What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina and Sonny walk into the MetroCourt Garden, where there’s a large photo of Brando on display. Sonny says, Nina made the place look great; she even found a great photo of Brando. She says, planning the post funeral reception is the least she can do for Sasha. He kisses her and they hug. Michael and Willow walk in, and Willow says she sees the way Michael is looking at his dad. Keep telling himself, this day is about Brando, and they’re here to help Sasha and Gladys any way they can. He tells her that she’s right.

Maxie comes in with Dante and Sam, and thanks them for the ride. Austin is still at the hospital, and she didn’t want to be alone. Olivia leads Gladys and Sasha in, saying, she knew the Garden would be the perfect place for the reception; they got a perfect Autumn morning. Sonny asks how Sasha is doing, hugging her, and she says she’s okay. She thanks him and Nina for coming, and Nina says, they woudn’t be anyplace else. She hugs Sasha and says, the funeral was very touching. No matter what Sasha and Gladys think, they’re all here for them. Sasha thanks her, and says, everything looks beautiful. Looking bottles on one table, Sasha says, of course (🍷) Brando would be the first person to say they shouldn’t have gone to so much fuss. She can just hear him. She walks over to the photo, and touches it.

Funeral program in hand, Josslyn knocks on Dex’s door. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says she could ask him the same thing.

Curtis goes to Jordan’s office, and says he got her message. It sounded important. She says, it is, and he asks if there’s a break in whoever attacked Diane and Ava, and killed Brando Corbin. She says she was just at Brando’s funeral, and after Diane telling them the attacker was a woman, they don’t have very much. That’s not why she asked him to come by. She hands him a large envelope, and asks him to read what’s in it. His future depends on it.

In an exam room, Ava tells Portia that she has a very busy day ahead. She has to figure out what she’s going to do now that she’s closing the gallery. She’d appreciate it if they can wrap this up. Portia is talking to Amy, and Ava says she’s feeling really good. Her wound is almost healed now, so is there something else wrong with her? Portia thanks Amy, who leaves, and Ava says, whatever it is, she can take it.

Nikolas closes the secret safe in the bookcase, and Victor says, counting his blessings? Nikolas says he was just adding some documents, and Victor says he assumes Nikolas will soon be adding another important document to that safe of his; his finalized divorce decree. But of course (🍷) Nikolas insisted on hiring his own lawyer, so Victor hopes he’s filed all the paperwork correctly. Nikolas tells Victor, he said he would handle it, didn’t he? and Victor says, he’s seen how Nikolas handles Ava, signing a false confession to a murdering Esme. That little mea culpa of his could have sent him to prison for life if Valentin hadn’t gotten it away from Ava. Fortunately, his ridiculous romantic gesture won’t be coming back to haunt them, and neither will Esme Prince, may she rest in peace.

Oz is zipped into a body bag at the docks, and I’m disappointed, since I thought his character would have made an interesting addition to the canvas. An officer tells the paramedics that they can take him, and radios, a dead John Doe found on Pier 55, apparent stab wound, no driver’s license or ID. They leave, and Esme comes down the stairs.

Sasha says she’s so grateful to Nina; all the trouble she’s gone to. Nina says, it’s no trouble at all, and Sonny says, she thought of everything, right? Like Brando’s favorite drink, beer; root beer. Gladys says, it was always his favorite, ever since he was a little boy. Michael – who I like less every time I see him – says he can’t watch this anymore, and asks if Willow would like a drink, but she says she’s good. He goes over to the bar, and Dante asks if he’s all right. Michael says, no, he’s not.

TJ brings Willow a club soda, and tells her, drink up; doctor’s orders. She raises her glass to him and takes a sip. Nina glances at them, and Sonny asks if everyone can gather around. Raise their glasses. They’re going to make a toast to Brando. Brando was an incredible son, a kind and loving husband. He left them way too soon. He had a big laugh, but most important, he had a big heart. To Brando, he’ll never be forgotten. Everyone raises their glasses or bottles, and takes a drink.

Josslyn asks why Dex isn’t at the hospital, and he says, then he wouldn’t be here to let her in. She says, he knows what she means. He’s covered in bruises from what Sonny did to him. He says he is a little sore, and she says, a little. He says, okay, he hurts everywhere, especially his wrists, but it could have been a lot worse if she hadn’t shown up. He never really got the chance to thank her for that.

Curtis says, it looks like the divorce papers are ready to go, and Jordan says, he can see it proves she submitted them to the court. She wants him to keep that. He says he doesn’t need proof. He takes her at her word that they were filed. Now they just need the court to sign off, and they’ll officially be divorced. She says she’d feel better if he held on to the receipt. It’s something he can show Portia, since she botched things the first time around. He says, this is what doesn’t make sense to him. She’s one of the most organized people he’s ever known, so it just doesn’t add up that she misplaced the original papers. She tells him, what can she say? Nobody’s perfect. She thinks she proved that during their marriage, right? He says, it takes two people to make a marriage, and two people to mess it up. Let’s be honest. They both knew their marriage was over long before they signed those papers. She says, maybe for him, but not for her.

