Tag Archives: Leah McSweeney

September 24, 2020 – The News About Nelle Spreads, NYC’s Reunion Ends On a Socially Distant High Note, Leah Gets Her Due, a New Kind Of Chat & Sweet

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Franco tells Elizabeth to hold on as she jets to the elevator. He says, money problems shouldn’t get between them, but she says, money’s not the problem. He says, she’s right. People are the problem, but they found a solution. She says he found a solution. One that could cause more problems, and he knows that. She gets in the elevator and the doors close.

Ava goes to the pier. She looks around and says, all right. She’s here; where are they? She hears someone behind her, and whips around, pointing a gun. It’s Scotty, who tells her, be careful with that heater. She says she’s meeting someone there, and it would be better for her if she’s alone when they got there. He asks if she’s going to plug them, and she says, it’s a very sensitive business transaction. He says he might be of some service, and she says it’s kind of him, but he needs to go. He says he has a transaction for her – $125K for a picture he has of her and Franco making out, before it finds its way to Nikolas.

Nikolas and Martin sit at a table at the MetroCourt. Martin says he was curious when he got Nikolas’s call. How may he be of assistance? Nikolas says, first – he slides an envelope over to Martin – consider that his retainer. Martin says, he would, but if it’s related to Valentin, his hands are tied. Nikolas says, no; there’s no conflict of interest. Martin asks why Nikolas requires his legal expertise, and Nikolas says, for a post-nuptial agreement.

Ned tells Brook, if she’s not coming home he’d like one consideration. She says, forget it, and he says, just one. Then he’ll leave. She says, fine, and he asks her to let him know where she’s staying when she leaves Chase’s place. She says she’ll  send him a change of address card. Ned’s phone rings, and he says, she did what? No. He’ll have his assistant get in touch. Brook asks, what is it? and he says, a motel in Monaco seems to think he and Olivia are there on their honeymoon.

Willow and Michael go into the hospital. Michael tells her they have to find Epiphany. If anyone knows how Cyrus’s new regime is affecting the hospital, it’s her. Elizabeth says she’s sorry hear about Michael’s grandfather passing, and he thanks her for visiting Mike. She says, Mike was a special man. She’s going to miss him. Sasha runs up, and says, Mike died? She almost hugs Michael, but backs up, saying, sorry for his loss.

On his phone, Jason thanks someone for the update. Sonny asks, what is it? and he says, they are their guy at the PCPD confirmed Nelle is dead. They found her body. Sonny says, finally. May she rot in hell.

Sasha tells Michael to give his parents her sympathies about Mike. He says, they’ll appreciate that. Willow asks him to go see if he can find Epiphany; she’ll stay right there. He says, okay. He’ll only be a minute. Sasha tells Willow that she should get going, but Willow asks her to wait.

Ava says Scotty has got to be kidding. He says he’s very serious, and she says, he’s been spying on her? He says, that’s one way to look at it, or look at it like… Yeah, he’s been spying on her. Ava says she knows how it looks, and he says, so does he. He’s got a picture. She says she was in a vulnerable space. Franco seemed supportive, and the kiss just happened. He says he knows. He hears that in divorce court a lot. She tells him, erase his lapse in judgement, and she’ll forgive his.

Nikolas explains to Martin, Ava will get 90% of his assets, with 10% going in trust for his son if he’s unfaithful. If she’s unfaithful, she gets nothing. Martin says, as long as the agreement clearly defines what constitutes infidelity, then the situation is straightforward, but Nikolas says, suppose it isn’t defined? Martin says, then it’s a veritable minefield of complications, any of which could trigger Nikolas into losing his fortune.

Scotty tells Ava, he’s had no lapse in judgment, and she says, what?! They’re supposed to be friends; she relies on him. He ask when was the last time she called him? and she asks when was the last time he called her. He says he tried every night, wanting to go out, have martinis, and have fun, but she got busy with her new husband. She says, now he’s punishing her for marrying Nikolas. He says, he’s not punishing her for being a bad friend, but she didn’t even let him do the post-nup. She says she wanted to. She almost did, but she didn’t want to put him in an awkward situation. So she went with Dingleberry and Dingleberry (okay, I didn’t catch it). He says, those guys are all bozos, but she says, those bozos did a good job. Delete the photo. She says he knows the only reason she married Nikolas was to punish him. Scotty says, and clean him out. She says, eventually, but right now she’s enjoying the glamorous life, using the Cassadine coffers. He says the money he’s trying to get is peanuts; what’s the big deal? She’ll get the Cassadine money, unless the photo hits social media. She says he’s not going do that, and he asks, why? She says, because Franco is his son. Even if he hurts her, she knows he wouldn’t want to hurt Franco. He tells her, says you.

Sonny asks Jason if they’re sure, and Jason says, the body was found on the Pennsylvania side of the river. Their guy is handling the paperwork and arranging transport of the body. Sonny asks if they know how she died, and Jason says, he didn’t want say before the autopsy. He’s sure they’ll know soon. Sonny says, Carly must be relieved. After all this time, and the damage Nelle has done, it’s hard to believe they’ll never have to worry about her again. Jason asks if Carly is sure she’s okay, and Carly says she’s just shocked. It’s over. Sonny says, Nelle stalked Carly and tried to dismantle her life. Now she’s dead. Carly should be jumping up and down.

Sonny says, Carly wanted to tell him and Jason something, then Nelle’s death was confirmed. Now she seems more worried. What’s going on? She says, okay. They need to understand why she didn’t say anything. Mike was dying and she didn’t want anything to interfere with his last few days, least of all, Nelle. Sonny asks if she lied about what happened at the cabin, and she says, no, but there was more. He asks, what’s the rest? Did she kill Nelle?

Ned tells Brook, the hotel thinks Olivia left her stuff behind in their honeymoon suite in Monte Carlo. Olivia’s credit card must have been hacked or stolen. He’ll call the bank and report it. Brook says she wouldn’t, but Ned says, Olivia is in Geneva to meet Dante, not Monte Carlo. It’s crazy. She says, not as crazy as he thinks.

Sasha tells Willow, she’s sorry. It was just force of habit. Willow says she knows; it’s okay. Sasha wanted to comfort and support Michael in his time of grief. Sasha says she has no right, after what she and Chase did, and Willow says she hasn’t forgotten or forgiven. Sasha says she didn’t think Willow had, but Willow says, that’s neither here nor there. The point is, she saw how difficult it was for Sasha. Sasha says, and inappropriate for her to comfort Willow’s husband. Willow says, Sasha is still in love with Michael, isn’t she?

Martin says, the old definition of infidelity was to stray outside the marriage sexually. Nikolas says, and now? Martin says, currently, emotional intimacy is just as sacred as physical intimacy, and Nikolas says, so all he has to do is have sexual or romantic feelings to be considered unfaithful? Martin says, it’s not quite that simple, but if his spouse has proof that he behaved in a manner that compromised either the emotional or physical integrity of their agreement, they might have a cogent argument for infidelity. Nikolas says, but there has to be proof? and Martin says, exactly. In the absence of proof, there’s no accusation that can be sustained. He’d be in the clear.

Ava says, no way is Scotty blowing up Franco’s life and marriage for a few bucks. That’s what would happen if he released the photo. He won’t get any money, but he’ll get an unhappy son. It was a mistake; a slip-up. He says, sure, Elizabeth would be livid, but she’ll blame Ava. She already thinks Ava exploited Franco’s past, and she’s going to protect her territory. Ava says, that’s not the way she sees it; the portrait was an opportunity for Franco. Scotty says, maybe if he posts the photo, Franco will come to his senses. So the options are, post, don’t post. She says she’s not as heartless as he describes. She and Franco had something wonderful once. How does Scotty know she’s not in love with him?

Elizabeth asks if she can do something for Michael, and he says he’d like to talk to Epiphany, but she’s no longer on the schedule. Elizabeth says she’s been moved to administration now, and Michael asks, why? She says, what can she say? Their new Chief of Staff, Britt Westbourne, gets her marching orders from Cyrus. Michael asks what other changes were made, and Elizabeth says her hours were cut. He says, sorry, and she says she’s there for the time being. Is there something she can do for him? He says, Wiley is due for surgery. Given its current state, is GH still the best hospital for him? She says she still loves the place, and the staff and doctors, but as a parent, she understands his concern. Given everything that’s going on, she thinks he should look at other options. He guesses he should do some research, and she says he didn’t hear it from her, but Mercy’s cardiac unit is on the rise. He thanks her.

Scotty tells Ava, she likes to play all her cray 8s, but she says she’s not playing cards. This is her life. He says, okay. Say she’s in love with Franco. He’ll put it out there to the world, and let everybody know. All it takes is one tap. She says he’ll do nothing of the sort, and he says, now there’s his girl. She says he knows what Nikolas did to her. She ended up in an asylum because of him, and now Scotty wants to spoil her revenge? Why? He says she did it for the money, her marriage went to hell, then she went after Franco to scratch a few itches. That’s why she’s going to pay. Ava says they have a rare thing here and now. Most friends disappear or fade away. Knowing the exact time of death, the exact moment a friendship ends is a rarity. He says, well then let him mark the exact time of death. She’s got 24 hours to pay up. Got it?

Nikolas sees Julian at the MetroCourt bar, and asks if he’s spoken to Ava since her trip to Sonny’s cabin. He says, no, and asks if something happened. Nikolas flashes back to him and Ava in the cabin, and says, not that he’s aware of. Julian says, but Nikolas hasn’t heard from her and doesn’t know where she is? Nikolas says, she’s a strong, independent woman, and makes her own schedule. He’s not concerned. Julian says they both know Nikolas doesn’t care, and Nikolas tells Julian, he didn’t say that. Julian says, everybody knows; he approves. Nikolas says he’d rather Ava be in a loveless marriage than with someone who makes her happy? Julian says, their family doesn’t do happiness. He tells Nikolas, he’s got his own problems to deal with, and leaves.

Sasha tells Willow, she’ll always care for Michael, but she’s not acting on it. She heard Mike died, and knowing how much he meant to Michael, it was an impulse. Willow says, a good impulse, but just so Sasha knows, Michael hasn’t had to grieve alone. He’s had his family – both of them – and Wiley. Sasha says, and Willow. Willow says, yes, and Sasha says, good. She’s glad Michael’s had all sorts of people to lean on. He needs that. He needs Willow. She got one thing right, about how much they all need each other.

Carly tells Sonny, no; she didn’t kill Nelle. It’s more complicated than that. Jason tells her to take them through it, step by step. She says she found Michael and Wiley in the cabin. Jax was there, outside, calling the police. That’s when Michael told her that Nelle took off. Jason says, and Carly ran after her, and caught up with her in the clearing. They fought, and Nelle got away. Carly says, Nelle ran, and a few minutes later, she heard Nelle screaming. She followed Nelle’s voice, and ran to the cliff. Nelle was screaming and begging for Carly to help her, but she hesitated; she thought it was some kind of trick. Nelle kept screaming and begging for help. She looked over the edge, and Nelle was dangling. She tried to help. She had Nelle’s hand in her hand, but Nelle slipped. Jason says, it’s not Carly’s fault, and Carly says, maybe not, but if she’d gotten there sooner, she could have done something. The doorbell rings, and Jason answers. It’s Chase, who says he’s there on police business. Can he come in?

Ned tells Brook, what if Olivia got her purse stolen, with her wallet, passport, and phone in it? That would explain why she hasn’t called him back. Brook flashes back to listening to the message Olivia left about staying overseas with Robert for a few mores days. She remembers deleting the message, and saying, let Ned worry about not hearing from her. Ned says, she could be stranded with no ID or passport. He’s going to call Interpol; no, he’s calling the WSB. She tells him, don’t; that didn’t happen. He asks how she knows, and she says she did something impulsive. It was after Dr. Robinson told her that she’d have a long recovery time. Does he remember when he left his phone in her room? There was a voicemail. He insists there wasn’t, and she says that’s because she deleted it. He asks why she did that, and she says she doesn’t know. She guesses she was upset about Olivia running all over Europe with Robert while she was laid up. He asks what she means, running all over Europe? Tell him what his wife said. Brook says, Olivia said she and Robert would be a few days in Monte Carlo. She didn’t leave any details. Ned says he thinks he’ll call the hotel back.

Chase comes into the living room, and says he just explained to Jason that he’s there on police business. Sonny thanks him for bringing Brook to Turning Woods; it meant a lot. (Nice deflection and mood setting.) Chase says he was glad to help, and he’s sorry for their loss. Carly asks what they can do for him, and he says he wanted to tell them in person that Nelle’s body was recovered on the Pennsylvania side of the river. It’s now in the Port Charles morgue. Sonny asks if he’s sure it’s her; was there a positive ID? Jason asks how she died, and Chase says her body was on the riverbank. Apparently, she drowned, but a full autopsy is being conducted. He thought they should know, after what Nelle put their family through. Since Carly was the last person to see Nelle, he was wondering if he could ask a few questions.

Julian meets with Martin, and says he wants to annul his marriage to Nelle, and Martin recommends consulting a lawyer. Julian asks if that’s not what he’s doing, and Martin says he has to get his own lawyer. He can’t handle the case. He’s no longer Nelle’s attorney, but it’s still a conflict of interest. If Julian wants to annul his marriage to the charming Mrs. Benson-Jerome, he’ll have to find another attorney. Perhaps he could hire a new lawyer on Nelle’s behalf, but when he does, do him a favor. Nelle left an important document in his care, and it needs to be transferred to her new representation. Martin’s phone rings, and he says he no longer represents Mrs. Benson-Jerome. He sees. He thanks them for calling. He tells Julian, it would appear his marital woes resolved themselves. Julian asks, how’s that? and Martin says, congratulations. He’s now a widower.

Willow tells Sasha, regardless of what went wrong, they’re four adults, who all want Wiley to be happy. Sasha says, and safe from Nelle. She heard Michael got sole custody, and Willow says, he did, and he’s arranging for her to adopt Wiley. She’ll legally and officially be Wiley’s mom. Sasha says, that’s great. It couldn’t have turned out better. Michael comes back, and asks if everything is okay. Sasha excuses herself, saying she has to go. Again, condolences on his grandfather. She leaves, and Michael asks Willow if that was as uncomfortable as he thinks it was. She says, the whole situation is still a little raw. It probably didn’t help that she told Sasha that he’d asked her to adopt Wiley.

Sonny tells Chase, what happened was terrible, and they’re still reeling over the news. Can he do this some other time? Carly says she gave Valerie her statement at the cabin, but Chase says, now that there’s a body, he has to do follow-up questions. She asks what he needs to know, and he asks her to summarize the events of the evening, starting with going after Nelle. Carly says she caught up to Nelle in the clearing, about a half-mile from the cabin. They fought, Nelle scratched her, she fell, and Nelle took off. Jason says they’ve been up for days with Mike, and asks if Chase can do this later. Chase says he’ll reach out if he has more questions. Sonny says he appreciates it, and Chase says, it’s nice to close the case.

Sasha asks Elizabeth if she has a second. She was hoping for help with a referral. She’s not feeling well; she has insomnia and everything that comes with it. She was wondering if she could get a prescription for something to help her sleep. Elizabeth says Doc is a great psychiatrist, but Sasha says, it’s not a therapy issue. She’s just having trouble sleeping. Elizabeth says she can refer Sasha to a GP, but prescriptions aren’t as easy to come by as they used to be because of people abusing them. Sasha says she can imagine, but all she needs are one or two good night’s sleep. Elizabeth tells her to be careful when she uses them, and Sasha says, don’t worry. She’s always careful about what she puts in her body.

Julian says, Nelle is dead? and Martin says that was the police notifying him. Apparently he’s still Nelle’s counsel of record. Julian asks how it happened, and Martin tells him, being Nelle’s next of kin, the police will supply him with the details. The body is awaiting autopsy. Julian casually says, what about the document Martin mentioned? and Martin guesses the legally responsible way to handle it is how the deceased intended. Julian asks if there’s anything he can do to take it off Martin’s hands, but Martin says, no. He’s afraid everything is on hold until the death certificate has been filed. He excuses himself, telling Julian, his dance card is suddenly quite full.

Nikolas waits for the elevator. He remembers meeting Scotty at the pier. He tells Scotty, people he cares about are going to get hurt, and Scotty says, collateral damage. Nikolas says Franco is his own son, and what about Ava? They’re supposed to be friends. Scotty says, don’t pretend to care. Part of him hopes Nikolas doesn’t pay, and everyone will see exactly who he really is, but in the meantime, he’d really prefer the money. Nikolas gets in the elevator.

At the hospital, Franco asks Elizabeth if she’s ready, and she says, as she’ll ever be. They get in elevator, and meet Scotty in an office. Scotty says, so…? and Franco says he wanted see them.

Ned tells Brook, so it was her. The hotel sent a copy of the room receipt. It’s definitely Olivia’s signature. The housekeeper found Olivia’s phone in the room, and they called him because he’s the emergency contact. Brook is sure Olivia had a reason to be going to Monte Carlo, and he asks where her certainty was when she deleted the message. He apologizes, saying, he doesn’t mean to come down on her. He doesn’t know what Olivia was thinking. He can’t call her, and doesn’t have Robert’s contact information. Brook suggests checking with Anna, and he guesses he can do that. Brook says she doesn’t think Olivia left a message to cover her tracks; she has to be on the up and up. He says, all he knows is, she checked into the honeymoon suite at a five-star hotel in Monte Carlo, and left her phone there. Now God knows where she is. What the hell has Robert gotten his wife into?

Willow asks if she shouldn’t have told Sasha, but Michael says, of course (🍷) she should. She’s going to be Wiley’s legal mother, but in the meantime, they have to deal with Wiley’s heart surgery. They need to find a GP. He spoke to Elizabeth, and she confirmed his suspicions. Even though his family has a long history with GH, he thinks it’s best they explore surgical care at other hospitals. She says she’s sorry. She knows how much the place means to him. He says it always will, but as Wiley’s parents, they have to make the right choice for their son. Chase comes by, and says he’s glad he ran into them. Nelle’s body was found earlier. Michael asks if he’s sure, and Chase says, it’s been positively ID’d. He’s headed to the morgue to confirm it. Michael thanks him for letting them know. Chase moves on, and Willow says, it really is over. Wiley is safe. Michael says, they’re safe. Nelle is never going to try to mess with their lives again.

On the phone, Sasha says she needs to make a purchase. The usual.

Scotty tells Franco and Elizabeth, he met with Ava and Nikolas, and showed them these. He holds up his phone, and says, boom, boom.

Nikolas sees Ava, and she asks if he had a nice lunch at the MetroCourt. He says he didn’t eat, and Ava says, ah. He says, what? and she says, nothing. Just ah. He asks if everything is all right, and she says, just fine. Why wouldn’t it be?

Carly tells Sonny and Jason, she messed up. She changed her story. She told Chase that she fell, but when she gave her statement, she said Nelle pushed her. It’s a huge difference, and they’re going to notice. Sonny says, it happened quickly, and Jason says, a change in detail isn’t unusual. It would be more suspicious if she told the same story, word for word over and over. She says, what about the follow-up? and Jason says, Diane will be there. The important thing is, Nelle is dead, and no one else saw anything. Carly says, except for Jax. I see Sonny’s face, and l laugh.

Tomorrow, Ned asks if he can convince Brook to come home, Scotty says they’ve got Ava and Nikolas exactly where they want them, Valentin tells Alexis that he’s leveling the playing field, and Sasha tells Chase that the kiss was the turning point.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part Three

We flash back on this season of Ramona’s eternal apology tour; Sonja wanting to catch a d*ck; LuAnn wrangling Ramona, and trying to get everyone moving or sitting or whatever; Dorinda’s overuse of the phrases here’s the thing and can you imagine; and Leah smelling things. LuAnn says, who knew Leah was a sniffer? Dorinda asks if Leah knew that about herself, and we see a clip of Leah sniffing her own armpit. Andy asks if she was stunned by her habit of smelling things, and she says she had no idea. She tends to learn by touching things. Viewer Donnie in Ann Arbor says the way Dorinda speaks is almost a European thing. He wonders if she picked up phrasing in England or it was her mom’s influence. She says, here’s the thing… and everyone laughs. Andy says LuAnn seemed to keep the ladies on track and maintained decorum. Does she see herself as the peacekeeper mom? LuAnn says it took work. He asks what Sonja’s fascination was with catching d*ck, and she says, the law of attraction. If you say it enough, it appears. That’s why she was eating so much; she wasn’t getting any d*ck. A viewer says, d*ck pics reared their ugly heads (sigh), and excluding Leah, who in the group received the most? They all say, Ramona, then LuAnn says, Sonja. We flash back to Sonja saying the only one she’s ever gotten was a wrong number. She says, they tried to backtrack the number because she liked the décor.

Andy says Ramona has been known as the Singer stinger and apologizer, but this season the women wondered if Ramona could be called a good friend. We flash back to Ramona being an a-hole and ditching everyone every chance she got to scout a place for men. We see LuAnn’s interview where she said Ramona was the winner of the worst hostess award. We revisit Ramona fat shaming Sonja, and forcing her 50/60/70 girlfriends to get her a pocketbook via $100 donations, and Leah saying, at least it’s a real Gucci bag. Ramona insists her bags are real, and Leah says, no; they’re not. A viewer says Ramona is different in the Hamptons. It seems like her sole reason for being there is to see and be seen. Sonja says, amen, and Ramona says she’s popular and has a lot of parties. Viewer Bryan from Chattanooga says we know Ramona is a double-booker, but leaving her own party is nuts. She suffers desperately from FOMO. Ramona says she didn’t want leave, but she knew the group was going to crash. Sonja says, Ramona is horny. Alrighty then. Can we go home now? Andy says Ramona bringing up how many friends she has seemed to be a trigger for Sonja. Sonja feels a lot of Ramona’s friends are really hers, and tries to talk, but Ramona won’t let her. Sonja gets up, and tells Ramona, S-T-F-U, actually saying the letters. Ramona says she sees them all the time, and Sonja doesn’t see anybody. Sonja says they don’t care about Ramona, and they’re using her. Ramona says she loves them and they hang out all the time. Sonja asks, where are these people going to be when it’s you and me, and two for one at Burger Heaven?

Andy asks Dorinda what’s wrong with a 63 year old throwing themselves a birthday party? and Dorinda says, it doesn’t seem sincere. She just met some of them like Maria. We flash back to Ramona talking to somebody named Maria, who was apparently totally forgettable. Ramona says Maria is at her house every day. I can’t imagine anyone having that little to do, so I translate that as, we text once in a while. Dorinda thinks it comes off as insincere, and Sonja says she’s social climbing. Ramona says she’s so wrong, and Andy asks if Leah can spot a Gucci fake. I wonder how we got back here again, and we flash back to Ramona and her fake-ass bag. Ramona insists her bags are all real, and Sonja says, Chinatown. Side story. I have a couple of fakes that I bought just because I liked the bags. They must be good ones because someone I went out with actually thought I owned I Louis Vuitton bag. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I just looked at them like they were nuts. Like I’d sink that kind of money into a purse, even if I had it. Leah says Ramona acted like she’d never seen a bag before; it was weird. We go back to Ramona’s birthday where she’s going apesh*t over the bag she orchestrated her friends into giving to her. Ramona says she loves presents, and she was excited. A viewer asks why she would call a close friend heavy, and thinks what she said to Sonja was rude and uncalled for. Ramona says her girlfriends tell her when she’s getting porky, and all she said was Sonja needed to lose a little weight. Sonja says that’s when she ate more. She’d stopped having sex with her Netffix and chill guy. Maybe she should get a friend with more compassion. A viewer says Dorinda gave Elyse grief for defending Ramona, when Sonja has defended Ramona for years. Dorinda explains that Elyse was coming to her and Leah, saying Ramona was being a terrible friend. She would flip-flop. We see clips of Elyse saying Ramona shuts her down in front of the group, and, Ramonaville is filled with one-way streets. Dorinda wonders why Ramona fell out with Elyse, and Ramona says, Elyse is a black widow, which makes no sense, since isn’t that someone who marries a guy and then kills him? Is there something I don’t know? Ramona says she should never have trusted Elyse and brought her on the show. Elyse had said she had Ramona’s back and betrayed her. She’s not being very specific, and I’m sure whatever it is, she’s making it sound more dramatic than it was. Andy says Ramona wanted blind loyalty, and suggests Elyse was the Barb K. of  the season. He asks if Barb and LuAnn are still friends, but LuAnn says they’re not friends anymore. Andy says it was a long friendship, and LuAnn says it was Barb’s doing. We see some clips with Barb, and I want to know more about this falling out, but they move on. Viewer Valerie from Chicago says, Ramona was accused of being a friend when it was convenient. It seems like it’s Ramona’s world, and everyone else is just living in it. Ramona says she wants friends who are happy and positive, but Dorinda says, that’s not what friendships are about; those are superficial acquaintances. If she’s going through something traumatic, she wants friend who can shepherd her and journey with her. Andy asks how they’re feeling about Ramona after this season, and Sonja says Ramona is family, and she loves her. Leah says she’ll never ruin Ramona’s backyard again, and Ramona says she wants to see Leah naked though. I’m not sure what to make of that.

Andy welcomes us back, when I didn’t even leave to go to the bathroom. He says they’re freshly sanitized, and ready for more. Sonja by Sonja Morgan had a promising deal with a major retailer that was a dream, but her townhouse continued to be an expensive nightmare. We flash back to Sonja’s runway show, and Sonja dealing with the townhouse. Sonja says she hides when she’s going through something. We see Sonja going over the zero sales from the show, and getting her Century 21 deal. Andy congratulates her, and she says she’s still pinching herself. It was a long haul, but it feels good from where she’s sitting. Ramona – who just can’t help herself – says she was in the fashion business for two years (wow – that long?), and Sonja being front and center in two retail stores says it all. LuAnn says she’s proud of Sonja, and even bought a dress. Sonja says LuAnn has been there every step of the way. Andy says, it’s cool. They’ve been sitting here for so many years with Sonja planning. Her toaster never came to fruition. We flash back to a million years ago, when Sonja talked about having a signature toaster oven. Andy says the women had been all over her for various things. Bethenny called her out for being a cheater brand, and she was called out for products that never launched. Now here she is in a store, and it must feel satisfying. She says it is, and her daughter is proud of her. She’s told her daughter, there are no mistakes, but experiences. She made connections in business along the way. Andy asks how the pandemic has affected things, and she says online sales are up 117%, and she’s sold out. It’s tough for retail. Funny. Doesn’t sound like it. Leah says the cashmere suit Sonja wanted her to wear – we flash back to that – and anything that looks like that, is selling out. No one is wearing dresses. Andy asks what the price on the townhouse is now, and Sonja says she’s dropping it to $8.5 million. Leah has one request. She wants to see it before Sonja sells it. Andy asks if Sonja has any male prospects, and she says she’s not getting laid. She’s been focusing on her daughter, but now Sophie is in an Ivy League school. It’s time for her mama to get something. Leah says Sonja looks hot, and Sonja says she needs to lose another five pounds. Andy says he doesn’t know about that.

Andy tells us, a wise woman once said she made it nice. This season, her temper rose, and nice was not always on the table. We flash back to Dorinda talking about Bluestone Manor being flooded; Dorinda telling Sonja that there’s nothing carefree about her anymore, and that she’s afraid John can’t take care of her; Dorinda telling Ramona that she has schadenfreude; rubbing LuAnn’s mugshot in her face; and killing the messenger when LuAnn told her what Ramona said, at her insistence. We revisit LuAnn’s interview, where she said Dorinda deflects and it’s your fault; and Sonja’s interview, where she said Dorinda was in pain, and projecting it rather than feeling it. Then comes the pièce de resistance, Dorinda flipping out over Leah saying Tinsley’s name at the Christmas party. Viewer Jack from Minneapolis points out, at the beginning of the season, Dorinda said there was nothing carefree about her, and she wasn’t nice to anybody anymore; then proved it. He asks if she ended in a better place than she started. Dorinda says she was more overwhelmed than she’s ever been, but she didn’t reach out for help. She was dealing with the house, and John, then broke a rib. She couldn’t catch a break. She was angry about what was happening, and projected it. She felt she couldn’t cope, and was at her wit’s end. It made her sad, and she was most upset about Ramona. She knows Ramona so well. She had a right to be angry, and was struggling. She felt Ramona made it worse. She never called Dorinda once, or took her out after the show ended. She just reminded Dorinda how much she didn’t like John. Ramona whips out a pile of papers, and says she texted Dorinda. Dorinda says she got through it, and moved on, but Ramona wanted it to continue. She needed Ramona to pull her aside, not hammer at her inf front of people. LuAnn says she tried to talk to Dorinda, but Dorinda wasn’t open to it. We flash back to Dorinda not having LuAnn’s advice, and she says she does feel bad about LuAnn, who was coming from a good place. She’s sorry. It was like Ramona was just waiting to jump on her. Leah thinks so too, and says when Dorinda and John broke up, she noticed Dorinda was in pain, and not admitting it. They’d been together for so long. Dorinda says, it was terrible, and Leah says, they didn’t get to see that. Andy says Dorinda held Tinsley to the standard that she needed to do everything on the show. Dorinda says she did show everything. She wanted Ramona to call her up, and ask if she was okay; say, I love you, and, I’m here for you. Ramona says, when Tinsley left, she turned into Dorinda’s punching bag. Ramona says Dorinda came to her home for cocktails and conversation, and said hurtful things. Dorinda wants to put people down. Dorinda says Ramona doesn’t know how to let it go. Sorry. Ramona says the next day, Dorinda made her an old-fashioned playlist. Sonja says, Dorinda was hurt, and Ramona starts to read from the texts, but Dorinda isn’t having it. Andy tells Dorinda to let Ramona read them (no surprise), and Dorinda says it’s one-sided. She used them to get a free party. She uses people. Ramona throws the papers in the air, and says she loves Dorinda. Why is she doing this?

