What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Sonny checks out Spencer, whose publicist working on his Instagram. She’s only eleven, but Parisian so she’s taken seriously. He tells Sonny it’s mid-term break, but he also came back to Port Charles to right a terrible wrong.

At the MetroCourt, Maxie asks if Nina is okay. Nina says nothing she won’t survive. She’s supposed to meet her daughter. Not only was she stood up, she probably will never see her again.

Valentin sees Sasha trying to jet from the MetroCourt. He asks if he can have a moment of her time regarding her biological mother, Nina Reeves.

Laura comes by Lulu’s office. She says not only does Lulu write for The Invader, she appears on Page Five. Laura shows Lulu her tablet where there’s picture of her and Peter at the film festival. She says it looks like they have some catching up to do.

Drew leaves message for Oscar, wishing him a happy birthday.

Oscar sits in the park. His phone dings, and he sees a missed call from Dad.

Peter goes to Drew’s office to find out what Drew needed help with. Drew says he needs to clear something up. If his memories were restored, would he forget the past five years?

Maxie tells Nina there are a million reasons why Sasha might be late, but ditching her isn’t on the list. Nina says when it comes to sisters-in-law, she won the lottery. Maxie thinks Sash will realize she won in the biological mother lottery. Maxie says, by the time she gets back, they’ll be so deep into bonding, Nina won’t notice she’s there.

Sonny wonders if Spencer’s visit has anything to do with his vendetta against Valentin. He says he promised his grandmother that he’s set aside fighting for his birth right to avenge his father. Sonny is proud of him, and Spencer says, new fans are always welcome. Sonny tells him about Mike living there, and Spencer says his grandmother told him that Mike has Alzheimer’s. He asks if Sonny thinks Mike will remember him. Sonny thinks so. Mike talks about Spencer’s mom, Courtney, a lot. He tells Spencer to let Mike lead. Let him tells stories, and they can get to know each other for as long as they can. Josslyn comes in. She’s excited to see Spencer, and asks how his legs are. Spencer says the healed bones are even stronger. He tells Josslyn that he heard about her and Oscar on social media, and knows she must be devastated. Sonny leaves them to talk. Spencer says when he saw her Instagram post, he had to return. How can he leave his dearest friend halfway around world with a broken heart?

Cameron meets Oscar in the park. He says Oscar is lucky he had nothing first period, but he wouldn’t know since he’s not in school. He asks what Oscar is doing, and Oscar says, stuff. Cameron says they’re reading Moby Dick in English class, and it’s boring; there’s a whole chapter on knots. He tells Oscar that his fake girlfriend plan caused Josslyn to be obsessed with finding  every detail about a girl who doesn’t exist. It’s twisted, and he’s out. Oscar says Cameron can’t quit. The sooner Josslyn is convinced the girl is real, the sooner she’ll get over him and move on. Cameron says he’s already over him. He kept Oscar’s secret, and showed Josslyn the fake girlfriend. He feels like he has an ulcer. Oscar says he doesn’t, but Cameron says that’s not the point. They had a deal. If it didn’t work, Oscar has to tell her. Oscar says, it is working. She believes it. All Cameron has to do is one last thing; make up a story. Cameron says, and lie point blank to his oldest friend. It’s not happening. Just because Oscar is sick doesn’t give him a free pass to be a jerk.

Sasha thinks Nina is Valentin’s boss, and he was sent to intercept her. She tells him to let Nina know she’s sorry. She already had a mother; a great mother, and she’s not in the market for another one. Valentin says he understands the people they love aren’t interchangeable. She misunderstands. He wasn’t sent there to intercept her, and he’s the last person she would send. Nina doesn’t trust him, for good reason. Sasha asks who he is, and why is he talking to her? He knows firsthand what it’s like to have Nina turn your world upside down. She means well. Sasha says it’s a lot; she’s a lot. Valentin agrees Nina can be overwhelming, especially where her daughter is involved. Sasha says she doesn’t know Nina, but Valentin says at one point, she was Nina’s whole world. The next moment, it was twenty years later and she was gone. She hasn’t had time to adjust to the joy of Sasha still being alive. It’s not much to ask. He knows what it’s like to be embraced and loved by Nina, and it’s something she doesn’t want to miss. He also knows what it’s like to be deprived of it, and she’ll regret it for the rest of her life.

Sasha says that may be the case for Valentin, and asks who he is. He introduces himself, saying he’s Nina’s ex-husband. Sasha says when they met yesterday, it was obvious that Nina wanted more than she can give. He says it might have seemed that way, but Nina is a giver. She’s utterly overwhelming, and it can be infuriating at first, but she’s generous. Sasha says she sounds lovely, but it’s too much. Valentin tells her the one thing Nina wanted more than anything was a child of her own. The closest she’s come is being stepmother to his child. Her loyalty and devotion is unmatched. Sasha says she wasn’t loyal enough to stay with him, but Valentin says it’s all on him. Sasha says it’s never only on one, but he tells her in this case, it is. She stood by him through it all. Sasha asks why they’re not still together, and he says he abused her trust. He broke her heart, and he’ll regret it and love her until the end of his days. All Nina wants is her time, and he guarantees it will be time well spent.

