Tag Archives: Lisa Rinna

March 2, 2023 – Laura Sends Eileen To the Morgue, Poem, Bill’s Band, Through the Years, Please Go, Fakey McFake, Monstrous Loss, Everything SAG & Good

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sasha puts a single rose on Brando’s grave, and says, it’s finally over. Heather Webber will never hurt anyone again. Soon they will lock her up. She hopes Heather suffers. He’s too kind to wish that on anyone, but he’s not here, so she gets to wish for what she wants. Of course (🍷) the one thing she wishes, she can’t have. Everybody talks about moving on and living her life. Easier said. She starts to cry, and says she misses him.

Maxie meets Brook at Kelly’s, and Brook asks, how’s her mom? Maxie says, hanging in there. Ryan really put her mom and Mac through the wringer. Brook says, look on the bright side. Ryan is dead, and Heather is being put away until she rots. Good riddance to the lunatics. Maxie says she’s still reeling though. Heather’s last victim was Austin. Brook asks if Maxie’s talked to him, and Maxie says she left a message, but didn’t want to push. Brook says, it’s hard to know where to draw that line with an ex, and Maxie says, now they’re talking about Brook and Chase. Is she right?

Dante comes into the steam room to find Chase rubbing his shoulder. Dante says he told Chase to take it easy. What did that punching bag ever do to him anyway? Chase says he was overcompensating. He’s sick of being in limbo. He wants to be a cop again.

Gregory reads out loud to Alexis, when the sounds of choppers faded from the air above Spoon Island, one notorious criminal was dead, another was in custody, and their legacies were cemented with the birth of their grandson and the trail of devastation each left in their wake. She takes it he has notes, but he says, just one; masterful. Congratulations. She’s nabbed the scoop of the year.

As they approach Sam’s apartment, TJ asks if Molly is up to this, but she says she’s fine. It’s probably just a touch of the bug that’s going around. She hasn’t seen her sisters in ages, and there’s no way she’s missing this brunch. Um… I guess she misses them so much, she wants them sick too? They knock at the door, and Sam tells Kristina, they’re here. Kristina comes out with a cake that has one candle on it, and Sam opens the door. They yell, happy anniversary!🎉

At the MetroCourt restaurant, Diane tells Robert, it’s so lovely, and he says, it’s been a long time coming. He really owes her, and she says, for wasting her time in court with a case that should never have been brought to trial? He says he was thinking more of a moment they shall call the elevator incident, and she says she was only doing what anyone would do when they figured out a colleague had been drugged and swindled. He says, regardless, this is an expression of his gratitude, and she asks if that’s all this is. He says, she’s got him. There was something else he wanted to talk to her about today.

Laura thanks Eileen for meeting her at the hospital, and Eileen says, of course (🍷). Laura says she’s been given a task that feels impossible to her, and she realized that Eileen is the best person to help her with it.

TJ says now he understands why Sam insisted he escort her to this so-called sister’s brunch, and Kristina says, they know TJ and Molly celebrated their anniversary at Curtis and Portia’s wedding. Sam says, the first year of domestic partnership deserves a celebration, and Kristina says, they’re borrowing from birthday tradition, lighting the candle. Sam says, make a wish, and Kristina tells them, then blow out the candle. They do, and everyone laughs.

Alexis says, right place, right time, and Gregory says, thanks to the tip from Smoltz. She says, when he’s right, it reminds her that he’d actually be good at his job if he had integrity. He says, Smoltz may have given her information, but it was her deductive reasoning that unmasked The Hook, and she says, a major get. He says, one she should be proud of, but she says, the glory isn’t all hers. She couldn’t have done it without him.

Dante says he knows Chase hates not being on the force, and Chase says, especially after an operation like the one on Spoon Island. They caught The Hook. Ryan Chamberlain is dead, Esme Prince has been recaptured, and where was he? Dante says he missed out too, but Chase says, because he was in England with Sam working on another case. Dante says, they were tracking down Esme’s nanny. She told them that Ryan was Esme’s biological father. Chase says, see? Dante’s proven his point. It was good work. Dante says, work Chase can do too when he gets reinstated. Chase says, if he gets reinstated, but Dante says he has every reason to believe the Board will reinstate Chase. Will he have some faith? Chase says he’ll try, but in the meantime, there’s another bad guy he can take down.

Brook tells Maxie, soon enough she and Chase won’t have a professional relationship, and Chase will be free of her completely. Maxie asks if he fired Brook as his manager, and Brook says, music was never Chase’s dream; it was hers. He loves police work, and he’s probably going to be reinstated in the next few months. Maxie asks how she feels about that, and Brook says, it makes him happy, and she’s happy for him. Maxie asks how she really feels, but Brook says she’s actually happy for him. He deserves to follow his passion. Maxie says, so does Brook, and Brook says she is. Aside from the ones he already sold, Linc gave her back her catalog. She can shop those around, build her slate of artists… Maxie asks why she still doesn’t seem happy, and Brook says, because she still doesn’t get what she wants.

Eileen says, whatever Laura needs, she’s at her service, and Laura says, she looks tired. Is she sick? Eileen says she hasn’t been sleeping well. Her alarm clock must have a short; it’s been waking her up at all hours. On top of which, the heat stopped working. Laura suggests she stay somewhere else until she can sort out the heat and the wiring, but Eileen says, that won’t help with the nightmares, and Laura says, what? but Eileen says, it’s nothing. Laura tells her, Anna Devane’s body has been recovered… or what the French authorities believe are her remains. Eileen says, her condolences, and Laura gets all teary and thanks her. Eileen says she hopes this gives Laura and Anna’s loved ones the closure they need. When will the body arrive? Laura says, it’s already here. Anna’s body is down in the morgue, and she’s the one who’s supposed to… identify it. She breaks down in tears.

Alexis tells Gregory, spitballing, bouncing theories off each other, that’s what led to her eureka moment with Heather. After that, it was just a matter of confirming her hunch. He says he might have helped get the wheels turning, but this was all her, and she says, take the win. Come on. They’re good together. Why bust it all up? He says he’s sensing a return to a conversation they put to bed, and she says she doesn’t understand why PCU won’t let him work at The Invader. He says he told her; a conflict of interest. (BTW, I think he’s lying to her; I don’t think he even asked.) She says she’s researched six publications, and all of them have professors working in their editorial department. So why does PCU set a different standard for their faculty specifically? He asks why she can’t let this go.

Chase tells Dante that he’s going to stop Linc Brown and his career as a music manager. Maybe get him charged just for good measure. Dante suggests Chase remember Linc was one of the reasons he was suspended in the first place. He adds harassment to assault, he’s not getting back on the force. Chase says, Brown gets handsy with his clients – he means, really handsy. He’s abusive, controlling, and manipulative, and that’s all they know about. There’s probably so much more. Dante says he knew the guy was a sleaze, but didn’t know he was doing that. That’s no good and he needs to be stopped. Why doesn’t he have a chat with Linc? Chase says, that won’t do any good, and Dante asks how working for him is going to change his behavior. Chase says, proximity gives him opportunity. Sooner or later, he’s going to slip up in a way that’s verifiable. Dante says, when he does, Chase better be far, far away from him.

Brook tells Maxie that she and Chase are over. He made that abundantly clear. In fact, she thinks he’s moved on. Maxie says, Chase is interested in someone else? Who? Brook says, Sasha, startling me, since I expected her to say Blaze. She’s not sure sure, but they’ve been spending a lot of time together lately. Maxie says, well, they’re friends, and she’s sure they’re just being supportive, and Brook says, how sure? grabbing Maxie’s hand. Maxie says, 98% sure, prying Brook’s hand off hers. She says, Brook needs to talk to Sasha, and Brook says, why? Whatever’s going on between them is none of her business. She and Chase are over. She doesn’t have him, but she does have her music back. Maxie says, she doesn’t seem that pleased, and Brook says, it came with strings. She had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. One of her main goals when she started was to nail Linc to the wall for sexual harassment, coercion, and all of the other sleazy stuff he does. Maxie says, and she persuaded Chase to help her? and Brook says she did, and he was totally into it. So when he finds out she signed an NDA and can no longer speak publicly about what Linc did to her, he could think she prioritized her career over doing what’s right. Maxie says she doesn’t think the NDA is going to be Brook’s problem. She should talk to a lawyer, but Brook needs to look into the Speak Out Act. An NDA can prevent you from talking about work product, like intellectual property… Brook says, lyrics, contracts, deals, and Maxi says, exactly, but a contract that restricts your talking about how you’ve been treated, misconduct in the workplace, or sexual harassment, those can’t be enforced anymore. Brook should look into it. Brook says she will, but that still doesn’t change what she did, and Maxie says, Chase is understanding. She’s sure he’ll forgive her. Sasha is suddenly there, and asks what Chase has to forgive Brook for. Um… none of your business?

Diane asks how offended she should be that the pleasure of her company wasn’t enough for her and Robert to meet, but he says, the pleasure of her company is reward enough, and she says, stop. He says he wanted to bring her up to speed on some recent events, and she says, he means Heather Webber being identified as the person who stabbed her with a hook. He says, she’s confessed, which means they’re removed from having to go through a trial, and Diane says, which means she doesn’t have to testify. She wasn’t looking forward to reliving that. She puts her clients on the stand every day, but it’s different… He says, when you’re the one being attacked. He gets it. She says, of course (🍷) he would. He was the victim of an attack recently.

Eileen says, shouldn’t one of Miss Devane’s relatives make the identification? but Laura says, her daughter lives all the way across the country. Eileen says, what about DA Scorpio? They were married. Laura says, they were, but the French authorities have made it clear that… the body… there’s been some decomposition. She’s sure Eileen understands why she wouldn’t want to expose one of Anna’s loved ones to a visual like that unless it was absolutely necessary. Eileen says, of course (🍷), and Laura says, unfortunately, it’s her job as city official to assist the gendarmerie, but she’s been here for hours, and she just can’t do it. Eileen says, Laura needs support, and Laura says she needs Eileen to do it.

Chase says he knows Dante isn’t telling him to look the other way while Linc manhandles his female clients, and Dante says, no, but he is telling Chase to maybe report him. He knows it’s difficult, but maybe Chase could convince some of these women to come forward. Chase says, Dante knows as well as he does, these types of allegations are hard to prove. Either everyone comes forward or no one does. Dante says he gets direct involvement, but for Chase, it’s a bad idea, and Chase says, why? These women endure this because they think if they don’t, Linc will end their music career. He doesn’t care if his music career ends; he can’t wait. He’s the perfect person to take Linc down. Dante says, Chase takes Linc down, Linc is liable to take Chase own with him. Then what happens? The CCRB gets wind of his little one-man operation, and there go his chances of reinstatement. Chase says he knows there are risks, but he doesn’t feel right leaving these women in Linc’s orbit to do this alone. Dante says, nor should he, but to be clear, are they talking women plural, or one woman in particular?

Sasha asks if everything is okay with Brook and Chase, and Brook says, nothing major; just music business stuff. Maxie stares at Brook, and Sasha sits down, saying, she admires Brook. She’s juggling two careers. Sasha crumbled under the pressure of just one. Maxie says, Sasha didn’t. What she went through wasn’t a reflection of her capabilities or professionalism. Don’t sell herself short. Maxie tells them that she left her phone in her coat pocket; talk amongst themselves. She stands behind Sasha and eavesdrops, as Sasha says she thinks it’s incredible what Brook has done with Chase’s music career. Is she taking on other clients? Brook says, actually, she thinks it’s time to explore new horizons.

Alexis asks why Gregory is willing to let this go, and he says he knows his limits. She says, the only limits he has are the ones PCU has shackled him with. He should just quit. He says, she finds journalism gratifying? and she says, certainly more than she thought. He says, when she was practicing law, if someone had told her to quit and run The Invader, or just be on the staff… She says she’d refuse, and he says, being an attorney was her first love, was it not? She admits it was, and says, and teaching is his. He says, this may sound flowery or pretentious, but he feels the knowledge he’s imparted is his bequest to a better world. If anyone should understand how hard it is to give up a career you’ve poured your heart and soul into… She says she gets it, and he says, besides, just because he’s not officially working here doesn’t mean they can’t continue to collaborate. She said herself, why bust up a good thing? He’s thinking, there must be a way to build on the momentum of this story, and his ideas are hers, free of charge.

Kristina asks, who’s ready for a toast? and Sam asks for sparkling water. She thinks she got a bit of food poisoning in England. TJ says, sparkling water for him too; he’s due at work. Kristina says, they’re both squares. Molly won’t let her drink alone, will she? Molly says, maybe just a small glass, and TJ says, his dad called to wish them a happy anniversary. Sam asks how Shawn is, and TJ says, great, and not at all surprised Alexis cracked The Hook case. Kristina hopes Heather’s capture brings Gladys and Sasha some peace, and Sam says, that’s why it’s so important for them to celebrate these milestones. To the people we love, and all of the milestones. Kristina says, to TJ and Molly, and they clink glasses.

Eileen says, Laura wants her to identify Anna Devane’s remains? and Laura says, there aren’t many people she could trust with this. Eileen says, forgive her, but she doesn’t have the impression Laura trusts her. Laura rarely calls on her for assistance, and Laura’s often dismissive of her efforts. Laura admits she was short with Eileen when Eileen talked with Warden Brewster about the Spring Ridge escapes. Eileen says, it wasn’t the first time Laura kept her out of the loop, and it was important she stay informed. Laura says, being informed isn’t necessarily being involved. Okay, she admits it. She’s been keeping Eileen at arm’s length. Eileen asks, why? and as they walk down the hallway, Laura says she owes Eileen an apology. She let her personal sensibilities cloud her judgement. They don’t have to be adversaries. Eileen is a strong administrator, and will be a great successor when Laura decides not to seek reelection, but she needs to know she can count on Eileen when it matters. Eileen says, understood. She’ll go to the morgue and make the identification. Laura presses the elevator button, and says she can’t tell Eileen how grateful she is for her stepping up in this way. It’s something she’ll never forget. Eileen gets in the elevator, the doors close, and Laura gets out her phone. She says, she’s on her way.

Diane apologizes for bringing up a sore subject, but Robert says, it’s public knowledge. Holly played him; he fell for it. Diane says she’s assuming Holly is still recovering from her burns in Europe, and he says, Holly has some challenges ahead of her. Regardless of what’s happened, he wishes her well. Diane says she may not know Holly well, but she knows this second chance meant a lot to him. She’s sorry. He asks, why? and she says, because he is. Deep as first love, and wild with all regret. He says, o death in life, the days that are no more, and she says, to Tennyson. They clink coffee cups, and she says, she was hoping Tennyson was getting him through during that time, and he says, not just Tennyson.

Sasha says she hopes Brook finds the perfect singer for every song, and make superstars out of all of them, and Brook says, that’s the dream. Sasha says, it’s hard to make many moves under this guardianship, but she’s starting to think about her future, and Brook asks if there’s anyone else in that future. Maxie jets back to her seat, babbling that her phone was in her purse the whole time, and Sasha wonders if Brook is asking her something specific. Maxie asks what she missed.

Dante says, Chase and Brook teamed up to take down Linc. Is Chase worried about his feelings for Brook coming back? Chase says, maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Either way, it’s worth it to see this through. Does Dante remember how aimless he felt when he was first suspended? For a guy who’s wanted to be a cop longer than he can remember, it didn’t feel good to lose his purpose. Dante asks, what about singing? but Chase says, that’s a paycheck, not a purpose. He wants to help people and if he can’t do it as a cop, he’ll do it this way.

Gregory says, Doc would add a good point of view to a think piece, and Alexis says, Doc is not only Ryan’s brother, he’s his twin, and his victim. Gregory says, to share your exact DNA with someone who’s both you physiological and moral opposite? It’s a great angle. She says she likes it, and he asks if Doc would be willing to talk about it. She says, there’s only one way to find out. She’d also like to interview Esme, even though she’s got some problems of her own right now. Gregory says he forgot. Congratulations are in order; Alexis is an aunt again. She says, that’s mean. She knows Nikolas is having another son, but she doesn’t know where he is. Gregory gets up, and says, it’s a good thing she’s good at solving mysteries, and she says, about the job. He says, just when they were having such a nice chat, and she says, humor her. If PCU hadn’t gotten in the way of taking the job, would he have accepted it? He says, he would have liked nothing more, and leaves.

TJ thanks Sam and Kristina for this very thoughtful surprise. Growing up, he never knew what he was missing, but through Molly, he has sisters. He thanks them for always making him feel like family, and Sam says, he is family. Kristina says, he’s trapped and there’s no escape, but it’s only because they love him. He says he loves them too, and Molly walks him to the door. He says he’ll see her tonight, and leaves. She goes back inside, and says, as they know, TJ is traditional and she’s not, but she appreciates them celebrating the commitment she and TJ made. Sam says, love should always be celebrated, and Molly says, right back at her and Dante. Kristina says, her sisters are happily in love. It almost gives a girl a complex. Sam says, when Kristina meets someone – and she will – they won’t know what hit them. Kristina says, because she’s a wrecking ball, but Sam says, she’s fantastic and smart and beautiful, and Molly says, face it, they’re magnificent. They deserve only the best, and that includes Kristina. Only good things for the Davis girls.

Robert says he’s grateful to have friends, old and new, and Diane says he’d better be calling her new. Alexis approaches the table, and says, if it isn’t her two favorite members of her former profession. Can she join them? Diane asks if it matters, and Robert says he has another appointment. My how time flies. Diane thanks him for breakfast, Alexis takes his seat, and he leaves. Alexis asks if it was business or discovery, and Diane says, it was breakfast. She thanks Alexis for alerting her before the identity of The Hook went to print, and Alexis says, it’s the least she could do. How is Diane feeling? Diane says, like she no longer has any excuses not to go out and live her life, and take a breath. And Alexis? Is she deciding what shelf to dust off for her Pulitzer? Alexis says, that’s a bit of a stretch, but Diane says, she’s on her way. Alexis says she’d be more on her way if PCU weren’t being obstructionist. The school’s administration won’t allow Gregory to join the editorial board. Conflict of interest. Diane asks, how? and Alexis says, exactly. Diane asks what Gregory has to say about this, and Alexis says, nothing. He doesn’t want to give up teaching, so he’s accepting it. Diane says she’s guessing Alexis isn’t, and Alexis says, no. Diane knows how she is.

TJ sees Laura, and says he didn’t get a chance to thank her for stepping in to officiate at his uncle’s wedding. She was incredible. She thanks him, and says, it was her honor. How’s his Aunt Stella doing? He says, on the mend. He asks what brings her by GH, and she says, closure.

Gregory asks the reception nurse to direct him to exam room 3, and she says she remembers him; he’s Dr. Finn’s dad. He says he hadn’t realized he was famous, when TJ comes by and says hello. Gregory says he’s looking for exam room 3, and TJ says he can show Gregory. Don’t tell him Gregory has caught this bug making the rounds. Gregory says, if only.

Eileen goes into the morgue. It’s empty, and she looks at the instruments on the table and shudders. She flashes back to hearing Anna say, you’re next, Eileen. You’re next. The attendant comes in, and she jumps a mile. He says he didn’t mean to startle her. Is she Deputy Mayor Ashby? She says, yes, and he says, he’s Moe (or maybe Mel); he’s been expecting her. He holds out his hand, but she doesn’t take it. She says she’s sorry; she’s just a little jumpy. He says, they get that a lot down here. Mayor Collins said she’d be identifying the Jane Doe from France. She says, that’s why she’s here, and he slides out a drawer holding a body in a body bag. He says he has to step out for a minute. Why doesn’t she take a look, and he’ll be back with the form she has to sign. He leaves, and I don’t think that’s how any of this works.

Dante says, it sounds like Chase is going to go after Linc no matter what, and Chase says, yeah. Dante says, promise if he gets into any trouble, Chase will call him, and Chase thanks him. He suggests Chase get his bum shoulder checked out, but Chase says, Dante knows how he feels about hospitals. Dante says, speaking of hospitals, he heard Willow was released, and Chase asks if that means she’s doing better. Dante says he doesn’t know, and suggests Chase stop by and see her. Chase says he has to meet little Amelia, and Dante says, his mother has fierce baby fever right now. She keeps hinting, and trying to find out if he and Sam are having kids. Chase asks if he wants them, but Dante says, they haven’t discussed it. I’m thinking either Sam, Molly, or both are pregnant.

Sam says she notices Molly switched to the sparkling water. Is everything okay? Molly says she just feels under the weather, and Kristina says she already opened the bottle. It’s a sin to let it go flat. Molly says she doesn’t want any more, but she could use something sweet. Is there any dessert? Didn’t they just have cake? Sam says, in the bag over there, and Kristina goes to get it. Molly says she wants to hear all about finding Esme’s nanny, and Sam says, it was insane. It was beautiful and rural, and they found her in this little place in Devon. She tells Molly about the crazy driving, when Kristina takes a pregnancy test out of the bag. Molly excuses herself, and Sam asks what’s taking Kristina so long. Kristina puts the test behind her back, and Sam says, she had one job. Kristina asks if there’s something Sam wants to tell her, and shows her the test. Dante comes in, and Kristina turns around, putting the test behind her back again. He asks if it’s over.

Diane says, do not meddle, and Alexis says she’s not meddling. She’s doing Gregory a favor. Diane wonders if he asked for this favor, and Alexis says, no. Diane says, then don’t do it, but Alexis says, he wants this job. Diane should have seen him. He just doesn’t want to give up teaching. Diane says, the professor is a big boy. If he wants it so badly, he’ll find a way to get it – on his own. Alexis says, not necessarily. He’s a cerebral guy. He doesn’t like to make waves. She does. She’s action oriented. Diane says, that’s Latin for meddling, and Alexis says, he wants the job, and she’s going to do something about it.

Brook says, sorry to bolt, but she has a full day, and Maxie says, stay. Sasha says, there’s been this really weird tension between them these last few weeks, but Brook says, no. Sasha says she’s sober, she’s calm, she thinks she’s rational. So she’ll be really disappointed if Brook tells her that she’s imagining this. Brook says, she brought out the big guns right away, and Sasha says, something has clearly changed between them, and she thinks it has to do with Chase.

TJ asks what Gregory means by if only, and Gregory says, nothing. It’s just a wonder he hasn’t picked it up from one of his students. Chase comes in, and Gregory asks if he’s there to see his brother, but Chase says, Finn’s off this morning. He tweaked a muscle in his shoulder, and he’s getting it checked out. What is Gregory doing here?

Robert sees Laura, and asks if Ashby went for the bait. She says, hook, line, and sinker, and he says, well done. She says, now let’s just hope it all goes according to plan.

Eileen hesitates, then remembers Laura saying how grateful she is, and it’s something she’ll never forget. She slowly goes over to the drawer, and zips open the bag enough to reveal Anna’s beat up, bluish face. The lights flicker, then go out, and Eileen says, hello? Is Moe (or Mel) there? The lights went out. Hello? The lights come back on, and she sees a ghostly Anna standing in front of her. She looks back at the table, where Anna’s body is still lying, and says, this isn’t real. This isn’t real. Anna floats toward her, looking like a demon.

Tomorrow, Chase asks if there’s a reason Gregory won’t tell him why he’s at the hospital; Kristina says she just found out Dante and Sam have been holding out on her; Laura says, Victor has no one to blame but himself; and Eileen says, please. I’ll do anything.

📜 Poets In Law…

If you want to read the whole poem.

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45384/the-princess-tears-idle-tears

🎸 Rock On…

Good for him. I thought he did a wonderful job on GH, and certainly better than the Most Extras’ first song on Vanderpump Rules last night.

🎊 Another 50th

The Y&R Memory Lane. It’s comforting to know some of the soaps we grew up with are still there.

💎 Here’s Your Hat…

Isn’t she gone yet? Please, take Kyle with you.

Well, we agree on LisaR’s exit, but no Housewife is bigger than the franchise? I present Queen LVP. She’s still got it going on elsewhere, and the show began its slippery slope downhill after her departure.

🍊 Phonier Than a Three Dollar Bill…

I’m ambivalent to Kelly – although she does let fly some amusing bon mots – but I agree Tamra is fake. The worst thing was when she decided to become a Christian, made a big production out of it, then never gave a Christian hoot again. I cringe just thinking of it. The loudest wheel gets the screen time.

🦐 Farewell Creature…

He was my favorite monster as a kid. My sister went through a model building phase for a hot minute, and did several classic monsters. I loved him.

https://ew.com/movies/ricou-browning-monster-creature-from-black-lagoon-dies-93/

🏆 And the Not Loser Is…

The winners.

https://ew.com/awards/sag-awards/sag-awards-2023-winners-list/

The best moments. I would usually say, these are debatable, but they’re pretty spot-on.

https://ew.com/awards/sag-awards/best-moments-sag-awards-2023/

The fashion.

https://ew.com/sag-awards/sag-awards-2023-red-carpet-photos/

Afterwards.

https://ew.com/sag-awards/see-all-the-stars-at-the-2023-sag-awards-after-parties/

My personal favorite.

https://ew.com/awards/sag-awards/james-hong-2023-sag-awards-speech-producer-said-asians-not-good-enough/

Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200…

Come to my window tomorrow for soap, tea spillage, what might pass as wisdom, and music celebrating women. Until then, stay safe, stay raising your own bar, and stay celebrating milestones, big and small.

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

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workin’ On the Chain Gang…

Musings on Spencer’s taste of thug life.

👶 Extra Large…

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

🩺 New Doctor In the House…

I see a moving van headed to Port Charles…

💉 One More Magic Solution Down the Drain…

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

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

👠 She’s All About the Love…

Nona and Noni must be shaking their heads.

💎 Don’t Go Away Mad…

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

🗽 Fashion Fêtes…

A peek into New York Fashion Week.

🐈 February Is For Pets…

For the feline lovers.

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

And of course the 🐕 Bowl.

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

🏈 Running Interference…

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

January 25, 2023 – Renee Reveals Her True Intentions, Behind the Cataphile, Why She Left, Crystal Reads the Room, New Pump, WeHo Friends, TikTok Emu & Snow

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Spencer and Trina see Laura coming out of Kelly’s, and Laura says, it’s nice to see them. She thinks Cameron needs friends tonight, and Spencer says, they’ll look after him and make sure he’s okay. Laura leaves, and Trina asks if he knows what going on with Cam. He says, Joss stabbed him in the back.

In her dorm room, Josslyn flashes back to Cameron saying he’ll keep her secret, but not to thank him for being a better person than she is. Unlike her, he doesn’t betray the people he cares about. There’s a knock at the door, and Josslyn opens it to Carly, who says she got Josslyn’s message. What’s wrong? Josslyn says she screwed up, and grabs Carly in a hug.

Drew is arm wrestling with Wiley, and asks if Wiley’s been lifting weights. Wiley says, no, and Drew lets him win, saying, then he’s definitely been eating spinach. Look what just happened. Wiley says he’s strong, and Drew says he demands a do-over. Wiley wants to tell grandma, and Drew flashes back to being on the beach with Carly and kissing her.

On the phone in a private area of the MetroCourt, Victor says he’s perfectly aware the accommodations aren’t as luxurious as their guests would wish, but they’ll have to do for the time being. Keep him apprised of any developments. She might just be his best hope of bringing his son back to him.

Anna asks if Lucy can hear them, and says, it’s her and Valentin. Valentin tells her, nod her head yes or no; is she hurt? Lucy yells a bunch of stuff, but she’s not understandable through the gag. We see she’s handcuffed to a pipe, and Anna says, they’re going to get her.

Drew says, Wiley can tell grandma about his epic win later. Right now, it’s time for bed. There’s a knock at the gatehouse door, and Drew opens it to Olivia, who has a foil covered platter in her hands. Wiley says, hi, Mama Q, and Olivia says she told him, it’s Auntie Olivia. He tells her, Cody said, it’s Mama Q, and asks if Annabelle is with her. Olivia says, Annabelle is sleeping because she’s tired out from playing with him, and Drew tells Wiley, it’s PJ time; time for bed. Olivia says, that’s why she’s here. Wiley is officially invited to a slumber party up at the main house. Drew asks how that sounds, and Wiley says, yay! Olivia tells him to pick out his favorite PJs and two toys, and Wiley runs upstairs. Olivia says, cutest kid ever… other than Leo of course (🍷). Drew says, of course (🍷), and it’s sweet of her to invite him up to the main house. She says she figured they could use a break. He’s doing a good job of hiding his feelings, but she can tell Drew is worried about Willow. He says, aren’t they all? He’s definitely gotten closer to Willow and Michael over this past year. She’s such an incredible woman, it kills him that she’s going through this right now. She says, at least now there’s hope for a donor. She assumes he knows that Nina is Willow’s mother, and he says he guesses news travels fast. She says, whatever her feelings are for Nina, she just hopes Nina is a good match, and Willow’s going to be okay. Drew says, Willow could be okay already. She could already have her bone marrow transplant, and on her way to recovery if… Olivia says, if what? What isn’t he telling her, and why does she get the distinct impression it has something to do with Carly?