Sonja says Ramona does use people, and Ramona asks again why Dorinda is doing this. Dorinda tells her, don’t throw things. It’s low class. How anyone on any of the shows in the franchise can say anything is low class, is beyond me. Every single one of them has done something low class. Except for LVP. Who can do no wrong. Andy asks LuAnn what she has to say about the trip to the Berkshires. LuAnn says they all drank too much, and said hurtful things. But how Sonja was behaving didn’t give Dorinda an excuse to say what she did. Sonja says she brought it up again in Mexico. LuAnn says she knows Dorinda didn’t mean it. She hopes Dorinda recognized she was being hurtful. When she was on Watch What Happens Live, Andy asked if Dorinda regretted what she’d said to LuAnn, and she said no. LuAnn says she thought Dorinda had no remorse for the way she’d behave. She doesn’t look at herself. If LuAnn had done that, she would have thought, oh my God, I can’t believe I said that. Dorinda says she was wrong, and definitely wants to go back to where they were when they met. LuAnn says she must have been harboring those thoughts, and Dorinda says she wants to work on it. LuAnn says work on the fact she’s holding resentments. Andy picks up Ramona’s sheaf of papers, and Ramona says he can read them later, then laughs like a hyena. Andy says, Dorinda obviously brought up all these things, like LuAnn’s mugshot, probation, Jovani. Dorinda says she’ll never stop saying Jovani, and she doesn’t need a lecture from LuAnn when it’s between her and Ramona. LuAnn says it doesn’t feel like means it. She shouldn’t have said those things. How can she see the show, and not say, holy sh*t, I need to change? To her credit, Dorinda takes it like a man, and says she does feel that way. Andy asks about the Mexico trip, and says, Leah was fried. Dorinda says, Leah had her back. Leah says she’s not making an excuse for bad behavior, but she’d rather deal with anger issues than someone who just says horrific things like Ramona does. She doesn’t think Dorinda hit below the belt. I’m guessing she’s talking specifically about what she’s said about Ramona. LuAnn can’t say Dorinda doesn’t hit below the belt, especially with what Dorinda said to her. Dorinda agrees.

A viewer from Richmond, Virginia says there wasn’t a single sincere apology from Dorinda. What’s her theory on why she’s as defensive as she is? Dorinda says she was in a lot pain, and felt wounded, weak, and vulnerable. Ramona says, all she wanted to say… and Dorinda says Ramona’s not listening. She couldn’t. She was in a damaged place, and needed someone. She literally should have taken off last season; she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Andy says the anger intervention lunch in Mexico was a bust, and Dorinda says, it was ridiculous. Andy says it didn’t seem like they picked the right moment. We flash back to when Dorinda was on the phone with Hannah. Leah says, even though she thought it was overboard for Dorinda to tell her and Sonja to get off their laptops, it wasn’t the same as Dorinda talking to her daughter. It didn’t add up. Dorinda says they made a bigger thing out of it. Andy says, it’s ironic how it ended, given that Leah and Dorinda are pals. Leah says, yeah, and he asks what was going through her mind, and she says she was kind of shocked, and bummed. She was about to give them props, tell them she loved and appreciated them, and had a great time. Her saying Tinsley set it off, but Dorinda called her the next day. She was upset about it and apologized. Andy wonders why the mere mention of Tinsley’s name caused such a reaction, and Dorinda says she thought it wasn’t authentic; Tinsley wasn’t there. They’d done great as a group after Tinsley left, and she was surprised they were going back to that. Leah says Tinley was an important person to her in terms of them. Dorinda says, that’s why she called the next day. Leah tells her, it’s okay to be wrong. Dorinda says she feels bad about LuAnn, and Leah, but she and Ramona can’t reconcile things. It’s a 20 year friendship. If Ramona wants continue, she can’t rehash everything. They need to build their friendship again, if it’s important to her. Ramona says she’ll always love Dorinda, and Dorinda’s not sure Ramona always does, but she tries. If that’s what Ramona wants, they’ll do it. They elbow bump – otherwise known as the new hug. Andy says they’re in a great place, so he’s going to leave it there. Dorinda says, by the grace of God she got through it, and hopes she’s moving to a better place.

Andy says, it’s another one for the books, and the months followed were stranger than fiction. They’ve all had time to reflect, and he wants to know which moments they’d like to socially distance themselves from, and which Housewife do they look forward to hugging most? Ramona is first, and she says she wants to distance herself from when she talked about Leah’s mental issues. She should have gone directly to her. She wants to hug Dorinda. Dorinda says, obviously what she said to LuAnn. She hurt LuAnn when she was in a vulnerable place. She’s going to work on it. She feels the hugging question is unfair. She’s looking forward to hugging everyone. She’s a big hugger; it’s like food to her. LuAnn says she’d like to socially distance herself form the night in the Berkshires; it was ugly behavior toward Sonja. She agrees with Dorinda, and would love to hug everybody. Sonja says she’s made it clear she wants to socially distance from not having control and being present when she’s drinking. She’s grateful to have the show to show her how she was behaving, and she’s grateful to Ramona for telling she needed to look into some things. Ramona is her girl. She says, Dorinda called her all the time, but even though she didn’t want Dorinda to know what she was trying to handle, Dorinda would share what was going on with her. Sonja felt like she wasn’t alone, and owes Dorinda big time. Dorinda says she did something right. Leah says she wants to distance herself from the entire state of Rhode Island, and wants to hug Ramona. Her mommy issues are apparently still alive. Ramona says she wants to be more of a friend than a mommy, and Leah says, it feels like that will work. Ramona says, it will. Andy thanks everyone for an incredible season. He’s looking forward to getting close enough to toast, and can’t wait to hug them all.

They take a socially distant selfie, and Sonja asks Ramona, can we go to the speakeasy after this? I guess that’s the grown-up version of getting ice cream.

🤸‍♀️ Go Leah… Go Leah…

She got her raise, but whether Ramona will get to see her naked next season, remains to be seen.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/23/leah-mcsweeney-bumped-to-10k-per-episode-for-2nd-year-on-rhony/

📅 Mark Your Calendar…

A new show is premiering on Bravo, this Sunday, September 27th at 10:30 pm, and it looks like fun.

https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-andy-cohen-late-night-bravos-chat-room-reality-stars-20200921-5thj4zqqojg6zojd3uaabnjeoe-story.html

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/bravos-chat-room-cast-premiere-date-announced

🦄 Sweet Dreams Be Yours…

I don’t know if the world has quite gone to hell in a handbasket yet, but it’s certainly on fire, both literally and figuratively. It’s your job to rise above it, and stay safe, stay funky, and stay socially distant from Ramona.

September 17, 2020 – A Loved One Brings Mike Home, Reunion Finger Pointing, No Pandemic Here, Sonja By Not Sonja, Next Time, She Does What, NeNe Says Bye-Bye, Pups Go Surfing & Dream

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Dante wakes up, and says, dammit. Why did I do that?

At Kelly’s, Diane tells Alexis that she needs to eat something. She can’t begin to know what Alexis is going through. She was just starting to be with Neil, and then he was gone. She’s been with Alexis the whole time. Alexis says Diane thinks she’s going to relapse and drink again, doesn’t she?

Monte Carlo. Olivia asks if Robert had any luck, and he says he scoped out the location of the security office. If Holly is anywhere, that’s where she is. Olivia asks what he suggests they do next. They see Winston, and Robert says, continue to enjoy their romantic honeymoon.

Ned gets Olivia’s voicemail, and says it’s him again. He hasn’t heard from her or Robert for over a day, and he’s getting concerned. Please call.

At the bistro, Brook tells Chase that she doesn’t think ginger tea is the answer to her situation, but she thanks him. He asks what she thinks she’s going to do next. Is she still dead-set on not going back to the Quartermaines? She says, it’s a pity invite, and will never happen. BLQ doesn’t accept charity.

Josslyn says her grandpa will always be with her, and Michael says, him too. Brando says, and his buddies in Iraq, and Willow says, and her dad and baby. Stella says their loved ones didn’t vanish into darkness. They’re always with them and watching out for them.

Sonny says he doesn’t want Mike to think he wants him to die. He had so many dreams for them. We see Sonny and Mike with bicycles, and Mike asks how Sonny likes it. He bets Sonny thought he’d never buy him a bike, and Sonny says it surprised the hell out of him. Mike suggests putting on training wheels, and Sonny says, let’s see who needs training wheels, old man. Mike says they’ll see who the old man is. He’ll race Sonny to the end of the street. You know what they say. You never forget how to ride a bike.

Mike and Sonny come into the living room, and Mike wonders how Michael isn’t exhausted. Sonny says, he’s young. He can play catch with Wiley forever. Mike says he taught Sonny how to play catch, and Sonny says Mike has a pretty good arm; Wiley was impressed, and so was Michael. Mike says, someone has to show the young ones how do it. He does a pretend throw, and rubs his shoulder. Sonny says he’s still got it. He gave Michael and Wiley a great afternoon they’ll never forget. He wants to thank Mike.

Mike and Sonny walk into the living room wearing suits. Mike thanks Sonny for taking him to Adela’s grave – in his big, fancy private jet. Sonny says anytime Mike wants to visit her grave, just give him the word. Mike says, one time he told Sonny’s mom that Sonny could be anything he wanted to be, because he was going to bring Sonny the world. He didn’t do that. Sonny says, no, he didn’t. He gave Sonny love. He didn’t know it then, but he knows now. They clink glasses, and Mike says he doesn’t deserve Sonny. Sonny asks, why even say that? and they sit. Mike says Sonny has a beautiful family, and made him a part of it. It was good. He wishes he could tell Sonny’s mom how proud he is of him, and how sorry he is for not being there to watch him grow up. Sonny says, Mike still loves his mom, doesn’t he? and Mike says, always have, always will. Anyone who came after, never equaled her kindness and compassion. He told Adela that too. He only wishes he could have told her face to face, but maybe someday, somehow he’ll see her again. He’ll take her in his arms and spin her around, and they’ll dance. Sonny says, that day’s not coming for a long time, but she’ll be waiting. Mike says, you can’t live forever, can you? and Sonny says, no. He guesses not. Mike asks why he’s doing this. Why does Sonny keep remembering things that never happened between them? Sonny says he wants his father to give him more, and knows Mike can’t give him that. He doesn’t know why Mike keeps holding on. He knows Mike is hurting and ready. Why doesn’t he let go? Sonny is here for him, and he’s not going to do this alone… Unless that’s what Mike needs. Does he need Sonny not to be there, so that way he can go find peace? Mike says he’s out of answers. Answers like that are found within. Sonny has the strength to do that; more than Mike ever did. Look inside his heart, and he’ll know what to do.

At Turning Woods, Sonny says he’s looking. He sees it. Mike doesn’t want to go with him watching. He wants to protect Sonny. Sonny tells him, do what he’s got to do. Sonny cries a little, and tells Mike, do what he’s got to do. However he wants to go, however he wants to do it, it’s fine.

Alexis tells Diane, yes. She wanted a drink. Sobriety can be fickle when dealing with emotional distress. Diane asks, how fickle? and Alexis says she found out Neil was using under her nose, and she wanted a drink, but she stopped herself. She wasn’t succumbing to her addiction. It was bad enough to see Neil succumb to his. Ned comes in, and says he’s sorry to hear about Neil. He’s been meaning to reach out. Alexis thanks him, and says he’s had enough to deal with. She heard Brook was out of the hospital and on the mend. He must be relieved. Ned takes her hand, but Alexis draws back in pain.

Olivia says she’s always dreamed of driving in an Austin Martin in Monte Carlo. He says, she’s not going to get nervous, is she? She says, not with him driving. He lowers his voice and tells her, sorry to push the honeymoon, but Winston won’t take his eyes off them. She says he needs a diversion, and he asks what she suggests. She says, stick with her. She’s about to go on a hot streak. Winston won’t know what hit little his casino.

Sonny tells Mike he’s going to go. He’s saying goodbye to Mike, so Mike doesn’t have to say goodbye. He kisses Mike’s forehead. He takes a last look, stands at the door for a moment, and leaves.

Robert tells Olivia, for this to work, they have to stick with the plan. She says she was playing blackjack before she was old enough to vote. She sits at a table, and says, deal her in. Robert wanders around, and Olivia gets 21. She says, yeah; do it again. Leave it all on the table. A man comes to the table, and says, someone is feeling lucky, and she says, you bet she is. He says, maybe the lady’s luck will rub off on him. Deal him in.

Ava plays outside with Avery, and Nikolas says, there she is. Ava says, yes, she’s here. Avery had a bad dream, so they were catching fireflies. Nikolas tells Avery, he’d like to help if it’s all right with her mother, and Ava says, it’s more than okay.   

Chase tells Brook, it isn’t charity letting her family help. It’s what families do. She says, some families, but not the Quartermaines. He says, Michael is a Quartermaine, and she says Ned was furious with her, and had a massive overreaction. She knows she messed up, and Ned was right to be mad, but she also knows he wouldn’t have retreated if Nelle hadn’t attacked her. He says, tragedies have a way of putting things into perspective. You realize how important it is to love a person, rather than whatever you thought was so crucial. Maybe Ned realized he loves more than the company, wants her as a daughter, and wants her to recover. She says he’s describing a normal, rational person. He can’t understand what ELQ means to the Quartermaines. Ned put it in perspective for 25 minutes when he thought she was going to die. That’s over now, and he just feels sorry for her, and she doesn’t want that. She’s fine on her own. He says, excellent. What does that look like? She says that’s the part she hasn’t figured out.

Stella says, when she came in, Brando was talking about butterflies. What did he mean? Sonny comes in, and Carly asks if he’s okay. He says, Mike is resting, and he’s fine. Michael asks if he needed a break, and Sonny says, just a short one. Jason says if Sonny wants anything, he’s there with them. Josslyn and Michael volunteer to go sit with Mike, but Sonny tells them to stay. Mike will be fine by himself. Josslyn asks how he knows, and Jason says, it’s okay. Sonny knows what he’s talking about.

A bright light falls on Mike. He opens his eyes, and says, I know you.

Sonny thanks everyone for coming, and says, it means a lot. Carly asks if he’s ready to go back, and he says, it’s probably time. He and Carly join hands, and go back to Mike’s room. Stella asks Brando to tell her more about his experience with butterflies. He says after learning about them in high school, he started seeing them as his buddies from his unit; a sign everything was okay. At least that’s what he wants to think. Stella says, then that’s what they are.   

Alexis tells Nelle, she took a fall at the gym and jammed her wrist; it’s still tender. Diane says, that was weeks ago. She should see a doctor. Alexis says she has other things on her mind, but Diane says she can’t put it off. She’s getting checked out. Diane’s phone dings, and she says, lovely. A client demands her immediate attention. They’ll just have to wait. She’s a respected attorney, not Ride Share. They can’t summon her when they feel like it. Alexis says, for the retainer she charges, of course (🍷) they can. She says, Ned is there to assist her if she needs it, and Diane says she’ll call Alexis later. Diane leaves, and Ned asks if he can get anything for Alexis. Blueberry pie maybe? She says, it’s nice of him, but her speech was for Diane’s benefit. He doesn’t have to stay. He says he has nowhere else to be. He lost ELQ, and his wife and daughter aren’t speaking to him.

At the casino, the man says, Mrs. Falconari. She’s the last person he expected to see. She says, hello, Ethan. It’s Mrs. Quartermaine now. He should have been at his mother’s memorial. He asks, what brings her to the casino? and tells her the man who runs it isn’t someone she wants to cross. She says, too late, but she has back-up in Robert Scorpio. He says, Scorpio is here? and she says he’s convinced Ethan’s mom is alive, and being held prisoner there.

Robert walks down a hallway toward the office, and a guard asks if he can help Robert. Robert acts like he’s drunk, and says, restroom, and the guard says, it’s authorized personnel only. Robert acts confused, and says he guesses he got turned around. Sorry, man. He moves on.

Ethan says, Scorpio thinks his mother is alive? and Olivia says he got a call after the memorial. There was a lot of static, and a bad connection, but he swears it was Holly. He says, and she believes him? She says she does. The call was traced to this casino. She was creating a diversion while Robert checked out the security office. Ethan says, Robert wants Holly to be alive, so he can ride in and save her. She says she understands their relationship was complicated, but Robert never stopped loving her. If he thinks she’s alive, doesn’t Ethan think it’s worth hearing him out? Robert comes back, and tells Olivia, a guard is watching the door. They have to find another way in. He realizes Ethan is there, and Ethan punches Robert. Olivia catches him.

Carly says, Sonny has been so insistent on being with Mike to the very end. Why did he leave?

Mike sits up, and says he knows her. Courtney says, hello, dad, and asks him to come with her. She holds out her hand, and he gets up, putting on his sharp hat. Courtney takes his hand, and he says, it’s good to see you, sweetheart.   

Sonny tells Carly, he took a break for his father, not for himself. They go into Mike’s room, and Mike and Courtney see them. Mike tells Sonny, he’s so sorry it was so hard on him. He deserved better than he got from Mike, but Sonny did right by him up until the end. He says, thank you for being my boy. Don’t think of him as the guy in the bed. Think of him as the father who came to his son for help. He takes Courtney’s hands, and a bright light shines down from above. They disappear. Carly says she doesn’t understand, but Sonny says she doesn’t have to. She says, everything Sonny has done, every decision he made, was exactly what his dad needed. Sonny says, dad? He listens to Mike’s heart, and Carly says, is he? Sonny says, he’s gone. That’s why he left the room. He knew Mike couldn’t say goodbye. Mike was trying to protect him. Carly nods, and says Sonny, he let go. His mom is waiting for Mike. It’s okay. She forgives him, and loves him very much. We see a butterfly floating around the room, and I’ve already lost it completely. Sonny says, there’s no more loss, no more sorrow. A big world is waiting for him out there. He’s finally coming home. Sonny puts his head against Mike’s. Carly says, safe passage Mike, and tells him that she loves him.

Ava says it’s time to get Avery back to bed, and tells her to say goodnight to Nikolas. Avery wants him to come, and he says he’d be delighted. Ava tells Avery, in that case, lead the way.

Alexis tells Ned that she’s not surprised there’s friction. Brook is a determined young woman. He says, right now, she’s determined to avoid him. She doubts that’s the case with Olivia, and he says, that situation is more nuanced, but at the moment he’s more concerned about her. He says he and Alexis haven’t caught up since she and Neil got together. She says, point of fact, they were barely together. Their feelings were complicated, but she felt a connection. She risked everything, threw caution to the winds, and lost her law license. She believed in Neil, and believed in the possibility of them, but the truth is, she didn’t know him. How could she not realize he was using drugs? Was he that good at hiding it, or was she being willfully blind, like with Julian, Ric, and all the other men? Present company excluded. He asks if she really believes that, and she says, yes. Neil was a good man, even though he had secrets. He suggests she take her coffee to go, and they take a walk in the park. She says, sounds like a plan, and he says he’ll meet her outside. He’s going to give Olivia one more call. He goes out, and she picks up her coffee cup, dropping it. She grabs her wrist.

Robert suggests Ethan try again when he can see it coming. Ethan says Robert ruined his mother’s life. The only reason she was on that damn boat was because he walked out on her. They lunge at each other, but Winston comes over, and says, gentlemen. They’re disturbing the guests, and ruining night. He tells his bouncers, take them in the back.

Carly joins the others, and says, he’s gone. She hugs Josslyn, and says her grandfather isn’t confused or afraid anymore. Josslyn asks how Carly knows, and Michael asks how Sonny is. Carly says, quiet. He’s sitting with Mike if Michael wants to say goodbye. Michael leaves, and Josslyn says she wants some fresh air. Carly asks if Josslyn wants her to come, but she says she just wants to be outside. Carly says she loves Josslyn, and Josslyn says she loves Carly too. Willow tells Carly, she’s going to call and check on Wiley. She’s so sorry for their loss. She hugs Carly, who thanks her. Jason asks if Carly is okay, and she says, she knows it’s what’s best for Mike, but she’s going to miss him so much. Jason hugs her.

Chase asks how Brook feels couch surfing. She says she needs more context, and he says if she has nowhere else to crash, she can stay with him. She asks if he’d really let her move in, and he says, while she’s figuring out the next step. She tells him that she doesn’t know what say, and he says, that’s a first. Brooks phone rings, and she says, it’s Michael; she has to take it. Michael tells her that Mike passed away a little while ago. He went peacefully, and wasn’t in pain. She says, he was an incredible man, and Michael says, he was. She asks how Sonny is doing, and Michael says, he’s okay. Luckily, he has a lot of support. She asks if it would be too much if she came, or does he think it would help? He says, that would be great. His dad would appreciate it. She tells him that she’s sorry for his loss. It put her so-called problems in perspective.

Carly tells Jason, the people they love, they just think they’ll be there forever, but they won’t. They have to love them with everything they’ve got, every minute they have them, and not get caught up in the stupid stuff their minds perceive as bright and shiny in life, and make that stuff more important. She admires Jason. He’s lived his life with that perspective, and doesn’t get distracted. She asks him to promise, if she spirals out of control and gets caught up in the BS of life, remind her please of what’s important. He says, like when he tells her to take a deep breath and count to ten? That’s just to calm her down. She’s always known what matters. He doesn’t always agree with her methods, but he doesn’t disagree with her heart. He came back in time to watch Mike slip away, and watch Sonny’s agony, and he watched her do the heavy lifting. She took care of everything, and gave selflessly. She has her priorities straight in life. She says he had her up until selfless. Everyone knows she’s the most selfish person on the planet. He says he knows better.

Robert and Ethan are sitting in chairs, tied up, back to back. Robert says Ethan’s little outburst just blew his cover. Ethan asks if Robert thinks he gives a damn. He punched Robert to get them back there. Robert says, a classic Spencer move. Ethan’s old man would be proud. Ethan tells Robert, Olivia said Holly called him, and he believes she’s alive. Robert says, it’s the only part of the accident that makes sense. Ethan says, Holly said his instincts were on point, and Robert says his instincts didn’t tell him they’d find themselves trussed up like this. Ethan says, Robert is a super spy. Get them out. Robert sees a nail sticking out of the floor, and says he thinks he has a plan.

Alexis apologizes to the waitress, saying she’s clumsy. The waitress says she’s got this, and Ned comes back in. He asks if everything is okay, and Alexis says she lost her grip on the cup. She must have been holding it wrong. He says, if it’s that painful, she should have it looked at. She says she’s embarrassed enough, and he tells her, she said it was hurting. She insists it’s nothing serious, but he says she can’t hold a cup. She says he’s making it sound worse than it is, but he says, there’s only one way to find out. He’s taking her to the hospital. She grabs her bag, and flounces out ahead of him.

Ava says, it looked like Nikolas enjoyed that, and he says he did. Not just the fireflies, and the bedtime story. He loved that, don’t get him wrong, but watching her with Avery, it’s nice seeing that side. She says he thinks she might actually be human? Her phone rings, and she sees it’s Carly. She asks if everything is okay, and Carly tells her, Mike is gone. She’s sure Avery is sleeping, but she wanted Ava to know. Ava says she’s so sorry. She appreciates Carly calling. Carly says, Sonny would like all of his kids together, and Ava says, of course (🍷). She’ll have Avery back first thing tomorrow. If it seems appropriate, offer her condolences to Sonny, and don’t worry about Avery; she’ll follow his lead. Carly says she’ll let Sonny know, and thanks her.

Michael tells Sonny, he’s so grateful he had Mike for a grandfather. Knowing him was a privilege Sonny gave him. Sonny says, a long time ago, all he could see was Mike’s failings. He knows now Mike was just trying to be a good dad. Actually that was most of the time. He tried to be a better father than Mike was. He doesn’t know if he managed it, but Michael will be a better father than either one of them. Michael says, everything he learned, he learned from watching them.

Winston tells Olivia, he hopes her evening wasn’t spoiled. He heard she had success at the blackjack table. She says she did, and she’s hoping for more, as soon as her husband and his friend return. He says, they didn’t look like friends, and she says, you know boys; macho chest thumping. She guarantees their good behavior form here on out. When can she expect them back? He says he’s sure it won’t be much longer.

Robert says, got it, and Ethan is freed. How he did this, we don’t get to know. Spy magic. He tells Ethan, get him out. He’s a prodigy of Spencer, and should be able to do it in less than 30 seconds. Ethan says, he just did, and Robert gets up. He says, okay, it’s time to find Ethan’s mommy. Winston walks in, and says, how clever. Going somewhere, Mr. Scorpio?

Tomorrow, Robert says now he knows Holly is alive, Nina says there has to be a connection, Brando says maybe he and Molly should tell the truth, Avery disappears, and Jason tells Josslyn it’s exactly what Mike would have wanted.

🎁 I’ve been so busy, I hadn’t even realized it was my father’s birthday yesterday. He’s been gone a long time, but I still miss him like he just passed. What a gift this storyline has been. So very sad, yet bringing such hope.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part Two

We jump right in to the argument between Tinsley and Dorinda that started last week. Dorinda wonders why Tinsley signed up for the show, when they’re told they have to be transparent. Tinsley says she’s been real, but Dorinda says she and Sonja knew she was still seeing Scott. Dorinda whines that she was going through a bad time, and Ramona says Dorinda never shared. We see an article from Page Six about Dorinda taking a break from John. Dorinda says she was going through the house flood, a broken rib, and trying to figure out if she wanted to be in a relationship. Her good friend Greg planted the Page Six article. She may not have been forthright, but she wasn’t dishonest – her segue into griping about Tinsley, while absolving herself of the same thing. She says Tinsley claimed she wasn’t seeing Scott, but they knew she’d had dinner with him, and was with him in Las Vegas. LuAnn asks how she knew all this, and a viewer points out that while good friends don’t bully, good friends don’t watch and stay silent. Andy asks why not defend her? and Sonja says Tinsley played the victim, but she just sucked it up. Ramona says when Tinsley is on roll, there’s no stopping her, but Dorinda says, with her it’s different. Tinsley says Dorinda deflects, and Dorinda says Tinsley was living in a hotel, like this means anything. Andy says Dorinda was mean to Tinsley, but Dorinda says she apologized. Tinsley claims she didn’t, and the turkey baster remark was appalling. Andy chimes in that it was pretty bad, and Dorinda says she wants Tinsley to live well, be well, and be happy. In retrospect, she feels she should have handled it differently, and she’s sorry. Tinsley says, too little too late. LuAnn says she’s happy for Tinsley, and Andy asks what Leah’s thoughts are about her best friend. Leah says she was new, and trying to forge relationships with the women. She has close relationships with both Dorinda and Tinsley, and they were the two going at it. She wanted to do a lunch with the three of them. We see a clip of her suggesting it, and Tinsley saying she’s not too sure it would be a good idea. Leah says they didn’t do it, and Tinsley says Dorinda comes off as strong and a tough guy bully, but she’s a coward. She can’t do one on one, and needs her cronies to stand up for her. Leah says she’s not a crony; she just wants to help. Tinsley says it was fine having a conversation with Dorinda off-camera, but Dorinda turned on her when Scott gave John money. A viewer points out that Dorinda said Scott was able to give Tinsley the things Richard used to give to her, and wonders if Dorinda is jealous. Dorinda says she doesn’t want that kind relationship; giving up her life to be dependent. Tinsley says, now Dorinda is the authority on her relationship with Scott. Dorinda’s Achille’s heel is that she’s never wrong, and it’s going to be her end and detriment. She needs to be accountable.

Andy asks why Dorinda got so mad in the finale, the second Tinsley’s name was brought up. We flash back to Dorinda going ballistic when Leah mentioned Tinsley. Leah hadn’t even finished her sentence, when Dorinda was all, I WON’T HAVE IT! SHE BREACHED HER CONTRACT! and put her finger in everybody’s face. Dorinda says, it wasn’t authentic. Tinsley didn’t bring Leah to the group. If they were paying a finder’s fee, Bethenny would have gotten it. Like Dorinda gives a flying. Ramona says, Bethenny didn’t even know Leah, and Andy says she gave them 30 names, and Leah was on the list, but they also got her name form the casting producer. Then he asks the question on all out minds – what does it matter? Who cares? Dorinda says, at the end of the day, Leah was implying Tinsley brought her into the group, and it’s not true. I think what Leah actually said, and it wasn’t even the point she was making, was that Tinsley had introduced her to the group, as in, this is Leah. Andy says Leah and Tinsley did become friends before shooting started; it wasn’t forced. Tinsley says they liked each other, and it annoyed Dorinda. Leah says, it was more of an homage to Tinsley, whatever that means, and she never even met Bethenny. She doesn’t understand, and Ramona wonders why Dorinda was foaming at the mouth when Tinsley’s name was mentioned. Dorinda says, Tinsley wasn’t transparent, and Ramona says, are you kidding? Tinsley says the minute she came on she was talking about her arrest, and we see a clip. I dunno. If weeping to her mother at the circus about freezing her eggs, while wearing a Baby Jane outfit isn’t transparent, I don’t know what is. Tinsley asks if she needs to poop in front of the camera like Dorinda did. 💩 Sorry, I had to. Dorinda says they were already down a person with Bethenny leaving, and Andy says Bethenny left a day before shooting. Dorinda doesn’t think they should honor people who haven’t stayed on. Andy says Tinsley spoke to him and Bravo, and they mutually agreed it was okay. Dorinda says what she’s learned is, you don’t have to stay to the end, and can hide stuff. Ramona says, that’s not what Tinsley did; what’s wrong with her? I’m thinking Dorinda isn’t going to change her mind – what Tinsley said – so why belabor the point? Tinsley says, Dorinda thinks she can keep talking and make it real. I’m definitely enjoying Tinsley’s spunk now that she’s shaken free of the franchise. Ramona says she has to pee. Thanks for sharing. Sonja says, at least she didn’t fall asleep. Andy calls after her that she forgot her mask.

