right here at Britt’s memorial, but he didn’t. He came to Nikolas because he wanted to give Nikolas the choice. He can sign away his parental rights, and go on living his life, or face what happened when Spencer goes to the police. Nikolas grabs him by the shirt, and asks if this is what Spencer means by being his own man. He’s every bit a Cassadine. Nikolas walks out, Laura looks at Spencer, and follows.

Nikolas beelines for the exit, and Laura says, if he goes out that door, he’s making a big mistake.

Elizabeth tells Finn that Nikolas promised to keep her out of it if he got caught, although she’s not sure she really believed it. Then Esme was found, and it became clear that there was nothing Nikolas could do to protect her if Esme regains her memory. He did find a way to keep his promise, which ironically made her realize she could never trust him again. Finn asks what Nikolas did now, and she says, he brought her mother to town. He wanted her to do to Esme what she did to Elizabeth; make sure she never remembers, so she can never implicate either one of them, no matter the damage it did to Esme like it did to her. That’s all of it. He has no idea how many times she wanted to tell him the truth, but she didn’t for a lot of reasons. She didn’t want to make Finn an accessory. She wanted to protect Nikolas and herself. It went too far, and she lost everything, but couldn’t stay silent anymore.

Josslyn says, Dex didn’t mess up her life. He saved her life. As grateful as she is to Britt, The Hook had Britt cornered when he showed up. He says, a lot of awful things have happened to Josslyn, as a direct or indirect result of knowing him. She’s been an accessory after the fact, left the scene of a crime, and even broke up with her boyfriend. She says, obviously he’s influenced her choices, but they’re still her choices. That includes breaking up with Cameron. If things had been perfect between them, she woudn’t have looked twice at Dex. He asks if she’s sure about that, because he was definitely looking at her, and she says, when the video of her and Cam came out, things were never the same, and she could feel them growing apart. More and more, Cameron felt like someone she used to be close with; someone she cared about, but didn’t connect with. She didn’t say any of that because she didn’t want to hurt him, but in the end, she ended up hurting him even worse. The break-up was bad, but when he found her and Dex together… He asks if she regrets it, and she says, of course (🍷) she regrets Cam walking in on them. He asks if she regrets being with him.

Blaze says, Chase is hugely talented, and it would be a waste for him to walk away, and he says, the music industry and performing isn’t him, but he had a nice time collaborating with her. She says, her too, and he says, let’s face it, he’s just holding her back. She says, even if that were true, she woudn’t care. Working with him has reminded her of her love of singing and performing, and why she got into the business in the first place. Before he came along, she was thinking of quitting. He asks, why? and she says she signed a contract with Linc, and working with Linc has made her question why she’s doing this. She thought her love of music could get her through anything, but singing with Chase is the only thing making this bearable. Linc comes out, and says, there’s his hot new star. He puts his arm around Blaze, apologizing for being late, and asks if she couldn’t have worn another outfit. Chase says, show’s over. There’s no need for Linc to be here. Linc says, cool it, Mr. No Longer a Detective. He’s actually looking for Brook. Chase says he’ll let Brook know Linc is in the building, but Linc says, there’s no need. He’ll tell her himself. He goes back inside, and Chase asks if Blaze is okay.

Linc finds Brook at the bar, and asks, how’s his favorite ex-nightingale? She says she’s so not in the mood to deal with him tonight, but he says, tonight’s her lucky night. She’s finally getting rid of him for good. She says she’s heard that before, and he says, this time, it’s true. Don’t tell him that she’s forgotten their deal.

Laura tells Nikolas that she doesn’t know what just happened, but he can’t leave things like that. He asks if she shouldn’t be lecturing her grandson on the evils of blackmail, but she says, Nikolas is the adult. He has to go face his son. He says he doesn’t know who that person is anymore, and she says, it’s still Spencer, the same little boy he loved and cared for. They’ve both done horrible things to each other, and she doesn’t know what that was about, but she knows the worst thing Nikolas can do is play into what Spencer has done. He says, Spencer threw in with his ex-wife, intending to destroy him. It wasn’t enough for Ava to divorce him and take his home (um… did he divorce her?), she had to take his son too? Laura says she’s so sorry. She’s as blindsided as he is, but take a moment to calm down. He needs to go back into that chapel and face his son, because Spencer is now at the precipice. He’s about to make a decision he’ll regret for the rest of his life. Don’t turn his back on Spencer now. Spencer needs him.

Austin says, so that moment with Mason wasn’t just a fluke, and Ava says, it was nothing. She just likes to know where someone’s weak spots are. He says, that’s her thing. How’s that working for her? She says she supposes she hasn’t met her match yet. She thought she had. He says he’s really sorry, but she says, it’s no matter. She’s used to taking care of herself, and intends to keep doing that. She puts on her coat, and says she’s off to her new castle. Enjoy his evening. He says, her too, and she leaves. By the looks of it, Port Charles is having the same cold weather we’re having. Mason walks out of the darkness, and into Kelly’s courtyard.

Nikolas hugs Laura, saying, she’s the best mother he could ever have. He’ll always love her. He leaves the hospital, and she starts to cry.

Linc says, Brook signs a non-disclosure agreement, while burnishing his reputation with the media. In exchange, he returns all the rights to her songs, except for the ones that were already sold of course (🍷). She says she remembers, but it’s been so long, she thought he forgot. He says he never forgets the terms of a deal, and his lawyers are meticulous. She says she’s aware, and he says he must admit, his financial advisors balked at this deal; her catalog is a goldmine. She says, he must be scared to walk away from all that money, and he says, this is what she always wanted, isn’t it, to get all her songs back, and him out of her hair? She says, among other things, and he says, perfect. He takes a document and pen out of his coat pocket, and says, all she has to do is sign on the dotted line.

Chase says, Blaze doesn’t have to put up with Linc. Walk away, and find  a manager who respects her. She says, the problem is, her contract is ironclad; her career would be over after she’s worked so hard for it. She’s trapped. It’s not like she has a support system. Excuse the pity party, but when Chase leaves the business, she’ll be all alone. She looks at Linc sitting inside, and says, well, not alone. Chase sees Linc put his hand on Brook’s knee. Is it déjà vu all over again?

Josslyn tells Dex that she should have let Cam know her feelings had changed. Everyone says it’s better to be honest, and now that she’s lived it, she knows it’s true. She should have told Cam how she felt. She won’t make that mistake with Dex. He asks how she feels, and she says, scared, but the good kind of scared. A small part of her wants to hide, but most of her wants to run right into it. He says he likes how she runs toward what scares her. If it’s any help, she scares him too. He kisses her.

Elizabeth says she knows what she has to do now. She just wanted to tell Finn first. She didn’t want there to be any more lies between them before she… He asks what she’s going to do, and she says, turn herself in.

Ava walks into Windymere, dropping her coat and bag on the settee. A fire roars in the fireplace, and she strolls around the living room or sitting room or whatever it is.

On the phone, Mason says it was Ava Jerome who gave him such a hard time the other day… He’ll report back. He turns around and sees Austin in Kelly’s doorway, looking like he could kill.

Spencer comes out, and asks Laura where his father went. She says she doesn’t know. What has Spencer done?

There’s a knock at the door at Windymere, and Ava opens it to find Nikolas there.

On Monday, Linc asks if Brook is in or out; Chase asks, what if he doesn’t want out just yet; Austin tells Mason to give it his best shot; and Laura asks what Spencer is holding over his father’s head.

🛥 Black Sheep Drama…

Sure they plied her with alcohol. Producers: Want a drink? Camille: Give me a double!

💎 No Surprises Here…

Like we thought it would be otherwise. So where did those earrings end up anyway?

https://people.com/tv/tom-girardi-estranged-husband-rhobh-star-erika-girardi-indicted-on-fraud-charges/

🗽 I’m Happy If She’s Happy…

So should we congratulate her, or…?

👠 Claws Out…

Let the finger pointing begin.

☎️ What a Spread…

I only watch this peripherally, but I do like The Marge.

🛍 What’s Inside…

I’m fascinated with these. Instead of, it’s an honor to just be nominated, I’d say, it’s an honor just to get the gift bag.

🧂 Who Dun It…

True story. I once gave myself a black eye. And no, I wasn’t in a blackout, but I had taken allergy medication. I had my legs wrapped around the chair I was sitting in at the kitchen table. The phone rang, and I got up to answer it, but forgot to unwrap my legs first. I went headlong into another chair. My husband had been out with the dogs, and when he came back in, he found me sitting on the floor with tweety birds flying around my head. He said, I can’t leave you alone for five minutes, can I?

👶🏼 Baby Goddaddy…

No. If anyone on Deck should be the godfather of Kate’s baby, it’s Josiah. Who could forget the shame cocoon?

👄 Goodbye, Dear Pioneer…

While this happened in January, I’d be remiss not to include it. We weren’t close, but I knew Sal back in the day, and he included me in his first Creatures of the Night book. RIRHPS.

http://www.back2stonewall.com/2023/01/sal-piro-father-of-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-floorshow-passes-away-at-71.html#comment-465851

🐕 Almost Pup Time…

The definitive Puppy Bowl guide.

https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl/

🌩 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. – Henry Ford

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. – Milton Berle (Or kick one through a wall.)

A good education is not so much one which prepares a man to succeed in the world, as one which enables him to sustain a failure. – Bernard Iddings Bell

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.Spencer Johnson

A mother should be someone who inspires you, not someone you have to survive. – Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), General Hospital

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall

That’s not funny *** No, it’s not, but I’m going to keep drinking until it is. – Ma’Dere (Loretta Devine) and Kelly (Sharon Leal) respectively, This Christmas

I suppose there are two views about everything, said Mark. Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there’s never more than one.C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength, compiled in Words to Live By

Maintain composure in times of heightened emotion, reacting only when thoughts are calm and clear. Being sensible will open doors for solutions and creativity. – Jaren L. Davis

📻 Finding the Frequency For Kenneth…

See you on Monday really Tuesday for soap and a sure to be appalling Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay being open to compromise, and stay saying what you need to out loud. Sometimes that can take away it’s power.

August 30, 2022 – Victor Thinks Spencer Did It, Mason, Souvenir, a Farewell, Kyle Speaks, Childish, Med Trailer, Cobweb & Over

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina sleeps on a couch in the hospital, Sonny’s arm around her. She wakes, and says she almost forgot where they were. Last night at the Quartermaines wasn’t a nightmare; what happened? Sonny says, it happened. Someone tried to kill Ava.

Nikolas goes to the reception desk, and says he’s been waiting for hours. Someone needs to give him an update on his wife’s condition. The nurse says she’s sorry, there’s been no update, and Nikolas starts yelling, demanding to talk to the head of surgery. Jordan comes along, and he tells her that his wife has been in surgery all night. Can she please help him find out something? She says she can try, and he says he just needs to know what happened to his wife. She says, that makes two of them.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Brook tells an officer that she was out on the terrace for a while, then helped distribute desserts. The officer says, before that? and Brook says, in and out of the kitchen. The officer says, and you? and Drew says he was probably on s’mores duty at the time Ava was injured. She says, and before? and he flashes back to him and Carly kissing. He says, manning the grill, and asks how much longer this is going to take. She says she just has a few more questions, when her phone rings. She steps away to take it, and Brook asks why Drew is so antsy. If he seems too eager to get away, they’ll think he has something to hide. He says, he wants to check on Carly.

THE MOSS BOWL IS BACK!!! 🎍 Do Carly and Sonny have shared custody? Carly pours coffee, and flashes back to flirting with Drew, and Drew kissing her. Josslyn comes in, and Carly says she didn’t expect Josslyn to be up for hours. She hands Josslyn some coffee, saying, she thinks Josslyn needs it more than her. Josslyn says she didn’t really sleep last night, and Carly says, of course (🍷) not. She saved Ava’s life. Josslyn says she just keeps replying it in her head. It’s like she’s outside her body watching as she holds that towel to stop the bleeding. She doesn’t love Ava, but she couldn’t let Ava die. Before she passed out, Ava was so scared. All she wanted was for Josslyn to hold her hand. Carly hugs Josslyn, and says, she’s so proud of her. She hates that Josslyn went through that. Josslyn asks if there’s any news, but Carly says, not yet. Josslyn says, Avery? and Carly says, she doesn’t know. She and Sonny are trying to decide when to tell her. Josslyn says she doesn’t think Trina knows either. She had a meeting at PCU this morning, and she’s supposed to come here after. There’s a knock at the door, and Trina waves through the window.

Elizabeth goes to Finn’s office, and says she got his messages – all five of them. He says he’s sorry. He couldn’t sleep. He felt horrible about what happened. It was all he could do to stop from driving to her house, so he kept calling, hoping she’d pick up. She says she should have, but he says, it’s okay. He was just worried. She seemed like she was in shock after what happened to Ava. She says she thinks what happened is pretty shocking, doesn’t he? He says, it’s horrible. It just seems like Elizabeth shut down. She wouldn’t let him drive her home. She says she doesn’t want to revisit last night. Being that close to violence really makes her nervous. He asks if she saw something last night.

Spencer is lying on his hotel room bed, when somebody starts banging on the door. He says, this better be a damned emergency, and opens the door. Victor says, it is a damned emergency.

Brook says she knew it. Something is going on with Drew and Carly. He says, Joss found Ava near death, so of course (🍷) he’s worried about Joss and Carly both. And Avery. Carly’s probably wondering what to tell her. He just wants to see Carly needs anything, and she says, as friends do, and smiles. He says, no offense, but what’s it to her? Why is she so interested in him and Carly? She says, before yesterday, pure nosiness, but today, she doesn’t want to see anyone waste as much time as she did.

Carly hugs Trina, and asks, how is she? Trina says, better than she’s been in a long time, and even better now that she sees the moss bowl 🎍 .  PCU just dropped the Title IX violation against her, and Carly says, that’s great news. Josslyn says, finally. Did they apologize while they were at it? Trina says she met with the Title IX coordinator and the dean, and they apologized for the previous finding. Nothing will be on her record, and she can continue with the rest of her classes. Carly says, that’s great on their part, and Trina says she hoped they would, but she was still nervous. Josslyn says she really wanted to go with Trina, but it was a crazy night. Trina says, that’s okay; it all worked out. She can really enjoy her party tonight. Carly says, her mom must be over the moon. Has Trina talked to her? Trina says, her mom is super excited they dropped the Title IX determination, but they really didn’t get to talk because her mom was getting ready for work at the hospital. She can’t wait to tell Ava. She thinks she’s going to stop by the gallery… Josslyn says, she doesn’t think there’s any point in going to the gallery today, and Trina asks, why? Did something happen to it? Josslyn says, no. Something happened to Ava.

Finn asks if Elizabeth was nearby when Ava got attacked. Did she hear something or see something? She flashes back to meeting Nikolas, and telling him, it happened again; she’s losing time. She tells Finn, she only knows what he knows, and he says, when he couldn’t reach her on the phone, he got a little worried. She apologizes, and says she didn’t mean to worry him. She just needed time to herself. He says, because she was angry with him for contacting Sarah. He was so wrong. He tried to apologize last night, but she said he wasn’t her anything. Does she still mean that?

The reception nurse goes with Jordan to answer a couple of questions, and Nina comes by with Sonny. She asks if Ava is out of surgery, and he asks what Sonny is doing here. Sonny tells Nikolas, don’t step any closer to him. Same as Nikolas; that’s what he’s doing here. Nikolas says, Ava is his wife. She’s nothing to Sonny. Sonny says, it’s not a competition. Ava is the mother of his child and a good friend to somebody that means a lot to him. Nina says, they’re not here to upset him. They’re worried, the same as him. Nikolas says he wants Sonny gone, and Sonny says, he wants Nikolas out of here, so he guesses neither of them is going to get what they want. Jordan asks if there’s a problem. She sincerely hopes not, since this is a hospital, and she’ll have no qualms about escorting them out. Sonny says, no problem, and Jordan tells Nikolas, the surgeon will come out to speak with him shortly. He asks if Ava is going to recover, and she says, they didn’t share details because she’s not family, but she believes Ava is in post op. Nikolas asks if she’s conscious. Did she say what happened?

Nikolas tells room service to send coffee in a carafe. On second thought, send two. Victor picks up Spencer’s clothes, and says he sees housekeeping hasn’t been here. Spencer apologizes for the surroundings, but doesn’t imagine Victor will be staying long. Victor says, Spencer doesn’t make it easy to track him down. Although registering here as Fred Flintstone was a dead giveaway. Spencer says, Carly banned him from the hotel, and Olivia has a long memory, so what was so urgent? Is Ava dead? Victor says, not yet. How does Spencer feel about that? Spencer says, ambivalent. Him? Victor says, much the same, and Spencer says, not angry? Victor says, that Ava was attacked? and Spencer says, that the attack wasn’t more successful. Victor says, that’s a rather callous point-of-view. Who would think that? Spencer says, the person responsible – Victor.

Drew says, so Brook and Chase are officially a thing now? and she says she doesn’t know what they’re calling themselves, but they’re together. He says, it’s about damn time, and she says, a lot of people were pulling for them. He says he’s happy they didn’t give up on each other, and she says, her too. Now can he see why she’s meddling? He says he has no idea, and she says, jokes aside, if he and Carly have real feelings for each other, if there’s a chance at happiness, don’t let this window close. He says, they actually did sort of have a breakthrough yesterday, and she says, and? He says, and that is the extent of her helpful nosiness. He’ll take it from here. He starts to leave, but the officer comes back, and says, he isn’t cleared to leave. She has a few more questions.

Trina says she has to go to the hospital, and Josslyn says, let her change, and she’ll go too. Carly asks her to check on the girls while she’s upstairs, and tells Trina, Avery stayed here last night. Trina says, poor baby. She can’t believe she’s been fighting over a stupid school judgment, and Ava’s been fighting for her life all night. Carly says, Trina’s school judgment isn’t stupid; she got her future back. Trina says, what about Ava’s future? Why didn’t they tell her what was going on? Carly says, because Josslyn didn’t home until after midnight; she had to give a statement to the police. And she didn’t tell Trina because she didn’t want Trina to miss her appointment this morning. It’s too important, and there’s nothing Trina could have done anyway. She understands that, right? Trina says she does. Thank God Joss found Ava. She just can’t… What about Avery? Does she know what happened to her mom? Carly says, they don’t want to tell her until they have some concrete information, and Trina says, she’s just so little to have her life turned upside down. She’s already dealing with a lot. Carly says, including her and Sonny’s divorce, and Trina says, but Carly is a constant, and Ava knows that too. Thank God Avery has Carly.

Victor asks if Spencer is suggesting he attacked Ava. He must still be suffering from his alcohol fueled evening. Spencer says, they all know the lengths Victor will go to protect this family. Perhaps he felt Ava was becoming a liability. Victor says, she was, but does Spencer really think he’d stab her? Spencer says, no, of course (🍷) not. Victor would never risk getting the blood spatter on his Italian loafers, but sending in an operative to kill Ava at a party with a million suspects is definitely in Victor’s wheelhouse. Victor says, clever boy, and Spencer says, the Police Commissioner probably has that figured out too. So it might be time for Victor to take an extended vacation, and look into the house at Cassadine Island. Victor tells Spencer not to mistake himself. He’s not complimenting Spencer on his cleverness on figuring him out. Rather on being clever enough to start deflecting suspicion from himself. Let him lay it all out for Spencer. Ava controls Spencer’s fortune, his money. In other words, she controls him. She flung the betrayal of Spencer’s father and girlfriend in his face, and turned his world on its axis yesterday. Spencer’s rage drove him to consume an obscene amount of alcohol, and loosened his inhibitions. The attack was up close personal, and Spencer has as much reason to kill Ava as anyone.

Nikolas says, he’s Ava’s husband, and she’ll talk to him, but Jordan says she has a few questions first. They step away, and Sonny tells Nina, it looks like Ava is going to be in recovery for a while before she goes to ICU. Does she want to get some breakfast? Nina says she’s not hungry. She’s going to stick around here. He says he’s going to check on Avery, and she says, of course (🍷). She thanks him for spending the night with her here. They see Nikolas talking animatedly with Jordan, and Nina asks, what’s up? He says, Nikolas seems more wound up than he usually is, and Nina says she thinks he’s probably terrified. Sonny wonders, of what?

Jordan tells Nikolas, as soon as she gets the all clear from Ava’s doctors, she’ll question Ava. Until then, does he have any information that could aid this investigation? He says, not really, and she asks if he’s sure that’s all. Things looked pretty tense with him and Sonny. Nikolas says, his nerves are raw, and he’s been up all night. He thanks her for the update, but now he needs some black coffee. She says he can’t go. She’s sure he doesn’t want to miss the surgeon. Until they arrive, help her out. Walk her through everything that happened with Ava at the picnic yesterday.

Elizabeth says she asked Finn not to interfere, and he called her sister? He crossed a boundary she’d clearly drawn. How is she supposed to feel about that? He says he understands. He shouldn’t have done it. Obviously, he won’t call Sarah back. She says, the damage is already done. Sarah is going to assume she messed up somehow. He says he never spoke to her; how would she? Elizabeth says he doesn’t know her, and he says, she’s right. He doesn’t know anything about her family because ELizabeth never speaks about them. He’s not trying to justify this, but the only reason he reached out is because he’s concerned about her and her health, and he felt like he had no other alternative. She says, than going behind her back? Ignoring her when she asked him not to mention her parents again? He says, it was arrogant of him, and disrespectful. Please let him know how he can make this right. She says, he can’t.

Spencer tells Victor, nice try. Despite his father’s betrayal, Spencer didn’t try to filet him – yet. Victor says, he almost believes Spencer. So he didn’t attack Ava? Spencer says, sorry. He was too busy emptying the contents of his stomach onto the Quartermaine azaleas. Victor says, that is curious. He was certain Spencer did it, and Spencer says, so Victor didn’t? Victor says, and leave Ava alive, and Spencer with no clear alibi? He may be many things, but sloppy is not one of them. Spencer says, he’s relieved to hear this, but he’d never turn Victor in. Victor says, nor I you. He hasn’t forgotten the reason Spencer is headed to Pentenville; turning down that plea deal, and not turning Victor in for arranging Spencer’s visit his mother’s grave. There’s a lot of strength in Spencer; more than his father. Spencer says, who was also at the picnic, and angry with Ava. Can his father account for his whereabouts? Victor says he believes not. Maybe he’s the one they should be looking to protect.

