What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Molly walked in on Ava and Cody getting busy, and said, sorry.

Ric said he had business to discuss with Kristina’s mother, but Kristina said, his business was with her.

Alexis met Drew at the MetroCourt and thanked him for reaching out. She said she heard about him and Molly meeting, and hoped cool heads could prevail in finding a path forward and supporting Scout.

Laura met Martin at the MetroCourt, and he said he managed to make himself a very dangerous enemy.

Lucas said they were reclassifying Maxie’s status. She was in a coma and given the changed status, GH was no longer the best place to treat her. Spinelli said it meant they were kicking Maxie out.

Britt asked why Jason was still there. He needed to leave – now. He said she needed to tell him what she was doing there.

Felicia suggested they hear Lucas out, and he said Massachusetts General was where he’d worked before this. They had the best coma care in the country, had made incredible breakthroughs, and Maxie had a room there. He promised her care would be better, but Spinelli didn’t think she should be moved away from family and friends. He begged Felicia and Mac not to let her go.

Britt told Jason that her Huntington’s was in remission, and she lived in paradise. She’d put the past in the rearview mirror, including him. He said he knew her, and she was holding something back, and she asked if it was worth the long flight to let that piece of Eurotrash climb all over him.

Martin told Laura about stella and said it was all his fault. He should have suspected something. Drew was upset and all Drew could see was his hatred for Curtis. He should never have gotten involved with Drew in the first place.

Drew said his main concern was to provide the safety and support Scout needed, and Alexis said they were on the same page. Scout was lucky to have such a devoted father. A woman came in and served Alexis with papers.

Kristina said she knew about the blackmail. She’d thought she was cutting Ava’s brake lines, but cut his.

Cody told Molly that he did it for her.

Lucas said Maxie was one of his best friends and he wouldn’t transfer her, if he didn’t think it was her best chance. Felicia asked if he trusted the staff and could guarantee her daughter would get care and support like she did there, and he said it would be better. He couldn’t think of anywhere Maxie would be better taken care of.

Jason said he assumed Britt was talking about Greta, and Britt said she bet he made Greta feel like he accepted her, flaws and all… until Carly called. He said he was sorry for what he did to her, but he’d never do that to Greta. She meant nothing to him. He was working her the whole time.

Brook told Lulu that they were moving Maxie today and they should bring the kids to say goodbye for now. Lulu asked if Brook was ready for this, and Brook said she was trying to be. Lulu said, same.

Martin said he and Drew had officially parted ways, and Laura said she was proud of him. He said he’d have to continue freeloading off her generosity.

Kristina said she’d made a mistake, and Ric said he was sure her mother would clean up her next mistake like she had all the others. This was attempted murder. She said it wasn’t her intention to hurt them, and he said, but she had, and her intention had been to kill Ava. Prison should be her next stop.

Cody told Molly that none of this was real. He wasn’t into Ava intimately. He was getting paid. Ava said she didn’t pay him and there had been no sex. Cody said Kristina wanted get Ava away from Molly’s dad and told him that Molly hated them together.

Alexis said Drew lured her there to serve her a restraining order? She couldn’t come within 500 feet of her granddaughter. Drew said the family was all getting them, even Rocco. Nothing would stop him from protecting his daughter and the law would make sure of it.

Ava said Kristina paid Ric to feign interest in her because Kristina didn’t want her with Ric? and Cody said, yes. She said she’d deal with him later and left. Cody said, it was all Kristina’s idea, and it worked. Ava was distracted enough to have Ric focus his attention on Elizabeth. Wasn’t that what Molly wanted? Molly said, don’t do her any more favors, and left. Cody’s phone rang and Lulu told him to get to GH. Maxie and his family needed him. (Cody’s very busy, very bad day.)

Spinelli told Maxie that she was getting a change of scenery. She was being transferred to Massachusetts General. Apparently, their specialized care was second to none. She was second to no one in his life and heart. He’d thought he’d missed his chance to be her partner again and was grateful that he was wrong. It had been the best time in his life, and it wasn’t ready for it to end. He asked her to wake up and come home. They’d found their way back to each other before.

Jason told Britt that Greta made a point of hitting on him. She wanted information. Clearly, she had a connection to what was going on. Britt said it sounded like a great way to get himself killed.

Alexis asked, why? and Drew said it was obvious where she was headed. She was trying to get custody by painting him as unfit. Maybe she’d been behind that nightmare with the escort. She had complete disregard for Scout’s well-being. He wasn’t the problem – she was.

Kristina said she knew what she’d done was wrong and told Ric to remember that her baby died, she lost Sam, and her brother Michael had been burned so badly, he’d almost died. It had been one trauma after another, and she snapped. He said he understood, but she had to remember that Molly loved Michael, had also lost a sister, and lost a baby. The baby was also Molly’s, but Kristina acted life the grief was hers alone. She didn’t consider what Molly and TJ (remember him?) were going through. She’d tried to steal the child, and he had the paperwork to prove it. Molly had believed Kristina would stand by her promise, but Kristina was going to keep the child for her own. Molly would have lost a child either way because of her.

Martin noticed Drew and Alexis, and said, Laura had to win her reelection bid. She asked why that had anything to do with Drew and Alexis, and he said Ezra Boyle was Drew’s puppet. Drew’s power would go unchecked on the federal and local level. She was the leadership Port Charles deserved. She said he sounded like Lulu.

Drew said that Sam wanted Scout and Danny with him and Alexis was ignoring Sam’s wishes, but Alexis said, that was before Sam knew Jason was alive. Drew knew she’d wanted her children to stay together and in each other’s lives. Jason and Dante understood, but he was ripping Scout away from her family and friends. Drew said Jason was a thug and contract killer, and Danny was a thug in the making. Alexis said, shut up. Was that the best he had? He was hanging his despicable actions on a 15-year-old boy? He was not fighting his battle against his brother through their children. She wouldn’t stand for it.

Kristina said Ric was wrong about all of it. He kept pitting her and Molly against each other, but they’d talked, grieved, and mourned together and healed. They’d chosen that this would be the thing bringing them together rather than tearing them apart. The only reason she didn’t turn herself in was because she didn’t want Molly to know she’d almost killed him. But she also didn’t want Molly to know that her pathetic excuse for a father was blackmailing her mother. Ava came by and said she needed to talk to Alexis, but Ric said she wasn’t there. It didn’t matter. Ava was too late.

Cody arrived at the hospital, along with Lulu and the kids. Lulu told Spinelli that Charlotte was staying with Bailey Lou. Georgie asked what was going on, and Felicia said they were moving her mom to a special hospital. It was important that they wish her well and let her know how much they loved her before she goes.

Britt said Jason was seeing things that weren’t there. She wasn’t witness to any espionage activity. He said she hadn’t told him why she was there, and she said it was a five-star resort with a spa. She had a day job that kept her busy and out of trouble. He told her to leave with him. He could take her anywhere she wanted.

Brook asked if she and Lulu could see Maxie, and Lucas said as long as they didn’t fight. They went to her room, and Brook said Maxie did it. Here they were, here together on their best behavior. Lulu said only Maxie could make it happen, and Brook said, the most important thing was for Maxie to get better. Lulu said, until that happened, don’t worry, and Brook said they’d help take care of the kids and Spinelli. No one was better at ordering food. Lulu said everything would be okay. Focus on coming home and soon.

Ava said she and Ric were both played, and Kristina admitted she’d hired Cody to seduce Ava and drive a wedge between her and Ric. She did what she needed to, to get them to stop blackmailing her mother. Ava said she knew she should have gone to the cops. The lack of gratitude… Kristina asked if she should be grateful that Ava held her freedom over her mother’s head, and Ric said the argument was pointless. The blackmail was officially over.

Alexis said Drew was an abusive parent who utter neglected the well-being of his own child. It was reprehensible and cruel. Scout just lost her mother and the way he answered was to dump her with the help and sleep with his niece-in-law. Molly came to the table, and Alexis said she’d fight with everything she had. Drew said she’d lose. He was Scout’s only remaining parent and a member of congress. She was a known drunk, and it had barely been a year since her disbarment. She’d had her last visit with Scout. Scout wouldn’t see her again until she was 18, if Scout remembered her and if she was still alive. Alexis said he would be the one who was forgotten. When she was through with him, it would be like he never existed. And if Scout asked about him, she’d do Scout a favor and say he was a good man, because he wouldn’t be around to prove her wrong.  

Jason said, whatever Britt got herself into, he could fix, and she said she wasn’t going back to Port Charles. He said he would set her up anywhere she wanted, and she asked if he’d come visit her. He said if she wanted him too, but she said she wanted him to leave. It hurt her to see him. All she saw was home and he had no idea how hard that was. Please just go and forget he saw her. Forget this happened. She started to open the door, but he put his hand against it and said, just wait.

Mac asked if James wanted to go in, and when James hesitated, Cody said he was scared and wondered if it would help if they went in together. They all went into Maxie’s room, and Mac said she always managed to beat the odds, and she would again. He loved her very much. He kissed her forehead, and James asked if she remembered when he broke his arm and got a cast. She gave him his dad’s police badge, and it really helped. Now it could help her. He placed the badge on the bed and hugged her gently. Cody said he nailed it, and Mac said, perfect.

Maxie was wheeled out, and Lucas said he’d make sure she was settled and well taken care of. He promised to keep the badge with her. Felicia told Maxie that she was the strongest, most resilient, determined person she’d known. She had the utmost confidence that she’d see Maxie awake and alert soon. She loved Maxie so very much. Maxie was wheeled into the elevator and Lucas followed. Spinelli cried and there was sadness all around.

Jason took Britt’s hand and gave her a phone. He said she needed to keep this. He’d leave on one condition. She said she had a phone… unless he put her on his family plan, and he said it was a burner phone. Call if she needed him. No matter what, he’d show up. Britt said, better not tell Carly, and left.  

Molly suggested Alexis get some air, and Alexis told Drew, this is not over. He said, but it is, and Alexis left.

Martin told Laura that he wished Alexis had been more discreet. It was unwise to threaten Drew, especially where others could overhear. Laura said she didn’t hear anything. Did he? He said, come to think of it, no, and they clinked glasses.

Drew told Molly, FYI, if a process server asked her name, accept the envelope. She asked what he’d tell Sam, and he said that he was doing what was best for his daughter. She said he was doing what was best for himself. Sam would hate him and one day Scout would hate him too. Drew left.

Ric told Ava that it couldn’t go on forever. The amount of cash they were taking wasn’t sustainable. She should talk to someone about her spending habits. All of the accounts were empty, including the Swiss account she was secretly funneling money into. He was the victim after all. Ava said it was her divorce settlement. Get it back. He said he couldn’t. He’d bought $10 million in treasury bonds and couldn’t touch them. They’d mature in 30 days, and he was going to collect all the money plus interest, clean and laundered, and deposit it into an account he owned. Ava said they were partners, a team, and he betrayed her. He said she betrayed him first, and walked to the door. Ava picked up a sculptural globe and whacked him in the back of the head. He fell and there was blood on the globe.

