Tag Archives: Marcus Coloma

November 19, 2024 – Sam’s Funeral, His Star, Get Well Soon, Returning Wives, New York Minute, Reboot Reproach, Canine Cruise & Serenade

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays, but the rest of the week, who knows?)

General Hospital

Ava sees Lucas at the cemetery. They’re both visiting Julian’s grave.

The minister concludes the funeral ceremony and invites everyone to talk about Sam. Nina gripes about Jason being there, and Molly gets up. She thanks everyone for being here to honor Sam.

Molly talks about them being the Davis girls turning Davis women, a force to be reckoned with, especially together. Sam was patient, open, and the best listener. She listened with no interruptions and never had any judgement. She commanded a room, and her advice was spot on, but she only gave it if asked. Growing up, Sam needed to find her own way, and Molly can’t put into words how much she misses her sister. There will now only be three sets of arms for a Davis girls hug, but Sam is still with them, holding, supporting, and loving them, and always will be. They’ll always be Davis women, no matter what.

Kristina says, when came to support, Sam offered it to everyone, and no one needed it more than her. She has a special knack for getting herself in trouble and Sam was always there to ride to her rescue and get her back on her feet. Sam would tell her that she was strong and capable, but she’d be there in case Kristina needed her, her own personal safety net. The special thing about Sam was, she never judged. She believed in second chances and taught Kristina, no matter how big you mess up, you could always pick yourself up and keep going. You could do better and be better anytime you wanted. You’re not your mistakes. She was the ultimate big sister and protector. Kristina says she’ll love and miss Sam forever.

Josslyn wonders where Lucas is, but Carly says she doesn’t know.

Ava tells Lucas that Julian was not always a good man. He made terrible, life altering mistakes, but he loved his children. She wishes she could go to his daughter’s funeral, but out of respect for the family, she chose to stay away. Why is he here?

Spinelli says, Sam was one of the first people to befriend him, and through Sam, he met Jason. When he was younger, he related to fantasy and computers better than people. Back then, tech nerds were at the bottom of the pecking order of life, while cool chicks like Sam were at the top. She never used that status. He’s not certain she knew she had it. Sam took people as they were. She took him as he was. We flash back to Spinelli telling Sam that he likes Maxie, and Sam telling him to put himself in her hands. He says, Sam offered genuine friendship and respect, and he treasured that. She gave him the confidence to fall in love with the woman of his dreams, and he hopes when Sam saw them together, she knew. He looks at her picture and says, fair Samantha, what a dear friend. You will forever be missed.

Carly says, Sam was strong and a fighter. She could pack a punch… figuratively speaking, of course (🍷). We flash back to Carly telling Sam to hit the road and Sam saying, no problem. But before she goes… She slugs Carly. Carly says, when life knocked Sam down, she came up swinging. She admired that. They had a complicated relationship. It took them a while to be friends, but she’d always respected Sam. What impressed her most, was that Sam loved with her whole heart – her sisters, her mom, her partner, and most importantly, her children. She looks at Danny, Scout, and Rocco and says, their mom was amazing and strong. So are they. Carry the strength she gave them and she’ll always be with them.

Lucas tells Ava that he was at the church before the service. Danny came in and when Danny saw him, he got upset. Danny thinks it’s Lucas’s fault that his mom is dead. Ava says, is it?

Elizabeth says, like Carly, she and Sam had highs and lows. Back in the day, mostly lows. We flash back to Elizabeth telling Sam that Jason knows she’s trash, and Sam saying, it’s a fair trade. Elizabth got Jason’s kid, and she got Elizabeth’s husband. Elizabeth says, they clashed, but she doesn’t regret it because it made the place they got to that much sweeter. Sam taught her the lesson that if you’re not getting along with someone for whatever reason, maybe you don’t understand them and need to look deeper. Ultimately, they ended up respecting each other. They went from bitter rivals to co-parents to friends. She hopes Sam knows that she’s grateful for where they landed. She looks at Sam’s picture and thanks her.

Lucky says he’s known Sam for a long time. They were always good friends. Sam called like it like it was, and he liked that. You were never unsure of where you stood with her. She was fun and fearless, but he didn’t know how heroic she was. His sister Lulu was dying and only a liver transplant could save her. He and his brother hoped they could help, but it didn’t work out. Lulu was running out of time, and they needed a miracle. Enter Sam. When she found out she could give Lulu a fighting chance, she didn’t hesitate and agreed to donate. Sam saved Lulu’s life, and he hates that in the process, she lost hers. He can’t tell them why Sam was taken from them, but his family will forever be in her debt. Alexis cries.

Dante says he hit a rough patch. It was a dark time in his life, and he couldn’t see his way out of it. Then Sam showed up and stepped in. She saw him struggling and wanted to help. She said he could rebuild his life, but he couldn’t take the bad things and use them to give up. He needed to take that stuff and use it to propel himself forward and keep going. He doesn’t know when they changed from being friends to something more, but ultimately, they began to fall in love. We flash back to Sam saying, they need to control their own fate, and them deciding to move in together. Dante says, they threw their beautiful kids together, a mashup of a family, a home. She was the best mom and the most incredibly supportive partner, but also a badass, hardnose, in your face outfielder. She gave them the best and was always honest and fair. Kristina said she was big on second chances, and she was his. He wanted her to be his third, fourth, and fifth chance. He knows she’d tell him to be grateful for what they had. He became a better man, loving and being loved by her, so he’s going to do what she told him and take what happened and keep going. She’ll always have his heart, and he loves her.

Lucas says, it could be, but they won’t know until the autopsy is in, and Ava says, even if he thinks differently, he’ll still carry the guilt. He says, he’ll always wonder if he could have done more for Danny, Scout, Alexis, Dante, and anyone who loved Sam. He performed the surgery, and he takes the hit. Ava says she knows about guilt, and he says, it runs in the family. She says, maybe he should change his name.

Rocco says, Sam was his stepmom, but she was always Sam to him. Also, a mom who understands, leads, is annoyed when you leave towels on the floor, and gives you popsicles when your throat hurts. She didn’t treat him differently because they had the same DNA, but because she thought he was special. They had their own handshake. He hopes she doesn’t mind, but he’s going to teach Danny and Scout before he forgets. He doesn’t want to forget anything. She gave him a lot, but the best thing was a brother and sister. They got a family when they needed it. They never got to make it official, but that’s what they’ll always be – a family.

Jason says, Sam knew better than anyone he’s not big on public speaking, but he admired her so much, he’s up here, one of those who loved her. He’s grateful for the years they spent together and grateful for their son, who they both love. He’s grateful for Sam. She taught him a lot about life and was one of the bravest, toughest people he’s known. He’s up here because he wants her kids to know how special she was. She mattered to so many people, including him. He tells Danny, there was no one like his mom – no one – and they hug.

Danny says he wasn’t going to speak. He thought it was too hard, but it’s important they know who Sam was and what she meant to him. He asked his dad what to say and he said to just talk about the things she loved. His mom loved to go fast, no matter what she was driving. She loved leather jackets, black obviously. She said, a good one lasts a lifetime. They’re going to keep hers for Scout to wear when she’s older. She loved Chinese food, especially from Noodle Buddha. She made them read their fortune cookies when they went out to dinner. He thought it was lame, but he did it because it made her happy. He loved to see her happy. Most of all, she loved them – him, Scout, and Rocco. He’s going to miss hearing her say it, but he knows it and that’s what counts. Jason hugs him.

Ava says she’s been where Lucas is. She’s there now. He says, it’s not the same, and she agrees, it’s not. His stay is temporary, but today, in this moment, he’s feeling isolated and misunderstood. Know he’s not alone. She’s here for him like her brother would want her to be.

Alexis says, usually, she doesn’t need notes, but these are not normal times. She was worried she’d forget because she’s so sad, and she doesn’t want to forget anything. Her exceptional daughter deserves that. They weren’t always in each other’s lives. They didn’t meet until Sam was an adult. She was shaped by heavy, serious circumstances, and transcended into fierce self-determination and strength and kind heartedness. She regrets missing Sam’s childhood. She wishes she’d been there to raise her. Her two greatest joys are them finding each other, and then choosing each other. They say you can’t choose your family, but they did. 

Ava tells Lucas that her brother met his end too soon, but in one way, he was a lucky man. He died before his daughter did. To bury a child is a pain she would not wish on anybody. Lucas says, by the time he came back, Julian was of no use to him. He’d made toxic decisions and burned too many bridges. He was grateful for Sam though. Julian gave him one hell of a sister. She says, he has one hell of an aunt too, and he says he knows. She kisses her fingertips and places them on the gravestone.

Alexis says she and Sam had a dicey beginning, but mother/daughter relationships are complex under the best of circumstances. We flash back to Alexis wanting Sam to induce labor (not sure what that was about), and Sam screeching that she will, then doubling over in pain.  Alexis says, they hung in there, walked through it, and got to the other side. She didn’t just love Sam. She really liked her. Not just as a daughter, but as a friend. She knew Sam would have her back at any given time. She doesn’t know if she could have raised Molly and Kristina without her. Sam was their anchor. There were times she was completely unmoored and Sam grounded her. Sam put her arms around her and held on until she steadied herself. Sam’s love for her love was unflappable, unshakable. She doesn’t know if Sam understood how powerful it was. Having an adrenaline junkie for a daughter is scary, but after every exploit, she was impressed with Sam. She was so proud. She was proud to be Sam’s mother and decided the only way to honor her beautiful, brave girl is to be brave like she was. She’s decided not to grieve long or get lost in sorrow. She will hold Sam in her heart and move on, cheering Sam on to her next great adventure, which no doubt, will be the best one ever. She looks at Sam’s picture, and says, thank you for choosing me, my angel.

The minister says, as they prepare to leave, ask for the Lord’s comfort and let the memories of Sam that surround them sustain them in the days ahead. Let God’s presence be felt in their hearts as they grieve. Gio plays his violin as everyone leaves, and Alexis sits alone. Molly and Kristina walk back in, and Molly says, it’s time. Alexis says, one more minute. Sit with her. She wants one last moment with all her girls. Molly and Kristina lean their heads on Alexis’s shoulders, and Alexis tells them, they say love and grief are forever intertwined. She knows that’s true because her heart feels like it’s breaking and bursting. We flash back to Sam with Sonny, Alexis, and Jason. Sam and Jason in an explosion, Sam with Maxie, and with Carly, who realizes they’re having a girlfriend moment. Dante rolling his tire into her apartment and asking if it looks familiar. With Elizabeth, with Carly and Olivia at the hatchet range, and officiating at Maxie and Spinelli’s wedding. We see the Davis girls together, and hear Alexis’s voice says, sometimes we have to fight for every scrap of joy, so we need to cherish every moment. To the Davis family, past, present, and future. We flashback to Sam with Dante and their new family.

Lulu opens her eyes and rubs them.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth tells Lucky that he has to make a decision; Portia says, the results of the autopsy are in; Jason tells Danny that what happened between him and Drew stays between him and Drew; and Cyrus tells Lulu that he’s going to take care of her.  

⭐️ Receiving His Due…

I’ve never heard of this, but he seems excited and honored, so kudos!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/tristan-rogers-receives-a-star-on-the-palm-springs-walk-of-stars

❤️‍🩹 You Gotta Have Heart…

Gives a whole other meaning to having a big heart.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/marcus-coloma-is-recovering-from-heart-surgery

💎 Bitches Are Back…

In a nutshell. PK became sober and asked Dorit for a separation. Coincidence or can he now actually hear her talking non-stop? Love new Housewife Bozoma aka Boz, a very accomplished and beautiful woman who seems like she’ll give the others a run for their money. Jennifer Tilly is also now a Housewife Friend, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about that, since I’ve loved her forever. Sutton had a Surrealism party inspired by Salvador Dali. While most people are familiar with his paintings, I also remember him from Art History class because he and his wife lived in separate castles. When he wanted to visit her, he had to send a note first. That’s the secret to a long lasting marriage, my friends. No surprise, the party was fabulous and there was no end of things to look at, including the guests’ costumes. Dorit and Kyle were on the outs, and it ended with Dorit saying she wasn’t going to put up with Kyle’s sh*t anymore. Alrighty then.

🗽 Start Spreading the News…

Much of the episode was focused on reactions to last week’s prank, otherwise known as Erin’s test for leaky pigeons. For whatever reason, Brynn claimed to have been in on it, but Erin said after they’d had a drink – which she wasn’t doing ever again with Brynn – Brynn asked her if Rebecca really slept with other guys, and she gestured, I don’t know… no. I’m not sure how you decipher that from a gesture, but that’s what Erin said. Several of the others deemed the prank f***ed up, but I think more f***ed up was Brynn’s eagerness to go the extra mile, calling around to see if she could get more dirt on Rebecca. Last week at the dodgeball game, Brynn had beaned Jenna, and Jenna said she thought Brynn was a little bit of a bitch. I was like, a little bit? And she’s just realizing this now? Speaking of Brynn, she approached ex-fiancé Gabriel about fertilizing one of her eggs on ice and he thought it was a great idea, which surprised the hell out of me.

https://people.com/rhony-recap-housewives-accuse-erin-lichy-gaslighting-rebecca-minkoff-pregnancy-prank-goes-wrong-8748404

And I don’t get this at all. I thought it’s been the best episode all season. I get that a couple of the Wives have fertility issues, but does that mean everyone needs to walk on eggshells. (No pun intended.) It was brilliant and showed how many in the group were willing to spread a story or even just listen to it.

What’s to come this season.

https://people.com/rhony-season-15-midseason-trailer-new-accusations-are-thrown-nudes-exchanged-8747574

🚽 Trash Talk…

Wow. I’m not crazy about these girls, but even I think this is harsh. I agree with her that the OGs should be brought back, but in a separate, parallel show. Bethenny also said she’d never seen the reboot, so calling it a piece of trash is a little unfair.

https://pagesix.com/2024/11/17/entertainment/bethenny-frankel-slams-piece-of-trash-rhony-reboot/

🐕 Ahoy Puppy…

This looks fantastic. I’d be afraid to take one of my dogs on a cruise though. There would be no living with them when it was back to, here’s some Fresh Pet, after having a butler waiting on them.

https://people.com/margaritaville-at-sea-first-dog-friendly-specialty-cruise-8747081

🍂 Falling Into Autumn Like…

Stop by tomorrow for soap and who knows? Until then, stay safe, stay waiting for everyone to be served before you eat, and stay not using the bad things to give up, but using them to propel yourself forward and keep going.

October 18, 2023 – Ava’s Kidnapping Aftermath, Island Wedding, Stay Put, Early Exit, Charitable, Lake #2, Fear’s End, Final Daryl, Ranking Dragons, Modern Remake, Halloween Show-Offs & Scary

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis hoists himself into bed, when Portia asks if he wants some company.

Tracy says, blackmail is a harsh word, and Lois says, but that’s exactly what Tracy did to get Lois’s daughter to do what she wanted. Tracy says she prefers strongly suggested, but clearly that’s a moral shortcoming. Lois says she doesn’t think moral shortcoming even begins to cover it. How about epic fail as a grandmother? Is this how Tracy treats her granddaughter? Tracy says, Brook came to her for help, and she gave it to her, but Lois says, Tracy didn’t help Brook; she took advantage of her. And now Tracy has to answer to her.

In bed with Sonny, Nina says she likes them wearing their wedding bands. It makes it more official. He says he doesn’t think a big wedding would have been as special, and she agrees. She loved their intimate wedding. No stress, just love. She thanks him, not just for the wedding, but for everything. He made her perfectly happy. He says, yes, she’s perfect, and kisses her.

Kristina says she still can’t believe Blaze is in Puerto Rico, and Blaze says, well, believe it. Kristina can thank her abuela. Kristina says, thank you, abuela. She’d love to meet her. Blaze says, Kristina would love her. She’s a force of nature. Kristina says, that’s where Blaze gets it from, and Blaze says, her abuela is five feet tall and a hundred pounds, but that lady is a fireball. Kristina suggests they raise a glass to her and asks, how about a frozen margarita? Blaze says she’d love one.

As they walk down the hall, Deanna tells Austin, white male, 41, two GSWs to the back. The paramedics think the shots might have missed his spine. He’s been in and out of consciousness. They go into a room, and Austin sees that it’s Mason.

Carly walks in the door and calls for Josslyn. She says she got here as soon as she could, and asks Josslyn, what’s wrong? Before Josslyn can answer, there’s a knock at the door, and Carly opens it to a disheveled Ava with Dex and Dante. Carly asks if she’s okay and Ava says she will be once she sees her daughter. Is Avery all right?

Sam goes into Drew’s room and asks if he’s up for a visitor. He says, of course (🍷) he is. He’s always glad to see her. He knows he told her that he didn’t want Scout to see him in the hospital, but is there any chance she ignored that and brought that beautiful girl here with her? She says, Scout is at a sleepover, and he says, let him guess; she’s at the Qs getting in some dog time. Sam says, he guessed right. She can’t get enough of Annabelle II, but – Sam puts a gift bag on the tray – Scout sent her here with a little gift. She takes out a plaque and says, check that out. He says, will you look at that, and we see it’s an award to Scout for Outstanding Swimmer.

Josslyn tells Ava that Avery is perfectly fine. She’s asleep in her room upstairs and Pilar is with her. Ava says, thank God, and Josslyn says she figured it was better that Avery slept here than the police station. Ava thanks Josslyn and goes upstairs to see Avery. Carly asks Josslyn, what the hell is going on? and Dante says, they just came from the police station where Ava made her statement. Carly says, statement for what? and Dante says, it’s a long story, but Ava was abducted a couple nights ago and tonight, Joss and Dex rescued her. Dex says, they can’t take all the credit; there was a major assist from Dante. Carly asks if Josslyn is okay, and Josslyn says she’s perfectly fine. She was just at the police station with Avery and Pilar. Dex and Dante were the ones actually doing the rescuing. Carly says, this is crazy. Ava was abducted? Dante says, by Mason Gatlin.

Austin asks Deanna to get Dr. Larson for him. This patient is his cousin; he can’t take the lead. She says, right away, and leaves. Austin closes the door and asks if Mason can hear him. He’s in the hospital and Austin needs him to wake up. Mason’s eyes flutter open, and Austin says, where’s Ava?

Nina tells Sonny, it’s so peaceful here, so quiet. It’s like an oasis of tranquility. You’d never guess there was a casino on this island. He says, that’s because of the ocean. You can hear the waves and breeze going through the palm trees. The only thing better than that is sharing it with her. She says, he has such a handsome face and he’s so relaxed. She hasn’t seen him this relaxed since Nixon Falls. It’s nice to see him unwind. He’s been very stressed lately. He says, there was a situation he let go way too long, but when he gets back, he’s going to handle it.

As Kristina pours the drinks, she tells Blaze that the secret is using tequila aged in oak barrels. Blaze says, Kristina knows her stuff. She’s impressed. Kristina says, her mother wasn’t. She was less than thrilled with Kristina’s decision to become a bartender. Blaze says, first of all, there’s nothing wrong with bartending, and secondly, Kristina is doing so much more. She not only manages Charlie’s, she’s getting that youth center off the ground. Kristina says, her mother has finally made peace with her choices and come to respect her position at Charlie’s and the youth center. Why are they talking about her mother? What do they toast to? Blaze says, to her, the new Face of Deception, and they clink glasses.

Tracy tells Lois to get off her high horse. Brook is an adult, she got herself into trouble, and Brook came to her for a favor to get her out of it. Lois says, and Tracy thought blackmail was the way to do it? How could she? Tracy says she made it perfectly clear that favors come at a cost. Brook agreed to the deal and went into it with her eyes open. Lois says, Tracy forced her daughter to commit intellectual property fraud. She stole design information from Deception, a company her friends owned. She betrayed them. That’s not Tracy calling in a favor; that’s called extortion. Tracy says, potato, potahto. Brook got what she wanted. It’s only fair that Tracy should get what she wanted. End of story.

Curtis says, sure, and Portia gets into bed next to him. She says, dinner was nice, right? It was so lovely of Stella to take them out to celebrate. He says, Portia was promoted to Co-Chief of Staff. That’s definitely something worth celebrating. Portia says, hopefully, there will be many more happy occasions to come. One she can see right now, where they’ll have a big party – at The Savoy, of course (🍷) – is Trina’s graduation. He suggests they not get ahead of themselves. That’s still two years away. (I’m glad he said that. I thought I lost time or something.) She says, but time is going to fly by. He knows how things go, and he knows what a planner she is. It’s never too early to start thinking about the details. They’ll have N’neka come up with a specialty drink, something really cute, like the Trina Twist. They laugh, and she says, and they’ll have a DJ, not a band, because Trina’s going to want to dance all night long. Curtis says, yeah, and he won’t be able to dance with his daughter.🍼He’ll just be watching from the sidelines, so he guesses he’s got to get used to that view.

Tracy tells Lois, Brook brought this on herself. Chase had an opportunity to get his job back, and Brook dragged her feet. Lois asks what she’s talking about, and Tracy says, Brook was asked to write a testimonial about Chase’s sterling character, but she kept putting it off. Why? Because she was so busy managing his fledgling music career, but really, she just wanted him by her side. She acted out of pure selfishness. Lois says, and that she got from Tracy.

Portia says she knows how difficult this must be for Curtis, but he says he doesn’t think she does. She says, but she’s here for him. She puts her hand on his shoulder, and says, please don’t shut her out. He says, just stop, and she says she misses him. She misses their closeness. He says he just can’t. He told her the other day that he can’t show her love the way he used to. She says, yes, and she told him that she’d be there for him, and that’s what she’s trying to do. She’s trying to show him that, yes, their love might look different than the way it used to, but they can still connect with one another. They can connect physically. He says, she’s not hearing him. Even if he could do… this, he’s just not ready.

Kristina says, Blaze is really going to be the new Face of Deception? That’s huge. Maybe they should be switching to champagne. Blaze says, don’t pop the cork yet. She hasn’t even accepted the offer. She’s got to think about it. She doesn’t love the idea of giving up what’s left of her privacy, and she’s not sure she should split her focus. Kristina says, Blaze seems like a woman who’s capable of anything, and Blaze says, she’s at a point where she finally has control of her career, and she refuses to be obligated to anyone ever again.

Sam says, that is from the swim team awards banquet, and Drew says, that sounds pretty cool, but she says, it wasn’t actually. It was held in a gym, and they served corndogs and cupcakes. He laughs and says, it sounds pretty perfect for him right now. He wishes he could have been there. He’s so proud of Scout. He misses being at her meets and cheering her on from the bleachers. She asks what he’s talking about. He’d be the one running alongside her, saying, go, Scout. He says he’s probably embarrassed her a little bit, but Sam says, no. She loves her daddy. She was able to be there for Scout, and he was there in spirit. Scout did say she won this specifically for him. So when she dropped Scout off at the Qs, she wanted to bring it right over. He thanks her, and says, tell Scout that she’s got to take really good care of it; keep it safe. For him, for when he gets out. Because what he’s going to do is hang it up on his wall at the office and brag about her to everybody that comes in. And tell her that he loves her. Sam says she will.