Nikolas says, he can’t believe a fun day has ended in this, and Jordan says, take his time. He says he wishes he could tell her where Ava was the whole time, but they were at the Quartermaines for hours. They were on the grounds, in the house. They spoke with Olivia and Sonny… She asks, when was the last time he saw Ava? and he says, in the den. She asks if they were alone, and he says, no; he was with Spencer. Ava left, and then it was just him and Spencer. She asks if Ava said where she was headed, and he says he thinks she was going to get a drink. She asks if Ava seemed upset or worried about anything, and Nikolas flashes back to Ava slapping him after he said only she was to blame for not healing things with Kiki. He wonders why Jordan is asking, and she says, she’s just trying to ascertain his wife’s state of mind. Has she had any conflicts with any recently, and troubling phone calls? He says, no, and she says, things are fine at home? He says he doesn’t know why she’s wasting time with him, when she could be out finding the person who tried to kill his wife. She says, they’re questioning everyone who was on the Quartermaine estate, and the department is actively engaged in tracking down leads. He says, Sonny and Ava are constantly having ongoing custody issues. Why isn’t Jordan grilling him? She says, as she stated, they’re questioning everyone. Why is he so resistant to providing answers? The doctor comes out looking for Nikolas.

Carly tells Trina, Avery has an entire family who loves her, Ava included. She’s sure Ava is going to make a full recovery, but whatever happens, she’ll always protect Avery like she’s one of her own. Josslyn brings Avery in, and Trina says, she’s getting to be such a big girl now. Josslyn says, too big for Donna’s bed, which is where she found Avery. Avery says, she was reading to Donna, and they fell asleep. Josslyn says, Donna is still out like a light, and Carly says, Avery is a wonderful big sister. Did she have fun sleeping with her little sis? Avery nods, and says she’s hungry. Carly goes over possible breakfasts with Donna, and Josslyn asks if Trina is ready to go. Trina says, Ava is her friend. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do if she loses her. Avery says she wants daddy’s pancakes, and Sonny comes in, saying, hey, kiddo.

Elizabeth – who is getting so very annoying now – says she didn’t appreciate Finn using her boys to justify his actions. He tells her, all he was saying is, they’re struggling too, and she says she’d never subject them to harm. He’s not a psychiatrist, and just because she shared some aspects of her life with him, doesn’t give him the right to intervene. He says, that’s not at all what he was doing. She has every right to be angry with him… She says, gee, thanks, and he tells her, everything he says is going to be wrong, right? If she wants to end things with him over this, he’ll understand, but he has something to say first. Then if she wants to leave, he’ll let her go. He loves her. He just wants her to be happy, and however she chooses to get there, he wants to be on that journey with her.

Spencer asks Victor, why should they protect his father? He is the worst of them, and that’s saying something in a family with Stavros and Helena. Victor says, Spencer never lived with Stavros and Helena. Nonetheless, they must protect their family first. Spencer pours the coffee, and says, he never agreed to that. Victor says he’s deeply disappointed in Spencer’s father, but Nikolas is also his grandmother’s son. How does Spencer think Laura would feel if she knew he turned his back on his father? Spencer says, grandmother asked them both to behave while she was away, and Victor says, Nikolas made a mistake. We Cassadines hold each other accountable in house. So if the police come asking questions, Spencer must say nothing to implicate his father. Spencer asks why he should lie for someone who’s done nothing but lie to him, and Victor says, he’s asking Spencer to just omit any reference to what he learned about his father and Esme yesterday. If he does, he may be rewarded. Spencer says, that sounds a little vague. What’s Victor going to do? Take him out for ice cream? He’d like Victor to be more specific. Victor says, protect his family, and Spencer might get his hands on his birthright earlier than he expected. Spencer says, even if he omits, what will Ava say when she wakes up? Victor says, assuming she does. Leave Ava to him.

The doctor tells Nikolas, they managed to repair much of the damage, but they’re keeping Ava in ICU, where they can observe her for possible complications. Nina wanders over, and Nikolas asks, what kind of complications? The doctor says, peritonitis, sepsis, bowel obstruction… Nina asks if it’s serious, and Nikolas nods to the doctor. She says, Ava’s condition is serious, but stable. Nikolas asks if he can see her, and the doctor says, briefly. He leaves with the doctor, and Jordan asks the nurse to let her know the minute Ava wakes up. The nurse says she’ll clear it with Ava’s doctor, and Nina asks, what about visitors? The nurse says, just those who are approved, like family. She leaves, and Nina tells Jordan, the person who did this to Ava is still out there. Like she didn’t know. Please do everything she can to find this monster who did this to her. Jordan says, they’ll chase down every clue, no matter where it leads.

Victor asks if he and Spencer understand each other, and Spencer says he understands what Victor expects, but he’s not fully convinced he should agree. Victor says, for heaven’s sake. Spencer went to great lengths to dupe his girlfriend into revealing Trina’s innocence, yet he won’t agree to mislead the PCPD for his father’s sake? Nikolas says, Trina must have heard by now, and jumps up to put on his shoes. Victor says, his concern for his friend is touching. He wishes Spencer would show the same kind of loyalty to his father. Spencer tells Victor, thanks for dropping by, but he can’t stay, and jets.

Sonny says he hopes Carly doesn’t mind; he let himself in. She says, special circumstances, and he says, one batch of chocolate chip pancakes coming up, but first, Avery has to clean that face and get dressed. Avery says, let her mix in the chips, and he says, as long as they make it to the batter. She runs upstairs, and Sonny asks how Carly is doing. Carly says, fine, and Trina asks if there’s any news about Ava. Sonny says he got a call on the way here, and she’s out of surgery, and they’re putting her in ICU. Trina says, they’re on their way there now, and he says, let Dex take them. He’s waiting for Sonny in front. Carly says, Josslyn told her everything that happened last night, and she says this Dex kid helped save Ava’s life. Josslyn says, Dex did more than help. He told her that he used to be a soldier, and if they’d waited for the ambulance, it wouldn’t have worked. He saved Ava’s life. Trina says, they both did, and Sonny says, Dex is a good guy to have around. Let Dex take them to GH and wait. Trina says, okay, and thanks him. They leave, and Sonny asks if Carly minds. She says, go ahead, and he starts taking out pancake making supplies. She asks if he was at the hospital all night, and he says, yeah. She nods, and says, she’ll get the griddle.

The officer thanks Drew and Brook for their statements, and says, they’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Drew says, he’s all for being thorough, but that was taking forever. He says he’ll see her later, but she says, one more thing before he goes. Chase has been crazy patient with her. It helps. He says he’s a pretty laid back guy, but he doesn’t share Chase’s fortitude. She says, nobody does, but he’s a close second on the thoughtful scale. Take his cues from Carly. He says, noted, and leaves. Brook’s phone rings, and she tells Chase that she was just thinking about him.

Elizabeth says she needs time to think, and Finn tells her, take all the time she needs. She says, whatever challenges she might have, let her work through them in her own way on her own time. He can do that? He says he can and he will. Advice will be given only when asked. It’s hard for him to not to try to heal; occupational hazard. That’s his challenge, and he has to realize he can’t always have things his way. She says she has to tell him something. Something really strange happened to her last night… There’s a knock at the door, and Finn says he’s busy, but Jordan says, it’s the Police Commissioner. He lets her in, and she says she only has a few questions. She sees Elizabeth, and says, great. She was looking for her.

Carly says, Donna is still asleep, so she’s not going to wake her up, and Sonny says, more pancakes for them. Carly sits down, and tells Avery that she and her daddy want to talk to her about her mommy. Avery asks if her mommy is coming over for pancakes, but Sonny says, she’s not able to do that. Her mommy got hurt last night. Avery asks if that’s why her mommy didn’t pick her up, and Carly says, yeah. Avery asks if mommy’s okay, and Sonny says, her mommy has a lot of people at the hospital taking care of her. Carly says, until her mommy is better, Avery is going to stay with them. How does that sound? Avery says she wants to see mommy, and Carly says she knows Avery does, but she doesn’t think Avery is old enough. Avery asks if she can see Daddy Nikolas.

Trina tells Josslyn, the nurse said it’s only family right now, but Trina can sit in the waiting area of the ICU. She thanks Josslyn for coming with her, and they hug. Trina thanks Dex for saving Ava’s life, and says, Joss told her that he’s the main reason Ava’s alive. Dex says, Joss did her part. It was definitely a team effort. Trina says she’s grateful to both of them. Can he see that Joss gets home and gets some rest? She’ll keep Josslyn posted. Trina leaves, and Josslyn says, Sonny couldn’t give Dex the morning off? Not even after saving Avery’s mother? He says he wouldn’t have taken the time, even if Sonny offered. He’s still feeling a little fuzzy after last night; it’s better to be working. She thanks him for stepping up. Ava isn’t her favorite person in the world, but she’s Avery’s mother and a dear friend of Trina’s. She couldn’t have done it by herself. She’s really glad he was there. He says, ditto, and she says, sorry for freaking out so much, but he says, he’s seen people with a lot more training completely lose it over a lot less.

Jordan says she’d like brief statements from Finn and Elizabeth about last night, and Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). Finn asks if she’d like a seat, but Jordan says, that’s not necessary. She looks at Elizabeth, and says, ouch. What happened to her head? Elizabeth says, a tree branch at the Quartermaine picnic, and Jordan says, be thankful she suffered nothing worse there. Finn asks if there are any leads, and Jordan says, her team is constructing a timeline. This was a particularly vicious crime, with a woman’s life hanging in the balance. Until she can question Ava, she has to rely on other people’s accounts. With so many people there, anyone could be an eyewitness and not even realize it. That’s why it’s vital she gather information while it’s still fresh. Finn says, of course (🍷), and Jordan thanks him. She hopes with everyone’s help, they can piece it together, and identify this butcher, whoever he or she is.

Ava lies in a hospital bed, and her door closes. Nikolas comes in, and stands by her bedside. Trina arrives, and looks at them through the window. Someone puts a hand on her shoulder, and she turns around to see Spencer.

Avery says, Daddy Nikolas must be worried about mommy too. Can she see him? Please? Sonny tells her take one more bite, then they’ll go. He feeds her a forkful of pancake, and Carly says, take her car; the booster seat is already set up. She hugs Avery, saying, she’s a strong girl. Avery leaves with Sonny, leaving Carly alone with the moss bowl 🎍. She puts the pancake stuff away, and Drew comes to the door. He peeks in, and she smiles. She tells him that he’s here early. Would he like some coffee? He says, that would be great. He’s been thinking a lot about last night. It’s all he’s been thinking about actually. She says, every five seconds? and he says, it’s pretty much constant. She says, she’s been thinking a lot about it too.

Sonny and Avery get to the hospital, and Nina is there. Sonny says, Avery knows Nina, right? and she says, mommy’s friend. Nina says she’s her mommy’s really good friend, and Avery asks if Nina is here to see her mommy. Nina says she’s hoping, and Sonny asks how she’s doing. Nina says, she’s doing okay. She was moved to ICU. She’s just waiting to find out when she can see Ava. He asks if they can wait with her, and she says, it would mean the world to her. She takes Avery’s hand, and they go to the elevator.

Josslyn thanks Dex for not calling Sonny over, and he asks if she’s avoiding him. She says she doesn’t feel like dealing with Nina right now, and she has to go. She hates the thought of leaving Trina alone. He says, plans? and she says, yeah, with Cam, her boyfriend. He says, the guy he met at the pool the other day? Don’t worry about Trina. The boss will let him stay and make sure she gets home. Josslyn says, dutiful to a fault, and he says he likes to see his commitments through to the end. She says she wishes she could say the same about his boss, and leaves.

Jordan says, based on the blood loss at the scene, her team believes Ava was injured shortly before she was discovered. That gives them a short window for the approximate time of the attack; somewhere between 9:45 and 10 pm. Finn says, that’s probably around the time he ran into Maxie, and spoke to her briefly. Jordan thanks him, and asks if Elizabeth remembers where she was during that time.

Trina says she wasn’t expecting to see Spencer here, especially knowing how he feels about Ava. He says he’s sorry Ava got hurt; mostly because it hurts her. He figured she’d be here. She says, he’s here for her? and he says, always. And as his Uncle Victor constantly reminds him, they support family no matter what, and Ava is family. She says, and he wants to support his father too.

Nikolas sits next to Ava’s bed, and says, if only she’d listened to him. It never would have come to this.

Tomorrow, Sasha asks when Brando stopped believing in her; Anna says she has no doubt she has Victor to thank for that; and Drew tells Carly that he feels they’re on the brink of something incredible.

Not a Lot…

It’s kind of like when the news breaks in on GH and everyone weighs in, even though there’s hardly any information.

🧥 Nice Jacket…

I’m actually kind of impressed.

🥀 Leaving the Stage…

Strangely enough, I remembered him from Odd Mom Out. Then I wondered, what happened to that show?

💎 Town Cryer Of More Than One Town…

Because inserting herself where she doesn’t belong on RHOBH isn’t enough.

🗽 Unfollowed…

I always think it seems so stupid for an adult to unfollow or unfriend. I don’t have tons of FB friends because I like to actually know the people I let into my life. Although if your profile pic includes a dog, you’re probably in. Years ago, I noticed I was a friend down, looked at the list, but couldn’t figure out who it was. Then about a year later, I found out someone I knew from karaoke unfriended me because of a perceived insult from a mutual friend. I found out from a neighbor who went out with her via a dating sight. She made him swear not to tell me, but he couldn’t get on the phone fast enough. The moral of the story is, it was just as well.

🛥 Happy Mid-Season Trails…

Swells! Dolphins (not the mammal)! Tantrums! Pink wigs!

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/below-deck-med-midseason-tease-previews-drama-injuries-tears-for-crew

🐱 New Cat In Town…

Hocus Pocus 2’s furry CGI cast member.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-2-cat-cobweb-not-thackery-binkx/

https://comicbook.com/horror/news/hocus-pocus-2-thackery-binx-easter-egg-cat-cameo-explained-cobweb/

💃🏽 Wiggling It Just a Little Bit…

It looks like those awful women of Beverly Hills will be on tomorrow, so join me for some of that and some soap. Until then, stay safe, stay setting the bar high, and stay not registering at a hotel as Fred Flintstone. It’s a dead giveaway.

April 1, 2022 – Trina Makes Her Plea, Byrne Return, Another Year, Annulled, Sponsoring, Deck Wedding, Maid Chosen, NYC Reaction, Dragon Due Date, In the Grammy Know, Music In the Quotes & My Name

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brick and Sonny bro hug, and Sonny says it’s good to see him. He asks how Brick got there so fast from L.A. Brick says he knows a guy, who knows a guy, who has a jet fueled and ready at LAX. When Sonny calls, he’s here. How can he help? Sonny says, there’s been a void in his life for too long that he’s been trying to fill, and Brick says, someone used to fill that void. Sonny says, yeah, Jason.

The guy from Charlie’s comes to Alexis’s office and says, it’s been a long time, Miss Davis. She says, it’s you, and he says she remembers. She says she never forgets a face, especially when it belongs to the man who blamed her for his brother’s death.

Harmony walks into Charlie’s, and sees Nina, who apparently lives there now. Nina asks how it went with Michael and Willow. She saw them, right? Harmony says she did, and Nina asks if Harmony told them that it’s in Wiley’s best interest to visit her. Harmony tells her, she said all that and more, and Nina says, don’t leave her in suspense; what did they say? Harmony says, not what Nina wanted to hear.

Nikolas walks into Windymere’s living room, and says, there’s nothing to fear. You’re safe. Esme and Spencer follow him in, and Esme says, this place is extraordinary. Even the name sounds grand – Windymere. Spencer says, it’s not like she hasn’t been here before, and Esme says, not for months. It’s good to be back. Nikolas says, more important, she’s safe from Sonny and his goons here, and Spencer says, what about the lady of the house? When is he going to loop Ava in?

Ava slips into the courtroom and sits down, as Judge Young is saying, Trina Robinson, you have two counts against you. How do you plead? Trina hesitates, and Scotty starts to talk, but she says she’s got this. She tells the judge that she pleads not guilty, and I say, yes!

Brick says, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass to their gone, but never forgotten, friend… What happened to the bar? No single malt aged twelve years? Sonny says he’s taking a break from that stuff, but the bar’s loaded if Brick wants to go help himself. Brick says, whither thou goest, I will go, and Sonny laughs. They sit down, and Sonny says he was hoping Brick would say that. Brick asks, how he can help fill that void? Is Sonny up for adventure? San Juan? Hong Kong? Marrakesh? Sonny says, not adventure. Monica has declared Jason legally dead, so they’re all going to be going to the memorial service. Brick says, may he rest in peace, and Sonny says, maybe Jason can, but he can’t. Does Brick remember Selena Wu? Brick says he does. Formidable lady. Is she causing Sonny trouble? Sonny says, she gave him advice, something he’s heard already, and Brick asks, what advice? Sonny says, that he can’t run the business alone anymore. He needs somebody else to step up and fill that hole Jason left behind. Brick says, I accept, and Sonny smiles and nods.

Alexis says, Brendan, isn’t it? and he says, it is. She says, the last time they saw each other, it was at Neil’s funeral. Not a very pleasant occasion for many reasons. Alexis flashes back to the funeral, and Brendan telling her, this is a celebration of Neil’s life. Alexis stripped Neil of everything he considered worth living for. He doesn’t want this service tainted with her presence. She’s not welcome. We see her leaving, and in the present, she says, he made his feelings crystal clear. And if it’s any consolation, that moment was devastating to her, and sent her into her own personal hell. He says he heard she lost her law license, hit the booze pretty hard, and didn’t stop until she attacked a cop and went to prison. She says she’s very flattered that he kept up with her life. What does he want?

Nina says, Willow just told Harmony what she thought Michael wanted to hear. Get her alone. She’ll change her mind and let Nina see Wiley. Harmony says she’s sorry. Willow doesn’t think it’s in Wiley’s best interest to have contact with Nina. Nina says, so Michael and Willow want a fight. They’ll get a fight, especially after her run-in with Carly earlier. Harmony asks, what happened? and Nina says she was reaching out to Carly to compromise about Wiley, but she wasn’t having it. Harmony says, she’s going through a rough patch, right? She just got divorced from Sonny? Nina says, Carly filed for that divorce. She pushed it through practically overnight. She threw away Sonny with both hands. Harmony tells Nina, give it some time; let Carly lick her wounds. Give her time to heal. Nina says, if that ever happens. And then what? Wiley will be in college, asking, who’s Nina? and he’ll never know who his birth mother is. If only she knew Nelle was her daughter before Nelle died. She could have saved Nelle from herself, and she wouldn’t have to be begging for a chance to get to know her grandson, or for him to know her.

Nikolas says, they can let Ava know when she gets home. Right now, she’s at Trina’s hearing. Spencer says, right, that was today, and Esme asks if he wishes he was there. He says he’s the last person Trina wants to see, and she says she didn’t ask what Trina would want. Nikolas asks if Esme wants to drop her bags off in the bedroom. It’s the same one as the last time. Spencer says, Nikolas can’t stop Esme from bringing up Trina; she’s obsessed. Esme asks if she doesn’t have reason to be. It doesn’t matter that there’s evidence Trina posted that video of Joss and Cam. Sonny Corinthos still believes it was her. Nikolas says, which is why she’s at Windymere and Spencer is home. And she’s safe. She asks if any place is really safe from Sonny, and Spencer says, Uncle Sonny will do anything and everything to protect his family. She says he means protect them from her, and he tells her, he didn’t say that. She says he didn’t have to. She’ll take her bags up. She leaves, and Nikolas asks why Spencer is treating Esme this way when he invited her to stay here. Spencer says he’s sorry, but Esme pushes his buttons; the way he’s been known to push other people’s. By the way, is there a bomb shelter on the island? Nikolas asks, why? and Spencer says, because he’d like to be inside it when Nikolas tells Ava that he and Esme moved in.

Scotty tells Trina, stick with me, kid. They’ll be sorry they tried to railroad you. ADA Arden says, this was a premeditated act that required a significant amount of planning. The defendant specifically targeted her friends with the intent to cause harm. The state requests bail be set at $250,000. Scotty jumps up, and says, your honor, my client is a freshman in college. She’s not Lizzie Borden. She has ties to the community. She’s innocent until proven guilty. She should be released without bond. Arden says, if the defendant is released without posting significant bail, and access to a computer, she has the capacity to do significant harm. (Huh?) Who knows who else she’s taped? Scotty tells her to save that for her closing statement, if she even gets that far. Judge Young tells Scotty, that will be enough, and tells Arden, there’s no indication the defendant poses a threat to the community. Therefore, the defendant is released without bond. He bangs his gavel, and Scotty dusts off his hands. The judge tells Trina that she’s free to go, pending a trial date to be determined. The bailiff says, court is adjourned, and Portia runs over to Trina, saying, she’s never been more prouder of her. She hugs Trina, and Curtis says, Trina was great. Ava says, may I? and hugs Trina, who thanks her for coming. Ava says she’s so proud of Trina, proclaiming her innocence. Josslyn says, they’ll prove it, no matter what it takes, and she and Trina hug. Trina says, you too, Webber, and Cameron adds to the hug.

Brendan  says he was in pain, and he wasn’t ready to face his brother’s failings, so he lashed out at Alexis; blamed her for Neil’s death. Alexis asks if that’s an apology, and he says, it is. She says she wishes she’d known about Neil’s addiction. She could have helped. But he hid it from her, and she had no clue. He says, she suffered enough. Look at her now. Brand new career, off the booze, respected, productive member of her community. She thanks him for the compliment, and says, he was really hostile to her at Neil’s funeral, so what is it with the sudden attitude adjustment? He says he’s had some bad luck himself; failed marriage, failed business. It brings humility. She says, and the need to make almonds amends? He says, as two people who loved Neil, he hoped they could come to an understanding.

Harmony tells Nina that she’s sorry. Nothing can bring back Wiley’s birth mother, but she has to know that Willow loves that little boy like he’s her own flesh and blood. If Nina gives it some time, maybe Willow can convince Michael that she should see her grandson. Nina asks, how much time? Because this is the same woman Harmony told her thinks she isn’t good for Wiley. She remembers when Willow was Miss Tate, and taught her former stepdaughter Charlotte. She didn’t like Willow then, and she should have trusted her instincts. Harmony says, Willow is highly principled, and Nina says, oh please. Willow says she’s going to help Nina, and the next moment, she pulls a 180 and sides with Michael. She doesn’t have a backbone. She only pretends that she’s compassionate. That weeping Willow is no oak. Harmony says, just because she’s gentle doesn’t mean she’s weak, and Nina says she’s sorry. She knows Willow is Harmony’s daughter. She’s just frustrated. Look how Willow has treated Harmony. She’s barely spoken to Harmony since she got out of prison. Harmony says things are much better between them now, and Nina says, until Michael shuts her down. Then what’s going to happen? She’s incapable of standing up to the man, or Carly. Nina would be better off to ask a stranger for help. Harmony hisses, Willow is no stranger, and she’s just as strong as her mother, but Nina says she’s never going to be as strong as Harmony. Harmony has overcome a lot, and turned her life around. Willow would be lucky to have even one drop of her courage. Harmony says she forgot; she has an appointment. She has to go. She walks out, and I’m starting to wonder if Nina is delusional.