Carly asks, what happened? and Josslyn asks, how’s Willow? Carly says, she’s the same, waiting to see if Nina’s a bone marrow match, and Josslyn says she should have stayed. Carly asks, what’s going on? Josslyn didn’t leave a lot of detail in her message. Josslyn says she hurt Cam all over again. She lost him as a friend. They’ve known each other forever, and she blew it. Carly asks why she says that, and Josslyn says, Cam came over here tonight, and she wasn’t alone.

Walking into Kelly’s, Trina says, Spencer has to explain it to her. What does he mean by Joss stabbed Cam in the back? Cameron looks up from the counter, and Spencer says he can’t believe Trina’s best friend didn’t tell her. Trina says, tell her what? What’s going on? Cameron says, she really doesn’t know? and Spencer says he kept his mouth shut for once. Trina says, about what? If something’s gone wrong with Cameron and Joss, she needs to know. Spencer asks if Cameron wants to tell her, or should he.

Laura brings Charlotte into the MetroCourt restaurant, and they walk over to Martin at the bar. He wonders how he could be so lucky that the two most attractive ladies in the room are paying attention to him, and Laura says, Doc is working late. She and Charlotte decided to have a girls night out. Charlotte asks if he’d like to join them, and Martin says, it’s official. She’s as well-mannered as she is beautiful, but he’d never intrude on a girls night out. Laura suggests Charlotte wash up before dinner, and Charlotte asks Martin to think about having dinner with them. He looks like he could use a friend. She leaves, and he says, out of the mouths of babes. Laura says, she’s very observant, and she’s right. He should have dinner with them. If nothing else, they’ll provide a distraction.

Still on the phone, Victor says, he wants frequent updates and a speedy resolution, when he turns to see Charlotte on her way to the bathroom. He says, hold it right there, granddaughter.

Martin tells Laura to enjoy her girls night out. He has no reason to subject his brand new niece to a serious case of low spirits. She says, he’s got to have faith. She believes Anna and Valentin are going to find Lucy, and bring her home. He says, amen to that. Truth be told, he was sitting here stewing about how he could tip things in their favor. Speaking of, has she ever pondered what was said at Pentenville when they had that little tête-à-tête with their dear incarcerated brother? She asks if he means when Cyrus suggested they work together to bring Victor down. He’s not actually considering that, is he?

In the catacombs, Renee says, she knows the way, follow her, but Anna says, wait. There’s a door right there. Is that the only entrance? Renee says, oui, and Anna says, it’s going to be guarded obviously. Is Renee sure there’s no other point of entry? Valentin says he thinks they’re looking at one. These joints are so rusted, he thinks they can yank this grate right off. He and Anna pull at the grate.

Drew says, Carly has known Nina was Willow’s mother since Harmony died, and didn’t say anything. Olivia says, she what? and he says, she thought she was protecting Willow. As soon as she found out Willow was sick, she did tell the truth. Olivia says, but in the meantime, she kept that information from everyone, including Drew, and he says, but that wasn’t the only lie. Carly was so determined that the truth didn’t come out, she actively sabotaged his search for Willow’s birth family. Olivia asks how he found out about all of this, and he says, Carly confessed once he told her that Willow had leukemia. She says, he’s dealing with some really heavy stuff here, and he says, Willow collapsing and being rushed to the hospital is heavy stuff. They have to show up for her, and that’s all that matters right now. She says, of course (🍷) that’s what matters most, but his relationship with Carly matters too. Does he think their friendship can survive this?

Josslyn tells Carly that she talked to Michael a little bit, but he was totally focused on Willow of course (🍷). She was just sitting around the hospital, and didn’t want to run into Sonny or Nina. Dex showed up, and they  rode in the elevator together. She brought him back here, and it really helped to talk with him and be with him. They decided to order food, and Dex was only in his pants. She wasn’t in much more, and when they went to answer the door, it was Cam. She cries, and says, the look on his face… Carly sits next to her on the bed, kisses her forehead, and says she’s so sorry. Josslyn says, so is she. She’s not sorry she was with Dex, but she’s so sorry she hurt Cam like that.

Trina says, Joss broke up with Cameron on New Year’s, and she’s just hearing about this now? Why didn’t Josslyn tell her? Cameron says he doesn’t know; maybe she was embarrassed. Spencer says he’d be embarrassed to break up with Cam, and I laugh, while Cameron looks like he wants to. Trina asks why Josslyn broke up with him in the first place, and Cameron tells her, she said they grew apart. Spencer says, allegedly, and Trina says, he doesn’t believe her? He says he already told Cam that he thinks there’s more going on than Josslyn’s lame reason, and judging by the look on Cam’s face, he’s guessing he’s right.

Laura says, Martin knows as well as she does that Cyrus’s good intentions also come with an agenda. He says he guesses she’s right, but don’t worry. He’s not seriously considering working with Cyrus, but he did bump into Victor earlier when he was at the hospital. It was a harsh in-your-face reminder why he’s not sitting here having dinner with Lucy tonight. She says she believes Anna and Valentin are going to bring Lucy home; she promises him. He asks how she’s in a position to promise him that, and she says, Valentin sent her a message on Christmas. He asks why she didn’t tell him sooner. Did he say anything about Lucy? She says, he didn’t, but he did say things were going well, and they’re making headway. He asks what the hell that means. They both know, the longer it takes to find Lucy, the less her chances for survival. He’s sick and tired of sitting around, putting all of his eggs in alternate baskets. He’s going to find another way to get to Mr. Victor Cassadine. She says, by representing Esme Prince?

Victor says, Charlotte, how lovely. He’s been meaning to visit her for ages now, but her grandmother has other ideas. He and Laura have their differences, but he was hoping they could put them aside where their shared family is concerned. Oh well. So how is she doing? Charlotte says she’d be a lot better if she knew where her father was.

Valentin and Anna get the grate off, and Anna runs inside. She removes Lucy’s gag, and asks if she’s all right. Lucy says, Anna saved her… after Anna tried to kill her. She doesn’t understand. What the hell is going on? Anna says, it was a set-up; she was framed. They don’t have time to explain. She works on Lucy’s handcuffs, when Renee takes out a gun and says she’s sorry, but Lucy’s not leaving, and neither are they.

Josslyn tells Carly that she asked Dex to leave. He didn’t want to, but he did, and the second she and Cam were alone, he asked her straight out if she’d slept with Dex before they broke up. She didn’t even need to say anything; he could see the truth on her face. Carly asks, what is the truth? and Josslyn says, she and Dex have been sleeping together since New Year’s. So now Cam thinks she’s a liar and a cheater, and she broke up with him for Dex, but she didn’t. Carly says, two things can be true. Her feelings for Cam could have changed at the same time she was starting to connect with Dex. Josslyn says she should have broken up with Cameron weeks ago, but she kept putting it off. Part of that is legit, because they had a lot going on. But another part of her didn’t want to hurt him, and she ended up hurting him even worse. It’s not even that he just walked in here. She had to ask him not to say anything about her and Dex. Sonny told Dex to stay away from her. If he finds out Dex disobeyed him, he could kill him. Carly says, she’s right. Dex is risking his life by being with her, but he’s also risking his life by working for Sonny. That doesn’t seem to bother Dex; does it bother her? Josslyn says she doesn’t know what Carly is asking, and Carly says she was about Josslyn’s age when she met Jason. He also didn’t have a problem with risking his life. In fact, she thinks he liked it, and she liked that he liked it; that he was dangerous, but made her feel safe. Jason would take these crazy chances, but she always knew he’d be there for her. Is that how Dex makes Josslyn feel? Josslyn says, yes, and Carly says, then she’s going down a really difficult road, and needs to be sure this is what she really wants.

Drew tells Olivia, Carly lied to him when she told him that Nina wasn’t Willow’s mother, but he had no reason to doubt her. He certainly didn’t think she’d go to such lengths to cover up the truth. Olivia says, he’s angry, and he says, she’s damn right he’s angry. On Willow’s behalf, knowing what she’s going through, and his; he trusted Carly. Olivia says she and Drew have a lot in common. They’re both straightforward people. They don’t like lies and secrets. They want everything out on the table so they can deal with it. It’s been a real challenge for her dealing with the Quartermaines, and it’s going to be a challenge for Drew dealing with Carly. She can understand why Drew is upset with her. He says, on some level, he gets why Carly lied to him. She found out about Willow’s DNA results during Wiley’s visitation hearing, and he remembers how hard it was on Willow, how furious she was at Nina. He stood up for Carly when her family was laying into her a little bit for telling the truth. Olivia says, clearly, he still cares a little bit about Carly, and he says, of course (🍷) he cares about her, but that doesn’t change the fact she lied to him.

Cameron says, Trina would have to ask Joss. He only knows what she told him. Trina says, they’re going through a rough patch (another phrase I’ve never heard anyone say IRL) right now, but they always seemed meant to be. She thinks they can work through it. Cameron tells her, drop it. He and Joss are done. He gets up, and Spencer says, go easy. Cameron asks what Spencer and Trina are even doing together right now. Esme’s been found; they can stop pretending. Isn’t there enough BS to go around already? He goes in the back, and Spencer says, wow. Sorry about that. Trina says, it’s fine. Cam’s just hurting, so maybe they should give him a break. It was nice of Spencer to stick up for her though. He says, anytime, and she asks if anyone is in his corner tomorrow for Dr. Westbourne’s memorial service. He says he can’t believe she’s gone. He doesn’t know if he’s ready to say goodbye. She asks if it would help if she tagged along, and he says, it would. She says, then it’s a lock, and he says, cool, and thanks her. He says, Cam’s right though, and she says, about what? He says, there’s no reason for them to keep pretending they’re closer than they really are.

Laura asks how Martin could take Esme’s case, and he says, number one, he didn’t have much of a choice. Number two, don’t you dare. If he had to wait around for her approval of all of his clients, he’d never work again. He seems to remember her having a really dim view of him representing Peter August, and look how that turned out. She says, Esme is no Peter August, but she did horrible things to Laura’s family – his family too. He says, which her son made abundantly clear to him when Nikolas had him assigned to this case pro bono. And just so she knows, he tried to remove himself, but Nikolas promised him triple his rate to remain her attorney. He’s been up all night. Even if Nikolas is hiding something up his sleeve, two can play at that game. Her boy and his beloved uncle have been thick as thieves lately. She says, please tell her that he’s not going to use a pregnant girl, who has traumatic memory loss as leverage, and he says, a little. He’s not a monster. They both know the information is power, and if something lands in his lap that will free Lucy, he’s damn well going to take advantage of it. She says she supposes she understands that, but consider this a warning. If he tries to out maneuver Victor, he’s only going to end up in trouble.

Victor asks Esme to join him for a bit. Can he get her a soda? She says, no, and he asks why she’d think he’d do anything to her father. She says she’s not naïve. Victor sent her to boarding school in Switzerland to keep her away from him. He says he thought she was enjoying her new school, but she says she didn’t enjoy not being able to leave or not seeing her papa. Now Victor has done something to get him out of Port Charles. Victor says, her father makes his own choices. He’s very sorry if those choices keep him away for too long, but he fully intends to bring them all back together again soon. Laura appears, and says, they’ll be skipping that reunion. She tells Charlotte, let’s go.

Renee tells Anna, step away from Lucy, and Anna backs away, holding up her hands. Renee says, Anna Devane, always looking escape plan, but there’s no escaping this. In French, she yells for Jean-Claude and Gavin to come here, and they come in. Gavin tells Valentin and Anna to kneel and put their hands behind their heads, and Valentin asks who paid Renee to sell him out. She says she needed the money; she had no choice. Valentin says, she had a choice. She just made the wrong one. Renee says, that depends on where you’re standing, or kneeling, as the case may be. Lucy says, you’re not going to kill us, are you?

Victor says, sorry for interrupting. He was just… Laura says, Charlotte, and steers Charlotte out. Victor’s phone rings, and he says, what? Gavin says, everything’s set. Would he like to speak to everyone? Victor says, put him on speaker, and asks Valentin and Anna how the reunion is going. He’s sorry it’ll be short lived.

Trina tells Spencer, the cops don’t think Esme’s the killer, which means the real Hook is out there, still attacking people who are connected to her. Which means keeping up this charade is their best bet for luring her out from whatever rock she’s hiding under. He says, so they’re agreed; they keep pretending to be a couple. She says, yes, even though her mom called her out for letting him back into her life. He says he can’t say he’s surprised. She had a strong reaction to them. Trina’s mother hates him, and he probably deserves it. She says, it doesn’t matter. She stood up to her mother; told her who she hangs out with is her business. He says, sorry to cause problems between her and her family, but she says she keeps telling them that they need to learn boundaries; that she can make her own choices. He says, her family just cares about her. A lot of people do.

Carly says she can’t tell Josslyn how to live her life. Josslyn is just like her. No one can tell her anything; she has to figure it out for herself. But Carly’s life can be divided by what happened before she met Jason, and everything that happened after. It’s going to be the same for Josslyn if she stays with Dex. That person who puts you in danger, and gets you out of it. That person who makes you want to take crazy chances. The person you want to lie for, even when he doesn’t want you to. As Josslyn’s mother, Carly doesn’t want that for her. Does Josslyn want that? Because it isn’t just some other guy. This will change her life. Josslyn says she can’t un-meet him, and she can’t un-care about him. What’s going to happen between her and Dex has already started, and she doesn’t want it to stop.

Olivia tells Drew, she understands that no one likes to be lied to, but Carly kept the truth from Willow because she was trying to protect her. Her motives could not have been further from selfish. He says, understanding Carly’s motives and trusting her are two different things, and Olivia says she’s willing to bet he was drawn to Carly for all of these traits he’s grappling with right now. Her open heart, and her determination to protect her family at all costs, even when she sometimes hurts the people closest to her. His eyes are open. There’s no pretense about who Carly is, about the things she’s done, and he chose her anyway.

Valentin asks if Victor is going to kill them while he’s half a world away. He never pegged Victor as a coward. Victor asks if Valentin thinks he could dispose of him that easily. He can’t make Charlotte an orphan. Besides, he still has hope for their relationship… Although it probably never stood a chance with her influence. Valentin asks, whose influence? and Victor says, just know that he’ll always be Victor’s son. He’ll never give up on Valentin. Gavin knows where to take Miss Coe and his son. Get rid of Miss Devane. Valentin jumps up, and says, he’ll kill Victor himself.

Drew says, Olivia is right. He wanted to be with Carly for everything she is. Olivia says she knows better than anybody that Carly sometimes goes about things in a backwards way, especially when she’s trying to protect her family. She and Carly have had some epic arguments about their sons, but Carly has also come through for her many times. He says he cares about Carly a lot, but he just doesn’t see kind of future they can have moving forward. Olivia asks if he thinks it was easy for Carly to lie about this. She and Carly have been friends a long time. Carly feels things very deeply, and she’s willing to bet Carly was at war with herself about this. Wanting to be honest with him, wanting to protect her family, not wanting to lay another secret on him. He says, she was so adamant she did right thing, and Olivia says, who knows? Maybe she did based on what she knew and didn’t know. Carly will protect the people she loves at all costs, and damn if that’s not the person she wants to have in her corner. He says, bottom line, they can’t be in relationship where lying is okay, and she says she gets that. Only Drew can decide what’s okay and not okay in his relationship. He’s got to make that decision for himself. She’s going to wrangle Wiley. She heads upstairs, asking him to lock up before he leaves.

Carly tells Josslyn that she said Dex is going to be the person Josslyn lies for, but don’t lie to her. She won’t always approve of what Josslyn’s doing or agree with everything, but she’ll always have Josslyn’s back, and needs to know Josslyn will always come to her when there’s something wrong. Josslyn says, Carly has her own problems and her own life, but Carly says, nothing is more important than being Josslyn’s mother. Josslyn says, okay, she’ll come to Carly, and Carly says, she better. Josslyn asks if Carly misses Jason, and Carly says, every day. Josslyn says, but Drew helps, and Carly says, he did. Josslyn asks if they broke up, and Carly says, not yet. Josslyn asks, what happened? and Carly says she found out Nina was Willow’s mother and didn’t say anything, and he feels betrayed. She kept things from him; she lied to him. Josslyn says, she’s just going to give up? and Carly says she’s holding onto hope they can work through this, but she does understand how he feels. Josslyn says she knows why Carly kept Nina and Willow’s relationship a secret. The same reason she kept her feelings for Dex a secret from Cam. Why inflict unnecessary hurt? Carly says, but Willow and Cam got hurt despite their best intentions, and Josslyn says, because they can’t control how other people feel. They can’t control other people’s reactions to their decisions. That’s why it’s better to tell the truth. It’s less painful than defending a lie. Carly wonders how Josslyn got so wise, but Josslyn says she’s not sure, and they hug.

Trina asks if Spencer has spoken to his father since… Spencer says, since his father got his ex-girlfriend pregnant? No. He’s tried to avoid his father as much as he possibly can, and plans to keep doing so. His father has hurt him again and again. He hates his father for it, and wants nothing to do with him. She says she gets the impulse, but it may not be feasible. Spencer’s about to have a new sibling. Is he really going to let his feelings for his father prevent him from having a relationship with his new baby sister or brother?

At a table with Martin and Laura, Charlotte asks if Laura knows where her papa is. Laura says, they know he’s safe because he sent them a message on Christmas, but Charlotte says, that’s not the same as knowing where he is, and what he’s doing. What if Grandfather Victor has done something to make him disappear, and they never see him again?  

Lucy is released, and Gavin says, let’s go. Renee wonders, what’s this? It was in Anna’s bag. She holds what looks like a tube of some kind, as Anna presses a button she’s had hidden in her sleeve. They hear an explosion, and Anna says, that would be the something-or-other she attached to the watermain. In about one minute, this whole chamber is going to be flooded. Valentin says, Anna was onto Renee from the very beginning, and Anna says, Renee changed her appearance when she left their hotel room, so she had to figure maybe Renee was more than just a cataphile. Valentin says, and he does everything Anna says. Anna and Valentin jump up, and Valentin takes care of Gavin and Jean-Claude. Anna punches Renee, knocking her out, and says she hopes Renee can swim or breathe under water.

Carly knocks at the gatehouse door, and Drew opens it.

Spencer tells Trina, of course (🍷) he’s not going to turn his back on his sibling, but his father is toxic, and he needs to make sure he doesn’t get the chance to hurt his sibling and treat them the way he treated Spencer. The best thing to do would be ensure his father doesn’t get to raise the child. She says, obviously that would be best, but Esme’s not much of an improvement. Besides, Esme’s facing criminal charges, and may be sent to prison. So his father may not be the best option, but he’s the only option. Spencer says, not necessarily. What about him?

Laura says, one thing she knows about Charlotte’s father is he would move heaven and earth to get back to her. Martin says, and the rest of them will be here for her until he does. Charlotte thanks them, and Laura says, it’s her turn to wash her hands. She’ll be right back.

Laura walks over to Victor, and says, leave Charlotte alone. He says, she can try to turn his family against him, but she won’t succeed. Charlotte will come around, if she ever wants to see her father again.

Valentin, Anna, and Lucy run out of the catacombs, coughing and gasping for air. Valentin says he doesn’t think Anna has ever been more beautiful than when she punched Renee in the mouth, and Anna says, he’s so romantic. She asks if Lucy is all right, but Lucy says she doesn’t know. Thank God for Anna, or she would have ended up like Renee and those guards. She’s not going to miss them, but seeing their dead bodies is not a sight she can get out of her mind. Anna says, it’s tragic, but it was Lucy or them. Valentin says, they’ve got to move, but Lucy says she doesn’t want to go yet. Do they have a phone that’s still working? She needs to call Marty. Anna says, she can’t, and Lucy asks, why not? Valentin says, because as far as the rest of the world knows, they’re all dead, and Anna says, and we have to stay that way.

Tomorrow, Sasha tells Nina to show up for Willow the way she showed up for her; Selina tells Gladys, it’s time to cover her debts; and Carly asks Drew where they stand.

🔦 C’est Une Cataphielle…

Two and a Half Men is my guilty (very guilty) pleasure, and although I don’t remember her, I assume she’s one of the girls Charlie dated.

🏥 Real Reason…

This must have been hard for him to hear.

💎 Casual Observer…

Crystal gets the Voice of Reason award for last season.

🗣 Not the Real Reason…

Again, are we watching the same show?

🍸 Pump Your Tinis…

What’s Garcelle doing there? Starts February 8th.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/vanderpump-rules-season-10-cast-premiere-date-trailer

👨‍👨‍👦‍👦 About Those Friends…

If you missed the premiere, you can watch it on YouTube.

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/real-friends-of-weho-49055137

The drama before the drama.

https://www.distractify.com/p/todrick-hall-controversy

📲 New Emu In Town…

Looks like LiMu has some competition.

https://people.com/pets/emmanuel-tiktok-famous-emu/

🤺 Moving Like Jagger…

Come join me tomorrow for soap and a cornucopia of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay not sitting on the fence, and stay telling the truth. It’s less painful than defending a lie.

January 20, 2023 – Austin Has a Visitor, Back Again, Casting For Wives, Miami Trailer, Girl Fight, New Game, Romero Ranked, Theory, NYC Ball, Puppies (!), Exactly 10 Quotes & You

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Nikolas says, their expertise will make all the difference, when Victor walks in. Nikolas says he has to go, but he’ll see them soon, and Victor says, that sounds important. Nikolas says, business, and Victor says, they have some pressing business to discuss. Nikolas says, such as? and Victor says, finalizing Nikolas’s divorce.

Austin tells Ava that her wound is healing nicely, and she says, uh-huh. He says, all that’s left is the ankleplasty. This cutting edge surgery replaces her with an ankle. She says, what? and he says he’s just goofing around, but is she okay? She seems a little distracted. She says she guesses she is because she loves too much. She doesn’t suppose there’s a procedure where her heart could be removed altogether.

As they approach Josslyn’s dorm room, Josslyn apologizes for being so quiet on the way over, but Dex says, she has a lot on her mind. When she’s ready to talk, he’s here. He starts to leave, but she asks if they can talk now. If he has time. He says, for her, always, and they go in her room.

Violet runs into Kelly’s, yelling that she missed Cameron. He hugs her, and says he missed her too. Finn comes in behind her, and says, Violet insisted on two things today; a brownie, and a visit with her cousin. Cameron says, in that order, he assumes, and Violet asks, if he missed her so much, where has he been?

Portia says she knows Marshall doesn’t want to hear it, but she still thinks there’s a possibility he was misdiagnosed, and he doesn’t have schizophrenia. He says he knows she means well… and she says, there’s an easy way to find out, and maybe he can show up for Curtis after all. Why doesn’t he want to take the steps to find out for sure? He says, because it’s too late. She says, it’s never too late to advocate for yourself, and he says he appreciates her interest… She says, this has gone beyond interest, and he says, but she has to understand, he’s already made peace with his diagnosis. She says she respects that, but is this really acceptance, or has it morphed into complacency at this point. If not for himself, then do it for Curtis. Marshall shouts, enough! Why can’t she just mind her own business?

At the hospital, Carly comes out of the elevator, and asks Michael, how’s Willow? He wonders why she asks, since it’s obvious she doesn’t give a damn about Willow, but she says, of course (🍷) she gives a damn. Willow’s well-being is the most important… He says, Willow’s physical well-being maybe, but Carly concealed this secret from them. She knew how important it was for Willow to find her mother. She confessed to save Willow’s life, but she couldn’t care less about Willow’s actual feelings. She says, he couldn’t be more wrong.

Austin says he doesn’t mean to disappoint Ava, but from a medical standpoint, he doesn’t think there’s a medical procedure to remove a human heart. At least not without putting in another heart. Not yet anyway. She says, darn. Keep her posted. He says he’ll let her know. He’ll be the first test patient. She says, bad break-up, huh? and he says, yeah. Her? She says, pretty bad. He may have seen some of the gory details… He says he never reads the newspaper, and she asks if he’s seen Nina around here today. He says he has seen her, and Ava wonders if Nina got the results from her bloodwork. She knows about Willow and the hopes for a bone marrow match. Nina called her while she was waiting. He says he can’t speak to the bloodwork obviously, but from what he could tell, Nina seemed to be suffering from the same affliction as Ava – heartache.

Nikolas says he hasn’t had a chance to meet with Ava about the divorce yet, but Victor says, no need. All the details have been handled. Nikolas says, by whom? and Victor says, by Ava and himself. Nikolas says, Victor and Ava discussed the end of his marriage without him? and Victor says, Nikolas has been a little preoccupied lately, hasn’t he? Not that it’s surprising, now that his pregnant mistress has escaped her captivity. Nikolas says, Ava hates him so much, she couldn’t even sit with him to talk this through, and Victor says, talk what through exactly? His marriage is over. Don’t tell him that Nikolas is still holding out hope after cheating with Esme and Elizabeth. Nikolas says, he and Ava share something special; it’s indescribable. Victor says, shared, past tense. Nikolas says he still can’t believe she didn’t come home, but Victor says, no. Ava’s coming home. It’s just that Nikolas won’t be here.

Cameron says he’s been working a lot, and Violet asks, where’s Jake and Aiden? He says, they’re in school, just like her, and she says, Aunt Elizabeth hasn’t been over in forever. Does she not like Violet anymore? Cameron asks if she’s crazy. Of course (🍷) she likes Violet. They’ve all just been really busy with the holidays, but never doubt for a second Elizabeth likes her. She loves Violet; they all do. Violet says, that’s good, because she loves them too. She asks Finn if it’s him, and Finn asks what she means. She asks if he doesn’t like Aunt Elizabeth anymore, when Elizabeth walks in.

Josslyn says, her mother kept a secret from their family, and Dex says he’s guessing a big one. She says, huge, and he says, she doesn’t have to tell him. She says, that’s okay. He’ll find out eventually. It sounds so weird to say. Nina Reeves is Willow’s biological mother. He says, damn, and Josslyn’s mom knew? She says, her mother has known for months apparently, but she didn’t want to say anything until… He says, until she realized Willow was sick, and she says, and as he can imagine, it’s made the messy things within her family even messier. He says, that explains why her mom stormed out of the chapel. He went to find Sonny, and that Sonny was pissed is an understatement. She says, Sonny’s not the only one who’s pissed. Michael is furious. He asks how she feels, and she says she feels terrible. She feels awful for Michael and Willow. What they’re going through is the worst thing that anyone could possibly face. But she still feels really bad for her mom.

Michael asks if Carly ever stopped for a second to see what impact this secret would have on Willow, and she says, Willow’s feelings were all she was thinking of. Willow told her that she did not want to know who her birth mother was, and it was clear how Willow felt about Nina. He says. how Carly feels about Nina, and she says, how they all feel. That woman tried her best to destroy their family. Can he imagine the damage she would have done if she’d known Willow was her daughter? So yes, however it much it cost her, however much she loses, she will not apologize for trying to stop her.

Marshall apologizes for raising his voice, and Portia says she shouldn’t have pushed him. Curtis comes in, and asks if everything’s okay. Why did he hear yelling? Marshall says, that would be him, but Portia says, it’s her fault. Marshall says, no. He should have never spoken to her that way. Please accept his apology. She says, only if he accepts hers. Curtis asks what they’re apologizing for. If the two of them are at odds, why don’t they squash it now? Marshall says, they’re having a difference of opinion, and Curtis says, about what? Marshall says, Portia thinks he should get a second opinion about his diagnosis. She has this crazy notion that he may not have schizophrenia at all. Portia says, aside from the episode that precipitated Marshall’s arrest all those decades ago, he hasn’t suffered any other signs of acute mental illness. No signs of psychosis associated with schizophrenia; hallucinations, delusions, paranoia. Curtis says, okay, but his dad’s been on medication all those years. Aren’t they designed to repress those symptoms? She says, yes, absolutely, but how do you explain that Marshall hasn’t had an episode in nearly 40 years? Marshall says, couldn’t that just be because the illness is being managed properly? and Portia says, or it could mean he never had the illness at all. And then factor in Curtis’s genetic testing results, completely devoid of any of the markers for schizophrenia. Curtis says, that’s not that unheard of; it’s not always inherited. Portia says, the simple fact is, Marshall’s answers to her many, many inquiries has led her to believe in general, that his life and behavior don’t fit any clinical diagnosis. Has he ever suffered from any cognitive challenges? Marshall says, no, and she says, depression that’s escalated to suicidal ideation? He says, that would also be a no, but with all due respect, she’s not a psychiatrist. Curtis thinks maybe it’s time Marshall saw one.