Tuesday:

Josslyn struggled to get out of her bonds, when Pascal came in. She said she was there on her honeymoon. Let her go and let her see her husband. He said she didn’t have a husband and called her Agent Jax.

Brennan was in his office, when his phone rang. Anna said she’d tell him that it was his conscience calling, but they both knew he didn’t have one.

Sidwell asked if Lucy was all right, but she said she couldn’t stop thinking about Maxie collapsing. It was horrific. Sidwell said he saw it, and it was terrible, and Lucy said Maxie was in a coma and no one knew when she’d come out of it. Things could turn on a dime, the unthinkable happened, and life was never the same again.

Dante went to the stables with a six-pack and said he’d avoided Cody long enough. Cody asked, what changed? and Dante said Lulu told him about Maxie. He figured Cody could use a beer and a friend.

At the MetroCourt bar, Molly told Michael about Drew’s restraining orders and said she was afraid Alexis may have made a big mistake.

Ava said she had to stop Ric and Kristina said so she killed him. Ava said he was probably still alive, when Alexis walked in.

Josslyn asked what Pascal wanted, and he said he wanted to know what intel they’d shared with Brennan shared and what he already had in his possession. She said Brennan didn’t share anything with them. They were on a need-to-know list. Pascal said if she had nothing to offer him, she was disposable.

Anna asked about an update on Josslyn, and Jack said she was drunk. Where was she? She said it had been a tough day, and he told her not to discuss Agent Jax in public. She said he didn’t care about anyone but himself, and hung up. Colette came in and told Jack that it was time to call this whole thing off.

Cody told Dante that his dad and Felicia were doing their best to be optimistic, but it was hard on them. He’d done his best to comfort James. Dante said he’d done the same with Rocco and it was a tightrope. You wanted to keep hope alive, but not give unreasonable expectations. Cody said James looked up to him, but sooner or later, James would learn the truth, that he let people down.

Molly said her mom had been going off on Drew and caused a scene, and Michael said he’d done the same thing with Drew recently. Molly said, Drew used to be a good guy. What happened to him? Michael said he didn’t know, but Drew was causing trouble for more and more people and had to be stopped.

Alexis asked if Ric was dead and Kristina checked for a pulse. She thought he had one, and Alexis said she was calling an ambulance. She asked which one of them was going to tell her what happened, and Ava asked Kristina to take this one.

Kristina said Ric came over and she called out on blackmailing Alexis. Alexis asked if she did this, and Kristina said, no. Alexis said, thank God, and Kristina said she got upset, but it got uglier when Ava showed up. Ava said she’d uncovered Kristina’s plot to have Cody seduce her and told Ric, but he didn’t care. He’d been busy clearing out their shared bank accounts and putting the money in a bond account. It all happened so fast. She just grabbed the nearest object. Alexis said she still need to call the police, but Ava said, no. If she went down, Kristina would go down.

Lucy said sorry for putting a damper on things, but Sidwell said he was glad she opened up. Her compassion and empathy were inspiring. She said she wished there was something she could do for Maxie, and he told her to keep the company going, so when Maxie returned, she’d have nothing to worry about. Lucy said the whole world saw Maxie collapse while demoing their new product. There were some on social media saying their product was deadly and Erica Kane was probably jumping on it. Sidwell said they’d have to put their heads together and come up with a solution.

Jack said Colette didn’t call the shots, but she said she didn’t understand. It was clearly a disaster. He said she didn’t know the parameters, and she suggested he fill her in. He said everything was under control and he had to be somewhere. She asked if it was another rendezvous with his agent’s mother, and he said his personal life was off limits. If he had to tell her again, it would be the last thing she heard.

Josslyn said Pascal was probably going to kill her anyway. Why tell him anything? He said it made her chance of survival slightly better, and she said she’d consider giving him the information if she saw Vaughn was okay. He said even though she was new to this, she should know she was in no position to negotiate, and she said her lips were sealed then. Pascal said he had so many ways of unsealing her lips, he couldn’t wait to find out which one made her crack.

Dante thought Cody was being harsh, but Cody said he knew how bad he’d screwed up. He’d found out Brook was pregnant… Dante said he’d been a teenager, but Cody said he wasn’t a teenager when he didn’t tell Mac that he was his son. If he’d learned anything, Molly wouldn’t have seen him kissing Ava for money.

Molly said she couldn’t find a solid legal recourse, but Michael said Drew hadn’t won yet. Give it time. If she and Alexis put their heads together, they’d be unstoppable. She said it was the second time he’d calmed her when she was at the brink of spinning out, and he asked if she took his advice about Cody. She said she had. She went to the stables to ask him out for coffee, but he was a little busy. Michael asked what he was doing, and she said, Ava Jerome.

Alexis said, so much for Ava agreeing not to blackmail her, but Ava said it was about self-preservation. She still had two smoking guns that could send Kristina to prison. Kristina said Ava would also go to prison for attempted murder and embezzlement, and Ava said a bump on the head wasn’t like cutting brake lines. Kristina said they all had blood on their hands, so they were stuck together.

Jack saw Anna at the Brown Dog Bar, and she asked how he found her. He said, let’s go, but she said she wasn’t going anywhere with him. He suggested they at least move to a table, and they sat down. She asked what he wanted. She’d put it on her tab. He said he thought one of them should stay sober, and she said, suit himself. He asked what was going on with her, and she said her goddaughter was in a coma. He said he was sorry, and she said she hated feeling helpless. She felt helpless about Josslyn too. He didn’t answer her question. Had he heard from Josslyn? He said, not yet, and she said if something happened to Josslyn, he’d most certainly lose Carly after he’d sacrificed his assets and Josslyn’s life as well.

Colette snuck back into Jack’s office and looked around. She found a safe with an electronic lock and called Pascal. In French, she said she needed help getting the block box. She needed the combination. He said he knew how to get exactly what they needed.

Lucy said she’d forgotten what it felt like to have somebody in her corner, and Sidwell said he was there for her, anything she needed. She said he was doing it now. She appreciated him being there with her more than he knew. He said, why not come spend the night at his place? (I love how he said it like it was an apartment and not a private island.)

Michael said, Cody and Ava? and Molly said if she’d walked in ten minutes later, she’d have caught a different show. Michael said he owed her an apology for the bad advice, but she said he couldn’t have known. Cody claimed he was only with Ava because of her. He said somebody paid him to lure Ava away from her dad and break them up for her sake. Michael asked if he said who, and Molly said, Kristina.

Cody told Dante that Kristina paid him to break up Ava and Ric. Flirting with Ava wasn’t a chore and the money was good, but he didn’t do it for the money. He did it for Molly. Dante wondered what Molly had to do with it, and Cody said he knew how much Molly loved her dad and thought it would help to get Ava away from him. But because of him, it turned into a complete and utter disaster.  

Vaughn was thrown into a chair next to Josslyn by two thugs, and Pascal said he showed her that he was okay. Give him the information. She said she told him that she’d consider it, and he asked Vaughn what the WSB knew about the resort. What were their instructions? Vaughn laughed and told him, go to hell, and a thug punched him om the gut.

Anna said she didn’t know how Jack could do this to Carly. He claimed he cared about her and lured her daughter down a dangerous path. He said, by the time he realized what Carly meant to him, it was too late, but Anna said it was too late the minute he set eyes on Josslyn and realized he could use her. Carly thought he was a loving, wonderful man, but he wasn’t. He was a soulless bastard. Jack said he never forced Josslyn to do anything, and Anna asked if he presented the op by saying she’d make a difference in the world. Did he sell her by saying she’d be seeing the world and fighting justice? He said, Josslyn went into it with open eyes, but Anna said she had no idea what she was getting into and neither did that girl. She had no understanding that she was leaving her innocence, her freedom, and maybe her family. The WSB would ruin Josslyn’s life the way it ruined hers. Jack said, not every agent regretted joining, and she said, just the ones that had a conscience. He told her to stop feeling sorry for herself. She had choices. It wasn’t the Bureau’s fault she’d made the wrong ones. And the ones that ruined her life were all hers.

The thug punched Vaughn some more, and Pascal asked, what does the WSB know? Vaughn spit on Pascal, and Pascal wiped his face. A thug took out what looked like a drill, and Pascal said Vaughn had one last chance. What does the WSB know?  

Anna asked if Jack was referring to her decision to work with Faison, and he said she was so ambitious, determined to be the best agent. So she took a short cut. Anna said, Faison played her like a puppet, and Jack said Faison used her ambition against her and she became a double-agent. That’s what ruined her life, not the WSB. Anna said, both were equally destructive, but point well taken. She owned her decision, and she didn’t want Josslyn to make the same ones. Jack said she wouldn’t. Their situations were different. Anna said they weren’t. Josslyn was in over her head, like she was. He said she was underestimating… and she told him, shut up. End this before Josslyn got hurt, or worse. Abort the objective and bring her home. Stop being an agent for one damn second and act like a human being. He needed to do whatever it took to save Carly’s daughter.

Vaughn said he wasn’t telling Pascal a damn thing, and Josslyn said, stop. She’d give him all of the information, but don’t hurt Vaughn. Vaughn told her, shut up, and Pascal said it was now or never. Josslyn said, everything the WSB knew was in a black box in Brennan’s office in Port Charles. He didn’t share any information with them. If Pascal wanted to know what Brennan knew, get to the box. Vaughn said, Agent Jax… and Pascal said they knew about the box. What they don’t know is the combination. Josslyn said, 1-0-1-8-7-7, and Pascal said, cooperation can be a wonderful thing. He left with the thugs, and Vaughn asked what the hell was she thinking. Did she know what she’d done?

Sidwell said he didn’t mean to be forward, but he knew Lucy was going through a difficult time. He thought she could use the company and Windymere was a large house. The guest rooms were comfortable, and she’d be more than welcome. She thanked him and said, normally, under any other circumstances, she’d come over for a sleepover, but she felt the need to back to the hospital to see if Mac and Felicia need anything. He said, of course (🍷). Just know the invitation is open ended. She said she’d keep it in mind for future reference, and they clinked glasses.

Cody told Dante that he hated Molly walking in. She seemed hurt. Dante asked if there was something Cody wasn’t telling him, and Cody said they were getting to know each other, and he thought it was going well. Then it was like a switch flipped and Molly started hating on him lately, treating him like she had a low opinion of him. He just proved her right. He tried to explain, but he couldn’t find his shirt and Ava was yelling, get out. Molly did not want to hear him out. Dante asked if he ended up giving up Kristina, and Cody said he did. Kristina was probably mad, and he could kiss his paycheck goodbye.

Molly told Michael that it made sense how Kristina didn’t want her distracted by Cody. Kristina warned her that Cody was paid to sleep with women, conveniently leaving out she was the one who paid him. She was finally trusting her sister again. Now she learned Kristina was manipulating her. Michael said he thought Kristina was trying to help and do something nice for her, and she said, that’s what Cody told her. But why not tell her? If it was a plan for her, why not let her in on it? Michael suggested it might be difficult for her to keep from Ric, and she asked if he thought she should forgive her sister. He said he thought she should hear Kristina out. As far as Cody went, in a backwards way, he thought he was trying to do her a favor. Maybe she should give him the benefit of the doubt.