Sonny asks Brick if that’s a serious offer. He could use Brick’s areas of expertise. Brick says, he can definitely help with the logistics, business support, definitely cyber security, but Sonny will need to bring in somebody else as a facilitator. Sonny says he’d trust Brick with his life, and Brick says, trust goes both ways; Sonny knows that. Sonny nods, and says, Jason used to do the day-to-day, but since he passed, Sonny has to deal with the other families, and try to figure out who targeted his stepdaughter. Brick asks if he’s talking about the tape of Josslyn and her boyfriend, and Sonny says, he saw the tape? Bricks says, hell no, but he saw people seeing it. It took every bit of self-control he could muster, not to take every one of them out. (What? Where are people watching this? And where is Brick hanging out?) Brick asks Sonny to please tell him that he found out who did this, and Sonny says he knows who’s responsible. He doesn’t have proof yet, but he put them on notice.

Ava says, congratulations. Scotty has one courageous client, and he says, tell him about it, but she’s got a big fight ahead… He sees Arden, and says, counselor, get used to the judge seeing things my way. Arden says, cyber crimes are insidious. The law is still catching up. The fact is, whatever goes on the internet, stays their forever. His client taped her friends without their knowledge and put it up for the whole world to see. Scotty says, hey Molly, tell your boss here… and Molly says, he can address her as ADA Lansing-Davis. He rolls his eyes, and says, okay, but she can’t really believe Trina did this. She says she believes DA Scorpio offered a generous plea bargain, and it was his obligation as Trina’s attorney to advise her to take it. Arden says, her associate’s right. She should have taken the deal, but she didn’t, so they’re going to trial. She’s going to take a stand for everyone who’s ever had an intimate picture or video weaponized against them. His client might have thought it was no big deal, but she was mistaken, and she’ll go to prison for the full term. She and Molly leave.

Trina thanks Josslyn and Cameron for being here and standing by her. Josslyn says, that’s what friends do, and Trina says, they took back the narrative when they told their story to The Invader. Their courage made her realize she doesn’t need to give in to cyber bullies, to Esme. The world needs to know she’s not the one who hurt them. Scotty says, they’ve got to talk strategy, and Portia says, now? Is that really necessary? Trina’s already been through so much today. He says, that ADA’s out for blood, and Curtis says, the judge hasn’t even set a trial date yet. Trina says, honestly, she just wants to take a long hot bath, and Scotty says, okay, she can do that. Tomorrow, they have a lot of work to do. Trina thanks him, and Curtis says he noticed there were reporters outside in the corridor. They’re going to want a statement, which he doesn’t think any of them should be making. Ava says she knows her way around this courthouse. They can exit this way. Portia tells Trina, let’s go home, and they follow Ava out. Josslyn tells Cameron, if she were her mom, she’d walk out of this courtroom with her head held high. He says, but she’s not her mom; she has nothing to prove. Josslyn says, only to herself, and Smoltz stumbles in. Cameron says, he’s too late; Trina went out the back. Smoltz says, it’s not Trina he wants. It’s Cameron and his girlfriend.

Josslyn says, they already told their stories to The Invader. Read it himself if he can afford the paywall. Smoltz says, he did read it, and Cameron says, then he would know they have nothing else to say. Smoltz says he knows Alexis Davis stole his scoop, and cut him out of the story, and Cameron says, oh boo-hoo. Life’s unfair. Smoltz says, what about their friend Trina? Their story did some good, but what about their friend? Josslyn says, what about Trina? and Smoltz says, did she do it? Did she film them and post it? Cameron says, hell no, and Smoltz asks, how can he be so sure? Do they know who’s responsible? Cameron and Josslyn look at each other, and he says, they do know. They just can’t prove it? Josslyn asks what he wants, and he says, an exclusive. Tell him stuff they didn’t say in the interview, and he’ll help them get the goods on whoever set up their friend. Sound good? Ava comes back, and says, you. Get the hell away from them.

Portia says, welcome home, and asks what Trina thinks. Trina says she liked it when it belonged to Joss’s dad, but she likes it even better now that it’s Portia’s. A safe harbor. Curtis says, good memories? and Trina says, yeah. Six months ago, their biggest problem was opening a jar of Sonny’s marinara sauce. Now everything’s changed. Curtis says, she heard what the lawyer said. They’re going to fight this. Portia says, they’re going to fight this, and they’re going to win. Trina says she told Joss and Cam that their courage gave her courage, but Portia and Curtis’s support helped her out a lot too. Curtis says, they can do a lot more than offer moral support. He could find evidence to exonerate her. He hasn’t forgotten how to find clues in dumpsters and garbage cans. Portia says, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, and Trina says, Spencer’s right. On one hand, there are tons of people who believe in her. Curtis says, and on the other hand? and she says, there’s evidence that proves she did it. Esme made sure of that.

Nikolas tells Spencer, Ava is well-aware of Sonny’s methods when he feels someone has crossed him or his family. She’ll understand the need to protect Esme. Spencer says, but will she understand why he’s sitting across from her at breakfast? and Nikolas says, it’s not a permanent arrangement. If Trina is found guilty, Sonny will have to accept the verdict and back off. Spencer says, even if Uncle Sonny does, he doesn’t think Ava will. Ava loves Trina like a daughter. She’d happily throw Esme to the wolves if it means Trina goes free. Nikolas says, and if Esme is carrying Spencer’s child? Ava may not like it, but she’ll make peace with it. Spencer says, and if Esme’s not pregnant? and Nikolas says, that’s all the more reason for Spencer to find out.

Brick says, so little Spencer has a girlfriend, and Sonny says, he’s not so little anymore. Brick says, Sonny has always liked this kid, and Sonny says, he still does, but not his company. Brick says, Sonny is convinced this Esme Prince is behind the video. Is he sure Spencer didn’t help? Sonny says, Spencer has done some terrible things, but he’s known Josslyn since they were in kindergarten, and Cameron is part of his extended family. He thinks Spencer’s hands are clean. Brick says, so the girlfriend is operating behind his back, and Sonny says, yep. If they can prove Trina is innocent and Esme is guilty, it won’t be just justice for Josslyn and Cameron. It will be a way for Spencer to dump his girlfriend. Brick says he knows Sonny’s got his own people on it, but as always, if Sonny needs him… Sonny says, yeah, he needs Brick, and Brick says, then he’s on it, but in the meantime… Sonny says, what is on his mind? and Brick says, Sonny is always running around looking out for everybody else. Who’s looking out for him?

Scotty goes into Charlie’s, and asks Nina what she wants. He’s very busy. He has a young woman who needs his help, unlike her. She says she’s sorry. She thought she could avoid going to court, and he says she thought she could get somebody to intercede with Wiley’s parents? Somebody like Sonny? But he threw her to the wolves, didn’t he? She says, no, this has nothing to do with Sonny. Her go-between couldn’t really do anything because Willow is so besotted with Michael, she won’t stand up to him or Carly. He says, why would she? Her mother couldn’t even stand up to that snake oil salesman Shiloh. Nina says, he’s not making this easy on her. Can they sit down? He asks, why should he? He kept her out of prison, and she turned her nose up at his legal expertise. So if she wants his help now, he’ll have to hear her say it.

Alexis says she assumes this understanding comes at a price, but Brendan  says, he wouldn’t put it that way. She asks how he’d put it, and he says, she couldn’t have risen from the ashes without help. Is it wrong of him to want the same thing? She says, that depends on what he means by help. Forgiveness? Friendship? He says his brother lost his life by getting involved with a self-destructive alcoholic, and she says, there it is. She was wondering how long he was going to keep up the Mr. Nice Guy act. There’s the door, move toward it, and don’t look back. He says, his brother was never a rich man, and funerals are expensive. She can deny it all she wants, but she contributed to Neil’s death. She needs to make things right. She says she’ll never stop wondering what happened to Neil, and starts to get her stuff together to leave. How he became an addict, and how that addiction took his life. She’s not at all satisfied that’s the truth, but she won’t be browbeaten into paying for his brother’s mistakes. There’s nothing he can say that will make her change her mind. He asks if she’s sure about that.

Alexis says, he needs to leave, but Brendan  says he’s not leaving until he gets what he wants. Harmony walks in, and asks Alexis if she’s early. Alexis says, actually, she’s right on time. Brendan was just leaving. Harmony introduces herself, and he says, Brendan Byrne, Neil’s brother. Harmony Miller. Where does he know that name? Have they met before? Harmony says she doesn’t think so. He might have seen her on TV, in connection with an organization called Dawn of Day. She was pretty notorious back then. Alexis says she and Harmony were just leaving, so if he doesn’t mind… He says, of course (🍷). He’ll send her his contact information. If she sees an opportunity she thinks he might be right for, let him know. He leaves, and Harmony says, what was all that about? Alexis says she doesn’t know, but it was scary.

Sonny says, Brick doesn’t have to worry. He survived all those months in Nixon Falls; he can survive anything. Brick says, but he wasn’t alone, and Sonny asks if he’s talking about Nina. Brick says, yeah. She must be one helluva lady to come between Sonny and Carly. Sonny asks if Brick still has something for his wife, and Brick asks if he doesn’t mean ex-wife. He just admires Sonny’s taste, but he gave up Carly. Brick just hopes this new lady’s worth it.

Nina and Scotty get a drink, and Nina says, okay. He needs to hear her say it. She clears her throat, and says she made a mistake. He says, what? and she repeats it louder. She says, she shouldn’t have pinned all her hopes on Willow’s compassion. Does he feel better? He suggests she hire Martin Grey, that folksy downhome charm works with a few judges. She says she doesn’t need folksy downhome charm. She needs a fighter, a killer, that will leave his opponents bloody in the field. He says, that’s him. However, he’s busy right now with Trina Robinson. Nina says she needs his help, and she’s willing to put him on retainer immediately. He says, before he takes her money, he needs to know she’s going to fight for Wiley, no matter what. And if that means kicking Sonny to the curb, then she’s going to do that.

Trina comes back downstairs, and Portia asks what she thinks. Trina says, great room, and thanks her. Portia says she made it up like Trina’s old room, but she probably wants to get rid of the stuffed animals now that she’s grown up. Trina says, no, never, as all of us who have them past our teenage years would say, but she’s still looking forward to returning to her dorms when this nightmare ends and she proves her innocence.  Then this place is theirs. Portia says, it’s Trina’s home too. And she doesn’t have to be brave. They’re in this together. Curtis says, all of them, and they have a family group hug.

Josslyn says, what part of no way doesn’t Smoltz understand? and Smoltz says, give it up, man. Ava faces him, and says, a journalist like Mr. Smoltz won’t stop until you slam the door in his face, or better yet, on his writing hand. He asks if she hasn’t heard of the first amendment, and she says, it comes right before the second, and I literally lol. Smoltz says, that sounds like a threat, and Ava says she was hoping it would. Cameron says he and Josslyn can handle this, and Josslyn tells Smoltz, they’re not interested in boosting his career. Cameron says, in other words, get lost. Smoltz says, fine; their loss. He stomps to the door, and says, and their friend Trina’s. He slams out, and Josslyn says, this wasn’t Ava’s fight. Ava says, on the contrary. Avery would never forgive her if she didn’t stand up for her sister. Cameron says, that guy had one thing right. Trina’s in deep trouble until they prove she’s innocent. Josslyn says, and Esme’s guilty.

Spencer looks out the window, and Esme tells him, she just got an alert on her phone; Trina pled not guilty. He says he hopes she can prove it, and she says, even if Trina tries to accuse her instead, when she might be carrying his child? He says, let’s find out. Why hasn’t she taken that home pregnancy test yet? She says she’s scared, and he asks if she’s scared that she’s pregnant, or that she’s not?

Harmony says she assumes Brendan was there talking about his brother, and that’s what caused all the tension when she walked in? Alexis says, it was really weird. He shows up all sympathetic, not at all like the guy who heaped abuse on her at Neil’s funeral. Harmony asks if something changed, and Alexis says, he thought the Mr. Nice Guy act would convince her to help bail him out of his troubles. When she refused, he went from Jekyll to Hyde. He thinks she owes him because she caused the relapse that caused Neil’s death. Harmony flashes back to injecting Neil, and says, it was good thing she walked in when she did. Just stay away from Neil’s brother. The farther the better.

Ava tells Josslyn and Cameron, don’t lose any sleep over Esme. The truth will come out. Trina will be vindicated. Cameron says she sounds confident, and Josslyn says, Esme has skated so far… Ava… Ava says she’s spoken to someone who has an interest in seeing Esme punished for targeting the two of  them. Cameron looks at Josslyn, and says, who’s that? Ava says she knows it’s difficult for them to trust her, but this time they’re going to have to. Esme is going to get what’s coming to her. Ava strides out the back way.

Esme says she wants Spencer with her when she takes the test, but she doesn’t need a test to tell her what she really wants. He says, which is? and she says him; she wants to be with him. Does he want to be with her? Don’t answer that now, but ask himself this. If it were without the baby, does her being here work to his advantage? He asks, how? and she says, by driving a wedge between his father and Ava. Isn’t that what he wanted all along?

Sonny tells Brick, he’s taking it day to day. As far as him and Nina, he can’t read into the future, but he will say this. The connection they had in Nixon Falls was real. Brick says, he knows Sonny, and when he wants something, he goes for it, and he usually gets it. Sonny flashes back to him and Nina dancing at Charlie’s, and Brick says, Sonny is thinking about her right now, and Sonny asks if they can get back to the matter at hand. Brick says, the future… without Jason. That’s something they can work on. The future without love, with all due respect, is not for Sonny.

Nina says, Sonny knows she won’t force him to pick sides, but Scotty says, Carly, Michael, and Willow will. So if Sonny has to choose… She says, Sonny is going to do what’s best for his family, and she’s going to do what’s best for hers. He asks if she’s willing to lose lover boy, but she says she won’t lose him. Not if he’s the man she knew in Nixon Falls, and the man she sees in Port Charles. He asks what makes her think she can have it all? and she says, she’s going to have her grandson in her life, and she’s going to have the man who changed her life for the better. He says, sorry, nobody gets it all, nobody, but she says, there’s always a first time.

Sonny says, he and Brick will regroup after Jason’s memorial service. In the meantime, is Brick willing to take on more managerial responsibilities? Brick says he can search for a facilitator to take on some of Jason’s other skill sets; don’t worry about that. Sonny says, okay. He has one more job for Brick. He wants Brick to find out how Esme Prince engineered that video. Brick says, he’s on that; no problem. Sonny asks if Brick wants a drink to seal the deal. Raising his glass, he says, sparkling water. Brick says, to think he’s always admired Sonny, and Sonny says, not anymore? but Brick says, now more than ever, and they clink glasses.

Scotty tells Nina, Michael is out to win, and Diane Miller is a tough cookie. She will dig up whatever she can. Nina says, she understands, and he gets up, asking if there’s anything he needs to know before he files the petition. She tells him, don’t faint, but she thinks her life is pretty much an open book at this point. He says, no little secrets in her diary? No skeletons in her closet? She says, no. Wiley is the only thing left of her daughter in this world. She owes it to Nelle be in his life, whether Michael or Saint Willow like it or not. He says, then hang her hat with him. She won’t regret it. They shake hands, and she says she hopes not.

Alexis says, Harmony never said what brought her by, and Harmony says, it can wait. She’s going to cook Alexis dinner; she’ll make something soothing. Alexis says she could use something soothing. Neil’s brother being here reminds her how horrible Neil’s death was. She can’t help wonder if that eviction is the thing that caused his death. Alexis turns out the lights, and they go to the hallway, but Alexis says  she forgot her phone, and goes back to her desk in the dark. Harmony stands in the doorway, and looks around.

Brendan  looks through a bunch of folders, and finds one that says Harmony Miller. He says he knew that name was familiar.

Trina says, it’s one thing to plead not guilty, but she has to live with that decision. That ADA is obviously out to get her. She couldn’t believe when she said $250,000 bail. Curtis says he believes she was just grandstanding, and the judge ignored her recommendation. Trina says, this time. The ADA thinks Trina’s guilty, and Scotty said she’s out for blood. What if the ADA convinces the jury she’s guilty? Portia says, that’s not going to happen. And instead of dwelling on it, why doesn’t Trina take that nice hot bath she was talking about earlier? It will make her feel better. Trina says Portia talked her into it, and goes upstairs. Portia tells Curtis, she doesn’t know how long she can keep this up. What if Trina’s right? They have no idea what’s going to happen. Curtis says, Trina has a lot of people by her side, and more courage than anyone he knows. Portia says she doesn’t disagree; she has faith in her daughter, just not in the world. Curtis says, as long as they have faith in each other, they can’t lose.

Cameron asks if Josslyn is  ready to go home, and she says, actually, she’d like to go back to the dorms. He says, Trina’s not the only one being brave, and she says, she’s not being brave. She just wants things to go back to normal, if that’s even possible. He says he’ll try to help make that happen, and she thanks him. They kiss, and he says, let’s go. He starts to head to the back, but she says, actually, she’d like to go out the front. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, if she can face a bunch of people on campus, she can face a couple of reporters outside. It’s hard to believe Trina is going to come back here and fight for her innocence. He says, it doesn’t matter what Ava says; this is going to be tough. She says, this is why they need to help Trina. They need to find a piece of evidence that Esme framed her. He asks how they pull that off, and she says, by proving Esme can be in two places at once. She leads him out of the courtroom.

Ava walks into Windymere, calling for Nikolas, and Esme says, he’s upstairs. Ava walks into the living room, where Esme is sitting. She sees Esme is reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting

On Monday, Violet asks Brook how her baby is; Gregory comes for a visit; Ava asks Nikolas what it’s going to be; and Spencer tells Esme, it’s time to take that pregnancy test.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Forgotten Brother…

I forgot about him anyway.

🍾 Happy Anniversary…

A look at GH over the years.

👰🏼 Never Happened…

I think the rules regarding annulments must have relaxed. I thought it either had to be fraud or that you didn’t consummate the marriage. And being realistic, the latter probably hasn’t been an issue since the 1600s.

👭🏼 Sisters Helping One Another…

It’s hard to think of Leah being anyone’s sponsor, but stranger things have happened.

🛥 Her New Deck…

She certainly looks a lot happier than she did on the Mediterranean.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-med-hannah-ferrier-marries-fiance-josh-roberts/

👰🏻 But She Seemed Like the Normal One…

Proof that the world has gone mad. Maybe Dina is still grieving over Grandma Wrinkles and not in her right mind. In other news, I had no idea Kim D had a last name.

🗽 Reboot Raspberry…

I don’t think Jill Zarin ever stopped expressing a desire to return from the time she was let go.

🐉 Flying In Soon…

An update on House of the Dragon.

🎶 Can’t Stop the Music…

All you need to know.

https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-nominations-64th-grammy-awards-looking-ahead-how-to-watch

Who’s performing.

https://pitchfork.com/news/grammys-2022-performers-list-see-the-full-lineup/

How no one wants to be there. That’s how I feel seeing a performer in Atlantic City. They don’t want to be there. I don’t want to be there. Why are we here?

🎷 Quotes of the Week

Smile, breathe, and go slowly…Thich Nhat Hanh

Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife. – Kahlil Gibran

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. – Buddha

Music is the soundtrack of your life. – Dick Clark

Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me. – Zora Neale Hurston

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. – Bob Marley

If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down. – Mary Pickford, 1892-1979, American actress

The only truth is music. – Jack Kerouac

I’d rather see my face aging than a face I don’t recognize at all. – Cameron Diaz

There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats.Albert Schweitzer (Hey, what’s wrong with dogs?)

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. – Steve Jobs

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. – Victor Hugo

✍🏽 Don’t Forget To Write…

I’ll return to the keyboard at approximately Dead o’clock. Be there or be an octagon. Until then, stay safe, stay seeking truth, and stay letting the courage of others give you courage.

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

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

💔 That Was Quick…

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

🎾 Ball Changes Court…

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

💼 Branching Out…

What Diane does on her off-time.

👯‍♀️ BFFs IRL…

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

👠 Going Glam…

First Co-Chief of Staff, now this.

🎄 Christmastime Is Here…

At least in Salem.

🧂 Pass the Salt…

What’s going on in Salt Lake City.

Usually, it’s Jen doing the denying.

🗽 Sticking Around…

They’re not going anywhere.

Unless it’s running out of a restaurant.

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

🎅🏽 And You Get a Piece Of Coal…

Apparently Leah is not happy with her co-stars.

⚖️ Little Did She Know…

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

🍸 Haunting Split…

What is wrong with that guy?

⚰️ Burning Questions…

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

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

🌟 Behold…

This years Rockefeller Center contribution to the Christmas spirit.

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

☄️ Quotes of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🦌 On Dasher…

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

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

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🕳 What Comes Next…

Glad to see she’s recovered from that fall.

🌲 Pine Valley Legend…

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

😧 Yikes…

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

🚬 Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em…

Josh Flagg? Really?

💎 If You Didn’t Get Enough…

More on the ongoing saga.

📸 Not Me…

She was framed framing Tom.

🥗 Everybody Is Somebody…

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

👠 To Be Expected…

What did they think was going to happen?

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

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

You, too, can get in on the fun.

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

🛥 Final Salute…

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

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

🐯 Tiger, Tiger…

Because we just can’t stop watching.

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

🎃 Quotes of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🧹 Flying Off On My Broom…

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

October 22, 2021 – Spencer Makes His Plea, Open Book, Mystery Man, Leading Ladies, Sonjarita, Engaged, Salt Lake Report, No Ring, Coming Soon, Read All About It, Quote x 10 & Ballad

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava says she and Sonny have settled everything with Avery for now, so what business do they have? He says, they’re on the same page when it comes to their daughter, and she says, what then? He says he has a proposition for her.

Sheridan says he appreciates the support of Michael’s family with the campaign, and Michael says he thinks Sheridan has done a terrific job as the DA of Lantano County. He’s proven to be relentless in his pursuit of justice, and Michael thinks the right case could catapult him to the state’s Attorney General’s office. Sheridan says, it’s an unusual case; the kind that generates headlines, and defines careers. He’ll let Michael know as soon as it’s in motion. They shake hands, and Willow walks in.