Lulu finds it hard to believe Laura came all the way to discuss a picture. Laura says she’s just checking in. She knows Lulu was upset about her marriage. Lulu says, and she happened to be reading Page Five? Laura says correct her if she’s wrong, but Peter isn’t her husband’s favorite guy. Lulu says Dante doesn’t have to like all of her friends. Laura says Peter is her boss. Lulu says, and her friend. If Dante doesn’t like it, he can come home and tell her to her face. Laura asks if Lulu is trying make Dante jealous, but she says she just accepted an invitation. She misses her husband. Laura asks if Peter knows that, and Lulu says he does. Laura says if the message Lulu wants to send is that she loves and misses him, the photo isn’t going to help her. Geez, it’s just a photo of them standing next to each other, smiling. It’s not like they’re groping each other.

Nina starts to leave, and Sasha runs in. She asks if she’s too late, and Nina says, never.

Peter thinks Drew should talk to Andre, but Drew says he’s doing classified research for the WSB. They won’t share his location, or even give him a message. Peter is his next best resource. Peter says he just delivered Drew and Jason. Drew asks if he was there for the procedure. Peter says he was, but didn’t understand the science. Drew asks if he can outline what happened. Break it down. When new memories are implanted, do the memories that are there disappear? Peter says, yes, and Drew says, then the last five years will be a blur. Peter says, to the best of his knowledge. Drew says, so he can forget Sam and Scout. He’ll be Drew again. He’ll remember being a SEAL, but forget Monica and Oscar. he apologizes for rambling, and thanks Peter. Peter asks if it’s still hypothetical, or does he have the flashdrive? Drew says he doesn’t have the flashdrive, just questions. Peter is sorry he’s no help. Drew deserves better. He doesn’t have the right to offer Drew advice, but from one man whose past was run by Faison to another, he’ll find no peace in looking backward.

Sasha and Nina sit down, and Nina apologizes for coming on like a tsunami. She also apologizes for what she said about Sasha’s mother. She didn’t mean any disrespect. She was angry and frustrated with herself, and a little jealous that Sasha’s adoptive mother got to raise her. She’s glad Sasha was raised by a woman who inspired love and loyalty. Sasha says they did love each other very much. Nina has an envelope, and says she also wanted to give Sasha this. She’s not Sasha’s only long lost relative. She has other family. They’re colorful, but incredible. Does she want to hear about them?

Spencer gives Josslyn a framed map of Paris, all the places he’d love to show her. All they have to do is just get on a plane. She’s happy he’s back; it feels like he’s been gone forever. She can’t remember the last time they hung out. She says he hasn’t changed, and he says she got taller. (I actually think it might be the other way around.) She tells him that her volleyball coach is appreciative. Spencer asks how she is, and she says, stressed. It’s Oscar’s birthday, and he’s celebrating with his new girlfriend. Spencer says he cursed them. Josslyn says, even though he’s with someone else, she can’t help wishing him a happy birthday, and takes out her phone. Spencer asks where her dignity is, and says it’s a giant mistake.

Oscar can’t believe Cameron just called him a jerk. He has a brain tumor. Cameron says that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Oscar asks if Cameron knows something the doctors don’t, and Cameron says he can still turn this thing around and not be a jerk. He asks if Oscar knows how much time he has, but Oscar isn’t sure. Cameron says he’d better hurry then. Oscar thinks this is better than heartfelt talk with his parents, and asks Cameron to say something mean again. Cameron says he’s not a trained seal. Didn’t the doctors tell Oscar how much time he had? Oscar says it’s not a question anyone wants to answer. Cameron says you’d think his parents would be more specific with the details. Oscar’s phone dings. He says he misses things not being important. Everything is significant now. His mom gets teary taking him for ice cream, thinking it will be the last time. He’d like to see a movie trailer without wondering if he’ll live to see the movie. He wants to hate Spanish class, and think random thoughts, and wishes not everything was so important. He looks at his phone, and sees Josslyn’s message wishing him a happy birthday.

I miss a little bit here because, dogs. Drew has told Sonny about Margaux’s offer of the flashdrive. Drew says he’ll tell Sonny the same thing he told Margaux. The memories aren’t his to share. Jason and Sonny also helped him. Sonny says Jason did it to protect the people he cares about, and Sonny cares too.