Alexis said, just when she thought this nightmare was over, and Kristina said Ava was one who assaulted Ric. Ava said because of Kristina. Ric betrayed them all and left her on the hook. Alexis said her ex was on the floor unconscious, whacked in the head with her favorite paperweight. Could they not point fingers? Molly would be home soon, and not only was Ric her dad, Molly was an officer of the court. Kristina asked what they were going to do with Ric.

Josslyn asked if Vaughn was okay, and he said she shouldn’t have done that. She said they were going to kill him, and he said she should have let them. She gave them classified information. Has she forgotten who she is? She’s an agent not a college kid. Thanks to her, they’re both traitors. Pascal watched them on his phone, and she said it stopped them from working his face with a hot iron. Vaughn said because of her, they failed, and Pascal won. Game, set, and match.

Jack told Anna not to worry about Josslyn. He had faith she’d be fine. Anna said she thought she’d tell Carly that he recruited her daughter. She stood a shot at convincing Josslyn to quit. He said, in doing so, she’d jeopardize the mission and Josslyn’s life. She wouldn’t say a word. Anna finished her drink and said she hated that he put her in this position. He said she did it to herself by sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. Knowing about Josslyn was a burden they both had to carry.

Sidwell asked what Colette was doing at Windymere, and she apologized for coming unannounced. Pascal confirmed he’d taken care of the problem. Sidwell said he didn’t answer to Pascal any more than he answered to her, and she said Pascal was inquiring on behalf of their associate. He told her to tell them both that he’d soon have controlling interest in Deception, and they could use that company as they’d previously discussed. And they could thank him for the compound. It worked perfectly. Maxie Jones and her big mouth are no longer a threat.  

Cody told Dante that he couldn’t blame Kristina if she didn’t pay him. He didn’t keep money long anyway. He cared more about Molly than the money. Dante said it sounded like he liked her, and Cody said he did. She came off as serious and uptight, but she was sweet and fun to be around. Dante said it sounded like Cody was getting to know her pretty well, and Cody said, too bad it was all over. Now she knew he was a world class jerk.

Molly said maybe Michael was right, but good intentions didn’t change what he and Kristina did. It was more about her dad. She was no fan of Ava’s, but Kristina shouldn’t have interfered in their relationship. Her dad needed to know what was going on.

Ava said she was taking the paperweight. It was evidence and she wasn’t leaving it there with the two scheming snakes. Kristina said Ric’s car had been moved to the garden shed. As far as the outside world was concerned, Ric was never there.

Somewhere in a basement, Ric woke up tied to a bed with a gag in his mouth.

Wednesday:

Kristina came home to find Molly there and asked what was going on. Molly said she knew what Kristina did to her dad.

Ric woke up and saw Alexis. She took the gag out and he said, thank God, she found him. She had to get him out of there.

Molly told Kristina that she knew about her dad. Cody told her everything. She’d walked in on him and Ava pre-sex, and he told her that Kristina paid him. Kristina said, not to have sex per se, but she hired him to break up Ava and Molly’s dad. She thought she was helping. Molly said she got that, but Kristina couldn’t interfere with people’s relationships, even if she did believe Ava would hurt her dad. Kristina said she was definitely right about that, when Sonny came to the door.

Portia found Curtis in her office and said she’d seen Stella. It looked like things were good. He said looks could be deceiving. Aunt Stella was in serious trouble.

Isaiah told Stella that he hoped she wasn’t having any more trouble and asked why she thought she’d been singled out. She said she suspected somebody was trying to cause trouble. She’d done nothing wrong.

Willow met Drew at the MetroCourt and said she needed strong allies right now. The only ones she had left were Elizabeth, Ric, and hopefully, him.

Marco lit a candle in the church, when Gio came in. Marco told Gio that he was saying a prayer for his mother, and Gio said today was his mom’s birthday. Every year he lit a candle in her honor. They introduced themselves, and Gio said he’d read about Natalia in the news. He was sorry for Marco’s loss. Marco said he was managing. It had been a complicated relationship. Gio said, for a while, people accused his grandfather of being responsible for her death, but he had nothing to do with it. He hoped Marco believed that.

Sonny told Molly that he was wondering about the parameters of Turner’s jurisdiction, and Molly said, and how it affected him? He said, also Laura and the vote on Measure C. Kristina said maybe they shouldn’t have this conversation there, and Molly said it was like she was trying to get rid of them.

At Windymere, Lucy read some social media comments about Maxie and Deception, and Jordan said they were insensitive. Lucy said the public was believing their product caused Maxie’s condition and told Sidwell that she was afraid Deception was going out of business.

Elizabeth asked how Maxie was, and Lucas said she was settled in and had the best team. They were running every test imaginable. Now he just hoped they could help her. Ava asked if Lucas had a minute. She needed his help.

Ric babbled, and Alexis told him, calm down. How did he end up there? He said he’d gone to her house to finalize the last payment, when Kristina ripped into him about the blackmail and Ava ripped into him as well. He’d drained the shell corporation, even the money Alexis just sent Ava, and Ava found out. He put the money in a bond account, and she was livid. Alexis asked how he ended up there, and he said he didn’t know. He was leaving and everything went black, then he woke up there. He guessed Ava hit him over the head. Once Alexis let him go, he was going to take care of Ava, and Alexis would never have to deal with either of them again. Alexis said, as appealing as that was, unfortunately, it wasn’t going to work for her, and he asked if she was in on this.

Drew said Willow could always count on him and asked, what made her reach out? She said she asked Kristina to be a character witness. She’d presented herself as a mediator between her and Michael, but she showed her true colors. Kristina refused to testify on her behalf and said she was a terrible mother. She needed someone from Michael’s family to vouch for her. Drew said there was still time and promised he’d help get her kids back if she let him. Nina approached the table and asked, what in God’s name was Willow doing with him?

Ava told Lucas that she’d been having trouble sleeping for almost a week and was exhausted. She asked if he could prescribe some sleeping pills to tide her over, since her doctor couldn’t see her for a few weeks. He said, just 30 days, no refills, and she thanked him. He asked if she was sure he wasn’t cramping her style, not having sleepovers with Ric, but she said she and Ric had decided to call it quits.

Alexis said she came home, and Ric was splayed out on the floor. Ava and Kristina explained they’d decided this was the right course of action. He asked why she helped Ava, and she said, Ava came to her first with the same deal. One last payment, she’d cut him out, and no more blackmail. He asked why she didn’t go with the father of her child, and she said because of her other child. Ava was throwing in his car and the security footage which would ensure Kristina didn’t go to prison. He said he tried working with Ava and look where it got him. If she let him go, he promised not to press charges against her or Kristina. She said, hmm… She thought she’d take her chances with Ava. He asked what she was going to do when Ava gave her what she wanted. Kill him?  

Kristina said she didn’t think their mom should be disturbed, but Molly said she went out for a walk. Kristina said she didn’t think Sonny should be talking to Molly about the acting DA, and Molly told Sonny, with Robert gone, Turner had more power and was keeping a close eye on him. She was ambitious, but fair, and wouldn’t manufacture evidence. She could have used Michael to come after him and his family, but she didn’t. Sonny said, she didn’t, and she stood up to Drew, and Kristina said she was glad someone did. He had her, Molly, and her mom served with restraining orders to stay away from Scout.  

Marco told Gio that the autopsy showed no signs of foul play and he was finding ways to deal with it. He left and Gio lit a candle. Brook came in with flowers and said she was sorry. She didn’t know he’d be there. She came to light a candle and leave the flowers in honor of Camilla’s birthday, but she could come back. He said it wasn’t about him today. It was about his mom. She should stay.

The insurance goons said they needed a word with Stella, but she said she was in the middle of helping a patient. One of the goons said, as of now, her employment was suspended, and Isaiah listened in.

Portia said Drew sicced the investigators on Stella, and Curtis said, apparently Martin accidently hinted Stella did something to help him with a claim. Drew took the information and used it, along with his position, to get back at them. She said, what about the truce? and he said he knew this was a possibility. She said it was low, even for Drew. That meant he’d come after her next. He still had the proof that she tampered with Heather Webber’s test results. He said Drew was focused on Stella, who wouldn’t be in trouble if not… She said, if it wasn’t for her. Isaiah came in and said the fraud investigators were back and were with Stella. Curtis told Portia to stall them for as long as she could. He’d call for help. Portia left with Isaiah.

Brook told Gio, Camilla could make the violin laugh and cry. She also remembered how much Camilla loved him. He was her entire world. Gio said she was his too. She was a great mom. He can’t wrap his head around the fact that she wasn’t his biological mother. He’d assumed he inherited his music and talent from her, but it wasn’t true. Brook said, of course (🍷) it was. He was the person he was today because Camilla raised him. She’d passed on her love of music and she saw so much of Camilla in him. She was kind, thoughtful, and so generous, just like her son. He and Camilla were so chill. He didn’t get that from her. Gio said, definitely not.

Alexis told Ric, relax. She wasn’t going to kill him. He asked what her end game was, and she said to keep him on ice until the bonds matured, then collect the money, and put it back in the trust. Then, Ava would turn over the evidence to her and he’d be free to go. He said, and he wouldn’t go to the police because they all had dirt on each other, and Alexis said, tell her that he’s proud of her. He said there was one problem with her master plan. Ava would try to kill him. She said she wasn’t going to let that happen, and he said forgive him for not having the utmost faith in her. Her phone chimed and she said it was Kristina. She had to go. It’s been fun. Ric started to yell, and she said nobody would hear him, but better safe than sorry. He said this was inhumane, and she asked if he didn’t do this to Carly. He said Alexis was better than him, and she said because of him, she’d embezzled. It was a slippery slope. She put the gag back in his mouth and left.

Lucas told Elizabeth that he managed to get some tea. Ava and Ric’s love was no more. He thought she’d want a warning that Ric might come around more often. Elizabeth said he’d be met with boundaries complete with barbed wire fencing. Had Lucas had more trouble with Willow? He asked if there was a reason he would, and she said, the last time Drew was there, they’d had friction. She can’t guarantee he wouldn’t come around again. Lucas said, if Willow wanted to ruin her life because of that guy, more power to her.

Nina asked if Willow was trying to lose custody for good, and Willow said, of course (🍷) not. Nina said, then why was she in public with this man? and Drew said he was a respectable sitting member of congress. Nina said respectable was debatable and Drew was the reason why Michael filed for sole custody. He’d fight tooth and nail if she continued to associate with Drew. She thought Willow finally understood. Willow said, right now, Michael had all the power, and without Drew’s support, power, and influence, she didn’t see her getting her kids back. Nina said nothing Drew had done to help her ever panned out. Do not get sucked back in by this charlatan. He could cost her the chance of ever seeing her kids again.