Portia says, physically, Ava is recovering just fine. But as her doctor, it’s Portia’s job to treat the whole patient, and she wants Ava to take care of herself. To be honest, she’s a little worried about Ava’s well-being. Trina told her that Ava closed her gallery, and she knows it was far more than just a business deal. Ava says, it’s Portia’s fiancé’s fault really, and Portia asks, how that is exactly? Ava says, Curtis came to her and said he was worried about Trina working at the gallery with some serial slasher roaming around, and he was right. As much as she hates it that she won’t be working with Trina for now, she has to do whatever she can to protect Trina from any future attack. Portia says she thinks Ava did the right thing for Trina and for herself, but she needs Ava to know that working at the gallery was far more than just a job to Trina. And she never got a chance to thank Ava for arranging the Fellowship at The Chuck for her. Ava says, that was Curtis’s idea exactly. She just made a couple of phone calls, and gave Trina a sterling recommendation, which is well-earned. She’s just sorry Trina is upset with Curtis for setting it in motion. She said she already has one protective father looking out for her. If there isn’t anything else, she’s really spent more than her fair share of time at GH. Portia says, there’s just one more thing. She wants Ava to focus on keeping herself out of harm’s way, and since the gallery is already off-limits, at least Ava knows she’s going to be safe at Windymere, right?

Victor tells Nikolas, Esme is lying at the bottom of the harbor, thanks to Nikolas’s wife. And no one need be any the wiser, despite Nikolas’s ridiculous attempt to take the blame for the murder, in an attempt to woo Ava. So just proceed with this divorce as planned, and no more confessions in the name of love. Are they clear on that? Nikolas flashes back to making the videoed confession on Ava’s phone, and Victor says, Nikolas. He was always a poor judge of women, and a fool for their charms. So tell him the truth. What else has Ava got on him?

Esme says, bad for you, Oz, but good for me. She goes into her bag, and takes out her wallet, looking at how much money is in it. She says, this won’t get me through the day. Windymere, here I come.

Ava tells Portia, she’s no longer living at Windymere. She’s happy Nina’s offered her a place to stay; she’s staying with Nina. She’s grateful for that, and plus, there’s the added benefit that Sonny is looking out for Nina. Portia says, which means Sonny will be looking out for Ava, and Ava says, as Avery’s mother, Sonny wants to keep her safe. Portia says, she’s glad Ava has someplace to go but… Ava says, but what? and Portia says, Ava knows she has no love for Nikolas or his son, but she knows Ava is still in love with her husband. But for Ava’s sake, she hopes Ava finally leaves Nikolas and never looks back.

Curtis says he’s surprised to hear Jordan say that, but he’s with Portia now, and she says she knows. All she’s saying is, she never made it a secret about how she felt. She was ready to fight for their marriage if he had been. He says he couldn’t. By that point, there was too much damage for him to try again; too many secrets, too many lies. He’s a former cop, so he knows some of the deception comes with the job, but not all of it. She says, no, not all of it, and he’s a man who values honesty above everything else in a relationship. He tells her, he’s not saying he’s holier than thou, but in his book, if you can’t trust the person you love, who can you trust? She says, and he’s found what he’s look for in Portia? and he asks if that’s a question or a statement. She says she wants him to be happy. She hopes he knows that. He says, then why does she make it sound like there’s a reason they won’t be?

Josslyn points to Dex’s open shirt, and asks if it’s his look for the day, or is he going to button that? He tries to button it, obviously in pain, and he says, his wrists. He’ll just grab a T-shirt. She says she’ll do it, and she buttons it for him. He thanks her, and she says, he can thank her by making sure that Sonny never does this to anyone again.

Olivia asks Nina for a word, but Nina says, not today, for Sasha’s sake, please. Olivia tells her that she just wanted to say the set-up is really beautiful. It’s tasteful, it’s lovely, it’s well done. Nina thanks her, and says she appreciates that.

TJ asks how Willow is feeling, and she says she’s hanging in there. She tells him, don’t look now, but Nina is watching them as if they’re stealing the silverware. He asks what Nina’s problem is with them, and she says, Nina saw them hug the other day at the hospital, and has it in her head they’re having an affair. He says, what? and she says, don’t let it get to him; she doesn’t. It seems Nina judges everyone by her own shabby standards.

Michael hugs Sasha, and says he’s here for her, whatever she needs. She says, he may regret making that offer, but he says, never.

Sam tells Dante, she keeps trying to remind herself that Brando’s not alone; he’s got Mike. It’s just still really sad. He says, Brando was too young to die, but he sees Sasha is handling it so well; he admires her courage. It makes him more determined than ever to find out who did this. Maxie asks if she can borrow Sam for a second, and Sam says, sure. They leave, and Michael tells Dante that he hopes the investigation leads to the actual perp. Unlike their father. Dante asks what he’s talking about. Sonny?