At the courthouse, Nikolas asks Doc if he happened to see Ava on his way in, but he says he didn’t. He did talk to Nikolas’s mother about Spencer’s hearing, and Nikolas asks if she’s on her way home. Doc says, unfortunately, she can’t get away just yet, but she was clear how she feels about what should happen today.

Diaz says they’re about to get started, and she needs to know Spencer’s plea. Josslyn and Cameron walk in, and Esme says, come on, Spence. They’ve been over this. Spencer says he wants to make sure he’s dealing with the right information here. If he pleads guilty, or no contest, the judge will ask if anyone is forcing him to make the plea, correct? Diaz says, strictly pro forma. They want to make sure he understands the situation. She’s sorry, but she has dozens of other cases to handle today, so what’s his plea? Josslyn tells Spencer to wait a minute before he answers that. Is he sure someone isn’t pressuring him to do the wrong thing?

Robert walks into an interrogation room where Victor is waiting, and says, so, we meet again. Victor tells Robert that he has nothing to say to him, and Robert says he’ll do him one better. He’s sick of being lied to, so everything that comes out of Victor’s mouth better be gospel. Victor says, or else? and Robert says, or else Victor Cassadine is going to be put to rest in an unmarked grave. And he’s going to do it personally.

Anna sits by Valentin’s bed, when a doctor comes in. Anna thinks he looks better than he did a few hours ago; he has more color in his face. Can the doctor give her any good news? The doctor wishes she could.

Sam tells Dante, the island’s not that big; Peter couldn’t have gone far. He says, especially with two hostages, and she says, no sign of Drew or Obrecht? What are they supposed to tell everyone back in Port Charles who’s waiting for news? Britt and Jason walk in, and Jason thanks Sam for telling him where to meet them. Britt says, Anna was right about this place; it’s really isolated. When they got on the plane last night, Anna still didn’t know where her mother was. Any word? Dante is afraid not. He says they were with the local police most of the night, trying to figure out a trail where Peter might have gone, but they have nothing. Sam says, they did see the cell where Britt’s mother was being held. Dante says, there was a syringe in the cell. It was empty, but it had traces of flunitrazepam. Britt says, that’s a sedative. It results in muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion. Basically, there’s a chance her mother was roofied. Jason says, that’s the best possible news she can get. Wow. This tavern has gotten more business in a week than they’ve probably had in the last five years altogether.

Victor tells Robert, he’ll cooperate, but first, he needs to know how Valentin is. Robert says, Valentin’s alive, last he heard, and Victor says, and Liesl? Robert says, come on. Victor doesn’t care about anyone but himself; they all know that. This love of the common man, where did it come from? When it was nipping at his butt as he was running away? He will say Victor’s been a busy boy. He got more done in death than the average person achieves in a lifetime. Sanctuary for Peter August, unlawful detainment of Drew Cain and Liesl Obrecht, and that poor little nurse who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And last, but not least, the abduction of Valentin Cassadine. And all of this, after he blew up Creighton-Clark. Viccy, come on. Explain yourself. Victor says, when Robert lays it all out like that, he has to say he’s very impressed. How on earth did he mange to do all that?

Anna says, what does the doctor mean, she can’t give her any good news? He has two young daughters waiting for him back in the states. The doctor says, the surgery didn’t go as well as they’d hoped. The bullet fragmented, and they weren’t able to remove all the debris. Anna says she’s heard of bullet fragments being left in the body before, and they’re fine as long as they don’t migrate or infringe on a nerve. She’s sorry; her daughter’s a doctor. She guesses the doctor is concerned about infection, and the doctor says she recommends Valentin undergo exploratory surgery in the US. Their facilities aren’t equipped to handle surgeries that delicate. Anna thanks her, and she leaves. Anna tells Valentin that he may have been born there in Greece, but she’ll be damned if she’ll let him die there.

Willow says she hopes she’s not interrupting, and Michael says he didn’t expect her back so soon. He must have lost track of time. He introduces Richard Sheridan, the DA of Lantano County, and tells Sheridan that Willow is his son’s mother. Willow shakes Sheridan’s hand, and says, Lantano County. In Pennsylvania? Sheridan says, that’s right, and she asks, what brings him all this way? He says he’s gearing up to run for state Attorney General. Michael has taken an interest in his platform. They share similar values. Willow asks what those values would be, and Michael says he’s sure Sheridan is anxious to get back to Llanview, and thanks Sheridan for coming all this way. Michael walks him to the door, and when he comes back, she asks, which of his values would make a politician drive to the next state?

Ava tells Sonny, that is quite an interesting proposition, and if the price is right… His phone rings, and he says he’ll be right back. Nina approaches Ava, who tells her, don’t worry. She didn’t tell Sonny about Nina’s romance with Mike. He was very receptive to her spending more time with Avery, and she didn’t need to use any more persuasive tactics. Nina appreciates that, and to return that favor, Ava has a problem, and Nina would love to offer her a solution.

Spencer says, his father decided to raise the stakes, and Cameron asks, what’s that mean? Spencer says, Ava is in control of his trust fund. If he accepts their marriage, and agrees to live by their rules, his father and Ava will make the charges go away, but Ava is still in charge of his money. Josslyn says, Ava’s not her favorite person either, and she’d hate living by Ava’s rules, and knowing that Ava had control over her money, but she didn’t stalk Ava and she’s not facing criminal charges. If giving in to his dad and Ava is what it takes for them to help him, that’s what he should do. Spencer tells her, that’s what Esme was saying, and Cameron says, for once, they all agree.

Nikolas says, if Doc is telling him that his mother is too busy to attend Spencer’s arraignment, he’s disappointed, but he understands, but she’s honestly too busy to even call him? Doc says he can’t speak to Laura’s exact schedule, but they did talk about Spencer’s behavior. And Nikolas’s. Nikolas says, his behavior? This is about Spencer stalking Ava. Doc says, Laura doesn’t condone what Spencer did, or what drove him to that point. The bailiff calls for everyone to take their seats, and Doc says, shall we?  

Esme tells Josslyn and Cameron that she’s sure they realize what a stubborn streak Spencer has. She hopes their opinions convinced him to make the right choice. Josslyn asks if Esme doesn’t think, as Spencer’s girlfriend, she carries more weight, but Esme says Josslyn is giving her too much credit. They’ve known Spencer since they were kids, much longer than she has, and Spence is very much his own person, and likes to go his own way. The bailiff says, all rise.  

Ava says, Nina wants to buy Charlie’s? and Nina asks if she hasn’t been trying to sell it. Ava says, when she was leaving town because of the stalker, yes, and Nina says she has a great use for it. It’s a win-win. Ava says her situation has changed, and Nina wonders if Ava wants to hang onto it for sentimental reasons because it belonged to her brother. Ava says, it’s not that, when Sonny comes back. He asks if he and Ava are finished; he doesn’t have all day. Ava says, what do they say about great minds thinking alike, and he asks what she means. She says, they have to pause their negotiations, and he says, now she’s going to keep Charlie’s? She says, it’s still for sale, but another buyer is showing interest. May the deepest pockets win.

Michael says, it’s always a good idea to have people in office who owe you favors, and Willow says, if it were the DA from New York state, she wouldn’t question anything. But Lantano County is in Pennsylvania, so what does that have to do with ELQ? He says, nothing; it’s purely personal, in a family member’s best interest. She tells him to stop being vague. Who is he talking about? He says, Sheridan is looking for a high profile case, and he just handed him one. He suggested Sheridan prosecute Nina for fraud and identity theft. I’m not sure if the latter would be an issue here though, since it’s not like she stole Sonny’s identity.

Robert says, Victor thinks this is some kind of a joke, doesn’t he? The charges he’s facing are false imprisonment, criminal conspiracy, bribery, not to mention the body count. Victor asks what he wants, and Robert says, Peter August. He wants to know where Peter is, and when Victor worked with him. Victor says he’s not working with Peter, and Robert says, he found Peter a place to hide, didn’t he? Victor says, yes, and he gave Peter money and transportation, but it wasn’t his choice; he was forced to do Peter’s bidding. Robert asks what kind of leverage Peter has, and Victor says he answered one of Robert’s questions out of good faith. It’s time to begin negotiations

Britt asks Jason, why is it good news that her mother was drugged? and he says, that probably means Peter’s keeping her alive. Britt says, why go to the trouble of drugging someone when you can just as easily kill them? It’s not exactly a beacon of hope, but it’s better than nothing. Sam asks if she can talk to Jason in private, and they go to a table. She says she has some news about Drew, and he says, Anna called already. She said Drew had been shot two or three times, fell off the bridge and into the ocean, and his body hasn’t been recovered. Sam says, the WSB is searching, but they’re pretty certain they won’t find him alive.

Nina asks if Ava is saying she and Sonny want the same thing, and Ava says, in a manner of speaking. Sonny made her an offer to buy Charlie’s minutes before Nina did. Like she said, she’ll accept the highest offer. Maybe the two of them should talk this over, one on one. Ava walks away, and Nina asks why Sonny wants to buy Charlie’s. He asks why she does, and she says, for Phyllis, to give her a fresh start. And him? He says, same thing. Phyllis took in a stranger and saved his life; pretty much the opposite of what Nina did. Nina tells him that she can never say she’s sorry enough, but as for Phyllis, if she moved there, and ran Charlie’s, Nina thinks it would be really good for her. Sonny agrees, and says, one of them is going to have to bow out. Nina says, allow her. If Phyllis accepts generosity, she’s more inclined to accept it from Sonny. When he offers Charlie’s to Phyllis, if she likes the idea, Nina will give him half of the money, provided he never tells her.  

Willow says, she and Michael talked about this yesterday. She thought they’d agreed to hit the pause button where Nina was concerned. He said he woudn’t make any decisions without her. He says he hasn’t filed any legal action against Nina, and hasn’t denied her visitation with Wiley. If he went to family court, of course (🍷) he’d consult her. He wouldn’t move forward with her agreeing to anything. She says, so he went to the DA from Pennsylvania instead, and he says, yes, because he wants Sheridan to go after Nina for what she actually did. He doesn’t want Wiley’s custody to be a battleground. He doesn’t want to deny Nina visitation to punish her; he wants her punished for the crimes she committed, fraud and identity theft. She lied to his dad for nine months about who he was. She kept him from his family and his life. It has to be illegal and he’s hoping Sheridan can prove it in court.

Robert asks what Victor means by negotiations, and Victor says, it’s a classic quid pro quo. The WSB can’t get Peter without his help, and he’s not about to give them his help without something in return; his freedom. Robert says, the WSB isn’t going to let Victor off the hook for the crimes he did in the last seven minutes, much less the last seven years, and Victor says, he’s the former director of the Bureau. The WSB has a reputation to maintain. Prosecuting one of their own wouldn’t look very good, would it? Robert wouldn’t bet the farm on it, and Victor suggests they do a cost benefit analysis. Prosecuting him versus getting Peter. He’d say it’s a bit of a no-brainer. Peter is their priority. He’s the one who’s unstable. He’s dangerous, and has access to Faison’s bag of dirty tricks. Robert still has some pull at the Bureau, and Victor suggests Robert convince them to make a deal. Robert says he doesn’t take orders from a Cassadine, and Victor says, his goal is to catch the big bad wolf, the man who kidnapped Drew Cain, and could still terrorize Maxie and her little girl. Robert can throw the book him or stop Peter, but he can’t do both.

Anna says Robert doesn’t think Valentin is much of a hero, but she disagrees. He doesn’t fit the conventional mold. He’s very flawed, self-serving, and definitely compromised, but he does have the courage to face up to what he’s done, and try to be better. He’s certainly tried to turn his life around for himself and his daughters. She thinks that’s very heroic in her book, that kind of courage. Her phone rings, and she says, it’s her darling ex-husband. She’ll be right back. She kisses Valentin’s hand, and says, he can count on that.

Britt asks if Dante thinks Victor created the fake medical conference, and arranged to have Scotty thrown from the plane. Dante says, he didn’t go into detail, but he’s definitely the reason for her mother being there. She says, for what? And don’t say Victor is infatuated with her mother. Maybe he is, but there has to be another agenda. Dante says, he doesn’t know, but when Victor thought her mother was in danger, he seemed genuinely concerned.

Sam tells Jason, someone called her claiming to be Drew. She went back and forth, thinking, maybe he’s alive, but then, it could be some sort of manipulation. He says, she was just  being cautious, and she says, being cautious meant she couldn’t involve him. Maybe if she had, he could have intervened, and Peter wouldn’t have shot Drew.

The judge asks if Spencer understands his rights under the New York state constitution and law, and he says he does. She asks how he pleads, when Ava walks in. The judge says she’s waiting for his answer, and Esme asks Cameron, what is he doing? Spencer says, not guilty.

Anna goes to the interrogation room, and says she got Robert’s text. What’s so important? She was with Valentin. Victor asks how Valentin is, and she says, he’s hanging in. Robert says, this clown needs to talk to someone above his pay scale, and she says, her? Victor says, always pleasure, mate, and Robert leaves. Anna asks what this is about, and Victor says, Peter August. The WSB wants him, and he can make that happen. She says, in exchange for what exactly? and he says, blanket immunity. She says, that’s a bit of a tall order, and he says, tall maybe, but not impossible. They’re already making better progress than he was with Robert. She says she’s far from the final say, and he says, that may be, but at least she’s willing to look at options. Robert said the WSB would refuse to overlook his transgressions. He thinks that was naïve, but Anna doesn’t agree. He has a rather extensive rap sheet. What makes him think she’s going to be more amenable to his offer?   

Britt asks Dante, if Victor is still infatuated, why put her mother in a prison cell? Does Dante think it was punishment for her trying to kill Peter, and if so, why would Victor care? Dante says, those are all questions the WSB doesn’t have answers to. They don’t even know why Victor and Peter were working together in the first place, or how Drew fits into this puzzle.  

Sam tells Jason, when she went into Drew’s cell, she saw he’d scratched Scout’s name in the wall. She hopes that means he had enough strength to resist the conditioning. He says, she thinks Drew’s being conditioned? and she tells him, that’s what Victor said. She doesn’t know whether he’s telling the truth or not, but she does know Drew was able to shoot a guard to save Victor and Valentin, although he wasn’t able to save himself. Jason says, unless or until they find Drew’s body, there’s still a chance Drew is alive.

Valentin wakes up with Robert sitting in his room. Robert asks if he’s awake, and Valentin says, this can’t be a dream, because Robert sure as hell wouldn’t be in it. Robert laughs and says he’ll round up a doctor, and Valentin asks, where’s Anna? Robert says, talking to Valentin’s poor excuse for an uncle, or should he say father? He’s trying to cut himself a deal, but Valentin isn’t going to let that happen, is he?

The judge says, although the defendant has no prior arrests, he has lived abroad extensively, and has access to significant financial resources. The state’s concern about him being a flight risk is valid. She orders the defendant to surrender his passport, and bail is set $20K, with a pretrial in six weeks from today. Spencer looks at Esme, who shakes her head, and he says, if he doesn’t post bail, will he have to go to jail? Doc says, it won’t come to that. He and Laura will post Spencer’s bail. Spencer thanks him, and hugs Esme. She says she doesn’t get it. Why didn’t he do what they all advised him to do? They step away, and Spencer says, he was about to. He’s made a lot of bad decisions by not following his gut. His gut told him that if he went along with Ava on this, it will never end. Ava and Spencer look at each other.

Willow says, so Michael’s campaign contribution is basically a bribe, to get the DA to go after Nina? He says, campaign contributions are completely legal, and Nina is the one who committed a crime. And it wasn’t victimless crime either. He didn’t tell Willow this, but his mom put her life on the line to step into his father’s business. And what about Sonny’s children? He, Dante, and Kristina are all adults, and Josslyn has Jax, but what about Donna and Avery? Avery’s old enough to understand loss, and Donna is so confused. They didn’t have their father for nine months. Willow says she knows that, and he says, and his father’s business got messed up, which in turn put more people’s lives at risk. She asks who he’s trying to convince that he’s doing the right thing; him or her?  He says she may not agree with his methods, but he has no regrets about making Nina pay for her actions. She says, what about his actions? He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, on the one hand, he won’t cut Nina off from seeing Wiley, but he has to know that if Nina is facing criminal charges, it will affect potential visitation going forward. He says, if Nina faces those consequences as a result of what she did to his father, so be it.

Sonny thinks keeping it a secret from Phyllis doesn’t seem like a good idea, and Nina says, she’s learned what secrets can do. She says, she genuinely wants to help Phyllis, but doesn’t want it to be misinterpreted as buying back her friendship. He says he doesn’t need her help financially to buy Charlies, and even if she’s giving it with good intentions, it’s like they’ll be too connected. She says, that’s the last thing he wants. She has to say, she’s been waiting with a fair amount of dread to have Carly to tear into her for their relationship in Nixon Falls, but she hasn’t  

Nina says she had a run in with Carly at the Quartermaines’, and Carly went for her jugular, but never said a word about her tricking Sonny into loving her. She sits, and says, Carly still hasn’t. She just assumes Carly doesn’t know? He sits, and says, let him tell her something. He and Carly are rebuilding their life together after nine months apart. Why make it worse after what she did? Nina says, let her tell him something. Carly will never find out about it from her.

Victor says, Anna finally has the opportunity to stop her wayward nephew, and bring closure to countless people. Be smart; that’s all that matters here. Don’t let the pettiness of the past get in her way. She says, she wouldn’t call what he did to Robin petty. He stole years of Robin’s life. He says he’s not trying to minimize what he’s done; he’s made mistakes, huge mistakes. But they both know life isn’t black and white; it’s all shades of grey. She has every right to be angry about what happened to her daughter at Creighton-Clark, but ultimately, Robin walked away unscathed. Can they really say the same for anyone who will get in Peter’s way? She says, she might have more leverage with the WSB than Robert… sometimes. But he needs to understand, his fate doesn’t lie in her hands. He says, it might as well. He knows her stock has fallen with the WSB in recent years, but she still has friends in high places. If she has any favors outstanding, he suggests she call them in. Make his case, or the blood that Peter continues to shed will be on her hands. She says she’s got to go, and he tells her to give his best to his son.

Esme says Doc is a genuine lifesaver. She was afraid Spencer would have to stay in jail. Doc says, if he’s not mistaken, Spencer will need a permanent home address to show stability? and Diaz says, that’s correct. He says, that settles it. Spencer will move back in with him. Esme says, that works for her, and Doc asks Spencer for a word in private. Josslyn says, they’ll be out in the hall, and they all leave. Spencer says, he’s a lot of things, but not naïve. He and Laura are going to post the money for his bail. What’s the catch?

Esme sees Ava in the hall, and says she wants Ava to know how much it means to her that Ava offered Spencer a way out. His pride temporarily got in the way of him accepting it, but she’ll talk to him. Ava tells her, please try to talk some sense into him. And whatever she does, don’t let Spencer drag her into any more bad behavior. Esme says never. She should have stood up to him. From now on, she will.

Anna says, thank God Valentin’s awake, and Robert says, surprise him. Do the right thing. Robert tells Anna, see ya, and leaves. Anna says Valentin gave her wuite… He gave all of them quite a scare. She offers to call Brook, but he says, not yet. She asks if he doesn’t want his daughter to know he’s awake (like a baby would comprehend this), but he says, not until he talks to her. Whatever Victor’s asking for, don’t give it to him.

Sam says she had to tell Jason what she knows about Drew, and Dante asks how he took it. She says, it was okay. She told him that she felt the need to investigate before she said anything to him. Dante says, until they find Drew’s body, there’s a chance he survived, and she says, Jason said the same thing. She just doesn’t know what there’s left here for her to do. She can stay and see if anything comes through, or she can go home to her kids because they come first. He says, maybe she should do that. She tried to bring Scout’s father back, but now it’s time to be with Scout and Danny.

Britt says, sorry about Jason’s brother, and he says, thanks. They weren’t close, but Drew was important to Monica, and he’s thinking about her. She says, he’s not thinking how her crazy brother shot his? but he says she’s not responsible for anything Peter does. She says, still, he’s there helping her find her mother, who’s committed her own fair share of crimes. She wouldn’t blame him if he changed his mind and wanted to go home. He says, they have a job to do. He’s not going anywhere.

Esme tells Josslyn and Cameron, at least they can all agree they want what’s best for Spence. Maybe now they can see she has his best interests at heart. Maybe they can all be friends after all.

Spencer says he’s sorry. He should be thanking Doc for posting his bail money. He wasn’t looking forward to spending another night in jail. Doc says, he and Spencer’s grandmother are happy to help, but it comes with limitations. If Spencer wants their support, he has to earn it. Spencer says, earn it how? and Doc says, they have a few ideas. Starting with Spencer getting a job.

Ava says, that was unexpected, and Nikolas says, leave it to his son to zig when they wanted him to zag. She says she can handle him not accepting the deal, but what bothered her most was the look on his face when he entered his plea… that this is far from over.

Robert tells Victor, he spoke to Anna, and she’s not going to help him. Victor says, if Robert says so, and Robert says, he doesn’t have any control over what the WSB decides to do, but Victor doesn’t have him fooled. The world was a much better place when Victor was dead. Victor says, he’s feeling a bit parched. Why doesn’t Robert make himself useful, and fetch him some water. He’d prefer sparkling.

Valentin says, whatever Victor is proposing, it’s a trap, and Anna says, she knows that, obviously. They have no way of knowing what he’s been up to in the past few years, but what choice do they have? Peter has to be stopped. For Drew, for Obrecht, most certainly for Maxie. Victor knows where he is; she senses it. This is their best chance. Valentin gets agitated, and Anna tries to calm him. He says, they can’t involve Victor. They’ve come close to getting Peter before. He’ll do it again.

Sam tells Dante, if there’s bad news about Drew, she’d rather be at home with her kids. He says, that make sense. He’ll go arrange their flights back. She says he doesn’t have to come with her, and he says he knows. He wants to.   

Jason tells Britt, to pick up Peter’s trail, they have to retrace his steps. She asks where they start, and he says, the last place her mother was seen; her prison cell.

Willow tells Michael, Wiley’s all set. Now they can finish their conversation. He says, it’s not over? and she says, not for her. What he’s doing seems cold and calculating. He says he gave Nina chance after chance. Even after that meltdown at his father’s funeral, he still gave her the opportunity to visit Wiley, and what does she do? She brings up Nelle, making Wiley doubt that Willow is his real mother. And even after that, he gave her another chance, and how does she thank them? By lying. By keeping the knowledge that his father was alive, and for what? To punish his mother? She says she can’t deny anything he’s saying. It’s just that, what does he thinks is going to happen to Nina? He says, that’s up to the DA Sheridan, but if she’s asking him, he thinks Nina needs to be held accountable.