Josslyn tells Dex, Michael is losing his mind right now, because the woman he loves might die. She remembers that feeling. He says, with Oscar, and she says, you’re going crazy because you feel there’s nothing you can do, and you’re getting angry, and picking a fight. She gets it. Michael just wants to feel like he’s making an impact. Dex says, and who’s a safer place to unload on than her mom, and she says, exactly. There’s nothing Michael could do to ever make their mom stop loving him. So eventually, he has to understand that their mom was just trying to protect Willow. She wasn’t trying to hurt her. He says, Josslyn’s good at that. Seeing all the different sides, and where everybody is coming from. (Really???) She says she’s had practice, and he says, this isn’t the first time people in her family have been at odds? She says, shocking, she knows. She just hates that her mom is taking all the heat, when the people who are really to blame are Sonny and Nina. Oops. A side she forgot to see it from.

Elizabeth tells Violet to stop growing; she’s getting out of control. They hug, and Finn says, tell him about. He asks Violet to grab them a table, and Violet asks if Elizabeth wants to have a brownie with them. Finn says, if she has the time, she’s welcome to join them, and Cameron gets the brownies, while Violet gets the table. Elizabeth says, clearly, she walked in on something, and Finn says, Violet had some questions about them. She asks what he told Violet, and he says, not much. He wasn’t sure what to say, but he’ll figure something out. She says, how about we’ll figure something out – together.

Michael says, so Carly isn’t sorry, and she says, for trying to protect Willow, him, and his family? No, but she’s very sorry for how she went about it. Michael says, and how did she go about it? He already knows she lied by omission. She conducted a DNA test without consent, but something tells him that’s not the whole story. She says, it’s going to do no good to keep going over this, but he says, just tell him the truth. Now. They sit down, and Carly asks what he wants to know. He asks if she enlisted that firefighter to talk to Drew about who Willow’s mother was? She says, yes, and he says, and when she offered to assist Drew with his investigation? She says, her goal was to obstruct it.

Finn asks Violet if she remembers asking if they were going to live with Aunt Elizabeth in the house together, and she says, will they? He says, no. She says, oh, obviously disappointed, and he says he’ll try this another way. Does she know how he and Anna almost got married, but they didn’t? She says, he and Aunt Elizabeth are going to get married? and he says, no. He’s really bad at this. She agrees that he is.

At the counter, Elizabeth asks how Cameron is, and he says he’s doing good. He’s done better, but he’s not falling apart over the break-up. She says she knows he’s not, but it’s still hard. Especially since he’s always been such a big source of support for Josslyn. It must feel weird not being there for her when her family’s going through this nightmare. He asks, what nightmare?

Josslyn tells Dex, her family is so fractured right now. They’re in no position to handle this type of crisis. She’s sorry, but that’s on Sonny. Sonny dropkicking all of them to run away with Nina didn’t exactly leave them on stable ground. He says, she doesn’t want him back with her mom? and she says, never. She wishes she never had to hear his name or see his face ever again. She wants to choke every time he says they’ll always be a family. She can’t stand Donna and Avery growing up idolizing that man when she knows he’s going to fail them, like he failed all of them. She just wishes… It doesn’t matter. He says, tell him anyway, and she says she wishes he would quit. She wishes he would hand Sonny back his gun, and tell him that he’s not taking orders anymore, and walk out. He says he’s going to, and she says, when? He says, within six months, hopefully a lot less, he will no longer be working for Sonny. She asks why he doesn’t quit now, and he says, there’s something he has to finish first. He says he’ll tell her once it’s done, but until then, she’s going to have to trust him.

Austin says, if Ava wants, he can give her a referral for a plastic surgeon to look after the scar she got from The Hook, and she thanks him. She says she doesn’t know him very well – she doesn’t know him at all – but from what she can tell, she thinks it would be a real shame to remove that heart of his. He thanks her, and leaves.

Curtis says, what about a mental health evaluation? and Portia says she can get Marshall a referral. Marshall asks if Curtis is jumping on this bandwagon too, and Curtis says, Portia made some good points. Marshall says, you young people think you know everything, but Curtis says, that’s not it. Marshall says, the treatment he got back then worked. Why mess with it now? Curtis says, because Marshall had an episode, and it could be tied to his meds. Who knows what the long term effects could be, or even if he needs to take them at all. Marshall says, the pills help, and Curtis says, or maybe he just thinks they do. Marshall says, he was able to perform without anxiety as long as he wasn’t trying to solo, and Portia says, that could be psychosomatic. He said himself the illness doesn’t effect his music, just his ambition. It could be that what’s held him back all these years isn’t schizophrenia, but the mistaken belief that he has it. Marshall says, that’s quite a leap, and Curtis says, maybe it isn’t. All they’re asking is for him to find out.

Michael says, so Carly actively tried to prevent Willow from discovering she had a family, and Carly says, yes. He says, she delayed Willow’s cancer treatment, and Carly says, unknowingly; she didn’t know Willow was sick. He says, it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t she get it? She made decisions for Willow without even considering the consequences. She played God with Willow’s life. She says, he can’t possibly think she’d want to hurt Willow, and he says he doesn’t think she did it out of malice, but she thought Nina was the enemy, right? So Willow wouldn’t have wanted her as a mother in the first place. Carly says, Willow told her… and Michael says, what Carly has done – the lying, the manipulation, the double dealing – sounds an awful lot like Nina. If Nina is the enemy, what does this make Carly? Carly says she believed Willow needed protecting from Nina; she still does. He says, she’s not in the wrong about Nina. Willow told him that Nina is already lobbying for a relationship. Carly says, with Willow? and he says, and the kids. She says, that woman can’t help herself, and Michael says, they need her. She’s their best chance. Just so they’re clear, the last 24 hours hasn’t changed his opinion about Nina. She’s self-centered, greedy, and unstable, and she’s the last person he would have chosen to be Willow’s mother. He’s not going to pretend he doesn’t understand why Carly did what she did. If he’d been the one Harmony confessed to, he would have considered hiding it himself.

Josslyn says, so in six months, when Dex isn’t working for Sonny anymore, he’ll give her the details. He says, when it’s over, he’ll tell her everything, and she says she’ll trust him. She thanks him for telling her, and he says, it’s a relief. She agrees, and says, he won’t be around Nina and Sonny. It might even help her to bite her tongue when everyone is pointing fingers at her mom, saying she’s out for revenge; that’s not the reason she kept the secret. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he thinks she’s handling it well, and she says, really well. Her family is in the middle of a crisis, and instead of being with them, she’s cooped up here with him, hiding. He says, she’s not hiding. There’s a reason soldiers are rotated home for R&R; why they all sleep at night. You need a break from the physical, the mental, the emotional. You’re allowed to take a breather. She says, so she’s not being selfish? Good. Being right here with him is the only place she wants to be. They kiss.

Cameron says he had no idea Willow was sick, and Elizabeth says, no one did. He says, Josslyn was just here, and he was so cold to her. He takes off his apron, and she asks where he’s going. He says he’s going to find Joss, and make sure she’s okay. He asks her to deliver the brownies for him, and she says, of course (🍷). He runs out the door, and Elizabeth gives Violet and Finn the brownies. Finn asks if Cam is okay; he rushed out of here pretty quickly. Elizabeth says, Josslyn, and he says, got it. Violet says she’s going to draw a picture of Cam and his girlfriend, and Elizabeth says, actually, Cameron and Josslyn aren’t dating anymore. Finn asks if Violet knows what that means when people break up, but she shakes her head.

Austin goes into his office to find Mason at his desk, enjoying a lollipop. He asks what the hell Mason is doing, and Mason says he could ask Austin the same thing. He turned away a patient he was ordered to treat. Austin says he doesn’t turn away patients. If he can’t treat them, he refers them to another physician. Mason says, semantics, but Austin says, it’s his job. Mason says, Austin isn’t doing his job. He defied a direct order from the boss. Austin says he’s not playing this game anymore. Tell the boss that he’s done taking orders.

Nikolas says, Victor promised to give Ava Spoon Island? and Victor says, including Windymere, and most of its contents. He excluded some of the more important Cassadine family mementos naturally. Nikolas says, naturally, and Victor says he’s sensing a little sarcasm. Nikolas says, he’s also sensing complete and utter shock. How could he? Victor says, quite easily actually. When Ava let it be known she was in possession of information and materials that could seriously damage the Cassadine family name. Windymere is a small price to pay for the family name. Nikolas says, not only does he disagree, he strenuously objects, but Victor says, it’s too late now. How long does Nikolas think it will take to pack all this up and move out? Nikolas says, not long, considering he’s not going anywhere. Victor can’t take away his home.

Curtis asks how long Marshall and Portia have been talking about this genetic thing, and Marshall says, a few months. Curtis asks if Marshall trusts that Portia has his best interest at heart, and Marshall says, of course (🍷). Curtis asks if Marshall trusts her expertise, and Marshall says, implicitly. Curtis says, that’s where Marshall loses him. Why the resistance? Marshall says, his reasons are his alone, but Curtis says he wants to understand, and Portia says, so does she. She promises to never bring it up again if that’s what he wants. Marshall says, this damn disease ruined his life. It forced him to abandon his family. He missed out on precious years with his sons. If he was misdiagnosed, that means all those sacrifices were for nothing.

Basking in the afterglow, Josslyn thanks Dex for telling her it’s okay to take a break. Life is so strange. You can feel so many things at once. He asks what she’s feeling, and she says, safe and happy, and worried and guilty. He says, why guilty? and she says, for feeling safe and happy when her brother is in hell. Michael has a pretty rough romantic history. To think he found love – the real thing – to possibly have it ripped away… He says, they’re not there yet, but she says, the thought that they could be, she can’t stand it. He tells her, think about something else. R&R, remember? She says she’s not a soldier, and he says, she’s way tougher than those guys. She says, you know what else she is? Starving. He says, him too, and she says, sushi or pizza? He asks if that’s even a question. Sushi.

Elizabet tells Violet that she and Finn just needed a little time apart, and Violet asks, why? Finn says, because sometimes people realize they’re not meant to be together. Violet says, like him and Anna? and Finn says, yes. Violet says, and now him and Aunt Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says, that doesn’t mean they don’t like each other. Finn says, quite the opposite, and Violet asks if that means maybe they’ll get back together, but he says, not this time. Elizabeth says, they can still be friends, and he says, Elizabeth will always be family. Elizabeth is Violet’s aunt and her sons are Violet’s cousins, and that will never change. Elizabeth says, they all love Violet so much, and Violet asks if they can go camping. Elizabeth says she’d like that, and Finn says, as soon as it warms up. They can ask grandpa and Uncle Chase too. Elizabeth asks, how’s that brownie? and Violet says, delicious. She should get one. Finn tells Elizabeth that she can share his.

Marshall chokes up, and says, he walked away from his life and his sons, breaking all of their hearts in the process. To protect them, not just from the violent instincts, but the stigma. He stayed away for it all. TJ’s birth… Tommy’s death. He cries, and says, Curtis’s struggles with addiction. All because of one diagnosis, he avoided being close to anyone for over half his life. So when she tells him that he may not have schizophrenia, that he may not be sick… Curtis says, it forces him to face painful questions, and Marshall asks if he’s wasted his entire life… or worse. Was it stolen from him? Curtis says, genetic testing is the first step, and no matter the result, it’s not Marshall’s fault. Portia says she knows this is terrifying; the prospect he’s been operating on misinformation this entire time. But think about the other side of it. Think about how freeing it could be to be out from under this diagnosis. She knows Curtis wouldn’t tell Marshall this, but he’s already shared his fears with her that this disease could steal Marshall away from him again. Curtis says, wouldn’t it be nice to know this is something they didn’t have to worry about? and Portia says, please, for his family, but Marshall says he doesn’t think he can.  

Michael says, Carly knew what blood ties with Nina could do to their family, and she says she was so afraid to let Nina in. He says she was right to be, and he would have felt the same way, but unlike her and what she did, he would have let Willow decide. Why not give her all this information, and let her decide where to take it from there? Carly says, now she sees that’s what she should have done. She was trying so hard to protect their family because Nina has hurt them all so much. She had tunnel vision, and it seemed like the only option. She’s so sorry. He asks where things stand with Drew, and she says, he’s disappointed and has every right to be. She’s really great at ruining things. He says, Drew is a very forgiving guy. Don’t give up hope. She says, what about him? Can she hold out hope for him, or is he as done with her as he is with his father?

Nikolas says he may have lost his wife and son, but he won’t lose his home, and Victor says he has a storage locker full of evidence that he held Esme against her will. Nikolas says, that junk may be damning, but it’s not definitive, and Victor says, as is his written confession to pushing Esme off a parapet, not to mention the recorded version in Ava’s possession. Nikolas says, not to mention a very alive Esme, and if she can’t remember, she can’t testify. Victor says, Hayden Barnes. His patience with Nikolas is nearing an end. After all he’s done for Nikolas. Nikolas says, what about after all he’s done for Victor? He sheltered Victor on Cassadine Island. Victor says, that’s the only reason he hasn’t washed his hands of Nikolas altogether, and Nikolas says, here he thought it was because Victor is such a family man. Victor says he does have big plans for this family, but Nikolas keeps throwing a monkey wrench into them. Nikolas says, plans, you have to follow through on. He calls Victor’s bluff. Victor tells Nikolas that he’ll say it once more. The next time Nikolas defies him will be his last.

Mason says, the boss doesn’t like a quitter, and Austin says, that’s too bad because he quits. Why can’t she just find another doctor who’s amenable to the cause? Mason says he knows Austin doesn’t take well to being strong-armed – Austin says, nobody does – so how about this? The next time they send him a patient, take care of them. Austin says, or what? What’s going to happen? Basically, the answer’s no. He recently lost a good friend, and got dumped by his girlfriend. He’s starting to feel like he has nothing left to lose. Mason says he guesses he’s been told. So why doesn’t he leave Austin to his legal doctoring? Austin says, hallelujah, and Mason offers him a lollipop, but Austin says, no thank you. Mason says he’s starting to take it personally. Maxie’s daughter wouldn’t take one either.

Carly says, she made a mistake. It would kill her if Michael cut her out of his life. Michael says, dad made more than one mistake. He chose Nina over his family again and again. What Carly did was wrong, but she did it for their family. She says, the second she heard Willow was sick… and he says he knows. She asks if he can forgive her, and he says, Willow already has. She asks if he ever wonders if they deserve her, and he says, every day. He has a long way to go to be as forgiving as Willow. He does know he needs Carly in his life, and his children need her, and Willow needs all of them. She says she needs him too, more than he knows. She hugs him and cries.

Curtis says he has to believe Marshall is strong enough to face a future that’s different from what he’s used to, and Portia says, one that includes Curtis, TJ, Stella, Trina, Epiphany, and her. Curtis says, and anyone else who comes along, and Marshall asks if he can have all that without unraveling the past? Curtis says, he can try, but he has the feeling the past will always come back to haunt Marshall. Portia says, he can’t go back; no one can. Curtis says, but if he gets these answers, the next chapter could be a whole helluva lot better than the one before it.

Austin asks when Mason saw Georgie, and Mason says, this morning, with her brother and little sister at the playground. They were with a very attractive older couple; Maxie’s parents he bets. Austin asks what Mason has done, but Mason says, take it easy. He already told Austin. He just offered Maxie’s daughter a treat, but she turned him down. Either she doesn’t like lollipops or she’s been warned against strangers. The thing is, he’s not going to be a stranger when he visits her. Kids can be so trusting. Austin says, he wouldn’t dare, and Mason says, don’t make him. Austin grabs Mason by the lapels, when Ava walks in. Austin releases Mason, and she asks if she’s interrupting.

Nikolas says he’ll take what Victor told him under advisement. Now if Victor is finished he has a meeting. Victor says, of course (🍷). He’ll make himself scarce. He takes out some paperwork, and says, before he forgets, Nikolas’s divorce settlement papers. In addition to the standard provisions, there’s a paragraph ceding the deed to Spoon Island over to Ava. He tosses it on the table, and says, please have it signed before he returns.

Violet says she’s going to draw a new family picture, and put Cameron in it. Cameron, Jake, and Aiden will be on a log. Grandpa and Uncle Chase will be in the lake. She asks if Elizabeth and Finn can sit next to each other in her drawing, and Finn says, as long as they’re not in the fire, he’s good. She says, they’ll be by the fire, roasting marshmallows, and Elizabeth asks Violet not to make her too short next to Finn. Violet says, she’ll be wearing heels, and Elizabeth says, heels camping? Violet says, fashion first. Maxie taught her that. Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) she did, and Finn says, it’s getting late. He suggests Violet finish her drawing at home, and they leave. Elizabeth sits looking at her phone when Carolyn comes in and says, hi, Lizzie.

Dex and Josslyn kiss when there’s a knock at the door. She says, that would be the food, and he says, the delivery person has horrible timing. She asks if he’ll get it so she can put something on. He asks if she has to, and she says, yes. He puts his pants on, and opens the door. No surprise, it’s Cameron.

On Monday, Sonny tells Spencer, what he’s saying proves he can’t; Cameron asks Josslyn if Dex is the reason they broke up; and Ava says, Mason was most definitely there.  

🏥 Beaming Back In…

Looks like she left Jeff at home this time.

🧂 Salt Shaker…

Well, it wasn’t like we thought Jen would be back.

🏝  The Latest In Miami…

Looks like there will be sufficient drama.

🥊 It’s a Knockout…

I’d pay to see this fight.

⚔️ Changing Games…

I can’t wait to check this out this weekend.

https://ew.com/tv/the-last-of-us-pedro-pascal-bella-ramsey-game-of-thrones/

🎥 Ranking George…

I’d say they’re spot-on. While I actually liked the remake of Dawn of the Dead, it didn’t have the same satiric wit of the original.

https://ew.com/movies/george-romero-movies-ranked/

🐯 Ongoing Tiger Tale…

The sequel wasn’t nearly as good as the first series. The first collective diversion during the pandemic lockdown.

🎸 If You’re In the Neighborhood…

The Governor’s Ball line-up and deets.

🐕 More Bowl Please…

What you need to know about the upcoming Puppy Bowl XIX

https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/puppy-bowl-date-dogs-and-everything-we-know-about-the-pet-centric-event

First flag.

🦩 Quotes of the Week

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.Corrie ten Boom

The expert in anything was once a beginner. – Helen Hayes

I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. – Thomas Jefferson

The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. – Arthur C. Clarke

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. – Henry Ford

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot

Being funny is a very serious business. – Soupy Sales

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.Franklin D. Roosevelt

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. – Stephen Hawking

🍨 Chillaxing and HBO Maxing…

Whatever the next two days hold for you – be it streaming service or rowing merrily down a stream – enjoy. Hope to see you back after that for soap and a less than full Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay curious, but not intrusive, and stay knowing, it’s never too late to advocate for yourself.

January 18, 2023 – Carly Begins Her Apology Tour, Delusional, She’s Still Here, Après Prison, Bravoverse Toxicity, Victor Moonlights, Exotic Pets (!) & Outside

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Paris, France. Valentin and Anna are making out on the couch when there’s a knock at the door. She says, it must be his contact, draws her gun, and opens the door. A beautiful blonde woman breezes past her, saying, Valentin, mon amour, and kisses him.

At Spring Ridge, Esme says, there must be a mistake. She tried to explain to the judge… The guard says, someone will be here shortly to escort her to her room, and Esme sits down, putting her head in her hands. Heather smooths Esme’s hair, and says, it’ll be all right, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be all right now.

A phone with an alert from The Invader says: NEWS: Judge Holloway ordered Esme Prince to be remanded to Spring Ridge Minimum Security Prison until her trial is concluded. Ms. Prince faces… Spencer looks up from his table at Kelly’s, and thanks Ava for coming. He says he wouldn’t have blamed her if she’d blown off his request to meet. She says she considered it, and he asks why she came. She says, he knows what killed the cat, doesn’t he? She saw the news about Esme going to Spring Ridge. Does he want to throw a party? He says he wants something else, and she asks, what’s that? He says, someone he can trust.

Nina checks in at the hospital reception desk, telling the nurse that she’s here for a follow-up test to see if she’s a suitable match for bone marrow. How long does it take for her to find out she’s a match for Willow Tate, and where do they want her? The nurse says she’ll be right with her, and steps away. Sonny says he knows Nina is amped up, and she has every right to be, but she needs to slow it down, because she’s still processing the fact she’s Willow’s mother. Nina says, a fact Carly kept from her, and he says, but there is a possibility Nina will give Willow what she wants, and save her life. Nina just has a lot going on right now. She says she can handle it, and she can handle a lot more. She still can’t wrap her head around it. Yesterday, Willow was not her friend, and now she’s the daughter Nina didn’t know… She just can’t lose her.

Willow tells TJ that she let Dr. Navarro know she’s ready to have the baby. Whether that means inducing labor or having a C-section, she’s ready to move forward. TJ says, that’s such a relief, but Willow says she’s still worried about potential risks to the baby by having her prematurely. He asks, what changed her mind? and she says she doesn’t want to just give birth to this baby; she wants to raise her. She looks at Michael, and says, giving birth so she can get a bone marrow transplant increases the chance she’ll survive, so that’s what she wants to do. TJ says he’s not questioning her decision, but he doesn’t want them to get ahead of themselves. Willow says she knows. They still need to get confirmation that the woman who’s her biological… that Nina is a match, and they can go ahead with the transplant. TJ’s phone beeps, and he says, Nina just arrived for her follow-up test. Keep the faith. He’ll do everything else. Willow thanks him, and he leaves. She tells Michael that she still can’t believe it. After all the friction with Nina in her life, their whole family may depend on her. He says he can’t help thinking if they’d known sooner, this whole thing would have been over. Carly looks into the room window.

Valentin says he thinks some introductions are in order, and introduces Anna to Renee Levesque. Anna says, Valentin didn’t do her justice. She was expecting a little sewer rat. In French, Renee says, Valentin called her a rat? and he says, certainly not. He said she was a cataphile. He tells Anna that there’s a way Renee can help them find Lucy.

Heather says, she’s Esme’s m… mate, as in friend. Consider her an ally; Esme’s one woman support group. They’re all in this together at Spring Ridge. All of them are alike… misunderstood, lonely, lost… locked up. Esme says, unfortunately, that’s her, lost and locked up. She thought maybe Heather knew who she was, and why she’s locked up in this place, and Heather says she wishes she could tell Esme. She really has no memory at all of her past? Esme says, not one, and Heather says, that would explain it. Esme says, explain what? and Heather suggests they begin with introductions. She’s Heather. She shakes Esme’s hand, and Esme says she’s been told her name is Esme. Heather says, that’s a pretty name, from the French. It means beloved, loved. Esme says, Heather knows more than she does, and Heather says, she knows whoever gave Esme that special name must have loved her very much. Esme says, if they loved her so much, where are they now when she really needs them? and Heather says, who knows? Maybe they’re closer than she thinks. Esme says, they certainly weren’t there in the courthouse when the judge called her a menace to society, and sent her to come here. Heather says she sees Esme’s pregnant. Does she know how far along she is? Heather would guess her third trimester. She knows this isn’t a great prison, but it sure beats being sent to Pentenville, or the D’Archam nuthouse. Esme tells her, if you say so, and Heather invites her to sit down. Get to know each other better. They have all the time in the world.

Ava says she assumes Spencer wanted to meet to discuss the future of his family estate, and he says, Windymere. What about it? She says she thought his father or Uncle Victor would have told him. She plans to make Windymere the grand prize when she divorces Nikolas. He says, really? and she says, that wasn’t the reaction she anticipated. He says he admits there was a time when the family estate mattered a great deal to him, but now it’s more of a reminder of… She says, a reminder of what? Esme? He says, it isn’t Esme that he cares about; it’s the baby she’s carrying. Ava knows the baby is his father’s, and he knows the baby is his father’s, but Esme does not. She says, his father knows, and Spencer says, which is exactly why they have to make sure he never has the opportunity to ruin another life the way he ruined theirs.

Sonny says he refuses to believe Nina discovered she has a daughter, and she’s going to lose her. And he’s going to move heaven and earth to make sure Willow and that baby make it through this. She says she knows he can do anything he puts his mind to, but this is all on her, and whether or not she matches with Willow. TJ comes out, and asks if Nina is ready to have her blood drawn. She says she is, and asks if he’s doing it, but he says, the nurse will do the honors, but he wants to be there as Willow’s friend to supervise. Does she have a problem with that? Nina says, no, she doesn’t… Does he have a problem with it? She just wants to say again that she’s sorry… He says, someone’s life is at stake; his friend’s life. That’s all that matters. Nina agrees, and he asks her to follow him.

Michael asks what Carly is doing here, and she says she got all the way home, and realized she was taking the coward’s way out, so she came back. He says, not now. Nina is waiting for a test to confirm if she’s a bone marrow transplant match. She says, thank God, and he says, the point is, he doesn’t want anything upsetting Willow right now. Carly says, and the last thing Willow needs is her. She understands. Willow says, wait. She tells Carly, they’ve learned the hard way that keeping silent does the most harm, and Carly says, that’s why she’s back; to tell Willow that she’s really, really sorry. If she could go back to the night she found out Nina was Willow’s birth mother. If she knew then what she knows now… Michael says, so it’s Willow’s fault for keeping her condition a secret? but Carly says, no. She’s not second guessing or blaming. If she was in Willow’s shoes, she would have done the same thing. She would have done whatever it took to save her baby. Willow says, it’s the hardest decision she ever had to make, and Carly says she’s in awe of Willow’s courage, but if she’d known what Willow was facing, Willow has to believe she never would have kept secret who Willow’s birth mother was. Willow says, even if it was Nina? The woman who took everything from Carly?

In an exam room, Nina asks TJ why they have to do another test? Didn’t the cheek swab confirm she was a match? He says, the cheek swab was only an indicator she might be a match. Once they take her blood sample, they can compare it with Willow’s, and that will definitively tell them if she’s a match. Nina says, and then Willow will get a bone marrow transplant, and she’ll start to heal, and she’ll be able to have the baby. Sonny says he knows she’s excited, but they have to let TJ and the nurse do their job first. He asks TJ to give them a second, and TJ leaves with the nurse. Sonny tells Nina that Donna always gets a lollipop before she gets a shot. Is there anything he can do for her to take care of her? She says she doesn’t need a lollipop, but she does need him to do something. He says, name it, and she says, be happy for her.

Ava says, there was a time she had faith in Spencer’s father, and Spencer says, look where that faith has gotten her. He cheated on her with Spencer’s ex-girlfriend. She says, not that she believes in their marriage now, but there was a time she did. If that makes her a fool for love, so be it. At least she was happy for a time. Some people never even get that. He says, when he came back to town, he thought she was the root of all evil, and she says she knows; he was quite vocal on the subject. He says he knows now it was wrong. He thought, if only he could break up Ava and his father’s marriage, everything with him and his father would fall into place. Now he realizes the problem was never Ava; it was his father. She says, there’s no question Nikolas wronged them both, but he didn’t do all that damage on his own. He had a little help, from Esme.

Heather takes some yarn from a basket, and tells Esme, this is what we call occupational therapy. We make friendship bracelets. She pushes the basket toward Esme, saying, try it, but Esme pushes the basket away. Esme says, according to the cops and the staff at General Hospital, she has no friends. Heather says, that’s okay. Esme can have the one she’s making when she’s done with it. A gift from one new friend to another. Esme says, ever since she woke up in that hospital bed, she’s been treated like a criminal, or like this baby inside of her is some ticking time bomb, but Heather says, not anymore. She’s not going to let that happen. Esme says she doesn’t understand. They just met. Why does Heather care what happens to her?

