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February 7, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Cyrus Finds a New Target, Soap Suds, This Week’s Reality, Weekend Watch, Rebirth, Coming Soon(ish), Nixed, Wins, Two Different Bowls, A Half-Dozen Quotes & Dust

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Laura told Jordan that Sidwell was charming and cordial and was going to be a big problem for her and the city. Elizabeth and Lucky discovered a Turning Woods patient who had dementia, but was otherwise healthy, had died of heart attack. Lulu said Dante owed her no explanations and he told her about Anna not letting him near Sam’s case.

Laura was worried about Lucky going after Sidwell and told Jordan that Anna thought Sidwell was behind the fire. At the Surf Lodge, Maxie gave Emma advice on living with Anna, but when Sasha came in, she told Emma to find another table. Alexis told Sonny that nothing helped, but pain helped fuel her rage of injustice over Sam’s death.

Trina asked for Curtis’s help in talking to Kai, and Kai told his friend/ teammate Quinn that he wouldn’t be coming back. Lulu apologized to Dante for what she did in Prague and for seeming ungrateful for Sam’s sacrifice. She said he could talk to her about anything. He said he felt badly about not being home much in the weeks before Sam died, and Lulu said it was because he’d been by her bedside. Laura told Lucky about Sidwell being in Port Charles, and Jordan told Isaiah. Emma eavesdropped on Maxie and Sasha. Maxie said some people thought Jason was Sasha’s baby daddy.

Kai asked Quinn to step up because he could lead. Brook met with Lois and said the last thing Dante needed was to find out he’d fathered a child in high school. She wondered if the child even knew they were adopted. Dante told Lulu about proposing to Sam. Sonny said he was there for Alexis, and they hugged.

Sasha wondered why people couldn’t just leave her alone to live her own damn life, and it was no one’s business but hers who the father was. Emma told Gio about what she’d overheard, and Quinn blamed Trina for splitting Kai’s focus. Curtis told Kai his story and said Kai had to live his. He was never going to know if he could fully recover unless he went through the process. Lulu said she was happy Dante had a love like Sam, and he said he didn’t blame her for anything.

Trina told Quinn to check himself. Looking for something to blame wasn’t going to help Kai, and maybe he was the one giving up. Kai said everything he’d planned for was gone and Curtis said Kai’s bravery against the defensive blitz told him who Kai was as a person, and it extended beyond the field. Laura asked what Alexis knew about Sidwell, who showed up at the MetroCourt. Jordan introduced herself and asked what brought him to Port Charles and what he planned to do there. Elizabeth asked Lucky what it was like to be Sidwell’s prisoner, and he said, it was hell.

Curtis suggested Kai accept help and Kai said he couldn’t face the disappointment of his family. Curtis said, focus on healing his body and mind, and Kai said Curtis had given him a lot to think about. Curtis left his number and Kai texted Trina to come by. Emma wanted to tell Anna that Jason was the baby’s dad and Gio had a bad feeling. Maxie said, the more Sasha stonewalled, the more people would talk, but Sasha said she owed no one any explanations. Laura filled Alexis in on Sidwell and said Anna had opened an investigation about Sam. Sidwell told Jordan that he was an importer of gems and rare earths. He knew how to find things of value. Lulu said she got why she couldn’t be the person Dante turned to right now, but if that changed, he knew where to find her.

Tuesday:

NuJack (Pfft! He looks like Nathan Lane and has no accent – very disappointing) and Carly took a private plane back to Port Charles. Anna called Josslyn into her office. Drew got busy with Willow after jumping the fence to get to the gatehouse, and he said nothing could keep him from seeing her. Cody continued to pay off his debt to Selina and she told him she had a proposition for him. Lucky told Elizabeth that he’d stopped Jason from killing Sidwell in Somalia, and Isaiah went to the MetroCourt and saw Sidwell with Jordan. He asked if Sidwell was back to kill him personally. Brook set up a table at the MetroCourt for a Deception meeting.

Sidwell said he and Isaiah had an unfortunate misunderstanding while working together, but Isaiah said, it was no misunderstanding, and Sidwell had sent someone to kill him in Port Charles. Jordan said Isaiah was interrupting and Isaiah told her about Lucky being held prisoner. Lucy came over, having sensed tension, and asked if they all couldn’t get along. Drew said he and Willow shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to see each other, and Willow said everyone was just biting their tongues, but she didn’t want to cause more pain. Selina said she was setting up a high stakes poker game and wanted Cody to play with house money. She would also cancel his remaining debt. He asked for a cut of the winnings and reminded her that Mac was his father. She said anything could be negotiated and his discretion would be honored. He said he’d think about it. Lucky told Elizabeth that Jason killing Sidwell would have been purely about revenge, and he didn’t want to carry that burden. Anna told Josslyn about Dex and Sam being murdered, and that Dex had listed only Josslyn as family. Josslyn asked if Anna said they suspected Cyrus. Collette called Jack on the plane and said there was something he needed to see when he got back.

Lucky told Elizabeth about the poker game and how it had unlocked something in Sidwell, who became fixated on beating him. He’d been infuriated that Isaiah escaped, and when Lucky lost, he would die. Anna told Josslyn that they didn’t have proof, but Portia had banned Cyrus from the hospital. She knew Josslyn wanted justice, but to get it, they’d need evidence. Willow told Drew that she wanted to make things work. The kids adored Monica and this was their home. She also still cared about Michael and thought this would help his recovery, but the toughest person to deal with had been Sasha. Even though she was pregnant by a random guy, Willow felt constantly judged. Drew left, but forgot his tie on the couch. Sasha met Felicia at the MetroCourt, and Isaiah told Jordan, whatever money Sidwell brought in was blood money. Jordan told him to handle the conflict on his own time. Lucy joined the Deception meeting, and Jordan asked what Isaiah’s issue was with Sidwell.

Sidwell said that Isaiah had been his personal physician, but didn’t like the conditions and departed. He wanted to buy Jordan dinner to make up for interruption, and she said, call her office. He left and she texted Isaiah to meet her. Brook told Tracy that Natalia and Sonny went to LA to handle financing. The sales had dropped because of Lois losing her accent. Drew went to see Selina and asked about her previous association with Curtis. He asked if she was a silent partner in the club. She said she could provide interesting insight, providing their exchange was mutually beneficial. Cody came back and asked if Drew got lost helping blind orphans, Seeing Drew there confirmed that Drew was exactly who Cody thought he was.

Lucky told Elizabeth it had been like his dad was guiding him during the poker game, and Elizabeth had helped him too. Josslyn told Anna that she’d volunteered at Turning Woods and Cyrus had everyone there fooled. Anna told her that she was interfering with the investigation and don’t go back. Carly visited Willow, bearing gifts for the kids from Germany. She told Willow that Michael started treatment and wanted the kids to know he loved them. He also wanted to thank Willow. Willow asked if Carly wanted tea and Carly said she did, but when Willow went to the kitchen, Carly found Drew’s tie sticking out of the couch cushion.  

Selina said it was none of Cody’s business, and Drew said he was addressing a constituent’s concern. Cody asked if Willow knew and said Drew and his brother were alike. Drew was sleeping with his nephew’s wife and Jason got Sasha pregnant. Selina told Cody to get out and had her bodyguard escort him.  

Collette showed Jack a cabin where Cyrus had been hiding out, but she hadn’t wanted to go inside without his authorization. Josslyn told Anna that she’d do whatever it took to stop Cyrus and get justice for Dex, but Anna said, the more Josslyn entangled herself in the investigation, the more likely Cyrus was to get away. They needed proof and he already knew he was being watched. If he found out, he’d cover his tracks. She told Josslyn to let the PCPD take it from there. Jordan met Isaiah at the Surf Lodge. He said Sidwell was dangerous and hired assassins to take out those who crossed him.

Lucky told Elizabeth that he’d been close to escaping, but guards caught him and worked him over. He thought it was the end, then he saw her, and she told him that he shouldn’t quit. He should get up off the floor and fight. Jordan said, it was like Sidwell’s crimes had never happened, and Isaiah said it was because he’d committed them in war torn regions where there were no laws. She said she was going to spend time with Sidwell and find evidence to put him away. She’d had experience going undercover and Sidwell was interested in her, so she’d take the opportunity. When Willow came back, Carly was gone, and so was Drew’s tie. Drew went to the MetroCourt to meet with Anna, who had a wish list from the PCPD for federal support. Drew said he’d be happy to suggest funding as long as organized crime was the top priority – i.e. arresting Sonny and Jason. Carly came in and called out Drew for leaving his tie while he was having sex with Michael’s wife.

Jack said they’d tail Cyrus, and Collette asked if he wasn’t curious about the cabin. She wanted to insure their special project wasn’t put at risk. He said it wasn’t their objective to catch a killer, but to see what action Josslyn would take if she found the cabin. Lucky said, Elizabeth had gotten him through a lot, and she said she was glad, but she couldn’t be anybody’s angel. He said he just needed her to be her. He told her about a song he’d heard on a jukebox in Mogadishu that reminded him of dancing with her at Luke’s. He played it on his phone, and they danced.

Isaiah said he thought Jordan liked the rush better than pushing papers, and she said she’d need his help. He’d have to stay away from her because Sidwell couldn’t know about their connection. He said, no way in hell was he staying clear of her. Their connection would also go undercover. Willow left a message for Michael, saying, the kids loved him and talked about him all the time. They couldn’t wait for him to get home.

To add insult to injury, Carly said she’d bought the tie for Drew and found it in the couch. He wanted to talk privately, but she said, no. His nephew was fighting for his life while Drew was sleeping with his wife on property he’d been banned from. She wanted everyone to know he was pathetic. He wasn’t half the man Jason was. Drew said the joke was on her. Jason had knocked up Sasha – the family cook. Wow. He’s outdone himself at being an ass on so many levels.

Wednesday:

Brad confronted Cyrus at the hospital. He said Cyrus was trying to convince the world he was a changed man, but was considered a danger to the patients. Josslyn convinced the custodian at Turning Woods to let her in Cyrus’s room. Willow told Nina about Carly disappearing on her. At the MetroCourt, Sasha told Drew to make a disaster of his own and Willow’s life, but leave her and her baby out of it.

Ric told Elizabeth that she was back to work immediately. Carly told Drew that he had no right to get involved with Sasha’s private life. Tracy said she was going to warn Willow that if it Drew showed up again, she’d be out on the street without her children, but Brook said she’d convince Willow to do what was best for everyone. Anna told Drew that it was inappropriate for him to influence a case against Sonny and Jason. Kristina wanted to wait to tell Danny that Sam was murdered, but Alexis said if he found out from someone else, they risked losing him. Cody told Molly that he was sorry to hear about Sam and that he and Sam were kindred spirits, and she took Danny to see Alexis. Cody told Dante that he should be there for Danny since Danny’s dad was worthless, when Sasha walked in.

Brook told Willow about what happened at the MetroCourt and asked what she was thinking. Lucy said she didn’t see it coming that Jason was Sasha’s baby daddy, but didn’t hate it. She loved spectacles when she wasn’t at the center of them. Drew asked to talk to Maxie. Lucky asked Ric to find out Cyrus’s parole terms and Elizabeth said it would be a personal favor to her, so he agreed – on the house. At the hospital, Lucas told Carly that Jack had been there as his patient and asked if she was dating him. She said, maybe, and he asked if she’d slept with him, but she said they hadn’t crossed that line yet. Valentin had tried to kill Jack, and she’d saved his life. Sasha asked where Cody got off telling everyone Jason was the father and Cody asked if he wasn’t. Josslyn searched Cyrus’s room and noticed a pressed flower in his Bible. The custodian came back, and she said she found what she was looking for.

Sasha said it was none of Cody’s business and asked where he got the idea. He said after seeing them at the boathouse, and she told him to let it go. Brook asked, why wave a red flag at Tracy? and Willow said this was her home, but it was an easy fix, and asked to move back in with Nina. Drew asked Maxie to share her opinion, and she said she felt sorry for Michael. She didn’t think it was cool for him to pull Sasha into the drama. He said he needed a mother’s advice. Lucy pumped Felicia for information, and Lulu asked Anna where Jack was. Lucas said Carly didn’t want to be with somebody who didn’t tell her the truth.

After Ric left, Lucky said, if they got specifics, he could find a way to get Cyrus busted, and Elizabeth said he meant frame Cyrus. Tracy said everything was Sasha’s call. She could fight and would with Tracy’s support. Brook told Willow to take a step back and that Drew was the problem. When she got involved with him, her life fell apart. Nina suggested Willow take some time alone to figure out the direction of her life. Drew asked Maxie to speak to a decorator about his new house. She said he sounded like a great dad, and she’d help him. Anna suggested Lulu call Jack’s office. Lulu said she already had with no luck, but she’d get Carly to intervene. She asked if Anna had heard anything about Charlotte.

Tracy said every woman had the right to live life on their own terms and she’d do her best to watch out for Sasha. Sasha needed to have a game plan. Nina said Willow could stay with her as long as she needed, but Brook said that wasn’t the agreement. Willow said she didn’t care. Anna said she didn’t know where Charlotte was and neither did the WSB. Lulu said Jack was lying because of some spy reason and a lot of people would be sorry when she got her daughter back. Carly said Jack wasn’t like Sonny, but Lucas told her to walk away while she could. It was Jack’s literal job to keep secrets, and she shouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Elizabeth said Cyrus needed to be stopped no matter what. If they had to frame him, so be it. Cyrus noticed his Bible had been touched and the pressed flower was moved.

Thursday:

Brad asked to leave early, and Portia said okay, but Curtis wondered what was up with that. Brad showed off his muscles, and Lucas said, whatever training program he was on was clearly working. Jack met with Josslyn at Bobbie’s, and she said that she was going to prove Cyrus killed Dex. Lois went to see Martin and told him that she really needed a lawyer. Willow told Nina that deep down, she knew Brook was right. She shouldn’t have been in the gatehouse with Drew. Alexis told Danny that the authorities believed his mom’s death wasn’t an accident.

Brook blamed herself for Willow leaving. Willow said when Drew left, all she could think about was Michael, and Nina said the accident robbed her of closure. She could now focus on her next steps. Then like a bad penny, Drew showed up. Portia told Curtis that Stella seemed to like Brad, so she was willing to give him a second chance, and Curtis thought it was time for him to have a chat with Brad. Josslyn told Jack about getting into Cyrus’s apartment, but not finding anything. He said that might indicate Cyrus had a second location. While Rocco listened in, Dante asked Chase who the person of interest was, but Chase wasn’t talking. Alexis told Danny that the police and hospital believed Sam was murdered.

Molly said, Sam wasn’t the only victim, but it was being kept quiet to not alert suspects. Chase made Dante promise not to do anything reckless and told him the suspect was Cyrus. Jack said, even the best criminal left a trail and evidence would surface, and Josslyn asked him not to tell her mom, when Carly and Lucas walked in. Gio told Brook not to blame herself for the actions of others. Tracy showed up and Brook told her it didn’t go as planned. Tracy said it was time to call the lawyers.

Curtis asked if Brad was still working with Selina, but Brad said they’d cut all ties. He would never do anything to jeopardize Portia and Terry’s faith in him. Carly and Jack shared a table, and he asked her not to tell Josslyn about them. Lois told Martin that Brook had a baby with Dante and she needed to make sure no one found out. Danny agreed Scout shouldn’t know about Sam being murdered and asked if his dad knew. Chase said, circumstantial evidence pointed to Cyrus, but Dante said it made no sense. Tracy interrupted and asked Chase and Dante to check for security flaws on the property, and Rocco snuck away. Nina said Drew had put Willow in a position to lose her children, and suggested he move to DC, but he said he’d take Willow and the kids with him. Nina said if he wanted a fight, she was ready to oblige.

Alexis said it wasn’t their job to get involved in the investigation. When Danny left, Alexis said she found it unsettling that he’d brought up his father. Lucas said it looked like Jack and Carly were getting close, and Josslyn said, as long as it wasn’t Sonny, she was on board. She asked if Lucas had ever heard of Austin Gatlin-Holt. Lois told Martin that the baby had been placed with a member of her extended family, but Brook didn’t know. (Is it Gio???) She asked if Brook could find out, when Tracy knocked at the door. She asked why Lois was there.

Stella told Curtis that she believed Brad had turned a corner. Brad asked if Curtis knew about their arrangement, but Portia said, no and don’t tell him. Josslyn said Austin had testified for Cyrus at his parole hearing, and Lucas told her to stay out of it. Lois told Tracy that she’d heard what happened with Willow and that was why she was seeing Martin. Martin said the deal wasn’t legally binding and the blame lay with Tracy. Lois suggested they leave. Brook told Chase and Dante that Willow moved out. Nina told Drew that Willow still cared about Michael and Willow told Drew it was a mistake for them to meet at the gatehouse. She was still processing the end of her marriage. Drew said it would be unfair to deny their feelings, but they were free to be together since it had been made public – if that’s what she wanted.

Willow said of course (🍷) she did. They kissed and Nina saw them. Alexis was worried that Jason would seek vengeance, and Kristina said, some people didn’t look at vengeance the way Alexis did. Rocco talked with Danny and told him that Cyrus was a suspect. When Carly took a call, Josslyn asked Jack to help her find out if Austin had leased or bought a place nearby. Nina called Carly and said they had to end a problem once and for all. After seeing Tracy to her car, Lois came back to see Martin again. He said there were two ways the truth could come out. If the child came of age and requested their birth certificate… Lois said there was no way they knew they were adopted, and he said, also, if Brook met with whoever handled the adoption and asked to meet her child. Lois said it would blow his world apart, and Martin asked if she was in contact with them. She said, Brook’s son was her grandson Gio. (Ha! I was right.)  

Friday’s Enchilada:

Lulu thanks Laura for meeting her at Bobbie’s and Laura says she’s always happy to meet her beautiful daughter, but what’s so urgent? Lulu says she met with Jack Brennan, and she has news, and Laura asks if Charlotte and Valentin have been found. Lulu says, no. Valentin surfaced briefly in Germany, but disappeared before they could track him. Jack wouldn’t give her any other details. Laura says, of course (🍷) not. It’s Jack and it’s classified. Lulu says she’s got to find Charlotte soon. She knows something bad will happen if she’s with Valentin. Laura says she’ll do what she can, but Lulu says, there may be another path she can follow.

Carly brings a folder to Lucas at the hospital because he left it at home, and he says he’s glad she didn’t come to him for dating advice. He sticks by his assessment that dating a spy is a bad proposition. She says she has more important things to deal with than taking the time to point out Lucas’s questionable taste in men. Nina called and wants to see her. She needs him to convince her that it’s not a good idea to work with Nina.

Nina gives Maxie two tickets to the NYC Winter Fashion Formal and tells her that she can take who she wants. Maxie asks what Nina wants, and Nina asks what she means. Maxie says, Nina only gives her stuff when she wants something, but Nina says, that’s not true. Maxie says, Nina gave her Chanel boots when she wanted Maxie to get a million Christmas gifts for Wiley, and Nina says, fine. She needs help. It might sound crazy, but she needs advice on how to convince Carly to work with her. Maxie asks what she wants to work on, and Nina says, breaking up Drew and Willow.

Willow tells Elizabeth, happy first day back, and hugs her. She says, the doctors and nurses missed her and every one of her patients asked about her. Elizabeth says, it feels good to be back and be missed more than she should admit. Portia joins them and welcomes Elizabeth back. Elizabeth says, it’s good to be back, and Portia asks to speak to her before her shift. Portia heads for her office and Elizabeth makes a face at Willow.

At the Grill, Sidwell thanks Drew for meeting him, even if he’s interrupting Drew’s breakfast. Drew says he’s happy for the company and to welcome a new constituent to Port Charles, and Sidwell says, this constituent doesn’t want to waste more of his time than necessary, so he’ll get to it. Drew may not know, but he imports rare gems from around the world. One of the reasons he chose Port Charles was the pending development of the esplanade. He asks what the status is on its progress, and Drew says, unfortunately, it’s being held off because of environmental concerns. Sidwell says, forgive him for being blunt, but did Sonny Corinthos have anything to do with the delay?

At a hospital in Los Angeles, Sonny says he doesn’t like waiting, and Natalia says, it shouldn’t be much longer. Sonny says he owes her for coming to California with him, and she says she was just thinking, how is Sonny going to pay her back?  

Jordan asks if Anna remembers the microdot recorders she bought for the department, and Anna says, they’ve used them successfully already. Jordan says she needs to borrow one, and Anna asks, who will be wearing the device? Jordan says she will.

In her office, Portia says, as Co-Chief of Staff, she wanted to apologize to Elizabeth for suspending her, and Elizabeth thanks her for saying that. She admits it was a relief, and Portia says she never believed Elizabeth would harm her patients. Elizabeth says she knows Portia had to follow protocol, and Portia says she did, but she hated it. As much as she’s not a fan of Ric’s, in watching him fight for Elizabeth, she never realized he was such a good lawyer. He didn’t give the hospital lawyer half a chance and she came to win. Elizabeth says she’s grateful for everything Ric’s done for her, and wonders if she’s allowed to ask the status of the hospital investigation. Portia says, Elizabeth can, but she doesn’t have any new information. Everything they had on the three, almost four, deaths was turned over to the police. It’s officially a criminal investigation. Elizabeth asks if she’s sure it was only three, and Portia says, they had the lab techs go over all the deaths in the last few months and didn’t find any others. Elizabeth says, that’s good to hear. Does Portia know if the police have a suspect? Portia says she hasn’t touched base with them, but prays they catch whoever is responsible, so they don’t destroy any more lives.

Nina says, it’s ridiculous for Drew to be sneaking in behind everyone’s backs, but Maxie says, Willow is an adult. Even if they think her choices are stupid, she has the right to make them. Besides, she doesn’t think Drew would do something to hurt her. Nina says, sorry. She didn’t realize Maxie was a fan of Drew’s. Maxie says, she’s neutral. She’s Switzerland. Nina asks how she can be when Drew’s over-the-top romantic gestures and horrible advice drive Willow to make disastrous decisions? Like moving out of the gatehouse and back in with her. Maxie says she thought Nina would be happy having Willow and the kids living with her, and Nina says, of course (🍷) she wants them with her, but if the entire Quartermaine security staff can’t keep Drew and Willow apart, how can she? Maxie says, she probably can’t, and Nina says, if Drew didn’t live in a hotel room, he’d probably have Willow and the kids move in with him, and that would be a disaster… What’s wrong? Maxie says she has the feeling Drew won’t be in the hotel much longer, and Nina says, because…? Maxie says, because he’s in escrow on a new house… and she told him that she would help him find a decorator. Nina says, Drew is buying a new house and Maxie is helping him with it?

Lucas asks why Carly is considering working with Nina, and Carly says, to break up Willow and Drew. Drew wants to keep Willow to himself, and his schemes are so obvious, even Nina noticed. Jason brokered a living arrangement with Willow and the Quartermaines, and Drew blew it up. He asks, how? and Carly says she visited Willow at the gatehouse and when Willow went to the kitchen, she saw a tie she’d given Drew sticking out of the couch. Part of the arrangement was that Drew wasn’t allowed on the property, and he snuck in like they were star-crossed lovers. Of course (🍷) she loudly confronted him in public at the MetroCourt. He says, of course (🍷). He guesses it didn’t go well. She says, it was a disaster, and Lucas says he can’t talk about being on the moral high ground. He lit into Willow at Christmas, and it was a disaster. Ava had to talk him down. She says, clearly, they’re people who act first and think later, and he says, maybe it’s time they learn from their mistakes.

Natalia asks if Sonny is worried about what the doctor is going to tell him, but Sonny says he tries not to think about it. He hopes it’s not serious, but right now he has to focus on finding who put the firebomb in the penthouse.

Lulu says, it occurred to her to search in a different way, and Laura says, how so? Lulu says she and Rocco were talking about how Charlotte loved riding, and she knows Valentin let Charlotte have a phone. So she started following popular equestrians on social media. It’s a longshot, but she might find a follower with an account that belongs to Charlotte. Laura says, so her focus has changed from where Valentin could be to where Charlotte would want to go, and Lulu says she’s also looking at the best stables and riding facilities in Europe. Valentin wants Charlotte to be happy, so maybe he’ll let her take lessons. Laura says, it sounds promising. She might get a real lead. Laura’s phone rings, and she says, tell her that she got a meeting with Congressman Quartermaine… Ugh. Okay… They’re saying they think he’s there now?… Good job. She thanks them and tells Lulu that she’s got to get to a very important meeting, but keep her in the loop. Lulu says she promises. Fingers crossed it works. Laura says she’s proud of Lulu. She’s smart. Good job. Lulu thanks her, and Laura leaves.

Elizabeth calls Nurse Gail at Turning Woods and thanks her for her help when she and Lucky were there. She hopes she didn’t get Gail in trouble with her boss. Gail says, not at all. Director Furner had no issue with it. Besides, she knows the head nurse at GH wouldn’t ask her a favor if it wasn’t important. Elizabeth says she knew Gail would understand, and Gail says, they’ll talk soon. Cyrus walks in and asks how Gail is. She says, fine, and himself? He says, the same. He was about to visit Mrs. Brown. How is she doing? Gail says, the same, and he says, the poor dear. He’s going to pray with her. Gail says she’s sorry, but he can’t see patients. Not until he talks to Director Furner.

Furner thanks Cyrus for his help and says, they’re grateful for the time he’s devoted to the patients, but feel its best he not visit them going forward. Cyrus says, the decision is sudden, and Furner says, there was a complaint lodged by Mayor Collins about him misrepresenting himself as Lulu Spencer’s medical proxy. Cyrus says he couldn’t help overhearing Nurse Gail talking to Elizabeth Baldwin earlier. Might she have influenced his ban? Furner says, all he knows is Miss Baldwin was here with Lulu’s brother Lucky, and they were upset about his access to Lulu. He was also informed that Cyrus has been barred from volunteering at GH. Cyrus says, it’s a big misunderstanding, but Furner says, that’s not what he heard. Cyrus says, from whom? He’d like to know who’s spreading these lies. Is the source Elizabeth Baldwin? Furner says, Turning Woods is a private facility, and they have the right to decide who they allow to see patients, but Cyrus says, the patients need him. He refuses to abandon them. Furner says, sorry. He’s afraid they’ll have to make do without him, and Cyrus leaves.

Lucas says, the reason he let Wiley go was to make peace and he knew Michael would be a great father, but when Willow took him away from Michael, he had to confront Willow. Carly says she understands that kind of anger. When she found the tie, she lost it. It was in the house Michael shared with Willow and the kids, and it was like a slap in the face. Drew was there having sex with Willow, and she felt she needed to speak up for him. Lucas says he gets it, but don’t do anything to give Drew an excuse to come swooping in like Willow’s knight in shining armor. Carly says she can’t stand that Willow thinks he’s her hero. She’s sure her confronting him just solidified their us against the world thing. He says, they need to stop making an already bad situation worse, and Carly asks what she should do about Nina. He says, if her goal is to stop escalating the conflict with Willow and Drew by working with Nina, do the opposite of that.

Maxie tells Nina that she’s jumping the gun. Drew hasn’t even purchased one piece of furniture yet. Nina says, she’s right. They still have time. Maxie needs to do what she needs to do to delay Drew moving in. Pretend she can’t find a decorator or distract him with terrible color swatches. It will give her time to come up with something to keep them apart. Maxie says she’s not going to be Nina’s underhanded minion on this one. She doesn’t like what Willow and Drew did because it hurt Michael, but they’re adults and they can do what they want, questionable choices and all. Nina says she’s not going to sit by and watch Drew take advantage of her vulnerable daughter, and Maxie asks if she’s doing it because she thinks Drew is bad for Willow or because Willow is now with the man Nina once wanted for herself?

Drew says, Sonny has no sway in the decision. It has to do with his constituents. Sidwell asks if Sonny Corinthos isn’t one of his constituents, and Drew says he could argue that Sonny is a resident, but his business doesn’t necessarily help make Port Charles better. Sidwell asks if he’s considered Pier 55 and the surrounding area as a new location, and Drew says, Sonny owns the building there and has a legal coffee company. Sidwell asks if that isn’t what Eminent Domain is for. (Don’t even get me started on that, Jenz.) Can’t the government claim land if it’s to help revitalize the city? Drew says he’s explored moving the location, but it costs money and time, and Sidwell says, as a future businessman and tenant, he’d be willing to make a large financial commitment if it solves the funding issue. Drew says he’ll keep it in mind, when Laura walks in. She says, just the man she was looking for, and Sidwell says, how nice to see her again.

Anna asks why Jordan wants to wear a wire, and she says she met Jenz Sidwell a few days ago. Anna says, lucky you, and Jordan says, Laura was talking to her about how dangerous he is and not long afterward, he walked into the MetroCourt, so she introduced herself. They talked, and she got the idea he was interested in her, interested in a way she could use to her advantage. Anna says she’s sure Sidwell is interested in Jordan, and Jordan says, apart from what Anna’s already told her, does she have any information that would be useful to get closer to him? Anna says she doesn’t and asks what outcome Jordan is looking for. Jordan says, no law enforcement agency can connect him to his crimes, and Anna says, unfortunately, that’s true. He’s clever and has resources. He was running a small army in Somalia. Jordan says she needs to figure out why he came to Port Charles and what he plans to do, and Anna says, no one has established a real reason. Jordan says, if she can get close… and Anna says, she’ll find a way to catch him.   

Nina says she had an ill-advised short-lived fling after getting caught up in the spell Drew wove over his admiring constituents. That’s all it was. Maxie says, so Nina is really over him, and Nina says, absolutely. 100%. She saw the terrible effect he’s had on Willow, and she’s done. Willow is kind, gentle, and sweet, but with Drew’s help, she’s made one bad decision after another. Drew has a talent of bringing out the worst in people. He did with her. Maxie says she never thought she’d hear Nina say that, and Nina says she should have listened to Maxie. It was a horrible idea, trying to distract Drew from Willow by sleeping with him. Maxie tells Nina that she hates to say I told you so, but Nina tells her, say it. Maxie says, it’s not as much fun when Nina agrees. There’s only one real reason Willow is so out of character and crazy. She’s in love with Drew. Nina says she keeps telling herself it’s infatuation or hero worship thing, but she thinks Maxie is right. It’s something deeper. Maxie says, in all fairness, they’re not in a position to judge what someone will do for a person they love. Nina did stupid stuff when she loved Sonny. How is it any different with Willow and Drew? Carly stands in the doorway.