Dex says, Spinelli was able to get the license plate of the car Mason was driving, and Carly says, Spinelli was involved in this too? Dante says, he was a big help actually, and Dex says, he tracked the car turning on County Road 21; said there was nothing out there except cliffs overlooking the river. Dante says, it’s a desolate area. It’s not where you want to be with a maniac like Gatlin. Dex says he saw Mason’s car on the side of the road, and just as he pulled up, Mason dragged Ava out of the car and was pulling her toward the cliff. Carly says, she could have been killed, and Dex says, then he pulled a gun and started shooting. He was able to tackle Mason, but they struggled, and Mason was about to push him off the cliff, but Dante showed up. Josslyn says, thank God. He could have died tonight. She puts her arms around him, and he holds her.

Kristina asks if Blaze always wanted to be on stage, and Blaze says, absolutely. She dreamed of being a megastar. Fill up stadiums like Beyonce and make headlines every time a new song dropped. Kristina says, wow. It kind of seems like she’s on her way. Blaze says, but she still wants to live her life and have privacy and be able to date who she wants without it being a tabloid headline, but the more popular she gets, the more impossible it becomes.

Nina asks if Sonny will do her a favor, and he says he already gave her what she wanted. What’s the problem? She says, yes, he did, but she can be really greedy when it comes to her handsome husband. He asks if she wants him to buy her a sailboat for the island and call it the Nina Star, and she says she’s not opposed to that idea, but no. Not anything material. She wants him. He says, you already have me, Mrs. Corinthos, but she says, no. She means she wants him to forget about all the problems and stresses he has and wants him to forget all his issues and keep them in Port Charles. Can he just be here in the moment with her while they’re on their honeymoon? Can he just love her? He says, yeah, and they get busy.

Ava comes downstairs in a robe and asks if Dante is still here, but Carly says, he had to get back to the station. Dex says, Dante told him to remind her about her clothes. Someone’s going to come by and collect them for DNA evidence. She says she left them in the guestroom. Dante probably wanted to find out about Mason’s status. With any luck, his bullets killed Mason. Carly says she knows Ava had a really rough time tonight. She’s sure seeing Avery made her feel better. Ava says, yeah. She was asleep of course (🍷). She didn’t wake her. She just sat by her and pet her beautiful face. Josslyn says, she didn’t know anything was going on, and Ava thanks her for that. Her biggest fear was that they would come after Avery, and she’s all Ava could think about when Mason was holding her in that basement. Carly says, they’d do anything to keep her safe. Sonny has posted more guards outside; the grounds are completely secure. Ava says she appreciates that, and Carly says she needs to get back to the hospital to be with Drew, but she doesn’t want to leave Josslyn. Dex says he’ll take care of her, and Josslyn says she’s fine. Go. She and Carly hug, and Carly says, Ava is welcome to stay the night here. She thinks it would make Avery really happy to wake up and see her. Ava says, that’s so nice, and thanks her. Carly says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Josslyn says she almost forgot, but she has something of Ava’s that she found at Windymere and thinks Ava is going to need it.

Dr. Larson says, Mr. Gatlin seems stable enough for surgery, and tells Deanna to get him prepped and ready for the OR. He tells Mason that he’s a lucky man. X-rays show the bullets didn’t pierce the spine. Austin asks if he can have a moment with his cousin before he goes to surgery, and the doctor says, no problem. He leaves, and Mason says, wish him luck, but Austin says, where’s Ava? Mason says he has no idea.

Dante approaches the door to Mason’s room, but as he’s about to go in, Jordan tells him, don’t go into that room and stay away from the patient.

Tracy tells Lois that she’s beginning to think maybe Brook hasn’t been exactly forthcoming about her departure from Deception. She wonders if Brook is concerned about not living up to Lois’s high standards of honesty and integrity. Lois says she would never judge her daughter. Love makes you do crazy things, and Brook learned from her mistakes, but that still doesn’t excuse what Tracy did. She used Lois’s daughter to get what she wanted. And for what? A cosmetics company? What did she want? Free night cream? She went after Deception to satisfy her own greed. Tracy says, she couldn’t be more wrong. She got that company for Brook.

Curtis says, when Portia came to visit him at the hospital, he couldn’t handle it. He lashed out and said the most awful things to her, and he never wants to push her away like that again. This is not that. This is different. She says, yes, he pushed her away before. She was upset, but she understood, and she understands now. She’s trying. She knows this is new. This is so raw. But he’s home and they’re going to have to find a way back to each other. But he’s going to have to let her in; he’s going to have to let her love him. He says, but he can’t love her that way. The truth is, psychologically, he doesn’t know if he ever will again. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. She doesn’t even know how he can say something like that. She came on too strong tonight; she gets it. She’s sorry she did that. He says, she wanted to love her husband, and shouldn’t apologize for it, but she says, it’s too soon. They just need to take things slowly. They’ll take things slowly and eventually they’ll get there. He says, they’ll get there? When his wife knocks on his door for something he can’t give her, it makes him feel like less of a man.

Kristina says, it sounds like a lot to navigate, and Blaze says she’s sorry. She’s finally getting everything she ever wanted, and now she’s whining about it. Kristina says she doesn’t think Blaze is whining about it at all. To her, it just seems like Blaze is a woman who’s trying to figure out how much she wants to sacrifice to reach her goals. She should be able to live her dream without giving up her life. Blaze says she already knows one upside to being in the public eye, and Kristina says, go on. Blaze says, they never would have even met if Kristina hadn’t recognized her. So that’s definitely an argument in favor of fame.

Mason asks why Austin cares. Ava was with him when he got shot. Austin says, so she got away safely? and Mason says, last thing he remembers is Ava screaming when he got shot. Dr. Larson comes in and says, the surgeon’s ready, and asks Deanna to give him an IV.

Dante asks, what’s going on? and Jordan says, he needs to go home. He asks why he would go home. This is his suspect. He needs to question him. It’s his case. She says, not anymore, and he says he doesn’t mean any disrespect, but she’s not the Commissioner anymore; she’s Deputy Mayor. She says, the Police Commissioner was the one who called her. Mac has been keeping busy trying to keep the Pautuck PD off his back. They’re not too happy with Dante showing up in their jurisdiction and taking matters into his own hands. He asks what she wanted him to do. This guy kidnapped Ava Jerome. He was going to kill her and Dex Heller. What was he supposed to do? Show up and say, sorry, guys, you’re out of my jurisdiction? She says she gets it, but they’re making a lot of noise. Hopefully this will blow over when the investigation exonerates him. He says, investigation? That is ridiculous. She says, he shot a civilian. This is standard procedure, and he knows it, so calm down. Until the investigation is over, he’s on administrative leave and he can’t be here. So go home. She walks away.

Josslyn gives Ava her phone, and says she’s sure it’s dead right now, but there’s a charger on the desk. Ava says she wasn’t able to grab it before Mason forced her out of the house, and thanks Josslyn, plugging it in. Not just for the phone. She’s very grateful for both of them. If it wasn’t for Dex, Mason would have thrown her over that cliff. She fought as hard as she could, but she couldn’t stop him. Dex says he knows it’s hard to talk about, but did Ava ever overhear Mason talking to his boss? Does she know who he was working for? She says, no. He just drove out there and he pulled over and said he was waiting for instructions. A couple of minutes later, his phone rang. Maybe his boss wasn’t happy with him. She doesn’t know, but Mason got angry. He started the engine and she thought, okay, this is it. He’s going to bring her home and let her go. Dex asks, what changed his mind? and she says she has no idea, but all of a sudden, he just snapped. He shut the car off and dragged her out of the backseat, and Dex knows the rest. Josslyn says, it looks like she needs this, handing Ava a drink. Ava thanks her and takes a sip. She thanks them both for everything.

Carly looks at Drew through the door window, and calls Sonny. He asks if everything is okay, and she says, no. She’s really sorry to bother him on his honeymoon. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, that dirtbag Mason Gatlin… He says, Austin’s cousin? and she says, he kidnapped Ava. Sonny sits up and says, what the hell? Carly says, she’s fine. Dex and Dante found her, but she’s shaken. She had Ava spend the night at her house so she could be with Avery. He asks if Avery is okay, and Carly says, she’s fine. She doesn’t know about anything that was going on, but Ava’s kidnapping isn’t the worst of it. He asks, what could be worse than that? and she says, Cyrus Renault. He’s out of prison.

Tracy says she tried to buy Deception legally. Lucy Coe wouldn’t budge, so it became a challenge, and she had to resort to drastic measures to get the company. Now she’s giving it to Brook, lock, stock, and barrel. Lois laughs and says, so Tracy is the hero of this story. She’s doing all this out of what? The goodness of her non-existent heart? No. She doesn’t buy it. Tracy doesn’t have an altruistic bone in her entire body. Tracy says she doesn’t care whether Lois buys it or not. She’s Brook’s grandmother and she’s going to provide for her. Because she doesn’t want Brook to waste her life on music, then have nothing to show for it, like Lois did. Lois says, Tracy doesn’t get to make those choices for Brook, but Tracy says, Brook will thank her. If she hadn’t stepped in, Lucy Coe would have left her as a glorified assistant. She has a future at that company and now she owns 51% of it. Lois says, so all this is done so Tracy gets that warm fuzzy feeling for helping others? and Tracy says, yes… and she gets her 1% of ELQ back. Lois says, oh-ho! That old story again? Really? Keep her 51%, because Brook isn’t going to want any part of it. Tracy says, we’ll see.

Portia says she knows how difficult this has to be for Curtis. And not to get clinical here, but the doctor said he should be able to function in that way. He says, this is not about medicine. This is not about a diagnosis. Every doctor in the world can tell him that he can still have sex, but he knows he can’t make love, and there’s a difference here. Just because he’s capable physically doesn’t mean he’s ready psychologically. His body may be working in that way, but his mind is nowhere near ready. She says he’s not ready yet, but he will be, and he says, who knows? She says she knows. She’s not giving up on him. This is the hardest thing he’s ever had to face in his entire life, and they’re going to get through it together. He says he doesn’t know if she can help him get past this. So much of who he is, is tied to his physical ability. He’s always been athletic. He’s always pushed himself to run a little faster, to hit the bag a little harder, to add more weights to the bar. So just knowing he’d be struggling to love his beautiful wife the way she deserves to be loved? It’s humiliating. It’s infuriating. And it’s tearing him apart on the inside. She says she’s not going to give up on him. She loves him. And he’s right. She doesn’t know what this means for him. Even if they never get to a place where they share a bed in the same sense that they used to, she’s not going anywhere. She loves him. So take his time and she’s going to be there.

Austin tells Jordan that he’s looking for some information. Mason Gatlin is his cousin and Austin’s very close with Ava Jerome. He’s hoping… Could she just tell him what happened tonight? She says she shouldn’t be giving him any information. This is an ongoing investigation, and they’re still trying to put the pieces together. He says, yeah, but he’s asking. Please? She says, Mr. Gatlin was charged with kidnapping Miss Jerome and two counts of attempted murder. He was shot by an officer while attempting to murder someone. Austin asks if Ava was hurt, and she says, from what she understands, Ava was badly shaken, but unharmed. He thanks her, and walks away. He makes a call and says, come on, Ava. Pick up.

Ava’s phone rings and she sees it’s Austin, but ignores the call.

Josslyn says, Dex is a real hero, but he says he can’t take all the credit. Dante was the one who took down Mason. She says, yes, and Dex is actually the one who stopped Ava from going over a cliff. Which makes her wonder, how close did he come to going over himself?

Sam is asleep when Dante comes into the bedroom. He takes her magazine out of her hands and takes her glasses off. She opens her eyes, and he says, sorry. She says, don’t be sorry. She tried to stay up, but she fell asleep. She was so exhausted. He says, that’s okay. He kind of wants to put this day behind him. She asks if something happened, and he says, it’s kind of a long story. He’s been placed on administrative leave. He shot someone tonight and they might not make it. He gets in bed, and they cuddle.

Sonny says, son of a bitch, and Carly asks what he thinks happened. He says he doesn’t know, but he’s going to fly back home first thing in the morning. He’s got to go. He’s got to make some calls. She says, let her know what he finds out, and he says, will do. Nina asks, what’s going on? and Sonny says, of course (🍷). It was him all along. He jumps out of bed, and she says, who?

Curtis says he’s just not sure how long it will take him to get there or if he’ll get there, and Portia asks if he remembers when she told him that he didn’t know the kind of woman he married. This woman right here, she’s stubborn. But she’s also very patient. He sighs and says, it’s a lot to put up with, but she says she’s not putting up with anything. She loves him and knows how hard it must have been to be that vulnerable with her. But him opening up, sharing his insecurities, that made her feel that much closer to him. Maybe she did come in here for some physical lovin’, but she thinks they shared something just as deep. He’s letting her in and that’s a start. She kisses him and gets out of bed, but he takes her hand and says, wait. He loves her too. She says she knows he does, and leaves.

Jordan says, maybe Austin can help her. Can he think of any reason Mason would want to abduct Ava Jerome? Austin says, is she kidding? No. His cousin has always been a wild card. He has no idea why Mason does the things that he does, and Austin couldn’t speak to any of his motivations, ever. Excuse him. He has a patient he should probably check on. He jets, and Jordan says, goodnight, doctor.

Ava has one missed call and one message from Austin. She looks at the phone, but does nothing.

Dex says, Mason was tough to take down, and Josslyn says, he could have killed Dex. He says he was fighting with everything he had. At some point, when they were wrestling on the ground, he hit his head and he was dazed, so Mason had an advantage. He was losing ground a few feet from the cliff. If Dante hadn’t shown up, Mason would have pushed him over. She says, thank God for Dante, and he says, thank God for her. She’s the one who found Dante at the police station after Spinelli gave her his last known location. The fact that he’s still alive is totally on her. They kiss.

Sam says, besides Ava, what did he want? and Dante says he doesn’t know. That’s what they’re trying to figure out. She asks if Avery is okay, and he says, she’s fine. She wasn’t involved and doesn’t know what went down. She asks if he told Sonny, and he says, Carly’s doing that, which he’s glad about, because Sonny’s not going to be too happy. Sam snuggles against him.

Carly goes in to see Drew, and he says, she’s back. But it’s so late. She says she knows. She just wanted to watch him sleep. He says he thinks they can do better than that and pats the bed. She gets in with him and there’s more cuddling and snuggling.

Sonny comes to the lobby, where Kristina and Blaze are drinking, and Kristina gives him a hug. She says, this is her good friend Blaze, and he says, yeah. She’s a singer. Blaze says, he actually knows her music? and he says, no. He can’t lie, but his grandson Rocco watches her videos and listens to her music. Blaze says, Dante mentioned that. She’s flattered. And she hears congratulations are in order. Kristina says he just got married. He says, yeah. It was very fantastic, intimate, with the family, just the way he likes it. Kristina asks if he wants a drink, but he says, no. Something came up. She asks, what’s going on? Is everyone okay? He says, yeah, but they’re going to have to fly home first thing in the morning. There’s some important business he has to take care of.

Lois tells Tracy that she knows her daughter. And she’s not going to want anything to do with a company built on lies and betrayal. Tracy says, Brook may surprise Lois. She does have Quartermaine genes after all. Lois says, no. She’s not going to give up her integrity over a company. Tracys says, news flash. She already has. Maybe she’s a little more like her grandmother than Lois cares to admit, and guess what? Lois has to live with it. Tracy walks out.

Tomorrow, Anna says, if he makes another move, she’ll be ready; Finn suggests he and Elizabeth spend the weekend together; TJ tells Portia that someone was here last night, and she has a right to know; and Trina tells Spencer that the fantasy he and Esme have has gone too far.

👰🏼‍♀️ Just the Way He Likes It…

Sonny and Nina’s wedding. Just like you were there. Except for being on a tranquil island and eating fabulous food.

🚗 If She Doesn’t Want To Take That Ride…

Gladys had best stay in whatever port she’s from.

🌡 Missed the Punchline…

It’s a little sad, but the new guy is still so much better.

🫶 For the Cause…

This sounds like it was a good time.

🚣‍♀️ Wives On the Water…

This was actually an excellent show. None of that screeching at each other.

⚰️ Final Storm…

Here’s hoping the ending is worth the wait. Beginning this Sunday, October 22nd.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale-ending-storming-a-castle/

🏍 Explaining Daryl…

I don’t think the end needed an explanation, but I don’t mind a rehash. Great show, but sneeze and you miss the seasons now.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-final-carol-scene-explained/

🐉 Nothing Better To Do…

Because everyone is waiting for the strike to be over.

🦃 The Forgotten Holiday…

More on Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/eli-roths-thanksgiving-is-a-modern-remake-of-a-lost-horror-movie-that-never-existed/ar-AA1iiEhf

🐕 Pups On Parade…

At least someone stepped in and saved the tradition.

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-2023-tompkins-square-park-halloween-dog-parade-has-been-saved-100423

This Saturday, October 21st, if you’re in the neighborhood and so inclined.

https://www.tompkinssquaredogrun.com/

🧟 Mashing Some Monsters…

Stop in again tomorrow for soap and the fringes of Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay donating leftover candy rather than eating it, and stay not using extortion to call in a favor. It’s not a good look.

February 7, 2023 – Felicia Plans a Vigorous Haunting, Same Old Jersey, Calendar Boys, Leaving Port Charles, Everything Grammy & Handsome

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura thanks Eileen for meeting her at Kelly’s. She needed the comfort and coziness of the diner tonight. She asks Eileen to step in for her tomorrow at the sanitation worker’s negotiation meeting. When she attended Britt Westbourne’s memorial, she found out a dear friend of hers died.

Anna says, Valentin and Charlotte had a nice visit, but he says it was too brief. Holding her in his arms made him realize what he was missing. His girl is growing up. Anna says, they have a tendency to do that, and he says, she and Charlotte seem to be getting along. She says, Charlotte is on to them, and she thinks Charlotte approves. Felicia comes in, and Anna asks how it went. Felicia says, as planned. Charlotte is home with Doc at Laura’s. She asks if there’s a problem, and Anna says, other than Victor, no.

Spencer finds Victor in the chapel, and Victor says he was hoping to give Obrecht his condolences, but he’s too late. Spencer says, Britt would have approved of the memorial, and Victor thinks Obrecht will be struck by the irony of the situation. They’re living in the same hell; the hell of losing one’s only child.

At The Savoy, Portia hugs Curtis, thanking him for making everything look so beautiful. Molly asks if TJ is ready for the big day tomorrow, and he says, absolutely. Portia and Curtis should be celebrated. She says, but she can’t help wondering how his mom feels.

Taggert and Jordan have dinner at Kelly’s, and she tells him that he was probably her most successful relationship. He says, he gets her, and tomorrow their exes are going to become partners for life.

Curtis says he knows Portia was disappointed that her mom’s condition prevents her from traveling, and she says, of course (🍷) she’d like to have her family here, but as long as she has him, she’ll be all right. He says he can’t have his beautiful bride disappointed, and turns her around. She sees her father and brother, and hugs them both, squealing with happiness. Marshall asks Trina if that’s her grandfather, and she says, and her Uncle Ezekiel. He asks if her uncle is a doctor too, but she says, Uncle Zeke went his own way.

Elizabeth stands at the doorway of The Savoy, and almost leaves, but Drew says, not so fast. Didn’t she just get here? He’s sorry for blocking her escape, but he’s also sorry for everything she’s going through. She looks at him blankly, and he says, her break-up with Finn. She says, it’s been a rough couple of weeks; for the boys as well. Cameron had a first love break-up, and it’s a unique type of pain. Drew says, he’ll get through it, and he’s sure Cameron knows she’s there for him. She says, but what if she can’t be?

Ava says she can’t let Nikolas take Avery, and he says, don’t worry. He’ll tell Avery that she said goodbye. He turns to leave, and she grabs a statue of a griffon, and whacks him in the back of the head. He drops to the floor, and she goes to him, asking him if he’s all right, and telling him to please answer her. She couldn’t let him take Avery. She just wanted to stop him, so she could reason with him. Please wake up.

Eileen says, Anna Devane is dead? and Laura says, along with her granddaughter’s father, Valentin Cassadine. Valentin tracked Anna to a Paris catacomb, and it collapsed. There were multiple fatalities. Whoever was behind this is responsible for a tremendous loss of life.

Jordan asks if Taggert invited her out to have a pity party, but he says, pity is not their style. Everyone is at The Savoy, celebrating the happy couple and toasting them, so he thought they could share a meal. She says, because she might feel lonely? Jealous? He says, left out, like him, and she says, they were invited. He says, but they declined because it wouldn’t be right, and she says, because he’s not over Portia. He says he’s been over Portia. Jordan isn’t over Curtis. She says she’s not over wanting to protect him, and Taggert asks what that means.

Curtis introduces him self to Portia’s father Sterling, and says he’s glad Sterling and Ezekiel could make it. Ezekiel tells him, it’s Zeke. No one calls him Ezekiel except his mom when she’s mad at him. Portia asks Zeke to tell her everything, and Zeke says, not only did Curtis arrange for their flights at the last minute, he hired a caretaker to look after their mom. Portia says, he’s a keeper.

TJ tells Molly that his mom thought it best to sit this one out, although he’s sure she wishes them well. Molly says, it must be hard to watch Curtis move on, and he says, if they ever split up and Molly committed to someone else he doesn’t know how he’d take it. She says, if they ever split up, she’s joining a nunnery, but he says, that, he can’t imagine. No relationship is infallible. She wonders why they’re talking about this at the rehearsal dinner, and says she’s sorry she mentioned it, but he says, they’re good. He just wants them to stay that way. She asks why they wouldn’t, and he says, because they have something in common with his mom and Taggert.

Trina asks Marshall where Epiphany is, and he says, she’s out of town. Now that she passed her MCATs, she’s checking out a few med schools. She asks if Epiphany is moving, and he says, hopefully not. Why is Trina hanging around him? Doesn’t she have a date tonight, or is he late? She says, Marshall is fun to hang around, and she knew better than to invite Spencer to a family event. He says, good call.

Spencer asks if something happened to Valentin, and Victor says, he died. He drowned in Paris. Spencer asks if Valentin was there on business, and Victor says, his son died putting others ahead of his family. Let that be a lesson to Spencer. Friends may have their appeal, women may have their uses, but in the final analysis, cleave only to his true family. Only a Cassadine can truly understand a Cassadine. Heed these words, lest Spencer suffer the same fate as his son.

Ava tells Nikolas, please wake up. She didn’t mean it. She just wanted to stop him from taking Avery. She wonders if he’s breathing, and listens for a heartbeat, when there’s a knock at the door. Ava hears, open up. It’s Austin.

Laura says, now Eileen knows why she asked her to step in. It’s so upsetting, the loss of innocent life. She believes Anna was innocent and thinks she was framed. Of course (🍷) now she’ll never have the chance to prove that. And Laura’s little granddaughter is just bereft over the loss of her father. She suggests they go over the sanitation workers’ contracts, but Eileen says she’s not feeling very well. Could they tackle this in the morning? She gets up, gathering her things, and Laura says, of course (🍷). Does Eileen think she’ll be up to it? Eileen says she’ll be fine. She’s sorry about Laura’s friends. She leaves, and Laura takes out her phone. She sends a text, and says, mission accomplished.

