(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)
General Hospital
In the nook, Sasha gives Drew some coffee, and flashes back to seeing him kiss Willow. She tells him that his speech was inspiring, and he says he’s given other speeches before, but this one was different. She says, last night was full of surprises, when Willow walks in. She asks if Willow wants coffee or a beignet, and Willow says, yes, to both. Sasha says she doesn’t want to brag, but Wiley says these are his new favorites, and Willow says, he calls them bayonets. Sasha tells them to help themselves, and she leaves to see Cody at the stables. Willow and Drew look at each other.
Felicia says she always felt there was a connection between Mac and Cody, and Maxie says, Felicia’s Spidey senses have always been borderline terrifying. She asks if something could have happened to the DNA sample Felicia sent in, but Felicia says, the lab is the best. Even if the sample was contaminated, it would only add to the sample, not take away from it. Maxie says, they’ve all spent a lot of time with Cody, and he’s been wonderful, and Felicia says, that’s why she doesn’t want Maxie to be mad when she says this. He’s lied before, so why should they believe him now?
Scotty goes to Ava’s hotel room, and she checks the hall for acertain FBI agent who’s having her followed because she’s spent time with Sonny. He asks if she means John Cates, and she says, that’s the one. He says he’s known John since high school. He’s a good guy. She asks what Scotty is doing here and is he billing her for it, and he says, oh yeah. He has Diane’s countersuit. Sonny wants sole custody of Avery. He hands her the papers.
Sonny visits his old kitchen and the moss bowl🎍, and Carly says, Avery and Donna are doing crafts with Pilar. Don’t be surprised if they’re covered in glitter. He asks if she doesn’t think Donna is growing up too fast, and she says, that’s why they have to enjoy these glitter filled days. He says, now that Ava’s moved out, would Carly reconsider having Donna spend the night? He and Avery would love it. Jason walks in, as he’s another member of the moss bowl🎍fan club and can’t stay away.
Willow says she wasn’t looking for Drew, but she’s glad she ran into him. She loves Michael with all her heart, and it was wrong of them to kiss. It never should have happened. Drew says, it was an accident. (Yep. He accidentally fell into her lips.) The result of too many drinks and too many fireworks. He loves Michael too and would never hurt him. They did something impulsive and stupid, but one kiss doesn’t have to change anything for anybody.
Maxie says she doesn’t think Cody is lying, but Felicia says she saw the DNA result with her own two eyes. Maxie says, those were the results from the top secret don’t-tell-anyone test. Cody claims the results from the original test prove he’s Mac’s son. Felicia asks if Cody could be working an angle, but Maxie wonders where the big payout would come from. When she talked to Cody last night, she could tell he wanted to bolt. She knows the look of someone wanting to run from the mistakes they’ve made. He was trying to say goodbye without actually saying it. She practically had to threaten him into staying. He can’t leave town after telling Mac that he’s his son.
Sasha goes to the stable and tells Cody that she was going to keep this to herself, but last night… He says, last night he told Mac that he’s his son. He kept thinking about what she’d said. He hated lying to Mac and it just came out. He should have kept his mouth shut. It was worse than he thought. Mac’s furious with him. He said, Cody had plenty of chances to tell him the truth, but he didn’t. He also told Mac about the whole Taub/WSB stuff with Scotty. She asks if Mac understood, and Cody says, what Mac understood is that he betrayed Mac’s family. She says, it was a lot to take in for both of them, and He says, Mac stormed out, so it seems he took in enough. The only person he was madder at than Cody was himself. For believing Cody could be anything but a grifter. She says, that’s harsh and wrong, but give him time.He’s probably in shock. For what it’s worth (🍷), she’s proud of him. He must feel better having that secret off his chest. He says he feels like garbage, and there’s still a weight on his chest. It’s just for a different reason. She asks what he wants to do now, and he says he wants to get the hell out of town.
Ava says, it’s no surprise Sonny is suing for sole custody, and Scotty says, after reading Diane’s filings, he thinks Ava’s expectations should be lower. He doesn’t like the facts of this case. She says, Avery’s father is a dangerous man working in a dangerous business with other dangerous people. What other facts does he need? He says, she was living with Sonny with Avery, but she says she was living there to keep Avery safe and be a loving touchstone for her in a stressful time. He says, judges like stability and don’t like seeing kids ping-ponged around, and she says, that’s why she wants Avery with her full-time, but he says, she’s in a hotel. At Sonny’s, Avery has a routine, and she likes living with her father. Does Ava think a judge will want to take her away from that? She asks if he didn’t tell her that if Sonny had a public meltdown… He says, all bets would be off, but he doubts that’s going to happen during a custody hearing. Sonny’s not that stupid.
Sonny tells Jason that he and Carly are talking on a private matter, and Carly says she and Sonny are discussing the kids. She tells Sonny that Avery is welcome to be there with Donna any day, and Sonny says he has to take care of something, showing her the papers. Ava thinks she deserves to have sole custody of Avery. Carly says she’s happy she doesn’t have to wade into this mess, but he tells her that she might be called to testify because they share custody of Avery’s sister. He needs to know what she’s going to tell the judge about his suitability as a parent.
Sonny says he knows he and Carly have had their problems. He wants to know she’s not going to say he’s a terrible father. She says, it’s no secret they’ve had their issues – he says he’s sorry – but if she’s going to walk in a courtroom and trash anyone, it’s going to be Ava. He says, that’s not what he wanted to hear, but he’ll take it. He heads for the door, but then asks if Jason and his FBI buddy found anything on him.
Sasha asks if Cody is leaving, but he says he told her that he wanted to leave. It would be easier to just disappear, but no. Maxie made him promise he wouldn’t leave, but she’s not the reason he’s not leaving. Sasha is. At least for now. He moves closer, but she stops him and says, he has to stop doing this. He wants a connection with someone, but every time he gets close, he thinks of a reason to bolt. They’re building something. She kisses him and says, he can’t go. If he does, he’ll have a lot more than Maxie to worry about. She’ll hide Tracy’s secret cash box and say he took it. Tracy will have anyone with eyes and a badge looking for him. He says, Tracy has a secret cash box? and she says, not a very well-kept secret. Promise her he won’t go. He hesitates, and she says, how about this. He talks to her first if he decides to go. He says he can do that, and she says she should get back to the house, and leaves.
Ava goes to see Clemont the pharmacist, and he says he has a staff meeting in 15 minutes. He’s going to have to ask her to leave. She says she can sit in. She’s sure his staff will find it fascinating the way he refills Sonny’s bipolar medication. He says he knows she’s not Sonny’s wife. He doesn’t even have a wife. She says, give him time, but it doesn’t matter. She knows he’s been filling Sonny’s prescription with less than a quarter dose and thinks that’s frowned upon in his profession. She’s sure he has his reasons and doesn’t care what they are, but she cares about Sonny’s dosage. He says he’ll change it back to the proper dosage, but she says, he’ll change it to zero. He says, she wants him to give Sonny placebos? and she says she does. Unless he wants Sonny to know what he’s been doing, he’ll do what she wants. He says, it’s dangerous, but she says she’s willing to take that risk.
Drew (who now looks like a creeper) says, they kissed and regretted it and agreed it won’t happen again, and Willow says, absolutely not. He says, the worst thing they can do is dwell on it and let it interfere with their friendship and working together. She tells him that she doesn’t want to compromise her and Michael’s happiness for any reason, and he suggests they put it behind them. It won’t feel as big of a deal in the future. They probably won’t remember it in a year. Michael comes in and says he knew he smelled beignets.
Michael wants to talk to Drew about the wellness division, particularly the budget for Curtis. Willow says, the conversation sounds too exciting for her, and goes out on the patio.
Felicia says, maybe Cody is just mistaken about the DNA results, but Maxie says, they’re pretty conclusive. There’s no real room for interpretation. Felicia says her results were zero, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Sasha, who asks if it’s a bad time, but Maxie says, no. Sasha says she’s sorry to come by without calling, but this is important. She knows Cody is Mac’s son. If they’re mad at Cody, they should be mad at her too. Cody told her the results months ago.
Clemont says he understands, and he’ll take care of it, and Ava says she knew she could count on him. She asks if anyone’s been asking about her, but he says, no. She says, if anyone does, tell them she was here for a consultation. Make it believable. She hopes he doesn’t do anything to make her come back. She leaves and Clemont looks pretty nervous.
Jason says he’s not working against Sonny, and Sonny says he hopes it stays that way. He’ll be back to pick up Avery. He leaves, and Carly says, he’s not wrong. Jason is working with Cates. Jason says, it’s not to take Sonny down, and Carly suggests he tell Sonny that the only reason he’s working with Cates is to protect her.
Michael and Drew go over the budget, and Michael says he assumes Drew is going to be campaigning to take advantage of the momentum. Drew says he was thinking about that, and Michael says, before he starts shaking hands and kissing babies, did Willow seem off to him?
Willow goes to the stable and asks if Cody is good with her being here. She was wondering how the horses were doing after the fireworks. Cody says, they’re fine. He kept the lights on and gave them extra hay. Some people say you should play classical music to soothe them, but these guys are metalheads. She flashes back to kissing Drew, and says, fireworks are beautiful, but kind of disorienting. You get so distracted, you kind of lose your bearings. (Okay. If you say so, Willow.)
Sasha says she knew Cody lied about the DNA test and that Mac was Cody’s biological father, but it didn’t feel like her secret to tell. Felicia asks how Sasha can be so sure. Her tests results came back negative, and Sasha was there when she told Cody. Sasha says she was also there at the Home & Heart set, when Felicia ordered the DNA test. She saw Felicia take hair from Cody’s brush and she replaced it with her own.
Carly asks why Jason can’t tell Sonny the truth, and Jason says, if Sonny finds out Cates is threatening him, who knows what he’ll do? She agrees, especially with how volatile Sonny’s been, and he asks about the meds. Carly says she checked. He’s taking them. Despite all his faults, he’s always been disciplined with his medication. Jason says, something is off, and she says she agrees, but just now, Sonny seemed like his old self. It was a relief. It seemed like the old Sonny was still in there. Jason says, until he walked in, and she says, that’s when the Sonny she doesn’t recognize showed up. He says he can’t tell Sonny the truth. Not yet. What if he goes after Cates again and kills him?
Holding an ice bucket, Ava opens her door, and Sonny is there. He asks what this garbage is. Is she alleging he’s emotionally unstable? She says she’s not talking to him like this and asks if she should call security. He says he took a page out of her book, and puts his phone on record. Just in case something is misinterpreted later on. Don’t do it.
Willow and Cody have coffee, and she says, he should have come up to the house last night, but he says he wanted to make sure the horses were okay. Did he miss a good time? She says, he was in better company, but people are upbeat about Drew running for congress. Even Tracy is on board. He asks if Willow is going to campaign for him, but she says she’s not a savvy campaigner. He says, she was a teacher, and she says she taught children, not town meetings full of would-be voters. He says, children are people too. If Drew is running as a Quartermaine, it might help if the Quartermaines supported him. Get the family involved. Aside from the kids, Willow is one of the more appealing family members.
Sasha tells Felicia and Maxie, Cody has been wrestling with this decision to tell Mac. She thought, if he had more time, he would get there, so she switched the samples to buy him more time, but she hated lying to them. Please believe that. Felicia says she does, and Maxie says she doesn’t understand. Mac’s a great guy. Sasha says, Cody knows that, but has an issue with not being good enough. He’ll have to tell them the rest. She owed them an explanation and apology. Maxie says she accepts and so does her mom. Felicia says, they appreciate her honesty, and Sasha asks, what happens next? Felicia says, it could turn out to be a good thing for Cody and Mac, and Sasha agrees, but says, Cody told her Mac was really angry and hurt. Felicia says, he was, and it will take time for him to trust Cody again. Sasha says she was trying to help, but by delaying the inevitable, she just made things worse.
Sonny says, no wonder Scotty is the only lawyer Ava could get, and she says, it’s the strength of the case that matters, not the strength of the lawyers. He asks if that’s what her slip-and-fall guy told her, and she says, defenseless mothers seem to do well in family court. He asks if she’s going to have a stand-in, because that’s something she’s not, and she says, he’ll look good in court unless somebody says something he doesn’t like or looks at him funny. Then all bets are off. He says, Diane can find 20 witnesses to say she’s an unfit mother, and she asks if he thinks his reputation is off limits. What judge is going to give custody of an innocent child to a notorious mobster who used to run a strip club?
Maxie tells Sasha not to be so hard on herself, and Sasha says she doesn’t know what to do. Cody is devastated and talking about leaving Port Charles. Maxie says she made him promise he wouldn’t, and Sasha says, so did she. Maxie says, Cody’s promise to Sasha carries more weight, although she threatened him and she’s more dangerous. Sasha says, not really, and Maxie says, Sasha is so sweet, Sasha could be related to her mom. For all they know, maybe she is. Felicia says she would know. Mac is devastated too, but neither one of them is going to approach the other. It seems like they share the same stubborn gene. Maxie asks what they’re going to do about it.
Cody tells Willow that he likes all the Quartermaines, but some of them are more approachable than others. Can she picture Tracy on the campaign trail? Willow says, not so much, and he says, all kidding aside, he thinks Drew should run as part of a family, because that’s the dream. To be surrounded by people that love and care for you and want the best for you. Sometimes when you don’t deserve it. She says, he’s right about being part of a family. The Quartermaines have done that for her, especially Michael. He’s given her everything.
Drew asks what Michael means by Willow being off. Did she say she wasn’t feeling well, because she seemed fine to him. Michael says, nothing like that, but Willow doesn’t always tell him. She just muscles through. Maybe he’s being oversensitive, but whenever she comes down with something, he gets worried that the cancer came back. Drew says, that’s a normal human reaction. Michael witnessed the person he loves going through a terrible disease and has to give himself a break. Michael says, last night, she was tossing and turning, and he doubts she got an hour’s sleep. Drew says, maybe she just had a tough time winding down, and Michael says, he’s right. It was a big day. If Drew says she seems fine, he’ll stop worrying. It’s probably nothing. He leaves.
Jason asks, what happens to Donna and Avery if Sonny’s in prison for killing a federal agent? and Carly says, especially since there’s a possibility of her going to prison, but he says, that’s not going to happen. He’s not going to let it happen. She says she knows he believes that, and if anyone could stop it from happening, it’s him, but it may not be up to him. Or the moss bowl🎍.
Ava says she’s glad Sonny is recording this. Keep talking. Howl at the moon for all she cares. Then go home and listen to himself and judge how suitable he sounds as a parent. He says he’s not going anywhere, when Cates is suddenly at the door, and asks, is there a problem here?
Tomorrow, Ava proposes a deal with John; Heather makes a plea to Laura; and Portia tells Jordan her plan.
🐪 Better Camel Than Never…
I’m on Taleen’s team about the dog. Even if I hate you, I’ll send you condolences on the passing of your pet. It’s a sadness that’s universal and transcends beef.
As usual, there were fabulous houses with views to die for that all our combined incomes could never afford. The market in LA wasn’t great, and the Joshes were at odds over a co-listing, while Tracy tried to bridge the gap with them. JoshA listed a 7200 square foot house at 9000 square feet to get more eyeballs on it, since it had been on the market for 18 months. He played fast and loose with the definition of living space, saying the extra footage was a concrete area that could be a living space. It seemed shady to me, but so do a lot of things in real estate. JoshA appeared on Days of Our Lives as an aggressive businessman with an affinity for cocaine. They thought he resembled his character in real life – an arrogant a-hole – and he was asked back. I tried watching Days for a while, but I just don’t have the time for another soap. They showed clips though, and I’m hoping they have his scenes on YouTube.
Next time, the Heather and Terry Dubrow, and JoshF dresses up as a shark.
I don’t think the word furries means what they think it means, but even if it did, more power to them. Senior pets need extra love. My oldest Peke just turned 17½ right now, June 11th.
Join me tomorrow for soap and a peek at the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping anything breakable away from pools and pool decks, and stay not delaying the inevitable. It just makes things worse.
(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)
General Hospital
Jason sits in his car outside somewhere and makes a call.
Spinelli plays with the kids, while Maxie waits at an outside table. His phone rings, she sees it’s Jason, and picks it up. She says, if he called to talk to Spinelli, he’s off with the kids, but he says he called to talk to her. He wants her to call Anna just to say hi and check in. Then call him back and tell him if she picked up. She wants more information, but he asks her to just call for him please, and she agrees.
Anna is in bed with Valentin, watching him sleep, when she hears her phone buzz. She picks it up, and Maxie says she called to see how Anna is doing. Anna asks, why? and Maxie says, because Jason asked her to call, say hi and see how she’s doing, and call him back. Anna says she’s fine, and Valentin takes the phone out of her hand. He tells Maxie that Anna will have to call her back, and he and Anna get busy.
Carly goes to visit Jack in Pentenville. Jack says, her visit almost makes his incarceration worth it.
Finn leaves a message for Chase, saying, do not do this. Chase is his brother. Stop avoiding him. He wants to talk to his daughter. He’s the only parent Violet has left, and they need each other. Do not escalate this more than he already has. Call him back. There’s a knock at the door, and Finn opens it to Diane.
Ava tells Sonny, dinner must have gone late last night. She didn’t see him before she went to bed, and he wasn’t around this morning either. He tells her to get used to it. She’s going to be seeing less of him. She asks, why is that? and he says, she’s moving out.
Ava asks where Sonny is coming from. When she offered to leave, he told her it wasn’t necessary and asked her to stay. She took it to mean for as long as she wanted. He says, that was then, this is now. Things change. She says, overnight? (like she doesn’t remember what she just did) and he says, the arrangement no longer works for him. All she needs to know is, it’s over. She says she’ll be out when she finds a place, but he says he wants her out now. Avery will stay with him, and he’s not discussing it further. She can stay at the MetroCourt or with whatever friends she has left, but she’s not staying here another night. He doesn’t want her in his presence. They’re done.
Valentin asks if he’s dreaming or did that happen again, and Anna says, it happened. She’s happy to be here, but she can’t spend the day. Valentin tells her not to go. They’re not done with each other yet. He kisses her.
Jack tells Carly that this is the highlight of his day, but he doubts she came for the pleasure of his company. She says she didn’t, and he says, don’t leave him in suspense. She says, he used to work for the WSB and knows how intelligence agencies work, and he says he’s been on both sides of the law. She says she needs his expertise, but doesn’t know if she can trust him, and he says, she can’t.
Jason asks if Maxie got Anna, and Maxie says she did. Anna sounded annoyed at being woken up. She told Anna that he made her call. What’s going on? Why is he checking on Anna? Why is he worried and why didn’t he call himself? He tells her that he’s got to go. Thanks. He hangs up and she says, rude. Jason gets a text from Anna: I’m fine. V is up. Go before he sees you.
Diane gives Finn some paperwork, and says, while she’s here, she’s happy to answer any questions. Her advice is that he discuss it with someone not involved in the case. He says he doesn’t understand, and Diane says, this document is an emergency court order granting his brother temporary custody of the minor child Violet Finn. The other document is a restraining order barring him from being 500 feet from said minor child. He says, she’s helping Chase steal his daughter.
Anna snoops around the living room again, and Valentin calls from the kitchen that breakfast is almost ready. She looks behind some books and finds a satellite phone.
Ava says she and Sonny share custody. He can’t keep Avery and kick her out. Avery is happy with them under the same roof. It’s going to hurt and confuse her. He says, they lived separately for years. It won’t take Avery that long to adjust. She asks him to think it through, but he says he’s already given it all the attention it needs. She has five minutes. Last night, he felt generous. She’s lucky he didn’t humiliate her in front of everyone. She says she thought she was the only one he could trust, and he says he was wrong, but she says, he’s wrong now to cut ties. Everyone has either betrayed, played, or judged him. He can’t rely on anyone. He says, but he can rely on her, and she says she’s proven she has his back. He asks why she’s fighting so hard to stay. What’s her angle? She says she doesn’t have one, but he says, everybody has an angle – money, power, revenge. Is that why she went after Alexis, for revenge? Ava says, this is about Kristina’s temper tantrum. God forbid Alexis should take responsibility for losing her law license. He says, Alexis lost her license because of Ava, but Ava says, Alexis broke the law. It’s not her fault. Sonny says, Alexis screwed up, but Ava didn’t have to sneak around and turn her in, but Ava says she followed legal procedure. Alexis committed perjury. He asks, who is she to judge? She killed Connie. Maybe he should sign an affidavit against her.
Finn says, Diane is taking a child from her father, but Diane says, not according to the law. They wouldn’t be able to get a court order if there was no proof the child was unsafe where she was, and the father could no longer be trusted to be responsible for her. Finn says, it’s lies. He’s been taking care of her for the last five years. Diane says, they have photographic evidence to the contrary. The court takes the parent/child relationship seriously, and you can’t get a court order without good reason. Finn asks, what about her? What’s her reason for tearing apart a family and taking a child from her sole parent? None of that matters because she gets billable hours. Diane says she was asked to pass along a message. Violet is doing great. She loves and misses him and can’t wait until he’s healthy again. She’s waiting to break her own record for holding her breath under water until he can watch. Finn cries and says, they can’t take his daughter. They can try, but he’s not going to let them. She says, if he comes within 500 feet of Violet, he’ll be arrested. Think about what watching that would do to his daughter. She leaves, and Finn takes out his phone.
Jason finds Elizabeth at the hospital, and says he thought he’d check on her. She looks worried. She says, Finn has gotten worse. He’s spiraling and out of control, and it’s affecting his daughter. Luckily, there are a lot of people who love her and are worried about her. He says he’s glad Violet has a support system, but who’s looking out for her and the boys? She says, they’re doing okay. She’s going to Al-Anon and it’s definitely helped. The boys are hanging in there. He asks if Jake is all right, and she says, he’s gotten better. She doesn’t think he’s as angry with Jason anymore. It made a difference when he called Jason for help and Jason came through.
Calling from the kitchen, Valentin says, breakfast is served, and Anna puts everything back and sits down on the sofa. He brings in two plates and says, it’s not much. It was the best he could do. She says she’d like to see what it looks like when he goes all out, and he says he’d like to spend the rest of his life trying to impress her. She says, it’s not because she doesn’t want to or doesn’t love him. Last night answered that question. Their lives don’t fit together. He says, they did once, but she says, that’s debatable and things changed. It’s impossible for her to imagine a life together after what she did to Charlotte. He says, impossible in Port Charles, but maybe not elsewhere.
Carly says, maybe this was a mistake, but Jack tells her not to be hasty. He told her not to trust him because she can’t. The only person she can rely on is herself. Don’t put her faith in someone else. Carly says, there’s someone in her life who’s never failed her, and he asks, why not talk to them? He advises her to think carefully about who she confides in. Calculate the risk and the reward. What is the reward? She says, if she tells him, he’ll use it against her, but he says, not unless he has something to gain. Pentenville is dark and dreary. She brings in the light. She says, the FBI has evidence, a recording, that she committed RICO violations and was involved in criminal conspiracy.
Finn tells Scotty that Diane shoved these papers at him, and he shows Scotty the paperwork. He says he didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye. Tell him this isn’t real. Scotty says, there seems to be an incident involving Tracy and Violet. What happened? Finn says he had a bad night. He’s ashamed, but it’s been greatly exaggerated. Scotty says he thought Finn and Tracy were friends, and Finn says he did too. She’s also Brook’s grandmother, and Brook and Chase have had their eyes on Violet. Violet must be scared and confused. Who knows what other lies they’re telling her. He needs Scotty’s help. Scotty says, he needs somebody to go to bat with the judge. Maybe one of his NA people or possibly another doctor. Finn says he resigned. He had no choice. He wants to sue the place because they want to slander him and ruin his reputation. To a good lawyer it would be a great lawsuit. Scotty can keep the money. He just wants his daughter back. What does Scotty say?
Carly says she was doing it to protect her family when Sonny was presumed dead, but Jack says, none of that matters. She says, the FBI blackmailed Jason into being an informant, and in return, they won’t charge her. He asks if Jason told her that, and she says, a hacker discovered the file and tried to delete it. He says, that’s impossible from the outside. She’s gotten herself into quite a situation. What does she need to know from him? She says, will the FBI honor their agreement? and he says, not a chance.
Sonny says, Morgan would still be alive if Ava hadn’t messed with his medication and her psychotic sister hadn’t planted a bomb. If her family didn’t exist, Morgan would be alive. Ava says she’s truly sorry about what happened. She loved Morgan. What happened was a tragedy, but she doesn’t need a lecture on morality from him. She admits she’d done bad things, but Sonny needs to take responsibility. She’s not the reason his family is broken and in shambles. All of his children’s problems have one thing in common – him.
Valentin says he couldn’t bring himself to leave Port Charles. He didn’t want to give up the chance see Anna or give up the idea they’d find their way back to each other. Anna says, there are a lot of things to consider. How will it affect Charlotte? Valentin asks her to just consider it. Think about it, for him. She says she has to go, and he walks her to the door. He asks if they can talk tomorrow, and she says, yeah. He kisses her and she leaves. He watches her from the window.
Jason says he wants to keep trying to make sure Jake knows he’s here for him, if it’s okay with Elizabeth. She says she appreciates it, but Jake is his own person now. He’s got strong opinions and Jason doesn’t need hers for Jake to decide if he wants to build a relationship with him. He needs Jake’s. Jason thanks her for not standing in the way and reminding him that it’s not going to be easy. She says, it will be worth it, and he asks if Jake is still into baseball and if the Woodchucks are still his favorite team. She says, yes, and she thinks they have a game coming up with their main rivals, the Red Wings. Jason says he’ll see if Jake wants to go, and she says she’s not going to tell Jake what he should do. She needs to allow him to come to his own terms, but she hopes he goes for his sake, and Jason’s.
Finn says he thinks he has a good case against the hospital. They made wild accusations against him. He asks if Scotty shouldn’t be taking notes, and Scotty says he would if he was taking the case, but he’s not. Finn asks, why? He’ll get his daughter back and Scotty will get rich. Scotty says he doesn’t think a jury is going to be as sympathetic to Finn as he thinks, and Finn asks if he believes what’s in the papers. Scotty says, they’re just papers. Does Finn love his brother? Finn says, even with everything Chase is doing to him, he does, and Scotty asks if Chase loves him. Finn says he’d like to think so. He can’t understand why Chase is doing this to him. Scotty says, Chase is doing what he has to, not what he wants, and Finn says, he’s doing what he’s being told. He wasn’t here. Chase is being manipulated by Tracy into thinking he’s a danger to his daughter. Scotty says, Finn has been barred from seeing his daughter. He’s not in control of anything. He can’t fix this legally. He has to fix himself. He knows how hard it is, but Finn has to open his eyes and see he’s not as alone as he thinks.
Jason and Anna meet outside for coffee. She says she appreciates him looking out for her, but he didn’t have to stay all night. Jason says, Valentin is dangerous, but she says, not to her. He says, better safe than sorry, and she asks why he didn’t leave when the light went out. He says, it still could have gone sideways, and she suggest they coordinate next time. Valentin is trained in surveillance. It would have been a royal disaster if Jason had been discovered. She’s surprised he didn’t discover Jason. He’s usually more careful. Jason says, it sounds like he was preoccupied, and Anna says she was able to search the house. She found a satellite phone hidden in a bookshelf. She was unable to pull any information from it before Valentin came back, but obviously he uses it to conduct business with Pikeman. Jason says, they’ll have to turn it over to Cates. Then he can shut down Pikeman and put away Valentin for good.
Jack tells Carly, Jason is too useful for the FBI to let him go after a single job. They’ll use him until they’ve tapped him out or he’s dead. And as soon as the Jason stops being useful, they’re going to put her in prison. She says, so the deal they made is a lie, and he says, they may drop the ball in a myriad of ways, but they never leave it on the table.
Scotty asks why Elizabeth didn’t tell him how bad Finn was, and she says she didn’t want to talk to more people than necessary and turn Finn’s pain into gossip. He says he could have helped her and the boys, and she says she appreciates it, but they’re okay. How was Finn? He says, Diane filed a restraining order and Chase has temporary custody of Violet, and she says, Chase has been updating her. She’s guessing Finn wanted Scotty to represent him. Scotty says, he does, and he also wants to sue General Hospital for defamation. He tried to get Finn to see he’s in no position to be suing anybody and needs to get a different kind of help. Elizabeth asks if he thinks he got through, but he says, no. If he knows anything about hitting bottle, Finn has to hit rock bottom. Then maybe he’ll turn himself around. She asks if he thinks Finn is there yet.
Finn holds a stuffed bear and cries. He picks up phone and makes a call. He says he’s wondering if they deliver… Good. He’d like a handle of vodka… Make it two.
Scotty says, every addict’s rock bottom is different, and Elizabeth says she heard that at Al-Anon. He says, it’s going to be just as hurtful for her to watch, and she says, it’s killing her to watch Finn destroy his life. He says, whatever happens, he’s here for her and her boys.
The delivery comes, and Finn takes two bottles out of the bag. (I guess a handle is a large bottle? I’ve never heard that term before.) He opens one of the bottles and smells it. He looks at the papers, then looks at the bottle. His hand shakes as he brings it to his mouth, but instead of drinking it, he throws it at the door, smashing it. He throws the other one against the door too, and says, no. He picks up his jacket and leaves.
Jack says he knows how Carly feels, but she has one thing going for her that he didn’t. Time is on her side. She needs to prepare herself while Jason continues his job. She says, prepare for what? and he says, court. She needs to find the best lawyer and come up with a strategy. As sure as their sitting here, one day she’ll have to defend herself in front of a jury. She thanks him for the advice, and he says he’s got plenty. Come back anytime. She leaves.
Jason asks if Anna thinks she’ll get back into Valentin’s house, and she says, the way they left things, she’s welcome back whenever she chooses. He asks if she’s okay with that, and she says, part of her feels like she’s betraying Valentin. She’s done a lot of things she’s not okay with in her career. The job is the job. He says, this means hurting someone she cares about, and she says, it’s not the first time she’s done that either, but she can’t allow Valentin to get away with his crimes. It has to be done, so she’ll do it.
On the phone, Valentin tells someone, move the shipment through Port Charles as we discussed.Sonny won’t be a problem. He’s isolated and coming apart. All it takes to push him over the edge is one last shove.
Ava tells Sonny that she packed a few things and will send for the rest, and he says, fine. Get out. She walks out the door, turns, and says, she’ll be back for her daug… He slams the door.
Tomorrow, Chase tells Finn that he has to take the first step; Sonny says, they’re about to have a legal battle; and Ava tells Trina that Sonny isn’t the only one who knows a thing or two about threats
☔️ It’s Raining Returns…
I guess this squashes my theory it might be Frisco.
Not loving Lesa. In her interview, she made fun of Caroline Stanbury being an example to 50-year-old influencer. Jealous maybe? Since at last count, Caroline had more followers. And news flash. We’re all going to be 50… and 60… and 70… and so on. At least we hope so. My other takeaway from this episode was, Sergio is a handful. Or as Caroline said to him, you’re like a gnat.
Imagine my surprise to see this in my local news. Again, this is one of those shows that I find embarrassing for the contestants even if they don’t. You can smell the desperation, and I just can’t look. Unless someone I know gets on it, but even then, it’s debatable.
Join me tomorrow for much of the same, but a day later. Until then, stay safe, stay swimming where there’s a lifeguard even if you’re a strong swimmer, and stay never turning someone’s pain into gossip.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Valentin opens the door, and Martin is standing there. Valentin says, you, and pulls him inside. He asks what Martin is doing here, and Martin says he knew one way or another, Valentin would lead him to Lucy’s killer.
Elizabeth says, sorry, but Finn says, there’s nothing to be sorry for. It felt good to have her in his arms. She says, it felt good to her too. He says he hasn’t seen much of her lately, and she says he got more than he bargained for when he came looking for Terry. He says he came looking for her.
Victor says, it’s wonderful to have Spencer here for the holidays, isn’t it? They should host a big family Christmas dinner; invite Alexis, Molly, Kristina, and maybe Samantha and her brood. Spencer suggests they not get ahead of themselves. Father hasn’t responded yet. Maybe his silence says it all. Victor says he’s sure that’s not the case. There’s no problem, is there? Nikolas says he’s just surprised to see Spencer, and Spencer says, he told Victor this was a horrible idea. His father doesn’t even want him here.
At the PC Grill, Rory asks if Trina is okay, and she says she hasn’t been out much in public lately. Her parents and Curtis have been on her case about the risk from The Hook killer. She guesses it’s gotten to her a little. He asks if she wants to leave, but she says, no; she’ll be fine. He promises she’s safe with him, and she says she knows. He says, plus, she looks way too beautiful to hide out at home. She says, he’s mentioned that a few times already, and he says, so he’s being repetitive. That doesn’t make it any less true. She says, for the record, he’s looking handsome himself, and he says he tried to step his game up, going to a fancy place with her on his arm. It’s their three month anniversary. She says she would have been just as happy celebrating at Charlie’s. He didn’t have to spend all this money. He tells her, don’t worry about it. She’s worth it.
Ryan is wheeled into the rec room, and Jordan says, per their agreement, she’s here to ask him a few questions. Does he know anything regarding the whereabouts of Esme Prince? She knows Esme was very insistent about working with him. Perhaps she confided in him? Ryan’s caregiver (who doesn’t seem to have a name) tells her that Ryan has something to say. He says, no deal. Ava comes in, apologizing for being late; traffic. Jordan says, they were just getting started. Mr. Chamberlain was hesitant to begin without her. Ava says, is that right?Well, I’m here now, so get blinkin’.