Drew says, it’s nice to see Laura, and starts to introduce her to Sidwell, but Laura says, they’ve met before. Drew says he didn’t realize they knew each other, and Laura says, that must mean Sidwell didn’t tell Drew that he held her son captive and nearly killed him in Somalia. Drew says, is that true? and Sidwell says, once again, he has to point out that his version of events differs greatly. Laura says, her son has no reason to lie about the man Sidwell really is, and Sidwell says, a more sensitive person might react to the mayor making negative accusations in public with a defamation suit, which would be terribly costly to the city. Thankfully, they have cooler heads, don’t they? Laura says she hears the threat, and Drew suggests it might not be the time or place to discuss it. Sidwell says, nonsense. He’s sure if the mayor joins them, she’ll have plenty to add to their conversation. He’d love to show her that his goal is to contribute to her fair city.

Cyrus walks over to Lulu’s table at Bobbie’s and says, it’s truly a miracle to see her back on her feet. He knew she’d woken up, but to see it for himself fills him with great joy. His prayers have been answered. She says, God does work in mysterious ways, and he asks if she’s fully recovered. She says, nothing about her is any of his business, and he says he didn’t mean to upset her. He just came in for a bite to eat. She says she doesn’t care why he’s here. Her family has a restraining order against him, and if he takes one step closer, she’ll call the cops.

Carly says, Maxie poses a good question, and Maxie thanks her and says she thinks she’ll go now. Please don’t break anything. She leaves, and Nina says, Carly will probably think she’s a hypocrite and she wouldn’t blame her. Carly says she wants to sit for this, and Nina says, watching Drew bulldoze his way into Willow’s marriage was incredibly eye opening. Because it’s what she did to Carly with her marriage to Sonny. Carly says she never thought she’d hear Nina admit she did wrong, and Nina says she did. She can’t go back and change what’s done, but at the end of the day, she’s just a mother like Carly. And like Carly, she loves her child with everything she has. She can’t sit by and watch her daughter destroy her life for a man who’s not worthy of her.

Willow asks if Lucas needed a nurse, and he says he needs to order tests, and he’d appreciate it if she’d deliver the folders. And if they could rush the results, that would be great. She says she’ll see what she can do, and Lucas says, wait. He needs to say something. She says, if it’s about Drew or her relationship with the kids, she’d rather they keep things professional. He says, actually he wants to apologize for what he said the last time they saw each other. He had no business judging her choices or telling her how to live her life. He’s very sorry. She thanks him, and he says, if she or her kids need anything, he’s here for her. No strings attached. He promises. She says she appreciates that very much, and leaves.

Laura says, actually, she’d love to hear what they were discussing, and Drew says, in light of the environmental concerns, Mr. Sidwell proposed they relocate the esplanade to Pier 55. Sidwell says, transforming a blighted area to an esplanade full of shops, restaurants, and new housing developments would be beneficial to Port Charles. Laura says, if he has a proposal, submit it to her office. She’s sure he’s only concerned with what’s best for Port Charles. Drew says he’s looking forward to working toward that end, and she says, that’s part of the reason she voted for him. He says he’s thrilled to know he earned her vote. He’ll do everything in his power to justify her faith. She says, good, because he should know that she doesn’t believe a partnership with Sidwell is the solution to making Port Charles a better place. Sidwell mimes clutching his pearls, and she says, the drama, and leaves. (Sidwell is always a good time, but I want my husband Jack back.)

Anna says she never told Jordan the full extent of what happened when she and Jason were in Somalia to rescue Lucky. Jordan says she knows they barely got out alive, and Anna says, they were almost killed. It’s clear how dangerous Sidwell is, because she believes he’s behind the firebomb at Sonny’s apartment. Jordan says, so she believes Sidwell’s arrival in Port Charles so close to the attack on Sonny is too much of a coincidence not to mean something, and Anna says, exactly. Jordan says, Anna isn’t going to lecture her on how she’s no longer a cop and using a wire undercover isn’t in her job description as Deputy Mayor? Anna says, no. She’s giving Jordan the equipment. If she needs to go undercover to bring Sidwell down, Jordan has her full support. Anna leaves to get the recorder.

Natalia asks if Sonny is going to tell his kids, but he says, they’ve been through too much already. Kristina and Dante are still mourning Sam. Michael is in Germany fighting for his life. He doesn’t want to worry them. She says she understands, and Sonny says, if his business rivals hear about it, it will give them an invitation to come after him and his family. That can’t happen. The nurse says, the doctor is ready for Sonny, and Natalia asks if he wants her to go with him. He holds out his hand, she takes it, and they walk in together.

Maxie tells Willow that she needs help with her son, and Willow asks if he’s sick. Maxie says, no. He’s great, but he’s driving her nuts. He wants her to plan a playdate with Wiley. Willow says she would love that, and Wiley would too. She’ll check her schedule, and they’ll make it happen, Maxie says, it will get James off her back. Nina told her that Willow and the kids moved back in with her. How is Willow doing?

Carly says, the only reason she’s here is because Nina convinced Willow to let her and Sonny see Michael in the hospital. Nina says she thinks they need to work together to keep Willow and Drew apart, and Carly says, okay. Don’t get her wrong. She despises them as a couple, but she doesn’t see how tearing them apart will help. The damage is done. If they find out, Willow will never let them see the kids again. Nina says she thought about that, but thinks it’s a risk worth taking. If they do nothing, that’s a worse option. Carly says she’s not sure about that. She confronted Drew in public at the MetroCourt about how he snuck onto the Quartermaine property to see Willow. It didn’t go over well. Nina says, Willow moved back in with her. At least when Willow was at the Quartermaine’s, Drew didn’t have free reign. Now that Willow is back, she can’t keep them apart. She needs help. Carly asks if they won’t be making a bad situation worse, and Nina says, worse than Drew moving Willow and the kids in with him? How would Carly feel then?

Elizabeth tells Lucas that she talked to Portia about the investigation, but she never said anything about Cyrus. That means Lucas never said anything to Portia about Cyrus being a suspect. He says he didn’t, but Cyrus was banned from volunteering at Turning Woods, and Elizabeth says she did hear that. She was wondering if his name was off the suspect list. He says he doesn’t know, but he does know they want him caught. Some people have lost too much because of him. Elizabeth says, some more than others. She and Lucky are close to finding something that will prove him guilty.  

Lulu says, Cyrus is violating the restraining order. Stay away from her. Cyrus says, it pains him that her family jumped to terrible conclusions about him. This is all a misunderstanding that’s kept him from doing his good work at Turning Woods. She says, the place where he lied about having power over her medical care, and he says, she was alone, and he cared for her. She says, when she woke up, she didn’t hear him caring. She heard him talking to the doctor about transferring her to another state where she’d be far away from the people who love her and truly alone. He says, she’s confused, but for good reason. He’s not the man he used to be. She missed his transformation from his past circumstances. He wants only the best for her. She says she sees him clearly when she opened her eyes at Turning Woods. He’s the reason she had to run away while she was still weak and recovering. She knew she had to get away from him and his sick plan for her. Cyrus says he sat by her hospital bedside. He read the Bible to her and prayed for her. She has no concept of the devotion he showed her. No one has done for her what he has. Lulu starts digging in her bag for her phone and calls Anna’s office. She says she’d like to speak to the Commissioner. Her family has a restraining order on… She looks around and Cyrus is gone.

Natalia says, getting a pacemaker and on a medical regime is no small thing. Sonny needs to do this. Why put it off? Sonny says he needs to find who put the bomb in the penthouse. It’s all he can focus on right now. He doesn’t find out who’s responsible, his family isn’t safe. After that, he can focus better. She says she hopes he can do it in the next three months. She can come with him for support when he gets it done. He says he’d appreciate the company. It has to be done. She suggests they get out, and they leave. A guy in the waiting room follows and, in the hallway, he takes out his phone. It’s the man who tried to kill Isaiah at the hospital.

Nina says, Drew is in escrow for a new house and wants there to be enough room for Willow and the kids, and Carly says, no. Even if he did, that doesn’t mean he would ask Willow to move in already. Nina says she wouldn’t put it past him, but Carly says, no. Nina says, whether they like it or not they’re connected because they’re Wiley and Amelia’s grandparents and want what’s best for them. Michael is out of the country receiving medical treatment, so for now, Carly is his proxy. As much as she loves Willow, she’s not blind to how easily Willow was convinced to go along with Drew. Carly asks what she suggests, and Nina says, what if she told Carly that they could have access to Drew’s new house. It could be useful. So what does she think? Is she in or out? Will she help do whatever it takes to protect their grandchildren?

Willow says, Maxie is one of the only people to ask how she’s doing. She’s getting lectures on her relationship with Drew and Maxie isn’t judging. She didn’t realize until now how lonely it’s been. Maxie says, they’ll schedule a playdate, and the boys can run around while they catch up, and Willow says, it will be nice. Maxie asks, who’s place? and Willow says, Maxie’s. Nina’s isn’t the best play space for kids. Maxie says she hopes the kids exhaust themselves to the point where they pass out, and Willow says, it sounds amazing. She’s grateful having a place to stay, but she needs to look for her own place with a kid friendly backyard.

Sidwell says he has no control over how people choose to see him, but hopes Drew sees him as an ally. His phone rings and he says he should take it. Drew says he’s got to get going anyway. Sidwell has given him a lot to think about. Sidwell says, that’s all he can ask, and Drew leaves. Answering the phone, Sidwell says, so? The man at the doctor’s office says he followed Natalia to a medical office. The man who she’s with is seeing a cariologist. Sidwell asks, who would that be? and the man says, Sonny Corinthos. (Rut-roh.)

Lulu goes to Anna’s office and says, Anna’s not going to believe what she saw. Cyrus was at Bobbie’s and violated the restraining order by talking to her. Anna asks Lulu to tell her exactly what happened, and Lulu says, he claimed he was just there to get a bite to eat. She was told he was banned from volunteering at Turning Woods, and she told him to leave her alone, but he just kept talking. Anna asks what he said, and Lulu says, he told her that he spent a lot of time with her when she was in a coma. It really freaked her out. Then he said, no one has done for her what he has. What does he mean? What does that lunatic want from her?

Elizabeth tells Lucas, if they find irrefutable evidence against Cyrus, they’ll hand it over to the police. Until then, it’s important that as few people as possible know he’s a suspect. Lucas says, Cyrus already knows. Josslyn ran into him at the PCPD and accused him of killing Dex. Anna must be aware or at least suspicious about Dex’s death. Elizabeth says she knows it sounds easier said than done, but he needs to keep Josslyn away from Cyrus. If he feels cornered, he’ll get more dangerous. Cyrus walks into the hospital and sees Elizabeth talking to Lucas. He flashes back to finding the flower in the Bible moved and gives Elizabeth a nasty look.

On Monday, Kristina asks Ava where she thinks she’s going; Martin asks if Willow really wants a divorce; Jason asks why Tracy would believe anything Drew says; and Carly asks how far Nina is willing to go to get Drew out of the picture.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I would never put down Chris McKenna’s acting skills, but he’s no Jack Brennan. If it was a matter of money, they should have given Charles Mesure whatever it took to keep him. And really, not even an accent? Come on. They could have done better here.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-recast-shocker-mesure-out-mckenna-in-as-brennan

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/laura-wright-on-ghs-brennan-recast

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chris-mckenna-opens-up-about-taking-over-as-brennan-on-gh

This is for the G’s and this is for the Hustlas.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/donnell-turner-on-snoop-dogg-guesting-on-gh

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I didn’t watch this since I’m Below Deck-ed out, but here you go.

Deck OG Kate parlays her Traitors money into real estate.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/kate-chastain-new-florida-house-exclusive-photos-interview-details

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Sutton asked Garcelle to go with her to Agusta to visit her mother, and Mauricio took Kyle to a shooting range. She cried because everything was different, and in her interview, she said she was grieving the loss of someone who was still here. Kyle joined Sutton and Garcelle, while Boz, Erika, and Dorit went to Kathy’s for dinner. Kathy called PK PJ which was pretty funny. Erika told Dorit that she had to be proactive. If she didn’t make decisions, life would make them for her. Everything Dorit had told them indicated that PK didn’t want her back.

The Real Housewives of New York City

While on break, Brynn told Jenna that everyone hated her, and she was afraid of everyone. Janna said she was apologizing but not acknowledging what she’d done. Rebacca joined the group, and Brynn said she didn’t share her real life the way the others did. Erin said Rebecca was the most self-involved human she’d ever met. The topic of Scientology was bandied about, and we flashed back to Brynn basically calling Rebecca a snake oil salesman. I don’t know what they have against Rebecca. I like her and I actually thought the prank was funny. For being New Yorkers, this is one sensitive bunch. The Brynn/Ubah situation was rehashed and it’s another drain I didn’t think had to be circled so hard. To quote Erin, it was f***ed up, but Brynn corrected herself pretty quickly. Ubah said she forgave Brynn, but they would never be what they were. Two seconds later though, they were hugging it out, so who knows? These girls hate and love each other in the same breath. If I had to pick a best dressed – they’re all beautiful, even Jenna in her robe, turban, and sunglasses – it would be Racquel. Andy said he hoped it was the first step forward. Yeah. Until next season.

Apparently, Rebecca has had enough.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Britani joined the Reunion Part 3000. She’d been wearing the same dress as Angie, but graciously changed. She probably didn’t want to be included in a Who Wore It Better? list. She said she’d broken up with Jared, who sounds like a real piece of work. After their break-up, he’d gotten on social media and talked quite a bit of smack about the women. He called Bronwyn a low vibrational human being, whatever that means. Britani followed that topic with saying Bronwyn’s flying monkeys spread smack about her to her estranged daughters and Bronwyn had things to pay for.

Andy said he never thought he’d be talking about slut shaming at a Bat Mitzvah, and there was much ado (again) about Britani bringing the wine to Angie’s prayer meeting. I honestly thought it was more of a place and time thing, but I guess not. It was about the Mormon rule of not drinking alcohol. So then why does Angie say she stays pretty sober. (See below.) What does that mean? Just a glass of champagne at weddings? Just weed? So much is just overreaction. Bronwyn’s dog bite was revisited, and not only did she not sue over it – it was a rescue whose owner she knew in a dog park – she paid for the dog to be checked out. There had been a medical issue, and he was now healthy and living where he has room to run. Having dealt with this issue myself, not only do I commend Bronwyn, I suggest anyone who has an overly aggressive dog have it thoroughly checked out by a vet. End of PSA. There was a lot of talking over each other. At the end, they all said nice things about each other and toasted with Mary’s favorite, Miller High Life.

Southern Charm

Venita told Leva about JT having a girlfriend, and Leva said he was a jerk. Agreed. Craig wanted to be a farmer, but his community wouldn’t allow chickens, so he went for the next best thing – bees. FYI: Bee suits are white because dark colors remind bees of a bear. How anyone knows what bees are reminded of is beyond me, but I wouldn’t test that theory. They went to a bee ranch or whatever it’s called, and Craig was pumped. Paige was not as thrilled, but said, if he liked it, she loved it. They checked out the goats and Craig fantasized about living on a farm. Paige said she loved making up fake scenarios in her head – she was a girl – but she had a realistic streak and Craig was more sentimental. She told him that she was only 31, but he sometimes made her feel like she was 75. Yeah, she’s a New Yorker and not ready for waving from the porch in a rocking chair. I honestly think Paige just needs someone closer to home, although Craig might have moved if she’d stuck it out. Throughout the conversation, it really seemed like she was unhappy, but didn’t want to admit it. Shep was still insecure about Sienna and expressed concern in his interview that she was on a higher level than him. Aw, poor Shep. It must be tough being on the receiving end for once.

Patricia had the annual gentlemen’s dinner. Whitney’s hair looked like he’d stuck his finger in a light socket, and he didn’t find it amusing that Patricia had taken the car out with Shep when she hadn’t driven in 40 years. She told the guys that they were using Napoleonic china and Craig said he shouldn’t touch any of it. We flashed back to his previous mishaps, like spilling red wine on a white sofa. She suggested Craig propose, and in Patricia’s interview, she said, in her day, you met, dated, got engaged, and got married. With these guys, it seemed very murky, and they had a schedule with no end to things. The back broke on Whitney’s chair, and Patricia said they never had a dinner where a chair didn’t get broken. And no matter what theme she chose, the dinners turned into arguments, accusations, and breakage. Whitney said the overriding issue with Sienna was that Shep wasn’t rich enough, he was boring, and not famous enough. Ouch. Craig said it was like having dinner with your granddad who had no filter.

The JT plot thickens.

Aww! She’s ready to show her bump. As much as I’ve disliked Madison, I do like Brett, and they deserve some happy news.

Southern Hospitality

I tried to pay attention, but only a few things stood out. They went to Vegas for Maddi’s DJ gig and her face was on the side of a building, which both freaked her out and pumped her up. I’m not sure if it’s because of the cameras, but reality stars seem to get overexcited about hotel rooms. Like they’ve been living in huts and never seen one before. Except for Ramona (RHONY OG), who always complains. This group is obsessed with Will’s cheating and looks like there’s more crying from Emmy to come.

Random Reality

The two Lisas have spoken.

I really hope this works out for her. I loved It’s Complicated.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

I’m still losing myself in Lost, plus doing a Swedish I’m-Not-Dead-Yet house cleaning, so the only extra thing I watched was The Menu on Netflix. It was horror, it was humor, it was surprise after surprise. A group of wealthy diners is taken to a remote island to have a meal at one of the most exclusive restaurants on earth, paying $1200+ a person. Each course becomes increasingly odd, and the final course is a nightmare. It’s detailed – a text describing each course pops up on the side – and was like nothing I’d ever seen before.

In simple terms.

A review without spoilers.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-menu-netflix-review

The particulars.

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-menu-release-date-news

Obviously major spoilers.

https://ew.com/the-menu-ending-explained-8783965

🦕 Can’t Wait To Watch…

I never care about the plotlines. I just come for the dinosaurs.

https://people.com/jurassic-world-rebirth-trailer-scarlett-johansson-8712343

🦥 Awaiting New Seasons…

Coming February 16th.

https://www.cbr.com/yellowjackets-season-3-release-date-and-delay-reason/

Coming in April.

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-creators-set-stage-dense-episodes-season-2-exclusive-8783868

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-premiere-month-2025-8769682

Remember them? Coming this spring.

https://undeadwalking.com/walking-dead-dead-city-season-2-features-the-return-characters-villainous-ways

No date set yet.

https://www.cbr.com/everything-we-know-about-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3/

Coming never.

https://winteriscoming.net/agatha-all-along-won-t-get-a-second-season

🚫 Boo Hiss…

Mean parole officer. She should still host. I haven’t watched it in years – too busy streaming – but I’d watch that one.

https://ew.com/martha-stewart-reveals-snl-hosting-opportunity-was-nixed-by-parole-officer-8781521

🏆 For the Win…

The full Grammy winners list.

https://www.grammy.com/news/2025-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list

The best, worst, and WTF? moments. Note to Rolling Stone: Not everything has to be political. Maybe people are poliweary right now.

The fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37508/grammys-2025-red-carpet-fashion

🏈 Bring On the Bowl…

Who’s performing.

https://people.com/all-about-the-2025-super-bowl-performers-8784892

Breakout shark.

https://people.com/left-shark-from-katy-perry-super-bowl-halftime-reflects-on-performance-exclusive-8779782

The commercials.

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/best-super-bowl-commercials-2025

🐕 A Bowl Of Puppies…

Everything you need to know.

https://people.com/everything-to-know-puppy-bowl-2025-8785179

Everything you need to know and more.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl

☄️ Quotes of the Week

Happy accidents are real gifts, and they can open the door to a future that didn’t even exist. It’s kind of nice sometimes to set up something to encourage or allow happy accidents to happen. – David Lynch

If you want to succeed, double your failure rate. – Thomas Watson

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. – C.S. Lewis

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. – Dale Carnegie

Advice is like snow – the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind. – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

You can roll manure in powdered sugar, but it still ain’t a jelly donut. – Berta (Conchata Ferrell), Two and a Half Men

🧉 Sticking To the Punchbowl…

Until next Friday, stay safe; stay remembering, it’s just a game (unless you bet money on it, then cry if you lose); and stay not acting first and thinking later.

January 31, 2025 – Lulu Confesses Her Love For Dante, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Performing, Animal Tales, An Even Number Of Short Quotes & Mountain

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Tara from Turning Woods had info for Elizabeth, but when she and Lucky showed up, Tara was out sick. Natalia told Lucy that she could land an account in LA, but the contact only wanted to meet with her and the silent partner – i.e. Sonny. Kristina went to see Sonny and asked him if everything was okay since he didn’t show up at Charlie’s. She said they had to keep Avery away from Ava and she’d decided to testify at the custody hearing. Anna told Jason about Sidwell being in Port Charles. She asked if he or Sasha were willing to go on record about Sasha’s kidnapping.

Curtis told Nina that Drew was going to undermine the company in congress if he didn’t get his stock back. Chase visited Willow, who whined about Drew being ostracized by his family. Drew met with Martin and told him that Monica wasn’t speaking with him. He was her first truly lost cause, and he wondered if he’d ever really been a part of the family. Anna told Jason not to go after Sidwell on his own. Lucky told the Turning Woods rep that Cyrus wanted a list of his patients who had died so he could send condolences to the family. Curtis told Nina that things had a way of getting out and encouraged her to tell Willow that she’d been sleeping with Drew. Drew told Martin, if they thought banning him from the Quartermaine grounds would keep him from Willow, they had another thing coming.

Jason told Anna that he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Mr. Furner came in while Lucky and Elizabeth were there. Lucky distracted him by threatening a lawsuit while Elizabeth waited for the printout. Chase told Willow that he and Brook were trying to have a baby.  Nina told Curtis that she’d made the devil’s bargain with Drew. She couldn’t tell Willow about Drew, nor he about her. She hoped with time, Willow would trust her more than Drew. Curtis said he had a plan and needed Nina’s help. Anna said the best way of getting Sidwell was to get criminal charges that would stick, but Jason said he had to do it for Michael.

Natalia conferred with Sonny about the LA trip. Anna asked if Jason could guarantee he would be the only target for retaliation. He could break the cycle of violence by not retaliating. Curtis told Nina that he wanted to sabotage Drew’s connections in DC. Chase showed Willow his lab results and she told him to see his doctor. According to the results, he couldn’t father a child.

Tuesday:

Ned told Tracy to show some respect to Willow or she’d be out on her high-class derriere. Tracy said two fingers of bourbon for everyone, and no one was leaving until they figured out what to do.

Felicia took Anna for a manicure and told Anna that she’d seen Emma clubbing. Emma joined them and Anna questioned her. Emma said, it wasn’t a spa day; it was an interrogation. Carly couldn’t figure out Jack’s angle. He said when he first came to Port Charles, he was on a mission. He had no intention of pursuing her until she visited him in prison. He considered her a friend, not an asset. Kai told Trina that his vertebrae was cracked, and he couldn’t play football because he’d risk a spinal injury. She suggested he talk to her mom. Portia told Alexis that Sam had been murdered and how they came to that conclusion. It had been a pattern. Alexis said she wasn’t leaving it to the police and was going to find answers.

Ned said the mess was all on Drew and they should give Willow a chance to create distance. Tracy said they had to make rules and asked what Chase thought. Brook told Lois that she was able to have a baby. Lois asked if she regretted giving her baby up, and Brook said it was the hardest choice she ever made, but she never regretted it. Chase said Willow was a good person and they should respect her. Tracy said Drew would use Willow to his own ends, but Ned said, if they pushed things, Willow would run back to him. Sasha said Tracy was being dramatic, then Tracy screamed because she saw a mouse. She said Sasha was out if she didn’t climb up and get it (like the mouse wasn’t in Chicago after Tracy screamed), but Sasha said she wasn’t climbing anywhere because she was pregnant, quickly adding, it’s not Cody’s.

Sasha said if anyone had complaints or judgements, oh well, and Gio said he didn’t grow up with a father and turned out fine. Alexis talked to Isaiah about Sam. Trina asked Portia to talk to Kai. Anna said Emma was allowed a social life, but not allowed to lie to her and sneak around. Emma said she’d been to a fundraiser and wondered, since when was Anna so uptight? Jack offered to have Michael’s cultures forwarded to Germany from the WSB to expedite things for Carly.

Tracy wondered why they offered daycare to everyone, and Ned said she’d just kidnapped two more. Portia said Kai wasn’t necessarily sidelined. Anna said there was a difference between uptight and responsible, and she was the latter. Emma said she never saw Anna because she worked so much. Carly called Felicia about the cultures, and Felicia told her to proceed with caution when it came to Jack.

Emma made a deal that if she got straight A’s, Anna would go clubbing with her. Jason asked Sasha if Michael knew about the baby. Chase told Brook that his tests came back, and he couldn’t get her pregnant. Portia suggested Kai get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine. Kai said Trina’s mom was amazing and he knew where she got it from. Alexis said she wasn’t going to stop until she found the killer. Jack went to the hotel spa and Felicia warned Carly that Jack had an agenda, but Carly said Jack was intriguing and she wanted to know more. Valentin showed up at the spa to kill Jack.

Wednesday:

Chase told Brook that he was sterile and couldn’t be a father. Olivia and Lois took Tracy for a manicure to destress. Sasha told Jason that Michael knew she was pregnant, and he was the father, but they had a deal that he’d stay out of it. At the hospital, Anna told Lulu that she was glad no one was hurt in Prague. Lulu said she was glad her daughter didn’t get shot a second time. Valentin pretended to be a masseuse and tried to strangle Jack while he was on the table.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Emma told Gio that she wanted to do a fundraiser to stop animal testing. She wanted him to play at it because something classic and boring would get the old people and boomers to contribute. Olivia said asking invasive and intrusive questions was Tracy’s love language, but she should let up on Sasha. Martin came into the beauty salon and said, good luck with that. Sasha said it was none of Jason’s business, but he said Michael had a right to know. Anna said she didn’t have the words to tell Lulu how sorry she was, but Lulu said she could see how it was an accident because of the circumstance. She thought Valentin was dangerous and bad things happened when he was around. Carly went looking for Jack at the spa.

Anna said she had an eye open for Valentin, and Lulu thanked her. Gio agreed to play at Emma’s fundraiser, but wondered if it was a scam to get extra cash. Jason told Sasha that Michael had asked for her and thought it was because he knew she was carrying his child. Sasha said if he wanted to help Michael, make sure no one else found out. Chase didn’t want Brook to miss out on the experience of being pregnant, but she said she loved him more than anything and they’d get through it together. Tracy said Martin would defend anyone and she’d been trying to protect the kids. He said she had a bad habit of rolling over people’s lives and just wanted to hurt Drew. Lulu told Dante that she was the best judge of what she could do, but he said, obviously not. Carly heard a noise in Jack’s room, but an employee said it was nothing.

Jack was lying on the floor when Carly came in and cracked something over Valentin’s head. Chase said he didn’t deserve Brook, but she said he was stuck with her. Emma said she was sick of people treating her cause like it was a joke, and Gio said he was only kidding. She said she’d volunteered for a shelter when she was younger. Some puppies were bought by a lab, and it stayed with her. Cody showed up looking for Tracy. He wanted to apologize for missing their ride, but Gio said she was pretty upset, so Cody should wait on that. Martin said just because Tracy disliked someone didn’t make them disreputable, and Brook called Lois, asking her to come home. Portia told Anna about the pattern of suspicious patient deaths and that someone had injected the patients with a large, unprescribed dose of digitalis that resulted in a heart attack. Carly told Jack to wake up or she’d tell the world he died wearing his bathrobe, and told the employee to call an ambulance.

Brook told Lois about Chase and said she felt like her soul was broken. Gio told Cody about Sasha being pregnant and Jason promised not to tell anybody that Michael was the father. Sasha had no doubt Willow would use her pregnancy against Michael, and she’d do what it took to keep her baby away from the Q’s. She also wanted Sonny to be kept in the dark. Anna told Portia about the Angel of Death syndrome, but Portia said two of the cases involved healthy patients, Sam and Dex. Lulu said she was no longer helpless, but Dante said she was human and had limits. She said he focused on someone else to ignore his own pain and didn’t want to think about losing Sam. Jack said he was fine and the WSB would handle Valentin. Carly asked what he was going to do now, but he said, that’s classified.

Jack made a call to have Valentin killed on sight. Tracy asked what Martin’s problem was with her, and he said she had an obnoxious misguided sense of entitlement. She felt entitled to judge him and Willow and had prevented him from having a relationship with Lucy. Tracy said he should thank her instead of ruining her zen. Lois said Brook and Chase could be as sad as they wanted for as long as they wanted. Brook said Chase suggested IVF, but he was just sacrificing his feelings for her. She thought she should tell him that she’d been pregnant before. Dante said he didn’t blame Lulu for Sam’s death and she asked what he was doing for himself. She knew her presence was a complication in his life. He said he’d never be sorry she was here. Anna asked to talk to Dante. Jason said Sasha didn’t have to do it on her own and he was on her side.

Anna told Dante that Sam was murdered. Sasha let Jason feel the baby move. Carly and Jack kissed.

Thursday:

Hitting the heavy bag, Chase flashed back to his and Brook’s baby journey. Brook told Lois that Chase was mourning the life he’d imagined for them. She wanted him to know the pain and anguish she’d felt giving her baby up so he didn’t feel so alone. Alexis told Diane that Sam had been murdered, while Lulu told Maxie. Cody listened in on Sasha talking to Jason about the baby, but slipped away before he heard Michael was the father. In Baden Baden, Jack went to Carly’s suite and kissed her. She said she needed a minute, and he apologized if he’d read things incorrectly, but she said he didn’t. She just didn’t want to do something she regretted. He said he wasn’t there to sleep with her and had something much different in mind.

Molly visited Cody at the stables to drop off his paperwork from the station. He was less than hospitable. He said his feet were held to the fire while career criminals got away with everything. Jason wanted Michael’s side of the story, but Sasha said she didn’t owe Jason anything. He said she owed Michael. Lulu said she owed Sam everything, but Maxie said, feeling guilty over something she had no control over would go nowhere. Lulu admitted still being in love with Dante. Brook said she’d have to tell Chase the whole truth, that Dante was the father of her child. Dante told Chase about the murders at GH and that Sam was one of the victims. Alexis didn’t know what to do with her feelings about Sam being murdered, and she threw stuff around the office.