Taggert asks why Jordan still feels the need to protect Curtis, and she says, just because they divorced their exes doesn’t mean they don’t still care. He says he still cares about Portia, but protecting her is Curtis’s responsibility now. Trina’s a different story. He’s always going to care about his baby girl, no matter what. She says, protecting the people she cares about is second nature; that includes him. He says he doesn’t need protecting any more than Curtis does. Unless there’s something she’s not saying. She says, she and Taggert have always trusted each other, with their lives and with their secrets… Laura comes by, and says she was on her way to the rehearsal dinner,  and she guesses they’re not going. Jordan says she’s not really feeling the moment. Laura’s meeting with Eileen looked intense. Anything she should know about? Laura says, they were just going over contracts for tomorrow’s meeting, then Eileen felt sick, and left kind of suddenly. Jordan hopes she feels better soon, but Laura says she thinks things are likely to get worse for Eileen before they get better. She hopes Stella feels better soon. She heard Stella was too sick to officiate at the wedding.

Zeke says, their mom wanted to be here more than anything, and Portia says, she knows, and asks how she’s doing. Is she having any side affects from the new medication? He says, she’s doing okay. She made him promise not to talk about her health with Portia. Portia says, of course (🍷) she did, and Zeke says, she wants Portia to focus on her wedding. He takes out a jewelry box, and says, she wanted Portia to have this. She opens it to a beautiful rhinestone flower brooch, and says, it’s their great grandmother’s brooch. She can’t accept it; it’s far too valuable. He says, their mom knew Portia would say that, and also said nothing is more priceless than the happiness of her only daughter. And he’s not wearing it, so she’d better. He leaves, and Curtis comes along. Portia hugs him, and says, how can she thank him? It’s going to be perfect tomorrow… What’s wrong? He says, there’s been a slight hedge, but they have guests and can talk about it later. She says, if there’s going to be a problem, she wants to know.

Drew says, Elizabeth can tell him, and she says she’s just hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

Trina tells Marshall that she sees Spencer. He’s sensitive and kind. People just need to keep an open mind and give him a chance. Marshall says, it sounds like her friendship has been good for Spencer. Just make sure the reverse is true.

TJ tells Molly that Curtis and his mom started leading separate lives when they let their careers take their focus. He doesn’t want them to make the same mistake. She says she misses him, but still feels close to him, and he says he feels the same. He asks her to promise they’ll always be vigilant about this, and she promises. In fact, she can’t wait to get closer tonight. They kiss, and Trina says, sorry, but she needs to know, how close is the DA to nailing Esme Prince?

Victor asks Spencer to promise he’s committed to this family, and the future Victor is trying to build for the generations of Cassadines to come. Spencer says he is. He believes there is a better future for the Cassadine line. Victor says he knew he could count on Spencer to do what’s necessary, and Spencer says, he can. Starting with taking full custody of his little brother or sister.

Ava closes the sitting room doors, and opens the front door. She tells Austin that it isn’t a good time, but he says, it will only take a minute. She says, maybe tomorrow? She really wasn’t expecting company this evening. He says, it’s really important. Will she let him in? It’s really cold out here. She tells him to go to the sitting room, upstairs to the right. The staff has the night off, so he’ll have to find it on his own. He heads upstairs, and she goes back to Nikolas. She says, think, Ava. Think.

Jordan says she hadn’t heard about Stella being sick, but she was worried this might happen. Stella has a history of health issues, and was a little off when Jordan saw her earlier. Laura says, at least it’s nothing serious. She should get going. She hopes they have a wonderful evening. She leaves, and Curtis says, whatever it is, it must have really laid Stella out. He can’t imagine her missing her nephew’s big day. Jordan says, maybe she’ll check in on Stella, and he says, it’s good she’s kept up a relationship with Curtis’s family. She says, when there’s a divorce, it doesn’t just affect the two people in the marriage, and he says, he and Portia need to have a relationship for Trina’s sake. Now that Curtis is part of the equation… He’s a good guy. She says, he is, and so is Taggert. Portia is a good woman, but sometimes good people get caught up… He says, hold up. He knows why she feels she has to protect Curtis. It’s because of Portia’s lie.

Portia asks why Curtis didn’t tell her about Stella earlier, and he says, auntie didn’t want to ruin tonight. She feels awful about tomorrow. She says she knows how badly he wanted Stella to officiate, but he says, as long as he gets to marry her tomorrow, nothing else matters.

Marshall asks if Drew has his speech locked down, but Drew says he’s on the fence between funny and sentimental. Marshall says, as long as it’s from the heart, and Drew says he’ll do his best. The gift Curtis is most grateful for is Marshall being at the wedding. Marshall says he just wishes he could give Curtis the one thing he asked for.

Trina guesses she came in kind of hot, but Molly says, it’s totally understandable, given what Esme has put Trina through. But she’s afraid the defense might try to plead it out, argue for lesser penalties or even a dismissal of charges. Trina says, which means Esme will be free to live her life and raise her baby.

Spencer tells Victor that Diane agreed to be his counsel, and even Ava offered to help. He also has the support of his friends. Victor says, Spencer is making this move now, after what he just said about putting others ahead of family? Spencer says, his sibling is a Cassadine too, arguably the only one worth saving. This baby represents the future Victor is so passionate about. Shouldn’t they give the newest Cassadine heir the best chance in life? Can Victor honestly say that would be with his father or Esme? Victor says, Nikolas is desperate to raise this child, but Spencer says he doesn’t care what his father wants. Victor says, neither does he. He knew he was right to put his trust in Spencer. Well played. This custody move is a stroke of genius.

N’neka says, Curtis has an uninvited guest. She told him it was a private event, but he says he needs to have a word. Curtis says he’ll handle it, and goes outside to find Brad. Brad apologizes for intruding, but he told his aunt that he’d stop by. He holds out an envelope, and says, on the occasion of Curtis’s wedding, his aunt sends her warmest compliments.

Ava drags Nikolas to a closet in the stables, and says she’s so sorry. She really did love him. She padlocks the closet door on her way out, and sees Austin watching her.

Valentin says, the authorities confirmed their deaths, but how do they know Victor buys it? and Felicia says, after Victor was contacted by Laura, he verified it with his people. Valentin says, it’s neat, it’s clean; what’s next? Felicia says, as far as Victor knows, he and Anna are deceased. They’re ghosts. And what do ghosts do best? He says, they get three sheets to the wind. It’s not a dad joke; he got it from Charlotte. Felicia says, ghosts do love their boos. They also like to exorcise. Anna says, stop it please, and Felicia asks how ghosts exorcise. With a vigorous haunting.

Curtis asks Brad to tell his auntie that he appreciates the well wishes. He’s welcome to stay for a drink. Brad says, thanks, but he’s not in a celebrating mood, and Curtis says, sorry about his friend. Brad says, congratulations, and leaves. Laura arrives, and hugs Curtis. She asks if he can believe his big day is here already, and asks how he feels. He says, overwhelmed, but happy, when Portia joins them. She and Laura hug, and Curtis says, they have a big favor to ask Laura. Laura says she’d love to officiate their wedding, and he asks if she’s psychic, but she says, no. Stella called her. He says, that’s his auntie; always taking care of business. Portia thanks Laura for taking the weight off their shoulders, and Laura says, her pleasure. Stella wanted them to know how sorry she is. She didn’t sound that bad, but Jordan seemed to think it was coming on all day. Portia says, Jordan said Stella was sick? and Laura asks if something is wrong. Portia says, Stella seemed fine when she saw her last, but Laura says, those bugs can come on suddenly. Curtis suggests they get a drink, but Portia says she wants to take a second with her mother’s gift, and Curtis and Laura go inside.

Spencer says he’s surprised Victor approves of him seeking custody, but he’s glad Victor does. Victor says, he doesn’t just approve; he’s impressed. This is a masterful move, and could be the key to getting Spencer’s father to fall in line. Spencer says, this isn’t about getting his father to fall in line. It’s about getting him out of their lives. Isn’t Victor finished with Nikolas? Victor says, no one’s ever finished with family. This move is seamless. It builds on everything already in motion. It’ll take Nikolas losing everything, including his baby, to force him back into the fold.

Austin asks if Ava is going to explain what’s going on, and she asks if he’s going to the cops. He asks if there’s any reason he wouldn’t, and she says she and Nikolas were arguing, and he threatened to take her daughter. He would use his Uncle Victor’s resources, and she’d never see Avery again. She panicked, grabbing the first thing she could, and she hit him. She just wanted to stop him, but he fell and he wasn’t breathing. Austin says, so she put him in a closet? Can they talk about that? (Ha-ha! Roger Howarth’s delivery.) She says, people will think she killed her husband out of revenge, and he says, did she? She says, no. She just wanted to stop him and talk to him. He threatened to take her daughter. Austin says, she thinks that sounds like a defense, but it sounds like motive, and she says, despite everything, she loved him. Austin says, so Nikolas shows up here late at night, unannounced, uninvited, and threatened to take her daughter. He doesn’t know her track record with the truth, but it rings true. She says, he doesn’t understand. She loved Nikolas and she killed him. It doesn’t matter that she didn’t mean to or what any court may rule. She’ll be condemned and sentenced by Victor Cassadine.

Taggert says, Portia really hurt him, but he’s forgiven her, and Jordan says, but Trina… and he says, of course (🍷) it’s never easy learning your parents aren’t perfect. She was hurt, but understands his behavior was part of it. Jordan asks how any of this was his fault, and he says he was never home. When they were off doing undercover work, his wife was lonely; she felt neglected. He gets why Jordan feels she has to protect Curtis. She feels if Portia was unfaithful before, she could do it again. Jordan says, actually, she’s sure Portia loves Curtis, and would do absolutely anything not to lose him.

Portia leaves a voicemail for Stella, saying, she wanted to check in and see if Stella was okay. If she needs anything, let her know. They miss her. Zeke asks, what’s wrong? and she says, nothing, hopefully. Curtis’s aunt suddenly fell ill. He says, and she’s worried, but she says, not for the reason he might think.

Marshall tells Drew that Curtis asked him to perform at the ceremony, but he doesn’t want to screw up on Curtis’s big day. Drew says, that’s highly unlikely. As a wise man once told him, all that matters is that it comes from the heart.

Trina introduces her grandfather to TJ and Molly, and Sterling says, thank goodness for Molly. They’re a little doctor heavy in this family. Curtis tells Trina, they’re playing our jam, and takes her to the dance floor. TJ tells Molly that he’d like to continue their conversation about getting closer.

At the bar, Laura asks if Elizabeth is okay, and Elizabeth says she just has a lot on her mind. Laura asks if one of those things would be Nikolas. What was going on at the hospital earlier? What were they arguing about?

Felicia says, years ago, her, Sean, and Mac devised a plan to outwit outlast outplay Ryan Chamberlain. She was already dead, so Ryan thought, and she haunted him to get his confession on tape, and it worked. Valentin says, so she thinks since it worked on Ryan, it will be worth trying on Victor? and she says, they have way better technology now, but in a nutshell, the strategy is torment, guilt, compel. Anna asks if it isn’t worth a try. She already recorded a message from the Great Beyond earlier. He says, she knew of this plan? and she says she did. Just hear them out. He says, there’s one minor flaw. Felicia’s plan will never work on his father.

Spencer tells Victor, there’s enough manipulation in this family. This is a baby; this is not leverage. Victor says, everything’s leverage, if used in the right way, but Spencer says, him gaining custody serves a higher purpose; to save his little brother or sister from his father. Victor says, keep telling himself that, but from where he’s standing, he’s seeing a man tapping into his natural born instincts. Before he saw Spencer, he was really quite bereft. Now he has hope again.

Ava asks if there’s anything she can do to get Austin to walk away right now. He can have money. He can have this house. He can have the gallery. She knows they don’t know each other very well, but she thinks they understand some things, and hopes, despite her history, he knows this is not who she is. Not anymore. Just give her some time to leave with her daughter. He says he’s going to stop her right now. There’s nothing she can do to change his mind.

Sterling says, Portia looks way too serious for a blushing bride. It’s not too late to back out. She says, if there’s one thing she’s sure about, it’s Curtis, and Sterling says he likes Curtis. He’s not sure if Curtis deserves her, but he’ll do. She’s done nothing but make him proud. She’s every father’s dream; her and that little granddaughter of his. Everyone goes back to dancing, and Spencer watches Trina from the top of the steps.

Eileen meets Victor in the chapel, and says, since he wouldn’t take her call. Anna and Valentin are dead. He says, news travels fast. Yes, his son was killed. She says, Anna and his son were looking for Lucy Coe. Is she dead as well? He assured her nobody would die. She didn’t sign up for this. Obviously, she did no research before that sign-up. He says, she acts like she has some choice in the matter; she doesn’t. She works for him. She knew there were risks. She says she’s out. She’s no longer at his disposal. He says, that’s not her decision to make. If she crosses him, getting caught will be the least of her worries.

Valentin says, if they hope to get a confession from his father by playing on Victor’s guilt, they’re going to be disappointed. Anna supposes you can’t shame the shameless, and Felicia says, which is why she had to adjust the plan this time. He says, which part? The torment part, the guilt part, or the compel part? She says, that all stays the same. She’s talking target. It’s not Victor.

Eileen gets her really, really nice car, and the radio comes on. There’s nothing but static, and she tries to adjust the dial. She hears Anna’s voice saying, you’re next. You’re next, Eileen. You’re next. You’re next. YOU’RE NEXT!

Austin says he doesn’t believe Ava wanted Nikolas dead, and she asks if he’s saying he’ll wait to report this. He says he has no intention of reporting this at all, and she asks, why not? He says he’s not really clear on that, but it feels right, and she helped him out when she didn’t have to. They’ve talked about this; families are complicated. If Victor is going to kill her if he finds out, then the only solution is for him not to find out. She wonders how to keep it from Laura and Spencer, and he says he’ll help her.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth says she’s not as perfect as Laura thinks she is; Alexis supposes Gregory is over it; and Carly thinks the nightmare will finally be over

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Getting down to business, there are a couple of new wives, Rachel and Danielle (no, not that Danielle), as well as another Jennifer who’s a friend. We’ll call her Jen to avoid confusion. These Jennifers are getting like the Joes. Throw a rock, hit a Joe or Jennifer. Dolores has new man Paulie in her life, and it looks like Frank isn’t hanging around so much anymore. Although you’d think he wouldn’t want to, since he’s dating Brittany, and Dolores said she had dogs who were older than Brittany. I think she’s exaggerating, but if not, I want to know what she’s feeding them.

Teresa had a destination 50th birthday celebration, where Jennifer #1 broke her toe. In Jennifer’s interview, she said she had the evil eye on her, and her mother did something called a kurşun, which was supposed to remove it. Jennifer didn’t feel it worked, and thought the evil was coming from Dolores. Joe #2 was pissed about Melissa being frozen out of Teresa’s wedding, but Melissa texted Teresa that it was all good. She didn’t hear back, and two months later, Teresa invited Melissa to her birthday. As you can imagine, Melissa RSVP’d a big fat no. Teresa also celebrated her birthday at home with Louie’s family, and said, it was a dream, since apparently, she’d traded her own family for them. Louie’s mom is a therapist, so she must be having a field day. Teresa said it hurt that Joe and Melissa hadn’t come to her party, and thought it was coming from Melissa, and Joe was just following blindly. Louie said Joe was weak and immature, and Melissa was insecure. Teresa’s birthday wish was that the family not fight and love each other. I don’t see how that could fail, considering her fine example. And talk about a follower. Louie is like her bobblehead. Whatever she says, he just agrees.

To kick off Memorial Day weekend, Melissa had an 80s roller skating party, because the 80s was her jam. Everyone except Louie dressed up, and those who’d gone through the 80s (Rachel was born in 1991) had 80s flashbacks. Marge ended up breaking her wrist when she landed on her ass. Not that I’m judging. I’m terrible on skates. In Teresa’s interview, she said she’d been going to therapy, and was learning that she didn’t have to be so reactive, yelling and throwing things. I wonder how much that therapist is charging. I’ll tell her that for half of it. We also found out that her father had been volatile when angry, which makes complete sense. In Danielle’s interview, she said she was a combination of Staten Island and New Jersey. She got her cojones from Staten Island, but her sass from Jersey. Jennifer avoided Dolores like the plague, and Dolores wondered if they were in the schoolyard.

Dolores said, since the charity softball game for breast cancer research was such a success, they were doing a calendar of the husbands. Teresa invited Marge and Joe #3 to have lunch with her and Louie at their house. Marge said she was a little anxious, since last time they met, Teresa had dumped a whole table on her, and we flashed back to that. Teresa wanted to talk it out, and once they got going, Louie told her to stop interrupting Marge. That’s another thing he does, the gentle correction when they’re in public. I think it’s all for show. Teresa blamed Marge for her issues with Melissa, because Melissa didn’t stand up for Louie. Yeah. She’s a real logic queen, a regular Mr. Spock. Teresa said she’d also texted Melissa to tell them not to talk about Louie, and Melissa read the text to the group. Teresa said she was being raw as a cucumber, apologized to Marge, and invited her to the wedding. While I’d like to see Teresa shown the door, I would miss her little bon mots.

The guys gathered with the Wives at Dolores’s house for the calendar shoot. One new husband – I’m not sure which was which – was photographed watering plants (shirtless of course), and the other was a lumberjack. Joe #2 was a chef at the grill, and Joe #3 was on a motorcycle. Evan was a basketball player, and Bill, a sexy doctor. Louie did yoga poses, and Marge said, Teresa could be the fluffer. In Teresa’s interview, a producer asked if she knew what that was, and she thought it was a long stick with a feather at the end. If you don’t know, google it. In Melissa’s interview, she said, Joe #2 was going all Zoolander. Marge told Joe #2 and Melissa about Teresa’s apology, and that she’d said Melissa didn’t back Louie up. Paulie, who’d just gotten over covid, showed up last, and his character was a bartender. He’s not jacked like Frank is, but he seems sweet.

Jennifer babbled about Marge, but Rachel wasn’t having it. She talked to Dolores, who said she didn’t know what she’d done to Jennifer. She said Jennifer was telling everyone else how she felt, but not her. In Dolores’s interview, she said, now she was f***ing mad, and she hunted Jennifer down for a talk. She said Jennifer had been talking about her during the whole party. She’d tried talking to Jennifer at the roller rink, and she’d walked away. Jennifer whined that Dolores had told her, f*** you, the last time they’d talk, and said she didn’t have the decency to say what Marge did wrong. She said she and Jennifer didn’t agree on what a friend is, and Jennifer said she was nice, but Dolores wasn’t. She started yelling that Dolores was never her friend, and was two-faced. Bill steered her out, and she yelled that Dolores looks like an old f***ing handbag.

I don’t think there was a preview, but I imagine it will be more of the same yelling, screaming, and acting ignorant in general.

📅 About That Calendar…

Well, it is for charity, and face it, the husbands are the best part of the show.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhonj-see-the-pics-from-the-husbands-charity-calendar-photoshoot

🚢 Aντιο σας, Nikolas…

They probably just wanted someone new to own Windymere. Faison owned it when he first came to Port Charles. It’s about time it changed hands again.

🏆 For the Gram…my…

The basics. Who won, who didn’t.

https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list

The performances.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/02/05/grammys-2023-brutally-honest-reviews-every-performance-ranked/11193018002/

https://people.com/music/grammys-2023-best-performances/

The fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35657/grammys-2023-red-carpet-fashion

https://people.com/style/2023-grammys-standout-style-moments/

https://www.grammy.com/news/lizzo-fashion-2023-grammys-red-carpet-pre-grammy-gala-performance-outfits

And a bunch of odd stuff. Like the untouched food.

https://www.popsugar.com/food/charcuterie-boards-grammys-2023-49079835

Madonna’s new face. I’m more concerned about what she’s wearing, the Pilgrim Wednesday Addams look.

I don’t think they were saying she looked old. Just weird.

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/madonna-responds-ageism-after-comments-appearance-grammys/story?id=96963896

Controversy! Although I’m sure he was referring to his social status or upbringing or something.

https://apnews.com/article/grammys-2023-harry-styles-album-of-the-year-harry-beyonce-68bfa38b02e797e3300b7c32f00d8b2c

I’m not even sure what to make of this.

🤓 Hello, I Must Be Going…

Drop by tomorrow for soap and what’s pumping in VanderLand. Until then, stay safe, stay celebrating your progress, no matter how small, and stay hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

December 28, 2022 – Cyrus Offers His Help To Laura, Why He Left, NeNe Wants Grace, Avoidance, Captain Eddie, Continuing To Celebrate & Party

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands. Anna and Valentin walk into a café. Valentin asks if she’s sure they’re not being set up, but she says she told him. It’s not just a former colleague; it’s an old friend. And here he is. Andre says, Anna Devane, it’s been far, far too long, and they hug.

Britt clinks a martini glass against a framed photo of her and Brad, then puts them both in a suitcase. She looks at a bracelet that says Britt on it, and puts that in too. She says she guesses this means she has plenty of room for clothes.

At Kelly’s, Ava says, it was a lovely memorial for Rory yesterday, and Trina agrees. She thanks Ava for being there, and Ava says, of course (🍷). She’d do anything to support Trina. Trina says she knows she can count on Ava, and Ava says, her question is, can Trina count on Spencer? She shows Trina her phone, and the article in The Invader with the picture of her, Spencer, and Laura, is on the screen.

As Spencer tries to get out the door, Victor says he’s glad he caught Spencer. Spencer tells Victor that he was just on his way… but Victor asks if Spencer will join him. He promises not to keep Spencer long, and then he can join his friends for the New Year celebrations. Although it’s a little early, isn’t it? He pours them drinks, and Spencer says he has some things to get done before Britt’s birthday party. Victor says he’s surprised Spencer is attending, and Spencer says, she was a good friend to him when he was a kid, and luckily, they’ve remained friends. Victor says, good. He was hoping Spencer would be available tomorrow afternoon. He was hoping to get the family together for a nice brunch to usher in the New Year. Spencer says, forgive him, but under no circumstances will he be having brunch with his father. He has every intention of turning 2023 into a fresh start for himself. Which means, once he moves out of Windymere, he hopes never to speak to or lay eyes on his father again.

Esme looks at her Christmas tree, and says, a definite fire hazard. Now all she needs is the spark. She hears keys, and jumps on the bed. Nikolas comes in, and she asks what she did to warrant a visit from her jailer. He says, her plan is not going to work.

Martin meets Laura in the Pentenville visitor’s room, and they hug. She says she’s glad to see he’s all right, and he says, none the worse for wear. She says, when he called her from a jail cell in Ireland… He says he can’t tell her how much he appreciates her riding to his rescue, and interceding on his behalf. She says, of course (🍷). That was very brave of him. He says, bravery had nothing to do with it. The last thing he expected when he went over there was to fall on his sword so that Anna Devane could get away. She laughs, and says she thinks he’s pretty lucky the WSB let him get away with just a fine. He says, something fishy about that. For all the good it did him. He went from one prison to another. She says, at least he’s not behind bars in this one. He didn’t have to come. He says, after all she’s done for him, did she think he’d let her face their wayward brother alone? What does she think he wants? The guard lets Cyrus in, and he says, sister. And is this his brother he sees before him? What a lovely surprise. The Lord has truly blessed him this day.