Nina says, she guesses that concludes her and Sonny’s business. He’ll buy Charlie’s, and she won’t be involved, financially or otherwise. And Carly won’t have to know how much it… progressed in Nixon Falls. He says, correct, and she says she hopes Phyllis stays in Port Charles. She considers Phyllis her family, and she wants to earn back the trust of those people she loves. A couple of cops come in, and one says, Nina Reeves? She says she’s Nina Reeves. Is there a problem? He says she’s under arrest for identity fraud.

One: I’ll say it again, not sure about the identity fraud thing, and two: it doesn’t happen that fast, even for a DA. He didn’t even have time to get back to PA and fill out the paperwork.

On Monday, Valentin asks what Anna has to say to him, Sasha thinks it not a bad idea, Michael asks if Jax wants to make things right, and Carly says, if that’s not a crime, she doesn’t know what is.

🩺 Living Her Best Life…

GH’s Co-Chief of Staff opens up about coming out – twice.

👀 Watching Man…

I thought I’d recognized him. He’s one of those dudes who’s been in everything.

💏 He’s Had So Many…

I still like him the most with Obrecht.

👠 Sonja Trilogy…

Ugh. Heather. What’s up with her talking smack?

When they shade you, make some money off of it.

I actually believe Sonja on this one.

💍 Real Real Housewife To Be…

Face it. Anything has to be better than Juicy Joe.

https://people.com/tv/teresa-giudice-engaged-luis-ruelas-exclusive/

❄️ Salty Talk…

What happens in Salt Lake does not stay in Salt Lake.

🍸 Is She Or Isn’t She…?

She said she was no dummy, but said nothing about not being vague as hell.

https://people.com/tv/lala-kent-opens-up-about-randall-emmett-relationship-on-vanderpump-rules-amid-reported-split/

https://people.com/tv/lala-kent-spotted-without-her-engagement-ring-amid-reported-randall-emmett-breakup/

🐉 Flying In Soon…

The trailer and the latest on House of the Dragon.

https://ew.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-different-tone-game-of-thrones/

https://ew.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-trailer-game-of-thrones-prequel/

📖 For Your Reading Pleasure…

I can’t wait to read this book.

https://ew.com/books/not-all-diamonds-and-rose-excerpt-real-housewives-book-dave-quinn-andy-cohen/

📌 Quotes of the Week

We can have peace if we let go of wanting to change the past and wanting to control the future. – Lester Levinson

The opportunity of a lifetime is to pick yourself. Quit waiting to get picked; quit waiting for someone to give you permission; quit waiting for someone to say you are officially qualified… and pick yourself. – Seth Godin, American Author, Speaker and Entrepreneur

I’ve learned that God won’t let you be tempted more than you can bear. I think God gives humanity too much credit. – Jung Jae-heo (Kim Nam-hee) Sweet Home

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. – Charles Dickens

Many things—such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly—are done worst when we try hardest to do them. – C. S. Lewis, from Studies in Medieval Literature, compiled in Words to Live By

Happiness is for dogs and Americans. – Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), General Hospital

We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark. – Whoopi Goldberg (Don’t look to me – my torch blew out a long time ago.)

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else. – Charles Dickens

All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster’s autobiography. – Federico Fellini

With confidence, you have won before you have started. – Marcus Garvey

🧻 Rolling Along…

Time to wrap up another week, or another row on the calendar if you’re not into labels. See you at Dead o’clock, but until then, stay safe, stay being the bigger person, and stay having the courage to face up to what you’ve done, and try to be better.

July 16, 2021 – Lenny Gets Bad News, Jimmy Lee, New Songs, Other Gigs, Cameo Tease, Accusations, Crazy Like a Fox, Going Down, Togetherness, Rebuttal, Knot Tied, Update, Nominations, an Interview, an Egg Carton of Quotes & Paradise

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly tells Jason, it’s driving her crazy that Gladys wants them to bring Brando in, but he tells her, forget Gladys. Brando risked his life for them when he went to work for Cyrus. He’s proven he’s loyal, and if this is something he really wants… She says, so he’s okay with bringing Brando in, and he says, Brando is having a kid. The smarter choice is for him to stay away from the business, but he’s capable, he’s loyal, he’s smart. If this is the job he wants, Jason isn’t going to turn him away. Sam walks in, and looks at Carly and Jason.

At the pool, Sasha looks at Brando sunning himself, and starts to walk out. He notices her, and says he was going for a dip in the pool. Would she care to join him? She says she’ll have to pass. She can’t find any lounges to put her stuff on. He tells her to take his. He’s not letting his kid’s mom go without.

Dante tells Rocco, no cannonballs this time, but Rocco isn’t listening. Dante sees Chase on a lounge chair, and says, Chase is a cop. Can he arrest Dante’s kid? Chase says, Dante wants him to arrest his son for doing cannonballs? and Dante says he does. Scare him a little bit. He doesn’t listen to a thing Dante says. Chase says, last he heard, Dante rejoined the force, while he’s on a nice, long paid vacation. Did he bring handcuffs? Dante says, enough with this paid vacation stuff. Get himself back on the force and they can arrest his kid together. Just like old times, eh, partner?

Willow lets Nina into the gatehouse, and Nina says she got a text from Michael saying to pick Wiley up there. Are they upstairs? Willow says, Wiley is napping, and Michael is running late; a meeting with his family. Nina says she heard there was some drama last night at the ELQ Board meeting. Currently, there’s never a dull moment when the Quartermaines get together to talk about business. Willow wonders how old Wiley will be when he joins the fray.

Brook walks in, while Ned is on the phone. He says he looks forward to talking with Pasqual and his team, and Brook says, talking to the ELQ lawyers about Austin? What’d they say? Ned says, they need time to study the matter. Michael sent them the docs supposedly proving that Austin is Jimmy Lee’s son, but they’ll be asking for their own DNA test. Michael says, just to make sure the birth certificate and DNA test Scotty gave them are legitimate. She says it really burns her how great-grandfather cheated on great-grandmother Lila. The woman was a saint. Ned says, grandfather’s indiscretions are beside the point. They have to assume their own DNA test will prove Austin is Jimmy Lee’s son. He may actually be a relative. She says, but does that entitle him to a slice of the Quartermaine pie?

Austin looks at the staff photos on the wall at GH, and focuses on Alan. Monica says, doing his homework? and he says, Alan Quartermaine’s reputation was legendary. Gifted doctor, devoted father, pillar of the community. She says he forgot philanderer and scoundrel. He says he did. She’s his new boss. He’s trying to be polite. She says, or is he just trying to play dumb? Pull one over on her and her family, just like his father did back in the day.

Valentin says he thinks he may know Phyllis, but she says she doesn’t see how. Unless he’s a former patient. In which case, she apologizes for not recognizing him. He says he’s not a former patient, but he thinks his ex-wife may have been – Nina Reeves.

Sonny is about to leave the examining room, just as Anna is passing by. Anna hears the door handle, and stops, but a nurse asks if she can help Anna. Anna says, maybe she can. She’s looking for somebody. Sonny hears her voice.

Phyllis says, and he is? and Valentin says, he’s Valentin Cassadine. He assumes Nina told her about him, and supposes he didn’t come off terribly well. She says she’s sorry, but she can’t discuss her patients, former or current. He tells her that he completely understands, and for what it’s worth (🍷), he deeply regrets all the harm he caused Nina. She’s a very special woman. Phyllis says, yes she is, and she can tell him this much; Nina is doing just fine without him.

Anna tells the nurse that she’s looking for a Medivac pilot. His name is David Hopkins. Sonny listens on the other side of the door. The nurse asks if he was injured, and Anna says, not as far as she knows. The nurse says, then he wouldn’t be in the ER. She’ll take Anna to human resources. Anna leaves with her, and Sonny comes out.

Willow says, Wiley’s schedule is off this morning. He went down late for his nap, and he’s still down for it. Nina says, that’s okay. The Quartermaine pool will still be open. Willow asks if she’d like to reschedule, but Nina says she’d like to wait if it’s okay. She brought some of Wiley’s favorite snacks, and these really cute water wings. She shows Willow, and says, Willow and Michael probably have a ton of them, but they were so cute, she couldn’t resist. Willow tells her, stay, of course (🍷). Wiley will up soon, and he’d be devastated to miss an afternoon with his Grandma Nina.

Ned tells Brook, it’s too early to say whether Austin will end up with a stake in ELQ, and Michael says, it depends on the outcome of his lawsuit contesting great-grandfather’s will. Brook asks how Austin can claim rights to assets that his father never had to begin with, and Michael says, that’s for the lawyers to argue. She says, like Scotty? That’s the guy Austin chooses to go after their money? Let’s face it. Austin isn’t trying to legitimize dear old dad; he’s shaking them down.

Austin says he’s sensing Monica didn’t like his father, and she says, they had their ups and downs. He says, just like her and Alan, and she says, and Edward and Tracy. He asks if there’s a Quartermaine she didn’t have an issue with, and she says, Lila. And Annabelle. He says he doesn’t recall an Annabelle from the family tree, and Monica says, she was the family dog. He says, and a dog will never disappoint you, and Monica says, she got knocked up by a mutt way beneath her station. He says Monica doesn’t like the strays, but if she gives him a chance, he’ll try not to dig up the rose garden.

Dante asks Chase how’s newlywed life, but Chase says, married life still hasn’t begun. He can’t walk. Despite physical therapy, this is his great success. He wiggles a few toes, and Dante says, that’s great success. Chase asks when Dante became such a ray of sunshine, and Dante says since he decided he needed his partner back to stop him from doing questionable things. Chase says, like…? and Dante thinks back to kissing Sam. He says, never mind.

Sam goes to the MetroCourt restaurant, and Carly says, it’s been a while. Does she want a table or is she sittting at the bar? Sam says she’s meeting Maxie. She sees Carly’s ring, and says, nice rock. She asks if she can talk to Jason for a minute, and Carly says she’ll tell Maxie that Sam is there. Carly tells Maxie, Sam’s here, and Maxie looks over at Sam and Jason. She says, this should be interesting. Sam tells Jason, you and Carly, it’s finally happening. He’s sorry she didn’t hear it from him first, and she says, it’s not his fault. They keep missing each other. He asks if she told Danny, and she says she’s going to leave that one up to him. He thanks her, and she says she wouldn’t know the first thing to say to Danny because she doesn’t know the first thing about his engagement.

Brando brings Sasha a pillow, and asks if it’s too much sun. Does she want anything from the bar? She says she’s good, and thanks him. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, no… yeah… no… yes. He doesn’t want to invade her space, but he hasn’t seen a lot of her lately. She says she’s been busy, and it’s not like she’s seen a lot of him either. He says she didn’t tell him about her last check-up, but maybe she wanted him to stay away.

Chase says Dante just came back to the PCPD, and he’s already racking up demerits? Dante says, no, not him, and Chase asks, what’s going on? Is this even about work? Dante says, it’s about a woman.

Sam asks when Jason and Carly even decided they wanted to marry each other, and he says she knows Carly’s his best friend. She says, and he was able to express his feelings after Sonny died? He says they both know what it was like losing Sonny, and both have an empty space in their lives. She says, a shared loss, and he says, yeah. She says, and nothing else, and he says, they understand each other. They know what they’re getting into. She says she knows all about that. She’s always known where he and Carly stood with each other. First in line, ahead of everybody else. She walks away.

Carly tells Maxie that she’s not worried, and sits down. Maxie says, good. Then congratulations on her engagement. She knows Carly and Jason will make each other very happy. They’ve been friends for a long time, which is why she’s not too surprised. Carly thanks her, but says she really wanted to talk about Maxie. She’s not sure if Maxie is aware, but when Michael was a baby, he was kidnapped. Maxie says she knows; by her Uncle Tony. She knows the family lore. Carly says, the point being, she kind of knows what Maxie is going through, so if she needs a shoulder to cry on, Carly’s are available. She knows the police and the FBI are searching for Peter, but if there’s anything she and Jason can do, please let her know. Maxie thanks her, and Sam joins them, saying, sorry to keep Maxie waiting. She asks if she can speak with Carly for a second, and Carly says, of course (🍷). They step aside, and Sam takes Carly’s hands. She says she knows Carly and Jason wouldn’t have gotten engaged if there weren’t some sort of good reason, or if she hadn’t lost Sonny. So if there’s anything she can do to help, please let her know. Carly says, yeah, and Sam goes back to the table.

Nina says it’s sweet of Willow to say she made an impact on Wiley’s life, but she’s been away for so long, he’s had to get used to her all over again. Willow tells her not to sell herself short. Wiley knows when the people around him love him. He’s crazy about her. Nina says she was worried when she came back to Port Charles, that Wiley would run screaming from this stranger, but Willow says, that wasn’t going to happen. She picks up a digital photo album, and says, it was important that Wiley know who both of his grandmas are. Nina sees photo of Carly, then herself, and Willow says, she and Michael call this Wiley’s family. They tell Wiley about her all the time. Because Nina is his family.

Phyllis tells Valentin that Nina is staying with her and her husband in Nixon Falls. He says, that’s where Nina went when she was told she couldn’t see her grandson, and Phyllis says, Wiley. He thanks her for helping Nina, and she says, it wasn’t only her and Lenny. Mike had a lot to do with it as well. He says, Mike?

Sonny ponders the cap some more, when Lenny walks in with the doctor. Sonny asks if Lenny is done with the tests, and says he’ll get Phyllis. Lenny says, don’t, and Sonny asks, why? Lenny hesitates, and Sonny says, it’s bad, isn’t it?

Brook asks what they think; hold their noses and buy this guy off? Ned says, Austin is in this for his father, the late, not so great, Jimmy Lee Holt, and Brook asks if Ned ever met him. What was this guy like? Ned says he’s only heard stories, but what he does know for sure is, when Jimmy Lee left Port Charles for Pawtuck, grandfather washed his hands of him. Which is why when he wrote his will, he specifically said, Jimmy Lee and his heirs get nothing. Brook says, so if they give Austin some stock, they’re literally violating great-grandfather’s final wish, and Ned says, yes. Michael says, so they can’t buy him off, they can’t let him retain any stock… They’ve got to win him over.

Monica tells Austin that she was sorry to hear about Jimmy Lee’s passing. May she ask how? He says, in the end, it was the COPD. Not a pleasant ending he’s afraid. She says, no it wouldn’t be, and he says, there was nothing he could do to help ease his father’s passing. He could barely talk, but it didn’t stop him from asking about Edward. Monica says, after all these years. She hadn’t realized how much Jimmy Lee’s estrangement from Edward weighed on him. Austin says, he was on his deathbed, wondering how he had offended his father, begging for a chance to know how to make it right. She says, so now Austin wants to make it up to Jimmy Lee by getting a seat at the ELQ table that was denied him, right? He says, like it or not, he’s family, and he’s not going to let her, or any of the other Quartermaines, tell him otherwise.

Sasha asks why Brando thinks she doesn’t want him around, and he says, she’s busy with Deception… He pulls a chair up and sits down, saying, and then there’s his mom. Sasha asks, how is his roomie? and he says, full of unwanted advice. She asks if Gladys is the one who told him that she doesn’t want him in the baby’s life, and he asks if his mom is right. She says she wishes Gladys hadn’t said that to him, and he says he wishes he could feel better about her answer, but his mom isn’t entirely wrong, is she?

Jason asks Carly what Sam said, and Carly says, they have her support. It’s better than being damned to hell. She imagines Sam’s not too excited about their engagement. He says, Sam hasn’t told Danny. She figured he should be the one to explain. Carly asks what he’s going to say, and he says he’s going to tell Danny that they’re doing what they think is right, and that he loves Danny, and nothing is going to change. He’ll always be Danny’s father. She says, sounds good to her, and he asks her to tell him again exactly what happened with Joey Novak. She says, okay, but she doesn’t understand. She thought he said he wasn’t worried. He says, he’s not, but this guy could do something stupid; something that requires a response. She says, whatever Jason did hurt Joey’s pride, because he got up in her face and said, tell your fiancé he isn’t as secure as he thinks he is. He asks what she said, and she says she told Joey to say it to Jason’s face. Then she went to text him, but Brando stepped in, and Brando really knows what he’s doing. He says, maybe Brando saw her and thought she was going to throw down with Joey, and stepped in to do a good deed. She says, and if she would have thrown down? He says he would have backed her, but he’s glad it didn’t get that far. She says, her too, and he says he has to go see Monica. He’ll see Carly back at the house. He kisses her cheek, and she makes a soap face I can’t decipher. Maybe confused is the closest description.

Sonny asks how soon Lenny starts treatment, and the doctor says she’ll set up a series of appointments for him. She asks if Lenny has any questions, but Lenny says, not at the moment. She says she’ll give them some privacy, and leaves. Sonny says he’s going to get Phyllis, but Lenny says, she’s talking to some stranger. Let’s leave her be. Sonny says, Phyllis has to know, and Lenny says, she will, but she came here looking for hope. Let her hang on to that hope for another minute before he takes it away from her.

Phyllis tells Valentin, Mike works for her and Lenny in Nixon Falls. They own a bar called the Tan-O. Valentin says, and this Mike was helpful to Nina, was he? and Phyllis says, extremely. Anna returns, and asks if she’s interrupting, but Phyllis says, it’s perfectly all right. She has to check on her husband. Valentin says it was nice to meet her, and she says, him as well, and leaves. Anna asks, who was that? and he says, a friend of Nina’s. She says, small world, and he says, isn’t it? He asks where she’s been; he was worried about her. She says she has a lead on the pilot.

Dante tells Rocco, fifteen minutes, and sits back down next to Chase. He sees two umbrella drinks, blue in color, and asks, what the hell is that? Chase hands Dante one, and says, one sip of this baby, and he’ll be singing the name of the girl of his dreams. Dante says he’s still not going to talk, and Chase says, Dante is a cop; he knows how this goes. The harder a witness tries not to give a straight answer, the more they have to hide.

Maxie asks if everything is okay with Jason, and Sam asks if Maxie means how she feels about him marrying Carly. Maxie says she did hear Sam torched some of his belongings, and Sam says, wow, word gets around fast. Actually, she’s fine. It makes sense for Jason and Carly to get married. Maxie asks if Sam has been seeing Doc, and Sam says she doesn’t need a shrink. Really. She’s at peace with it. But it didn’t hurt to burn some of the mementos of the bad old days. Maxie says if it were her, the only way she’d feel peaceful about it is if she had someone to go home to, and Sam flashes back to Dante kissing her. She says, that wouldn’t help as much as she thinks, and Maxie asks why she’d say that. Does she have a man?

Brando says he and Sasha were doing so well when she shared their baby’s ultrasound with him. Then she went radio silent. He can’t help but wonder was it something he said or did? She says he’s been nothing but thoughtful and dependable, and he asks her not to give him that whole it’s not you it’s me speech. She says, okay, she won’t. Because it is him. He says he wasn’t expecting that, and she says, he’s exactly the kind of man she’d want to raise a child with. But if her choice is to raise this baby by herself, or to raise it with a man who’s working for the Corinthos family mob, or any mob, there is no choice.

Nina says, Willow has a picture of her and Wiley, and Willow says, she and Michael are always looking at the family album with Wiley and talking to him about his family. They want to make sure their son has relationships with everyone, even those he doesn’t see very often. Nina says, that’s really wonderful. Still, Wiley must wonder why his grandma Nina was away so long. Willow says, Wiley was at the playground a couple months ago. He fell and scraped his knee, and had to take it easy for a while. She told him that his Grandma Nina had a boo-boo of her own, and that’s why she had to go away. She had to take it easy too. Nina says, and if Wiley asks if she’s all better? and Willow asks what she’ll say. Nina tells Willow that she’ll say that she is. There’s a knock at the door, and Willow opens it to Carly, who says, Michael asked her to come by, but she wanted to see her grandson first. She realizes Nina is there.

Michael says, the closer Austin gets to them, the less likely he’ll wage war. Ned says, a charm offensive, but Brook says she has a better idea. Why don’t they hire a P.I.? Michael says, they don’t have time for an in-depth investigation into Austin’s background, and Ned says, especially when there’s no guarantee they’ll find anything defamatory. Michael says, Austin’s goal is Quartermaine recognition of his father, so why not give it to him? But Ned is the CEO-in-waiting, so it’s his decision.

Monica tells Austin, why fight a family when you can be part of it, right? He asks if she’s offering him shares of ELQ, and she laughs, saying, no. It’s not even in her control. Besides she doesn’t think he’d be all that happy with just shares. He says it wouldn’t make him happy or unhappy; it would make him family. When his father was disowned by Edward, the rest of the family never gave him a second thought. He thinks it would have been different if his father had shares of ELQ, and a vote to cast. She tells him, he said ELQ was family, and family is ELQ. He says, isn’t it? and she says he can ask her son Jason how he feels about ELQ. Jason approaches, and she says, and he’s still very much a part of the family.

Willow tells Carly, Nina has a pool date with Wiley today, but he’s still napping. Willow goes upstairs to check on him, and Carly says, Wiley has such a full schedule, she should have made an appointment first. Nina says, maybe after Carly talks to Michael, she could join them at the pool, but Carly says she doesn’t want to intrude. Nina says, it’s no intrusion. She’s sure Wiley would love having both his grandmother’s around. Plus it will give her a chance to toast Carly’s engagement.

While Austin is on the hospital phone, Monica tells Jason, Edward’s libido strikes again. Austin’s father, Jimmy Lee Holt, was the product of a dalliance between Edward and a woman named Beatrice LeSeur. Jason asks what Austin wants, and she says, he wants to be a Quartermaine. Jason says, is he? and she says, he brought his birth certificate and a DNA test to prove it. He asks if she wants him to shut this down, and she says, would he? Unless he’d prefer to keep his distance. He says, no. He’s happy to help.

Ned sees no reason why they can’t welcome Austin, until they figure out a way to shut him down, but Brook says, wrong. They don’t have time to welcome the good doctor into the family fold. He’s dangerous. Ned asks, how so? and she flashes back to Maxie wondering what if Austin got a glimpse of her and saying that everything might come back to him if he sees her. Ned asks, what makes Brook think Austin is anything more than a potential problem for ELQ? What does she know about this man that he and Michael don’t?

Anna tells Valentin, she showed her WSB badge to the head of human resources, and told her that David Hopkins was a person of interest. He says, and? and Anna says, they told her that he was at Ryan’s bar. He says, the one they just left? and she says, yes, opposite the hospital. He goes there after finishing his shift. He says, let’s go, but she grabs his arm, and says, she feels like a subtle approach is going to be necessary for this, so she wants to do this alone.