Jack brought Carly to the rooftop, where he had a fire going and they had champagne. Carly said, it was cozy, beautiful and private. He toasted to her changing her mind about coming to the spa. Jason told Sasha that he’d back off the second he talked to Michael. Sasha said they were done, but if he talked to Michael, tell him that she was thinking of him and praying for his recovery. Cody said, clearly Molly had an agenda, but she said she was there as a favor to Mac. He said he appreciated it and she left. Diane wanted to say the right thing, but Alexis told her that there was no right thing to say. Diane said, whatever Alexis wanted, she was all in – whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. Alexis said she had to tell Molly and Kristina, who were on their way there. Diane got a text from Jason and promised she wouldn’t tell him anything. Kristina came in and wondered what had happened.

Brook said if she told Chase, she’d have to tell Dante, and she felt sick. Dante told Chase about the digitalis murders, that Dex was one of the victims, and Michael had been saved by Isaiah’s quick thinking. Maxie said she was surprised Lulu admitted she still loved Dante, but it would be weird if she didn’t. Jason met with Diane and told her about Sasha’s pregnancy. Alexis told Kristina and Molly that Sam was murdered. Carly wanted to know what was going on between Jack and Valentin. She thought it was crazy that Valentin tried to kill him. Jack said, Valentin had been a friend, but after tonight, he wasn’t protecting Valentin any longer. He figured Valentin assumed he was the one who fired the shot in Prague. He hadn’t, but he was at that point now. It was a winding, complicated story. Carly told him to order another bottle of champagne.

Dante unloaded on Chase about Lulu and said she had to stop taking risks and be careful for her sake and Rocco’s. He was happy she was there, but Sam was gone because of it. Every time he looked at Lulu, he’d think of Sam and what they’d all lost. At the MetroCourt, Cody saw Diane with Jason. He apologized to Maxie about the other night and told her that Sasha was pregnant. Then he realized she knew already. Jason said Carly couldn’t know anything about this. He was going to the clinic to see Michael, but wanted Diane to keep an eye on Sasha. Jack told Carly that he wanted to rise in the ranks at the WSB and an alliance with Valentin was a smart move, so he sought out Valentin’s friendship. Valentin was the iron fist, and he was the velvet glove. Valentin needed him as much as he needed Valentin, and they became true friends.

Diane promised to keep an eye on Sasha and let her know when Jason got clarity. The fact Michael never told her spoke to Sasha’s credibility. Jason said if he was wrong, he’d gladly admit it, and she said she wanted a ringside seat for that. Maxie asked how Cody found out, but he said it didn’t matter. Maxie said Sasha was clear that she had no plans to tell the father, and Cody said the father was Jason. Sasha told the baby that they could do this on their own and promised she’d always be there. Lois said she didn’t want to influence Brook’s decision, but Brook said she needed Lois’s advice. Lois said Brook was a grown-up now and it was only her choice to make. Brook said she and Chase had to be open and honest and she had to tell him. Dante asked Chase what was up, and Chase said he’d talk when he was ready. Alexis promised they’d find out who did this to Sam. They were going to shield the truth from Scout and wanted to wait for more information to tell Danny. She’d ask Anna to keep it away from the public for as long as possible. They’d have to stay strong and present a united front for Sam.

Carly said there was more to Jack than met the eye. She admired his loyalty. He said there was a big difference between them. She was a good person. She said he wasn’t the bad guy he wanted people to think he was. To her, he was the guy who’d done awesome things for her and expected nothing in return. They kissed by the fire.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In his hospital room, Kai struggles to put on a brace belt and Trina walks in.

Jordan is surprised to find Drew at Volonino’s, and asks if he’s allowed through the doors of Aurora these days. He asks if she means his company, and she wonders if he’s trying to drive away anyone who ever thought they knew him.

Curtis meets Portia at Beradino’s and says, Aurora’s new CEO is looking fine. He says he aims to please, and she asks, what’s with the good mood? He says he’s at breakfast with his beautiful wife. Why wouldn’t he be? She says she saw on the news that there’s a holdup with the McConkey esplanade. It was a big project for him and Aurora. Curtis says, it still is. Don’t worry. He’s steps ahead of it. Since no one eats at home, at another table, Ric says, even though it was gruesome, the fire strengthened Ava’s case. She asks if it’s strong enough to rescue her daughter, and he says he thinks it should. Given her present financial situation, he has a proposal to present to Diane. With any luck, it will convince Diane to wrap things up with her and Sonny. Ava says, that would be ideal, and thanks him. His generosity had been so helpful. He says, what generosity? and she says, him representing her pro bono. He says he’s not doing her case pro bono, and she says, he’s not? Since he stopped hounding her to pay, she assumed… He says, that his service was gratis? Why? Because they kissed?

Lulu meets Laura at the bistro and apologizes for being late. Everything she does seems like something she has no chance with. She was here with Rocco and her baby boy is now a coffee drinker. Laura says, he’s a coffee snob, and Lulu says, he gets that because of Sonny. Dante is so good with Rocco. He’s a great dad, but… Laura says, she’s still in love with him, isn’t she?

Dante bursts into Anna’s office and asks, what the hell is going on? Mac said she ordered him locked out of Sam’s murder investigation. She says, he’s correct, and he asks, why?

Brook goes to the stables and asks Cody if they’re alone. He says, yeah, and she says, good. She needs to talk to him. He says, about what? and she says, the summer romance she had with Dante, and he asks if she means the summer she got pregnant.

In Diane’s office with Kristina, Sonny says he’s going to LA on business for Deception, and she says, that’s a long way to go for a silent investor. He says, Natalia wanted him to go and he wants to go over some things before he leaves. Diane says, that’s why Kristina came, and he says, there are things they all need to discuss.

At Volonino’s, Brad does push-ups, and his trainer suggests a break, but he says, no breaks. The trainer hands him some water and says, he needs to hydrate. Brad takes a drink and says, if he’s going to hit his goal before Miami, he can’t afford breaks.

Ava asks if Ric thinks she kissed him in exchange for legal fees, and he says he hopes not. It was a good kiss, but hardly covers his retainer. He’s attracted to her, but business is business. He’s extending her grace in deferring his payment. She says, he’s a beacon of charity. At this juncture, it’s like the kiss never happened and it’s not likely there will be another. He says, ever? and she says, not until she gets her daughter back. After that, they’ll see what’s on the table. He says he guesses he should be going then, and leaves.

Curtis tells Portia that Drew is stalling the project, and she says, that’s so sad. He says he can think of two other strong words, and she says, Drew is using his office to exact petty revenge. She’ll stick with sad. Tell her about his next steps. He says he’s going to need an ally on Capitol Hill who has more connections than Drew. Nina is setting up something, but if it doesn’t work, he has a back-up. Meanwhile, his focus is on the next step with Aurora, and it involves her, him, a beach, and daquiris on a tropical island.  

Drew says he understands that Jordan is upset about the esplanade, and she says, he brought the project to her, and they worked on it together. Now he’s stalled it. He’s damn right she’s upset. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s sorry, and she says, explain why he’s doing this. He says he’s just trying to hold onto what’s his.

Brook says, of course (🍷) she’s referring to that summer, and Cody says he thought the subject was verboten. She says, it was, and it is. Did he ever tell Dante? He says, she swore him to secrecy, and he drove her to the bus station. She left and he didn’t see her again until he started working here. She asks if he ever told Dante, but he says, no. He hasn’t even thought about it since then. She says, thank God, and thanks him, and he says, no problem. She says she’s sorry to make a big deal out of it, but she had to be sure. He says he gets it, but it was like, a million years ago. Why bring it up now?

Anna says she wants to reiterate how sorry she is, but Dante says he doesn’t want her sympathy. He wants Sam’s file. She says, he barged into her office and asked for access to a case… He says, because Sam  was his fiancé and he loved her, and Anna says, that’s precisely why she can’t let him get anywhere near the case.

Trina offers to help Kai, but he says he’ll do it himself. He struggles some more, and she says, it will be easier when his arm isn’t in a sling. He finally asks her to help him, and she puts the belt on him. As she wraps it around him, they gaze at each other for a moment.

Lulu tells Laura that she loves Dante, but not… He’s still grieving Sam… They were already divorced, but she ended things with Dustin. She was planning on telling Dante that she never stopped loving him, but unfortunately, she never got the chance. Now she’s finally awake, but Dante is grieving Sam… He totally should. Laura says, good to know, and Lulu says, it’s probably better. Things between them are worse. Laura asks, how so? and Lulu says, they fight all the time. When she went to Prague, Dante brought it on himself to follow. It’s a habit and they know how she doesn’t like being handled. Laura says, they do indeed, and Lulu says she wants to try and get along, but he makes it impossible. Laura says, maybe she’s pushing him away, but Lulu says, it’s not that. If anything, she thinks she’s holding herself back.

Sonny tells Diane that he’s concerned Charlie’s is going to be scrutinized. The business is clean, but he did sell it to Kristina. Diane says, she’ll stay ahead of it and tells Kristina to call if there’s a problem. Kristina says, if the Feds tap her phone, she’ll ask for a copy of the recording to help her keep track of things. Sonny says he doesn’t want what he’s done to interfere, and Diane says she’ll make sure of it. She’s about to leave when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Ric and Ava, and Ric says, good. They’re already here. That makes it easier.

Brad kisses his bicep (he’s pretty jacked) and says, woo!

Kai thanks Trina for her help and says he’s sorry for snapping. She says she gets it, and he says he appreciates her coming, but he’s not in the mood. He’s still trying to rap his head around what he’s going to do with his life. She says, that’s why she’s here. Since he was injured in a game, PCU can’t revoke his scholarship. She brought him some catalogs for inspiration. He says he can’t think about classes. He’s barely managed to schedule his rehab. She asks if that means he got a second opinion that was positive, and he says, they told him, no promises.  

Drew tells Jordan that he’s the ultimate team player. He’s dealt with Tracy, navigated Ned’s fragile ego, and sat through his fair share of family squabbles disguised as ELQ board meetings. He does one thing the family doesn’t approve of… Jordan says, he had an affair with his nephew’s wife, and Drew says, and the rest of the Quartermaines are saints compared to most people. Monica banned him from the grounds, and he was pushed out of his own company. Jordan says she gets it. His life as a rich congressman is in shambles. Welcome to politics. They’re not here to talk about Quartermaine infighting. He’s stalling the progress for the good of the city he’s been chosen to represent. He says, it could still happen. That depends on what Curtis chooses to do with Aurora.  

Portia says, Curtis’s plans for Aurora involve them on a beach? and he says, not just any beach. St. George Island, potentially the first site of Aurora’s new resorts. Portia says she loves it, and he says, of course (🍷) he wants to experience the island before moving forward and he can’t without her. What does she say? She says she can feel the sand between her toes, when Curtis’s phone rings. Jordan says she’s calling in a favor, and Curtis says, which one? She tells him to meet her at Volonino’s as soon as he can.  

Anna says, when she told Dante that Sam was murdered, she was speaking to him as a private citizen. That’s why he can’t be involved. He says he can help find out who killed her, and she says she’d let him if the victim was anyone else. He says, because it’s Sam, and she says, imagine if he finds the killer and it goes to trial. What does he think the defense is going to do? He says, object because of his conflict of interest, and she says, they won’t need to. We won’t have a case. It will be thrown out because he was involved in the investigation. He asks if that’s what she wants, but she says, no, but she has to look at it. What if he finds the killer and decides to take the law into his own hands? He asks if she thinks he’d do that, and she says, in this instance, she doesn’t know. He asks what she means by in this instance. Does she have a suspect?

Brook says she’s sure everybody knows she and Chase are trying to start a family, and Cody says, word got around. She says, it’s bringing up a memory for her, living in the same house with Dante. She needs to be sure. He says he never told Dante. He hasn’t even thought about it in years. If she had told Dante back then, he’s sure Dante would have stepped up, unlike other guys. She asks what he means, and he says, it’s an obligation and the guy has to step up. He can’t leave the woman hanging. Brook asks what he’s talking about, and he says, Sasha is pregnant and she shouldn’t be in it alone.  

Drew works out with the weights, when Curtis comes in. He asks if this is why Jordan needed him, and she says, Drew told her that the future of the esplanade depends on Curtis. Care to elaborate? Curtis says, Drew wanted to push Michael out of Aurora, and Jordan says, while he’s in Germany, recovering from third degree burns? Curtis says, yeah. And if Drew doesn’t get what the wants, he’s more than willing to sabotage Aurora. Hence the delay on the esplanade. Jordan says, is that right? and Drew says, Curtis couldn’t be more wrong.

Kai tells Trina that the doctors told him to manage his expectations and set reasonable goals. Don’t get ahead of himself. She says, that’s good advice, and he says his teammates’ doctors said the same thing. She asks if they played again, and he says, one did. The rest never set foot on a field again. She says she’s sorry, and he says him too. He knew it was a possibility, but he told himself that it would never be him. How could he be so stupid?

Lulu tells Laura that Dante would jump in to save any chance he got, whether she needed him to or not. Laura says, Dante just lost someone he loved and maybe he doesn’t want to lose someone else. Lulu says, maybe… probably. She hates seeing him and Rocco in pain and not be able to help. Dante sees her as the woman his fiancé died trying to save. What is it going to be like for the rest of their lives? Laura says she knows what Lulu thinks, but unless she’s spoken to Dante directly, she doesn’t know how he feels.

Anna says she has no suspect yet, but there’s a person of interest, and Dante asks, who? She says, it’s not his case and she’s not disclosing more information. He says, she hasn’t told him anything. Dammit! She needs to tell him… She says she thinks he should go home. She’s placing him on one week’s paid leave and would like him to see the department psychiatrist. He asks if he can say no, but she says she thinks he knows the answer to that. He says, fine, and leaves.

Diane tells Ric to come back when he’s made an appointment, but he says he has an offer regarding the custody hearing. Sonny says, let’s hear it, and Ric says, the recent incident at his domicile caused the destruction of property and injury to his son. Ava says, it was obviously an attempt… and Ric says, it’s obvious Sonny can’t provide a safe home for Avery. At best, Sonny is going to lose. He’s made an effort to save them time and expense. He gives Diane the paperwork and she laughs. She says, visitation every other weekend and Ava has sole custody and all major holidays? Ava says she’s willing to give up Arbor Day, but Diane says she won’t even entertain it. Ric says, then they’ll go to court, and Sonny says, let’s do it. Ric says he’s going to call Kristina to the stand, and Kristina says, no problem. He asks if she’s sure. He’s going to ask about her father’s brutal assault on Dex Heller and his long list of mental and emotional instabilities. He’ll also bring in her impulsiveness and hot-headed temper that led to the attack on Ava and also the death of Kristina’s child. Sonny says, that’s enough, and Kristina says she looks forward to making sure Avery ends up with the right parent. Ric says, it’s impressive, but her keeping it together in her attorney’s office for five seconds doesn’t hold a candle to keeping it together on the witness stand… which she knows. Ava tells Sonny to spare the agony for both him and his daughter and take the deal. Sonny leans on his desk and asks, when’s the date? Diane says, February 25th, and Sonny tells Ric, see you there. Ric says, it’s their final offer, and Sonny shrugs. Ric says, it’s over, and he and Ava leave. Diane says she knows one thing, and Sonny says, they’re desperate. Diane says, right, and he says, Ava’s funds have dried up. Kristina says, Lucy mentioned to her the other day that Ava took a place far below her standards, and Sonny says, Ava wouldn’t trade down if she didn’t have to. Kristina says, that’s good news. If Ava can’t afford it, all they have to do is wait, but Diane says, they can’t rely on that. Ric and Ava’s argument is stronger than theirs.

Dante sees Brook at the stables and asks if Cody is around. She says, he was, then he wasn’t. She doesn’t know if he’s coming back. Is Dante okay? He says, obviously not, and she asks if there’s anything she can do. He says he doesn’t know. Sam was murdered and Anna won’t let him find the bastard who did it.

Lulu says she knows Dante loved Sam, and Laura says, and Sam loved Dante. She’s grateful they gave a good home to Rocco. Lulu says her too, but she’s a little jealous. And by little, she means really jealous. Laura says, Sam is gone now, and Dante has to find a way to live with the loss, and Lulu says, it’s a big loss and here she is, swooping in. Laura says, Lulu is entitled to be here, and Lulu says, Sam is too, but she can’t be. Laura says, but Lulu can, and Dante is afraid he’s going to lose her too. He practically camped out by her bedside and fought like hell for her. She says she knows, and Laura says, from her own life, she knows it’s possible to love two people at the same time. Dante absolutely loves Lulu. Maybe not in the same way she loves him right now, but there’s definitely a place in his heart for her. Lulu says she knows it’s not rational, but she feels like it’s her fault Sam died. If she feels that way… Laura says, maybe Dante does too?

Trina says, Kai isn’t stupid. He doesn’t know how rehab is going to turn out. His first orthopedist told him that he’s never play again. He says he doesn’t feel like a lecture. He needs to figure out rehab now. As for class, he doesn’t know if he wants to go back. She says, why? Even if he never plays again, he’s been given an amazing opportunity. A scholarship most kids would kill for and PCU is an amazing school. He says he knows Trina thinks she’s helping, but she’s not.

Drew says, when he pitched the esplanade, he did it on behalf of his company. Now he’s pitching for his constituents. Jordan asks, then why hold up the project that will give his constituents jobs? and he says, the environmental report was of concern, so it’s been put on pause for review. She says, it’s going to die because he has an ax to grind, and he says, it’s Aurora’s project. Curtis is the CEO and it’s up to him to clear up the issues. Curtis says, Aurora will be fine without the esplanade, and Drew says, there you have it. Curtis says, Drew is screwing them over, and Jordan says, it was a project for the constituents that was supposed to carry on the name of the man who gave Drew a seat in congress. (Good point!) Drew says, Curtis seems tense. What does he say to them working it out in the ring?

Diane says she hates to admit it, but Ric had good points. It’s of public record that the penthouse fire was deliberately set. Sonny says, Avery was at Carly’s, and Diane says, that’s the only reason Sonny still has custody. As for Kristina, she was magnificent back there. Kristina thanks her and says, hate is a powerful motivator. Diane says she has to advise Kristina, no matter how cool and calm she is on the witness stand, Dex’s assault is going to count in Ava’s favor. Sonny says, Ric is all about money. The only reason Ric is representing Ava is to hurt him. He’s going to use Kristina to do that. Kristina says, let him try. She can’t allow Ava to have Avery. Diane says she knew Kristina would say that. She’s going to let them talk. Take all the time they need. She leaves and Sonny says, Diane is right. Ric is going to hammer her on the stand like last time. Kristina says, let him. Ava’s not going to win this case. She doesn’t get to have her daughter back after she took Kristina’s from her.  

At the MetroCourt bar, Ava says, Sonny is itching to take them to court, but Ric says he’s not so sure. Ava says, he has enough money to drag this on forever, and Kristina, with her hair trigger temper, didn’t take the bait. Ric says, no matter. It comes down to Sonny. If he doesn’t want to move forward, it’s all over. She says, too bad he and Diane are determined to do that, and Ric says, maybe he’s wrong, but he thinks something is going on with Sonny.  

On the phone, Anna says, come back to my office and we’ll go over your allegations about Cyrus. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, it’s open. Cody comes in and asks if she’s seen Mac, but she says, he’s out on a call. Is everything okay? He says he needs to get a message to Mac’s brother and doesn’t have a way to reach him, and she says she can reach him. He says, it can wait, and she says, is he sure? It seems urgent. He says, it is… It isn’t important. It’s not like they need to contact international law enforcement. Anna tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is in trouble and it’s Jason Morgan’s fault.  

Brook tells Dante that she’s sorry, and he says, the minute he found out Sam was murdered, he wanted to hunt down the piece of garbage who did this. He’s a cop. She says, the best, and he says, Anna told him under no uncertain terms that he’s too close to the case. She says, maybe he is, and he says, obviously. He went to Anna’s office to show her how he’d handle it, and instead, he proved her right. He lost it on her. He yelled at his boss, and she sent him home. Brook says, Anna made the right call, and he says he knows that. For Sam to die like that, in a hospital bed, confined, unable to fight… If she could have gotten up, she would have fought tooth and nail. Brook says, damn straight, and he says, Sam was there because of him, and she’s gone because of him. He doesn’t know how to live with that.

Lulu asks Laura, how does she not feel responsible? The only reason Sam was in a hospital bed was because of her. Laura says, it’s human to feel like it’s her fault, but it’s completely untrue. She’s not responsible for Sam’s death. Only one person is – the murderer. Lulu says she knows that. It’s just so hard to silence the voice telling her that it’s her fault and to think about how Dante sees her. Laura says, he’s grieving, so she can’t assume to know how he feels, but she could ask, and Lulu says, just like that. Laura says, with the connection they have, yeah. It may not be the best time to tell him the full breadth of her feelings, but she can love him as friend.

At the hospital on his phone, Brad orders the deluxe spa package, while Portia tries to quietly go past him. He trots after her and asks if she has any idea where Dr. Jones is. She says, he switched his shift. She can imagine why. He says, speaking of schedules, is there any chance he can get an extra vacation day in Miami?

Curtis says, Drew wants to see him in the ring? and Jordan says, she brought them together hoping they could compromise like the adults she assumed they were, and Curtis says, it was a noble thought. But they both know Drew makes decisions based on what Drew wants. Drew says, and Curtis never misses the opportunity to get on his high horse. Curtis says, it must be real difficult for Drew to see that high up, being so damn lowdown, and Drew asks what Curtis says when the common denominator of the people keeping secrets from him is himself.

Anna asks how Jason is involved with Sasha, but Cody says, forget it. She says, he doesn’t barge into her office saying Robert’s daughter is in trouble and then drop it. He says he wants to talk to Robert directly, but she says, they’re close. What happened? Is Sasha in danger? He says, no. It’s not a crime or a legal thing. She tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is pregnant, and Jason is the father.  

Ric tells Ava, the thing about having a brother as an enemy is, they can read each other. He has a strong feeling something was off with Sonny just now. She asks how he can tell, and he says, Sonny may talk tough, but he has the sense Sonny doesn’t want to see this through. She says, when he dreams, he dreams big. Sonny doesn’t give up. He says, Sonny knows cutting her out will hurt Avery. Maybe he’s starting to care a little. She says she hopes he’s right. She needs to have Avery with her. The sooner he can make that happen, and the sooner she’s back on her feet, the sooner she can pay him. Once he gets paid, maybe after that they can see where things stand between them.

Kai tells Trina that he figured out how to put the brace on and it’s an accomplishment. He appreciates Trina coming, but he needs time to himself. She says, okay. She’ll leave him to it. She goes to the door and says, just so he knows, he doesn’t need to do this alone. She leaves, and he gets on the bed with his phone. He puts on an old game, and the announcer says, PCU is down three and going for a Hail Mary pass… They win, thanks to the golden arm of quarterback Kai Taylor! He puts the phone down, and Trina sees him through the window. She takes out her phone and makes a call. She says, when you get out, come and meet me at GH. Nothing is wrong. I just need help.  

Portia says she’s made accommodations for Brad, and he knows why. Brad says, just because he forced her doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated, and she says she does have limits and if she sticks to them, they shouldn’t have a problem. He says, understood… That said… She says, if he starts asking too much too often, people will start to notice. Don’t push his luck any further than he has. He says, so… is that a yes? and she says, enjoy your vacation day. She jets, and he says, thank you.  

Curtis says, his friendship comes with loyalty and wonders if it’s too much to expect in return, and Drew says, so his friendship is transactional. He’s not applying undue influence to sink Aurora. They’re not in court. Curtis says, let him remind Drew that he’s brand new to congress. He’s alienated his backers by seducing his nephew’s wife. He overextended himself and left himself wide open. Curtis and Jordan walk out.

Sonny asks what Kristina wanted to see him about. Is everything okay? She says, actually, no. The hospital investigated Sam’s death, and it turns out it’s not an accident. Sam was murdered. He asks if they know who, and she says, no, but they know how. She was given a drug she wasn’t supposed to have. Digitalis killed her. He says he’s going to ask a question she might not be able to answer. Does Dante know? She says, probably. The police are looking into it. Should she worry? He says he doesn’t want her to worry. Let him worry. Everybody has a breaking point and she’s carrying too much.

Brook says, it’s not Dante’s fault. She knows he can’t see it, so she’ll let him get there on his own, and he will. He says, she’s right, and she says she knows he’s saying that to get her off his back. She’s here if he needs anything. He says, she’s a pretty good friend when she tries, and she says, don’t tell anyone. He says, they wouldn’t believe him anyway, and they hug. Lulu walks in.  

On Monday, Laura tells Lucky that she has some news; Gio tells Emma that he has a bad feeling about something; Maxie tells Sasha that the more she stonewalls, the more it looks like she has something to hide; and Lulu tells Dante, nothing can be further from the truth.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Looks like a good time. Especially for that random dog who’s probably been stealing food all night.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Sage advice for any condition you might be suffering from: If you are suffering, you have to be your own advocate to keep going… If your doctor doesn’t get it, find a new doctor that listens to you and believes in you, and doesn’t just want to stick you on an antidepressant.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Side gig. I still say Adam Huss was the best Nikolas and they should bring him back.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-wraps-a-movie-with-tuc-watkins

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

In making a sushi dinner for multiple people who don’t eat fish, Cloyce said he had nothing to do but laugh, bang his head against the wall, and innovate. It must be tough for any woman who dates Cloyce to get past him giggling like Anderson Cooper. Captain Glenn joined the guests for dinner and was impressed. Glenn said he still believed in Gary, which is beyond my scope of understanding. In his interview, the captain said, if Gary wanted to step up the ladder, he’d have to grow and mature. Good luck with that. Mixing his metaphors, Captain Glenn said, the crew knocked it out of the park and suggested they put this baby to bed. He’d seen growth and thought they finished the season on a high. The tip was $21K or 2000 euros each, and they’d made a total of $188K for the season. Gary told Daisy that he wanted them to live a fairytale life. She was like, hard no, and wondered why they couldn’t get to a level they could agree on. After the crew night out, Gary waited alone at the jacuzzi while everyone else went to bed. He had a lightbulb moment in his interview, where he said if he was going to be in Glenn’s position, he’d have to start taking more responsibility for his actions. I still can’t figure out what the problem was with the stews and Daisy, except that she wanted them to work. Gary thought there was still hope for him and Daisy, and we flashed back to them over the years. He was intrigued to see what the future held. Glenn said, it was a crazy season and it was done. Margarita time.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Kyle’s interview, she said she was alone in the house more often because the kids wanted more time away from her. Um… yeah, that’s how it works when kids get older. Boz and Dorit have gotten tight, which surprises me, since Boz doesn’t seem like she’d suffer fools or rambling talkers gladly. Garcelle pointed out that Kyle saying she’s never shared anything PK has said to her sounded like it was more than memes, but Kyle insisted that they’d never discussed PK and Dorit’s marriage. Kyle apologized to the group for yelling and leaving, but in Sutton’s interview, she wanted Kyle to apologize for acting better than everyone else and not being accountable. Kyle used the old it’s not who I am backpedal. I hate when people say that because, if not you, who? It was who you were in that moment and to say that is distancing yourself from accountability.

Dorit and Kyle went for a walk on the beach, and Dorit asked where Kyle’s loyalty lay, with her or PK. Dorit wanted the same respect from Kyle that Kyle would expect from her. In her interview, Kyle said she understood and if it was what Dorit needed, she’d do it, but IMO, she should have understood it without Dorit having to tell her. Dorit was also wrestling with Jagger having asked if she and PK were divorced, since he’d gleaned it from social media. In Erika’s interview, she said it was impossible to shield children in this day of the internet, but I wonder if you even should in the first place. By all means you should explain things at their level and make sure they know you’re there for them (and your partner too, if that’s a factor), but I’m not so sure kids should be shielded from negative situations entirely. God forbid they hear it from someone else like this poor kid. The show ended on an up note for once.

Real Housewives of New York City

It was the Reunion Part 1, so… There’s never a lot to say about these, since it’s just a rehash of the season’s arguments and them getting mad all over again. There was Jenna coming out in robe and turban, which was… original. Brynn spoke more about her assault, and sad to say, it’s someone she’s required to inhabit the same space with on a regular basis. It seemed hard for Erin to understand how difficult it is to out someone like that when it’s a he said/she said situation. There was a big deal with Brynn having said Pavit wasn’t the love of Jessel’s life, when they’d been talking about crazy hook-ups. Jessel was pretty upset about her family seeing the show. It looks to be a lively Part 2.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Ugh. The Reunion Part 2. In a word, tedious. Meredith almost walked off because… Okay, I lost track of the whole thing, but it had to do with something she said or didn’t say and who said she said or didn’t say it. You see how I could get lost, right? Angie said that for a new Housewife, Bronwyn put herself out there and that’s why everyone loved her. Agreed. Seth was a jerk, trying to explain away why he called Whitney a bee-yotch during a dinner. No excuse for that, dude. As NeNe so succinctly put it, stay out of women’s business. Period. End of story. With the exception of RHONJ, where the men should have their own show, the husbands need to stay quiet. It’s not called Real Househusbands. Still this season’s MVP, Mary was the exception. Lots of tears over Robert Jr.’s story, even from Andy. And it shut the other women up for once. That’s quite a feat. Whitney said it helped her kids understand why they didn’t have a grandpa as she hasn’t spoken to her (addicted) father since Season 1.

Southern Charm

Poor JT. I almost have to feel sorry for him. Almost. He’s so clueless as to how he’s going wrong. Although Venita doesn’t see it. She admitted to having a crush on him and I thought, oh, just do it already. Craig called Austen and wanted to hang out, which surprised me, but it didn’t seem to surprise Austen. Shep hadn’t heard from Sienna, who texted that she needed a moment. It made Shep nervous, which made me laugh. He said he wanted beautiful babies and a Bahamian house, making me laugh harder. Patricia and Madison had a pajama party, complete with caviar in bed, making me rethink my friend group, and Patricia said Sienna had approached Whitney on Raya before meeting Shep. Venita invited JT for dinner, and he told her that he was seeing someone. It wasn’t the answer either one of us was hoping for. I don’t like him, but she does, so I felt bad for her. He professed faithfulness, but IMO, he’d been leading Venita on. Not a gentleman.

I don’t remember this guy from Summer House, but I’m not always paying attention.

Southern Hospitality

I tried to watch this. I really did. But it’s just a bunch of relationships that are more complicated than they need to be. I’ve seen enough to know Emmy is a drama queen, so I can just imagine when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Red flags have been thrown her way before, which she’s put her fingers in her ears and gone la-la-la about, but this seems to be irrefutable evidence. Rut-roh.

There was this priceless quote though: Even though I’m 33, that’s like 50 in gay years, so I’m basically dead. – TJ

I feel the opposite. While the diversity is commendable, the personalities aren’t so diverse. We even have Maddi being James Kennedy 2.0. Sans the alcoholic rants. Wait for VPR’s reboot if you want to relive the glory days. Or actually watch the original glory days on several streaming services.