Elsewhere in Spring Ridge, a guard brings Sonny to a door, and says, this is the room. He’s afraid he’s going to have to lock Sonny in, since the patient is dangerous and considered high risk for escape, but Sonny says he’ll be fine. He asks how the guard’s dad is doing, and the guard says, fine, and thanks Sonny for getting him into Turning Woods. He’ll be right here, so when Sonny’s ready, just knock. Sonny says he won’t be too long and goes inside. The guard closes the door, and Sonny moves a chair, banging it on the floor. Heather sits up in bed, and says, Sonny Corinthos. He says, Heather Webber.
Ryan blinks, and the caregiver tells Ava, you’re beautiful. Ava says, their deal was that he answers the PCPD’s questions. That’s what gets her to stay; not compliments, cooperation. Jordan suggests they try this again. Did Esme tell him anything about herself? Any details of her past. The caregiver says, no; one blink is yes, two blinks is no. Jordan says, got it. Ryan was a patient at GH during March of this year, and Esme managed to sneak into his hospital room. Did she talk to him about anything in particular? The caregiver says, worried about me, and Jordan says, so Esme cared about him. Were they close? The caregiver says, yes, and Jordan asks if Ryan thinks Esme is capable of murder. He blinks, and Ava says, yes.
Nikolas says, of course (🍷) he wants Spencer here; this is his home. Victor says, exactly. It’s high time this family came together. Spencer says, it may be his home, but father doesn’t want him living here. Let him take a wild guess. Nikolas somehow convinced Ava to forgive him for sleeping with Esme, and now he doesn’t want Spencer back here to say or do anything that could jeopardize his horror show of a marriage. Does that sound about right? Because, despite everything they’ve been through together, Ava still comes first. He’s out of here. He starts to leave, and Nikolas says, Spencer thinks he has everything figured out, but he doesn’t. This isn’t about Ava. Victor says, of course (🍷) not. How could it be? Nikolas and Ava are getting divorced.
Anna tells Martin, she’s only going to say this once. She doesn’t know how much time she has, since her location has been breached. She didn’t kill Lucy. Valentin says he thought he got through to Martin that night at the docks, and Martin says, please. He’s willing to entertain the notion that Anna didn’t kill his Lucy. Anna says, she didn’t, which means she’s said it twice, and Martin says, which means she and Valentin are here looking for the real killer. Are they, or are they not? Valentin asks how he found them, and Martin says, it’s not rocket science, for God’s sake. He’s Valentin’s lawyer. He’s got access to Valentin’s bank accounts. When Anna went on the run, he started keeping track of Valentin’s travel plans. The minute Valentin bought a ticket to Ireland under an assumed name, he bought one too. Valentin says, Martin accessed his personal information? They’re going to deal with that when he gets home. Martin says, the point is, he’s here to help them track down whoever really took Lucy’s life. That is what they’re doing here, is it not? Hell, he’ll even represent Anna if she’s prosecuted for the jail break. Valentin says, they appreciate Martin being willing to help, but they’ve got this, and Anna says, they need to get out of here before Whitten finds them, and Martin needs to leave too, now, or he’ll be charged with aiding and abetting. Martin says he guesses he’ll have to represent himself, because he’s going with them. They’re not leaving without him.
Heather asks if Sonny is here to kill her, and he asks why she’d think that. She says, he shows up in her room in the middle of the night, and it’s a locked ward. How did he get in here? He says he goes wherever he wants; Port Charles is his town. She’d be wise to remember that. She says, okay… So what does he want? He says, she was in the transport prison van when it crashed, when Anna Devane escaped, and she says, yeah, but she didn’t try to run. She turned herself in. He says, and she went to Kelly’s and had a BLT, and she says, he would have done the same; the bacon melts in your mouth. He says, she offered to give a description to the cops of the guy who was driving the van, who they think helped Anna escape, and she says she offered to talk to the cops. She thought it might help her stay here a little longer. He pulls the chair closer to the bed, sits down, and says, he’d appreciate it if she talks to him first.
Finn says he saw Elizabeth’s dad leave. Terry told him that she’d spoken to him. Elizabeth says, for all the good it did, and he asks if Jeff is still pushing to be part of her life. She says, he’s not pushing anymore. He definitely wants to be a part of her life, but he claims this was his last effort, and he’s waiting for her to contact him now. He asks if she believes him, and she says she doesn’t know. But he’s flying back today, so at least he can’t ambush her again. He says he’s sorry Jeff is making this difficult for her, but maybe now she can process all the things she’s been feeling, and drop all this guilt. She asks if she’s supposed to feel better knowing she caused Reiko’s death, but Finn says, Reiko died from Blackwood’s. Elizabeth says, that Reiko got in the hospital recovering from the fall she caused. He says, she didn’t mean to, but she says she can’t talk with him about this. Doesn’t he understand? He says he does, but does that mean they can’t talk at all?
Rory asks Trina, how’s the exhibit the Chuck? It starts next weekend, right? She says, it opens next weekend, and wow. It’s so different from opening an exhibit at Ava’s gallery; from the concept development to watching the actual pieces being hung. And Beaufoy’s work is amazing. She was really struck by his seminal piece The Temple. He says he knows this. That’s the one with… the temple. They laugh, and she asks how he’s doing; keeping the peace, battling bad guys, and appreciating fine art. He says he has a great teacher, and she says, that’s sweet of him. She knows she has a tendency to get carried away. If she goes on and on, he can tell her to pause. He says, that’s not going to happen. He likes it when she gets passionate. He’s not working on Sunday. Maybe she could walk him through the exhibit. She says, like a vernissage?That’s a private preview of an exhibition. He says, sounds fancy. He’s not sure he rates. She says, he absolutely does, and she thought he had a pick-up game on Sunday. He says, at 4. They could go to the exhibit in the morning, and get lunch after. She says, sounds great, but she can see the paintings anytime. Is he sure he won’t be bored? He says, if he gets bored, he can look at his favorite work of art – her.
Spencer asks if that’s the truth; Nikolas and Ava are finally over? Nikolas says, Ava moved out before she was attacked, and she has no intention of ever coming back. Spencer says, they’ve split before though. Ava had to blackmail Nikolas into marrying her, and he forgave her for that. What’s stopping Ava from forgiving Nikolas? Victor says, because Nikolas knows he has no future with Ava, and Nikolas says, he made a horrible, stupid mistake, and he hurt Ava, and he hurt Spencer. Ava can walk out, but he and Spencer are family. Despite what Spencer thinks, Nikolas will always love him, and that will never change. That said, he’s afraid Spencer can’t stay here.
Heather asks why Sonny is interested in this fake driver, and Sonny says, Anna is a friend of his. If Heather gives the cops a legitimate description, they’re going to find her before he does, and he doesn’t want that. She says, if? Does he think she’s lying? He says, that’s been known to happen. How does he know she’s not making it up to stay out of D’Archam for as long as possible? Some fake description she can sell to the cops. She says, no way. She remembers that guy clear as day. He was five-tennish, blue eyes, nice build. She can’t remember his hair because he was wearing a hat, but he’s probably a blond, very cute. She’d recognize him immediately if she saw him again. Sonny says, that’s unfortunate.
Anna says she doesn’t want to hurt Martin. She doesn’t have time for this. Whitten has a lead on her whereabouts, and could be here any minute. Martin says, then they best get a move on, and both Anna and Valentin protest. Valentin says, he’ll slow them down, but Martin says he disagrees. He’s extremely motivated. He will not rest until Lucy’s killer is both captured and brought to justice. Anna says, oh for God’s sake. They have reason to believe Lucy is still alive. She has no time to explain, but the best chance he has of seeing Lucy alive again is to let them get out. Martin asks if they can at least tell him why they think she’s alive, but Anna says, no, and Valentin peeks out the window. He says, there’s a car coming up the driveway with no lights on, and she says, Whitten. He says, they have to go out the back, and Martin asks why they don’t pretend they’re not here. Anna says, the lights are on, and Valentin asks, where’s Martin’s car? Martin says, down the road, and Anna says, give her the keys. Martin hands them to her, when there’s a knock at the door. Whitten says, open up. US Marshall.
Outside, Whitten tells an agent to have his men search the grounds, but the agent asks if they don’t need a warrant. Whitten says he’ll take the heat, and bangs on the door again, saying, open up. Martin answers, and Whitten and the agent barge in. Martin asks, what’s going on? and Whitten says, where’s Anna Devane? Martin says he has no idea, and Whitten asks what he’s doing in Ireland. Martin says he could ask Whitten the same question. Wait. He did, and he’s still waiting for an answer. How dare they? He has nothing to hide. He’s here to grieve. He thought a manor house in the Irish countryside would be the perfect place to make peace with his Lucy’s passing. Whitten asks if Martin expects him to believe he’s here on vacation, and Martin says, more of an emotional retreat. Whitten tells the agent, search the house.
Spencer says he doesn’t know why he came here. Nikolas is the one who betrayed him. He should be begging Spencer’s forgiveness, and instead, he’s slamming the door in Spencer’s face. Victor says he’s sure that’s not what Nikolas meant, and Nikolas says he’s just being pragmatic. He and Spencer can’t be in the same room without Spencer going for his throat. Spencer says, so he’s to blame for Nikolas kicking him to the curb? and Nikolas tells him, he didn’t say that, but Spencer’s proving his point. He’s trying to salvage their relationship. Right now it’s too volatile, and too soon to cohabitate. Spencer asks if Nikolas hears himself, and Nikolas says, they have to maintain some distance. Victor says, but it’s Christmas, and Spencer’s early release is conditional. He had to assume full responsibility for Spencer until the end of his sentence, which means he has to keep Spencer close. Nikolas says, then he assumes Victor will have to leave too.
Heather asks what Sonny is saying exactly. He doesn’t want her to recognize this guard? He says he’ll explain it. The cops can’t find Anna, and he wants to keep it that way. If she says anything that can help them… Let him explain something to her. Prisons are very violent, even minimum security prisons. Things happen. She says she gets it. She hates to admit it, but she’s not really good with faces. She gets the guards mixed up all the time. As a matter-of-fact, the description she gave him, she’s pretty sure it was one of the nurses at GH; there were so many guys coming in and out of her room all the time. He smiles, and says, good. He’ll let her rest. She says she probably doesn’t have anything to offer the cops anyway. He tells her to take care of herself, since no one else will, and leaves.
Jordan says she understands Ryan has taken an active interest in the media coverage of The Hook attacks, including this letter. She takes it out of a folder, and asks if he thinks it’s genuine. Could Esme have written it? The caregiver says, yes and no, and Ava says, as much as she enjoys seeing Ryan trapped in that chair like a beetle pinned to a board, she has other things to do. Answer the Commissioner’s question; yes or no? Ryan blinks, and the caregiver says, both. Ava suggests they try another time; maybe Ryan will be more cooperative. The caregiver says, wait. He’s got a lot to say. Jordan and Ava step away, and Jordan says she appreciates Ava’s help with the questioning. She knows this is hard. Ava says, just looking at him makes her skin crawl. Of course (🍷) she’ll do whatever’s necessary to protect Trina. Jordan says, if the killer is Esme, so far she hasn’t made any direct moves on Trina. The Hook seems to be focused on tormenting Trina by targeting the people around her. Ava says, once all those people are dealt with, Trina will be left. The caregiver says, Mr. Chamberlain is finished, and they come back. He tells them, Ryan says, the killer wrote the letter, but Esme is not the killer. Look at the wording; me and mine. Esme has no one, feels completely alone. The caregiver looks at Ava, and says, Mr. Chamberlain had one last thing to say. Why are you still wearing your wedding ring when it’s obvious you and Nikolas are over? Come back to me.
Elizabeth says she can’t talk about Reiko with Finn. If it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t have lost his wife. He says he can’t blame her for what happened, and she says, how could he not? How can he look at her and not see the person who killed his wife? He says, she didn’t kill Reiko. Reiko contracted a disease he couldn’t cure. She says, the facts don’t change how she feels. She feels responsible, and doesn’t feel they can get past this. He says he’d like to think they can, and she says she knows he’s very logical, but he says he doesn’t care about being logical. He just wants to do what he feels in his heart, and the only thing he feels if that he loves her.
The agent says, the grounds are already covered, and Whitten tells him to check for any signs of Devane upstairs, but Martin says, no you don’t. He may not be a practicing attorney in Ireland, but he’s pretty sure they need a court obtained warrant to burst in here and turn things upside down. Do they have one? Whitten asks if he’s the owner of this house, and Martin says, yes. Whitten says, interesting. He happens to know that Tiffany Hill, a known associate of Anna Devane, owns this property, and Martin says, let him finish. If Whitten had allowed him to continue, he would have clarified that he’s acting on behalf of the owner. Miss Hill is a client of his, and that’s how he found out about this house in the first place. Now may he see that warrant? He holds out his hand, and the agent says, they don’t have a warrant, but Whitten says, they can get one. Martin says, then he suggests they wait on the other side of the door until they do, because he didn’t give them permission to come in here. The agent says he has to call this in, and Whitten says, make it fast. The agent leaves, and Martin says, Whitten can close the door on his way out. Whitten puts his hand on his gun, and says, Martin doesn’t know him, so perhaps Martin doesn’t realize standing in his way is a bad move. He’ll give Martin one more chance. Tell him where Anna Devane is right now.
Ava says, her marriage is none of Ryan’s business. Where is he getting this stuff?Has the staff taken to gossiping with the inmates? The caregiver says, Mr. Chamberlain likes to keep up with the news, and some of the online sites mentioned that Ava didn’t go home after her hospital release. Ava tells him not to waste his time with that trash. Certainly don’t feed it to Ryan. Sonny comes in, and Jordan asks if Ava will be all right for a moment. Ava says, of course (🍷). What can Ryan do to her? Jordan goes over to Sonny, and asks, what brings him to Spring Ridge? Sonny says he met with the warden. He’s thinking of funding a continuing educational program. She says, isn’t he quite the philanthropist? and he says he always gives back. Ava says, don’t look so smug, and the caregiver says he’s just translating what Ryan is saying. She says, not him; Ryan. He’s enjoying this, isn’t he? But he’s wrong. She and Nikolas are just fine. Here’s a little nugget the gossip sites didn’t tell him. She leans closer, and says she loves Nikolas. She’s crazy about him, and she never cared for Ryan at all.
Finn says, right now the only thing knows for sure is, he loves Elizabeth, and she says she loves him too. He says, that’s a pretty good start, and she glances at the bottle of vitamins on Terry’s desk. She flashes back to telling Nikolas that he’s going to need a nurse when Esme gives birth, and says she doesn’t deserve Finn’s love. She’s done things… He says, she deserves everything. He knows she grew up thinking her parents abandoned her, so it’s easy to feel like she doesn’t deserve love. She says she was sure her parents gave up on her because there was something wrong with her, and he says, there’s nothing wrong with her. He’s sorry she ever had to feel that way, but at least now she knows it’s not true. Although her parents were misguided, their intentions were good. She says, intentions and actions are two totally different things. He’s also been betrayed in his past. His dad married Jackie, Hayden kept Violet from him, and now thanks to her, he knows Reiko cheated on him. Is he really willing to do this again?
Trina asks what Rory is doing on Christmas, and he says, working. She says, on Christmas day? and he says, rookie. It’s okay. His family is getting together on Christmas Eve. She says she loves that. She knows he has a big family. He says, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles. His youngest cousins usually wear him out playing tag. Somehow, he’s always It. She wonders how that happens, and he says, they’re maniacs, but they’re a lot of fun. It’s pretty casual. People come in the afternoon, lots of food… She says, it sounds like fun, and he says, it is. Would she like to come with him?
Spencer says, Nikolas is right. He’ll grab a suite at the MetroCourt. Nikolas says, his treat, but Victor says, that is ridiculous. He just moved out of the MetroCourt. He just settled in here. Spencer says, then Victor can stay here; he’ll go alone. Victor says, that won’t work either. Spencer is his responsibility until the end of his sentence. Spencer says he doesn’t care. He’ll go back to Pentenville if he has to, but he’s not staying where he’s not welcome. Victor suggests he take Spencer to the Port Charles Grill, and Spencer asks if they have rooms to rent above it like they do at Kelly’s. Victor says, no, but they do have dinner. After months of prison food, he’s sure Spencer would enjoy a lamp chop or two, and mashed potatoes made with actual potatoes. He asks Nikolas to join them, but Nikolas says, no, for the same reason he’s saying no to Spencer staying here. They’re not ready. He wants his son home, but only if Spencer wants to be here, and only if they can finally put the hostility aside, and come to some sort of common ground, and build back the relationship they used to have. Spencer says, okay then, and he and Victor leave. Nikolas says, damn you, Esme, and smashes a vase.
Martin asks if Whitten is threatening him, and Whitten says, tell him where Anna Devane is. Martin asks if Whitten seriously expects him to believe he’ll open fire here in the middle of the drawing room, and Whitten says he doesn’t have to kill Martin. A bullet to the knee is… Martin says, he’s not resisting anything, but Whitten says, it’s Martin’s word against his. Martin says, he knows nothing; he’s simply here to grieve. Valentin says, stop, and walks out with his hands up. He says, Martin’s right; he knows nothing. In fact, he’s an idiot. He followed Valentin to Ireland. Valentin came here looking for Anna, hoping she’d turn to Tiffany for help; he was wrong. Whitten asks if Valentin expects him to believe that, when Anna puts a gun in his back, and says, maybe he’ll believe this. Take his hand off the gun, and put his hands where she can see them. Whitten raises his hands, and says, there’s a squad of WSB agents outside. They’re not getting away. Valentin wonders why he doesn’t think Whitten brought a squad, but Whitten says he brought enough. They’re not going anywhere. Anna says she’ll have to disagree with him, and hits him with the butt of her gun, knocking him out. Martin says, that’s gonna leave a mark, and thanks them for the save. Anna thanks him for stalling. He’s not getting up for a bit. Valentin says, they have to deal with the agents outside, and Martin asks how they’re going to do that. Anna suggests they invite them in.
Trina says, Rory wants her to meet his folks? and he says he’s met hers. Why shouldn’t she meet his? It’s not like he’s bringing her over for an inspection. The house will be full of people coming and going, and they don’t have to stay long. It’s really not that big of a deal. People bring friends over all the time. He’ll let her win at tag. She asks how you win at tag, and he says, the way his maniac cousins play, the first kid to end up at the top of the heap after they all turn on It and take him down, is the winner. She says, now that she wants to see, and he asks if that means she’ll come. She says, count her in.
Finn tells Elizabeth, they’ve both been hurt, and been damaged. That’s why they need to hang on to the good things in their lives. She says she’s lied to him and kept things from him. How can he just forgive her? He says, because she’s worth it. Maybe she’s the reward for all the past pain. She says she’s far from perfect, but he says he doesn’t want perfect. He just wants someone to walk through this life with. He knows she’d make it better just by being there to experience it with him. She says she wants that so much, and he says, she can have it.
Jordan asks if everything is okay, and Ava says, they’re just shooting the breeze. Sonny says he doesn’t know how she can look at that piece of garbage, and Jordan says, Ava is also giving back. She tells the caregiver that they’re done for tonight, and to return Ryan to his room. Sonny says, buh-bye, as Ryan is wheeled away, and Ava tells him that she’s here to entice Ryan to cooperate with the police. Jordan says, they’re developing a profile on Esme Prince. She was an intern here, and developed an interest in Ryan, and he certainly knows how a killer’s mind works. Sonny says, no argument here, and Ava asks if Jordan thinks Ryan is right about the use of me and mine. Jordan tells Sonny, they showed Ryan the letter supposedly written by the killer, and Ava says, he doesn’t think Esme wrote it because of the phrase me and mine. He thinks Esme is too much of a loner to refer to anybody else in her life, and she thinks he has a point. She was always playing the lonely orphan for sympathy. Jordan says, it’s certainly worth considering, and Sonny says, so she doesn’t think Esme Prince is the killer?
Martin yells for help, and the agents run in. He says, thank heaven they’re still here. Whitten just fell over. An agent asks, what happened? but Martin says he doesn’t know. He just collapsed. Maybe he had a stroke or a heart attack. He doesn’t know; he’s not a doctor. Whitten struggles to get up, saying, stop, but Martin pushes his head back to the floor, and says, stay down. He needs an ambulance.
Anna and Valentin sneak around outside. She tells him to wait for the agent to go, and he says, it looks like Marty did a good job of luring the agents into the house. She says, it’s the least he can do, since he led Whitten right to them. Valentin says, at least now they can do what she wanted to do; go after Victor. She says, together. Okay, let’s go. They run.
Whitten says, his head, and Martin says he’ll need a judge’s ruling on this one. Should he be moving? Whitten says, arrest this man.
Elizabeth says, so much has happened, and Finn says he wants to move forward with her. Not ignoring the past, but fighting for their future. Elizabeth’s phone rings, and he says, it might be Aiden or Jake, but she sees it’s Nikolas. She says she’ll deal with Nikolas later. She knows Finn and Nikolas don’t get along, but she and Nikolas have always been there for each other. He asks if she’s sure she can trust Nikolas, and she says, he’s one of her oldest friends. Finn says, he just got kind of a strange vibe from Nikolas when he saw him earlier. She says, he saw Nikolas? and he says he went to Spoon Island. She asks, why? and he says he was looking for Esme Prince.
Leaving a message for Elizabeth, Nikolas says, for now he dodged a bullet, but things are still complicated. Hopefully Spencer can convince Victor to take up residency at the MetroCourt, and leave him alone with his… guest. Call him.
Trina says, she and Rory will have to stop holding hands to dive into this delicious dessert. He says he’s glad she’s having a good time, and she says she is. This is so thoughtful of him. He makes her feel so special. He says, that’s because she is, and she says, so is he; incredibly so. He says he’s glad she thinks so because he loves her. She says, pardon? and he says he loves her, as Spencer walks in with Victor.
Ava tells Jordan that she’d wait before closing the file on Esme. Anything Ryan says is suspect. Jordan says she’s aware, but he picked up on something her people have been working on; that wording in the letter. Ava asks if Jordan thinks it wasn’t Esme who attacked her, but Jordan says, it’s too soon to focus on Esme exclusively. They’re working on another line of inquiry. They’ll be in touch if they need to speak with Ryan again. Good job tonight. Have a nice evening. She leaves, and Sonny asks if she’s done contributing to society, especially when it comes to Ryan, and she says, spending time with him was harder than she thought it would be. He says, don’t let that freak get in her head. Because when he walked in, she was a little jumpy and stuff, and maybe Ryan saw it too. She says, Ryan heard some gossip that she and Nikolas are having problems, and he says, it’s not just gossip. She and Nina are supposed to be living together. Isn’t that a done deal? Let him explain this to her. Nikolas Cassadine is bad news. She’s got to cut loose. He leaves.
Ryan clenches and unclenches his fist, and says, Esme, where the hell are you? What have you gotten yourself into now? The door handle rattles, and Ryan goes back to his locked-in look. Someone wearing a bathrobe comes inside and closes the door. Heather says, hello… lover.
Tomorrow, Finn tells Elizabeth that he’s even more convinced he’s on the right track; Heather says, her and Ryan together again for the first time; Nina says she can take it if Josslyn can; and Sonny tells Dex, some mistakes are too big to make.
❄️ On the misery that is Winter House, Amanda felt that Carl didn’t have the whole truth about Lindsay, and Kyle bugged Austen about Carl needing the truth. In Ciara’s interview, she said, with Austen comes drama. Even the best cleaning lady couldn’t clean up his mess. Jason and Rachel – the only halfway sane ones in the house – snuggled at the bar. In Amanda’s interview, she said, all of them had the information, and everyone was talking about it, but Lindsay and Carl didn’t know. It was awkward. Not being able to help herself, Amada told Lindsay that she’d heard rumblings, and Lindsay asked what the rumor mill was grinding up. Amanda said, it wasn’t a rumor; it was coming from Austen. He said, on Amanda and Kyle’s wedding night, Lindsay tried to touch his d*ck, and then Lindsay texted him not to tell anyone. I can barely type that; it’s like something from a middle school cast party after the spring play. Lindsay said, that didn’t happen, and Amanda said she was just giving Lindsay the information. Lindsay said, Amanda’s delivery was kind of aggressive, and in Lindsay’s interview, she said she passed out with a bottle of red in one hand and McDonald’s in the other. She had no third hand to touch Austen’s d*ck. Talking with the other girls, Jess wondered if she had on goggles, or was Kory attractive? and Craig talked nonsense as usual. Lindsay confronted Austen, who quickly changed the particulars of the story to, Lindsay had made an advance for his d*ck. We saw the video rewind, and Austen clearly saying he had to move her hand off. Luke came right out and asked if Lindsay had tried to grab Austen’s d*ck, and she said, in the middle of eating McDonald’s? which seemed to be a query from nearly everyone. Apparently, McDonald’s is considered the anti-aphrodisiac. In Austen’s interview, he said, Lindsay not copping to it meant Carl didn’t know, and it sucked that it was brought up. It wasn’t brought up; he brought it up. Carl joined them, and Lindsay said, putting her hand on Austen’s leg had turned into her putting it on his d*ck. Kyle pointed out that a d*ck and a leg are two different things, and Carl said, it must have been a busy night. In Carl’s interview, he said Austen was sometimes still an immature f***boy. (Sometimes?) He wasn’t concerned with what happened before he and Lindsay were officially dating, and was secure where they were. It was old news. Lindsay said she had no recollection of an advance on Austen’s pee-pee, and in his interview, Austen said he wanted to go back in time and slap himself in the face. I’d slap his face at any moment in time.
Jess wondered why Kory wasn’t making more of an effort, and he said he didn’t think 2 am while drunk was a good time to talk about the relationship. Amanda told Kyle she loved him, and he said he loved maple syrup. I am not kidding. One more example of why no one should watch this, me included. In Carl’s interview, he said he loved a winter get-together, and was excited to show everyone the new versions of him and Lindsay, but now he was ready to get out. In Lindsay’s interview, she said, it was a different experience than last year, and we flashed back to that mess. She had fun, and that’s all she cared about. Kory talked to some people about the gym he was opening in Charlotte, and said he was planning on moving in the early spring. Hmm… Just in time for the new season of Southern Charm? In Kyle’s interview, he explained that Gaper Day was an opportunity for people who knew how to ski to make fun of the people who didn’t. It was his favorite day on the mountain. No surprise, since he’s 14. They dressed in stupid costumes, and headed to the slopes. Talking to the girls, Rachel said she wasn’t sure if she and Jason would see each other after Vermont. She was in Brooklyn, and he was in Harlem; it was a long distance relationship on its own. Jess told Jason (why him, I have no clue) that she wanted to be exclusive with Kory, and in Jason’s interview, he said, all the signs were pointing to a fun time, but maybe not a long fun time. He suggested she take it slow and keep it light, but she said she didn’t want to. Kory discussed the same topic with Austen – another why; it’s not like he’s any relationship guru – and it sounded like he wasn’t interested in exclusivity just yet.
At lunch, the girls discussed having kids, making me shudder at another generation of housemates. Rachel said she was going to die in the city (NYC to those not in the know), and Paige said she never saw having kids in the city or moving to the surrounding areas, but she didn’t know if she could adapt to Charleston. In her interview, she said, it was all florals, and a lot of smiling, and no one wears black. She never saw anyone in a black leather pant, and that was her whole personality. After they reconvened for the evening drinking, Austen told Ciara to drink her shot, she said, don’t tell her what to do, and Paige said, that was her cue to go. Jess whined to Kyle that people were trying to minimize what she and Kory had, and instead of telling her what Kory said, Kyle told her to trust her heart. Even if she got hurt, at least she put it out there. Takeout sushi arrived, and Amanda wanted to play a truth drinking game. This sounded like an awful idea, but it didn’t quite happen.
Austen asked, when was the last time everyone had sex? and when Ciara said, just before Vermont, he got all mad that he couldn’t bring his girl there, but Ciara got to bang whoever she wanted. In Ciara’s interview, she said she was confused. What was Austen yelling about? Did he think he was the last person she had sex with? Amanda said, it was a drinking game, not an argument, apparently forgetting what show she’s on. Austen said, there was hypocrisy in the house, like it was a British mystery, and in his interview, he said, if Ciara had brought someone, he would have been polite, but him bringing Olivia was disrespectful to Ciara. This made no sense, since Ciara didn’t bring anyone, and that wasn’t her point. In her interview, Ciara said, if Austen didn’t act like an a-hole, Olivia could have come. Paige said, Austen let Lindsay get away with everything, and he hadn’t talked to Ciara in four months. In Paige’s interview, she said, the night of the dog wedding, Austen said he was done with Olivia. Since she was seeing other people, he was going to see other people, adding, he didn’t even like Olivia that much. He and Ciara slept together, and the next day, he ghosted Ciara, and went back to Olivia. Don’t come to the house and get mad at Ciara hooking up with someone. Ciara stormed off, and Amanda demanded Austen apologize. Hoping to get a pat on the head, Austen tried, but Ciara wasn’t having it. She said he was always coming at her, taking every opportunity. She told him to get the f*** out. All she did was defend him, and he made her look like an idiot. Then she called him a f***ing a-hole, slamming her bedroom door, and saying she was done with his apologies.
Everyone was pretty much done at that point, and headed for their rooms. Austen pouted, and said, everyone was lame; this night was a dud. Ciara told Paige that Austen had f***ing nerve, and Kyle told Amanda about what he’d discussed with Jess. Amanda said, Jess had been going back and forth, but she’d speak up if people were talking negatively about her and Kory. The next day, a bike skiing excursion was planned, but the girls weren’t interested. This included Craig, who was joined to Paige’s hip. Jess decided to stick with the boys, and in her interview, she said, it was hitting her that the trip was going to be over, so she wanted to spend as much time with Kory as possible. I never heard of bike skiing, but it was literally the front of a bike on skis, which looked easier than regular skiing, since there’s something to lean on. The girls and Craig went to a wine tasting, and Rachel said it was Jess’s birthday tomorrow. Amanda said Jess was upset that everyone wasn’t being supportive of her and Kory, especially Paige and Jason, which was news to Paige. Rachel told them, Jess had said she got all the guys because she was pretty, but girls like Rachel kept them, playing on Rachel’s insecurities. Craig said, Jess was L.A. catty.
Getting back together after their excursions, Kyle said blah-blah-blah, shredding the gnar, and Amanda asked what everyone would miss most. Craig said, the mini fridge, and Amanda said, Craig started off angry. We flashed back to that, and Craig said he just didn’t like to be told what to do. Amanda said he seemed like himself again – not that they didn’t like all sides of him. Ciara said, but they didn’t, and Craig said he came to understand he was an extension of Paige. Rachel said she liked riding downhill on Jason’s back, and because the attention was off of him, Craig asked how Paige felt about spending all that time with him. She said she liked going to bed and waking up with him, but didn’t account for the time in between, and Craig said he didn’t want to leave. He couldn’t figure out Austen, and everyone agreed Austen could get into a dark place and take it out on other people. Ciara said he was continuously doing it to her, and Craig said, it was unfair. Ciara said she was at the point where she didn’t need any kind of relationship with Austen, including friendship.
Next time, Kory isn’t sure about going from zero to dating in two weeks; Jess tells Kory that she’d like to be exclusive; Rachel tells everyone that said she couldn’t get guys because she has no t*ts or ass; and Ciara says, it’s not worth Austen coming at her – she’s done. And it’s the finale! Woohoo. Oh wait… Summer House.
Tomorrow, join me for soap, tea, words deserving of attention, and a musical oeuvre. Until then, stay safe, stay being respectful of others’ beliefs and traditions, and stay hanging on to the good things in your life.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
🥳 Welcome to a bigger font.
General Hospital
As Leo helps her prepare Thanksgiving dinner, Olivia scolds Ned for taking a bite of potatoes, but he says he prefers to look at it as quality control. She says she told him to stay out of the kitchen. It’s almost time to eat. He asks if he should rally the troops, but she tells him that she said, almost. Besides, they’re still waiting on the man of the hour.
Dante thanks Sam for going to Sonny’s, and she says, of course (🦃). He says, they’ll have a drink and maybe one or two appetizers, and she says, Sonny is his family, which means he’s her family too. They’re a package deal, remember? He says he doesn’t forget anything when it comes to her, and they kiss.
Inside the penthouse, Nina says, that tahini sauce smells like heaven, and Sonny says, not like Thanksgiving? She says, Thanksgiving is what we make it, and he says he’s switching gears this year. He asks if she can grab the watch out of his pocket, and she asks when he lost the feeling in his hands. She reaches into his pocket and takes out a jewelry box. She hands it to him, but he tells her to open it. She says, it’s for her? and opens it, revealing a pair of earrings. He says, no, it’s for him; he’s trying out a new look. He just wants to thank her for being here and changing his life. She says, he could have just said that, but he says he wanted to show her. She thanks him, and says, they’re beautiful; she loves them. He says, and he loves her, and they kiss.
Carly finds Drew making a drink in the Quartermaine sitting room, and he says, she looks beautiful. She says, he’s not so bad himself, and he says, she smells amazing too. Does she have any idea how much he’d like to drag her out of here, and kiss her until she can’t breathe? She says she’s game if he is, when Michael walks in with Willow, and says, happy Thanksgiving.
Brook lets Chase in, and he gives her a bottle of wine. She says, no pie? but he says, they were sold out. She thanks him for the wine, and he asks if she has anything for him.
Laura comes into the station, and asks Jordan if there are any updates. Jordan says, Laura should be resting after the night she had, but Laura says she’s fine. Holly didn’t hurt her, and even called Doc so she’d be found quickly. Ashby appears, and says, how considerate, but Holly does get demerits for holding Laura at gunpoint. Laura says, Ashby didn’t have to give up her holiday to be here, but Ashby says she’d like to be kept in the loop. Robert says, what an understatement, when Alexis walks in. She says, Jordan summoned her? What could Jordan possibly need from her on Thanksgiving? Jordan says, a reason not to arrest her.