Sonny sits with Gladys, and asks how she’s doing. She says she can’t do it. She can’t be brave like Sasha. He says, it’s normal. Brando was her only child; nothing hurts like that. She says she can’t fill up her mind with other things and forget, and he says he doesn’t think that’s what Sasha is doing. He thinks she’s holding it together for Brando’s sake. It’s what he would have wanted. She says she keeps thinking about when she came to town to see Mike. She told everyone Brando was dead. She couldn’t stand to admit she was ashamed of him and his addiction. Then one day, he showed up. She was given a second chance. She and her son had a chance for the kind of life their cousin Sonny had; picture perfect marriage, beautiful, loving children. He had it all. Sonny says, looks can be deceiving; time has proven that. He takes her hand, and says, nothing in life is guaranteed. He and Michael look at each other, and Gladys says she made a decision this morning. The best thing to do going forward is for her to pack up and go back to Bridgeport. Sonny says, he’s known her to be a lot of things over the years; a little greedy, a little selfish. But one thing he’s never known her to be is a coward.

Sasha thanks TJ and Willow for coming, and TJ says, of course (🍷). Molly had to stay at the courthouse, but asked him to pass along her condolences. Sasha asks him to thank Molly, and says she knows he and Brando had a little falling out, but it meant a lot to Brando that they patched things back up. She wishes they’d had more years of being friends. Nothing lasts forever. Willow asks TJ to give them a minute, and he steps away. Sasha says she’s okay, but Willow says, it’s the day of her husband’s funeral. No one expects her to be okay. She’s just sorry she hasn’t been around more for Sasha. Sasha says she understands why Willow stayed away, and Willow says, she does? Sasha says, Willow didn’t think she could handle her having Michael, and Wiley, and a baby on the way. Sasha is happy for her. Willow’s life is pretty perfect.

TJ says he appreciates Nina pulling out all the stops today for Sasha, but he’s not surprised, considering his Uncle Curtis is one of her biggest fans. She says she feels the same about him, and TJ says, what he doesn’t understand is why she’d stick her nose in, and suggest something is happening between Willow and him.

Jordan says she knows Curtis and Portia love each other. It’s plain to see when they’re together. They’ve done more than just buy a house together. They’ve done everything they can to create a family. Not just for the two of them, but his dad and Aunt Stella. He says, and don’t forget about Trina. Even though she’s away at college, living in the dorms, it’s her home as well. She says, of course (🍷), and it’s because of Trina that… He says, what about Trina? and Jordan’s phone rings. She says she needs to take this, and answers. She says, what?… When did this happen and where?… She’ll be right there. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, we have another victim.

Amy asks if Ava and Portia have heard; it happened again. Portia says, they haven’t heard. She’s just trying to get her patient safely home. Ava asks, what happened again? and Amy says, a John Doe was just brought in. Another guy is dead after being stabbed. According to the coroner, it’s likely the same woman with a hook. They weren’t able to identify him, but she recognized him right away, because he’s been a patient here not too long ago. Ava asks, who is it? and Amy says, the bartender guy who testified at Trina’s trial. Portia says, Oz Haggerty? and Ava practically flies into the elevator, saying, she has to go.

Nikolas says, Victor just doesn’t get it. It’s not about what Ava has on him, or what he has on her. Victor says, tell that to the young lady Ava pushed over the parapet, and Nikolas says, Ava swears it was an accident. Victor says, fine. Say he believes that. Does Nikolas really think the police or a jury would? Ava had just discovered Nikolas had slept with his son’s girlfriend. They’ll think she was out for revenge, and to frame Nikolas for the crime. Nikolas says, it would be an act of love. Ava didn’t twist his arm; she didn’t threaten him. He proved she can trust him despite the terrible mistake he made with Esme. He earned Ava’s trust by putting his life in her hands. He did it willingly, with his eyes wide open. But Victor can’t understand that, can he? Victor says he can understand Nikolas acting like a damn fool, and Nikolas says, it’s sad. Despite all of Victor’s conquests, he’s never been in love.

Esme comes to the door at Windymere, and tells herself, who says you can’t go home again?

Sonny says, Gladys can’t cut and run. She has to be here for Sasha, and be strong for her, because Brando can’t be. Sasha has lost a child and a husband. No one knows that kind of pain, only Gladys does, because she’s lost a son and a grandchild. Gladys has got to be here for Sasha; they’ve got to be here for each other. Today, the next day, and the day after. Gladys says she wishes she was as strong as he thinks she is, and he says, she’s not going to have to do this alone. She doesn’t have to grieve alone; he’s going to be here for her. Brando used to come to him for advice, not for tuning up engines or business. Brando thought he had all the answers, but he told Brando he didn’t. Brando used to say, how can he be a better father, a better husband? and Sonny would say to him, there’s nothing more important than family – success, power, money. He just wants Gladys to know, she’ll always be a part of his family. They get up, and she says, of course (🍷) family’s the most important thing… A lot of money doesn’t hurt though, right? He says, that’s the Gladys he knows, and hugs her.