Random Reality

The latest in Atlanta. Twirl on, Kenya. Twirl on.

Why not? And I actually don’t mind Slade. They seem to be a good match. Maybe he’ll marry her on his deathbed.

Get your lemons ready.

I’m sporadic in watching this, and like with Survivor, I get lost with the challenges, but when I see it, I enjoy it. Alan Cumming is the best host, all theatric and Scottish.

Take the tour.

https://ew.com/the-traitors-host-alan-cumming-season-3-castle-tour-exclusive-8766966

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Sleep. Hulu et al. I was a fan of Korean cinema long before it was popular, and Netflix had a Korean for beginners category. While this wasn’t one of my favorites, that didn’t make it less intriguing. A story of possession masked as a sleep disorder, it has creepiness a plenty. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, which left me kind of hanging, but the style and atmosphere were worth the time spent. I hadn’t thought of it as a metaphor for a deteriorating relationship, but there’s that too. Those of you who feel, if I want to read, I’ll get a book, be forewarned; this one has subtitles.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sleep-korean-film-review

https://nofspodcast.com/sleep-review-new-korean-horror-is-a-methodical-slow-build-of-simmering-scares

Saturday Night. Netflix. This is the telling of the story of the first episode of SNL, and how no one thought it would get on the air, much less stand the test of time it has. A dramatization for sure, but the real-life drama may have seemed heightened since there were so many roadblocks. From John Belushi refusing to sign his contract while ice skating in a bee costume to Milton Berle flashing his legendary junk, it’s a fun watch.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saturday-night/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/saturday-night-netflix-review

The truths and the nots.

https://people.com/how-much-of-saturday-night-is-true-8725801

Some of this is a stretch to connect to SNL, but six degrees and all that.

🎸 Who’s Playing For Who…

The Super Bowl performers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-halftime-sza-jon-batiste-8779483

The Grammys performers.

https://ew.com/everyone-performing-at-2025-grammys-charli-xcx-sabrina-carpenter-more-8779877

🐾 Send In the Furbabies…

🐶 It’s always nice to see a celebrity using their powers for good. This must have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved Paris since Tinkerbell wrote her book.

https://people.com/paris-hilton-reunites-her-foster-dog-from-l-a-fires-with-the-dog-s-family-8781373

🐎 What would the Super Bowl be without the Budweiser Clydesdales?

https://people.com/super-bowl-2025-budweiser-clydesdale-horse-commercial-8780322

🐕 And don’t forget the best Bowl of all.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/pb-xxi-gallery

https://www.discovery.com/shows/on-tv/puppy-bowl/see/2025

🐐 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who wants to achieve a dream must stay strong, focused and steady.Estée Lauder

A dead end street is a good place to turn around. – Naomi Judd

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. – Groucho Marx

If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small. – Richard Branson

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. – Pablo Picasso

You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. – George Burns

Words are the clothing of our thoughts.Jonathan Swift

A ship in a harbour is safe, but it’s not fulfilling its potential. – Susan Jeffers

If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment. – Carlos Santana

I don’t know why they say alcohol is a depressant. It fixes everything. – Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz), Mike & Molly

🍫 Like a Box Of Chocolates…

Until next week, stay safe; stay being adaptable in social and professional settings; and stay managing your expectations, setting reasonable goals, and not getting ahead of yourself.

January 24, 2025 – Sidwell Meets Laura, Soap Suds, Not My Reality, Weekend Watching, Nom-Noms, Animal Endeavors, 10 Concise Quotes & Freeze-Out

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

No soap, inauguration.

Tuesday:

Kristina waited at the launch with Alexis who was going to Spoon Island to meet with Sidwell about Windymere. Drew wanted to charge Tracy with kidnapping because she wouldn’t tell them where the children were even though Martin had a court order. Anna looked like she had a headache when Tracy feigned innocence, and Tracy asked if she looked like a nanny, but Anna said, only one in a Grimm’s fairytale. Tracy told her that Yuri had taken the children and nanny out for the day. Maxie met with Natalia about a new testing facility for Deception. She wanted the closing pushed back to give Sonny time to be with Michael and told Natalia that it wasn’t safe to be in Sonny’s orbit.

Michael was brought to consciousness and told Carly that he wanted to go to Germany. He also wanted to see Sasha. Drew horned in on Anna talking to Tracy, and Jack showed up at the station with info about the incendiary device. Ava was also going to Spoon Island to see Sidwell and badgered Alexis about the settlement money.

Jason went to track Sasha down and Carly told the others that Michael wanted to go to Germany, but Willow wanted to speak to him to confirm and apologize. Tracy claimed they were taking the kids from Monica, but Drew said it killed Tracy that Alan gave the house to Monica, and it was just a power play. Jack told Anna that the WSB was familiar with the device, and it had probably been developed for black ops. She asked if he ever used it and if he was the one who planted it.

Willow went in to see Michael and confirmed he wanted to go to Germany. She apologized for everything, and said the kids missed and loved him and he had to get better for them. She said she’d always love him, and he suddenly clutched in pain.

Ava said her daughter wasn’t safe with a man whose enemies tried to incinerate him and wanted Kristina to testify at the custody hearing. Alexis told Ava to stay away from her daughter or Ava would answer to her. Jack told Anna that he’d be more discreet than setting a luxury high rise on fire. She said the attack was sophisticated and not a usual mob hit.

Carly freaked out about Michael, when Jason arrived with Sasha, but Portia had to sedate Michael again to ease the stress on his system. Carly blamed Willow, but Jason told her not to take out her anger on Willow and focus on Michael. Carly said she’d be going to Germany with him, and Anna called Jason, telling him to get to the station.

Alexis said that Ava didn’t ask, but taunted and badgered. She wondered if Ava would want anyone treat Avery the way she treated Kristina, and Ava left since the truth is hard for her to hear. At the station, Anna told Jason that it was his family, so deal with them. Sasha told Maxie that she’d had a prenatal checkup and thought of Liam. Drew horned in at the hospital and told Willow that he thought Carly had finessed the situation. Sonny advised him to leave, but Willow wanted to talk to him.

Sidwell met Alexis at the dock, and she said she didn’t need to see Windymere again. The Cassadines weren’t known to be sentimental. Maxie offered to go to appointments with Sasha, who said she wasn’t ready to tell the world, but she was glad Maxie and Felicia were there for her to talk to. Maxie asked if Sasha was allowing herself to be happy.

Drew told Willow that he’d had Tracy arrested, but they didn’t know where the kids were, and they didn’t have Michael to use as leverage this time. Willow didn’t like the thought of using Michael as leverage, but was worried she’d messed up in cooperating with Sonny and Carly.

Tracy didn’t want Drew near the kids, but Jason said it was Willow’s call. Tracy said, Willow no longer had a mind of her own and was Drew’s puppet, but Jason said, Michael would want them with their mother. Tracy told him that she wouldn’t go to jail because she had too much money. Ava went to see Sonny and said if Avery had been where Michael was standing, she would have been killed.

Anna said she didn’t have time for the Quartermaines’ petty feuds and had real crimes to deal with. Alexis gave Sidwell the title to Spoon Island and told him that if isolation and excess were what he was looking for, he found his perfect dungeon. He said valued his privacy. Carly thanked Jack for getting Michael into the clinic and arranging for a medical jet. He told her to focus on her son and he’d take care of everything else. Anna told an officer to take Tracy to booking and told Tracy that sometimes the best way to win was to bend.

Drew convinced Willow that Sonny and Carly had been manipulating her. As he chatted her up in the chapel, Jason walked in. Sonny said he wouldn’t let Ava poison his daughter against him, and she said she was going to show the judge the charred remains of the penthouse and photos of Michael’s burns and she was going to get her daughter back permanently. She left and Sonny tried to take his heart meds, but keeled over.

Wednesday:

Charlie’s was reopening and Kristina and Lucky toasted to their dads who were great partners back in the day. Natalia found Sonny, got some medication in him, and called 911. Jason thought there was a compromise if Willow stayed in the gatehouse with the kids and Monica could have access. Lulu wanted to speak to Tracy, but Dante said, no. Lulu said she was fluent in Tracy Quartermaine and asked to have a crack at her.

Spinelli said they might have lost a gastropub, but gained the essence of cool in the new Charlie’s. Willow said if Jason could get Tracy to agree, she’d move back to the gatehouse, even though Drew told her not to negotiate. She had all the power she needed. Felicia told Sasha that the q’s thrived on toxic shenanigans and not to get caught up in it. Lucky told Elizabeth that he may have found a lead in their case.

Brick hit on Jordan going into Charlie’s, but she was meeting Isaiah. Kristina told Brick that him being there officially made it the coolest place in town. Sonny came to while Natalia was on the phone with 911, but he insisted no help. Jason asked to speak to Tracy who asked what the catch was. Drew said Tracy was using Monica to bully Willow. She said her kids were traumatized enough and she wanted to bring the kids back to their home. Jason said it was Tracy’s only chance to make a deal that would keep the kids close to Monica, and Lulu agreed he was right. Would Tracy rather be right or free? It was her turn to be strategic and play the long game. Be smart and take the win.

Sonny asked Natalia to call Isaiah and ruined his date with Jordan, but Brick took his place. Lucky told Elizabeth to follow his lead. Sasha told Felicia that she didn’t even recognize Willow anymore and she’d used Michael as leverage. Felicia suggested they show her some grace. Cody acted like an ass at Charlie’s and told Spinelli that if he wanted to stay out of prison because of Society Set-Ups (which none of us even remember anymore), he’d pony up some $75K. Brick asked if he should be jealous. Isaiah went to Sonny’s, and Sonny explained what had happened with Ava. Isaiah said the pills were just a stop gap measure and Sonny needed to see a cardiologist. Drew tried to talk Willow out of living at the gatehouse, no doubt for his own selfish gains, but Willow wasn’t having it. He said if the Quartermaines saw a way to get her children, they’d do it. Tracy agreed to take the deal.

Lucky talked to Martin about Cyrus, who said it was their mother who inspired Cyrus’s vocation. Isaiah said Sonny couldn’t be there for those he cared about if he didn’t take care of himself. Natalia said she’d stay with Sonny. Jason let Willow know that the kids were waiting at the gatehouse. Martin’s mother said if it had been up to Cyrus, she would be gone, but Cyrus just hadn’t wanted her to suffer. Lucky said they were still missing something because neither Dex nor Sam were terminal. Spinelli said Cody was the same sketchy grifter he’d always been. Lucky told him to take a walk, and Cody told Lucky to take a nap and punched him. Brick intervened, and Maxie thought she’d have to save Cody from himself.

Drew told Martin that Willow needed to be freed from the Quartermaines and Martin asked if Drew meant free to be with him. Drew said he’d do anything to protect Willow. Cody was brought into the station as Tracy was being released. Kristina said bar brawls weren’t the vibe she was going for. Willow came home and all was right with the world. For now.

Thursday:

Both Cody and Lucky were arrested, and Elizabeth tended to Lucky’s wounds in the interrogation room. Mac wondered what the hell was going on with Cody. The more he tried to get through, the more Cody pushed him away. Molly went to see Cody, who thought Lucky should have to pay for damages too, since he’d also been arrested. Molly said he was the only one throwing punches. Ava went to see Laura and Brick went to see Sonny. Kristina told Alexis about the fight, and Jordan said Brick had to step in to stop the fight, but the police thought Lucky was involved. Laura told Ava that a lot had changed and she couldn’t be Ava’s character witness. It was better if she wasn’t involved.

Josslyn told Lucas that she knew Cyrus had stabbed Dex and how she’d messed up at the station. Lucy brought Sidwell to Charlie’s and the thought it was distinctive and inviting. Lucy paved the way for a meeting with Laura.

Molly said no charges would be filed if Cody paid for the damages, but he said he had no money. Mac asked what the hell was wrong with him. Mac asked if Cody’s drunken fights were part of a bigger problem. Ric showed Ava an apartment since she had to establish a permanent residence, but she thought the square footage was lacking. Natalia told Brick what was going on with Sonny’s health, and Sonny filled him in on the rest. Brick said they had to make sure a close call like this never happened again.

Sidwell had to jet. Kristina said he seemed nice, and Alexis said nice and peculiar, since he thought Windymere was charming. Jordan went to see Laura and told her about Sidwell being in town. Cody promised he was done with booze and bar crawling. Mac said Cody was in a spiral that was getting worse, and he wanted to know why. Molly told Felicia that Cody was being a five-star ass. Lucky wanted to talk to Felicia about Cyrus, and Lucky discussed Cyrus with Josslyn. He said all they had were theories and suppositions and they needed evidence.

Lucky and Elizabeth talked to Felicia who said she thought it was the right choice to ban Cyrus from the hospital. Cody told Mac it wasn’t about Sasha. He trashed things when they were good. Mac said he had a family to rely on now and couldn’t push them away. Natalia went to Charlie’s and told Kristina that Sonny and Brick were discussing business. Brick arranged for Sonny to see the best cardiologist in the country in Los Angeles, to keep the diagnosis from the Five Families (marinara sauce). Ric said Ava didn’t have the means for a long-haul custody battle.

Kristina said she was worried about Sonny as she’d gotten a new date for the custody case. Anna said there were no outstanding warrants on Sidwell and even Interpol’s tag had been dropped. Laura got notice of the meeting and said it might be time to give Sidwell what he wants. Ava told Ric that Laura backed out of being a character witness and he told her to never doubt he was on her side, then they kissed. Josslyn said she was going to find the tie between Cyrus and the murders.

Mac left Cody in jail to think. Ava agreed to take the apartment. Laura called Sidwell and made a date to meet. Molly said, as long as people like Cody were saved from the consequences of their actions, there would always be a next time. Lucky wanted to talk to the Turning Woods staff and check their records, but Elizabeth said he’d stepped on a lot of toes there, so he agreed to let her do the talking. Lucas asked Josslyn to promise she’d stay away from Cyrus.

Friday’s Enchilada:

Baden-Baden, Germany. Carly goes into her hotel suite breathing heavy. She almost throws a bottle, but decides against it. Instead, she sits down and cries.

Willow leaves a message for Drew telling him that she’s back at the gatehouse and just wanted to hear his voice. There’s a knock at the door, and Nina says she brought breakfast. She asks how it is being back, and Willow says she’s afraid she made a huge mistake.

Drew asks if Curtis has a second to talk, but Curtis says he doesn’t know what Drew could say that he’d want to hear.

Trina sees Josslyn at the hospital and asks what she’s doing here. Josslyn says she’s trying to stop a murder.

Stella visits Kai, who’s watching a game tape. She says she came to check on him and see if there are any more flowers or gifts that he wants her to distribute. He says, the volunteers took care of it, and she asks if he’s sure he doesn’t want to keep some of it. He says he won’t be here long enough to enjoy it. He’s getting out soon.

Lulu goes to Maxie’s office, but Maxie’s not there. The phone rings, and she answers it. Maxie comes in and mouths, who is it? and Lulu mouths back, Blair Cramer. Maxie says, no, and Lulu asks if she can have Maxie return the call. Maxie says, Lulu has improved since she worked at Crimson, but she’s overqualified for the Deception job and wouldn’t be happy. Lulu says, happiness is overrated, but Maxie says, Lulu isn’t into beauty or cosmetics and needs to be challenged to keep her interested. Lulu says she just wants to earn her own money on her own terms and not rely on what Tracy and her mom decide, but Maxie says, she’d be miserable if she took the job. Lulu asks, what’s going on? Is Maxie trying to get her to withdraw her application, so she doesn’t have to turn her down? Brook walks in and asks what Lulu is doing here. Didn’t Maxie tell Lulu that they’re not hiring her?

Sidwell knocks on Laura’s office door and tells her that he’s looking forward to their meeting. Laura invites him in, and says she thinks he knows Anna. Anna certainly knows him. Anna says she and Sidwell met when he tried to have her killed while she was in Africa. He also tried to have Laura’s son killed.  

There’s a knock at Carly’s door, and she opens it to Jack.

Sidwell says he feels terrible about the situation with Lucky in Africa, and Laura asks if by situation he means holding Lucky captive and forcing him to play poker in order to stay alive. Anna says, he tried to execute her and Jason, but he says, the incident differs vastly from his perspective. His business was threatened. Anna and Jason lied about who they were, as did Laura’s son, and Holly stole from him. Laura asks if that justified holding them captive and torturing them, and he says, when his livelihood was threatened, he took any steps the law of the land allowed to protect it. He was in a country that had no law and nothing he did was illegal. Anna says, they have a fairly strong law here. He abducted Sasha, held her for ransom, and blew up a building – a trifecta of illegality. Sidwell asks if someone accused him. Is there a witness or evidence? He has no idea what she’s talking about. Anna says, they have nothing at this time, and he asks them to allow him to explain why he asked for a meeting. He’s an exporter based in Europe, but wants to expand to the North American market. Laura asks, why Port Charles? Llanview, Pine Valley, or even New York City would be a better choice. To be clear, they don’t want him in Port Charles.

Lulu says, this isn’t about the job, and Brook says she’ll handle it. She’s an officer of the company and has an interest in its success. The job at Deception is to be her assistant. Lulu says, they already established that, and Brook says, given a choice, she wouldn’t choose to work with Lulu. She’s uncomfortable to have around and it makes for a difficult work environment. Lulu says she gets that Brook doesn’t like her, but doesn’t understand why. She’s not the one who came between Brook and her boyfriend. Brook was the one who did that to her.

Willow tells Nina that she didn’t think moving back to the gatehouse would be that big a deal. She’s lived here for years, and it was great, but that was before this ugliness. Tracy walks in, looks at Nina, and asks why she’s not surprised. Nina says, nice to see her too, and Tracy says she saw Wiley getting on the bus to school and Amelia is out for a walk with the nanny. She thought it was the perfect time to go over new ground rules.  

Drew says he didn’t like the way he and Curtis left off. They’ve been friends for a long time, and he didn’t intend to double-cross Curtis. He thought he was doing right by him and Michael, but he failed. He should have handled it differently. Curtis says, ya think? and Drew says, things are different now. Michael is out of the picture, and they can use the opportunity to pivot from his mistake and do something that will work for them both. Curtis says, given what Drew’s done, whatever he’s thinking isn’t going to work, and Drew says he had that coming. He understands why Curtis is angry, but he never meant for it to come to this point. They’ve known each other a long time and go way back. They’ve been through so much together. He’s just asking Curtis to hear him out.

Josslyn tells Trina that she’s trying to see if anybody has any information on Dex, but she’s not getting anywhere. Trina says she gets that Josslyn wants answers and doesn’t blame her for being frustrated, and Josslyn says she had to do something to honor Dex’s memory. She asks if Trina is here to see her mother, but Trina says she’s here to see Kai.

Kai tells Stella that he’s had an MRI and every scan possible. He wishes they’d hurry with the results. The sooner they do, the sooner he’s back on his feet. She says she knows patients who would enjoy a break from enormous men chasing and tackling them, but Kai says he loves football and wants to get back as soon as possible. She says, he still has a lot of work ahead, but first he needs the paperwork. He thanks her for taking care of everything, and him, and she says she’s happy to, but he doesn’t want to push too much too soon, or he’ll set his recovery back. Listen to his doctor. He says he’s not going to do anything to jeopardize his full recovery. He wants to be back for next season.

Carly asks what Jack is doing here, and he says he had a meeting in London. He swung by to see how she’s doing. She says, normally, she’d ask him to wait downstairs so she can pull herself together, and he says he’ll wait wherever she wants. Or if she’s not up to a visit, he can leave. She tells him, come in, and asks if they can order room service. He says, yeah.

Nina says, Tracy can’t barge into her daughter’s house, but Tracy says, it’s Monica’s house because Alan gave it to her and Monica wants her great-grandchildren close by. It’s for her sake Tracy agreed to Willow living here. Willow says she agreed to the compromise because of the kids and Monica, not Tracy. Tracy doesn’t even like her kids. She kidnapped them and kept them from their mother, convincing herself that it was in their best interest, but it wasn’t. Willow withdrew the charge because it hurt too many people, but she could easily change her mind and have the charge reinstated.  

Curtis says, because of the friendship he and Drew used to have, he’ll hear Drew out, and Drew thanks him. He sits down and says he doesn’t like that he’s not in control of a company he started, and he wants it back. He suggests they set up a stock sale so he can get that back. He’s not going to throw his weight around. All he wants is ownership of his own company back. Curtis says, Michael is out because he’s recovering from third degree burns, but Drew tells him that he’s not saying that. Curtis says, it sure as hell sounded like it, and Drew says, Michael has wealth beyond belief. Curtis has a contract to be CEO for five years and he’ll honor that. Curtis says, he’s suggesting the orchestrate a stock sale, Drew gets controlling interest, then steps back and lets him run it without interference. Drew says, Michael did what he did to get back at him for Willow. It had nothing to do with the business. He’s seen the incredible things Curtis is doing and knows he cares about Aurora. Curtis says, of course (🍷) he does, and Drew says, as a courtesy, he wants it acknowledged that he founded the company and it’s running successfully. It makes sense since he’d be the majority shareholder. Curtis says, Drew makes good points, but he’d rather resign than take the deal.

Trina says, she wants Kai to know, if there’s anything she can do, he can count on her, and Josslyn says, it must be rough for him. She thinks it’s good for him to see Trina. Kai’s identity and everything in his life revolves around football. She’s not in that world and brings a different perspective to the conversation. She’s a good friend. She asks, what’s in the bag? and Trina says she went to the wellness center and got power bars and electrolyte water. (I drink that!) It’s good to stay hydrated while in the hospital. It was no big deal. Josslyn says, Trina could have done it later, but Trina says, sometimes later is taken away. They both know that. Josslyn says, that’s why they’re best friends. They get each other. Trina says, they really do, and Josslyn says she’s heading out. They hug, and Josslyn says, let her know how it goes with Kai.

Stella tells Kai to take time to heal. He has his whole life ahead of him and needs more than an arm and shoulder to throw a football. He says, ironically, he’d been debating whether to enlist in the draft or play his senior year. The decision’s been made and he’s glad he has another season at PCU. Stella says, that’s a good way to look at it. And she has one more season to watch him. He asks if she likes football, and she says she loves it. This season was the first time she followed PCU. Their quarterback is a phenomenon. He says, if she wants tickets, just say the word, and that goes for when he’s in the NFL. She says she’s always wanted to go to the Superbowl, and he says he likes the way she thinks. They laugh, when the doctor comes in. He asks if now is a good time to talk, and Kai says, perfect. Stella leaves, and Kai says, so what’s the good news?  

Brook says she feels like Lulu is just waiting for her to mess up and it’s stressful. Nothing kills creativity more than criticism. Lulu says she doesn’t sound critical all the time, but Maxie says, they both do it. Lulu says she doesn’t intend to be critical, and Maxie says, maybe it’s a habit, but it’s not fun to be around and she doesn’t like it. She loves them, but she’s just being honest. Deception has had a lot of ups and downs. Hiring her to work as Brook’s assistant when it’s obvious they don’t like each other seems like there would be complications.

Jack asks how things are with Michael, and Carly says, the doctors at the clinic say he’s doing fine, but they won’t let her see him. She understands that it’s cutting edge and intense. He needs to be isolated because he’s injured and in a lot of pain. But they’re in a foreign country and she has no control. He says, she can leave and go to Johns Hopkins where she’d be allowed to visit, but she says, Michael needs to be here. She’s hoping he comes out like Ava and won’t need surgery or skin grafts. She gets it. He needs to be here. Jack says, even if it means following their rules? and she says, it’s what Michael needs and what she wants. It’s the first offer of hope, and she wants that for Michael. More important, Michael wants that for himself.  

Curtis tells Drew that he wouldn’t betray Michael if he was completely healthy and down the hall in his office. He’s not going to do it while Michael is recovering. Drew says, he had no problem seizing the company Drew co-founded, but Curtis tells him not to rewrite history. Michael gave him the score about Drew double-crossing him. Drew asks why Curtis doesn’t see it from his perspective, and Curtis laughs. He says he’s not going to try and explain it to the man used to know. This Drew in front of him, he doesn’t recognize him. What the hell happened to him?  

Tracy asks if Willow was so dazzled by Drew’s faux hero persona that she had to have him at any cost or was she more conniving than Tracy gave her credit for. Was she trading up from Michael to Drew when he went to congress? Willow says, that’s not what she was doing, but Tracy says, either way, she’s proved untrustworthy. She thinks Willow is little more like Nelle than she realized.

Jack says he respects Carly’s decision to leave Michael where he is, and she says, it’s the right call. She’s been emotional since she got here. He says, if there was ever a time, this would be it, and she says she feels like it’s her fault. He says, she’s Michael’s mother and it’s normal to feel responsible, but she says, it’s more than that. Michael was burned because he was at Sonny’s, and it was her decision to bring Sonny into Michael’s life.

Stella sees Trina and says, what an unexpected treat, and Trina says she came to see Kai. How is he doing? Stella says, he’s in good spirits and getting ready for next season, and Trina says, he’s staying at PCU and she’s not sad about it. Stella says she doesn’t think Kai is sad either. He’s missing out on the draft, and she’s impressed with his attitude. It will get him through tough times. Trina says, Kai surprised her. She prides herself on not making snap judgements and she did with him. He wasn’t what she thought. Stella asks what she thought, and Trina says she thought he was a shallow arrogant jerk who only cared about football. Stella says she’s glad to know that. She’s really liked him ever since his terrible downward dog in yoga class. Trina being in his corner will do him a world of good.

Lulu says, the last thing she wants is to cause complications at Deception. She’s sorry she imposed on her and Maxie’s friendship. It won’t happen again. Brook says she knows they’ve all been through hell. Being in a coma for four years and having liver failure must be a complete nightmare. Maxie says, they wanted to do anything if it would help Lulu get better. They were all tested for compatibility, even Chase and Brook. Lulu says she didn’t know, and Brook says, there are a lot of things she doesn’t know. While all of that was happening, Maxie was running Deception and managing Lucy, which is a full-time job, and dealing with the lawsuit that almost took them down. Lulu asks who sued them, and Brook says, her grandmother. Lulu says, Tracy? and Brook says, the details don’t matter. Her point is, Deception survived in large part because of Maxie’s creativity and hard work. Lulu has no idea how much Deception means to Maxie.

Sidwell says he didn’t choose Port Charles randomly. He’s invested in property. Laura says, he’s an intelligent guy. He must know she’s going to keep a close eye on the man who hurt her son. Anna says she’d think he’d cut his losses and leave, but he says he prefers to prove that he’s a law-abiding citizen, and Laura and Anna laugh. He says he’s sure Anna and the PCPD will be checking up on him on a regular basis, and Anna says, he can count on it. And they’re not the only agency who will be keeping tabs on him. He says he welcomes all the attention and knows in time they’ll decide he’s an asset to this fair city this. He thanks Laura for the meeting, and she says, he may find it difficult to do business in a town where he’s not welcome. He says he looks forward to proving them wrong, and leaves.  

Drew tells Curtis that when he was given the opportunity to go to congress, he thought he’d have a chance to achieve something he didn’t believe possible. The more he was around politics, the more he wanted it. At the time, he and Willow’s relationship changed. Curtis says, Willow is his nephew’s wife, and Drew says he knows. It just happened. They weren’t trying to hurt Michael. Willow saw what he was trying to achieve, and they developed a connection. One she doesn’t have with Michael. Curtis says, whatever he has to tell himself to feel better, and Drew says he’s not the first person to be in this position. Not all marriages last forever. His didn’t and neither did Curtis’s.

Nina tells Tracy, enough. It’s not right for her to use Nelle’s name. Tracy says, Nelle cut a wide swath of damage and that one is the same. If she sees the opportunity, she’ll step in on the children’s behalf. Willow asks what she means, and Tracy says, act responsibly or she’ll lose them. Nina says, they belong with their mother, and Willow says she’s made a genuine effort to compromise. If that doesn’t work, she’ll take the kids back to her mother’s apartment and Tracy can explain to Monica and the rest of the family why they’re gone. Tracy says, fine. However, there’s one condition and it’s non-negotiable. Willow’s boyfriend may not visit on the property. If she’s compelled to look into Drew’s lying eyes, she’ll have to do someplace else. Drew is banned from the property permanently. She leaves.

Carly tells Jack that she and Michael’s biological father didn’t get along… except once. He laughs, and she says, his family, the Quartermaines, didn’t like her very much. She had feelings for Sonny at the time, and he helped her get custody of Michael. She got what she wanted and ignored the very real danger of making Michael a part of Sonny’s life. Their kids have been paying ever since. Jack says, she’s being too hard on herself. Michael is strong and capable and an excellent businessman. Carly says, he wouldn’t have been at Sonny’s except for her choices, and he says she can’t let herself think that way. Hindsight is always 20/20. There’s no point in dwelling on past mistakes. That way, madness lies.

Lulu says she would never do anything to hurt Maxie. Maxie is one of the most important people in her life and she loves her. Maxie says she knows and loves Lulu too, and Brook says she knows how much Lulu cares about Maxie, but she needs to realize what Maxie has been through and how far she’s come. Lulu says she knows things have changed and she’s got a lot to catch up on. She’s trying as fast as she can. She’s been focused on getting a job, so she can gain independence and search for Charlotte on her own terms, but she’s only been seeing things from her perspective. She didn’t take a second to look at it from Maxie’s. It’s not fair and she’s sorry.

Jack tells Carly that early in his career a mission went wrong and an agent, a friend, was killed. One colleague left the WSB and wallowed in guilt. It destroyed his marriage. Jack didn’t outwardly react, so people assumed he didn’t care. Carly says she’s sorry for what he went through, and he says he lost a good friend that day. He tears up and says, there’s nothing he could do to change that. The only way forward was to learn from what went wrong. You can’t life according to what if. You never know what a different decision would have brought. She says, you can’t change the past. She’s been down that road when she lost her son Morgan, and it leads nowhere good. He says, it never does.

Drew tells Curtis, what happened with Michael’s marriage and his injuries are two very different things. He didn’t cause Michael’s burns, and he didn’t help push Willow away. Curtis says, right, and only the doctors can help Michael’s physical injuries. Drew says he made a mistake in placating Michael because he felt guilty. He knows what’s best for Aurora, and if he’d stuck by Curtis, they’d be in a different place. Curtis says, Drew had to do what was best for himself. So does he. When Michael recovers – and he will – he’ll actually respect Michael’s business sense, maybe better than Drew’s. Drew says, wow, and Curtis says, if Drew’s ultimate success is in stealing Willow from his nephew, he’ll have got what he wanted and will find a way of life for himself.