Anna says, cataphile, that’s impressive. Did Renee go to school for that; the history and layout of prison catacombs? Renee says, but of course (🍷). She went to the school of hard knocks. She and Valentin learned together – she takes his arm – combing the catacombs at night. They’d pop up and have their pick of the finest jewelry shops in Paris. Anna asks what they did during the day, and Renee says, what the Parisians do better than anyone, and laughs. Valentin extracts himself, and says, as nice as it is to see Renee again, a woman’s life is at stake, and every second counts. He hands her a folder, and Renee says, they’ll keep it about business. Anna says, they need access to the compound. They need to gain entry, so they can get in and extract their prisoner, and then they need to get out. They’ll need to make a getaway. Valentin asks if Renee thinks it can be done, but she says, sadly, no…  except by the greatest cataphile of them all – moi. Anna asks if that means she’s willing to help them, and Renee says, for Valentin, she’ll do anything. She knows exactly which branch of the mines will afford them access to the compound. Anna says, Renee called them mines? and Renee says, it’s a common mistake to call them catacombs. The truth is, it’s a network of 15th century subterranean mines connected by large galleries. For their purposes, all that matters is she gets them where they want to go without detection. Valentin asks where she’s going, and she says, to make arrangements. Don’t worry. She’ll be back. She kisses him on both cheeks, leaving red lipstick prints. She leaves, and Anna says she’ll just clean him up a little bit, and wipes the lipstick off.

Heather says, Esme is right not to trust just anyone. Shows she has good breeding. She must come from good people. Esme tells her, if you say so. Then again, why should she trust Heather? Heather says, that’s my girl, and Esme asks what that means. Heather says she just meant, If they stick together, they can help each other. Most Ridgeans are harmless enough, but every place gets their share of riff-raff. Esme says, like who? and Heather says, like Ryan Chamberlain. She needs to avoid him at all costs. Esme tells her, Dr. Collins said he had a twin named Ryan, and he couldn’t hurt a fly, and Heather says, Ryan appears to be suffering from a physical condition that’s left him a bit declawed. But trust her. Stay away from him. He’s as sick as they come. Esme says, what about Heather? What did she do to end up in here? Heather says she loved too much. First, it was about her sons. One of them is in the slammer, and the other is six feet under. Esme says she’s sorry to hear that. Is there anyone else? Heather says, yes, a daughter; her one and only.

Spencer tells Ava, Esme is anything but an innocent victim. And even if it’s proven she’s not a killer, she’s no more fit to raise a child than his father is. That’s why he’s hoping to hire Diane Miller to sue for custody. She says, he wants custody, even though the child isn’t his? and he says, yes. It may not be his child, but it will be his half-sibling; his flesh and blood. That baby will be the only innocent person in this family, and if there’s any hope of salvaging something good out of all the pain and lies his father has inflicted on them, it lies with that baby. She asks, what was Diane’s reaction? and he says, Diane told him it’s a long shot, but she would consider going to war for him. Ava says, Diane’s no fool. If she thinks there’s a chance… She asks if he’s told his father his intentions, but Spencer says, he’ll know when the time is right. She asks what Trina thinks of his plan, but he doesn’t answer. She says, he hasn’t told Trina either, has he?

Carly tells Willow that Nina didn’t take anything from her. Sonny made his choices, and the MetroCourt is just real estate. She has her family, and Willow and her baby are a part of that family. She’d never knowingly put Willow at risk. Michael says, but she did by keeping the truth from Willow, and Carly says she was just trying to protect Willow. She was so worried about the harm Nina would cause, and she knew if Nina wormed her way into Willow’s life, she wouldn’t stop there. Michael says, just call it what it is. It was revenge. Carly says, it was not, and Willow says she needs to talk to Carly alone. Michael says, anything for her, and leaves. Carly sits down, and says, it’s just them. Say what she needs to say; don’t hold back. Willow says, don’t worry. She won’t.

Sonny says he’s happy for Nina. He just starts thinking about Carly and how she kept that secret from Nina and Willow, when it could have been life and death. Nina says, let her make this clear. She has no intentions of forgiving and forgetting what Carly did to her, but right now it’s about saving her daughter. Her whole life, she wanted a child. She thought she had a chance with Sasha, but that was just a cruel lie. Then she found out Nelle was her daughter after she was dead. It’s like this incredible gift was given to her; she gets to be a mother. And no matter how Willow feels about her, no matter their history, Willow needs her. Sonny says, Willow is lucky to have her, but Nina says she’s lucky to have Willow even more. She needs Willow just as much. TJ and the nurse come back, and TJ asks if they’re good to go. Sonny says, they’re good, and leaves. Nina says, let’s do this, and hops onto the examining table.  

Willow says, for not one minute does she believe Carly would deliberately hurt her, but it wasn’t Carly’s decision to make. Once Carly found out who her mother was, Carly owed it to Willow to tell her; to trust her to be able to handle it. She’s not made of glass. She lost a child and thought she’d die with him, but she didn’t. She found the strength to go on. And if it’s not too late, she prays she has the strength to live for Michael, Wiley, and their new baby. Carly says, Willow is right. She did the very thing she’d hate if it were done to her. She didn’t trust Willow to stand up for herself. She asks if Willow can find it in her heart to forgive her, and Willow says she’s forgiven Carly already. (Pfft!) Carly thanks her, and says she’s so sorry. She’s so grateful for Willow, and loves Willow as if she was her own daughter. She’s going to let Willow get some rest. If there’s anything she needs… Willow asks if Carly will stop by the house, and give Wiley a hug. Carly says she can do that. She truly prays that Nina comes through for Willow and the baby. Willow says, so does she.

Valentin gives Anna a glass of wine, and tells her, before she says anything, there’s nothing going on between him and Renee. Anna says she knows. Not now, but in the past. He says, remember the smash and grab robberies he told her about that he engineered in Prague, Berlin, Milan, Paris of course (🍷)? Renee was a key part of the operation because of her understanding about the catacombs. He thinks it was for the thrill; she enjoyed being a rule breaker. She says, and him? and he says, it was an opportunity to make a large sum of money by separating some very rich people from their baubles. He’s never claimed to be a choir boy. However, he’s made some very generous donations to charity, and the high end jewelry stores were heavily insured. She says, so it’s a victimless crime, but he tells her, he wouldn’t say that. But there are far uglier ways to make money. She says, and Renee? and he tells her, like he said, she was in it for the thrill, but there was never a real connection; not like he has with her. She says she just wonders if they can trust her. It’s not jealousy, but he’s climbed out of the catacombs into the light, and she wonders if Renee is in it for an easy score or to break some more rules. He says, Lucy’s life is at stake. There’s no time to find anyone else, at least not with Renee’s skills. So how does she want to play this?

Outside, somewhere in Paris, Gavin says, they took their sweet time getting there. It’s freezing. We see he’s meeting Renee, and she hands him some cash. She asks if this will keep him warm. There’s more where this came from. Does he still work for Victor Cassadine? He says, who? and she says, askMonsieur Cassadine what it’s worth to him to have his son and Anna served up en brochette.

Heather tells Esme that her little girl was taken from her when she was just a baby. Esme says she wishes someone would take hers, but Heather tells her, don’t ever say that. Getting her little girl back, and keeping her safe and happy is all she lives for. She grabs Esme’s hand, and says, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do… Esme says, Heather is hurting her, and Heather says she’s sorry. Esme asks the guard if her room is ready, but Heather says, don’t leave yet. They’ve just begun to get acquainted.

There’s a knock at Willow’s door, and Sonny says he got her message that she wanted to see him. She says she can’t believe she’s saying this, but how’s Nina?

Michael goes to the chapel, and kneels down, then gets hit by a lightning bolt. He says he’s not asking for him. He’s asking for Wiley and the baby and Willow. He knows there’s going to be a lot of baggage dealing with Nina as Willow’s mother in the future, but that’s next week’s problem. For today, please let them be a match. Just… give Willow a chance. That’s all he’s asking. He hears the door open, and Carly is there.

In French, Renee tells Valentin, it’s all been arranged. She’ll lead them tomorrow through the underground network. Through the twists and turns until they reach the compound. From there, they can find the prisoner and set her free. He says he knew he could count on her. What did he tell Anna? She’s one of a kind. Anna tells him, she’s everything he said she’d be, and more so. Renee says, just like old times. N’c’est pas, mon amour? She touches his face, and asks Anna if they’re in this together.

Spencer tells Ava, looping Trina in would only complicate her life, which is something he’s done plenty of already. She says, he can’t have it both ways. He can’t try to renew his friendship with Trina, and keep her in the dark about such a big move. Or hasn’t he learned anything from the last time, when he came back to town with Esme? He asks if Ava really thinks he should tell Trina, and she says she does. Tell her, and let her make the choice if she wants to be involved. He says, she’s right, but he didn’t ask her here to get advice. She says, then what? She knows Diane is expensive, but he certainly doesn’t need her money or approval. He says, if he’s going to go up against his father, he can’t do it alone.

Heather follows Esme to the other side of the room, and says she’s sorry if she came on too strong. Seeing Esme in the family way pushed her buttons. Does she know if it’s a boy or a girl? Has she picked any names? Esme says she just met Heather, and what she decides to do with this baby is strictly her business. Does Heather understand? Heather says she understands completely. That baby isn’t just an inconvenience to Esme, no matter how she tries to pretend. Esme cares about her child. Almost as much as Heather cares about hers.

Carly says she’ll keep her distance, but Michael says, Willow needs all of their prayers. She tells him that he keeps saying what Willow needs; what about him? Does he have room in his heart for her?

Valentin tells Anna, they have to move quickly before Victor learns of their plan and moves Lucy to another location. It’s now or never. Anna looks at Renee, and says, then it’s now.

Michael says he knows what Carly wants to hear, but he can’t deal with her right now. All that matters is Willow, and he needs to be with her. He walks out.

Willow says she doesn’t know if there will be a happy ending for her, but Sonny tells her, don’t say that. She’s going have beautiful baby, and get much better. Trust him. She says, even he can’t guarantee that. So if it turns out she’s not here for her family, she needs him and Michael to stop being enemies; become father and son again. She’s not saying it will be easy. Sonny will have to earn it, but please do whatever he can to win Michael’s forgiveness. Because she knows Michael needs him, and Sonny needs Michael. He takes her hand, and says he’s going to do what he can. Take care of his grandchild, understand him? She nods, and Sonny leaves.  

Ava says, Diane already warned Spencer that he’s in for a fight. She knows Nikolas, and he won’t hesitate to play dirty when it comes to the custody of his child. Spencer says he’s ready. After all, his father taught him all those same dirty tricks. She says she admires his initiative, but he’s right. He’s going to need all the help he can get. He’s going to have to count on somebody who’s willing to get down and dirty too. Spencer asks if she has anyone in mind, and she points to herself.

The guard says, Esme’s room is ready, and Esme jets. Heather says she knows it’s just Esme’s hormones talking. She understands what Esme is going through. The guard escorts Esme down the hall, and Heather yells that she’ll be here when Esme needs her. She goes back to the table, and yells, wait. Esme forgot her bracelet. She clutches the bracelet to her chest.

TJ comes back to the exam room, and says he thought Nina would be long gone by now. He personally made sure the lab has her bloodwork, so there’s nothing more she can do until they get the results. She says she just wanted to know what’s next. She knows she’s going to be a match. Does he know how soon Willow can get her transplant? He says, nothing can happen until Willow gives birth. After that, she’ll go through another round of chemotherapy to kill the diseased cells. After that, they take stem cells from Nina, and inject them in Willow’s bloodstream. Nina says, okay, and then? and he says, if all goes well, Willow will produce healthy new blood cells. Nina says, all has to go well.

Michael goes back to Willow’s room, and asks if there’s any news. Is Nina a match? She says, nothing yet, and he tells her that he said a prayer for her and the baby. She says she needs all the prayers she can get, and he says, that’s what he told his mom. Willow might be able to forgive her, but he’s not sure he can. They hug.

Carly is in the chapel when Sonny walks in.

Tomorrow, Curtis says they’d like Marshall’s help with the ceremony; Josslyn says she’d never make Spencer choose sides, but clearly he already has; Dex says, the sooner this is over for him, the better; and Sonny says, Carly might be able to lie to herself, but not to him.

😵 Wow…

There are no words. It’s scary that some people can’t separate reality from fiction.

💋 Overstaying Her Welcome Now…

Andy hopes she comes back. I don’t.

Yet one more weighs in.

🧂 Kind Of Late…

If they’re worried about her mental health, it’s probably not a good idea to wait six and a half years.

☠️ Most Toxic…

Another matter of opinion. While Jax is definitely the worst human being on earth, why weren’t Teresa and Melissa on this list? Or Teresa and Joe #2? Or Teresa and that Solo cup?

👰🏾 Look Who’s Officiating Now…

And doing the Electric Slide.

https://people.com/movies/anika-noni-rose-marries-jason-dirden-colman-domin/

🦔 Besides the Usual…

A capybara and a fennec fox please.

https://www.journiest.com/bizarre-pets-around-the-world-2547432805.html

🍩 Time To Make the Donuts…

Come for a visit tomorrow, where there will be soap and a selection of fine tea. Until then, stay safe, stay disagreeing respectfully, and stay not doing the very thing you’d hate if it were done to you.

January 10, 2023 – Drew Confronts Carly About the Search, Bye From Britt, Sonja’s Sunset, Get Out, You Too, Traitors Coming, Eli’s Thanksgiving, Special Pups (!) & Family

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow stares at the fireplace, when Michael and Wiley come in with a plate of cookies. She says, just what the doctor ordered, and Wiley asks if the doctor told her to have dessert. Michael says, it’s just something people say, and Wiley asks, why? Willow tells him, in this case, it means she can’t think of a better way to spend time; just the three of them. Wiley says, when his little sister is born, it will be four of them. That’s a lot.

Drew walks into Sonny’s ex-kitchen and current home of the great moss bowl🎍, and Carly says, he’s right on time. He takes off his jacket, and she asks if everything is okay. He says he’d feel like an ass if he kissed her, and then ambushed her with a question, and she says, ask her the question. He asks why she doesn’t want to find Willow’s birth mother.

Sonny asks Nina, where did these papers come from? and she says, Aunt Liesl cleaned out Britt’s office, including some papers she shouldn’t have. She was going to sort through it and return the papers that belonged to the hospital… Why? He says, see for herself, handing her a document, and she sees it’s Willow’s chemotherapy report. She says, Willow’s getting chemotherapy.

Josslyn knocks at Dex’s door, and she asks if she can come in. He says, of course (🍷), and she walks inside, saying, she can’t stop thinking about Britt. If Britt hadn’t held off The Hook, she would be dead by now. He tells her, stop, but she says, listen to her. She couldn’t have held The Hook off by herself, and by the time Dex got to the pier, it would have been too late. Britt got cut saving her. The Hook was after her. It all happened because of her. He says, what you’re feeling is survivor’s guilt, and if you’re not careful, it can really mess you up.

Esme wonders if she can ask Elizabeth a question, and Elizabeth says she doesn’t know if she can answer it, but she’ll try. Esme asks if Elizabeth thinks her lawyer is any good. She’s being accused of all these terrible things, and he thinks if they can find out where she’s been hiding out these past few months, she’ll have an alibi.

Spencer asks why Laura is at the hospital, and she says she wanted to see him. He says, maybe she doesn’t approve of him moving in with Uncle Sonny, but he had to get out of Windymere, and she says she’s happy he’s with Sonny. She just wanted to see for herself how he’s doing. He says, truthfully, he’s heartbroken that Britt is dead, and if Esme killed her, if she’s The Hook, then she needs to be held accountable.

Walking to the porch at Windymere, Dante asks Jordan if they’re going to wait for a warrant. She says, unless they can get the judge to sign one in the next ten minutes, they’ll have to hope Nikolas cooperates, and Dante says he wishes her good luck with that one. When he questioned Nikolas this morning, the only thing Nikolas would tell him is that he’s the father of Esme’s baby. She asks if the lab turned up anything from Esme’s personal effects, and he says, the only thing she had was a Christmas ornament. She asks if he’s sure it was on her, and he says, she definitely had it; he asked the doctor. She asks if they can trace it, and he says, it wasn’t mass produced. It’s from Poland, and it’s hand-painted. If they can find out who painted it, maybe they can find out who it was sold to.

Victor tells Nikolas, there was a fire in the north tower; a Christmas tree went up in flames. Who would put a Christmas tree in an unused bedroom? His guess is, the same person who put toiletries in the bathroom, or clothes in the closet. Nothing fancy. Just some sweats, loose-fitting, suitable for a pregnant woman. Nikolas has been keeping Esme prisoner, hasn’t he? Right under Victor’s nose.

Nina says, this is personal medical information. Maybe they shouldn’t be looking at this. But Sonny says, if she thinks it’s a violation of her ethics, look at it this way; he found it, she didn’t. She asks what he’s going to do with it, and he says, Willow is Wiley’s mother. She’s carrying his grandchild. He doesn’t care what’s going on as far as the fighting goes; she’s still family. He’s going to do everything he can to find out about her condition. She says she doesn’t care about right or wrong. She only wants to help Willow.

Wiley asks what his baby sister’s name is, but Michael says, they haven’t chosen one yet. What does he think it should be? Wiley says, Annabelle III, but Michael says, that might be confusing for the baby and the dog to have the same name. Any other ideas? Wiley says, T’chooka. His sister could be a dead-eyed Padawan. Michael says, that’s interesting. They’ll have to think about that one. What does Willow think? Wiping tears from her eyes without them seeing, Willow says she thinks her eyes are bigger than her stomach. She’s going to save the cookie for a late night treat. Michael says, speaking of late night, it’s past Wiley’s bedtime. He suggests Wiley get in his PJs, and he’ll read Wiley a bedtime story. Wiley says goodnight to Willow, and she tells him, sweet dreams. He gives her bump a kiss, telling his little sister to take good care of mommy. Michael brings Wiley upstairs, as they discuss which story to read, and Willow cries.

Drew says, ever since he first told Carly that he was searching for Willow’s birth parents, he felt resistance. She pours them some wine, and he says, when he told her he tracked down a source, she questioned their credibility. When he mentioned he had some great information, she was opposed to telling Willow. She asks if he thinks she was wrong, and he says, at the time, the reason seemed to make sense to him. Once they told Willow her birth mother was dead, why get her hopes up? When they found out that was a lie, why stress her out, telling her that she might have been kidnapped, and stolen from her birth parents? But then he took a step back, and there was a pattern there, and the pattern became very clear. She doesn’t want Willow’s birth parents to be found. She says, no, she doesn’t.

Dex says, of course (🍷) Josslyn is grateful to Britt; he’s grateful too. He doesn’t even want to think about how he’d be feeling if Josslyn had gotten killed. But there’s only one person responsible for Britt’s death, and that is The Hook. He’s sorrier than he can say that he’s not a better shot, and didn’t kill The Hook when he had the chance. She says she’s sorry too. The world would be a much safer and happier place. But even if he’d shot The Hook, there’s no guarantee Britt would have survived. There was poison in her system; she didn’t even know it. Does he think it would have made a difference? They took off and left Britt to cover for them. Does that make them partly responsible for her death?

Esme tells Elizabeth, Mr. Grey seems very competent. He seems like he cares about defending her, but she’s not paying him. He’s defending her for free. How does she know if she can trust him or his strategy? He says if she can get an alibi… but she has no idea where she’s been for the past few months – or her whole life for that matter. She doesn’t know how she got here. She doesn’t know who got her pregnant… Elizabeth says, she’ll remember, but Esme says, what if she doesn’t? Elizabeth says, traumatic memory loss isn’t uncommon. Permanent memory loss does happen, but it’s pretty rare, so the chances she’ll remember are good. But to answer her question, Mr. Grey is a great attorney. She thinks Esme can trust him.

Spencer says, if Esme is The Hook, Britt is dead because of him, because he brought Esme to Port Charles, but Laura says, no. They’ve talked about this. He isn’t responsible for anything Esme does. If Esme is The Hook; that hasn’t been proven yet. She’s in her third trimester of her pregnancy. Laura thinks it’s highly unlikely she’d have the physical strength to attack Britt with a hook. He says, she doesn’t know Esme like he does. She can do a lot of damage when she wants. Laura says, there isn’t just Esme to consider. There’s also a baby.

Victor asks if Nikolas had a plan. Did he have an end game, or was he just winging it; keeping Esme prisoner because he couldn’t think of anything else to do? Nikolas says, Esme turned up alive and pregnant with his child. He had every reason to believe she was The Hook. He couldn’t allow her to harm anyone else, but he couldn’t turn her over to the police, and risk her giving birth to his unborn child while incarcerated. Victor says, so he lured her to Windymere, but Nikolas says, she was already here. She was stealing money from his safe. He took her to a tower bedroom, and locked her in. He enlisted Demetrius to take care of her, and that was his mistake. Esme was able to manipulate Demetrius. Victor says, Esme manipulated Nikolas. She fooled him into putting her somewhere she could easily escape from – which she did. Very successfully, he might add. She’s cunning, creative, and she’s able to keep a cool head. Qualities Nikolas soundly lacks. He’s been protecting Nikolas for the sake of this family, but perhaps the Cassadines would be better off if they cut their losses. The doorbell rings, and Nikolas answers it. It’s Dante and Jordan, who says, they have more questions for him about Esme Prince.

Carly and Drew gravitate to the moss bowl, and Carly says, after Willow learned the truth about Harmony, Willow made the decision not to look for her birth parents, and she was relieved. Drew asks, why? He’s confused. He and Carly both grew up without their biological family, and they both went searching for answers. Unlike him, Carly found her mother right away. He waited years to connect with the Quartermaines. The point is, she and Bobbie have a strong, loving relationship. Why doesn’t she want that for Willow? Carly says, because Willow was afraid her birth mother would turn out to be someone like Nina. And the truth is, all reunions aren’t happy; some of them are awful. And Willow has had so much loss and pain, she wanted to spare Willow any more. Drew says, that wasn’t her call to make.

Nina tells Sonny, the doctor’s notes say, Willow was originally diagnosed with leukemia in late August, but she didn’t start her first round of chemotherapy until later November. Sonny wonders, why the delay? and Nina says, when Willow was first diagnosed, she was in Stage Two. By the time she received treatment, she was in Stage Four. He says, the doctors must have warned her. You don’t get diagnosed with leukemia, and wait three months to get treatment. She says, you do if you’re pregnant.

Michael says, once again, Goodnight Moon does the trick, and Willow says, bedtime’s best friend. He sees she’s been crying, and asks, what happened? She says, chemo isn’t working, and her marrow donor can’t donate. She can barely be a mother to Wiley. She can’t join in the conversation, or ask about his day, or even eat a damn cookie. He says, Wiley will be okay, but she says, he’s not okay. He knows something’s wrong and he’s scared. It’s all her fault. The whole thing is her fault. Michael holds her as she cries.

Dex says, Josslyn was willing to stay and talk to the police. He was the one who asked Britt to cover for them; he didn’t want to explain the gun. It’s on him. She says, he didn’t drag her. She left with him willingly. And yeah, Britt told them she had it covered. There was no reason not to believe her, but she feels like she’s alive at Britt’s expense. He says, maybe there’s another way to look at this. Britt saved her life, so doesn’t she owe it to Britt to live the best life she can?

Nikolas says he already sat through one pointless investigation at the PCPD. If they want to ask him more questions, they can call his lawyer. Victor says, nonsense, and tells them to come in. He asks how they can be of help, and Dante says, Esme Prince showed up on the Haunted Star in the early morning hours of January 1st. She was soaking wet and suffering from hypothermia. Which Nikolas is aware of since he showed up at the hospital with Elizabeth. Nikolas asks if it’s a crime to show concern, and Dante says, the last time Esme was seen was back in November on Pier 55, which is near the Haunted Star, and coincidentally near where the boat to Windymere docks. Since she used to live here, they think maybe she was hiding out on Spoon Island, or even right here in this house.

Laura tells Spencer, whatever Esme has or hasn’t done, that baby is innocent. Britt is gone, and there’s nothing he can do to bring her back, but he can do something to make sure Esme’s baby is born safely. Don’t confront Esme. Don’t interrogate her about Britt or anything else. He says, what if she’s lying about the memory loss? and Laura says, she’s not lying about the pregnancy. The priority right now should be the health and safety of that baby. That means allowing Esme to rest and recover. Elizabeth comes out of Esme’s room, and Spencer asks if Esme is awake. Elizabeth says, awake and alert, and he says he’d like to see her. Laura tells the guard to let Commissioner Ashford know that she okayed the visit, and Spencer thanks her. He knocks at Esme’s door, and she says, yes? He walks in, and she asks if she knows him.

Nikolas says he thinks he’d know if Esme was living in his house, and Jordan says, it’s a big house. There must be plenty of rooms that go unused. Esme could have taken refuge in any one of them, and Nikolas would never know, which is why they’d like to search the premises. Nikolas says, absolutely not, and Dante says, come on. They search the house, find out Esme was never here, and they can move on with their investigation. Nikolas says, if they want to search his house, get a warrant. And for that, they’ll need to show probable cause, and there isn’t any. Jordan says, DA Scorpio found plenty of evidence and was able to get Judge Winters to sign off on a warrant, but she thought she’d spare them the time and trouble by giving Nikolas the option to voluntarily agree to the search. Nikolas asks what evidence Robert has, and Victor says, they appreciate the courtesy, but they have nothing to hide. So feel free to search the house. Nikolas says, it could take hours, and Victor says, best get started then. He tells Nikolas to accompany the detective and his officers so they don’t get lost.

Dex tells Josslyn, the way he gives thanks for his life is by living it. Maybe she could try it. She says, maybe she could, and they kiss.

Nina tells Sonny, apparently the danger chemotherapy poses to the fetus is higher in the first trimester because the organs are developing. It’s safer for the baby in the second or third trimester. He says, safer for the baby, but not for Willow, and Nina says she has no idea how Willow is getting through this. To find out she’s pregnant, then be diagnosed with a life threatening illness; to have to choose between your health and the health of your unborn baby? Sonny takes her hand.

Willow sits up, and Michael asks, what’s wrong? She says, it’s not fair to lean on him, and he says she agreed to marry him, and that’s what married people do; they lean on each other. She asks why he’s not angry with her. She didn’t share her diagnosis with him, and didn’t include him in her decision making. She didn’t give him a vote. She gambled with her life, with Wiley’s security and future, and with everything they planned together, and now it looks like she lost.

Drew says, Carly fights like hell when someone tries to make choices for her. He’s confused. What made her decide what Willow could or couldn’t know about her own family? Carly says, Willow didn’t want to know, and he says, she reconsidered and decided she wants to track down her family. Not only that, she asked him to help search. Carly says she gets that, but Willow was having a hard pregnancy. The last thing she needs is stress. She thought it was best not to open the door to total strangers with whom Willow shares biology and nothing else. He says, she denied Willow her own family, and Carly says, Willow has family. She has her, and Michael, and Wiley, and Drew, and the Quartermaines. He says, enough excuses. Willow’s biological family can give her things that none of them can.

Nina tells Sonny, after one of her many clashes with Willow, she tracked them down at the hospital. She found them in Terry’s office. She’s an oncologist. Nina didn’t think much about it then, but – she picks up the document – Terry is treating Willow. Sonny says, Willow and Michael probably want to keep it quiet; the family didn’t say anything to him. She says, they probably do. They probably don’t want to upset Wiley. By delaying treatment, Willow is risking leaving Wiley, leaving him without the only mother he’s ever known. It must be so difficult for her. Nina wonders how much influence Michael had in Willow’s decision to delay cancer treatment. They know Michael is very selfish. He’s focused and single-minded in getting what he wants. Sonny says, this family infighting has to stop. They have to pull it together for Willow.

Carly tells Drew, she gets it. Willow is pregnant, and she wants her medical history to be complete for her baby’s sake. She understands that, but felt the emotional consideration outweighed it, so she obstructed his efforts… pretty considerably. He says, describe considerably, and she says, when he tracked down Denise Mackenzie, the firefighter who was on the commune with Harmony, she intercepted Denise before their meeting, and paid her to back Harmony’s original story about getting Willow from some mythical Joan. Then when Denise recanted, she paid Denise off for not giving her up. He says, when she went out after Denise to give her glove back. Carly says, then most recently, she found information on the commune leader Josiah, she took it and hid it, so Drew couldn’t follow up on him. Drew says, so the whole time they were supposed to be working together, she was sabotaging him.

Michael says he understands Willow is disappointed and frustrated; he is too. But they found a bone marrow match, and they’ll find another. There’s still time. She says, there’s a lot less time than when she was first diagnosed. When she made the choice not to tell him about her diagnosis or include him in her decision to wait, which is the opposite of how he’s always treated her. He didn’t have to include her in Wiley’s life, much less let her adopt him. Michael trusted her with his son. He made Wiley their son, and now she may be leaving them both. At the very moment she should have shared with him, she shut him out. Why doesn’t he hate her for that?