Maxie says, Sam does have a man in her life. Good for her. Who is he? Does she know him? How long has this been going on? Sam tells her, calm down. There’s nothing to tell. Maxie says, please. She has very little joy in her life, so she needs something to be happy about. Sam says, all right. There is a guy. Maxie says she knew it. Details please. Sam says, they kissed, and Maxie says, oh my God. What happened? Sam says, it wasn’t a big deal. She’d just found out Jason and Carly were getting married, she was totally wasted, they kissed, and it doesn’t count. Maxie asks if she’s kissed anyone else since she and Jason split, and Sam says, eww, no (because she’s five). Maxie says, then the kiss definitely counts.

Chase asks if he knows her, and Dante says, what part of he’s not talking doesn’t Chase understand? Chase asks if Dante wants to quickly cough something up. It’s better to just get it over with. Dante says, it was a weird night. She was in a rough place, and they got to talking. That’s all; it was nothing. Chase says, but Dante thinks it could be something? Maybe this mystery girl could turn into something if Dante gives it a chance.

Phyllis apologizes for taking so long, and asks if she missed Dr. Kishore. Lenny says, he’s afraid so, and she asks what the doctor said. What’s going on with his heart? Sonny puts his hand on Lenny’s shoulder, and Lenny says, it’s not his heart. It’s cancer. Phyllis starts to cry, and Sonny hugs her.

Dante says Chase wasn’t there; he was. She was in a bad place. He’s not going to be the guy who takes advantage of something like that. Chase says, sorry, and Dante says, Chase gets a get-out-of-jail-free pass since he’s on the newlywed train, and thinks everyone is wandering around all happy and in love just because he is. Chase says he highly recommends happiness, and if Dante ever gets another chance at it, do himself a favor and take it. Dante says he doesn’t know if it’s in the cards for him, but it would be nice.

Sam tells Maxie, okay, the kiss counts. Happy now? Maxie says, no, not yet. She’s going to dwell vicariously on this. Sam says, there’s nothing to dwell about. Maxie asked her there for a reason. What is it, and what can Sam do for her? Maxie says she needs to ask Sam a favor. She’s taking Georgie and James to Texas to visit her family for a while. Sam says, so she can stop worrying about Louise for a while? and Maxie says, and Peter. She needs to catch her breath, and put herself back together, and she can’t do it in Port Charles with everyone walking on eggshells around her. Sam asks what she can do for Maxie, and Maxie says she wants Sam to keep an eye on Spinelli. Ellie left him, and since Maxie is going to have Georgie with her, he’s going to need looking after. Sam says, poor Spinelli. Go to Texas, don’t worry about him. She’ll look after him.

Austin asks Jason where Monica is, and Jason says, she had a meeting. Austin says that he and Jason have something in common. He understands they’re both from the illegitimate branch of the Quartermaine tree, but Jason says, it doesn’t make him care any less about his family. Austin asks if he cares about ELQ, and Jason says, if it matters to them, it matters to him. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect them both; the family and the company.

Brook wonders why Austin is suddenly claiming rights to his family now. Something happened where now he thinks it’s the right time to fleece the Qs. Ned says he gets it. Brook is still trying to make up for selling her shares to Valentin, but she’s more than redeemed herself. There is no evidence that Austin is this threat she’s afraid he is.

Sasha says she overheard Brando’s mother say that he could be Jason’s righthand man, and Brando says he respects Jason. There’s worse people to work for. He worked for one. Sasha says, he only took the job with Cyrus to spy on him for Sonny and Jason, but she got close to Cyrus too, and almost died because of it. But at the time, she had no one to protect;  now she does. That’s all the reason she needs not to set foot in that world again. Is that enough reason for him? He doesn’t say anything, so she gets up and leaves.

Valentin asks if Anna is saying he can’t be subtle, and she says, yes. A woman on her own is far more approachable than a woman accompanied by a man. He tells her, play it any way she wants to, but there’s no way in hell he’s letting her go in there by herself without a wingman. She says, great, but they do it her way, and he says, she’s the boss.

Phyllis takes Lenny’s hand, and he tells her, Dr. Kishore decided to look further than his heart. He had a scan, and there’s a mass on his pancreas. She says, how large? and he says, it’s pretty far gone. Sonny says, that doesn’t mean Lenny doesn’t have options. The doctor said there’s chemotherapy, there’s surgery… Lenny says, that could put them in the poorhouse. He’s not going to do that to her. He leaves, and Sonny tells Phyllis, it’s all right, and she follows Lenny.

Nina says, Jax mentioned that Carly and Jason got engaged, and Carly says, she’s sure Jax did more than just mention it. Nina says he’s worried about Carly, and Carly says, for no reason. Her engagement to Jason, that’s the way things are supposed to be. Nina says, okay. She guesses it’s been a long time coming. Nina’s phone rings. She sees it’s Mike/Sonny, and ignores the call. Carly says she’s going to go talk to Michael, and Nina says, Carly… Carly turns back, and Nina thanks Carly for giving her time with Wiley. Carly says, the way their grandson smiles at Nina, it’s clear she makes him very happy.

Carly leaves, and Nina calls Sonny back. She says she’s sorry she didn’t answer his call earlier (like, literally two seconds ago), and he says he’s sorry to bother her. He didn’t want to make this call. She asks, why? What’s wrong? He says they need her; Phyllis, Lenny, and him. Is there any way she could come home?

On Monday, Maxie tells Brook, he could blow their whole story wide open; Spencer tells Nikolas, maybe it’s a bigger deal than he thinks; and Valentin has someone pinned to the bar with their arm behind their back.

🧔 Who’s Your Daddy…

All about Todd Franco Austin’s father.

🎼 Our Funny Valentin…

He doesn’t just sing at the Nurses Ball.

🧼 Soap Sunday…

See what else your favorites have been up to.

🐇 Kim Cameo…

But will she bring the bunny?

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/andy-cohen-teases-possible-kim-richards-cameo-rhobh-season-11

👠 Not So Pretty Mess…

The divorce saga continues.

Trustee Sues Erika Jayne For $25 Million, Accuses RHOBH Star of Hiding Money For Thomas Girardi and Demands She Return Jewelry, Money, and Assets Fraudulently Transferred to Her

https://people.com/tv/erika-girardi-accused-of-using-her-notoriety-to-hide-assets/

⚖️ Get On the Scale…

If Bethenny is crazy, I don’t want to be sane.

https://okmagazine.com/p/bethenny-frankel-difficult-scale-of-crazy-says-shark-tank-star-kevin-oleary/

📉 Ratings Nosedive…

While I probably wouldn’t miss Ramona, I don’t think she’s the reason for the ratings being down. I think the audience is ready for fewer fights and more fun. Although I think NYC is the least offensive of the franchise.

https://okmagazine.com/p/rhony-ramona-singer-fired-eboni-k-williams-downplay-drama-ratings-plummet/

👗 Porter’s Debut…

But will she inherit Sutton’s wardrobe?

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/14/sutton-stracke-will-always-remember-filming-with-her-daughter/

https://screenrant.com/rhobh-about-sutton-stracke-daughter-porter-stracke/

👏 Clapping Back…

Leah is not having it.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6493808/leah-mcsweeney-claps-back-at-critics-shaming-race-conversations-

👰🏼 It’s Only Been 20 Years…

Emma Bunton finally ties the knot with her long-time love and the father of her children. Loving the dress.

https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/3280987/emma-bunton-jade-jones-relationship-married-kids/

https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/20210714117505/emma-bunton-jade-jones-wedding-dress-secret-detail/

💃🏽 Tell Me What You Want…

Where my guilty pleasure is now.

https://www.distractify.com/p/spice-girls-now

🏆 An Award Named Emmy…

All the nominations. You can find the categories in the drop-down menu.

https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2021

🐅 Be There Or Be a Rectangle…

This Sunday at 2 pm, check out the Mupo and Friends interview with The Beastmaster himself. And I helped.

👄 Quotes of the Week

Love what you have. Need what you want. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Always remember, what goes around, comes around…  – Unknown

For most of us the problem isn’t that we aim too high and fail – it’s just the opposite – we aim too low and succeed.Sir Ken Robinson, English Author, Speaker and Education Advocate

A woman once drove me to drink, and I never had the decency to thank her.Sir Winston Churchill

You’re the perfect candidate for a total disaster. – Dr. Terry Dubrow, Botched

An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. – Mahatma Gandhi

Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – Roald Dahl

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. – Albert Einstein

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

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles. – Audrey Hepburn

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying. – Oscar Wilde

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

👩🏽‍💼 See You Around the Water Cooler…

It’s here again, those two days we used to, and might again, call the weekend. Regardless of what you’re calling it these days, make sure you stay safe, stay discriminating, and stay knowing a dog will never disappoint you.  

June 4, 2021 – A Standoff Ends, Busy, In Jersey, Fiesta, Cut Short, Blocked, Logging Off, Tiffany Talks, Landlord LuAnn, Real Homes, New Addition, More GoT, Furbabies, New Shows, Missing, 2×7 Quotes & Out

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

For the first time this week, Peter does not lie at the bottom the stairs, blood pooling around his head.

Maxie gets out of bed, and puts on a robe. She looks out her room window and sees Brook with Louise. Brook holds Louise up so Maxie can see her, and Maxie comes out of her room. Valentin comes along, and says, that’s… Brook says, their little girl. He says, my daughter, and she says, yeah. Maxie watches.

Britt comes down the stairs of the lighthouse in the dark, holding a bat or a paddle or something. The front door opens, but as she’s about to swing, she sees Obrecht. She says, mom, and Obrecht says, hello, liebchen.

Olivia finds Jax in the living room. He apologizes for the late visit, and says he was trying to get ahold of Michael. He heard shots had been fired at the docks, and hoped Michael wasn’t caught up in all that. She says, Michael is fine. Willow just called to check in. Their plan was to come in late, grab Wiley, and go to the gatehouse. Good thing that kid sleeps like a log. He says, good to hear, and asks how Wiley is. She says, that kid is great. She swears, he learns something new every day. Jax says, and Nina is missing all of it.

On the phone at the jail, Carly tells Michael that she’s with Jason. She’s trying to get Diane to work her magic, and get the DA’s office to formally drop the charges. Michael says, it should be pretty straightforward, now that Gladys has recanted her statement, and said it was Peter she saw, not Jason. She says she hopes so, and he says he’s just glad she’s okay, and Jason doesn’t have to run anymore. She says, her too, and he asks if there’s any word on Cyrus. She says, not yet, but it’s only a matter of time before Jordan finds him.

Jordan wants the SWAT team to go in, but Doc asks her to let him try calling once more. She asks if he thinks he can get through to Cyrus, and he says, it’s worth a shot. Laura hasn’t used the code word yet. She must still think she can make some headway. Jordan tells him, okay; one more try.

The phone rings, and Laura tells Cyrus, he’s the one who’s in control. He can decide to let everyone walk away from this completely unharmed, like he decided to let Portia and Trina go. He says, that damn ringing, and goes over to the phone. She says, just pick it up; tell them what he wants.

Curtis asks Trina where her mother is, and Trina says, she’s giving her statement to the police. He says, then he’s going to need Trina’s help.

Valentin asks if the baby is all right, and Brook says, she’s safe and sound. Maxie turns away, and Valentin asks, what happened? Brook says she was on her way to Bensonhurst when her water broke. He says, in the car? and she says, yes. Does she need to go into detail?

Finn sees Maxie, and she collapses in his arms.

Britt asks why Obrecht broke in, and Obrecht says she didn’t know if Britt was sleeping. She didn’t want to wake her. Britt says, giving her a heart attack is so much better, and Obrecht says her Britta is made of stronger stuff. Britt says she could have hurt Obrecht, and Obrecht says, she’s made of stronger stuff. Britt says, it’s good to see her, and Obrecht says, it’s good to see Britt too. She seems well for someone on the run. Britt says, they were so careful with covering their tracks; how did Obrecht find her? Obrecht says, Mr. Morgan called her.

Jason asks how Michael is, and Carly says, it’s been an eventful night. She wonders what’s taking the DA’s office so long, and he says, it’s not exactly regular business hours. She says she doesn’t care. He shouldn’t have been there to begin with; she wants him out. He says, okay, he’s going to get out, and she says, not soon enough. It’s been insane without him, and she’s so sorry she made him run. He says they’ve been over this, and she says, in her defense, he would have gotten away clean if he hadn’t gone back in to get Britt. He says he had to, and she says she knows. She finally gets what he means. When a plan’s in motion, it can twist in unexpected ways. She’s sorry she pushed him to escape. He says, it’s okay, and she promises never to put him in that position again. He gives her a look, and she says she’ll try not to put him in that position again. How’s that? He says he’ll take it.

Valentin says Brook gave birth in some hotel with a random doula? Why didn’t she call him? She says she did, but he says he means sooner, when she went into labor. She says she was a little busy, and he says she’s lucky. Things could have gone very poorly. She says, they didn’t, and he says, thank God. She asks if he wants to hold the baby, and he says, very much. He sits, and she puts the baby in his arms. She says, Bailey, it’s your daddy, and he says, Bailey? She says, Bailey Lois Quartermaine, and he says, hello, Bailey; nice to meet you. He tells Brook, she’s beautiful, and Brook says, she knows. He says, she’s tiny and she’s perfect.

With Maxie back in bed, Finn says she’s had blood loss from childbirth, and needs to replenish her fluids. Elizabeth says she knows how impossible it must feel, waiting for word on Louise. Willow appears, and says, waiting for word? What happened? Maxie says, her daughter is gone, and Elizabeth says, the nurse Peter hired kidnapped Maxie, induced labor, and ran off with her baby. Willow says she’s sure they’ll find her, and Elizabeth says, they have to. Maxie says she just wants the baby as far away from Peter as possible.

Jordan says, it’s not working, but Doc tells her, just wait. Cyrus finally answers, and Doc thanks him for picking up. He asks if Laura is all right, and Cyrus says, she’s fine, for now. If he wants her to stay that way, they’ll clear the road and get him that car. Doc says they can work on that, and Cyrus yells, stop stalling, and do it! Just remember, whatever happens to him, happens to Laura too. They go down together. I have to mention, Cyrus looks a lot more haggard today, even though it’s really only a few minutes later from yesterday.

Taggert asks what exactly is Curtis talking about, but Trina tells him, it’s okay. She wants to help if she can. Curtis says he needs to know the layout of the house. Are they any other ways to get in besides the front and back doors? A cellar door maybe? She says he can climb in through her bedroom window; it’s closed, but not locked. He says he needs to know exactly where that is.

A SWAT guy tells Jordan, it’s her call. What does she want them to do? She says, they’ll give Cyrus what he wants.

Carly asks if Jason has talked to Britt. He sits on his cot, and Carly says she’s sure Britt would like to know he’s okay. She’s never been a fan of Britt’s. Britt’s done a lot of horrible things to a lot of people, but people said the same thing about her. He says, Britt saved his life, and she says she knows. What she’s trying to tell him is, her opinion of Britt has definitely changed.

Britt says, Jason called Obrecht? Why? Obrecht says, he wasn’t exactly chatty. He just said she was safe, and gave her an address where she could find Britt. Britt smiles, and says, huh, and Obrecht says, now’s the time to share. Give her all the juicy details. They sit, and Britt says, all that matters is, Jason saved her life… and she saved his. Obrecht smiles, and Britt says, what? Obrecht says, nothing, but Britt says, don’t nothing her; say it. Obrecht says, after wasting her time with men like Nikolas and Patrick Drake, Britt finally met her match.

Olivia hands Jax a drink, and says, it occurred to her that with Sonny gone, and Jason busy with other things, Carly might have stepped into the family business. She wonders if she’d do that, but doesn’t know, since she’s never been in that position. He says he only cares about his daughter’s safety, so whatever Carly is doing, he hopes it’s over sooner rather than later.

Michael heads for Maxie’s room, and Willow tells Maxie that she’s safe there. Elizabeth says Maxie doesn’t have to worry about Peter, but Maxie says she doesn’t know that. Elizabeth says, the police are looking for him; he’s not going to come back here. Finn flashes back to arguing with Peter, and Peter throwing the antidote off the roof. Maxie wishes Peter had just disappeared… forever.

Brook tells the baby that she passed her check-up with flying colors; good work, baby girl. Valentin says she should be checked also, and she says she will, but not tonight. It’s late and she’s tired. He says, tomorrow, and she agrees. He says, how about they get their daughter home? As they walk, they come face-to-face with Austin.

Cyrus asks if Laura thinks he’s an idiot, but she says, no. He asks if she thinks he believes for one moment they’re going to give him what he wants. They’re just stringing him along until they can get a sniper to take him out. That’s not happening. She asks him to listen to her, for just a minute. He says it’s her fault really. All he wanted was to be her brother, and to bask in one ounce of the love she has for everyone else. She says, he wants her love, does he? He says, yes, and she says, then earn it, damn you. She would have helped him if he’d been just the tiniest bit sorry for what he did; if he was just the tiniest bit willing to let someone help him, but no. He wants to bond with her, while he charges the rest of the damn world. He says, so it’s all on him, and she says, it doesn’t have to be. Not yet. He still has time. He can still redeem himself. Turn himself in.

Curtis slips into Trina’s bedroom window, and checks his gun. Laura tells Cyrus, turn himself in. If he does that, she will stand beside him. He says, little sister, it’s far too late.

Valentin asks if Brook is all right, and she flashes back to seeing Austin unconscious in the woods. She says she just got a little startled. Sorry. Austin says, no worries. Congratulations. Brook says, what? and Austin says he can’t see his or her face, but he’s sure the baby is just beautiful. Valentin thanks him, and Austin says he’s looking for room 401; any ideas? Valentin points him in the right direction, and Austin sees a sign that says, Pediatrics: Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries/Neonatal Intensive Care.

Michael tells Maxie that he’s sorry, and the Quartermaines will help in any way they can. She thanks him, and Willow says, they’ll leave so she can rest. In the hallway, Michael says, Maxie must be losing her mind, and Willow says she almost feels guilty going home to Wiley. He asks if she’s still taking Wiley to the gatehouse, and she says not if Michael thinks they’ll wake him. Michael says, Wiley slept through a fire alarm when Cook started a grease fire, and she says, good point. (Wiley isn’t my kid, is he? I slept through a hurricane.) He says, home? and she says, home. They get in the elevator.

Elizabeth tells Maxie that she needs to get some sleep. Maxie says, and let her guard down? What if Peter comes back? Elizabeth says she told Maxie, it’s not going to happen, and Maxie asks how she knows that. Finn says he does. Peter’s not going to bother her again. He can’t.

Britt says Obrecht is being ridiculous, and Obrecht says, is she? Britt says, Jason isn’t her match; they’re not anything. Obrecht says, just two people on the run together, and Britt says, exactly. Obrecht asks if she had sex with him, and Britt says, mom. Obrecht says, did she? Britt says of course (🍷) she didn’t, covering her smile, and Obrecht says she knew it. And? Britt says, and it was amazing. It doesn’t mean anything. She knows how these situations are; everything’s heightened, people are drawn to each other when they normally wouldn’t be. Obrecht says, right. Men like that are brute instruments. Good in the sack, as they say, but no one to plan a future with. Britt says, actually – Obrecht says, she’s wrong? – Jason did something for her that was, in a way, just as important as saving her life. He helped her face something that she’d been running from for years. Obrecht asks, what is that? and Britt says she lied.

Jason asks, what happened at the meeting with the Five Families microwaveable pasta meals? and she says she told him; they backed her. He says, that’s it? and she asks if he thinks she screwed up somehow. He says, no, she did great. She kept the family safe while he was gone. He would expect nothing less. She puts her hand over his and says, he’s always the one who believes in her, and he says, he always will.

Cyrus says Laura has no idea what she’s asking. She wants him to go back to prison with no Jordan to pressure, no blackmail to use – Curtis is now in the hallway, seeing if he can get a clear shot – just spend the rest of his days rotting in that hellhole. Ten years was an infinity. He can’t go back; he’s never going back. He paces, and groans, and says, what a life. Whether she admits it or not, they’re just wild creatures who can’t be contained. As Curtis sneaks around behind Cyrus, Laura asks what he means. What is he going to do? Laura sees Curtis and gasps, and Cyrus grabs her. He tells Curtis, drop the gun, or she dies. Curtis says, take it easy, Cyrus, and puts his gun on the floor. Cyrus shoots him, and Curtis drops. Cyrus walks over to him and says, that’s enough out of him. In the meantime, Jordan comes through the front door, and shoots Cyrus.

Willow pours some wine for Michael and herself, and he asks if she’s okay. With Maxie and all, it couldn’t have been easy for her. She says, her? Maxie is the one who lost her little girl. He says he didn’t know if it brought up any memories, and she says, seeing Maxie alone in that hospital bed, she remembers that feeling; the emptiness, the ache. First, when she gave her baby up, and later, learning that he had died. Michael takes her hand, and she says, sorry. He asks, why? and she says she doesn’t know. She hugs him, and says she’s just happy he’s there with her. He says, him too.

Britt says, when she told Obrecht that she’d been screened for Huntington’s, and that she didn’t have it, that was a lie. She didn’t do the test. She chickened out. Obrecht says, the truth is, it’s Britt’s decision whether she wants to know or not. She should never have pressured her. Britt says, for years now, it’s been in the back of her mind, wondering, did she have it or didn’t she have it? Then it moved to the front of her mind, and eventually, it began taking over her life. Every ache, every pain, wondering, is this it? Is this the beginning of the end? She wound up telling Jason that she might have it, and he was amazing. He didn’t try to tell her what to do, or jump in with advice on how she should run her life. Obrecht says, he listened, and Britt says, he even talked a little too. Obrecht laughs, and asks what he said. Britt says, if it suffocates you, instead of frees you, then you should find out, and she knew in that instant, she needed to know. Obrecht says, she got the test? and Britt says she did. She has the genetic marker for Huntington’s. Obrecht takes her hand.

A guard comes in and unlocks Jason’s cell. Carly says, the charges were dropped? and he says, Jason is free to go. Carly runs in the cell, and hugs Jason, saying, let’s get you out of here, and get you home. On their way out, Carly’s phone dings, and she says, oh my God. They have to go to the hospital. She’ll explain to him on the way. She jets, and Jason heaves such a huge sigh, I literally lol, and he follows her.