Willow says she knows her life looks perfect, but it’s not, and Sasha asks if there’s an issue with the baby. Willow says, no, the baby is fine, and Sasha asks if there’s an issue with Willow. Willow says, no, she’s fine. It’s just that it’s not all smooth sailing. Sasha says she gets it. Willow lost Harmony not long after she found out Harmony wasn’t her biological mother. That’s a lot. Willow says, if this year taught her anything, it’s that good and bad things can happen at the same time. Which is why she feels fortunate to have a friend like Sasha, and she hopes that never changes. Sasha says, never, and they hug.

Nina says, whatever is going on with TJ’s quote-unquote friendship with Willow, she’s just giving him a friendly warning. Take it from her. He does not want Michael Corinthos as an enemy.

Michael asks if the PCPD had legitimate reason to suspect Dex Heller, and Dante says, he can’t talk about the details of an ongoing investigation. But Dex was brought in as a person of interest until Diane told them her attacker was a woman. Why? Michael says, before Diane made her ID, Sonny took matters into his own hands, and almost played judge, jury, and executioner. Talk to Dex if he doesn’t believe it.

Dex says, he already told Josslyn, he doesn’t want to get the cops involved, and she says, but he didn’t tell her why. He’s not a fugitive, is he? He says, no, and she says, he’s not afraid to incriminate himself in his own kidnapping and torture? He says, no, and she asks, then why is he protecting Sonny? He says, she hates her stepfather; he gets it. She says, and he doesn’t? and he says, Sonny’s not his favorite person at the moment, no. She says, so many good people have been protecting Sonny; someone has to take him down. He says, she sounds like her brother, and she asks how Dex would know she sounds like Michael?

Esme tries her key, and says, they changed the locks? Like that’s going to stop her.

Victor says he will not be schooled in the art of love by a man who bedded his son’s ex-girlfriend, because his own wife wanted nothing to do with him. He’s experienced real passion, the kind Nikolas will never know. Nikolas asks if Victor is talking about what he had with Liesl Obrecht? He believes that’s called obsession, not passion, and she clearly wants nothing to do with Victor. What Nikolas and Ava have happens once in a lifetime. Victor asks if Nikolas doesn’t mean had; their divorce is well underway. Nikolas says, Victor can force him to divorce Ava, but the way he feels for Ava will never… The door rattles, and Victor holds up his hand, and moves quietly toward it. He unlocks it, and Ava comes in.

Dante tells Michael, they’re supposed to be here honoring Brando, and supporting Sasha and Gladys. Can he put it on hold just for today? Michael barrels on, saying, the PCPD brought in Dex for questioning. Sonny shows up to get him out, and Dex and Sonny leave together. Then Dex disappears for 48 hours. Dante knows their father as well as he does. Where does he think Dex was?

Gladys thanks Nina, and says, everything is so lovely. Nina says, there’s no need to thank her, and Gladys says, maybe she can repay them like this. She knows everyone thinks she’s self-absorbed, and sometimes she is. But she’s seen the strain between Sonny and Michael. She just spent two years trying to make things right with Brando. They were almost there, and then she ran out of time. Don’t make her mistake. Don’t think he has forever to make things right with Michael. Do it now.

Dex tells Josslyn, it’s no big secret that when he’s out with Sonny, and they run into Michael, Michael goes after Sonny with both barrels. He has to say, the way boss keeps his cool with Michael attacking him is impressive. She says, it sounds like he admires Sonny, and he says, Sonny looks after the people he cares about. She points to his wrists, and says, this is Sonny looking after the people he cares about? He says, he didn’t say he likes it, but he gets it. Josslyn asks if he doesn’t see. That’s exactly what Sonny is doing. He wants Dex to be able to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s never going to do that for Dex. Dex needs to quit Sonny’s organization now, before he gets in deeper. Dex asks her, who says he wants out?

On the phone, Jordan says, the John Doe has been identified by a previous stay at GH. His name is Oz Haggerty. Portia takes Curtis aside, and asks what he’s doing here. He says, Jordan asked him to come by to show him a new set of divorce papers. They’ve officially been filed. She says, it won’t be long now, and he says, too late to back out. Jordan hangs up the phone, and asks if they don’t have a wedding to plan. Curtis says, they do, but if there’s anything Jordan needs to help find the attacker, they’re here to help. Jordan says, sadly, the files are getting thicker and thicker. The only thing they have to go on is, Diane said the attacker was a woman, but they’re not any closer. Portia says, there is something three of the victims have in common; her daughter.