Back in her seat, Ramona says she never turned her phone off, and Andy says, moving on. From chicken a la vibrator to LuAnn a la camel, the Housewives are always a trip. We flash back to vacations us normal humans will never be able to afford, the weekend at Ramona’s house, the camel ride, and Sonja’s birthday. Andy says they have so much to discuss, and wants to know how Tinsley ended up making out with her sister. Tinsley says, it was a joke. They were with a bunch of girls, and all demonstrating how they kiss. Andy asks if Tinsley is a good kisser, and Leah says she is. I guess that puts that question to bed. Andy asks, who put the vibrator in the chicken? and Sonja guesses she did. They discuss vibrators in luggage, and Andy says he’s impressed Leah got Tinsley to strip and swim. Tinsley says it surprised her too. He asks LuAnn how being put in a suite in Ramona’s basement was disrespectful, and LuAnn says, before the trip, Ramona said she was getting the best room, but she wound up in the basement. This answers that question not at all, and Ramona says she was concerned about Dorinda and Sonja bucking for good rooms. Dorinda says she doesn’t care where she sleeps, and TBH, I don’t remember that ever being an issue with her. Just Ramona and Sonja. Andy asks if Ramona got heat for referring to the waitstaff in Mexico as servants. Ramona says, she’s old – what??? alert the media immediately! – but she owns it. Now alert LisaR. Andy gives LuAnn props for getting back on a camel, and LuAnn says she runs toward her fears to conquer them. She wasn’t letting a camel throw her off and not get back on. Leah says she’s never getting on another camel. She says Sonja’s camel was angry, and bumping hers. It’s time for Tinsley to say goodbye, and they tell her to enjoy her happily ever after in Chicago.

Andy welcomes us back, even though… you know the rest. He says, LuAnn finished probation, and was ready to raise a glass to a bright future. From giving back to giving up sobriety, she was marry f killing it. We flash back to LuAnn making almonds amends, and Andy says, thinking back to last year, the women had it with LuAnn. We flash back to the last reunion, where LuAnn was called out. Andy asks what the biggest change in LuAnn has been, and Ramona says she’s more real, approachable, and down to earth. Sonja says, the pressure is off now, and Dorinda says, it feels like LuAnn is more centered. LuAnn says it’s a lot of pressure when you’re told if you have a drink, you can go to jail; it was almost two years. Andy says he was glad to see her and Dorinda get back on track, except for a hiccup in the Berkshires. LuAnn says there were a couple of hiccups, and Dorinda says she was upset about how LuAnn was treating Sonja. Leah says she thinks LuAnn is down to earth, although sometimes it’s all about her. LuAnn says with six brothers and sisters, she had to be that way sometimes. Leah says she finds it endearing. A viewer says, even when LuAnn was drinking, she seemed to be the sober voice of reason. LuAnn says she’s been through a lot, and had to check in with herself and her relationship with alcohol. Part of her recovery is learning what she’s able to do and what she’s capable of. She’s not always proud of her behavior. Another viewer says LuAnn needs to stop saying she’s been to prison, and she wasn’t on parole; she was on probation. LuAnn says she’s not schooled in the terms. She does want to raise awareness about the prison system. They’re making money from people’s misfortunes, and a lot of people are there for petty crimes. It’s a real issue that needs attention. Viewer Diana from Miami says Sonja claimed LuAnn paid for only half of her hair and makeup, and Sonja says LuAnn doesn’t really pay her. LuAnn says when she started the show, she had a show director and musical director who ran things. She asked Sonja to come to the show as a guest. When she performed at Sonja’s drag bingo party, she didn’t ask for money. Sonja says, that was for charity, and LuAnn ignores that, saying, the fans love Sonja. Andy asks if, as it gets bigger, she’ll give Sonja more of a piece of the pie, and LuAnn says she told Sonja that.

Andy brings up LuAnn’s dad’s alcoholism, and how she connected with him through her experience. He asks her to elaborate, and she says, it’s in the book, but her father had an issue with alcohol for ten years – when she was ten to eighteen. Her father was everything to her; she adored him. He had more class in his pinky than most people have in their whole body. She misses him every day. She starts to cry, and I tweet her, since I understand. She says, at the end of his life, he’d been sober for ten years. She spoiled him, taking him to Asia, London, and Paris, all over the world. He deserved it, and she wanted to share that with him. No matter how low you go, you can get back up. Andy asks what her hope for the immediate future is, and she says to be healthy and in a good place, and to feel in control of her life. She’s been working hard. Being busy for her is good. Ramona says she’s seen LuAnn evolve ins a positive way. When they first met, she was kind of on a high horse with her Countess image. We flash back to a million years ago, and LuAnn says she was hiding a bad marriage. She’s been through a lot; they all have. Ramona says, kudos to her. She’s proud to know LuAnn as a friend and person. She’s an inspiration to a lot women, and grown so much.

Andy tells us, the sun will rise, the birds will sing, LuAnn will mention cabaret, and the ladies will hit on every man in their path. We go down Man Memory Lane, where it’s mostly Ramona, LuAnn coming in second, then Sonja, and Leah bringing up the rear. Sonja asks LuAnn how it went with the groomer, and LuAnn says, it didn’t. He was married. Andy asks why Harry Dubin and Tom were at the center of their love triangle, when William was up for grabs. Ramona asks him to expand on who William is, and Dorinda says he was at her party. Ramona says, oh, Bill. They’re just friends. Dorinda says she’s friends with him too, and heard the gory details. Andy asks if Dorinda has any desire to meet someone new, and Dorinda says dating is where she’s at. Time will tell. Andy asks if she’s seeing someone, and she says, we’ll see. It’s not to be spoken of. LuAnn says, when Dorinda talks about him, her face lights up, and Dorinda says she’s waiting until Covid is over to see where it is. Andy asks Leah about the Berkshires bartender, and she says they made out and played pool. He was cool, but he lives in the Berkshires. She says she has nothing against one-night stands, but where she’s at in life, how she feels, and her age, that’s not for her. She’s looking for more. Andy asks who they think is next for a monogamous relationship, and Ramona says, Dorinda. Dorinda says she doesn’t know how to do anything else.

Andy says, Ramona took to Leah in a maternal way, but Ramommy didn’t appreciate Leah’s behavior, and she found herself in Housewife hell. We flash back to Ramona’s idiocy, and Andy says, it was a wild ride. It was striking to him that they found a connection that went awry. Ramona says she’s more controlled, and LuAnn says, more conservative. Andy says, the breaking point was Ramona’s party, and Ramona says they had a conversation beforehand. Maybe if she’d had pants on… Ramona admits she lost it, and Leah says, because of her dress? Ramona went ballistic, yelling, cameras off! and should have just pulled her aside. LuAnn agrees that Ramona should have just gone to Leah, and overreacted. Leah says she was dancing, and Ramona says she didn’t appreciate it. Dorinda says they were all dancing, but Ramona says, Leah started it. Dorinda says Leah had a leotard on underneath, and there were only women there. Andy asks Ramona if she thinks she overreacted, and Ramona says, yes, but no, both owning it and not. Andy says Ramona has a different standard for Leah than her other friends, and Ramona says she asked Leah to contain herself. Leah says Ramona has a weird infatuation with her and her sexuality, and held her to a different standard. Ramona says, Sonja is funny, like Lucille Ball, but Leah is crass. I doubt Lucille Ball ever acted like Sonja. Andy says something about Leah being young and beautiful pushes Ramona’s buttons, and Ramona says she feels like Leah’s mother. Dorinda isn’t having it, and says Ramona doesn’t treat Leah like that. Leah tries to talk, but Ramona keeps interrupting, even after Andy tells her to cut it out. Leah says it started before Ramona’s party. She made a penis joke, and Ramona told her that she couldn’t say that. We flash back to whatever dinner that was, and Ramona says her daughters were there. Leah says Ramona was jerking off her wine glass, showing how she picked up men, and we see her pretty much doing as described. Andy says the party in Newport seemed to change Ramona’s opinion, and Ramona says she’s not used to someone with Leah’s energy, which I guess is what we’re calling drunken crazy-ass antics now. Leah says she was drunk, and Ramona thought, now is a good time to tell her that her sister can’t come. She over-drank (is that even a thing?), and the next day had to keep apologizing. Ramona say she doesn’t like Leah when she drinks.

Andy says, Ramona brought out Leah’s mental health issues, and asks if Leah buys that Ramona’s friend just came across the information. Leah says she wrote an article in 2016. Ramona’s friends don’t work, and have nothing going on, so no doubt they were looking for something on her. Ramona says her friends do work – they’re in real estate. All 50 of them? Leah says she was drunk, and Ramona was saying it was bi-polar behavior. Ramona says being on medication and drinking is scary, and Leah says she’s not on medication. Ramona says, well, she didn’t know that, and Leah says Ramona should have asked her. Dorinda tells Ramona not to act like she’s a doctor; it was malicious. Ramona insists it wasn’t, and Leah says she knew it was going to be on TV, and her kid would see it. Kier had no idea about it, and Leah had to have a conversation with her. Ramona acts innocent, and Leah says Ramona brought it up when it was being effing filmed, and knew it would end up in the show. Why do that? Desperate to turn the tide, Ramona says, half of America is on antidepressants. Why not help America? Andy asks if Ramona stands behind bringing it up, or does she regret not personally talking to Leah? Leah said she would have appreciated that, and it would have given her a voice. In Mexico, she tried talking to Ramona, and didn’t even know why Ramona was mad at her. Andy says if the article was out there already, why was Leah upset that it was on camera? Leah says this is a new platform, and a new way of communicating for her, and it’s her story. I actually understand this, since I once wrote an article about a personal experience (not the same thing, but the article was public and on the internet), and this drunken wretch I knew got pissed at me, and thought she was revealing something, posting it on my FB page. Not only did this idiot not grasp that it was something already out there, they got reamed out by all of our mutual friends and booted from a trip they’d been invited on. Yay karma. Ramona asks, why not bring it up? and Leah says she didn’t want to talk about it on the show. Ramona wonders why, since Leah is open about her vagina. I guess that word is okay for Ramona to say now? Dorinda says, Ramona is obsessed with Leah’s vagina, and Leah says Ramona likes to take things that could ruin them and make it public, like with Sonja’s clothing labels (see below), and her being on bi-polar medication and drunk. LuAnn says Ramona knew she was struggling with a probation, and announced she was still drinking. We see a clip from the last reunion, where LuAnn said she wasn’t drinking and Ramona said she believed LuAnn was definitely drinking. Sonja says, LuAnn could have been arrested, and Ramona says, at least she doesn’t whine – like some people. Dorinda says Ramona says it’s all her skincare products, but she had a facelift. Andy asks if Ramona got a facelift, and Dorinda says, be honest; no one cares. Ramona says Dorinda likes to drink, and no, she didn’t get a facelift. Dorinda says Ramona has a new man every night, and Ramona repeats that Dorinda likes to drink. Okay. So do I. What the what? Dorinda tells Ramona to go with her 60 friends – Lu Ann says, 50 – who can’t stand her. Ramona says Dorinda is full of sh*t, and Dorinda says Ramona’s friends think she’s ratchet. Andy asks how they move forward, and can they? Ramona says Leah reminds her of herself. She moves to the beat of her own drummer, and is self-made. She had no ex-husband supporting her, or husband to guide her, or rich boyfriend. Leah has been on her own since forever, like her. She respects Leah. She thinks they had a conflict because Ramona felt maternal, and when that was taken away, it brought stuff up. Ramona asks if they can hug, but Andy is like, no way. They elbow bump instead, and Andy says, here come the health guys.

Next time, the Reunion concludes – Sonja tells Ramona S-T-F-U; Leah doesn’t think Dorinda hits below the belt, because she lives on another planet; Dorinda says she was angry and struggling, and Ramona made it worse; Ramona thinks it’s Intervention, and reads an 18-page letter to Dorinda; and Ramona asks why Dorinda is doing this.

🏥 Hello Pandemic…

It’s a great time to be living in Port Charles.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/why-gh-wont-address-the-pandemic/

👗 About Those Labels…

What Leah was referring to that Ramona let fly.

https://www.newsweek.com/sonja-morgan-clothing-ali-express-1442913

📑 Holding Out…

Will she or won’t she?

https://celebmagazine.com/leah-mcsweeney-not-return-rhony-season-13/

https://celebmagazine.com/rhony-season-13-filming-without-leah-mcsweeney/

🗽 Moving On…

News about the next season of RHONY.

https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/rhony-season-13-everything-we-know/

💩 For (Literal) Sh*ts and Giggles…

Leah and Elyse go mean girl on the mean girl.

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/rhonys-ramona-singer-fires-back-after-leah-mcsweeneys-sex-claims/

👩🏾‍🦰 Goodbye Wig…

A decision has been made. By exactly who, I’m not so sure.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/17/nene-leakes-quits-real-housewives-it-wasnt-an-easy-decision-for-me/

🌊 🐶 Pups Ride the Wave…

Something to alleviate your boredom.

https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon

🌜 Dreaming Of Dreaming…

Hoping for a whole six hours tonight. Also hoping you stay safe, stay dazzling, and stay making every moment count.

August 28, 2020 – Wiley Comes Home, a Trophy Price For a Trophy House, 4 Soap Teabags, Four For the Wives, In Agreement, Binge This, MTV Looks Back, Just Past 10 Quotes & Delivery

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Clinging to the side of a cliff, Nelle calls to Carly, and says, please. She’s going to fall. Carly tells Nelle to take her hand, and Nelle does, but her grip isn’t strong enough, and she falls. I’m thinking, the police will never believe Carly didn’t push her.

Jordan meets Jason at the pier, and he asks if this location is better. She says, what’s so important that he’d risk her reputation and career by barging into her office? He says, this, and shows her a shell casing. She asks where he found it, and he says, the pier. The same place he just found Taggert.

Jax finds Carly, and asks, what happened? She says she was trying to save Nelle, but she fell. He looks over the edge, and then holds Carly, who’s freaking out. He says he’s got her.

At Kelly’s, Portia says she hopes the coffee is hot after the icy blast her daughter sent Curtis’s way. He says he doesn’t blame Trina. She’s grieving her father, and has to put her anger somewhere. She appreciates him understanding, and he says, it’s good Trina has friends to help her through it. She says, Josslyn and Cameron are terrific. It was Cameron’s idea for them to perform at the Nurses Ball. It was a gift. It took Trina out of herself for a while. She asks if he ever performed at the Nurses Ball, and he says, more than once. A few years ago, he did a magic act. She asks if he pulled a rabbit out of his hat, and he says he did dazzling illusions. It was his way of asking Jordan to marry him. She says, so the Nurses Ball is a kind of anniversary. She apologizes, saying it was the worst possible time to bring up the past, and she wishes she hadn’t said anything.

Dante tosses and turns. He dreams, and hears, complete the mission. He flashes back on loading his gun, and saying goodbye to Lulu. He sees Lulu come into the room, and he raises his gun. Complete the mission. Dr, Kirk comes in, and stands next to his bed. Dante jumps up, and grabs him, but the doctor says he’s in no danger; he’s safe. Stand down. Dante lets go.

Lulu goes to the Quartermaine mansion, and asks Willow where everybody is. She thought this would be the command center. Willow says Olivia and Ned are with Brook at the hospital. Monica is at the hospital, and Michael is searching for Wiley. Nina was there, and insisted on trying to teach her to play backgammon, but she finally convinced Nina to head home. Lulu says, Brook is through the worst of it, and she can stick around to keep Willow company.

Sonny tells Michael, the place is crawling with police searching for Nelle. Michael says, Wiley is sleeping, but as soon as he talks to the cops, he’s taking Wiley home. Sonny asks if he’s all right, and he says they still don’t know where Nelle is.

Jax asks Carly, what happened? and she says she went after Nelle. She caught up with Nelle, and tried to stop her. They fought, and Nelle got away. She heard a scream, and when she got there, Nelle was begging for her help; she said she’d fallen. Carly hesitated for a moment, thinking Nelle was trying to trick her, and Jax says, of course (🍷). She could have taken Carly with her. Carly says, Nelle was barely hanging on. She had Nelle’s hand, but she slipped and fell. Jax tells Carly to look at him and listen. They need to decide what to do next. She asks what he’s talking about. Nelle fell, and she tried to save her. She only hesitated for a second. Jax says he believes her, but the police might not.

Sam visits Alexis, and asks if Alexis is still having trouble with her wrist. Alexis says, hello to her too. It’s nothing that a little ice and aspirin won’t help. If she was working, she wouldn’t bother, but she has nothing to do, so she’s coddling it. Sam thinks maybe she should see a doctor, and Alexis says, then what would Sam have to nag her about? Sam asks if Alexis thinks she’s nagging, and Alexis says she thinks Sam cares, and she appreciates it. Sam asks if she’s seen the missing child alert. She’s worried, but also angry with Jason.

Jordan says, Taggert was shot? What happened? Jason says she’s not surprised Taggert is alive, just that he was shot. He was chasing a lead, and found Taggert slumped over on the pier along with the bullet. He said he’d stopped a man from shooting a woman, but didn’t know who they were. He took Taggert to a safe place, and called Epiphany. She wasn’t surprised either. Jordan asks where Taggert is now, and Jason says he left Port Charles. He said it was what Jordan would want. He answered her questions; now it’s her turn. How did she help Taggert fake his death?

Portia tells Curtis that she shouldn’t have dredged up ancient history. Even if it sounds like it, that’s not what ended her marriage. She and Taggert had many other problems. His job for one. He was away all the time when he was undercover with the DEA. She loves being a doctor, but it’s not her entire life. Getting involved with Curtis took away the loneliness. He asks why she eventually told him, and she said she could imagine a life with him. He wonders if she thought he’d ask her to leave, and she says he made it clear it was deal breaker, so that was the end of that.

Sonny asks Michael where his mother is, but Valerie shows up (remember her?), and tells Sonny and Michael that they have all hands on deck. Wiley is VIP status. She’ll need their statements while they’re still fresh. Michael asks if there’s any news about Nelle, and she says they have roadblocks in place. Nelle’s car is still there; she won’t get far on foot. Michael says he walked in the door, and it was dark. Nelle was waiting, and hit him in the head with something; he thinks it was a vase. He grabbed her, and they argued. She wouldn’t tell him where Wiley was, but he heard Wiley crying, and left to check on him. Valerie asks if he’s sure Wiley was unharmed, and he says, just worn out. He tried to call Willow, but there’s no cell reception. Valerie says she’ll do it from the car, and leaves.

Willow tells Lulu, the last time Michael checked in was hours ago. He was at the PCPD. Lulu understands what it’s like to wait, and be worried about a child you love. Willows phone rings, and she says, it’s the police. Valerie tells her, Wiley is safe, and Willow says, thank God. She asks where he is, and Valerie says, with Michael at a place in the mountains. There’s no cell reception, but they’re safe. Willow thanks her for calling. Thanks for finding Wiley.

Dante tells Dr. Kirk, he had a nightmare, and the doctor asks if it was the same one. Dante says, it’s always the same. He overreacted; sorry. Dr. Kirk says, if Dante is concerned, he can up the dosage of his medication, but Dante says, it’s like living in a fog; everything is dull and far away, except his dreams. They’re just as bad. Dr. Kirk says Dante refuses to participate in therapy, so there aren’t many options to treat him. Dante says, maybe he can’t be treated, but Dr. Kirk says, the trick is getting Dante to believe him. Dante’s lack of progress is a blow to his professional ego, but now the situation has changed. He’s getting pressure from his superiors. Dante says, about him? and the doctor says, yes. They want him to go home immediately.

Jax tells Carly, when he got there, Nelle was gone, and he saw her reaching over the edge. He doesn’t know what happened. She says he told her that he believed her, and he says, he does, but he’d be lying if he said the worst didn’t cross his mind. Carly says she didn’t push Nelle, and he asks if she thinks the cops would take her word for that. She’s Sonny’s wife. Every DA dreams of prosecuting and convicting him, and she’s the next best thing. Wiley is safe, but she went after Nelle anyway, and a DA would spin it for the jury. She and Nelle have had years of fighting in public, and Nelle falls off a cliff. Carly’s hair is a mess, her clothes are ripped, and she has scratches. Don’t think they won’t say Nelle defended herself. She says he can back her up, but he says, they’re exes, and on good terms. No one will believe him. Does she want to go to prison? She asks what he’s saying, and he says he wants her to volunteer as little information as possible. There’s evidence of a struggle. She can say Nelle knocked her down, and by the time she came to her sense, Nelle was gone. That’s it. That’s all she has to say.

Alexis asks why Sam is mad at Jason, and Sam says she has a new parole officer who has a heart. Alexis says, that’s great, and asks when and how it happened. Sam says she’s sorry she hasn’t kept Alexis in the loop, but she’s been under a lot of stress. Alexis says she understands, and asks how Jason is. Sam says, he was fine, but isn’t now. He checked himself out of the hospital against doctor’s orders to help Michael find Wiley. Aside from one phone call, she has no idea where he is or what he’s doing.

Jordan says she doesn’t owe Jason any explanations. He says he could have called 911, and she’d be explaining to someone else. The DA for starters. She says she let everyone believe Taggert was dead to protect him and Trina from Cyrus. He says, she knew Cyrus would still punish Taggert by using Trina, like he’s doing with her and TJ. He and Sonny could have helped. She says they have a truce with Cyrus. How does she know they didn’t give Taggert up to Cyrus, or that they’re not divvying up Port Charles? He says she doesn’t believe that, and she says, tell her what she believes. Enlighten her about herself.

Alexis asks how Sam got a sympathetic parole officer, but Sam wants to talk about anything else. Alexis asks how the Nurses Ball went; she heard there were a lot of volunteers. Sam says, Sonny and Carly were there. Maxie had a hot mic, and told the world she was pregnant. Alexis says, any other volunteers? and Sam says, Mac, Anna, Robert… She knows there’s only one name Alexis wants to hear. Why doesn’t she just ask if Neil was there?

Sonny asks Michael when Carly got there, and where she is now. Michael says, it was shortly after Nelle took off. Carly went after her. Valerie comes back, and says they have officers searching every inch of the woods; they’ll  find his mother. Michael says Jax is searching for her too. Sonny looks at Michael.

Carly asks if Jax wants her to say Nelle disappeared, and she doesn’t know where Nelle went? He says, let the police find her, and Carly asks if he wants her to lie. He says, no be truthful… to a point. Nelle slashed Brook’s throat. They know she’s dangerous. He says, Nelle is dead under questionable circumstances, and she can either tell the whole truth, or take his advice, and save herself.

Curtis tells Portia, before he knew she was married, it was early in his recovery, and he couldn’t let it be serious. There’s a rule for every recovering addict. She says, don’t get in a relationship, and Curtis says he had a long way to go. He’d tanked his career as a cop. When she told him that she was married, it brought up a lot of stuff. He never wanted to be that guy who wrecks a marriage. He let himself get involved, and needed to take a closer look at what he was doing in his life. She says she knew it was wrong to deceive him; she’s so sorry. He apologizes for being harsh when she admitted the truth. It touched on personal issues for him, but one thing he couldn’t ignore was dishonesty in a relationship.

Jason says Jordan is in deep. She can’t make a move unless and until Cyrus incriminates himself. In the meantime, she’s stuck, and has to take out her anger and frustration on someone. And here he is. Jordan tells him that she’s said he should have been a cop, but maybe he should have been a shrink. He’s right; she’s pretty damn stuck. Jason says, Taggert didn’t kill Cyrus for two reasons. One, he’s hoping to get back to his daughter one day, and two, he owes Jordan, and knows she’s against it. She says, Taggert was quite chatty, and Jason says, he was. Taggert cares about her. That’s why he decided to get out of Port Charles and let her handle it her way. He asks how it went with Cyrus. He went looking for her and wound up in the hospital. Cyrus wants to get rid of him to clear a path to Sonny.

Alexis says Sam brought up Neil, not her, and Sam says, no. Neil wasn’t at the Nurses Ball Telethon. Not that Alexis would care what he does with his time. Not that it’s any of her business, but Neil came over with an opera DVD and wanted to hang out, but she sent him away. Alexis says she did, but he wasn’t supposed to listen to her.

Dante says he’s not safe to be around. He was put in there because of his PTSD. The doctor says the Bureau is willing to suspend treatment because they want him for a priority operative. Dante says, they’re going to ignore that he’s a danger to himself and others? What kind of operative is that? The doctor says he was to be given no details, unless Dante accepts the assignment. Dante wonders why they’re asking for him, and the doctor says the operative concerns someone close to him.

Willow thanks Lulu for waiting with her, and Lulu says, thanks for letting her. Now that it’s over, she can tell Willow, based on personal experience with Sonny as her father-in-law, he would have never let Nelle disappear with Wiley.

Valerie tells Michael and Sonny, they haven’t located Nelle, Carly, or Jax. Are any of them familiar with the area? Michael says Carly has been there before. Jax hasn’t, but he’s an experienced hiker. To his knowledge, Nelle doesn’t know the woods and trails at all. Jax calls Michael, and says he’s found Carly; they’re together. Michael asks if they found Nelle, but Jax says he’s having a hard time hearing. The reception is bad. He hangs up, and I laugh, since we’ve all done something like that. Michael tells Valerie and Sonny, there’s bad service even with a satellite phone. He doesn’t know if they found Nelle.   

Carly tells Jax, Michael has to know Nelle is dead. He can’t spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder. Jax says, if the truth comes out, Michael could get in trouble too. She says her DNA will be all over Nelle, but Jax says, that’s okay; they fought. She’s overthinking it. She says from her experience, cover-ups never turn out the way you want. Look at Michael and Claudia Zacchara. It was justifiable homicide, and they should have turned him in. He went to prison. Jax says they wouldn’t be punishing her for killing Nelle, but to get to Sonny. She can’t let that happen. They hear the police coming, and Jax says the police can’t find them there. They have to get to the clearing where she found Nelle.

Valerie finds the fake passports Nelle had that disappeared from the evidence locker. Michael says they might never have found his son. Valerie says, Nelle has no more options, and must still be in the woods. Michael says he wants to bring Wiley back home; Willow won’t believe it until Wiley is in her arms. Sonny says Michael isn’t driving alone; he’ll go too. Valerie says, in the meantime, she’ll send a squad car to follow them home just in case.

Curtis tells Portia, to be honest, if he could go back in time, he would have ended it before it began. She tells him, she can’t say she regrets the time they spent together, and Curtis says he liked her a lot. He was lonely, and being with her gave him a sense of peace and focus he hadn’t felt in a while. When she told him that she was married, he really couldn’t trust her. She says, the truth is, she didn’t trust herself. She married Taggert, and didn’t keep her vows. Instead of addressing it with her husband, she turned to Curtis for comfort. She built a huge wall between herself and Taggert, and he died without knowing it was there.

Jordan asks if Jason is angry because she didn’t tell them Taggert was alive. He says they’ve been cooperating with each other, but that doesn’t mean she owes them full disclosure. She says, almost no one knows, not even her husband. She didn’t want to implicate him if things went south. Jason says, it’s his risk, and she says that’s what Curtis would say. She’s sure he would have supported her, but she didn’t want to put him in a compromising position. If she tells him now, it could destroy her marriage.

Alexis tells Sam, her mommy is a hypocrite. Sam says her mommy sounds like she’s arguing with herself. Alexis says she always wins that way. Guys always either tell her what she wants to hear or don’t listen to her. Neil actually listened when she told him to keep his distance, but she wished he hadn’t. The doorbell rings, and surprise, it’s Neil, who looks very cute in his new beard. Unlike Michael with his new hair-do, that looks like he’s auditioning for a Flock of Seagulls cover band.

Portia tells Curtis, here she is talking honesty and she insists Trina tells the truth. She thinks it’s the most important lesson she has to teach her daughter, and Trina gets it. Curtis says, Trina has a good, strong, moral center. He knows that’s what Jordan wants for TJ too, and Portia says, from what she’s seen, TJ has those qualities. That’s what she wants for Trina; to be honest, and have integrity. She wants Trina to be a better woman than she is. She wants Trina to be more like her father.

Jordan tells Jason, Curtis will never accept that she was protecting him. She helped frame Cyrus, and everything that happened after that was her fault. Curtis is a good man, and she doesn’t want him tainted with her failures.  Jason says she’s making a lot of assumptions for Curtis. If she’d just give him a chance to support her… Jordan says this is on no one but her, and she has to figure it out the only way she knows how. He doesn’t need to understand.

Neil asks if it’s a bad  time, but Alexis says, not at all, and invites him in. He sees her wrist, and asks if everything is okay. She says, it’s just a gym mishap. Sam asks if Neil is just dropping by, or is there a reason for his visit? Alexis says, Sam… but Neil says, it’s okay. Sam’s phone dings, and she says, the missing child alert has been canceled. That’s good news. She should go. Does Alexis need her to stay? Alexis says they’re fine. Sam leaves, and Neil says he doesn’t want to pressure Alexis, but thinks it’s important that they talk. She says so does she.

Carly and Jax get back to the cabin. Valerie asks how Carly is doing, and Jax says he didn’t want to worry Michael, but she might need some medical attention. Carly asks where Michael and Wiley are, and Valerie says Michael was anxious to bring Wiley home to Willow. Sonny gave them a ride. She sent officers to protect the house, in case Nelle sneaks back. They’ve pulled out all the stops searching for her. Carly sits, and just shakes her head.

Dr. Kirk tells Dante, he wasn’t full briefed, but it might involve family. They want someone with access. Dante asks if it’s about his father. Is the Bureau suddenly interested in racketeering and organized crime? Dr. Kirk says he doesn’t have the details, and Dante says, give the director a message from him – go to hell.

Neil says, Sam is protective, and Alexis says her injury happened at the gym Sam forced her to go to. She feels guilty. At least Alexis doesn’t need to write a brief since she has no job. Neil says he tells himself the same thing. He’s going to read those books he’s been meaning to, and fix his boat. She says, it’s like a forced retirement, and he says they could take up knitting together. She says, that won’t work; what about bird watching? He says they’re dancing around the issue, so he’s going to come straight out and say it. She told him they couldn’t be friends. He wants to know if she still feels that way.

Portia tells Curtis, maybe Taggert wasn’t the man of integrity she’s held him up to be. He fabricated evidence to put Cyrus in prison. Curtis says, he deserves to be in prison, and she says she doesn’t disagree, but she’s the one who has to explain to Trina her father’s… mistake? Curtis says it doesn’t seem to have knocked Taggert off the pedestal Trina has him on, and Portia says, that’s the other thing. She’s glad Trina loves her father, but she can’t be civil to Curtis. He says he can handle her anger. She has to grieve in her own way. Portia says, as does she. Curtis says he has to get going. Just so she knows, he told Jordan about the conversation they had at the Nurses Ball.