Nina says she’s proud of Willow. Few people can say they stood up to Tracy Quartermaine. Willow says she couldn’t have done it without her mom by her side, and Nina says, it’s where she belongs. Willow says, Drew is right. The Quartermaines treated Michael terribly. She saw how they hate Drew. She should probably do what Drew said and move back in with Nina. (What is wrong with this woman?)

Lulu says she knows Maxie and Brook got close over the past four years and she guesses she felt threatened. She saw the opportunity to have Maxie on her side. Maxie says she doesn’t want side either one of them. They’re both her friends. She can’t force them to like each other, but she does reserve the right to love them both. Brook says she’s worked hard not to be the person she was. Part of her issue is that Lulu reminds her of her past regrets. Lulu says she’s not alone. They all have regrets. Tracy walks in saying, she’s had a bad day, so don’t… Lulu! What is she doing here?

Anna tells Laura, according to her search, Sidwell has no outstanding warrants, and the property transaction was legal. Laura says, what if Anna, Lucky, and Jason submitted an international complaint to the court? but Anna says, that’s no good. Sidwell was doing business in an area that’s completely lawless with zero authority to back them up. Laura says, what about Sasha’s kidnapping? Maybe she can tell them something they can use against Sidwell. Anna says, unfortunately, for various reasons, it wasn’t reported. There’s nothing on the books and nothing tying Sidwell to the property that blew up. Laura says, a man like Sidwell doesn’t change overnight, and Anna agrees. Laura asks what Anna is thinking, and Anna says, Sidwell’s arrival coincided with the fire in Sonny’s apartment. Laura asks if Anna thinks Sidwell was behind the fire, but Anna says she doesn’t know. It’s too soon to say. She’ll have the CID check the warehouse that blew up after Sasha’s abduction. If there’s a match, they might be able to pin it on Sidwell.

Drew tells Curtis that a freshman in congress is a good friend to have, but he has no reason to help the company succeed. Curtis says, he’d rather sink his own company that see it succeed without him, and Drew says, Curtis has one final chance to reconsider his offer. Curtis says his answer stands and opens the door. Now get the hell out. Drew leaves and Curtis slams the door.

Nina says she saw Willow stand up for herself in a way she hasn’t seen before. She compromised with Carly and Sonny because it was the right thing to do. She could tell Willow was more at ease. She has to continue to trust herself and her instincts. The Quartermaines and Monica appreciate the effort she’s put into the kids and Michael will appreciate it when he gets back. Willow says she hopes so. She doesn’t want to hurt Michael more than she already has. Nina says, the effort she’s making is a huge step toward an amicable resolution for them both in the future. Willow wonders if she should stay here. She’s going to miss Nina. Nina says, not a chance. She’ll be here all the time. Willow says, good, and they hug.

Maxie says, Lulu was thinking about applying for the assistant position, and Tracy says, she’s hired. Lulu says, they were just talking and she’s not sure she’s a good fit, but Tracy says, of course (🍷) she is. Lucy says the company is run on beauty and creativity, and Lulu has a boatload of both. Lulu says she thinks she’ll go see if Carly will hire her at the MetroCourt, but Tracy says, absolutely not. She’s the majority shareholder and the final decision is hers. She wants Lulu here. Lulu says, that’s nice of her and thanks, but she’s good. Tracy says she’ll pay Lulu double what the last assistant made, and both Maxie and Brook say, what?! Tracy says, Lulu is worth twice what Gladys Corbin was, and Brook says, Wade was her last assistant. Tracy says, Lulu is worth double what Wade was making. What does she say. Lulu says, it’s a great environment and it would give her a chance to work with people she respects and loves. She guesses she has to accept it. Tracy says, woohoo! Welcome to Deception. The phone rings and Tracy asks what Lulu is waiting for. Lulu answers the phone. Maxie Jones’ office…  

Trina goes into Kai’s room and says her Aunt Stella told her that he was impatient for rehabilitation. She brought him some power bars and electrolyte water. He thanks her, but his tone is flat, and she says she knows it’s silly. He probably has tons. He says, it’s not that, and she asks if something is wrong. He says he saw the orthopedist and he’s never going to play football again.  

At Turning Woods, Josslyn tells the reception nurse that she has a light load this semester and was looking to do something more meaningful with her time. She was hoping there were extra slots for volunteers. The nurse checks and says, there’s one slot not covered. It’s all hers if she wants it. Josslyn says, absolutely. Sign her up.

Jack asks if Carly wants him to find out why she’s being denied access to Michael, but she says she can handle it herself. He says he’s disappointed that she doesn’t need him, but not surprised, and she says she’ll get in to see her son whether they like it or not. He says he doesn’t doubt it for a second, and she says, but she would like a ride. He says, done. Consider him her chauffeur.

(Mrs. Jack Brennan… 💘)

On Monday, Laura says, Lulu might be headed for trouble; Drew tells Martin that they have another thing coming if they think he’s not seeing Willow; Kristina asks if Sonny thinks it’s really the best time for him to be traveling right now; and Jason needs Anna to do something more for someone now.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Good news! And a reminder that mental illness and addiction don’t discriminate.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/vinessa-antoine-shares-her-brothers-been-found

She must get tired of fielding this question.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/is-carly-leaving-general-hospital-laura-wright-speaks-out

So did he take the subway? Nothing says NYC like that smell.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/steve-burtons-weekend-to-remember-in-nyc

Too bad they didn’t get much of a final scene.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-katelyn-macmullen-says-goodbye-to-chad-duell

This is a better tour than you get from the adults.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/go-backstage-at-general-hospital-with-gary-james-fuller

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Gary acted like someone held a gun to his head to drink so much, when Captain Glenn was being nice. The punishment was forfeiting 500 euros of the tip, which was $23K, so they still got $2055. Gary apologized, and he and the captain hugged it out. The charter was 8 women, all with a different food restrictions, which made Cloyce’s head explode. Next time, the finale.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Boz told Dorit that she thought there were more than memes between PK and Kyle, but Erika told her that it was nothing. When cornered into sharing her text with PK with the group, Kyle read it and then stormed out saying, I’m done! Memegate lives on.

Yeah, I never thought for a moment LVP was coming back to RHOBH. She’s a busy woman what with all her restaurants, a hotel, and single-handedly ridding the world of the dog meat trade.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Ubah is a real disappointment, suggesting Brynn slept her way into the Housewives. That in itself is an insult. If I was going to sleep my way into something, it would not be this show. This is where the big kerfuffle happened. The women were all upset, since Ubah saying such a thing was beyond insensitive given Brynn’s history. Then Ubah got super upset and claimed she never knew Brynn’s history, or she never would have said it. The fourth wall was broken all over the place – although I did question whether or not that was some kind of ratings Hail Mary pass – and Brynn suddenly wasn’t sure if Ubah actually knew her history. It literally took me the rest of the show to follow this, so don’t feel bad if you’re lost. Apparently, this was some kind of friendship breaking point, but TBH, I didn’t think it was all as big of a deal as they were making it, especially since the only two people involved should have been Ubah and Brynn.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

It was the Reunion and literally ten minutes in, everybody was talking over each other and Andy was yelling. However, kudos to the women for their gorgeous outfits – the ladies in shades of red. Whitney said Bronwyn didn’t claim her publicly as a friend, which I thought was really weird. Do we need to confirm friendships on Instagram now? A viewer suggested Heather had become a mean girl when she lost weight, but I don’t think that’s quite it. Heather was always a mean girl (to which she concurred), but IMO, she lost her authenticity along with the weight and becoming a Housewives clone, like Jen in RHONJ. It ended with Todd and John looking like they might get into a battle royale.

Southern Charm

Whitney said the coffeemaker was so complicated, you needed a Ph.D. in astrophysics to run it. Highly doubtful. You probably just need to not have a hangover. It was much of the same, the usual if you’re friends with them, you can’t be friends with me. Austen was sour grapes over Craig wanting to move on from their friendship and podcast, but hey, sometimes it just isn’t forever. I have plenty of friends I’m no longer friends with for various reasons, but that just means we went in different directions. It’s not an insult. I think if Paige had really wanted to make it work with Craig, she could have been bi-state or however you put it. But again, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Shep wanted to be Jimmy Buffet without the guitar, living in the Bahamas with Sienna, and in his interview, he said, you don’t have those fantasies if you’re not serious about it. I dunno about that. Molly is the MVP so far, playing the euphonium – i.e. tuba – in the Charleston Concert Band, coincidentally directed by her high school band teacher. Imagine. An actual interesting person with an interesting focus. Or even any real focus. She said, music changes you, as all art should. She also thought tantric sex was too much work. Same. JT tried to tell Taylor some truths about Gaston, but she wasn’t having it. I get covering her ears and going, la-la-la, but I’d want to know. JT wasn’t understanding that there’s a time and place and that wasn’t it.

Southern Hospitality

Emmy had another breakdown and I’m over it. Although she did bring Tammy Faye raccoon eyes, which I applaud.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night on Peacock. This is an interesting foray into what goes on behind the scenes of a sketch comedy show that’s been on since the beginning of time. Or at least the mid-70s. A four-part miniseries, it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s interesting to see how a show with that kind of longevity works. Personally, I think I’ll enjoy Saturday Night – which I’m hoping to catch this weekend – more, but this still held my interest. I’m there for a documentary, and the third episode focusing only on the More Cowbell sketch is well worth it.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/snl-50-beyond-saturday-night-secrets-cast-writers-cowbell-1236110501/

https://www.thewrap.com/snl-50-beyond-saturday-night-ep-morgan-neville-interview-peacock/

Wicked at the movies. Yes, I actually ventured out in the world to see it, since I’d won a ticket in some instant win internet contest. There was no way I was battling children for a seat, so I skipped the first weekends after it opened. Then I got whatever was going around as a Christmas gift, but I managed to squeak in before it was gone entirely. I’m glad I did, since this really should be seen on a big screen. As I’m sure you already know, it’s magnificent. I’d never seen the Broadway play and the score isn’t my favorite, but the story is bittersweet, the casting is perfection, and it’s beyond lavish with the special effects. One of my favorite parts was the reunion of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Elphaba and Glinda on Broadway, and I wondered how it felt after all those years. My only question was, in a world where there are bears who are nannies, a goat who’s a professor, Munchkins, peacocks who wear hats, flying monkeys, and a place literally called Emerald City, why is a green woman considered strange?

https://collider.com/wicked-oscar-nominations-best-original-score-john-powell/

https://deadline.com/2025/01/cynthia-erivo-best-actress-wicked-oscar-nomination-interview-1236266022/

https://deadline.com/2025/01/ariana-grande-best-supporting-actress-oscars-interview-1236265006/

🏆 Awards Corner…

It’s that time again. The Academy Awards will be airing March 2nd.

https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/2025-oscar-nominations-see-full-130201914.html

🦁 Four-Legged News…

🦛 Yet another pygmy hippo influencer.

https://people.com/how-to-watch-pygmy-hippo-poppy-livestream-8773741

🐩 I never thought about this. It’s kind of weird.

https://www.cuteness.com/1737908/dog-breeds-dont-exist-why/

🐶 Best Bowl in town.

https://people.com/puppy-bowl-2025-record-breaking-142-puppies-8772392

🐕 I love a special needs pup.

https://people.com/11-puppies-with-special-needs-puppy-bowl-2025-8772912

🥠 Quotes of the Week

We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. – Jimmy Carter

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn

When someone tells me no, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it, it simply means I can’t do it with them. – Karen E. Quinones Miller

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. – Thomas Edison

He has all the integrity of a coat rack. – Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), General Hospital

All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. – Michael John Bobak

It is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness. – William L. Watkinson

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. – Stephen Covey

The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. – Thomas Berger

Don’t be a Gino. – Jasmine Pineda, 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort

🐻 Hibernation Mode…

Until next week, stay safe; stay driving extra carefully in weather you’re unfamiliar with; and stay not waiting for later, since sometimes later is taken away.

January 17, 2025 – Michael Gets the Final Say, Soap Suds, Not My Reality, Weekend Watching, Plus One, Getting There, Gate in the City, Exit Interview, Good Guy, Awards, The Players, Hebodomad Quotes & Things

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Willow said she was in charge of Michael’s medical care, and Michael went into cardiac arrest. Portia said Willow had the right to make decisions about Michael’s medical care, and Drew told Carly and Sonny, hand over the kids and they’d have access, like the trashbag he is. Carly said, Drew was pushing things to point of no return, so Willow would have no one to turn to but him. Nina finally talked Sonny into giving the kids back, and Willow thanked Drew because she’s an idiot in love with a trashbag.

Cody wanted to invest in crypto, but Tracy said it would be better to set his money on fire. Alrighty then. But later, Cody told Brad to call his Aunt Selina because he had a sure thing bet on football after he’d talked to Kai for 3 minutes. Later, Portia said she wanted to use Brad’s talent for bending the rules to find out what patients had gotten digitalis without it being prescribed. Brad was a busy guy this week.

Lulu told Laura about what happened in Prague and asked when Laura was going to tell her that Anna had shot Charlotte. She said she thought Dante was right in that she’d led the shooter to Valentin. Laura promised to help Lulu find Charlotte again.

Isaiah told Lucas that they could choose to do something, and risk Michael dying, or do nothing, and Michael would definitely die. He chose to do something and gave Michael a medication that counteracted the digitalis. Isaiah told Portia what happened with Michael, and they came to the genius conclusion that, someone in this hospital is killing people with digitalis.

Tracy and Stella talked about Monica, which was like a knife to the heart knowing that Leslie Charleson had passed away.

Tuesday:

Lucky talked to a woman from the Port Charles Redemption Mission and found out Cyrus’s focus was on patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Lucas told Elizabeth about Michael and how Isaiah had given him digoxin immune FAB to counteract the digitalis. Lucky said they had to figure out what connected all the digitalis victims and why Cyrus would want them dead. Jason told Sonny that whoever planted the bomb in the penthouse would try again.

Willow told the kids that Michael was in the hospital. Dante told Sonny what happened in Prague. Josslyn conferred with Lucky about Cyrus.

Drew showed up at Nina’s and after she slammed the door in his face, she let him in.  She said he’d moved Willow away from what she loved and valued with the sick hold he had over her and gave him the business. She said Drew wouldn’t know love if it jumped up and bit him in the ass.

Tracy said she’d help Lulu if she had a solid lead, but Lulu needed to be more strategic and less emotional. Jason suggested the clinic in St. Petersburg where he’d been held hostage for Michael’s treatment, since Ava had her burns treated there. Sasha helped trick Willow into letting the kids go to the main house, and Tracy said, they weren’t leaving. Martin argued with Tracy about letting the kids go with Willow. Felicia said Jason and Carly had to leave the ICU, and Nina told Sonny that he had to go to the Quartermaines and get the kids from Tracy.

Wednesday:

Lucky and Elizabeth went to Beradino’s where Cyrus works. Josslyn went to Anna about Cyrus stabbing Dex. Alexis spoke to Drew about Sam’s wishes for Scout. Drew decided to commute to DC rather than live there. Carly wanted to call a press conference and out Drew, but Felicia told her not to make it worse than it already was.

Sonny talked to Tracy, who told him that Drew was the enemy and to handle him accordingly. Trina and Gio watched the game at The Brown Dog, and Emma showed up. (Since she was nuEmma, I didn’t realize she was also the pickpocket in Rice Plaza.) Cody was also at the bar. Alexis said Scout needed consistency and stability, and Drew said, maybe Willow was what she needed. Alexis wondered if it was less what Scout needed, and more what Drew needed. Tracy reminded Sonny that Michael was AJ’s son.

Felicia needed a drink, and Sasha was her designated driver. Elizabeth chatted Cyrus up while Lucky was in the bathroom, then suggested to Lucky that she volunteer at the mission. Carly asked Jack about the Boronsky clinic, and he said it no longer existed, but the burn expert was now in Germany. Carly badgered him about getting Michael into the German clinic. Jason showed up at the Quartermaines and asked Tracy to please give the children back. Tracy said it was the first time he’d ever said please, but then pulled the Monica card. Alexis suggested Scout move in with her, but Drew wasn’t having it. Anna questioned Cyrus, but Josslyn blew everything and alerted him to the investigation. Tracy said, for once in Jason’s life, don’t choose Sonny, choose his family, and he did.

Thursday:

Chase got checked out and Brook went to see Dr. Navarro. She told the doctor about her teenage pregnancy, and Dr. Navarro told her that it should have no impact on her trying to get pregnant now. Nina suggested Willow compromise, but Willow was all about what Drew said. She thought Nina was asking her to bow down to Carly and Sonny, but Nina said Willow needed empathy. Lay down her weapons and maybe they’d lay down theirs. Tracy said using the kids as bargaining chips wasn’t going to fly. They were where Monica wanted them and that’s where they were staying. (Keep twisting those knives.)

Kai ended up in the hospital and Cody had to pay off his bet. Carly told Tracy about transferring Michael to the burn expert, and asked how far Tracy would go if it was Ned. Tracy said, as far as she had to. Nina told Ava what was going on and that Willow’s life was in shambles because of Drew. Dante talked to Cody about Lulu, and Cody said, Dante could keep doing what he was doing and get shut out, or do things Lulu’s way.

Trina visited Kai in the hospital. Tracy sympathized with what Carly was going through as a mother, but it was about what Carly had put the family through for years. Tracy suggested Carly and Sonny find another way. Nina discussed the Willow/Drew situation with Ava. Selina tried to get Cody back in the game, and Dante wondered what was up, but Cody told Dante that he was okay. Alexis talked to Curtis about Drew. Nina wanted to get Willow thinking for herself again, and Ava said, tell Willow who he really is. When they were falling in love, he was having sex with her mother. Chase told Tracy that she couldn’t keep Wiley and Amelia from Willow and this had to stop. Willow asked to see Carly.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In her office, Brook leaves a voicemail for Chase that she’s done with her appointment and Dr. Navarro was super positive. She should get her test results soon, but maybe they should do something to relax, like spend a weekend in New York City. Have dinner and see a show, just them, and they can have baby making time. They’ll figure it out tonight. She loves him. Lulu comes in and asks if she’s interrupting.

Chase says, Tracy can’t keep the kids from their mom, and Tracy says, not him too. He has no idea how many times she’s had this conversation today. She was hoping for a break. He says, they’ve been through a lot, and he’d like to think they could be honest with each other. She says she’s going to stop him. He makes her granddaughter so happy, and she holds his entire family in the highest regard, so she’s going to put this as nicely as she can – butt out.

At the gallery, Lucas shows Ava a video on this phone, and she says, look how well Avery is dancing. Her costume is perfect. Lucas says, Avery was so proud. She wanted to make sure he recorded the rehearsal for Ava. She thanks him for bringing it, and he says he wanted to return the favor for her talking him down on Christmas Eve. She says, of course (🍷). She can’t stop thinking about the fire at Sonny’s. She’s so grateful Avery wasn’t there. She asks if they know the cause yet, but he says, all he knows is that the police are looking into it.

At Beradino’s, Cody looks at a cashier’s check and says he was so close to making his dreams come true. He sees Drew and walks over to him. He says he’d tell Drew that it’s nice to see him, but he’s far too sober to lie.  

Jordan starts a conversation with Martin near the bar, but then sees Drew and Cody and says she’s needed over there. Drew asks if Cody is disappointed that there’s’ nothing left to blackmail him with, and Cody says, you smug… Jordan tells him, don’t even think about it.

Outside Michael’s room, Willow says she’s glad Carly is here. She was hoping to talk with her and Sonny. Sonny joins them, and Willow thanks them for getting here so fast. Sonny says, it sounded important, and Willow says she knows they’re upset, and she understands why. She’s hoping they can find a way forward that works for them both. Carly asks if that means she’s going to let them see their son.

Chase tells Tracy that he’s had a front row seat for everything that happened with Michael and Willow because he’s friends with them both. He’s begging her not to make it more difficult. She says, it’s not difficult; it’s simple. The children are going nowhere. He tells her that everyone says she’s acting out of spite, but he doesn’t believe that. He saw how she helped his dad and Finn. Through all the snarky and sarcastic comments, he knows nothing means more to her than family. He knows she thinks she’s helping protect the kids, but he promises she’s only causing more drama.

Brook asks if Lulu needs help, and Lulu says she was looking for Maxie, but she can hang out in the waiting area. Brook says, she’s better off texting. Maxie is meeting with a vendor, and her afternoon is booked solid with interviews. Lulu says, that’s why she’s here. She was hoping to be one of them. Brook asks if she’s applying for a job at Deception.

Ava tells Lucas that she knows firsthand what Michael is going through. It’s a horrible, painful ordeal. Have they arrested anybody for setting the fire? Lucas says she doesn’t think so. Anna and Chase were at the hospital to question Michael, but he was in no shape to talk. Ava says, he was injured because of Sonny, and Lucas says she knows what she’s thinking, but Avery is completely safe. He sees her all the time. If he had doubts about Avery’s safety, he’d tell her. She says, of course (🍷) she worries about her little girl. She’s glad Lucas gets to see Avery so much and came to show her the video. Will he do one little favor for her? He says, it depends, and she says, give Avery a hug and tell her how much her mama loves her. He says he’ll do it tonight after work. He’s headed there now. She asks him to send her the video and he says he will. He leaves, and Ava makes a call. She says, I need to see you right away.

Cody tells Jordan that he has no beef with the congressman, but it seems the congressman might have one with him. Drew says he does, but Jordan says, neither of them need to get into anything in a public place. Cody should go. Cody says, gladly. He’ll see Drew around. Have a terrible day. He hopes Jordan’s day is a pleasant one. He leaves and Drew says, nice to see Jordan’s got his back, and she says, it looked like he was the one escalating things. What was it about and what did he do?

Willow says, the situation between her and Michael is being made more difficult with everyone getting involved. Michael wouldn’t want her separated from their kids. Carly says she had the kids and sent them to the Quartermaines, and Sonny says, she did what she thought was right at the time. Carly says she had no idea Tracy would hold them hostage, and Willow says, the kids are worried sick about Michael. Carly says, Wiley called her. He’s wondering what happened. Willow says, he called her too and asked when daddy was coming home. Carly says, Sonny made a good faith effort, and Sonny says, but Tracy refuses to let them go. Carly says, Tracy has no right to keep them and can’t legally. They’ll figure out a way to get them back. Willow says she hopes Carly is right. She needs to trust her own judgement about what’s best for her children and Michael and she’s come to a decision.

Ric walks into the gallery and asks, what’s so important? Ava says, Avery’s life is in danger. He needs to petition the court for an emergency custody order for her to have Avery full-time. Ric says he thought Carly had Avery, and Ava says she assumes he heard about the fire. It was no accident. Ric says, of course (🍷). Any time there’s a catastrophe in Sonny or Jason’s vicinity, it’s some attacker seeking retribution. She says, what if Avery had been there? She could have been burned like Michael. It’s terrifying. He says he’s sorry. As a father, he understands, but the court won’t see it as a reason for an emergency change in custody. Avery was nowhere near there at the time of the fire. She was with Carly and Donna where she has a bedroom and where she’s lived most of her life. Ava says, if he won’t file it, maybe she should find herself a lawyer who will. He says, that’s her right, but they’ll tell her the same thing. Wait until the right moment to make her move. She tells him, says the absentee father, and he says, it’s no reason to get personal. She says, sorry, but she could never understand how he could stay away from Molly for so long. It kills her not seeing Avery every day. He says, one of his biggest regrets is not being able to be a presence in Molly’s life, and she says, what if he was in her place and Molly was in danger? What would he do? He says he’d move heaven and earth to keep her safe, and she asks why he’s telling her the opposite. He says he wants her to fight, but be smart. Her current custody battle with Sonny is going to be very long and very expensive. She says she may be overextended at the moment, but it’s not like she’s living in the street, and he says, then why hasn’t she paid him?

Lulu says she’s here to apply for the job, and Brook says, it’s an assistant position. Wasn’t Lulu’s last job as a reporter at The Invader? Lulu says, that was four years ago. Deception needs an assistant, and she needs a job. They don’t all have trust funds. Brook says she doesn’t care what Lulu thinks, but every job she’s had, outside the music industry and in, she’s stood on her own and earned her own paycheck, Lulu says, like when Brook was paid to seduce Dante? (very mature) and Brook says she did that and it was a lapse in judgement. She and Dante have moved past that. Lulu says she didn’t get the memo, and Brook says she lives in her family’s home with her husband. Dante and Rocco live there too, and they all get along great. They let go of something that was a lifetime ago and they’ve moved on. Lulu says, Brook is being condescending, when Maxie comes in. She says she sees they’re getting along as great as ever, and Brook’s phone dings. After reading a text, she says she needs to go home and talk to her husband. She leaves Lulu in Maxie’s capable hands. She trusts Maxie will make the right decision. She leaves and Maxie asks Lulu what they were arguing about this time.

Tracy says she didn’t realize Chase had a psychiatric degree to go with the police badge, but he says he doesn’t need a degree to read her. She says, since he’s an expert in her behavior, what is she going to say next? and he says, she’s going to argue that Willow can’t be trusted because she cheated on Michael with Drew. Drew will never be a real Quartermaine, and even though she doesn’t like Michael, he’s a real Quartermaine. Family’s got to stick together. How did he do? She says she’s delighted they’re on the same page. Now drop the entire thing. He says, there’s one more thing. She left out something important. Wiley and Amelia are Michael’s kids, but they’re also Willow’s kids, and they need their mom.

Willow says, Michael would want both Carly and Sonny to be with him during this and she won’t stand in their way. Carly thanks her and looks through Michael’s room window. Sonny thanks Willow and says he knows how difficult the decision is. She says she’s not sure how it got so messy, and he says, they’re both grateful she’s letting them see Michael. She says, Michael has done so much for her. He gave her the gift of family and supported her dreams even when they changed. All she wants is for him to get better and be with the kids again. Portia joins them and says she needs to discuss the next step in Michael’s recovery with Willow. Willow looks at Carly.

Tracy says, Chase is disposed to favor Willow, seeing her as a well-meaning angel led astray, but Chase says, that’s not true. She says she watched the congressman’s hubris in taking Willow and Wiley to the inauguration. She saw the pictures. Willow, Wiley, and Scout, the perfect readymade family. He had no concern whether Michael or Monica would see the photos. Chase says, Michael and Monica are adults. This is about two kids who need their mom. Tracy says, their mother does not put them first. She does.

Lulu says, a miracle recovery doesn’t pay the bills. She needs a job. Maxie says, at Deception? and Lulu says she saw the ad, but she didn’t want to put Maxie on the spot, so she tried other places. The Invader is under new management, and nothing else panned out. Maxie says, she’s overqualified, but Lulu says she just needs to make money. Maxie asks if she’s interested in cosmetics, and Lulu says, not really, but she wasn’t into fashion and she was still good at her job at Crimson. Maxie says, what about the Brook factor? and Lulu says she promises to be on her best behavior working with Brook. Maxie says, she’d be working under Brook, and Lulu asks if she’d be Brook’s assistant. Maxie says, since they hate each other, she doesn’t see it going well, but Lulu tells her that she wouldn’t say hate. It’ll be fine, but it’s weird that Brook and Maxie are BFFs now. When did that happen?

At the hospital, Cody says, just the man he didn’t want to see, and Brad pulls him aside. He says he told Cody that he’d text. Coming to where he works is not cool. Cody hands him the check, and says, it’s most of the money he owes Selina. Brad says, most of it? He placed a bet with his aunt for Cody and not he can’t pay up? Lucas sees them.

Ava says she’s working to secure funds. She’ll get the money. Ric says, she could work harder, and she says she’s good at what she does. She’s in communication with some long-term clients who are experienced collectors. She just wants her daughter with her. He says, she needs to dig in for the long haul. They both know how Sonny is with his kids. He’s territorial and had his share of custody battles and won. At least Avery is close by and safe. Watch and wait. Patience is the key. Sidwell walks in and asks if someone can assist him. Ava says, of course (🍷), and introduces herself as the owner of the gallery. She asks what she can do for him, and he says he’s brand new to Port Charles and stumbled on her lovely gallery. He’s Jenz Sidwell. She says, it’s nice to meet him, and Ric introduces himself, shaking hands with Sidwell. Sidwell says, since Ava owns this fine establishment, perhaps she can guide him to which painting is worthy of his attention.

Jordan asks what Drew was trying to accomplish starting a fight, but Drew says, Cody approached him. She tells him, stop looking innocent, and he says he just doesn’t trust Cody. She asks who he does trust. Look around. Is there anyone currently talking to him who isn’t on his payroll? He says he’s guessing Curtis filled her in on what happened at Aurora, and she says she’s aware of the issue. He says he hopes she’s aware that he was giving Curtis a promotion, a huge raise, and complete control of the wellness division. She says, that’s his problem. It’s not about the money. It’s about how he treats his friends who were always loyal. Curtis values honesty and Drew lied. Drew says he never lied, and she says she stands corrected. He misled Curtis. He let Curtis think he was going to be CEO. It’s less betrayal in his books, but in hers, it’s semantics.

Portia says she’d like to speak with Willow in private, but Willow says, Carly and Sonny can hear too, so they can all discuss options. Portia says, good. They got Michael a bed in the Johns Hopkins burn unit. It’s the best hospital in the country and vacancies are rare. Willow says, he’ll be close enough to visit, but Carly says she might have a better option.

Chase says, Tracy can get herself in trouble if she doesn’t turn over the children, but she says she’s not afraid of litigation. He says he’s talking about criminal charges, and she laughs. She says, the carrot didn’t work, so now he’s bringing out the stick and threatening her. Good luck with that. She’s faced down worse. Brook walks in and asks why Tracy is picking a fight with her husband.

Maxie says she’ll have to fill Lulu in on her relationship with Peter August another time over a bottle of wine. And when she says, bottle of wine, she means several shots of tequila. Lulu asks what that has to do with Brook, and Maxie says, Brook was there for her in a big way. Lulu tells her, if you say so, and Maxie says, Lulu may not want to hear it, but Brook is a good person. She’s flawed and made questionable choices, but who hasn’t? Brook has been a good friend. Lulu says she’s glad Brook was there when Maxie needed someone, but something about Brook always rubs her the wrong way. She plays at being Bensonhurst, but has the Quartermaine name and fortune to fall back on. Maxie says she’s not buying that. Lulu is obviously upset, but she doesn’t think it’s about Brook. What’s really going on? Lulu says, Charlotte.