In a cabin, Holly listens to a newscaster say, the police are actively looking for a suspect who kidnapped Mayor Collins last night. She’s in possession of valuable jewels, and considered armed and dangerous. She takes out the necklace, and looks at it, saying, it looks like they have something in common; they’re both damn near indestructible. She holds it up to her neck. I really wish they would remember to make the necklace seem heavier than it is IRL.
Alexis says, arrest her for what? and Jordan says, obstruction. Materially compromising this investigation by printing sensitive information in today’s Invader. Alexis says she gave Jordan a chance to comment before publication, but Jordan says, Alexis had no business naming Esme Prince as an official suspect in the Hook slayings. Alexis says, Jordan promised her an exclusive and didn’t deliver.
Mac says, they’re tracking the GPS on the mayor’s car, and Ashby asks if he knows where Holly is headed. Laura says she got a call today from the County Administrator. They wanted a status report, and she hasn’t been able to call him back. Could Ashby handle that for her? Ashby says, certainly, and leaves. Robert asks, how much longer do they have to tolerate that traitorous individual in their midst? and Laura says, long enough for her to be useful in helping them incriminate Victor. Now tell her where he thinks Holly is.
Holly is now wearing the necklace, and rubs her arms to get warm. She checks out the little stove, and (I think) a space heater.
Leo asks if it’s someone they know, or a stranger, and Ned says, or is it someone they know of; a celebrity. Olivia says, they’re so off-base, and Ned says, then just tell them who this mystery guest is. She says, and essentially, completely ruin the surprise, and Ned and Leo both say, yes. She asks, where’s the excitement in that? but Ned says, don’t worry. This holiday is never short of excitement. Leo says, something always happens on Thanksgiving, but Olivia says, not this time. No siree. She’s taken every precaution. Leo tells her that she says that every year, and she says, mark her words; this Thanksgiving is going off exactly according to plan.
Michael thanks Carly for doing this. He knows the last place she wants to be is anywhere near Ned right now. Carly says, Wiley wants her here, so she’s here, and Willow says, she’s such a wonderful grandma… Not that she looks like a grandma. Carly says she loves the flattery, but Willow says she speaks the truth. Michael asks if Josslyn is coming, but Carly says, she and Trina are volunteering at a soup kitchen, she she’ll have to pass on pizza this year. Drew says, don’t let Olivia hear her say that. She’s determined to serve a turkey this year. Michael says, Olivia should know that’s impossible, but Carly says she admires Olivia’s optimism. Although she thinks the kids would prefer pizza. Where are they? Drew says, upstairs in the family room; there’s a major arts and crafts thing going on. Michael says he’s glad this Thanksgiving will hold better memories for Drew, and Drew says, him too. Carly asks if it’s really been a year, and Drew says, since he came back, yeah, and broke the news about Jason.
Brook tells Chase, this day is really about giving, not receiving, but she has something for him. She kisses him, and he flashes back to Dante telling him about the letter Brook said she’d write to the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and saying that she hadn’t done it yet. He says, that’s it? and she says, mind out of the gutter, mister. This is a family event. They’ll get to the rest later.
Nina puts on the earrings, and tells Sonny that she loves them. He says, they look beautiful, and she thanks him. She asks how he is, really. It must be hard for him to be away from his girls. He says he spent time with them last night. Their faces lighting up when they saw the parade balloons, and their eyes got all big. She says, but what about him? His old house and old traditions? Doesn’t he miss them? He says, this is his house, and with her in it, that makes it his home. So what does she say? Does she want to make some new traditions with him? She says she’d love nothing more, and they kiss.
Jordan tells Alexis, she had every intention of holding up her end of the agreement, but not at the expense of a sensitive investigation, and it doesn’t get more sensitive than this. Lives are at stake. Alexis says, which is why she brought the letter to Jordan’s attention in the first place. They both have a duty to the city, and she’s not apologizing for fulfilling hers. She’s sorry Jordan has to work tonight, but she has a Thanksgiving dinner she needs to go to. She flounces out.
Laura points to the screen, and says, so her car is somewhere in this vicinity? There’s not much out there. Robert says, the theory is, she abandoned the car outside the woods, then continued on foot, and Laura says, she could be anywhere. Mac says he has officers on the scene in Baylor Woods. One of them found a well with drinking water. Laura says, then there must be a house or building nearby, and Mac says, that’s the assumption. Ashby messes with her phone, and sees there’s a residence in Baylor Woods. Laura walks over, and asks if she managed to get in touch with the County Administrator. Ashby says she relayed the relevant information, which answers that question not at all, and it looks like Laura knows it.
Sonny thanks Sam and Dante for stopping by, and Sam says, of course (🦃). They wanted to see him. Dante says, the walk down the hall is pretty grueling. Maybe Sonny could move closer. Sasha and Gladys arrive, and Sonny says he’s glad they came by. Gladys says, as if she’d miss a traditional Thanksgiving, but Sonny says he’s doing things different this year. Gladys says, she can tell, and Sasha says she’s sure it will be delicious. Nina says she’s glad Dante and Sam could make it. Is their friend Cody coming? Dante says he didn’t invite Cody. He’s not into social gatherings. Nina says, he’s not alone in that, and excuses herself. Dante tells Sam, out with it, and she says, out with what? He says, whatever’s going on in that beautiful head of hers, and she says she’s just wondering if it’s social gatherings Cody doesn’t like, or questions. He asks where this is coming from, but she tells him, forget she said anything. He says he can’t now. It’s not the first time she’s thrown shade Cody’s way. Dante thought she thought Cody was a good guy. What changed?
Carly looks out the window, and Drew asks if she’s okay. She says, she was just thinking about Jason, and everything that’s happened since. He says, it’s been quite a year, and she says, that’s an understatement. He says, but she made it, and she says, if someone had told her she’d have to go through what she went through, and do it without Jason, she would have said it was impossible. He says, but look at her now. Not only is she still standing, she’s thriving, and stronger than ever. She says, no small thanks to him.
Brook goes into the sitting room, and asks, what’s with the mood in here? Michael says, there’s no mood, but she says she’s sensing a mood. Carly says, they were just talking about the anniversary of Drew’s homecoming, and Willow says, a blessing to everybody. Michael says, a moment to remember for sure, and Brook says, especially Drew at the door holding pizzas. It was quite an eventful Thanksgiving. Remember? Chase clocking Valentin? Chase says, the first time he lost his badge.
Ned says, they won’t stop asking, and Leo says, or guessing. Olivia says, all right. She ordered a turkey from Dinde Vivante. It’s a French company with a local farm. They have only the finest, most organic turkeys; fresh as they come. And get this. It comes completely roasted, ready to eat. What could be better than that? Ned tells her, it almost sounds too good to be true, but Olivia says, that’s the point. It is not too good to be true; it is true. She’s not taking any chances this year. Ned says, so a turkey is the man of the hour? How does she even know it’s a male bird? Leo says, male turkeys are bald, and Olivia says, male turkeys are also bigger than female turkeys, which makes it exactly perfect to feed this whole big crazy family of ours. Ned says, Drew and Michael can eat the giblets, but Olivia says, they’re not doing any of that this year. Everyone is going to get along. Everyone is going to sing Kumbaya. Because she wants… she needs this Thanksgiving to be perfect. Ned says, then perfect it is, and kisses her. Accompanied by Michael, a man walks in, wheeling a covered crate, gobbling sounds coming from it, and Michael asks where they want it. Olivia asks, what’s that smell? and Leo says, what’s that sound? Michael says, that’s our dinner. Ned says, this is as fresh as they come, and Olivia tells the man that she most definitely didn’t order a live turkey from Dinde Vivante. He says, the company name literally means turkey alive, and she looks at the paperwork on his clipboard. She says, it’s all in French; you need a translator to read this stupid thing. Michael says, too bad Valentin’s not here, and Olivia tells the man that he needs to march this turkey right back to the farm, but he says he just delivers. No backsies. Michael says he’ll show the man out, and they leave. Olivia gets on her phone, and Ned asks if he should fire up the grill. She asks if he’s seriously making jokes right now.
Brook tells Chase, she’s sorry for bringing up Valentin; she wasn’t thinking. She knows he’s sensitive about losing his badge. He says he misses being a cop every day, and she says she knows. He says, that doesn’t mean he’s not grateful for everything she’s done for him. He is. He’s just really praying the department gives him a second chance. She says she wants what he wants, and he says, does she really?
Willow asks if Carly ended up confronting Nina, and Drew asks what she’s talking about. Carly says, now that Nina’s run out of homes to wreck, she’s taken up idle gossip. And she sure as hell did.
Sasha says, a casino buffet? Does Gladys mean a buffet at an actual casino? Gladys says she knows it sounds cheesy, but she and Mike loved it. They would get Brando all dressed up, and told him that he could eat as much as he wanted. One year, she hit it big, and they upgraded to the surf and turf. Sonny says, sounds like they had a great time, and Gladys says, they did… or maybe that’s just the way she remembers it. Maybe Brando hated being there. All the sounds and the lights and the smoke. He probably wanted to be in regular restaurant. Sasha says, Gladys did the best she could, when there’s a knock at the door. Nina goes to answer it, and Sonny says, that’s all any of them can do. Nina opens the door to Alexis, who says, sorry she’s late. She was busy defending the First Amendment. Nina says, as one does on Thanksgiving, and invites her in.
Dante and Sam kiss, and he asks if she’s trying to distract him. She asks if it’s working, and he says, maybe. She says, clearly she’s lost her touch, and he asks, what’s her problem with Cody? She says she doesn’t know. She guesses she didn’t like his reaction to her investigating Britt’s necklace. Dante says, that necklace might be Cody’s inheritance. That kid grew up nothing. He was on that estate, looking out at everything he couldn’t have. She says he’s defending his friend, and she loves him for that, but what if Cody doesn’t deserve it? I love how they act like Cody grew up so horribly. He worked in the stables, which he loves, and he even got sent to camp, so really? Oh horrors, he didn’t have designer sneakers.
Olivia says she’s going to call the chef at the MetroCourt. Maybe he can help them out. She yells to Leo not to touch that thing; it could be diseased. Leo says, only animals get rabies, and she says, it could have bird flu or something; who knows? Ned says, and she wanted to serve it to them for dinner? She looks at him, and he says, sorry; not helping. She says, one more remark from him, and she’ll stuff him in that crate with the turkey. Turning her attention back to the phone, she says, it’s Olivia. They have a little situation here, and she’s hoping he can help them out. Leo tells the turkey, they want to cook you, but don’t worry, Mr. Wattles. I won’t let that happen. The turkey gobbles, and he smiles.
Jordan asks, where’s Laura? and Mac says, getting the Deputy Mayor out of her hair. Felicia walks in with an officer, both of them carrying trays of food. She says, she knows none of them can make it to their Thanksgiving dinners, so she brought dinner to them. Mac says, she’s the best, and she says she can’t have her guy and his colleagues starving on turkey day. Laura comes back, and asks if Felicia is the Thanksgiving fairy. Mac says, his officers located a trapper’s cabin in the northwest corner of Baylor Woods, not far from the Canadian border. Robert says, footprints? and Mac says, fresh, but no vehicle. Jordan says, it’s her. She’ll call for back-up along the way. Considering Holly’s still armed… Laura says she’ll wait with Felicia for the news. And make sure this ends peacefully. Robert says, that’s the goal, and they leave. Felicia says, here we go, and Laura says, yep.
Johann walks out of the woods where the stakeout tent is, and an officer says, PCPD; state your business. Johann says, just walking off the meal. Is there an issue? The officer says, it’s off-limits, and Johann says, he heard there’s a manhunt for a jewel thief… Never mind; he’ll head back. Stay safe. He walks back into the woods, like two feet away, and takes out his phone.
Holly looks at a map, then looks out the cabin window.
Sam tells Dante, she may or may not have done some digging, and he says, and? She says, Cody has a juvenile arrest record, and he asks if she knows what for, but she says, the files are sealed. Dante says, Cody got into trouble as a kid; so did he. So what? She asks if they got into trouble together, and he says, they were wild kids. That’s why they ended up at camp. They both needed structure. She says she’s not judging anyone. She’s done her fair share of shady things, and your past definitely should not define you… He says, that’s like the biggest but he’s ever heard, and she says, however… He says, that’s the same thing, and she asks if it’s possible Cody’s issues are not as in the past as Dante thought. They hear Gladys yell, how could you? and go back to the other room. Gladys says, Alexis printed information about Brando’s killer before his family even knew. Who does that? Nina says, Gladys wasn’t informed that the PCPD consider Esme Prince they’re prime suspect? and Gladys says she sure as hell wasn’t. Dante says, that’s because they don’t have a prime suspect. That’s why they don’t want the press releasing information prematurely. It’s never a good idea.
At the tent, Jordan says, one suspect inside, and Mac says he has officers at the exits. Jordan says, the suspect is armed, and tells him to keep their people away from any windows. Mac tries to give Robert a vest, but Robert says he doesn’t need it. Mac says, put it on, and Robert says, Holly wouldn’t hurt him, but Mac asks if she hasn’t hurt him already. Holly looks out, locks the door, closes the curtains, and walks over to the space heater. Johann watches from a distance. Jordan says, Robert knows Holly best. Is she willing to die for a diamond necklace? Robert says, no, but she’d risk everything for freedom. Mac gives a bullhorn to Jordan, but Robert says, it should be him.
Brook says, something’s bothering Chase, and he says he’d like to think they’re honest with each other. She says, aren’t they? and he says, you tell me. Is there anything that’s happened recently that she hasn’t filled him in on? She says, if this is about Linc… but he says, it’s about them. He wants to be in a relationship where they have each other’s backs; where they support each other, even when it’s hard. Otherwise, what is the point?
Still on the phone, Olivia says she understands, and thanks them. Ned says, well? and she says she offered the new chef triple his normal pay to wring that turkey’s… to ready the beautiful bird. No dice. Michael asks, how hard can it be to ready a bird? and Ned says, people have been doing it since the dawn of time. He’s willing to try if Michael is. Olivia says, that’s what she’s talking about. That’s the spirit. Now it’s starting to feel like Thanksgiving. Michael says he’ll grab Drew and Chase, but Leo says, there will be no turkey today. Olivia tells him, don’t say that. She promises there will be turkey; don’t worry. Leo says he’s not worried. Now neither is Mr. Wattles. Mr. Wattles walks around on the window seat, takes a poop on it (I kid you not), and wanders off into the mansion. This is pretty funny.
Carly asks how Willow is feeling, and Willow asks what she means. Carly says, with her pregnancy, and Drew asks if Willow just forgot she’s pregnant. Willow says, sometimes she could with how amazing this little one is. It’s been a dream so far. Drew says he bets she’ll be relieved to find her birth parents. Getting as much medical history as possible is great for the baby’s sake. Willow says, that’s exactly why she’s looking for them, and he says, on that note, a reporter he knows tracked down some members of the commune to the Mohave Desert. Willow says she told him it would be a struggle, but he says, the good news is, somebody offered to help. Willow asks, who? and Carly says, me.
Brook says, she thought she and Chase supported each other, but he says, she supports the life she wants for him; not the life he actually wants. Leo runs past, telling them, there’s a turkey on the loose.
Felicia tells Laura, spill. She’s had a helluva 24 hours. How is she? Laura says she’s fine; she’s far more worried about Robert. This was the last thing he needed. He was already worried sick about Anna. Felicia says she can’t believe Holly would go this far over a necklace, but Laura says, it might be more complicated than that. Felicia says she’s sure it is, She just can’t stand it. She gets up, and walks out.
Holly loads a gun, and hears Robert say, it’s him. The place is surrounded. It’s over. There’s no escape this time. Mac says, they’ve got to go in, but Robert says, not yet. Holly calls to Robert, asking if Laura is all right. Robert says, she’s fine, and Holly asks him to apologize to her. She never wanted anyone to get hurt, especially him. He says he doesn’t want her getting hurt, and wants her to come out of there unscathed. She knows what she has to do to make that happen.
Inside the cabin, a woman puts a gun down, but I’m not so sure it’s Holly.
Sonny asks if they can all take a breath. Today is supposed to be about family and food… Gladys says, Brando was her family; her only child. He was murdered, and now Alexis is helping the killer get away with it. Alexis says, actually, she intended for the opposite to be true. She’s truly sorry Gladys was caught off-guard. She thought Gladys would be aware of Esme. Gladys says she was not, and Sasha says, at least the police have a credible lead. Dante says, they’ll get justice for Brando, and Sonny says, whatever it takes. She has his word.
From outside the house, everyone looks into the Nook, where Mr. Wattles has taken over and is tearing up the place. Ned says, behold. The pièce de resistance. Olivia says she can’t believe this is happening, and Willow asks, what is happening? Michael says, Olivia ordered a turkey for Thanksgiving, and it arrived alive and well. Chase says, and strong, as Mr. Wattles jumps onto the table. Carly says, this dinner is for the birds, and Olivia says she’s glad they find it so amusing. She’s not laughing. Another Thanksgiving totally ruined. Brook says she gives Olivia a lot of credit. Many have tried in the past, not the least great grandmother Lila, but at some point, you’ve just got to accept it’s tradition. Drew says, Monica is going to love this story, and Ned says, at least there’s still pie. Carly says, and stuffing, and Michael says, and cranberry sauce. Mr. Wattles pulls the tablecloth off the table, things crashing to the floor, and Olivia says, but they need a main course. Ned says, there is an easy fix, and everyone says, Luigi’s. Mr. Wattles steps through the wreckage, and moves on.
Brook wonders why they can’t have a normal Thanksgiving for once, and Chase says he needs to ask her something, and he needs an honest answer. Leo comes in, says, pizza’s here, and runs out again. Brook says she’s starving, and starts to leave, but Chase stops her, and asks, was she ever going to tell him about the CCRB letter she never wrote?
Olivia walks into the sitting room with the pizza, and asks where Brook and Chase are. The pizza is going to get cold. Leo says he told them, but they were talking close. Everyone goes, ooh, and Ned says, to be young and in love. Olivia says, watch it. They are still both of those things. He says, now and forever, and Drew looks at Carly. Michael reaches for a slice, but Olivia says, he knows the rules. They all say, first we sing, then we eat, and Olivia says, they’re going to get one thing right this Thanksgiving, so help her. Drew reaches behind him, and takes Carly’s hand so no one sees.
Sam says, her mom couldn’t get out fast enough, and Dante says, can Sam blame her? She says, not the most festive Thanksgiving, but he says, it’s his favorite one yet. She asks, why? and he says, he gets to spend it with the person he loves, who he shares his home and life with. She says, and his toiletries. She can’t believe how good his new hand lotion smells. He tells her to keep her hands off his stuff, and she says, all his stuff? but he says, actually she has full access to all his stuff. She says, that’s what she thought, and they kiss. She asks if he’s ready for some pizza, and he says he wouldn’t put it past his mother to have made a turkey. Sam says she wants some pepperoni.
Sasha looks out the window, remembering when she married Brando. Sonny asks how she’s holding up, and she says she’s okay. Another first in the books. She got through a whole year after Liam, and now she gets to do it all over again with Brando. He says, she doesn’t have to do it alone, and she says she knows, and she’s so grateful. Gladys says she’s got to make a phone call; she’ll be right back. Sasha tells Sonny that she knows Brando would want her to embrace life, even when it hurts; maybe especially then. He’d want her to be with family. Nina listens from the doorway, and Sonny says, Sasha is welcome here. As far as Gladys, is she still hands-on? What’s going on? Sasha says, always for her benefit. She feels like she and Gladys finally understand each other.
On her phone, pacing in the hallway, Gladys looks at the card Selina gave her. She says she’s having a rough day and could use a little fun. When is the next game?… Great. Count her in for a seat at the table.
We hear the Quartermaines sing We Gather Together, while the family interacts in the sitting room, laughing and hugging. Carly finds a big feather, shows it to Olivia, and they hug. They eat, and Drew and Carly exchange glances.
A woman picks up a briefcase in the cabin, leaving the gun, and knocking over a lantern. On the bullhorn, Jordan says, Holly Sutton, this is your last chance. Come out with your hands visible. The lantern starts a fire inside, and Jordan says she doesn’t like this. She tells Mac to give the order to move in, but Robert says, give her a chance. Jordan says, she’s had multiple chances. Time’s up. There’s an explosion inside the cabin, sending debris everywhere. The cabin burns, and Robert says he has to get in, but Mac holds him back. Robert says, Holly could be hurt, and a woman runs out of the cabin, totally on fire. She falls on her face, and Robert cries, no!
I have my doubts it’s Holly. I’m thinking Ashby, and that briefcase is empty.
Tomorrow, Ava tells Nikolas, sometimes, one never knows what the day may bring; Britt says, one more box to check; and Selina says, it’s seems she and Victor have much in common.
🔪 Being Heather…
She’s a great Heather. You can tell she’s having a good time.
Half my neighborhood has their Christmas decorations up, and I’m trying not to feel alternately annoyed and inadequate. Join me tomorrow for another round of soap and tea. Until then, stay safe, stay setting your own pace during the holiday season, and stay keeping old traditions, making new ones, or both. It’s all good.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At The Savoy, Michael tells Willow that her exams are behind her and it’s time to celebrate. He’s barely seen her, and Wiley missed her goodnight story and kiss last night. He told Wiley that she was learning to save people’s lives like a real life superhero. She looks unhappy, and he tells her not to be upset; she’s definitely the cool parent. She says she’s not a superhero or even a cool parent. She messed up.
Sonny lets Nina into the penthouse, and she thanks him for seeing her. He says she told him it was important, and she asks how he’s feeling. He says, it’s the anniversary of his sister’s death. Don’t worry about it. He didn’t go on any benders. Is that why she’s here? Is she checking up on him? She says, they have to talk, and he says he’s not a fan of those four words. (I don’t think any man is.) She says, it’s about their grandson.
At The Savoy, Diane says, judging from her exterior only, she’s guessing all is right again in Alexis’s world. Alexis says, let’s not get excited. Everything’s fine. Surprisingly, she’s enjoying her job. Diane says, Alexis Davis, editor-in-chief, suits her, and Alexis says, better than her last career as a drunk with intent to murder. She’s gotten by with a lot of help from her friends, Diane and Harmony, who she invited to join them. Be nice.
Maxie comes into the hospital carrying the box of Peter’s belongings, and Austin says, she made it. She says she told him she’d be there, and he says she did, but he thought now that Bailey was back, Maxie would want to spend as much time with her as possible. Maxie says, lesson number one, she means what she says, and he says, good to know. Are there other lessons? She says he’ll find out, and he says he can’t wait. It’s nice to see her. She says, him too, and they almost kiss, but Mac clears his throat. Maxie turns around, and Mac is there with Felicia.
At the MetroCourt, Robert tells Anna, Mac just texted; he and Felicia are on their way. It gives them a chance to catch up. He hasn’t seen too much of her lately. She says she’s been busy, and he asks if that’s code for I’m trying to avoid you. Or is she simply getting used to living with Peter’s ghost.
On the phone, and pressing the elevator button repeatedly, Gladys says she knows Brando is getting married. Don’t do anything without talking to her first. The elevator opens, and Carly comes out. Gladys says, thank God, and Carly asks, what’s going on? Gladys says, Brando’s about to make the biggest mistake of his life, and Carly is going to help her stop it.
At Bliss Street Auto Repair, Brando tells Sasha, he’s been back there for a while. He doesn’t think the guy knows what he’s doing. She tells Brando, go check on him. He doesn’t have to babysit her. He says he’s not babysitting her; he’s keeping her company. She says, then let the man do his job. He says he will. All he’s saying is that the man should have fixed the car by now. She says, the chapel will still be there when they say the car is ready, and he says, then they get to say I do. He can’t wait. She says, neither can she, and they hug.
Gladys says, please tell her Carly got the jet in the divorce, and Carly asks, what’s going on with Brando? Is he okay? Gladys says, Brando’s the farthest thing from okay. He and Sasha are getting married. Carly says, that’s it? and Gladys says, what does she mean, that’s it? They’re eloping tonight. Carly says, Brando and Sasha went through something no parent should have to go through, and it’s not like they’re doing something dangerous. Gladys says, marriage is dangerous. Carly of all people should know that. If she won’t help, Gladys bets Sonny will. She turns and nearly runs over the hostess, and Carly says Gladys has been drinking. Gladys says she’s fine. She had one or two, maybe three. Carly says she’s not letting Gladys go anywhere like this. She’ll drive Gladys to Sonny’s herself. Let’s go. Gladys says, that’s cool, but she’s going to have to floor it. They get in the elevator.
Sonny says, what about Michael and Wiley? Everything all right? Nina says, Wiley is fine. She just thought Sonny deserved a heads up. She’s suing for visitation. He asks, why? and she says, she and Willow had a little chat, and Willow says she doesn’t see a path for her to have any access to Wiley, so she told Willow that she’s going to exercise her legal rights as Wiley’s grandmother. Michael hasn’t told Sonny that? Sonny says he hasn’t talked to Michael, and she says, which means Willow hasn’t told him yet, but Sonny says, Michael’s still not talking to him. She says she’s sorry to put him in this position, and he says he doesn’t blame her for doing what she feels she needs to for her family, but she can’t do that.
Diane says, yay, Harmony’s coming. When did that happen? Alexis says, Harmony just texted her. She’s having a hard time, so Alexis texted her back, and asked her to join them. Temp Harmony (see below) walks in, and thanks them for including her on their girls night out. She tells Alexis that she looks great, and Alexis asks if she had a tough day at Spring Ridge. Harmony says, tougher than usual, and Diane says they all have those, right? What is she drinking? The first round’s on her. Alexis tells Harmony to relax. She’s in a much better place than she was on New Year’s Eve. Harmony says, in that case, she’ll have one of those cocktails The Savoy is famous for. Diane says, two outrageous cocktails and one sparkling water coming right up. She goes to the bar, and Harmony says, there must be ice skating in hell. Alexis asks what that means, and Harmony says, that was one of the most positive interactions she’s had with any of Alexis’s friends. Alexis says, Diane is drama free. She looks at Michael and Willow, and says, speaking of drama free… Harmony supposes she should go say hi, and gets up.
Michael brings Willow a drink, and tells her, take a breath, take a sip of her drink, and tell him how she thinks she messed up. She says she knows she messed up, when Harmony approaches the table, and says what a nice surprise. She’s here with Diane and Alexis, and thought she’d say hi. Willow says she’s been meaning to call, and thanks Harmony again for dropping off her birth certificate. Harmony says, her pleasure. Now the two of them can enjoy that trip to Paris. Michael says, Willow definitely deserves a celebration and a break. She took exams yesterday. Harmony is sure Willow sailed through it.
Maxie asks how Mac’s check-up was, and Felicia says, couldn’t have gone better. Mac’s gunshot wound is healing perfectly, but Maxie isn’t getting off the hook that easily. She and Austin are an item now? Maxie says, it’s new, and Mac says, they look forward to getting to know him better. Felicia says, as much as they’d like to stay and chat, they have a prior engagement. Call her later. She hugs Maxie, and Maxie says, only if Felicia promises to behave herself, but Felicia says, no promises. She says it was a pleasure seeing Austin again, and Mac gruffly says he’s sure they’ll be seeing more of him. They leave, and Maxie laughs, saying, she’s so sorry about that. He says, no, it’s great. He guesses Maxie Jones lesson number two is that she’s really close to her family, and that might take some getting used to. She says, something like that, and he says, no problem. What’s in the box? She says, something she was hoping he could help her with. She needs to get rid of Peter.
In the elevator, Mac asks what they really think about that, and Felicia says, personally, she thinks it’s too soon for Maxie to be in a relationship with someone new. But she’s a grown woman, living her own life. Mac says, they’ll keep an eye on her, and him. If Dr. Gatlin-Holt gets out of line, he’ll smush him like a bug.
The mechanic comes out, and tells Brando, the car needs a new fuel pump, but he can’t get the pump in until tomorrow morning. Sasha says, so they’re stuck here all night, but Brando says, not necessarily. A busted fuel pump can be jerry-rigged; he’s done it a bunch of times in emergencies. The mechanic says he’s welcome to take a look, and Brando goes in the back with him. Sasha takes the pills out of her purse. She sees she doesn’t have much left, and gets out her phone, but there’s no service. She flashes back to Brando telling her that they’re on a back road that runs alongside the river, and if you listen hard, you can hear wedding bells. He says, those bells are ringing for another couple, and she says, soon, they’ll be ringing for them… and for Liam. His brief life will have meaning because he will know, and the whole world will know, he was born out of love. She takes another pill, and Brando says, Sasha?
Robert tells Anna, August bonded everyone by leaving no one unscathed. If she finds herself waking up at night with guilt problems, reach out. She has plenty of support system out there. Don’t ever forget, Peter and Peter alone did all the damage. She takes his hand and thanks him, and says, there’s someone else to blame other than Peter. The man who helped him escape; the man who may have murdered Luke. He says, Victor Cassadine, and she says, one nightmare ends, and another one begins.
Maxie tells Austin, Peter named Britt executor, and his personal effects were given to her, and Britt didn’t want them, so she offered to dispose of them. Does he think he can help her with that? He says, no problem, and she thanks him. He leans in for a kiss again, but Obrecht yanks him back, saying, how dare he come near her dear Maxie after everything he’s put her through? She puts her arm around Maxie, and says, don’t worry, liebchen. She promised Dr. Gatlin-Holt that he’d answer to her for betraying Maxie, and she always keeps her promises.
At the bar, Diane watches the room, and Harmony asks if Willow was able to get her passport. Willow says, not yet. She has an appointment. They just want to see her birth certificate, and have her fill out an application. After that, they’ll expedite her passport. (It’s not quite like that, but okay.) Michael says he’s sure it will be fine. He and Willow aren’t anticipating any problems.
Diane sits back down, and Alexis says, let’s have a good time. She’s in the mood for some fun. Diane says, she’s in luck, because a very attractive man at the bar cannot take his eyes off her. Alexis says, what? No. The man approaches their table, and says he knows he’s being incredibly bold, but he could help noticing Alexis. He’d like to buy her a drink. Diane says, he may, but Alexis says she already has a drink. He says, maybe some other time, and Diane face palms. She says she just wants to shake Alexis. Alexis said she wanted some fun, now go get it.
Nina tells Sonny, she’s sorry, but the only way she’ll have access to Wiley is if she goes to court. He says, let him lower the temperature with Michael before she resorts to anything drastic. She says she really appreciates the offer, but she’s not sure how much luck he’s going to have. Even if he convinces Michael that she can see Wiley, there’s Carly. He says, Michael’s his own man and makes his own decisions, and she says, that may be true, but Carly’s influence carries a lot of weight. And once Carly finds out Sonny is helping her with Wiley, she’ll be on the warpath. He says, he and Carly are done. It was her choice. She cannot get mad at him for wanting to help his grandson. Nina asks if they’re talking about the same woman, because honestly, Nina is surprised Carly hasn’t come after her already. There’s a knock at the door, and Sonny opens it to Carly and Gladys. Carly sees Nina, and smiles.
Austin says he doesn’t know how many times he has to apologize to Obrecht, but he’s sorry, he’s sorry, he’s sorry, he’s sorry. He should never have trusted Victor. Obrecht says, he was so obsessed with targeting Brook that he blabbed to that fiend in a tailored suit. Of course (🍷) he took the information straight to Peter, letting that schwein know Bailey was really his daughter Louise. He says he made his amends. She put the bug on Victor, and he had to listen to that guy talking for hours and hours and hours, trying to pinpoint where Peter had taken Maxie. Obrecht says, he was scrambling to correct his egregious mistake talking to Victor. He hurt Maxie and her baby, and for her, that’s personal. That requires a different kind of penance. Maxie says she really does appreciate Obrecht looking out for her… Obrecht says she’d do anything for Maxie, and Maxie takes Austin’s arm and says, then she wants Obrecht to forgive him.
Alexis tells Diane, her idea of fun does not include that man, nor does it include any man for that matter. Diane says, it’s been far too long since Alexis had any romance in her life. He seemed nice. Alexis says, so did Neil. So did Julian. One died in her bed, and the other one almost chopped her head off. Diane says, Julian never seemed nice. One of these days, Alexis will have to open herself up to love. The right guy is going to come along, and she’s never going to know it. Alexis says she’s not interested in a relationship, when Harmony comes back. She asks what she missed.
Willow says, after all her lectures about co-existing and keeping the peace… Michael says, so this is about Nina, and she says she ran into Nina at the hospital. He says he’s sure that was a laugh a minute, and she says, Nina asked if she could spend time with Wiley. He says, after his mother just caught her in bed with his father, and Willow says, that was pretty much her reaction. He asks how she thinks she messed up, and she says, Nina caught her off guard, especially since not five minutes before, they were talking about how Nina withholds information. Carly and Sonny are in the middle of a divorce, and Nina’s timing was terrible. She snapped. He says, to be honest, he would have loved to see her go off on Nina; it would have made his day, his week. She says, she pushed Nina too far. Nina told her that she’s going to exercise her legal right to visitation with Wiley. He tells her, don’t worry. They’ll shut her down. That woman isn’t getting anywhere near their son.
Gladys says she’s sorry for crashing their date, and Nina says, it’s not a date. Gladys says she needs Sonny’s help; Brando and Sasha are eloping. They’re on the Canada side of Niagara Falls. Please call his people and have them fire up the jet. They may already be too late. He says he knows she wants to be at her son’s wedding, but if Brando and Sasha are eloping, they probably want to do it alone. She says she doesn’t want to be at their wedding; she wants to stop the wedding. They’re in no state to make a decision like this. She needs to talk to Brando before he ruins his life. Carly says, it’s not her choice to make, and Gladys asks if none of them is worried the least little bit. Brando and Sasha are still grieving their baby. How do they figure they’re capable of entering into marriage? Nina says, Gladys has a point. They owe it to Brando and Sasha to make sure they’re getting married for the right reasons.