Jason gets that Jordan doesn’t want anyone else to be burdened, and she asks if that means he and Sonny will let Taggert stay dead, until she can figure out how to reveal his existence. Jason says she doesn’t have to do it by herself. She says, Jason Morgan working with a cop? He says he’ll be working with her. He can handle that. He starts walking away, and she calls to him, and says, thank you.

Dante tells Dr. Kirk, even if it’s not about his father, he’ll have to betray someone he cares about. He did enough of that when he was undercover. Dr. Kirk says, all right. In that case, he has one of two choices. Sit and rot, or do the work to address his PTSD, and get back to his life. Dante says he’s spent enough time locked up for his own good. He’s ready to do the treatment. Dr. Kirk says, it’s a decision Dante had to make, but he’s glad he did. He’ll look around and see if he can find a medication to help with Dante’s nightmares without the fog. He’ll check in tomorrow. Dante asks, now that he’s willing to do  the work, how long will it take? He’s been gone more than a year, and he doesn’t know how much longer his family will wait for him.

Outside Kelly’s, Lulu looks at her phone. She sees a text from Dustin: Kids in bed. Wine uncorked. How soon can you get home? She texts back, on my way.

Willow sleeps on the couch, but wakes when she hears Michael on the monitor. He says he loves Wiley so much. Willow loves him too; he’ll see her in the morning. He’ll see both of them. They’re never losing him again. He promises.

Carly says she’s fine, but Jax says she isn’t. Valerie tells the paramedic they’ll still need him in case they find Nelle. She’d like to ask Carly some questions if she’s up for it, and Carly says, go ahead. Valerie says, Carly tore out after Nelle. Did she find her?

Willow goes into Wiley’s room, and says, he’s home. Michael smiles, and says, home, and they hug.

On Monday, Sam asks Jason what’s more important than finding Wiley, Neil missed Alexis and hopes she missed him, Sonny tells Mike not to stick around for him, and Valerie asks if Carly hurt Nelle when they fought.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

Tracy went to look at house in West Hollywood, but a few blocks east. Tracy explained that West Hollywood was the liveliest place to live, but further east was less desirable and more affordable. She met with Michele who lived in Vegas, bought the house the year before at $3.850 million, but never lived there. It was a boxy white modern, which Tracy said was the type of house to sit on the market because it was flooded with them. The Fuller house was 4,440 square feet, with tons of skylights, a chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances, and four-sided infinity pool and spa. Michele said what had attracted them was the openness and high ceilings. It had 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and the coup de gras was a boutique style walk-in closet, Tracy saying, nothing comes between a girl and her closet. There was an open air atrium, and a 1,200 square foot rooftop deck. Tracy thought it was the quintessential (a word they use a lot) West Hollywood new construction, and felt the skylights set it apart from its competitors. Michele said the plan had been to stay there while they were building a house in Vegas, but within three weeks, discovered nine leaks. Luckily, nothing was in the closet. In Tracy’s interview, she said a lot of newer constructions had sacrificed quality for speed. Michele said they had nowhere to go, since they had renters in their old home – like someone who can pay $4 million for a house can’t afford a hotel – and were already $200K out of pocket. All of the balconies had been redone, and she was hoping to recoup at $4.3 million. Tracy thought $4.1 million was more realistic; it was competitive, but the under $4 million buyers would consider it. That would be me, but I’m about $3.95 under $4 million. Tracy’s potential commission was $102,500.

James and David headed for their Tigertail property, which had been in the Getty fires. All of the roads were closed and David James said it was like doomsday. We saw horrifying clips of the L.A. fires, and the incredible devastation. They were going to see how bad the damage was, so they knew what they were dealing with. The first word out of James’s David’s James’s mouth was, f***, which about summed it up. The property was burned to the ground. In James’s interview, he said living through fires was becoming a normality. It wasn’t a question of if, but when, and you didn’t know where they’d come from, where they’d go, or how quickly they’d be put out.

Josh Altman went to meet developer Ilan at a Laurel Way property he’d been waiting five years to list. In Josh’s interview, he said the business was about relationships. Ilan was a big developer, and one of his most important relationships – a VIP client, but also a good friend. He explained that everyone knew the cachet of the 90210 zip code, but there were amazing pockets where you could find the best real estate. Laurel Way was a trophy property, nestled at the top of a hill, and super exclusive. Ilan said he’d been stressed enough trying to finish, but had the added stress of Josh calling him every day and asking when he could put it on the market. At 15,473 square feet, it had 7 bedrooms and – wait for it – 22 toilets housed in 15 bathrooms. There was an open floor plan, entertainer kitchen with Miele appliances, a 65’ infinity pool, a view to die for, a million dollar outdoor kitchen featuring a pizza oven and six beers on tap. But wait, there’s more. Altogether there were 4 kitchens – Ilan said he’d built it for convenience – a four-story glass elevator, a wine cellar and tasting room, and a custom gym with a marble sauna that had radiant heating and massaging water jets. When I saw it, I cried, and ate a cookie to swallow my feelings. There was an indoor hot tub with a gorgeous blue agate wall, which the wine cellar also had. Josh’s favorite spot was the garage, which had three turntables for cars and one for a motorcycle. He was also impressed with the uplit stairs, and Ilan said, at night, this place is unreal. There was also a $75K smart shower, and a private staircase that went to a rooftop infinity pool. Ilan wanted $55 million, but Josh thought it should be more like $45 million. He knew Ilan had poured his heart and soul into it for five years, but the price still needed to reflect the neighborhood, which had nothing over $38 million. Josh suggested they wait, and test the market first, and get feedback. He thought they should have an event with a soft launch, pricing it at $48 million, and see what people who could afford it would say.

Tracy wanted to use a different approach with the Fuller house, since there were so many like it. Since the area typically attracted young professionals in their 30s, who enjoyed the nightlife, Tracy went to a trivia night to see if she could attract buyers. She hoped a traditional marketing plan, plus her outreach worked. She and team member Erika planned an open house from 11-2 pm, but at noon, no one was there. Eventually, people trickled in – local agents, as well as those from New York and Miami. As well as pointing out the panoramic view that included the Hollywood sign, Tracy said that a 3 bedroom condo, three blocks away, was the same price.

JoshA told his team that the Laurel Way house would get white glove service. Ilan was one of his best friends, and they’d been in business together for a decade. There was no room for error. He wanted to do something that was able to create a buzz without actually listing the property. In his interview, he said when he started in real estate, you listed a property in the paper, and it was still a limited audience. Today, with social media, you could reach 5 million people for free. It’s how he got his buyer for Beverly Ridge (that phenomenal castle from last week). Millennials were the largest group buying now, and were involved with social media – Instagram, Twitter, TikTok. He said he was going to boomerang that sh*t, but a producer said, that’s not how it works.

James and/or David said Tigertail was a burned mess. In his interview, James said a few weeks ago, they didn’t even know what strategy they’d be using, but how were they going to bring a buyer to a burned down structure with a hillside covered in ash. He said, for once, he was bloody speechless. They met with developer Phillip, who said in his ten years in the business, he’d never seen something like this. He literally saw his big investment go up in smoke when he was just about to sell, and might never make his money back. We saw before and after shots, and it was pretty sad. James and/or David asked how long before Phillip could clean it up, haul things out, and make it presentable? and David estimated it to be up to six months. James David said that wasn’t a bad thing, since the stigma would be more in the past. Phillip said he was fighting with the insurance company, and boy, did I understand. We were flooded during Sandy, and first it was like pulling teeth to extract what we’d paid premiums for, just to get some furniture, and then came the fight with the mortgage company who doled it out like methadone. Until they decided I was more of a pain in the ass to them than they wanted to be to me. But I digress. James said, as is, a buyer would try to lowball Phillip, and insurance companies had declared a moratorium. In James’s interview, he said it could take months to process claims. Investment comes with risk, and sometimes you were lucky to come out with your shirt. He thought in six months, it might be viable. He told Phillip, it had to be delivered and packaged correctly. The text told us that Phillip was going to demolish it, and build again with his own plans.

JoshA said he needed to up his game for the Fuller house. He needed a unique way to show a special house, so they were doing a soft launch, inviting tons of influencers. When people saw celebrities partying in a house, they wanted to own it. They partnered with Vital Proteins, which Josh said had an unbelievable social reach. He stuck to his story that a trophy property deserved a trophy price. Ilan was right; the place was absolutely unreal at night. I ate more cookies. There was a DJ and tremendous catered spread, including Vital Proteins juices. Josh gave a personal tour to Camille, a Sports Illustrated cover model, and domestic partner of Rob The Gronk Gronkowski, tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL. Many selfies were taken, and Camille pointed out that, being a model, she knew good lighting when she saw it. They took a photo in the master bath, and damn if she wasn’t right. Josh said he knew they were aggressive with the price, but it would be trending so hard when it hit the market, it would need its own social media account.

Tracy met with agent Tony about the Fuller house. Tony said his client was a powerful executive in the entertainment industry. He offered $3.75 million, and in her interview, Tracy said her client had moved back to Vegas, and she had no other offers. She thought it was priced too high, but Michelle said, anything below $3.8 million would be disappointing. I’m guessing she’d about break even. Tracy countered with $3.9 million, and better contingencies, and they settled at $3.8 million, all cash, 10 day close, and no contingencies. Lesson for this week: This is called an ACR – all contingencies removed. They decided to have a drink on it, and Tracy told Tony that he was buying.

Next time, a house designed by John Barrymore in 1920, complete with opium den, and sketches left behind. I knew someone who lived in a Barrymore house here on the beach, and had sketches. He must have left a trail.

🏀 Enjoy the Ball…

Behind-the-scenes and video performances from the 2020 GH Nurses Ball.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/backstage-at-the-2020-general-hospital-nurses-ball

👶🏼 WileyGram…

Wiley’s real mom tells us about his brief scene in the nursery, filmed at home. Be sure to check out his mad counting skills as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIRZwZDc1I/?utm_source=ig_embed

🩺 The Britch Is Back…

Can Brad be far behind?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-thiebaud-returns-to-general-hospital

🕶 Holly Ain’t Dead Yet…

But poor Emma Samms can’t catch a break.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/emma-samms-opens-up-about-her-ongoing-struggle-with-coronavirus

🛌🏻 Jeff’s Pain In the Neck…

Looks like he won’t have to wear that burial tux after all.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/28/jeff-lewis-undergoes-neck-surgery/

🤐 She Knows Nothing…

For once, Ramona ain’t talkin’.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/27/ramona-singer-reacts-to-dorinda-medley-leaving-rhony/

👠 Steppin’ Out…

Could Teresa be dating again?

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/rhonjs-teresa-giudice-spotted-out-with-ex-anthony-delorenzo/

👜 All I Got Was a Bag Of Rocks…

It pays to have friends in high-end purse places.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/27/tinsley-mortimer-gifts-leah-mcsweeney-a-chanel-purse-for-her-birthday/

🐍 She’s a Cold-Hearted Snake…

You’re welcome, Denise.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/27/rhobhs-denise-richards-responds-after-lisa-rinna-is-slammed-as-a-snake-as-she-thanks-fans-for-their-support-plus-she-reacts-to-being-called-out-for-forgetting-she-admitted-to-trash-talking/

🗽 Me Three…

Alert the media. Leah, Ramona, and I agree.

https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/08/leah-mcsweeney-rhony-nyc-mayor/

📺 For Your Bingeing Pleasure…

I saw Lovecraft Country last week, and it was terrific. Scary on several levels.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/the-best-new-tv-shows-of-2020-to-watch-right-now/

🎧 Down MTVemory Lane…

VJs then and now.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/22069/mtv-vjs-then-and-now?source=email&medium=daily

🥂 Quotes of the Week

Make the choice to embrace this day. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow! It’s inspiring to see all the wonderfully amazing things that can happen in a day in which you participate. – Steve Maraboli

Our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if the other person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We must practice this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable. – Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Author and Peace Activist (It’s that pesky loving the unlovable thing that trips me up every time.)

We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing and inclusion. – Max de Pree

We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. – Cesare Pavese

I think the only answer is to live life to the fullest while you can and collect memories like fools collect money. Because in the end, that’s all you have – happy memories. – Sarah Strohmeyer

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.Paulo Coelho

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.Buckminster Fuller

We’re all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding. – Rudyard Kipling

History is much more the product of chaos than of conspiracy. – Zbigniew Brzeziński

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men. – Lyndon B. Johnson

It’s not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache. – Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), The Rocky Horror Picture Show

📦 Delivered As Promised…

It might be late/early, but I finally got in those million dollar houses. And wept enough tears for an infinity pool watching them. Do something different in the next two days, whether you still call them the weekend or not. Until the next yacht sails, stay safe, stay breathing deep, and stay not pretending your dead.

August 20, 2020 – Nelle Hatches a Plan, Ramona Sends a Group Text, Sonja of the Century, Mob Line, Housewife Rules, Surprise Guests & Dance

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Lucy welcomes us back to the Nurses Ball Telethon, and says, this year, the Ball became a telethon, but as always, they’ll be donating to AIDS/HIV related charities. The donations will be matched by a generous donation from Sonny Corinthos. This year, it’s a special event to benefit frontline workers and their families, giving back to the people who’ve given so much to them. It wasn’t how the volunteers were planning on spending their evening, but they jumped in to help. She’s hoping the viewers open their hearts and wallets, and while they’re doing that, the Ball will entertain them with an amazing act. Stay tuned, and keep the donations coming.

Elizabeth asks Nikolas what he thinks about the telethon, and he says he’s nervous; working phones isn’t exactly in his skill set. She says he’s charming and good with people. Now he can put those talents to work. Ava comes out, and says she’s getting water for Franco. He’s answered so many calls, he’s parched.

Finn is late, and looks in on Willow and Michael answering phones.

Nelle fixes her makeup, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it, and Julian says, she summoned him. She says it took him long enough. He asks, what’s the rush? Everyone despises her, so whatever she’s planning, it’s not going to work. She says, tonight, she’s going to give her greatest performance yet. Call it a disappearing act, if you will.

Monica hopes she didn’t miss too much of the Ball, and turns on the TV. Upstairs, Wiley sleeps blissfully alongside Mr. Hopsicle.

Julian asks if Nelle is going somewhere, and she tells him, don’t worry about the details. He asks, what’s happening? and she says, let’s just say, nothing and no one is going to get in her way tonight. He says she’s more delusional than he feared, and she says if he’s not more supportive, she’ll have a chat with Sonny. She’ll tell him that Julian knew his grandson was alive, and kept the secret. He says, it sounds like a threat, and she says, only if he disappoints her. She promises she and her son will be together. He says if she thinks her song and dance is going to convince the judge to believe she’s a changed woman, face it; she lost custody. She didn’t even get supervised visitation. She says, the judge was in Michael’s pocket even before the hearing. The verdict just confirmed what she already knew. She picks up the fabric shears (I would never go against Maxie’s correction, and call them scissors), and says she’s not getting Wiley back by playing by the rules; the rules were rigged against her. She’s doing it her way, and Julian is going to help her.

Martin is looking for the phone bank, and Valentin is surprised he volunteered. Martin says, he admires he frontline workers. Most people aspire to be selfless and courageous, but they really are. Valentin says, a lawyer with scruples, and Martin says he’s not the only one. Valentin is matching the donations. He knows Lucy doesn’t have that kind of money, but Valentin does, now that he has controlling interest in ELQ. Valentin says he’s going to make a profitable company more profitable, and Martin says it looks like Valentin is getting everything he wanted. Valentin says, not everything, no.

Jax notices Nina is wearing the half-heart necklace. She says, maybe it’s superstitious, but it’s the only thing attracting her child, so she’s keeping it close.

Lulu asks Dustin if everything is okay, and he says, sorry about what happened with Brook. Lulu says, it wasn’t his fault. Brook lives to push boundaries, especially when… He asks what she was going to say, and she says, he said it first. When Brook is causing trouble, it usually means she’s hurting.

Brook looks in the mirror, and says, you got this. Get up on stage, and show everyone you’re a winner. Dad, Dusty, and high and mighty Lulu are all a bunch of haters. Let them hate. You’re a star. Get out there and bring in donations.

Backstage, Olivia tells Ned, they’re next, and he asks if she’s still mad. She wonders if he really wants to talk about this right now, and he says, whatever it is, tell him. She says it’s about the way he treated Brook. He threw her out, called her a traitor, and turned his back on his own child. He says, she sabotaged ELQ, and Olivia says, she made a mistake. She was desperate to save her singing career, and was impulsive. It wasn’t corporate espionage. He says, she betrayed ELQ, and betrayed the family, but Olivia says, it’s not the same thing. Ned says, there’s no difference, and she tells him, it might be time for him to choose one over the other.

Lucy says, now is the perfect time to make a donation. They’re raising funds for safety equipment – Finn answers phones, and Martin sits down to put his headset on – for the doctors, nurses, fireman, police, technical workers, orderlies, and support staff. They’re out there on the frontlines, risking everything to do the necessary, essential work. It’s just a small way of saying thank you. She asks everyone, please call and donate, and while the viewers are doing that, they’ll do their best to entertain. Now it’s her great pleasure to introduce a dynamic duo that never fails to enthrall – Ned and Olivia Quartermaine. Ned plays guitar and Olivia sings with him. I’m batting 1000 on song titles this year, and have no clue. Something about finding the trail that leads back to you. They come closer together as they sing, at the end, touch their heads together.

Finn answers phones, and in between calls, tells Anna that he’s so sorry he was late. She says it’s okay, but he missed Maxie’s announcement that she’s pregnant. Maxie and Peter are both over the moon, obviously. Finn says, what about her? and she says she thinks it’s the best possible news. Peter can stop regretting his past, and look to the future.

Martin says now that Valentin has controlling interest in ELQ, he assumes Valentin will be making changes. He asks if he’ll be corporate counsel. Valentin tells him, don’t think what he’s done has gone unnoticed. He thinks of Martin as a friend. Martin says, that’s touching, but doesn’t get him out of paying his bill. Michael and Willow come by, and Valentin says they were just discussing ELQ, and he’s impressed with Michael’s endeavors with green technology. He wants to employ a more traditional structure, but would like Michael to be VP of their green initiative. Michael says he thought the point was to take the company away from him, but Valentin says, the point was to take a profitable company and make it more profitable. Although he admits the slight bit of payback wasn’t entirely unsatisfying. Willow says imagine if Valentin had been an ally instead of staging a takeover, and he says he respects her as a teacher, but wonders if she understands the concept of staying in your lane. Michael tells him, the war is never-ending for ELQ, and Valentin says, it’s a new day. Michael would be wise to join him in creating the success of ELQ.

Jax tells Nina, he hates watching Valentin ride off with control of ELQ. He has affection for the Quartermaines, and Michael is his stepson and Josslyn’s brother. Nina says he didn’t ask for her advice, but she’s giving it. Stay out of it. He says, easier said than done, and she says she’s not talking about his corporate skills or helping Michael. She knows Valentin better than anyone, and if Jax gets involved, Valentin will feel more pressure to prove himself

Julian takes the shears from Nelle, and says her plan is literally the definition of insane. She’s on parole, and if she gets caught… She says she’s not going to get caught. If he thinks she’s just going to hand over her son to Michael and Willow, it’s practically like giving him to Carly. It’s not happening. He’ll do his part, and she’ll do her part. He says, that’s where she’s wrong. This wasn’t part of the deal. She says, the deal changed. It’s his choice; play ball, or face the wrath of Sonny. She says she’s not a mind reader, and will need a verbal response. He says he’s in, and she says she had a feeling he’d see it her way.

Lucy says she’s grateful and excited to announce the next performance. Their next performer has generously arranged for Deception to match every dollar. Please call and donate, and please welcome Valentin Cassadine. Valentin says his song is dedicated to anyone who can’t be with the person they love. Jax looks at Nina, as Valentin sits at the piano, and sings. No luck with this song title either, but it’s bluesy, pretty, and about feelings. Everyone behind-the-scenes smiles or ponders. A band appears out of nowhere, and there’s a nice sax accompaniment. Nina tears up.

Lulu asks if Dustin minds extending their break. She just managed to avoid Valentin’s number, and she’d like to do the same with Brook. He asks if she doesn’t even want to see it, and she says, God no. Especially if she’s fantastic. She’ll have to paste a smile on her face and be supportive, when she hates Brook’s guts. He asks if she didn’t say something supportive just before, and she says she has a right to be pissed. Between Brook’s digs about Dante, and her non-stop hitting on Dustin, she deserves what she gets. Dustin says, okay, but Brook was stuck in her contract and felt alone. She even reached out to her dad. Lulu says, Ned thought it was time Brook dealt with the situation she’d created on her own. It’s not a bad parenting idea in theory, but she understands why Brook felt abandoned. He says she almost sounds sympathetic, and she says, almost.

On the phone, Nelle says, all clear on her end. Is he in position? Julian says, he’s at the Quartermaines now, and she says there are several access points; just pick one, let himself in, and find Wiley. Brook listens outside the door.  Nelle says, Wiley is in his room already, so the only person Julian will have to deal with is Monica. I can see inside Brook’s head, and she’s like, dammit. My number is coming up and now I have to deal with this.

On the phone, Nelle tells Julian, don’t get cold feet; remember the consequences. Julian says, if this goes wrong, Nelle will lose Wiley forever. Why doesn’t she do it right, and follow the rules? She tells him, bring the kangaroo with him. It has the GPS in it, and the second he leaves, she’s going to track him on the app. Get going.

Martin tells Valentin, bravo, and Valentin asks how the fundraising is going. Martin says, donations have been pouring in. He’s not surprised Valentin’s performance got quite a response, given the emotions on display. Valentin says, I beg your pardon? and Martin says, normally Valentin is guarded, but it definitely looked like he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. He hopes Nina appreciates his effort. Valentin says, Nina is with Jax now – until she realizes he’s just a shiny object. Martin says, in the meantime, Valentin sits alone, but Valentin says he has plenty of interests to take up his time.

Nikolas gets some water, and Ava says he’s fortunate to have a built-in excuse to take a break. She couldn’t take Elizabeth sulking one more moment. He says Elizabeth is busy answering phones, and Ava says, and shooting her death stares. He says she’s exaggerating, but she says she knows insecurity when she sees it. Elizabeth has the wrong idea about Franco; they’re just friends. He tells her, if she says so, and she says she does. Franco isn’t doing much to set the record straight, but she wishes Elizabeth knew what it felt like to have the shoe on the other foot.

Lucy tells us that Nikolas Cassadine miraculously returned to Port Charles this year. Backstage, Ava tells him, break a leg, and she means that sincerely. She hopes he does. Nikolas comes out, and thanks Lucy. He says it’s been a few years since he attended the Nurses Ball, but he’s thrilled to be back, especially when there’s a telethon for frontline workers and their families, but they have to continue their original mission, to support HIV and AIDS charities. That’s why he and his wife are going to donate a million dollars to further research, and another million to the telethon. In the wings, Ava nearly chokes on the can of soda she’s drinking. He asks Ava to join him; it’s her moment too. Ava comes out, and says he’s very generous, and he says he’s not done. Where would they be without the frontline workers and their courage, selflessness, and compassion? One of the finest people he knows is a nurse. She’s his oldest friend; they met in high school – Elizabeth Webber. He’s seen first-hand how she embodies the virtue of a healer, and tonight, he’s announcing that he’s endowing a scholarship for future nursing students in her name – the Elizabeth Webber School. Elizabeth smiles, and Franco looks like he has a headache.

Nina sees Valentin, and he approaches her. They look at each other, and she says, it was a beautiful song. He thanks her, and says he’s glad she enjoyed it. She says she should get going, but he slides in front of her, and asks if that’s the necklace from her mother. She says, yes; it’s supposed to mend a broken heart. He says, everything he did, the lies he told, it was because he wanted her to be happy. She says she’s always known that, but he needs to understand the end doesn’t justify the means. He says he’s sorry, and she says she knows that, and knows he means it, but some mistakes and heartbreaks can’t be undone with an apology. She walks away, and he looks like he might cry. I actually say, aww, out loud.

Brook walks into the room where Nelle is, and asks where she’s going. Nelle picks up her bag, and says she has to  be backstage, but Brook says she’s not going backstage or anywhere else. Not until the cops get there. Nelle asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says, Nelle is conspiring to abduct Wiley. She’s talking about Nelle finally going back to prison where she belongs.

Monica says she doesn’t need to hear Lucy’s pitch again, and mutes the TV. Julian peeks in from outside, and puts a ski mask on, because he’s subtle that way. Monica’s phone rings, and she says she must have left it in the foyer. She goes to find it, and comes in the patio door all stealthy, and moves to the hallway.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, she doesn’t know what to say; she’s so honored. He says the honor is his, and takes her hands. Franco jumps up, and asks what the hell is going on. Elizabeth says, stop, but he says, first of all, hands off his wife. Secondly, her name is Elizabeth Baldwin. Nikolas says he’s being absurd. He dedicated the scholarship to an old friend. He thought Franco would appreciate it. Elizabeth says she does. It will benefit deserving nursing students, and she’s touched that it’s in her name. She’s sorry Franco isn’t more gracious. She leaves, Franco glares at Nikolas, Nikolas acts like, what? and Ava watches.

Sonny’s phone dings, and Carly asks if it’s a text from Turning Woods. Sonny says there’s been no change in his dad’s condition; at least not tonight. She asks if he wants to go, but he says, cut out early? Wasn’t it her idea? She says he’s done enough matching the donations, and he asks if she wants to leave. She says she wants to do what feels right for him, and he thinks they should stay. He’s thinking about the medical personal who have helped his dad. The doctors and orderlies who have treated Mike with dignity and respect. It’s a way for them to say thank you. Isn’t that why Carly came up with the idea? She says, that’s exactly why.

Elizabeth goes into the bathroom, then into a stall, which is humongous. She leans against the wall.

Jax tells Nikolas, it was quite a generous donation, and Nikolas says, the Cassadines have always supported the Nurses Ball; the telethon makes it even more important. Ava joins them, and Jax says it looked like Ava was caught off guard. He wonders if she knew about it. Nina comes by, and says she needs to go to the powder room. She asks if Ava wants to join her, and Ava says she’d be happy to. When they’re gone, Jax says, a power couple, but Nikolas says, Ava’s words, not his. Franco comes out, and Nikolas says sorry Franco objected to the donation. Elizabeth certainly didn’t. Franco calls Nikolas a spoiled entitled boy, and tells him, it’s time to grow up. He gets whatever he wants, and Elizabeth seems blind to his faults. Jax tells them to put their differences aside and play nice.

Nina asks Ava, what happened? Nikolas seemed intense. Ava says, Jax didn’t, but Nina didn’t drag her in there to talk about Nikolas. Nina says she needs a reality check after hearing Valentin’s song. Ava says she didn’t fall for him, did she? Nina says he has many flaws. He always has a strategy and plan, and hates being vulnerable, but he sang with such honesty, it got to her; she couldn’t help it. Ava understands, and says the Cassadine men seem to have a way of getting under their skin. Nina says, speaking of which, what’s going on with Nikolas? Is she jealous about him fussing over Elizabeth? Ava says, even if they’re married in name only, just flirting, especially with a married woman, is tacky. But it may also be profitable. If Nikolas sleeps with another woman, it triggers the infidelity clause, and she gets 90% of the estate. Still in the stall, Elizabeth hears everything.

Julian skulks around, and Monica goes back to the television. She hears Wiley on the monitor, and hopes he’s not waking up. Even though she was told not to, if he’s crying, she’s going to get him.

Nelle says Brook didn’t hear what she thinks she did. She was practicing her number from Chicago. Brook says she knows Nelle is a pathological liar, and sent someone to snatch Wiley. Nelle says Brook sounds crazy, and Brook says, Nelle is crazy, thinking she can steal Wiley from his family. Nelle says she’s Wiley’s mother; she is his family. Brook says, what she is, is a kidnapper caught in the act.

The monitor is quiet, and Monica says, still sleeping; disaster averted. Julian puts chloroform on a cloth, and I hope he didn’t chloroform the baby. He sneaks up behind Monica, and puts the cloth over her nose and mouth. We see Wiley still sleeping peacefully.

Brook says she can’t wait for Nelle to be hauled off in front of the volunteers and the viewers. Nelle says they’ll say she was being harassed, and Brook says she’ll call Michael first, and he can call the police. Dammit. I thought she’d already called someone. Why do they always do that? Nelle knocks the phone out of her hand, and Brook says, no worries. Mac is there. He can arrest her himself. Nelle picks up the shears, and Brook says, sorry. She’ll pretend she didn’t see or hear anything. Nelle says, save it, bitch, and slashes at Brook.

To be continued…

Tomorrow, Olivia tells Jax that he scared the hell out of her, Willow says it’s offer that can’t be refused, Julian tells Monica he’s sorry, but had no choice, and Nelle tells Brook that she should have been nicer.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Ramona tells Sonja that she googled what causes anger. Dorinda got mad at her the first night, then went off on LuAnn. Sonja asks why she sent it in a group text to everyone, and Ramona says they never know when she’s going to blow up. LuAnn comes in, and says she can’t believe Ramona sent a group text. Did she do it on purpose? Ramona says she had to do something, and LuAnn says she can’t believe Ramona did it on purpose. Ramona says she wants Dorinda to see that she’s serious. Articles painting Ramona in a bad light start coming in on the women’s phones. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Ramona just lit the fuse, and this firecracker is a big one. Ramona asks how she should have handled it, and LuAnn says, talk to Dorinda nicely at dinner. Now she’s on a rampage. She’s going to be fuming. Ramona says, she’s already fuming. She thought Dorinda would be introspective, and LuAnn says, not on a group text. She doesn’t think Ramona understands, and Ramona says she doesn’t. Dorinda needs to work on her issues instead of attacking them. It’s obvious Dorinda has an anger problem; she’s not making it up. LuAnn wishes she’d done it personally. Now Dorinda is defending herself with the group. Ramona asks why LuAnn didn’t help, and LuAnn says she was packing; she has to leave early. Ramona says she’ll think about it, and LuAnn says she will too. Ramona says she’ll follow LuAnn’s lead, and in her interview, LuAnn says, Ramona’s job is done, and she’s free and clear. No dustpan is big enough for this mess. She sees Dorinda on the stairs, and tells her goodbye.