Valentin sees Peter, and says the photo is a helluva thing. What message is he trying to send? Peter says if two friends going to a movie is news, it must be a slow day. Is he insinuating that Peter is trying to undermine Lulu’s marriage, since that would help gain traction with Charlotte. Valentin says Peter’s mind goes to dark places. Peter has earned the trust of those who didn’t trust him before; Maxie and Lulu. Peter says, and Nina. Valentin says, good for him. He’s able to live openly among those he hurt. No hidden identity; no hidden agenda. Peter didn’t realize they’d be so quick to forgive. He wonders what’s bothering Valentin. Is it that he gets to go on with his life in Port Charles, while Valentin has fallen from grace?

Nina shows Sasha pictures as she talks. She wishes Sasha could have met her brother; everyone loved him. Maxie is more like a sister than a sister-in-law. She works at the magazine, and has the most incredible baby ever – James, the light of their lives. Sasha also has a half-sister, Kiki; they share the same father. Sasha asks about her father. Nina is certain he doesn’t know about her. Nina’s mom would have worked it out that way. His name was Silas Clay, and they were very much in love. Sasha was definitely conceived out of love. Sasha says that means a lot to her. She noticed Nina was using the past tense, and Nina says he died a couple years ago. Another long story. She puts the pictures in the envelope, and says these are the ones closely related to her. Feel free look at the photos at her leisure, or not; it’s up to her. As for seeing Nina again, she appreciates that Sasha came back. Sasha says it’s her pleasure. Nina says she doesn’t want to miss her flight, but Sasha says she can cancel it. She’d like to stick around for a few days, if it’s okay with Nina.

Lulu tells Laura that Dante should trust her, and know nothing is going on. If not, they’ll get past it like they always do. Laura thinks that’s a bad plan. You can’t live in the world as it should be, but as it is. He’s still mourning the death of his partner, for which Peter is partly to blame. The photo rubs his nose in all of it. She can’t take things for granted. Sometimes absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder. Lulu asks if things are still off with Doc, and Laura says he’s definitely avoiding her. Spencer also dropped out of the sky, and his presence isn’t putting the spark back. Lulu offers to take him for a few days, but Laura thinks Doc will feel the pressure and it will make it even worse. She’s never seen him like this; so distracted and distant. Lulu says as soon as the anniversary of his brother’s killing spree passes, he’ll be back to his old self. Laura says, in the meantime, she’s going to check on Spencer. Lulu thanks her for the tough love. She missed Laura. Laura tells her to take good care of the people she loves. Life doesn’t always go as planned.

Sonny tells Drew not to underestimate Margaux. She assumes she has the one thing that will get him to do what she wants. If Sonny goes down, so does Jason, and it will effect Sam, Elizabeth, and Jake. It will hurt a lot of people. Margaux is banking on Drew’s resentment of Jason getting him to flip. Drew says he’ll never let her get to him, and Sonny wonders why he’s so sure.

Nina tells Sasha, of course it’s all right; she’s thrilled. Why the change of heart? Sasha says she’s not finished yet. It came as shock, and it’s finally started to wear off. She replaced her anger at Nina for telling her, with anger at her mother for not telling her. Nina understands why she would want to walk away, but she brought the pictures so Sasha could see them. She’s not using them to make her stay. Sasha says, it’s not just the photos. She had an enlightening conversation with Nina’s ex-husband. When Nina said she was willing to let her go, she seemed sincere, and just proved what he said about her. Nina says, Valentin got her to stay?

Valentin tells Peter few people’s opinions mean anything to him. Nina, Charlotte, and him. He doesn’t believe wrongs can’t be righted. Peter asks if he should pass Valentin’s regrets along to Nina. Valentin doesn’t care. He doesn’t need Peter’s help to prove his love is worth saving. Peter says he’s heard the way Nina talks about Valentin. Valentin says she’s absolutely right. Peter wonders why Valentin thinks he has a chance in hell to win her back. Valentin says he believes it with every fiber in his being, and he’s going to make it happen.

Lulu goes to see Maxie at her office. She asks how Nina is, and Maxie tells her about Nina meeting with her daughter. Lulu says Maxie must have seen the photo, but Maxie says she hasn’t, so Lulu shows her. Her and Peter on Page Five. Her mom is worried it will look like it’s more than it is, especially to Dante. Maxie asks if they went to dinner beforehand, but Lulu says they went straight from work. Maxie asks if they went out afterward, and Lulu asks if Maxie is upset that she went with Peter. Maxie says, no; she’s just being protective. Maxie says she knows what to do. Go behind Lulu’s back, and tell Peter not to confuse her. She’s a married woman, isn’t she?

Josslyn can’t believe Oscar hasn’t replied; not even a polite thank you. Spencer tells Josslyn that she should be more strategic. Why should he reply? He knows she’ll always be there. She asks if she should go silent and hope he notices. Spencer asks what’s bothering her more; not hearing from him or imagining him with someone else. She says, both, but he asks, what’s worse? She says seeing the post of Oscar and the other girl made her sick. Spencer says Josslyn is smart and beautiful. Plenty of other guys would be thrilled to date her. Perhaps Oscar should see that for himself. Josslyn hugs Spencer, and he says this went better than he thought. She says he’s a genius, and he says he is. She knows what to do.