Lucy said she needed to take a moment and left. Jordan’s phone rang and she stepped away. She said, Curtis… She’d be right there.

Stella said the goons had no right to prevent her from doing her job, when Portia joined them and said they needed to stop harassing her employees. She wanted them to leave. One of the goons said they were conducting an investigation, and she said, do it elsewhere. She was going to contact the hospital’s lawyer and see what they could do to settle this. Curtis came back and said he’d tried to reach Alexis with no luck, but reinforcements were on the way. One of the goons told him to redirect them to the Port Charles police station. Stella was under arrest.

Gio told Brook that he could confide in his mom about anything. She never judged and it stayed between them. It was hard to believe she’d been keeping such a huge thing from him. Brook said she knew how he felt. Camilla was trying to honor her mom and grandma’s wishes, and they’d requested secrecy. Maybe she’d wanted to tell him the truth. Either way, his mother loved him with her whole heart. Never doubt that. When Brook gave him up, she’d prayed for one thing, that he went to a good family and had parents who loved and protected him. Thanks to Camilla, her prayer was answered. She owed Camilla so much.

Lucas told Elizabeth that he’d kept Ava at arm’s length because of Carly and Sonny. But he was getting to know her and liked spending time with her. She was fun and had an affinity for trashy reality TV and wine. Elizabeth said he couldn’t live there forever, but he said right now worked for him. He liked not having to decide what was next. Elizabeth wondered if he was holding out hope that Marco would live with him, and he said it was too early for that, but maybe someday.

Marco told Sidwell that he couldn’t wait any longer to use the leverage against Sonny. He had to tell Sonny that he knew Judge Haran was bribed to rule in Michael’s favor and threaten to reveal everything. Sidwell said he’d deploy the bomb when the time was right, but Marco said Sonny was either directly or indirectly responsible for his mother’s death. He met Sonny’s grandson at the church and had to bite his tongue. He wanted to make Sonny pay. Sidwell said, he will… in time. Marco had to be patient a little bit longer.

Alexis came home and Molly said she needed to get back to work. She told Kristina that they’d continue their conversation later, and Kristina said, for sure. Molly left, and Kristina said she was going to look for a charger she’d left there. When she was gone, Sonny said he was in a bind regarding Drew, and Alexis said, Congressman Cutthroat strikes again.

Curtis said they weren’t taking his auntie anywhere. They were not arresting her. One of the goons said they were following orders, and Curtis said Congressman Cain was weaponizing their department to attack him through his aunt. It was corrupt and illegal, and they didn’t want to be a party to this travesty. Their names and faces would be plastered all over the media. The other goon told Curtis to let them do their job. Otherwise, they’d arrest him too. Curtis held out his wrists, but Stella said it was okay. Jordan came in and introduced herself, saying she was the former Police Commissioner and DEA agent. She’d explain the situation to her contact at the DEA and put a call in to their boss. Be patient and she was sure this would be sorted out in no time. They just needed a few more minutes. The second goon said, fine.

Drew said Nina was just trying to scare Willow, and Nina said, shut up. Willow didn’t need him. Willow could walk out with her right now. Willow asked why she should go anywhere with Nina. Nina was saying Drew was the reason she lost custody, but the person to blame was her. If Nina had just told the truth from the start, she’d still have her children. Nina said she regretted not speaking up sooner, and Willow asked why she didn’t. Drew told her that he’d wanted to, but Nina wouldn’t allow it. (So… If that was the case, wouldn’t that mean she was more powerful than Drew? Willow is an idiot.)

Lucy came back and Sidwell asked how she was. She said, better, and apologized for being so emotional, but he said he knew she cared about Maxie, so it made sense. It concerned her and her company. That’s why he felt bad about delivering more bad news. He’d checked Deception’s stock, and the situation was quite dire. He handed her his tablet, and she said she guessed it was true. They were going to lose the company. He said, maybe not. Maybe there was something he could do to help.

Kristina went down to the basement and said she assumed her mother explained Ric’s current circumstances. He’d earned himself a staycation and had time to relax and reflect on his life choices. Greed and the need for revenge led to this. She didn’t think anyone would miss him apart from Molly. They’d find a way to explain his absence. Other than that, no one cared or would suspect a thing.

Alexis told Sonny that Drew was using his position to keep her, the girls, and Scout’s brothers away from Scout. She was so furious, she lost it in a crowded restaurant. Sonny said, Drew was screwing over people left and right. Eventually someone would take him down. If you make that many enemies, you get a target on your back. It was just a matter of time and Drew would get what he deserved.

Nina told Willow, that was a lie. She never forced Drew to do anything. He was a manipulative, sleazy, SOB. Willow said the fact was, Nina kept her mouth shut and she was blindsided on her wedding day, causing her to create a scene at the chapel and Carly’s house. (Nice accountability.) Nina said Drew would only make things worse, but Willow said, only Drew was powerful enough to fight Michael. She told Drew, if he got her kids back, she’d come back to him, but only if he kept his promise.

Jordan said she was doing everything she possibly could to get Stella out of this mess, and Curtis said he appreciated her help. On the phone, one of the goons said, yes, sir… Understood. He told the other goon, they got the green light. They were taking her in.

Brook said she’d get out of Gio’s hair. Would he be all right? Gio said, yeah, Brook said, take care, and she left.

Curtis called Alexis, who said she was sorry. She hadn’t listened to his message yet. He said she needed to get to the PCPD right away. Stella had been arrested.

Ava said she’d repay Lucas with dinner and drinks, but Lucas said they’d have to skip the drinks. The pills didn’t mix with alcohol. She said he could drink for both of them, and he said he knew how she loved her martinis. She said, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Kristina said Ric set Ava off. She picked up that paperweight and whacked him with everything she had. She thought he was dead. He was lucky. She kept thinking about how he defended Ava in court. Now he was on the other end of her wrath. Did he still think it was possible Ava didn’t cause her fall? Until the bonds matured, he’d lose time and a lot of money, but she and Molly lost a child. He’d leave when they let him go.

Curtis told Stella that Alexis would meet them at the PCPD, and one of the goons said Curtis couldn’t come with them. Only Stella’s lawyer could. Stella said she’d be fine, and left with them. Curtis asked if Jordan could be put in direct contact with the fraud division. It might help if she personally explained what Drew was doing. Jordan said she’d fix things. She promised. She took his hand as Portia and Isaiah watched. Portia started to leave, and Curtis asked where she was going. She said she had to work. There was nothing more she could do for his aunt that he and his ex-wife weren’t already doing.

Sidwell told Lucy that he was thinking, if he was willing to invest enough money in the company to keep it afloat, he’d need a larger interest in the company in return. Lucy said she supposed she could talk to the others, but why invest money in a sinking ship? What was in it for him? He said the pleasure of helping someone he cared about. She had charm, charisma, strength, and beauty. She was the kind of woman who could turn a company around.

Nina said the court would never grant Willow visitation if Drew was in the picture, and Drew said he had more power than Nina realized. Marco came in and had one ear toward their conversation. Nina said Drew was more delusional than he realized. He was setting Willow up for more heartbreak. He’d pushed her to the brink. If he hurt her daughter, she’d see him dead. Drew said, that sounded like a threat. He should have her arrested. She said he could try, but be careful. The most dangerous person was the one with nothing left to lose. She walked out and Marco came over to the table. He said he couldn’t help but overhear. It sounded like Drew had a huge problem on his hands, but lucky for Drew, he believed he had the solution.

Thursday:

Brook went to the station to see Dante about their son.

Marco told Sidwell that he made a move against Sonny because it had to be done.

Tracy wondered what Martin said to Yuri that he was allowed into the mansion, and he said he had information she wanted to hear, and he needed her help. Stella Henry was in trouble.

One of the insurance goons said they’d found another of Stella’s cases where there was a discrepancy in regard to coverage dates. She told him that she wasn’t saying anything until her attorney was present.

Trina wanted to see Stella, but the other goon said only her lawyer could go in. Alexis said, that would be her, and Sonny asked if they were going to have a problem here.

Curtis followed Portia to her office and asked, what the hell was that comment? Portia said his focus was completely on Jordan, but he said it was completely on his auntie. Portia said it gave him the perfect opening to confide and rely on Jordan, but he said he didn’t have time for her petty jealousy. She said he had no time for their marriage.

Drew went to Michael’s office and Michael asked why he was there. Drew said, out of concern for Michael’s children.

Curtis asked if Portia didn’t care that Stella had been wrongly arrested, and she said, of course (🍷), but it didn’t make her blind. He had all the faith in the world when it came to Jordan, but none when it came to her. He said, from the beginning of them, she didn’t think enough of him to tell the truth that she was a married woman, and she said she never intended to lie, but he said that’s how she problem solved and coped. She did it again and again, Drew’s blackmail being the latest example. He missed half of Trina’s life because of her lies. He tried to trust her and she repaid him by lying again. This time, Aunt Stella was paying for it.

Alexis said the goon trying to prevent her client from access to counsel was illegal and wouldn’t bode well for their investigation and he took her into the interrogation room. Trina thanked Sonny, who said something wasn’t right. This unit did bigger cases and nothing Stella had done would rate them. Trina asked if he thought Stella was here because she was being targeted by Drew.

Martin said Stella was being investigated for insurance fraud, but Tracy said Stella was principled to a fault. He said now they had to prove it. He was hoping she would leverage the Quartermaine family name. She was a powerful member of the board, so she could convince the hospital to lobby support. Tracy said, consider it done, and asked how this lunacy commenced. Martin said, Drew Cain.

Michael said Drew had two minutes, but Drew said he only needed one. He was going to bring Wiley and Amelia to Willow today and be on his best behavior. He was going to smile and apologize for keeping her from her children and tell the kids he’d made a big mistake. Then he wouldn’t get between the move for shared custody, 50/50. Michael said, the judge thought otherwise, but Drew said her ruling was meaningless now that he knew it was bought and paid for.

In the church, Gio talked to Camilla. He said he missed her every day, especially today. He knew how much she loved her birthday and the traditions that went with it. He’d play Vivaldi for her and out of all the traditions, that one was probably his favorite. She’d said music had to come from the heart or it wasn’t worth playing. He hadn’t found it in his heart to play since he found out the truth. Right now, the only thing he felt was loss.

Brook told Dante that she went to light a candle and Gio was there doing the same thing. It was the first of Camilla’s birthdays since he found out. He had questions he’d never be able to ask her, and he was the same sad, grieving boy he was when she died. Dante said he remembered the funeral. Gio was lost and broken. Brook said when life was dark and hopeless, family got you through it. Gio needed his father.

Dante said he and Gio hadn’t been on good terms since Rocco went to the hospital, but Brook told him, try. He was a good father, and she’d taken away his chance with Gio. Dante left.

Martin said he’d sung Stella’s praises to Drew and Drew put the rest together, and Tracy said Stella was in jail because of him. Martin said don’t lay this at his feet. This was all because of her.