Dorinda goes to Ramona and Sonja’s room, and says, great article. Keep it going. Dorinda double-dares her. In her interview, Dorinda says, rats come out at night. If you want to say something, say it. Don’t send it in a group text. Ramona says Dorinda needs to deal with her anger, and Sonja says, here we go. Ramona says Dorinda attacked LuAnn, and made her cry; she was traumatized. Dorinda says Ramona uses the word traumatized too freely, and Ramona says Dorinda is worse than her father. Dorinda says Ramona should have been an actress. Don’t be jealous of her life. LuAnn listens, but then decides to keep going on her way. Dorinda leaves, and Ramona tells Sonja, Dorinda has lost her mind. In Sonja’s interview, she wonders what Ramona expected. Dorinda is defensive now. Sonja says she could have stopped it from happening, but wanted to see the reaction. Ramona says maybe Dorinda is jealous of her life. She goes on dates, and has guy and girl friends. Sonja asks why Ramona is going down this avenue, and Ramona says she’s just trying to help. She also says she pooped he robe, which is a whole other issue.

The women are meeting for drinks in a patio area, and LuAnn and Dorinda show up first. LuAnn tells Dorinda that she wants to have a conversation, but Dorinda says they had it the other day. We flash back to LuAnn saying Dorinda attacked her. LuAnn tells Dorinda that she wants her to listen because she loves her, and she wants it to be cool with the girls. Dorinda says she doesn’t care about being cool with the girls. All she does is give, and they want to focus on one thing. She thinks it’s wrong. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’s not comfortable with the conversation. It’s only about her, with no history of LuAnn. LuAnn just landed from Mars in a beautiful cabaret Jovani gown. It doesn’t work like that. She watches CNN. LuAnn says, don’t do this, but Dorinda thinks it’s ridiculous after everything she’s done for LuAnn. LuAnn says Dorinda won’t listen. She’s forgiven Dorinda because she loves her, but it’s about people’s feelings. Hers have been hurt, but they got through it because they love each other. Dorinda says they can’t live in the past, and LuAnn says she doesn’t like it when Dorinda is angry. Dorinda thanks her, and says she wants to be LuAnn’s friend, but it’s okay if she doesn’t want to. LuAnn says she does. Leah joins them, and says the place is amazing, and Dorinda says, wait see what they have coming. LuAnn say she wants to talk about one thing – for her. Leah was there when Ramona said something about Dorinda. Dorinda says, they’re going backward again, but get it out. LuAnn says she didn’t talk about Dorinda’s drinking; Ramona did. Dorinda  thanks her, and LuAnn asks why she’s not listening. Leah says, she thinks that night Ramona said something very rude, and it spilled over. LuAnn says Dorinda made it like she was the one who said something, and it hurt her. Dorinda says she’s sorry – again. In Leah’s interview, she agrees Dorinda came for LuAnn, but LuAnn is dragging it out. Even if Dorinda’s apology isn’t truthful, just move on. Dorinda says she could go on, and bring back stuff, and LuAnn says what’s important to her is Dorinda. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she can’t help Dorinda; she has to help herself first. So it’s frustrating. She wants to fix Dorinda, and make it right. Everyone sits down to dinner.

Chef Daniela describes the Mexican fiesta she made for them, and all kinds of food is brought out. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona is all talk behind closed doors, but shine the light on her, and she’s on a thank you tour just to avoid it. Sonja says a busy week is coming up, with her launch and the party. Dorinda asks Leah about her fashion line, while Ramona gripes to the server that the wine is old. She does know it’s supposed to be, right? That it gets better with age? Leah tells Dorinda that she doesn’t have a fashion background, but decided to start her own brand. Ramona tastes the wine and says, it’s bad. In Sonja’s interview, she says she’ll have the 1969 Petrus, and Ramona can have the 2020 pinot. Ramona grumbles that she likes her wine at room temperature. LuAnn says, there’s so much bullsh*t going around the table, she can’t see. Leah says, Ramona does like to complain, and Dorinda says Leah wasn’t on the group text. Ramona asks if Leah wants to know, and Leah says, hell yeah. What did Ramona do? LuAnn says, let’s just get through it because it’s bullsh*t. Dorinda tells Ramona, you don’t leave people out; it’s mean to do that, and she does it to Leah a lot. Leah asks if she can see the text already, and Sonja hands Leah her phone. Leah starts laughing, and says if she’d known she wasn’t in a group text, she would have thought it was about her. In Leah’s interview, she says, leaving her out says I don’t give a sh*t about you, and don’t care if you’re offended. Dorinda says, just google Ramona, and Leah asks if Ramona thinks Dorinda has anger issues. Ramona says Dorinda helped her through her darkest moments, and she loves her. Dorinda laughs, and says, here we go. Ramona says Dorinda gets so angry, she doesn’t know what to do. In Ramona’s interview, she says they all feel the same, but the others don’t have the balls to help. Why her? Because she has the guts. LuAnn says this is freaking her out. They rip each other a new one, and come to dinner like nothing happened. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she can’t deal. Ramona just dropped a bomb, the fire is still smoldering, and they’re sitting there like they don’t see it. Ramona asks what LuAnn wants her to do, and LuAnn says, be real. Ramona says she is real. In her interview, Dorinda asks how many times Ramona needs to say she’s angry. Does she have to pile it on? Did she do that to Ramona? Good job. In Ramona’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but doesn’t love it when she’s angry. Right now, she hates who Dorinda is, but Dorinda doesn’t want to get it. She gives up. Dorinda tells Ramona, she says she’s okay, but is she really okay? She never wants Ramona to feel abandoned. I’m not positive if she’s genuinely concerned or being sarcastic. Sonja says, Dorinda puts on a brave face, and of course she’s going to have a short fuse. She has to let them know how she’s feeling too. In Sonja’s interview, she says she’s been on  the receiving end of Dorinda’s wrath, and we flash back to that. She says she’s always understood that Dorinda is going through pain, and rather than feel it herself, she’s projecting. If you don’t get that, you’re an imbecile. Sonja tells Dorinda, don’t be so brave. It makes her frustrated. Dorinda says they’ve all been there for each other. LuAnn toasts to the good, the bad, and… Dorinda finishes, the article.

Everyone packs. I’ll miss Mexico. Ramona tells Sonja that LuAnn left. She’s glad she brought up Dorinda’s anger, and they discussed it in a diplomatic way. Ramona admits she gets hysterical and her delivery sucks. Sonja says she thought LuAnn could pull it off, but Ramona says LuAnn wants the clothes and perks Dorinda can give her.

Leah meets with her Married to the Mob team. They talk about the new pieces coming in, and how Jerzees wants to collaborate with them. In Leah’s interview, she says she may not have an MBA, but she’s a smart effing cookie. We flash back to Leah telling LuAnn that she started a business with the money she won in a lawsuit. Leah tells us that she thought she’d have a private jet, and be doing a billion dollars in business, but she had to adjust her expectations. She tells her team that it needs to be perfect. It’s the 15 year collection, and indicative of where she is in life. It’s going to be sold online only. They’re beginning a new chapter. In her interview, Leah says, people don’t understand how hard it is to keep a company in business and relevant. It’s about expanding. The sky’s the limit for the Mob.

In her interview, Ramona says, after they came back, she felt unsettled, so she went back to therapy. Something wasn’t sitting right in her heart and soul. We flash back to Ramona wailing about not finding a man. She tells the therapist, good news; she’s come full circle. The last time she was there, she wasn’t in her right mojo. He’d told her if she couldn’t connect, maybe she didn’t want to, and was sabotaging her relationships since she was hurt by her ex. She took time to reflect, and even took notes. She wondered why she would cancel dates, and a girlfriend pointed out that when Ramona is with a guy, she even sits different; coquettish and flirty. We flash back to several times she’s flirted, and the therapist asks if it’s a different version of herself, or is it genuine? She says she thinks it’s genuine. She’s sensual, but there’s more to her. She’s self-made, a giver, and has a warm heart, but it’s not coming through. She wants to be liked for herself, not her game. She’s finding she’s more successful on dates, and had a blind date. He’s never been married, has no kids, and they had a great time. He asks what made her go, and she says a woman who knows her suggested him. We see a clip of her and date Enrique at dinner. She tells the therapist that she acted differently with her girlfriends, than with men, where she was trying to be liked. She has a different attitude now, and wants to continue working on her friendships. She doesn’t need a man, but wants a man who really loves her for herself. The therapist tells her, keep doing what she’s doing. It seems like she’s in a good spot.

LuAnn meets with her cabaret team for a rehearsal workshop, but can’t find Sonja. In her interview, she says she loves traveling with the girls, but it’s great to be back in New York, and her show. It’s grounding and feeds her soul. She goes over the show structure with production manager Andy. She finally calls Sonja, who answers wearing a bathrobe. LuAnn tells her to get her ass over there, but Sonja says it’s her launch tonight. LuAnn didn’t say they were meeting the day of her party. LuAnn says they have a rehearsal, but Sonja insists she was never told. In Sonja’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what she missed except for the memo. She has her Century 21 launch tonight. It’s the biggest event of her career. She tells LuAnn that she doesn’t need a rehearsal, and LuAnn said she was distracting when she comes there. LuAnn says, it’s not an impromptu visit, and in her interview, she says, Sonja wants to be paid more, but doesn’t want to come to rehearsal for free. Sonja says cabaret director Ben should come to her launch, but he has his Fire Island house winter reunion. Sonja tells him to light her fire.

Bunny comes by Leah’s apartment, and in her interview, Leah says her mom teaches religion class to Kiki, and sleeps over on Tuesday nights. She thinks Kiki fulfills what she didn’t for Bunny. Bunny brings food, and they spread everything out. In Leah’s interview, she says she and Kiki have a relationship where she knows she’ll like her daughter. We flash back to Sarah telling Leah that their mother doesn’t like them. Leah says she’s still pissed off. They talk about Leah’s fashion line, Married to the Mob, and Leah tells Bunny about going to the bathhouse with Sarah. She’d told Sarah that she thought her relationship with Bunny had improved, but Sarah was discouraging. Sarah told her that Bunny didn’t like her. Bunny says she might have said that, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t love Leah. One thing she doesn’t like is Leah’s drinking. If Leah wants her to change her thoughts about that, it’s not happening. Leah say she still carries guilt for what happened when she was a teenager. She starts to cry, and says she can’t let it go, but doesn’t feel that’s who she is. Bunny says Leah got sober, had a baby, and has a business. She did fine. Bunny thinks when Leah believes she’s judging her, it’s just that she doesn’t want to see Leah lose what she worked hard for. It doesn’t enhance her life. Leah says, it’s not effecting anything, and in her interview, she says her mom is an Irish Catholic therapist, and she’s her mom’s worst nightmare. She hasn’t had a drink in 40 years, and feels like she has authority. Leah says she just needs to hear Bunny say… Bunny says Leah is wonderful, and she loves her. Leah asks if Bunny is proud of her, and Bunny says she always has been, but Leah wants her to say it every minute. Leah say she needs that, and Bunny says Leah needs to hear it more than she thinks to say it. In her interview, she says her daughter told her, perfect doesn’t exist. Her relationship with Bunny is challenging, but things won’t be the way she wants them, and she has to accept that.

Leah arrives at the Century 21 launch wearing a Sonja by Sonja dress. In her interview, she says she’s wanted to rep Sonja properly, but was sent pajamas and a pimp hat the first time. Now she’s doing it properly in a dress that’s more her. Ramona shows up in the lace number we’ve seen before. Sonja comes in with intern Matthew, and in her interview, she says, if anyone doubted her before, when she was talking perfume, jewelry, fashion, and a toaster oven – we flash back to Sonja saying it’s a lifestyle brand, and Bethenny explaining that Tipsy Girl would be considered a cheater brand – she doesn’t have to be right. She’d never say I told you so, but it feels good. She’s delivering what she promised. Dorinda says she’s wearing Sonja too, and Sonja says they look amazing. LuAnn arrives, and poses for a picture with Sonja and marketing director Heather. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, two wrongs don’t make a right. She’s wasn’t not going to show up. That’s not the kind of girl she is. Dorinda say she heard Sonja didn’t show up for rehearsal, and in her interview, LuAnn says it makes her wondering if Sonja will show up for the real show. If she doesn’t, it will be an issue. Dorinda says Sonja claimed she didn’t know, and LuAnn says, maybe Sonja didn’t remember, but she knew. It worked out well though; they got a lot done. Ramona breaks out her own straw for her wine. LuAnn says she’s going to be sending out invites for the new show, but Dorinda says she can’t make it since she’s having wrist surgery. LuAnn says, it’s not a big deal.

The Century 21 guy, whose name I can’t remember, says they’re proud to do a collaboration with Sonja. They love her styling and fashion, and love Sonja. Sonja takes the mic, and say she never thought she’d say it, but she actually feels humble. Ramona’s phone rings, and Ramona doesn’t seem to know how to turn it off. Sonja says Ramona doesn’t know how to work her own phone. She knows Ramona has a hot date. She tells everyone that it’s been a long haul, but they believed in her. She gives a shout out to her Wives crew, and says if she could poop out the toaster oven, she would. In Leah’s interview, she says, Sonja is glowing. There’s something different in Sonja that she’s never seen before; a twinkle in her eye. Leah is happy for her. Sonja introduces Leah as her new girlfriend, and Dorinda says they’ve come a long way since the fashion shoot. In her interview, Leah says she hopes Sonja’s line gets bigger and better, and she hopes now Sonja focuses on bringing it to fruition. That means money, and a paycheck. The women toast to Sonja’s success.

Next time, LuAnn sings Happy Birthday, John comes to Dorinda’s party, and Ramona says Elyse isn’t a good person.

🥯 From Toaster Oven To Fashion Maven…

I’ve looked at her website, and Sonja does have some beautiful, and affordable, clothes.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/lookbook/sonja-morgan-century-21-fashion-launch-event

👕 Mob Talk…

Leah discusses her fashion line.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/14/leah-mcsweeney-talks-housewives-fashion-and-married-to-the-mob/

👠 Playing By the Rules…

It says everything in their lives has to be fair game, but I don’t believe that for a second. There have been plenty of times when kids and husbands were off limits. On the other hand, alcohol being always available and free makes perfect sense.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/g31899425/real-housewives-bravo-rules/

🛸 All Guests To the Bridge…

It’s seems like nearly everyone has shown up where no man has gone before.

https://www.startrek.com/gallery/50-surprising-star-trek-guest-stars-0/james-worthy-1185/41

🏃🏽‍♀️ Still Catching Up…

A day of a computer mess equals a week of catching up. Teatime tomorrow, but for today, stay safe, stay finding joy in the little things, and stay hopeful that one day we’ll be less than six feet from one another.

August 12, 2020 – The Verdict Is Read, Last Night In Rome, Garcelle Spills It, Sutton’s Complaint, Trek Laughs, Brandi’s the Worst, a Movement & Dawn

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ned asks if Lucy is voting with the family to save the hospital she loves so much. Lucy asks if she can have a moment in private with Valentin, but Ned says, no one is leaving until the matter is settled. If she has something to say, they all want to hear it.

Jason opens his eyes, and says, Sam.

Nina looks at the latest issue of Crimson, and a post-it note from Nelle that says, the issue is awesome, boss! Jax asks if it’s a bad time, but Nina says it’s just the normal chaos. He tells her she gave him that excuse last night, and he knows she can handle a deadline. Does she want tell him what’s really going on? She hands him the note, and says, a reminder of the brief moment she thought Nelle might be decent. Jax crumples it up, and says now she doesn’t have to think about it. She says she can’t get rid of her thoughts as easy as that note.

Outside the courtroom, Michael tells Willow, whatever the judge decides, they’re in this together, and they’ll make it okay for Wiley. Inside, Nelle looks at the passports for her and Wiley, then at the tracking device on her phone. Michael and Willow walk in, and they face each other. Nelle tells them, spending time together won’t fool the judge. He knows their marriage is a sham. Willow says, after Nina’s testimony, the judge knows Nelle blackmailed Julian into marrying her. Michael asks where Julian is, and Nelle says he’ll be there. Carly walks in, and says, good. Nelle won’t be alone when the judge makes his decision.

Sam says she’ll get the doctor, and Jason asks how long he’s been there. She says a day, but it feels like forever. He asks why he’s there, and she says he had an accident on his bike; he crashed. Jason says, his motorcycle… How? She suggests the doctor examine him first, then they can fill each other in. They don’t need to rush. They have all the time in the world now.

Lucy says she’d like to speak to Valentin alone, if they may, but Valentin says, no. If anybody has something they’d like to say to him, go ahead. He’s all about transparency. Olivia asks if he was about transparency when he was buying up the shares. He says he was so transparent, he was invisible. That’s really a good one, and I laugh. Ned tells Lucy, GH needs ELQ’s backing to stay solvent; she knows what’s at stake. Valentin says he agrees with Ned. She knows what’s at stake. She says she’s breaking the tie by voting with… Valentin Cassadine. Everyone is like, whaaat?

Sonny tells Mike, he told him that he can let go. He knows how much Sonny loves him. He doesn’t have to stick around if he doesn’t want to. Mike says he’s ready to go home, and Sonny asks what that means. Felix comes to the door, and Mike says, baseball… music… and friends. Sonny says, Brooklyn? and Felix says, sorry to interrupt, but since he’s been taking care of Mike, he senses how Mike communicates. He thinks Mike is saying he wants to go back to where he feels at home. Mike says, home.

Nina tells Jax, Nelle was on a tear. She accused Nina of betraying her and siding with Carly. She believed every single person had let her down, stabbed her in the back, and double-crossed her. Nina finally said, if every single person double-crossed her and stabbed her in the back, maybe they’re not the problem. Maybe the problem is Nelle. Jax says she was just being honest, but Nina says Nelle believes she double-crossed her because Nelle was counting on her to be a character witness. Nelle thought Nina would go in the courtroom and tell  the judge what a great mother she’d be, and how she deserved to get custody of Wiley. Instead, she went in and told the judge how Nelle blackmailed Julian into marriage. Jax says she did, but she didn’t make it up. She says, maybe she should have stayed out of it. Michael didn’t need her help, and she made Nelle feel more alone. He tells her, don’t take the blame. It was Nelle’s choice to manipulate Julian. Don’t let Nelle make her doubt herself.

Diane comes into the courtroom, and says she tried calling Nelle’s lawyer, but he’s not picking up. Nelle says, that’s because she fired him, and Diane asks if she’s proceeding without the benefit of counsel. Nelle says Martin wasn’t benefiting her, he was sabotaging her case. She wouldn’t be surprised to find out Carly was paying him off. That’s why she requested a closed hearing, so Carly can’t be there. Carly says, the hell she can’t, but Diane says, Nelle is correct. The judge agreed the only people who can be in the room are Michael, Nelle, their respective spouses, and counsel. Carly tells Diane to appeal, but Diane asks if she wants to risk annoying the judge, and snatch the verdict from the jaws of victory. Carly says all right, she’ll go. She tells Michael they’ve more than proved they’re the best parents for Wiley, and tells Nelle to enjoy her last act of spite. When this is over, Wiley will be safe with people who know and love him, and the only thing he’ll know about her is what they tell him.

The doctor says Jason’s overall prognosis is excellent, but he needs to rest. She’ll check in on him later. When she’s gone, Jason says, he had exploratory surgery for what? Sam says, the doctors thought he might have a traumatic brain injury. Carly gave her consent. He says, that must have been rough on Sam; sorry for scaring her. She asks if he can tell her what happened, and he says he just remembers picking his bike up from Brando’s garage, and driving off. She asks if he doesn’t remember the accident or where he was going. He says, when he crashed, he was looking out for Jordan. She was meeting Cyrus, and he was on his way just in case. He asks if Sam isn’t supposed to be there. She needs to go or she’ll get in trouble. She says, no; she doesn’t have to leave. She can be there as long as she likes.

Valentin says, it’s settled. GH won’t receive a bailout from ELQ. Ned says, ELQ is known for its philanthropy, and Valentin says, then the board can vote on causes as they come up. GH needs to get its own house in order. They can find another white knight. Olivia says, white knights don’t just gallop through Port Charles all the time. Lucy says one has shown his face – Cyrus Renault. Maybe he’ll do it. Ned says, he’s no white knight. Cyrus is a known drug trafficker. He’ll hook Port Charles on opiates, and keep the hospital busy with ODs. Lucy says she didn’t know. He gave her a large donation for the Nurses Ball, so maybe they should give him a chance. Ned says he’s glad Alan isn’t there to see what she did with the one share he shouldn’t have given her. Lucy says he doesn’t get to go there. It’s Monica’s fault. If she’d followed proper procedure, maybe none of this would have happened. Ned says, there’s plenty of blame to go around. Isn’t there, Brook? Lucy says she’s going to take her check and go, but Valentin says, there’s one more vote he wants them to take. Ned asks if he wants to vote on a caterer for the shareholders’ lunch, or maybe he wants to change the music. Valentin says, he wants to vote in a new CEO, and smiles. He’s been doing a lot of that lately.

Nina tells Jax that Nelle brought out a strong point about her not being able to find the child she can’t remember giving birth to. She feels like her child is out there. Jax tells her, trust her feelings. Don’t listen to Nelle. She doesn’t know the first thing about being a mother, and doesn’t love Wiley. Everything is just a means to an end. What she wanted was to hurt Carly, and everything else was collateral damage. Nina says, he’s right. She doesn’t know why she let Nelle get to her so easy. He says her mom taught her not to trust herself. He has the feeling that’s why her mother left a clue for her to find the baby she gave away. Nina says, or left it so she could torture her. Jax says she can believe that and get on with her life, or search for the other half of the necklace that might lead to her missing child. She says she already did that, and the jeweler told her there was no lead. He says, just because one jeweler couldn’t help her, doesn’t mean another can’t. She says, it’s the only expert she knew at the time, and doesn’t have… unless he does. He says he has purchased precious gems on one or two occasions. She says, or three, or four, or five. He tells her, don’t get carried away. He makes a call to an Evelyn, and says he knows it’s short notice, but he needs her expertise… for a special friend.

Michael says, Carly must be climbing the walls, and Willow says, she’ll keep Carly company. If the judge asks, tell him the truth. She didn’t want Wiley’s grandma to be alone, since she was forced to leave. Julian arrives, and Diane says she’s surprised. He has a penchant for saving his own skin. Out of curiosity, how long does he predict he’ll stay married to Nelle? Nelle protests, and he tells her, give it up. She can thank Nina that the judge knows how she got him to the altar. Diane says Nelle petitioned the court to have a closed hearing. That means he can be there, but can sit in the gallery if he wants. Nelle says she’s making it up, and Diane laughs. Julian says, fine by him, and sits in the back.

Carly says Willow is kind and considerate, but this is wrong. She should get back inside, so the judge sees she’s at Michael’s side rather than stay there. Willow says she’s afraid she’ll lose it if he grants joint custody. She has to be the kind, calm alternative to Nelle. Carly is sure they’ll leave with a verdict in their favor.

Judge Lowe tells everyone to be seated, and reads the details of the case. He said he’s read the documents presented, and listened to their arguments. He asks where Nelle’s attorney is, and Nelle says she fired him. She’ll be representing herself, since she seems to think the case is still going on. He says, since he’s already made his decision, any request for continuance will be denied. Nelle remembers what Nina said, that maybe she’s the problem.

Sam tells Jason, just like that, Delores was gone for good. She’s been replaced with a new parole officer. He’s a kind man, and has no intention of keeping them apart.

Olivia asks what Valentin is thinking, and Ned says he’ll call the lawyers. This can’t be legal. Valentin says they work for him now, and he made that call already. He needs all of the passwords, and a list of all the employees. He grabs Lucy’s arm, and tells her, let’s go. He doesn’t want to overstay his welcome. Brook says she’s going to, but Ned says she’s staying right there, and looking him in the eye – if she can.

Sonny says Felix could be right. Mike’s old room is where he got married, played checkers with Josslyn and Dev, and heard Brook singing. He asks Mike if Turning Woods is home. Felix says he’d be happy to arrange it; it would be his pleasure. Mike is the best, and Sonny should cherish every minute they have left. I feel the burden lift from me, and Sonny tells Mike, guess what? He’ll be going to Turning Woods real soon. Sonny says they should watch baseball, but he checked, and there isn’t a day game scheduled. Mike says, until next season, and Sonny repeats, until next season.

Jax, Nina, and Evelyn sit at a table in the MetroCourt. Evelyn uses a jeweler’s loupe to look at Nina’s necklace. She says she can trace it back to its origin; she thinks she knows the craftsman. She’ll do her research, and get back to them. She’s gone before Nina can say anything, and Nina tells Jax, she’s a woman of few words. Jax says, but every word counts. Evelyn picked up on something. Chin up. It could be the break Nina has been hoping for.

Carly tells Willow, pace herself. Court rarely goes quickly. Willow says she’s better off not being in there. She has no idea how Michael stays calm.

The judge says, the court’s primary concern is the health, safety, and welfare of the child. To be clear, there are no angels in this courtroom. Both parents have served time in prison on serious charges, and have paid for their crimes, being released and on parole. He’s looked at the current situations. They both married quickly, saying they desired to provide a loving family for Wiley. Michael and Willow have made it clear to the court that they have a deep and abiding love for the child, even before it was realized that Wiley really was Michael’s child. At the same time, the birth mother also married. Her witness claimed there was devious and ill-intent. Although there was n no evidence provided to support it, he can’t help but feel Nelle showing up in her wedding dress was a stunt performed to upstage Michael and Willow’s marriage. He’s seen the records of Nelle’s selfish, cynical, maniacal behavior, and considering the way she conducts her life, the court believes she’d treat her child the same way. Sole custody is granted to Michael and Willow. Diane hugs Michael, and I wonder why Nelle looks shocked.

Carly says she’s thrilled, and Willow says, Michael did it. He says, we did it. Diane was amazing. Diane says it wasn’t too difficult to prove they’re perfect parents. She congratulates Carly on no outbursts in court; she’s improving. Nelle’s visitation with Wiley has also been terminated, effective immediately.

Nelle tells the judge, she’s Wiley’s mother; she gave birth to her son. They can’t pretend she doesn’t matter. Judge Lowe says, it’s because she matters that he’s denying visitation. She failed as a mother when she accused an innocent woman of pushing her down the stairs, and confessed to the murder of her fiancé. Nelle says she’s made mistakes, but she’s grown and moved on. The judge says if she’s learned from her mistakes, and puts Wiley above her own selfish interests, she can appeal. Her case will be revisited, and if she’s found fit, she’ll get limited visitation. Nelle sees everyone all happy in the hallway, and says, it’s not fair. They start to leave, and she stomps out, asking where they’re going. She’s not done yet.

Jason asks how Sam got rid of Delores. She says she reached out to someone who could deal with it. He asks, who? and she says, Valentin.

Ned asks what Brook was thinking, and she says she was thinking of getting out of her contract. The only way Linc would let her was for her to sell him her shares. By the time she figured out that he was a front, there was nothing she could do. He asks why she didn’t warn him. She knew how serious it was, and she chose to do nothing; to say nothing. Never mind the family – they’ll survive – but the hospital… She says she didn’t know they were going to vote about GH, and he says she doesn’t know anything. She just takes what she wants, regardless of the consequences. Olivia think he should take a step back, and Brook tells him, look in the mirror. He had a million chances to help her, but he wouldn’t or couldn’t. She had to help herself.

Nelle tells Michael, congratulations. The judge made his decision, so she had no choice but to accept it. Diane says she’s leaving it at that. She’s got other clients, and is sure they want to spread the good news. Nelle says she’s not finished. They may have won this round, but she’s still Wiley’s mother, and will always have a part in his life. Michael says, good; she’s taking the high road. Willow says she could have had her son, a loving little boy with a great smile and endless curiosity. A boy whose happy, and makes everyone around him happy. Instead, she chose to hurt Michael for an insane reason. She thought revenge would be more rewarding than loving her baby. Willow feels sorry for her. Michael and Willow leave, and Julian says he’s heading home. Nelle says, wait. They have things to discuss. He tells her, whatever you say, dearest. Carly says she’d like to talk to Nelle alone. Diane says, they’re consenting adults. As long as there’s no bloodshed. She leaves, and Carly says the judge made the right decision. Nelle doesn’t know how to parent. It’s not entirely her fault; she learned from Frank. She didn’t have one moment of genuine love, and he used her. She won’t do any good for Wiley, so she should be happy that her son will have a chance at a life she never did. A home where two people love him. Nelle says, it was never her intention to take Wiley away from Michael. A spot in her son’s life was all she wanted, and she’ll have it.

Jason asks Sam what Valentin wanted in exchange, and she tells him Danny and Scout’s ELQ proxy to vote their shares. He asks when it happened, and she says he made the offer before Jason’s accident, in exchange for solving her Delores problem. She didn’t take the offer, but when Delores showed up, Sam called him and took the deal. He asks why she trusted Valentin.

Lucy says, how dare Valentin make her choose between Deception and GH? He’s truly heartless. He says he’s a business man, and wants to focus on reinvesting and increasing profits. They’re not losing money on a hopeless hospital. She’d said Cyrus was willing to save them from their mismanagement. Lucy says, it’s also about the Quartermaines. She cares about them, despite their differences and checkered past. Now they resent her. He says he has no ax to grind with the family. They’ll come around when ELQ is stronger and more profitable. She says, whatever. He can go on and have a celebratory drink with himself. He says, first, she’s coming with him, and he drags her over to Nina and Jax’s table. He says he’s giving them the inside scoop, and Jax can give it to his people at Aurora Media. ELQ has a new CEO. Nina asks, what happened to Michael? and he says, Michael was busy learning a new skill set, and Ned wasn’t focused. Jax asks, who’s calling the shots? and Valentin says, him.

Ned says, when they needed Brook most, she chose Valentin over the family. Olivia says, that’s an exaggeration, and Brook says, at least Valentin believes in and encourages her talent. He’s going to boost her career. Ned asks if he’s renting a stadium, and Brook says when she tried to get Ned to buy out her contract, he told her to grow up; he was going to stop coming to her rescue. She’s all grown up, and came to her own rescue, like a good Quartermaine would. He tells her, get out. She’s no longer welcome in this house. She goes upstairs.