Ava tells Victor, don’t touch her, and he says, listening at keyholes now, are we? She tells him, don’t flatter himself. She has zero interest in what he and Nikolas talk about. Nikolas asks what she’s doing here, and she says she wanted to tell him, there’s been another fatal attack. This time, the victim was that bartender, the one who Esme tried to keep from testifying for Trina. He thanks her for the update, but says, she could have just called. She says she was just going to get some of her clothes, but never mind. If he’d please ask the staff to pack up her things and send them to Nina’s. Victor says, perhaps he should come with her as added protection, and she says, suit himself. Nikolas thanks her for the warning, and Ava leaves, Victor following her. Outside, she says, on second thought, she can take care of herself. He says he has no doubt, but it’s a wicked world out there. They leave, and Esme comes out from behind the bushes, and goes in the door they stupidly left unlocked.

Esme looks around, and strides through the sitting room. She opens the bookcase, revealing the secret safe, and wonders what the combination is. She says, Spencer’s birthday, and puts it in. It opens, and Nikolas comes in the room. He asks, who the hell are you?

Nina says she knows it’s been a difficult day for everyone who loved Brando and loves Sasha. She tells Michael to make sure Willow gets home safe, and gets some rest. Willow says she can take care of herself, and asks TJ if he’ll give her a ride. He says, of course (🍷), and Michael thanks him, saying he’ll see Willow home. They leave, and Sonny asks if Nina can give them a minute. He wants to have a conversation with his son.

Portia says she doesn’t know how, but Trina is the common denominator. First, it was Ava, and she’s not just Trina’s boss; she’s Trina’s mentor, and supported Trina during the trial. Then Diane came in when Scotty had to step away, and was brilliant in defending Trina. Now there’s Oz Haggerty. It was his testimony, saying he sold the black market phone to Esme Prince and not Trina, that proved Trina was innocent. Jordan says, yes, at first glance, Portia’s theory seems correct; it seems to be a pattern. But what about Brando Corbin? Is there a connection to Trina that Jordan’s not aware of? Portia says, he’s the only exception; Trina barely knew Brando. Curtis says, unless… and Portia says, unless what? Jordan says, unless Brando wasn’t the target. Josslyn Jax had just been in that same alley behind Charlie’s, and Josslyn is connected to Trina.

Josslyn says, just so Dex knows, the next time Sonny turns against him, don’t wait for her to come rescue him. He says, there might not be a next time, but she says, yes, there will be. Sonny will betray Dex, like he has everyone else. She just hopes Dex can see the man Sonny really is, before it’s too late for him. She leaves, and Dex says, son of a bitch.

Nina goes to get some water, and Sonny says, Gladys shared something with him that he wanted to share with Michael. She said it was too late to make things right with Brando, but she thinks it’s not too late for him and Michael to get things right. He took that to heart, and just wants Michael to hear him out. He wants to make things right, whatever it takes.

Dante knocks on Dex’s door, and Dex asks how he can help Dante. Dante says he wants to ask Dex some questions about what happened between him and Dante’s father after Brando Corbin was killed.

Tomorrow, Trina tells Ava, something horrible is going to happen; Esme tells Nikolas that he’ll have to try harder next time; Valentin asks Nina for help; and Dex asks if he should call a lawyer.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Valletta, Malta. At the crew dinner, Storm leaves the table, having had enough of Natalya’s roller coaster ride. Natalya says, he’s the most dramatic person, and Mzi goes to find Storm in the restroom. Storm tells Mzi that he’s always the bad person every time, and it has nothing to do with her. She’s making him look like an idiot. Mzi tells him to calm down, and Storm says he’s going back to do anchor watch. He wants to go back to doing his job. This is bullsh*t.  Storm leaves, saying, f*** all these people. He’s done with this sh*t. Mzi goes back to the table, and in his interview, he says, he’s trying to comfort Storm when he feels bad himself. Everything is everywhere. He’s not living his best life. Natalya tries to trash talk Storm some more, but Mzi tells her, please don’t talk. Storm gets back to the boat, and tells Jason that he’ll take over the watch. In Jason’s interview, he says, he’s done, and he’s pumped. Somehow, Tasha’s shoes have gotten wet, and Dave gives her a pair of his. It’s unclear whether he’s going barefoot, is now wearing heels, or he usually carries spare shoes. In Tasha’s interview, she says, she and Dave are still friends, and her boyfriend clearly wants her away from him, but she can’t because she has to work with Dave. It’s the worst thing about yachting; you have to put your work life first. Kyle says, let’s shake our caboose, and they get ready to move on to a club.  They take a couple of taxis to the club, and in Mzi’s interview, he says, the lead deckhand situation was soul destroying, but Courtney’s happiness overrides his sadness. He’s going to drink to numb some emotions. Everyone cuts loose on the dance floor, and Tasha goes outside to call her boyfriend. She says she misses him, when Dave comes by. She tells Dave that she’s talking to her dogs, and he says, come dance. She blows him off, but her boyfriend has already overheard, and tells her, just leave me the f*** alone. F*** off. Tasha runs to the restroom, crying, and Kyle follows her. She tells him that her ex (another thing that’s unclear – sometimes she calls him her boyfriend, and sometimes her ex) told her to f*** off. She doesn’t want any men in her life; just Kyle. Kyle tells her to blow her nose, and take deep breaths, and she says she’s sick of men. He tells her, stop it. He means that out of love. She’s an outstanding woman, and doesn’t need a man to complete her. Get off the man train. Never cry over a man again. Say f*** you. I don’t need you in my life. Got it?