Alexis told the goons they’d been moving so fast, they forgot to get the judge’s signature. They left, and Alexis said she’d bought them a little time. Stella asked if she was really going to jail.

Jordan asked if Isaiah had seen Curtis, and Isaiah said Curtis was with his wife. She said she had news about Stella, but he suggested maybe giving them the space they needed. He said she needed him to stop with the snide remarks. What was going on? He said, she and Curtis obviously had feelings for each other.

Portia said Curtis was blaming her? and he said this whole mess started because of her. He understood she wanted to protect Trina, but she went about it all wrong. She told that was easy to say after the fact. At the time, all she could think about was keeping her daughter safe. He asked if she didn’t think they wanted the same thing. She left herself wide open to Drew’s blackmail. He went after Drew to defend her, and Drew had gone after Stella in retaliation – because of her. She said, normally she’d beg for his forgiveness and apologize, but not anymore. She may have told lies, but he was living one.

Marco said he told Drew about Judge Haran, and Sidwell asked, why? Marco said he knew Drew would act on it, and Sidwell asked how it served their mission. Marco said Drew would use it to go after custody of Willow’s kids and it would make Sonny unravel. Michael would blame Sonny and Sonny would lose his son like he lost his mother. Sidwell said Marco made a foolish error in judgement.

Michael said he had no idea what Drew was talking about, and Drew said the night before he stripped Willow of her parental rights, a million dollars ended up in Judge Haran’s bank account. Sonny paid off the judge, and he was going to use his congressional power to expose it. When he did, the decision would be questioned and thrown out. He’d be ordered back to family court and all of his sins, including getting Sasha pregnant while he was still married, would be held against him. Maybe he’d get a weekend a month and a week during the summer if he was lucky. 50/50 seemed generous and he should jump on it while he had the chance.

Martin said if it weren’t for Tracy, he wouldn’t have needed Stella’s help. She torpedoed him at the press conference and ratted him out to his exes when he was in lockup in Lodi. Tracy said the only thing they agreed on was that Stella was a good woman who needed their assistance, which they could give her separately, and he said the idea of working together was just a joke. He prayed every night he was there to see it when she got what was coming to her. She said, back at him. Get out of her house. He said it wasn’t hers. All this belonged to Monica.

Isaiah said he saw Curtis and Jordan in the park, and Jordan said Curtis was married. She never crossed the line and never would. He said he’d been watching Portia struggle to keep her marriage intact, and Jordan said she didn’t realize he and Portia were close. He said Portia convinced him to join the staff as a surgeon. She didn’t deserve to be caught in the middle of what was going on with Jordan and Curtis. Jordan said nothing was going on, and he said, maybe that was true for her, but could she say that was true for Curtis?

Portia said Curtis laid next to her in bed, kissed her, made love to her, and told her that he loved her, but his heart belonged to Jordan. He said she conveniently kept forgetting one thing. He never gave Jordan a second chance, but he’d given her more than one. She said now she wondered if the reason was because he was on the rebound from Jordan and now he wanted to get back with her.

Alexis told Stella that Trina and Sonny were outside. She wasn’t alone. Stella said she should have thought more about her family before working the system for her patients, but Alexis said she wasn’t there because of what she did. It was because of who she is.

Michael said his father wasn’t even at court, and Drew said that was convenient. He was sure an inquiry into the judge’s bank records would show a large deposit the day before the ruling. Michael said Drew planned to abuse his power, and Drew suggested he tell the court that Willow should have full custody. Michael said that would never happen, and Drew suggested he may be able to pull strings and get a judge to replace Haran. Maybe one he had a little sway with.

Gio prayed, and from the back of the church, Dante said, amen.

Dante asked if Gio minded if he joined him, and Gio said it was a church. Anyone could come in. Dante sat down and Gio said Brook told Dante he was there. Dante said she reminded him it was Gio’s mother’s birthday. He should have known. Sorry. He remembered the parties the Cerullos threw. Camilla’s birthday was timed around Labor Day, so it was a double celebration. They had great times together. Gio asked if he was mad at Camilla, and Dante said, no, why would he be? Gio said she knew the truth about Dante and Brook like Lois and Gloria did. He was mad at them, so Dante must be mad at his mom too.

Jordan said Isaiah was out of line and she wasn’t dignifying it with an answer. He said it was a shame. They could have had something great. He fell for her. Maybe it ended because of a business relationship, but the truth was, he never had a shot. Her heart was always with Curtis. Maybe she was used to denying her own feelings because she couldn’t see them, but he could.

Curtis said he and Jordan shared a history and family, but so did he and Portia. The difference was, they shared a daughter. Portia said, Trina was the reason they were still married. Not because he was in love with her, but because he wanted to create a family with Trina to make up for the time he missed out on. He said, because of her, and she asked how long he’d felt this way. He said he’d buried his feelings of resentment about her lies, hoping and praying they’d go away so they could be a family, but they hadn’t. They were just under the surface. She said it was the most honest he’d been. Now she knew for sure he was never going to forgive her lying about Trina. She believed he was always in love with Jordan. He said he was going to be with his aunt, and she said if he walked out, it would confirm that everything was true. He never wanted to fight for their marriage, and she’d know their marriage was over. He left and she cried.

Sidwell said they both wanted to bring Sonny down in completely different ways, and Marco said Sidwel’s strategy was to wait. His was to act. Sidwell said Marco was controlled by his emotions. He wanted to use the information to get control of Sonny’s piers. Marco said he didn’t care about the piers. He cared about justice for his mother. Sonny needed to pay for the role he played in her death. Sidwell said he agreed. That was all part of the plan until Marco imploded it. So now they had to figure out what the blowback was going to be for them.

Sonny said Stella wanted him to stay out, and Alexis said she was right. He was a radioactive presence that would complicate things. He said it wasn’t that simple when Drew’s fingerprints were on it. Sooner or later, that SOB was going to pay.

Michael said if Drew had proof, he’d be waving it in his face, but Drew said he’d get what he needed. Michael said he’d just falsify it. He’d made it clear what he’d do when someone stood in his way. The court order said he had full custody. After this stunt, he’d see that the hearing was pushed back indefinitely. Congratulations. He may have just cost Willow the chance to get her kids back for the second time. Drew said, don’t say he didn’t warn him, and left.  

On the phone, Drew told Kai that he needed a favor. He needed to find out where Carly was right now.

Tracy told someone to call her as soon as possible. It was about Stella. Brook came in and said she was at the station and saw Alexis, Trina, and Sonny there for Stella. Tracy promised Martin would answer for it. He shot his mouth off, and Drew ran with it. Brook said she was sorry. She knew how close Tracy and Stella were. Tracy said she was doing what she could to help. Why was Brook at the PCPD? Brook said she went to talk to Dante about Gio. He was lost and hurting and needed a parent, but she knew it couldn’t be her.

Dante said Gio’s mom was always booked and when he was too little to go with her, he’d stay with them. He remembered a Christmas Eve when one of the Seven Fishes caught on fire. Brook, Lois, and Gloria spent most of the night trying to put it out. It was funny now, but not then. They were all in the kitchen, leaving him to hold Gio. It was the first time he’d ever held a baby, and he was petrified. It felt like he was holding a ticking bomb. Camilla walked in and she and Gio looked at each other like they were the only people in the room. There was smoke, burning fish, chaos, yelling, and it stunk, but they didn’t notice. They just had big smiles looking at each other. He knew Gio wished he could talk to her again and find out why she went along with all this, but he thought Gio already knew the answer. Camilla was thinking about him every step of the way. He could see that and hoped one day Gio could too.

Jordan said she was sorry she hurt Isaiah, but it had nothing to do with Curtis. He wasn’t a part of her life in the way Isaiah thought. Curtis came out of the elevator, and Isaiah left. Curtis wondered what that was about, but Jordan said it didn’t matter. She talked to old co-workers, and couldn’t do much about calling in favors yet, but she did get solid information. It started with a tip and the investigators were pointed in Stella’s direction. It was someone with a lot of influence in the political sector. He said, like a congressman, and she said, exactly.

Portia cried over her framed wedding photos, screamed, and smashed them. She tried to pull her wedding ring off, when Isaiah came in. He asked if she was okay, and she said she couldn’t get this off. He said it was okay. Just breathe.

Michael told Sonny that Drew was coming after him and the kids, and he was using Sonny to do it.

Brook told Tracy that the reason Gio was hurting was the close bond he’d had with Camilla. They were each other’s entire world. Thank God for that. The one question that haunted her was wondering if his adoptive mother would love him as much as she would have loved him. Tracy said now she knew he was, and Brook said her prayer was answered, but it made her sad that they wouldn’t have the same relationship. Tracy said she didn’t know that. Life was long and Gio wasn’t done writing his story yet.

Gio said he had to get going and thanked Dante for the story. Dante said he had lots more if Gio wanted to hear them, and Gio said he appreciated today, but wasn’t interested in the two of them being close. Dante said he understood. He was sorry for the way he’d treated Gio when Rocco was taken to the hospital. He was scared out of his mind and took it out on Gio instead of dealing with his feelings. He’d just lost Sam and was worried about losing Rocco. It was inexcusable and he was sorry. He wasn’t saying that because he knew Gio was his son. He’d wanted to apologize at the Nurses Ball, but didn’t want to ruin the moment. Gio’s mom would have been proud of his playing. Gio said he’d like to think so too, and started to leave, but then said, what if Dante had known about him when he was younger? What would he have done? Dante said he’d like to think he would have stepped up and been the father Gio deserved. Unfortunately, they’d never know, but what he did know was that he was sorry he didn’t get the chance.

Sidwell told Marco, what’s done is done, and Marco asked, what now? Sidwell said they needed to stay one step ahead of Corinthos.

Sonny said he didn’t bribe the judge, and Michael said he didn’t think so, but Drew did. He mentioned proof that the judge’s bank account received a very large payment. Sonny said, maybe. Just know he didn’t do it, but somebody else might have.

Sidwell told Marco, the best case scenario was everything coming out and the judge admitting the payment came from him. Marco said, best case? and Sidwell said, in the worst case, Sonny would get to the judge first and figure out who was behind it. Then they’d find themselves staring down the barrel again.

Michael said Drew was trying to frame him and force Willow getting custody. If he was put behind bars, she’d get custody that way. Sonny said there was only one person who could give them the answer – Judge Haran.

Sidwell said, to avoid retaliation, they needed to get to Judge Haran before Corinthos did.

Stella said she was sorry Trina got caught up in this. Don’t get involved any deeper so Drew made her his target. She didn’t think she could take it if something happened to Trina. Trina said she loved that Stella was trying to protect her, but don’t worry, and Stella said she was trying to protect herself. They hugged, and Trina said everything would be okay. She loved Stella. Stella said she loved Trina too, and Trina left.

Trina came out and told Alexis to stay with her aunt. Alexis asked where she was headed, and Trina said, to get some answers.