Sonny tells Mike that he has visitors. Mike says he’s tired; tell them to wait. Michael says he and Willow couldn’t wait. They wanted to share the good news. Michael won full custody of Wiley. He’s there now and forever. Sonny says, congratulations to all three of them, and Willow says, it was a group effort. Sonny says, what matters is Wiley will stay with the people who love him.

Carly says she might feel differently if Nelle had been a mother to Wiley. She can’t change Nelle’s past actions, but they can give Wiley what he needs in life – a family that doesn’t include her. Nelle asks how Carly would feel if someone took everything she wanted, but Carly says, only Michael didn’t take her child. She gave him away the night she passed him off as Willow’s baby. She did all this, and if she doesn’t like what’s going on, too damn bad.

Ned holds the door open, and Brook walks out. He says he’ll send the rest of her things when she gets a place. He slams the door in her face, and she walks away.

Sam tells Jason, she has everything in writing. The voting proxy reverts back to Danny and Scout when they’re 18. Jason says, that’s years from now. If Valentin gets a foothold in ELQ, mistakes can happen. Michael stepped away from the business, but Ned is doing okay without him. Valentin could be a lot of trouble. Sam doesn’t think he’d harm the company, and Jason says, it’s not about harm. He’s never cared about ELQ, but his great-grandfather built the company for the family, and wanted it to stay in the family. And the family doesn’t want Valentin near it.

Nina says, Valentin is the new CEO? How did that happen? Jax says he didn’t realize Valentin had a connection with the Quartermaines, and Valentin says there’s a lot he doesn’t know. When Nikolas took over Cassadine Industries, he had to find a new situation. He consolidated his resources, and made new friends. Jax says, Lucy is the tie breaker. What does Valentin have on her? Lucy says she hopes Jax continues to finance and support a very worthy cause, and he says she can always count on his support for the Nurses Ball. He’s sure the Quartermaines are thrilled with her loyalty. She leaves, and Valentin says Lucy can be very productive. When she’s not promoting the Nurses Ball or running Deception, she’s consolidating real estate. Nina says, congratulations. She hopes he’s finally found what he wanted. He says, not quite.

Michael asks if Mike remembers Wiley, and shows him pictures. He says Mike knew right away Wiley was his son, and the judge made it official. Wiley is staying with him and Willow. No one can take him from his home. Mike says, home, and Sonny smiles at him.

Julian tells Nelle, he’s played the part of the doting husband long enough. Now he wants to make up for lost time, face his mistakes, and get the marriage annulled. There’s nothing more he can do for her. She says, isn’t there? She’ll be in touch. Julian leaves, and she looks at her phone.

Carly joins everyone in Mike’s room, and Sonny says, it’s finally over. Wiley is staying with the family where he belongs. Michael shows Mike a picture of Mr. Hopsicle. Willow says, Mr. Hopsicle brings good luck, and Michael says, maybe she’s right. They were definitely lucky today.

Nelle says, the tracking device is still working. Hang on to that kangaroo. Mom’s coming.

Tomorrow, Olivia yells at Ned, Ava tells Nikolas to prove it, Carly tells Jax to meet her halfway, and Sonny hears about Cyrus’s involvement with the hospital.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Kyle says she’s struggling. Teddi doesn’t believe Brandi said that (that she’d had sex with someone in the group). LisaR says she doesn’t think Brandi ever said that. Don’t even put that out there. Denise says Brandi said it the first time she met her. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s not naming names. She doesn’t know if it’s true, and doesn’t care. Teddi asks, when are these conversations happening if Denise doesn’t talk to Brandi? Denise says Brandi called her, and Teddi says, she answered; it’s friendly enough. Do these idiots ever hear themselves? In Dorit’s interview, she says, Teddi’s not fond of Denise. Maybe she believes the worst? Dorit asks what the issue is, and Teddi says, it doesn’t add up. Denise had Brandi come to her work set, and said negative things about them. Denise says Brandi was doing an interview; that’s a different situation. Dorit says, they weren’t getting plastered, and LisaR says, they still got together. Denise says, she and Brandi have a mutual agent. I hope not anymore. Teddi says, there was a friendship, and Dorit tells, Denise didn’t say there was no communication. Even if Brandi said those things first, they had dinner, and were on good terms. Brandi had a podcast, and came to Denise. Teddi says, if they can’t get the full story, then she shouldn’t go there. Denise says Brandi said this about them. In Garcelle’s interview, she thinks Denise should stand up for herself. Now’s the time to set the record straight. Garcelle doesn’t feel like this is going the right way. LisaR says, it feels dirty, like someone isn’t being honest. In her interview, LisaR says that it’s frustrating watching Denise dance around this, deny, and blame. She tells Denise, if she’s chosen to sit there, she needs to own it. Denise says, she has, but that’s not good enough. Now they know why she gets up and leaves. LisaR says if Denise doesn’t want to be there, then go. I call her a nasty effing bitch. Garcelle asks why they’re choosing to believe Brandi over Denise, who they have a relationship with. She doesn’t know Brandi, except for what she’s heard in the press, but why are they taking her side? Kyle says she’s not taking a side (I’m not sure what she calls it then), and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she doesn’t know why they’re making what Brandi says like the Bible. Kyle says, it’s not about believing one over the other. Only they know the truth. Garcelle wonders how they move forward, and Teddi says, she can move forward, but her guard is up. She’s proceeding with caution. In Teddi’s interview, she says when there’s a pattern, she’s not hoping it’s going to change. She’d love to be proven wrong, but that hasn’t happened. LisaR says the restaurant has to open up as a club, and they move to the couches.

Erika says Denise didn’t tell Brandi that she was an icy bitch? Denise swears on her mother’s grave that Brandi is lying. Brandi said that; she would never say that. In Denise’s interview, she says Brandi told her that she heard Erika had been cold to her, and Denise confirmed that she had. She didn’t lie, but she did agree with what Brandi brought up. Erika asks if Brandi said that Teddi is desperate to be in the group, and was tired of riding on her father’s coattails. Teddi asks why Denise didn’t say anything last night, and she says she did. We flash back to Denise telling them Brandi was the one who called Teddi pathetic, and she was desperate to get into the group because she was tired of living in her father’s shadow. In her interview, Denise tells us, she’s said worse things about Teddi. That’s why she’s confused. Denise says she’s been totally honest, and LisaR says, okay, in that way you know it’s not really okay. In Erika’s interview, she says she likes Denise. She thinks Denise is a good time. We flash back to some fun times, and she says, but if Denise is calling her a cold-hearted bitch when she’s being nice to her face, it leaves them in a strange place. Garcelle says, she and LisaR took a dance class, and she’d asked if LisaR thought her body image affected her daughter. LisaR is like, f***, and in Kyle’s interview, she says LisaR opened up the Pandora’s Box. She said she wanted honest. We see a clip of Garcelle asking if LisaR is worried her image hurts her daughter. Garcelle says she doesn’t have a daughter, so she can’t say, but thinks she wouldn’t dance nearly naked on Instagram. Dorit doesn’t understand, and Garcelle says LisaR doesn’t have to be dancing in in bathing suit or underwear. LisaR says she doesn’t think that’s what caused Amelia’s eating disorder, and Garcelle tells her, she’s not saying that, but wonders if Amelia sees it and feels bad. LisaR says people are going to judge them, and Garcelle says, she’s not judging LisaR, but the situation. LisaR says, of course she’s judging, because she doesn’t understand what Garcelle just said since she’s so focused on being right. Garcelle says she’s just being honest. Teddi says, you can’t nail it on one thing, and LisaR says she’s proud of her daughter for coming out and talking about it. Garcelle says, 100%. She’s proud as a mom of all of them. Denise dabs at her eyes. In Dorit’s interview, she says, another night in Rome, and there’s still no result. There’s tears, anger, and frustration, and a dark cloud is now over them. It’s not going away unless they have a real, honest conversation. How is that going to happen? She has no idea.

The next morning, Teddi calls Erika, and asks if she wants to go to the spa. Garcelle calls Sutton, and Sutton asks if Garcelle wants to join her for mass at St. Peter’s. Garcelle says, absolutely. LisaR – who I happily notice again looks like sh*t in the morning – calls Kyle, and says she heard Kyle had fun last night. She’s sorry she missed it. We flash back to Kyle and Dorit out drinking and being kooky. LisaR asks if Kyle is going out on a Vespa, or is she still drunk? Kyle says she loves nothing more than driving a Vespa in the rain, drunk. She’s going to have some coffee and attempt to be human. Erika and Teddi go to the spa, and Erika says, the pregnant lady feels better than she does. Dorinda asks why Kyle kept her up so late. In Kyle’s interview, she says she cares about Dorit being happy, and they’re in a good place. She tells Dorit, it feels like Vegas on a Sunday morning. I have no idea what that means.

In her interview, LisaR says she texted Denise, but didn’t hear back. She thinks Denise is mad at her, and it’s a friendship worth fighting for. In the car, Kyle tells Dorit that she was a hot mess last night. LisaR finds Denise in the lobby, and sits with her. She says, she’s sorry, and Denise says the energy LisaR is projecting comes off like attacking; like interrogating. It’s happened at several big dinners, and she comes off as a mean friend. She wonders why she was invited. LisaR says she loves Denise, and she’s her friend. Denise says, it doesn’t come off that way. If she saw LisaR crying and everyone coming after her, she would tell them to stop. It’s hurtful, and not okay. LisaR says Denise claimed Brandi said she’d had sex with someone at the table, and they don’t need tit for tat. Denise does that with her sometimes; don’t do it anymore. Denise says she defended LisaR at Kyle’s house when Kyle told her, f*** off and f*** you. We flash back to that, and Denise says, for the last 20 years, when people were coming at LisaR, she told them to stop. LisaR hasn’t been a friend to her. LisaR says she was trying to clear the air, and did it in a terrible way. Denise asks, is that a friend? She’s never experienced this with LisaR, and she’s known her a long time. She’s not mad; she’s hurt. LisaR says she doesn’t want to hurt Denise, and starts sobbing – making it about her. Nice move. LisaR says she’s just trying to make it so they can move on, and she doesn’t know what to do. Denise says, just be herself. She’s strong and does stand up for what’s right. That’s the LisaR she loves. LisaR wails that she should have warned Denise; sent a text, but she didn’t. She feels bad now, and knows Denise would have warned her. Denise says she would have. LisaR was mean and angry, and it’s not like her. She doesn’t know what’s going on. She’s sorry. Denise says, it’s not her; it’s the rest of them. She doesn’t know why they want her around and then try to destroy her family. For what? She hates to see LisaR like this, and suggests LisaR come to church. She loves her. They hug, and LisaR vows to be a better friend.

Dorit and Kyle go to where the Vespas are. Dorit doesn’t want to wear a helmet, but the guide says it’s the law. He tells Kyle, she’s the only one in a sidecar. He puts caps on them to go under the helmets, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, it’s the fashion capital of the world. Kyle takes a picture. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Dorit looks great in a hairnet. They laugh, and Dorit says she’ll see Kyle when she sees her. At the spa, Erika asks Teddi what she’s got going on when they get home. Teddi says they’re going right into Thanksgiving, and Erika says she’s going to Laguna, to Tom’s daughter’s house. She’s a chef. In her interview, Erika says she’s lucky Tom has nice kids. She’s their age. Sutton, Garcelle, LisaR, and Denise leave in a taxi. LisaR says, everything happens for a reason, and Denise says, at least they got to something. In Dorit’s interview, she says, finally. The part of the friendship with Kyle that she loves so much. It almost compensates for the sh*tty things she does. LisaR is glad they worked it out, and says she needs church more than anyone. Garcelle asks, why? and LisaR says she hasn’t been back to her true self for a while. In Sutton’s interview, she says, there’s a better side to LisaR? In their interviews, each woman talks about the religion they grew up in, and where they’re at now. LisaR says she went to different churches every time she changed best friends. Hmmm… I say out loud. Her church hopping, depending on who she was hanging out with, speaks to her character now.

They pass LisaR’s house. She says Harry lived there with Ursula Andress. She explains that Ursula and Harry met during Clash of the Titans, and had a child. Sutton says she loves that movie so much. I do too. LisaR says Ursula was the movie star you would imagine, and she lived there. She got pregnant the first time she and Harry hooked up, and it was her first pregnancy at age 44. Kyle and Dorit finish riding, and Kyle can’t get the hairnet off. The others go to St. Peter Square. In her interview, Sutton says, who knew the line would be around the block? She did. It’s a two-hour wait, but she’s not worrying about it, since it’s not her trip. If anyone had asked, she would have told them to get a ticket. It might have been nice if she’d volunteered that information. On Instagram, LisaR says it’s the closest they could get, and takes video of them in the Square.

Kyle and Dorit go to lunch, and Dorit says she’ll never get the hairnet visual out of her head. Where does Kyle think LisaR went? Kyle hopes she’s okay. LisaR runs in, and says she’s so sorry. She had a bit of a breakdown. She saw Denise in the lobby, and it was tough for her last night. LisaR insists she tries to fix things when it’s a group situation. She feels responsible for getting to the truth. They talked, and Denise was pretty upset with her; they’ve been friends a long time, and Denise said she’s not being a good friend. She had to take a look at that. In Kyle’s interview, she says she feels for Denise, but thinks LisaR is just trying to get to the truth. Of course she does. LisaR says she cried a lot, and Kyle asks if Denise cried. Who asks something like that? LisaR says, she did. She thinks Denise is reeling, and hurt because of the accusations. She’s afraid for her children; it’s a lot. In LisaR’s interview, she says they need to have empathy for Denise. She’s in pain. Kyle says she understands, but it started with them hearing things. It didn’t come out of the blue. LisaR says, in the end, she felt badly. She’s a better friend than that. She hasn’t been good friend. Dorit says, maybe Denise feels they shouldn’t be vocal, but it’s not personal. Huh? How is it not personal? LisaR says she’s glad she and Denise had the conversation. She thinks she was probably too harsh, and Dorit says, it was intense; she doesn’t want Denise to shut down. Kyle says, the thing is, to be honest. LisaR says she can’t force someone to be honest, and needs to take a breath and allow it to come out, whatever it is.

The women get ready for their pizza party. Mikey puts Erika’s coat on her, and Sutton has her hair done. Dorit calls home, and Phoenix asks if she can have her cake pop. Dorit tells her, after lunch, and Phoenix says, breakfast is lunch. Dorit tells her that she should be a lawyer. In the taxi, Dorit says the restaurant room she’s designing is gutted and demoed. We flash back to her conversation with the restaurant owner. In Sutton’s interview, she struggles with the name of the restaurant, and the producer says, Buca di Beppo. She asks if it’s like Olive Garden. She’s not being disrespectful, but she’s never heard of it. I usually like Sutton, but that is disrespectful, comparing it to Olive Garden. Come on. Dorit says she’s thinking about putting together Teddi’s baby shower there, but they have to keep it a secret. Why do people always think startling a pregnant woman is a good idea? Kyle says Teddi was firm on not wanting to open gifts in front of everyone. In Kyle’s interview, she says, thank God she has Dorit. She’s been busy, and by the time she gets the shower organized, the baby will be attending it. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s taking control tonight. She’s had it. She’s going to say her peace, and at least they’ll know how she feels.

At the restaurant, Denise says she doesn’t think she’s had a vegetable there except for tomatoes. Erika says she had a ham and cheese sandwich from the kid’s menu at the hotel. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s listening to them now, but she has something to say. She asks when the others are getting there, and Garcelle asks why she cares. She says she wants to prepare herself, and they laugh. The others arrive, and Kyle shows them a video of her in the sidecar. Dorit tells them about the helmets, and says she laughed so hard, it was like she did a thousand sit-ups. She points out it’s their last night together, and Denise says she wants to make a toast and then she’d love to talk about something. She thanks LisaR for bringing them on the trip, the clink glasses, and she smiles. I see the wheels turn in her head.

She says she’s glad she and LisaR got to talk. LisaR is an advocate for being your authentic self, so she’s going to be brutally honest. There’s so much judgement in this group. Every single effing dinner she’s been on the receiving end of being attacked as soon as she sits down. It’s not effing cool. In her interview, Garcelle says Denise never told her, tonight’s the night. She didn’t see this coming. Denise says her husband didn’t want her to go on this trip. He had a feeling, and he was right. Kyle says, when things are out in the open, they have to be addressed. Denise says, do not. In Teddi’s interview, she says, Denise said she was done talking about it, then prepared a speech. What else is she going to do to make them look bad, and make herself look like the victim? I don’t think Denise has to do anything. They’re making themselves look bad just fine on their own, and Teddi is pissed because Denise isn’t being a victim. Denise says, it’s okay when they’re having fun, and Kyle tries interrupting, but Denise continues, saying, it’s the worst trip she’s ever been on. She doesn’t deserve this, and Kyle knows it. Kyle says they just want her to be honest, and Denise says, when she is, no one believes her. Kyle dragged Brandi into it, and it’s not cool. It’s gotten to the point where it’s mean girls. In Erika’s interview, the ice queen she says, if being a mean girl means standing up for yourself and not backing down, then she’s a mean girl. Again, WTF? Do these dolts not hear what comes out of their own mouths? Teddi says she’s glad Denise is sharing, but when she says she’s not judgmental and calls them mean girls, that’s f***ed up.   Denise says, that’s her experience, and her observation. They want her to be brutally honest, and they’ve been bombarding her. It’s not effing cool. In LisaR’s interview, she says, are they afraid to face each other and go at it? Absolutely not. But they were bullied and called mean girls last year – we see some articles online – and it’s a cop out. It wasn’t easy, and Denise knows it’s not cool. Dorit says she doesn’t think anyone tried to deliberately hurt Denise, but Denise disagrees. Dorit says she’s been on the receiving end of some barbs, and it’s not a comfortable moment. Garcelle says she wants to hear them out, but has to excuse herself for a moment. She leaves the table, saying she’ll be back. If I were her, I’d be getting a stiff drink. Kyle says, what’s up with the dramatic exit? once again totally exaggerating, since Garcelle just quietly excused herself and left. Denise says she’s going to go; she’s had enough. She’s done. She walks out, and Sutton says, she likes to leave. In Erika’s interview, she says she doesn’t think Denise would be in this situation if she didn’t leave all the time. No. She wouldn’t be in this situation if these MEAN GIRLS didn’t jump all over her all the time.

Denise sees Garcelle outside, and says she’s leaving. She asks if Garcelle is okay, and Garcelle says she’s just tired, and she misses her family. She’d rather be home with her kids. I’d rather be home with her kids. At the table, Erika says, it’s easy to point a finger and leave, leaving them to pick up the pieces. Denise tells Garcelle, they crossed the line. It’s evil, and detrimental, and not cool. In her interview, Garcelle says, Denise is finally speaking up. She doesn’t deserve this, and it’s not okay. She’s proud of Denise, but thinks if there isn’t full closure, it will be brewing underneath. Garcelle says she’s going back. She sits back down at the table, and tells the group that she’s tired and misses her kids.

Outside, Denise says she wants her car, and a producer says, going back is a big mistake. I say, f*** you, and there’s a commercial, so everyone thinks he’s going to threaten her with being fired. When they come back, Denise says, they’re a-holes, and he says, you can’t make a big speech, and then not hear everyone’s opinion. She says, she’s done, but he says they need to figure out how to move past this, like he cares about anyone’s feelings and not his paycheck. She says, fine. She’s not interested – she’s been hearing what these bitches have to say for months – but she has a friend in there. Teddi says she was willing to be cool about it, and they were called mean girls. Teddi, cool is something you will never be, daddy’s coattails or not. Dorit says they have to listen too; it’s not easy. Denise comes back, and Erika thanks her. Denise says she wants to move past this, and doesn’t want to leave. Kyle says she’d like to resolve it, move on, and have more laughing and having fun. They do have fun. Denise says she knows; she’s experienced it. Kyle says she doesn’t want anyone to be hurt, but Denise says it doesn’t feel that way. LisaR says she thinks it’s best if they don’t label each other or call each other names. Denise tells her, she’s not saying they do that; she said it feels like that. LisaR says she’s asking if, as a group, they can do that. She understands and accepts how Denise feels. Denise appreciates that, and the pizza comes. It looks amazing, with the cheese all the way to the edge of the crust. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’d love it if they could have a nice dinner, wrap this up, and move forward. They do love each other, and can put the bullsh*t aside, and have a good time.

LisaR says, going back to the first night they were there… We flash back to them talking about the worst trouble they got in as teenagers. LisaR asks Denise the same question, and Denise says when she was 15, they moved to San Diego. The drinking age in Tijuana was 18, so she snuck out with her boyfriend and some friends, and they went there, but she got caught. Garcelle asks what’s the craziest place the women have had sex? Sutton says she’d rather talk about the most romantic place, and tells them about a campground in France. Erika talks about doing it with her boyfriend when she was in the hospital, and LisaR says she and a good friend had sex next to each other in a station wagon. Kyle says, they are family cars. Ew. Garcelle tells them to brace themselves – Denise? Denise says, it was in a church parking lot, and Kyle says no wonder they couldn’t get into the Vatican. Everyone laughs, and I sort of identify, since early on in my dating life, a dude wanted to make out in a church parking lot, but I was like, are you kidding?

In Denise’s interview, she says, she knows the issue is still open, but she doesn’t give sh*t. In Kyle’s interview, she says, after everything that’s gone on, this proves they can get along, have fun together, and forgive. Garcelle says she wants them to drop everything that’s negative right now, and move forward, and they toast to that. They order more wine, and laugh. Yeah, this will last all of five minutes.

Next time, Teddi’s shower, the women (minus Denise) confront Brandi, Brandi says she has texts to back it up, and a lot of the conversation is bleeped. It’s my understanding that the only thing the texts prove is that they stayed together, and Denise asked Brandi not to say anything because her kids were there and Brandi doesn’t have the best reputation. So…

👄 Garcelle Tells All…

Or some of it anyway.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/07/garcelle-beauvais-scared-to-return-to-rhobh-after-warning-from-lisa-rinna-at-reunion-about-coming-back-next-season-says-more-than-one-costar-was-sent-a-cease-and-desist-and-tal/

💰 Unwarranted Offense…

I like Sutton most of the time, but she does tend to overreact. At least she’s low-key about it.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/07/rhobh-sutton-stracke-claps-back-at-dorit-kemsleys-claim-of-buying-friends-plus-who-is-her-ex-husband/

🛸 Humor On the Bridge…

Some fun from The Next Generation.

https://comicbook.com/startrek/news/star-trek-the-next-generation-tng-outtakes-intakes/#1

🐍 Brandi Strikes Again…

I wish she’d just crawl back under the rock from whence she came.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/07/30/more-text-messages-from-denise-richards-and-brandi-leak-showing-brandi-accusing-denise-of-making-her-out-to-be-a-cheater-and-a-liar-as-denise-accuses-rhobh-cast-mates-of-using-them-as-scapegoats/amp/

💃🏿 A Movement, Not a Moment…

This show is now on rotation on Bravo. I saw it the other night, and it’s excellent. Catch it if you can.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/empowering-race-in-america-a-movement-not-a-moment-bravo-special-details

A concurring PSA.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/black-lives-matter-psa-starring-real-housewives-bravo-stars

Ally Leah.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/08/leah-mcsweeney-wants-more-diversity-on-rhony-says-everyone-should-be-an-ally-to-blm/

🤦🏽 How Did It Happen…?

How does it get to be such an hour without my knowledge? At least we’re on the other side and moving toward the weekend, whatever that means to you. Until next time, stay safe, stay empathic, and stay being honest, but not brutal.

June 22, 2020 – Baby JaSam, Don’t Call Me Sweetie, Bad Deckhand, Snow Legend, Goodbye Snooki, Shelter In Pics, Past GoT & Bright Future

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today, when the GH Flashback wheel was spun, it settled at December 3rd, 2003.

Sam and Jason had both been arrested, and were put in the interrogation room. This episode is so old, they introduced themselves (no doubt, this is Jason and Sam week). They discovered they were both there for aiding and abetting Sonny, and Jason suggested the police wanted to get Sam’s testimony against him. On the pier, Faith told Zander that Sonny’s empire was going to be dust soon, and the territory would be hers, while Courtney listened in. Scotty gave a press conference, saying Sonny’s conviction for attempted murder and kidnapping would be a slam dunk. Sonny was in the hospital, and Scotty expected a speedy conviction. Behind the scenes, Scotty was worried if they didn’t get Sam’s testimony, Sonny would walk. At this point in time, Kim was Carly, and went to visit Sonny, who was in custody in the hospital. Elizabeth and Ric were at a cabin for five minutes, when a cop showed up saying Ric was wanted back to help with Sonny’s conviction. Sam told Jason she wouldn’t be manipulated, and He said he appreciated her standing up, and would foot the bill. Jax came to see Sam, and Emily (who was with Nikolas) showed up to bail out Jason. Sonny told Kim Carly that he’d done what they said. He’d tried to kill Alcazar, and when that didn’t work, took him hostage. She said there were extenuating circumstances. Sonny had been provoked, she was going to get him out of this, and they’d work things out. Scotty said he couldn’t wait to get Carly on the witness stand, so the jury could hear about how Sonny shot his own wife in the head. I don’t know what that was about.

Jason told Nikolas to have a meeting with Faith in public, and tell her that he wanted to make peace. He wanted Nikolas to listen hard, since Faith loved to hear herself talk, and he might pick something up. Jax told Sam that Jason wasn’t a nice man, and just wanted to buy her silence about being taken hostage by Sonny. Georgie went to the Quartermaine mansion to see Dillon, but Tracy walked in, and told Georgie to stay away from her son. Tracy thought military school was a good solution, but Dillon was sick of her holding that over his head. Dillon told Tracy, if he needed to leave to be with Georgie so be it. Sonny told Scotty he had nothing to say without his attorney. Scotty said Sonny was finished in Port Charles, but Sonny said he’d plead entrapment. It was obvious Scotty and Alcazar set him up.

Elizabeth told Emily that she wanted to tell Ric about being pregnant with Zander’s baby, but she was afraid of losing him. Courtney showed up to post Jason’s bail, but Brian (who I do not remember at all) told her she was too late, and he thought she should cut ties with Jason. She told him not to put himself in the middle of her marriage. Jax told Sam that she was being manipulated, and Scotty wanted Ric to rattle Sonny’s cage and get a confession. Sonny told Jason that what he’d done was a lesson on what not to do. Don’t lose your temper, don’t pick up a gun when you’re hurting, don’t act in the moment, and most important, think with your head not your heart. All he heard was Carly didn’t love him, and he took the wrong action. Jason blamed himself, but Sonny told him a man had to be responsible for his own actions. As long as Sam didn’t incriminate him, everything would good. Jason told him Scotty was punishing Sam, but to sit back and let him do his job. Alcazar told Carly that Sonny should pay for what he did, but Carly said Alcazar had kidnapped and stalked her and he hadn’t paid. Unless he admitted to setting Sonny up, he was never going to see her again.

Nikolas met Faith at Kelly’s. Zander was tagging along with Faith, and Elizabeth told him that he was in with the wrong crowd. She said they had a connection, but he told her they’d had some fun together, and not to try saving him from himself. Nikolas offered Faith some of his ships, and she told him to wait for her call, spilling no beans whatsoever. Jason went to see Courtney who told him she loved him. She wanted to go somewhere their differences didn’t matter. Alcazar said, if he did what Carly wanted, would she leave Sonny for him? She said he was nuts, and he said he’d do what she wanted. He’d drop the charges, and if he was called as a hostile witness, he’d admit to entrapment. He loved her that much. Ric paid Sonny a visit, but Sonny said he wouldn’t answer questions without his attorney present. Ric said Sonny would probably walk, but Sam would be prosecuted and probably convicted. The only way for Sonny to prove she did nothing wrong, was to admit to kidnapping.

Jax told Sam that Sonny acted like mobster with heart of gold, and people would sacrifice for him. He didn’t want her to be one of them. Scotty asked if Sam was going to file kidnapping charges, so they could all go home. Ric asked Sonny what the real story was, but Sonny said Sam was innocent and he wasn’t. Carly burst in, asking what he was doing, and Ric said he just confessed to kidnapping. Courtney told Jason, there was going to be no end to the fear and violence, and she didn’t want him to die in her arms, or have some horrible accident happen. Jason said you couldn’t count on anything except how you feel.  He’d love her forever (apparently not), but couldn’t leave. She let him know Faith was landing a shipment at the pier that would finance her takeover. There was Courtney and Jason music like there’s Sam and Jason music today, Courtney said there was nothing left to say, and Jason left.

Jason told Nikolas that he knew what Faith was planning, but would need his help. Ric bragged to Elizabeth that he got Sonny to confess, and the best part was revenge complete. It still didn’t take away the pain or make things right. Elizabeth said he was becoming the man she knew he could be, and it was a lesson in not giving up hope. Jax told Sam that Sonny wouldn’t give a damn about her helping him, but Sam said let Scotty try to convict her for something she didn’t do. Scotty popped in, and said she was free to go; Sonny confessed. Sonny told Carly that he had to pay for what did, and Carly wondered if Sonny was trying to punish her, but Sonny said he’d always love her. Courtney took her ring off, and there was a knock at the door. She hoped it was Jason, but it was Zander. Nikolas showed up as Faith was about to make her deal on the pier, and said he’d changed mind. The pier belonged to Sonny, and she was surrounded by Sonny’s men. Jason lurked in the shadows.

There was some stuff with Georgie, Dillon, and some girl I didn’t remember, so who cares?

Below Deck Mediterranean

Last week, when trying to make a comrade of Captain Sandy didn’t work, Lara realized she’d actually have to work, and left the Wellington in the lurch. Captain Sandy got pissed about Pete continuing to call Malia sweetie, and called a meeting of the deckhands.