There’s a knock at Britt’s door, and Obrecht says, it’s her mutter; open up. Britt says, just a second, and tries to put the suitcase under the bed, but it doesn’t fit. Obrecht knocks again, and says something in German. Britt says, just hang on, shoving the suitcase in the other room, and opens the door. She asks what Obrecht is doing here. She thought they were meeting at the party. Obrecht says she thought Britt might need help getting ready. Is that how she’s wearing her hair? Britt says, yes. She’s decided brushing her hair is giving in to the patriarchy. Of course (🍷) she’s not wearing her hair like this. Obrecht says, thank Gott. What will she be wearing? Britt says, this, indicating the robe she’s in. It goes with the coiffure. Obrecht sees a garment bag, and says she found Britt’s regalia. Britt says she can’t wait to hear what’s wrong with it, but Obrecht gasps and says, it’s wunderbar. It’s just the tiniest bit wrinkled. She’ll hang it in the shower, turn it on, and see what happens. She nearly trips over Britt’s suitcase, and asks what Britt is doing with it.

Victor says he thought Spencer moved past this childish resentment of his father, but Spencer says, his father continues to top his previous transgressions. It’s one thing to let your family think you’re dead. It’s quite another to take advantage of a vulnerable woman. Victor says, come on. What Nikolas did might be inexcusable, but to characterize Esme as vulnerable… Spencer says he was talking about Elizabeth Baldwin, and Victor says, oh. Spencer says, Victor knew, and Victor says he did. Spencer asks how he can be okay with this, and Victor asks what there is to disapprove of. Nikolas and Elizabeth are consenting adults. Spencer says, everyone knows she’s been struggling. She checked herself in to Shadybrook. He’s sure she turned to Nikolas for comfort and support, and he used her trust to get her into bed. It’s disgusting. He hopes Cameron’s mother comes to her senses, and kicks him out of her life for good. Victor says, Spencer has to be realistic. There’s no way Elizabeth can cut ties with Nikolas now. Spencer asks, why not?

Esme asks, what’s his plan? and Nikolas says, Demetrius informed him that she barely touched her lunch, and she still hasn’t. She asks if he’s worried about her, and he says, the baby needs nourishment. She says she wasn’t hungry. Heartburn is a thing; look it up. He says, it will make her life a lot easier if she just accepts her situation, and she asks, what about her situation is acceptable? He says, if she wants something in particular, tell Demetrius, but he won’t tolerate a hunger strike. Eat her dinner, or he’ll get her a feeding tube. Don’t push him. He leaves, and she says, she’ll push Nikolas… right off a cliff.

Valentin says, Anna didn’t tell him that her contact was the esteemed Dr. Maddox. Andre says, If he’d known Valentin was going to be here, he might not have shown. Anna says, here’s the thing. She has to clear her name, and they also want to bring down Victor. So all of that is more important than past conflicts. She needs both their help. Call her selfish, but that’s what they’re going to focus on. Andre says, absolutely; anything he can do to help. Valentin says he’s sure Andre’s intentions are sterling, but he doesn’t see how a doctor – Andre says, a psychiatrist – can help them. Andre says he was thinking the same thing. What does Anna think he can do? She says, it’s not because of who he is now, but who he used to be.

Cyrus says, praise God that He has softened his brother’s heart enough to grant him this visit, but Martin says, God hasn’t softened anything. Cyrus says he understands Martin’s anger… Laura says, that’s great. The warden told her that Cyrus wanted to see her, so what does he want? Cyrus says, to warn her there’s a serpent in her garden, and she asks if they can skip the Biblical metaphors. Just tell her the name of the snake. He says, strings were pulled in order to arrange her grandson Spencer’s early release, and Martin says, early release usually requires some kind of string pulling. Cyrus says, unfortunately, all these strings lead directly back to Laura.

Britt says she decided to go on a little vacation, and Obrecht asks where she’s going. When is she leaving? Why doesn’t she have Britt’s itinerary? Britt says, a whole bunch of places, and she’ll send Obrecht postcards from when she gets there. To answer her remaining question, she’s flying out tonight after the party. Obrecht asks why this is the first time she’s hearing about this vacation, and Britt says, it was a spur of the moment idea, and she got a good deal. She also doesn’t need Obrecht’s permission; she’s a grown woman, even though tonight will be her first birthday party ever. Thank you for that. Obrecht says she didn’t have parties growing up, so she never threw any for Britt. She thought Britt was better off; that doing without such trivialities would make her stronger. She didn’t realize what Britt was missing. Britt says she was just kidding, and Obrecht says she knows she wasn’t the warmest mother when Britt was growing up, but she knew the world was tough, and needed Britt to be tougher, so she pushed Britt. It’s a miracle she grew into the magnificent woman she is. Britt is her miracle. Britt asks if Obrecht thinks for a second that she wouldn’t have the drive, the strength, and vastly superior skills she has, if Obrecht hadn’t drilled it into her? Obrecht says, a mother should be someone who inspires you, not someone you have to survive. Britt says, we are who we are. They’ve both changed for the better, and that’s good enough. Obrecht says she hasn’t changed enough, and Britt asks what she’s done. Who did she kidnap this time? Obrecht says, what she’s done is worse than a simple abduction. She betrayed Britt’s trust.

Ava says that she knows before Rory died, Trina was struggling with her feelings for Spencer, and Trina says, the last thing Rory said to her was that he meant it when he told her that he loved her. She was planning to break up with him. Ava says, she can’t control how she feels. Choosing to tell him was brave of her. Trina says, it feels kind of the opposite, and Ava asks if she’s told Spencer about her feelings, but Trina says, God no, and she can’t now. Ava says, that’s probably for the best. Just for now. Trina is grieving, and needs to give herself time to heal. Trina says she can’t heal until Rory’s killer is caught. This has to end. Esme needs to be stopped.

Cyrus says he worries about Laura’s political future if her constituents think she interfered with Spencer’s sentence, but Laura says, he doesn’t give a damn about her political future, and he knows she had nothing to do with Spencer’s early release. Spencer told her that Cyrus was here with him when Victor picked him up. Obviously, Victor is the one who arranged for the early release. Cyrus says, the three of them know the truth, but they also know, in politics, appearances can be more damning than the facts. Martin says, so Cyrus thinks Victor is trying to frame Laura for this, and Cyrus says, Victor has a lot of sway in Pentenville. It’s obvious from the way he was able to meet with Spencer in the prison library. They also know Victor never gets his own hands dirty. One of his agents did the actual work to get Spencer’s release. This agent also works for Laura. He’s sorry to tell her, but there’s a mole in the mayor’s office. Martin says, along with the snake, and Cyrus says, as her brother, he feels it’s his duty to warn her that her Deputy Mayor is working for Victor.

Andre says, the research he was doing was for the WSB. It was only later he discovered it was corrupted by the Cassadines. Anna says, Victor and Helena, and Andre says, yes, as well as her old nemesis, Liesl Obrecht. Anna says she more interested in his interactions with the Cassadines, in particular Victor. He says he had to give the occasional progress report on his various dealings. Does she need him to be more specific? She says, not with the dealings, but the communication. Did they come to him, or did he go to them? Andre says, he went to them, always the same place, and Valentin asks Anna if he thinks Victor is using the same location. She says, the WSB never found that particular base of operations, and Victor has no reason to risk moving that location because no one really remembers it… except Andre. So where is it?

Spencer asks Victor why Elizabeth should run, and Victor says, regardless of what happened, Nikolas and Elizabeth are bound together, and Spencer should support them. Spencer says he hopes Elizabeth snaps out of whatever led her to this lamentable lapse in judgement, but regardless, his father is no longer his concern. Victor says, Nikolas is Spencer’s family. He can’t just walk away. Spencer says, why not? Nikolas doesn’t want anything to do with him. Victor says, that’s not true, and Spencer says, then tell him why, when he told Nikolas of his plans to leave, Nikolas didn’t say he was proud of Spencer for being his own man. Victor says he must have misunderstood, but Nikolas walks in, and says, Spencer is right. He thinks it’s best if Spencer leaves Windymere. Victor says, that’s a ludicrous thing to say, and Spencer suggests the two of them talk it out. It’s no longer his concern. He leaves, and Victor asks why Nikolas isn’t fighting for his son, and Nikolas says, Victor doesn’t understand. Victor says he understands more than Nikolas thinks. Does Nikolas imagine a new baby will really give him a second chance?

Esme hears someone coming and gets back in bed. Demetrius comes in, and says, she needs to eat, but she says she guesses she’s sad. He asks if she has any requests for dinner; anything. How about a steak? She asks if he trusts her with a knife, but he says he’ll bring it pre-cut. She says, whatever, and he says, he’ll have the chef prepare something special. She smiles, and says, he’s been so nice to her, but what she wants doesn’t matter. Nikolas has made that perfectly clear. He starts to leave, and she says, actually, there is something she’d like.

Anna says, where in Paris? and Andre says, the 11th. He can’t tell them exactly where. Unfortunately, he was blindfolded every time he was taken there. Anna says, of course (🍷), but maybe some detail, a sound he heard, and he says, the place was like a fortress, security everywhere. He can’t give them the exact location, but the route was always the same. He got the sense they turned off a main boulevard, not a side street. She says, that’s a good place start, and Andre asks what Victor has done now, and Anna says, they think… they hope that’s where Victor is holding Lucy Coe, because he faked Lucy’s murder, and then framed her for it. So any help Andre can give would be greatly appreciated. Andre asks if the WSB is looking for the space, but Anna says, no. They’re working on their own. Andre says, so the two of them are going to infiltrate Victor Cassadine’s top secret base by themselves? Valentin says, piece of cake.

Obrecht tells Britt that it wasn’t her intention, but Scotty was away, and she was left alone with her fears. Britt tells her, just spit it out, and Obrecht says she told Nina about Britt’s condition. Britt says she’d rather Obrecht didn’t, but Nina is family. Obrecht says, and Sonny. She’s so sorry. Britt says, Obrecht told Sonny her deepest most personal secret? and Obrecht says, not really. She told Nina, and Sonny just happened to be there. It’s been so difficult keeping this terrible secret. Britt says, it’s her secret, and Obrecht says, Britt is her daughter. No matter what kind of mother she was, the mother she is now can’t tolerate her suffering. For what it’s worth (🍷), they promised not to tell anyone. She asks if Britt hates her.

Demetrius says, whatever Esme wants, he’s certain the chef can provide it, and she says, steak medium rare does sound delicious. But what she really wants is some company. Is there any way he can join her for dinner?

Nikolas asks how Victor found out about the baby, and Victor says, Ava told him. Nikolas asks what she said, and Victor tells him, not only was Nikolas having an affair with Elizabeth, she was also about to furnish him with a new heir. Congratulations, by the way. Despite the circumstances, another Cassadine is always a blessing. Nikolas says, Elizabeth had a miscarriage. Ava must not have heard when she talked to Victor, but she knows now. Victor says he’s sorry to hear that, and Nikolas asks why he was talking to Ava in the first place.  

Ava says she understands how much Trina wants justice for Rory… Trina says, and Ava, and Diane, and Brando, and even Oz Haggerty. If it wasn’t for him, she might be in prison right now. Ava says she knows the police are doing everything they can to find this killer, whether it’s Esme or someone else, and Trina flashes back to hatching a plan with Spencer to catch Esme. Ava asks what she’s thinking, and Trina says, that she’s going to follow her heart, and do what’s right. Ava says, no doubt, when Spencer walks in. Ava says, just remember, while she’s following her heart, she should also protect it. Spencer walks over to their table, and says he’s glad he ran into Trina. She thanks him for being supportive at the memorial, and Ava says she should be on her way, but Spencer says, if Ava doesn’t mind waiting, he’d like to speak to her alone.

Laura says, if Eileen is working with Victor, why does Cyrus care? and Cyrus says, she already knew this. She’s using Ashby against Victor. That is a bold move. She says, he still hasn’t answered her question, and he says, if it becomes public knowledge that the Deputy Mayor arranged for Spencer’s release, Ashby could easily say she was acting on Laura’s behalf. Laura asks why that sounds like a threat, and Cyrus says, because she doesn’t trust him. It saddens him, but he understands. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Martin says, Cyrus best get comfortable. He’s going to be waiting a long time. Cyrus promises it’s not a threat; it’s a warning. She asks why he would warn her, and he says he reached out because they’re family. Victor Cassadine interfered with his family, and he has no intention of turning the other cheek.

Valentin wonders if there are any specific defenses other than armed guards, and Andre says, they entered the building via secured elevator underground. Despite being in the center of the city, the place is like a bunker. Anna says, they’ve gotten into tougher places than that, and Valentin says, they have? She says, they’ve certainly gotten out of them. She figures getting in will be easier. Andre suggests he go with them. He might remember something when he’s in the general vicinity. Valentin thanks him, and says, he’s been very helpful as it is, but Andre says he wasn’t not asking Valentin, and asks if Anna can really trust this guy.

Britt says she knows Obrecht wouldn’t betray her trust on purpose, and Obrecht says she swears, it just spilled out. Britt says she’s sorry. She didn’t realize keeping her Huntington’s a secret was taking such a toll on Obrecht. Obrecht says, I am the mutter; you are mein kind. She realizes she wasn’t there for Britt as a child…  Britt says, oh, she was there, and Obrecht laughs, and says, Britt knows what she means. But she is here now. Britt says, still, she’s sorry for all the pain she caused, but Obrecht says, no. She’s the one who should be sorry. Any pain she’s feeling is worth it. It’s worth anything to have Britt as her daughter.  

Victor says, Ava wanted to discuss the terms of her divorce, and Nikolas says, with Victor? Victor says, after finding out Nikolas had strayed, not only with Esme, but Elizabeth as well, does Nikolas blame Ava for wanting to come to him for advice? Word of warning. Don’t give his soon-to-be ex-wife more ammunition. Ava is out for blood.

Spencer asks if Trina wouldn’t mind giving him and Ava a moment alone. Then he’d like to talk to her about Britt’s party. Ava asks, what about Britt’s party? and Spencer says, he’ll explain, if she’ll listen. Trina says she’ll check in with Joss, and leaves. Spencer sits down with Ava, and she says she assumes this is about the trust fund, but he says, it’s not about money. It’s about something entirely different. She says, if he’s expecting any help from her about Trina… but he says, this has nothing to do with Trina. She says, if it were up to her… He asks her to shut up. He’s trying to apologize.

Demetrius says he’s Esme’s guard; it wouldn’t be right. She says she understands. It’s just, she’s so lonely up here in this tower, and it’s New Year’s Eve. Her favorite New Year’s Eve memory is when Spencer surprised her with a romantic dinner; candles, a single rose adorning the table. It made her feel so special. He says, Mr. Cassadine would not like it, and she says, probably not, but it is his duty to guard her. What better way to ensure she’s eating than to be in the same room? They can enjoy a candlelit dinner. He doesn’t say anything, and she tells him that she understands. She knows that’s probably not how he’d choose to spend his evening, but he says, it’s not that. She asks if that means he’ll consider it, and he says he will. She thanks him, and says, he has no idea how much this means to her.

Ava says, Spencer wants to apologize to her? and he says, if she’ll ever let him get around to it. He put her through hell because she broke a promise to him. He thought she wasn’t good enough for his father, but it turns out, his father wasn’t the man Spencer thought he was. And he’s sorry, because he never should have targeted her. No one deserves to be put through what he put her through. He knows they’re not going to be friends, and she says, certainly not… Nikolas let us both down. So what is this about Britt’s party? He says, Trina is going with him. He figures it’s better than her sitting at home alone missing Rory. He just wants to help her get through this. Ava says, then he’ll have to be a much better man than his father. If he lets Trina down in any way… He says he knows. He’ll answer to her. She says, he’s got that right.

Nikolas says he knows Ava will never forgive him, and Victor says he thinks Elizabeth would make a better match for him than Ava. She seems to be more malleable. Nikolas says, clearly, Victor doesn’t know Elizabeth. She may have her vulnerabilities, but she’s no push over. Victor says, even better, and Nikolas says, all Victor needs to know is that he trusts her. Victor tells him, just don’t make the same mistake as he did with Ava. Don’t trust her with any Cassadine family secrets.

Britt says, she and Obrecht have come a long way. Yes, there have been nicer, warmer, and fuzzier mothers, but there’s no one like her. And she means that in the best way. There’s no one more fierce, more protective, more loyal, more brilliant, and hilarious, and extraordinary. To be here with her, to celebrate and mourn with her, to forgive and be forgiven by her, to evolve with her. It’s no surprise she’s always been so protective of her heart, because there’s no one Britt has ever met that feels as deeply and as passionately as Obrecht does. It is an honor and an adventure – she takes Obrecht’s hand – to be her daughter. It’s a thrill ride, and she’s so glad Obrecht is her mom. Obrecht says, and she’s so proud to be blessed with such a strong, acerbically witty, beautiful and brilliant daughter. Not only a doctor – just like her mutter – but Chief of Staff – also just like her mutter. Britt says, Co-Chief, and Obrecht says, only because Monica Quartermaine is an idiot. Britt says, Monica is a savvy and brilliant woman. And if Obrecht ever repeats that… Obrecht says, she could never, not without choking. Britt says, unfortunately, she won’t be able to do this job much longer, and Obrecht says, when Britt falters, she’ll be there to see that Britt soars again. That is her promise to Britt. Britt will not go through this alone. She’ll be by Britt’s side for everything. Britt says, ich liebe dich, and Obrecht says she loves Britt too.

Valentin says, Andre’s not questioning his motives, is he? and Andre says, he is a Cassadine. Helena used to talk about him all the time. He was the one person she really seemed afraid of. Valentin says, Andre is flattering him, but Andre says, not at all. He’s simply stating, he knows Valentin’s reputation. He knows how dangerous Valentin is. Valentin says, Andre has no idea, and Anna says, all right. Valentin’s dangerous. Andre’s dangerous. She’s dangerous. The three of them are threats to the common good, but they’re all trying to be better, aren’t they? She trusts Andre’s intel; she trusts Valentin with her life 

Laura says, so Cyrus wants to take Victor down? and Martin says, only one bully in the playground, right? Cyrus says he wants to protect his family. He will be an enemy to their enemies, and oppose those who oppose them, and Martin says he knew Cyrus would circle around to the Old Testament sooner or later. Laura asks if Cyrus is suggesting they work together, and Cyrus says he thinks they’re stronger together. He has resources she doesn’t; can do things she can’t. Laura says, he means, that she won’t, and he says, she’s a fair person. Doesn’t she think it’s fair that Victor pay for Luke Spencer’s death?

Alone with Valentin, Anna says, she told him that she vouches for Andre. Valentin says he doesn’t trust anyone who’s willing to get involved with the Cassadines. She asks if he wants to run that by her again, and he says, she knows what he means. He didn’t have any choice; he was born into this family. Tell him again why Andre is willing to help them. She says she’s sure he has a lot of reasons to hate the Cassadines. Besides, wouldn’t Valentin want to help someone who said they were going to bring down Victor? He says he would if it was her. He’d do it in a heartbeat.

Esme looks at the tree, and says, not very fancy, but oh so flammable. She tells Ace that she only needs one more thing to make her escape. And Demetrius is going to provide it.

Nikolas tells Victor, don’t worry. He’s not going to share any of his Cassadine secrets with Elizabeth. Victor says, good. Elizabeth may be a loyal friend, but she’s not family. Don’t let her too close. Nikolas says, that’s not going to happen, and Victor says, from now on, he thinks it’s best he deal with Ava in regards to the divorce. They seem to have developed a kind of rapport. Nikolas says, that’s fine by him. He has his hands full enough. Victor says, anything he can help with? and Nikolas says, he’s just trying to figure out the mess he’s made of his life. Victor says he knows it seems like Nikolas is on a long road right now, but from where he stands, it looks like Nikolas is headed in the right direction. Soon his marriage to Ava will be behind him. Nikolas says he can’t pretend to be happy about that, and Victor tells him, just remember, he’s meant for much better things… So is Ava.

Ava and Trina wish each other a happy New Year, and Ava tells Spencer to be good. She leaves, and Trina thanks Spencer for telling Ava about the party. She was working up to telling her. Spencer says, there’s no reason Trina should suffer Ava’s questions and judgement when he’s here to take the brunt. She says, how gallant, and he says, besides, the whole reason they’re doing this is to get people to talk. Wherever Esme is hiding out, she’ll be furious if she thinks they’re together. Unless of course (🍷), Trina’s changed her mind. Then he’ll go back to his original plan, and try to lure Esme out of hiding by himself. She says, no. We said we were going to do this together. He says, we? She’s the one who said that. He just knew better than to argue with her. She says, he’s finally learning, and he says, just so she knows he can handle it. She doesn’t have to help him. She says, yes, she does… even if it means pretending to enjoy his company, and he says, when Esme does come after them, they’ll be ready.

Britt comes out in an amazing black sparkly dress, and Obrecht says, she looks absolutely atemberaubend. Britt says, she looks underfed? and Obrecht says, no, atemberaubend – stunning. Britt says, Obrecht is right. She does, doesn’t she? Obrecht says she’s always right, especially when it comes to Britt’s beauty. She suggests they take a picture to remember the moment, but Britt says she doesn’t need a picture to remember. Obrecht says, come, and they stand together. Obrecht tells Britt, say happy birthday, they do, and Obrecht snaps the picture.

Cyrus says he’s offering Laura justice for the father of her children, but Laura says, he’s talking about vengeance. He says, what if he is? Isn’t she entitled to that as well? Martin asks, is it Deuteronomy or Romans where the Lord says, vengeance is Mine, and Cyrus says, both. Laura says she doesn’t think this is about justice or vengeance. She thinks Cyrus wants to use her to get rid of Victor. Cyrus says, the Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. Laura says, but vengeance isn’t his, because he’s not God. She and Martin get up, and Cyrus says he’s really enjoyed their little family reunion. Happy new year, sister. I’ll be right here when you need me.

Tomorrow, Finn tells Terry that he’d be the wrong guy to ask; Trina says she has something to clear up; Nikolas tells Laura, if she takes down Victor, she takes him down; and Britt says, happy birthday to me, and a shirtless waiter offers her a drink.

🏥 Confusing Exit…

Wow. Two radically different stories. This sounds more like backtracking, but who knows?

🍑 More Confusion…

This woman is becoming the NeNeCoaster. Five minutes ago, she was suing the network and accusing Andy of being racist, and now she wants back on the show? I just don’t get it.

🌬 Toxicity Be Gone…

But how is she going to avoid herself?

⚓️ Below Deck Begot…

Apparently, he’s redeemed himself since the Rocky days.

🎄 Not Done Yet…

I like to milk the holidays as long as possible.

https://people.com/celebrity/christmas-2022-how-stars-celebrated-photos/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays-2022/

👶🏽 In With the New…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and music. Until then, stay safe, stay not feeling pressured to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, and stay remembering, while following your heart, you should also protect it.