Ava says she’ll show Sidwell around. Ric was just leaving. Ric says he’d like to stick around and watch her work, and she says, art is subjective. What speaks to someone depends. She asks Sidwell to tell her something about himself so she can steer him in the right direction. He says he’s an importer looking for a North American base, so he moved to Port Charles. Ric asks, where’s his house? and Sidwell says, it’s an old, gothic residence on Spoon Island. Ava says, he bought Windymere? And he asks if she’s familiar with it. She says she used to live there, and Sidwell laughs.

Cody says he thought he had luck, but it was not his lady, and Brad says he’s $5000 short. Cody says he’s good for it, and Brad says he’ll tell his aunt. Maybe they can work out something. Cody says he’s never going to use the term sure thing again. He jinxed himself. Brad says he’s sorry, and Cody says he’s got to go. Brad walks over to Lucas and says, it’s not what it looks like. What he saw isn’t what he thinks.

Jordan tells Drew that she’s the last one to cast stones. TJ’s father was her husband’s best friend. The issue isn’t how he chooses his relationships. It’s how he treats the people in his life. Drew asks if she realizes that Curtis was just as deceptive in stealing Aurora, but she says, he led Curtis to believe he’d be permanent CEO, then went behind Curtis’s back and promised the job to Michael. Drew says he was trying to make peace, but it was a futile effort, and she says, stop. She doesn’t want to hear his explanations. He dug a hole for himself and if he doesn’t start making amends, he’s going to be alone and isolated. She believes he’s a better man than his recent actions indicate, so she’s going to give him some advice. Start mending fences. She leaves, and Martin joins Drew. He says he guesses it’s safe to assume the appropriate amount of rain has gone down on him from his constituents.   

Carly explains there was a groundbreaking procedure to remove scar tissue in a burn unit used by the Boronsky Clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia. It’s now closed, but the doctor is working in Germany. Willow asks if she wants to send Michael to Germany and asks if Portia has heard of the procedure. Portia says, no, never, but Carly says, the results are incredible, and Jack Brennan was able to secure a space in the clinic. Sonny asks if they can talk privately, and they step away. He asks why she didn’t tell him before, and she says she wanted to make sure it was possible. Michael can make a full recovery with no scars. He says he’s not sure, it’s so far away, but she says, you can’t even tell Ava was burned. She wants that result for Michael and Sonny has to trust her that this is the best thing. She’ll be there every minute of every day. She gets that he doesn’t trust Jack, but doesn’t he trust her?  

Carly tells Willow that the clinic has had incredible results, but Willow says she doesn’t think it’s best for Michael. He needs to be nearby so they can visit. Portia says she has no information, so she has to advise against it, and Willow says she’s not comfortable with Michael so far away and the doctors not having vetted the procedure. Carly says, he’ll make a full recovery, but Portia says, his burns are quite severe. Carly says, they’ve already seen the results. No one is able to tell that Ava had third degree burns. Willow says, Michael won’t have his family, and she knows Johns Hopkins is a great hospital. It’s her preference. Sonny says he thinks Michael should make the decision, and Willow says, that means waking him up. Portia says, it will cause immense pain, but Sonny says, it’s Michael’s life and he should make the call. Carly says she knows Michael wouldn’t want them to make the decision for him, and Willow says, she’s right. Michael has to decide for himself. Wake him up and let him choose. Portia says, okay, but only one of them can go in and talk to him, and Sonny says, that would be Carly. Willow says she agrees.

Sidwell says, it’s nice he and Ava have Windymere in common. How was her time there? Ava says, it was eventful, and he asks, what made her leave such a magnificent home, if she doesn’t mind him asking. She says she was living there with her husband and they split up, and he says he’s sorry to hear that. She says, he’s being kind, but she’s moved on, and he says he’s glad to hear that. He’s a firm believer in second chances and kismet. How else could you explain him wandering into her gallery? He sees she has the taste and expertise he needs to help him choose the right art to make his new home his own. Ava says she happens to have the perfect painting in mind and steers him to a large modern art canvas. She says, this painting is by talented Greek artist from Crete. He’s a marvelous painter and a talented sculptor. Sidwell says, the light in the study will make this a vibrant addition to his collection, and she says she loves the artist and would love to show him more of their work. They walk to the next room and Ric follows.

Tracy tells Brook that she and Chase disagree. He believes she should give Wiley and Amelia back to Willow and she refuses. Brook says, because of Monica, and Tracy says, the children are Monica’s only saving grace. They put a smile on her face and they’re going to take that away? Brook says, they all love Monica, and Tracy says she’s glad they agree. The last thing Monica needs is more stress. Brook wonders, if Monica asks, is Tracy going to tell her that she needs to be their mother, especially if their father can’t be there for them?

Maxie says she’s happy that Dante brought Lulu home safe, but she’s sorry Valentin ran off with Charlotte. If it was one of her kids, she’d be going crazy. Lulu says she needs to find Charlotte and it’s going to take a lot of money. Maxie says, good thing her stepmom is an heiress who loves her, and Lulu says her mother and stepmother agreed to help her, but they want to wait and see what Valentin’s next step is. She needs Charlotte home now. Maxie says, Lulu never liked waiting, and Lulu says, Maxie knows her well. Maxie says, she can’t galivant across the world when she doesn’t even know the country, and Lulu says she doesn’t know where her daughter is. Charlotte lost four years of life living without her mother. She needs something she can control and the only thing she came up with was getting a job. Maxie says she gets that, and Lulu says, it’s not just the money. She wants to get a place where she and Rocco can live, and Charlotte when she finds her. Maxie says, it makes sense. Lulu was always Miss Independence, eager to get on with life. Lulu says, life has moved on and she’s racing to catch up instead falling farther back.

Drew says he’s not discussing his personal life with Martin, but Martin says, as a survivor of three divorces, does Drew mind if he offers some unsolicited advice? The heart wants what it wants, and you can’t help who you fall in love with. Drew says, exactly. He’s not going to apologize for how he feels about Willow. Martin says, as long as he stays true to his feelings, and does the best he can for himself and for the woman he’s involved with. Drew thanks him and says, that’s actually what he wanted to talk about. They sit down, and Drew says, Willow is in the hospital with Michael, as it should be, but the situation with the children is up in the air. They need to get Wiley and Amelia away from the Quartermaines and back with Willow where they belong. Martin tells him, easier said. Tracy is holding them, and he wonders if there’s a more amiable opponent he could be set up with. Like Stalin or Vlad the Impaler. Genghis Kahn comes to mind. Drew says, Tracy has no legal rights, and Martin says, she’s well-connected with deep pockets and knows how to work the system to her benefit. It’s one hell of a combination to go up against. Drew says, she thinks she’s safe behind the walls of privilege and money, but she’s wrong. He’ll do anything to reunite the children with Willow.

Wearing a sanitary jumpsuit, Carly goes into Michael’s room and says his name. He looks at her, obviously in pain.

Sidwell gives Ava a check and says he’s thrilled with his new painting. He enjoyed their talk on art. Perhaps she can come over and help him with the placement. He’d also love any suggestions on future purchases. She says, it’s her pleasure, and he says, it’s lovely to meet them both. He’ll see them soon he hopes. He kisses Ava’s hand and leaves. Ric says, it was enlightening to watch her work, and she says she barely lifted a finger, but she knows how to close a deal. Ric says, yes, you do, and takes the check from her. She says she just earned it, and he says he appreciates her first payment for his services.

Brad tells Lucas that Cody wanted him to place a bet on the PCU game with his aunt. He didn’t want to, but Cody was persistent, so he called his Aunt Selina. Cody lost and this is his payment to her. Lucas says he sees, and Brad says, once he delivers it to her, he’s not going to see her again, he swears. Lucas says, thanks for telling him, but Brad doesn’t owe him any explanations. Brad says he knows he doesn’t, but Lucas taught him that telling the truth is important, so he wanted Lucas to know. Lucas says he appreciates that.  

Maxie says she knows what Lulu is going through. She’s been there. Lulu says, now Maxie has it all – an amazing career, her children together under one roof, and a wonderful relationship with Spinelli. Maxie says she went through a lot of trial and error. No one trusted her to make her own decisions since she was shown to be flaky. She thinks Lulu is already taking the right steps to ensure the life she wants, and Maxie believes she’ll make it happen. Lulu says she needs to have a job if she really wants to make it happen. Maxie says she needs to know that Lulu can put her history with Brook aside and get along working together. Does she think she can do that?  

Chase says he gets that Tracy has the best intentions, but at the end of the day, it’s not her call. Tracy says, Brook’s husband is brave standing up to her, but she doesn’t understand why he’s defending Willow. Brook says, he’s trying to keep the peace, and Tracy should listen to him. Martin and Drew walk in along with an officer, and Tracy says, back so soon? Holding out a paper, Martin says, it’s an official order signed by a judge. They’re allowed to take Willow Corinthos’s children back to her. Drew tells Martin to ask the nanny to get the kids ready, but Tracy says, it’s a waste of time. She can’t comply. They’re not here. Drew asks where they are, and she says she hasn’t the foggiest. He says, the officer knows what to do, and the officer takes out handcuffs. Chase tells him to put those away, but he says he’s sorry. The congressman wants her arrested. Tracy pulls away and says, don’t touch her, and Drew says, resisting arrest. The officer says, she did touch him, and Tracy says, he’s so going to regret this.

Sonny says he’s glad they were able to come together to do what’s best for Michael, and Willow says, Michael is going through something terrible. He’s lucky that he has Sonny and Carly to fight for him. Not everyone has that kind of unconditional love in their life. Sonny says, they’re the lucky ones to have Michael as their son.

Michael says, mom? and Carly says she’s here. And his dad is out there. They’re here to do everything they can to help him get better, but they need his help. Tell them how to make the choice he needs.

On Tuesday (see below), Willow asks Drew if she ruined her chance of getting Wiley and Amelia back; Anna asks if someone is the one who planted the device in the penthouse; and Ava asks Sonny to do what’s best for their daughter before it’s too late.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/daytime-soaps-preempted-on-monday-january-20-2025

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

The most important story.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-alum-vinessa-antoine-asks-for-help-finding-her-brother

She will be greatly missed. After all, Alan gave her the house. It’s so weird how they must have filmed in advance, yet they’re talking up a storm about her on the show.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-star-leslie-charleson-dead-at-79

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/daytime-stars-remembers-leslie-charleson

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/wally-kurths-heartfelt-tribute-to-leslie-charleson

You never know. On All My Children, Bobby Martin came back after 40+ years of polishing his skis upstairs.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chad-duell-opens-up-about-his-gh-exit-and-return-plans

Don’t do it. It’s not him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-warns-do-not-donate-to-a-gofundme-in-his-name

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Once again Gary proves himself to be an idiot. The guests wanted some of the crew to join on a night out, and Captain Glenn, being the decent soul he is, told Daisy, Gary, Keith, and Chase, two drink maximum. And if they came back drunk, they’d forfeit their share of the tip. Gary had 10 drinks. 10. Then got pissed off when the captain called him on it. Classic Gary.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The episode focused a lot on PK and Kyle’s friendship, and Dorit’s reaction. Of course, Kyle is never wrong and while I often think Dorit is wrong – and her reactions are over the top – I can’t disagree with her on this one. If one of my close friends was texting with my estranged husband, they would no longer be my close friend. Kyle whined that Dorit made it sound like she was being inappropriate. Doubtful anyone thinks she’s got it going on with PK, but it is inappropriate for her to be buddy-buddy with her friend’s almost ex. Let’s just call it what it is now – Memegate. Garcelle, Kyle, and Sutton took Erika to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday. A good time was had by all. It actually looked a lot more fun than any of their formal parties.

Real Housewives of New York City

If I was on a trip to Puerto Rico, I wouldn’t have the bandwidth to argue about a dead pigeon. I’d be too busy swimming in the possibly-less-than-blue water and eating local cuisine. The women did synchronized swimming at Jenna’s instruction. Apparently, she’s quite a fan of it, and it was pretty amusing until Raquel got whacked in the forehead by Jenna’s elbow. That Jenna, always full of surprises. Ubah was out of control, and Erin can’t win. If she fights back, she loses. If she walks away, she loses. As usual, Jenna and Raquel were the voices of reason. Next time, the finale.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake CIty

Heather suggested a fun dinner party game where the women pulled out the worst thing they had said about one of the others on their phone and shared it with the group. As you might have guessed, this didn’t go over all that well, and resulted in tears and Lisa running from the table after someone read something about John. Oh, horrors.

Bonus scene.

Southern Charm

Once again, two men acted like middle school girls – that would be Austen and Craig – while Whitney pretended to be the voice of reason. In her interview, Madison said she and Brett thought that Austen and Craig would be the couple least likely to break up, but it looks like they did. Craig dared to meet with JT, and Austen wasn’t having it, but it was just the opening Craig needed to scrape Austen from his shoe. As little as I like JT, I don’t get why some of them keep harping on him calling Patricia a bitch, when the footage shows clearly that he didn’t, and most of them don’t believe it anyway. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and sometimes an a-hole is right too.

Southern Hospitality

I just couldn’t even this week, but here you go.

Random Events

BTW, Bill was not happy.

https://people.com/rhonj-star-jennifer-aydin-uninvited-from-housewives-cruise-after-viral-outburst-jersey-mikes-8771411

Amazing timing.

https://people.com/karen-huger-enters-rehab-skips-real-housewives-of-potomac-season-9-reunion-after-dui-8772200

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Borderlands. It was hard to find something that was at least partially positive. There are plenty of worse films, although I actually enjoyed this. Perhaps because I’m unfamiliar with the games. I’m definitely in agreement with the writer that Night Swim was a total waste of time.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/movies/borderlands-isnt-the-worst-movie-of-the-year-despite-what-the-internet-wants-you-to-think

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action. A fascinating look at a man who began as someone I admired, but chose to serve money and ratings rather than the greater good. I’d known about the coaching, but not about the murder connected to the show. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and this was just sad.

https://screenrant.com/jerry-springer-fights-camera-action-tv-review/

https://screenrant.com/jerry-springer-documentary-netflix-shocking-reveals-list/

The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin. I’m there for a cult story, but missed this somehow. While this documentary has been around a while, they’ve been showing it recently on TLC, so I caught it. I have some vague memory of her in the news, but had no idea how messy this got. And the hair… What’s with the hair?

https://people.com/human-interest/what-to-know-about-gwen-shamblin-lara-hbo-max-the-way-down/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-way-down-hbo-max-review

🔍 One To Watch…

IMO, Baylen Out Loud is what reality TV should be about. I’m rooting for this girl, and with a supportive family like she has, I think she’ll make it after all.

https://people.com/baylen-dupree-struggles-with-boyfriend-upcoming-air-force-relocation-in-new-tlc-series-8773525

https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/baylen-out-loud-season-1-trailer-tiktok-star-takes-on-adulthood-while-tackling

🤹‍♀️ Upcoming Awaited Seasons…

The latest on The Last of Us.

https://deadline.com/feature/the-last-of-us-season-2-cast-release-date-everything-to-know-1235940502/

While you wait.

https://collider.com/grounded-last-of-us-part-2-documentary-youtube/

An understandable pause for Fallout.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-production-pause-la-fires

An Squid Game accident? Really? Highly doubtful.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-release-date-2025-netflix

👠 They’re Not Wrong…

Sex and get away from my front door in the City.

https://ew.com/carrie-sex-and-the-city-apartment-iron-gate-tourists-8774330

☕️ His Final Thoughts…

I never did understand Eraserhead, but he did some fine work.

https://people.com/david-lynch-expressed-hope-over-divided-country-in-one-of-last-interviews-exclusive-8776098

🥇 A Mighty Fine Man…

It’s such a shame about his health issues, but he’s blessed to have such a wonderful family to support him.

https://people.com/bruce-willis-seen-in-public-dementia-diagnosis-la-police-officers-8775698

🏆 Awards Corner…

No surprise, GH is in the running.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/2025-writers-guild-awards-daytime-drama-nominees-announced

The BAFTA noms.

https://ew.com/2025-bafta-awards-nominations-full-list-8774808

🐕 No Gutter Balls Here…

I want them all.

https://ew.com/puppy-bowl-2025-meet-adoptable-dog-players-8773005

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/puppy-bowl-players-2025-super-bowl

☃️ Quotes of the Week

Just because my heart is beating doesn’t mean I’m alive. – Ish Williams (Alexander Ludwig), Earth Abides

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man (and woman) which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus. – Blaise Pascal

You don’t break habits, you replace them. – Coach Mike Bayer

If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan (Or kick it down.)

Make failure your teacher, not your undertaker. – Hilary ‘Zig’ Ziglar

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. – Spencer Johnson

She took every bit of power I had and left me with household appliances. – Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), Agatha All Along

🌉 Taking a Sentimental Journey…

Until next week, stay safe, stay warm, and stay valuing honesty.

January 10, 2025 – A Killer Is Revealed, Soap Suds, Reality Recaps, Weekend Watch, Award Corner, Great Moments In New Year’s Eve, Best Bowl, Cardinal Number Of Quotes & You

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday through Thursday bites and whole enchilada Friday.

Monday:

Portia confirmed that Elizabeth was suspended and told Cyrus that he was no longer welcome at the hospital again. Trina helped Josslyn pack up Dex’s apartment. Jack was pissed at Colette because she was supposed to tail Valentin, not take a shot at him. He looked at the Rice Plaza footage and saw Cyrus stab Dex.

Michael filed for full custody after seeing that Willow was with Drew in DC. Willow told Drew that Michael was punishing her for being with him. Lucy welcomed Sidwell to Windymere after he bought Spoon Island. They flirted, had champagne, and she gave him some gifts, including her book. Both Laura and Willow separately talked to Martin, and Martin told Laura that Willow would have to be smarter if she wanted to keep her kids.

Carly was supposed to have dinner with Carly at the MetroCourt, but had to cancel. Jack ended up joining her instead. Sidwell literally skipped through the Windymere living room to the terrace and watched as Sonny’s penthouse exploded. Sonny and Jason were in the hallway, and the only one inside was Michael, who turned into a fireball.

Tuesday:

No soap, funeral.

https://abc7ny.com/post/general-hospital-new-episode-tuesday-preempted-abc-news-special-report-former-president-jimmy-carters-state-funeral/15765536/

Wednesday:

Drew and Willow got busy while Jason told Sonny to call 911 and smothered the fire on Michael with a blanket. After Michael got to the hospital, Isaiah worked on him with Lucas assisting.

Carly enjoyed her time at the MetroCourt with my husband… I mean, Jack.

Josslyn wanted to stay in the place her and Dex were happy, but Trina told her that she wasn’t just grieving; she was angry. After Trina left, Josslyn looked at Dex’s gun a lot. Curtis told Nina that taking Wiley over state lines was a federal crime. She wanted to bring Willow and Wiley home, but he advised against it.

Brook was upset because she wasn’t pregnant yet, even though she was doing all the right things, including eating pineapple which she didn’t like. (Who doesn’t like pineapple?) We found out Brook had been pregnant before and given the baby away. She thought God was punishing her, but Lois said, God didn’t work that way. Chase discussed things with Sasha, who told him that he and Brook should just relax.

Lucas told Carly, Sonny, and Jason that Michael had 3rd degree burns over 40% of his body. He was critical and they didn’t know if he would live. Nina called Willow with the news.  

Thursday:

Drew showed up at the hospital since he’s an idiot and a creeper. Curtis advised him to get lost. Martin wanted Willow to petition the court for sole custody, but she said, absolutely not. Diane advised Carly to get the kids away from Willow. Nina told Willow that she shouldn’t show up at the hospital, but she went anyway. She and Josslyn got into it.

Jason said the explosion was like nothing they’d ever seen, and Sonny said they had to find the culprit and stop them dead in their tracks. Anna and Chase investigated the penthouse. Anna called Jack to come and help. Jack said, the Bureau had come across the same type of incendiary device before and thought he could be of assistance. Sonny said they’d find who did this and retaliate, and Jason said he was all for that (me too), but he also wanted to get Danny out of the line of fire.

Sonny and Kristina had a father/daughter moment on the roof of GH. Molly showed up at the hospital to offer support. Carly prayed in the chapel that God spare her son. Drew walked in to give his sympathies, but she wasn’t having it. He whined about what he’d done for her, and she hit the nail on the head telling him that he had a hero complex.

Michael opened his eyes.

Friday…

On the roof at GH, Sonny looks up and tells Morgan that he’s worried. Can he watch over his brother? Please help him. Isaiah comes out and joins him.  

At Beradino’s, Alexis sees Ric and says, her bad day just got worse. He says, nice to see her too. Despite her many flaws, she has great taste in restaurants. We see Cyrus puttering around, and Alexis asks if Ric can eat somewhere else, but he says he’s meeting a client. However, if she feels compelled to leave, don’t let him stop her. He encourages it. He tells the hostess, Lansing, party of two.  

Lucy brings Sidwell to Bobbie’s and tells him that there are other charming spots, but for an authentic Port Charles meal, this is the spot. They have the best burgers, chili, and everything in between, but no matter what, always, always, always order the fries. He says he’ll remember that and tells her that her energy is contagious. She suggests having made such a charming new friend has made her happy, and he says he appreciates that. She says, now back to the tour. Bobbie’s is named after a special, dear friend of hers, the late Bobbie Spencer. He asks if she said Spencer, and she asks if he knows the Spencers. He says, no, but he’s sure they’re lovely people, and she says, unfortunately, Bobbie passed away not long ago. She was influential in the community. She was a nurse at GH, owned this place, and was a leader for charitable causes.

Colette asks if there’s any new business, and Jack says he just spoke to Anna. She asks if it was about Valentin, but he says, no. It was about the fire that put Michael Corinthos in the hospital. The WSB may bear some blame.

At the MetroCourt, Felicia says she’s glad she was available to take Maxie and Sasha to lunch, and Maxie asks to what they owe this unexpected treat. Felicia says she needed a break from the hospital stress, and Sasha says she can imagine. Felicia says she loves her job. It’s rewarding, but it’s also difficult and draining. She sees people during the hardest times in their life and it’s challenging. She witnesses their pain, not just the physical pain, but the emotional pain. Maxie says, the patients are lucky to have her and so are they, and Felicia says, sometimes it’s hard for her to leave work behind, especially if she knows the patient. Like now, with Michael Corinthos. Sasha asks, what happened with Michael?  

Portia tells Jason that Michael is in shock. He has severe burns, and the main issue is to manage his pain. He’s on the highest dose of morphine and they can’t bring him to full consciousness for too long. It’s too much. Jason says, Michael came to, and he’s sure Michael knew it was him, and Portia says, good. That’s a great sign. He’ll likely be heavily sedated or unconscious for the next few days and it’s absolutely the best thing for him right now.

Carly tells Drew that her son is upstairs in excruciating pain fighting for his life. Does that even matter to him? Drew says, she came at him when he was speaking the truth. She needs to go make a list of the things Sonny’s done to harm Michael, but he can see it on her face that she already knows. Does she have any regrets about way back when she decided to let Sonny raise Michael instead of AJ? Was it worth Michael’s life? She says, nothing is worth Michael’s life, and he says he knows she loves her son, but none of what she did was what was best for Michael. It was all about what she wanted.

Jack tells Colette that the incendiary device left almost zero evidence. It was a unique weapon like a device the WSB designed years ago. He knew what the hardware looked like even before Anna described it. Colette says, it’s highly classified, and he says, it was meant for Sonny, not his unfortunate son. They need to find out who wanted Sonny eliminated and had access to the weapon. She says, there could have been a security breach. Maybe the specs were leaked and sold to the highest bidder. He says he’s making it top priority, and she asks if it has anything to do with the Rice Plaza footage, but he says, that has to do with his other project.  

Willow tells Josslyn that no matter what’s happened between her and Michael, she loves him. He’s the father of her children and she’s praying he recovers quickly. Josslyn says, did she forget she cheated on Michael with his uncle, and they had sex in the nursery? How skeevy can you be? Nina joins them and says, that’s enough. Leave her daughter alone.

Sitting with Ric, Ava says, it’s not like she’s destitute. The gallery is doing well, and she had money of her own before she married Nikolas. She was planning on moving the gallery to a new location and purchased a building. She was going to renovate it and have it up and running before she sold the building the gallery is in now. He says, she’s paying for mortgages on two commercial properties? and she says, unless the divorce settlement money is returned to her, she’ll have to sell the building and finding a buyer won’t be easy. He says he’s sorry, but the only way she’ll see any of the money is if the estate grants it, and she says, by estate, he means Alexis. He says, as trustee, Alexis is the only one who has the power, and Ava says, the money isn’t even Alexis’s. It’s in trust for Ace. He says, until Ace is of age, Alexis can decide how it’s spent. Considering Ava was involved in Alexis’s disbarment and Kristina fell out Ava’s hotel room window causing the death of her baby, the chances of Alexis gifting her are pretty slim.

Diane joins Alexis and says she’s represented Michael’s family for most of his life. What happened is unimaginable. She can’t stop thinking about it. Alexis says, Michael has always been so good to her girls over the years. She respects him for that. Diane says, he’s a wonderful man, and Alexis says, Kristina adores him and she’s reeling. She’s had so much loss lately. Michael has to pull through. Cyrus listens in.

Felicia says she assumed they heard, and Sasha asks why Michael is in the hospital. Felicia says, there was a terrible accident at the penthouse. Michael is in the burn unit and in critical condition. Sasha says she needs to go see him, and Felicia says, of course (🍷). Maxie asks her to text or call if there’s an update, and as she leaves, Sasha says she will.

Sonny says he comes up here to think sometimes, and Isaiah says, it’s good for that. Sonny thanks Isaiah for everything he did for Michael when he brought Michael in, and Isaiah says, of course (🍷). He has a lot of experience with burn victims from his time in Africa and he’s glad to help. Sonny asks about the percentage of recovery and tells Isaiah to be straight with him. Isaiah says, it’s serious, but GH is doing everything in their power to treat Michael and alleviate the pain. How is Sonny feeling? All the stress could complicate his condition and possibly make it worse. Sonny thanks him for his concern, but says he can’t think about himself. Isaiah says he understands that Michael is the only thing on Sonny’s mind, but he has to take care of himself too. Sonny asks if Isaiah has kids, and Isaiah says, not that he’s aware of. (Ha-ha!) Sonny says, when he does, he’ll know the love for his kids can get him through anything.  

Carly tells Drew not to preach to her about selfishness. He had sex with Michael’s wife in the nursery where his daughter plays. Did he think about Michael? Or did Willow’s hero worship give him such a high that he couldn’t control it? Drew says she can’t understand his and Willow’s relationship. What’s between them is real. She asks if that’s what he tells himself, and he says, it’s more real than what they had. (Ugh. I hate people who argue like this. Like all of a sudden it was never a good relationship to begin with. It’s so immature.) Carly laughs and asks if that was supposed to hurt her. It didn’t. He had sex with her daughter-in-law, the mother of her grandchildren. Now she sees him for who he really is. He did her a huge favor when he dumped her. He says, good. He’s a lot happier away from her too. He walks out of the chapel. (Quick. Get that man a bonnet, diaper, and baby bottle.)

Colette asks about Jack accessing the Rice Plaza footage, and he says, Josslyn asked him to because she wants to find the person responsible for stabbing Dex. Thanks to the footage, now he knows who it is. She says, mystery solved, but to what end? He can’t use top secret footage to solve a civilian case. He says, of course (🍷) he can’t. But now that he knows who Josslyn is looking for, he can leave a trail of breadcrumbs and see how well she follows them.

Nina says, Josslyn has no right to speak to Willow that way. Her husband was just in a horrible accident. Josslyn says, Michael is her brother, and nothing she said was anything less than the truth. Was there anything Willow didn’t use Michael for? Nina says, Josslyn is just like her mother, and Josslyn says, thanks. She could say the same thing about Willow right now. Nina can’t stand to be called out on her crap. On the surface, they’re both so sweet and friendly, but underneath, they’re lying liars who lie. Stay the hell away from her brother. She walks away.  

Lucy says she and Sidwell had sort of discussed Mayor Laura Collins. She’s actually a former Spencer and has two Spencer children. Sidwell says, there are a lot of them in Port Charles, and she says, quite a few and very notable. He says, she knows everything and everyone in Port Charles really well, and she says, she seems to be doing all the talking. She knows she’s doing all the talking. He has to share something about himself. He says, she handled his purchase of Spoon Island skillfully. What else does she need to know? She says she hardly thinks the transfer of information captures a person. From what she read, he’s not currently married, but does he have a couple of former Mrs. Sidwells running about? What do she and Port Charles need to know about the newest resident? He laughs.

Maxie tells Felicia, it’s awful. Michael has always been good to her. She can’t imagine what the family is going through. Spinelli is going to be devastated and poor Jason. He’s got to be losing his mind. Felicia says, Michael’s injuries are severe, but it’s still possible for him to recover, and Maxie says she’s going to send every positive thought his way. Felicia says she hopes Sasha is okay. She seemed upset and stressed after she heard the news. (Well, of course. < 🍷>) Maxie says she knows Sasha and Michael were together at one point and stayed good friends, but her reaction did seem out of proportion. It’s probably pregnancy hormones. Felicia says she wants to tell Maxie how much she loves her, and Maxie says, why? Is there something wrong? Felicia says she’s fine. Don’t worry. Her work as a patient advocate has given her a new perspective. Working with people who are grieving and people in hospice who don’t have much time left, they all say the same thing over and over. Their biggest regret is not telling the people in their lives how much they love them. Her and Maxie’s relationship hasn’t always been easy, but she’s glad they’ve moved past it. She doesn’t want a day to go by that she doesn’t let Maxie know how much she loves her. Maxie says she loves Felicia too, and takes her hand.

Sasha looks into Michael’s room window and cries. Jason arrives, and she asks, what happened? All she heard was that there was an accident. He’s going to be okay, right? Jason says, they don’t know yet.

In the chapel, Carly says, please let Michael recover. He’s such a good man and has so much to live for and so many people who love him. Sonny comes in, and she asks if there’s an update. He says he went by Michael’s room to talk to Portia. Jason was with him and Michael woke up, but they had to sedate him because he’s in so much pain. Carly covers her face with her hands, and he says, the doctor said hopefully they’ll find out something soon. She asks how it happened, and Sonny says he doesn’t know any more than he did last night, but whoever planned this is after him.

Willow thanks Nina for defending her, and Nina says, Josslyn is a bully and a hypocrite. Don’t listen to a word she says. Willow says she thought that they’d come together to support Michael and the kids through this tragedy, but Nina says, Josslyn is a lot like her mother. Their first instinct is to lash out. No empathy, no compassion, just rage. Willow wonders if she can get some alone time with Carly, but Nina says she doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Willow says, they were close once. Carly walked her down the aisle when she married Michael. She cares… Nina says, cared, past tense, but Willow says she doesn’t know. Nina says, unfortunately, she does. Carly sent Diane and a social worker to the apartment and took custody of Wiley and Amelia. Willow says, how? and sees Drew come out of the elevator. She runs to him, throwing her arms around him. She says he has to help her. Carly has taken the kids. Drew looks at Nina.