Laura asks Elizabeth how Esme seems, and Elizabeth says, if this is Laura’s way of asking if she thinks Esme is faking the memory loss, her answer is, she doesn’t know. Laura says, Doc started to assess her, but her brother threw him out of the room. Doc would never violate patient privacy, so he hasn’t said anything, but she has the feeling he believes Esme. He got to see Esme in all her manipulative glory when she was living with them, so she thinks he’d know if Esme was lying. Elizabeth says, maybe they’ll get lucky and she’ll never remember, and Laura asks why that would be a good thing.

Spencer introduces himself to Esme, and says, he and his friend Trina Robinson brought her to the hospital. Esme thanks him for that, and he asks how she’s feeling. She says she’s see-sawing between numb and total panic. They say she could be charged with everything from revenge porn to attempted murder, which is really scary. She doesn’t suppose he knows where she’s been hiding these past few months. Apparently it’s the only thing that could exonerate her.

Jordan asks how much contact Victor had with Esme, and he says, minimal really. He lived at the MetroCourt until recently. He and Esme never lived at Windymere at the same time. She says, their paths never crossed? and he says, occasionally, when she was dating Spencer. Their interactions were superficial at best. She says, what about Nikolas? How would Victor characterize his actions with Esme?

In front of Esme’s old prison room, Dante asks, what’s in here? and Nikolas says, a bedroom. Dante asks if anyone is using it, and Nikolas says, it’s possible one of the staff could be staying there. Dante says, Nikolas lets the staff stay with him? He thought they’d be out on the grounds. Nikolas says, like the Commissioner pointed out, it’s a big house, and if for whatever reason one of the staff needed to stay the night, he doesn’t see the harm. Dante says he’d like to check the room out, but Nikolas says, it’s locked. Dante tries the door, and it opens.

Carly says she’s so sorry for misleading Drew, and he says, lying to him. She says she made the choice to protect Willow long before they got together, but he says, there’s no contract. There’s no pre-existing condition clause. This is about them trusting each other. He let her in on an investigation, and she took advantage of his trust to undermine it. She says she was protecting Willow. Doesn’t he understand? He says she knew damn well Willow asked him to do the search, and he gets that Willow was initially resistant to finding out her birth mother, but once Carly knew she reconsidered, didn’t that change her calculations? She says she was conflicted, but then she decided Willow was better off not knowing. Drew says, if Carly knew the complete information about Willow’s health situation, she would have reacted differently, and Carly asks what he’s talking about. Is there something wrong with Willow? He says, she has leukemia.

Michael says he could never hate Willow. He wishes she’d shared her diagnosis with him from the start, but he understands why she didn’t. He’ll never forget the pain of losing Jonah, and knows she won’t either. She chose to protect the life she’s carrying the best way she could, and he’s good with that. She says she was selfish, and he says she’s the least selfish person he knows. She says she did what she wanted and if she chose wrong, he and Wiley will be left alone. He says, they’re not going to lose her, but she says, he can’t promise that. He says he can promise this much. He’ll never regret any day he’s spent with her, or making her Wiley’s mother. He’ll never regret the love she’s given Wiley, and the place she has in his life. Even if Wiley has to grow up without her, her love will sustain him. Even if Wiley doesn’t consciously remember it, Michael will remember all of it. And he’ll love her for the rest of his life. He kisses her.

Basking in the afterglow on Dex’s couch, since he apparently doesn’t have a bed, Josslyn says, this was not the plan. He asks if she regrets it, but she says, no. He says, good. Because if he hasn’t made it clear, he doesn’t want this to be a one or two time thing. She says, neither does she. She doesn’t know what she feels for him, but she knows it’s strong. He says, him too, and kisses her. Her phone dings, and she says, sorry. It might be her mom, and she’ll freak out if Josslyn doesn’t answer. She looks at the phone and says, unbelievable. She shows it to Dex, and he reads a text from Sonny: Need to see you. My office. Important. She says, how dare Sonny summon her like that?. She starts getting dressed, and says, he has no right. Who does he think he is? Dex asks where she’s going, and she says, Sonny’s office. She’s going to tell him that she’s going to see who she wants to see, and it’s none of his damn business.

Elizabeth tells Laura, if she was Esme, she’d want to forget everything too; the crimes, the mistakes. She could almost wish that for her own life… Not really of course (🍷). She’d never want to forget her kids or the people she loves, but it would be nice to forget the ways she’s messed up. Laura asks if this would have anything to do with what’s going on between her and Nikolas.

Spencer says, sorry. He has no alibi for Esme, and she says she supposes he never laid eyes on her before he and his friend brought her to the hospital. He says, that’s not true. He knows her better than anyone else in Port Charles. She asks, how? From where? Does he know why she’s in Port Charles? Does he really think she did all this crazy stuff?

Jordan asks Dante if the search is finished, but he says, the officers are still searching. Nikolas was kind enough to show him the north wing. Victor says, don’t keep them in suspense, and Dante says, they checked out the room at the top; no sign of Esme. Nikolas tells them, he said it was a waste of time, but Jordan says, due diligence is never a waste of time. If the officers find anything of interest, she and Dante may have to return and search further. They’ll be sure to bring a warrant. Nikolas says he’ll show them out, and Jordan thanks him for his time. She and Dante leave, and outside, she says, well? Dante says, the tower room has been cleaned and painted. He could smell the cleaning agents, and smell the paint; probably in the last few hours. They’ve definitely been hiding something or someone up there. Inside, Nikolas asks why Victor agreed to the search, and Victor says, because there was nothing to find. He had Demetrius do a thorough cleaning, and put everything in storage. He kept everything; ample evidence of Esme’s imprisonment. He takes the broken ornament out of his pocket, and says, just in case he needs to ensure Nikolas’s future cooperation

Elizabeth tells Laura that Nikolas is her oldest friend. They have a lot of history, and he knows her like nobody else does. She knows him too. She knows he can be selfish and reckless, and makes foolish choices. She also knows him to be generous and loving, and for the most part, he had good intentions. Laura says, Elizabeth has always been loyal to her son. She sees the good in him, and she thanks Elizabeth for that. She treasures Elizabeth, and not just because she’s the mother of her grandchildren. She’s known Elizabeth most of her life, and thinks of Elizabeth as another daughter. Elizabeth says, that means a lot to her, and Laura says, she’s very worried right now. She feels Nikolas has backed himself into a corner, and he’s in a very dark place.

Spencer says, he and Esme went to boarding school in France: Ecole Internationale de Chatel. She says, it doesn’t ring a bell, and he says he has family in Port Charles. When he graduated from boarding school, he came back here, and he brought her with him. She says, as a buddy? but he says, they were dating. She was his girlfriend and they broke up… for many reasons. She asks, how long ago did they break up? Is this his baby? He says, possibly.

On the phone, Dex says, call me. We’ve got a problem.

Josslyn strides into Sonny’s office, and says, before he starts in, she has a few things to say about the way she chooses to live her life, and how it’s none of his damn business.

Michael tucks Willow in, and she thanks him. She tells him not to let her sleep too late. She wants to see Wiley off to school. Maybe they can all have breakfast together in the morning. Michael says, they’ll figure it out. Just get some rest. She tells him that she loves him, and he says he loves her too. There’s a knock at the door, and he goes downstairs. Nina is there, and he says, it’s not a good time. She says she realizes that, and knows he doesn’t want her here, so she’ll make it quick. She needs to talk about her grandson.

Carly says, Willow has leukemia? and Drew says, Stage Four. She says, oh my God. That’s why she’s so pale and… weak. That’s why she fainted, and why Michael has been hovering, and… Why didn’t she see it? He says, Willow has been going out of her way to keep it a secret. Michael didn’t even know until she was in her second trimester. Drew just found out a few weeks ago. She asks how he found out, and he says, at first, Willow was saying the search was for medical history, but he knew there was more to it. Then she admitted she needs a bone marrow transplant. Carly says, and the best chance for a match is with a family member. He says, that’s why he stepped up the search, and she says, he doesn’t need to search. Nina is Willow’s birth mother.

Tomorrow, Chase says, Gladys won’t have to be Sasha’s guardian much longer; Drew asks if Carly was ever going to tell Willow; and Josslyn tells Dex that her life is falling apart, and she doesn’t know what to do about it.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Last Wave…

I’m sad to see her go, but she did get quite an exit.

🥀 In Memoriam…

A beautiful tribute to one taken too soon.

👠 Please Leave Now…

Is he actually watching the show?

https://people.com/tv/harry-hamlin-says-lisa-rinna-made-the-right-decision-to-leave-rhobh-exclusive/

Bless her heart.

💎 No More Diamond For You…

Another one who shouldn’t let the door hit her on the way out.

💣 Reality Turncoats…

I guess Alan Cumming needed to pay his mortgage.

🍗 At Long Last…

It’s about time. Machete is ahead by two films and a trailer.

🐶 Something Special In the Bowl…

Ending on an adorable note. I love a dog with special needs.

https://people.com/pets/puppy-bowl-2023-dogs-with-special-needs/

🌃 Yesterday Once More…

Swing by tomorrow for more soap, tea, and a tune. Until then, stay safe, stay ambitious, but not arrogant, and stay giving thanks for your life by living it.

January 6, 2023 – Josslyn Admits Being the Target, Sad Exit, Spotlight, Salty Sentence, Get Out, She’d Rather, Traitors Trailer, Cuteness, a Handful Of Quotes & Eighth

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina looks through the box in Britt’s office, and takes out a photograph. She says, Britt, look at you, so beautiful. She takes out a trophy, and says, Doctor of the Year for everything you did to help people. Everything you still could have done. It’s not fair.

Going into the stables, Wiley says he wanted to stay out with Thor, but Michael says, they can go back in a bit. Wiley asks if it’s because mommy’s tired, but Michael says, it’s cold outside. They just came in to warm up. They sit down, and Wiley insists he isn’t cold, but Michael says, it’s freezing. Wiley’s nose is about to fall off. Wiley says, it isn’t, but Michael says, what about this? doing the old I-got-your-nose thing, and Wiley says, it’s his thumb. Michael asks if he’s sure, and says he better check. Wiley touches his nose, and says, when his baby sister comes, she’s going to guard his nose and he’s going to guard hers. He can’t wait for her to be here. Michael says, neither can we.

On the phone, Drew says, he knows that Claiborne County Colorado is a rural area, but he doesn’t understand how, in this digital age, there can be three Josiahs out there they can’t find addresses for… That’s a great idea. Keep on it, and remember, a woman’s life could depend on it.

The moss bowl🎍! Bigger and badder in 2023. Josslyn shuffles into the kitchen, saying, she barely slept. She sees Dex with Carly,

Spencer walks into Kelly’s, and says, Cameron looks how he feels. Cameron says he worked late last night. He wasn’t supposed to come in this morning, but someone called in sick, so here he is. He’s on his break though, so coffee? Spencer says, double espresso… He’s just kidding. Coffee’s fine. He sits down, and Cameron pours him some coffee. He says, the good news is, Esme’s in custody. The bad news is, she’s pregnant. Cameron says he’s going to need Spencer to say that one more time. They found Esme, and she’s pregnant? Spencer says, yes, which brings him to his question. Does Cameron have any tips on being a good big brother?

Obrecht goes into Esme’s room, dressed in Britt’s lab coat, and Esme says she can’t sleep. Can she get something stronger? Obrecht closes the door, and says, yes. She can arrange that.

Nikolas asks if Elizabeth is sure the baby is okay, and she says she told him; the baby’s heart pattern looks good, no signs of distress. He says he still can’t believe Esme jumped. It’s a miracle, right? Elizabeth says, she’s one lucky girl, and he says he’s glad Marty decided to take her case, but he wishes he could get in there to talk to Esme. She says, that’s not going to happen.

Esme asks who Obrecht is, and Obrecht says she’s glad Esme asked. She’s a mother whose daughter has been taken from her. Esme asks what she wants, and Obrecht says, her pound of flesh.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas needs to stay as far away from Esme as possible, and he says, if Esme is faking, he’ll know. Elizabeth asks why she would. She has all the leverage if she remembers. He could bring back those memories. Does he want to risk that? He says, of course (🍷) not, but Elizabeth went in there, and Esme didn’t remember her. Elizabeth says she’s not the father of Esme’s baby, and she’s not the last face Esme saw before she chucked herself off the parapet. He says he wants to see Esme for himself, but she says, too bad. The longer it takes for Esme to remember, the better it is for them. He tells her, it’s going to be okay. As they speak, Demetrius is cleaning every piece of evidence that Esme was in the north tower. Once he’s done, it’s going to be Esme’s word against theirs. She tells him, in the meantime, stay away from her.

Drew goes into the stables, and says hello to Michael, Willow, and Wiley. He says he came by to see if he could take Carmen for a ride, and Wiley asks if he met Thor. Drew says he didn’t, and asks if Thor brought his hammer. Michael says, Thor is what Wiley named the new foal, and Drew says, of course (🍷). He saw Thor out there; he just didn’t know the foal had a name. Wiley asks if he can take Uncle Drew to meet Thor, and Willow says, Wiley is so excited about the new horse, they can’t keep up with him. Wiley says, mommy and daddy are too old, and Drew laughs, saying, he would love it if Wiley introduced him to the one and only Thor. Wiley says, yay! and he leaves with Drew. Willow says she just needs a minute, and Michael says, she’s got it.

Josslyn asks what Dex is doing here, and he says he needed to talk to her. Did she hear about Dr. Westbourne? Josslyn says, what about her? and Carly says, there was another hook attack last night. Josslyn says, that’s awful, and asks why The Hook would attack Britt. Carly says, the way she understands it, The Hook was after someone else, Britt intervened, and the intended victim got away. Josslyn says, that’s good. No one got hurt, right? They don’t say anything, and Josslyn says, Britt’s okay, isn’t she? Carly takes Josslyn’s hands, and says, no, she’s not. Britt died. Josslyn says, but Britt was fine, and Carly says, according to The Invader, she suffered a scratch. The hook had poison on it, and Britt collapsed about an hour later. Josslyn asks if she was alone, but Carly says, she was with her mom. She knows it’s terrible… and Josslyn says, this happened because of me.

Cameron and Spencer sit at a table, and Cameron asks if Spencer knew that Esme and his father… Spencer says he found out before he went to Pentenville. He knew his father slept with Esme, but didn’t know Esme was pregnant until last night. Cameron asks how long Spencer’s father has known, but Spencer says he has no idea. However, he definitely got the impression his father knew before last night. Cameron asks if Esme admitted to attacking people with a hook, and Spencer says, of course (🍷) not. Can he imagine Esme admitting to anything, ever? She said she can’t remember a thing.

Sonny comes by Britt’s office with Frank, and Nina thanks him for meeting her there. She tells him, there are reporters all around the MetroCourt, hoping to get a quote about Britt. She had security try to… What? He says, they’re vultures, and she says she hopes they don’t get ahold of Aunt Liesl, because that won’t be pretty. Sonny asks if it’s just the one box, and asks Frank to take it to Nina’s car. He asks how Nina is doing, and she says, not great. She’s worried about Aunt Liesl. She already talked to Scotty this morning, and she’s broken. He says, she’s grieving. She lost a child; there’s no greater pain. Nina says, she doesn’t handle grief well. Who does? She’s supposed to be here. She packed that box. Where does he think she is? He asks if Obrecht knows that Esme is in this hospital, and Nina says, no, and runs out the door.

Esme says, a pound of flesh? Is Obrecht talking about her? Obrecht says, yes. Perhaps she recognizes another quote, from a Scottish tragedy, in which a certain lady says, look like the innocent flower, but be a serpent under it. Esme feels around for the call button,  but Obrecht snatches it away. She takes out a syringe, and Esme says she doesn’t know what happened to Obrecht’s daughter, but whatever did, she doesn’t remember. Obrecht asks if that’s supposed invoke her mercy? Does Esme think the taking of her daughter’s life was forgettable? Esme says, whatever happened, she didn’t do it, and Obrecht says, how does she know if she doesn’t remember? She doesn’t deserve the peace Obrecht is about to bestow on her, but the world does. Esme owes her daughter an explanation, and she’d better think of one fast, because she’s about to see her. She shoves a washcloth in Esme’s mouth, as Esme screams and bites her hand. Obrecht says, schweingen. Another peep, and I will make this exquisitely painful. You scratched her with that infernal hook. She died in my arms. Now it’s your turn. Esme shakes her head, but Obrecht says, she needs to know that nothing she says now matters. The only thing that matters is Dr. Britta Westbourne. Her daughter, murdered, poisoned, taken by her. Obrecht notices Esme’s bump, and says, she’s pregnant? Esme nods.

Cameron asks if Spencer thinks Esme is faking her amnesia to avoid being charged as The Hook, and Spencer says, she’s capable of anything. On the other hand, she’s got a baby bump out to here. Her running around stabbing people seems unlikely. But if Esme isn’t The Hook, that means someone else is out there targeting them and Trina. Cameron asks, who else besides Esme would be targeting Trina? Spencer says he doesn’t know, but he thinks him, Cameron, Josslyn, and Trina should get together and figure out what happens next. Cameron says they might have to meet without him. Just let him know what they decide. Spencer asks why he’s acting so weird. Is this about their parents? Cameron asks what he means, and Spencer says, what’s going on? Cameron says, he and Joss broke up.

Carly says, this is not Josslyn’s fault, and Dex says, there’s only one person responsible for this, and it sure as hell isn’t her. Josslyn says, but if they’d stayed… Carly says, stayed where? What is she talking about? Josslyn says she was the intended victim. Britt interfered with her. She got away. Carly says, oh my God. Is she okay? Josslyn says, she’s fine, thanks to Britt and Dex, and Carly asks if it was Esme, but Josslyn says she doesn’t know. The attacker was wearing a mask; she didn’t see their face. All she saw was this hook swinging around. Carly asks why she didn’t wait for the police, and Josslyn says she was so freaked out, she just wanted to get out of there, and she didn’t have anything helpful to tell them. Carly says, she left Britt alone, and Josslyn tells her, Britt said it was okay. She said she was fine; she had it handled. Carly says, she spoke to Britt? and Josslyn says, yes. She wasn’t wounded; nothing was wrong. She doesn’t think Britt knew. Carly says, that’s not what she’s asking. Why did Britt tell the police that she didn’t know the identity of the person being attacked? Dex says, because of him.

Sonny and Nina get out of the elevator across from Esme’s room, where a guard is standing. Sonny says, everything seems fine, and Nina says she’s going to find Aunt Liesl. She leaves, and Sonny goes over to Elizabeth at the reception desk. He apologizes for interrupting, and asks if she’s seen Obrecht, but she says, not since last night. Her phone beeps, and she steps away. Nikolas walks over to Sonny, who asks what he wants. Nikolas asks if Sonny has spoken to Spencer, but Sonny says, not today; why? Nikolas says, he and Britt were pretty close. He’s concerned about how Spencer’s taking her death. Sonny suggests Nikolas try talking to him, but Nikolas says, Spencer’s not taking his calls or his texts. Sonny asks what he did now, and Nikolas says, Sonny will find out soon enough. As he probably heard, Esme’s in the hospital. Turns out she’s pregnant. Sonny asks if Nikolas is telling him Spencer is going to be a father, but Nikolas says, it’s not Spencer’s baby; it’s his. Sonny grabs the front of Nikolas’s shirt, pushes him against the desk, and punches him. Esme’s guard runs over.

Obrecht plunges the needle in Esme’s IV tube, and says, out, out brief candle. Esme whimpers, and Obrecht says, her end will be far more merciful than the one she gave her daughter. Nina comes in, and tells Obrecht, stop. What has she done? Esme’s eyes are closed.

Spencer says he can’t believe Joss and Cam broke up, and Cameron says, he thinks he can’t believe it. Spencer says, when he got out of Pentenville, Cameron had said they were good, and Cameron says he thought they were. He guesses he was wrong. Spencer says, so the break-up wasn’t mutual, and Cameron tells him, Joss said they’d grown apart. Spencer asks if this is because of that jerk Dex.

Carly says, Dex made her daughter leave the scene of a crime, and she wants to know why. Josslyn says, Dex didn’t make her do anything. It was a mutual decision, and Britt agreed. She said she could handle it. Carly asks, what if the attacker had followed Josslyn? Where did she go? Josslyn flashes back to getting busy with Dex, and Dex says, the reason she didn’t go to the police is because he was carrying. It’s a gun Sonny gave him for work. It isn’t registered to him. He doesn’t know where it came from, and doesn’t know what would come back if the police put a trace on it. Carly says, at least she knows why Josslyn felt safe going wherever, and Josslyn says, Dex should probably go, but Dex says, her mom has questions, and he’s happy to explain. Josslyn thanks him, but says she’ll fill Carly in. She walks him out past the glorious moss bowl🎍 that makes all right with the world, and on the patio, she tells Dex, it’s just better if her mom hears everything from her. He says, everything? and she says, God no. She just wants to make sure her mom understands he didn’t talk her into anything; that the decisions she made were hers. He says, any regrets? and she says, other than leaving Britt alone, not one. He says he feels like he should stay, but she says, this is between her and her mom. He says, then he won’t push anymore. She knows how to reach him. She says she does, and goes inside.

Willow says, let’s go visit Thor, but Michael asks if she’s sure she’s not doing too much. She says she’s barely doing anything, and he says he just doesn’t want her to push herself too much. She says, now that the first round of chemo is out of the way, she’s getting her strength back. This morning, she was actually hungry. He says he noticed she ate a whole piece of toast, and she says, and she picked it up all by herself. She says she’s going to get through this, and he says he’s counting on it, kissing her. Drew comes back, and tells them, don’t panic. Melanie lured Wiley back into the house for some hot chocolate. They seem like they’re doing better. Willow says, they’re hanging in there, and Drew asks if they’ve heard anything from the donor registry. Michael says, nothing yet, but hope springs eternal. Willow asks how the search is going for her birth family, and Drew says he’s sorry he doesn’t have any news, but his reporters are working on it. Michael says he hopes they find a lead soon, because obviously a relative is the best bet for a donor, and Drew says, they know the urgency here. He’s glad he ran into them, because he has a question. Michael says, fire away, and Drew asks Willow if Harmony or Doug stayed in touch with the leader of the commune in Colorado; specifically, did they ever mention a guy by the name of Josiah? She says, yes. Didn’t she tell him? Harmony took her to visit Josiah after they left.

Nina runs over to Esme, taking the washcloth out of her mouth. She asks if Obrecht killed her, but Obrecht says, not yet. It was just a sedative to keep her quiet. Nina says, okay, so Esme’s fine; the baby is fine. There’s no lasting injury. Obrecht says, not yet, and Nina says, not ever. She’s got to get Obrecht out of here. Obrecht says, just give her a moment, picking up a pillow, and Nina struggles with her over it, saying, give it to her. This is not what Britt would have wanted. Obrecht says, her Britta can’t want anything anymore. She’s dead because of her. Nina says, Obrecht would kill a mother and her baby? but Obrecht says, nein. She would not. Not the baby.

Drew asks what Willow remembers about her visit to Josiah, and Willow says, sorry. She doesn’t remember much of anything. She only remembers visiting because it was her first time in an airplane. She remembers looking out at the clouds, and Harmony giving her a piece of gum so her ears would pop. That’s about it. Drew asks if it’s the only time they visited, and Willow says, as far as she recalls. Shiloh made Harmony cut ties with Josiah when they joined Dawn of Day. Michael says, of course (🍷) he did. He had to cut off their escape route, and Willow says, why? Does Drew think Josiah knew her birth father? Drew says, his reporters are still searching for other members of the commune, but they do think probably Josiah would be their best bet. In the meantime, it’s important Willow stay positive. She says she is, and he says, good. And if he could ask, if she has the time and energy, give Carly a call. She’s concerned that with the stress of the pregnancy, any more bad news about the search for Willow’s biological family could be overwhelming. Michael says, his mom doesn’t know Willow’s sick, and Drew says, Willow asked him not to say anything, and he hasn’t, but Carly is just worried. To be honest, he’s worried too, that maybe Willow is losing hope, but Willow says she’s holding onto hope with both hands. She’s determined to see their daughter and Wiley grow up

Nina asks if Obrecht is saying she would take the baby, and Obrecht says, why not? Esme took her child; she owes Obrecht another. Nina says, Obrecht knows she’s done that, and she knows from experience that is a mistake. Obrecht says, her baby is gone, and this creature took her. She doesn’t deserve a child. Nina says she will not let Obrecht do this, and Obrecht asks how Nina plans to stop her. Nina says, she’ll call for help, and heads for the door. Obrecht tells her, do what she thinks she must, picking up the pillow again. Her Britta is owed justice, and who better to administer it? Nina flies over, grabbing the pillow, and says, this is not justice. She won’t let Obrecht do this. Obrecht says, why not? and Nina says, because it’s a mistake. Obrecht’s not thinking clearly. Does she want to spend the rest of her life in prison? Obrecht says she doesn’t care, and Nina says, but she cares. James, Maxie, and Scotty, they all care. Don’t throw her life away. Obrecht says, what about Britta’s life? How can she let Britt’s killer go merrily on her way and mother a child, when her child is dead at her hands? Nina says, can she prove that? Does Obrecht know that for sure? Because if she kills Esme before it’s proven she’s The Hook killer, she’ll make Esme the martyr, and she’ll be the villain – again. She takes Obrecht’s hand, and asks if she thinks that’s what Britt would have wanted for her.

The moss bowl🎍 hypnotizes me, as Josslyn tells Carly that she kept trying to get away, but she was in heels, and couldn’t kick them off. She thought about turning and running, but then she would have been stabbed in the back. Josslyn managed to shove The Hook… and Carly says, The Hook was close enough for Josslyn to shove her? Josslyn says she shoved her multiple times. She eventually got her to the ground, and Josslyn was going to make a break for it, but The Hook kneed her, and Josslyn totally lost her breath and fell. She looked up, and the killer was just over her, and the hook was in the air. Carly says, oh my God, and Josslyn says, then there was Britt, and she was incredible. She hit The Hook with her bag, and totally knocked her out of the way. Britt told her to run, but she couldn’t; she still couldn’t breathe. Then there was a gunshot, and Dex was there. Carly asks if he shot The Hook, but Josslyn says she doesn’t know. He either shot her, or scared her enough that she dropped the hook. She left, and that’s all Josslyn cared about. Carly hugs her, and says, thank God she’s alive. Josslyn says, Britt saved her life, and it cost Britt her own.

Cameron says, Josslyn didn’t say anything about Dex. Why would Spencer jump to that? Spencer says, his father slept with his girlfriend. Forgive him if he doesn’t have a lot of faith in relationships right now. Cameron says he’s surprised to hear Spencer say that, and Spencer says, why? Because he’s always such a sunny optimist? Cameron says, no. Because Spencer and Trina went to Britt’s party together. It’s obvious Trina is giving Spencer another chance. Spencer says, as friends, yeah. They were pretending to be closer than they actually are, so they could make Esme jealous and lure her out of hiding. Cameron says, they set themselves up as bait? and Spencer says, romantic, huh? Sonny comes in, and asks if Spencer’s got a second. Spencer says, for him, always, and Sonny tells Cameron that he might want to stay. He sits down, and Spencer asks, what’s going on? Is everything okay? Sonny says, there was another hook attack last night, and Spencer asks, what time was it? Esme showed up at the Haunted Star. Does Sonny know about his father and Esme? Sonny says he doesn’t want to get into that right now. Let’s just get to The Hook attack. Someone else died; someone they know. Spencer asks, who? and Sonny says, Britt Westbourne.

Nikolas tells the guard that he doesn’t want to press charges against Sonny. It was a private squabble in a public place.

Nina and Obrecht leave Esme’s room, and Nina asks if Obrecht is sure it was just a sedative. Obrecht says, Esme will wake unharmed, and her Britta will still be dead. Nina gently pushes her into the elevator.

Elizabeth asks Nikolas, what happened? and he says, Sonny punched him. She asks if it’s because Sonny found out Esme was having Nikolas’s baby, and Nikolas says he told Sonny. She asks if he has a death wish.