December 23, 2022 – Christmas In Port Charles, Ellie, MOSS BOWL, Escape, Rescue Pups (!), VanderFight, Jealousy, Unhinged, Celebrity Holidays, Pointless, Carol Quote Quartet & Twelve

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brook and Austin clean up giftwrap, and Britt says, from the look of pure glee on his face, Leo couldn’t have liked Austin’s gift any more. Austin says, it was just a video game about marine biology, so how could he resist. Olivia says she’d thank him, but he might be responsible for them never seeing their son again. Austin says, actually, he should thank them. It was kind of them to let him stay here last night. Olivia says, no one should be alone on Christmas, especially family. Austin and Brook leave to throw the wrapping away, and Ned says, not to sound… What’s the opposite of generous? Olivia says, selfish, and he says he thought they were having an intimate Christmas dinner. The staff is off. Did they prep enough food for a guest? She asks him to form that sentence again, and he says, did she prep enough food for a guest? She says, relax. Monica is still under the weather, and made it clear she’s not coming down for dinner. So they split the Christmas goose five ways instead of four. There’s always room for one more. Remember that. The doorbell rings, and Ned says, they’re not actually having goose, right? Olivia opens the door to Cody, who says, they have a bit of a situation.

Maxie, Obrecht, Britt, and Nina are at Nina’s penthouse, and Britt says, thanks for the loot, but she has to jet. She’s sorry she missed Sonny. Obrecht says, called away to work on Christmas day; it’s unfortunate. Nina asks if Britt is sure she can’t stay, but Britt says, no time. She has the Polar Bear Pledge, the soup kitchen, and then she’s hearing Brad sing with the PC Gay Men’s Choir. Maxie says, that’s quite a Christmas, and Britt tells them to have a wonderful Christmas. She hugs everyone, and Obrecht says she’ll walk Britt out. In the hallway, Obrecht says, Britt doesn’t have to do this, and Britt says, do what? Obrecht says, act like it’s her last Christmas with them. Huntington’s or not, she still has many more years ahead of her. Inside, Maxie says she should get going too. The roads are a mess, and she doesn’t want to miss her flight. Nina says, oh no. She wanted to check in with Maxie. How is she doing? She knows Christmas is a tough time for a break up, but Maxie says, it was a good thing. She and Austin are not meant to be. Nina says, it’s still okay to be sad about it, and Maxie says she is, but it helped spending the morning with James and Bailey, and this motley crew. Now she’s going to Portland to see Georgie. Her Christmas just keeps getting better.

Georgie asks if Ellie likes her present, and Ellie says she loves it, but Georgie coming to visit was the only present she needed. Georgie leaves to try on her new sweater, and Ellie thanks Spinelli for bringing Georgie. She can’t tell him how much she missed her last year. He says, Ellie helped raise her. You’ll always be her third parent, even if we are no longer a we. He thanks her for allowing Maxie to join them tonight. It’ll mean a lot to Georgie. She says, just Georgie, huh?

Sonny comes to the garage, and asks if anyone is here. Sasha stands up from behind a motorcycle, and he asks what she’s doing here.

Outside Elizabeth’s house, Scotty gets hit with a snowball. He makes a snowball of his own, and says, all right, you little animals, here I come. Inside, Elizabeth looks at family photos on the mantel, and focuses on one of her, Finn, and Violet. Cameron comes downstairs, and asks if everything is okay. She says she’s great, and he says, it’s just that she’s been very quiet about everything that’s happened between her and Finn. He wants her to know she can talk to him about anything, and she says she knows, but she’s fine, she promises. She asks if Josslyn is stopping by, but he says, no. Her car’s still busted from last night. Elizabeth says, that’s too bad. It’s probably for the best though, with the shape the roads are in. Nobody should be behind the wheel today.

Laura goes to Jordan’s office, Jordan says, sorry to pull her away from her family. Laura says, comes with the territory, but nobody knows that better than Jordan. It was so bad out there, she had to walk here. Jordan says, last night’s storm was intense. Snow is completely covering sections of Harborview Drive. Add that to the ice damage to all the other roads surrounding the city… Laura says, it’s just a disaster, and Jordan says, and on Christmas. Laura says, a lot of people will be having an unhappy holiday because of this.

Nina says, Maxie has one more present, when Maxie looks at her phone, and says, no. She can’t believe this is happening. Her flight was canceled. She’s not going to get to see Georgie for Christmas.

Ned asks, what’s going on? and Cody says, Harborview’s totally blocked off. No one’s getting out of their main gate, unless they plan on walking. Olivia says, luckily, everyone who’s here was planning on staying here for the foreseeable future. Cody says he just wanted to give them a heads up, and Olivia asks what his plans are for the day. He says he was going to hit up Beradino’s for their holiday menu, but that’s obviously shot. No big deal. He’ll scrounge something out of the fridge. Olivia says, he’ll do no such thing. He’s staying right here. They’ll figure out something with the food. Cody says he doesn’t want to impose, but Olivia says, it’s not an imposition. Right, Ned? Back her up here. Ned says, the more, the merrier.

Britt tells Obrecht that she knows it’s not her last Christmas, but she won’t be able to live life to the fullest. Obrecht says, despite the old adage, it’s unwise to live every day like it’s your last. Racing around, desperate to check things off a list. Nein. Live every day as if it’s your first. You’ll never lose sight of all the magic and wonder around you. Britt hugs her mother, tells her, merry Christmas, and leaves. Obrecht says something in German.

Sasha says she didn’t mean for Sonny to come out here on Christmas. She thought she disarmed the security system. He asks if she comes here a lot, and she says, no, but the garage is being sold soon. And Brando’s New Year’s resolution for 2022 was to finish his bike by 2023. Sonny says, time’s almost up, and she says she thought since she used to work in her neighbor’s garage, she could figure it out. He says, not so much? and she says, not so much. He says, all right, and takes his coat off. She asks what he’s doing, and he says, she’s not the only one who can work on engines, and rolls up his sleeves. She says, no. He should be with Nina today, and he says, he’ll get to that, but he thinks if they work together, they can do this by dinnertime. Hand me that wrench.

Olivia brings Cody into the living room, and tells Brook and Austin that Cody will be joining them tonight. She tells Cody to help himself to a drink, and make himself comfortable. She goes into the foyer, and Ned says, he hates to keep harping on this… She says she knows. They don’t have enough food. (Which I find really hard to believe.) She says she’ll whip up a lasagna. It’ll probably be boxed noodles – she crosses herself – but what are you going to do? He tells her that he thinks they’ll survive, she kisses him, and runs off. He goes into the living room, and tells Cody that Leo will be thrilled to see him. Austin tells Brook, and just like that, he was replaced. She says, horse wrangler trumps doctor, and he says she must be thrilled. He knows she was never his biggest fan, so he’s guessing she’s over the moon that he messed things up with Maxie. She says, he was trying to be everything to everyone, told a white lie or two, and it got away from him. It happens to the best of us. He asks why he gets the feeling she’s including herself in the us, and she says, because she is.

Spinelli says, of course (🍷) he wants Georgie to spend time with both her mothers, but Ellie says, that’s not what she meant, and he knows it. He says he apologizes for the whirlwind nature of this visit, but he might even have time to meet that new suitor of hers. She says, new being the operative word. They’re not even official. Funny, he used to live in Port Charles… A tablet rings, and Spinelli calls to Georgie, saying, her mother is video calling her. Georgie runs out, and tells Maxie, merry Christmas. She misses Maxie. Maxie says she misses Georgie too, and Spinelli says, Maxie is cutting it close. Her flight leaves in a little over an hour. Georgie says, please don’t be fashionably late, and Maxie says she’s so sorry, but her flight got canceled, and she won’t be able to make it in until tomorrow. Georgie says, but tomorrow’s not Christmas, and Maxie says, she knows, but she’ll be there before Georgie knows it. Georgie says, it’ll be too late. Don’t even bother. She stomps off, and Spinelli says he’ll talk to her. Maxie asks him to tell her how sorry she is, and he says, it may not seem like it at the moment, but she knows.

Obrecht comes back in, and asks, why the long faces? I desperately want to make a horse joke, and Nina says, all the flights from PC International have been grounded. Maxie says she’s not going to be able to see Georgie for Christmas. She needed this. More important, Georgie needed this. She failed George. Obrecht gives a short laugh, and Maxie asks if Obrecht just scoffed at her. Obrecht says, and she’d do it again. Such a defeatist attitude. That’s not the Maxie Jones she knows. So Maxie’s flight has been canceled; there are still other options to explore. Mark her words. They’re getting Maxie to Portland to see her daughter komm hölle oder hochwasser (come hell or high water).

Scotty comes in, and says, those kids are like wild animals, and Elizabeth tells him, watch it; those kids are her boys. He says, they want him to go sledding with them, and Cameron says, why doesn’t he? Scotty says, because he doesn’t want to start the new year in traction. Cameron suggests he take over, and Scotty says he’ll slip Cameron a twenty later. Cameron leaves, and Scotty asks, which one of those good-for-nothings is Elizabeth moping over? Finn, her father, or perhaps she’s taking a little from column A, and column B. He tells her to sit, and says he wants her to know that he and Laura are worried about her, but she says she’s fine. She’s spent most of her Christmases without her parents. It never used to bother her. He says, now things have changed. So what’s the difference? She says, for the first time, it doesn’t seem like there’s a gap or a pause. This time their absence feels final.

Olivia tells Ned, the lasagna’s in the oven. Let’s just hope it’s enough. He says, because if it isn’t, Luigi’s isn’t open on Christmas, and she says, do not even put that out in the universe. This night is going to be nothing like Thanksgiving. He says, she doesn’t really believe all this universe nonsense, right? and the doorbell rings. She says, God will get him for that, and opens the door to TJ and Molly. TJ says, they’re sorry for barging in like this. They were out caroling… Molly says, but Harborview is blocked; there’s no way to get home. TJ asks if it’s okay if they hang out here, just until the road’s unblocked. Olivia tells them to get inside now. Make themselves comfortable. She tells Ned, God will get him good, and follows them into the living room.

Nina tells Maxie, that was her business manager, and the hangar they use for across the border for Crimson is still operational. And apparently, there are some private jets just hanging out there, just waiting to be used. Is there any chance Maxie knows someone who owns a plane?

Ellie asks how Georgie is, and Spinelli says, she’s not happy. She’s at that tough age; old enough to know there are things we can’t control, and still young enough to believe mommy can move mountains. Ellie says, to be fair, Maxie is quite formidable, and speaking of, he did a nice little dodge before, but she knows him better than almost anyone. He’s fallen for Maxie again, hasn’t he? He says, now is neither the time nor the place, but he was hoping getting together as a family make things right between them. Clearly it’s not in the cards. She says, it’s not like him to give up so easily, and he says, it’s not like he can change the weather in Port Charles. She says, maybe not, but Christmas is a time for magic and miracles. So what does he say they make some happen for Georgie?

Brook’s phone rings, and she asks Maxie, what’s up? Maxie says she has a problem, and she’s hoping Brook can help her. Her flight to Portland was canceled. She can still get there. She just needs a private plane from the Toronto hangar. Please tell her one of those planes has Brook’s family’s name on it. Britt says, let her see what she can do.

Cody says, not much has changed. Olivia is still mother to all the misfits. She tells him, like she said to Austin, no one should be alone on Christmas. He says he appreciates it. Let him know if there’s anything he can do to help. The doorbell rings, and she says, he can get the lasagna out of the oven. She wonders, what now? and opens the door. A young pregnant woman wearing a blue wrap is standing there, and Olivia says, holy mother of God. The woman says she’s sorry to barge in on their holiday. She was part of a live nativity scene, and the car won’t start. Not that it matters, since the roads are blocked anyway. Would it be possible for her to wait here until a Ride Share can take her home? Olivia says, of course (🍷). Come in. This must be stressful for her. She must have a houseful of people waiting. The woman says, no one actually. This is their first, and her husband’s working the plows today, so he’ll probably be late. Olivia says, she was planning on spending Christmas all alone? and the woman says, technically, she has company, but Olivia says, no, no, no, no. She’s staying right here. She’s eating Christmas dinner with them. The woman asks if she’s sure, and Olivia says she wouldn’t have it any other way. Go into the living room and introduce herself, and make sure she puts her feet up. The woman says, Olivia is so kind, and thanks her. Cody wonders where Olivia wants the lasagna, and asks, what’s wrong? Olivia says, they’re gonna need a bigger lasagna.

Sonny says, they’re getting there, and Sasha says, it would have taken days without his help. Britt knocks at the door, and asks if they’re open. She walks in, and wonders what Sasha and Sonny are going here. Sasha says, long story. Britt? Britt says, in typical her fashion, she ignored the warnings about the roads. Her car spun a few blocks away. Sonny asks if she’s okay, and she says, the only thing bruised is her ego. Sasha says, the garage is closed, but Britt is welcome to call AAA, assuming they can get here. Sonny says, that’s assuming a lot, and Britt says, this is not how she wanted to spend her last Christmas in Port Charles. Sasha says, last? Is she going somewhere?

Austin says, Brook seems a little tense, and she says she is. Maxie needs to get to Portland, but all of the commercial flights have been grounded. She’s trying to hook maxi up with her family’s private jet that flies out of Canada, but apparently, there’s a mile long line at the border. Even if she were to brave the roads, it could be hours before she takes off. He says, if she bothers to use the roads, and Brook says, something’s going on in his head; what is it? He asks her to tell Maxie to get to the pier as soon as she can, and he’ll take care of the rest. He calls Mason, and says he’s done everything Mason has asked him to do, and asked nothing in return. Now he is. He needs Mason to send a boat to the pier in Port Charles. He needs to get somebody he cares about to Canada without the hassle of border security.

Jordan thanks someone on the phone, and says, she and the mayor appreciate it. She tells Laura, those needing medical attention have been airlifted to the hospital, but there’s been no reports of serious injuries or fatalities. Laura says, it’s a Christmas miracle. What did they say about the roads? How quickly can they be cleared? Jordan says, the plows are out, but it’s going to be tough. Laura says, tough, but not impossible. Let’s get it done. Jordan says, got it, and Laura leaves.

Maxie wonders what’s taking so long, and Obrecht says, patience. Maxie says, that’s not her strong suit, when her phone rings. She asks Brook to tell her that she has good news, and Brook says, the jet is all hers, but she’s taking a boat to Canada. Maxie asks, why? but Brook says, there’s no time for questions. Just get her booty to the pier, and give Georgie a big squeeze when she sees her. Maxie thanks Brook, and says she owes her. She tells Nina and Obrecht that she guesses she’s going to the pier, and Obrecht says, she’ll escort Maxie. Nina says she’ll come with Maxie, but Maxie says, Sonny is coming over, and they need to spend Christmas together. She hugs Nina, and leaves with Obrecht.

Everyone gathers in the living room after dinner, and Ned asks Olivia, who is the incredibly pregnant young lady? Olivia says, just another guest for dinner, and he says, this is getting ridiculous. She says, it’s a little on the nose to say there’s no room at the inn. It might not be the incredibly intimate Christmas they planned, but it’s the Christmas they’ve got. Capisce? He says, capisce, and she says, her arrabbiata sauce was apparently a big hit, and he says, she made her lasagna with her arrabbiata sauce? and she says, she found some left over in the ice box. He says, that sauce is incredibly spicy, and that is an incredibly pregnant woman, but she says, even she’s telling him, that old spicy food thing is an old wives – the woman says, oh my God, and looks down – tale.

The woman says, not now, not here, and Olivia tells Ned to get some blankets, pillows, and towels. Cody says he’ll call 911, but Brook says, there’s no way they’re going to get here with all the road closures. The woman says, this isn’t happening, and Olivia says she’ll talk her through this. Brook says she pretended to give birth, and Olivia says, not helping. Ned comes back with the linens, and they situate the woman on the floor. Molly says, TJ is a doctor; he can help deliver the baby. He says he’s never done it before, but he can figure it out. Austin comes in, and asks if this is what he thinks it is, and Olivia says, another doctor. Teamwork makes dream work. Get going.

Scotty says he knows Elizabeth is a little down, but here’s the good news. She says, there’s good news? and he says, she’s the most resilient girl he’s ever met. She takes the cards that are dealt her, and she never complains… almost never. Look at the home she’s made for the kids. They feel loved and safe. For that, he respects her, and salutes her as well. She thanks him for saying that, and he says, Jeff is a fool not to see what a great daughter he’s got. Even though Franco’s gone, she’s still a Baldwin. Never forget that. She says she won’t, and they hug.

Austin tells the woman that she’s doing great. He asks TJ to watch her for a second, and TJ tells her, keep breathing like they talked about. Brook says, she’ll go get some ice, and in the foyer, Cody asks Austin, what’s going on? Austin says, this isn’t going to be easy, and Cody says, that’s obvious, but he delivered Maxie’s baby, right? Austin says, Maxie’s baby wasn’t breach, and Cody asks if that wasn’t something the mother would have known, but Austin says, not necessarily if the baby’s flipped recently. If they were in a hospital, all kinds of options would be available, including an emergency C-section. But here, what this woman needs is a trained OB.

Britt tells Sasha that she has no immediate plans to leave, but she has a job interview in Boston. Please don’t tell anyone. Sasha says, Britt’s secret is safe with her, when Britt’s phone rings. She asks what Cody wants, and he says, merry Christmas to her too. He knows she doesn’t want to hear from him, but he’s at the Quartermaines’ with Austin and TJ. She says, congratulations, and he asks her to just listen. The Virgin Mary is giving birth today; like, right now. She asks how much eggnog he’s had, but he says he’s not drunk. Austin takes the phone, and says, there’s a woman here. She’s in labor, and the baby’s breach. It’s not his level of expertise, and he needs her to talk him through this. She says, this woman needs a hospital and a specialist, and he says he agrees, but thanks to the weather, it’s not an option. Neither a car nor an ambulance can get through these roads. Sasha and Sonny get the bike started.  

TJ tells the woman that she’s doing great. Deep breaths; in through the nose, out through the mouth. When you exhale, try focusing on relaxing an area of the body. She says, he wants her to relax? and Brook says, they thought Thanksgiving was dramatic. Mr. Wattles’ got nothing on this situation. Molly says, Mr. who? and the woman screams.  

In the foyer, Olivia says, the baby’s breach? and Austin says, there’s a pretty substantial chance something’s going to go really, really wrong. Ned asks what they can do, and Austin says, TJ can treat the mother post-birth, but they need to get this woman to a hospital on foot. Olivia asks if it’s safe, but Austin says he doesn’t know what else to do without a trained OB. They hear tires screeching, and Britt comes in with Sasha through the patio door. She says, sorry about Monica’s begonias, but she heard there’s a baby that needs delivering.

Elizabeth says she didn’t think Laura was going to make it, and Laura says, it was an eventful day, but she thinks it’s calming down now. Elizabeth asks if Laura would like some tea, but Laura says, she’s okay. She asks how Elizabeth is holding up, and Elizabeth says, since her not so happy reunion with her parents? She’s okay. She wants to be okay. Laura says, she will be, and if Elizabeth needs support, she’s here. They hug.

Britt says she knows this isn’t how the woman envisioned this to go down, but she seems to be made of tough stuff, and has three MDs to coach her through it. The baby is a little upside down at the moment. The woman asks if that’s dangerous, and Britt says, no. It just means she has to push extra hard when Britt gives the word. The woman has a contraction, and Britt says, here we go. Push. The woman screams.

Maxie tells the clerk at the airport check-in that she needs to get to Portland; Oregon, not Maine. He says, this is Edmonton, Alberta, and she says she knows that, but her daughter is in Portland, and she promised they’d be together on Christmas. He says he understands her dilemma… but she says she doesn’t think he does. First, her flight gets canceled. Then she has to take a super shady boat to a super awesome private plane, which has to land because of the weather. Now she just needs to know when she’s getting back in the air. He says, there’s really no way of knowing with the storm. No one is taking off tonight. He’s sorry. He gives her a candy cane, and says, merry Christmas. She sits down, and says, merry Christmas.

The baby cries, and the woman says, that’s a good sign, right? Britt says, it’s a great sign, and hands her the baby, saying, meet her little girl. The woman says, she’s perfect. Hello, baby. It’s your first day. So much wonder for you to see. She tells Britt, live every day like it’s your first, right? Molly asks if she’s thought of a name yet, and the woman says, Noelle seems appropriate, all things considered. Olivia says, it certainly does, and the woman asks what Britt’s name is. Britt tells her, Britt. It’s short for Britta. The woman says, Britta Noelle. It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t she think? If she doesn’t mind of course (🍷). Britt says she doesn’t mind at all.

Brook says, in all the commotion, she didn’t get a chance to thank Austin for what he did for Maxie. Austin says, of course (🍷). He really wants Maxie to be happy, even if she’s not happy with him. Brook tells him that she’s not saying she was wrong about him, but he might have some redeeming qualities she might have overlooked. He says, thanks; he’ll take it. Jordan comes in with an officer, and TJ asks what she’s doing here. She says she was dealing with the roads when she got a call about an incident at the Quartermaine’s, and the woman tells Britta Noelle that the incident was her. Jordan says she sees that. Here she was, worried about missing Christmas with TJ, but from the looks of it, he kept quite busy. Molly says, TJ was incredible, and Olivia says she thinks they all earned a gold star today. TJ says, Dr. Westbourne in particular, and asks Jordan if traffic is moving. She says, slowly, but yeah, and he says, they should probably get out of these guys’ hair. Ned says, after the day they’ve had, he thinks it’s only fitting they all stay, and they celebrate together. Britt asks if he’s sure, and Olivia says, positive. Jordan says, it sounds wonderful, and there are hugs all around. Cody and Britt exchange looks.

Scotty asks what Laura and Elizabeth think of his dance moves, and Elizabeth says, they were… Laura says, smooth, very smooth. Scotty says, they’re secretly laughing at him, but Laura says she’s enjoying him. He’s a terrific grandpa. He says, she’s no slouch in that department either. Elizabeth says, all this time, she was focusing on the parents who weren’t there for her, when she should have been focused on the people who were. The people who have always been by her side; the people she’s always needed. Sonny tells Laura that he thinks she’s talking about them, and they have a three-way hug, as Cameron comes downstairs. He smiles.

Maxie leaves a voicemail for Spinelli, asking why he’s not answering his phone. Call her. Spinelli and Georgie walk into the airport, and he says, Maximista? Georgie runs to Maxie, and she asks what they’re doing here. He says, he knew they wanted to see each other. The plan was to fly into Canada, and drive to Port Charles. Maxie says, great minds think alike. And Georgie is the best Christmas present ever. She hugs Georgie, and thanks Spinelli. He says, it’s nothing, but she says, it’s everything. He’s always been there for her, through all of it. She doesn’t know what she’d do without him. He says, she’ll never have to find out, and they, too, have a three-way hug.

Ellie’s phone rings, and we see it’s Griffin Munro, who I continually think is dead. She says, hey you. Merry Christmas.

There’s a knock at Nina’s door. She drags Sonny in, and kisses him.