Josslyn literally bumps into Jack at the hospital, and says, sorry. He says, it’s fine, and asks how Michael is. She says, the same. He’s in pain and it’s horrible. He says he’s very sorry, and she thanks him for bringing her to GH last night. He says he was glad to help, and she says she’s headed to grab some air. He says, before she goes, he has an update to share with her about who stabbed Dex.

Ava says, Ric is a fantastic lawyer. He got Heather Webber set free and got her cleared of any wrongdoing in Kristina’s accident. There’s got be something he can do. He was married to Alexis and knows her so well. He has to be able to use that to his advantage somehow.

Martin comes into the Baradino’s and says hello to Cyrus. Cyrus says he’s grateful Martin came to see him, and Martin says, that’s because when Cyrus calls, he picks up the phone. Cyrus should try it sometime instead of dodging his calls. Cyrus says he’s been doing the Lord’s work. The holiday season has been busy. He needed to see Martin because GH is trying to restrict his access to patients. Martin asks what that has to do with him, and Cyrus says he wants Martin to put a stop to it. His patients need him. Martin says, there are plenty of places Cyrus can do the Lord’s work if GH doesn’t want him there, and Cyrus says, if the law won’t help, the Lord will provide a path for him to continue his work. The Lord has ways the legal system knows nothing about. Diane comes by and asks if Martin has a moment to discuss the Corinthos custody case, and Martin says, when he’s done with his brother, they can have a chat. Cyrus says, it’s fine. They’re done. He’ll leave them to their business. He moves along with his non-Lord’s work.

Ric goes over to Alexis’s table and says, may I? He sits down, and she says, you may not. Seeing he’s not moving, she heaves a sigh.

Josslyn tells Jack that she wants to hear everything, but she’s confused. She thought there was no footage from Rice Plaza. Jack says, it’s true they have no footage, but he has a lot of resources. He called in a favor from the PCPD and got the witness list from Rice Plaza on the day of the assault. She says, that would help immensely, and he says he’ll forward it to her right now. She thanks him, and he says he suggests she speak to the witnesses. Ask questions and piece the scene together. Unless it’s too much for her to handle. Then she can always hire a private investigator. She says she’s going to do it herself. It’s what she owes Dex. She looks at her phone and says she received the list. She even knows some of the people. He says he hopes one leads to the answers she’s looking for, and she sees Felicia at the reception desk. She says she thinks she already knows where to start.

Carly says, Drew was just here and said what happened was her fault for bringing Sonny into Michael’s life, and Sonny says, Drew has no business judging her. Don’t listen to him. She made the best choice she could for Michael at the time. She tells him that he’s saying that with such confidence, and he says, it’s not like he doesn’t know the feeling. It’s not the first time he’s put Michael in danger or Michael has been fighting for his life because of what he does. He was supposed to protect him from all this. She says, he didn’t know what would happen, and he says, neither did she. She says she just wants Michael to be okay, and he says he does too.

Sasha tells Jason, it’s horrible to see Michael like this. She and Michael never had a real break-up. Everything that happened with Willow, Wiley, and Chase took their lives in different directions, but the love is still there. Jason says he gets it. Sometimes life doesn’t work the way we plan. She says, Michael stood by her when everyone else hated her. When her mother told her that Robert was her dad and she and Cody broke up, he found time to comfort her when his own marriage was falling apart. He’s such a good man. Jason says, the best, and Sasha looks in the window again and cries.

Willow asks how Carly can take the kids, and Nina says, Diane brought Chase and a social worker and this court order. She shows Willow the paperwork, and Willow says she thought even though Michael filed for divorce, they’d figure it out through mediation. Drew says he just had his head ripped off by Carly because she found out they spent the night together in DC. Clearly, she wants revenge. Willow says she can’t believe they’re talking about Carly taking revenge through her kids, and Drew says, it’s a valid order. Nina says, they need to petition the court for an emergency custody hearing, and Drew says he can call in a favor, but in the best case, it won’t happen until next week. Willow says she can’t be without her kids until next week. Michael will be in the hospital a long time and the kids will be scared without either of their parents. Nina says she understands what it’s like to be without your baby. There’s no worse feeling. But they can’t defy the court order. It will work against them in the long run and there’s no recourse at the moment. Drew says, maybe there is.

Sidwell tells Lucy that his last love left him feeling wounded. It seems she was using him to get her hands on inventory. Lucy says, that’s absolutely horrible, and he says, it’s a hazard of his profession. He doesn’t think she needs to hear more detail.  She says she loves details and nothing he could say would bore her. He says she’s too kind and he’s happy to repay her hospitality with lunch. And the knowledge she imparted about Port Charles will prove invaluable in helping him acclimate. She says, it’s been a pleasure. If there’s anything else he needs, don’t hesitate to ask. They clink coffee cups.

Diane asks Martin when she can expect a response to the divorce petition, and he says he assumed it would be put on pause after last night’s events. She says she understands, but unless instructed otherwise, she’s going to proceed with her client’s wishes. And if his client thinks she can be galivanting up on Capitol Hill with her son and her husband’s uncle, she needs to think again. He says, they’ll have to see how it shakes out at the custody hearing, and she says, or they can spare the upset if his client makes a compromise now. He says, a brave attempt. Now if she’ll excuse him, he thinks he should get back to his brother. He looks around, but Cyrus isn’t there.

Ric tells Alexis that the money belongs to Ava. She’s entitled to pain and suffering for the emotional duress she suffered when married to Nikolas. Alexis says she knows a thing or two about emotional duress having been married to Ric. Ava has mistaken her for an ATM. It’s not her money. She’s just the trustee. Ric says, she knows the Cassadine money ruins lives, like with Stephan and Nikolas. Even if Ava got all of what Nikolas gave her, Ace wouldn’t miss it. Alexis says, despite her reservations in giving it to Ace, Ava is not going to see a penny, and he says, if it was anybody but Ava, she’d be singing a different tune. She says she’d like him to leave. She enjoys the food here, and staring at him is making her lose her appetite. He leaves.

Carly tells Sonny, hindsight is a funny thing. You look back and see everything clearly and it’s easy to question your decisions. He says, they’re just torturing themselves here and can’t change the past. She says, it would be nice if they could. She was thinking about if she had to do it over, knowing what she knows, would she do it differently? He says, of all the wrong turns they made, there’s one thing they did right – their kids. Michael, Morgan, and Donna, they’re amazing kids. She says, Michael is special, and Sonny says, he is. She says, they have to present a united front. Their strength will be Michael’s strength. Sonny says he’s going to check on the doctors. They’re going to go through this. Hit it face on as a family. He takes her hand, and she says, yes.

Willow asks what other recourse she has, and Drew says, even though she filed for separation and Michael filed for divorce, they’re still legally husband and wife. If Michael made her his healthcare proxy, that’s still valid. She’s holding the cards. Michael is badly injured, a lot of decisions will need to be made about his healthcare, and Carly and Sonny think they’re in charge. Nina asks if he’s suggesting using the fact that Willow is Michael’s wife as a bargaining chip to get the kids back, and he says, exactly. She can deny Carly, Sonny, or anybody else access to Michael. Willow says she would never do that. Things weren’t great between her and Michael, but Michael is a good person and an amazing dad. Even after everyone saw the video, he let her take the kids so they could be with her. She’s not going to pay him back by keeping his family from him. Drew says, it’s Sonny and Carly that she’s up against, not Michael. Carly is angry about them being together, and it could be the only leverage she has to get her kids back.

Jason tells Sasha that Sonny and Carly are on their way back from the chapel and suggests he give her a ride home. She says she probably shouldn’t drive this upset and thanks him. They leave.

Sonny asks, how’s Michael? and Portia says, his condition remains the same. Carly asks if there are any long-term burn recovery units she recommends. They’d like to get him set up as soon as possible. Willow pops out and says, there’s nothing to worry about. She’s Michael’s wife and she’ll be making the decisions about his care. She’s the only one the doctors will be talking to. (Wow. She nasty.)

Felicia tells Josslyn that she’s sorry. That’s all she remembers. She wishes she was more help. Josslyn says, even small details matter in cases like this, and Felicia says she did tell Chase there was something weird that she can’t put her finger on. She’s done everything she can to remember why she feels that way, but it still escapes her. Josslyn says, if she recalls it from beginning to end, it might come back. She was at Rice Plaza, picking out a tree with Georgie and James. There were holiday lights and carolers, the college kids fighting before Dex and his partner ran them off. The elevator dings, and Felicia says she sees what it is. It’s the bell. Josslyn asks, what bell? and Felicia says, that’s what she was trying to remember. Cyrus was at Rice Plaza taking donations and he had a bell he was ringing the entire time. Jack listens from the other side of the desk, and Felicia says, when Dex was stabbed, there was no sound. Cyrus had stopped ringing the bell.  

We see slippered feet walk into Michael’s room and gloved hands closing the door and the blinds. Standing next to Michael’s bed, Cyrus says he knows Michael is in terrible pain, but it will soon be over. He’ll be at peace. God will call him home. He puts his hand on Michael’s forehead and says, may your soul be surrounded by divine light. He takes out a syringe and prepares it. He checks Michael’s IV bag, plunges the needle in, and we see that it’s digitalis.

On Monday, Tracy tells Cody that if he invests, that money will be gone; Laura says, Dante did the right thing by going after Lulu; Nina tells Sonny not to waste precious time on this fight; and Isaiah says, Michael will die either way.

I have to say, I didn’t see another digitalis death coming. As much as I hate all these characters being killed off, it is one hell of a storyline.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

This is just horrific. I had to turn off the news the first night. While I know I’d cry over losing my stuff too, if everyone and their pets gets out alive, that’s the most important thing.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/soap-stars-share-wildfire-updates

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-opens-up-about-losing-everything

They read the room.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/2025-daytime-emmy-awards-rescheduled-to-october

In happier news. Hopefully, this gets enough viewers to stay on the air. Many a decent show has been cancelled because it wasn’t given enough time to build up an audience.

https://ew.com/beyond-the-gates-trailer-first-black-daytime-soap-in-35-years-8762458

💊 A Dose Of Reality…

Here’s what happened all week on…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Another group of demanding, immature guests, who were – of all people – drag queens, who I would expect more empathy from even on a superyacht. TBH, Cloyce’s consistent inconsistency leaves something to be desired, but they didn’t have to make fun of him. Shame on them!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Love Boz and her boyfriend Keely. They seem like the perfect couple and it’s nice to watch. Erika and Dorit can both go pound sand. PK blindsided Dorit, saying he wanted a divorce during a 4-hour therapy session. Who has a 4-hour therapy session? I’d be done after 4 hours too. In an actual real non-screaming moment, Garcelle talked about the years she had to give Oliver tough love and how it killed her to not even let him in the house. She did it right though, because look at him now. That’s what reality TV should be about. Seeing the changes. Some of these women also need to get a vocabulary. Erika debuted her new single, Dominos, and it sounded like all her other singles. Like Jennifer said, it’s not going to win any awards for lyrics, but it’s catchy.

Real Housewives of New York City

While I do think Brynn has some good qualities, girlfriend needs to mature. She’s way too into stirring the pot and it’s not a good look. She picked on Jessel for having a penchant for glam. Really? Like she doesn’t?

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

I could barely sit through this. Meredith freaked out when she discovered out Britani was recording the back of a seat during a bus trip, screeching about how sneaky it was. I guess she forgot that Bravo recording them is actually the whole point and there are cameras on all the time. These women do nothing but find things to argue about, and they’re best response to an insult is, no, you. It didn’t sound any better when Heather had to explain what the word nefarious meant. Someone please get them a dictionary. They give me a headache. Except for Mary, who is still the MVP.

I also watched a little of Sold on SLC, and I think the crux of all their problems is the church. No judgement, to each his own, but if it isn’t lifting you up, get out. These people are all adults and feel they have to pretend to be a certain way just so they don’t get excommunicated. It’s doubtful they’re fooling anyone, so I’m guessing as long as they put their share into the collection plate or whatever, it’s all good. Seriously, if it’s making you hate yourself and everyone else, get out.

Southern Charm

Taylor’s picker still seems to be off, but hey, sometimes you need something in the moment that won’t be in your future. I’m more looking forward to next week when JT meets with Craig. Mostly because I want to see how JT makes an ass of himself this time.

This made me feel sad, but I get it.

Southern Hospitality

I still maintain that this show wants to be Vanderpump Rules 2.0, but misses it entirely. For every real moment, like the discussion between Michols and TJ about being gay in Charleston, there’s a ton of screaming, yelling, and heightened drama that belongs in a middle school.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

A Mother’s Instinct. I love the 60s time period, which is why I chose to watch this. But I stayed for the twisty-turny plot and the incredible acting.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mothers-instinct-neon-film-review-2024

Smile 2. I know a lot of people liked the first one, but I wasn’t one of them. It was okay, but I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. I’d seen the trailer for this when I saw Red One, and thought it looked promising. I was right. I actually thought this was better than the first one. This article pretty much sums up why. The costumes were also quite fabulous.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-watched-smile-2-i-need-to-talk-about-why-horrors-of-fake-smile-got-to-me

The Deliverance. More of a straight on horror film, based on so-called true events. Like both Lovecraft Country and Them, real life horror parallels supernatural horror. It was a captivating ride, capturing the truth of trying to escape poverty, along with the terror of living in a haunted house. Lee Daniels is a master and he snagged Glenn Close. It was definitely worth the time.

Nightbitch. I was looking forward to seeing this and it didn’t disappoint. You don’t need to be a mom to relate either. It gave me all the feels – it was funny, sad, poignant, and joyous. And there was an apology at the end that every man should watch. A bonus for me was seeing Jessica Harper, Janet from one of my favorite films, Richard O’Brien’s Shock Treatment. It was also nice to see an actress aging like a normal human.

🏆 And You Get an Award…

Golden Globe winners.

https://ew.com/2025-golden-globes-winners-full-list-8769343

Golden Globe fashion. Holy! Zendaya looks just like Elizabeth from GH.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37442/2025-golden-globes-red-carpet-fashion

https://pagesix.com/2025/01/07/style/melissa-rivers-on-the-best-and-worst-golden-globes-2025-looks/

Awards to come. The SAG nominations.

https://ew.com/2025-sag-awards-nominations-full-list-8770586

🎉 Bravo For the New Year…

Including one of my all-time favorite New Year’s Eves – the night Giggy married Grandma Wrinkles.

🐕 Bowling For Pups…

Coming February 11th. Be there or be a cat.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/get-ready-for-puppy-bowl-xxi-

🪂 Quotes of the Week

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. There is no short cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. – Asha Tyson

It’s never too late to never give up. – Pamela Anderson

Youth has no age. – Pablo Picasso

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. – Milton Berle (Or kick one out.)

It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide

Things just tend to accumulate after Labor Day. What can I tell you?Little Edie Beale, Grey Gardens

My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference. – President Jimmy Carter

❄️ Kisses From Heaven…

Join me again next Friday for soap, recaps, what to watch (or not), and other entertainment nonsense. Until then, stay safe; stay helping a neighbor shovel after a snowstorm; and stay telling the people in your life how much you love them. Don’t let that be a regret.

December 26, 2024 – Christmas Day In Port Charles, Her Blessing, Celebrations, New Squid, Ugly Sweaters, Movie Memories, More Celebrating, Odd Sights & Just You

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Everyone is thrilled to see Emma, who says she wants to get to know her new Aunt Sasha. Felicia asks how long she’s here for, but Emma says, it’s not a visit. She’s staying. She transferred to PCU and she’s moving into the dorm in three weeks. Anna wonders why Robin didn’t say anything, and Emma says she wanted it to be a surprise.

Brook hands Chase a gift bag and says she has one more and she can’t wait for him to open it. He takes out a pregnancy test, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). She’s late.

Jack says, the Goddess of War has been defeated at last, and Josslyn says, that’s because he cheated. He insists he didn’t, but she says, he must have since he works in espionage. On the side, Carly says she knows Jason hates Jack, but he took Josslyn’s mind off of things. Jason says he still doesn’t trust Jack, and Jack asks Josslyn for a rematch. She asks for a raincheck, and he says, absolutely yes, for her. She goes upstairs, and Jack tells Carly that he won fair and square. Jason walks away, and Carly thanks Jack for distracting Josslyn. He says, she’s got a competitive streak, but he has no idea where she gets it from. He wanted to use that to get her mind off things. Carly says, losing Dex so suddenly and senselessly was too much.

Nina wonders if this nightmare will never end, and Ava says, Drew will be gone in a few minutes. Willow comes out with Drew and says she asked him to stay, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Lucas, and Ava asks if he was searching the city for his favorite aunt, but he says he’s here for Willow.

At Rice Plaza, Kristina says she was hoping to say hello to Lulu, but Laura says, she’s at the Quartermaines. She wanted to be with Rocco and Dante on Christmas morning. Sonny says, it’s all Rocco wanted for Christmas, to get his mother back. He got his wish. Laura says, now all they have to do is bring Charlotte home and all will be right with the world.

In the nook, Dante says, Rocco’s mother will be here at the crack of dawn, and Rocco says, it’s a big day. Dante says, they’ve been waiting four years. He can’t imagine what she’s thinking.

At the airport, an announcement says, the flight to Prague will be boarding shortly and will arrive around noon Prague time. Lulu sends a text to Charlotte: Text me the name of the café, I can’t wait to see you.

Lucas says he’s here about Wiley, and Willow says, Wiley is sleeping. Lucas says, it’s Christmas Eve. Wiley should be home. Willow says, Michael will see the children on Christmas morning, when Drew comes out. Willow says, clearly, Lucas heard she and Michael are having difficulties. She’s staying here for a while. Lucas says, she must understand his concern, but Nina says, there’s no reason to be concerned. The children are with their mother. Ava asks what Lucas wants, and Lucas says he wants to remind Willow that he didn’t rip out his heart and let Wiley go without a fight so she could take him away from his father.

Jason asks how Michael is holding up, and Michael says he misses Willow and the kids and the life he thought they had. He’s starting to realize that life is gone forever.

Josslyn says, her mom told her that Jack helped bring Lucky home, but not how, and Jack says, the how is highly classified. Carly says she was impressed at how clear the footage was, and Josslyn asks if she was there. Jack says, hypothetically, that would be against protocol, and Carly says, so would watching Lucky, Holly, Anna, and Jason escape Sidwell’s compound.

Emma says she thought Anna would be happy, and Anna says she is. She’s just surprised. Mission accomplished. They hug, and Anna asks, what happened to Emma’s incredible internship? Emma says, it wasn’t as incredible as she’d hoped, and Maxie says, Emma is over the west coast. Emma says, Maxie’s got her, and Anna says she’s surprised Robin didn’t say she’d transferred to PCU. Emma says, that’s because all they’re talking about is their new aunt. Before that, Cousin Cody was all the rage. One surprise after another. Sasha really didn’t know Robert was her dad? Sasha says, no, and Emma says, and he took off with Holly? That’s rude. Sasha says, it’s par for the course that comes with her mom, but she’s glad Robert is with her. Emma says, but they left Sasha alone, and Felicia says, no. She’s got them.

Sonny asks if Laura has had any luck locating Valentin and Charlotte, but Laura says, not yet. It’s been hard on Lulu. Sonny says, if there’s anything he can do… She thanks him and says her work here is done. She’s got to get going. Sonny thanks her, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄), and they hug. Laura leaves, and Sonny goes over to Kristina, who’s looking at the tree. She says, when she was little, the tree was magic. It was so big and beautiful. She was afraid she would feel nothing after all she’s been through and just be empty. He says, was she? but she says, no. She still feels the same sense of wonder and hope even, thanks to him. Merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄).

Josslyn says, it’s amazing how the WSB located Sidwell’s compound, but Jack says, his strip-mining operation leaves a huge nasty footprint. She asks if it’s MTR. Mountain top removal mining is extremely devastating. Jack wonders how she knows about it, and she says she’s an environmental science major. He asks what she’s going to do when she finishes, and she tells him that she used to say she was going to try and help save the world, but it seems naïve now.

Michael says he should have taken Jason’s advice, walked out of the Brown Dog Bar, and told Willow everything. He slept with Sasha and unfortunately both of them cheated, but he wasn’t ready to give up on the marriage. Now it’s too late. Jason says, it isn’t all on him and Willow. Drew bears some blame. Michael says, Willow doesn’t see it that way. She looks at him as the bad guy and that hurts the most.

Laura goes to the Quartermaines and says, Lulu left her gloves, so she thought she’d drop them off. Where is she? Dante says he thought Lulu was with her, but Laura says, Lulu texted her that she was going to stay the night with Rocco. Dante says, Lulu texted him that she was spending Christmas Eve with Laura, so he doesn’t know what she’s up to.  

Lulu takes out a book while she waits, and sitting near her, Colette says she hasn’t seen a guidebook in ages. Lulu says she’s old school, when her phone rings, but she ignores the call. Collette asks if Lulu has been to Prague before, but Lulu says, it’s her first time. Colette says, with all the Christmas decorations, it’s like traveling back in time, and Lulu says, wouldn’t that be great?

Anna says she should call Emma’s mom to let her know Emma is here, but Emma says she just got off the phone with her. She asks if it’s true that Sasha was dating Cody, and Maxie says, when they found out they were cousins, they broke up. Emma says, that’s rough, and Sasha says, it’s taken some getting used to. Felicia asks Emma to fill them in on what she’s been up to, and Emma says, school, but what she wants to know is, what it’s like to be a model.

Brook asks how long they have to wait, and Chase says, three minutes. She says, it’s the longest three minutes of her life. Distract her. He kisses her and asks if she feels different. She says, yes… no… She doesn’t know. He says, it’s not like she’s been pregnant before. Next year, they could be celebrating their baby’s first Christmas. He can’t wait to see life through their child’s eyes. He wants a lot of kids, but the first one is special.

The alarm goes off, and Chase says, ready? Brook looks at the test and says, negative. She’s not pregnant. He hugs her and says, they’ll keep trying.

Nina says, Lucas’s concern is admirable, but he did give Wiley up. Lucas says he raised Wiley for the first two years and loves Wiley like his own. Willow says she loves Wiley too, and Lucas says he gave Wiley to Michael because he belongs with Michael. She says, but not her because she’s not his biological mom. Lucas is adopted. Did his father love him less? He says he’s not questioning Willow’s love; he’s questioning her actions. She says she knows he loves Wiley, but she’s doing what’s best for her children, and he asks how sleeping with Michael’s uncle is what’s best. Drew says, he’s out of line, but Willow says she can speak for herself. She and Drew developed feelings for each other, but they didn’t want to hurt anyone. Lucas says, but they took action that did. Their emotions don’t excuse their absence of integrity. Willow says, they didn’t mean for this to happen, but Lucas says, of course (🍷) they did.

Josslyn wonders what she could do to save the world. Dex tried and look what happened. Carly says, Dex’s time was cut short, but he changed people’s lives for the better, and Josslyn says, he died from a senseless act of violence. Jack says, in the grand scheme of things, if you help an old lady or save a kitten, the world seems the same after the rescue, but it’s not the same for the old lady or the kitten. One person can make a difference. The right push in the right place at the right time can have a huge effect on a person’s future or a country’s future. Sometimes the whole world’s future. Josslyn says she’s not so sure, and Jack says, the ancient Greeks believed the world rested on Atlas’s shoulders. They weren’t totally wrong. Everyone plays a part in holding up the world.

Sonny asks if Kristina is okay, and she says she is. It’s rare these days. He says he heard she took photos at Charlie’s. Any thoughts on how she wants it changed? She says he didn’t have to give her Charlie’s to cheer her up, but he says he wanted it to stay in the family. She says she’s honored that he asked her to run it. She hopes she’s up for the job. He says he doesn’t want to and won’t push her, but he thinks… he knows she’ll do great things with the place.

Laura says her calls are going to voicemail, and Dante says, that can only mean one thing. Lulu went to find Charlotte. Laura says she has no idea where Charlotte is, but Rocco says, Lulu knows where to look. Charlotte called him on Christmas Eve. Dante asks why he didn’t say anything, and Rocco says, mom asked him not to. Dante says, start at the beginning, and Rocco says he got random texts from a European phone and Charlotte called to wish him a merry Christmas (🎄). He sent her a photo of her mom and she called. Mom talked to her. Laura asks where she is, but Rocco tells her, she didn’t say. She was worried she’d get her dad in trouble. The only way she would see Lulu is if Lulu promised to come alone.

Lucas says, Drew and Willow chose to sleep with each other, and Drew says, it was a difficult time. Sam… Lucas says, don’t use his sister’s death to justify sleeping with his nephew’s wife, and Nina says, the child he claims to be worried about is sleeping in the next room. Willow says, he has no right to judge her, and he says he knows the pain of being separated from a child you love. Don’t make Michael go through that again. Willow asks if he’s comparing her to Nelle, who convinced Lucas’s husband to swap her dead child for Wiley. They’re done. Nina tells Lucas to get out, and Lucas tells them to think about what he said. He leaves and Ava goes out with him. Nina says, this proves they can’t sit back and think everything will be okay. They need to go on the offensive if Willow wants to keep her children.

Michael says, Willow wouldn’t have taken the kids if she wanted to work things out, and Jason asks what he thinks she wants. Michael says, she wants a hero and it’s not him, and Jason says, it’s not Drew. Michael says, Willow thinks it is. Drew risked his life to bring Liesl Obrecht home so Willow could get a blood transfusion. He literally saved her life, but he wanted more than gratitude. He made her spokeswoman for organ donations, so she felt valued, and it made Drew look like a hero. Jason says, Drew is slimy, that’s for sure, and Michael says, Drew ran for office so he could work for the public good and Willow ate it up. Jason asks what he wants to do, and Michael says he doesn’t want to punish Willow. If Drew is who she wants, then maybe he should let her go.

Brook says she’s sorry. She doesn’t understand why she can’t get pregnant. Chase says, some women take longer to conceive, and she says she’s been doing everything possible. He says, maybe that’s the problem.

Emma says, so Sasha was raised by Holly’s mom, and on the side, Felicia says, it looks like Sasha has a fan. Maxie says, Emma is asking a lot of questions, and Felicia says, because she doesn’t want to answer any questions herself. Maxie says she wants to know about Emma’s real life. (It doesn’t come across in the words, but it’s obvious Emma is avoiding talking about herself and doesn’t want Anna to talk to Robin.)

Dante says, a European number, and Laura says, there’s only one way to get there. Dante says he knows someone at the TSA. He’ll find out if they see Lulu’s name and where she’s headed. Laura says, even if he catches her, he may not be able to stop her. He says he doesn’t want to stop her, but he doesn’t want her to go after Valentin on her own. Rocco says he’s sorry he didn’t say something sooner, but Dante says, it’s okay. Rocco says, he’s not mad? and Dante says, no. He’ll let them know what he finds out. He leaves, and Rocco says, his mom is going to be okay, isn’t she?

Josslyn says, Jack is involved with spies and shadow government. Why does he believe them all coming together would make the world a better place? Jack says he can’t do everything himself, when his phone rings. He steps away to take the call and Carly takes Josslyn’s hand.

In the foyer, Jack says, status? and Colette says she made contact. She followed Lulu from Rice Plaza to the airport and she’s on the same flight. He asks where they’re headed, and she says, Prague. He says, Lulu will lead them straight to Valentin, and Colette says she’ll be there. He tells her to call when she is.

Kristina tells Sonny that she watched the Nurses Ball when he sang with Grandpa Mike. She wept in public. (We all did.) He says, one thing about his dad that was real, he always loved him. Kristina says, his dad loved him too, and Sonny says he never wants his kids to question how he feels. His kids are important to him and a big part of his life. Kristina puts her head on his shoulder, and he says he’ll always be in her corner.

Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying, but Chase says, absolutely not. But he’s read that too much pressure can make more of a difference. They need to relax and let nature take its course. She says she still wants to take a test to make sure, and he says him too, so they have all the facts. He knows in his heart that she was meant to be a mother.

Emma says, the cookies are amazing, and Felicia says, Sasha made them. Emma asks if she can have the recipe, and Sasha suggests they make them together. Emma wonders how Sasha makes all the meals for the Quartermaines, and Anna says she’d rather diffuse a bomb than make a meal. (Me too!) Felicia says, one time, she diffused a bomb while making a three-course dinner, but Anna says, that didn’t happen. Sasha says, the Quartermaines are a close family, and Emma says, like snakes in a pit. Sasha agrees they’re at each other’s throats, but at the end of the day, they support one another. Felicia says, that’s the great thing about family. They accept you, warts and all.

Rocco says, maybe he should have tried to stop his mom, but Laura says, once she heard Charlotte’s voice, nothing would stop her. He says he knows she’s happy, but she won’t really be okay until Charlotte is home. Laura asks if he’s okay, and he says he misses his sister, but he hopes his dad gets to his mom in time. He doesn’t know what he’d do if anything happened to her. Laura hugs him.

Jack sees Josslyn sitting with her head on Carly’s shoulder and says, that’s his cue. Josslyn says she hasn’t been sleeping well. She’s going upstairs. She enjoyed talking with him. Jack says he enjoyed talking to her too, and they wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄). Josslyn leaves, and Jack tells Carly that he had a lovely evening. He’s glad he ran into her. She says she’s glad she ran into him too.

Jason says he can’t tell Michael what to do, but Michael says he might actually listen. Jason says he’d fight for what he wants, and Michael says, even if Willow is happy. Jason says, Michael doesn’t know that, and he doesn’t think Willow does either. There’s more than one kind of hero. Michael needs to step up and find the good woman who took his kids and left. It’s sad that Willow doesn’t see the good man she has instead of being deceived, Drew not only betrayed Michael’s trust, he betrayed Willow’s. Unfortunately, she’ll have to see that for herself.

Willow says she doesn’t want the kids in a nasty custody battle, but Nina says, the Quartermaines will inevitably battle. Drew says, Willow’s got to protect herself, and Nina says, they’ll make her out as the villain, but only if she lets them. Drew says he’ll be by her side. She’s got to get tough. Nina says she’ll be there too. No one is going to take away Willow’s children.