Sasha asks, what’s the verdict? and Brando tells her, it’s like Vern said; the pump is shot. She says she was thinking they could get a Ride Share and still make it to the chapel before it closes, but she has no cell service. Brando says, neither does he, and Vern says, the service can be spotty out here. They’re welcome to use the garage phone to call a cab. He’ll place the order for a new fuel pump. Brando tells Sasha, as much as they wanted to get married today, maybe it’s best if they do it in Port Charles, with all of their family and friends… She says, no, and he asks, what’s going on? Is there something she needs to tell him about? She says, it’s just that she has this feeling, if they don’t get married tonight, they never will, and she’ll lose him. He says she’ll never lose him, but she says, he can’t promise that. He says he can and will. He’ll marry her tomorrow in a courthouse or a treehouse, a swamp. Wherever there’s an ordained minister and a witness, that’s where he’ll say his I dos. Vern says, excuse him. He couldn’t help overhearing. He’s actually ordained. Brando says, he can marry them? and Sasha says, today? Vern says he’ll call his wife Lorna and she can be their witness. As long as they don’t mind getting married in a garage. Sasha and Brando look at each other, and say, it’s perfect.
Robert says, if Victor killed Luke, that can only mean one thing. Luke figured out what Victor was up to. Felica says, whatever that is, and Mac says, if the Cassadines and the Ice Princess are involved, that spells trouble for the rest of them. Anna says, somehow, Drew Cain is the key.Drew, Sam, and Dante are trying to trap Victor into exposing whatever it is he’s up to. Robert asks, what if they’re unsuccessful? and Felicia says she and Anna have a plan of their own.
Harmony suggests she go, so Diane and Alexis can work out whatever tension is between them, when Michael comes by and asks if he and Willow can talk to Diane for a minute. Diane says, absolutely, and goes back to his table with him. Harmony says, none of her business, but if Alexis need an ear, she’s happy to lend one. Alexis says, a very nice man offered to buy her a drink, and she said she wasn’t interested, and then Diane goes off and starts talking about her love life, or lack thereof. She does it all the time. Harmony says, let her guess. Alexis overreacted. Alexis makes a gesture meaning a little bit, and Harmony says she spent her life following people who thought they had the answers. The truth is, no one does. Alexis is the only one who knows what’s right for her. She’s sure Alexis has asked herself these questions about romance a hundred times, and came up with the answer based on her experience. She doesn’t want to date? Then that’s the answer, and it’s perfectly okay.
Carly says, Sasha is fragile since she lost the baby. She puts on a tough front, but she’s still struggling. Sonny says, Brando’s still raw, but even though he and Sasha are acting impulsively, they’re good for each other; they’re strong for each other. Carly agrees, and Gladys says she can’t believe she’s hearing this. Nina is close to Sasha. Tell her that she agrees they have to stop the wedding. Nina says, she’s sorry, but after listening to Sonny and Carly, she agrees with them. Carly rolls her eyes, and I want to smack her. Nina says, Sasha and Brando are adults; they make their own choices. And they have a strong relationship. They’re bonded by shared loss. Carly says, Brando and Sasha are grieving together, so they have to trust getting married was the right decision for them. Gladys says, if Sonny isn’t going to lend her the jet, she’ll just rent a helicopter, and Sonny says, wait. He knows her first instinct is to protect her son. Nina says, Gladys can’t make those choices for him, and Carly says, as parents, they have to sit back and let their kids live their lives. Gladys says, so that’s what they all would do in her shoes? and Carly says, yep, and Nina says, afraid so. Sonny says, it’s the hardest thing about being a parent, but it’s got to be done. Gladys says she guesses she’s just not like them. Doing nothing is not in her vocabulary. Nina says, she’s not doing nothing, and Carly says, Brando is always going to need her love and support. She can give him that by letting him do what he needs to do. Sonny says, you just got to be there for him, and whatever comes next.
Outside Bliss Street Auto Repair, Brando says, ready? and Sasha says, ready. Lorna puts on the Wedding March, and Sasha walks out in a super pretty white dress with red flowers on it, carrying a bouquet. Where she got it, who knows? Vern says, they’re gathered here today to join Brando and Sasha in holy matrimony. As they embark on their journey as partners through life, the vows they exchange are their sacred pledge to each other; a contract bound by love. Brando says, they actually didn’t have time to write their vows, and Sasha says, they just jumped in the car, and headed for the nearest chapel. Vern asks if they’d prefer the traditional vows, or would they like to speak from the heart? Sasha says, they’d like to… and Brando says, speak from the heart.
Robert says, don’t keep them in suspense; what’s the plan? Anna says, Victor can’t achieve his objective if he’s in prison, and Felicia says, which means they need to prove Victor murdered Luke. Anna says she’s going to Austria to get proof, and Mac asks where Felicia fits in. Felicia says, they have to make sure Victor doesn’t catch on. If Anna goes to Austria alone, he’ll be suspicious. Anna says, Felicia is coming as her cover, and Mac says, absolutely not. Felicia says, hey! He doesn’t get to tell her what she can and cannot do. He says he’s grateful she rescued Maxie, but he still has nightmares about Peter running her car off the road. She can’t take that risk again. Felicia says, Mac can’t go with Anna. His recovery is coming along nicely, but he’s not fully healed. Robert says, they know what Victor is capable of. Maxie brought home her daughter, and needs Felicia. Felicia’s granddaughter needs her. Felicia says she knows, and she loves being with them, but she and Anna decided that going together would draw the least amount of suspicion. Anna says, they’ll say they’re going to be debriefed about the circumstances surrounding Maxie’s escape, and Peter’s subsequent death. Felicia says, and to draw the least amount of suspicion, they’ll rent a car and drive to Innsbruck. Anna says, she’ll start the investigation into the tram accident, and Felicia says, Anna is doing the investigation? She knows she’s Anna’s cover, but she can’t be expected to sit around in the hotel room while Anna does all the work. Mac says, he’s in awe of how Anna took down Peter, but Felicia isn’t trained as a field agent. Victor is ruthless. Anna says, they’re going to an office to look at transportation records. If anything even remotely suspicious happens, she’ll get them out of there ASAP. Robert says, they all know what Victor is capable of, but they owe it to Luke, his family, friends and community, to stop him.
Brando says, Sasha has the most kind and generous heart of anyone he’s ever known, all wrapped up into one fierce shell. He’s seen how she fights for those she loves, and he’s honored that she’s chosen to spend the rest of her life with him. He promises to spend the rest of his life loving her and being her partner, whatever may come. He loves her. She says she admits, at first she didn’t know what to think of him, but something undeniable drew her to him, and she learned how brave and selfless he is. He saved her life in so many ways. She was used to being on her own, and looking out for herself, but in him, she’s found the perfect complement to her life. He’s truly her partner, and she’s so thankful she found him.
Maxie says, Austin is in her life now, and it would be easier for all of them if Obrecht would just accept that. Obrecht says, for Maxie, she will agree to co-exist with Dr. Gatlin-Holt. If he makes another mistake, he won’t live to regret it. He says he thinks she means to say, he will live to regret it, but she says, no, she didn’t.
Brando puts Sasha’s ring on her finger, and says, with this ring, I thee wed, and Sasha does the same with him. Vern says, by the power vested in him, he pronounces them husband and wife. Brando may kiss his bride. And he does. A lot.
Michael says, Nina insists under New York state law, she has the right to see Wiley, but Diane says, Nina is mistaken. The statute Nina is referring to stipulates that if one of the biological parents is dead – in this case, Nelle – the biological grandparent has standing to file for visitation. So Nina has the right to bring her petition in front of a judge, but all that guarantees her is a hearing. She still has to convince the judge to give her access to Wiley. Michael says, but they can argue against it, and Diane says, correct. He says, if she files, he wants Diane to shut her down. Diane says, nothing would give her more pleasure, and Willow says, she was in favor of compromise, but it’s not possible with Nina. She’s repeatedly asked to see Wiley under what amounts to false pretenses. They can’t trust her. Diane says, which is why they need to keep this out of court. The downside is simply too risky. Michael’s a strategist, so think strategically. He’ll have more options if he keeps this out of court. He says, if Nina does file, they should be prepared, and Diane says she’ll delve into case law. In the meantime, her best advice is, do not engage. She’ll call them tomorrow, but for tonight, here’s some unsolicited advice. Push Nina from their thoughts, and enjoy the rest of their evening. She leaves, and Willow says she’s sorry she started this, but Michael says, no, Nina started this, but they’re going to be the ones to finish it.
Sasha says, they did it, and Brando says, it’s real now. She says, speaking of reality, he should call his mother and give her the good news. Vern says they can use the landline inside, and they go in. Brando makes the call.
Sonny asks what Gladys says. Does she want to give her son a chance at his own life? Her phone rings, and it’s Brando. He says he’s in Canada. He and Sasha decided to elope. Gladys fights back tears, and asks him to put her on speaker. He does, and she says, Brando and Sasha, you have all my blessings for a happy life. They thank her, and she says, come home soon, so she can congratulate them in person. He says they will, and he loves her. She says she loves him too. Sonny tells her that she did right the thing, she touches his shoulder, and leaves. Carly thanks him for helping her with Gladys, and follows her.
Felicia asks if Mac is on board about her going to Austria with Anna, and he heaves a sigh. He says, she’s the one who found Maxie and took down Peter. He’d be crazy to think she couldn’t handle herself. Robert says, he and Mac will hold down the fort here, and hopefully keep Victor’s attention off the two of them. Felicia says she loves Mac, and gives him a kiss, telling him, don’t do anything to jeopardize his recovery. He says, aye-aye, captain. Be careful. Find out what Victor is up to, and put a stop to it. Anna asks if she’s ready to go to Austria, and Felicia says, you bet. She wants to see Victor in prison for helping Peter.
Austin says, they got the whole meet-my-family thing out of the way, and Maxie says, she’ll come around. He asks if she has any idea when, and she says, it’ll take a while, but don’t worry. Maxie’s opinion is the only one that matters. Now their real problem is, how do they get rid of Peter’s box? He says, well, this is a hospital, and hospitals are really good at disposing of toxic and hazardous waste. She says she knew he would have the answer, and he says, he does. Come on. It’s time she saw the morgue.
Diane sits back down, and Alexis says she’s sorry she snapped at her. She’ll buy the next round. Diane says, no need. She’s sorry she pushed. Alexis says, she meant well, and Diane says that Alexis is being so nice, and asks what Harmony said to her. Harmony says, she just supported Alexis’s decision, that’s all, and Alexis says, after Neil, she can’t, okay? Diane says she gets it. Alexis gave up her law license for him. Alexis says she thought he was more important than her law license, and he thought drugs were more important than her. Harmony says, that will leave a mark on you, and Alexis says, they all have marks. Let’s just lighten up. Debbie Downer has left the building. Harmony says, there may have been darkness in Alexis’s past, but now the light has returned, and she’s been given a new beginning. That’s something to celebrate. Alexis says, to the light, and Diane laughs. Alexis says she doesn’t know about them, but she’s going to dance.
Nina says, that could have been so much worse, and Sonny says, when someone’s right, Carly’s not afraid to admit it. She asks if Carly and Michael will admit that Wiley deserves to see his other grandmother, and he says, all he can do is try. She says she knows he can be very persuasive when he sets his mind on something, so she’ll put her legal action on hold if he thinks he can convince Michael to let her see Wiley. He thanks her, and says he thinks that works best for everybody. She says, what about Carly? Obviously she doesn’t know Nina threatened to go to court to see Wiley, but she will find out. He tells her to just lay low. He’ll see what he can do about Michael, and they’ll worry about everything else later. She says, he’s right. She’ll focus on the newlyweds.
Outside, Carly says, Gladys did good, and Gladys says, Carly should be nominated for sainthood. If she saw her ex with that woman, she’d rip her hair out and set it on fire. Carly says she’s not a saint. She’s just a woman movin’ on.
Sasha says, surprised? and Brando says, relieved. He asks if there’s a cab company he can call, and Vern says they’re pretty out of the way. It’ll take a while for a cab to pick them up. Lorna suggests Brando and Sasha stay with them tonight. They don’t have a spare room, but one of them can take the sofa, and the other a sleeping bag. (Ideal for a honeymoon!) Vern says, and he’ll be able to get the pump replaced early tomorrow. Sasha thanks them for their very generous offer, and says they accept. Vern asks Lorna to help him clean up, and give these honeymooners some privacy. They leave, and Sasha says, the first night of their honeymoon. She’ll flip him for the sofa. He says he’s truly sorry it didn’t turn out how they imagined, and she says, please don’t tell her that he already regrets marrying her. He says, no, never, but she deserves the world. He knows this wasn’t her fantasy elopement, but she says, it is her fantasy elopement. At the end of the day, he’s her husband. He says, and she’s his wife. She says, for the rest of their lives, and they kiss.
Tomorrow, Brook asks Michael if Chase said he’s interested in her: Carly asks Josslyn to tell her what’s going on, and they’ll fix it; Esme says, show time; and Cameron tells Jake, don’t! as he’s about to do something on his phone.
👯 Interim BFF…
She was good, but I hope the original comes back soon.
Hit me up tomorrow for some soap, tea galore, meaningful words and as always, a random track. Until then, stay safe, stay on your mettle, and stay knowing that ultimately, only you know what’s right for you.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At The Savoy, Portia says, there he is. She stopped by to say hi, and no Curtis. Curtis gives her a kiss, and says he was at Luke’s memorial. It gave him some food for thought. She says, care to share? and he says he was thinking about Marshall’s cardiac incident, and what it would have meant if he had died. If Curtis had thrown away the only chance he got to know him.
Ned and Olivia are at the MetroCourt with Leo, and Ned says, now? She says, no time like the present, and Ned tells Leo, now that they’re done eating, he and Leo’s mother would like to talk to him about something. Leo asks if he’s in trouble, but Ned says, no, and Olivia asks why he would think that. He says, they’re wearing nice clothes, which means it’s an important day, and Ned says he’s right about that. They just wanted to tell him that they’re having a wedding ceremony at the house in a few days. Leo asks, why? and Olivia says, she and Ned are already married, but they want to have another wedding for their family and friends. Ned says, to show their commitment to their family, and there’s another very important reason. Olivia says, Ned would like to officially adopt Leo, so Ned can be his father. Leo says, but Ned’s not his real father.
At the bar, Austin leaves a voicemail for Maxie. He knows he’s said it before, but he’s saying it again; he’d do just about anything to get Louise back to her. To that end, could she give him a call, so they can coordinate their trip to Pawtuck tomorrow? That’d be great; thanks. Britt walks in, and sits next to Austin. She says she didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but oops, she guesses she did. She asks if he’d like to join her for a drink, and tell her about him and Maxie.
Brook tells Chase, Bailey finally went down. Fingers crossed that she sleeps the night. He says, if she does wake up, he’ll be happy to rock her back to sleep. Brook’s always telling him that Bailey like his singing. Brook says, she does. It’s really… She flashes back on Chase saying he could never be with her, and he asks if she was going to say it’s really a good idea. She says, no, she was going to say it’s unnecessary. She can handle Bailey fine on her own. The doorbell rings, and Brook opens the door to Maxie, who says she’s there for her daughter.
Valentin sees Victor at Charlie’s bar, and says he’s glad Victor has the time to meet with him. He sits down, and Victor says he was going to settle his tab, but he’s more than happy to stick around and spend some time with his son. What is Valentin drinking? Valentin tells the bartender, vodka on the rocks, and Victor orders the same, saying, Valentin does their Russian heritage proud, but Valentin says, he enjoyed vodka when he didn’t know he had a drop of Cassadine blood in him. Victor gives a toast in Russian, and they clink glasses. Valentin says he got an interesting phone call from Dr. Gatlin-Holt today. He said Victor stopped by his office. Victor says he went there to see Valentin. He’s glad to hear Valentin and the good doctor are working together to retaliate against Brook. Of course (🍷) that does make his offer of assistance a little redundant. Valentin says, he likes to keep his options open, and he does value Victor’s expertise. Victor laughs, and tells him, feel free to drop the act. He knows exactly why Valentin is spending time with him.
On the Haunted Star, Laura looks at Luke’s portrait, and says, goodbye, my love. She blows the portrait a kiss, when a woman, dressed entirely in black, including a veil, walks in. She stands in front of Laura, and removes her veil. Laura says, Jennifer Smith, and Jennifer says, fate has been so cruel to take Luke away from them, and even crueler in delaying her to say goodbye. She can’t even tell Laura how much she hated missing the memorial service of their dear ex-husband. Spencer asks if Jennifer was once married to Luke, and Laura says, for five minutes. What is she doing here? What does she want?
On deck, Carly looks up at the sky, and says, Luke, are you out there? Sonny puts his hand on hers, and says he knows they’re feeling a lot tonight. There’s a lot they need to say to each other, but he just wants her to know, the only thing that’s important… Come home.
Oliva says, Ned loves Leo very much, and Ned says, remember, they discussed this last year, that there are many different ways to parent. Some kids have a mom and a dad, some have two moms or two dads, some have stepparents, and sometimes, only one parent. Julian will always be Leo’s biological father. Does he know what that means? Leo nods, and Ned says, he’d like very much to be the father who raises Leo, who makes Leo a part of his family too.
Maxie says, if anyone asks, she had to give Brook some very important Deception research. Chase wonders why anyone would ask, and Maxie says, because Peter followed her to Texas, and then to Nixon Falls. She doesn’t care if he’s in jail awaiting trial; he could have a henchman following her. Brook says, if someone is following her, the last thing she wants is for them to see her leaving the house with Bailey, and Maxie says, she didn’t mean she was going to take Bailey; she just wants to see her. Is she upstairs? Brook says, Maxie doesn’t want to wake her. She’s been having trouble at bedtime, adjusting to a new place. Maxie says, don’t tell her what her daughter needs.
Jennifer says, and who is this handsome young man? and Spencer says, Spencer Cassadine. She says, ooh, a Cassadine, and he asks why she’s there bothering his grandmother. Jennifer says, that’s so lovely; he’s protecting Laura. She must be so proud. Laura says, she is, and Jennifer says, but clearly, she neglected to tell young Spencer about a very substantial part of her history. Laura says, here we go with the histrionics, and Spencer asks how Jennifer is part of Laura’s history. Laura says, Jennifer is Frank Smith’s daughter, and Jennifer says, before his death, her father – may he rest – was a major figure in organized crime. Major. Laura says, Luke worked for Frank Smith, and Frank ordered Luke to marry Jennifer, and on their wedding day, she and Luke ran off together. Jennifer says, please, let’s choose to remember the good times. Now why did no one tell her about the memorial service for her incredible Luke? Laura says, because she wasn’t invited. Now please, return to whatever rock she crawled out from under.
Carly says she and Sonny both know it’s not as simple as just coming home. He says he lost too much time with her already. He doesn’t want to waste another second, but she says, so much hasn’t been addressed. He admitted that he fell in love with Nina. She accepts that it was through no fault of his own. She gets it, but she’s so angry and hurt that he didn’t think she was strong enough to handle the truth after Jason died. He should have told her before. He says, but there was always a crisis, and he wanted things to settle. She says, the anger, the hurt, the betrayal, that’s all stuff she could get past and get over, but the difficult part, the part they’re not saying out loud, is that deep down, she knows he can’t just fall out of love with Nina. His head knows Nina lied to him and hurt his family, but his heart doesn’t. She doesn’t expect him to be able to turn off his feelings at the drop of a hat, but if he needs time to get over Nina, she can’t be around him. She can’t watch him nurse a broken heart for someone else. She was furious not getting the full story, but anger isn’t new to them. What’s impossible is her trying to share a bed with him while he’s trying to get over another woman. He says, it’s the same as her trying to get over falling in love with Jason, and she says, it’s not the same thing. She told him everything after a couple of days. It wasn’t weeks and it wasn’t months. Let’s talk about how she found out about him and Nina. At least when she didn’t tell Sonny, she was trying to protect him. Sonny says, he was trying to protect her, and she says, and Nina. He was trying to protect them both, and that’s heartbreaking because she’s his wife. She thinks they were so happy that he’d come home, they eased back in their old life, and maybe they shouldn’t have. He says he still loves her. Nothing has changed, unless it has for her.
Jennifer makes a drink behind the bar, and Laura says she’s sure Jennifer has heard about her half-brother Cyrus Renault, and his lucrative business in the northwest. It’s actually her territory, isn’t it? Jennifer says, the business was always her father’s domain, and Laura takes the drink from Jennifer, saying, excuse you. The last time they met, Jennifer kidnapped her son, so forgive her if she doesn’t take Jennifer at her word. She takes a sip of the drink, and Jennifer says, fine. She did not come all this way just to pay her respects to Luke. Laura is right. She did have an ulterior motive for coming to Port Charles.
Victor says, Valentin’s sudden enthusiasm for destroying Brook and spending time with him rather came out of the blue. Valentin asks if he’s been enthusiastic, and Victor says, Anna has been looking at him rather crossly lately; curious as to his future plans, no doubt. Since Valentin will do anything for her, Victor is sure Valentin would ingratiate himself to Victor on her behalf. Valentin says, Victor assumes everyone is as calculating as he is, but Victor says, not everyone. In fact, he finds most people reckless, random, and sloppy. All the more reason to appreciate Valentin’s considerable skills at strategy. Besides, Valentin needs to understand that Victor isn’t the least bit bothered by Valentin’s ulterior motives. He’s just happy to spend time with his son any way he can.
Maxie bends over the crib, and says, okay, Louise; mommy’s here. Louise/Bailey starts to cry, and Maxie tells her, don’t cry; it’s okay. Don’t be upset. She cries louder, and Brook comes in. Maxie tells Louise not to cry, and Brook tells Louise, it’s okay. Bailey’s here in her crib, her mobile is here, and her nightlight is here, and I’m here; she’s okay. Bailey/Louise quiets down, and Brook tells her that she’s okay to drift off to dreamland. That’s her girl. Maxie leaves the room.
Britt and Austin sit at a table, and he says, please, whatever ideas she has about him and Maxie, could she just let them go? His focus right now is helping Maxie get her baby back. Britt says, the baby he delivered. If she hadn’t been on the run with Jason, she would have been there to help Maxie. He says, she would have delivered Louise? and she says, Maxie was so worried about what would happen to Louise if Peter got his hands on her, she was prepared to give her baby up for adoption, and let Peter believe she was dead. But she wasn’t there to deliver the baby, and the rest is terrible history. Her brother and his crazy nurse had their own plans for the baby.
Marshall comes into The Savoy, and Portia asks if he shouldn’t be home resting. He says he’s glad he ran into her. He wanted to thank her for helping with his episode last night. She supposes he’s really there to see Curtis, and says, she knows it’s not her place to get involved, but it seems to her, the way Marshall goes about things could be perceived as forward. Curtis asked him for space. Curtis joins them, and tells her, it’s okay. He asked Marshall to stop by.
Olivia says, when Ned adopts Leo, Brook will officially be his sister, and Tracy will really be his grandmother. Leo says, and his name will be Quartermaine, like Olivia. She says, if that’s what he’d like, and Ned says, if Leo still wants him to be his father. Leo nods, and Ned tells Olivia that he’s going to give the lawyers a call, and make sure everything is all set. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. He kisses the tops of both their heads, and leaves.
Victor says he could only protect Valentin from a distance when Helena was alive, and Mikkos. Now, finally, he can be a father to Valentin face-to-face. Valentin asks if this means Victor will be at his Little League games and parent/teacher conferences, and Victor says he won’t rest until their family is intact again. They’re going to need each other for what’s coming next. Valentin says, the details of which Victor doesn’t want to share with him, and Victor says, all in due time. Valentin says then he guesses they don’t have anything else to say to one another, but he will get the tab. He takes out his money, and there’s a piece of paper with it. Valentin looks at it, and Victor asks what it is.
Maxie says she feels like such an idiot, but Chase says she’s not, handing her a box of tissues. Maxie says her daughter is old enough to recognize her name, but her name is not Bailey; it’s Louise. And it’s not Maxie’s voice that’s comforting her or helping her fall asleep; it’s Brook’s.That’s how long she’s been away from her mother. Chase says, this is all going to be over soon. Peter will be found guilty of the crimes he’s committed, and be locked away for the rest of his life. Then Maxie’s baby can return home to her. Maxie asks, how soon is soon? A trial could take months. In the meantime, she’s missing every major milestone of Louise’s life. She doesn’t even know who Maxie is. He says, but she will know who Maxie is. Until then, Maxie’s just got to carry a piece of Louise in her heart. She says he has no idea how true that is.
Valentin tells Victor, he knows Bailey isn’t his daughter, but he can’t seem to let go of this. He unfolds the paper, and it’s Bailey/Louise’s sonogram.
Maxie says, ever since she had to give up her daughter, she’s carried Louise’s sonogram in her purse. She puts it on the table, and we see it next to Valentin’s copy.
Carly says, has her love for Sonny changed? How can he ask her that? The only thing she asked for is space and time, and he owes her that. He says, there’s no need. They’ve got to be together. They’ve got to go on an adventure. They’ve got to recommit. Whatever she wants, just say it. He’s going to tell her everyday that he loves her, and everything is going to be fine; it’s going to go back the way it was. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, he’s not okay. He just got back, and his wife isn’t home. He’s going to show her how much he loves her. He leaves, and she says, she only asked for time.
Jennifer tells Laura that she has something to say to her, and Laura says she’s listening. Jennifer says she’s sorry. She’s sorry for all the terrible things she did, and the pain she caused Laura and her family over the years. Laura asks where this is coming from, and Jennifer says she’s had a lot of time to look at herself over the last few years, and her obsession about Luke wasn’t even about Luke at all; it was about herself and her thinking she deserved everything she wanted. She treated Laura horribly because of her sense of entitlement. Sonny walks in, and Jennifer says, look what the cat dragged in. Hello, Sonny.
Valentin tells Victor, he carried this with him the whole time Brook was expecting, after Bailey was born, and he’s still carrying it. Victor says, may I? and looks at it, noting the patient ID on the back. Valentin says he probably should throw it away, but he can’t shake the feeling that one day, he and Bailey are going to have a relationship of some kind. When that day comes, he wants to have that, but if he doesn’t let it go, he doesn’t know how he’s supposed to heal. Victor suggests he hold onto it for Valentin.
Brook says, Bailey is out like a light, and Maxie says she has to get going. She has to meet her mom. Her mom and Anna are insisting on getting a lead on Louise. They kept pushing her, so she finally agreed to go to Pawtuck with Austin to remember anything that happened when Louise – air quote – went missing – end air quote. She says she can cancel, but Chase says he doesn’t think that’s a good idea. It’ll raise more questions if she bails on her mom and Anna. Brook says, plus, if Austin goes alone, there’s the X factor. Maxie has to go and control the questions and spin the narrative. Maxie asks, what choice does she have, other than telling Austin the truth?
Austin asks if Maxie told Britt who she wanted to adopt Louise, but Ned approaches their table, and says, sorry to interrupt. He just wanted to give them an update on Leo. He’s seeing the specialist Austin recommended. Austin says, great; Olivia mentioned something about that. How does Leo feel about the sessions? Ned says, so far, so good, and Austin says, he thinks, in the long run Leo will be grateful for what they’re doing. Ned says he’s the one who’s grateful, and he wanted to thank Austin. Austin put Ned’s son first, knowing what it could cost him, and he knows his family didn’t do right by Austin. He’s hoping to rectify that.
Marshall says, by the look on Portia’s face, she’s as surprised as he is that Curtis asked him to come. Surprised and grateful. Curtis says he has to admit, he thought it would take a couple of days, given Marshall might need some time to recover. Either way, he’s glad Marshall is there. He’s been doing some thinking since Marshall was in the hospital, and confided to a friend what Marshall told him about being in hiding. Marshall says, he warned Curtis… but Curtis says he trusts them. They got to talking, and his friend made him realize he was demanding answers from Marshall could put their family in jeopardy. Marshall says he can see why Curtis would think that, and Curtis says he doesn’t like it, but he’s willing not to push it, for now.
Jennifer says, she was hoping she and Sonny would reconnect when she was in town, and he says, they met once or twice, when he was working for her dad. That was a long time ago. She says, and look how far he’s come. The Five Families zabaglione are down to two. Laura asks Spencer to do her a favor; go out on the deck, and give Doc a call. Tell him they’ve been delayed, but they’ll be home soon. He starts to protest, but she says, from the deck. Now. He leaves, and Jennifer says, the Corinthos as Wu families now run the entire east coast. Her father would be so proud. Sonny says, her father’s dead, and she says, still, his empire could grow if that’s Sonny wanted. He says, what he wants is to take care of his family, not have this conversation, and she says she was just trying to be nice. She has an early flight in the morning, and it’s not like they’ll be able to catch up over breakfast. He says she can go back on his private jet because there’s no use for her here. He doesn’t need any distractions when he’s concentrating on Carly and his family. Laura suggests Jennifer get that drink she wanted, and Jennifer goes back to the bar. Sonny fiddles with his phone, and says, come on, and Laura asks if he’s okay. Sonny turns to look at her, and looks like Jack Nicolson in The Shining.
Carly finds Josslyn in her room, and they hug. Carly says, she’s so happy to see Josslyn, and Josslyn says, she dropped Donna and Avery off at Grandma Bobbie’s, and thought she’d come say hi. Carly says she’s glad, and Josslyn asks how Carly is doing. Grandma Bobbie told her that Sonny was at Luke’s memorial. Carly says, he was, and Josslyn asks if she wants to talk about it, but Carly says she doesn’t, because it’s not appropriate. Josslyn says, who cares? Talk to her about it anyway. Not talking isn’t going to make her any less upset about Sonny, and actually saying how she feels about Sonny out loud may be helpful. Carly says she’s sad, and she’s confused, and she keeps waiting for the Sonny she knows to show up. The one who would be furious that Nina kept Sonny from his family for months. The one who would want her to suffer the way they suffered. But this Sonny is just making excuses, saying he wants to protect Carly, when really, it’s Nina he’s protecting.
Marshall thanks Curtis for his understanding, and they shake hands. He’s going to leave them alone now. He doesn’t want to get in the way of their date night. Portia says, he wasn’t; she was actually just leaving. Curtis says, she was? and she suggests Curtis have a great night with his father. She tells them both, goodnight, gives Curtis a kiss, and leaves. Marshall looks at a bottle on the bar, and Curtis says, a tequila man, is he? Marshall says, yes, sir. He was just noticing the brand; top of the line. Curtis has good taste. Curtis gestures to a table, and Marshall sits down. Curtis brings the bottle over, and sits with him. He says he can’t tell Marshall how many times he was warned organized crime would try to muscle him out of his nightclub, and Marshall asks what he’s trying to say. Curtis tells him, he’s saying he knows there are a lot of grey areas about Marshall’s past. If Marshall got mixed up with some not-so-good people, Curtis knows it might not have been willingly. He’s not saying he gets it, but he’s trying to. Does that make sense? Marshall says, it does.
Laura says, Sonny seems out of sorts; is he okay? He says he’s fine, but starts breathing hard, and leaves. Jennifer says, Laura looks like she needs this more than she does, and hands her the drink. What has Sonny Corinthos so hot and bothered? Laura puts the drink down, and says she doesn’t know, but he’s right about one thing. Jennifer being there isn’t helping anyone; Jennifer least of all. Jennifer says, Luke was cruel to both of them. Laura at least got out from all of that. She needs to know how Laura did it. How did she get the catharsis she needed to reclaim her life? Laura says, don’t look for a catharsis. Life doesn’t always wrap itself up cleanly and neatly and completely; it just doesn’t. The only way any of us gets any closure, is by closing a chapter and opening the next one. Jennifer thanks Laura, and says she’ll take it to heart. Take care. She leaves, and Laura takes a sip of the drink.
Josslyn says, Carly just wants Sonny to admit he messed up, not tell her all the reasons he kept quiet about his feelings for Nina. Carly says, but in Sonny’s mind, those reasons make sense. He didn’t want to inflict more pain after Jason died, or after Brando and Sasha had to take their baby off life support. Josslyn says, his intentions were good, so Carly’s not allowed to be mad? but Carly says, she’s mad, and she feels justified in her anger. Josslyn says, her too, and Carly says, but justifiable anger’s not going to fix things. Josslyn asks if Carly thinks there is any way to fix things.
Olivia tells Leo that she’s going to say something that may not make sense to him for a while. She had blinders on for a long time. She let her own fears and anxieties get in the way. She wasn’t seeing him for who he really is, every last beautiful side of him. But she sees him now; she really does, every bit. She wants him to know, she’ll never let her fears come first ever again. She loves her little man so much. They hug.
Ned tells Austin that he and Olivia are having a family gathering in a few days at the house, to renew their wedding vows. He’d like Austin to be there, but Austin says he has other plans. Ned says, okay. There will be other family occasions, and he’s hoping maybe Austin changes his mind, and joins them. He leaves, and Austin and Britt look at each other.
Chase and Brook both say, bad idea, and Maxie says, think about it first. Austin already thinks Brook is hiding something from him, even more than lying to Valentin about being Bailey’s father. And this way, they could keep him from asking any more inconvenient questions. Brook says, Maxie… and Maxie says, fine. Brook is right as usual. She’s got to get going. Her mom wants to go over details of their Pawtuck outing. Brook says she’s sorry about what happened before with Bailey; she was just cranky. Maxie says, it’s fine. It’s good for her to see her daughter is in good hands. Brook and Chase make a great team. She leaves, and Chase says he agrees with Maxie. He and Brook make a good team. She says, really? She gets the sense she’s just a burden to him.