Isaiah took Portia’s ring off her finger, and they kissed. He tossed the ring on the floor next to the broken picture frames, and Portia tossed away her lab coat. They got busy.

On the phone with Willow, Drew said he went to see Michael. He thought, after the dust settled, Michael would reconsider their custody agreement. Curtis came in and said the crusade against his family needed to stop. It needed to end or he would end Drew.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Britt wakes up with a hangover and groans. She says, damn you, Jason.

Carly tells her assistant, if Michael calls, put him through. Otherwise, she needs all of her calls held. She has a very important meeting. She tells Rocco and Danny, all right gentlemen, fun’s over. It’s the end of the line.

Chase sees Judge Haran in Bobbie’s, and she tells him that she wanted to thank him. She appreciated his testimony in the Morrison case. He says, glad he could help. Actually, he was hoping to run into her about a case. She says she already made her ruling, but he says, it concerns another case she’s handling. There’s something she needs to know about Willow Tate.

At the hospital, Elizabeth thanks Willow for coming in, and Willow says she was happy to do it. Before they get started, does Elizabeth have a minute? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). Is something wrong? Willow says, not wrong. After all the kindness Elizabeth has shown her, she deserves to know about it first. Elizabeth says, okay… and Willow says she’s getting back together with Drew.

Curtis says, coming after his family will be the last mistake Drew ever makes, and Drew says, Curtis can threaten him. Curtis can come after him. Whatever he wants. It doesn’t matter. His aunt still committed fraud. Curtis says, and Drew just had to kick off the investigation, didn’t he? Not because of anything he thought she did – Kai approaches the door and listens – but because he could use her to get to him. Drew says, it hurts, doesn’t it, watching his family suffer. Good.

Portia and Isaiah get busy in her office, and there’s a song part.

Carly says she’d like them both to work at the MetroCourt next summer. She could even move them up to lifeguard, if they get certified. Danny asks if lifeguards get tips, and she says, no, but they do make more money. Rocco says, it’s a dilemma, but she says, they have plenty of time to think. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the time they have off before they have to hit the books. They thank her, and she says, by the way, has Danny heard from his dad? Danny says, actually, his dad called to tell him that he was coming home, and Carly says, great, but Danny says, not really. The best thing he can do is stay away.

Britt slugs around and tries to brush her hair. She says, even her hair hurts. The room phone rings, and she says, what? Pascal says he was just in her lab and she’s not there, and she says she knows. She’s in her room. He called her here. He asks if he needs to remind her, and she says, please don’t, she’s begging him, but he says she’s here to work, not swill margaritas by the pool. She’s wasted a whole day. Britt says, the day’s not over yet. If he’s done reminding her, she’ll be right there. She hangs up and picks up the burner phone Jason gave her. She says, get over yourself. It’s just a phone, not a token of his love. She puts it in a decorative box and leaves.

Judge Haran tells Chase that she ruled on the Corinthos divorce case months ago. As she recalls, the only thing on her calendar now is a visitation hearing. He says, right, in October, and she says, as a fellow officer of the court, he knows she can only rule on testimony submitted under oath. He says he understands, and she says, then he should also know, speaking about that case, and in this setting, is highly inappropriate, and anything he says will have no bearing on her ruling. He says he didn’t expect it would. What he needs to say is purely background. She says, he’s an excellent detective, so say what he needs to say quickly, and he thanks her. They sit down, and he says, as she may remember, he and Willow were once married. She says, it was brought out at trial, and he says, whatever she’s heard, know that Willow is a wonderful mother and deserves to see her kids.

In the breakroom, Elizabeth says, after everything Drew put her through, why is Willow going back to him? and Willow says, because Drew can get her kids back. Elizabeth says he made her that promise before and look what happened. She completely lost custody of her kids. Willow says, even so, he’s still her best chance, but Elizabeth says, no, he’s not. He not only failed in helping her get her kids back, he was the reason she lost them. Willow says, not entirely, and Elizabeth says she knows there were other factors, but Willow has a strong enough case without Drew. She doesn’t need him. Willow says, Elizabeth has been wonderful and supportive. She’ll always be thankful for everything Elizabeth has done for her, but the truth is, if she goes into court with nothing but a few character references from co-workers and a spotless attendance record, there will be no visitation. After everything that’s happened, she’ll be shut out of her kids’ life for good, and she can’t let that happen.

Curtis tells Drew that he’s a coward. Drew doesn’t have what it takes to face him, so he came for Curtis’s family. His 70-year-old aunt is sitting in the PCPD right now because of Drew. Drew says he was just playing by Curtis’s playbook. Curtis broke Willow’s heart on her wedding day, so he had to pay back Curtis in kind. Kai continues to listen, and Curtis says he didn’t break Willow’s heart, Drew did that. Remember? By screwing her mom while breaking up her marriage, then lying about the whole thing. Drew says Curtis is always coming at him with a double standard. Curtis is all about honesty, except when it has to do with Stella or Portia. He’s just telling the truth. And he just got started. There’s still the matter of Curtis’s wife… Curtis says, it’s not about Portia. It’s about his auntie. All she wanted to do was help people. Drew says he heard about her good deeds from Martin Grey. She had a little tendency to bend things for the patients. As such, it was his duty as a representative to the people to alert the state. Curtis says, so he got his flunkies to start an investigation. Drew needed to end this while he still could.

Isaiah picks up Portia’s wedding photo and says he just wants her to know he didn’t plan this. She says, just so he knows, neither did she. He says, good thing too. Most of her plans seemed to blow up in her face. She picks up her wedding ring and looks at it. Isaiah says, so, any regrets? and she says, not a one, but this can’t have happened here. He says, no, and she says she’s his boss. This is her office. He nods, when Trina comes in.

Carly says, did she miss something? and Danny says, not at all. It’s about Scout and Drew. She asks what his so-called uncle did now, and Danny says, he got restraining orders against him and Rocco to keep away from Scout. She asks, why? and Danny says he picked up his sister from camp one day. Rocco says, they just wanted to see their sister, and she wanted to see them, but they didn’t get Drew’s permission. Danny says, Drew accused him of kidnapping, and Carly wonders why she’s not surprised. She doesn’t understand what it’s got to do with Danny not wanting his dad to come back. Danny says, here’s the thing, Rocco’s been served… Rocco says, or rather his mom was because he’s a minor. Danny says, they had to serve Rocco’s to his legal guardian. His legal guardian is his dad. Until his dad comes home, he can’t be served, which means, legally, he can still see Scout.

Jordan says, Stella would never have been arrested if Drew hadn’t singled her out. It’s an obvious abuse of power. Stella says that’s what she was afraid of. Not for herself, but for Curtis. Drew can’t keep pushing Curtis like this or Curtis is going to fight back and do something that he’ll regret. Which means Jordan has to stop him. Jordan says, me? She’ll try. Stella says she needs to do more than that. Right now, she’s the only one he’ll listen to. Please. She’s got to talk him down.

Drew says he offered Curtis his friendship over and over, even after Curtis tanked his company and forced him out. Curtis spit in his face and took away the woman he loved. Curtis says, maybe Drew shouldn’t have been screwing her mom, and Drew says, and maybe while Curtis is talking to his aunt through the plexiglass window, he can remind her that he’s the reason she’s there. Curtis says, before he lets that happen, he’ll see Drew dead. He leaves. Kai comes in and says he just passed Mr. Ashford on his way to the elevator. He seemed pretty upset. Drew says, he was just worried about his Aunt Stella. He can assure Kai that he’ll do everything in his power to help her. Kai says he’s glad to hear that. Stella was really good to him when he was recovering. He’s sure Drew remembers that. Drew says, of course (🍷). If she did commit fraud, his hands are tied, but he’ll just have to cross that bridge when he comes to it. So, did he happen to track down Carly? Kai says, she’s in her office at the MetroCourt. (While I’m glad he overheard the conversation, couldn’t he have just called?) Her assistant said she’d be there until the end of the day. Drew thanks Kai and says, it’s much appreciated. It’s getting a little late, so why doesn’t Kai head out too? Kai thanks Drew, but says he’s going to stick around. He has to finish the research for Drew’s speech on interstate expansion. Drew says he appreciates it, all the hard work Kai is doing, and Kai says, absolutely. Drew can always count on him, and Drew leaves.

Trina says, sorry for interrupting, and Portia says, they were just talking about hospital business. Isaiah says, they can do that another time. He has enough to get him started. Portia says, okay, great, and Isaiah leaves. Portia asks Trina, so what’s going on? Is everything okay? Trina says, no. The tension level in their house has been ratcheting up for a while now. Aunt Stella is in prison all because of Drew’s vendetta. She needs to know why it happened. Portia says, the arrests or tension? and Trina says, all of it. She and Trina’s dad have been feuding for a while now with Drew, and now it’s spilled over to Aunt Stella. She needs to know the reason behind this mess. Portia says, well, like everything she does and everything she’s done, it all comes back to Trina.

Britt walks down the hallway and sees Pascal with Tomas, who says, understood. Britt says, hey, Tomas, and Pascal says, Dr. Westbourne. How industrious of her to show up. She says she thought he was squatting outside her lab. What is he doing? Pascal says, his job. She should get busy doing hers. She asks, what’s going on? Tomas should be at the spa. Pascal says, so far, he’s treated her as a guest. He’s let her enjoy their amenities, the bar, the spa… She says, everything except the exits, and Pascal says, but all of that could change if she does not get to work. She says he needs to watch his tone. He’s getting a little too comfortable with the imperative. Pascal leaves.

Judge Haran tells Chase, what she can say is this. The role of any judge in this kind of case is to determine what’s best for the child. Chase says, exactly. Wiley and Amelia need their mother. She says, while obviously there are exceptions, most judges believe that children are best served when they’re able to see both parents. So they’re not opposed to visitation rights. In any case like this, the judge would consider an individual’s behavior and conduct since their last trial. They would also consider that the individual maintained a clean record and showed no evidence of mental instability. Chase says, got it, and she says, if an individual can demonstrate some growth, a judge may be inclined to be generous with the visitation schedule. Chase thanks her and says he knows Willow will have a just hearing. She has an impeccable record for fairness. She tells him, have a good day, and leaves.

Elizabeth says, before Willow does something life-altering, please reconsider going back to Drew, and Willow says, if she had a choice, she wouldn’t, but she doesn’t. Elizabeth asks if she still loves him, and she says, yes… no… I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that does matter is getting her children back. That will be more than enough

On the phone, Judge Haran says, they might have a problem. A detective is asking questions about the Corinthos case. She needs to know they have her covered.