Cameron picks up a leaf, and tells Oscar it’s like a leaf of their friendship. It goes from green to brown. It reminds him of Oscar’s breath. He says he’s feeling a haiku coming on, and Oscar tells him, shut up.

Josslyn says she’s going to figure out exactly what to do to get Oscar back. She knows who can help – Cameron. She calls him, but when Cameron’s phone rings, Oscar tells him, don’t answer.

Lulu tells Maxie that Peter is her boss and friend. It’s all they’ve been or ever will be. Maxie says, not according to Page Five. Lulu says it’s just a picture; they didn’t say anything. Maxie says, they didn’t have to. A picture is worth a thousand words. Lulu says Maxie can’t possibly believe something is going on, and Maxie says Lulu jumped to the same conclusion about her. Lulu says, that’s different, and Maxie asks, why? Because she’s a lonely widow? She cleared up the misunderstanding. Lulu told Peter she wanted him to stay away, but she didn’t. Lulu thinks she should be more careful, but Maxie doesn’t think she needs to be more careful than Lulu does.

Cameron answers, and Josslyn says she needs him to be her boyfriend. Spencer facepalms.

Laura sees Peter. She doesn’t know if he remembers her, but she’s Lulu’s mom. He asks what he can do for her. She tells him that like many people in the town who were affected by his father, she’s sorry he had the misfortune of being his son. She’s sure it was awful. He says, it was. Valentin listens. Laura says Lulu told her how much he’d like a fresh start. Not just with The Invader, although it’s infinitely more readable now. She tells him, good luck with the paper, and everything. Valentin says she’s exhibiting unprecedented generosity today. She says Peter was the victim of one monster, and the pawn of another – namely him. He says she’s subtle, and she says she doesn’t owe him subtlety. He’s the criminal who murdered her son. She owes him nothing.

Sasha tells Nina that Valentin recognized her, and convinced her not to go. He said she’d regret it if she left, and Sasha sees he was right. Nina asks if he told her why they got a divorce. Sasha says, no, but she imagines it’s another – they finish together, long story. Sasha can’t begin guess what went down, but she has to say she’s never heard anyone talk about another person with so much love.

Sonny says that Drew could have gotten payback, but didn’t. Drew says, there was no incentive. Sonny says maybe Margaux does have it. If she wants to come at him, bring it on, but don’t let her do it through him.

Tomorrow, Olivia-Q has bad news, Kim thinks this could be the solution, and Carly is tempted to find out what’s going on.

Below Deck

When we last left, Rhylee was griping about Chandler in the crew mess. Ross says Chandler is her boss, but Rhylee says he wasn’t in the van when Chandler told her to speak freely. Kate asks what happened, and Rhylee said she asked Chandler if she could speak freely. He said she could, and she told him that if he made everyone get up at 6 am, he was going to piss off the whole deck crew. He told her to stop talking, and she asked if he was saying that as a boss or friend. He said, both. Kate says he was right. Rhylee tells Kate that she said she’d do whatever was required, and he stormed out of the van. In his interview, Ross knows why she’s frustrated, but she needs to stop talking now. She needs to know her place; she disrespected Chandler. Chandler comes out of his bunk, and says Rhylee straight up lost her sh*t. Apparently, he’s never seen someone lose their sh*t. Rhylee says she told him that she’d do what he asked. Sorry to speak while he’s effing interrupting. In his interview, Chandler says he’s never dealt with such disrespect. I guess he doesn’t know what that is either. He goes back into his bunk. Kate understands what happened, but the only person raising her voice is Rhylee. If she was Rhylee, she’d go to sleep now, since she has to be on deck at 6 am. Rhylee says she’ll do what she wants. In her interview, Kate says Rhylee has no experience in yachting. She needs to respect those above her, and everyone is above her. It’s 3 am, and Ashton and Ross go to bed, Rhylee says it’s bullsh*t, and Caroline has a cigarette on the dock.

In Rhylee’s interview, she says she can go on no sleep and still do her job. She does it all summer, and it won’t affect her. Ashton tells Chandler there’s a gap, and asks what he missed. He doesn’t know what’s going on. Chandler says they were waiting for him for an hour and a half, and Rhylee got out of hand. In his interview, Chandler says he’s glad Rhylee is working like a professional this morning, but she dug a hole last night, and still has to dig out of it. He tells Ashton that he has to have serious conversation with her.

Caroline gets an email from her mother, saying she has early onset dementia. Caroline says her mother has struggled with it, but has been in denial. Finally hearing it from her puts Caroline in a sad, dark place. It’s heartbreaking.