Carly and Josslyn get in the bed with their coffee, and Carly says she does hope to put the pieces back together. Josslyn tells her not to stay with Sonny if it means she’s unhappy, and Carly says, in the end, that depends on Sonny. He needs to understand that she needs space, or they’ll never be able to make things right.
Curtis and Marshall clink glasses, and Curtis says, to Marshall’s health. Marshall says, and Curtis’s, and the continued health of The Savoy. They drink, and Marshall says, that’s good. Curtis says, another? and pours Marshall another shot. Marshall says, Curtis is right on the money. Shady characters always try to muscle their way into venues like this. Speaking of the devil, Sonny walks over to the table, and Curtis asks, what’s up? Sonny says, he wants Curtis’s club.
In her car on the phone, Jennifer says, the memorial just ended… No. She did not get the closure she needed, but she did get them what they wanted. Sonny is in no rush to expand to the west coast, which gives them plenty of time to grow strong before they make their move one day… So are they finished here?
Spencer tells Laura that he left the message on Doc’s voicemail, and she thanks him. He asks why she wanted him to leave. It’s not like he doesn’t know his Uncle Sonny is a kingpin. She says, all the more reason for Spencer not to listen in on Sonny’s conversations, especially the ones with Jennifer Smith. He says, she was a lot, and Laura says, that’s one way of putting it. He asks if Laura is worried about Jennifer showing up, and Laura says, it’s a concern, but she has other things to focus on. He says, like running the city, but she says, no. Actually, she was thinking about her family. She knows she’s been hard on him recently, but hopes he knows that she’ll always love him. He says he loves her too, and they hug.
Victor suggests he hold on to the sonogram for Valentin. He can return it when Bailey’s absence from Valentin’s heart is a little less painful. Valentin thanks him, and tells him to take it. Someone has to pull the plug on his attachment to that kid. Like he said, he’s got the tab. Victor says, don’t you dare. Please allow him. It’s the least he can do for the chance of getting to know Valentin better. Valentin says, and him getting to know Victor, and finishes his drink. Valentin says something in French, and leaves, and Victor says, au bien teau, mon fils (good luck, my son).
Austin tells Britt, let’s celebrate. He’s on the A-list of Quartermaine invitees. It makes him want to dance with joy. She says, at least things worked out with Leo. Austin was willing to risk his career when he suspected Leo was on the autism spectrum. He says, that’s just him, Saint Austin, but she says she thinks it’s more than him just being a good doctor. Is there a reason why Leo’s case was so personal to him?
Chase says, Brook is a burden to him? Where’s this coming from? She tells him, forget she said anything; she’s tired. He says, it came from somewhere. Don’t shut him out. She says, she’s not; she swears. She’s going to check on Bailey one more time, and go to bed. She’ll see him in the morning.
Victor finishes his drink, and is about to leave, when he literally runs into Maxie. She drops her stuff, and he sees the sonogram with her patient ID on it.
Tomorrow, Trina asks if Spencer would care to make it interesting, Josslyn asks why Carly was the one to leave when Sonny messed up, Nina says it’s either her or Carly, and Sonny tells Curtis that he’s not leaving until he gets it.
Below Deck
Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts. Everyone is a bit hung over. In Eddie’s interview, he says, the season has been difficult. It kills him that Rayna didn’t think of him as a friend or supporter. He felt like he’d let someone down. He tells Rayna that the thing with Heather isn’t sitting well with him; both that it upset Rayna and that she didn’t feel he’d backed her up. That was the last thing he wanted, and wants to do what he can to support her. He asks if she wants him to grab Heather, so they can kill this, but Rayna says she’s tired of talking to Heather about it. He tells her that she doesn’t express it when she’s upset, and she agrees. He tells her to talk to him next time.
It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Captain Lee says the primaries are Jennifer, a real estate entrepreneur from Utah, and husband Darin, who want the charter of a lifetime with their friends. Jennifer has requested no cooked fish, and they want a white party with a curated meal, featuring their dishes from their favorite cuisines. They also want a jungle safari beach party, and a formal dinner party. The captain says, they’re leaving at 11. Until then, he’s leaving them to their own devices. As he walks away, he says, that’s a frightening thought in itself. In Eddie’s interview, he says, they’re all exhausted. One more push. Macho man Eddie is coming out. He tells the deckhands, let’s get her done. Captain Lee asks Eddie to take them out of the dock, and Eddie says he’d like Jake to be on watch. Provisions come in.
Captain Lee tells the crew, 30 minutes. It’s the last one, and he wants to hit it out of the park, because we can’t get through the season without a baseball reference. The guests come on board, and are given champagne. The captain says, Heather will give them the tour; then they’ll get this party started. Rachel says she’s in let’s kill it mode, and makes a charcuterie plate, while Heather shows the guests around. The marina manager yells at them to stop. Wes sees something in the water, and Eddie runs down. The captain says, that’s a big effing no-no. Leaving the engines running, and walking off from the wheelhouse is never acceptable.
Wes fishes garbage, and whatever else that fell, out of the water. Captain Lee tells Eddie, the number one rule; never leave the bridge unattended when everything is fired up. Eddie asks what the captain would have done (WWCLD?), and the captain says, shut everything down. You have no idea what could happen with the electronic controls. He learned the hard way. We flash back to 7 seasons ago, when the boat ripped a pilon off. Eddie gets the boat out into the water, and Captain Lee says, good job. Rayna drops anchor.
Island of Nevis. Kaylee says she’s banging the laundry out, and lunch is served. The guests inform Heather that Nevis is Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, and express interest in visiting his old house. The slide is put up without incident, and Heather tells Kaylee, tonight is white chic, and puts her on balloon blowing. She gives Kaylee some pearls for the white party, and the guests want champagne for watching the sunset. The captain hears them wondering where someone is to serve the champagne. One suggests asking the captain, but Darin says he is not asking the captain for effing champagne. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, the guests are paying how much money? They’re not even close to the finish line. The crew needs to get their heads out of their asses, or he’ll eat their asses. He goes to the crew mess, where everyone seems to be, and says, at no time is he ever to see everybody sitting at this table at the same time. The guests are wandering around, looking for drinks. Heather jets, and the captain says, if he sees this again, there will be hell to pay.
Heather says, group champagne flute coming up, and I get a mental picture of a champagne bong. In Fraser’s interview, he says he doesn’t think they’re providing the highest quality of hospitality, but it’s not his job… yet. He puts white feathers on his epaulets. Rayna helps in the galley, and in her interview, she says Rachel is a dragon lady. Rachel’s like Shrek, and Rayna is the donkey. The guests rave about the décor, and the table does look beautiful; pearls and white doilies with tiny white trees on them. Heather serves the salsa and guacamole, but fails to take the bowl of chips. In Rachel’s interview, she says, it’s the last leg of the race. Everyone is tired, but they need to keep communication open. Fraser tells Kaylee to do the cabins, and Heather tells Rachel that the guests are loving the soup, but Rachel says, she’s too tired, and doesn’t give a f***. I’m wondering why on earth the guests would opt for Mexican food at a white party. That’s like asking for a laundry disaster. Lobster ravioli is served, and primary Jennifer says she put it a million times in bold letters on her preference sheet; no cooked fish. From what she’s mumbling, it sounds like she doesn’t like the texture. In Heather’s interview, she says, Rachel had completely forgotten. Clearly, they were all exhausted. She tells Rachel about the mistake, and Rachel says, bloody effing hell.
We flash back to the prior charters where Rachel neglected one guest’s aversion to cheese, and didn’t quite meet the needs of the guest whose jaw was wired shut. In her interview, Rachel says, she’s so tired, it becomes a compilation. She comes upstairs with the next course, and apologizes to Jennifer for the lobster, saying, she’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Fraser and Jake chat as Fraser pops the balloons, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, he and Jake are different, but complete each other in weird, wonderful ways. They love each other. Jake calls pseudo-fiancé Paris, and says he’s taking an 8 day holiday after the season. She tells him that if there’s a strew position on the boat he’ll be on, she’ll come along, but the phone dies.
The next morning, Jennifer and Darin have coffee on the top deck. Heather says Rachel looks like she’s going to cry or kill someone. No surprise, Rachel opts for the latter. Fraser calls friend Kamille, and in his interview, he says, his aspiration is to be a chief stew. He tells Kamille that he’s too comfortable where he is, and couldn’t live a comfortable life. The guests are seated for breakfast, and I wonder why everyone isn’t clutching coffee cups. Mine doesn’t leave my hand in the morning until noon. Heather tells Fraser that she’s grumpy and over people being grumpy and over it. She’s effing exhausted. In her interview, she says, the boat sucks, and the best way to fix it is with imagination. They need a serious bounce back, and to take it to the next level. She tells Eddie that the guests love Hamilton. Maybe he could think of a cool way to incorporate it. Eddie says he thinks Heather already has an idea, and asks, what’s on her mind? She says, this is how we get $30K…
Heather tells Eddie that she’ll put him in a Hamilton outfit, and he can pull up in a boat. He suggests he ask directions to NYC, so he can better his education, and then leave. Heather produces a grey wig from who-knows-where, along with a bunch of costume pieces. In Eddie’s interview, he says he was into musical theater when he was younger. The first part he played was in The Wizard of Oz. He played Toto, and stole the show. He’s playing it cool, but can’t wait to get his Hamilton on. Heather tells Fraser that she’s going to set up on the beach, and she wants him to stay for the final packing. Rayna and Jake are already there, setting up the tents, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, she sees the light at the end of the tunnel, but she’s going to miss Jake. They love each other, but the boat is too small for their big personalities. Regardless, she loves him.
Captain Lee tells Heather, the wheelhouse looks like a costume shop. It’s got to go. Heather thinks the captain is tired and cranky too, and Rachel says, or just pissed because he wants to wear the wig. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s glad the captain didn’t talk to her like that. She would have cried. Heather tells Kaylee that she’s getting it from all angles. It started with Rachel in the morning; then Rayna was giving her attitude. Now it was Captain Lee. In Kaylee’s interview, she said she and Heather were like sisters. They love each other, but they can also want to rip each other’s heads off. She feels it’s her responsibility to pick Heather back up, because that’s what sisters do. Kaylee fixes Heather’s hair in the crew mess, and the captain asks if Heather is chewing gum. Heather promises she’ll spit it out before she waits on the guests, and in her interview, she says, more knives, but she’s still standing. Fraser comes in, and asks Heather something about the dish he’s holding. She tells him to drop it off in the galley, then tend to the guests, but he keeps talking. Afterwards, she tells him that Captain Lee didn’t want to see all three stews in the galley, and when she told him to go, he did the opposite. He made it seem like her word didn’t stand. In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s sorry Heather’s not feeling great, but right now, it’s not cute. Chill the f*** out.
Rachel asks Wes to help put aluminum foil on the food trays going to the beach. In Rachel’s interview, she says, screwing up is not an option. She’s made it a la carte, so there’s an option for everyone. Heather and Kaylee go over to the beach, and in Heather’s interview, she says, the picnic has to be seamless. She needs to have her head in the game, and stop worrying about how everyone feels. The guests are brought over, and Kaylee and Wes go back to the boat. Cornhole is played, as it is at every jungle safari beach picnic. Heather takes a group photo of the guests, and Rachel grills. Heather calls Eddie to come with the ice cream, and Eddie gets into his costume.
Looking like an aging minuteman, Eddie tells us, I’m Alexander Hamilton, bitch. He approaches the beach, and upon landing, says he’s on his way to King’s College, but brought them ice cream. In his interview, he says, Lin Manuel, I’m available. Rachel tells Heather that Eddie wasn’t supposed to come until the very end of the meal, and in her interview, Rachel asks why this is happening. If it melts, she’ll look like a dumbass. She tells Heather that she wanted it when the guests were done eating. In Heather’s interview, she asks if she’s in the Twilight Zone. Don’t hate her. She was doing what Rachel wanted. She suggests putting it in the cooler, but Rachel says she doesn’t care anymore.
Next time, the finale, a duel on deck, Rachel tells Heather to STFU, and Heather begs for Rayna’s forgiveness on her knees. It’s a no.
🏖 On the God awful Summer House, the takeaway points were as follows. We found out newcomer Mya had once been engaged to Kwame from Top Chef. Danielle’s boyfriend was also a chef, and getting more successful, so he wasn’t around much, but she seemed okay with that. Ciara said, Austen wasn’t ready to date or be in a relationship, and Carl looked like an entrée. Really? Et tu, Ciara? Some woman cursed Andrea out and called him an a-hole for pushing her in the pool at a pool party. Paige asked the woman and her friend to leave the pool party, but they were like, you can’t fire me, I quit, and said they were on their way out anyway. Andrea got all dramatic about it, and took to his bed. Amanda did weird things with a floatie, and I have no idea why. No surprise, Andrea wanted what he could no longer have, which was Paige, and that confused her, but we know she’s with Craig now, so it really doesn’t matter. I finally looked it up. This cast is mostly between 30 and 40. I have no words.
👨🏾🍳 Crossing Over…
If things had worked out, would Kwame have been a Summer Chef?
Please feel free to join me tomorrow for soap and a VanderReunion where I’m sure sparks will be flying. Until then, stay safe, stay seeking answers, and stay not going to memorials you’re not invited to. No good can come of it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Alexis wanders into Charlie’s and sits at the bar. The bartender pours her a glass of champagne.
At The Savoy, Doc says, so the official mayoral party-hopping duties are over, right? and Laura says, yep. He says, this stop is just for them to have fun, and she says, you bet. Felicia comes in with Mac, and says they’re thrilled to have Laura back, but Laura says, not half as thrilled as she is to be home. Mac says he’s making a New Year’s resolutions to keep the city as safe as possible, so Laura never has to leave again. Doc says, except for their trip to Paris, and Laura says, a trip to Paris with the man she loves, ringing in the New Year with old friends; the year is shaping up pretty well.
Maxie asks where Anna’s date is, and Anna says she’s kind of like Cinderella in reverse. Her date left at midnight. Maxie says, home to relieve the babysitter? but Anna says, there was no babysitter. It was Charlotte. She had a friend over, and persuaded Valentin that they could see in the New Year unsupervised, but at 12:15, Valentin went home. Maxie says she remembers the first year she was allowed to stay up unsupervised without a babysitter; it was a big deal. Anna says, it’s a right of passage really, and Maxie says she’s sorry Anna’s date was cut short, but it gives them a chance to talk. She knows she was really hard on Anna about Peter, but that was so last year. Can they have a fresh start? Anna gets up and hugs Maxie, saying, there’s nothing she’d love more. Especially now that Peter’s no longer a threat. Maxie says, this time next year, he’ll be nothing but a bad memory.
A guard stands outside Peter’s hospital room when Victor comes out of the elevator in a tux. Britt tells him, stop right there. Visiting hours ended long before the ball dropped in Times Square. And isn’t it time he returned that rental tux? He says, happy New Year to her too. He could hardly ring in 2022 without paying his respects to her brother. She says Victor certainly has a lot to celebrate. While he walks around a free man without a care in the world, his partner in crime may never wake up.
Austin tends to Peter. One of Peter’s fingers moves.
On the footbridge, Carly says, for a moment, she thought… and Drew says, must be the moonlight, and the night mist. She says, or maybe she just wanted it to be him. He says, Jason could always find peace in this place. He was hoping the same magic would work for him. She says, the magic’s gone, and so is Jason, and looks out over the water.
Nina brings Sonny to… I don’t know where, a fancy apartment or house, and he says, we’re here. You’ve done your civic duty. She played designated driver, and now he’s got everything he needs right here. He thanks her, and pours a drink. He sees her watching him, and says he’s not going to drive drunk; he can’t find his keys, remember? That’s why she drove him. And he’s certainly not going to make things worse, because they can’t get any worse. He calls out, hi, honey! I’m home!
Alexis stares at the champagne for a moment, then picks it up. She says, happy New Year, and turns to see Harmony.
Maxie tells Anna, she’s so ready to say goodbye to 2021. She wants to start the new year with a new attitude. She took on Peter, and lived to tell about it. Anna says, yes, she has, when Felicia joins them, saying, happy New Year. She hugs Maxie, and asks if Anna can convince her daughter that it’s time to let them do what they do best. Maxie says, look gorgeous? and Felicia says, that too, but she’s serious. She took a step back because Maxie asked her to, but it’s a new year. Let her and Anna put their skills together to find Maxie’s baby and bring her home.
Doc sits with Mac and Anna, and says, if Mac really wants to keep Laura safe, keep Cyrus in prison. Mac says he understands Laura paid him a visit in Flatland, and she says, she went to see him before she came home. Mac asks if it’s true he found religion, and she says, so he claims, but to be honest, she’s less worried about her brother than another potential menace close to home. Mac says, Victor Cassadine.
Victor tells Britt, it’s true he and Peter had a business arrangement, but that was long before he was made aware of Peter’s many grievous crimes. Britt says she knows Victor was behind her mother’s abduction. He delivered her mother into Peter’s hands. He says, fortunately, dear Liesl survived. Pity the same thing can’t be said for Jason Morgan. He’s sorry; did he hit a nerve?
Austin starts to leave, but Peter grabs his arm. His eyes are open.
Drew tells Carly, he’s not a big New Year’s guy. Some people love to get out there and party, but more often than not, he likes to keep things quiet. Well, there’s quiet and locked in a cell, which is where he spent his last two New Years. So this year, he celebrated by dropping by to visit Scout with a pair of those funny glasses. Carly smiles, and he says, it’s so much more than he could have imagined six months ago. His little girl goes to bed long before midnight, and he didn’t know what to do, so he came here. Anyway, that’s him. He’s guessing she’s here because she misses her best friend. If she wants to talk about it, he’s a pretty good listener.
Sonny asks if Nina knows this place, but she says, she can’t say she does. He says, he bought it in 1994. Before that, he lived above his nightclub called the Paradise. Stone was like a little brother to him, and he was sick. He wanted to make Stone more comfortable, so he bought Stone this place, and he stayed for a couple of years, until he went out by the lake. Sonny couldn’t get rid of it; too much history. He doesn’t know why he’s telling her this. He should know better. She says she’s not his enemy. She swears she didn’t know Willow was going to testify, but he says, she knew Willow overheard them talking about Nixon Falls, and what they were to each other, and didn’t tell him. She didn’t give him a heads up. She says she never dreamed Willow would be forced to testify about them, and she certainly didn’t tell Scotty. She thought it was over. He says, that’s half-truth, and takes a slug straight from the bottle. She suggests maybe he stop drinking. He’s going to have a headache in the morning. He says, it’s his headache to have, because he earned it. She says she hates to leave him like this, but she’s clueless how to help him. She starts to leave, and he says, wait; don’t go.
Alexis says, of all the gin joints in the world, Harmony had to walk into hers, and Harmony says, can Alexis believe Willow didn’t even call to wish her a happy New Year? She’s been trying the entire year to improve her life; staying out of trouble. You’d think the New Year would be the perfect time to cut someone a break, but no; not even a generic text message or a photo of Wiley. She got nothing. It’s not like she expected to get invited to the Quartermaine’s mansion to watch football. She doesn’t even like football. She guesses she kind of likes the halftime show and creative commercials… Alexis says she’s not very sporty, but thinks Harmony is talking about the Superbowl. Harmony tells the bartender that she’s fine, and says, all she really cares about is being with family, but she guesses Willow still views her as an embarrassment. My mother, the ex-true believer, the ex-enabler, who can only get a job working with other misfits at a minimum security prison. Happy New Year to her. Alexis says, this is really helpful. She’s so engaged in Harmony’s problems, she forgot how much she might enjoy that cocktail.
Maxie says, this is the first time Anna and Felicia have been in the same room since Sean Donnelly’s memorial service. No arguing, no yelling; it’s nice to see them acting like friends again, but she doesn’t need their help. By this time next year, Louise will be back in her arms, she just knows it. She leaves, and Felicia says she loves Maxie’s faith, but sometimes faith alone just isn’t enough. Anna says, tell her about it. Is Maxie right about them? Are they friends again?
Mac tells Laura, it wasn’t his call to release Victor. The WSB cut a deal. She says she knows it was out of his hands, and to his credit, Victor kept up his end of the bargain, and gave them the information they needed. So if Peter’s reign of terror is actually over… Doc says, if? The man is in a coma. Laura says, that’s a relief, but Victor’s a free man. Mac says, free to do what? and she says, that’s what she’s afraid of.
Victor says he understands Britt and Jason were an item back in the day, apparently not grasping the concept of back in the day, since it wasn’t that long ago. Something to do with him getting stabbed in Pentenville and coming here for treatment. Then the two of them making a daring escape and being on the run for weeks. It must have been quite an adrenaline rush. She says, it’s none of his business, and he says, then Peter put an end to Jason. It’s all so sad, but he had nothing to do with it. He was in WSB custody at the time of the tunnel collapse. A woman in scrubs runs past them to Peter’s room, and Britt asks Austin, what happened? Are they losing Peter? He says, just the opposite. The patient is awake. Victor says, Peter is out of his coma? and Austin says, yes. He removed Peter’s ET tube, and Peter is having a hard time speaking, but made it clear he wants to see someone. Britt says there’s no way she’s letting him see Maxie, but Austin says, the person he wants to see is Victor.
Carly tells Drew, she came there because she didn’t know where else to go. The person she could always trust, and could always turn to, isn’t there anymore. Drew says, because Jason died on Cassadine Island, and he came back.
Nina asks what Sonny wants from her, and he says, isn’t it the other way around? Doesn’t she want to hear what happened after Willow dropped that bomb in the hearing room, and Carly left, and he went after her? She says, that’s between him and Carly, but he says, Nina is just as much a part of it as anyone else. Let’s not pretend. She says, all right. What happened after he chased after Carly? She sits and says, tell her everything.
Harmony says Alexis is giving her too much credit. She’s not a therapist. They’re not even friends, which is what they established when she ran into Alexis at Rice Plaza. They had a brief connection at Spring Ridge, but now Alexis is on the other side. Alexis says she’s an ex con, but Harmony says, they both know she’s more than that. Alexis says, do they? Her daughters think she can reinvent herself. Her friends do too, but she dipped her toe in the water, and she’s forgotten how to swim. Harmony says, so go buy some water wings, and Alexis says, that’s the best she’s got? With all her experience at Spring Ridge, she’d have thought Harmony could come up with something more inspiring. Harmony asks what magic words Alexis wants to hear; that life’s hard, rise above? In case she didn’t notice, Harmony also ended up alone on New Year’s, until she ran into Alexis, of course (🍷). And even if she could come up with some sympathetic words to talk Alexis off the ledge, what about tomorrow, or the next day? At some point, Alexis is going to have to help herself. Alexis says, okay, okay. She’s just trying to do the best she can. Harmony says, really? She thinks Alexis came here hoping to find Kristina working, so she could put the responsibility on her daughter. So she could have Kristina help stop her from drinking, since she clearly can’t stop herself.
Felicia says she never thought she and Anna stopped being friends. Their friendship just suffered a speedbump in the road. She was terrified for her daughter, and desperate to find her grandchild. Anna says, and she was the one who let Peter get away, but Felicia says she knows Anna was just giving him a chance to save himself. Maybe she would have done the same thing in Anna’s place, but she’d like to think she would have given a friend a warning. Anna say she understands that, and the truth is, she gave Peter way too many chances. Felicia says, the bottom line is, Anna brought Peter to justice, and Anna says, she didn’t do it alone. She had help. Felicia says she meant what she said about the two of them teaming up to find Louise, and Anna says she’s in, whatever it takes. Felicia says she’s pleased to hear Anna say that. She knows there’s a lead out there; something everyone has missed. And she knows the two of them can find it.
Maxie watches Felicia and Anna from the bar, and Mac asks if she’s okay.
Laura tells Doc that she thinks she’s going to ask Valentin to meet her for coffee next week. They have a lot of catching up to do. Doc asks, to touch base about Charlotte, or get information about her grandfather? and she says she was absolutely shocked to find out Valentin was Victor’s son. But now that she’s had a little time to think about it, she thinks there’s a way to use their relationship to everyone’s advantage.
Britt asks Victor, what’s the matter? He was so eager to talk to Peter when he was in a coma. Now Peter is awake and asking for him. He’s getting cold feet? Austin says, he doesn’t think there’s anything to be afraid of. Peter is pretty weak. He doesn’t think Peter is a threat to anyone. Britt says, or is Victor the threat? Victor says, perhaps he can shake the tree a little and find out something about Maxie’s missing child. He holds out his arms, and the guard frisks him. Britt says she’ll give him ten minutes, but Austin says, he thinks five should do it. Victor goes into Peter’s room, and says, look at him. Back in the land of the living. Did he learn that trick from his father? Peter motions him closer, and says, Victor betrayed him, but Victor says, to be fair, Peter betrayed him first. It’s just business; nothing personal. Now that he’s free perhaps he can help Peter. No. Actually he’s the only person in the whole wide world who can help Peter.
Carly tells Drew, Jason knew the risk. He always did what he had to do. That’s just who Jason was. Drew says he finally got to know Jason a little bit in Greece. Peter was keeping them prisoner, and had them chained to a wall in a wine cellar. They were talking about how to escape and how to bring down Peter, and how much they hated the bastard. He guesses it was mostly him. Jason didn’t waste a lot of breath venting or swearing vengeance. She says, that wasn’t his style, and Drew says, at one point, Peter made a mistake that Jason predicted, and Jason kind of smiled. He thinks Jason actually laughed, but he’d thought he was hallucinating for a second. Jason knew they had what they needed to bring Peter down, and looking back, in that moment, he and Jason became a team. They did it; they stopped Peter. She says, at a terrible price, and he says he doesn’t know what brought her here – it’s none of his business – but if she doesn’t blame him for Jason not being here, is it possible she blames herself?
Sonny tells Nina, after Carly left the hearing, she didn’t stop until she got to a park. He finally caught up with her and tried to explain to her… He’s about to pour another drink, but puts the glass down, saying, Nina is right. Alcohol doesn’t do anything to ease the pain. She says, he can’t do it. Even when he feels this rage and guilt, not to mention way to much scotch, he can’t betray Carly’s trust by talking behind her back. She guesses he doesn’t need any words. He’s not with Carly tonight, and that very much says it all. He’s here in a place that’s not his home anymore with a woman who’s not his wife.
Harmony apologizes for the low blow, and Alexis says, there’s a lot of bars she could have gone to. Maybe she did come in there looking for her daughter. Harmony says, the reason she went low is, she doesn’t trust herself with those high minded phrases. When she was with Dawn of Day, she kept Shiloh’s book of wisdom at her fingertips. It made her feel powerful, especially with those lost souls looking for answers, but those phrases are just an illusion. The reality is, she works at Spring Ridge, mostly listening to prisoners, in between doing her grunt work, hoping one day her daughter learns to trust her again. Alexis says, it appears they’re looking for answers in all the wrong places. Perhaps they should just try looking in a mirror.
Laura tells Doc that she thinks Victor will be looking to spend more time with Valentin, which puts Valentin in a unique position to work Victor for information. Doc says, and relay that information to her, and she says, hopefully. Despite his bad character, he’s very devoted to Charlotte. She thinks he’ll realize that stopping Victor is what’s best for Charlotte too. Doc says, even so, can she expect one Cassadine to turn on another? She says she knows that family well, and she’s counting on it, and he says, he’s counting on a more private celebration. As mayor, her car is on standby. She says she loves that perk, and they leave.
Maxie says she’s fine, now that Peter is out of commission, and Mac’s phone rings. It’s Britt, and he asks, what’s up? Britt says, medically speaking, she has good news; a patient woke from a coma. The bad news is, the patient is Peter August. Her next call will be to Maxie. He says, no need; she’s standing beside him. He’ll give her the news, and be there asap. Maxie asks what Britt wanted, and he says, unfortunately, it’s not good news to welcome in 2022. Felicia and Anna join them, and Felicia asks, what is it? He says, Peter’s awake.
Peter tells Victor, he’d laugh if it weren’t too painful. Victor is going to help him? Victor says, it’s true a condition of his deal with the WSB was to reveal Peter’s whereabouts, but Peter is hardly in a position to afford the luxury of holding a grudge. Peter says, why not? and Victor says, someone wants him dead. They tried once, and most likely will want to finish the job. Peter says, and Victor is going to save him? and Victor says he has resources that can greatly prolong Peter’s life expectancy. Now Peter will want to know what Victor wants in return, but it’s not a question of what, is it? It’s a question of who.
Carly tells Drew, she didn’t ask Jason to go to Greece; Britt Westbourne did. Although she could have given him a reason to stay in Port Charles. He asks what she could have said that would have made any difference.
Nina says she knows Sonny probably doesn’t want to hear this – he drains his glass – but maybe it’s a good thing the truth came out. He says he wanted to tell Carly the truth himself, but they were dealing with so much loss, he waited. Obviously, he waited too long. She says, but there was never going to be a good time for Carly to find out what happened between them in Nixon Falls. If there’s anything she can do… He says, like what? You know what? Carly, I’m sorry I fell in love with Mike when I knew he was your husband. She starts to cry, and he says, she can’t do anything. It’s not on her. What Carly can’t get past is what he kept from her.
Alexis asks Harmony if everyone is gossiping about her at Spring Ridge; how she accepted a pardon and escaped punishment. Harmony says, any one of those inmates would have jumped at the chance to go out those doors, and Alexis says, she should never have gone out those doors. Her nephew shouldn’t have gotten away with what he did, and she doesn’t want to be out in the real world, where there’s alcohol everywhere and no one to stop her from drinking it. Harmony says, Alexis has had a glass of champagne at her elbow, and hasn’t taken a sip since she sat down, so she’s doing pretty well. Alexis says, it’s probably because Harmony came by. She doesn’t have anyone to talk to, or anyone she wants to talk to. She distanced herself from everyone, including the friend she left behind there. Harmony says she guesses that’s something else she failed at, since she’s right here.
Back home, Doc says, at last he has Laura all to himself. No more hands to shake, no more babies to kiss. She’s all his. They kiss, and the doorbell rings. He says, you’re kidding. Let’s not answer it. Anyone who rings a doorbell after midnight on New Year’s Eve can’t be a good person. She says, Spencer and Esme might have forgotten their key, but he asks her to let him call her security detail. She says, she refuses to live in fear, and looks through the peephole. She opens the door, and looks shocked.
Anna asks if Peter is alert and talking, but Mac doesn’t know. He’ll give them an update, but thinks, in the meantime, they should all stay there and enjoy the night. Maxie says, no way; she’s coming with him. Felicia says, they’ll go as a family, but Anna says she has to make some calls. Keep her updated. Mac promises to do that, and they leave.
Austin asks if Britt thinks Victor and Peter are plotting world domination, or are they just in there killing each other? Did she want them to kill each other? Is that why she was okay with Victor’s late night visit? Britt laughs, and says, a big part of her was hoping Peter would never wake up from his coma, but if Peter can stand trial and be sent away for the rest of his life, even better. He says he loves it when he’s so completely wrong. He figured her for somebody who would play by the book; she was so keen on seeing him thrown off the staff for Brook’s made up violation. She says, watch it, or she’ll go through with it after all, but he says he doesn’t know about that. He doesn’t think she’s the Britch. People talk, and she has a reputation, but he’s not buying into it, because from his perspective, she worked Christmas Eve, she worked New Year’s Eve, and he thinks she cares a great deal about people and this place, whether she cares to admit it or not. She says, the truth is, she didn’t have a better offer. Isn’t that why he worked too? He says, pretty much, and she says, at least they won’t be the only kids at the uncool table.
Victor says, he and Peter had an agreement once. A certain prisoner was at the heart of that agreement, held in a cell back in Greece. Peter sadly decided to welch on that agreement when Peter tried to kill him. What can he say? Bygones. But the fact is, there’s still something he needs that only their former prisoner can provide. In exchange, he’s prepared to offer Peter protection. It’s not only the best deal he’ll get, it’s the only deal, so why doesn’t he start talking? Tell him how he can get what he needs from Drew Cain.
Drew gets the feeling something more than just missing Jason brought Carly there tonight, and she asks, what makes him think he knows what she’s feeling? He says, she’s clearly hurting about something. Jason isn’t here, but for his sake, Drew would love to help her if she’ll let him.
Sonny says, Carly thinks he’s lying to himself; that he still has feelings Nina. She asks what he said to Carly, but then says, no. Forget she said that. What happened between them in Nixon Falls is just a thing of the past now. It’s buried with the ashes of the Tan-O.
Alexis tells Harmony that she’s not drinking the champagne. She’s going to get some herbal tea. Would Harmony like some? Harmony says, no. It’s way past her bedtime; she has to work in the morning. Alexis says, lucky her, and Harmony tells Alexis to take care of herself. Alexis thanks her, and Harmony smiles and leaves.
Anna calls Valentin and leaves a message. She says she hopes there wasn’t too much chaos when he got back, and that he got a good night’s rest… She has bad news. Peter regained consciousness. There’s not much they can do right now, but call her when he gets this. They have to figure out their next step.
Maxie comes out of the elevator first, and tells Austin that Britt called her dad and said Peter was awake. Does he know anything? He says he was there when Peter regained consciousness, and Felicia tells Maxie that she’s so sorry. Mac sees Britt, and asks her, what’s the prognosis?Is Peter out of the woods, or could he slip back into a coma? Felicia asks Austin if Peter said anything about Louise, but he says, Peter’s not doing a lot of talking. He was incubated, and he’s really uncomfortable. Austin makes Maxie a promise – Peter is never again going be a threat to her or to Louise.
Victor tells Peter, time is of the essence. What is the key for him to get Drew to tell him what he needs to know? Peter says, get him Maxie and his daughter, when Mac comes in, and says, out of the room now. From now on, there’s restricted access until Peter returns to Pentenville to stand trial. Victor says he was just leaving, and nods to Peter as he goes out the door.