Carly says, technically, Danny can still see Scout, but it’s a terrible idea, and Danny says, but she misses them. Rocco says, and they miss her, and Carly says she knows they do, but Drew is just waiting for Danny to overstep. It’s not going to help Scout at all if he gets in trouble. Danny asks what he can do, and she says, they need to let the lawyers handle it. Danny says, but Drew is the one hurting Scout, not him, and Carly says she knows, but… Drew walks in and says, this is her big meeting? She says, what the hell is he doing here? and he says, it’s the delinquents. Get rid of them and he’ll tell her. Danny says they were just leaving, but before they go, Drew served Rocco, but he was the one who picked up Scout. Rocco had nothing to do with it. Drew says, yeah, it’s true. Rocco’s not involved, but where one goes, the other usually follows. He couldn’t take that chance. Rocco says they’re her brothers, and Drew says, Danny’s only half and he’s nothing. Carly says, hey, and Danny says he’s sorry he didn’t call Drew when he picked up Scout from camp. He would have, but Scout begged him not to. Drew says, Danny kidnapped his daughter and could have gotten her killed. Danny is lucky he didn’t go over Chase’s head and press charges. But you know what? There’s still time. Carly says, back off – now.

Trina asks if Portia is saying the whole thing with Drew is her fault, but Portia says she’s not saying that at all. She’s right. There’s been a huge amount of tension between her and Trina’s father because Drew has been blackmailing them. Trina says she knew he had something. What does he have on her? Portia says, he has proof she tampered with Heather Webber’s blood tests. She altered them to keep Heather’s cobalt levels sky high, so she would stay in prison where she belongs, stay away from them, and most importantly, stay away from Trina. Trina says, and Drew found out, and Portia says, yeah. She had erased the data in the hospital database, but he managed to get his hands on the only remaining evidence of what she’s done – a hard copy of the altered test results with her system login. He’s been blackmailing her for months and if he does go through with this, she could lose her job. She could lose her medical license and even be brought up on criminal charges. Trina asks what Drew wanted her to do, and Portia says, at first, he just wanted good press at Aurora. Trina says, something her dad was not inclined to do, and Portia says, no. She thinks she got him to change an article, but thinks that was about it. But Trina’s father figured out something was going on with her. When he confronted her, she confessed. Trina says, he must have been furious, and Portia says, he was. He understood why she altered the tests. He wanted to keep Trina safe like she did. But she kept things from Trina’s father for so long and tried to manipulate him on Drew’s behalf. She apologized profusely, and he said he understood, but by the time they decided to fight Drew together, she thinks he’d gone through so much, then this happened. Trina says, because Portia was trying to protect her, but Portia says, all this happened because Drew is a detestable monster and masquerades as a human being. It’s not Trina’s fault. It’s no one’s fault. Drew is the one responsible. Trina says, ignorance isn’t bliss. Ignorance is ignorance. She’s glad to know everything. Portia says she and Trina’s father love her very much, and Trina says she knows. They hug and Trina says she loves them too.

On the phone, Kai says he’s calling from Congressman Cain’s office. He’s calling to check in on the status of the Stella Henry investigation… Okay. Great, and thank you. The congressman will be pleased that they’re following up on his request for conducting a thorough investigation.

Elizabeth says, Willow needs to think about this, but Willow says she has. Elizabeth says, not hard enough. Now that she knows what Drew is about, does she really want to get back together with a man who she’s not even sure she loves and definitely doesn’t trust? Willow says, yes. She knows Drew loves her and will do anything to get what he wants. She thinks she’s seen it for herself. When Michael was at the clinic in Germany, she went to visit him. She thought if they saw each other face to face, they could come to an agreement about the kids together. But they told her that Michael refused to see her. Elizabeth says, that doesn’t sound like him, and Willow says, because it wasn’t. It turns out Michael never knew she was there because Drew was the one pulling the strings. He had her turned away and that’s why she never spoke to Michael. Elizabeth says, that could have been the chance to work things out with him. Doesn’t she think Drew manipulated her? Willow says, maybe, and Elizabeth says, definitely, absolutely, 100%. What Drew did was just… Willow says, powerful. He was able to reach across an ocean and stop her from seeing Michael. Elizabeth asks why she’s saying this like it’s a good thing, and Willow says, it proves she’s making the right decision. If Drew wants to get her kids back, that’s what will happen, because Drew always gets what he wants.

Carly thanks Danny and Rocco for their help this summer and says their final checks are in the mail. Danny says he’s not leaving Carly alone with Drew, but she says she’ll be fine. Rocco says, Carly can take care of herself. Let’s go. They leave, and Carly says, Drew does realize the only person he’s punishing by keeping Scout away from her brothers is Scout. Drew says, Rocco is not Scout’s brother. People have got to stop calling him that. She says, why? Scout’s not going to. He says, we’ll see about that, and Carly says, what? He’s unbelievable. Scout’s grieving her mother. She’ll be grieving her for a very long time. He should be grateful for those boys, that they want to spend so much time with her. She’s going to need them. He says, she’s got to stop worrying so much about Danny and Rocco when she really should be worrying about Michael.

In the squad room, Curtis says his auntie is here, so he figures the arraignment went okay, and Stella says, thank the Lord, they’re letting her go. Jordan says, Alexis was amazing. She talked circles around the judge and ADA. Curtis says, great. How is she feeling about all this? Stella says, much better. She should have trusted Curtis about Alexis from the beginning. If she goes to trial, she’ll be more than happy to have Alexis in her corner. Jordan says, they’re hoping it doesn’t come to that, and Curtis says, yeah. It never should have come to this. Stella shouldn’t even be here. This whole thing started because of a conflict between him and Drew and that’s it. But because Drew is a coward without a shred of honor, he’s pulling Curtis’s whole family into this. He’s sorry he let it go this far. Stella asks how this is his fault. He’s the one who stayed principled throughout this whole fight. He says, and if not for her, he doesn’t know where he’s be, and they hug. He says, they sealed that part. Now he’ll post bail, and they can all go home. He starts to leave, when Jordan says, hold on a second, and he says he knows what she’s going to say. She says, what is that? and he says, she’s going to tell him to let it go and not encourage it to escalate any further. She says, and? and he says, she knows as well as he does, this is not the end. Alexis may have spared his auntie one night in a cell, but so much for a truce. Drew is never going to let this go.

Elizbeth says, what Drew did in keeping Willow away from Michael is disgusting, and Willow says, maybe on the surface, but Elizabeth says, no, through and through. Drew didn’t want her to work things out with Michael. He basically sabotaged her access to her kids. Willow says, because what Michael would have offered wouldn’t have been enough, and because of Drew, she can get full custody. Elizabeth says, and then what? She’s going to keep Michael away from his kids the way he’s doing to her? Willow says, exactly. She is their mother. Elizabeth says, and he’s their father, and Willow says, she doesn’t understand. Elizabeth says she does understand. What Drew did doesn’t take power. It takes a phone call and a little bit of money. Looking worshipful, Willow says, he reached across an ocean, and Elizabeth says, and bribed somebody. It probably didn’t even cost that much. And of all the things he’d done, including lying about Nina, this is by far the worst. She’s selling her soul. Willow says, it’s not like that. Before, she was blind. She couldn’t see Drew for who he was. Now her eyes are wide open. She knows who she’s dealing with. Elizabeth says, he’s a terrible person who caused Willow a lot of pain, and Willow says, maybe. (WOTD) She’d gladly trade her soul for her children. What mother wouldn’t? Elizabeth says, what good is she to the kids if she’s just going through the motions and not living a part of her actual life? and Willow says she’ll do what she needs to, sacrifice whatever she has to, and live with whatever she has to, as long as Drew gets her children back. Elizabeth says she’s already doing all the right things. She doesn’t need Drew to get her kids back because she’s enough all on her own. Willow asks if Elizabeth can promise her that, but Elizabeth says, no, and neither can Drew. Willow says, Drew is her best option, which means she doesn’t have a choice.

Drew tells Carly that an investigation revealed Judge Haran took a payoff of one million dollars the night before Michael took the kids from Willow. Carly says, so? and Drew says, obviously Sonny bribed her. Carly says, obviously means Drew doesn’t have any proof, right? and Drew says, there’s going to be an investigation into the money and into Haran. When that happens, the custody decision will be thrown out and the case heard by a new judge. When that happens, there’s no way Michael will get full custody. Any judge will see that Willow deserves to get her children back. Carly says, why? Because he thinks so? She can’t wait until Diane calls a parade of character witness again and Willow. Any judge will clearly see she’s unstable. Drew says, she’s their mother, and Carly says, and? Drew says, and she, of all people, should understand that. How many times has she played the mother card? She goes out, does something unconscionable, and her excuse is always the same – she did it for her kids. She says, damn right. She goes to extremes for her kids, but at least when she does it, she’s rational. Willow needs help. Drew says, not as much as Michael. If she wants to keep her mother title, she’d better step up and start acting in his best interests. She says, what are? and he says he proposed a deal to Michael, and he was either too foolish or arrogant or vindictive to accept it, but if she gets him to accept the deal of Willow getting primary custody, she’ll allow visitation. She says, so generous, and he says, actually, more than. If Michael doesn’t accept – which he won’t – then they go to court and then he will lose his kids forever. She says, okay. He went to Michael and Michael turned him down. Now he’s here talking to her. He’s desperate. He says, no. He just knows she can get Michael to take the deal. She’s done it many times before. She says, and why in the hell would she do that? and he says, because she’s a realist and because she knows it’s the last chance she and Michael have to remain in Wiley and Amelia’s lives.

Britt sees Tomas and says she’s glad he’s still here. There’s something he can do for her. Does he know that huge server in her office? It’s driving her crazy. It keeps humming in her ears. She needs him to move it. He says he’ll go to tech, but she says, that will take forever. Then her work will take forever. Then they’ll have to listen to Pascal whine about it forever. He says, this is procedure, and she says she knows, but he knows how they follow the rules here. Come on. Doesn’t he want to put those big, beautiful muscles to good use? Unless he can’t move it. Then she’s sorry she put him on the spot. He says, of course (🍷) he can. She seems stressed. Maybe instead, he could give her a massage. She says, what really stresses her out is getting him to move the server. Like now. Do it or does she have to tell you-know-who that he’s the reason she’s fallen behind. He walks toward the lab, and she doubles back. She opens a door with a card and sees Josslyn and Vaughn. She looks like, WTF? and Josslyn says, please. Can she help them get out of here? Britt listens and hears something. She jets and Vaughn looks at Josslyn.

Chase says he got Willow’s text, and she thanks him for coming. There’s something she needs to tell him. He says, there’s something he needs to tell her too, and she says she’s come to a pretty big decision. He says he saw Judge Haran at Bobbie’s and has great news for her and her kids.

Rocco asks if Danny is sue his dad is okay with them taking the speedboat out after dark, and Danny says, it’s not dark yet. Rocco says, it will be soon and what about then? Danny says, Drew is with Carly. They can go see Scout. Rocco says, since he was served with a restraining order, this would actually be kidnapping, but Danny says, they don’t have to take her anywhere and they’ll be really fast. He hates that guy so much. Rocco says, so does he, but they need to do what Carly said and stay away from Drew. Danny says, okay, but they’re definitely egging his house tonight… Lighten up. It was a joke. Rocco says, there’s someone down there, and Danny says, my God. They’re not moving. He thinks that’s a body.