Chandler won’t even talk to Rhylee, and they work in silence. Josiah loves that Chandler made them start work at six, but Kate says she’d never punish the crew that way. Rhylee knows she has a temper, but not talking to her makes Chandler a pr*ck. Kate has breakfast with Captain Lee, who asks who effed up. Kate says Rhylee doesn’t have respect for Chandler, but the captain says she will and she should.

Captain Lee calls Adrian, Kate, and Chandler in for a preference sheet meeting. The co-primaries are Alan and Danyelle. They’re returning guests, who Kate says are the lovliest guests ever, but also have the worst luck. We flash back, and they were the guests aboard when Chef Leon quit. She says they deserve the perfect charter. It’s Alan’s 53^rd birthday tomorrow, and they also just got engaged. They want massages, a midnight PJ party, a picnic on the beach, and an excursion to the natural caves. Kate wants to make sure the experience will be fun for them.

Adrian says he uses his third eye to plan the meals, and it always works out. Ashton says whatever he’s doing, keep it up. It’s working.

Caroline is obviously distressed. Josiah asks if she’s excited for the next charter, and she says she’s stoked, but starts to cry and runs out when Kate walks in. Kate is like, wth? and asks Josiah to help. He looks for Caroline, and finds her on the stairs, crying. She tells him that she’ll be okay in a second. In Caroline’s interview, she says she worries about her mom. It’s hard to see somebody lose their mind. She can’t control it, and feels helpless. Kate asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s just going through a rough patch; it’s nothing about the boat. She tells Kate about her mom, but says she’s not missing the charter; she’ll pull it together. Kate is sorry, and Caroline asks if she can take five. In his interview, Josiah says the yacht is like a weird marmalade. They have work to do, but if someone is going through something, you have to be there for them.

Adrian talks to his girlfriend on the phone. In his interview, he explains he’s not ready to commit, but Felicia has the same views as he does. She’s so calm and stress free. He needs it with how hectic the boat is. Like the aggression last night. The sun is setting, and the deck crew comes in. Chandler needs a conversation with Rhylee, but doesn’t have the capacity to deal with what comes out of her mouth. He tells her some things were said that they both probably regret, and he didn’t handle it as well as he should have. They’re good, but he wants to talk to the captain. She says when he asked her to shut up, she did, but he says after that, she carried on in the mess. He’s not here for petty stuff, and she can’t disrupt him. In her interview, Rhylee says she’s also a captain. She understands, but doesn’t demand respect. It has to be earned. Kate is thankful for Josiah. She couldn’t flip boat without him. The crew goes to bed.

In the morning, Kate confirms the ukulele player, and asks Captain Lee if they can host the PJ party in the beach club. Caroline is feeling better, and the provisions come in. Adrian says his food is made with love and a spark of craziness no one else can give. The guests have had a bad experience in the past, and he wants to rectify that. The ukulele player is confirmed, and the captain says, it’s showtime. They change into their whites. Chandler literally has them toe the line for greeting the guests.

The guests are impressed with the crew. Kate gives the tour. The luggage is brought on board. Captain Lee says, of course the effing wind picks up, and has the crew move the chairs back in. Rhylee keeps apologizing for everything. Ashton tells her, calm down. In his interview, Ross says she’s proved that she’s hard working, but needs a plan for her unacceptable attitude. The captain says they’re out of there, and the go off into the blue, blue water.

Adrian prepares a beautiful lunch of roasted chicken breast. Alan says it’s spectacular. The deckhands are moving around some railings, and Rhylee tries to explain something, but Ashton says it’s not her problem, and tells her again to calm down. Alan says lunch was legit. The captain says the weather is not looking great. Chandler wants a team meeting, but tells Ross that he doesn’t want to make it about one person – even though it is. He doesn’t want it to look like they’re ganging up on Rhylee. They can’t have the awkward tension. Ashton says every time she talks, it’s irritated feedback. He’s trying to help, but she’s shutting him down, telling him what’s going on in her mind. In Ashton’s interview, he says she’s a junior deckhand, and should never give a superior attitude like she does. Chandler says it’s unprofessional, and he can’t have that happening with the guests on board. Kate says there’s still luggage on the deck. At the meeting, Chandler tells them that he knows he said no pecking order, but that’s changing now. Kate drags the luggage to the main salon herself. Chandler says Ross is the lead deckhand, then Ashton, and then Rhylee. He’s basing it on experience. He says it’s not a democracy; he just wants professionalism. Kate radios, asking if he’s super busy, and Chandler says he’s having a team meeting. She says there’s guests’ luggage in the main salon, and he says he’ll get it when he’s done. In her interview, Kate says the guests can’t change because the deck crew is having a powwow. The captain gets on the radio, and tells Chandler he wants the luggage moved right now. Kate feels lucky that the majority of the drama is with the deck crew.