Carly says she appreciates what Drew is trying to do, but if he wants to help her, go his way, and she’ll go hers. He says he’s not going to push, but if she changes her mind, she knows how to reach him. He leaves, and she almost calls him back, but doesn’t, and goes the other way.
Sonny says, it’s getting late; Nina should get going. She says, right, and gets her coat and bag. She says she knows it’s strange coming from her, but she really does hope he and Carly work things out. She leaves, and Sonny sits alone.
Doc asks who is it, and we see it’s Tracy. Laura says, it’s past midnight. What’s going on? Tracy says, it’s Luke. He is… He’s gone. Laura looks like she might fall apart.
Tomorrow, Curtis has something to tell Portia; Ned tells Olivia, it’s about time they made it official; Drew tells Monica that he has unsettled business he has to deal with; Victor says, change is coming; and Bobbie knows something terrible has happened.
Below Deck
Primary Chelsea whines that she just wants to be like everyone else. And again I say, then don’t go on a cruise when your jaw is wired shut. It’s an impossibility to be like everyone else, since people eat their faces off on a cruise. Rachel makes a chicken curry smoothie, and I gag. In Fraser’s interview, he says, it’s stressful between the primaries, and they’re doing the best they can. He is anyway. Co-primary Michael says he’s emphasizing not to give them food without serving Chelsea first. In his interview, Fraser suggests them piping down their drama. Eddie and Jake test out the headphones for silent disco. Chelsea wails that everyone is jumping on her, when that’s not the case, and Michael says she’d be fine if she was eating normal food. Well, yeah. What I said.
In her interview, Heather says, she’d rather scrub a bidet with her tongue than do this dinner service. The energy is dead at the table. Wait. Her tongue has a scrubby side? She hopes the silent disco turns the night around. The guests get ready, and guest Rachel grabs broom Sally, and says she’s bringing her magic to the beach. I don’t know why, since so far, that magic has not worked. Jake and Eddie set up a fire on the beach, and Eddie goes back for the guests, while Heather decorates. It looks very pretty, but once everyone starts dancing to no music, it looks like the dumbest sh*t ever. Fraser tells Rayna. today was mental, and she wonders why they crammed everything into one day. Good question. Heather thinks the picnic saved the charter, and Chelsea seems happy for a hot minute. Back on the boat, Heather asks how Rayna is doing, but Rayna ignores her. Rayna tells Wes that she’s still pissed about Heather using the n-word, and wasn’t happy about Eddie’s reaction either. He’d chastised Rayna for saying Heather shouldn’t put her fingers in the food (I’ve got to second that), but when she told him what Heather had said, Eddie told her not to let it affect her work. He shrugged it off like it was nothing. Wes says, it was a while ago, and she shouldn’t let that sh*t lapse, but she says, she hadn’t wanted to look like an angry Black woman.
Breakfast is served, and this time, salmon accompanies the eggs benedict. The guests tell Eddie that they want to do water sports, while in galley Rachel says, f*** my life, although I’m not sure why. Maybe no reason. Heather tells Fraser that Rayna’s been giving her the cold shoulder, and she doesn’t know why. She’s not here to make friends; she’s here to make money, but she hasn’t done anything to Rayna to warrant that behavior. She needs to pick her battles, but had to tell someone. She thinks it’s because Jess left, and Fraser finally tells her, that’s not it. She says, clearly he knows something, and he says she’d used a word Rayna didn’t like.
Heather goes off crying, and in her interview, she says, she foolishly assumed everything was good, since they’d had a conversation where she’d apologized and promised to do better. We flash back to that, and she says she doesn’t know how to handle it. She’s never wished more for a time machine than now. Captain Lee continues to search for a new stew, and in his interview, says, it’s a sh*t sandwich. They need a stew, but just for a few charters at the end of the season. There’s not enough lipstick to put on that pig to make it enticing. Heather tells Rachel about Rayna being mad at her, and Fraser gives Heather a hug. Jake comes by, and says, what about him? and gets a hug too. The crew changes into their blacks for dinner, and Rachel asks Rayna for help, since she only has one Vitamix, and can’t take the time to keep washing it.
The captain joins the guest for dinner in full dress uniform. In Rachel’s interview, she says, it’s a sensitive situation, with the primary having her jaw wired shut, and given the fact that Rachel f***ed up. Tonight is a tantalizing multi-course tasting menu, and Chelsea wants every course. It’s the most insane request, aside from prostitutes and coconut oil, that Rachel has come across. I actually think this is weirder than hookers and oil. At dinner, Chelsea tells Captain Lee that she knows the crew is working hard, and Michael says he’s noticed their teamwork. The captain says, it’s hard to find a crew that gets along well. I miss what exactly happened, but Heather’s foot is bleeding, and she desperately tries to stop in. In Rachel’s interview, she says, no one’s head is in the game. Her interior is missing. She recruits the deck crew to help, and when Chelsea sips her first course, she says she can taste everything, reminding me of the gum in Willy Wonka. Jake talks to pseudo-fiancé Paris on the phone. In his interview, he says he and Paris are working sh*t out. In Heather’s interview, she admits she has too much ego to ask for help, but she’s already behind. Jessica isn’t with them, her foot is bleeding everywhere, and she wants to keep another volcano dormant.
Rachel uses cloches to cover the food, so that the scent of the steak wafts out at the table. After seeing Chelsea’s smoothie, in Captain Lee’s interview, he says, it’s a waste of Wagyu to blend it to a pulp. He invites the guests to the wheelhouse to watch the docking the next day. In Heather’s interview, she says, it’s extremely important for her to clear the air with Rayna. She couldn’t put the notion aside that Rayna didn’t like her, and she’d wanted to relate, but lesson learned, the n-word shouldn’t be said regardless of the reason. I totally understand why Rayna was upset and why it shouldn’t be said, but I also think Heather did it for a stupid reason, she’s genuinely sorry, and it’s more like Rayna is using this to be angry about a whole lot of things that Heather has nothing to do with.
Nevis, St. Kitts. In the morning, both Fraser and Heather are late for their shifts. Rachel texts Heather, but gets no response, so Wes and Rayna pitch in, getting coffee for the guests. Wes says he has no idea what he’s doing, and Rayna finally gets Fraser and Heather up. In her interview, Heather says she never thought she’d be the person who sleeps in. It’s making her question her career. She shouldn’t be making rookie mistakes.
Heather tells Captain Lee that a second stew she worked with in Florida might be the perfect person to jump in the mix. The captain says he’s open to anything, and asks Heather to give him the stew’s resumé. Heather says she’d be happy with a warm body to do laundry and dishes. In her interview, she says she’s the one in the lion’s den, and sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. In the captain’s interview, he says, it’s a lot of pressure having clients in the wheelhouse. He can’t point the finger at anyone else. He explains what he’s doing as they dock. Heather texts stew Kaylee to ask for her resumé. The wind starts to whip, and Jake says, it’s at 30 knots, and he’s terrified about docking the boat. It’s a lot of pressure. Captain Lee says he has to rotate the boat 180 degrees, and when the wind blows that strong, it pushes them into the dock and forward. One of the guests asks about dolphins, and in his interview, the captain says, never let them see you sweat. The boat is docked, and the guests applaud. Michael tells Jake that it was so cool, and the captain radios the crew to get their hot asses to the main deck aft in five minutes.
The guests say goodbye, and Chelsea thanks them for their patience and understanding. She thanks Rachel for allow her to participate in the meals, and Rachel gives her a smoothie for the road, one that actually sounds good, with things like chocolate in it. IMO, Rachel is the tip this time. Eddie says he smells like sweat and desperation, and Rayna sings that she deserves a beer. Captain Lee calls the crew to the crew mess, asap.
He says he thought the charter went extremely well. Jake stepped up, and his dock procedure was fantastic. Heather says she appreciated all the help. The tip is $22K, which comes out to $2000 a piece, since they’re short-handed. The captain says he thinks they deserve a day off, and they’re going to a beach by boat to eat, drink, and be merry. He wants them to come back rested, because he plans on working their little asses off. In Fraser’s interview, he says he looks forward to spending time with Jake, joking around and drinking champagne, and hopefully, having a kiss or two. Rachel tries throwing nuts in Eddie and Wes’s open mouths, and they fail miserably at catching them. Wes finally gets one, and everyone goes to bed shortly after 11.
Before leaving for the beach, Heather says she wants to chat with Rayna, but Rayna wants to save it for later. Heather wants to talk before they drink, and Rayna agrees, but says, f*** my life, as soon as Heather is gone. She says she just wants to be alone. Don’t people realize that by now? They sit in one of the lounges, and Heather says she feels there’s tension between them. She knows she said something she shouldn’t have, and it wasn’t right. From the bottom of her heart, she’s sorry. Rayna says she doesn’t feel a genuine connection between them, but wants to move in a positive direction, and they hug it out. The captain sees the crew leaving, and says, thank God. The little boat taking them to the beach has a bar, so they get started early. The captain allows Wes to drive the boat.
Christophe Harbor, St. Kitts. In Jake’s interview, he says he wants to get married and have kids. Distance is making his heart grow fonder of Paris. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s not drinking today, and we flash back to her impromptu joining of a band when she was drunk. Have fun. This old lady is going to take a nap. Rayna, Fraser, and Jake toast to their amazing relationship, and Wes tries to call Jessica. In Wes’s interview, he says, the crew is amazing, but sometimes it feels like he doesn’t fit in. He’s trying to have fun, but in a more adult way. This isn’t his element. He goes out on a paddleboard, and says he’ll watch from a distance. Rayna tells Fraser that she doesn’t feel comfortable and can’t forget what Heather said. While out on paddleboards, Heather tells Rachel how bad she felt, and that a huge weight has been lifted off of her. Rayna tells Fraser that Heather cried fake tears with her fake apology. She’s over it. Another problem I have with her. She’s a roller coaster ride. I can’t, and won’t, with people like that. Pick a lane.
Fraser and Jake go out on the same paddleboard. In Fraser’s interview, he says, he might have a crush, but understands the limitations, so fine. Rayna says, this is bullsh*t, and paddles out after them. In his interview, Fraser says, Rayna is being a killjoy. Back off and get away from my man. Eddie sees a medium sized spider, and freaks out.
They go back to the boat, and Eddie says he thinks Rayna is jealous. Fraser finds her in a bunk with Jake, and leaves, but Rayna runs after him, and tells him to come watch Norbit with them. Rachel listens at the door, and tells the others that they’re just watching videos. Fraser leaves, and Rayna stays behind, getting nakey with Jake. In Rachel’s interview, she says, this thrupple makes me want to throw upple. Fraser sits alone.
Next time, a Naval officer primary, a new stew is coming, a guest has a shellfish allergy, and Rachel is going to lose her sh*t.
💰 New Million…
Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles has been airing a mini spin-off, Josh and Josh, with Josh Altman and Josh Flagg. Yeah, like I ever thought they were really feuding. Apparently JoshF has left the company he was working for to join JoshA and Tracy at Douglas Elliman. Birds of a feather.
2022 looks like a nice year, but I don’t trust it just yet. Come on down tomorrow for soap and a glimpse of the Toms new bar. Until then, stay safe, stay striving to do better, and stay looking in the mirror first when you’re looking for answers.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Epiphany sees Marshall walk into the hospital, and says he looks lost. And he’s carrying a clarinet case. Is he one of the volunteers playing tonight? He says he is, and she says, welcome. She organizes the gig. She’s Epiphany Johnson. She holds out her hand, and he shakes it, saying, Marshall Ashford. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr. Johnson.
Curtis sees Portia in a red dress, and says, wow. Is all of this for dinner with Aunt Stella? She says she doesn’t want to get on that woman’s bad side ever again, and he says, understood. He says she has his aunt’s seal of approval. She knows that, right? She nods, and says he looks like he’s in a good mood, and he says he’s just been more relaxed lately. She says, it probably helps knowing he and Drew are going to work together to unravel the mystery of his father.
Drew puts out a punchbowl at the Quartermaines’, and Monica says, nobody ever likes the non-alcoholic wassail, but Alan wanted it every Christmas, so when it’s time to spice it up, she has some high-octane vodka. He takes the bottle and puts it on the bar, and says she doesn’t have to pretend. He knows how hard this Christmas is for her without Jason. Brook brings in Bailey, wearing a little plaid dress, and says, look who appeared for her first night of Christmas. Monica says, she’s adorable, and Brook puts her in the bassinette. Monica tells Drew that she misses Jason more than she can say, but she’s so grateful for the rest of the family. She takes his hand, and says, she’s really grateful to have him home. She goes over to Bailey, and says, hello, gorgeous. She heard a rumor that Santa was really good to her. Brook says, very good. In fact, she thinks Santa spoiled Bailey this year.
Alexis’s family gathers at her house, and Scout says she loves her gift. Sam says, a tambourine. Who thought that was a great idea? Kristina raises her hand, and Sam goes to get another gift. She suggests Scout open the gift from Molly and TJ, and slyly takes the tambourine. Molly says she guesses Kristina isn’t the only one to blame, because she and TJ had a similar idea. Scout opens it, and Sam wonders why she’s scared. It’s a child-sized accordion, and Sam says, how about that? What in the world were they thinking? Molly says, when Sam was away with Dante, she, Kristina, and TJ had Scout and Danny over one afternoon to give them a break from the Quartermaines. Kristina says, and possibly give the Quartermaines a break from them, and TJ says the found a show on TV all about musical instruments. Kristina says, Scout fell in love with the show, and Molly says, she was even playing along with imaginary instruments. TJ says, Scout wasn’t the only one, and Danny says, look what Grandma Alexis got him, showing them bongos. Shawn thanks Alexis, and she says, for the musical interlude? but he says, for the best Christmas he’s had in a long time. She says, both of them. Last year, she was drunk. He says, last year, he was in prison. He’d like to propose a toast, to new beginnings. They clink water bottles.
Obrecht puts a gift under the tree, and Maxie says she thought Obrecht already gave Georgie and James their gifts. Obrecht says, this isn’t for James or Georgie; it’s for Louise. It’s a Christmas angel, waiting for her when she comes home. Maxie glances at Nina, and says, that’s very sweet. Nina says she’s sure Louise will come home soon, and Obrecht can give it to her in person. Obrecht says she looks forward to the day. What about Nina? How dare those people not let her see Wiley on Christmas? Michael Corinthos is trying to put her in prison. This could be her last chance to be with her grandson.
Carly jokes that Wiley doesn’t like his gift, and Michael says, worst Christmas ever. Willow says she thinks there are a lot of gifts for Wiley to open, when Rocco comes in with a shopping bag. He says he was passing the guardhouse, and the guard gave him these for Wiley. Carly says, let her guess; Nina? Michael looks at the card, and says, yes.
Dante is putting on his coat in the foyer, and Sonny says he’s glad Dante came by to celebrate Christmas with the fam, and Dante says he is too. Last year, he came by to drop presents off, and that’s when Carly told him that Sonny was missing. Sonny says, last year wasn’t a good time for any of them. He’s sure Carly appreciated Dante’s company. Dante says, actually, he had an ulterior motive. He’d found out Sonny had secretly paid for his and Lulu’s house, and wanted to thank him. So here he is, a year later. Thank you for our home, and for coming back to yours. They hug.
Drew holds Bailey, and tells Monica that he remembers when Scout was that age. Those were such good times. She says she understands he had a visit from his daughter the other day, and he says he did; Sam brought her by. Scout actually found his favorite Christmas ornament, the star on the top of the tree in the nook. Apparently, it was in the playroom, and Rocco was using it as a sheriff’s badge. She laughs and says she’s not surprised Scout tracked it down. He asks if she knows what’s his favorite part of Christmas, and she says, what? He says, helping Scout put that star on the tree.
Chase asks if Brook wants him to spike some wassail for her, and drops the bottle cap. He bends down to pick it up, and she looks at his behind, flashing back to seeing him naked in the steam room. She says, no thank you. She doesn’t want anything from him. She jets, leaving Chase puzzled.
Brando wheels Sasha out to the reception area, and Deanna says she needs Sasha’s signature on some paperwork. Sasha asks what it is, and Deanna says, assurance someone will be staying with her for the next 24 hours. It’s policy; for her protection. Gladys says, Brando will do that, and Brando asks her to take Sasha’s bag to his car on level A. He’ll meet her down there. She gets in the elevator, and Brando says, Sasha just had surgery, and he thinks Deanna’s right. Someone should be with her. Please come home with him.
Scout plays the accordion (play being open to interpretation), while Danny bangs on the bongos. Sam suggests they go to the kitchen for some cookies, and they leave. Alexis says, full house at the Quartermaines’; they’ll have a huge audience. Kristina asks if Dante will be there, and Sam says, yeah, with Rocco. Alexis says she heard Drew is living there too. Is that going to be a problem for her? Sam asks, why would it be? and Kristina says, the two men in her life. Talk about an embarrassment of riches. Sam asks, how old are they? She and Drew are focused on Scout, and only Scout, and Dante is okay with it. Alexis says she hopes so.
Sonny says he’s sure last Christmas wasn’t easy for Dante, and Dante says, Sonny means everything with Lulu? Sonny says he wishes he’d been there for Dante, but Dante says he’s here now, with his family where he belongs. Sonny says, nothing better than family, and Dante says, speaking of… Sonny says, Olivia’s expecting him, and Dante tells Rocco that they have to go. Rocco thanks everyone for the presents; they’re really cool. He leaves, and Josslyn asks Carly if she thinks Michael and Willow are upset that Nina got Wiley a gift. Carly says she thinks they expected it. She suspects they’re thinking about Sasha and Brando. Josslyn says, they all are. What happened with their baby is just awful. Does Carly think they’ll come by later? Carly says she doesn’t know. She invited them, but doubts they’re feeling up to it. Sonny says, they’ll be here, and smiles.
Sasha says, she and Brando said goodbye to Liam together. He’s the only one who knows exactly how she’s feeling, so yes, she’ll go home with him, but just for tonight.
In the parking lot, Gladys throws the baby seat that had been waiting for Liam into the trunk.
Brando and Sasha get in the car, and Brando tells Gladys, let’s get Sasha home. Gladys says, they have one stop to make first. He asks, where? and she says she promises he won’t be sorry.
Epiphany tells Marshall, Nurse Johnson, although sometimes she feels like she could teach the doctors a thing or two. He says he has no doubt, and asks if she’s a musician. Is that why she’s in charge of the volunteer gig? She says, no. She does it to show the patients some joy on this very special night. He says he’s sure they’re very appreciative of her thoughtfulness. Does she play? She says, no; she’s a singer. He says, so she’ll be singing with the band tonight, but she says, no band, just a combo, and no vocalists. It’s General Hospital’s tradition. He says, he’s a firm believer that some traditions are made to be broken, and she says she believes he means rules. He says, what are rules if nothing but traditions? She laughs, and tells him the other volunteers are already up on the 5th floor. They’ll start there, and work their way down. He follows her into the elevator.
Curtis thanks Portia for listening to him as he goes on about his father, and she tells him that he’s welcome. She says, Marshall unnerved her at first too, and he asks if something happened between the two of them that he needs to know about. She says, Curtis had a lot on his mind, and she didn’t want to bother him, but Marshall appeared at the MetroCourt when she was having breakfast with Trina. He says, Marshall had no business talking to her when she was with her daughter, but she says, it was fine. He asks what Marshall said, and she tells him that Marshall admitted to Trina that he’d abandoned Curtis, his mother, and brother when Curtis was very young. He asks how Trina handled that, and she says, it made Trina think of her father, and why Taggert made them believe he was dead. Curtis says, in Taggert’s defense, he did have a more compelling story, and he wasn’t gone nearly as long as Curtis’s father. She says, the point being, Trina forgave her father. She’s spending Christmas night with him. He says, that’s not going to happen with him and his father, when Epiphany goes by with Marshall.
Nina suggests they not get into it about Wiley today; it’s Christmas. Obrecht says she just doesn’t see how that family can be so uncharitable. She would have thought they’d make an exception on Christmas, and let Nina see that beautiful little boy. Nina says, they all know Carly has a big problem with her, and that was true before everything that happened in Nixon Falls. She just dopped off Wiley’s present at Sonny’s on her way here. At the guardhouse. She wouldn’t dare go inside. Maxie suggests they figure out a way they can finesse this situation. She thought Nina told her that Willow was an ally, and let her see Wiley in Rice Plaza. Nina says, she did, but she’s afraid Willow will never let her see Wiley again. Obrecht says, why? What changed?
Sonny tells Wiley, nice toy, and Wiley says, yep. Sonny says he loves seeing Wiley having fun, and asks where he got it from. Wiley says he got it from the bag, and Willow says, Nina. Josslyn says, she dropped it off with the guards.
Outside on the phone, Michael asks if everything is set for tomorrow. Everything is in order for Nina’s preliminary hearing?… Good. That’s what he likes to hear. He gets a creepy smile on his face, and goes back inside. Carly asks what he’s doing out there; it’s freezing. Business on Christmas is not allowed. It’s their day to be together and appreciate each other. He says he’s all for that, and the doorbell rings. Josslyn leaves to get it, and Carly tells Sonny that she can’t believe how early the girls got them up, looking for Santa. He says, it started a little after five, and she says, they were able to hold them off until 6:30, thank God. Josslyn says, look who’s here, and Brando, Sasha, and Gladys walk in.
Shawn tells Alexis, it’s a beautiful tree, and she says he must feel pretty good; all settled in his new place. He says, it’s a little sparse on the furniture, but it has a great view of the harbor, and it’s an easy walk to the office. She asks where his office is, and he says, ready to be surprised? He asks for everyone’s attention, and says, Christmas isn’t over yet. He has a really great gift for Port Charles. They’re looking at the new publisher of The Invader.
Drew says he’s happy to see Scout and Danny. Scout looks so beautiful, and Danny looks so handsome in his jacket. He looks just like his dad. Danny says he really thanked Santa for this jacket, and Drew says he bets Danny is missing his dad right now. If it makes him feel any better, he wants Danny to know that his dad was an incredible hero, and so proud of him. He knows Danny loves to see the Chucks play, so maybe this summer Drew can take him to a game. Dante comes in with Rocco, and Rocco says, Danny goes with him and his dad, but Dante says, they can all take in a game together. Drew says, sounds great, and they wish each other a merry Christmas. Dante tells Rocco that they need to find his grandma to thank her for the baseball glove and cleats.
Chase ask if he said something to offend Brook, or did she not like the Christmas gift he got her? She says, the meditation app? Why would she hate that? She’s obviously someone who loves to sit still and chant ohm for hours. He says she just seemed so down in the steam room, he thought it would help, but clearly, he can’t do anything right with her right now. She tells him to stop making this about him.
Nina says she doesn’t want to push the Wiley issue on Willow, and put her in the middle. Obrecht says, Willow’s a grown woman. She allowed Nina to visit Wiley before; why wouldn’t she allow it again? Nina says, it’s not going to happen, and Maxie says, why not? Nina flashes back to Willow telling her that she overheard Nina saying she and Sonny fell in love, and she doesn’t regret it. Nina says, trust her. She can’t ask Willow for any more special favors. Willow is already doing enough for her. Obrecht says, not that she can see. It’s Christmas, and Willow hasn’t lifted a finger to help Nina see her precious grandson. She picks up her phone, and says she’s going to give that Willow a piece of her mind.
Carly says she’s glad they could make it, and asks Josslyn to help with their coats. Gladys goes to get something from the car, and Carly says she’s so glad Sasha’s here, and hugs her. Sasha says, me too, and Willow says, me three. Michael says, me four, and Willow hugs Sasha. Brando hugs Sonny, and thanks him for having them. Sonny says, no problem. They’re all in this together. Liam Mike was a beautiful boy, and right now, he’s with his Uncle Mike. Brando says, that’s what he said to him. He said…
Willow says she’s so sorry about Liam, and Sasha says, if anyone knows what it’s like, it’s Willow. Willow says, it sounds cliché, but it’s true. Someday, Sasha will be able to live with the pain, and she’ll find herself smiling again. Gladys comes in with some shopping bags, and says she hopes there’s room under the tree; she shopped. Sasha thanks Carly for opening her house up to them, and Gladys tells Sonny that she hijacked them like he asked her to. Sonny says he just wanted to help them out; distract them a little bit. It’s Sasha’s first night out of the hospital. Brando says, he didn’t realize until he saw all their faces, that this is exactly where he needed to be. He hopes Sasha feels the same. She nods, and Carly says he heard Sasha felt like she didn’t have a family. She’s wrong. Sonny says, she’s part of the family now, and Carly says, that’s right. Welcome to the family, and hugs her.
Drew looks at a scarf, and tells Scout that he loves it so much. Danny says Scout picked it out herself, and Drew says, he knows she did, because hot pink is her favorite color. Now it’s his too. He puts it on and asks Scout to help him adjust it, and Rocco comes out, telling them that grandma says there’s cake in the nook. Scout says she wants cake, and Drew says, there’s also presents under the tree in the nook. They might want to check those out too. The kids leave.
Chase asks Brook what he did now, and she says, nothing. How about doing something that will get her out of her bad mood, and make her remember why it’s so important they’re in this fix? He says he’s all for that.
Epiphany introduces Marshall to Stephan, saying, he plays the clarinet. Portia tells Curtis, the hospital does this every Christmas, and he says, he knows. Musicians volunteer to entertain the patients. She asks if he knew his father played the clarinet, and he says, absolutely not. She says, there’s probably a lot he doesn’t know about his father, and maybe it’s not all bad.
Marshall asks what Christmas songs Epiphany likes to sing, and she says she already told him, this is not her gig. He says, he heard her, but maybe one tune? Come on. Everybody loves the lyrics to Christmas tunes. She told him that she does this to bring joy to her patients. Why not double the fun?
TJ says, Shawn bought The Invader. How? Shawn says, he’s not the owner; he’s the administrator of the non-profit that owns The Invader. TJ asks, when and how did Shawn become the administrator of a non-profit? and Shawn says he has his ways. Kristina tells him, she’d say congratulations, but she’s pretty sure his non-profit just bought themselves a boatload of problems. Molly says, The Invader’s philosophy is to exploit and embarrass anyone and everyone, but Shawn says he’s giving The Invader a new mission, to expose injustice. He’s going to make The Invader a platform to advocate for the greater good. TJ says, maybe he should have gotten Shawn a cape for Christmas, calling him, Mr. Superhero, and Shawn says he’s still got time. Molly asks if Alexis is okay with this, and Alexis asks, why wouldn’t she be? Kristina says, Shawn found his purpose, and she’s still looking for hers. Molly asks if Kristina has heard of tact. She promises Alexis will have an important role in the world again, and Kristina says, she already does; she’s their mom. They have a three-way hug.
Nina grabs Obrecht’s phone, and says, enough; she can’t call Willow. Let it go. Obrecht says she won’t let Nina stand there missing her grandson. Give her back the phone. Maxie gets in between them, and says, stop. It’s Christmas. They need to behave. Obrecht says she’s sorry. The last thing she wants is to upset Maxie. Nina says, the same; she’s sorry. Can Obrecht not pursue this with Willow? She’ll give the phone back, but let this be the end of it. Obrecht flashes back to Scotty saying he wishes he knew something that could turn the DA’s narrative on its head, and her telling Scotty that she believes Nina and Sonny fell in love. Scotty is at the door, and says, I’m here, my dove. Maxie tells Nina that she doesn’t think he’s talking to them. Obrecht opens the door, and Scotty says, he was just working on Nina’s preliminary hearing, and Obrecht says she’s missed him since they opened their naughty gifts this morning. She needs some private time with her sweet, noble savage. She pushes him out in the hallway, and closes the door behind them. Maxie says, wow, and Nina says, no kidding. In the hallway, Scotty says, let’s go home and play, but Obrecht pushes him back and says, someone knows Sonny and Nina were in love in Nixon Falls.
In the foyer, Josslyn says she wanted to give this to Willow in private. She wrote Willow a letter to say how happy she is that Willow is a part of her family. Kristina came by this morning, and Donna and Avery are asleep upstairs after a long day of opening Christmas presents. She loves having so many sisters in her life, and that includes Willow, so she wanted Willow to know that. She hands Willow the gift, and Willow says she never had a sister, and now she knows what she’s been missing. She thanks Josslyn, and they hug.
Sasha thanks Carly for letting her into her family’s life, and for forgiving her sins. Carly says, forget about that. Sasha deserves so much happiness. She and Sonny can’t make up for what happened to Sasha and Brando, but they can do everything in their power to make things easier for them. They hug.
Brando says Sonny and Michael are amazing. They’ve both suffered losses. How do they have the room to be so generous to him and Sasha? Sonny says, because of the losses they went through, they understand his. Jason and Morgan will always be part of their lives, but they have no limit to how many people they can love, right? Michael says, grief shouldn’t always be private. It should be shared, so maybe in some small way it can be alleviated. Brando thanks them, and goes outside. Sasha excuses herself, and follows him. Outside, she puts her arms around him, and says, it’s rough; she knows. He says, it’s better with her here.
Alexis comes out with a bottle of champagne, and says, an ex-client of hers, who has apparently lived in a bubble for the last year, sent her this for Christmas. So she’s going to let them toast with the hard stuff, and she’ll stick with the soft stuff. Molly says, they can go alcohol free, and Shawn seconds that. She says she appreciates the solidarity, but that’s not the way it works in the real world. TJ says, people drink, and Alexis says, some people drink a lot, but now that she’s in the real world, she needs to get used to it. TJ says, it’s part of life, and Alexis tells Molly, see what a great domestic partner she has? Molly agrees, and Alexis says, let’s celebrate Shawn, and this beautiful Christmas night together.
Maxie asks if Nina is nervous about her preliminary hearing tomorrow, and Nina says, is it that obvious? She thought she was putting up a good front, but Maxie says she gets it. The hearing is supposed to give her and idea of how her trial is going to go, but she thought the whole point of the hearing was for Scotty to get the charges thrown out. Nina says, he’s not going to succeed. There’s too much evidence against her. She did lie to Sonny all those months, just like she lied to his family. Maxie says she’s still rooting for Nina, and Nina takes Maxie’s hands. She says she really appreciates Maxie forgiving her for letting Peter get away in Nixon Falls. Maxie says, Peter was threatening James. Nina had no choice.
Scotty says, wowza. Is Obrecht sure Willow knows about Sonny and Nina? Obrecht says, Nina is good at keeping a secret, but Nina is no match for her incredible intuitive skills. There must be a way for him to put Willow on the stand. He says, it could take a little maneuvering, but he’s not sure it’s worth the risk. She says, he wanted someone who could testify that Nina and Sonny were in love in Nixon Falls, and she gave him that person. He says, yes, but how does he know Willow will tell the truth? She’s a Corinthos, and also a Quartermaine, which is just as bad. Obrecht says she knows Willow would never do anything to hurt Michael, and Scotty says, if she lies on the stand, it could make it worse for Nina. She says, they have to try it. Otherwise, her niece has no defense. Nina will go to prison. He says, he’ll do anything for his schnitzel, and kisses her. Brook arrives with Bailey and Chase, and says, oh please.
Maxie says, you know what she’d love for Christmas? and Nina says, what? Maxie says, she wants Peter to die today, and Nina says, then the very best present will come after that. Maxie’s daughter will come home for Christmas. Brook knocks on the door, and comes in with Bailey and Chase. She says, someone wanted to wish Maxie a very merry Christmas. Maxie takes Bailey from Brook, and everyone smiles.
Willow flashes back to eavesdropping (let’s call it what it was) on Sonny and Nina in the chapel. Michael says, a candy cane for her thoughts, and she says she was thinking about how much she loves him and this family. He says he likes those thoughts, and they kiss.
Brando tells Sasha that he’s been thinking. They created Liam by accident, during one, crazy, impulsive night. They could have gone their separate ways after that, but Liam brought them together. Now Liam is gone, and he doesn’t want to lose her too. He loves her with everything inside of him, but if he’s too painful of a reminder of Liam, he’ll walk away; no harm, no foul. He doesn’t want make their loss worse for her, but he’s hoping something good can come of their son’s short time on this planet. She says, Liam left them a legacy; he left them each other. She loves him too. They kiss.
Epiphany says, Marshall is getting on her last nerve. Okay. Let’s do O Christmas Tree. The combo plays, and Epiphany sings a jazzy version. As she sings…
Curtis and Portia come closer to the music, and Curtis nods to Marshall. He and Portia leave.
Alexis toasts to Shawn, and Shawn says, to Alexis. He wouldn’t be here with TJ and his family if not for her. Cheers.
Scout hugs Drew.
Rocco shows Dante a video game, and says, look what he got. Dante says, sweet. His old man might even be able to beat him at this.
Monica shows Danny a photo, and says, that’s his dad on a motorcycle. Danny says he wants to learn to ride that when he’s old enough. She says, he has to be very careful, and enjoy every single moment of it. That’s what his dad would want. We see the picture of Jason.
Obrecht and Scotty watch as Maxie cuddles Bailey, and Brook smiles at Chase. Nina sighs, flashing back to kissing Sonny.
Sonny and his family have cake and cookies by the Christmas tree.
Sasha and Brando put their heads together, and look up at the sky.
Tomorrow, Josslyn tells Cameron that she’s not changing her opinion, Esme says the worst thing has happened, Victor tells Obrecht not to get in his way, and Scotty asks Sonny why he didn’t press charges.
The Real Housewives of Orange County
Jen visited with Heather, and asked her about working in anti-aging. Jen said she thought about it every second of the day. In Jen’s interview, she said, if they looked like they had work done, she hasn’t done her job. There were a lot of ladies with cat faces in the OC. Jen thought Noella was condescending to her at the party, and Heather said she was sorry things had happened the way they did. She was good with Gina, but not everything was worked out. She wondered why someone wanted to hurt her family, or make Nicole look bad. We flashed back to Heather telling Terry that if Shannon can’t take accountability, they can’t move forward.