Trina walks into Drew’s office and asks Kai, where’s Drew? Kai says, he’s not here, but he’s glad she is. She says she needs to find him. It’s about her mom. Kai says, whatever she’s going to say to Drew, don’t bother. It’s pointless. She asks what that means, and he says, Drew is the one who had Stella arrested and the only reason he did was because it was the most effective way to hurt her dad. She asks how he feels about that, and he says he feels like an idiot for not listening to her earlier. She was right all along. Drew is a monster. He’s corrupt, manipulative, and he’s willing to destroy people to get what he wants. He should never have given Drew the benefit of the doubt and he certainly shouldn’t have taken this job and never ever taken his side. She asks if he really means that, and he says, more than anything. She says, that means more than she can say, and he says he’ll do everything he can to make it up to her and her parents. She says, good, because she really needs his help right now.

Curtis says, Drew will do whatever it takes to hurt his aunt, and Stella says, because he knows it’s the best way to hurt Curtis. Jordan says she’s right about that, and Curtis says he’s not going to let that happen. Stella says, what he’s not going to do is go after Drew. Don’t let Drew push him into doing something he regrets. Don’t let Drew compromise her or the family any more than he already has. Curtis says, too late, and leaves. Jordan and Stella look at each other.

Portia looks at her wedding photo, when Isaiah knocks at the door. He says he saw her daughter leave earlier and wanted to check on her. Is everything good? She says, it’s as okay as it can be for now, and he says he’s not sure what that means. She says, that girl wanted answers, details on what’s going on between her, Drew, and Curtis. So she told her. He says, wow, and she says, she’s an adult. She could feel the tension going on between her and her father. It’s been going on a while. Now she knows exactly why. He says he’s sorry, and she says her too. He says, it must have been really hard, and she says, it was, but does he know what’s harder? All those secrets. Holding all those secrets for everyone. It was just so exhausting. He says he’s sorry if he made her day harder in any way, but she says he definitely didn’t. She says she does want him to know that her marriage was broken beyond repair before he walked through that door and all of this – her marriage, Trina, Stella, all of it – can be laid at the feet of Drew Cain.

Carly says, Willow may be an idiot, but she’s not. Drew can threaten her all he wants, but she’s not impressed. He says, no? and she says, no. He says, maybe she should talk to the Ashfords about their sweet aunt Stella and how he was able to dismantle her entire life with a few phone calls. Maybe then she’d be impressed. She says, he’s unbelievable. He’s proud of that? Going after Stella, of all people. What the hell is wrong with him? He says, what he did to Stella was nothing. Just the onset, a gentle preview of what he’s going to do to Michael if she doesn’t play ball. She says, okay. He made the wrong threat to the wrong person. If he ever tries to hurt Michael again, she’s going to stop him. He asks what she’s going to do. Sic Jason on him? She says she doesn’t need Jason. Mess with Michael and mess with her family, she’ll kill him herself. Elizabeth overhears.

On Tuesday, Trina tells Kai that he can help save her mother; Michael tells Kristina that Willow has to live with the consequences of her choices; and Willow tells Chase that she found a way to get her kids back.

GH is preempted on Monday.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-is-preempted-on-labor-day/

🧼 All the Soap News Fit to Print…

Never, ever, ever think you have an online relationship with a celebrity and they need your money.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/deepfake-video-of-general-hospitals-steve-burton-costs-woman-her-life-savings/

A refresher course in Ric.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-infamous-panic-room-tale-when-ric-was-the-captor-not-the-captive/

What goes around…

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-ric-hostage-twist-its-a-reverse-panic-room-says-rick-hearst-exclusive/

I can’t decide whether this is cool or just weird.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/tristan-rogers-to-make-surprise-appearance-on-young-and-restless-as-colin-following-his-death-at-79/

This is definitely cool.

https://ew.com/young-and-the-restless-casts-roger-howarth-11799845

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

For whatever reason, maybe alcohol, Kyle was back to yapping about slipping it to one of the guests. He worked Fraser’s last nerve, and in Fraser’s interview, he said he loved Kyle, but wouldn’t be putting his neck on the line for him anymore. Back-to-back charters, one wanting a Kentucky Derby theme, with a primary who is pre-mastectomy. After f***ing up royally, Jess told Captain Kerry that the whole cancer thing was causing her not to have her head in the game. He gave her a hug, which I thought was sweet and thoughtful. Solene continued to not comprehend that you have to work when you’re at work, and I don’t comprehend how she’s still employed. Maybe Fraser is as tired as I am of having to learn new names. The St. David Derby involved hats and stick ponies.

Below Deck Season 12 Episode 13 Recap: Drama at the Derby

The Real Housewives Of Orange County

Emily had a Persian New Year Polygraph Party, and she said it would be a pivotal night for this group. Apparently so. Tamra slunk back in – no surprise there – but the polygraph test showed Katie to be a lying liar who lies about everything, including her shoe size. After she got the Game of Thrones shame treatment, she was kicked to the curb. Gina and Gretchen met with Kiki Monique, the blogger Katie had allegedly spoken to, and it was Gene the Machine’s 96^th birthday. Shannon took him out for lunch where he was serenaded with Happy Birthday from a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Oh, and Fancy Pants has a downstairs apartment for family time and a penthouse for sexy time. Nice!

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 Episode 8 Recap: Truth, Lies, and Consequences

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/did-katie-make-up-the-real-housewives-of-orange-county-roofie-rumor/

The Real Housewives Of Miami

I didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to this one this week. In a nutshell, it was pretty dresses, fabulous hair ornaments, and Stephanie schooling us on Jetiquette. And of course, arguments.

Real Housewives of Miami Season 7 Episode 13 Recap: A Birthday Blowup in Spain

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/rhom-recap-stephanies-private-jet-completely-breaks-the-housewives/

Random Reality Items

Returns on September 16^th, with a super-sized episode no less.

https://parade.com/tv/the-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-season-6

Returns on October 5^th, also super-sized.

Real Housewives of Potomac Season 10 Trailer: Monique Samuels Returns and Mauricio Umansky Makes a Cameo

As long as Bravo is paying, why complain?

Meredith Marks Reveals One Thing She Didn’t Love About RHOSLC and Below Deck Down Under Crossover

There seem to be no end to the perks of getting cheated on by Sandoval. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Ariana Madix Gets Guest Role on St. Denis Medical

Maybe she googled him.

Next Gen NYC Star Georgia McCann Discusses Omar Zaki Split: ‘Not the Right Fit’

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Paper Girls. Amazon Prime. Season 1. I really enjoyed this series about a group of girls who are surprised to end up in the future (for them, 1988, probably so we can have a good soundtrack). A time traveling mystery ensues, the girls meet their future selves, and find out their fortunes both good and bad. While I’d recommend it, I should have checked before watching whether it was a one-off, especially since Prime is known to be a tease, canceling shows after one season. Sadly, this was one of them.

https://readysteadycut.com/2022/07/29/review-paper-girls-season-1-amazon-original-series/

Apparently, the theory is that the series adaption wasn’t faithful enough to the graphic novels, even though creator Brian K. Vaughan was involved. Not having read the source material – and I probably won’t, since graphic novels are very pricey and don’t last as long as traditional novels – I didn’t care, so I’m doubly pissed about it being canceled.

https://www.cbr.com/paper-girls-brian-k-vaughn-adaptation/

The Monkey. Hulu. (Also on Prime, but it’ll cost you.) As Hal (Theo James) says: It’s a bad monkey. It’s a bad, magic, killer monkey. And it is. Twins Hal and Chip acquire a toy monkey – but don’t call it a toy – left behind by the pilot father who abandoned them. Turning the key prompts the monkey to play the drums, as well as cause death and disaster. I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but it wasn’t this, and I mean that in a positive way. It was actually quite good. Gruesome as hell, with a dark sense of humor, and an unsurprising surprise ending. Theo James is also incredible as the twins.

https://movieweb.com/stephen-king-the-monkey-hulu-streaming-chart-horror/

Review: THE MONKEY is Explosive Midnight Movie Bliss

Hollywood Demons. Hulu, HBO/MAX, et al. A six-part series. I’ve only watched the first two so far – Stephen Collins, America’s Dad and Child Stars Gone Violent – but I’ll be back to finish. I enjoy an exposé. I’ve never seen Seventh Heaven, but I was familiar with who Stephen Collins was and it was a complete shock to find out he was a creeper. It’s not so much of a surprise to see child stars gone bad. While many of us suffer disappointments in life and don’t go off the deep end, admittedly, child actors have a unique set of problems. Hopefully by now their rights are more closely protected.

https://people.com/hollywood-demons-docuseries-id-pulls-back-glamorous-curtain-fame-11690832

https://people.com/stephen-collins-accuser-speaks-out-id-hollywood-demons-11701410

Episode list.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36041664/episodes/

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

While I love so many of today’s shows, it’s insane how short the seasons are and how long in between them. That being said, I’m looking forward to this one.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-trailer-robert-house

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-release-window-teaser-images-plot-cast

📺 Watch From the Past…

Apparently, it was the place to be.

https://ew.com/weirdest-star-trek-cameos-of-the-1990s-11772466

I watched a couple of seasons of this, but then drifted away. Some of it was demeaning, but on the other side, many of the contestants were petulant and whiney. It always baffled me when they were told they were getting a haircut or color change and they’d totally freak out. That’s show biz, kids.

https://ew.com/americas-next-top-model-winners-where-are-they-now-11792796

🐾 Strange But True…

🐕 Queen Elizabeth would have been pleased.

https://people.com/hundreds-corgis-compete-at-international-competition-11797031

🐈‍⬛ I wouldn’t bet my life choices on it, but it’s still pretty cool, and a sweet rescue story.

https://people.com/black-cat-rescue-goes-viral-for-hidden-talent-of-tarot-readings-exclusive-11788963

🦏 I bet my dogs could make the team.

https://people.com/sniffer-dogs-may-have-found-lost-critically-endangered-sumatran-rhinos-indonesia-11796169

🐻 And stay out! This dog is not having it. Canines, don’t try this at home.

https://people.com/pomeranian-chases-bear-out-of-house-in-viral-tiktok-exclusive-11791334

🐦 Quotes of the Week

Today stretches ahead of you waiting to be shaped. You are the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to you. – Steve Maraboli

You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals. – Booker T. Washington

I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn’t learn something from him. – Galileo Galilei

My responsibility to myself, my neighbors, my family and the human family is to try to tell the truth. – Toni Cade Bambara

Summer has always been good to me, even the bittersweet end, with the slanted yellow light. – Paul Monette

The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity. – Amelia Earhart

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. – Mark Twain

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them. – Ernest Hemingway

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

The wise warrior avoids the battle. – Sun Tzu

I cannot listen to you anymore with that bad tan. – Jennifer Tarazona to Elise Benson, 90 Day: Hunt for Love Tell-All

🍃 All Too Short a Date…

Until next week, stay safe; stay enjoying the last long weekend of the summer, but don’t drink and drive; and stay remembering that ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s just ignorance.