Courtney asks if Tasha is okay, and Natalya wonders why everyone is upset. Courtney grabs Kyle’s bag, and the crew starts walking to the taxi. Kyle walks Tasha out, and she says she loves him. They get in the taxis, and in Tasha’s interview, she says she was always in long term relationships. She gets attached to people very easy, and never experienced being single. She puts all her time and energy into one person, and makes them feel loved. She guesses she wants that feeling back. They take a regular taxi to the water taxi, and shakily get in. Kyle says he loves a boat ride, and Courtney suggests they go straight to the snacks. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Storm gets emotional when he’s drinking. For no reason, he literally stormed off. She’s just over it, and she’s not chasing anyone anymore.

At 6:30 everyone gets up, and Jason packs. Captain Sandy curses the wind gusts, and in Courtney’s interview, she says, becoming lead deckhand is amazing. She’s excited, but feels bad about the Mzi situation. She thinks he’s fine and doesn’t think his ego is hurt, but she doesn’t know. The captain radios the crew that they’re going back to the dock. When the guests come on board, the sun comes up, and this all blows away, they’ll get off the dock. Natalya complains that Kyle could offer to help with laundry, and in Kyle’s interview, he says, if they ran the boat Natalya’s way, there would be no guests, they’d be on top of the laundry, and there would be a good place to sleep in the guest beds. Natalya asks if Kyle wants her to be the supportive friend today. She has six personalities, and can pick one. Anchor is home, and Storm says, it’s cold, and not a vibe. Jason helps out with the docking, and Captain Sandy gripes that she has to dock in the rain. The boat docks without incident, and the captain tells them, good job. They prepare the boat for the guests, and Jason says goodbye to everyone. He says he enjoyed meeting them, and be true to themselves. Courtney wonders how guys pack so light, and Jason goes to the bridge to say goodbye to Captain Sandy. She says, it’s been a pleasure, and he says he’ll text her his information. In his interview, he says, he’s glad to go home, but he’s sad that he’s leaving because it’s not what he planned or expected. He came to this place, and there were three friends and one outsider. Unfortunately, the outsider was him. It makes him sad; the emotional part. Storm tells Courtney that Jason was amazing this last charter, but she says she guesses he didn’t want to be here. Captain Sandy calls Storm, Dave, and Tasha to the crew mess for the preference sheet meeting.

The captain says, it’s charter number seven, and what’s cool about this charter is, the co-primaries are repeats, Jonathan and Eric. We flash back to their charter, which I have no recollection of at all, and Captain Sandy says, Eric is an entrepreneur who was so successful, he was able to retire at 59. Jonathan is a personal trainer, and they’re coming with clients. One guest wants their cabin spotless at all times, and another is a professional dominatrix, and wants a BDSM evening. Dave has to explain what BDSM is to Tasha, and in her interview, she says, people think a yacht is elegant and posh, but this theme is quite seedy. The captain says, it’s going to be an awesome charter, and Storm says, as long as they keep doing what they’re doing, it will be fantastic. In Courtney’s interview, she says, it’s a lot more pressure for her now that she’s lead deckhand. She hopes the new deckhand is helpful, good at his job, and good looking.

New deckhand Reid arrives, and meets Captain Sandy, who radios Storm. Reid says he’s had 18 hours of flying, but he’s glad to be here. The captain introduces Reid to Storm, and says, Reid has worked on tugboats, so he knows lines. Storm says, they have less than an hour, so let’s get cracking. Storm introduces Reid to the crew, and Kyle introduces himself as Captain Kyle. Reid finds out Dave will be his roommate, and says, the boat is pretty. Kyle tells Tasha that Reid is handsome, and in Reid’s interview, he says he’s from Decatur, Alabama. It’s got small town charm, but no opportunities. He graduated, 4^th generation, from the University of Alabama. Storm texts Natalya, asking to talk, and she tells him to come to the twin cabins where she’s working. She asks why he left the table last night, and he says he needed to come back to the boat. She says she knows he’s pissed off at her, and he says, she lectured him in front of everyone, when it should have been a private conversation. It must be fun to turn it into a sh*tshow. She says, when they get out to have a good time, and there’s drinking, it inevitably becomes a vibe she doesn’t want to be around. It’s too heavy too quick. In her interview, she says, she knows when she’s in love; the other person’s energy matches her own. She sees Storm as more of a friend than boyfriend. If she can’t see someone as the father of her children, why date them? Storm says, the last thing he wanted was to make her feel bad, and in his interview, he says, it’s his first time as bosun, and it’s more stressful. There are more feelings on his side with Natalya, so he has to switch to work vibe. He doesn’t want it to affect his work.