Captain Lee says it’s funny how it always looks calmer a hundred yards away from the boat. Kate gets the massages set up on deck. Alan and Danyelle sip drinks while the masseuses go to work. The captain says, it’s not looking good. They’re coming into a squall area that popped out of nowhere. The massages get interrupted by wind and rain. Both the crew and the guests scramble to get inside. In Kate’s interview, she says Alan and Danyelle can’t catch a break. It’s lucky they’re lovely and easy-going, or it would be a nightmare.

The captain asks for anchor to be dropped. Kate doesn’t like looking at the weather doppler. It makes her feel like she’s psychic. Everything needs to come out of the beach club for the PJ party. The beach club is like a separate room on the yacht, which opens out directly to the water. It’s also where the water toys are stored when they’re not being used, so this is a project. The captain wonders what’s up with creasing throw pillows at the top, and Josiah tells him it’s where they punch them when it rains. Alan wanted the chef to surprise them for dinner, so Adrian is making veal. Kate is impressed at how easy going he is; he just goes with the flow. The table is set, and the ukulele player is in place. He serenades the guests as they come in. I note that the napkin rings are giant cocktail rings. Like you would wear. That’s a cool idea.

Adrian makes ohm sounds over the appetizers, some kind of avocado thing that the guests say are phenomenal. When they find out the entrée is veal, it’s a whole different reaction. Alan says none of them are getting what they like. One of the guests says, dead baby lamb, and another says they don’t eat baby animals. I never quite understand this, unless you don’t eat meat altogether. What’s the difference between that and eating a full-grown cow who’s lived a whole life just to be slaughtered? It makes no sense. Kate says so far, Adrian has been a skilled chef. Who is she to question him? Caroline brings out the entrée, and everyone looks unhappy. Bacon is involved, and Alan asks how Adrian came up with that. Adrian says the preference sheet indicated that he loved bacon, and Alan says no one had veal on their sheet. Adrian reminds Alan that he said to surprise them, and thinks they’ll still be blown away. Alan takes a bite, and say it’s really good. Everyone is surprised. Kate says Adrian is amazing. Alan toast to friends and family. Adrian says his angels told him dinner would be good.

Ashton has had no break. He’s tired, and not happy about being on early call. Adrian presents the birthday cake. He tells us that food, like life, is about balance. He was risky with the main course, so he’s staying safe with dessert. Alan loves beaches, and it’s decorated with a beach theme. Adrian makes some peaches flambé to go with it, setting the pan on fire while the guests watch. Alan says he’s redeemed the other charter

It’s time for the PJ party. The beach club is done up with disco lights, and a trampoline. Music plays, and everyone dances. Kate asks Caroline to have the guys take out the trash when clean-up is over. When the guests go to bed, Chandler starts breaking everything down. Caroline asks if he can take out the trash, but he says he has another hour of work before bed, and needs to focus on the skis. Trash is the last thing on his mind. Caroline says, thanks, bye, and calls him a d*ck after she disconnects the call.

In the morning, Captain Lee suggests the caves. Chandler thinks getting the guests off the boat will be a nice change. He’s also getting a vacation from Rhylee’s nonsense, since she and Ross are going with them. At breakfast, Alan says the chef is killing it. Kate sees a lengthy note from Caroline, who was hoping Chandler would help out with the trash. Kate doesn’t want a dear diary note, just what needs to be done to get through the charter. Maybe she’ll have a meeting, so Caroline doesn’t feel singled out. She wants the guests back by 2:15.

My mouth falls open when see the caves. They’re breathtaking. One of the guests starts to feel seasick. Rhylee is from the school of ralph and rally. She doesn’t know what the problem is with Ross. She thinks he can’t take suggestions from a junior deckhand. The guests want swimming. Ross thinks they have time, and Rhylee reminds him they need to be back by 2:15. In his interview, He says she’s a junior deckhand; he’s in charge. Shut up. I don’t like any of the deck guys too much. I think they don’t like that she’s a female deckhand. They’ve had female deckhands on charter before, and it’s been cool, but this is a new crew.

All of a sudden, Ross wants them out of water, because it’s not safe. He tells Rhylee to call them out. She does what he asks, but he gets pissed because he thought she was going to say something. In her interview, Rhylee says he has no faith in her abilities, and questions her judgement. The waves are pushing the tender into the reef, but Rhylee helps get them back in. Ross says, this isn’t good. In Rhylee’s interview, she says Ross got flustered because of the weather picking up, but the guests should never feel like they’ve lost control. She’s capable of getting them back on board, as long as she and the captain are on the same page.

Adrian makes sushi. Caroline comes out looking like hell, and wanders around on the deck before she plops down in a corner. Captain Lee sees her, and calls Kate. Kate tells her that the captain would rather not have her walking around outside on deck not wearing her uniform. In her interview, Kate says if she had a more uniform-looking sweater, it would be okay. It’s a luxury yacht, and she looks like a Muppet who came out of a cave. It actually looks like one of my after-the-flood outfits. What I wore after Hurricane Sandy, when we had no electricity and it was freezing and damp.