There’s a knock at Elizabeth’s door, and Scotty opens it. Obrecht dances in, holding mistletoe over her head, and he kisses her.

At the Quartermaines’, Cody looks at Britt. She looks away, and goes to the window.

At the airport, Spinelli eats pizza, while Georgie shows off her new sweater to Maxie, and they talk and laugh.

Deck the Halls plays while we see the once-a-year full credits.

No preview.

💍 Spinelli’s Second Choice…

Actually, I can see her with Griff. He was a bit of a nerd.

🎍 O Moss Bowl…

This article contains a picture of the moss bowl🎍. Who cares what it says?

🧙🏻‍♂️ Tanzanian Devil…

His name wasn’t Shiloh or Josiah, was it?

🐶 Me Too…

He’s definitely cute, but mine’s cuter. He’s from No Paw Left Behind. Behold El Wray.

Oh yeah.

😭 Oh Boo Hoo…

I’d actually forgotten she was on the show. And the most awful human being on the face of the earth – i.e. Jax – deserved to be fired a while ago. Maybe even on the first day.

🍊 Old News…

Vicki is like the next Jill Zaren.

🍹 Hilton Head Gets My Vote…

I’m surprised they didn’t include Ashley calling Kathryn an egg donor at whatever ball that was.

🎄 Not Quite Like Us…

The cards.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/best-celebrity-christmas-cards

The decorations.

https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/celebrity-holiday-christmas-decorations-2022

The celebrations.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35242/celebrities-celebrate-the-holidays-2022-christmas-hanukkah-and-more

🎅🏽 WTF…?

I have no clue what this is, but it sounds slightly intriguing.

https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-watch-pointless-celebrities-christmas-special-online-stream-from-anywhere

🎩 Quotes of the Week

There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,’ returned the nephew. ‘Christmas among the rest. . . . And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!

For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!

[A]nd it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!

✨ – from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

🎁 Decking the Halls…

Hard to believe another year has almost gone by. Hoping that Santa has you on the nice list, and that all your Christmas wishes – or non-Christmas wishes – come true. I’m not sure about Monday’s Deck or soap, but if it airs, it will be here. Until then, stay safe, stay open to whatever the holiday weekend brings you, and stay living every day as if it’s your first. You’ll never lose sight of all the magic and wonder around you.

December 20, 2022 – Spencer Is Done With Nikolas (Really This Time), Goodbye Sonja, Leaving the Hospital, He Was Hooked, Lighting the Menorah, Putting Up the Tree & Wrapping

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Elizabeth says, Ava… but Ava says, there’s no need for phony small talk. It’s a bit risky, isn’t it, for a woman like Elizabeth to be in this chapel? She wouldn’t want to be struck by lightning after sneaking around with Ava’s husband. Elizabeth says she knows she owes Ava… Ava says, what? A thank you maybe? For keeping Nikolas occupied until he realized Elizabeth wanted him again? Elizabeth says she’s sorry, and Ava says, no, she’s not, but she will be.

Spencer comes inside Windymere, and checks his phone. It says no new messages, and he looks at the one from Trina that says, Welcome home.

Dex holds Josslyn, and she says she’s sorry, stepping back. He tells her, don’t be. She needed that, and it’s time she stopped denying herself what she needs.

Sam comes into the gym, and Cody says he has to talk to her. She says, he’s still here? and he says, at the gym? She says, no, Port Charles. She thought he was leaving town. He says he was going to, but Dante convinced him to stay, and Sam says, that’s because when Dante sees Cody, he sees his childhood friend; but when she sees him, she sees him as a bully and a con artist. She didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, so… He says he heard about the cop that got killed. How’s Dante handling it? She says she couldn’t say, and he tells her, look, he knows she wants him out of her life, but just answer one thing. Bully or not, Dante’s his friend and he’s worried. She says she can’t tell him how Dante is because she doesn’t know. She hasn’t seen him since yesterday.

At the hospital, Dante tells TJ that he needs to get Rory’s medical records, reports, anything that could help them catch his killer. TJ asks if he’ll still be here in a few minutes, and Dante says he will be. TJ says he’s hoping Dante can help him with something, and leaves. Mac comes in, and says, Dante looks like hell. Dante thanks him, and says he appreciates that. Did he talk to Rory’s mom? Mac says he told her that Rory’s body would be released as soon as possible. He has the autopsy report, and they found snake venom in Rory’s blood. Dante says, let him guess; the same toxin that was found in Diane, Brando, and Oz Haggerty. Looks like they’ve got a serial killer on their hands.

Drew asks Denise if he can trust everything she recalls, and she says, excuse me? He says, the stakes are high. He doesn’t have time for games. He checked out her story, the one that was identical to Harmony’s, and she didn’t tell him the truth about Willow’s mother. Carly walks in, and Drew says, every word out of Denise’s mouth has been a lie. She says, he’s calling her a liar? and he says, yeah, because she lied, and he needs to know why. What is she covering up? Who is she trying to protect? Denise glances at Carly, and Nina and Carly lock eyes.

Josslyn says, she’s good now. Dex can go. He says he’s under orders to stay with her, and she says, Sonny is his boss, not hers. He says he’s not leaving until Steve gets here, and her phone dings. She looks at a text from Cameron that says: Checking in – How u doing? She tells Dex to suit himself.

Ava says, it looks like St. Elizabeth has finally shown her true colors. Not only was she screwing Nikolas behind Ava’s back, she was screwing him behind Finn’s. She ran into Finn the other night, and he seemed a little off. Now she has to wonder, does he suspect? Does he know? Maybe she’ll ask him. Elizabeth says, he knows; she told him. Ava says, of course (🍷) she did. It’s best to get right out in front of it, isn’t it? Saying she’s sorry, telling him it will never happen again. Does Elizabeth plan on keeping Nikolas and Finn on their respective leashes? Not that she cares. She doesn’t care at all what happens between Elizabeth and Finn; although he seems like a decent guy. Finn probably deserves better, but if Elizabeth thinks she’s holding on to Nikolas, that is not going to happen. Elizabeth says, no. She and Nikolas have no future. Ava says she knows this one by heart. Elizabeth and Nikolas turn to each other when they’re both feeling lost and confused, and in so much pain. Let her tell Elizabeth something. Neither one of them knows what real pain is, so take cover. Not only will Elizabeth lose everything she cost Ava, by the time Ava is done, she’ll have lost so much more.

Cody says, Sam hasn’t heard from Dante since that cop was killed? but she says, he called and texted her last night to say he was going to be okay. He wanted her to tell the kids he was going to be okay. She could practically feel all of Dante’s feelings bottled up. She gets it. It’s really tough when you lose one of your own. Cody says he guesses Dante is doing his whole don’t worry about me I’ll be fine thing. He can’t say he’s all that surprised. Sam asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, he’s always the first to step up when someone else needs help, but the last to ask when he needs it. One time he broke his arm at camp, and ended up being the one to console Mama Q, not the other way around. Dante has always been the strong, silent type. She says, no. One of the things she loves most about Dante is how open he is, and how willing he is to talk things out. Cody says, that’s good. It’s great, but new. She says, they don’t keep things from each other. That’s how she knows, whatever Dante is going through, it’s bad.

Dante looks in a folder, and tells Mac, there’s got to be something that will help them figure out where Esme is holed up, but Mac says, all they have is the earring Elizabeth found on Rory. Mac’s phone rings, and he steps away. He asks what he can do for Cody, and Cody says, sorry to bug him, but he still had Mac’s number in his phone from when Mac thought Cody was his son. Mac asks, what’s up? and Cody says he was hoping Mac knew where Dante was. Mac says he’s standing with Dante right now; why? Cody says, he’s with Sam at Volonino’s, and she’s worried because Dante didn’t come home last night. Mac says, thanks. On it.

Nina asks Phyllis, where was I? and Phyllis tells her, she was saying she had nothing to prove. Right before she got into that stare-down with Carly. Nina tells Phyllis, she was saying, she’s accepted the fact that her past is her past, and she’s done apologizing for it. From now on, she’s just looking toward the future. Phyllis says she’s glad to hear it.

Carly gets a text from Michael asking for a raincheck on lunch, and apologizing. At the table, Denise says, Drew came looking for her. It’s not her fault if he doesn’t like what she has to say. He says he doesn’t like it because it’s not the truth. So, one more time… She says she doesn’t have to take this, and gets up, but Carly jets over to the table, and asks, what’s going on? Drew introduces Denise, and Carly flashes back to telling Denise that she can’t believe it’s come to this, but it’s for the best. This friend of hers and Drew’s can’t find out who her birth mother is. It will cause her a world of pain. Carly remembers Denise asking if Carly is trying to justify it to herself, because she doesn’t care about the reasons, as long as Carly’s check clears. In the present, Carly holds out her hand, and says, it’s nice to meet Denise. Denise ignores Carly’s hand, and tells her, if you say so. Carly sits down, and Drew says, Denise was a member of the Friends of Peace and Love commune; that’s when she knew Harmony. Of course (🍷) then Harmony went by her given name. Carly says, Lorraine, right? and Drew says, exactly. He asked Denise how Harmony ended up raising Willow. Denise says, she told him, but Drew says, she told him a story, and that story doesn’t add up. He did a little digging, and he found out the woman that Denise claims is Willow’s mom, poor Joan, doesn’t exist. She lied. And she’s not leaving here until she tells him why.

Nikolas comes home, and sits on the sofa, when Spencer walks in. Nikolas says he wants to talk to him, and Spencer says, about Esme?

Phyllis asks Nina, what happened to the happy-go-lucky woman she was just talking to? and Nina says, she’s still in there. It’s just that she’s mentally preparing herself for Carly to come down on her again. Phyllis asks if Nina didn’t just say she was done apologizing for her past, and Nina says, her past, yes, but her present is a different story. Phyllis asks, what happened? and Nina says she got into another fight with Willow. Phyllis says she’s sure Nina had a good reason, and Nina says she certainly thought so at the time. Willow’s pregnant… Phyllis says she heard, and Nina says, the argument upset her so much, she fainted. Fortunately, Carly was there. Phyllis says she never thought she’d see the day Nina was thankful for Carly’s presence, and Nina says she didn’t know what to do; she just froze. Carly didn’t hesitate, and they both came together and helped Willow, and thank God she’s going to be okay. Phyllis says she knows Nina and Willow have had their differences, but she knows Nina doesn’t wish her any harm. Nina says, of course (🍷), even Carly admitted that, and Phyllis says, wonders never cease. Nina says she feels terrible about it though. She never knew Willow was having such a rough pregnancy.

Carly tells Drew that she thinks Denise had her reasons. Maybe she was trying to protect Harmony… Lorraine, or something. Denise says, Lorraine was her friend. It was a long time ago, but still. Carly says she also thinks it’s important to remember Lorraine is gone, so tell them the truth, and Carly will make it worth her while. Denise says, all right. Drew’s got her. There was no Joan. Lorraine and Doug already had the baby with them when they joined the commune.

TJ gives Dante an envelope, and says, these are the rest of Rory’s personal effects. He asks if Dante will see that Rory’s mother gets them, and Dante says he’ll take care of it. TJ says he didn’t know Rory well, but he seemed like a good guy, and Mac says, he was, and a good cop.  TJ says he hopes they catch this psycho soon, and Dante says, that’s the plan. TJ leaves, and Mac suggests Dante go home and get some rest, but Dante says he figured he’d go back to the crime scene. Mac says, Dante is off-duty; that’s an order. Dante says he’s too wired to sleep, and Mac says he’s taking Dante to the gym. A workout will do him good. He hustles Dante out of the hospital

Ava tells Elizabeth, nothing to say? No lame excuses for betraying Finn, for jumping into bed with Nikolas? At least she wasn’t married to his brother this time. Why is Elizabeth even here? Seeking solace, guidance from above, absolution? Ava lights a candle, and Elizabeth tells her, all she can say is, she made terrible mistakes and has to live with what she’s done. Ava says, give me a break Mary Magdalene, and Elizabeth says she should go. Ava says, no one is going to buy this noble martyr act, and she won’t be made the bad guy. For once, she’s done nothing wrong. If Elizabeth thinks she can tear Ava’s life apart, shed a few crocodile tears… Elizabeth tells her, shut up. Not everything is about her.

Josslyn says, just because Dex is standing guard doesn’t mean he actually has to stand while he’s guarding her, but he says he’s fine. She says she thought he was mad at her after what happened at Kelly’s, and he says, maybe he was. Did she think she needed to defend him from Spencer Cassadine? She says, Spencer did knock him flat, and he says, with a sucker punch. Should he have fought back? She says she’s glad he didn’t. Spencer is an idiot and a total jerk, but he’s been through a lot. Giving him a beatdown wouldn’t have proven anything. He says, it would have proven he can defend himself, and she says, for future reference, she doesn’t care what Spencer thinks. He says, what about what Cam thinks? He’s sorry. She says, for what? and he says, causing problems between them.

Sam tells Cody, stop it, and he says, stop what? She says, he’s lurking, and he says he was just doing some curls. She says, he’s stalling. Why is he even here? He says, that, and she turns to see Mac and Dante walk in. Dante says, Sam is here, and Mac says, what an amazing coincidence. Dante says he’s guessing Cody dropped the dime, and Cody asks if Dante is calling him a rat. Sam and Dante hug, and Dante says, sorry he didn’t call Sam. Mac gives Cody a thumbs up.

Phyllis comes back to the bar, and tells Nina, sorry about that. The audio system went down, but don’t worry, she fixed it. Nina stirs her coffee, and Phyllis says, she seems preoccupied again. More Carly? Nina says, who? Actually, she was thinking about how happy she was when she found out she was pregnant. She and Silas were going to be new parents, and she was overjoyed. Of course (🍷) she was a nervous young mother, but she really wanted that baby. She and Silas were having problems. He was cheating on her… with Ava actually. Phyllis says, now they’re best friends, and Nina says, life is funny. She thought her baby would save their marriage, and maybe it would have, but thanks to her mother, she never got to experience the one time she would or could ever have a baby. She will never forgive Madeline for robbing her of a life with her daughter.

Drew says, so Lorraine and Doug had the baby with them when they arrived at the commune? But they know Harmony wasn’t Willow’s birth mother; a DNA test proved that. Did they claim Willow was theirs? Denise says, Lorraine told everyone that her friend Joan had given her the baby to raise, but that was before they joined the commune, and Carly says, so Denise never met Willow’s biological mother. Denise says, no, and Drew asks, why did she lie? Denise says, like she told him, Lorraine was her friend, and she wanted to protect her, and whoever that baby grew up to be. Drew asks what she means by protect, and Denise says she always got the sense Lorraine was running from something… or someone.

Nikolas says, about Esme? and Spencer says, Esme killed Rory Cabrera. Nikolas says he heard an officer was attacked, and Spencer says, killed. Nikolas asks if that wasn’t the young man Trina was seeing, and Spencer says, he was. He was with Trina at Kelly’s when she found out Rory had been attacked. Joss and Cam were there too, and they all went to GH together, and Trina got to sit with Rory as he coded, or flatlined, or whatever they call it. She’s devastated. Nikolas asks how Spencer is feeling, and Spencer says, he barely knew Rory. Nikolas says, but he cares about Trina, and Spencer says, yes. He wants to be there for Trina, but he’s the last person who should be. So he’s relegated to standing by helpless, or staying away altogether, because he’s literally useless in this situation. There’s nothing he can do. Nikolas says he’d think Trina would want all the support her friends can give her, and Spencer says, even the so-called friend who brought Esme to town in the first place? Nikolas says, Spencer’s not responsible for Esme’s actions, and Spencer tells him, that’s exactly what grandmother said, so it must be true if they agree. Nikolas says, Laura tried calling him; it must have been about Officer Cabrera. Spencer says, Nikolas will have to ask her, and Nikolas says he’s glad she was there for Spencer. Spencer says he hopes they find Esme, and Nikolas says, there’s something else Spencer needs to know. He’s served Ava with divorce papers. Spencer says, which means a reconciliation around the corner, but Nikolas says, not this time. Spencer asks, why not? and Nikolas says, things happened. Spencer says, things? That does sound irreparable. Don’t tell him that Nikolas has finally seen Ava for the toxic opportunist she is. Nikolas tells him, don’t talk about Ava that way, and Spencer says, still defending her he sees. So it’s not really over, is it? Nikolas says, it is, but not because he doesn’t love her. He was unfaithful. Spencer says he knows; with Esme. The less they say about that, the better. Nikolas says, he was with someone else, and Spencer says, great. Whose girlfriend did Nikolas bang this time? He has no siblings, so Nikolas had to branch out. Who’s the lucky lady? Nikolas says, Elizabeth.

Ava says her husband cheated on her with Elizabeth. Damn right it’s about her. Elizabeth says, Ava left Nikolas months ago, and Ava says, so what; she leaves Nikolas all the time. And like an idiot, she always comes back. She supposes she should thank Elizabeth for snapping her out of it. Elizabeth says she didn’t do this to hurt Ava, and Ava says, this what? Cheap affair? Tawdry hook-up? She hopes Elizabeth doesn’t think it’s any more than that, that she’s special somehow. She wasn’t even Nikolas’s first choice. That honor goes to his son’s girlfriend Esme. Elizabeth says, Nikolas told her about that, and Ava says, so Nikolas lied to her, and told Elizabeth the truth, and she jumped into bed with him anyway. So now does Elizabeth think she and Nikolas are going to have some kind of happily ever after? That she can forget about all the pain she’s caused people, and move on; her, Nikolas, and their brand new baby? Elizabeth says, there’s not going to be a baby.

Josslyn says, Dex hasn’t caused problems for her and Cam, and he says, glad to hear it. She says, the problem is her. She’s been putting off a conversation that she has to have with Cameron. She’s been hiding, which makes her a coward, which she hates, but it has nothing to do with Dex. His phone dings, and he says, Steve’s here. She says, good; Dex can go. Please tell Steve to wait outside. She doesn’t want any of Sonny’s people in her house. He says, one question. Is she sorry they kissed? She doesn’t say anything, and he says, yeah, him neither, and leaves.

Phyllis says she thought Nina was focusing on her future, and Nina says, that’s easier said than done. Meanwhile, back to the present. Why doesn’t Phyllis distract her by telling her about this hunky guy she’s been texting?

Denise says she’s sorry she lied. Drew clearly cares about Lorraine’s daughter, but her advice, not that he asked, don’t go digging into Lorraine’s past. Whatever she was running from, whatever trouble she was in, she was afraid of it. She didn’t show it often, but she also didn’t stay in one place for very long. Maybe she was restless, but Denise thinks it was something more. All she’s saying is, Willow sounds like she has a good life now. Denise gets up and gathers her things, and says, maybe she should keep looking forward instead of looking back. She leaves, and Carly says, she left her gloves, and follows. Outside, she gives Denise her gloves, along with some cash, and says, thanks for not ratting her out. Denise tells Carly that she’d like to say, it was a pleasure doing business with her, but she just wants to go home. It was stupid of her to get mixed up with this in the first place. Carly says she understands. Question. Was she telling the truth to Drew? Was Lorraine really running from someone? Denise says, she was jumpy around strangers; always seemed to be looking over her shoulder.

Mac thanks Cody for calling, and says he’s sure Sam and Dante are better now. Cody says, bringing people together is what he does, and Mac says, he did a good thing. Cody says, what about Mac? Sam was talking about how hard it is for cops to lose someone in the line of duty. Mac says he’s been here before. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any easier. He just can’t help thinking about the future Rory would have had. All the things he could have done with his life if he hadn’t gone to that apartment alone. It’s such a waste. Cody says, it’s crazy that one bad decision can change your whole life.

Spencer says, Elizabeth who? Do not tell him that Nikolas means Cameron’s mother. Nikolas says he does, and Spencer says, my God, she’s practically family. Does Cameron know? Nikolas says he’s not sure. He doesn’t think so. Spencer says, how did this… Why? Nikolas says, they were both having a hard time, and Spencer says, Nikolas was having a hard time; she was having a full-blown crisis. She checked herself into rehab because the sleeping pills she was on were making her think crazy things. Cam’s been worried sick about her for months, and what? Nikolas saw that she was vulnerable, distressed, in pain, confused, and he thought there was no way she’d turn him down? He’s disgusting. Nikolas says, it’s been a long time since Elizabeth came back from the hospital. They’re both consenting adults. Spencer says, no. She was obviously unraveling, and that’s why she turned to Nikolas, and he took advantage of their friendship. How are he and Cameron supposed to look at each other after he’s done this? Nikolas says he wouldn’t be telling Spencer this if it was a one-time indiscretion. He and Elizabeth have been seeing each other. Spencer says, after Esme, he didn’t know that he could think less of Nikolas. Turns out he can.

Ava ask what Elizabeth means by no baby, and Elizabeth says she’s no longer pregnant. Ava asks if Nikolas knows, and Elizabeth says, not yet. Ava says she’s so sorry for Elizabeth’s loss. She should go, but a word to the wise. If Elizabeth is expecting Nikolas to comfort her, forget it. That man only cares about himself. She strides out, closing the door behind her.

Spencer says, a man who would use a woman’s emotional problems to move in on her… Nikolas says, that’s not what happened, but Spencer says, that’s exactly what happened. And the fact Nikolas can’t see that makes it all worse. To think he almost bought in on Uncle Victor’s garbage about their being strength in family. There is no strength. There is no family. Nikolas has proven time and time again that this family is unsalvageable. He’s said it before, and he’ll say it again, he’s done with Nikolas. This is over. The sad part was that he bought into the fairytale that grandmother’s influence saved Nikolas. But she was too late because Nikolas was already a Cassadine through and through by the time she came into his life. Nikolas says, his mother made him a better person, and Spencer says, he was worse than this before? Nikolas says he has reasons, but Spencer says he doesn’t care. The second his sentence is over, and he’s free to live where he pleases, he’s out of here.

Drew asks Phyllis, when she was in New York, does she ever remember Lorraine talking about a baby, or a friend who was pregnant? Carly comes back in, and Phyllis says, not that she recalls. Carly and Drew both go back to their table, and Carly asks, what was that all about? He says, Phyllis was Nina’s nurse when she was in a coma, and Harmony worked in the same building, and they knew each other. Carly says she thinks she remembers Phyllis telling her that, and he says, if Harmony and Doug had the baby before they arrived at the commune, that changes everything.

In the chapel, Elizabeth asks, what is she doing? Her parents finally told her the truth about Reiko’s fall, and how they tried to make her forget what she’d done. The truth is supposed to set her free; why does it feel like a stone around her neck? But it’s not the truth that’s the problem; it’s her and the choices she’s made. She’s just tearing her life down, piece by piece, brick by brick. She lost Finn and helped Nikolas keep a pregnant woman captive because she thought she was keeping everybody else from getting hurt. But now that cop is dead, and they know Esme can’t be the killer. This isn’t her. She’s a good person, isn’t she?… Isn’t she?