Provisions come in, and Natalya tells Courtney, this sh*t drives her up a wall. This is their life now. She complains to Kyle that there are 80 bottles of wine, and nowhere to put them. It makes her frustrated. He asks what the actual problem is, and she says, too much is being ordered, and everyone agrees. In Reid’s interview, he says, one of his best friends told him, when he gets on the boat, keep his head down and his mouth shut, and don’t piss anyone off. He’s good at putting his foot in his mouth. He asks Mzi, what happened with the other guy? and Mzi tells him, it wasn’t what he’d call a bad attitude, but he was beefing with everyone. In his interview, Reid says he gets nervous and cracks jokes only he thinks are funny. He has a sh*tty sense of humor. The only one who thinks he’s funny is him. Natalya bitches to Storm about provisions, and tells Tasha that they’re out of space. They can’t keep dumping sh*t here. Tasha tells her, calm down, and watch the way she’s speaking. Natalya tells Courtney that she’s going in hot, and Courtney relays the beef to Mzi. Tasha says, Natalya is a bit cranky, and Natalya says, they have five boxes of beer. Tasha says, that’s why she asked for help from the deck crew, and Natalya says, Tasha needs to learn how to delegate. Kyle is setting the table, and they don’t need that right now. Tasha tells her not to be disrespectful, and don’t shout at her. On her way upstairs, Natalya mumbles, she’s f***ing insane. Dave laughs, and says, he told Tasha that she’s a ticking time bomb.

Tasha says she’s going out for fresh air, and whines to Courtney that this is bullsh*t. Tasha tells Kyle that she won’t be spoken to like that. Natalya comes back, and says she’s right here, and she wasn’t yelling. If Tasha wants to have a chat with her, take it somewhere private; don’t bring it up with Kyle. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya is trying to make her look bad at her job, and she’s not bad at her job. She’s Natalya’s boss, and Natalya is pissing her off. Natalya’s not respecting her. Natalya tells Tasha to speak to her, and not everyone else, and slams out. Kyle hugs Tasha, and tells her that they’re taking a second. Tasha says she won’t bring him into it, and he laughs, saying, ain’t nobody getting him down. The captain radios for the crew to change into their whites. She notes that the boat looks pristine, and tells them, really good job.

The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy welcomes them back. The guests meet the crew, have a champagne toast, and Tasha gives them the tour. She points out two chairs on the bow that I don’t remember seeing before, and tells the guests they can sit in them while the boat is moving. Mzi shows Reid what to do with the luggage, and Storm shows him how to watch during departure. Eric and Johnathan check out the galley, and Johnathan asks if Dave can do a whole sea bass. Eric says, the last time they were on the yacht, the chef was excellent. They’re foodies. We flash back to Chef Tom, and again, no clue. Did I lose time? In Dave’s interview, he says, the last chef was amazing; f*** off. When he’s challenged, he goes at twenty times his original pace. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Reid worked on tugboats, and his family owns a towing company. He’s a line handler; it’s all they do. So she’s fine with him on lines. They pull out, and in Courtney’s interview, she says, it’s her first time as lead deckhand. The boat wasn’t crushed, so she’s doing good. Natalya unpacks BDSM outfits and accessories, and Kyle puts on a mask. She says, he doesn’t know where it’s been, and he throws it back down. The crew changes uniforms, and Eric does a solo Titanic pose on the bow. In Tasha’s interview, she says she didn’t mean to confront Natalya face-on, but she could see it getting more heated. The guests are on vacation. They don’t need negativity training. Two of the female guests get nakey, and Storm helps them into the bow chairs. In Storm’s interview, he says, what’s going on? He’s trying to be respectful. Captain Sandy looks out, and says, holy sh*t! They’re completely nude in the chairs. Tasha says, their vaginas are out, and in her interview, she says, she’s not jealous. It’s just the weirdest thing she’s ever seen. Maybe the panties could stay on. I thought one of them was a germaphobe. Wouldn’t that freak them out?

Storm coaches Reid on dropping anchor, and tells him, good job. In Storm’s interview, he says, Reid seems keen to get things done. Jason was in limbo, and he wants to be in more communication with Reid to avoid Jason-like problems. They arrive at Dwerja Bay, and Tasha says, they need someone to go to the beach. She asks if Natalya wants to go, and in Natalya’s interview, she says, she takes everyone to the beach, while they take the opportunity to relax on the yacht with no guests around. Because you can’t please this a-hole, and it’s not like there’s no work when guests aren’t there. Eric asks Kyle if they found a nude beach, and Kyle says, it’s a nude beach now that they’ll be there. Storm says, they’re going on a hike first, and Tasha checks in with Dave about lunch. He says he’ll come up with the food, and Tasha puts a few plates on the bar inside. Eric and Johnathan can’t help themselves, and pick at the food before it gets to the table. Eric apologizes to Tasha for them being pigs, and ruining the display. They have no will power. The deckhands get chairs and supplies ready for the beach. Dave tells the guests what they’re eating, and guest Amanda pronounces it the perfect lunch. Eric tells the other guests that in the center of every fig is a dead wasp. The fig reacts to the wasp, and dissolves its decomposed body parts. He tells them, look it up, so I did. See below.