Noella met Nicole for lunch, and in Noella’s interview, she said yesterday, she was served divorce papers. Today, she doesn’t even know where he is. She told Nicole that the papers were thrown at her mother, and she needed to track husband James down regarding the credit cards and bills. Nicole said she didn’t think alcohol was always the answer, but today it was all right. Noella tried calling James right then and there, but there was no answer. Nicole said at least she wasn’t blocked, and Noella started crying, saying, she needed a hug, so Nicole gave her one. In her interview, Noella said she didn’t know what the next step was, and had never had a day in her life when she didn’t know what to do. Geez. Welcome to the real world. Nicole said he’d surface, and it would all work out. Noella said, for the first time, she needed friends to show up for her, and cried, saying, her life was falling apart.
In Shannon’s interview, she said things were finally happening for her company Real for Real. She’d hired Stella as an assistant, but didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing yet. In her interview, she whined that she’d gotten two lump sums from David, and a monthly check that didn’t cover her monthly expenses. There had been a laundry list of things not negotiated, and she might have to pay for her kids going to college. It could add up, especially if she suddenly had to be responsible for that too. It was too much to pay for everything. Again. Welcome to the real world.
Gina and Travis had a double-date for dinner with Emily and Shane. Emily was glad they were at the point where Shane could do Shane, and Gina wasn’t offended. They rehashed Heather’s party again, and Emily said she did really like Nicole. She told them about Shane’s party, and said belly dancers would be coming. Gina said she’d seen an article about James’s tax issues, and then Noella called to tell her about the divorce papers. Noella couldn’t even read them; they were in Spanish. In Emily’s interview, she said, in California, there it was automatic that finances and credit cards couldn’t be shut off. Maybe in Puerto Rico it was different, but it made no sense to cut off access to money when there was a kid. Emily asked where Gina was with Shannon, and Gina said she knew where she stood, and was setting different boundaries for their friendship. We flashed back to Shannon saying she’d gone out of her way to be kind to Gina, and Emily said she didn’t like Shannon saying they weren’t trustworthy and were manipulative. She felt that Shannon would always protect Shannon first.
Shannon took Stella to Dr. Moon, and we flashed back to some of his… unconventional treatments. Stella had hurt her back playing volleyball, and in her interview, she said she wasn’t a huge believer in holistic medicine. She was just making her mom happy. Stella asked Dr. Moon to check her emotions, and he wondered who she was angry at. In Shannon’s interview, she said she’d been in a marriage that wasn’t healthy, and her kids saw that. She didn’t want what they’d seen or been through to crowd any good in their lives. In Stella’s interview, she said she wanted her mom to be happy, but didn’t think Shannon was truly there yet. It would make her happy to see her mom thrive.
Noella visited with mom Nancy, who said the process server had been dreadful, throwing the papers at her. In Noella’s interview, she said her mom had always been the one to call her home when she was lost at sea. She refused to meet James the first year they dated, since she hadn’t thought James was good news for her. Then she became more of a mother to him than his own mother. Noella said he wasn’t their James, and she wanted to fight to keep her family intact. Nancy thought he was gone, but Noella insisted he’d wake up.
Everyone got ready for Shane’s party. Shannon and Noella video chatted, and Shannon read Heather’s text to Noella, saying, she thought it was harsh. Noella said she’d thought it was all good, and was surprised. In Shannon’s interview, she said Heather didn’t let go of a lot of things. When they first met, Shannon had to apologize over and over. We flashed back to several of those apologies, and Shannon said she’d done a lot of work to get past it, and felt like she was back at square one. Nicole and her boyfriend went to the party in a limo with Heather and Terry. In Heather’s interview, she said she had no problem with Nicole. The problem was the sh*t stirrer who started it. Nicole told Heather that Noella had called her a fake bitch, surprising Heather, who said Noella had been sweet to Max. She’d also texted after the party, and Heather had thought they were good. Nicole said she didn’t think Noella meant it, and didn’t think she remembered saying it. I wondered, then why even bring it up? but, oh yeah, screen time. I was sure Heather would remind Noella in the middle of Shane’s party, since appropriate is a Housewife’s middle name. We flashed back to the tough times when Shane was trying to pass the bar exam, and in Emily’s interview, she said it was her party and Pary’s party, as well as Shane’s party.
Heather surprised me, and instead of ambushing Noella about what she’d said, she gave Noella a gift for being nice to Max. In Heather’s interview, she said, Noella was going through a difficult time. Let’s not ruin two parties in a row. In Noella’s interview, she said she thought there was a lack of genuine connection and caring with Jen, and it put her off. Emily confronted Shannon about saying she and Gina couldn’t be trusted, and were manipulative. In Shannon’s interview, she said, from her experience, she couldn’t trust them, and we flashed back to Emily and Gina talking about John being drunk on the golf course. Emily said she didn’t like that those were the only adjectives Shannon used to describe them. She’d thought she and Shannon were friends. Shannon insisted she hadn’t said that, and Emily asked if she was saying Heather was a liar. Emily dragged Heather in, and Shannon backtracked, agreeing that she’d said they couldn’t be trusted, but not that they were manipulative. Heather insisted that was exactly what Shannon had said, and was like, talk later. But Shannon wouldn’t have it, telling Emily and Gina that she needed to have this conversation, and following Heather.
In Emily’s interview, she said she felt compassion for Noella. She and Shane had their ups and downs, and she didn’t always know what was going to happen, but she always knew it was her choice. Noella didn’t have a choice. Heather asked Emily if there was a private place for her and Shannon to talk, seeing she wasn’t going to shake Shannon, and not wanting to give the whole party an earful. Emily showed them to a beautiful little side courtyard, and they sat on a bench. Shannon said her friendship with Heather meant something, and cared about Heather and Terry. She’d never wanted to hurt Heather. What she did was wrong, but it wasn’t her. Ugh. I hate when people say that. Yes, it was you. You’re the one who did it. Shannon said she wasn’t a gossip, and I nearly choked on my coffee. Heather said she’d heard from everyone, and had a good understanding of the facts, so nothing was going to change her mind. She thought Shannon had a lapse in judgement, and was sorry if she sounded harsh, but this was how she felt. If Shannon ever came after her or her family ever again, Shannon would lose more than her friendship. It would cost a lot. She wasn’t saying it as a threat; she was saying it as a promise.
Next time, a pseudo Kentucky Derby, Jen asks if she upset Noella, Noella says Jen is thirsty, and Gina relays to Heather that Noella said to be careful of her.
🛳 Leaving Port…
Looks like it’s a new GH tomorrow, but Friday is a rerun from February 23rd. Because God forbid they should air something more appropriate for the season. Like an old Christmas episode. Bravo is airing movies, but FYI, there is a marathon of this past season (13) of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, starting at 7 am, if you’re up for that. So it looks like tomorrow will be this week’s Friday, where a mix of tea and wisdom will be served with the usual soap. Until then, stay safe, stay not being pressured into making merry if you’re not feeling it, and stay free to break traditions, and make new ones.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Carly video chats with Avery, and tells her that she’s going to hang on to Avery’s present for Liam right now; it’s getting a little crowded in his room. She says she’ll be home soon, and turns around to see Miss Wu (who now has a first name – Celina – so we’ll use that). Celina says, darling child, and Carly thanks her for the flowers. Celina says she was sorry to hear about Jason, but hopes he prevails. Carly says, he has a record of beating the odds, and Celina says she’s not a betting woman, but if she were, Jason is the safest bet there is. Carly asks if Celina is there to see Sonny, but Celina says her business isn’t with Carly’s husband. Give her best to the family. She leaves, and Carly ponders that.
Britt says it looks like Obrecht is almost ready to get out of there. Scotty sits next to Obrecht in her hospital bed, a box of chocolates on the tray, and Obrecht says she can’t believe he’s not a fan of nougat. He says he’s a fan of her nougat, and she says, naughty boy. They are so cute, I can’t stand it. He says, that’s what they tell him, and Britt says, although it might be another three weeks, give or take. Obrecht asks if caramel elicits the same response, and Scotty says, nectar of the gods, like her, booping her nose. She says, excellent, and Britt says, by the way, she’s pregnant. Surprise! Quintuplets. Can they believe it? Obrecht says, Britt finds public displays of affection unseemly, and Scotty wonders how she could have given birth to such a prude. This is what love looks like. Britt tells him, if he says so.
Maxie says she needs to talk to Sonny about Peter, and he says he just came from seeing that bastard. What’s on her mind? She says she wants to know what Sonny is going to do about him. She wants him dead. He tells her, listen to him. Peter has to live.
Ava sips some cognac, and Nikolas says, it’s getting late. She says she hadn’t noticed, and he says he has a fire going in their bedroom too. What does she say? Her, him, a bearskin rug? She says, maybe later, and he says, ouch. She says she’s a little preoccupied, that’s all. He asks, what about? and she says, rat killings. He says, that’s not the answer he was expecting, and she says, they remind her of his family. Tails all knotted up together, unable to break away, destined to die together, unless they do the painful thing, and chew their way free.
As she fills the tub, Laura talks to Doc on the phone. She says she misses him too, but the good news is, the FBI is getting close to finding the assassin Cyrus hired, so she doesn’t think this thing is going to go on much longer. She asks him to hang on while she turns off the water, and she hears thumping coming from the living room.
In the living room, Martin struggles with fake cleaning lady, who has a cord around his neck.
Scotty tells Britt that he’s sorry about Jason, and she thanks him, but says, they were long over. Obrecht says, pfft! and Britt says, what does that mean? Obrecht says, it’s not weak to admit she’s hurting, but Britt says she’s fine, and thanks them for their concern. Nina comes to the door, and Obrecht says if only she’d ended Peter’s misbegotten life when she had the chance. That schwein would be brisket, and none of this would have happened. Britt says Obrecht would be in prison, but Obrecht says, a small price to pay. Scotty says, bite your tongue, and Nina comes in. She says it’s nice of Obrecht to take the blame, but they all know who’s responsible for Peter’s latest reign of terror – i.e. her. Britt says she has some work to catch up on, so don’t stay up too late, and don’t pop any stitches. Scotty says he’ll do his best, and Britt leaves. Nina says, Britt seems to be doing okay, but Obrecht says, it’s a façade. Over or not, Jason was the closest thing Britt has come to true love.Any chance of rekindling that is now over. Peter robbed her of it. Nina says, he’s not alone. Jason’s death is her fault too.
Britt walks into her office, and Celina is sitting at her desk. Britt says she’s sorry; this is her private office. Celina says, she’s aware, and Britt says, all appointments have to go through her assistant. Celina says, better to keep this meeting off the books, and Britt asks if she knows Celina. Celina gets up, and says, no, but she knows Britt. Britt says, now she feels left out. Please introduce herself. Celina says who she is depends on Britt. She hopes they’ll be friends, but if not, she’s willing to settle for a more transactional relationship.
Nikolas says he takes it Ava has his Uncle Victor on his mind, and she says, doesn’t he? He says he’s thought of little else since Victor’s visit this afternoon. Ava says Nikolas never should have thrown in with him, and he says, he might not be alive if he hadn’t. She says she’s grateful for Victor saving Nikolas’s life, but Victor is a little too proactive for her taste. He says, to be clear, he didn’t ask Victor to take it that far with Hayden, and she says she knows. Victor took it upon himself. That’s what she means by proactive. God help the next poor soul who falls victim to Victor’s instinct for enterprise.
Martin pulls fake cleaning lady onto the couch, as he goes down to the floor, still struggling. Silva asks if everything is okay in there, and Martin slumps. Silva says he’s coming in, and fake cleaning lady says, be right there. Silva finds the door is locked, and fake cleaning lady gets something to hit him with, but Laura comes out behind her, and says, batter up, whacking her with a plunger. She sees Martin on the floor, and lets Silva in. She tells him, call 9-1-1. She doesn’t know if her brother is breathing. She runs to Martin, and he sits up coughing. He grabs the plunger, asks if there’s back up, and passes out.
Celina introduces herself to Britt, saying, she’s Brad Cooper’s aunt. Britt says, no way, and Celina says, way. Britt says, Brad never spoke much about his family. Is he okay? Celina says she’s surprised Britt has to ask. She was under the impression that Britt and her nephew were close. Britt says, they were… They are. She’s been away, and before that, there was a lot going on. It’s been hard to visit. Celina says she sees, and Britt wonders why she feels she’s being judged. Celina says, friendships are difficult to maintain, even under the best of circumstances. Her rather fluid commitment to Brad is not unexpected. Britt says he’s still her friend, and will continue to be. Celina doesn’t have to worry about her abandoning Brad. Celina says, that’s precisely what she wants.
Obrecht says, it’s Peter, along with the assistance of her reptilian ex Victor, who sealed Jason’s fate. Nina says, if she hadn’t called Obrecht when Peter showed up in Nixon Falls… and Obrecht asks, what else would she do? Nina says, call the police, and Obrecht says, that schwein was blackmailing Nina, using sweet adorable little James. Of course (🍷) Nina needed her. Scotty thinks this might be a good time to talk about Nina’s preliminary hearing. He wants to get the charges tossed out. Obrecht says, hearing? Charges? What is Nina accused of now?
Michael says, he thought Carly would have left by now, and Carly asks where Willow is. Michael says, she went home to be with Wiley. He thought he’d stick around and be with Liam, if Sasha and Brando want to take a break. She asks if he saw the baby, and he says, yeah. Take away the tubes and machines… She says, you’d never know anything was wrong; he’s perfect. She says she had placental abruption with him, and Michael says, Jason found her passed out on the floor, right? She says, he was living at Sonny’s old penthouse. Sonny was out of the country, and not expected to return, and she showed up on the doorstep. Of course (🍷) Jason let her in. She had this terrible pain, and the next thing she knew, Jason was there, and rushing her to the hospital, and she was rushed in to an emergency C-section. Of course (🍷) she doesn’t remember any of that; she just remembers waking up in the ICU. Michael says, and of course (🍷) Jason was right by her side. She says, that’s when he told her Michael had surgery, and it was the scariest moment of her life. She remembers, right then and there, she promised herself that she would die before she ever caused Michael pain. He says he knows the feeling. He makes that promise every day. She takes his hand, and sighs, because someone has to now that Jason is gone.
Maxie tells Sonny to wait. He’s not seriously suggesting Peter deserves mercy? He says, not at all, but she wants her daughter back, right? She says, of course (🍷) she does, and he says, then getting rid of Peter is a bad idea. (Probably talking about it in the middle of the hospital is too. Just saying.) He set up the kidnapping, so if Peter dies, any information about where Louise is will die with him. She says, no; Peter doesn’t know where Louise is. He asks if she’s sure about that, and she says, why would he have blackmailed Nina if he did? and Sonny says, it’s a possibility. She says, here’s the deal; as long as Peter is breathing, Louise is in trouble. Forget about her, and she knows he doesn’t care about Franco, but what about Elizabeth and her sons, and Drew, and Jason? Is Sonny really going to let the man who killed his best friend get away with it?
Britt says, Celina wants her to abandon Brad? and Celina says she appreciates Britt looking after him now and then, but she’s no longer needed. Britt tells her, says the woman who had nothing to do with him his entire life? Celina says she doesn’t know of what she speaks, and Britt says, the hell she doesn’t. She would have heard of Celina if she’d meant anything to Brad. Celina says, the circumstances are favorable to Brad’s imminent parole, and Britt says, she had no idea. Celina says, naturally. If parole is granted, Britt is advised to remain at a distance, and Britt asks, why? That’s not what Brad would want. Celina says, it’s what she wants, and more important, it’s what he nephew needs. This is Brad’s chance to rehabilitate his character, to evolve it beyond its current limited scope, and his ability to do so will be constrained by harmful influences lingering from his old life. Britt says, harmful influences like her, and Celina’s phone dings. She looks at it, and thanks Britt for her time. Britt says she wasn’t given much of a choice, and Celina tells her, the best of luck in her endeavors. She sees no need to revisit this conversation, as long as Britt abides by her wishes.
Silva tells a handcuffed fake cleaning lady, congratulations. She’s going away for the rest of her life. Laura says, she doesn’t know about that. She thinks there’s a scenario where fake cleaning lady could spend a few of her golden years outside, provided she tells them who she’s working for. It’s Cyrus Renault, isn’t it? Fake cleaning lady says, lawyer, and Laura throws up her hands. Silva takes fake cleaning lady out, and Laura goes over to Martin, where an EMT is tending to him. Martin says he’ll be fine after a little laryngitis, and Laura thanks the EMT for getting there so quickly. Martin says she won’t be without his dulcet tones for long, and the EMT leaves. Laura tells Martin not to strain himself, and he says he doesn’t intend to, unless she used all the hot water. He needs to relax. He’s going to take a nice hot soak before their minders move them to the next location. She says, that’s one option, and he says, there’s another?
Michael asks if Carly wants a ride home, but she says she’s going to stick around and see if Brando and Sasha need anything. He says he checked; they’re out. Hopefully, they stay that way until morning. He gets the feeling she’s avoiding going home. She said everything was okay with her and dad; is it? Celina comes by, and says she can’t help but wonder if Michael plans to attend her nephew’s parole hearing. He says she wouldn’t miss it, and she says she assumes his position on Brad being in prison has remained unchanged. He says he believes Brad should remain in prison, and she says, Brad repents of his sin. He says he’s heard that one before. Recently, in fact, from the woman who kept his father away from his family. It sounded as hollow from her as it does from Celina. Celina says she’s sorry to hear that, and tells them to have a good evening.
Scotty says, if Nina is guilty of anything, it’s making this town a better place. She almost helped rid them of the worst menace that ever walked these streets. Obrecht says, this is an outrage. Peter is finally locked up, and they persecute her niece instead? For what? Attempting to thwart a madman? Nina says, her charges aren’t related to Peter, and Obrecht asks, against who else has she transgressed?
Sonny says, Maxie is grieving and angry; so is he, but bringing up Jason is not a way to get into his good graces. She says, this is no time for grace. Peter took Franco and Jason from their families. He took Louise from her. Does Sonny think he’s going to stop there? Sonny flashes back to Peter saying he recorded Sonny with Nina, and if Sonny kills him, he’ll be breathing life into that. Maxie says, taking is what Peter does, and he’s going to keep taking until he gets what he wants, and when he gets it, he’s going to want something new. God forbid you have what he’s set his sights on. She walks away, and Sonny takes out his phone.
Nikolas says he and Ava are on the same page. He wants nothing to do with what Victor is plotting. She says, what he wants is beside the point. She gets the feeling that Victor is using their past association as a license to reduce Nikolas to his pawn. Does he disagree? He says, name one person who’s ever gotten the better of him besides her, and she says, this isn’t funny. He says he knows, and she says, they’re better together. He says he knows that too. He promises he learned his lesson. She says, has he? and he asks what she’s getting at. She says he didn’t fill her in about Victor until it was almost too late, and he says he made a mistake. She says, the mistake is done. If there’s anything left to tell her, the time is now.
Nina tells Obrecht, that’s it. Sonny returned home, and was reunited with his family. Scotty says, the rest will play out in court. Obrecht asks, what exactly are the charges? and he says, fraud, but they’re going to get them thrown out before the trial phase. Obrecht says, what Nina said about Jason… and Nina says, it’s true. Peter would have been in custody sooner if she’d called the police. Obrecht says, but she didn’t want the truth about Sonny to come out, and Nina says, she called Obrecht. Jason might still be alive if she’d made a different choice. Scotty says, if it’s any consolation, he calls Obrecht whenever he gets involved in shady business. Obrecht asks him to leave them, and he says, give him one of those caramels, and they’ll have lawyer/client privilege, but she says, some things can only be said to family.
Britt looks at a photo of her and Brad on her phone, when Maxie comes in. Britt says, it’s so good to see her; she has no idea. Maxie asks, what’s wrong? Or what’s not wrong is the more appropriate question. Britt says, it would make for a short conversation, and Maxie says, talk to her, but Britt says, no. Maxie doesn’t have the time. She has kids. She doesn’t have time to listen to Britt’s sob story. Maxie says her kids are at her parents; she has time. They sit, and Maxie says, she’s listening.
Carly tells Michael that she’s no fan of Brad’s; not after what he did to Michael and Lucas. Michael says, and Willow, and she says, it’s despicable on all fronts, and she definitely thinks Brad should be serving his full sentence. Michael says, but? and she says, but she thinks he should take a different tack when it comes to Brad’s aunt. He says, she asked him questions and he told the truth. Carly says she knows that, and he says, if he’d glossed over his feelings, Celina would have been surprised and angry when he went after Brad at the parole hearing. She says she just thinks he could be less confrontational about it; Celina is his dad’s ally. He says he knows, and he plans to honor their agreement. He’s not going to pull any strings to block Brad’s parole behind the scenes, but he has every intention of speaking at the hearing, which his dad understands. And Celina should know better than to trade on the alliance. Doesn’t Carly think dad would agree? She says she doesn’t feel comfortable speaking for his dad. They’re not exactly on the same page right now.
Sonny thanks Celina for coming by; he knows it’s late. She says she always has time for him, and he says he hopes she has some consideration for him. She says, meaning? and he shows her a photo, saying, this guy is at the PCPD, in custody; his arraignment is tomorrow. There won’t be a bail; they’re sending him back to Pentenville until the trial, but there’s not going to be a trial because he’s going to be dead before that. Celina says, and he wants her to make sure that occurs. He says he’d do it himself, but it’s public knowledge how Sonny feels about him, and Sonny would be the number one suspect. He laughs, and she says, and he requires more than the usual degree of plausible deniability? Sonny says, he is a danger to society. Can she do it? She looks at Peter’s picture, and says, it’s possible, but it will cost Sonny.
Sonny says, obviously, he’ll compensate her for her effort; parcel out any holdings he got from Novak. She says, that’s very generous, but she’d prefer payment in another form. He says, what form is that? and she says she was hoping they could revisit the subject of her nephew. He says, he’s not going to pressure board to refuse Brad’s parole, and she says, that’s all well and good, but she was hoping he’d undertake a more positive approach; use his sway to ensure a more favorable result? He wonders if she understands what she’s asking him to do. Because of Brad, his son couldn’t be a father and thought his son was dead, and she wants him to set Brad free. She says, there’s no more consequence to his family. Brad’s attachment to his grandson has been severed. He says, words are cheap, but she says, not hers. No one’s taking a life. Peter’s removal is of great value to Sonny? Sonny says, yes, and she says, then she asks him to give her something commensurate in return; a life for a life, as it were. He says, okay. He’ll tell his guy on the parole board to vote to release Brad, but she says, a single vote might not be enough to ensure her nephew’s freedom, especially with Sonny’s son on the warpath.
Michael asks, what’s going on with Carly and his dad? but she says she doesn’t want to put him in the middle. He says he gets that, but she obviously needs someone to talk to, and she says, but it can’t be him. It’s not that complicated. She and Sonny thought things would just go back to the way they used to be. He says, easier said than done? and she says, yeah. It’s hard with Jason, and… They’ll work things out. They always do. He says he knows, but hopefully he can help speed things along.
Nina says, let her have it, but Obrecht says, she’ll do no such thing. What is the point? To make Nina feel worse than Carly and Sonny already have? Nina says, it’s more painful when it comes from family, so here she is; go for it. Yell at her, dammit. Obrecht says, masochism doesn’t suit her, but Nina says, if she doesn’t suffer, how can she be redeemed? Obrecht says, first off, she makes amends with Britt. Nina has no idea what she’s taken from Britt. Nina says, she thought Jason and Britt only dated for a little while. Then he left to be with Carly. Obrecht flashes back to talking to Britt about Jason on Cassadine Island, and Britt saying that Jason accepts her as she is. She tells Nina, Jason was more than a fling to Britt. She gave him something most precious; her trust. Now he’s gone, and Obrecht is afraid. Nina says, of what? and Obrecht says, of Britt hiding her heart at a time she can least afford to. Nina says she’ll be there for Britt, always. She promises. Obrecht said, first off. What’s the second thing? Obrecht says, the path to redemption is resurrection. Nina is no saint, but neither are Carly and Sonny. If they don’t apologize, why should Nina? Remember who she is; sister, niece, friend, mother, grandmother, a force to be reckoned with. When she goes to court, don’t cower in the corner. Take up arms, and fight for her life.
Britt tells Maxie, nothing specific is going on. It was just nice to look up and see a friendly face. What brings her by? Maxie says she realized she hadn’t checked up on Britt or Obrecht since they got back. Britt says she’d give her mother another night, and Maxie says, she’s not well? but Britt says, she’s great. She’s cocooning with Scott. Maxie says, gross, and Britt says, yeah. Maxie says, but cute? and Britt says, totally. Maxie says, sounds like a better reunion than she had with Peter. She went to see him at the police station. Britt says, good. She had this vision of Peter escaping and showing up at Maxie’s apartment. Maxie says, it was all her doing, and Britt asks, why? Maxie says she wanted to prove to herself that she wasn’t scared of him anymore; that he didn’t have this hold on her. But leave it to Peter to find new ways to terrify and obsess over her. Britt says, at least she tried, and they put their hands on top of each other’s hands on the table. Britt says she’s proud of Maxie, and Maxie thanks her. She says, anyway, that’s it for Peter. Now it’s just a matter of time. Britt says, before what?
Martin and Laura argue, and Martin asks, what’s to prevent Cyrus from taking another shot? Literally. She says, the FBI told her that Cyrus hired a single assassin, and he says, she thinks that’s it? Just one and done? She says she believes so. He’s completely cut off from his funds, he has no allies, he has zero support. How’s he going to be able to sic anyone on them now? Martin says he doesn’t know. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. She says, not this time, and he says he fears she’s dangerously underestimating their brother, but she says she thinks Cyrus underestimated her – twice. Both times, to his regret. Martin says, thank God, but what if the third time’s the charm? She says her family and community need her, and she can’t be there to help them if she’s in hiding or on the run, always looking over her shoulder. Believe her, that’s no way to live. There is only one way to win here. You turn around and stand your ground, and you take on your enemy, face-to-face. He asks if she was some kind of cheerleader in high school, and she says, drum majorette.
Ava says, it’s a simple question. Either Nikolas trusts her and loves her, or he doesn’t. He says, of course (🍷) he loves her and trusts her, and she says, prove it. He says, she wants complete honesty? Even if it makes her an accessory after the fact? She says she’d rather that than being kept in the dark, and he says, Shawn didn’t shoot Hayden. Someone else did. She says she knows. Nikolas hired them.
Laura tells Martin to relax, and rest the vocal cords. She’s going to talk to Agent Silva, and start packing up their things. He says he hopes she knows what she’s doing, and she says, so does she. He says, funny, and she tells him, somehow, some way, she’ll take care of Cyrus, and will protect him in the process. Okay? He says, okay.
Nikolas says, Ava knows? How? When? She says, weeks ago. In the midst of his hand-wringing over Alexis and Shawn, it all became pretty clear. Then Victor essentially confirmed it this afternoon. He asks why she didn’t say something, and she says she knew he was trying to protect her. She was happy to let it lie. Why coerce him into confessing something that happened so long ago? It’s not like she’s an angel herself. Then Victor surfaced. He says, one secret too many, and she says, make no mistake. There can be no more secrets between them. So he needs to decide, is it all or is it nothing? He kisses her, and asks if that answered her question. They get busy as we see the fireplace. The fireplace is the new code for getting busy. It’s winter.
Scotty goes back to Obrecht’s room, and says, hey, blue eyes. Any chocolate left? She asks if he thinks he stands a chance at getting a judge to throw out the charges against Nina, but he says, not really. If it goes badly, they can taint the jury against her. She says, then why bother? and he says, because they have to see what the prosecution’s case looks like, not to mention the key witnesses and what they’re going to say. She says, key witnesses like Sonny. It’s not like him to deploy the court system against his adversaries. Scotty says, he didn’t; Michael did. She says, the avenging son, and he says he’s not so sure Sonny is too happy about that. She asks if Sonny has undertaken any retribution, but he says, no, and it’s not like him. He and Sonny have one thing in common; they hold grudges. There are no bygones. She asks, then why hasn’t he lifted a finger against Nina, the woman who kept him from his wife and children? He says, maybe Sonny still thinks he’s that country bumpkin bartender Mike. She asks if he said Mike, and Scotty says, why? Obrecht flashes back to Nina telling her that she’d met someone, and thought they were good for each other. His name is Mike. Obrecht tells Scotty, no reason, and he says he’s still a little confused as to why Sonny hasn’t gone off on Nina. He peruses the candy box, and says he has to get to the bottom of that. Nina’s whole future could hinge on it.
Britt says, Maxie’s planning something, but Maxie says, not anymore. Now it’s up to someone else to do the planning; at least she hopes. Britt asks what that means, and Maxie says, nothing. Britt says Maxie is freaking her out, and Maxie says, that’s the opposite of what she wants to do. Why doesn’t Britt come back to her place?. She has wine and actual wine glasses. They can get old school wasted. Nina comes to the door, and asks if she’s interrupting. Maxie says she was just bullying Britt into coming to her house and getting wine hammered. Nina asks if that’s a technical term, and Maxie says, it is now. Is she in? Nina says she doesn’t want to intrude, but Maxie says, the more the merrier. The two of them are the perfect people for Maxie to raise her glass with. Nina asks what they’re toasting to, and Maxie says, a Peter-free world. Coming soon.
Celina says, Sonny’s son plans to argue for her nephew’s continued imprisonment, but Sonny says, he’s not going to push Michael on this. Michael is going to vote his way, and Sonny is going to vote his; that’s it. He stands up, and she follows, holding out her hand. They shake. and he asks when he can expect this to happen. She says she’ll make the necessary arrangements immediately, before Brad’s parole hearing. He walks her to the door, and she says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she’s sorry for his trouble. She knows it puts him in an awkward position. She truly hopes Michael forgives him for this meeting
Michael says it’s obvious Nina is the reason Carly and Sonny are having issues. She’s about to get what she deserves. Carly says, if only, and plops down onto a bench. He says, she will, and sits next to her. Nina is going to go to prison, and when she’s gone, things are going to be better. She says she knows it, and pats his leg.
Sonny tells Celina that he’s prepared to accept the consequences for his actions. His family is best served with Peter taken care of. So see to it that it happens. She nods, and starts to leave, but he asks her to wait. He says, the details of their original agreement still stand. If Brad gets set free, and goes anywhere near his grandson, if he even utters his grandson’s name, there will be hell to pay.
Tomorrow, Brook tells Willow that she’s a whole different story, Anna says maybe there’s something she can do for Peter, Carly asks Sonny what bargain she walked in on, and Sasha tells Brando, today their baby is coming home.
Project Runway
Christian treated the designers to a 2020 fashion retrospective, which consisted of mostly sweats and robes. Christian said everyone had been living in awful couch clothes for over a year, but people felt at ease and comfortable in them. Designers were finding new ways to elevate casual clothing so it looked like effortless luxury. The challenge was a modern version of luxury; comfortable chic. They were to create a look fit for a day out on the town. It was to be luxurious and fabulous, but still comfortable enough to be on the couch. They had one day, and there was no more immunity. In their interviews, Octavio said he spent quarantine in slides and gym shorts; Bone said panties and drag had been his quarantine look, and he was sure his neighbors got enough; for Shantall, it was a sports bra, T-shirt, and leggings; and Prajje said he was naked, just him. What was the point in wasting clothes? The designers were given 30 minutes and a $400 budget at Mood. Christian said the fabric choices were everything. It had to be something that felt great on your body.
Prajje decided he wasn’t doing painting; he was still high from the last time. Octavio wanted to design an oversized sweatshirt dress, which was speaking my language. Shantall decided to use fabric she had created during quarantine. Chasity said she was known for bridal gowns, and had taken a financial hit, and Aaron said he went on food stamps. It had been humbling, but out of something bad came something good. He was going to shine brighter than the sun.
Christian brought the designers a special surprise, Cyndi Lauper, along with Geoffrey Mac, Project Runway’s Season 18 winner. Christian said Cyndi was an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winner, which is pretty impressive. Geoffrey said when he’d won Cyndi’s challenge, it gave him more confidence for the big win. We flashed back to that, and Cyndi said she couldn’t tell them how to sew, but they were the future, and could make an impact. Geoffrey praised his CFDA mentorship, and in Octavio’s interview, he said he and Geoffrey had never met in person, but had DM’d, and styled some of the same people. Octavio said it was because of Geoffrey that he was on the show. At 42, he thought he was too old, but Geoffrey was in his 40s. In Prajje’s interview, he said he had a daughter in Haiti, and wanted her to join him, so she could have a better life.
The guest judge was Maria Cornejo, a designer of wearable chic for every woman, and a founder of the CFDA. Most of the outfits bordered on the same thing: wide pants, some flowing and some gathered; a crop top and/or bralette; and an oversized or long flowing jacket. Basically a lot of elevated pajama sets. Octavio did his hoodie sweatshirt dress, and the model revealed lingerie that he’d designed underneath it. She also wore pink, marabou feathered shoes that Christian had warned Octavio against. The dress had some crazy long sleeves that the model whipped out at the end of the runway, which seemed useless. Norma Kamali has done dresses like that, and I hate them. Brandon put it best when he asked, just in case your arms are 6 feet? Bones had his model come out in big pink rollers, which was fun. Not understanding the assignment, Coral decided on a black sequin two-piece number, more clubwear than casual.