Spencer says, no matter what Uncle Victor wants, he can’t be around Nikolas, so steer clear of him. He has his own money now. He’s going to get his own place, preferably as far away from Nikolas and here as possible. Nikolas says he’s so sorry he disappointed Spencer again, and Spencer says, there really is no bottom for Nikolas to hit, is there? He feels sorry for Nikolas, but there’s one good thing about this, and it’s that he’s more determined than ever to be a better man than Nikolas. Nikolas says, he will be. Spencer’s already his own man. He’s so proud of him. Spencer says, stop, and Nikolas says he knows they’re done… Nikolas’s phone rings, and he looks at it but doesn’t answer. He tells Spencer, just know that he loves him and believes in him. Spencer walks out, and Nikolas answers the phone. Elizabeth says she just had it out with Ava, and he asks, how did it go? She says she told Ava there was no baby; let Ava believe she had a miscarriage. Anyway, it’s done. No more fake baby. Now she just has to fix the million other mistakes she’s made. He says he knows this is hard, but they’ve made their choices, and there’s no going back.

Nina runs into Ava, and says she was just about to call and check in, after what Ava told her about Elizabeth and Nikolas. Ava says, coincidentally, she just ran into Elizabeth, and Nina asks if she let Elizabeth have it. Ava says, she started to, then Elizabeth told her that she lost the baby. Nina says she hates them for what they did to Ava, but still… Ava says she knows. As much as she wants to let Nikolas have it – and she really does want to let him have it – can she really go after him when he just lost a child?

Mac says he’s going to head out, and Cody says, him too, after he takes a shower. Don’t worry. Mac says, about? and Cody says he won’t keep bugging Mac. In fact, he’ll delete Mac’s number right now. Mac tells him, no; keep it. Feel free to use it if he’s ever in a jam. It’s his job. Protect and serve. Cody says, see you later, Chief, and Mac leaves.  

Josslyn remembers Dex asking if she’s sorry they kissed, and saying, him neither. She flashes back to telling Dex, try being honest, and Dex saying, she wants honest? then kissing her. She sits on the sofa, and screams into a pillow, then sighs.

Drew tells Carly, Harmony had Willow when she arrived in Colorado, and Denise thought Harmony was running from something or someone. What if Harmony stole Willow from her parents? Carly asks if he thinks Harmony kidnapped Willow, and he says, if Denise is telling the truth, it sounds like Harmony thought someone was trying to track her down. Carly asks where that leaves them, and taking her hand, Drew says, either way, they know the story about Joan’s OD is a lie. Which means it’s possible someone is out there wondering what happened to their little girl.

Tomorrow, Maxie says, fate brought her and Austin together, and he says, they’re not meant to be; Dante has some news for Chase that he doesn’t think can wait; and Michael and Willow have something to tell Wiley.

🥀 So Sad…

I loved her on GH, and always wanted her to have more storyline. I hope we find out that Epiphany passed the MCATs.

https://people.com/tv/general-hospital-actress-sonya-eddy-dead-at-55/

👎 Voted Off Spoon Island…

Nikolas will be bidding GH adieu at the end of January.

👮‍♂️ Already Old News…

Rory, we hardly knew ye.

🎊 Spinning the Dreidel…

How celebrities are enjoying their Hanukkahs this year.

https://people.com/celebrity/hanukkah-2022-see-how-stars-are-celebrating/

🎄 Fahoo Forays, Dahoo Dorays…

Celebrities. They’re not just like us this time. Or at least not just like me.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseastewart/celebrity-christmas-trees-2022

There’s even a Grinch tree.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/entertainment-celebrity/here-are-some-of-the-best-celebrity-christmas-trees-of-2022-from-the-classics-to-the-wonderfully-weird/ar-AA15qfFb?li=BBnb2gh

🔔 Rocking Those Jingle Bells…

Take a break here tomorrow for some soap, tea, and perhaps a dash of holiday magic. Okay, maybe not so magical, but holiday. Until then, stay safe, stay taking a deep breath and counting to ten, and stay not apologizing for your past. Just look toward the future.

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

Standard

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.

July 9, 2021 – Britt Has the Last Word, New Son, Joining GH, Celebrations, Harry Has the Feels, Collection, Sorry, the Squad, AHS Update, Dragon News, Amazing, 4 Great Quotes & There

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn sees Elizabeth at the hospital, and says they have to stop meeting like this. He asks, on a scale of one to ten, how’s her hangover? and she says, bad enough to give her a headache, but not bad enough to make her forget she and Sam started a fire on the pier. He says, or Sam and Dante falling in the harbor, and she says, at least it gave her something else to think about… besides the secret hanging over them. He tells her, let’s go.

Maxie comes out of the elevator at the MetroCourt, and sees Austin. He says, it’s nice to see her, and she says, he’s back. He says he is, and asks how she’s doing. She asks what he’s doing in Port Charles.

Anna drinks coffee at the bar, and flashes back to her kiss with Valentin.

Valentin is also daydreaming at the Quartermaines, and Monica asks if she’s interrupting. He says, no. He’s just waiting for his lawyer; he’s late. She asks if they’ll be discussing ELQ, and he says they will. She asks if he doesn’t see the conflict. He’s living in her house (Alan gave it to her, in case you didn’t know), and he’s stealing from her family’s company. He asks if she intends to evict him, and she says, why shouldn’t she?

In the elevator at the hospital, Carly wonders if Monica is going to hate this more or less than when she found out AJ was marrying her, but Jason says, it was a long time ago. She says she and Monica have a grudging truce. Monica has never forgiven her for what she did to AJ, and as a mother, Carly can’t say she blames her. Now she’s marrying Monica’s other beloved son. She’s going to hate this. The doors open and Britt is there. She says she’ll get the next one.

Portia looks at a photo of her and Curtis on her phone, and Terry says, Dr. Robinson. Portia wonders since when they’re being so formal, and Terry says since she wants to make a formal pitch to Portia. Portia says, about? and Terry says, backing her campaign for Chief of Staff.

At Charlie’s, Curtis asks if Stella said something to Portia about him and Jordan, and she says she most certainly did. She told Portia that he needed to recover from the end of his marriage, and the last thing he needed was a rebound relationship. He asks where Stella gets off telling Portia something like that.

Jordan takes a flashdrive out of her computer, and tells Molly and TJ, Judge Carson starts off by speaking in code. Molly says, taking into consideration each defendant’s previous record, and Martin says, how they’re raised; what they’re future’s likely to be. TJ says, Judge Carson actually said, some people only respond to incarceration, and Martin says, one thing’s for sure. She absolutely admitted to handing down different sentences to different defendants based on race. There’s no denying how obvious her biases are. TJ asks if Jordan thinks the recording is enough to call the judge’s sentences into question.

Alexis tells the guard she can’t. She looks at Shawn, and says she can’t go back into solitary. He says she knows what they practiced, and the guard reaches for her. She backs up, and says, no!

Austin says he has some business in Port Charles, and Maxie asks if it’s something new. She’s never seen him anywhere around Port Charles. Anna joins them, and Austin says it’s nice to see her. She says she’s been meaning to thank him for the use of his home in Pawtuck, and he says, his pleasure. He hopes she and Mr. Cassadine were warm and dry. Are they any closer to finding Maxie’s baby? Anna says, no. She’s afraid the rain washed any evidence away. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and to let him know if there’s anything else he can do. He gets in the elevator, and Maxie and Anna smile at each other.

Valentin thanks Monica for letting him and Charlotte stay in her beautiful home. It means the world to be close to Bailey, and she’s so young, he’d hate to have to schedule bouncing her from house to house. She says, enough. She’s not going to kick him out. She’s put up with a lot worse over the years. Her sister-in-law comes to mind. He says he hopes he can repay her sometime, and she says, when they vote him out as CEO, be gracious in defeat. She goes to the door, and Yuri opens it for her, saying something in Ukrainian. Or Russian. Or wherever he’s from; I forget. She responds in kind, and he watches her go.

Portia says, so Terry is serious about becoming Chief of Staff, and Terry says she seems surprised. Does Portia think she’s too young? Too inexperienced? Portia says, hardly. GH could use some fresh faces, and some fresh air from Cyrus and his reign of terror. Terry says, so she can count on Portia’s support when she presents her case for Chief of Staff to Dr. Quartermaine? Britt has joined them, and asks if Terry is trying to get the popular kids on her side. Did she put up election posters in the cafeteria? Terry says, if Britt’s worried about this being a popularity contest, perhaps she should question why she’s so unpopular. Britt says Terry can retract the claws. She’s leaving as soon as she drops this chart off. She’s welcoming a new doctor to their team; a responsibility of the Chief of Staff. As Britt walks away, Terry tells her, enjoy it while she can, and Britt says she will. For years to come. Terry tells Portia, sorry. She kind of took the low road there. It’s so not her style. Portia says, Britt tends to bring out the worst in all of them, but never mind her. Before Terry talks to Monica, she wants Terry to understand how difficult and time-consuming the Chief of Staff position really is. Terry thinks she must be speaking from experience, and Portia says, that’s because she is.

Curtis says Stella has no business meddling in his private life, and she says he’s still a married man, and Portia was getting ideas about him. He says, that’s between him and Portia. He guesses Portia would have ideas, since they kissed. She says, he’s kissing another woman and his marriage isn’t even over? He says he signed the divorce papers, and she says, has Jordan? He says she will, and Stella says, then he’s not divorced yet. She sits down, and he says, auntie, the marriage is over, and sits with her. He says, the trust has been broken, and Jordan broke it repeatedly. She says, and he thinks he can trust Portia, and he says, so far, so good. They enjoy each other’s company. Who knows? They might be on to something good here, but he’d at least like to explore the possibility, so why is she meddling? She says, because someone has to save him from himself.

Jordan says she’ll be sending Martin’s recording of his conversation with the judge to the Judicial Review Board. While the review is pending, she’ll be petitioning the Attorney General to put Shawn and Alexis somewhere that they’ll be safe. TJ says, the recording is legal, since New York allows single-party consent. If one person knows they’re making a recording, the other can be recorded without their knowledge. Martin says, that is correct, but it’s no guarantee Judge Carson is going to face consequences, even with recording and documentation. Jordan says, judges are extremely protected. It’s not easy bringing accusations against them. TJ says, but there’s hope, right, that this will all be worth it in the end?

Shawn asks Henry to let him handle this, and Henry steps away. Shawn tells Alexis, remember what they talked about; breathe in for four, breathe out for four. She says she can’t, and he says, Henry already did him a solid in letting him see her. He can get in serious trouble, and so can she if she doesn’t go back to solitary. Henry says, he’s right, and grabs Alexis’s wrist. She jerks away, and drops to the ground, clutching her wrist and crying.

Carly says, Britt didn’t look happy, and Jason says, no she didn’t, Captain Obvious. She guesses Jax wasn’t as much of a consolation as Britt thought. She should be enjoying that, after Britt rubbed their noses in the fact they were sleeping together. But she’s been where Britt is. Lashing out because it’s the only way to stop yourself from curling in a ball and crying. He says, Britt believed she could count on him, and then he blindsided her. She says he didn’t have a choice, and he says, he didn’t, but he still hates that he hurt her. Carly puts her arm around him.

Elizabeth says she’s glad Finn didn’t turn himself in to the PCPD. Maybe because the discovery of Peter’s death would gain him nothing. It would cause him to lose Violet. Not to mention, it would cause GH to lose a brilliant infectious diseases specialist. He says, the longer Peter is down there, the more likely it is someone’s going to find his body, and she says they need to figure out how to move him. He says he’s open to suggestions, and she says, what if they involve Jason? He says he doesn’t think so. If he gets caught, it makes things worse for them. She says, Jason doesn’t get caught, but he says, everyone gets caught eventually. Right now he doesn’t want to risk Jason’s luck running out when their future is on the line.

In her office, Britt thanks Austin for helping Maxie give birth, even if it didn’t have the happy ending they all hoped it would. He says, no, the end was him getting knocked out cold, and some psychotic nurse stealing Maxie’s baby. So not ideal. He hopes that doesn’t preclude him from getting the job. She says, if anything, it makes her more inclined to hire him. He delivered a baby in the woods under less than ideal circumstances. If it was up to her, she’d pin a medal on him. He says, it was his understanding that he’s already been vetted and approved, and his meeting her is just one final hurdle before becoming one of the staff. She says he’s correct, but he has a private practice in Pawtuck. Why would he give that up to join a hospital staff in Port Charles?

Maxie joins Anna, and says, what’s this about her and Valentin seeing Austin in Pawtuck? Anna says, he was very kind. He leant them his rental for shelter because it started to rain. Maxie says, Anna told him that they didn’t find any evidence that would lead to Louise, and Anna says, that’s true. Maxie says, Anna doesn’t think Austin had anything to do with Louise’s kidnapping, does she? and Anna says, does she? Maxie says she’s 100% certain he had nothing to do with it, but Anna seemed sort of suspicious of him just now. Why is that? Anna flashes back to showing Valentin the photo she found, and saying she knew Austin’s father. Anna tells Maxie, no. She doesn’t think Austin had anything to do with the nurse or her accomplice. It’s just strange that when she found out Austin’s last name, she wondered if he could be related to someone she knew years ago.

Valentin says, Yuri and Dr. Quartermaine have gotten pretty close, and Yuri says, she’s very nice lady. Valentin asks if they speak often, and Yuri says, Dr. Quartermaine says he’s very good listener, and Valentin says, really? Was he listening to what Monica said to him just now, because he wasn’t really paying attention. His mind was elsewhere; he was thinking about something else. Well, someone else. He guesses it’s to be expected, since they have a long history together, and they’ve been through a lot lately. He says Yuri is a good listener, but he’s not much of a conversationalist, and walks away.

Jordan says she’s going to give a copy of the recording to Warden Alvarez at Pentenville. Hopefully, this will be enough to have Alexis and Shawn released into PCPD custody. She says she can try to keep Molly’s role out of all of this, and Molly says, but the more details Jordan provides to the Review Board, the better the chances Judge Carson will be reprimanded or even removed. TJ says Molly might lose her job, and Martin says, at the very least, she won’t be very popular with her colleagues. Jordan asks what Molly wants her to do, and TJ says he has Molly’s back, whatever she decides. Molly tells Jordan, do whatever it takes to make this right, and Jordan leaves. Martin tells Molly that she did great, and follows. TJ hugs Molly.

Shawn tells Henry that Alexis has osteoporosis and has to be taken to the infirmary. Henry says, nice try. Step aside; she’s going back to solitary. Alexis says, no, please, and Henry pulls Shawn away. Shawn stands between Henry and Alexis.

Martin apologizes to Valentin for being tardy. He was talking to Commissioner Ashford about a delicate matter. Valentin asks if it’s anything he should know about, but Martin says, no. He’ll probably hear something about it tin the next few days, but he thinks right now they should focus on the upcoming ELQ shareholders meeting. Valentin says he gave Brook her ELQ shares back as a way of gaining access to Bailey, and before Martin says anything, he’d do it again even though it reduces his room to maneuver. Martin says, indeed. Valentin’s only hope is to sway some of Ned or Michael’s loyalists to his side. Valentin says, that’s not going to happen, and Martin suggests he pay Michael a visit at Aurora. He’s got his own company to run now. He might be interested in some sort of power sharing arrangement. His impression is that Michael’s always been a pragmatist, and he’ll know Valentin is good for ELQ’s bottom line. It’s worth a shot. Many a successful partnership… Valentin is staring into space, and Martin says he’s sorry to bore Valentin. He should have attempted to be more entertaining. On their next rendezvous, perhaps a rubber nose, oversized shoes… Maybe some pants that explode. Valentin says, what? and Martin says, a rubber nose, oversized shoes… Valentin says, Martin isn’t boring him. His mind is on something else. Martin says, judging by the look on Valentin’s face, if it’s not business, he’s distracted by matters of the heart. Valentin says, it’s a personal matter, and Martin says, they’re talking about Anna Devane, aren’t they?

Maxie asks if Anna really waited out the storm with Valentin. If she hadn’t been scared out of her mind, she would think the cabin would be cozy… in the rain… a fire crackling in the fireplace… Anna asks if Maxie is writing romance novels now, and Maxie says, come on. Everyone knows Anna and Valentin are… intense. Anna says, no. They’ve become good friends. They trust each other. That’s all.

Austin tells Britt that he has business in Port Charles that requires him to put down roots. For him, it’s convenient to practice medicine in the town he lives in. Britt asks how long his business is projected to last. Will he be sticking around? He says, that’d be the idea.

Carly says she’s sure Jason gave Britt an explanation. He didn’t just say, I’m marrying Carly, and that’s it. Jason says, he told Britt that they decided it was best for the family and each other to get married. But he also told her that he’d still be there for her. Carly says she’s sure Britt told him to go to hell, and Jason heaves a sigh. Monica comes by, and says a pleasant surprise. Jason asks if she has a few minutes to talk in her office. Monica says, sure. They can talk in her office. She walks ahead, and Carly says she thinks it would be better if Jason spoke to Monica alone. She doesn’t want to be there when Monica tries to talk him out of it. He says he thought she wanted to do this together, and she says she’s just being nice. She doesn’t want to spoil their engagement by having a big fight with his mother. So go break the happy news.

Portia tells Terry that both of her parents were doctors. She’s obviously very proud of them. Terry says she’s sure Portia’s parents are proud of her for following in their footsteps. Portia says, a while back, her father become Chief of Staff at the hospital where he worked his whole life. The job quickly fell short of his expectations. Terry says, let her guess. He was suddenly schmoozing Board members instead of diagnosing and healing patients? Portia says, not to mention dealing with the mounds of paperwork. She saw him grow to resent her mom, who still had that connection with her patients. Terry strikes her as someone who loves treating patients above all else. Terry says true. Her feelings about Britt aside, she knows she would do good as Chief of Staff. GH is great, but there are still institutional blind spots. Some prevent trans patients from getting the care they need. She knows she could make a difference. Portia says, wow. That’s a good answer.

Stella says Curtis may be a grown man, but she’s known him since he was born. When someone hurts him, he puts walls up so high, there’s not a ladder big enough to scale them. He says, her point? and she says, when she had her issues with Jordan, and he nearly kicked her out of his life. Eventually he came around, and forgave her. He asks if she’s saying he should forgive Jordan, and she says, she’s asking him to lower the walls, and really listen to her. Listen to the love she still has for him, and the love Stella knows he still has for her. He says he’s not denying his love for Jordan, and she says, but he wants to box it up and stow it in the attic. Loving Jordan was complex and difficult. What he might have with Portia looks simple in comparison, but believe her, it’s not.

Henry says, stand down inmate, and Shawn says, make me. Henry raises his club, and Jordan walks in. She asks if there’s a problem, and says Henry is the one who needs to stand down… now.

TJ beings coffee to Molly, who’s waiting in Jordan’s office. He says, the coffee here tastes like sludge, and hands her one. She asks how he’s doing, then asks if it’s a dumb question. He says she never asks dumb questions. He’s doing about as well as she is. He takes another sip, and tosses his cup away. She says, when she thinks Shawn is in prison for a crime he didn’t even commit… TJ says, he could have been out by now. Despite pleading guilty, it doesn’t make sense that he was denied parole. Molly says TJ must be angry for Shawn, and sad about the time they lost. He says he and Shawn were close before he knew Shawn was his father. Since he found out, he hasn’t been able to hug Shawn. How messed up is that? Molly hugs him.

Jordan asks, why is a guard from the male wing escorting a female prisoner back to her cell? Shawn says, it was a misunderstanding, and she says, apparently. Alexis is still sitting on the floor, and Jordan crouches down, and says, she’s so sorry this happened. Alexis says she’s been in solitary for days. She can’t go back there. Jordan says, she won’t. She’s safe now. She tells Shawn, they both are.

Valentin asks, what makes Martin think he’s talking about Anna Devane? Martin says, Valentin and the divine Miss Devane have a long and complicated history. He believes at one point, Valentin was infatuated with her. Valentin says, they studied together ages ago. Anna was bright, driven, stunning. It was easy to become infatuated with her. They had a falling out. Martin says, only because of Anna’s sister Alex. Would he be right in guessing Peter’s disappearance brought the two of them closer together? Valentin says he might be on the right track. Martin says, he is? and Valentin says he might be on the right track about him meeting with Michael. He pays Martin for legal and business advice. If he wants it about his personal life, he’ll ask for it.

Maxie asks how the whole trust thing is going with Valentin, and Anna says, good. He’s a skilled investigator. She would trust him in a dangerous situation. He’s a valuable colleague, and that’s it. Nothing more. Maxie says, okay. Maybe Anna hasn’t noticed how Valentin looks at her, but Maxie has definitely picked up on it. Anna thinks that after all the lies she’s told, she doesn’t feel she deserves anything more, or anyone, right now. Maxie puts her hand on Anna’s, and says she’s sorry about how angry she got over Peter. Recently, she’s come to see things from Anna’s point-of-view. How secrets can be worth it if you’re trying to protect someone you love. Anna asks what Maxie means, and Maxie says she forgives Anna, and wants her to forgive herself and be happy. Anna doesn’t know if any of them can be happy until they find Maxie’s baby. Maxie says it’s been great talking to her, but she has to pick up a prescription for James. Anna asks if he’s okay, and Maxie says, he’s fine. She suggests they do this again, and Anna thanks her. Maxie smiles at her, and leaves.

Elizabeth says she knows Finn is uncomfortable with Jason helping them, but what about Anna? He says, out of the question, and she says, Anna wouldn’t turn them in. He says, she used to work for the WSB; she’s in law enforcement. If they tell her the truth, that he killed Peter and Elizabeth helped him hide the body, that’s like asking her to break the law; it’s accessory after the fact. Elizabeth says, Anna loved him. She doesn’t think Anna would sacrifice Finn’s freedom to uphold the letter of the law, especially to get so-called justice for Peter. He says, it’s still a risk he’s not willing to take. She says, then she guesses it’s up to them. They’d better move while the loopholes Cyrus put in GH security are still in place.

Jason and Monica go to her office, and she says she doubts he’s there to congratulate her on her return to GH. He says, that’s not why he’s there, but he’s happy for her, and the hospital. She’s definitely the right choice to undo the damage Cyrus caused. She says, it’s daunting task, but she’s determined to succeed. She thanks him for his faith in her, and asks how he is. He says he’s fine, and she says she heard he got shot. He says, it’s not bad, and he’s almost fully recovered. She says, good. She also heard all the charges against him were dropped, and he says he’s sorry for worrying her. She says she knows everything he does has a reason, and he says, that’s why he’s there. He and Carly are getting married.

Carly asks Britt if she has a minute, but Britt says, nope; super busy. She goes to the computer, and says, actually, let’s get this over with. Jason saved her life, and she sort of balanced the scales by keeping him from bleeding to death. They were fugitives together, and it was a crazy time. Jason was really good to her, but that’s over, and he’s marrying Carly. Britt starts to walk away, and Carly asks if Britt knows why.

Portia says Terry officially has her support, but don’t say she didn’t warn Terry about the long hours. Terry says, lucky for her, she has no personal life, and Portia says she wouldn’t call that lucky. She, Terry, and Elizabeth are long overdue for a ladies night out. It’s been a long time since she’s been somebody’s wingwoman. Terry asks, who says she’s not going to be trying to find someone for Portia? Unless she’s off the market and failed to tell Terry.