The guests get ready for the beach and their hike. Storm tells Natalya that he’s going now, but he’s coming back to put the toys out. She says she hopes everything is fine with them, and he says, it is, but keeps working. She hangs around, even though he’s working, and she annoys me even more. The beach is weirdly cratered, and Mzi says, welcome to the moon. Reid says, NASA faked the moon landing, and this is where they did it. Natalya says, they need to make this place look like a Catalina wine mixer, whatever that means. Reid asks Mzi and Natalya how it’s been on the yacht, and Natalya says, being the only legend is hard. She has a lot to deal with. Courtney brings the guests to the beach, and Eric thinks it’s a great place to do nudes. In Courtney’s interview, she says, she wants to eat, drink, and be merry on a yacht. She’ll even pose nude if that’s what it takes. Courtney drops Mzi off at the boat, and returns to the beach. Reid leads the hike to the top of an incline, and tells the guests, it’s quad day. In Natalya’s interview, she says she hates physical activity, and doesn’t like someone telling her what to do. It’s not her thing. Tell us something we don’t know. The hike doesn’t look easy.

Eric takes some nude shots on the top of a cliff, Reid assisting. In Reid’s interview, he double face palms. He says, he came from a conservative background, and it’s awkward. Eric jokes that he has a tough life. While the guests are gone, Natalya finds a spot to dip herself in the water, sans pants, and is getting out just as a guest comes down. She admits she had to go to the bathroom. This is what we here at the shore call a shore pee. On the boat, Dave asks what Tasha is going to do about Natalya, and she says, they live in the present, not the past. Kyle makes welcome back drinks, and Courtney returns with the guests. Tasha asks Natalya how it was, and Natalya whines that it was hot and there was no shade. The guests play on and with the water toys, and in Natalya’s interview, she says she knows Tasha and Kyle were talking about her. The dream team has gone downhill.

Tasha asks Dave when the dinner plans are, and he says he’s going to do the bass. In Dave’s interview, he says, it’s super difficult. He’s going to have to bend it to put it in the oven, and he wonders how he’s going to get it to look good. It’s going to almost fuse together. He shoves it in, and hopes for the best. In Kyle’s interview, he says, a BDSM party, it’s f***ing outstanding. We’re all animals who need to be tamed. Zookeeper Kyle to the rescue. The guests get dressed up, along with the interior. Natalya says, she wants a red district vibe, and hangs sheer red curtains. Tasha tells Dave to get dressed up and make that tip money, and in Dave’s interview, he says, Tasha looks so hot. The table is done in black with red accents, and the stews take pictures of it. Reid realizes he has the wrong size pants, and Natalya suggests he gain some weight. He says he just lost twenty pounds, and Storm says he’s talking to people who use the metric system. Reid asks if twenty pounds isn’t six meters, and I actually think he is kind of funny. Kyle takes pictures with Natalya and Tasha, and they ask if Captain Sandy wants to join, but she says she’s good. Kyle sees the clean freak guest sitting alone, and apologizes that they were late cleaning her cabin. He tells her the head of housekeeping wasn’t on the boat. The guest is cool with that, but Natalya tells Kyle that he’s pissed her off. There’s no head of housekeeping. They’re equally responsible, and the problem is time management. Make it better, and don’t try to blame her. He says he’s not blaming her, and she didn’t hear the full story. If she thinks she’s going to come for him, he’ll put her in her place. She will not come for him like she does everyone else. She’s 24, so act mature. He walks away, saying, he’ll switch this bitch off in two seconds. Not on his watch.

Next time, Reid inadvertently insults Courtney; Natalya is fed up with interior; and Kyle says, Natalya’s been talking trash, and tells her to stop spreading sh*t.

🦟 About Those Figs…

Eric wasn’t wrong, but it’s not as gross as it sounds. My concern is, how many wasps hang around fig trees?

https://www.treehugger.com/are-there-really-wasps-your-figs-4868822

🧛🏽 No Babysitting For You…

The latest chapter of the Vampire saga. It’s really very good.

https://collider.com/interview-with-the-vampire-season-1-episode-2-recap-after-the-phantoms-of-your-former-self/

🧙🏽‍♀️ More Rice Drama…

They had a preview Sunday night, and this looks good too.

Everything We Know About ANNE RICE’S MAYFAIR WITCHES

🙌🏽 Shaking It All About…

Stop in tomorrow for soap, a cuppa tea, and a random musical interlude. Until then, stay safe, stay being well-read, and stay not thinking you have forever to make things right, and do it now. Don’t make Gladys’s mistake.