Finn tells Maxie, there’s something she needs to know, when Austin knocks on the door, and comes in. He says, sorry to interrupt, but he just wanted to check on the patient. Miss Maxie, how are you? Maxie says, fine, and tells him to come in. She tells Finn and Elizabeth, this is the man who delivered Louise. Can they believe she managed to find a doctor in the middle of the woods? Elizabeth says, only you, Maxie, and Finn says, it’s nice to meet you, Doctor…? and Austin says, he’s off-duty, so just Austin. Elizabeth asks if Finn has time for a consult, and they leave. Okay, I’ll just say it. I guess we’re just ignoring the fact that Austin looks exactly like Todd Franco. Maxie asks how Austin’s head is doing, and he says it’s still on his shoulders. She says, that’s a plus, and he agrees. He says he’s sorry he didn’t come to sooner. He might have been able to help her out with that nurse. If he’d done that, she’d have her baby in her arms right now.

Valentin opens the door for Brook to go into the mansion, and Olivia squeals, Brook had the baby? Nobody told her. Valentin says, things move quickly; it’s hard to keep up. Olivia runs over to Brook and the baby, and says, oh my goodness. Brook says, Bailey, meet your grandmother, Olivia, and Olivia says, she is a literal angel. Olivia asks, what happened? Is Brook okay? Brook asks if they can go in the living room; she needs to sit down. Olivia says, anything Brook needs, just say the word, and helps her to the living room. Jax tells Valentin, congratulations, and Valentin thanks him. Jax says Valentin has a daughter. He’s a lucky man. He holds out his hand, and they shake.

Laura tells Jordan, come in, and Jordan runs to Curtis, asking for something to stop the blood. Laura finds some gauze, and Jordan yells for someone to get Portia. Doc runs in, and hugs Laura, saying, thank God. She says she’s fine; help Curtis. Doc checks Curtis’s pulse, and says it’s thready. Laura tells Curtis, hang in there, and glares at Cyrus, who’s sitting up against a chair, and I’m wondering why someone hasn’t hauled him off yet.

Taggert goes over to Trina and Portia, who asks, what happened? He says, Cyrus is down, and Portia says, it’s over. She hugs Trina, and an officer comes out. He tells Portia that she’s needed inside, and she goes with him.

Jordan tells Curtis, stay with her, and Doc says, his pulse is weaker. Portia runs in, and Laura tells her that Curtis has been shot. While Portia tends to Curtis, Doc takes Laura over to the side, and asks if she’s all right. She says she’s fine, thanks to Curtis. Portia looks at Curtis’s wound, and asks Jordan to help her roll him over, so she can see if the bullet came out the other side. She takes a look, and they move him back the way he was, and Portia tells Jordan, keep pressure on the wound. Jordan says, save him, please, and tells Curtis to open his eyes. Don’t you dare give up on me.

Olivia asks if she can hold Bailey/Louise, and Brook gives her the baby. Olivia says she has to get it in now, because Ned isn’t going to want to let go of her. Brook says, actually, her dad doesn’t know she had the baby, and Olivia says, what?

Obrecht says, this is her fault. Her obsession with Cesar is what led to this. Britt says, no, but Obrecht says, she knows she wasn’t always the best mutter, far from it, especially when Britt was young. But the older Britt got, the prouder Obrecht was of her. So smart, so strong, so capable. Britt has become everything Obrecht asked of her. And the fact that she has this horrible disease, is because Obrecht chose that wretched man to be Britt’s father. Britt says, wow, and Obrecht says she bets Britt never thought of it that way. Britt admits she hadn’t, because it wasn’t Obrecht’s fault. The wow is because this is the first time she’s heard she’s everything Obrecht wanted in a daughter. Obrecht isn’t just saying that because Britt is sick? Obrecht tells Britt, she’s saying it because it’s the truth.

Finn and Elizabeth go to his office, and she says he was going to tell Maxie that Peter was dead, wasn’t he? He says, they can’t leave Maxie terrified that Peter is going to come back, when they both know he won’t. She says, and then what? He gets arrested, and Chase dies because he can’t work on a cure. He says he doesn’t think Maxie would go to the police, but she asks how he knows that. He guesses if Maxie was willing to keep their secret, it would make her an accomplice to murder. He hates seeing her scared and in pain, and Elizabeth agrees it’s awful, but the truth is, telling Maxie about Peter won’t bring back Maxie’s daughter.

Olivia is surprised Brook hasn’t told her father; he’s going to be over the moon. Brook says, it’s been a long day. She’s feeling a bit overwhelmed. Olivia says, that’s totally normal. She’s going to be feeling that way for the next couple of days, or weeks, or even months. When it happens, rely on her family. Brook promises she will, and Jax says he’s really leaving now. Olivia says she’ll walk him out, and starts to give the baby to Brook, but Valentin wants to hold her. Olivia hesitates, and he says, it’s okay. He’s held a baby before. Olivia gives him the baby, and goes with Jax. Valentin says, just wait until Bailey meets her sister. She’s going to fall in love with her like he did.

Michael tells Willow, most people would have closed down. After losing a child, they would have locked up their hearts so they couldn’t be hurt again. But she opened hers to Wiley because she has so much love to give, and he’s so grateful. She says Wiley is the best thing that ever happened to her. One of the best things. He asks if he’s on the list, and she says she’ll check. He is the list. They kiss, and quickly move to getting busy.

At the hospital, Jordan paces, while Taggert sits with Trina. Portia comes out, and says they’re prepping Curtis for surgery. It could be a lengthy procedure. Trina says, but he’s going to be okay, right? Portia says, they don’t know, but they’re doing everything they possibly can. Taggert says, and Cyrus? and Portia says, clean shot through the leg. He’s been admitted, but he’ll survive. Jordan says she has to go. She has to deal with the fallout of what happened. Keep her posted. Portia says, of course (🍷), and Jordan leaves. Portia hugs Trina, and Jason comes in with Carly. Taggert says, welcome home, and Jason asks, what happened with Cyrus? Taggert says, Jordan got him in the leg. Unfortunately, he’s going to survive. Trina says, Curtis might not, and Carly says, Curtis? Portia says, Curtis snuck in, trying to get Laura out before the SWAT team was necessary. Laura and Doc join them, and Laura says, Curtis saved her life.

Elizabeth tells Finn that they need to get to work on a cure, and he says he’s been working. Non-stop. He’s no closer to figuring this out, and they’re running out of time. She says, no, and he says, no, the clock’s not ticking? She says, of course (🍷) the clock’s ticking, but he’s got this. She has faith in him. She wouldn’t have come up with this crazy plan if she didn’t. He says he’s sorry he got her involved in this, but she says she’s not. Peter doesn’t get to take another life. You won’t let him.

Austin says he’ll let Maxie get some rest, and she thanks him for helping her. She’s never going to forget him. He says, that sounds like a goodbye. Is it a goodbye? She says she thought he’d be heading back to Pawtuck, and he says he will, but he wanted to be involved in the search party. He did help bring Louise into this world, and feels vaguely responsible, so he’ll be in touch. He knows those woods like the back of his hand. They’re going to find Louise. He leaves, and Maxie says, that’s what she’s afraid of.

Brook says, this is about as far away from plan as you can get, but of all the guys in the world to be this baby’s father, she’s really glad it’s him. He says, she is? and she says, yeah. The ELQ stock aside, she can tell Valentin really loves her. He says, who wouldn’t? and she says, he’s committed, and he’ll make sure nobody hurts her; that’s all that matters. He says Brook wouldn’t let anyone hurt the baby either. He knows that about her. She says, they’re in this together? and he says, all the way. They’re going to do right by their daughter. They’re going to make Bailey Lois everything, for always. She says, they’re going to give her a really great life, and he asks Bailey/Louise if she hears that. She stirs, and he says, that’s right. I’m talking to you. Aww!

Britt’s phone rings, and she says, Jason? He says, it’s him. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, the charges were dropped. Most importantly, the cops got Cyrus. (I feel the need to point out, ly words are adverbs, so importantly is a word that makes no sense, and it annoys me. It should just be most important. Grammar class over.) She says that’s great, and he is says, it is. Did her mom get there? She says her mom did, and thanks him for that. He says he didn’t want her to be alone, and she asks if there’s any word on Peter. Has he been arrested? He says, not yet, but Cyrus is neutralized, so it’s safe for her to come back home. She says she’ll see him soon, and tells Obrecht, that was Jason. Obrecht says, so she gathered, and Britt says, he’s been exonerated, and Cyrus is in police custody. Obrecht says, so Britt is free to go back to her life, and Britt says, whatever that looks like now. Obrecht says she’s so sorry, but Britt says, at least she knows what she’s dealing with. Obrecht says Britt also has her. She loves Britt so much. Britt says she loves Obrecht too, and they hug.

Carly goes to Cyrus’s guarded room, and looks at him through the window. He sees her, and she smiles. Jordan arrives with Taggert, and tells Carly, Cyrus is in police custody. He’s not going anywhere. Carly says, good, and leaves. Jordan looks through the room window, and Taggert says, she did good today. It took a lot longer than they thought, and cost more than they imagined, but she did good. They finally nailed the bastard.

Portia gives Trina some water, and Doc asks if Laura is sure she doesn’t want to get checked out. She says she’s sure. She’s fine, physically anyway. He says he could hear it in Cyrus’s voice. He knows what someone sounds like when they’re about to crack. She almost died tonight. By God, she is brave. She thanks him, and they exchange I love yous, touching foreheads. He says, do him a favor. Don’t ever do that again. She says she’ll try. She can’t promise though. They hug.

We see a trail of clothing leading to Willow and Michael getting super busy, since they have to make up for lost time. She literally jumps onto him while they’re standing, and in the most awkward move ever, he places her on the bed. Someone watches through the window. Ew.

On Monday, Carly asks why Jax is pushing the issue, Trina tells Curtis that he needs to live, Phyllis asks Nina what’s going on between her and Mike, and Brook wonders where Bailey is.

💍 That Was Fast…

The ink isn’t even dry on the divorce papers, but hey, YOLO.

The rumors:

https://people.com/tv/porsha-williams-fiance-simon-guobadia-claims-estranged-wife-falynn-cheated/

The reactions:

https://www.etonline.com/nene-leakes-and-more-bravo-celebs-react-to-porsha-williams-engagement-to-her-rhoa-co-stars-ex

The birthday party:

https://people.com/tv/porsha-williams-shares-photos-from-fiances-birthday-party/

🙈 Jersey Drama…

Ugh. This guy. He looks like he belongs in The Sopranos. As an underling.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/28/former-rhonj-cast-member-daniel-provenzano-to-pay-222k-to-ex/

Dina isn’t having it.

https://people.com/tv/dina-manzo-slams-nephew-albie-manzo-for-trying-to-make-a-profit-on-his-podcast-over-family-drama-shocking/

🍹 Down In Mexico…

Teresa proves there’s life after Juicy Joe and jail.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/25/teresa-giudice-and-luis-ruelas-pack-on-pda-on-mexico-vacation/

✂️ Cut and Run…

God forbid Heather should be held accountable for her words.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-alum-heather-thomson-why-she-cut-show-return-short-leah-mcsweeney-drama/

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/25/luann-de-lesseps-on-heather-thomsons-rhony-return/

🚫 So This Is a Bad Thing…?

Carole probably did Leah a favor by blocking her.

💬 Taking a Break…

I can’t say as I blame her. While I think Eboni might have been a tad sensitive, LuAnn is an a-hole if she thinks education is based on how many languages you know.

‘RHONY’: Eboni K. Williams Taking Time off Social Media After Luann De Lesseps Feud

🕵🏾‍♀️ Deep Dive…

Dr. Moon – no, not that Dr. Moon, Tiffany – examines racism in the pandemic.

https://www.health.com/mind-body/health-diversity-inclusion/dr-tiffany-moon-celebrity-deep-dive

🏖 Your Summer Sewn Up…

I probably couldn’t afford to rent her garage.

https://guestofaguest.com/hamptons/real-estate/luann-de-lesseps-is-renting-out-her-charming-sag-harbor-home-for-the-summer

🏰 Wifely Real Estate…

I’d need roller skates to live in these houses. Although first, I’d need to learn to roller skate. I’m pretty sad on those things.

https://nypost.com/2021/05/25/the-10-most-expensive-homes-owned-by-the-real-housewives/

🏙 Bringing It To the Table…

It’s too bad I don’t really like her very much.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/22/million-dollar-listing-star-kirsten-jordan-on-why-she-was-cast/

👑 More Games…

A possible House Martell prequel.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-princess-nymeria-prequel-writer/

🐕 Furkids Are Family Too…

Every month is National Pet Month around here.

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/celebrities-with-pets/

📺 Enjoy the Show…

Looks like there are some good ones.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/14-summer-tv-shows-we-cant-wait-to-watch/

👀 Have You Seen Him…?

Please check out this photo of missing actor and playwright Andy Neiman.

https://www.insideedition.com/andy-cohen-asks-for-help-in-finding-childhood-friend-missing-for-2-weeks-67422

📰 Quotes of the Week

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. – Albert Einstein

The mind is like a car battery; it recharges by running. – Bill Watterson

If you’re gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty. – Marilyn Monroe

The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on. – Julia Alvarez

One log won’t burn. – Dr. Phil

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

You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

You are never strong enough that you don’t need help. – Cesar Chavez

More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. – Charlie Chaplin

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. – Rick Warren

Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like ‘struggle.‘ – Fred Rogers

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. – Cicero

If you are going through hell, keep going. – Winston S. Churchill

Man may have discovered fire, but women discovered how to play with it. – Candace Bushnell

🛣 Hitting the Road…

As we head into another weekend, hoping you’re closer to being able to call it a weekend. Unless you’ve made the decision not to label days anymore. Whatever works. The Dead are back on Sunday, but until then, stay safe, stay paying it forward, and stay knowing that when a plan’s in motion, it can twist in unexpected ways.  

May 18, 2021 – Sonny Recognizes Someone, Ramona Gets Busted By Leah, Did She Donate, Fashionable Fashions & Hamptons Magic

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny and Nina get to the Corinth Outlet Mall, and Nina says, this is the place. Sonny says, the first stop on Elijah’s list of real estate acquisitions. She says, it’s the opposite of local charm. The words boring and mundane spring to mind. He says, the word that springs to his mind is corruption.

Carly lets Diane in, and says, before she asks, this is billable. Diane says she’s delighted to hear it. Which of the myriad of situations Carly is handling are they discussing? Carly says, Jason. She thinks she found a way to bring him home.

Britt stands in what looks like a lighthouse, and Jason walks in. She asks how it is, and he says, the perimeter is clear. She says, it certainly is isolated. She’s holding a deck of cards, and he asks what she’s got. She says, they’re in luck. Only the seven of diamonds is missing. She should probably check his stitches and change his bandages, but he says he wants to clean up first. She says she’ll be there, and he goes upstairs. She takes out her phone, and starts to punch in numbers. Jason suddenly appears, and asks who she’s calling.   

Peter shows up at Maxie’s apartment, and says he was so happy to get her message that she wanted to see him. She says she did ask that he call, but never mind. He’s there now. He asks how she’s feeling, and how’s little Louise? She says, they had a rough night. That’s why she wanted to speak to him. He asks if she had contractions, and if they should go to the hospital, but she says, it’s nothing like that. She needs to leave town.

Anna calls Robert, and leaves a message that she needs to talk to him. She’s at the hospital, but she can meet him in 20 minutes. Call her back; it’s important. She hears Finn telling Chase that he’s working around the clock to find a protocol; to make it safe for Chase to go home. Chase says he wants out, but Finn says Chase just had a major setback. Chase suggests they talk about his setback, and talk about his mysterious condition. What is Finn not telling him?   

Willow looks at her phone, and Michael asks, what’s got her so absorbed? She says, she was just researching Chase’s illness. She knows it sounds ridiculous. If Finn can’t figure it out, a Google search isn’t going to be much good. She can’t believe Finn’s found no diagnosis in all this time. Michael asks if she thinks Finn isn’t telling Chase all he knows about Chase’s condition.   

Ned walks into the Quartermaine mansion, as Brook is coming downstairs. She tells him, good morning, and he asks if everyone is alive after Valentin’s first night there. She says she’s seen no signs of bloodshed, but it’s probably the calm before the storm.

Valentin wanders around upstairs, and opens a door. There’s a scream, and Olivia yells, get out! Ned runs upstairs, and Brook says, yeah. That’s more like it.

Willow asks Michael, what if Finn is withholding information about Chase for his own good? He says, like they are? and she says, exactly. She’s in no position to criticize, but she knows Chase wants the truth. Michael says, what if they ask Finn straight out? Would it violate confidentiality? She says, actually, it wouldn’t. Chase told Finn that he wants her informed about his condition, so she has consent. But she doesn’t feel right probing into it with Finn. Michael asks, why? and she says, how much is too much? Chase thinks she’s his girlfriend, and so does everyone else. If she exploits her access to privileged information, it does feel like another lie, and she just can’t do that to Chase.

Finn tells Chase, believe him. He gets no joy in keeping Chase cooped up, and watching him eat orange gelatin. Chase tells him to find out what’s taking so long, and Finn says he’s doing the best he can. He can’t have Chase go back to his apartment, and chance his fever spiking and him having a seizure. He left Chase for five minutes, and came back to a 105 temperature, and Chase delirious. What if Chase is alone and couldn’t get help, and Finn can’t get to him? Chase says Finn will find a way to keep him safe, and Finn says, they have that. It’s called staying in the hospital.

Robert comes out of the elevator, and Anna motions for him to keep his voice down. He says he thought he’d find her there, but she says he didn’t have to come. She could have met him. He says he was at the hospital, interviewing a witness. It sounded important. What’s up? It’s not Chase? She says, no. She called Tiffany, and has some really bad news. Sean passed away. His old friend is gone.

Olivia flies downstairs, and asks why Valentin is strutting around half-naked? He strolled into her bedroom, wearing only a towel and a look of astonishment. What’s going on? What the hell is he doing here? Brook says, Monica didn’t tell her? and she says, tell her what?  Are Valentin and Brook a couple? Brook says, no, but what if they were? Ned says, they’re not. Valentin and Charlotte are living there for the time being. Olivia says, they’re what?

Britt says, she just wants to make one call; it’s important. Maxie is high risk, and she’s Maxie’s OB/GYN. She needs to make sure Maxie is all right. He says, the police could be monitoring her associates. It’s a long shot, but they could be looking at Maxie. She says, that’s why she’ll just be on for a short minute. Come on. She  trusted him all the way to a Canadian lighthouse. Now he needs to trust her.

Diane says, if Carly thought of a way to exonerate Jason, by all means, enlighten her. Carly says, the case relies on Gladys’s claims that she saw Jason getting rid of the murder weapon. They know she’s lying, and if Gladys recants, the case is over. Diane asks why Gladys would do that, and Carly says she’s going to convince Gladys that she’s making a mistake, aligning herself with Cyrus. Diane asks if they’re talking about the same Gladys. Carly can’t appeal to Glady’s better angel. She doesn’t have a righteous bone in her body, and she’s terrified of Cyrus. Does Carly know something she doesn’t? Carly says, Gladys will be singing a different tune when Gladys hears what she has to say.

Nina tells Sonny, when they were driving into Corinth, she was thinking it was a cute little town, with charming houses. Then they got to the strip mall that looks like it was dropped in the center. Before they came, she did some research, and looked at the town. Main Street was thriving, and had all these cute mom and pop businesses. Where are they? What happened to the local community? He says, Elijah happened.

Peter asks what Maxie means by leaving, and Maxie says, she’s not leaving leaving, just going away got a few days. Whispering Pines is a spa resort, and they have a baby pampering package. She’s going to treat herself. He asks if this babymoon is for couples, but she says, the spa is for women only. It’s supposed to be calming and relaxing, and she could use some alone time. She just got terrible news. Her godfather Sean died. He says he’s sorry; he had no idea. She says, someone important leaves her life just as someone important enters it. She needs some quiet to process. He understands, doesn’t he? He says, of course (🍷). He hopes it will be a relaxing time, and she says, it will be. He says, of course (🍷) it will. Chloe will be there.

Jason says Britt thinks he doesn’t trust her? and she sarcastically says, no. That’s why he didn’t want her to make a call. He says he just wants her to understand the risk to use the phone. Obviously she does, so go ahead. She says, that’s it? and he says, that’s it. They’re in this together. She doesn’t have to sneak around; just ask for the phone. Or she can keep the phone, and he’ll ask. Britt says, great, and he tells her, make her call. She says she will, and he goes back upstairs. She watches him, and smiles.

Robert tells Anna, he knew Sean was suffering from dementia, but he didn’t think it was bad enough that he’d die. Anna says, Tiffany and Annie are devastated. They knew it was coming, but even when you’re prepared, it’s just… Finn comes out, and asks if Robert is okay. Anna says, their friend passed away – Sean Donely. Finn says he’s sorry. He knows they mentioned Sean lived in Ireland, and Anna says, the memorial is tomorrow. Robert says, so soon? They have arrangements to make. He’ll check the flights. Anna says, no. She’s sorry. She can’t go.   

Willow tells Michael that she’s sorry. It’s not fair, but Chase is in the hospital with an unknown illness, and getting him through it is all that matters. She hopes Finn isn’t withholding information like Chase thinks. Michael says, Chase was pretty out of it. Maybe he’ll feel differently today. Willow hopes so. She’s heading over to the hospital. She wants to grab some time with her advisor, and look in on Chase. He asks if she wants a ride. She can sit in the back if she doesn’t trust herself with him. She says she’ll try to control herself, and thanks him.

Brook tells Olivia, it wasn’t her idea, but upon further consideration, as bizarre as it is, it makes sense. Like Valentin said, there are more wings in the house than Quartermaines. (Apparently, they thought that was as funny as I did, since they used it twice.) Valentin says he’s sorry he intruded on Olivia, and she asks if he doesn’t believe in knocking. He says he was under the impression that he and Charlotte had the guest wing to themselves. Olivia says he thought wrong, and Ned asks why she was in the guest wing. She says she’s been sleeping there since he left. It doesn’t feel right, sleeping in their bed without him. Brook smiles.

Sonny and Nina visit a park where the trashcans are overflowing. She says, the park is like the rest of Corinth. It’s obviously seen better days. Imagine how charming it used to be. Sonny sees a woman sitting on a bench, and says, maybe one of the locals can give them some insight on the park. He walks up to the woman, and says, hi, Barb. She asks if she knows him, and he says she’s wearing a name tag. She says she’s on break, and Nina says, the mall must be busy. What about the rest of Corinth? Did it go the way of the strip mall? She saw pictures on the website, and the town looked so cute. Barb says, it’s a different town. It’s changed since she was growing up, especially after what happened five years ago. Sonny asks, what happened? and she says, crime; robberies, vandalism, petty theft. People got scared and stopped shopping here. Nina says, what a shame. It must have been hard on businesses. Barb says, they started shuttering and boarding up. When they were offered a chance to sell, they jumped at it. They didn’t  expect the lots to be combined for a strip mall. Nina asks if Barb thinks the owners wouldn’t have sold if they knew, and Barb says they would have at least held out for more money. Sonny says they have a similar problem in Nixon Falls. He leans over to Nina, and says, very similar.