Curtis tells Stella, when he and Portia originally met, she was married and had just started rehab. She says, which neither one of them knew because of him wanting to keep it simple. Here they are, years later, and he’s thinking he might have another chance. He says, what he thinks is his business, and starts to get up. She puts her hand on his, and says she has no doubt Portia has feelings for him. Why wouldn’t she? But it’s unfair going into this thinking she’s any less three-dimensional than Jordan. Portia has flaws and secrets like everyone else. He asks how that justifies her warning Portia away from him, and she says she was looking out for him as discreetly as possible. He says, discreet? That translates into, don’t tell Curtis. So how does that make her any different from Jordan? She says, a woman who’s willing to move heaven and earth, and willingly sacrifice everything for the people she loves? She’s been compared to worse. He gets up, and she says, he’s leaving? He says he has some unfinished business to settle, and walks out.

Jordan and Shawn help Alexis up, and Jordan tells her that she’ll make sure a doctor sees her. Rest. She tells Henry that she has permission from Warden Alvarez to take Alexis and Shawn into protective custody, pending an investigation into their respective trials. Alexis doesn’t understand, and Jordan says, it turns out TJ and Molly didn’t listen to Shawn. She couldn’t be more proud.

TJ touches Molly’s face, and thanks her. She says, for what? and he says, loving him. She says, as if she had a choice, and they kiss. She asks if he’ll still love her if she loses her job, and he asks if that’s a real question. She’s his hero; risking the career she’s so passionate about to save her mom and his dad. She says she’s not sure she’s so passionate about the law anymore. It allowed Judge Carson to impose biased sentences and inflict harm for years. He says, he thinks the law needs fewer Judge Carsons, and more Molly Lansing-Davises. She says, and TJ Ashfords. She knows medicine is his passion, but he’d make a spectacular attorney. She couldn’t have done it without him. He says, if they don’t try to right the past, what future will they leave behind for their kids? They kiss again.

Monica says, Jason and Carly, and he says, yes. She says maybe she should ask… He says, ask what? and she says, was it Carly’s idea or his idea? He says, they decided together that getting married was what’s best for the family and each other. She says, she and Carly have certainly had their differences in the past, but she knows Carly loves him. Obviously, he loves her, and they’re both tremendously loyal to each other, which is a good foundation for a marriage. Jason says, they think so, and Monica asks if he thinks he can be happy. She’s not talking about Carly. She’s talking to him, her son. He says he thinks he can, and she says, okay then. She’s happy for him. She hugs him, but neither one looks happy.

Carly tells Britt that she and Jason admitted their feelings for each other a month or so after Sonny’s funeral. Before Franco died; before Jason was arrested. But it felt wrong. It was too soon after Sonny, so they decided to take a step back, and let it go. But since Jason came back from Pentenville and being on the run, they realized they can’t hold their feelings back, so they decided to make it official. She’s sorry. They didn’t intend to hurt Britt. Britt says, it just comes so naturally.

Anna waits for the elevator, and the doors open. Valentin is standing inside, and he makes that crooked smile he’s so good at.

Maxie sees Austin again, and says, so his business was at the hospital, and he says he had some paperwork to fill out. He’s officially on staff. He’s moving to Port Charles, so she’ll be seeing more of him. Nice to see her. She says, him too, and he jets.

Valentin tells Anna, he was hoping to run into Michael; he’s supposed to be meeting an associate here. She says she didn’t see Michael, and he says he’ll wait at the bar then. He leaves, and she smiles. Her phone rings, and she says, Kurt. Has he found information on the helicopter pilot they were looking for… Great. Thanks. He’s a good friend.

Finn and Elizabeth walk out of the elevator, and he says, maybe they’ll do the whole thing in reverse. Since the elevator in the subbasement only goes to the roof, they can take Peter up there, take the stairwell back to 10… She says, Cyrus made sure all the cameras leading to the roof were turned off, and he says, yes. Monica comes by, and says she’s sorry. She couldn’t overhearing, and they have nothing to worry about. She’s talked to security, and they assured her the cameras have been restored everywhere. Nobody is sneaking anything illegal in or out of the hospital. Finn smiles, but he’s probably not feeling it.  

Portia tells Terry, actually, she’s not seeing anyone, so put a night on the books for them, and they’ll go searching for Mr. Right. Terry says, sounds like fun. It’s time for her to do rounds, and she says she’ll text Portia. Terry leaves, and Curtis comes out of the elevator. He says, just the doctor he was looking for. She says, concerning what? and he says he didn’t like the way they left things. He thinks it’s time they finally fix that.

Jordan brings Alexis and Shawn back to her office, and Molly hugs Alexis. Shawn walks up to TJ, who says, dad, and they hug. Everyone looks happy… for now.

Britt tells Carly, so, what she and Jason had was a fling to take his mind off Carly? She doesn’t believe it for one second. Carly says she can’t make Britt believe what she doesn’t want to believe, but what Britt and Jason had was a moment; it was fleeting. What she and Jason have is forever. Jason returns, and says, Britt. Britt says they can both go to hell, and walks away. Jason asks Carly, what’d you do? Neither one of them looks happy.

In case I haven’t said it, I hate Carly. I would love it if this is the straw that finally breaks the back of her friendship with Jason, but I know that’s asking a lot.

On Monday, Maxie tells Brook that they’re in huge trouble, Austin is having the time of his life, Obrecht apologizes to someone, and Carly asks if Jason is hoping for the same thing.

👨‍👦 His Father’s Son…

Nikolas weighs in on his new progeny.

🌲 Latest Addition…

Another Pine Valley transplant comes to Port Charles.

🎇 Better Late Than Never…

What the soap world did on the 4th.

⚔️ Ursula Andress Be Damned…

Harry isn’t comfortable with the age gap. Scott is old, and has three kids, but #WhatDidHarryDo?

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-lisa-rinna-husband-harry-hamlin-feelings-daughter-amelia-romance-scott-disick/

💰 Mixed Feelings…

She shouldn’t have gone along with it, but on the other hand, it’s seriously taking from the little guy in comparison. And I would never say she didn’t work hard for the money.

https://ew.com/syndication/tom-girardi-embezzlement-victims-can-collect-payments-from-erika-girardi-judge-rules/

🍸 Apology Tour…

Hopefully, she stays out of the bushes for good now.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/29/luann-de-lesseps-apologizes-to-her-daughter-victoria-de-lesseps/

🦈 Rain On Me…

Behold. The new Suicide Squad movie. The Rain trailer rocks.

https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/everything-we-know-about-the-suicide-squad/

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a837989/suicide-squad-2-cast-trailer-release-date-plot-news/

https://www.dccomics.com/videos/the-suicide-squad-official-rain-trailer

👹 Here’s the Story…

John Carroll Lynch, Danny Trejo, and a drive-in. I will love this.

https://comicbook.com/horror/news/american-horror-stories-trailer-released-spinoff/

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a29396639/american-horror-story-season-10-release-date-cast-theme-trailer-plot/

https://ew.com/tv/american-horror-stories-preview/

🐉 Dragon Game…

All you need to know about House of the Dragon.

https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/30/house-of-the-dragon-thrones/

🦒 Something To Aspire To…

Can you believe the fabulousity of this place?

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/lance-gross-kenya/

👩🏽‍💻 Quotes of the Week

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky

PB&J. It’s only twenty-five cents a sandwich if I use the grape jelly where grapes aren’t an actual ingredient. – Kyle (Christoph Sanders) Last Man Standing

The bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep. – E. Cossman (Or sometimes a good stiff drink.)

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.Steve Jobs

⛅️ Early Night, Early Morning…

Wrapping it up because I have to get up early, since my hair is out of control, and the only appointment available was at the crack of dawn. And I called two weeks ago. Not her fault. Covid has caused a long wait for hairdressers and veterinarians. It’s also time for me to switch hats and become a copywriter for Mupo & Friends celebrity interview show on YouTube. Airing soon will be Marc Singer, my all-time favorite actor, and I’ll be making a cameo appearance. The actual interview is this week, so I’m pretty excited about that. See you on Deck on Monday, and make sure you stay safe, stay perceptive, and stay righting the past to give everyone a better future.

October 31, 2019 – Halloween Prep, a Masked Man Revealed, Million Dollar Finale, New Nik, Sam, Halloween Past & Halloween Present

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

👻 Due to decorating and preparing for little monsters demanding candy, today’s GH  recap will be less detailed, since I was quickly watching it at 2 am. A disappointment or a blessing – you decide. While we used to get 80 to 100+ kids, sadly, the powers that be have decided trick-or-treaters over the age of twelve, can be hit with a misdemeanor. Now we get half the kids. No surprise that NJ government has figured out yet another way to poop on everyone’s party. Hope the editing isn’t too wonky. God knows I am, and I only ate one Kit-Kat bar. Moving on…

General Hospital

The first thing we see is a dude taking a shower. We don’t see his face, but we see a signet ring on the vanity. Could it be…?

Chaperoning the PCHS Halloween Dance, Dustin is dressed as a busker. Cameron (a 50s teen), Josslyn (an 80s teen), Trina (an angel), and Dev (a football player) arrive together. No surprise, Lulu comes as Mary Poppins.

Neil shows up to keep an eye on Alexis at the hospital, relieving Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her boyfriend, Captain America, so they can go to the MetroCourt. At the MetroCourt, Kendra shows up, dressed as a mermaid. Valentin continues to yap to Nina about how important Helena’s portrait must be, and Ava has her listening ears on, as Judge Judy would say. Jax wonders if the treasure isn’t in the painting, but is the painting. Laura thinks it would be just like Helena to have them chase their tails when what they’re looking for is right in front of them. Laura wants to be the one to bring Valentin down. She couldn’t bear to lose Spencer the way she lost Nikolas.

Funny how in the next scene, we see the dude with the ring again. And we see a mask. Could it be…?

Sam meets her cellmate. It’s Cassandra. I find it a little hard to believe that Cassandra would act like a streetfighter, but okay.

Cameron and Josslyn commiserate. They both wish it was two years ago. Cameron tells Josslyn he has a way to make the dance more bearable, and shows her his hidden liquor.

Buzz Lightyear (Chase) and Cowgirl Jessie (Willow) arrive at the MetroCourt.

Jordon continues to worry about TJ and Molly committing too soon.

Valentin whines that Laura sees something he doesn’t in the portrait. Ava thinks perhaps there’s more the painting than she thought. The dude from the shower with the ring arrives wearing the mask. Jax wants to talk to Hayden, but she’s busy at the hospital.

Cassandra acts large, in charge, and immediately tries to walk all over Sam.

Valentin asks Ava what a painting by J. Garrin might be worth. She says five figures, unless it’s a puzzle, asking if the painting of Helena might contain a secret message. Laura literally runs into Nikolas the masked dude.

Josslyn wonders what Cameron is doing with liquor, and he says he thought it would make the dance more fun, or at least easier for them. She’s not sure that’s the way to go, especially since he’s on probation. She also reminds him that they’re at the dance with Trina and Dev. Ava calls Trina, wondering about the receipt for the painting, and Trina tells her that Dev got it from the trash barge, but they’d said it was okay for him to take it. Laura apologizes to the masked dude, and he says nothing, following Ava to the elevator. The doors close before he can get in.

Molly introduces herself and TJ to Kendra, saying Alexis raves about her all the time. TJ adds, Alexis swears by the results of the supplement Kendra gave her. Kendra describes it as, the right amount of elements to put the world in order.

Neil offers Alexis a ride home. Hayden apologizes to Finn again. He’s still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his daughter even exists. Hayden says, going forward, she wants Violet to be closer to her father.

Sam tells Cassandra that she has to prep for her trial. Cassandra says they have her dead to rights, on two continents, and in the Caribbean. Sam asks what Cassandra did, and Cassandra asks, here, or in the Hague? Sam asks who she is, and she says, Cassandra Pierce, but Sam can call her boss.

Finn asks what part he’s going to play in Violet’s life, and she asks, what part does he want to play?

Ava checks out the portrait again, remarking, Trina was right; it is creepy. She wonders why anyone would want Helena on their wall, and why so many are interested in her portrait.

Sasha tries to be nice to Nina, but she’s not having it. She thanks Sasha for reminding her of what she lost and she’ll never have again. She doesn’t even want to look at Sasha, but says she’ll soon be in prison. Unless Michael buys her freedom. Willow interrupts, telling Nina, that’s enough.

Curtis thinks Jordan is comparing TJ and Molly to her own life, and marrying too young. She admits they’re more mature than she was, but says that still doesn’t mean they should get married so young.

Lulu tells Dustin about traveling the world when she was a kid. She’s happy to have settled down now, and asks Dustin if he’s happy, and did he always want to be a teacher. He tells her that he had ideas for his life, but life had other plans. Cameron talks Josslyn into partaking, but she wants to drink outside. Trina tries to chat up Dev. Dev notices Cameron and Josslyn are gone, and Trina kisses him. He says he likes her, just not in that way. I go, ugh. Nobody wants to hear that. She says his loss, and asks if he’s interested in someone else.

Cameron and Josslyn drink on deck. They talk about Oscar and Franco. Cameron says he’s not allowed to miss Franco, because he has look out for his mom and brothers. Josslyn tells him about journaling. He asks what she’ll write about tonight, and she tells him, it could have been worse, but it wasn’t. Because of him.

Jordan isn’t sure Molly and TJ are up to the challenge of mixed race children. She wants at least one of them to move away, and have more life experience first. Curtis says she likes Molly. What if TJ picks someone she doesn’t like? She says she’d have to respect his choice, and Curtis wonders why that doesn’t apply here. She said her piece. Now it’s up to TJ and Molly, but it’s not a done deal. When Stella hears about it, she’ll have something to say, and Jordan can let her take the fire.

TJ goes to catch up with Jordan, and Molly tells Kendra about Alexis being in the hospital.

Neil says a teeny part of him was glad to find out Alexis was really sick, and not faking it to get rid of him. Hayden tells Finn he can be what he wants to Violet. It’s up to him, and she’ll go along with whatever he decides. Jax shows up at the hospital, and Hayden explains Violet got sick, and Finn now knows he’s her father. He tells Hayden that they have a theory as to where the codicil might be.

Ava talks to someone about the portrait. She’s going to have it appraised, but needs to safeguard her investment. She tells Helena’s portrait, maybe she’ll finally bring more than heartache and heartbreak. Things are starting to turn around.

Dustin asks if Lulu wants to make the rounds with him. He tells her what the dance rules are, and explains kisses are on a case by case basis. He demonstrates by kissing her. Trina pumps Dev for information on who he likes. He says he’s too busy for romance.

Cameron says the dance has been pretty okay, thanks to Josslyn. She says she would never have made it this far without him. He’s the best friend she could have.

Alexis tells Neil his visit was not expected, but also not unwelcome. She suggests they try it again. She suddenly feels pain from the rash on her palms.

Sam says Cassandra is the one who messed with Michael’s girlfriend. She’s surprised Cassandra lived long enough for them to meet. Cassandra says, life is unpredictable. She’s surprised Sonny has lived that long as he has after turning down her business proposal. Sam says her husband and Sonny are business associates, and Cassandra says, not Jason Morgan? and is she the infamous Sam? Sam says Cassandra will be sorry if she messes with her, and Cassandra takes out a knife.

Michael tells Valentin that he’s running out of patience. Valentin says Nina is upset, and it’s going to take time to talk her out of prosecuting Sasha. Michael says Valentin doesn’t want to lose Nina and go to prison, and Valentin says Michael doesn’t want him as an enemy. Laura says it’s not shaping up to be Valentin’s night.

Nina asks if Chase and Willow have any idea what Sasha did to her. Willow says going after Sasha isn’t going to make Nina feel good, and Nina thanks her for the life lesson. She’s sure it’s easy to say that from the sidelines. She asks what if someone came to Willow, and said Wiley wasn’t her son, and she was never a mother at all?

At the gallery, Ava hears something, but tells herself that she’s just being jumpy. She turns out the lights, and the masked dude walks in.

Trina needs to talk to Josslyn, but realizes she’s drunk. She says they need to get Josslyn out of there, and on the way out, they see Dustin kissing Lulu. Josslyn says she’s going to hurl. Dev asks where Cameron was, and Cameron says, around, knocking over the candy bowl on the snack table. Dev tries to help Cameron pick up the candy, and realizes Cameron is drunk. Josslyn throws up over the side of the boat, and Trina says they have to get her out of there, but Lulu and Dustin walk out, and Lulu asks if Josslyn has been drinking.

TJ updates Jordan and Curtis on Alexis. Jordan suggests Alexis is going to be TJ’s mother-in-law, but he says Molly has to say yes first. He asks if she’s on board, and Jordan says he’s his own man. She couldn’t be happier or prouder of him.

Molly tells Kendra that she has complete confidence in the medical staff at GH, and Alexis will be fine. Kendra says she can’t be too careful, since Alexis’s illness might be catching. Molly doesn’t want to get what Alexis has.

Alexis tells Finn she’s getting a prickling sensation in her hands. He checks her feet, and she feels the same thing there. He says, whatever she has, it’s not just something going around.

Nina says Michael’s mistress doesn’t know when to let something drop. Michael joins them, and says Sasha has as much right to be there as Nina does, and Nina says, how any of them dare imply she’s treating Sasha unfairly? For a year, Sasha lied to her face, used her, and took advantage of her deepest loss. What if twenty years from now, someone came to Michael, and said they were the child he lost? He’d love to know why Nina is so convinced Sasha came up with this lie all by herself.

Hayden tells Jax the portrait is an expensive piece of trash, and he flashes back to Dev saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and saying people put expensive stuff in the trash all the time. Hayden tells Jax it’s worse than being back to square one if Valentin is suspicious. He asks what she would do, as an enterprising teenager, if she came across the portrait. She says, burn it probably, but he says she’d try to sell it. She’d take it to Ava.

Laura wonders what’s next for Valentin, after his wedding being ruined and getting slapped down by Michael.

Cassandra says Sam must be a disappointment to the Cassadines, who are ruthless, but refined and cultured, except for her. Sam asks if that’s what Valentin told her, and Cassandra says, amongst others. She flashes back to being in a limo, and asking what someone wants from her. A hand, wearing the signet ring, rests on her knee.

We see the ring on the hand of the masked dude. Ava comes up behind him with her gun, and asks if he ever gets that feeling; like he’s being watched.

Laura thinks Valentin’s time at the head of the Cassadine table is up. He asks who’s going to take it? Spencer.

Ava says as soon as she saw him, she knew he was the man who was stalking her. No one believed her, but here he is, and she’s going to find out who he is. She tells him, take off the mask. He does, and she says, Nikolas?

Tomorrow, Jax tells Laura that Helena’s portrait may have found its way to Ava’s gallery, Cameron is busted by Dustin, and Carly tells Brad that the ball is in his court – play it wisely.

Million Dollar Listing New York – Season Finale

Ryan was trying to hunt down Luis about their co-listing for Ian, but Luis was spending every minute he could with his daughter. They finally connected, and Ryan set up a socialite dinner party, where he invited everyone from the influencers of influencers to Ramona Singer. Ramona was – no surprise – a total pita; pointing out every negative she could think of, whining about how outdated the décor was, and bugging the chefs cooking the dinner. Luis managed to keep Ramona sidelined, so she didn’t interfere with Ryan showing the apartment. One of the guests talked to a friend, who turned out to want a private showing. He decided the apartment wasn’t for him, since it would require too much in the way of renovation. Ryan just happened to mention the raw space Ian was renovating downstairs. That, he was interested in, and made an offer.

Luis also got an offer on the original apartment, but Ian said no to both. Ryan blamed it on the 12 month extension that Luis had wanted. Much to their dismay, Luis and Ryan realized they enjoyed working together.

Steve did some private showings of the Bed Sty townhouse, while Jess did separate showings. Steve was thrilled that Jess was doing what takes be a good agent in a tough market. The sellers had moved to Manhattan, and were more motivated to sell, but the seller still balked at Steve getting an offer for less than the full asking price, and Jess getting an offer for asking price, but it would require a 60 day contingency. This basically meant that the buyer had 60 days to get financing, but during that time, the apartment would be off the market. Understandable why  the seller wouldn’t be keen on that. In the end, there was a compromise. The seller took the full ask offer, but the contingency was shortened to 30 days, and none of the furnishings would be included.

Fredrik was showing the huge Soho apartment non-stop, but got no offers. He told us that people from L.A. tended to want more space, and found an L.A. broker with a mogul client. It wasn’t quite what the mogul was looking for, and Fredrik let slip (cough, cough) that the owner also had a penthouse, but it wasn’t on the market yet. He’d gotten in trouble for showing an unlisted penthouse once before, and took a chance. An offer was made, and while the owner wanted to wait for a better price, she gave Fredrik the listing, admiring his drive.

Tyler was met with two owners about a property in Nomad that had a private pool, and wraparound terrace. Once again, he came up against his usual problem, the owners weren’t keen on someone who hadn’t sold in that price range before ($13 million). Tyler told them that what he could offer was dedication. He’d taken his team from three employees to two hundred, but even better had dropped two hundred pounds and kept it off. The two men conversed in Hebrew (I think), and one of them said when they were immigrants, they’d needed first chances, and gave him the listing. Both Tyler and I were more than thrilled, and after throwing so many parties to show apartments, Tyler had his own party. Tyler said he wasn’t afraid of the other brokers he was up against, and hoped to build an empire like theirs. This year had been about finding out who he was, and figuring out his place in the world. Goal achieved.

Steve threw a housewarming party, with Fredrik, Ryan, and Luis, along with their families in attendance. Steve told us that he finally realized what life was about. The year had been his most rewarding; personally, professionally, and financially. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

Ryan joked that Steve was copying him by moving and having a baby. He and Amelia were busy renovating their new Borum Hill townhouse, and he was excited. The year had been up and down for emotionally, and the market had beat him up. But he took a breath, and said he’s got this. He was doing it for his family, which was the most important thing.

Fredrik decided, ultimately, he was thankful for the horrible market. To continue his climb up, he had to be inventive and creative. He decided to rent the house in L.A., and even better, brother Sigge would be following him. He and his family felt at home wherever Fredrik was. Fredrik was excited about the future, and while he would never really leave NYC, decided he could date two cities at the same time.

Luis told us that he’d gotten used to being back, but he and his family would be moving to Puerto Rico for a year or two, and focusing on their daughter. He told us, let time unfold, and it will show you that it will be okay. He’d gone off to find himself, and now he was driven by the realization that he was finally in place of substance.

👑 The New Rightful Heir…

Either Nikolas has a case of the Benjamin Buttons, or he found the fountain of youth while he was gone, since he looked like Nikolas ten years ago.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/comings-and-goings/552465/general-hospital-nikolas-cassadine-recast-with-marcus-coloma/

🎃 Better Keep That Pumpkin Lit…

I love Sam. He’s so cute… until he isn’t. I must have watched Trick r Treat three times in one week.

https://characters.fandom.com/wiki/Sam_(Trick_%27r_Treat)

👻 Ghosts of Halloweens Past…

 

🐾 This Year’s Theme…

Game of Bones. Jon Snow still knows nothing.