Josslyn tells Carly, Britt called the cops, and Dex didn’t want explain why he had the gun, and Britt said they could go. Carly says, go where? and Josslyn says, Dex’s apartment. She flashes back to her and Dex getting busy again, and says, he lives in the Charles Street district, so don’t worry; it was close. Carly says, she went to Dex’s apartment, then what? and Josslyn says she went to Kelly’s to talk to Cam. And then she came home. Carly says, she went to talk to Cam, and with tears in her eyes, Josslyn nods, and says, she broke up with him.

Spencer tells Sonny, no. It’s not possible. They got it wrong. Sonny says, they didn’t… and Spencer says he just saw her last night. She was having the time of her life. She was happy. She was dancing; Sonny saw her. Sonny nods, and Spencer says, she was alive. Cameron asks, when did this happen? and Sonny says, it was on the docks after midnight. The paper said Britt saw The Hook attacking someone, and tried to stop it. Very brave thing to do. Spencer says, Britt’s always been brave, and Sonny says he knows they were close… Spencer asks them to excuse him, and goes to the private stairs. He sits down on the steps.  

At Nina’s penthouse, Obrecht says she never finished cleaning Britt’s office, but Nina says, don’t worry. She doesn’t want Obrecht to worry about anything. She’ll go back and make sure Obrecht didn’t miss anything. Obrecht thanks her, but says she’s not worried. What’s to worry anymore? She’s just very tired.

Willow tells Drew, they do have some good news. She’s done with her first round of chemo. Drew says, that’s incredible. Congratulations. She says she’s glad it’s over. Now it just has to work. He says, now she gets some time to recover and enjoy life a little bit, and she says, three weeks. He says he’ll make sure he gets some answers before that, and  Michael thanks him. Drew says, absolutely; they’re family. He just wishes he was a match. Michael says he knows the feeling, but they have to believe the donor registry will come through. Willow’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Dr. Randolph. She asks if Terry got her results back. Is the chemo working?

Elizabeth sees Nikolas, and says she has an update for him, calling him Mr. Cassadine. She tells him to come with her, and leads him to a more private spot. Elizabeth asks if he’s trying to get caught, and he says, of course (🍷) not. She says, he’s standing outside Esme’s door having a staring contest with that cop. He says, if anyone questions him, he has the perfectly good excuse of being concerned about the mother of his baby. She says, as guilty as he looks right now, why don’t they just go to Jordan and confess? Why wait for Esme to remember what they did to her? He says, if they do that, they both go to prison, and she says, maybe that’s for the best. He says, she’d just leave her children? and she says she doesn’t want to, but the way he’s behaving, she has no choice in the matter. He says, if he goes to prison, there will be no one left to raise his kid, but she says, that’s not true. Nikolas knows how much his Uncle Victor loves molding Cassadine children in his own image. She’s sure he’ll jump at the chance. He says, that cannot happen, and she says, then they need to hold tight – together.  

Spencer comes back, and Cameron asks if he’s okay. Spencer says, no, when Dex comes in. He comes over to Sonny, but Sonny says, give him a minute, and Dex locks eyes with Cameron, then leaves. Cameron says he’s sorry, but he has to get back to work. He tells Spencer to let him know if he needs anything, and Sonny says, go ahead. He’ll take care of this. Cameron leaves, and Spencer says, was she alone when she died? Sonny says, no. She was with her mother. Spencer says, that’s good. He’s glad she wasn’t alone. Sonny says, Spencer doesn’t have to be alone, and Spencer says, these attacks have to stop. Sonny says, his guys are on it; the cops are on it. Spencer says, Britt’s still gone, when Dex walks back in. Spencer says he’s fine. Sonny can go ahead and deal, but Sonny says he doesn’t have to do anything; he’s good. Spencer says, he’s so tired. The last thing he wants to do is go back to Windymere and see his dad. Sonny says, he doesn’t have to. Listen to him. It’s an easy fix. Just come home with him. Cameron comes out behind the counter, looking at his phone. He sees Spencer and Sonny leave with Dex, he and Dex locking eyes again. When they’re gone, Cameron looks at a photo of him and Josslyn.

Josslyn tells Carly that she tried to talk to Cameron before Britt’s party. She went to Kelly’s; she had everything prepared. When she got there, he wasn’t there. He was on some catering job. Then the attack happened, and everything became clear. She knew she couldn’t stall anymore. She knows she owed him the truth, so she went back to Kelly’s. She talked to him and… He was so hurt. Carly takes her hand, and says, she’s had some night. Josslyn says she couldn’t sleep at all. All she could do was lie there and replay everything… the attack, and the break up and… what she would have done differently. Carly says, one thing Josslyn could have done is called her, and Josslyn says she knows Carly would have been there in a second, but she felt she had to figure things out for herself. Carly says she gets that when it comes to Cam, but she needs to know if Josslyn’s in danger. Always. Josslyn has to call her, and she’ll always have Josslyn’s back. Josslyn tells Carly that she loves her, and Carly hugs her, saying, she loves Josslyn too.

Elizabeth touches Esme, who shrinks back, saying, don’t hurt me. Elizabeth says she’s okay; she’s safe. Nobody is going to hurt her. Esme says, that doctor… She was… Elizabeth says, it sounds like she was having a bad dream. Try to go back to sleep. Esme closes her eyes.

Obrecht says she just wants to sleep, and Nina says, of course (🍷). Get some rest. She tells Obrecht to lie down in her bedroom. She’ll be right here if Obrecht needs her for anything. She goes to the box of Britt’s things, and takes out the photo and trophy. We see Willow’s chemotherapy report in the box, and Nina clutches the trophy to her chest.  

Still on the phone, Willow says, really? She thanks Terry, and says she’ll see her then. Michael asks if her numbers are better, but Willow says, her results aren’t back. That’s not why Terry was calling. She matched on the registry. She has a bone marrow donor. She’s going to live. He hugs her as she cries happy tears, and Drew smiles.

On Monday, Drew tells Jordan that he thinks they can eliminate Esme as a suspect; Elizabeth says she has to tell Finn something about Esme; and Willow isn’t sure she can go through with it.

😭 In Case You Need a Reminder…

This episode was so sad, it gave me a headache.

📑 Still Around…

Like a bad penny, he keeps showing up. Whatever that means. I’m not actually sure.

💸 Shahcarceration…

That’s what you get for coming old people.

💎 So Go Already…

I said it first.

Translation: Good riddance.

https://people.com/tv/andy-cohen-reacts-lisa-rinna-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-exit-an-iconic-run/

🍑 Me Too…

You couldn’t pay me enough to endure any of the Housewives in the franchise, especially on a trip the would undoubtedly ruin for me.

https://people.com/tv/kenya-moore-would-rather-do-military-drills-than-embark-on-rhoa-trip/

🕶 New Reality…

Sounds promising. Especially the buried alive part.

https://people.com/tv/reality-stars-buried-alive-peacock-show-the-traitors-first-trailer/

🦥 To Pets and Beyond…

Something precious to send you into the weekend.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/cute-animals

🌐 Quotes of the Week

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. – Martin Luther

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.Kofi Annan

I always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone.Claudette Colvin

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality. – Edgar Allan Poe

Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence. – Leonardo da Vinci

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6, NLT

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it. – Ann Landers

Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion. – Simon Sinek

If you don’t believe me, then google it. – Cesar Faison (Anders Hove), General Hospital

☄️ Catching a Falling Star…

Come on down on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay setting boundaries, but not limits, for yourself, and stay telling the truth to whom it’s owed.  

January 5, 2022 – Mama Bear Speeds Up the Timeline, Quickie, Twisted, Red Hot, Newbie, Buh-Bye, Not Me, On the Carpet, Best In Show, Pets (!) & Fire

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Felicia finds Cody in the stable, and he says she just missed it. He brought in the new year by staying up all night, helping a struggling filly. She was trying to give birth. It reminded him of when he helped Britt deliver the baby on Christmas Eve. If you think about it, every life is a miracle. What brings her to the Q stables so bright and early? She says, Mac has been trying to reach him. He’s in the middle of an investigation, otherwise he would have come to tell Cody himself. He says, tell him what? and she says she’s so sorry. Britt died last night.

In a hallway at the MetroCourt, a reporter asks if Maxie has a comment on Britt’s tragic death, and she asks if he could have the decency to let them grieve before hounding them with questions. Brad flies over, and says, leave her alone. Nina joins him, and says, this is her hotel. If he doesn’t leave now, she’s calling security. He starts snapping photos, and she yells at him, leave, now! He jets, and Nina hugs Maxie, who says, she can’t believe this. Nina says, neither can she, and takes Brad’s hand.

Austin goes into Britt’s office, where Obrecht is throwing things into a box. He asks what she’s doing, and she asks what it looks like; she’s saving what’s left of her daughter.

Dante walks into the interrogation room, and Nikolas says he has to make a phone call. Dante says, he already did. If his lawyer doesn’t want to show up… Nikolas says he needs to talk to his son. Britt Westbourne is dead, and she wasn’t just Nikolas’s ex-girlfriend, she was an important part of Spencer’s life, and he needs to reach Spencer before someone else tells him about it, but Spencer’s not taking any of his calls. Dante says he can do that on his own time. They have a string of murders here, and he needs answers. So why doesn’t Nikolas start by telling him about his relationship with Spencer’s girlfriend, Esme Prince.

Esme wakes up, and finds herself cuffed to the bed. She asks if Elizabeth can’t take these off her, but Elizabeth says she’s sorry; the staff can’t remove the restraints. Esme says, all she remembers is waking up here with some police detective asking her questions she couldn’t answer. Elizabeth asks if she’s sure there isn’t something else she remembers about last night.

Heather lets herself into Ryan’s room, and asks if we had a good night’s sleep last night, and make all gone with our breakfast smoothie. He asks where she was last night, and she says, her favorite security guard looked the other way again, and covered for her while she slipped out for a little night air. He asks where she went, and she says, this way and that. He asks if her walk took her anywhere near the pier, and she says she doesn’t know what he means. He says, word has it, someone sunk a hook into Britt Westbourne last night. Heather asks how she is, and he says, she’s dead. He doesn’t know how he couldn’t have seen it. He must be blind; it was right in front of his face. She says, what was? and he says, not what, who. It was her.

Curtis meets Portia at the Bistro, and she asks what he’s doing here. He says, Trina called, and said she was worried about her; that she’s having a hard time shaking the news about Britt’s death. She says, it’s just so tragic and unbelievable. Britt wasn’t just her boss. She respected Britt. Britt was her friend. He agrees it was tragic, and says he wants her to know, here and now, that he’ll stand by her side and hold her hand at Britt’s memorial service. He’s here for her, because this morning when he woke up, he watched her sleep and was overcome with gratitude for her… and for them. Life goes on. It has to. So he went to the florist, and said help him with something that will give them hope for the future, and… He takes a plant out of bag, and puts it on the table. She asks what it is, and he says, it’s a callisia. The florist says, it symbolizes new beginnings. It gave him hope – he takes her hand – because she’s his new beginning.

Cody says, Britt got hit with the hook, and the venom poisoned her, so she died on the night of her first birthday party. Felicia says, it’s tragic; it’s hard to make sense of it. He wonders why The Hook targeted her, but Felicia says, from what she understands, the attacker was targeting someone else. Britt stepped in to save a life, only to lose her own. He says, she was a doctor; she was destined to save many more lives. Her poor mother. Does Dr. Obrecht know? She says, Britt died in her mother’s arms, and he says, at least she wasn’t alone. It’s so unbelievable. As smart and beautiful as Britt was, life never seemed to give her a break. Felicia says, sounds like someone else she knows.

Nina thanks Brad and Maxie for meeting her here. She talked to the funeral home, and they need something for Britt to wear. Aunt Liesl isn’t up to it, and she’s not sure she is either. Brad asks if anyone talked to the police. Are they okay with them going into her room? Nina says she talked to Mac, and he said it was fine because Britt wasn’t the intended target. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maxie says, wrong for her, but she saved someone else’s life. Brad says, Britt would have loved hearing people talk about her as a hero. He can just see her laughing it up, making all the haters eat every nasty word they said about her. He starts to cry, and asks, why isn’t she here? His whole life he was alone, and found a BFF in his 30s. How can he live in a world without her? Maxie says, remember the last time they saw her, how hard she pushed for them to become friends? Let’s honor her in that way, and let’s spare Liesl from having to pick out her last outfit. He says, she’s right. Let’s do this… for Britt.

Austin says, packing up Britt’s office is not something that needs to happen right now, but Obrecht says, on the contrary. It can’t wait. He asks if she wants him to call Scotty, but she says, he’s busy taking care of the arrangements, dealing with the press, attending to all the details. The least she can do is collect Britta’s things and keep them safe, even if she couldn’t keep her own daughter safe.

Heather tells Ryan, someone had to look out for their daughter; protect her from all those people out there trying to destroy her. And no offense, he’s not exactly the man he used to be stuck in the chair like that. He says, and she still can’t seem to hook the right fish. She tells him that she never said she was perfect. And when you bat 300 in baseball, even if they’re not all homeruns, you still get into the Hall of Fame. That’s her. Besides, she’s going to make it right this time. He suggests she make it right now, and she asks, but how, oh wise one? He says, confess, so their daughter can go free.

Dante puts a recorder on, and Nikolas asks if it’s really necessary. He already confessed Esme is carrying his baby. Dante asks, what happened? Esme and Spencer broke up, and he was there to pick up the pieces? Nikolas says he’s not a predator, if that’s what Dante is saying, and Dante asks, when was the last time he saw Esme? Nikolas says, it must have been Trina’s trial, and Dante asks if he knew she was pregnant. Nikolas says, of course (🍷) not, and Dante asks when he found out; before or after she allegedly went on the run? Nikolas asks where he’s going with this, and Dante says, the problem he’s having is, if Esme’s the killer, he could see her getting the drop on Diane, and maybe nick Britt with the hook dipped in venom. But he doesn’t see her taking down a military veteran like Brando, or a cop like Cabrera, especially if she’s seven months pregnant. Nikolas asks what he’s saying, and Dante tells him, he’s saying, if Esme’s the killer, he thinks she had help.

Esme says, her memory begins waking up in this hospital bed, and being pregnant… How far along? Elizabeth says, seven months. She really doesn’t remember being pregnant or who the father is? Esme says she’s sorry, but no. The police say she’s done terrible things, but she doesn’t remember any of it. Revenge porn? She doesn’t even remember her own name, or what she likes for breakfast. Elizabeth says she thinks she knows someone who could help Esme, when Doc walks in, and Esme says, wait. She knows him. She remembers that face. She knows who he is.

Maxie closes a wardrobe in Britt’s room, and says, it’s empty. Brad says, so is her closet. On the phone, Nina thanks someone for the info, and tells them, apparently Britt had some of her things shipped on her birthday to where she was going on vacation. Maxie says, her entire wardrobe? and Nina says, the front desk also told her that Britt asked for a bunch of her clothes to be delivered to GH charities. Maxie says, it’s almost like Britt knew she wasn’t coming back, but Brad says, no way. She just threw herself this huge birthday party. Maxie asks, but why have them plan it, and insist they become friends? Brad says, they’re obviously not, but Maxie says, the point is, Britt wanted them to be. It was important to her. Almost like she knew they’d need each other. Brad says, her will. She said she’d just written one and left everything to him. Who does that at her age? Maxie says, and plans a vacation out of nowhere? Brad says, and she gave Cody the heave-ho, and Maxie says, it was like she was burning all her bridges. Brad says, but why? Why couldn’t she share that with him? They were friends, best friends, but he guesses he never really knew Britt at all. Nina takes their hands, and says she wants them to sit. She knows something they don’t, but they should.

Austin promises Obrecht that no one will take anything without checking with her first. He’ll make sure everything that belongs to the hospital is returned, and everything that belonged to Britt gets to her. She thanks him, and thanks him for his birthday present to Britta. It meant so much to her. Seeing that photo montage of all the people in Britt’s life, proof that her life was worthwhile. He says, every life is worthwhile, and she says, her Britta was loved, wasn’t she? He says,  yes, of course (🍷) she was. Obrecht says, real love was in short supply when Britta was growing up. She wonders if Britt knew she was loved when she saw those faces on the screen, and he says he guesses they’ll never know for sure, but he’s choosing to believe it changed her mind. Obrecht says, about what? and he says, about leaving town for good. Obrecht says, she was just going on a vacation, and he says, that’s what Britt wanted everyone to believe. She says, Britt was going away to die, wasn’t she?

Elizabeth introduces Doc, and Esme says she remembers he’s a doctor now, but that name. She asks his name again, and he says, Kevin Collins. She asks what kind of doctor he is, and he says he’s a psychiatrist. Does she know what that means? She says she lost her memory, she’s not stupid. He laughs, and she says, he’s a shrink. Is he here to pick her brain? He says he’s here to listen. Nurse Baldwin… Elizabeth heads for the door, and Esme asks if that’s her name. Elizabeth tells her, Elizabeth Baldwin. She’ll be in the hallway if Esme needs her. Doc sits down, and asks if there’s anything Esme would like to ask or tell him, and she says he has a trustworthy face. He says, and a familiar one apparently, and she says, it’s like she knows him, but it’s just outside of her reach. She can’t put her finger on it. She asks if they’ve met before, and he says, they’re paths have crossed. He’s related to Spencer by marriage. She asks, who’s Spencer? and he says, maybe she remembers his father Nikolas Cassadine, but she says she’s sorry; it doesn’t ring a bell. Is there anyone else they have in common? He says, his twin brother Ryan.  

Heather says, so that’s Ryan’s plan? Throw her to the wolves? The next time she hooks another target, the cops are going to realize their daughter is innocent. He says, that’s a vast oversimplification of a complex problem, but she says, not if you do it right. She pokes him in the chest, and he grabs her wrist. She backs away in pain, holding her wrist, and he asks what happened to her. She says she took one for the team last night, and he asks if she’s badly hurt. She says, like he cares, and he says, it’s not like he doesn’t share her motivation. It’s her methods he has an issue with. She says, that’s the thanks she gets? You do the best you can for your child; you give her your whole heart and soul. And when it turns out she’s not only wanted for murder, but she’s also public enemy number one, she did what any good mother would do, and tried to set things right. Trust her. Their daughter will thank her. He says, not if the rest of their family has to pay the price, and she asks what he’s blathering about now.

Nikolas asks if Dante is suggesting he’s Esme’s accomplice, but Dante says he’s suggesting Esme is the key, whether or not she’s the killer. She’s seven months pregnant, so how does she go from hiding to on the run to maybe killing people, maybe not killing people, all by herself? Someone’s looking out for her; someone’s helping her. And who would have more reason than the father of her baby?

Portia says she loves the callisia, but most of all, loves Curtis’s thoughtfulness. She didn’t think she could love him any more. He thanks her, and says he loves her so much. She says, it feels like ever since Trina was arrested, she can’t stop thinking about all the bad things… Their family has been through a lot the past year, but she feels they’ve come through it stronger. Trina was acquitted, Curtis and his father’s relationship is better than ever, and Aunt Stella accepted her. He says, things are going good with him and Trina. She told him that she loved him the other day. Portia says, that was a major accomplishment. When she walks down the aisle in a few weeks, she’s going to be his wife, and she can’t wait. He leans over the table, and kisses her.

Felicia says, when you think about it, Cody and Britt had a lot in common. She’s not surprised they hit it off. He says, they had a connection, but he wasn’t straight with her. Britt had something he wanted, and he thought… It doesn’t really matter what he thought. The truth is, he used her until she caught on, and rightfully kicked him to the curb, which was a smart decision on her part. Except now, she’ll never know. Felicia says, never know what? and he says, Britt learned too late that all he wanted was her.

Nina says, Britt knew for some time she had a ticking time bomb inside her, and Brad asks what that means. Nina says, she inherited something from her father… Britt had Huntington’s disease. Maxie says, oh my God, and Brad says, when he was working at GH, he saw people with Huntington’s; it took a terrible toll on their lives. Why didn’t Britt tell them? Why did she face this alone? Nina says, she wasn’t alone. She had her mom, and Scotty knew. Maxie says, why would Britt tell her or Brad, and Nina says, Britt didn’t actually tell her. Aunt Liesl told her when she was overwhelmed with everything Britt was facing. She had to talk to someone. Maxie says, Austin knew too, didn’t he? The birthday gift he gave her, the photos of her life. That’s why he did it. Nina says, seeing all the people she loved gave her courage. Brad says, at his worst moment, when the baby switch came out, Britt didn’t walk away from him, and he never would have walked away from her. He cries, and says he didn’t need her to be brave; he just needs her in his life. Maxie says she still does, and Nina puts her arms around them, saying, they all do.

Austin says he’s sorry Obrecht had to hear this from him. He begged Britt to open up to her, but he guesses she couldn’t. The only reason he knows she was leaving town is that he caught her at a particularly vulnerable moment. Obrecht says she doesn’t understand. She’s never been prouder of her Britta. Her relationship with Britt was… complicated, to say the least. There were times Britt hated her, and there were times she thought Britt betrayed her. But somehow, despite all that, they found a way back together; not just as mother and daughter, but as good friends. It’s just like her to spare the rest of them, and sail off into the sunset alone. But he said she came back for them. Why? What changed her mind?

Doc asks if Esme is sure she doesn’t remember his twin brother. He’s kind of hard to forget. She asks if his twin is as kind as he is, and Doc says he guesses his brother is being kind at the moment because he has no choice. Esme used to take care of him. She asks if she was a nurse, but he says, no. She had an internship. He hears Elizabeth say, she’s with Dr. Collins, and Martin walks in. Doc says he’s counseling with a patient, and Martin says, one man’s counsel is another man’s third degree. He’s afraid he’s going to have to ask Doc to cease and desist immediately. Doc asks, by whose authority? and Martin says, the authority of this county. This may be Doc’s patient, but as of one hour and 15 minutes ago, she’s Martin’s client.  

Maxie tells Nina to leave it to her and Brad. Don’t worry; they have it under control. Nina says she’s counting on them, hugs Brad and Maxie, and leaves. Brad asks what they do now, and Maxie shrugs. She says she was kinda hoping he’d tell her.

Austin says he and Obrecht are both doctors, and know better than most that every life ends. It’s how you choose to live your life that matters. If Britt knew Huntington’s was bringing her close to the end, let’s considered her last week. She delivered a breach baby that was born on Christmas Eve. She threw an epic party, surrounded by people who loved her and she loved; affection and support. And her final act was to save someone’s life. Don’t get him wrong; he’s incredibly sad she’s gone. But if you have to exit this world, it’s a pretty badass way to go. Obrecht says she appreciates his kind words, but her daughter is gone.

Ryan says, that’s rich. Heather spends a lifetime ignoring that their daughter even exists, and now she’s Joan Crawford? Heather says she likes wire hangers. What was he saying about the rest of their family? He says, wouldn’t she like to know, and she tells him not to push her. Is something wrong with their baby girl? He says, that depends. Does she knit? Not big things, but little things, like baby booties. The little one could probably use protection from the cold winter wind. She asks if he’s saying… and he says, yes. Our baby is having a baby.

Nikolas says he’s not sitting here while Dante goes on a fishing expedition, and Dante says he’ll probably have to ask Nikolas more questions, so don’t leave town. Nikolas says he thinks Dante’s got nothing, and Dante says, if he’s got nothing, why is Nikolas so angry? Nikolas walks out.

Martin introduces himself to Esme, and says he’s her attorney. Try not to hate him; he was assigned by Judge Holloway. She says she has no idea if she has money to pay him, but he says, it’s a pro bono case. That means it’s free. The only thing she has to do is exactly what he tells her; starting with, do not talk to anyone. She says, not even the doctor? and he says, especially the doctor. He tells Doc that he’s just doing his job, and Doc says, far be it for him to argue with the judge. He leaves, and Martin says, his first order of business is probably to get her to eat something – he looks under the plate cover – even is it is hospital food. He tells Elizabeth that he’d like to confer with his client in private, but Esme says, please don’t make her go; Elizabeth’s been so good to her. Martin says, for the time being only person in this town good to you is yours truly, and Esme says, everyone is being so sketchy about what she’s done, acting like it’s not this revenge porn thing. He says she’s done nothing until she’s proven guilty, and she says, guilty of what? he says, murder in the first degree. Esme falls back on her pillow.

Heather tells Ryan, Franco never had kids of his own, neither did Stephen Lars. This is her first grandbaby. Maybe it’s not too late for them to have a family of their own. He says, there could even be a place for Ava, and she says, dare to dream. A baby. She’s going to make up for lost time, and be there when the baby is born. She’s going to be right there in the room to support their baby girl. He says, she does know that’s impossible, right? but she says she’ll just speed up the timeline. He says, now she’s talking. Allow him to help. She says, talk about impossible. Just let mama bear finish the work she’s begun, and papa bear will sit tight until baby bear and little baby bear in the oven are free. He says he needs to prepare. When does she plan to attack? She says, the minute her friendly guard is back on duty. Don’t worry. Mama will take care of everything.

Doc goes to see Dante, who says he thought Doc would still be interviewing Esme. Doc says, their session was cut short when her lawyer showed up, and Dante says, anyone he knows? Doc says, Martin Grey, and Dante says, wow. For someone who showed up with nothing, not even her memory, she sure has friends in high places. Doc says, about Esme’s memory… and Dante asks if he thinks she’s faking it.

Martin asks, what’s wrong? and wonders if they should call for a doctor, but Elizabeth says she’s got this. She asks him to give her a minute, and he says, gladly. In the hallway, he takes out his phone, and says, thanks for nothing, Judge Holloway. Who does he have to bribe to get out of this. It isn’t even his turn on rotation. Nikolas walks up, and says, don’t blame the judge; it wasn’t his doing. Martin says, it was Nikolas, wasn’t it? Did Nikolas pull some strings to get him assigned to this crazy case? Nikolas says he did, and Martin asks, why? Nikolas says, because Esme is carrying his baby. Who better to trust than family?

Inside Esme’s room, Elizabeth says she’ll know if Esme is faking. So don’t even try.

Curtis tells Portia that when his marriage to Jordan ended, he never thought he’d get married again, he was so down on the institution altogether. But even though living with her has been a joy, he wants to make it official. He’s excited to take the vows and become her husband. She says she wasn’t going to tell him this, but she was at Wyndham’s the other day, and saw these little towels with His and Hers on them. She almost got them, but thought it was too cheesy. He says he thinks she should have gotten them. He doesn’t care if it says His and Hers, or Husband and Wife. He wants whoever comes into their house to know how absolutely proud they are to be each other’s significant other. She says she’s going to go buy those towels, and he tells her to go buy them.

Brad says, all that’s left is the hotel room. She must have felt so alone and scared. If only they knew. Maxie says, he heard Nina. That’s the way Britt wanted it. He yells that he doesn’t care what she wanted; he wants her. His one and only friend. His best friend in this lousy, messed up world. Now she’s gone, like that, without so much as a goodbye. Now all that’s left is picking out a stupid funeral get-up. Maxie says, don’t worry about it; she’s got it handled. He says, this is going to be Britt’s last look ever. He’s not letting Maxie choose some boring dress from Wyndham’s. Maxie says, if he thinks she’s letting him dress Britt in some fast fashion trash, he has another thing coming. He follows her out, saying, they need something with style and impact, and she says, style, yes.

Doc says he’d like to spend more time observing Esme, and he’d like to consult with a neurologist that TJ brought in. But his initial assessment is that Esme suffered significant memory loss. Dante asks if it’s permanent, but Doc says, no way to tell, but if so, they may never know where she’s been or who’s been taking care of her. Dante says, at seven months pregnant, Esme was in no condition to take out an officer, or kill Britt Westbourne on the pier last night. So the more pressing question is, who really is The Hook killer?

Austin tells Obrecht that he doesn’t believe Britt’s killer will go unpunished. He doesn’t know if she knows this, but the police have a suspect here at GH, under guard 24/7.

Esme says, all she remembers is waking up in here. She hasn’t killed anyone; she couldn’t. Elizabeth believes her, doesn’t she? Elizabeth says she thinks the best thing Esme can do for herself is just rest. She goes to the door, and Esme calls to her. Elizabeth turns around, and Esme says, Elizabeth does believe her, right?

Martin says, his priority is to find Lucy. He has no time for this. Nikolas says he knows Martin was assigned to the case pro bono, but he’ll double Martin’s normal fee. Esme is the mother of his child; she must be kept safe, and not hounded by the police until she gives birth. Martin says, and then what? and Nikolas says, triple his normal fee. Martin says, deal, as Elizabeth comes out, and Nikolas says, Esme is in good hands with Uncle Martin.