Shantall, Anna, and Bones were in. On the high end was Chasity, Nina saying her outfit was stylish, comfortable, and versatile. It had included three pieces, so there were many options for a look. Elaine liked the juxtaposition of girly and sporty. On the low end was Octavio, which surprised me. Brandon said he’d been waiting to be blown away, but it was anticlimactic, and the pink shoes were a no. If I’ve learned anything from this show, it’s listen to Christian, Also on the low end was Prajje, who maybe should have stuck to painting, and instead had picked out a print with nudes on it. Nina said the spirit was gone. It wasn’t comfortable or luxurious; it was just eh. Elaine said she’d been the dissenting voice, feeling it was effortlessly chic. Aaron was on the high end, with another three-piece PJ set that included a long mohair cardigan. Brandon said it was feminine, but comfortable and believable. Again Elaine was by herself, saying she thought it was frumpy. It was overly comfortable, and not enough chic. At the bottom was Coral, because no one was wearing sequins on the couch. Zayden was also a low scorer, the judges feeling his jumpsuit was ill-fitting. Kristina’s two-piece set got high marks, Maria saying that it was a hot hippie dress. Kristina demonstrated how the pants could be removed, and the top pulled down to make a dress that was quite cute. Elaine said it was thoughtfully executed, but Brandon was in disagreement that time, saying he felt it was borderline costumey. Chasity had immunity, so it didn’t really matter.
The judges deliberated, and Brandon said, clearly Coral had been at a different party. Elaine said Octavio’s outfit seemed less like getting out after quarantine, than something from when you were deep in quarantine, and confused as to what to wear. Regarding Prajje, Nina said, comfortable should never be dull.
Kristina was the winner, with a chic look that was comfortable and confident, and an innovation in style winner. In her interview, Kristina said winning was the best, especially after being at the bottom. Elaine told Coral that she was safe, but to pay attention to the challenge. Prajje was also safe. Elaine said that they were at that point where everyone was talented, which made it difficult. Octavio had overstyled, and lacked originality. Zayden’s execution of the fit was off. They were both out. Octavio thanked the judges for a great experience, and said it was just the beginning. Zayden was crying, and had a hard time getting words out. Elaine said it had been an honor getting to know him. In Zayden’s interview, he said he came in with his head high, and he was walking out the same. He woudn’t change anything. Elaine thanked Zayden for bringing who he is into his work, and he said it was for every Black kid like him, who struggled. He knew it wasn’t the end. Elaine said she wasn’t going to cry today. In his interview, Zayden said he was proud of how far he’d come. He’d been eliminated with Octavio, whose work he loved.
Christian told the designers that they had to come to this moment. They were all talented. There was a group hug, and in Octavio’s interview, he said it took him until age 42 to have the balls to come on the show. He not only showed his designs, but also showed himself in a vulnerable state. He was proud. Zayden was also proud of what he’d done, and hoped he’d proved who he was as a designer. It’s always a lesson never a failure.
Next time – executing a cocktail dress using anything found in a cocktail bar; the unconventional material challenge.
👠 I have no clue what’s going on with Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, but next week Fredrik dresses up like Marilyn Monroe. Might be worth a look-see.
🚗 Putting It In Park…
Tomorrow, the usual soap and free-for-all. Until then, stay safe, stay above-board, and stay standing your ground, and taking on your enemy, face-to-face. It’s the only way to win.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Cassadine Island, Greece. Jason looks at The Chariot tarot card. He flashes back to Peter showing it to Drew, and saying, stand down. He messes with the shackles he’s in.
Britt and Obrecht are left alone. Britt tells her mother, it’s going to be okay. They’re going to get out of there. Obrecht says, she sounds confident, and Britt says she is. She slipped Jason The Chariot card. He’s going to be able to break through Drew’s conditioning. Obrecht says, the truth is, they can’t count on anyone but themselves. It’s up to them to get rid of Peter.
Sasha holds Brando’s hand as she goes through a contraction. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, never better. He says, strong one, huh? and she asks if they’re getting closer together. He says, not yet. It looks like they have some time before they meet their son. She tells him, say that again, and he says, there’s more time? She says, the other part, and he says, their son. She smiles. Elizabeth comes in, and asks how they’re doing. He says, according to mom, never better, and Elizabeth says that’s what she likes to hear. She’s going to be staying with them until Dr. Navarro is ready. Brando says he’s going to get coffee, and asks if Sasha wants anything. More ice chips? She says she doesn’t need anything, and he says he’ll be right back. He tells the baby to stay put until he gets back, kisses Sasha’s belly, and leaves. She flashes back to Brando saying she and the baby are all he wants, and kissing him.
Sonny sees Brando by the elevator, and asks how Sasha is doing. Brando says, handling labor like a champ, and Sonny asks how he’s doing. Brando says, happy, excited, nervous, terrified… Did he say happy? Sonny says he did. That all sounds exactly right.
Carly goes stomping over to Nina, and Willow wisely grabs Wiley, and gets him the hell out of there. Carly asks, what’s it going to take to keep Nina away from Wiley? A restraining order? She’s calling the cops. Here Nina is, fresh out on bail, and she’s harassing Willow and Wiley? Nina says she’s doing no such thing; not even close. Willow returns, having deposited Wiley with a caregiver.
Valentin’s phone rings, and Gladys says, don’t answer that. He asks, why? and she says, it’s Brook. He looks at the phone, and sees she’s right, and asks, what if something is wrong with the baby? Gladys says, the baby is fine. Brook is going to try and talk him out of listening to her, and that would be a travesty for him and that little girl.
Austin asks Maxie to just level with him. Tell him the truth. Are she and Brook in some kind of trouble? Brook runs past on the phone, leaving Valentin a message to call her back immediately.
Willow tells Carly, no need to call the police. Nina wasn’t harassing her; not at all. Carly asks if Nina followed her here, and Willow says that never occurred to her. This is beyond stupid, since Nina was there in the middle of a phone call when Willow came along. Nina tells Carly, she was there for the Fall Fair; she was picking something up for Phyllis. Willow says she ran into Nina, that’s all. It’s perfectly innocent. Nina even offered to leave. Carly says, Willow let her stay? Willow says, Wiley was excited to see her, and Carly says she just finished talking to Phyllis, and she was defending Nina. Now here Nina is trying to worm her way back into Wiley’s life, as if she has any right to it. Nina says she doesn’t have to report to Carly, but here it goes. She hasn’t seen Wiley since the day she returned to Port Charles. This was an accident. Carly says the next time Nina accidentally runs into Wiley, walk away. Better yet, turn around and run. Willow tells Carly, that isn’t her decision to make. Carly not letting it go, even though everyone is telling her to, makes me think of a credo I go by. If someone calls you an ass once, shrug it off, but if more than one person calls you an ass, start looking in the mirror for the ears and tail.
Brando says, this dad thing’s a little overwhelming, and Sonny says, that’s one word for it. Brando says, they’re not even done with the birthing part yet, and Sonny asks why he thinks they call it labor? It’s going to be one of the hardest and greatest things he ever has to live through. Can he imagine? You’re watching the woman you love struggle to bring a baby into the world, and all you can do is hold her hand and tell her to breathe. But when it’s over, and you got that little baby, it changes everything. For the better. It’s all right. Sonny hugs Brando, and says he’s going to do it. It’s all going to be worth it. Brando says he can’t wait.
Elizabeth tells Sasha, everything looks good. Her blood pressure is a little elevated, but that’s not abnormal. Sasha asks how she does it, and Elizabeth says, do what? Sasha says she’s overwhelmed at bringing one child into this world, and Elizabeth has three. Elizabeth says, the first one is definitely the biggest adjustment, but you do adjust… and learn and grow and love. Sasha says she’s getting that sense. She already loves this little guy so much, and she hasn’t even met him yet. Elizabeth says, just wait. She has no idea.
Brook wonders why Valentin isn’t answering his phone. Maxie goes over to her, and asks, what’s going on? Keep in mind they have an audience. Brook asks if she’s seen Gladys, and Maxie says, no; why? Brook says, all hell broke loose at the art exhibit. Gladys found out Kip isn’t really the baby’s father. Maxie asks, how? and Brook says, does it matter?She said there’s no stopping her this time. She’s going to tell Valentin the truth. Maxie asks what Brook is still doing standing there, and Brook says, excellent point, and jets.
Valentin says Gladys has his attention. Although he’s not sure why, given the fruitless nature of their previous meeting. Gladys says she’s sorry. She should have told him the truth then. She was intimidated by some cater waiter actor buffoon. He says, let him guess, Brook was the mastermind, and she says, bingo, but she couldn’t let fear keep her from doing the right thing. He wonders if she can do it without so many words, and she says, Brook’s been lying to him.
Austin says, that looked intense, and Maxie says, you know Brook. He says, it also looked familiar. That’s the second time in a short while he’s seen Brook scurry away in a tizzy, and the second time Maxie seemed to be involved. Maxie says, just spit it out. What exactly does he think she and Brook are up to?
Britt tells Obrecht, here’s the good news. Peter isn’t going to kill either one of them. He knows he can’t get Maxie back by any rational means; he’s going to have to brainwash her. Something, unfortunately, Obrecht knows how to do. Obrecht says she’s not an expert like Britt’s father was, but she has a firm enough grasp. Britt says, Peter’s counting on that. He’s going to order Drew to kidnap Maxie and bring her back to him, and have Obrecht program her to love him. She can’t believe she’s even saying these words. Obrecht says, Peter can only get her to do it by threatening Britt, and Britt says, exactly. She’s his leverage. Peter needs Obrecht, and to force her to cooperate, he needs Britt. It’s going to keep them both breathing. Obrecht says, for now.
The guard comes in, and tells Jason, time’s up, Morgan.
Sasha says, this is probably a dumb question, but Elizabeth says, there are no dumb questions. Sasha says, there’s no way to predict how long her labor will be, is there? and Elizabeth says she wishes she did. Every labor is tough, especially with the first one. It could be hours, it could be a day… Brando comes in, and says, a whole day? and Sasha asks if he’s sick of her already. He says, never, handing her a cup of ice chips, and asks what he missed. Elizabeth says, just another contraction, and Sasha says, but the baby kept his word and is still in there. He says, good man. He saw Sonny; he sends his best. Sasha says, that’s sweet. What else did he say? Brando says Sonny told him this is going to change everything, but in the most amazing way. She says she already knew that, and he says, him too. She says, but it’s nice to hear it again.
Nina picks up her shopping bag, and says, maybe it’s time to finish up the shopping that she came there to do. Carly says, that’s thoughtful of her, and Nina leaves. Carly asks if Willow bothered to call Michael, to see if he thought this surprise meeting was a good idea, and Willow says she didn’t. It was spontaneous; it happened. Carly says, if it happens again, is Willow going to protect her son? She gets that Willow is trying to keep the peace, but does she need to remind Willow about the first time Nina spent time with Wiley? She told him Nelle was his mommy, not Willow. Is she really going to expose Wiley to that kind of pain and confusion again?
Obrecht says, so far, she’s disappointed in Jason, and Britt says, who risked his life to save her, even though Obrecht has a long history of terrorizing people he cares about? Obrecht says, that was very kind, although she knows he did it for Britt. He’s got a thing for her, and she doesn’t want Britt thinking he feels sorry for her. Britt says she knows he doesn’t. She doesn’t think he sees her differently. He accepts her as she is, before and after her diagnosis. Obrecht says, then why doesn’t he get a move on and kill that schwein Peter, and get them the hell out of here? Britt says, if that doesn’t happen, for whatever reason, they need to talk. Sooner or later, Peter’s going to let his guard down with one or both of them. They need to agree now. When that happens, and they get the opportunity, they kill him. Obrecht says, of course (🍷) they do, and Britt says, no matter the cost. She doesn’t care if there are five guards holding guns on her, kill the bastard. She means it. She’s going to die anyway, and they have to stop him. So if one of them sees a weapon or an opening, they use it. Deal? Obrecht says, deal. Peter pops in, and says, sorry for the delay. They’ll be on their way as soon as his guards confirm Jason is dead.
The guard tells Jason, don’t worry; he’ll make it quick. He takes out his gun, and Jason knocks him to the floor, still cuffed, getting him in a headlock. The guard slips into unconsciousness, and Jason gets the key. He undoes his shackles and handcuffs. He takes the guard’s gun, and leaves.
Austin says, if he knew what Maxie was up to, why would he ask? She says, maybe he’s the type of person who likes to test people, and he says, if he were, would she pass? She asks, what’s the subject? and he says, deception, and he’s not talking about the company. She says, deception about what? and he says, here’s what he knows for certain. Brook has been a real nervous Nelly in the last few weeks. On more than one occasion, he’s seen them put their heads together, and speak in hushed tones, and the other day, he saw Maxie hand a wad of cash to some guy with a gun. She says, that was a prop; he was an actor. He says, okay, cool, but why did she give him money?
Valentin tells Gladys, he already knows Brook is up to something. He just doesn’t know what it is. She says, he really can’t guess? and he says, he doesn’t like guessing games. She says, it’s a tale as old as time, when Brook walks in, saying, thank God she found Gladys. Gladys asks, why so worried? and Brook says she didn’t want Gladys to think she locked her in the back room at the gallery. She swears it wasn’t her. Gladys asks, who was it then? but Brook has no clue. She thinks she and Gladys should talk, because she’s come up with some really unique and generous ways to meet Gladys’s needs. Gladys says she sees. Brook wants to play nice. It’s too late. She gave Brook plenty of chances, and she blew them all. Brook says, just listen to her, but Valentin interrupts, thanking Gladys for stopping by. He asks for a moment alone with Brook, and Gladys tells him, don’t let Brook snow him. He’s too smart for that. She leaves, and Valentin says, it’s obvious she’s blackmailing Brook. Does she want to tell him why?
Brando says, talking to Sonny got him thinking. What does she think about Mike as their baby’s middle name? She says, Mike as in Sonny’s father? and he says, Mike was around a lot when he was a kid, and he always looked up to him. They lost touch for a long time, but he got to know Mike toward the end of his life, and admired him all over again. Sonny’s always been good to him, and he’s also Michael. She says she loves it; it’s perfect. He was such a wonderful man, kind of like someone else she knows. He asks if he should be jealous, and she says, of himself? She’d advise against it. Elizabeth comes in, and hands Brando a roller, saying, if Sasha gets uncomfortable, he gets to massage her back. Sasha says she feels wonderful right now. Maybe a little impatient. Daddy’s here; let’s get this show on the road. Elizabeth says, if she takes a walk, it might help induce labor, and would probably help with the intensity too. If she has a contraction, stop and relax; don’t try to move through it. Sasha says she’s not sure she could, and Brando asks if she wants to take their baby for a spin. She tells him, try to keep up, and he says he’ll do his best. He and Elizabeth help Sasha out of bed.
Willow tells Carly, Nina learned her lesson. She doesn’t expect Nina will do anything like that again. She understands Carly is trying to protect Wiley; she is too. Carly says, by letting him play with Nina, the woman who kept Sonny away from him, away from all of them? Willow says, this situation isn’t easy for her either. Wiley spotted Nina and reached out to her. What would Carly have her do? Let Wiley cry because he isn’t allowed to see someone who makes him happy? Carly says, that woman hurt Wiley’s entire family. Is that not a consideration for her?
Sonny sees Nina.
Obrecht tells Peter, there’s a much easier way to do this. Once Jason is dead, he won’t be a problem anymore. Peter says, that’s usually how it works, and she says, Jason can’t stop him or hinder his plans. Let Britt go, and she’ll come with him voluntarily. It’s not like everyone doesn’t think she’s rotten anyway; it’s not like she’ll be missed. He says, and she’ll just do what he asks in terms of Maxie just because? She says she’ll do what he asks because if she has to choose between Maxie and Britt, she’ll choose her daughter every day of the week. He has her word. He says, that is a really great offer, if he trusted her to make good on it. He doesn’t. He tells the guard that they can’t wait any longer. Grab them, and let’s get out. Jason appears, and shoots the guard, and says, don’t move. Drew is suddenly there, and puts a gun on Jason, and says, don’t move.
Brook says, Gladys doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and Valentin says, that’s not an answer. Brook says, Gladys thinks she knows something, but she doesn’t. He closes the door, and says, about Bailey? She said Brook is lying to him about his daughter. Brook says, my God. There’s nothing that woman wouldn’t say or do for money; she’s disgusting. He can’t trust a word she says. He asks if he can trust Brook, and she says, of course (🍷). He says, Austin was already there, and said she was up to something. He’s got a bad feeling. She says, please, and he says, he can’t be right. Brook wouldn’t hurt him that bad just to get her hands on some damn stock.
Drew takes Jason’s gun, and Peter says he’s waited a long time to say these words – kill him. Britt says, no, and distracts Drew for a moment, giving Jason a chance to grab Drew’s gun hand. They struggle, and Obrecht picks up Jason’s gun, but Peter grabs Britt. He says, drop it, or she dies. Obrecht says, he wouldn’t, and he asks if she’d like to test that theory. He asks how her grandson is; James is probably missing his oma right about now. Britt says, do it, but Obrecht puts the gun on the table. Drew and Jason continue to fight, and Peter says, they’re leaving. Now. He takes Britt, and Obrecht follows. Drew slams Jason up against the fireplace.
Maxie tells Austin, so this suspicion is happening because he sees her with her friend a lot, and she gave an actor money? He says, that, and what Gladys said. She says, he’s had more conversations with Gladys? and he says, she’s a very chatty woman. She asks what Gladys said, and he tells her, she’s holding something over Brook’s head, and it has to do with Valentin. He doesn’t know for certain what it is, but he could guess. She asks if he told anyone about this, and he says, onlyValentin. Because that’s the only right thing to do.
Brook says, how it started is not how it ended, and he asks what they even means. She says, yes, it was a cynical undertaking at first. She wanted to use the baby to take over ELQ, but that was before she knew how much he’d love her. How much Bailey would love him, and how much she’d love them together. She starts to cry, and says, you know how it is when you put something in motion. It takes on a life of its own, and becomes something that you didn’t intend it to be, but this became something so much more important. Isn’t that what matters? Their family, what they have now. Valentin says, not if it isn’t real.
Sasha tells Brando, Elizabeth was right; walking does ease the pressure. He stops, looking at her, and she says, what? He says, she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, and she laughs. She says, right now, in her hospital gown, waddling through the corridors? He says, right now, and she doesn’t waddle. She says, that’s good to know. They’ll be decent parents, right? Their son will grow up knowing he’s safe, cared for, and loved. He says, that’s the plan. No? She says, that is the plan. It’s just that word makes her laugh. He says, planning was never their strong suit, and she says, can he believe this is happening? From a one-night stand in his garage to this. He says, just for the record, he can’t be happier, and she says, her neither. Let’s do it. My Lord, she’s so huge, you’d think she was having triplets.
Nina says she’s doing everything in her power to stay away from Sonny and his family. He asks, what happened? and she says she accidentally ran into Willow and Wiley, and she was talking to Wiley. Then Carly shows up, and loses her mind. She’s not sorry about seeing her grandson, but she is sorry if she’s causing him and his family more problems. Carly appears, and says, Nina’s not sorry for any of it, but she will be. Nina asks if Carly is threatening her, and Carly says, damn right she is, under no uncertain terms. Nina says, Michael had her arrested. What more does Carly want? Does she want to draw blood? Carly says, if it comes to that, hell yeah, but Sonny says, Nina knows the rules. There’s no need to fight or draw blood, okay? Carly asks what they’re going to do about Nina’s continued presence in Wiley’s life, and he tells Carly, she said it was an accident. Carly says, he believes her? Willow comes back with Wiley, and Carly runs over, saying, hey. Willow says, since Wiley’s grandparents are arguing, she’s going to take him home. She tells Wiley to say goodnight, and Sonny says, you going home, big boy? Carly tells him, sweet dreams. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and Nina stays where she is, looking sad.
Sasha says, Cornelius, and Brando says, Heathcliff, and no shortening it to Heath. She says, Barnstable, and he says, Aloysius. She says, Boniface, and he says, Hamlet. She says, Elmo, and he says, Elmo? She says, that’s the one he has a problem with? and he says, they can’t name their kid after a puppet. She says, okay, but they can name him Alo… oooh. She doubles over, and says she needs to get back.
Jason and Drew continue to tussle. Jason knocks Drew down, and gets on his back. He takes out the tarot card, puts it in Drew’s face, and says, stand down. Drew snaps out of it, and Jason says, Drew? Drew says, yeah; it’s him. Jason asks what number he was in high school football, and Drew says, he was 82. Jason gets off of Drew, and Drew sits up, looking around. He says, what the hell?
Maxie says, she’s sorry, but when did Austin become the authority figure on the right thing to do? Was it before or after he took advantage of Chase, to be his spy in the Quartermaine house? He says, that sounds like Brook’s version of the story, and she asks if she got that wrong. He didn’t take advantage of Chase? Because here they have a guy who almost died, and is still stuck in a wheelchair, learning how to walk, and he finds out his wife is involved with Michael. Maybe Austin did think the best way for Chase to get over that pain was to betray the Quartermaines and go through Edward’s private paper. Austin says, he was trying to claim his father’s rightful inheritance, and she says, by using Chase. Austin says, he’s not the one who hurt Chase. Michael did when he slept with his wife. She says, that’s what she finds so interesting about this. Willow and Michael lied to Chase out of love and concern. Austin used him to get his hands on ELQ stock, and he’s the one who did the right thing? He says, in hindsight, he probably could have handled the situation better, and she says, what about Gladys? Can he honestly tell her that he enjoys chatting with her? Because it kind of looks like he’s working her for information; something he can dig up, and take to Valentin. From her point-of-view, he’s using Gladys to get back at Brook, but she’s obviously wrong, because he’s doing the right thing
Brook tells Valentin, this is what’s real. The way Bailey grabs his finger when she falls asleep; the way she lights up like a Christmas tree when he sings to her. And when she tries to sing back in that ridiculously adorable babble of hers. That’s real. Listen to her. Gladys is a horrible woman. She’s angry and nasty grasping. Why listen to anything she has to say?Why let her ruin something that’s really working. Maybe better than anything has ever worked in her entire life. She cries, and says, she’s not talking about the stupid company. She’s talking about her and him and bedtime stories. And Charlotte, and how amazing she is with her little sister. Why let Gladys’s awful insinuations poison something so beautiful. Please don’t do it.
Sonny says goodnight to Wiley, and Nina says she’s sorry to put Willow in such an awkward position. Nina waves goodbye to Wiley, and Willow tells him, it’s time to go. They leave, and Sonny tells Carly, she has to let it go. It was an accidental meeting. Nobody got hurt. She says, not tonight, but he got hurt. She did too. Their whole family was hurt. Doesn’t he care about that? Why is he defending Nina?
Jason picks up his gun, and Drew asks, what happened? How bad did it get? Jason says, Peter took off with Britt and her mother. Drew checks out the guard, and says, he’s alive; he’s just out cold. Jason says, good. No one else deserves to die because of Peter August. Jason says, there’s a small boat with a working motor. It’s on the southeast side of the island. It’s about three miles across open sea to the next island, but Drew is a Navy SEAL. Drew says he can probably make it, but Peter has at least five other guards out there. He’s going to need some back-up. Jason gives him a gun, and Drew asks if he’s sure about this. Jason tells him, like he said, he’s going to need some back-up. Drew takes the gun, and they leave.
Peter brings Obrecht and the others through the wine cellar, and Obrecht asks if they’re picking up some wine for their trip. Peter says, there’s a passage that leads to the water where a boat is waiting. Britt sees the guard on the floor, and asks if they should help him out, but Peter says, there’s no time. Obrecht says, at least tell them where they’re going, and he says they’re going somewhere no one can find them, except for Drew because he’s bringing Maxie. Now move. They go through the passageway.
Brando tells Sasha, she’s got this; she’s doing great. Just breathe. That was a bad one? She nods, and says, it still is. Elizabeth asks if she’s still in contraction, and Sasha says, it isn’t over. Elizabeth asks if she has pain anywhere else, and Sasha says, her back and stomach. Brando asks Elizabeth if Sasha is okay. How’s her blood pressure? Elizabeth says, it’s high, and Brando says, too high? Elizabeth says she’s going to get Dr. Navarro to weigh in on this. She’ll be right back. She leaves, and Sasha says, that’s a little better. He says he hopes nothing is wrong, but she says, don’t worry. Childbirth is notoriously painful, and hard.That’s why they call it labor. He says he doesn’t think labor is strong enough. It needs a new name. She says, that’s it, and he says, what? She says, Laborious Mike Corbin, and he says, it does have a ring to it. She says, she’s a genius, and he says, he’s the one who gave her the inspiration. She says, she’s having his baby, and he says, she is? Why didn’t she say anything?
Maxie starts to walk away, and Austin asks where she’s going. She says, anywhere but here sounds good. He says, Maxie, and she says, don’t Maxie her. She gave him every opportunity, not to mention benefit of the doubt, but he’s on some crusade to take Brook down. He says, that’s not true, and she says, really? He’s essentially interrogated her for the last half hour over something that has nothing to do with him. Then, he told her, with pride, that he went tattling to Valentin. She doesn’t know how else to say it to him. Brook is her friend. He says he’s aware, and she says, and as of now, he’s not. So mind his own business, and stay out of theirs.
Valentin says, he liked Brook. he liked her the moment he met her. And the shared the most amazing one-night stand. She says she’s flattered, and he says, and then she got pregnant. In the last several months, he’s come to see her in a different light, and appreciate her as a mother, partner, and friend. She says she appreciates him too, and he says, they shared some amazing moments. We flash back to Valentin meeting Bailey for the first time, and them agreeing they’ll give Bailey a great life. He says he trusted her. Charlotte and Bailey bonded as sisters. There’s the problem. If it was just him, fine, let things go on the way they are, but there are two other people he’s got to think about; Charlotte and Bailey. And for them, he’s got to know. Bailey’s not his, is she?
Tomorrow, Willow asks Michael if that’s so impossible to understand, Elizabeth says something is seriously wrong, Carly asks Sonny to help her understand, and Drew says if he kills someone, that’s just a bonus.
Project Runway
In Katie’s interview, she said it was her 4th time at the bottom, but her parents had instilled a lot of confidence in her. She felt pumped, and ready to show who she was. Christian told the designers to grab a box. Each one had a different accessory in it from a top NYC accessory designer. The goal was to support small businesses that had taken a downturn in the pandemic, and they would be doing a one-time collab with a designer to create a brand new look and a brand new accessory. Christian said, accessories got him to the next level, and the more customers the better. Shantall started crying, thinking of how getting a business off the ground was similar to her family coming there, and starting from scratch. Christian said the pandemic had been tough, but they were getting through it. The winning designer and accessory designer would split $25K. In addition to the usual trip to Mood, they were also going to a unique store for any special embellishment they liked. The designers opened their boxes to reveal handbags, gloves, jewelry, hats, and shoes. Bones was already familiar with his partner Ashaka Givens, who he said did amazing sculptural hats. He had an idea for a water woman, who characterized the magical moment when the sea and sand touched. Octavio’s designs had walked the red carpet with the headwear designer he was partnered with.
The designers had $400 and 30 minutes to spend in Mood. Christian pointed out that everything Coral made had been black, which is kind of ironic considering her name. Afterward, they went to Hai Trim, where they could spend $250 on notions. When I lived in Manhattan, my apartment was not in a residential area, and there were a lot of trim stores where we often bought beads and such, or things like feathers for Halloween costumes. They’re so much fun to look around in. Aaron decided to take a risk by doing a bathing suit to show off a handbag. The quote of the night was from Bones, who said, if only people knew how long it takes to make a ruffle. Chasity (who I’ve been calling Chastity – sorry) said she thought people underestimated Anna because she was quiet, but it was the quiet ones you had to watch out for. Christian made his tour, and said he didn’t want to force anything on Katie, but suggested making her long dress a mini to give it a more modern look. Bones said it was like two melding worlds. Zayden’s partner called him, saying the rent was due, and in Zayden’s interview, he talked about how he had been homeless when he won a scholarship to fashion school, and all the sacrifices he’d made. I suddenly wanted him to win.
The guest judge was Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Octavio had worked with headwear designer Rodney Patterson who said it was a match made in heaven. His outfit was larger than life, and the model carried one of those round vintage suitcases I love. I also loved Bones’s water woman in layers of blue, white, and grey, topped with Ashaka’s pearly hat. Coral also worked with a hat, from Lynn Paik, and had created a sheer red number, adding touches of her macrame skills. Kristina did a three-piece suit, showcasing shoes by Lauren Brinkers. To pay tribute to an inside joke about a paper bag, she’d also created a handbag that was basically an elevated paper bag. This turned out to be an unintentional bonus, since the judges loved it. Katie had settled on a high/low hem, to complement shoes by Rebecca Heykes. I hated to say it, but it was the same old from Katie, although the print was pretty and the shoes rocked. Shantall had created a red dress using a brooch from Aziza Abdullah Nicole at the beltline. I’m a huge brooch fan, and would love to see more of them worked into wardrobes. Zayden made a caftan style dress to go with a bag by Akilah Stewart, who added matching fabric to the bag. Aaron, who’d gone with the bathing suit, said his companion bag by Lorna Nixon was the Swiss Army knife of handbags, peaking my interest. I wondered if tools popped out of it. Chasity worked with an Andres Quintero Betancourt bag, but I thought her black two-piece pantsuit was boring. One of the most beautiful accessories was a chainmail piece by Sally Reardon that was a necklace, but also went over the shoulders. Anna created a dress that incorporated it, and since she’d needed nothing from Hai Trim, she wore a chainmail headpiece she’d purchased there. When it came down the runway, Steven was visibly into it. Last, but for sure not least, Prajje had made a 40s/50s retro number, with a matching turban. Pretty, but low key, the showpiece being gloves by Katie Sue Niklos. And like Prajje said, they weren’t just gloves; they were gloves. Elbow length, adorned with incredible flowers – like, actual 3-D flowers, not a print – and faux gems. Prajje said he was simply the messenger. Brandon said it was a great show. I always think even the worst of them is great, since sewing isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. I did okay in home ec, and also made a couple of costumes for myself for shows in high school, but that’s about the extent of it. Oh yeah, I made a halter top once. I probably don’t need to tell you how easy those are to make. I still have it though.
Anna, Aaron, Chasity, and Shantall were safe. The started with Prajje, who was at the top, Elaine welcoming him back to the winner’s circle. He said he’d thought of his grandmother, dressed to the nines for church. Steven said the outfit was sophisticated glamor, as well as timeless. It could be worn by Jackie O. or Lady Gaga. On the low end was Zayden, who’s mistake seemed to have been detracting from the bag with other accessories. Nina said the dress didn’t deserve to be on the bottom, but the styling was too much. Elaine reminded him about Coco Chanel’s advice to always take one thing off before leaving the house. (Yeah, I don’t listen to that one either.) Also at the top was Coral, who was technically meeting the judges for the first time, since she’d been safe, but in the background. Nina said she’d been impressed with the macrame touches Coral always added. Brandon said whoever wore her piece would be on the Best Dressed List, and Steven said he could see the look on the red carpet. Unfortunately, Bones was on the low end, Elaine telling him that the model was swimming in fabric. She couldn’t imagine who would wear it. Ouch. Nina thought he had no focus, and had overshadowed the accessory. Katie was on the bottom yet again, Elaine suggesting Katie might have chosen a fabric of lighter weight or something sheer. Steven said it was too heavy on the top, and Brandon thought the high/low hem made it seem like she wasn’t sure about the dress. Kristina was on top, with an honorable mention for the paper bag. Nina said it was cohesive, head to toe, and runway ready. Steven said it was also versatile, since the top, pant, and jacket could be worn separately. Also at the top was Octavio, Nina saying the challenge was made for him. Steven said Octavio’s outfit was a lesson in geometry, and had natural movement. Brandon called it, larger than life.
The judges deliberated. In choosing the winner, Nina said that Prajje’s creation was borderline costume, but I wasn’t sure how it couldn’t be, when the gloves were so dramatic. On the losing end, she said she didn’t think Katie trusted herself. The bottom line was, they were choosing who they’d be investing in, and who would have more longevity in their career.
Kristina was the winner, along with Lauren Brinkers, and seemed pretty surprised. She said she had no words, and high-fived Bones. In her interview, she said it felt great. When you were trying to say something, and the judges saw that, it was everything. Nina told Zayden, he was safe, but always take off one thing. She said that Katie was continuously listening to voices that weren’t her own, and the look had embodied it. Bones had too many ideas going on. Then Nina did that thing I hate. She said, Bones… you are in. It’s like a throwback to the early American Idol days, when they were allowed to torture people. Katie said she appreciated the opportunity, especially since she hadn’t even gone to fashion school. Elaine said she hoped Katie would get a clear sense of her capabilities, and trust herself to explore her range. In Katie’s interview, she said she regretted letting other voices crowd out her own, and Christian said she found herself a little bit. He knew she had a customer out there, and would find them and have a moment. Katie said she was going to start a clothing brand when she got back, and her advice was, trust your own voice.
Next time, an avant-garde challenge, a car accident, and Billy Porter as guest judge.
💰 Highlights. I caught some of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, since they reran it tonight. It looked like JoshA and Fredrik were on a roller coaster ride, co-listing with seller rep Yuri. First, Yuri wanted Fredrik out, but JoshA told him, they came in together, and they were selling it together. It was both or neither. (More niceness!) He and Fredrik talked about being Thelma and Louise, but they both wanted to be Thelma. JoshF showed a property that once belonged to Doris Day that had a massive 30,000 square foot backyard. He closed the deal during a brunch hosted by Tori Spelling, where he and the buyer were both guests. Yuri ultimately got rid of both JoshA and Fredrik when the property was taken off the market. In his interview, JoshA said it had been three months of work, and he and Fredrik were each out $25K. Remember that the next time you want to be a realtor. Looking on the bright side, Fredrik said, there’s always the next one.
🍊 Paging the OC…
RHOC is back on December 1st, along with Heather Dubrow.
Come and set a spell tomorrow for a little soap, a little tea, and even some knowledge. Until then stay safe, stay comfortable in yourself, and stay remembering there are no dumb questions. Although you might come along a dumb answer or two.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 