The captain tells Malia, because she’s kind, they don’t know a definitive line. The deckhands come to the bridge, and Captain Sandy says she forgives everything for charter one, but charter two is another story. She knows it’s hard for them with a woman in seniority, but they have protocol. Malia is their boss, not their friend. No calling her sweetie, sweetheart, or dear. They wouldn’t call a guy any of those things. She wants them to be professional, and she’s not their friend either. Don’t call her sweetie; she’s their captain. Malia seconds all that, and the captain tells them to enjoy the rest of their day. Pete says they really like respect, don’t they? and in Rob’s interview, he says the meeting was mostly about Pete. He’s so narrow-minded. Calling Malia sweetie isn’t right. Malia joins the deckhands, and Pete says he’s trying to figure out who called the captain sweetie. Malia says he knows who was calling her sweetie, right? and Pete acts ignorant. She says he does it every day, and he excuses it by saying he’s an old country boy from Virginia, and that’s how he was raised. Wouldn’t that be darlin’ then? Malia says women don’t love it, especially when they’re your boss. Kiko asks Rob what the meeting was about, and Rob says the women are tired of being disrespected. He’s staying quiet, and letting Malia deal with Pete. When Malia leaves, Pete tells Alex that he thinks everyone should just do their job, and stop talking about everybody.

Hannah books a tour of the cathedral in Parma, and goes over the picnic with Malia. She tells Malia, if the weather turns to sh*t, they’ll get everyone back in the van. Hannah tells Jessica to set up, and she’ll come later. In Hannah’s interview, she says she was blinded during charter one because Jessica wasn’t spitting venom at her. Now she’s realizing Jessica’s not very good.

The guests go on the tour, and Malia tells the deckhands that they’ll have to hustle to get things set up. In Kiko’s interview, he says it’s his first picnic on a boat. No one ever asked for one on private charters, and in Brazil, they don’t do picnics; they just go to the bar. The guests go the cathedral, and in Malia’s interview, she says she’s hoping the weather holds up. A picnic is so much work, and she hopes it’s not all for nothing. The deckhands set up the table and chairs, and Hannah arrives with the food. Malia tells Pete to fix the table the way he had it the first time, and he says, there are too many chiefs. Malia tells Alex that Pete takes everything personally. The table falls, and takes the glasses along with it, and they shatter on the ground. Everyone helps clean up, and Pete puts the garbage bag behind a bush; a move that I’m sure is going to come back to haunt him later. Pete gets in the van and goes back to the boat, while the others stay.

Hannah sets up the food, and Malia wrangles the guests, leading them to the picnic. Quiche is served, and one of the children suggests Hannah take the green stuff out of it; he likes the one with meats. Alex tells Malia that Pete is a little odd, and she says, it’s alarming. The wind picks up, and the guests head back to the boat. The crew packs up everything, and Malia find the bag. Glass pokes through, cutting her leg, and she says, effing Pete. What did I say? In her interview, she says, it’s Deck 101. When it’s broken glass, you double stuff it, but it was just thrown in the bag.

Back on the boat, Rob tells Malia that she misunderstood, but she says, a lot of the meeting wasn’t directed at him. He says it triggered him about the pack mentality, and she says, it’s a process. She thinks he’s respectful, and he says he appreciates that. Roy III, who looks to be about four, sings Pretty Woman, and it’s very sweet. In Rob’s interview, he says he’s seeing someone, but it’s an open relationship. He’s been flirting with Jessica, but in the back of his mind is, don’t screw the crew; don’t sh*t where you live. A producer asks how far in the back of his mind it is, and Rob laughs. Pete tells Malia that they’re covering the deck furniture, but she tells him to wait. He relays the message to Alex, calling Malia his supreme commander. In Alex’s interview, he says Pete was his first friend on the boat, but he doesn’t like talking sh*t about people. Captain Sandy calls somewhere for a second stew, and asks if they can have someone there for the next charter. In Hannah’s interview, she says, having kids on board is mother training. She loves kids, and there are amazing moments, but they’re really dirty, and it’s sticky everywhere. Please wash your child.

Kiko feels like he’s getting better, and can’t wait to finish the charter perfect. I can’t watch while he kills some shellfish thing that’s probably a kind of lobster. Hannah tells Jessica that she’s been on break for an hour and ten minutes, and she’s late. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s working two people’s jobs. Hannah says she gives Jessica breaks before she gives one to herself. Jessica complains that she had to change during that time too, and Hannah says she can’t have a break at all today, and she’s trying her best to give Jessica one, so please respect what time she’s supposed to come back. Jessica mutters she misses Lara.

Sandy asks the guests how their afternoon was, and tells them, if the weather is good, they’ll drop anchor. Pete plays with one of the kids, and in his interview, he says, when his son was born, he got meningitis and couldn’t hold him for quite a while because it’s so contagious. He’s not a guy who seems like a father, but when he’s with his son he’s a different Pete. Jessica can’t find her dress that has epaulets on it, and Hannah wonders how it went missing. Jessica sets the table for dinner, and Captain Sandy tells the deckhands that they’ll leave the dock at 8 am if the weather is okay. The guests are slow coming to dinner, and in his interview, Kiko says for once his timing is perfect, and the guests are making him wait. The guests are seated, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the first day, Kiko’s Brazilian cuisine was amazing, but he’s the chef on a super yacht, and needs to be good at all cuisine. He reminds her of Adam when he started. He was eager, but he hadn’t worked on a super yacht, and had a learning curve. Roy Jr. and company are impressed. One of the guests asks Ulf how he went from writing songs in the garage to being in a number one band (to refresh your memory, Ulf was in Ace of Base). Ulf talks about waves, and integral patterns, and some kind of esoteric nonsense. In Hannah’s interview, she says, his ego is pretty inflated for level of stardom he reached. Pete senses Hannah’s frustration, and asks if she’s understaffed. She says she can’t do the whole season like this. The guests retire, and everything is cleaned up. Pete hopes the new stew is fun, although what his definition of that is, I’m not sure.

The captain says the water was rough last night, but they can leave the dock. She tells Jessica that she doesn’t want the laundry to look like it is. When Lara left, it was organized. She points things out, saying, that can’t happen, and this can’t happen. She doesn’t want a slob in there. It’s a super yacht, and this pisses her off. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s been avoiding laundry her whole career, under the guise of being eco-friendly. Her mom calls her lazy, but she thinks she’s smart. Captain Sandy wants to drop anchor, but she’s concerned about the swell. In her interview, she says it’s the last day of charter, and she wanted the guests to play on the toys. Since there’s no wind, anchor is dropped. Kiko makes breakfast, and the toys are put in the water. The captain radios the crew to make sure there are life jackets on the kids when they’re outside. Roy Jr. and wife Asa get on a jet ski. Pete asks if Malia is ready for kids, and she says, hell no. In her interview, she says she loves kids, but she’s not there. When she spends time with Tom, they like traveling; kids aren’t her thing now. The wind picks up, the waves begin to crash, and Captain Sandy tells Malia to start putting everything back. Malia clears the guests off the floating platform, and the toys are taken back out of the water. Hanna tells Jessica that she’s going to check Jessica’s cabin for the dress, so she can tell the captain that she looked everywhere. She finds it on the top bunk in a pile of clothes. In Jessica’s interview, she says her nickname as a kid was Messy Jessie. Pieces of that still live in her. She tells Hannah, mystery solved, and anchor is hauled.

Captain Sandy gets ready to dock, and Pete says the boat is rocking like crazy. Ulf can’t believe they’re going to get in that little space. It often amazes me how they get in there. It’s as bad as parallel parking in NYC. In Malia’s interview, she says the wind is blowing where they don’t want it to be. It makes it hard to maneuver when the wind pushing against everything they’re trying to do. She tells the deckhands, great job, and Alex says it was brutal. In the captain’s interview, she says, docking in swells is dangerous, but Malia is did an amazing job calling it. She’s a great leader already.

It’s time for the guests’ departure, and Captain Sandy tells Hanna that she’ll have a second stew for charter two. Roy Jr. tells them it was a wonderful vacation. The food and service were great, and the kids loved them. Asa says the kids played with all of them, and she was surprised. Roy Jr. says he hopes the tip reflects how much they loved it, and hands the captain an envelope.

Rob helps Jessica with stripping beds, and Captain Sandy calls the crew to the main salon for the tip meeting. She says, well done, and tells Hannah that she knows it hasn’t been easy. It was a challenge in a lot of ways. The weather was against them, and they had their first picnic, but the crew stepped in and killed it. Since they were down a crew member, they’ll each get more money. The tip is $21,000 (excellent!) or a little over 1700 euros ($1916) per person. She tells the, before the toast, she has news. She’s been working hard at getting a strong second stew, and it’s someone Hannah and Malia have worked with before – Bugsy. We flash back to Bugsy telling Hannah that she’s a lousy chief stew. Captain Sandy says Bugs is a chief stew, but she’s stepping in as second for them. She’s amazing. Hannah’s face isn’t saying she’s amazing though. The captain says they’ll toast to that. Alex asks Hannah, what’s with the face? and the captain tells her, it’s a good thing. They toast, and after a sip, Hannah jets, saying, f***. Malia tells the others that she’s good friends with Bugs, but Bugs and Hannah aren’t the best of friends. In Malia’s interview, she says she and Bugs got closer after their last charter together was over. She got to know Bugs’s family, and she’s excited. Captain Sandy tells Hannah that she should be excited; Bugs does great table settings, and Hannah won’t have to worry. Thankfully, Bugs was available. The captain tells the crew, there’s food in the crew mess, Jessica mumbles that she’s just invisible, and Captain Sandy wonders why nothing is easy. Hannah lies on the dock. The boat is cleaned, and the deck crew high-fives each other. Everyone gets ready to go out.

In Malia’s interview, she says, Rob has different layers. Jessica is probably deep in places… somewhere in her heart. She starts laughing. In the taxi, Hannah tells Malia that Jessica has a crush on Rob, and Malia tells Jessica, go for it. They go to a restaurant, and Jessica says tequila makes her act like an idiot. Rob tells her that he has a lot to give and say, but no one understands, and Jessica asks for a hug. In her interview, she says it’s nice to have a guy that wants to get in her mind, and not just stare at her boobs. Malia says, the guys are on the prowl. In Kiko’s interview, he says, Pete is trying to get with every girl; he’s a horny guy. In Alex’s interview, he says, they’re trying to find themselves a mamacita. All he knows how to say in Spanish is, I love you very much, mom. Malia tells Hannah things won’t change between them with Bugs coming, but Hannah thinks they will. They head back, and in the taxi, Hannah says, there was a lot going on tonight. She, Alex, and Malia wonder who will make the first move with Jessica and Rob. Alex says Jessica won’t. In his interview, he says he’s worked with her before, and never seen her hook up with a crew member. He also thinks Rob won’t cross the line, but time will tell. When they get back to the boat, everyone races to the bathrooms. Jessica asks to snuggle with Rob. Kiko peeks in, and sees them kissing. He says he guesses he lost his cabin. He and Pete giggle like elementary school children, and Kiko makes gestures outside of the cabin. Alex offers to tuck Kiko into Jessica’s bunk. Rob tells Jessica that he wants her to sleep with him, but not that way.

In the morning, Malia calls the deck crew. In his interview, Rob says he didn’t expect that happen. He’s never hooked up with someone on a vessel before, and he’s not sure what to do. Alex tells her that Kiko slept in Jessica’s room because Jessica was sleeping in Rob’s room. Malia asks if Rob doesn’t have a girlfriend, and Alex pretends he doesn’t know. Malia goes over what needs to be done with the deckhands, Kiko stabs a steak, and Hannah looks at a video on being an effective leader. In Malia’s interview, she says she can’t tell Hannah how she’s feeling about Bugs coming. She’s kidding. Things are going to change. The wind picks up again, and Rob tells Malia that he had a cuddle with Jessica. Malia says, everybody needs a cuddle. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s trying not to have to too much expectation. She’s excited and nervous. She tells Hannah that she hopes it doesn’t get awkward, and Hannah says, it will when Bugs gets there. It starts to rain, and Captain Sandy says, they’re not leaving the dock. Jessica asks Hannah if there were issues with Bugs, or was she just annoying? Hannah says Bugs was pretty bad with her, but as long as she knows what she’s doing, Hannah doesn’t care.

Bugsy arrives, and Malia runs to meet her. Bugs says she’s bringing the thunder.

Next time, a group of pita guests, Hannah is apprehensive about Bugs, Sandy says the wrong groundline was released and it looks like it’s Pete’s fault, Hannah says there’s a difference between guests being demanding and being outright a-holes, there are twelve guests for dinner, and Kiko says he’s screwed. I like Kiko. He’s low key, and keeps smiling no matter what.

🛥 No Surprise On Deck…

While I do think some Bravolebrities were more ignorant than racist, I’m not sorry to see this guy go. It’s pretty obvious he’s sexist, so it’s not a shock that he would be posting something ignorant, racist, and sexist.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/06/17/peter-hunziker-bravo-fires-below-deck-mediterranean-star/3210747001/

🥊 He’s a Legend…

And I like him better than all of the Housewives put together.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/18/meet-leah-mcsweeneys-boxing-trainer-martin-snow/

🏖 Down the Shore No More…

These people are just messy. Beloved reality show? I didn’t even know it was still on the air.

https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-finale-snooki-quits-show-after-angelina-wedding/

https://people.com/tv/jersey-shore-angelina-threatens-expose-mean-texts-after-snooki-quits/

⚔️ My Kind Of Collab…

It beats a Twins remake.

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/peter-dinklage-jason-momoa-reunite-good-bad-undead-movie-47492528

📸 Something Productive…

This photographer took her time in quarantine taking pictures of others in quarantine. The photo with the senior Pug is the best. It will do your heart good.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shelter-in-place-family-portraits-photography_l_5ec6c0a2c5b660e1e43a20ee?ncid=newsltushpmglifestyle

🏇 The Race Goes On…

Whether you’ve lost track or not, another week has begun. New TV episodes are still up in the air, while some things have returned to sort of normal, and others are developing into a new normal. So stay safe, stay evolving, and stay looking toward the future. Even if the furthest you can look is tomorrow.

June 3, 2020 – Chimera At the Ball, Denise Leaves the Barbecue, Wedding Bells, Denise Speaks, Jim Pays, Vicki’s New Home, New Business, House For Sale, Leah Records, Hannah Quits, a Thought & Stopping the World

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback continued with the 2017 Nurses Ball – May 24th, 2017 to be exact. Sonny had found out that the 700 mg of lithium Morgan was supposed to be taking was only 300 mg, but Andre told him everything checked out on the pharmacy’s end. Sonny said he was going to find out one way or the other, and Andre had another test run. There was a fabulous rendition of Brave, and more plugs for Burt’s Bees. Kristina and Valerie did pretty much a full-blown commercial for their lip products. Nina said Valentin couldn’t leave Anna alone, and Valentin told Anna that she’d turned him into a stuttering fool again. Drew (thinking he’s Jason) told Elizabeth about the necklace, but she couldn’t figure out where Jake had gotten it, since he didn’t have money to go out and buy jewelry. Curtis suggested Nina walk away from Valentin, but she wasn’t sure she could. Lucy said Obrecht couldn’t perform, but she had someone just as good, and Valentin sang to Nina, accompanying himself on the piano. Jake told Elizabeth that he didn’t want to do the magic act, but was afraid something bad would happen if he didn’t. Carly wondered why Sonny was there, and what he wanted with Ava; and Andre told Sonny that he thought Morgan might have gotten a placebo, which would explain his erratic behavior and loss of control. Sonny deduced that someone tampered with Morgan’s meds because they wanted him to have a breakdown. Scotty told Ava that he’d covered her tracks, and Sonny would never find out, and Ava insisted she hadn’t wanted anything bad to happen. Morgan had been volatile and erratic, and she’d needed to protect Kiki. He told her none of it mattered, since Morgan was dead and it was over.

Michael was by Nelle’s bedside in the hospital (they were still together), and he spoke to Josslyn on the phone, encouraging her to sing. She did, and he listened in. Nelle woke up, and Michael said, surprise. Jake decided against doing the act, and Franco said Jake could do a command performance at home. Backstage, Emma and Charlotte decided they could do the act themselves, while Anna accused Valentin of wanting his past buried. He said she did it; why couldn’t he? She pumped him for information about the Chimera (boy, did I get the name of that wrong yesterday – it was a DVX bioweapon), and he said the only other person who knew about it was dead. She wouldn’t let it go, until he finally told her that he’d sold it to Helena. Thinking the Chimera had something to do with Jake’s magic act, Charlotte tried opening it, and pressed either the right or wrong button, depending on whose side your on. Carly asked Sonny why he showed up, and he said he was finally getting some answers.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Oh why not? They can’t make the week any worse.

Garcelle was being honored with a Legacy Vision Award for her work with the L.A. Mission. Growing up impoverished in Haiti, she said it’s a cause she identifies with, and she wasn’t passive/aggressive, like Teddi, in asking the women to come. She picked LisaR up, who informed her that Denise said she didn’t want her kids hearing grown-up sex talk. Garcelle told LisaR that she understood how Denise felt. They discussed Kyle’s many inadequacies, and Garcelle said Kyle is always all about Kyle, which I certainly don’t disagree with. At the event, Kyle seemed annoyed that Denise showed up like nothing was wrong when their last meeting hadn’t been a good one. I guess she should have blown into a public event on a broomstick, hurling fireballs (and not the good kind) at everyone. Garcelle thanked her kids, and said her calling was to reach people, and let them know she cared. In her interview, she talked about her oldest son Oliver, who fell in with a bad crowd as a young man, but was doing well now. She also thanked her new best friends, some not so much, indicating the table of Wives and friends. LisaR insisted that Garcelle had locked eyes with Kyle when she said that last part. Erika missed the whole speech, since she was in the bathroom, but Garcelle was gracious about it, telling Erika that she’d better not miss it when she gets her Oscar. In Garcelle’s interview, she said she was glad Kyle showed up, but showing up for charities are what they do in L.A., so was it nice or what Kyle does? In Denise’s interview, she said she didn’t have the energy to deal with bullsh*t tonight, since she had tons of dialogue to learn, and had to be at work at 6 am. Since it’s all about Kyle, Kyle claimed Denise wanted to run away. 6 am? Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have gone at all. In LisaR’s interview, she said there was an issue that needed a resolution, but Denise was avoiding it. LisaR thought part of Denise was regretful about her own openly sexual talk (again, not understanding the difference in audience), and Denise was compensating by being overly protective of her kids – stupid, even for LisaR. As soon as Denise left, they talked about her. Garcelle said she felt uneasy when leaving Erika’s, and felt everything was surface with the group. She also believed Kyle wasn’t present with her, and that she was more interested in what Kyle had to say than vice versa. In her interview, Garcelle said when Kyle is interested in someone, she’s a great friend. Ask Teddi, not Dorit.

Denise and Aaron went out to eat, and Denise told him what happened in Santa Barbara, and how Teddi was saying she’s making them look bad. Aaron suggested Teddi STFU, and in her interview, Denise said her kids already have baggage from being the children of Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen. They didn’t need her friends adding to it. She told Aaron, LisaR calling her a hypocrite hurt the most. In Denise’s interview, she said LisaR never voiced any of her concerns before; why now? We flashed back to LisaR asking if Denise talked to the girls about Charlie’s hookers. Denise wondered why it took LisaR all these years to say it, and why she said all of it in front of the group.

Kyle had a barbecue, where we met Sutton’s boyfriend Michael. On the way there, Denise and Aaron talked in the limo about deciding not to bring the kids, and thought about blowing off Kyle’s altogether and just going to a restaurant. When they got there, Denise said the older kids had sleepovers, and Eloise had a playdate, but she joked to Garcelle that she didn’t want them within earshot. This miffed Kyle, who said in her interview, it was like a slap in the face. Denise said she and Aaron needed to have time away from the kids too, and the last time she was with the group, she was bombarded with questions. Garcelle, who seems to be the only one without a gang mentality, said Denise wasn’t a hypocrite; she was compartmentalizing when the kids were around. Teddi said Denise was making them look bad, like they need any help in that area. Aaron said it was ridiculous, and asked what the issue was, but the conclusion seemed to be, there wasn’t any. In Dorit’s interview, she whined about PK wanting to defend her in the past, and thought Aaron should know his audience. Dorit is too stupid to understand how funny her choice of words is, since the argument is about knowing your audience when it comes to adult conversation. Erika wondered if Denise was more concerned about the kids’ friends being there, and LisaR pumped Denise about Sami’s reaction, which Denise said was between her and Sami. We flashed back to Sami saying she and her friends laughed about it, but that’s not the point. It still might have been embarrassing, and who wants to think about their mother and her friends having threesomes, and my God now my friends know too. Aaron said, so there’s no issue, right? and Kyle said, women handle things differently. Aaron wanted to know why they continue to harp on something, and I wish him luck finding that out. It’s been my question for years, and why I hate reunions. An ongoing stupidity is finally put to bed, and then it gets rehashed and the animosity rekindled. Garcelle said it was Denise’s right to not bring the kids, but Kyle said it felt passive/aggressive. She ought to know since she’s buddies with the queen of it. Aaron asked Kyle to define passive/aggressive, and she said Denise was mom shaming. Aaron said the issue was becoming something it shouldn’t be – again something I’ve said for years – and LisaR decided to go down the blow-up kiddie slide, since she wasn’t dealing with this bullsh*t. Aaron asked what any of this does for them. How does it make them feel? and Kyle said, it’s not comfortable. In Kyle’s interview, she told us Denise was saying she’s above them as a mom, and it’s the thing Kyle is best at, so she’s offended. No. Denise said she doesn’t want her kids listening to adult conversations. She didn’t tell anybody else what to do with their kids, and she had to say something, since the women are involved. Denise told Teddi that she wasn’t upset, and Teddi pointed out that Denise was dropping F-bombs. Aaron said they engage to win, and might as well high-five each other. Denise said Teddi is a sh*t-effing-stirrer, and when they got a facial together in Santa Barbara, she was sh*tting on Dorit. Teddi said, in Santa Barara, when Denise told them she was done talking, that meant she was pissed. We flashed back to Denise saying she was done with the conversation at dinner. Denise told Teddi, that was after two hours of talking about it. She was done. Denise said they’d crossed line, and she and Aaron were leaving. As they walked out, Aaron said the women were off his Christmas card list, and Denise told him not to say anything while they were on camera. Kyle and Sutton trotted after them, and Kyle said she didn’t want them leave like that. Teddi was still complaining that the implication makes them look bad. Denise told Kyle, thanks for having them, as she and Aaron fast walked to the car, and Kyle said she felt bad. Give it a minute, Kyle. It will pass.

Later this season, dancing, falling, falling while dancing; Camille is back, and calls someone an a-hole; a trip to Rome; Garcelle says, they’re going to drop everything negative (hahahahaha!); Brandi makes her presence known by being the disgusting person that she is; Denise disappears; Garcelle calls LisaR the bad guy in this movie; and Denise and LisaR have an ominous looking lunch.

💒 Proud Mama…

I like Garcelle. She has a great attitude, and while she’s already made a difference in this world, I hope she shakes it up good on RHOBH.

https://people.com/tv/garcelle-beauvais-eldest-son-ties-the-knot-little-white-chapel-ceremony/

📣 Clarification Or Plug…?

It looks like Denise might be getting her own gig. I’m in. I loved It’s Complicated, and it was much kinder than the Wives.

https://extratv.com/2020/05/11/denise-richards-sets-the-record-straight-on-reports-she-quit-rhobh/?adid=extra_eme_27500_2020-05-12_rightnow4

🔥 It’s Getting Hot In Here…

Jim should really pay Vicki too. She did call it.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1156903/meghan-king-edmonds-and-jim-edmonds-divorce-heats-up-over-prenup-payout

🍹 New Digs…

If a vacation home in Mexico is wrong, she don’t wanna be right.

https://people.com/home/rhocs-vicki-gunvalson-buys-puerto-vallarta-retirement-home-one-of-my-favorite-places-in-the-world/

🏋️‍♂️ Someone’s Been Productive…

With yet another business in the works, maybe Tamra will have less time for screeching at her co-stars. (And I use the term star very loosely.)

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/rhocs-tamra-and-eddie-are-starting-a-new-business-in-quarantine/

🏰 Putting In My Offer…

It’s too bad I’m about $4,999,999 short.

https://people.com/home/get-an-exclusive-look-at-kameron-wescotts-dallas-mansion-which-she-just-listed-for-5-million/

🗽 Leah Looks Around…

The streets of NYC at the beginning of the protests. I would have expected Leah to be less reactive, especially since not much is going on at this point.

https://pagesix.com/video/rhony-leah-mcsweeneys-first-hand-account-of-the-protests-in-nyc/

🛥 Hannah Hannah Quitting…

Hannah moves on to her dream job of being a wife and making babies. Be sure to take a look at the Reality Check video on Captain Sandy’s heart attack. She called an Uber to take her to the hospital. I understand this, since my father drove himself to the hospital.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-hannah-ferrier-quitting-after-season-5/

🌱🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌱

I believe
the most important
single thing,
beyond discipline
and creativity,
is daring
to dare.

Dr. Maya Angelou, 1928-2014

🌱🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌱

 

🚣‍♀️ Getting There…

It’s amazing how many problems can be crammed into one week. If what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, I’ll be living forever. Hope all is well in your corner of the world, and you stay safe, stay mindful, and stay keeping your eyes on the prize – whatever that may be for you.

November 19, 2019 – Franco Says What We’ve Been Waiting To Hear, Braunwyn Has a Weaning Party, Worst Date, New Wife, New City, Stassi Spins Off, Teresa’s Latest & Adam Gives Thanks

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Elizabeth tells Franco, it’s not a good time; she’s working. He asks her to get someone to cover. It’s important. She tells him, he already said goodbye. What’s left to say?

Kim opens the door, and Hayden is there. Hayden says she was supposed to meet the agent for a walkthrough. She just rented the apartment.

Anna fiddles with setting the table, and tells Finn that she’s almost done. He says, it looks great, and gives her a huge vase of flowers. She tells him, they’re beautiful, and he says, like her. He asks if she cooked, and she says, Pizzulo’s cooked; she plated. Some things never change. Finn says, some things do, and she nods.

At Charlie’s, Julian tells Brook Lyn to hit the road, but she says he hasn’t told her what the fight was about. He asks why she cares, and she says, it must have been juicy for him to close up shop before the dinner rush. He says maybe he doesn’t need the business. She asks what he does need, and he says, time to think. If that’s okay with her. She says, bartenders are always listening to other people’s problems. It sounds like he needs someone to listen to his. And she needs a refill. How about if they make each other happy?

Lucas tells Brad, all he has to do is tell the truth. Is Obrecht holding something else over him? If he loves Lucas, it shouldn’t be this hard to tell the truth. Brad says he does love Lucas, and Lucas says, then trust him. What did Obrecht mean when she said she knew the cold hard facts about Brad and Wiley’s father? What else is Brad hiding from him?

Olivia hopes Ned doesn’t mind, but she asked Sonny to come over. Ned asks, why? and she says she’ll let him know when Sonny gets there. In perfect soap timing, Sonny walks in. She thanks him for coming, and he asks, what’s going on? She shows him a big manila envelope, and says she got it from the WSB.

Judge Madrigal says, after careful consideration of the evidence and testimony, both oral and sworn affidavit, she’s prepared to make her ruling. She asks the defendant to rise. She says, for the charge of murder in the first degree, she finds Sam not guilty. Sam hugs Diane, and Jason smiles.

Elizabeth tells Franco, don’t make it harder than it already is. Franco says he had an intense conversation with Scotty. She says she knows; Scotty told her. He asks if she knows what it was about, and she says, yes. He asks why he had to hear it from Scotty. If she knew that Franco had saved him when they were kids, why not tell him?

Kim tells Hayden, she didn’t realize there was already a renter. Hayden introduces herself, and asks if Kim owns it. Kim says she does. She was going to sell it, but Lucy told her it’s a buyer’s market, so she went back to making it a rental. Hayden says she got the same speech. She hopes she didn’t come too soon, and Kim asks if she’s moving in today. Hayden says, no. She’s just measuring, but she’s glad she caught Kim. Is there anything she should know? Kim says, it’s a great apartment. It’s spacious, and has beautiful views. She hopes Hayden will be as happy there as she was.

While they eat dinner, Anna says, another medical mystery solved thanks to Finn, but Finn tells her, it was a team effort. TJ first thought of rat poison, but they still have to figure out how Alexis ingested it. He congratulates Anna on rescuing Charlotte, but Anna says that was also a team effort. Jason arrived in a timely manner, and Charlotte was impressive. Most children would be too frightened to make a move, but she saw her chance, and didn’t hesitate. It was a thing of beauty. Cassandra was distracted, and Charlotte bit her. She thought Cassandra would have a stroke, she’s so worried about infection. She admits she shouldn’t take satisfaction in it, since Cassandra is most certainly dead. Finn says they can’t pretend they’re not relieved. Anna says she’d like to know who arranged it, and Finn asks if it wouldn’t be Valentin.

Olivia tells Sonny that she’s been writing to Dante. He asks, where? The WSB won’t tell them where Dante was sent. She says she sent the letters to the WSB office in Manhattan, then out of the blue, she got this back. Ned says, through some back channels, he contacted some old school friends who work in defense and intelligence. Maybe the WSB is ready to give them some answers. Sonny wonders if the WSB is giving Dante treatment for his PTSD. Maybe he’s recovered enough to tell them what’s going on. Olivia says that’s why she asked him over. They’re Dante’s parents. She thought they should open it together.

Sam takes Jason’s hand, and the judge tells Diane to advise her client that court is not adjourned. The defense made a compelling case for extenuating circumstances. Shiloh’s history of violence against Sam and her family is undeniable. The court finds her act wasn’t premeditated, however, the court isn’t persuaded that she acted solely in self-defense, nor that she exhausted her duty to retreat. Evidence and testimony indicate that Jason is more than capable of fending for himself, and his life wasn’t in jeopardy. Had Sam not chosen to fire the flare gun, Jason could have subdued Shiloh alone. For those reasons, on the charge of manslaughter and negligent homicide, the court finds Sam guilty. Please. Is she kidding me?

Gabriel says a bench trial was requested to expedite the proceedings, and he’s prepared to accommodate that by asking for immediate sentencing. Diane says they intend to appeal, and thinks it’s premature. The judge says they have the right to appeal, but the prosecution’s point is well-made, and she’s prepared to hear their arguments.