Heather says she’s so happy she and Ryan had this little talk. She’ll just find another hook, and then they’re back in business. He asks, what happened to the first one? and she says, it got snagged, but don’t worry. There’s no way they can trace it back to her. Just let her do what she does best, and he can look forward to the happy day when they’re all reunited as a family; the three of them. He says, she miscounted by two. There’s Ava, and… She says, a little baby bear in the oven; that makes five. She always knew he was a softy. She calls him grandpa, kisses his head, and leaves.

Obrecht sees Britt’s lab coat hanging on the back of her chair. She takes it off, and looks at the ID.

Esme pulls the tray toward her, looks at the food, and pushes it back.

Cody thanks Felicia for coming in person with the news about Britt, and she says, thank Mac; it was his idea. He would have come himself if he wasn’t so busy on the case. Felicia hugs Cody, and leaves.

Nina goes in Britt’s office, saying, she got Obrecht’s text. She looks in the box, and gets out her phone. We see Obrecht’s text: Meet at Britt’s office, and Nina texts Obrecht: Where r u?  

Obrecht goes into Esme’s room, and Esme says she can’t sleep. Can she be given something stronger? Obrecht closes the door, and says, yes. That can be arranged. She smiles.

Tomorrow, Josslyn tells Carly, this happened because of her; Spencer tells Cameron, it’s because of that jerk Dex: Drew says, a woman’s life could depend on it; and Sonny attacks Nikolas.

🎭 Behind the Mask…

The actress behind Esme.

🐻 Mama Bear Speaks…

From sitcom to serial killer, this one is just right.

🔥 Blazing a Trail…

I was hoping Chase would have more of a music career, but no. He has to go and be Dudley Do-Right. I guess a Blaze storyline is out.

🕵🏾‍♂️ New To the Force…

And he has a name!

🧹 Ding-Dong…

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

https://extratv.com/2023/01/05/lisa-rinna-exits-the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills/

🤷🏽 Not That There’s Anything Wrong With That…

I couldn’t care less who he sleeps with, but I still want to know what he does for a living that got him a reality TV gig. Or how he steals for a living. A hissy fit isn’t a good look on anyone though. He’s pretty mean.

👠 Giving Glam…

More of the best fashion from last year.

📽 What We Watched…

Two takes on the best films of 2022. Nope was great. I could watch that a thousand times.

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-movies-2022/

https://www.theroot.com/the-best-black-movies-of-2022-1849902905

🐕 And To the Pets…

Because I have to.

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

🧺 Wringing It In…

Stop in tomorrow for a little soap, a little tea, words of wisdom and humor for the new year, and music from the eclectic collection in my head. Until then, stay safe, stay taking satisfaction in your accomplishments no matter how small, and stay remembering, life goes on. It has to.

November 18, 2022 – Holly Passes Information To Victor, Why, Her Truth, Takeover, Sprina, a Farewell, Snowballing, Craziness, DM Slide, Servers Tell All, Famous Pets (!), Less Than a Dozen Quotes & Home

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam comes out of the hospital elevator, sees Spinelli, and says, good, he’s still here. He says, she’s one of the most prompt people he knows. For her to be late, it had to be traffic or mortal peril, and he hopes it wasn’t the latter. She says she’s just having a crazy day, and thanks him for meeting her. She’s always grateful for his help. So did he find anything on Cody? He says he did, he did, he did.

On the phone, Austin says, the last off-the-books patient they wanted handled, is handled. Free of charge, as promised. He turns around, and Maxie is there.

Britt goes into her office, and Cody is there. He says, good morning, sunshine, and she tells him to stop yelling. He whispers that he’s sorry. He wondered if she wanted to have breakfast together; maybe the hair of the dog would be better. She says she’s on duty, and he recommends drinking more? He asks what she got into last night.

Having breakfast at the MetroCourt, Robert tells Holly that he’s thinking of visiting Robin and the kids over Christmas. This business with Anna is making him think about family more and more. She’s family too. Why doesn’t she join them out there? She says she’d love to, but… He says, but what? He’s known her since… He counts on his fingers, and she picks up her knife, telling him, say the year, and she’ll kill him. He says he knows her, and he knows when something’s wrong. What is it? She says, Lucy.

Laura sees Victor at the docks, and he says, good morning. Going my way?

Dante goes into the interrogation room, and tells Mac, Agent Whitten is here. Mac says, great, and Dante says, he and Mac have been going at it all night, trying to figure out Anna’s escape. Mac says, not that he wants to share that information with the US Marshal’s office, and Dante suggests they stall. Let’s go get some breakfast.

They go into the squad room, where Whitten is on the phone, saying, Valentin Cassadine left the MetroCourt Hotel at 8:17 this morning. Keep eyes on him. It’s a good bet he’ll lead them straight to Anna Devane.

Anna comes downstairs, and hears someone at the door. She crouches behind the sofa, and draws her gun. Valentin walks in, and says, rough night? She asks what he’s doing here, and they kiss. He tells her, it’s not safe for her to be here anymore.

Austin asks how long Maxie has been standing there, and she asks if he’d rather she be somewhere else. He says, no, he’s happy to see her. She just surprised him. She says she’s curious. Lately, he’s been called in to do all these last minute surgeries that nobody else can handle, even if they’re already on duty. He says, they’re short-staffed, so if he’s not on duty, he’s on call. She says she gets that. She’s just wondering, is he really doing all these surgeries, or is it a cover for something else?

Spinelli tells Sam that he didn’t exactly find the smoking gun they were looking for in regard to Cody’s intentions toward Britt; but he did find Mr. Bell has a juvenile arrest record. She says, those are sealed when you’re 18. She was hoping for something more than misdemeanors, D&Ds. He says, oh, she means drunk and disorderly; he was thinking, Dungeons and Dragons. She says, if there’s a pattern of criminal behavior in Cody’s past, she wants to know. So what’s in his juvenile arrest record?

Back in the interrogation room, Mac says he’s lost his appetite; that guy turns his stomach. Dante says he doesn’t like Whitten either, but he’s just doing his job, right? Mac says, whatever, and Dante asks if something else is bothering him. Mac says, nope, and Dante says he can’t imagine Mac being this upset just about Anna. Is this about Cody? Did they get the DNA results back?

Britt tells Cody, she went out with Brad. They started at the MetroCourt, and ended up at The Savoy, but after the third kamikaze shot, things got a little fuzzy. He whistles, then says, sorry, realizing it’s loud. Why did she go at it so hard? She flashes back to telling Austin that she has Huntington’s disease, and tells Cody, it’s been a long time since she and Brad had a night out. She knew she’d pay for it tonight, but she didn’t care. Life is short, right? He says, it sounds to him like a big old greasy breakfast is just what the doctor ordered. Does she want to go on a Kelly’s run? Turning her back to him, she takes a bottle of what looks like OTC medication out of her purse, and shakes three pills into her hand. He asks, what’s the matter? and she says she realized she can’t take these. He asks, why not?

On the phone, Whitten says, they lost Cassadine? How?… Felisha walks into the squad room, and listens. He says, dammit. Cassadine is a highly trained spy, just like Devane. They’re both highly skilled, but if they think they can outsmart him, they’d be wrong.

Laura says she was just going to pay Nikolas a visit, and Victor says, splendid. They can share the launch. She laughs, and says, on second thought, maybe not. She’s sure he has a cement life-vest with her name embroidered on it. She starts to leave, but he asks her to wait, and says, can’t they put an end to this pointless feud between them? She says she thinks it has several good points, and he tells her, he’s not saying they don’t have a fraught history. She says, fraught? Quaint. He says, but they also share a family, and his offer to work together for the good of the family still stands. She asks if that would be the family he all buy destroyed while she was out of town, and he says, it was her choice to leave. She says she’s back now, and she’ll put it all back together again. And when she has, she’s going to take him apart.

Robert says he knows Holly is upset about Lucy; they all are. She says, it’s not only Lucy; it’s Martin. She’s only met him twice, and talked to him for about five minutes, but he’s suffering. She’s grieved enough loved ones in her time, and wouldn’t wish that on anyone, not even her worst enemy. He says, for the last two years, he thought she was dead. He understands grief. She says, all of their friends told her that he moved heaven and earth to find her, even when there was no hope. She hopes he knows how much that means to her. He says he wouldn’t bet against her, and certainly wouldn’t do it ever again. She says she’s been doing a lot of thinking about them, and he says, and? She says, enough talking, and kisses him.

Valentin says, Anna is a marked woman, and she asks if his father finally put a bounty on her head. He says, not just his father. Olivia Jerome reached out. She’s made it clear that if Anna ends up in Pentenville with her, Anna won’t last the last the night. She says she best not end up in Pentenville then, and he says, proving her innocence is going to have to wait. She asks what the hell that means, and he says, their first priority is to get her out of the country.

Whitten says, try to pick up Valentin Cassadine’s trail again. At least they know they’re on the right track. If he wasn’t involved somehow, he wouldn’t have bothered to shake them. And remember, Devane’s got no shortage of allies in this town. It’s only a matter of time before one of them leads them to her.

Mac says, Cody’s not his son, and Dante says he’s sorry. Mac says, it is what it is, and Dante says he thinks Cody could have benefited from someone like Mac in his life. Felicia comes in with a to-go bag, and says she thought her two favorite detectives could use a little sustenance. Dante says he’ll go grab some coffees, and leaves. Felicia asks if they’re still looking for Anna, and Mac says, as much as he can with a US Marshal breathing down his neck. She says she overheard him outside. He’s keeping a close eye on anyone who’s friendly with Anna. Mac says, that’s near everybody. Except of course (🍷) the people he should be keeping an eye on. She tells him, be careful, and he says, that’s good advice. She asks what he and Dante were talking about, and he says, work. She says if she didn’t know him so well, she’d believe him. Did he tell Dante about Cody?

Spinelli says he couldn’t actually access Cody’s arrest record, and Sam asks how that’s possible. He’s The Jackal. He says, unfortunately, Cody’s records hadn’t been uploaded to the database yet, and she asks what he thinks is in it. He says he doesn’t know, but he’s now more determined than ever to find out.

Austin says he’s absolutely been in surgery. What does Maxie think he’s been doing? She says, avoiding her, and he says he’s sorry she feels that way. He misses her, and feels terrible that they haven’t been able to spend time together. She says, her too. She was thinking he’s keeping his distance because of her family, but he says, her family has been nothing but lovely to him. She says, not Georgie or Spinelli, and he says, technically, Spinelli isn’t really family, but she says, he’s Georgie’s father, and her oldest and dearest friend; so he’s family. He apologizes, and asks how he can put her mind at ease. Her family is important to him because she’s important. He kisses her, as Spinelli comes around the corner and sees them.

Britt tells Cody, the bottle’s expired. Want some free medical advice? Don’t mess around with expired drugs. He says he thought that was a scam to get you to buy more, and she says, he also thought putting eggs, bacon, and sausage in a booze ravaged stomach would solve problems instead of creating new ones. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she has a massive hangover, but he says he’s seen her hungover. This is something else. If she needs someone to talk to, he’s here. If not, that’s cool too. It’s less desirable, but it’s cool. She says she has a lot of work to do, and he says he’ll leave her to it. He walks to the door, and she says she’s free for dinner tonight. He says he can’t wait, and as he’s about to leave, Sam knocks. She asks if she should come back, but Britt tells her to come in. Cody asks, is this about the necklace? and Britt says she hopes so. He says, maybe he should stick around, considering it was his father’s and maybe it’s his.

Victor says he can’t tell Laura how much it saddens him, this stubborn refusal on her part to see him as anything other than her enemy. He hopes one day she can let go of this grudge. She says, and if she doesn’t, then what? He’ll frame her for murder like he did Anna? He says he did no such thing. He wants Lucy’s killer brought to justice as much as anyone else. Laura says, something they can agree upon after all, and leaves.

Robert tells Holly, that was wonderful. What was it for? She says she was sitting here having breakfast with him, after having been apart for such a long time, and it made her think of all the chances they missed. She wishes they’d made a proper go of it. He says, they had a few good years, and she says, they seemed long at the time. He says, thank you, and they laugh. She says, no, she meant full; they seemed full at the time. But then they were over, and it’s like they blinked, and here they are. She wonders if they blink again, where will they be… Never mind. They were talking about Lucy and Martin. He says, they’ll avenge Lucy; they’ll clear Anna. She says, hopefully, Anna can stay out of sight until then, and he says he wouldn’t worry. He has it on good authority that Anna is somewhere safe and sound. He heard from her last night after he and Holly parted company. His phone rings, and he asks if they’ve got the address to the safe house. Text it to him. He’s going to hook up with Anna tonight. He tells Holly, sorry about that, but she says, he’s the DA; he’s obligated to answer his phone. His phone dings, and she deliberately spills tea on herself. She asks him to get her some club soda, and as soon as he leaves, she checks his phone. She sees, 199 Hidden Hills Drive. When he comes back, she says, he’s a lifesaver, and he says he loves coming to her rescue. She says, good news. She made an appointment with Doc to help her with her memory issues. He says he’s glad to hear it, and she says, but he’s squeezing her in today, so she has to go now. They’ll talk later. He says, yeah, and she leaves. You know he’s setting her up, right?

In the elevator, Holly calls Victor, and tells him, they need to meet.  

Spinelli almost leaves, but Maxie calls to him, and he says, how fortuitous. Austin says he’s glad Spinelli is here. He needs to talk to him. Spinelli says he can’t imagine what for, and Austin says he wants to plan a fun weekend for the kids; maybe take them to the mountains. Maxie says, that’s sweet, isn’t it? and Spinelli says, of course (🍷). Austin says he’s a little afraid Georgie will say no, and Spinelli says, Georgie is her own person and makes up her own mind. There’s nothing he can do. Maxie says, he can encourage Georgie to join them, but Spinelli says he’s not going to curb their daughter’s independence. Austin’s phone beeps, and he says he has to deal with this. He leaves, and Spinelli tries to get away, but Maxie says, stay. Enough. She’s really getting sick of this.

Sam says she can’t discuss anything in front of Cody without Britt’s permission, and Britt says, permission granted. It does concern him. Cody asks if that’s going to be a problem for Sam, but Sam says, whatever her client wants. She takes out her laptop, and says she’s going to forward this to Britt. She uncovered some documents from Taub’s estate. He had an itemized list of his jewelry collection to be included in his will. It included a ruby and diamond necklace matching the description of the one in Peter’s safe deposit box. Britt asks what that means, and Sam says, more likely than not, the necklace belongs to Cody.

Mac tells Felicia, Dante was supportive, and he’s appreciative, but the bottom line is, he’s not Cody’s father. She says, and it’s killing him, but he says he made peace with it. She asks if there’s any chance he’s overcompensating for his disappointment by throwing himself into work, and he says, a police transport van crashed; two fugitives escaped, one of them, their friend Anna, who’s being framed for murder. Not to mention, there’s a killer on the loose who’s slashing people up with a hook. With all that going on, who the hell cares how he feels about a DNA test? She says she wants to know, and he asks what she wants him to say, he’s disappointed? That part of him wishes he ended up with a child of his own? She says, that would be a start.

Laura walks into the station, and Whitten introduces himself. She says, he’s the new Federal agent that her Deputy Mayor brought in to take over the hunt for Anna Devane, and he says he hopes he can count on her support, regardless. She says, regardless of…? and he says, her personal relationship with the fugitive. She says, all the resources of her office are at his disposal, and he says, what about her? She says she’ll do what she can, and he says, tell him everything she knows about Valentin Cassadine. She says she knows Valentin is the father of her granddaughter, but she doesn’t see how that’s going to help his efforts. He says he has it on good authority that Mr. Cassadine knows the whereabouts of the fugitive. She says she’d like to help him, but she and Valentin aren’t close, and he says, full disclosure. He’s aware of her daughter Lulu’s condition. She asks what that has to do with anything, and he says, if Mr. Cassadine aided and abetted Miss Devane in any way, that puts a target on his back as well. She wouldn’t want her granddaughter to be without both her parents, would she?

Anna says she can’t risk Whitten catching her, and Valentin says, her ride is going to be here in an hour. She asks if that wasn’t presumptuous of him, and he says he was hoping she’d choose pragmatism over heroism for once. She says, he thinks he knows her pretty well, and he says he does, and looks forward to getting to know her better when she comes home. She asks when he thinks that will be; a rough estimate. He says, get her to safety; clear her name. She says, she thought they weren’t doing that, and he says, then they bring her home to everyone who loves her. We’ll be waiting. She says, promise? and he kisses her.

Holly meets Victor at the docks, and he says, pull up a chair, which in this case means a crate. He asks, what news does she have from the esteemed DA? and she says she knows where the safe house is. He says, go on, and she says, 199 Hidden Hills Drive. He says, well done. He was expecting more reluctance. Why is she making this so easy? She says, if she’s being forced to betray her friends, she wants this to end as quickly and safely as possible. Victor’s phone dings, and he says, change of plans. Holly is going to have to alert the authorities as to Anna’s whereabouts. She asks if he’s afraid they’ll trace his number, but he says, no. He has another matter to take care of. Actually, it’s something that could turn out to be her next assignment. He’ll be in touch.

Maxie says, the more she tries to get Georgie to accept Austin, the worse it gets, and Spinelli says, perhaps their daughter’s just an excellent judge of character. She says, or perhaps she’s taking her cues from him, and he says, she asked him to respect her relationship and he’s done so, but he can’t lie to their child. And frankly, he can’t lie to her. He doesn’t like Austin. He has no reason to think Austin’s involved in anything nefarious. He’s not the second coming of Peter August, but he doesn’t ring true. She asks what that even means, and he says, in the 18th century, they found out if a coin was counterfeit by dropping it. If the sound rang true, they knew it wasn’t lead. She asks if he thinks Austin’s made of lead.  

Britt says, so Faison or Peter stole the necklace? but Sam says, not necessarily. Cody says, she told them… and Sam says, she told them that she found documentation that proves that the necklace was in Taub’s possession at the time of his death. It doesn’t not rule out Faison might have purchased it from the estate. Cody asks if there wouldn’t be a record of the sale; it’s worth $35 million. Sam says, there may be evidence of a third party legally selling the necklace, and she hasn’t found it yet; but it’s more likely that the necklace, and the rest of Taub’s collection, was left to any heirs he may have had. Cody says, that’s him, and Sam says, if there are no other heirs. Britt says, and here she thought she was getting a windfall, but it turns out it’s all Cody’s, but Sam says, not necessarily. If a sales record from Peter or Faison shows up, it could wind up being hers after all. Austin pops in, and asks Britt for a consult, and Britt leaves with him. Cody asks what else he might need to know, and Sam says she knows why Cody coerced Spinelli into matching him up with Britt. The necklace is what he was after all along, isn’t it?

Mac says, raising Felicia’s girls, and being a father figure to them… She says, he was a father, not just a figure, and he says, it was the honor of his life. But seeing her and Maxie bond, it’s become clear that’s an experience he missed out on. Then Cody shows up out of nowhere, and he thought he finally had a shot at it. She says, when he found out Cody wasn’t his son, it wasn’t just a disappointment; it was a loss. He’s allowed to grieve that loss. He says, they barely knew each other. They’d only started to make headway five minutes before the bomb dropped. Now they need to move on. She says, if only it was that simple, and hugs him.

Laura says, would she want her granddaughter to be orphaned? Is that what Whitten is asking her? He says he apologizes if his style is a bit… She says, inappropriate? Aggressive? Rude?  He tells her, what he should have said was, working with him is the best way to insure both Anna and Valentin’s safety. His phone rings, and he steps away to answer. He listens for a moment, and says, they have his attention.

Anna and Valentin get busy, even though now is probably not the time.

Austin tells Britt that there’s a top specialist from Toronto who’s agreed to meet with her today, but Britt says, she can’t just meet at the last minute. He tells her not to avoid this. The specialist can tell her definitively whether or not her symptoms are the onset of Huntington’s. Isn’t that a piece of information she needs?

Cody asks how he could have known about the necklace, and Sam says, stop. She’s run dozens of cons more complicated than this one. He says he’s not running a con, and she says, he could have found out about the necklace when he found out he might be Taub’s son. He says he gets that she doesn’t trust him because he blackmailed her friend, and she says, that’s a pretty good reason. He says he apologized for it, and promised he’d leave Spinelli alone. She says, good; she told him that he’d better. He says, they used to be friends, but she says, they’re not friends. He’s Dante’s friend, and she gave him the benefit of the doubt because of that, but he’s raising major red flags right now. He says, why? Because he’s interested in a one-of-a-kind necklace that might have belonged to his long lost father? What’s wrong with that? She says, when said necklace turns up in a safe deposit box that belongs to Britt, that seems pretty convenient. Then he used blackmail to be paired with her. That certainly seems like an agenda. He says, no one’s squeaky clean. He’s not, she’s not, not even Dante.

Spinelli tells Maxie that he thinks Austin is a mix of good and bad, like everyone. And while it’s unacceptable for Georgie to be rude to him, if she doesn’t want to spend time with him, he doesn’t see why she has to. He notices Austin has returned, and he says, welcome back. Maxie asks, how’s his patient? when her phone rings. Austin says, stubborn, but he’s ever hopeful. She says, now it’s her turn; James’s school. She steps away, and Austin asks if Spinelli got a chance to run the algorithm on him and Maxie like he agreed. Spinelli says, technically, he never agreed, but Austin says, he kept Spinelli’s secret, and all he’s asking is for one tiny little favor in return. Spinelli asks why Austin even needs the algorithm. Maxie already thinks they’re compatible. Austin says he needs it. For reasons Spinelli could never possibly understand.

Basking in the afterglow, Valentin tells Anna, they’re going to get through, and when they do, he’s never going to let anything get in their way again. She says, they can’t control the world. There’s always going to be something. He says, they’ll fight it. He’ll fight for her… always. She kisses him.

Dante brings back coffee, and Felicia says, that’s not the usual swill. Dante says he might have snuck some Corinthos in there, but don’t tell anybody. Felicia tells them to stay and enjoy their breakfast. Clearly, they have their work cut out for them. Whitten comes in with Laura, and says he’s glad both Mac and Dante are there. Mac asks if there’s something they can help with, and Whitten says, the mayor wanted him to bring them in on this. They have a lead on Anna Devane. He has a task force headed to her location now. Would they like to ride with him? Dante says, sure? and Mac says, that’s the job. They leave, and Felicia asks how worried they should be. Laura says, very.

Sam says, what about Dante? and Cody says, forget it, but she says, he brought it up. What shady thing did Dante do? Britt comes back, and asks if she missed something, but Cody says, they’re all good. Sam says, she was just leaving, unless Britt needed anything. Britt says, no. Great work as always. Sam says she’ll be in touch, and leaves. Cody asks if something happened with Austin, but Britt says, they were just discussing a patient. She does have some bad news. She’ll have to take a raincheck on their plans. He says, okay, and she asks, how crazy is all this business about the necklace? He asks if she’s sure she’s okay, and she says, don’t worry about her. He just inherited some major coin. How is he feeling about all this? He says, it’s a lot to process, when in the hallway, Victor approaches the door and listens. Britt asks if Cody ever thought when he parachuted into Port Charles he’d end up inheriting part of the infamous Ice Princess diamond?  

Sam says, Spinelli waited, and says he wanted to assure her that he’ll start post haste digging up Cody’s juvenile misdeeds. It’s about time someone get the comeuppance they deserve. She says she thinks they’re going to put a pin in digging up Cody’s arrest record, and he asks, why? She says she thinks it’s complicated, and they should try another angle, but he says he doesn’t understand. Why did she change her mind? She says she has her reasons. Just trust her, and leave it alone for now.

Laura tells Felicia, Valentin’s phone keeps going to voicemail. She’s going to text him. Felicia asks what she’s going to say, and Laura tells her, call me. It’s about Charlotte. That’s the quickest way to get a response. What about Felicia? Can she contact Anna? Felicia says, Anna can only contact her; not the other way around. Felicia’s phone dings, and she says, it’s Mac. He says, the van is pulling up to the house now. He says, Whitten won’t hesitate to take Anna down if she won’t come willingly. Laura says, the just have to believe that Mac and Dante will get Anna out of there safely. Because God only knows how Valentin will react if he feels he’s backed into a corner.

Anna brings down her suitcase, and tells Valentin, the good thing about being on the run is, you pack light. They hear a car.

Whitten says he has SWAT agents in position at the back of the house. He needs Mac and Dante in position also. Dante asks if Mac is ready to do this, and Mac says, let’s just hope we all make it out in one piece. They draw their guns.

Valentin goes to the door.

The agents surround the house.

Valentin opens the door.

The agents bust in. No one is there, and Whitten tells them, clear the house. Check every room, from the attic to the basement. If she’s not here, find out how she left. They’ll have to pick up her trail. Either he got a bad tip or they’re too late. Dante says, huh. Who does Mac think called? Mac says he doesn’t know, but he thinks Agent Whitten just learned a valuable lesson; not to underestimate Anna Devane.

Valentin tells Anna that the driver will have her new passport, and she says she can’t wait to see who she is now. She says, this is it, and he says, yeah, this is it. She says, it’s not forever. They’ll bring Victor down. He says, then she can come home. She leaves, and he’s about to close the door, but she pushes it back open, and kisses him.

Holly sits on pier, and hears gunshots in her head. Robert sits down next to her, and says, she’s got some explaining to do.

Tomorrow, Josslyn says Dex can’t leave yet; Scotty tells Cody to run for the hills; Robert asks how long Holly has been working for Victor; and Carly tells Drew, somebody knows about them.

🩺 Doctor’s Note…

Another covid recast.

🎉 She’s Coming Out…

It’s great to hear she got support along the way. Now if we can just get her a storyline with Yuri already.

🧰 He’s No MacGyver…

I love how he describes his first days on the set.

🛩 Banner Day…

This was sweet of the fans. I wonder what it cost?

🥀 Au Revoir…

The one day on GH was still good for the résumé.

💎 Keeps On Ticking…

Even Potomac isn’t safe.

🚗 Scary…

Seriously, it’s getting creepy AF out there.

https://people.com/tv/denise-richards-shaken-up-and-terrified-after-road-rage-shooting-incident/

🧂 A Dash Of Salt…

Not sure what to say about this. Austen gets around?

🍽 Customer Critique…

It sounds like most celebrities are good tippers, but come on, zero for the pregnant waitress?

🐱 For Your Pet Viewing Pleasure…

A couple of Scottish Folds living their best life.

https://celebritypets.net/sonya-and-kisa-the-fun-loving-scottish-fold-cats-who-create-videos/

I had no idea Lil Bub had a protégé.

https://celebritypets.net/meet-mister-marbles-lil-bubs-space-cat-protege/

📡 Quotes of the Week

Action is the foundational key to all success. – Picasso

Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them. – Jim Rohn

On the other hand: Goals are the thing you talk about instead of the thing you do. – Cherry Darling (Rose MacGowan), Grindhouse: Planet Terror

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. – C.S. Lewis

The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. – Oliver Wendell Holmes

You are here for a purpose. There is no duplicate of you in the whole wide world. There never has been, there never will be. You were brought here now to fill a certain need. Take time to think that over. – Lou Austin

A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life. – Muhammad Ali

Vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is nightmare. – Japanese Proverb

You’ve got to see the pool. It’s a more realistic blue than the ocean. – Karen Calhoun (Jennifer Coolidge), The Watcher

🕺🏽 Bye Bye Bye…

Join me for the finale of the Dead, the really truly final episode, until the spin-offs start. Until then, stay safe, stay learning from your mistakes, and stay not messing around with expired drugs.

November 3, 2022 – Holly Meets Someone On the Footbridge, That God Awful House Show, Truly Holly, Born Again, Don’t Miss Her, No Receipts, Identified & Leaves

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Robert walks Holly to her hotel room, and she says, he got her back to her room safe and sound. He says, he lost her once. He doesn’t want it to happen again. She say she’s grateful, but aren’t Mac and Felicia waiting for him? She thought the plan was to get Anna out of all this. He says, Holly was always good in a crisis; come with him. She says she’d love to, but she’s completely done in. So good luck, and goodnight. She goes into her room, and he leaves.

At Charlie’s, a girl tells Chase that she loves the song he sang at The Savoy, and he thanks her, but says, it’s really all Brook’s songwriting. She says, Brook did an amazing job, and thanks them for the picture. Brook and Chase sit down, and Brook says, he doesn’t really have to do that, throw credit her way. All the reviews he’s getting online, and all the in-the-flesh people who want his photograph… He says, one in-the-flesh person, but she says, he knows there’s more. Linc is going to beg to sign him. He says, and when Linc forks over the money for his contract, he’ll announce his retirement from music, and she says, or not. What if he didn’t retire from music?