The guests freshen up. Ross is sorry there’s a lack of communication, but doesn’t know if he can have confidence in Rhylee. In her interview, Rhylee says she knows what needs to be done, and the safest way. Next time she’ll keep her mouth shut, and let him get close to the rocks. She’s also a captain; it’s what she does for a living. Ross thinks there’s no reasoning with her. He respects that she’s strong minded, but won’t tolerate disrespect.

Adrian thinks he must have been Japanese in another life. Kate is feeling that. The sushi looks like something from Japanese heaven. Alan says it’s ridiculous. Ross tells Chandler that Rhylee isn’t cooperating, and not taking instruction. Chandler tells him just get through the charter. The, they can figure out what they need to do. In Ross’s interview, he says Chandler’s decision making process is frustrating. This behavior can’t be tolerated. He goes to the captain. Wow. I can’t believe this bunch of babies. Loving the interior this season though. Josiah is a lot of fun, and Adrian… I’m not sure what he is, but I like it.

Next time, Ross talks to Captain Lee about Rhylee, Caroline has issues with Chandler, Rhylee flirts with Ashton, and Kate thinks Caroline is a moron.

🏊 I’m really enjoying the late night reruns of previous Below Deck season. I forgot Leon was such a tool. The poor guests from this episode were the same ones who bore the final brunt of his anger. He was angry all the time, since he had limited talent, and wasn’t meant for yachting, where guests can demand such difficult things as sliders and cream cheese brownies at midnight. And also pay more than your house costs for a charter. He’d only worked on cruise ships. The worst of it was, he took his anger out on Kate. When Captain Lee finally had enough, he gave Leon the business, but instead of finishing the season, Leon stomped off. Get that man a pacifier. Chef Ben finally came to the rescue, and no one was sorry to see Leon go.

Star

Carlotta told Take 3 that they needed to get their new track down before they could engage in solo efforts. Star found out that Maurice named himself producer on her latest song, and took half her money. Maurice bragged about his new label and the club, and his ex-wife Megan returned.

Cotton told Carlotta she needed a break, but when Carlotta tried to get good night’s rest, she dreamed of Jahil getting shot. Star confronted Maurice at the club, telling him that he was so untalented, he had to steal from other people. He claimed he was the one who pushed her to the top, and she told him that he’d better watch his back. She smashed up his bottle service table at the club, so he called security. She said she could kick herself out, and reminded him that he was also stealing from the baby now. Like anyone could forget she’s pregnant. Every outfit now has a crop top.

Derek thought Olivia was coming up way too strong with Alex, but Alex said she was still grieving her sister.

Noah wanted to put his club gig on hold club until he got a new record out, but Maurice told him it was once a week. Noah said Maurice had promised him creative freedom, and Maurice said he still needed him to headline the club. Noah told Maurice that he’d traded one plantation for another, and Maurice told him, freedom comes at a price.

Cassie’s thug beat up on Andy. Cassie told Andy he could sing like a songbird, but messed it up. He cost her Carlotta, her own blood. Now her sister wanted to destroy her because of him. She told him when he was gone, she was done with this life. It would be a whole new Cassie.

Carlotta wanted to have a multi-media event called Rhythm & Bells, to introduce them into Atlanta high society. She needed a perfect host, and wanted Ryan, but he was already scheduled for Orange Night, a gun violence benefit. She still thought he’d be perfect, and Mateo told her the window was closing fast. She insisted her event would be money in the bank, and he told her she’d better get it done.

Nina explained to Simone that she and Mateo had an open relationship, but have rules. She liked that a friend was looking out for her though. She wanted Simone to give a speech on Orange Night, telling her to be the same badass she was when she pitched herself for the movie. Carlotta approached Ryan about hosting her event, and he told her Orange Night was about keeping children from dying. Her event was shameless self-promotion. She said she wanted to create an impact on people’s lives. It was about rising from the ashes. Carlotta encouraged Alex to finish her song about the plane crash, and sing it for the Rhythm & Bells event. It would make a strong social impact.

Maurice wanted to make it up to Megan. He messed up when he got injured. Megan said he replaced his career with women, but Maurice said he never gave up until he played every play in the book, and he wanted her respect back.

Cotton tried to have the RV towed to get Carlotta out of the past, but Carlotta told them to get the hell off her property.

Olivia was all over Alex while she was song writing in the studio. Derek thought he was talking to Alex in private, but Olivia knew which button to push to listen in. Derek thought Alex should have a break from Olivia, but Alex said her solo on Orange Night was going to be about the pain of the crash. He told her to be careful.

Noah went to Megan for professional advice. He needed someone who knew Maurice’s weaknesses. He thought Maurice gave him the short end of the deal. Star told Jackson she had to find a way to get back into Karma.