Julian tells Brook Lynn, what he says goes no further. He and his associate had a disagreement. Brook Lynn says Julian was staring daggers at the guy. Julian says, maybe he deserved it. They were involved in a high stakes situation. Reputations were at stake; familial loyalties. Things money can’t buy. She says she knows all about family. She spent many years making sure her paths didn’t cross her nearest and dearest. Like a black cat. One of them is bad luck for the other. Julian says, that would be an understatement. His associate can’t be trusted to hold up his end of the deal, and she says, why risk it? Terminate the partnership. He says she took the words out of his mouth.

Brad asks Lucas if they can go somewhere more private. Everyone already assumes he’s in the wrong. Lucas says he’s Brad’s husband; the man who loves him. Talk to him. What does Obrecht have on him? Brad says, nothing, but that doesn’t stop her from inventing more lies and messing with them. She’s a miserable woman. Her own daughter prefers him over her. Lucas asks if it’s about Britt, but Brad says, no. Obrecht just wants to make him look bad, like Julian did. Lucas asks why everyone is after him, and Brad says, they’re jealous. Julian’s relationship history is a minefield, and Obrecht has been alone forever. He and Lucas are happy, and they’re not. Right? They’re happy, aren’t they?

Elizabeth asks what Scotty told Franco, and Franco says that he and Franco shared a part of his childhood. Jim Harvey sexually abused Franco, and Franco pushed him down the stairs, trying to protect him. He was injured and sent to a state home. At the time, it was assumed Franco was disturbed because no one had any idea what was going on. She says she considered telling him, but didn’t think it was her place. If she’d told him about Jim, she would have felt like she was betraying Franco’s trust. She hopes he understands. He says, after all she did, all her fighting to get Franco back, there was a line she wouldn’t cross because she loved him that much. She says she still does, and always will.

Gabriel tells the judge that Sam shot Shiloh in the back. She fired no warning shot, didn’t ask him to stand down, and gave him no chance to surrender. By her words and actions, she considered herself judge, jury, and executioner. She has an extensive criminal record of fraud and larceny. She was a grifter. That way of life first put her in the path of Shiloh. She has ties to the criminal underworld to this day, and the people request the maximum sentence.

Diane says, several weeks ago, a fellow prisoner, a vicious woman named Cassandra Pierce, injured a guard in an attempt to escape. When Sam had the chance to escape, she chose to stay with the guard until the police and paramedics arrived. That’s not the action of a criminal or a con. Sam fired the gun to save Jason, her ex-husband and the father of her son. She has two young children waiting for her at home, and strong ties to the community. Incarcerating her accomplishes nothing, but allowing her to return to her place as a productive member of society, benefits them all.

😱 Sidebar: Just as Franco begins to talk, ABC interrupts with the hearings again. No warning; no nothing. I momentarily freak. I can’t believe they’re busting in on the moment I’ve been waiting for. Then I get a grip, and go to my trusted secret site.

Franco tells Elizabeth, ever since he came to Port Charles, people have been weighing in on Franco; the good, the bad, and everything in between. He didn’t think it affected him. It was like hearing stories about a stranger. He doesn’t remember much about his life before he was sent to the state home. Names and faces; Bobby was one of them. To find out Bobby saved him, and made it possible for him to have a life… He was a SEAL, and he loved being a SEAL. Bobby made it possible for him to meet Kim, and he loves her. They had a child. There’s a lot about his life to love, but it’s not his life, is it?  This life belongs to Franco, and it’s time for him to give it back.

Hayden tells Kim, she’s been staying with her sister. It will be nice to have her own space again. Kim says she lucked out with the neighbors. Hayden says give her the dirt, and Kim says the lady upstairs is hard of hearing, and the man next door keeps to himself. Hayden asks how he is with noise, and Kim says, he’s tolerant. Just don’t play any metal. Hayden says she has a little girl. She’s a single mom, and thought the apartment would be the right size for the two of them. Kim says it’s cozy, but big enough that they won’t be on top of each other. Hayden can tell this place meant a lot to Kim, and Kim says, it did. It was home, and now it’s Hayden’s. If she has any questions, just have Lucy reach out to her. Kim takes her bag, and Oscar’s stuffed toy falls out. Hayden says, she’s a mom.

Finn asks about Anna’s travels. Any closer to finding Alex? She says she went through Alex’s records in Hungary, and followed her trail form Paris to Singapore to Dubai. She’s convinced Alex is more of a dilettante than a spy. She goes wherever the wind takes her or the money beckons. She guesses she’s been looking for answers, but she only has more questions. Finn asks why she came back. She says she hit a dead end, and had nowhere else to go. He says, he was the default, but she says her life is with him. She came back to be with him.

Ned says Olivia and Sonny probably want to read what’s in the envelope in private, and he has to call the probate lawyer anyway. He leaves, and Olivia says she’s afraid to open it. Sonny takes it, and opens it. He says he’s sorry; they sent them back. She spills her letters out on the table, saying, they never sent them. Sonny pulls a single sheet of paper out, and Olivia asks if it’s a form letter. They regret to inform her that her son no longer cares about her. Sonny says, it’s not a form letter. It’s for her. She looks at it, and says, it’s from Dante. She reads; mom, stop sending me letters. Sonny holds her while she cries.

Judge Madrigal thanks Diane and Gabriel for their well-considered arguments. She sentences Sam to two years in prison. Diane gets up, but the judge says she’s not finished. Diane apologizes, and the judge says, the sentence is neither the minimum or maximum. She took into consideration the threat posed by Shiloh, and Sam’s heroic actions during Cassandra’s escape. Accordingly, the court will ask that Sam be allowed early release, and to finish her sentence on probation or parole. Until that time, she’s remanded to Pentenville immediately. Court is adjourned.

Diane tells Sam and Jason that she’ll do everything in her power to persuade the parole board to release Sam. Jason asks, what about an appeal? Diane says she was under the impression that Judge Madrigal was fair and impartial. She doubts there will be any grounds for appeal, but she’ll do her best. Sam says she’s actually going to prison, but Diane says there are many avenues she can pursue. Jason asks for a moment, and Diane steps away. Sam whines that she’s going to be in prison for two years, but Jason tells her to just focus on what’s in front of her. That’s how they’ll get through this. One day at a time.

Julian says Brook Lynn is a good listener, and she says, it’s a gift. He says it helped to get it off his chest and clarify things. He puts some money on the bar, saying, time is money. She could have earned more elsewhere. She says he’s paying her for her time? He thinks she’s a hooker? He says he’s not judging. He heard her on the phone with her boss, saying he doesn’t own her. She says, that’s right; no one owns her. And no one pays her. He can keep his money. She hopes his partner screws him royally. She walks out. Outside she takes out her phone, saying, it can’t wait any longer.

Lucas asks if Brad thinks he’s unhappy in their relationship. Brad doesn’t know; is he? Lucas says all he’s ever wanted is Brad and Wiley. If anyone seems unhappy, it’s Brad. He doesn’t remember the last time Brad went a full week without being stressed out or snapping about something. Brad says he’s sorry, and Lucas says, what they had has grown into something bigger. They’re a family now. That’s why it hurts so much to think Brad is keeping things from him. Brad says Lucas has no idea what he’s done for their family. The choices he’s made; the prices he’s paid. Lucas says, obviously not, so clue him in. What has Brad done for their family that he couldn’t do with Lucas?

Elizabeth says she doesn’t understand, and Franco says he’s volunteering for the procedure reversal. He hopes it brings Franco back to her. She says, what about him? He was leaving town, and starting over with Kim. He says, Kim has to heal. He’s not someone who can help her with that. She asks if he told her, and he flashes back to his conversation with Kim. He says he told Kim that he owed it to Franco to do everything he could to get him his life back. Kim said, no matter what, she was leaving Port Charles, so he guesses he is too. Just in a different way. Elizabeth wipes a few tears away.

Anna says she missed Finn; she missed them. He says, he did too, but can’t help wondering if something else with Alex comes up, will she take off again? Anna admits she wants closure. She worries about Alex blowing back into town, and claiming Peter as her own. Finn understands. She’s gotten close to Peter. She’s been good to him, and shown him there’s a life after Faison. She says Alex could undo all that. If she comes back, and tells Peter that she’s his mother, whether she has proof or not, she could ruin everything. Finn says, it’s just a thought, but maybe if Anna spent more time with Peter, and had more influence in his life, it would lessen the impact. Instead of chasing after Alex, maybe Anna should commit to spending more time with Peter. Anna says things have changed a lot since she left. Now Finn has a daughter.

Finn thinks they could put off the discussion about Violet for tonight, but Anna doesn’t think they’ll do themselves any favors by avoiding it. Violet is going to change Finn’s life. He says, she already has. It all happened so fast. He knows he’ll need her help to figure things out, and he wants Violet to know her.

Kim tells Hayden that it will be a great apartment for her. Hayden apologizes for holding Kim up, but Kim says, it’s fine. Hayden wants to give her a proper sendoff. She takes out a bottle of champagne, and suggests they have a toast. From one mom to another.

Franco tells Elizabeth if she can put him in touch with Andre. Hopefully, they can start the procedure sooner rather than later. She asks, what about him? Does he want to take time for himself? He smiles, and says, after months of fighting, and insisting he have this procedure, taking him to court to have him committed, she’s trying to talk him out of it? She says, no. She wants him to have the procedure, but realizes it wasn’t her choice to make. It’s his. He asks what Franco told Cameron to tell her, and she says that he loves her and he’ll be back. He says, because that was Franco’s intention. Because Franco wants to come back to her, to his life with her. Franco has already decided and made his choice to have the procedure. He’s choosing to get out of Franco’s way.

Lucas says Brad doesn’t have to go it alone; they’re a team. Brad says, that’s the idea, but not the reality. The truth is, he’s been the one making the sacrifices and taking the hits. Lucas asks what he’s talking about, and Brad says Lucas doesn’t even see it. Lucas says he doesn’t, so let him in. Brad says he’s telling Lucas how he feels. Why isn’t that good enough? Lucas says because Brad isn’t being fully transparent. He’s clearly keeping secrets. Brad says he’s keeping their family together. If Lucas can’t accept that, and keeps looking for problems, he’s going to break them up. Is that what he wants? Lucas tries to grab Brad as he starts to walk out, but Brad brushes him off.

Ned asks, what’s going on? and Olivia tells him, don’t worry. Dante’s not dead. Sonny says, they’re dead to him. Ned looks at the paper, and says he’s so sorry. Olivia says, he’s ashamed of breaking. He feels that he has to protect his family, so he’s pushing them away. She gets that, but he can’t get better if they can’t reach him, and he’s refusing to let that happen.

Sam is cuffed, and she tells Jason to let the kids know she loves them and will call as soon as she can. Don’t bring them to see her. He says they’ll figure it out. They exchange I love yous, and she leaves with the guard.

Anna wishes she could see into the future, and Finn says he thought she was all about the unexpected. She says not where her children are concerned. He’s about to find that out for himself. He says he’s already there. Now that Violet is a part of his life, he’s obsessed with finding out what comes next. She says, whatever it is, she’ll be there for him. His phone dings, and he says, it’s Chase. He says it’s really important. Anna tells him, go. She’ll be there when he gets back. She promises. He kisses her, and says he’ll be quick.

Kim tells Hayden that she has a plane to catch, but save it, and share it with someone special. Hayden says she’ll take good care of the place, and tells Kim, good luck. She’s glad to have met her. Kim says, her too, and leaves. Outside, she looks a little stunned.

Franco asks if Elizabeth is all right. She says there are a million things she wants to say, but all she can come up with is thank you. He’s making a big sacrifice. He says, however it turns out, he’s ready. She says she’ll call Andre for him, and he says he’ll talk to her soon. She watches as he leaves.

Lucas looks at picture of Wiley and Brad on his phone.

Brad goes to Charlie’s and sees it’s closed. He bangs on the door, and asks Julian to open up. He knows Julian is in there. Julian turns the lights out, and Brad says he needs Julian. They can help each other. They need to stick together. Julian disappears into the back, and the cheese Brad stands alone.

Olivia grabs the letters, saying she’ll shred them or burn them. There’s no need to keep them. Sonny tells her, hold on. Don’t do that. Someday Dante will come back to them, and she’ll want them. She asks what she’s supposed to do. Say more prayers? Write more letters? For how long? Sonny says, for as long as it takes. Dante is protecting them, which means he still loves them, and he’s coming back. Ned tells her, you know what they say. Home is where they have to take you in, no matter what.

On cue, Brook Lynn breezes in, saying she almost broke her ankle getting back there. Ned says, Brook Lynn, and she says, hi daddy. I’m home.

Tomorrow, Chase confronts Finn about Violet, Valentin says Ava has Helena’s portrait, and Jason says he should have killed Shiloh from the start.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Vicki and, Tamra meet for lunch. Tamra asks if Vicki has seen what Kelly is doing on social media. She’s been blocked. Vicki says Kelly blocked her too. Tamra says that Kelly claims she said Kelly pushed her mother down the stairs, but she’s taking the conversation out of context. Someone secretly recorded her conversation with Shannon, and posted it on the internet. She was telling Shannon about the terrible things that were said at the tea party – we flash back to that – but she was supporting Kelly, not spreading rumors. Tamra must think we’re all blind, deaf, and really, really stupid, along with having short term memory loss. Emily joins them, and Tamra says it’s been a crazy morning. Kelly’s gone to a level that’s psychotic.

While waiting for Shannon at a restaurant, Kelly calls brother Eric and mom Bobbi. In her interview, Kelly says, not having a relationship with her mother for the past two years has been hard on her. She tells Bobbi that she loves her, and she’s sorry for everything. She doesn’t like this. In Kelly’s interview, she says it takes a big person to say they’re sorry, but it feels good in her heart and conscience. She tells them that she misses them, and Eric says he misses her too. Bobbi says they’re good. She has no problem with Kelly. Kelly says she’s being attacked by everyone. Tamra said she threw Bobbi down the stairs. Bobbi says, you can get sued for defamation of character. She doesn’t know where Tamra is coming from, saying hateful things like that. In Kelly’s interview, she thanks Tamra, and says getting her mother back was the silver lining. She didn’t throw her mom down the stairs, she put her outside the door. She tells Bobbi and Eric that she’s meeting with Shannon. Shannon arrives, and Kelly says she just got off the phone with her mom and brother. Shannon tells Kelly that she looks pretty , and it’s possibly the first time she and I have agreed. I’m loving Kelly’s blue and white striped top. It’s tailored like a waistcoat. Shannon says she was up until three. She woke up saw Kelly’s text. Tamra told her that she was defending Kelly. She was repeating what was said, but she told Shannon that she felt like the others were bashing Kelly. Kelly says, they were, and Tamra is the culprit of all of it.

Tamra asks if they’ve seen what Kelly is doing. She’s been tagging Jim Bellino, when Tamra and Shannon are in a lawsuit with him. In her interview, Tamra says, she and Shannon are in a lawsuit together, and they’ve spent a half million dollars on legal fees. It’s been financially devastating. In Emily’s interview, she says she’s good friends with Alexis. We flash back to Alexis and Jim, being his usual a-hole self. Emily says Shannon and Tamra went on a podcast, said negative things about Jim’s personal life and business, and Jim sued them for defamation. She tells Tamra, it has nothing to do with Kelly. You can’t talk about someone publicly; there are repercussions for that. Tamra says Kelly knows what it’s cost her financially. Her kid’s college fund is being taken away.

Shannon says Kelly’s low blows cloud her good points. In Shannon’s interview, she says even though she won the case Jim had against her, they’re moving to the court of appeals. It’s like starting over again. She says Kelly knows the damage it can do. Kelly says Tamra did damage to her sick mother, and Shannon always sticks up for her. In Kelly’s interview, she says Shannon is of high intellect, but she’s getting manipulated by trailer trash Tamra. She thinks Tamra was probably Patty Heart’s captor. Look up Stockholm Syndrome in the dictionary, and there’s Tamra’s face. She tells Shannon that she can’t be a part of it. She says, Tamra is telling everyone that Shannon is a drunk, and Shannon says, give her a break. Kelly says she has the text, but she’s not stooping to Tamra’s level. In Shannon’s interview, she says she believes Tamra. They’ve reached a point in their friendship where they tell each other the truth. Shannon must be delusional.

Vicki says, Kelly needs psychological help. Emily says Kelly lashes out from a place of hurt, and Vicki tells her, they’ve all been through sh*t. Emily says she’s not giving Kelly a hall pass; it’s not right what happened with Shane. We flash back to Kelly calling him a little bitch, which I totally agree with. Vicki says, Kelly is an effing victim all the time. In Emily’s interview, she thinks a line has been drawn between Tamra and Kelly, and they’re only allowed to choose one side. It’s difficult, because she has no issue with either one of them, but if she has to pick a side, she’s going with the person she trusts, and that’s Kelly. Tamra says Kelly crossed a line.

Kelly tells Shannon that Tamra can do what she wants. Shannon doesn’t see her point-of-view, and Kelly is tired of it. Tamra has knocked her down, and she’s not putting up with it. Shannon is sorry Kelly feels that way, and Kelly says if Shannon wants to be a part of it, she’ll have to remove herself from the tres amigas. She gets up, and says, the good news is, she got back with her mother. Her mother hates Tamra. She told Kelly that Tamra is an evil person, and to stay away. She’s right. Kelly leaves Shannon sitting by herself.

In the car, Braunwyn tells Sean that her apartment will be perfect for her weaning party. In her interview, she says it’s something she invented. After 18 years of breastfeeding, she wants a celebration. She tells Sean that she told everyone to bring only inappropriate gifts. She’s excited to see what she ends up with. She hopes everyone embraces the spirit. Sean says she’ll have as much fun as she wants to, and Braunwyn says, it’s going to be epic. She and Sean stop at a gift store, and Braunwyn wants to get a humorous tea towel for Kelly. She wonders why Tamra wants to fight. Kelly said Tamra called her a drunk. Sean doesn’t understand why, since Tamra says nice things to her face. That’s not a good friend. She has to ask Tamra why. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she’s shocked that Tamra said this. (I’m not.) They hit it off quickly. We flash back to them making out. Braunwyn says, if it’s true, it hurts, Sean asks if Tamra is coming to the party, and Braunwyn says when she invited Tamra, she thought Tamra was a friend. Sean says she’ll have to reach out. I suggest she do a freeze out. I’m so sick of Tamra. She does all the things she accuses others of doing. She’s not a Christian, she’s a freaking Pharisee.

On the way to a sex accessory store, Emily tells Gina that Shane thought she said Braunwyn was having a weenie party. In Gina’s interview, she says she’s never been to a weaning party unless you consider drinking an entire bottle of wine by herself when she was done breastfeeding, a party. Emily asks about Gina’s date, and Gina says, on one hand, meeting Dr. Hottie is the best thing that could happen to her, but Matt was so upset, he cried. It’s the first time she’s seen him cry in twelve years. In her interview, Gina says, seeing him cry for the first time, she feels he gets it; the family was impacted. And she believes he’s committed to wanting to repair it. Emily says, on the other hand, Matt hurt her deeply. In Gina’s interview, she says, on one hand (phrase of the night), she’s moving on, but on the other side, it feels good to be wanted and loved. It’s confusing. I’m not confused. He’s a dog with a bone, shedding crocodile tears. Stay away. They go into the store, and Emily asks if Gina is ready for some inappropriate gifts for the party. Emily explains to the clerk what they need, and the clerk says there’s no shortage of inappropriate items there. In Gina’s interview, she says, it sounds like it’s going to be a crazy orgy. She’s going to chuck dildos and run. In Emily’s interview, she says, anytime you get to be someone different is fun. She asks Gina if she thinks Braunwyn would like a swing, and asks the clerk if it’s good for three people or only two.

Shannon irons. Lots of ironing going on in reality TV this week. She gets ready to go to her first deposition. David’s attorney is going to ask her questions about the marriage. The divorce has been completely contentious. David’s attorney is Tamra’s old attorney, and she hears he’s a bulldog, so who knows how it will go? She calls her business manager, and says it needs to be up and running at the latest mid-July. In her interview, she says she created a low calorie food line, and she’s launching a website. She doesn’t want to rely David financially, but she’s uneasy not knowing what the final settlement will be. Her manager tells her to breathe. In Shannon’s interview, she says she still gets emotional, and a pit in her stomach, when she sees David. There’s so much anger when she sees him, but she feels stronger, both mentally and physically. She’s not very organized though. She’s trying to balance all of these folders and books, and I’m wondering why she didn’t use a tote bag.

Braunwyn meets Tamra at a bar. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says normally, if she’s uncomfortable, she doesn’t pick up the phone, but she hasn’t seen Tamra since the tea party, and wants to find out what made Tamra call her a liar Braunwyn says she doesn’t know where to start. Tamra called her a liar, but she didn’t bring up Kelly’s boyfriend. Emily asked how they’re doing. We flash back to the tea party, and Tamra says she wasn’t talking about that. Braunwyn says she thought Tamra meant she brought it up, and she owns her sh*t. Tamra says, as she does, and I choke on my coffee. Braunwyn says, the next night at dinner, Kelly said Tamra thinks she’s a drunk and didn’t like her tea party outfit. Tamra says Kelly asked what Braunwyn was wearing, and she said it was cute. Kelly takes a little information, and twists it. Braunwyn says she’d love it if Tamra would come to her if there’s a problem. Tamra asks if she looks like the type who wouldn’t. In her interview, Braunwyn says she was conflicted. She believed Kelly, but now she believes Tamra. She’s sure the truth is somewhere in the middle, but it doesn’t involve her. She’s taking a step back. She’s good with both of them, and it’s not her problem. Tamra says Kelly is going dirty, and she thinks it’s best if she doesn’t go to the party. Kelly’s temper scares her. Braunwyn suggests she come early and hang out beforehand. Tamra says, okay, but if Kelly comes at her, she’s leaving. Braunwyn says, fair enough. They hug, and Braunwyn says she was nervous because she really likes Tamra. Tamra says, what’s not to like?

Tamra gets her hair done, and Vicki joins her. Tamra shows her the cake, a pair of boobies with a bikini top double nip slip. Vicki says someone told her they’re lactating tonight; the party is about boobs. Tamra says, it’s weaning, and Vicki says, it sounds like a puppy. Shannon FaceTimes Tamra, and Tamra asks if she’s been crying. What happened? Shannon says she just got back from the deposition. She made the most money she ever has last year, but less this year, and they won’t look at that. Tamra says, no way Shannon is walking away with nothing, but Shannon says, it’s a possibility if they can find a case to support it. In Shannon’s interview, she says, even though it was common property, David started the business before they were married. The bulk of it grew after they were married, but if that’s not applied to her, she’s screwed. Shannon tells Tamra, seventeen years count for nothing. Tamra says all she can do is move forward. It’s just money. They hang up, and Tamra tells Vicki that Braunwyn just sent a picture of her boob. Vicki says, Braunwyn likes herself. Tamra is the one who invited her; she never heard from Braunwyn. Tamra says, Braunwyn has loyalty to Kelly, and Vicki says she’s going to drug test Kelly. We flash back to the reunion where Kelly said go ahead and test her.

At Braunwyn’s love shack, the bartenders take their shirts off, and the DJ sets up. The guests arrive, and it gets crowded pretty quickly. Vicki says she doesn’t need a swing. She has jungle gym with Steve at home. I find this really hard to believe. Tamra tells Braunwyn, Vicki thought it was a lactating party. Braunwyn says, that would be less fun. She’s done, but instead of being sad about having no more babies, she’s celebrating. She tells them that Kelly isn’t going to be there. She didn’t want the focus on her, since it’s about Braunwyn. Tamra breathes a sigh of relief.

Kelly goes out with friends to a restaurant. She thanks them for coming and supporting her. Drama free night. In her interview, she says she knows if she goes to the party, the sh*t will hit the fan. She wants to disengage, and be a stronger person. They toast to loyalty.

Gina is impressed be Braunwyn’s apartment. She asks about Kelly, and Tamra says she’s not coming. Gina asks if it’s a kind gesture, and Tamra shrugs, telling Gina, she has no words.

Kelly says Tamra told everyone she did a train, and threw her mother down the stairs. Pump the breaks, Becky. She admits to going off the handle, and she’s tried drugs, but doesn’t do them. Her brother put some things out there on the internet, and her mom took Eric’s side. Kelly says they’ve made amends, but any information Tamra knows about, she twists it. She’s dumber than a box of rocks.

Shannon shows up at Braunwyn’s party, and Braunwyn asks how it’s going. Shannon says her divorce trial starts on Monday. Gina asks what she means, and Shannon says David’s lawyer found a case that would support her getting nothing. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says, a stay-at-home mom raising three daughters is a job. If she and Sean got a divorce after she raised seven children, she’d expect to get everything. Vicki tells Shannon that Kelly isn’t coming, and Braunwyn says Kelly decided it’s her night, and didn’t want to be a distraction. Braunwyn knows they got into it a little at the tea party, and she bores Vicki, but she loves them all. She wants them to come with her to Miami, where she’s from. She and Sean are checking on some places they own. In her interview, Braunwyn feels that her personality will make more sense to them when they see her in Miami. They say she’s too loud, but everyone is like that there. She’s not crazy, she’s just from another city. Well, maybe a little crazy. She passes out gift bags that contain little blackboards inviting them to a party in Key West. Shannon says she’s not going; it’s where David started his affair, but Tamra says she’ll stay with Shannon. In Shannon’s interview, she says David went on a trip with an organization that included one woman. She believes David started his affair with her on one of the group retreats, and it was in Key West. She remembers him calling her. We flash back, and Shannon says David called her at midnight last night. He’s up until midnight when he’s in Florida. Why is he up late with other people, and not her? He says they’ll have to change that, and she tells him she’s going to hold him to it. She thinks that’s the night the affair started.

Emily spanks one of the bartenders. A pseudo cop comes in, with a woman in a low-cut shirt that says SWAT. He says there have been complaints of loud noises and lewd behavior. He looks at Vicki’s butt, and says it’s as he suspected. They have crack. Okay, I laughed. Vicki wonders if it’s a bachelorette party. Braunwyn gets lap dances, and tells Tamra that she’s not cheating on her. Tamra says that’s why she didn’t get a blonde. In Emily’s interview, she says she was thinking breasts, not shirtless guys, and not strippers. In Vicki’s interview, she says, here we go again. It reminds her of Mexico. She tells Emily, it’s not her jam, and Emily asks if Vicki wants to paddle her with the bitch paddle. Vicki leaves, and Tamra says, that’s the way to get Vicki to go; hire a stripper. Emily rides on a dude who motorboats her, and in her interview, Tamra says she thinks that’s the most action Emily has gotten in a long time. Braunwyn shouts, no more babies! Gina wonders if this is the way everyone does it when they stop breastfeeding. Braunwyn nearly falls, and flashes everyone. Gina says she didn’t have this sh*t at her bachelorette party.

Braunwyn asks if Shannon is okay. Shannon says she’ll go to Miami, but Key West is on her no fly list. She believes David started his affair there. Emily asks if he was there for work, and Shannon says, it was a work retreat, and there was one woman on the trip. Emily suggests it might help her heal to go, but Shannon says she’s not that kind of person. She doesn’t want to think about it. Emily says if she conquered it, she might feel empowered. Gina  tries to interrupt, telling Emily that Shannon said she’d conquered it. In her interview, Gina says she remembers when she found out about the affair with Matt. She couldn’t function or breathe. If Key West is a trigger, she doesn’t know if Shannon should go there. Shannon say she’s not emotional about the demise of her marriage, but she doesn’t want to bring up the memories. Braunwyn says Shannon has a legit girl gang with her.

Shan visits lawyer Ben, and says she’s been emotional since the deposition. Ben says he doesn’t blame her. Shannon says she was told no facial expressions; not a peep. It was hard watching David burst into laughter and smirk. In her interview, she says, it’s as nasty as it can be. A part of her wants to be amicable because she wants to be the best co-parent she can be. Shannon says she knew if she said anything, she’d start to cry, so she stayed silent. Ben doesn’t think she lost it; she kept it together admirably. He wanted to orient her as to where they’re going when the trial concludes. It’s common for permanent support to be less than temporary support, and her income has increased since the end of the marriage. Shannon says, it’s declining now, and Ben says it’s not the ideal time for her to go to trial, but he doesn’t know where it’s going to crack up. She says when David started his business, it was out of his rented place. He didn’t get his first million dollar job until after they were married. Shannon says, there’s no way they can argue it was a separate property. She helped him grow the business. They were married seventeen years, and she’s the mother of his kids. In her interview, Shannon believes she can support herself, but never thought it was a possibility that she was entitled to nothing. She guesses being at home with the kids adds up to nothing. She tells Ben that she’s emotionally and physically exhausted, but she’s not going to let David get the best of her.

Next time, Gina and Mett get a hotel room in Laguna, Shannon can’t wait clean her hands of the marriage and move on, the Miami trip, and Vicki gets engaged.

🙈 I’m being forced into watching Blind Date because it’s wedged into the half hour between two other shows. The second episode was as bad as the first. Worse, because it was the same. It’s like they took the worst people, put them in the worst show, and sent them on the most boring date. The name of it should be, Two Jerks in a Hot Tub, since that’s what it seems to amount to. It’s like watching the worst Tinder date ever. Maybe not the worst, but pretty bad. Tonight, one guy went on about how he had to take a pee, and then when in the hot tub, remarked that the water was warmer. Eww! Please, Bravo, get rid of this show yesterday.

🗽 Replacing Bethenny…

The new Real Housewife of New York

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/11/leah-mcsweeney-joins-rhony-cast/

🙋 Joining the Franchise…

This should be interesting. Will we see Sister Real Housewives?

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/11/bravo-announces-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city/

🍔 Basically…

Stassi is on a roll.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1094274/vanderpump-rules-stassi-schroeder-gets-her-own-show

🍷 In Giudice News…

Not so happy reunion.

https://radaronline.com/photos/teresa-and-joe-giudice-argue-during-italy-reunion/

Teresa at Bravocon.

https://radaronline.com/photos/teresa-giudice-parties-at-bravocon-after-tense-reunion-with-joe-fails-in-italy/

Keeping him in our thoughts and prayers.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/18/teresa-giudices-father-hospitalized-with-pneumonia/

🍗 Before Hanukkah Comes…

Definitely drumstick worthy.