Carly tells Diane that she recently learned something that could make Gladys switch sides, but she’d be breaking a confidence. Diane asks if it would give her the leverage she needs to get Gladys to recant her story, and Carly says she thinks so. Diane asks if it would put Carly’s source in danger, but Carly says she doesn’t think so; it’s personal and none of her business. Diane says, then she needs to ask herself this question. What’s more important, a clear conscience regarding her source’s secret, or the possibility of Jason being exonerated? Carly says, question. Anything she says is covered by attorney/client privilege? Diane says, unless Carly is going to tell her that she’s murdering somebody. Don’t murder anyone, and don’t tell her. She doesn’t want to know. Otherwise, everything is covered. Carly says, Sasha is pregnant, and Brando is the father.

Ned says, Olivia can’t sleep in their bed alone without him? He’s been having trouble sleeping too. Olivia says, stop here. Question. What’s Valentin doing camping out there, when she gave him the best suite in the MetroCourt? Valentin says he’s there to keep an eye on Brook. She insists on ditching her security detail. Olivia says, and Monica is okay with this? and Ned says, she’s surprisingly on board. Michael and Willow come  out of the living room, and Michael asks, what’s going on? Brook says, not much. Valentin saw Olivia naked. Olivia says she was not naked, but Valentin was only wearing a towel. Ned says Valentin needs to walk around in proper attire, but Brook says she kind of likes the towel. Valentin says he’s sure, and goes back upstairs.   

Nina tells Barb, when she was parked across from the mall, she saw lots of cars. Barb says, people drive in from all over to shop at the outlets. That’s the reason a lot of people went out of business; they can’t complete with the low prices. Don’t get her wrong; she’s grateful for the jobs it brought. It’s just a different town now. She supposes it’s progress. She leaves, and Nina says, it sounds like the town lost its heart, and Sonny asks if it was lost, or stolen.

Diane asks Carly to explain how Gladys learning Sasha is pregnant with her grandchild will make her recant, and Carly says, Cyrus is into Sasha. She’s sure Cyrus thought Sasha was a trophy, and hooking her on drugs would keep her on a leash. It didn’t turn out that way, and Sasha has kept her distance. Cyrus, not so much. He won’t appreciate being shown up by his younger driver. If Cyrus found out, he’d kill Brando for being close to Sasha. Gladys has a lot of faults, but she loves her son. Diane says, the best way to protect Brando is to get Cyrus convicted of a felony for obstruction of justice. If Gladys admits she lied, and further admits that Cyrus incentivized it, Cyrus will be facing serious criminal changes. Carly says if she reveals Sasha’s secret, she’ll feel terrible using Sasha’s situation for her own benefit after all Sasha has done for Michael and Wiley. She gave up Michael, and nearly lost her life. Carly feels terrible, but there’s no other way to help Jason. Diane says, maybe she can offer Gladys something else.

Robert says, Anna is going to miss Sean’s memorial? What could be more important? Anna says she wants to go, but she’s needed there. Finn asks for a minute, and Robert gives them privacy. Finn tells Anna, she can’t do this, and she says, she’s not. She’s going to make sure Chase has another dose if he needs it. Finn says, no; she can’t miss the memorial. She’ll regret it if she doesn’t go. She says she’ll regret it more if something happens to Chase. She wants to be there for the family, but she can’t be in two places at once. She guesses she can asks Valentin to deal with Peter. Finn says, either way, she should go. She’ll regret it if she’s not there. She thanks him for looking out for her, and he says he always wants what’s best for her. She says she feels the same way about him.

Maxie tells Peter that she doesn’t need Chloe. There will be a whole staff there to pamper her. She won’t have to lift a finger if she doesn’t want to. He says, the whole point of hiring a nurse was so Maxie would have a medical professional with her at all times in case of an emergency. It will be good for her peace of mind to have Chloe there, and his. Her phone rings, and she sees it’s Britt. She tells Peter that she needs to take this. She says, hello? and Britt says, thank God she answered. Are she and the baby okay? Has she managed to keep Peter away?  

Peter asks, who is it? and Maxie says, hi, Trish. How are you? She was so worried when she didn’t hear from her. Britt says, Peter is there? and Maxie says, yep; she’s managing. Is Trish okay? Britt says she’s fine, but she won’t be back soon. What is Maxie going to do? Maxie says, she made other arrangements. She heard Trish couldn’t help because she was in a jam. Britt asks if Maxie found someone else to deliver her baby, and Maxie says, Trish knows her; she’s on it. She just has to wrap up a few details. Britt says she’s so sorry. Please, be careful. Maxie says she will. Is Trish sure she’s doing okay? Does she need to send a casserole? Britt says, she and Jason are okay. He didn’t kidnap her; he actually saved her. Maxie says she already knew that, and Britt says she can’t stay on the phone much longer. She’ll think good thoughts for Maxie and her baby. Maxie says, thanks. She wishes Trish could have made it too. Britt says she’s confident Maxie’s got this, and she’ll find a way to keep the baby safe from Peter. Maxie says she’s definitely working on that.  

Sonny tells Nina, he bets it’s the same story with the other towns. Crime goes up, businesses sell, and the strip malls and chain stores take away the remaining business, selling higher inventory at lower prices. She wonders if that’s the future for Nixon Falls, and he says, it’s already happening. That’s what Elijah does. He buys cheap, and sells to developers for more cash. She says, there’s already an uptick in crime. Phyllis said that several of her friends who wouldn’t sell, are selling now because of the robberies. The last straw. Now the town is a  target. He says, didn’t he tell her that Eli was a bad guy? She says, he is. She can’t stand the thought of Eli taking advantage of Phyllis and Lenny, when they’ve been so good to him, and taking advantage of sweet little towns. That’s the real story, not a puff peace on a charming little town, but how Elijah is using the specter of crime to drive up real estate prices, and sell the soul of sweet little towns.

Britt is playing Solitaire, when Jason walks in. She says she hoped he was sleeping, but he says he wanted to check again. She says, too bad for him. The more rest he gets, the faster he’ll heal. By the way, how long are they staying in this bucolic spot? Can they actually get a good night’s sleep? He says they should be good there, and she says, by good, he means… He says, if they take reasonable precautions, they could stay there a couple days, maybe longer. Long enough for her to see a doctor about her hand.

Michael says he and Willow are going to check on Chase. When he opens the front door, Anna and Robert are there. Michael says he and Willow were heading out, unless they’re here to see him. Robert says, they’re here to see Monica. Anna says she was just at the hospital, and Willow asks if she saw Chase; how is he? Anna says, a little restless, and Michael says he guesses they should get going. They leave, and Olivia comes downstairs. She says it’s good to see Robert and Anna. Valentin comes into the foyer, and Anna asks what he’s doing there. Robert tells Olivia, they need to see Monica. The world lost a really good guy, and them, a dear friend. Ned asks, who? and Robert says, Sean Donely.  

Chase has papers all over the bed, and Finn asks, what’s all this? Chase says he asked for his bill so far. Even with insurance paying 90%, staying here is a fortune. Finn tells him, don’t worry. He’ll cover it. Chase says he pays his own way; no. Finn says, now might be a good time to accept help, but Chase tells him, he said no. He’s the one lying there, and he’ll pay it. Finn says, no, he’s not, because it’s his fault.

Sonny asks if Nina is going to do an exposé in her magazine, and she says she thinks it will be interesting reading, and it will shine a light on what’s happening in these towns. He asks if she’s going to send reporters to Nixon Falls, but she says, no. She thinks she’ll do it herself, and expose how Eli incited crime to bring down the property values, and bundle the real estate to sell to national chains. The only problem is, they need hard proof. He says, he saw Eli talking to the thug who robbed the firehouse dance, and he heard the thug say Eli paid his bail… Sonny looks at a man on his phone near a dumpster behind Nina, and she says, what’s the matter? He says, he thinks he knows that guy.

Carly tells Diane, it’s worth a shot. As painful as it would be, it’s worth it to keep Sasha’s secret safe. Diane says Carly can always have it in reserve, in case this fails, and Carly says, she would hate to betray Sasha. Diane tells her, Sonny made choices he hated, but he made them; it’s the nature of the business. While Carly is running this thing, sentiment is a luxury she can’t afford. Diane leaves, and Carly ponders.

Britt asks if fugitives like her and Jason aren’t supposed to avoid places that keep records, like medical facilities. He says she has a fake passport. The hospital is free, and she can get the answers she needs. She says, there’s no way she’s walking into a hospital with a fake passport, but he says, she got into the country with a fake passport, and no one questioned her. Go in as a patient, and try not to pick a fight with the doctors. She asks if he just made a joke. Wow. He asks why she’s dodging this so hard, and she says, because she’s scared.

Brook says she thinks Monica is in the study, and Ned says he’ll check. Olivia suggests they get some coffee in the living room, and Valentin hangs back. He tells Anna that he’s sorry. Sean was a hell of an agent, and more important, her friend. She says, he was good friend, and behind them, Brook sneaks out the front door. Anna asks why Valentin is there at this hour of the morning, and he says he’s keeping an eye on Brook, who he sees disappeared again. Anna asks if Brook is avoiding him, and that’s why he moved in, but he says he’s living at the Quartermaine’s just until they can neutralize Peter. He asks if Sean was her best hope for an antidote, and she says she thought so. Like she told him, Faison poisoned Sean’s wife. She thought Sean might have something in his files from back then that she could use to help Finn.   

Peter asks Maxie if everything is okay with Trish. He doesn’t recognize the name. She says, Trish is a mom from James’s music playgroup. She was going to take James for a playdate, but she got the flu. It’s okay though; Spinelli is going to take him. Now where were they? Oh yeah, Chloe. He says, going to the spa with her, and she says, right. The more she thinks about it, the more she agrees with him. Chloe should go. She’s so close to her due date, it would be irresponsible for her to refuse. He says he knew she’d see reason. She’d never do anything to jeopardize their baby. She says, never. She’ll do everything in her power to keep the baby safe.   

Robert tells Olivia, Sean was one of his oldest friends. He was Robin’s godfather, and his daughter was named after Anna. Olivia says she’s glad he’s going to the memorial; it’s important to say a proper goodbye. (I’m guessing she’s going to end up going with him.) Ned comes in, and tells Robert that Monica will see him in the study. Does he know the way? Robert says he does, and thanks… to both of them. He heads for the study, and Ned tells Olivia, they should talk. She asks if he’s really okay with Valentin being there, and he says he’s 100% not okay with Valentin walking in on her, but he’s come to see the wisdom in Valentin staying there. He and Monica agree that it’s a way to assure Valentin keeps his promise to sign over Brook’s shares. She says she should have known it was something about ELQ. God forbid they forget the bottom line. Ned says, the family is so comfortable doing battle, they forget to protect who they’re truly fighting for. He’s grateful Olivia is there for Brook. Brook puts on a good front, but she’s in over her head with this pregnancy. She needs guidance, and there’s no one better to give it to her than Olivia. Olivia says, she’s a handful, that one, but if Brook will have her, she’s got Brook. She’s happy to help his daughter.

Sonny looks at the man, and flashes back to holding a gun on the robber who tried to steal from the Tan-O. Realizing it’s the same man, Sonny tells Nina, he does know that guy.  

Carly calls Gladys, and says she’s sure Gladys is surprised to hear form her. She needs Gladys to come by the house. She’s sent a car to pick Gladys up. There’s something important they need to discuss.

Anna and Valentin sit on the steps, and Anna says she’s going to Sean’s memorial. She hates the fact that she’s leaving Chase with Peter in control of the antidote, but Valentin says he’ll handle it. She thanks him, and asks if he’s sure it’s okay. He has a lot on his plate. He says he’ll take care of Peter. Go say goodbye to her friend.

Outside, Brook makes a call to her friend CeCe. She says she’s good, but girlfriend, her family is stifling her. She needs a break before the baby arrives. A couple of days of R&R. Can CeCe tell her family that Brook is staying with her?… Here’s what CeCe should say if they come looking for her…  

Maxie schedules treatments on her laptop. She wonders how long Ultimate Transcendence takes. Two hours? Perfect. She’ll schedule it after the mani/pedi, and other treatments. She says, enjoy it, Chole. You’ll be polished, buffed, and blissed out before you even realize I’m gone.

Britt tells Jason, she doesn’t want to be alone at a Canadian hospital, while some strange doctor calls her Teresa, and tells her that she has Huntington’s Disease. He says, first of all, she’s not going to be alone. He’s going with her. She says, even knowing what a risk he’d be taking? and he says, taking risks is a new thing for him. She laughs, and he almost smiles.

Chase says it’s not Finn’s fault he’s sick, and it’s not Finn’s fault that he can’t make Chase well. But it is Finn’s fault that he’s refusing to let Chase leave. Finn says Chase doesn’t understand, and Chase says Finn doesn’t understand. He’s checking out. Finn says, against medical advice. Chase can’t just leave. Chase says, watch him, and Finn says, your life depends on it. Michael and Willow stand in the doorway. 

Tomorrow, Chase says he wants out today, Cyrus says Laura will appreciate what he’s come to tell her, Laura tells Gladys that she’d be an idiot to pass up the offer, and Sonny confronts the robber, saying he knows exactly who he is.

The Real Housewives of New York City

While lounging in Ramona’s bed, Ramona and Sonja discussed the healing session. Sonja said she was surprised that Eboni had shared about her grandmother being sick, since she was new to the group. In Sonja’s interview, she said she was happy that Eboni felt comfortable enough to share. Sonja was at the point where she felt she needed to be more vulnerable and start sharing, or she’d be stuck. LuAnn found Eboni, and said Eboni had given them an Irish goodbye (i.e. ghosted them – I had to google that), but Eboni said she’d had a good time. Parts of the day had been a lot, like Ramona calling waitress Michelle the help. LuAnn said it was part of the Ramona package, and we flashed back to moments Ramona was being ignorant, rude, and/or insensitive, of which there are many. Eboni told LuAnn that her grandmother had worked as a domestic her entire life; she was the help. LuAnn said she didn’t think Ramona meant anything racial by it, but Eboni said it was the idea of seeing people as less than. She cared more about the intention than the actual words. Everyone got ready for the day, and Leah was wearing these awesome pants of many patterns, which made Ramona dizzy. She told Leah they weren’t going on safari, and in Leah’s interview, she said, it’s always a safari with these animals. She thought she was dressed perfectly. As they got in the limo/bus, Sonja noted that LuAnn was now LuAnn when she spoke to the driver, and we flashed back to when LuAnn insisted on being called Countess. While headed to a winery, LuAnn yapped about new man Garth (who she’s already broken up with), and in Sonja’s interview, she said LuAnn had a new guy, and was acting like a teenager. Garth was LuAnn’s covid flirt; reel it in. LuAnn told them about the day she planned for them in Northfork.

At the winery, Leah wondered if LuAnn was uncomfortable, only being one month sober, but Ramona said LuAnn was cool – because LuAnn said she was. In LuAnn’s interview, she said she wanted to feel included, so she brought her fake rosé. At lunch, Eboni told Ramona that her help remark had been triggering; it made people feel devalued. In Ramona’s interview, she said she liked how Eboni told her in a non-condescending way why it wasn’t cool. Ramona talked about finding out she had covid after the fact, and being tested for antibodies. Leah challenged Ramona on having said she donated plasma, and Sonja said it hadn’t been on Instagram, so it didn’t happen. Leah said it wasn’t just a test; it was a whole process. Ramona just kept saying she got tested, and wouldn’t directly answer Leah’s question. In her interview, LuAnn said Ramona was obviously lying; her face was red, and she was dodging the question.  In Leah’s interview, she said Ramona had tried to make herself look better after her sh*t behavior in the pandemic. Like she was a charitable woman who donated plasma. She told Ramona, it was like propaganda, and Ramona got loud, and gave Leah the finger. Leah told Ramona to tone it down, since she was spitting her food everywhere. LuAnn said Ramona was making herself look guilty by being defensive. Ramona suddenly had to go to the bathroom, and Leah said she wasn’t the covid police, but don’t lie. Ramona called Leah a vicious girl, and in her interview, she said the best way to handle Leah was to ignore her and walk away. Leah said nobody else seemed to give a f***, and in Eboni’s interview, she said she got that it was a morally bankrupt thing to do, but what were they going to do? Leah was never going to get what she wanted with that approach.

LuAnn said she was going in, and followed Ramona inside the restaurant/gift shop. Eboni said Leah had caught Ramona; now rest your case. Ramona yelled from the bathroom that she had diarrhea, and LuAnn apologized to the cashier. LuAnn went back to the table, and told the others that they’d given Ramona diarrhea. In Leah’s interview, she said it was time for Ramona to see a doctor. You couldn’t slurp oysters, and guzzle rosé with IBS. (Isn’t Ramona’s drink of choice pinot?) Ramona said Leah was always attacking her, and decided to go for a walk. Sonja said she’d come along, and Leah said now she was the enemy because she was looking for the truth. Sonja said she knew Ramona was wrong, but she was going to hold Ramona’s hand while she licked her wounds. Sonja said something to Ramona about cancel consolation, telling her, these days, everyone wanted to cancel everyone. She commented on Ramona’s leopard attire, and Ramona let out a screech. Oddly enough, although it was heard throughout the winery, no one even got up to see what was going on. Ramona said she felt better. In her interview, Leah said she wasn’t going to get any acknowledgement from Ramona, but every time she saw Ramona, it was going to be in the back of her head. Ramona told Sonja that she liked how Eboni explained herself in a way that wasn’t aggressive. In Eboni’s interview, she said she was cautiously optimistic about a friendship with Ramona.

In proving rich people are just like us, before leaving, the women put any leftover lobster rolls in napkins to take with them. Sonja said she never left lobster, and we flashed back to the infamous lobster boil, where Ramona and Sonja shoved lobsters into tote bags. In her interview, Eboni said it was blowing her mind seeing Sonja evolve into very tipsy. She wondered if she missed Sonja taking seven shots, but she hadn’t. Geez you’d think this was Eboni’s first… oh wait, it is. On the way back, Sonja got irritated about LuAnn’s repetitive praise of the great and wonderful Garth, and in Ramona’s interview, she suggested Sonja was jealous. It was what all of them wanted, and LuAnn got it, during covid no less. They moved on to doing some shopping in town, and in LuAnn’s interview, she said there was nothing like shopping to make a girl feel good in general. I did like the local stores, which carried a lot of unique handmade and vintage stuff. It reminded me of shopping in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where I went to a convention a few years ago. Leah bugged Ramona about inviting Heather to dinner, and Eboni said she hadn’t shucked oysters since she worked at Hooters, where she was hired for her personality. In Leah’s interview, she said she didn’t know if Sonja wanted LuAnn for herself or Garth for herself… or both. LuAnn offered to buy Sonja something from one of the (no doubt expensive) clothing stores, which Sonja readily accepted. In her interview, LuAnn said she was spoiling Sonja because Sonja was starting to spiral. Sonja whined that the blouse she wanted looked better on LuAnn. In Ramona’s interview, she said, trouble is on the way and it has one name, alcohol. Yep.

During the usual sex talk in public, Sonja said, too big is just a nuisance. I have to admit, I literally lol’d. In Eboni’s interview, she said she liked Sonja’s free spirit. I thought it was more like Sonja had too many spirits. They went to a bar/restaurant, and in her interview, LuAnn said her nerves were on edge. She felt tempted in this fabulous bar, so she went out to have a smoke. You couldn’t expect her to give up all her vices. Hey, no judgement from me, sister. Leah thought LuAnn drinking fake rosé out of a wineglass might be hurting her by keeping her attached to alcohol. In Leah’s interview, she said LuAnn was closer to a drink than she thought. Part of getting sober was getting away from that, but LuAnn didn’t want to hear her. Sonja said she didn’t want to be a canceled consolation, and Ramona wondered why anyone wanted to cancel culture. Ramona took Sonja’s drink away, saying, Sonja was getting close to the danger zone. In her interview, Ramona said that Sonja was going through something, and the drinking was taking her to the deep end. They sat down for dinner, and Leah messed with her phone, looking up all the things Heather had said. Besides talking smack about Sonja’s facelift, Heather said there was nothing authentic about LuAnn, and she was doing drugs. In LuAnn’s interview, she said, she and Heather had been fine. What the hell? LuAnn said, at first, she thought they should uninvite Heather, but on second thought, let her come. They could give it to her. Who the hell is that bitch to talk?

LuAnn FaceTimed with Garth at the restaurant, and Ramona said she was happy for LuAnn. LuAnn said he was the real deal, and Sonja drunk-called one of her male friends. Ramona said Sonja thought it was a competition, and in her interview, Eboni said she’d never been to a dinner with energy like this. She felt like Alice in Wonderland. It wasn’t her jam, but she was intrigued. Sonja got somewhat incoherent, yelling about contributions, and in Leah’s interview, she said, there’s a point where alcohol stops working and it’s not fun. Sonja wasn’t in a great place, and it exacerbates where you are right now. Sonja bothered her friend a second time, and Eboni engaged in a discussion with him about banks. She said Wells Fargo’s rates were better, but his bank helped to close the wealth gap for her people, so she was supportive. This caused Sonja to totally bug out, yelling that they wanted to talk about Wells Fargo, but it wasn’t her family, J.P. Morgan.

Don’t touch the effing Morgan letters!

Next time, Sonja goes over the edge, LuAnn says she can’t be around Sonja, Garth meets Sonja, and Heather comes to dinner.

🩸 Did She Or Didn’t She…?

The great plasma debate.

RHONY: Leah McSweeney Is Convinced Ramona Singer Lied About Donating Her Plasma Post-Covid

👗 Statements Of Fashion…

Why does everyone look so much better here than the more upscale award shows?

https://people.com/movies/mtv-movie-and-tv-awards-2021-red-carpet-arrivals/

🌞 Then the Morning Comes…

Tomorrow, the Jersey Wives reunite, when no doubt we will hear the word analogy more times than our ears can take. RHOBH is also premiering its new season, although it just ain’t the same. Whatever Wives are your jam, and even if none, stay safe, stay being your best self, and stay refusing to be a canceled consolation.