Xander came to Cassie’s office, and tried to persuade her to launder money again. He asked why she was trying to go legit. Why was she trying be someone she’s not? She’s a cold blooded killer. She is who she is, and she’s not changing. She told him to get the hell out, and go back to his wife with his slimy ass.

Carlotta sang, which is always a treat. Miss Bruce told Carlotta that she needed to figure out how to release her pain. Carlotta said she was good or at least getting there. Jackson got Star into the club by her pretending she was a little drunk, and him helping her in the door.

Cassie cut Andy free. She told him to get away, and never show his ass in Atlanta again. It wasn’t about him; it was about her. There’s no such thing as one more kill before going legit. She told him to do her right, and he got the hell out of there. Derek got jumped, but the police came. Olivia told Alex she felt that Derek didn’t get why she and Alex were close

Carlotta introduced Mateo to Ryan. Mateo said Orange Night was a cause close to his heart, bur Ryan wondered if it was just PR. Mateo insisted he was part of the solution. Carlotta hoped Alex’s song would speak to him Ryan. Star snooped around Maurice’s office, telling Jackson that her daddy was a con. It was in her blood. Jackson asked her, please don’t teach their kid. Star found a locked box, and took a ring from it. Nina told Simone to forget the speech she memorized, and use the teleprompter. Simone said she couldn’t read that. She wasn’t illiterate, but not good at it, and was passed on in school to be the next person’s problem. She told Nina to keep her secret, since she was keeping Nina’s.

Orange Night began, and Ryan said you’re twice as likely to get shot in Georgia than New York, which surprised me. He read the names of those they’d lost, and Carlotta thought about Jahil again. Alex began to sing, and suddenly Olivia was with her on stage, making it a duet. Alex was not happy. Mateo told Carlotta to fix it. Alex said, what the hell? and Olivia claimed she thought she was helping. She messed up. She knew Alex was nervous, and she and Bianca used to do that. Alex told Olivia it was supposed to be her first solo performance, and not to pull a stunt like that again.

Ryan thought that instead of sharing a message, Carlotta had pulled a PR stunt. Carlotta promised that Rhythm & Bells would be different. He said that’s what she told him about the solo. She said life hadn’t been easy, and she’d lost the love of her life; he died in her arms. Now her purpose is work. It’s not who Mateo is, but who she is. Carlotta could see she got through to him, but Ryan said he wouldn’t make any promises, and told her stop smiling

Star thought they could get $50K for the ring, but Jackson said Maurice knew they’d jacked it; there were cameras all over. He didn’t want the mother of his child going to jail, and was giving it back. He told her, we’ll find another way, and she told him there was no we.

Andy limped out into the night, but Cassie’s thug saw him. He chased after Andy who was hit by a car. The thug ran off, the car drove off, and Andy was lying there, spitting out teeth. He managed to get to Carlotta. He managed to tell her that he’d done what she told him to, but Cassie found him. Carlotta told him he’d be okay; she had him, and wasn’t going to let him die. Once again, she flashed back to Jahil, and Andy died in Carlotta’s arms the same way. I said, oh no, and Carlotta said, not again.

Andy’s body was picked up, and Simone asked how it happened. Carlotta said he was in with bad people, and she failed him. The girls gathered around her, Miss Bruce said she was in no state be working. Carlotta said she’d be fine, and Cotton said, no, not fine, but Carlotta insisted she had work to do.

Xander went to Cassie, saying he hadn’t treated her right, and never had. She told him not to play her. He told her he was sorry, and she said he could take his sorry, but he kissed her instead.

Star told Jackson that Andy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and still couldn’t make life perfect. She got why Jackson gave ring back. Jackson said Star had lost a lot, and couldn’t afford to lose any more. He told her that he had a home studio.

Noah confronted Maurice at the club with his new lawyer – Megan. She suggested Maurice give her client what he wanted; she’d found clauses in the contract giving him leverage, but he was willing to compromise. As she walked away, Noah pointed out how fine she is.

Derek told Alex that he got arrested. It got him thinking that he couldn’t keep going like this; he couldn’t lose anyone else. He was done with it. They kissed, and the camera in the photo frame blinked.

At the end, Carlotta was alone, crying and drinking. Cotton saw her bed was empty, and looked for her, as she walked down the road, drunk, a bottle in hand, and looking so real.

Next time – in two weeks – Carlotta is on 72-hour hold in the hospital, and Olivia shows her deadly obsession.

💈 While Carlotta sported a nice not-too-messy top bun tonight, my favorite do was her loosely spiraled shoulder-length curls look. Star also had a beautiful, definitely messy, updo. Again looking very Bridget Bardot.

🐮 Tomorrow, The Real Housewives of Dallas. I don’t understand why Bravo waits to rerun that until 11:30, rather than at 10. We really don’t need to see the OC Wives five times a week.

👑 Because the Queen Rocks…