Curtis and Portia arrive home, and Curtis says he’s officially stuffed. She says she’s officially grateful, and he says, for the tasting menu at the Port Charles Grill? She says, that, and that he wasn’t needed tonight at The Savoy. He says he’s grateful for that too, and she says she likes having her man all to herself. He says, guess what? Her man likes the same thing too, and they kiss.

Trina asks Jordan, a maniac is out there attacking people because of her? She’s to blame for Ava and Diane almost dying, and that bartender being killed? Josslyn says, Trina spoke to Oz Haggerty one time when they both went to The Highsider to find out if he was the one who gave Esme that phone. Carly says, it’s because of his testimony, the charges against Trina were dropped, and Josslyn asks what this means. The Hook’s attacking anybody who was involved in Trina’s trial? Jordan says, unfortunately, it’s looking that way.

Walking into her office on the phone, Maxie says she’s sorry it’s so last minute, but she doesn’t think she can make dinner tonight, and Austin asks, what’s going on?She says, Deception is in freefall. The investors are freaking out because Lucy is missing, Valentin is MIA, and Sasha has a legal guardian now. It’s just been one thing after another. He says, no worries. Mac and Felicia have the kids, right? She says, and Sasha’s on her way into the office. She just doesn’t know how long they can keep the investors from revolting. He says he has every faith in her. He’s sure she’ll figure it all out. She says she hopes he’s right.

At Maxie’s, Felicia tells Mac, the kids are asleep. She doesn’t know how, but James’s head was practically on the floor. Mac asks if she left him that way, and she says, of course (🍷) not, but she did snap a quick picture before putting him into place. He says, of course (🍷) she did, and she asks if all boys sleep like that. (I don’t think so, but my dogs like to sleep that way.) He says he remembers when he was a kid, he’d wake up completely turned around. He wonders if Cody was a restless sleeper. She says she’s sorry he missed out on the chance to tuck in his son, and he says, if Cody’s his son. They just did the DNA test yesterday. She asks what results he’s hoping for, when his phone dings. He says, Robert’s on his way, and she says, just him? He says, apparently, Holly’s exhausted and she’s going to turn in early.

Not quite. Holly peeks out of her room, looks around, and sneaks out.

Diane comes into Maxie’s office with Sasha, and Maxie says, it’s good to see her up and about. She hugs Diane, who says, it’s good to be up and about. What legal input does she require? Maxie says, before they get to that, if Sasha needs her to take the reins, it’s totally understandable. If she needs to take more time… Sasha says, no. It’s time to get back to work. Of course (🍷) she misses Brando every day – every minute really – but she’s in therapy, she’s on medication, and she’s doing better. She’s here to help, and to be a partner again.

Chase says he appreciates Brook’s faith in him, and her thinking he’s good at this singing thing – she says, he is – but this was always just a means to an end. Clearly, he’s not as passionate about this music thing as she is. He’s grateful that it’s keeping him afloat financially… She says, it’s also a means to get back at Linc, and establish her as a manager, and he says, absolutely, but let’s be real. He wouldn’t be doing this if he got his badge back. A young woman comes over to the table, and asks if he’s Harrison Chase, and Brook says, if the woman wants a photo with her client, they’ll have to make it quick, but the woman says she’s not a fan… at least, not yet. She’s Blaze. From what she hears, they’re supposed to make beautiful music together. She and Chase shake hands.

Austin sees Gladys at the hospital, and asks if she’s all right, but she says, nothing’s been right lately, but she’s not sick, if that’s what he was wondering. Sometimes she volunteers at the maternity ward. It brought her some peace after Liam passed… then Brando. But don’t go telling anybody; she has a reputation to uphold. He says, her secret’s safe with him, and he sits with her. She says, she didn’t do Brando right in so many ways. Between this and Sasha’s guardianship, it’s a chance to balance the scales maybe. Austin says, maybe. He knows Maxie is really grateful for her support. She’s at the office with Sasha. Oi. He just remembered, he’s supposed to call Maxie’s parents and check on the kids. She laughs, and he says, what? She says, they both came to town with huge chips on their shoulders, looking out for number one. Now they’re looking out for everyone else. Who says you can’t run you’re your past? Mason walks toward them, and says, hey, Austin.

Jordan says, all of the victims helped prove Trina was innocent. Ava was one of her most vocal defenders; Diane, her lawyer; Haggerty, whose testimony was responsible for her exoneration; and Josslyn, her best friend. Carly asks why she thinks they wanted to hurt Josslyn and not Brando, and Jordan says, Josslyn was in the alley before Brando was attacked. Josslyn says, Dex left his sunglasses and she wanted to return them, but he was gone. Carly says, so Jordan thinks they were targeting Josslyn, and Brando just got in the way? Jordan says, that’s the working theory, and Carly says, so Josslyn’s in danger. Jordan says she’s here out of an abundance of caution, but if they’re right, the perpetrator may be fixated on Trina and those closest to her. Josslyn asks what the new evidence is, and Jordan says, a letter from the killer.

Curtis asks if Portia has any idea when his genetic testing results will be in, and she says, maybe a week. Is he anxious about it? He says he feels better it’s done now. It was the whole do I or don’t I that was causing the most stress. She says she gets that, and he says he finally realized how important it was for him to find out if he’s predisposed to schizophrenia, especially since it could affect their kids. She says, kids-s-s-s. He keeps saying that, plural. How many kids is he considering? He says he thinks six would be fine, and she says, stop. He says, they’ve got the room for it, and she tells him, he’s out of his ever lovin’ mind. No. He says, okay, maybe he was a bit overzealous. Three should be nice. Her phone chirps, and she says, it’s an email from Olivia. The MetroCourt ballroom is available. They might be able to get married there after all. He says he thought she told him it was booked until 2024, but she says, maybe there was a cancelation, and Olivia thought of them… Never mind; it’s on Valentine’s Day. Forget it. He says, Valentine’s Day in 2023? and she says, that is way too soon, but he says, let’s do it.

Mac tells Robert, he’s got good news and bad news, and Robert says, start with the good. Mac says, no new evidence has turned up against Anna, and Robert says, what about the bad? Mac says, ADA Arden thinks she has enough to convince a jury to convict, and Robert says he’s trying to find a judge lenient enough to grant Anna bail. Felicia says, any chance of keeping Anna where she is to await trial? and Robert says, if she goes to Pentenville, they can’t protect her.

Holly stands on the footbridge, when someone joins her. Victor says, beautiful night, isn’t it? He hopes she has some news for him.

Blaze sits down, and Brook says she’s sorry they didn’t recognize her without all the makeup and wardrobe. Blaze says, the glam squad and entourage are for show; 100% property of Linc Brown Management. Hopefully, not for long. Chase says he’s listened to her music; it’s fantastic. Brook agrees, and Blaze thanks them. She says, no Linc yet. She assumes Brook has met him, and Brook says, they go way back. Blaze asks how long Chase and Brook have been in bed together, so to speak, and Brook says, she only recently started managing Chase. She sees huge potential, and sees huge potential in a collaboration with the two of them. Linc approaches the table, and says, on that, they agree. When he’s right, he’s right. Is this a match made in heaven, or what?

Portia asks if Curtis realizes February 14th is less than six months away, and he says he’s well aware of how time works. She asks if he really thinks they can pull together an entire wedding in that time, and he says, why not? She says she can think of a million reasons; the invitations, the cake, catering, music, her dress…  He says, they’ll just hire a wedding planner, but she says, they’re booked years in advance. He says, they’ll do it themselves. They can make this happen… unless she thinks it’s too soon. She says, that’s exactly what she thinks.

Maxie says, the goal is to keep the investors at bay without breaching ethics, and Diane says, then in her opinion, the best course of action would be to pay an additional dividend to said investors. Maxie says she’s game, and thinks Serena would agree on Lucy’s behalf. Is that something Sasha would be open to? Sasha says, whatever it takes to keep the company afloat, but Diane says, unfortunately, it’s not up to Sasha.  

Mason says he’s sorry to interrupt, but needs to talk to his cousin, and Gladys says she didn’t know Austin had family in town. She introduces herself, and Austin suggests he and Mason talk in his office, hustling Mason away.

Jordan says, the article in The Invader seems to have elicited a response from the Hook, but Carly says, that article was published weeks ago. Tons of crazy people must have responded. What makes Jordan think the actual killer is reaching out now? Jordan says, the letter was originally sent to the wrong address, hence the delay in delivery, and there were details that indicate the letter was genuine. Trina asks if their names were on it, and Jordan says, no, but it was very clear the attacks weren’t random; the killer has a score to settle. Josslyn says, with Trina? This makes no sense. Trina says, oh my God. Is Esme back in Port Charles attacking people with a hook?

Robert says, he ran into Sonny in Rice Plaza, and he offered to help Anna, and Felicia asks, help how? Robert says, he didn’t ask for details. He just said no, Anna doesn’t need Sonny’s assistance. Felicia asks if he’s sure that was a good idea, and Mac says, Felicia. She tells him, she’s just saying, isn’t Anna’s safety most important? They have less than 24 hours before she’s transferred to Pentenville. Mac asks Robert if everything is okay, and Robert says he’s just debating if he should call or see Holly. There was something off about her when he said goodnight.

Victor asks, what’s Robert’s latest plan for Anna? and Holly asks where his pet is. He says, Johann’s not far. He knows better than to be alone with the Holly Sutton. She was disappointingly vague on the phone earlier. Does Robert have a plan to keep Anna out of Pentenville, or not? She says, he’s trying to get a new judge assigned to Anna’s case; one who would be open to granting bail. Victor says, that’s easily taken care of. Anything else? She is keeping up her end of the bargain, isn’t she? Her friends don’t suspect she’s lying to them with every breath. She says, as if he’s given her any choice, and he says, admit it. She’s having just the teensiest bit of fun. She says, betraying her friends isn’t fun; it’s torture. He says, not as bad as being back in that cell, and she says, two years in that prison was more than enough. He says, then be a good girl, and do what she’s told. She says, what if she doesn’t? and he says, then he’ll do the same thing he did to Lucy Coe.

Brook says, Chase brings an innocence to the music, while at the same time, having no lack of sex appeal. Blaze says, sexy innocence, huh? And here she thought the boy band craze was dead. Linc puts his hand on hers, and says she brings a good counter-balance. She slips her hand away, and Linc says, Blaze is more, been there, done that. Brook says, what she meant to say is, Chase isn’t naïve. He’s a rock star. He’s a performer and an artist, just like Blaze. Chase says, and a person who can occasionally speak for himself, believe it or not. Brook suggests they give Chase and Blaze some time to get to know each other. She and Linc have some details to discuss. Linc says, happy bonding, and he and Brook step away.

Trina says, who else could it be? It’s Esme. Diane told Jordan that she was attacked by a woman. Jordan says, slow down. They have reason to believe Esme was in the south of France at the time of Ava’s attack. Have either of them seen or heard anything that leads them to believe Esme’s back? Josslyn says, no, and Carly says, Esme is capable of violence. She torched Ava’s car, and tried to kill Haggerty with a drug overdose. Jordan says, which absolutely puts her on their radar as someone they’re trying to bring in, but it’s too soon to focus on one suspect, since they don’t know anything for sure. She tells Trina and Josslyn, they really should be on their guard just in case, and she doesn’t think they should go back to PCU.

Portia says she can’t wait to be Curtis’s wife. It’s just not a lot of time to plan a wedding. She’d marry him tomorrow. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and they kiss. He says, since they’re both ready to get married right away, why not Valentine’s Day? He can’t think of a better way to celebrate their love. Can she?

Robert says he’s worried about Holly. The fact she’s been through two years of her life, and can’t account for it… Is somebody making her forget? Mac says, maybe she’s blocking out something she can’t stand to remember, and Felicia says, she tried to get Holly to open up, but she didn’t want to talk about it. Maybe she’s afraid of what will happen if those memories come back. Robert says, whatever she’s been through, he’s going to be there for her, and Felicia says, they all will.

Holly says, Robert’s not easily deterred, and Victor says, that’s why she’s here, to distract him. Otherwise, he’d have to take Robert out permanently. She says she’ll take care of Robert. Damn him for making her do this. He says he thought she’d be more grateful. He bought her freedom from Winston Rudge, after all. If he hadn’t done that, she would have died in that explosion. She says she’ll never thank him for letting her loved ones think she was dead all this time, but he tells her, be reasonable. He couldn’t have her running around spoiling his plans. Besides, he thought she would come in handy, and look, here we are. She says, once Anna is in prison, he’ll let her go; that’s the arrangement. He says, once Anna is convicted of Lucy’s murder, she’ll be free, but remember who she left behind. She says, you hurt him, and I’ll kill you myself.

Trina says, Jordan wants them to stop going to classes? but Jordan says, no. They can still attend classes but she’d like them to live at home for the time being. Carly says, she’s right; they’re way too accessible in the dorms. Jordan says, and when they’re on campus, make sure they’re not alone. Carly says she wants eyes on Josslyn 24/7, and knows Trina’s mother feels the same way about her. Trina guesses that makes sense, and Josslyn agrees. Jordan says she’ll take Trina to get her things, then drop her at her mom’s. Carly asks, what about Josslyn? and Josslyn says she has stuff to spend the night, and she’ll get the rest tomorrow. Trina says she can’t believe this. Just when life was starting to get back to normal. She and Josslyn hug, and Josslyn says, they’ll deal with it like they’ve dealt with everything else, okay? Carly thanks Jordan, who leaves with Trina, and Josslyn and Carly hug.

Curtis tells Portia, come on, take this leap with him, and she says, a Valentine’s Day wedding is such a ridiculous idea, but he says he thinks it’s fantastic. She says, everybody is going to have plans, but he says, ain’t nobody going to miss it. It’s going to be the party of the year. She says she hasn’t started shopping for a dress yet. What if he has to see her walk down the aisle in something he’s seen her wear 1000 times before? He says he already knows she’ll look beautiful in it, because he’s never seen her look otherwise. She says, okay, yes. Valentine’s Day wedding, here we come, and they hug.

Austin shoves Mason in his office, and says, Mason needs to watch it. Mason asks if he’s not allowed to introduce himself to Austin’s friends, and Austin says, just stop. Stop harassing him; this is where he works. Mason says he’s just here to inform Austin, there’s a patient coming in from up north. Poor guy had an accident playing with his kid’s BB gun. Those things are dangerous as all get out. Austin says he’s heard you can shoot your eye out, and Mason says, luckily, the family was able to stop the bleeding, but he’s going to need medical care. Austin says, and no medical professional would think the injury came from an actual bullet. Mason says, gee, he didn’t think about that, but if that were the case, he guesses the hospital would have to inform the authorities. He guesses that’s why the boss wants it handled discreetly. She knows she can count on Austin. Austin asks, what if he says no? What happens then?

Gladys comes to Maxie’s office, and says she got here as soon as she could. What’s the emergency? Diane says, in order to keep Deception investors from bailing, the partners are willing to take temporary salary cuts and forego bonuses in order to pay additional dividends. Sasha says, which she’s all for, but right now her financial decisions are up to Gladys, since Gladys is her guardian. Diane says she’ll let them sort it out, and shows Maxie her crossed fingers before she leaves. Sasha says, it’s just a formality, but Gladys says, there’s no way she’s signing off on this, and Maxie looks like she has a headache

Mac pours them all glasses of wine, and Felicia asks if he’s going to tell Robert. Robert says, tell him what? and Mac says, Robert has enough on his mind. Robert says, this will be one more thing, so spill, and Mac says, it turns out he might have a son. Dominique’s son showed up in town, and the timing fits. Robert says, when? and Mac says, when they might have… but Robert says, no. When did the kid show up in town? Felicia says, a few months ago, and Robert says, Mac is just telling him now? Mac says he didn’t know at first, then Cody didn’t want anything to do with him. Robert says, Cody Bell? That dude Mac pointed to at the MetroCourt? Mac says, he agreed to a DNA test, and Robert asks what Mac thinks. Mac says, about possibly having a son who’s a complete stranger? and Felicia says, he won’t be a stranger for long if he turns out to be part of their family. Robert smacks Mac on the back of the head, and says, that’s for not telling him. Mac knows he hates secrets.

Victor says, his guest isn’t the worse for wear, and Holly says, he better stay that way. He says, complete her assignment, and he’ll happily bid the pair of them adieu. She says, you bastard, and he tells her to watch her tone. Remember, he has his life in his hands. One misstep from her, and… He claps his hands together, rubs them, and flicks an invisible something away like it’s a bug.

The elevator door opens, Robert says, room for one more? and Diane says, it’s good to see him. He says, it’s good to see her out and about, and she thanks him for his support while she was in the hospital. She asks if she can buy him a drink, but he says he’ll have to take a bit of a raincheck. He’s off to pick up Holly. She says she heard about Holly’s reappearance. It’s so fascinating. They spent one whole afternoon talking about their past glories, and voila! One of his returns to the fold, as if he willed it into existence. He says he’s very grateful, and she says she hopes it’s everything he wants, and pats his hand. He gets out of the elevator, and Diane looks tearful.

Sasha asks what Gladys means, she won’t sign off, and Gladys says she means exactly that; the answer’s no. Maxie says, Austin’s not picking up, so she’s going to check on him, and leave them to figure this out. She leaves, and Sasha says, my money, my choice. Gladys says she agrees, but it’s her job legally to make sure it’s a good choice, and Sasha says, if Deception stock tanks, there will be no company. Please understand, what she and Maxie are going is for the best.

Blaze says, Chase got discovered by some cosmetics tycoon who heard him singing in the shower, and he says he guesses so. She’s a good person. Blaze says, it’s like how Marilyn Monroe was discovered in a munitions factory; it all sounds so fake, made up. He says, like a stage name, or is she going to tell him Blaze is on her birth certificate. She says, fine. She’s Ally, or more formally Alison. He says, and she’s giving him grief for his sweet innocent vibe, and she says, in this era where labels are meaningless and streams are king, everyone needs a schtick. She’s guessing his ex-boy-in-blue thing is going to take him pretty damn far. Linc tells Brook, their talent is hitting it off.

Robert knocks at Holly’s door, but there’s no answer. He starts to leave, as she comes around the corner, and she asks if it’s her imagination, or didn’t they already say goodnight? He says, she looks freezing. Where has she been? She says she put her head on her pillow, and found herself wide awake, of course (🍷), so she went for a walk. She thought the fresh air might help, but no gloves. He takes her hands in his, and says, she always forgot her gloves. She says, so she’s the problem, is she? It’s Port Charles; it’s too cold. He says, she never complained before… Wait a minute. She did, a lot. She says, at least he was there to keep her warm, and he says, they were the days, and they kiss.

Blaze leaves, and Brook tells Chase, she seems nice. He says he’s not sure she feels the same way about her manager, and Brook says, does anyone feel that way about Linc? He tells her, he’s just saying, the way things went down between Brook and that guy… but she says, they don’t know anything is wrong. They might just be projecting based on her experience with Linc. Just stop being a cop for one night. He says, copy that, and she says, the best way to neutralize Linc is to make sure Chase is the next big thing, and that’s what they’re going to do.

Josslyn tells Carly, she can’t stop thinking about Brando. The killer was there to attack her, not him. Carly says, he’s not dead because of her, and Josslyn says she knows, but it’s so strange. Carly says she’s so sorry Josslyn is going through all this. She’s sorry this is happening to her. Josslyn says, they just wanted this to be a somewhat normal year. Her and Trina being regular college students, and hanging out with their friends on campus. Now someone’s targeting them? Carly hugs her, and says she’ll never let anyone hurt Josslyn.

Jordan brings Trina home, and Curtis asks, what’s up? Trina says she needs to stay here for a while, and Portia says, okay. Why? What happened? Jordan says she thinks for the time being, it might be safer for Trina to stay here than in the dorms, and Portia says, safer? Trina says, there was a letter. Esme Prince may be trying to kill her. Curtis says, what letter? and Jordan says, he knows the letter Alexis printed in The Invader. He says, baiting the killer? and Jordan says, Alexis heard back, but they’re not certain Esme is the one attacking people; it’s just one possibility. Trina says, who else hates her enough to attack the people associated with her? and Curtis says he noticed the connections to Trina, but what about Brando? That just doesn’t fit. Jordan says, they think the killer was after Josslyn in the alley, and Brando just got in the way. So whoever the attacker is, they’re punishing those they feel wronged them. They think their cause is just. Portia says, she is literally gutting people with a hook. She’s insane. Now Jordan is telling her that she’s focused on Trina? Jordan says, that’s one theory they’re pursuing, but they don’t have enough evidence to merit police protection. So she’d feel better if Josslyn and Trina were extra cautious, just until the killer is caught.

Gladys says, okay, Sasha wins, and Sasha thanks her. Gladys says she’s just looking out for Sasha’s best interests. She takes her role as guardian very seriously. She may have failed her Brando in life, but she will do right by his family in death. That’s what he would have wanted, for Sasha to be healthy and happy and secure. They hug.

Austin says he paid his debt, but Mason says, Austin knows that’s not possible. Austin says, Mason needs to hear him; he’s done. He’s done with Mason. He’s done with Mason’s boss. He’s a different person. Mason says he’s sure Austin is. Tell him, why is that? Maxie walks in.

Mac says, he loved raising Robin, Maxie, and Georgie, and Felicia says, those girls were so lucky. He says, no luckier than him. He will admit there were times, especially in those high school years, he thought raising a boy would be easier; maybe then he wouldn’t be so out of his depth. Now that he’s facing the possibility of actually having a son, he has no idea how to reach out to him. She says, he’ll find way; he always does. He says, so many people told him, biology doesn’t matter. That not being related to the girls doesn’t make them any less his. She says, those people would be correct, and he says, now he’s on the other side of that. Just because he and Cody share the same DNA doesn’t mean that bond will magically appear. She says, it doesn’t mean it won’t either, and he says, if Cody is his son, they have plenty of time to make up for. She asks if he wants the chance to be Cody’s father, and he says, yeah, he does, and they hug.

Holly says, that was unexpected, and Robert says, some things just never change. He kisses her hand, then asks if she’s all right. She says, there’s something she hasn’t told him.

Still on the footbridge, Victor’s phone rings. He asks if they were able to convince the bank manager to release the information, and looks at his phone. He sees a photo of the necklace, and says, this might finally be it. My thought: the Ice Princess.

Robert says, Holly knows she can tell him anything, and she says she may not remember much of the past two years, but this she’s certain of. It was him, and the thought of seeing him one day, that kept her going. They kiss again, and she yawns. He says, definitely not the best result he’s ever had, and she laughs. She says she promises there was nothing about that kiss that was boring, but that walk is catching up with her now; she’s exhausted. He says, maybe she should go to bed. They’ll talk tomorrow. She says, of course (🍷), he kisses her cheek, and they go their separate ways, Holly watching as he walks down the hall.

Tomorrow, Jordan asks how Portia is going to go into this marriage with a big secret hanging over her head; Mason asks if Austin wants to tell her, or should he; and Carly tells someone, they have to leave.

⛷ Having gotten done with other work early, and because I’m a glutten for punishment, I paid a little more attention to Winter House. I’m happy to report it’s still just as awful. Maybe more because, Craig. At Austen’s sinner’s party, everyone was supposed to repent about something they’d done to someone else at the table. No doubt this list is longer than Santa’s, but no one said much of anything. Craig told Paige that he knew it wasn’t easy dating him, which was the understatement of the year. Austen pulled Ciara aside, and she said she had feelings for him, but she wanted to have fun. He said he’d been a ticking time bomb in the summer, which she amended to a complete a-hole, and we flashed back to that. In Austen’s interview, he said he was drunk and single last summer, but it wasn’t the person he wanted to be. In other words, he didn’t want to be Shep. Ciara suggested therapy, and after their conversation, Austen promptly peed out the door and into the snow. I’m not even kidding. Paige suggested Ciara be aloof, then had to explain what she meant. Jess kept calling Kory Craig, which pissed him off highly. In Kory’s interview, he basically said nice guys finished last, and Luke and Austen should take a page from his book. The morning after was literally horrifying to look at, but no surprise. Paige hoped moving forward, good things would happen with Craig, and she could push all the bad stuff down. I ask you, is this any way to live? In Jess’s interview, she said she didn’t know if Kory didn’t like her or was playing a good game of chess. Kudos to him, because it’s working. Ugh.

The Toms – Schwartz and Sandoval – arrived, Sandoval looking like a matador or silent movie star. And I mean neither in a complimentary way. In their interview, Schwartz said he thought this would be a safe place for him to crush a beer can on his head. Probably. Everyone put on odd, wintry costumes, and had an Arctic Games Biathlon – the Polar Bears vs the Snow Crushers – where they did nonsensical challenges in the snow. This kind of stuff always looks like fun. It’s when they go indoors that it turns into Idiot Kingdom. Or if they get around a bonfire. Really any time they’re drinking. Craig fell and hurt his knee, and even though it was nothing major, he didn’t want to play anymore. In Kyle’s interview, he wondered if Craig was always a little bitch, so make that, it could turn into Idiot Kingdom anywhere at any time. Baby Craig cried and whined, and I missed who won. Not that it matters.

Sandoval wanted everyone to have fun, and not worry about things like dishes. He thought if he started cleaning and having fun, everyone would, which ended up being three people. Schwartz told Kyle that he was in his own little stress bubble, and in his interview, he said, it was the most stressed he’d ever been in his life. The guys from the Polar Bears team did snow angels wearing only their underwear, so I assume they lost. Rachel wasn’t sure if she really liked Jason, or it was just the vacation vibe.

At dinner, Ciara wondered why Craig was being a jerk, and he said he was just expressing himself. She suggested he figure out anther way do it, and in Paige’s interview, she said, Craig was wearing on her, but she didn’t want to add to stress he was giving the house, which was already at a level 10. They went to a bar that looked like it was in a sports arena or a school cafeteria. It was weird. Kyle went on and on about being in the honeymoon stage to Schwartz, who said it was complicated with Katie, but in his interview, said he wasn’t ready to admit Katie had left; not to his friends, or even himself. Many shots were taken. Paige told Rachel that Jason was into her, and in Rachel’s interview, she said she didn’t like to be confused about who was interested in her. Maybe he should pass her a note. Sandoval talked to Austen about Olivia, and asked if he was free to hook up with other girls, as Austen eyeballed Ciara dancing on the bar. Austen gave Sandoval the old we haven’t put a title on it, and said, if he grew balls, he’d ask Olivia to marry him in two years. Sandoval said, that’s okay. He wasn’t hooking up either. I hope not, since Adriana will probably watch this. After they got back, it just got sloppy. Jess thought she’d get lucky, but grossed out by the filth in her room, Kory backed away. Rachel kissed Jason goodnight, and he wondered what happened. in his interview he said he wasn’t a first move kind of guy, and wondered if a fling was in the works.

The did some skiing and snowboarding at a resort, and Kory told the guys that he could have hooked up, but he denied her. Jess told the girls that she was in love, only half-kidding, because we’re 14. Paige talked to Amanda about Craig being an a-hole, and not acknowledging that other people had feelings. Amanda said she’d been where Paige was, and we flashed back to Kyle being a-hole #1 in the house. Paige said, it weighed on her. I just don’t get it. If a guy had acted like that much of a d*ckhead to my friends when we were dating, we would have no longer been dating. Nope. No Craig’s or Kyle’s in my past.

Next time, Jess and Kory (I think) hook up; Austen says, Olivia is joining them; and Jess is at odds with the other children.

🎬 Playing It Real…

Emma Samms talks about being true to Holly’s character.

💣 Happy Returns…

I love Jeff Kober, and I’m thrilled he’s back. He always seems like he’s having the best time, and apparently, he is.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Catch Her If You Can…

November 14th, 9 pm, on CBS.

📲 Never Saw It…

Apparently, there were no witnesses at the club either.

https://people.com/tv/andy-cohen-says-he-never-saw-lisa-rinnas-receipts-of-kathy-hiltons-aspen-meltdown/

🕵🏼‍♀️ Guilty…

Follow the tweet and see where it goes.

🍬 Step Away From the Candy Bag…

Someone please stop me from consuming all the leftover mini Tootsie Pops. And while you’re at it, join me tomorrow for soap, tea, probably more costumes, quotes & a melodic moment. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping the faith of your choice, and stay knowing biology doesn’t matter. Not being related to someone doesn’t make them any less yours.