In Rice Plaza, Ava says, obviously, Lucas loves Wiley. She remembers how hard it was when Lucas gave him back to Michael. She understands that kind of loss. She didn’t think she’d survive losing Kiki. She’s not sure she has. Lucas says he’s so sorry, and she says, the Jeromes are tough. He says, the Jeromes are also their own worst enemy. When he went to fight for Wiley, he thinks he just made things worse. He doesn’t get it. Willow gave up her son to protect Shiloh and she seems ready to corner Michael. Ava says, she sees Drew through rose colored glasses. She hopes Willow comes to her senses. He says, Michael shouldn’t have to lose his kids, and she says she and Sonny have been fighting about Avery from the day she was born. Nobody should have to go through that. He says, even Michael? And she says she knows what it’s like to lose a child and knows what it’s like to fight for one.

Brook says she ruined Christmas, but Chase says, she shared so much. And she’s the person he shares with. She says she loves him so much, and he says he loves her too. As much as he wants to have kids, he’s enjoying having her all to himself. They kiss.

Outside, Carly thanks Jack for spending time with Josslyn, and he says, she’s easy to talk to. She says, he took her seriously, and he says, she’s a formidable young woman. He’d never underestimate her or her mother. She thanks him, and he says, she gave him a place on Christmas. One kindness deserves another. She says, he’s been kind to her all year, and he says, that’s what he keeps telling her. Merry Christmas (🎄). She tells him, merry Christmas (🎄), and he leaves. She looks up as snow starts to fall.

Kristina says she never would have made it through this year without Sonny, but he says, she’s stronger than she knows. She says, because of him and mom. She was dreading Christmas, but they got her through. He says he loves her and she says she loves him too. They wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄), and Kristina goes to bed. Sonny looks out at the snow and smiles. He turns off the light and suddenly puts his hand to his chest.

Felicia says she can’t believe Robin didn’t tell Anna about Emma, and Anna says her too. Emma says she’ll come by to say hi to the others in the morning, and hugs everyone. She and Anna leave, and Felicia says she’s got to get going too. She just has to pry Mac away from the kids. Maxie asks if she means Spinelli and Cody, and Felicia says, yes. She goes to get Mac, and Sasha says, it’s nice to be part of a big family. Maxie says she was hoping Sasha would share the news about the baby, but Sasha says, Emma showed up. Maxie says, and weirdly interrogated her, and Sasha says, plus Cody was here. There’s a decision she needs to make before she tells anyone.

Michael says he wants his family back. He hopes Willow is willing to try and make their marriage work. Jason says, if she isn’t? and Michael says then he doesn’t want to hurt her. But if they can’t make this thing work, he’s going to fight for his kids.

Drew promises it will be okay, and Nina says she’s going to check on the kids. Willow says, it’s her life that people will now be judging. He says, she can’t let it get to her. They know the truth and that’s all that matters. She says, he’s a congressman and has to protect his image, and he says he’s not hiding how much she means to him. He’s going to be honest about his feelings. Willow says, having him to lean on makes all the difference, and he says he can’t believe he found her. She says, it feels like a dream, but he says, it’s real. They hug and Nina sees them.  

At the airport, Dante shows the desk clerk his badge and says, PCPD. He needs to get on that flight. The clerk says, too late. It’s already left the gate.

On the plane, Lulu looks at a photo of Charlotte on her phone and says, see you soon, sweetheart. Sitting a few seats back, Colette watches her.  

Tomorrow, Sasha tells Maxie that she decided to leave Port Charles; Jack wonders why something is of interest to someone; Jason says he’ll do anything to help Josslyn get closure; and Diane tells Michael that Willow is gearing up for battle

🔦 Passing the Torch…

Since Emma isn’t just in Port Charles for a visit and staying on, this makes more sense, as OG Emma has a day job as a nurse.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/brooklyn-rae-silzers-speaks-out-about-ghs-new-emma

🎄 Soap Celebrations…

Celebrities, they’re just like us… but they probably spend more doing it.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-soap-stars-celebrated-the-holidays

🐙  The Games Are Back…

I’ve only seen the first episode, but so far, it looks very promising. First, the teaser if you haven’t seen it.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-teaser-lee-jung-jae-8737196

A rough outline, but no spoilers.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-review-brutal-thrills-buildup-8763750

So many spoilers, I didn’t even read this.

https://people.com/squid-game-season-2-biggest-bombshells-explained-8765435

Is this guy kidding? The way they’re whittling seasons away, pretty soon a season will consist of one episode.

https://ew.com/squid-game-creator-split-seasons-2-and-3-too-many-episodes-8763970

👕 Facing the Ugly…

Oddly enough, I don’t own an ugly Christmas sweater. Although that may be a matter of perspective.

https://ew.com/watch-red-one-cast-face-off-ugly-sweater-competition-8746643

🎅 Christmas Memory Lane…

A shorter list is probably who hasn’t made a Christmas movie.

https://ew.com/celebrities-in-tv-christmas-movies-8760613

🎆 How They Celebrated…

More celebrities doing their holiday thing.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20241226_3d14a79bbdd446f6bb1112b7763107b3/

🦕 Things You Don’t See Every Day…

🦉 It’s doubtful an owl is something you want to have in your house, but it’s too cool how perfectly he’s perched.

https://people.com/owl-flies-down-chimney-on-top-of-christmas-tree-rescued-8765133

🐈 A cat who’s found her Christmas niche.

https://people.com/cat-loves-watching-the-grinch-on-repeat-8763113

🦎 More animals we didn’t know we had.

https://people.com/scientist-discovers-27-new-species-peru-alto-mayo-landscape-8763717

🎁 Box This…

Hope you had a merry and a happy whatever it is you celebrate. Join me tomorrow for soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay not feeling you have to make any New Year’s resolutions; and stay remembering that one person can make a difference.

December 23, 2024 – Christmas Eve In Port Charles, nuEmma, Which One, Getting Ready, Is It On, Movie Watch, Holidays Are For Pets (!), Quote Quintet & Ay-Ay-Ay  

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Laura sees Lucky and Elizabeth in Rice Plaza and says she’s glad to see them. She can’t tell them how happy she is to have both Lucky and Lulu home for Christmas.

Tracy goes to answer the door and wonders if the entire staff has Christmas Eve off. She opens the door and Lulu is there. She says, Lulu doesn’t have to knock. This is her home. They hug, and Brook watches from the top of the stairs.

Sonny says, Carly never mentioned that Jack was coming, and Jack says, Carly took pity on him, but if he’s intruding… Carly says, he’s not. They have plenty of food and no one should be alone on Christmas Eve. Jack sees Josslyn and Kristina and says, Carly forgot to tell him about the dress code. Josslyn says, that’s okay. There are two excited little girls with stickers waiting for him upstairs. Sonny asks if Carly is sure about this.

Jason sees Ned in the nook, and Ned says he’s on cheese wheel duty. It’s a big responsibility. Jason says he’ll bring some up to Monica. She’s insisting that Olivia gave everyone the night off. Ned says, she must be feeling better. He’s sure Jason moving in helped, and she’s not the only one who’s glad and grateful that Jason decided to finally move back home.

A girl runs up to Gio and says, sorry I’m late, Doug. Hold onto this. She presses a wallet into his hand and runs off. He says his name’s not Doug.

Alexis tells Ric that their daughter had a terrible year. She thought he’d want a chance to try and make it a tiny bit better. She’s willing to overcome her contempt for him to make their daughter happy. If he’s not willing to do the same, go have a fabulous evening.

Cody says he’s sorry he’s late, and James asks, what’s in the bag? Cody says, his favorite hat. He thought it was time he passed it on. He puts it on James’s head, but it’s too big, and everybody laughs.

Ric asks what Alexis’s plan is to make Molly’s Christmas better, and she gestures to the boxes. He says, Christmas decorations? and she says, if he doesn’t want help, there’s the door. He says he’s not going to let her play hero while she makes him the bad guy. What’s first? She tells him to slap a piece of tape over his mouth and unpack the boxes, and he says, Ho-ho-ho. Let’s get festive.

Tracy says, Lulu can’t look for Charlotte on her own. The WSB and the FBI are already looking. Lulu says, they’re looking for Valentin. She doesn’t care about Valentin, but she does care about Charlotte. She’s going to do what it takes to find her. Tracy says she can see Lulu’s father in her. She suggests Lulu wait to see if the authorities find her. If they don’t, she has the family’s resources. Lulu says she’ll hold off – for now – and Tracy says, promise her something else. She doesn’t want Lulu to forget she has a son who’s been waiting four years to celebrate Christmas with her. Promise she’ll be there for Rocco and the rest of her family. Promise not to forget them. Lulu says she could never, and thanks Tracy. They hug, and Tracy says she’s doing what her father would do. Brook continues to listen in.

Carly says, if Sonny has something to say, say it now while Jack is in the restroom, and Sonny asks if she really wants a WSB agent roaming around her house. She says, Jack’s been a good friend to her and to people they care about, and he says, when the day comes that she needs him, he’ll be there. She says she appreciates that, but doesn’t think it’s going to be necessary. Seeing the tension, Josslyn offers them a canape.

Kristina tells Michael that she’s sorry. Amelia and Wiley should be here. He says he’ll see them in the morning, and she asks if there’s any hope of reconciling. He says he’s not giving up, and she says, she feels for Willow. There’s nothing worse than realizing you did something you can’t take back no matter how much you wish you could. He says he’s not sure Willow does wish she could.

Ned says, if grandfather could see Jason living here, and Jason says he just moved in because of Danny. Ned says he prayed grandfather would cast Jason aside like Jason cast the family aside, but he never did. He believed in Jason. He thinks he’s starting to see what grandfather saw. Jason says, it took him a long time to realize Edward was a really good man, and Ned says, amen to that. He asks if Jason is joining them in opening presents tomorrow, and Jason says he and Danny will be there. Ned says, get ready for the Quartermaine craziness, and Jason asks if that isn’t every day.

Mac puts paper in the hat, but it’s still too big. Cody says he never had that problem. It’s the benefit of having a huge noggin. Felicia tells Sasha that she made James’s Christmas, but Sasha says she doesn’t think it took much convincing. It’s clear Cody wanted to be with family. They both did. Anna comes out in a Santa hat and Felicia says, nice hat, Santa Devane. Anna says, it’s got a nice ring to it, and Spinelli says, the search for a certain person on the naughty list is progressing nicely. Anna says, that brightens her Christmas Eve. When her special surprise arrives, there will be a lot of holiday cheer to go around.

Lucky says, Elizabeth seems at peace. How does she feel with everything going on at the hospital? She says, look at this place. The decorations, the lights, the tree. It’s the most magical place on earth. (Eat dust, Disney.) Her worries can wait for another day. Nothing beats Rice Plaza at Christmas. She can’t think of anywhere she’d rather be.

Maxie says, they told the kids they could open one present, and Spinelli says, they’ll find them. Maxie tells him to check in the usual spots.

Mac says, it means lot that Cody came. If he ever wants to talk… Cody says he’s not much of a talker, but if Mac ever feels like throwing a hatchet after a couple of beers, let him know. Mac says he’s there.

Dante arrives at the plaza with Rocco, who goes to get a churro. Elizabeth asks how things are at the Quartermaines, and Lucky says, if Dante wants a break, he’s sure Laura would love to see him. Dante says, maybe he’ll swing by, and he leaves. Elizabeth says, he’s putting up a good front, but he’s just going through the motions. Lucky says, if you’re not with the person you love, sometimes it’s all you can do.

Jordan sees Isaiah and says, it’s nice to see him have a night off, but he says he’s on his way to GH. He volunteered to take extra shifts. Jordan says, he’ll see her son. He canceled their Christmas Eve plans to do a double shift. Isaiah says he’s sorry, and she asks why he’s here. He says, the incredible Christmas tree. He wants to see what all the fuss is about. Full disclosure. He was hoping to run into her. He’s got something for her. He hands her a gift bag.

Laura says she can’t imagine how Dante is feeling. It’s not the Christmas he planned for himself and Rocco. Dante says, it’s not, but it’s great to see Rocco with his mom, and she says, spend Christmas with them. Being surrounded by family makes it easier. He says he doesn’t know if anything can make this Christmas easier.  

Carly toasts to the new owner of Aurora Media, and she and Michael clink glasses. Sonny says, that was quite the maneuver, and Carly says she would have loved seeing the look on Drew’s smug face when Michael pulled the rug out from under him. Michael says, he’s probably plotting his next move, and Sonny says, Michael will be ready for him.

Jack offers Josslyn his condolences. He’s sorry about Officer Heller. It was tragic and senseless. Josslyn says, this is her city, but how did he know about it? and he says, the Bureau gets information from local law enforcement. She asks how he knew they were together, and he says he’s sure her mother mentioned it.

Kristina says, they should probably get going to Rice Plaza for the tree lighting, and Sonny tells everyone, merry Christmas. He and Kristina leave.  

Chase asks if Brook is okay, and she says she has a confession about Lulu. She’s grateful for Lulu’s recovery and knows what it means to her family, but Lulu is annoying the hell out of her. She was watching Lulu with Tracy, and it took everything for her not to gouge Lulu’s eyes out. Chase asks if she’s jealous of Lulu and Tracy’s relationship, but Brook says, no. Lulu has to be the center of attention. He says, maybe she’s making up for lost time, but she says, Lulu has always been like this. Everyone loves Lulu and she’s never wrong… She’s listening to herself, and she sounds horrible. He says, she’s not horrible. She’s allowed to have feelings. He doesn’t know if he told her, but when he first moved here, he had a crush on Lulu.

Gio hears a guy say that he just had his pocket picked, when the girl comes up to him and says she needs the wallet back. He says, absolutely not. She stole it. She says, okay, guilty, but he had it coming.

Felicia tells Sasha and Anna, Cody is teaching James how to improve his lasso skills. She needs to get in there before he wrangles his sister. She leaves, and Sasha says she has something that she wants to talk to Anna about. She knows Anna was married to Robert and they share a daughter. Anna says, Robin, and Sasha says she wants to ask Anna’s opinion… Anna says, Robert is one of the most generous, kind-hearted men she’s known. Sasha is very fortunate to have him for a father. Sasha says she wishes she had a chance to get to know him, and Anna says, there will be time for that. Sasha says, if he comes back, but Anna says, he will. She guarantees it. And when he does, it will be worth it. Just wait and see.

Kristina says she thinks the tree is bigger than last year, and Laura says, partly because of her father’s generous donation. Sonny says, the community has given him so much. It’s important to pay it forward. Merry Christmas. Laura hugs him, touches Kristina’s hand, and leaves.

Jordan says, a towel? and Isaiah says, it’s a spa wrap with a Velcro closure to prevent slips. She says, in case she’s locked in another steam room? and he says, it never hurts to be prepared. She says, when they were stuck, her towel was never in danger of slipping, and he says, sadly, he’s all too aware. He should get going. They tell each other, merry Christmas, and he leaves.

Sonny says he wants Dante to know that he’s proud of how Dante is handling the holidays, and Dante says he learned from the best. Kristina says, they all did.

Jason sees Michael and Josslyn leaving Carly’s and asks if the party is over, but Josslyn says, it’s just begun. Michael says, Avery wants a snow family that she and Donna can see from the window, and Danny asks if he can help. Josslyn says, the more the merrier, and Michael tells Jason, heads up. His mom has a visitor. Jason goes in and sees, Carly laughing with Jack.

Alexis asks if Ric wants coffee, and he says he’d love a cup. She says, it’s in the kitchen (ha-ha-ha!), and they decorate while Deck the Halls plays. She wraps the lights around the tree, wrapping Ric along with it.  

Kristina asks Sonny, what’s with that Brennan guy? He and Carly seem close. Sonny says, that’s Carly’s business, and she asks if he doesn’t care. He says, the only thing he cares about is being here to celebrate with his beautiful daughter. Molly watches them from a distance, and Kristina says she loves being with him too.  

Gio says, give him one good reason not to call the cops, and the girl asks if doing a good deed on Christmas Eve isn’t more important.

Chase says, Brook is the only one for him. She was there for him when his dad passed and when Finn relapsed. She got him through some dark times. It’s just Lulu and it’s okay for Brook to have feelings. Brook says, God forbid she should be the bigger person, and Chase says, she’s too hard on herself. They both strive to be the best and they’re perfect for each other. She says she doesn’t know if she can reach perfection, but she can’t imagine going on this journey with anyone else. They hug.  

Lulu arrives at the plaza and tells Laura that it’s amazing. Is she ready for her tree lighting duties? Laura says she’s ready for anything. She has both of her kids home… She’s so sorry. She knows it’s not the perfect Christmas because Charlotte’s not here. She hopes Lulu finds a way to enjoy the holiday anyway, Lulu says, Christmas is about having faith, right? She has faith that she’ll find Charlotte and bring her home. Until then, she’s going to make up for the time she’s lost with the family she has here. Laura asks, where’s Dante and Rocco? and Lulu says she’ll go find them. Laura says, same old Lulu.

Carly tells Jason, it’s about time. Where’s Danny? Jason says, Danny is with Josslyn and Michael, and Jack says he’s already had the pleasure. He holds out his hand, but Jason doesn’t take it. Jason says he didn’t expect Jack to be here, and Jack says he hopes it’s not a problem. Carly says, it’s not, and Jack says he has to check in with the Bureau. He excuses himself, and Carly tells Jason, it’s Christmas and Jack had nowhere to go. He asks what she was thinking after everything that happened with the FBI. Now they’ll be put in the crosshairs of the WSB. She says, it’s not like that, but Jason says, Jack’s just using her. She says, Jason made that clear. She loves him, but he’s not the boss of her.

Alexis looks at the tree and says, they did a helluva job. Ric says, they raised an incredible daughter, even if she is a controlling shew. She says, he’s a conniving jackass, and points to another box of decorations. He takes out some mistletoe and holds it over his head. She snatches it away.

The girl tells Gio that the guy ripped off a woman in the plaza who was selling handmade ornaments. He paid for one and took five. She wanted to make sure the woman got what was owed to her. Gio asks what she’s going to do with the wallet, and she says he’ll have to trust her. He gives the wallet back to her and she takes some money out. She goes over to a cop and tells him that she found it. He says he’ll make sure it’s returned to its rightful owner, and she looks at Gio. Sonny and Kristina come along, and Kristina asks, what’s going on? Gio says he’s late for dinner at the Quartermaines. He got sidetracked by that girl. Kristina says, what girl? and when Gio turns around, he sees she’s gone.

Ned says, to Michael for pulling one over on Drew, and he and Tracy clink glasses. Lois says, corporate takeovers, the true meaning of Christmas, and Tracy says, pulling one over on Drew is the best gift she’s gotten this year… Do they hear that? Ned says he doesn’t hear anything, and she says, no kids. It’s truly a silent night. Lois says, get ready, Grandma Grinch. In a year or so, Brook and Chase will have a bundle of their own. Tracy says, they’ll have incessant crying, but Ned says, his first grandchild can’t come soon enough.

Ned says, Brook and Chase will be amazing parents, but Lois tells them not to put the cart before the horse. Brook isn’t pregnant yet, and the last thing they need is concern over the whole family waiting with bated breath. Brook and Chase come in, and Brook says, for what? Tracy says, Gio was supposed to be here an hour ago and no one knows where he is. (She’s quick!)

Molly goes to Alexis’s house, and the door opens. She sees Alexis and Ric.

As they come inside, Michael says, great job, team… Is everything okay? Carly says, Jason was just filling her in on what’s going on at the Quartermaines. How is the snow family? Michael says, ask Danny. He took the lead. Carly says, Donna and Avery will appreciate his effort. If he plays his cards right, he might get stickers on his face too. Michael asks if Josslyn is interested in defending her title as Holiday War champ, and she says she’ll kick his butt. Danny says he’s going out on the terrace, and Jason says he’ll join him. He could use some fresh air. Josslyn says she’ll shuffle, and Michael asks if she doesn’t trust him. She says, absolutely not, and Jack says, nice diversionary tactic. Jason says, Michael loves his sister.

Spinelli comes inside juggling a stack of presents, and says, they found them in the car. Maxie says she just remembered. She can’t believe she almost ruined Christmas. Spinelli says, never. The toys will be forgotten in a month’s time, but they’ll remember time with family forever. That’s what Christmas is about. Everyone is like, aww, and Maxie says, nothing can top what she got this year. Spinelli says, the two of them. He found this in the car too. He holds some mistletoe over his head, and they kiss.

Lulu asks if Dante is okay, and he says, aside from the fact he keeps expecting Sam to walk through here. People’s Christmas wishes don’t come true. She says she’s sorry, and he says, one person whose wish came true was Rocco. He’s happy Rocco is spending the holiday with his mom. They’re both grateful for that. Rocco sees a text that says: Hi. super cold here. is it there? miss u. luv u. have a great Christmas. XO C. Lulu says, is Rocco always on the phone? and Dante says, he is and it’s annoying. Rocco surreptitiously takes a photo of Lulu and Dante and sends it. His phone rings, and he says, where are you?… Yeah, she is… Hold on. He goes over to Lulu and asks if he could talk to her for a second. Dante says he’ll be over here, and Rocco says, Lulu has a phone call. She says, on his phone? and he says, just take it. She says, hello?… She gasps and says, oh my God. It’s you.

Molly says, they did this for her? and Ric says, it was her mom’s idea, but he was happy to play a small part. Molly says, it’s the best Christmas gift she could have gotten. She loves them both so much. Alexis says, they love her too.

Mac asks if Felicia ever thought it would turn out like this, and Felicia says, they’re the lucky ones. Anna’s phone dings and she says her surprise is here. She opens the door and nuEmma (see below) comes in. She hugs everybody, and Sasha asks if Cody isn’t glad that he came and didn’t it make him feel better. He doesn’t have to admit she’s right. Cody says he wasn’t planning on it. Merry Christmas. She says, merry Christmas.

Jason says he feels like Danny needs to get something off his chest, and Danny says, building the snowmen made him think of mom. They made a memory when she let him play hooky the day before winter break. Jason says, she wasn’t one for rules, and Danny says, they played in the snow for hours. It was the best day ever. He looks up and says he wonders where she is now. Jason says, with Danny. She’s with him too. When we lose people, they’re never really gone. They just become part of us. Danny asks if Jason sees that star, the really bright one. He thinks that’s mom watching over them. Jason says, merry Christmas, Sam, and Danny says, merry Christmas, mom. I love you. Jason puts his arm around Danny’s shoulders.

Michael says, that’s what he gets for letting Josslyn shuffle, and Josslyn asks if Jack wants to play. She thought the WSB is well versed in the rules of war. Jack says, deal him in. Let’s see what you’ve got. She’s like her mother; he can tell. Carly looks outside at Jason and Danny, and Jack says he’s scared. Josslyn says, he should be.

Gio says, sorry he’s late, but Brook says, he’s right on time for a favorite family tradition. She hands him his violin case, and Chase says, the family takes it seriously. Trina tells Chase to warm up his pipes. He’s leading tonight’s vocals. Chase sighs.

Ned plays guitar, while Gio plays the violin. Chase and Ned sing, O Come All Ye Faithful.  

Lulu says, Charlotte? and Charlotte says, mom. She’s been praying for this for so long. Lulu says, her prayer was answered. I’m back, baby. Where is she? Lulu will come get her. Charlotte says, she can’t, and Lulu asks what she means. Charlotte says she’s not supposed to call or text anyone, but she had to hear Lulu’s voice.  

Dante tells Laura that Rocco is talking to Lulu, when TJ comes into the plaza. Jordan says she thought he was on call, and he says he was, but Dr. Gannon offered to cover his shift. He refused to take no for an answer. Jordan says she’s glad he made it. It feels like Christmas. They hug, and Laura takes the mic. She says, bear with them. They’ll have the tree up and running in no time.

Lulu asks Charlotte to tell her where she is. She has to see her… Okay. She promises she won’t tell anyone. She swears, just her. Charlotte has her word… She’ll be there as soon as she can. Rocco comes over and asks if she found out where Charlotte is. Lulu says she did, and he asks when they’re leaving. She says, she’s leaving right away. She told Charlotte that she’d be alone, and she can’t break her promise. She can’t risk losing Charlotte. She needs Rocco to do her a favor. Keep tonight’s call between them. Please. He says, okay. He will, for Charlotte. She hugs him and says she loves him so much. He says he loves her too. She says she’s going to make their family whole again. She promises. She runs off and he says, merry Christmas, mom.  

Laura says, here we go, and turns on the tree. She says, merry Christmas to all of us, and everyone applauds.  

On Friday, Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying; Willow tells someone that they have no right to judge her; Michael wonders if he should just let Willow go; Jack tells someone that they know what to do; and Kristina tells Sonny that she hopes she’s up for the job.

🏨 My You’ve Changed…

No explanation as to why the old Emma wasn’t cast, but if I remember correctly, her day job/career is pretty demanding.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/braedyn-bruder-is-the-new-emma-on-general-hospital

🎉 Who’d You Rather…

I wouldn’t mind sitting in on a Quartermaine holiday. An outsider has a better chance of remaining unscathed. Plus, when the big blow-up happens and everyone storms off, more shrimp for me.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/spend-holidays-with-daytime-favorite-families

🎄 Holiday Prep…

Ready… set… holiday!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-the-stars-are-getting-ready-for-the-holidays

🧼 Holly Jolly Soap Or No…

GH will be airing a rerun tomorrow from May 22nd and Christmas Day is all about football.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/find-out-if-your-favorite-soaps-are-going-to-be-on-at-christmas-2024

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

While I’d like that nearly two hours of my life back from Subservience, Speak No Evil was time well spent. Having seen James McAvoy in Split, I was confident that it would be halfway decent, but this surpassed expectations. The plot wasn’t anything new. A couple on vacation meets another couple and gets an invite to their farm. We’ve seen before what happens when you visit a virtual stranger and it’s never anything good. because they’re never who they say they are. It’s the same here, but done so well, I still didn’t know where they were going with it. I always know a movie is good if I make a lot of noises – like, Ooh! Ay! Gaah! – and noises I made. It starts slow with the set-up, although there are enough odd moments to keep it interesting, and when it gets rolling, it doesn’t stop until the end. McAvoy didn’t disappoint, and he met his match with the other performances, especially – dare I say it? – the children. I was shocked to read (see SyFy article below) that it was Dan Hough’s first film, as he stunned me with his acting skills. Job. Well. Done.

https://screenrant.com/james-mcavoy-speak-no-evil-movie-streaming/

https://decider.com/2024/12/06/speak-no-evil-2024-streaming-movie-review

Some interesting factoids. I thought the farm was amazing and I was mesmerized by the details.

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/5-terrifying-details-behind-the-scenes-of-speak-no-evil

Spoilers all over the place about the original Swedish film. The revamp is different, but fair warning.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/watched-original-speak-no-evil-2022-unsettling

🐕 Warm and Fuzzy Holidays…

Full disclosure. I actually have a dog nativity. Although it looks more like a bunch of ceramic dogs with one in a basket. These are pretty impressive.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/pets/dogs-take-center-stage-as-nativity-characters-this-christmas/ar-AA1w3gHn

https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/pets/over-175-dogs-dressed-up-as-nativity-characters-for-christmas/article_63334713-70df-5596-ab4d-3945444fdcd2.html

Cutest presents ever, but please, never give someone a pet as a gift for real.

Pets love Hanukkah too!

Pet safety.

https://paradepets.com/dogs/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-around-christmas-tree

Hannah & El Wray Wish You a Happy Holiday!

🎅 Quotes of the Week

The thing about Christmas is, it’s never just about the one you’re celebrating now, it holds the memories of all the other Christmases, and the ones you shared them with. – Aunt Stella (Vernee Wilson), General Hospital

Happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. – Frederick Koenig

If your goal is to enjoy some genuine joie de vivre this holiday season, keep in mind that the simplest acts of generosity, connection, and self-care can offer the biggest rewards. – 11 Ways to Experience Holiday Joy

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. – Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

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

🎁 Merry Everything To You…

Since there’s no new GH tomorrow and Bravo is in holiday mode, come back on Friday for soap and a post-game holiday review. Until then, stay safe; stay enjoying whatever holiday you celebrate, or if you celebrate none, stay enjoying your extra day off; and stay not being too hard on yourself, but still striving to be the best.

December 22, 2024 – All the Holiday Genres, Christmas Day Out, A Little Kranky, Their Story Today, Non-Holiday Movie Holiday Movie & All

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Ho-Ho-Holiday Watch

🎬 Pick Your Genre…

A cavalcade of holiday movies of all kinds. Hallmark:

https://ew.com/festive-hallmark-movies-to-watch-now-8765403

The Classics:

https://ew.com/best-classic-christmas-movies-8760598

The Best Ever (obviously, that depends on your perspective, but it’s a good list):

https://ew.com/best-christmas-movies-all-time-8759526

TV Episodes:

https://ew.com/best-christmas-tv-episodes-8752560

For the Adults… no, not that kind of adult movie, but for a more mature palate:

https://people.com/adult-christmas-movies-to-watch-8765245

Horror (also for the adults – please no traumatizing the kids about Santa):

https://ew.com/best-christmas-horror-movies-8763884

Watch them all.

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-christmas-movies-2024-8728376

🎅🏽 What Santa Does On His Day Off…

For those who actually go to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Hateful 8 on Christmas the year it came out. Because nothing says Merry Christmas like a Quentin Tarantino movie. It was pretty crowded, but manageable.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/22/entertainment/christmas-movie-theaters-tradition-cec/index.html

💃🏼 Scrooge’s Slutty Sis…

I love how down to earth she is. Christmas with the Kranks is not awful either.

https://ew.com/jamie-lee-curtis-calls-herself-scrooge-slightly-slutty-sister-8765339

🎄 He Still Has Both Eyes…

Definitely one of the best and a favorite of mine. Both TNT and TBS will be doing the usual 24 hour Christmas marathon.

https://ew.com/a-christmas-story-cast-then-and-now-8752558

🐶 Framed By the Holiday…

Even though it’s not technically a Christmas movie, it does begin and end on Christmas. While the animated classic is beautiful, I loved the live action remake.

https://loudandclearreviews.com/lady-and-the-tramp-review/

Take this with tongue in cheek. After all, it is a cartoon from 1955.

https://www.looper.com/255113/things-only-adults-notice-in-lady-and-the-tramp/

Merry Everything

🦌 A Reindeer Walks Into a Bar…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the usual. Until then…

December 18, 2024 – Nina Hires Martin For Willow, Early Soap Roll Call, Salty Talk, Guilty, Movie Watch, Keeping Warm & Drummer

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Elizabeth says, they have to find a connection between Dex and Sam other than her, and Lucky says, she had nothing to do with it. Aiden comes in and says, look who he found hanging around their front door. Cameron says, merry Christmas, and he and Elizabeth hug.

Walking into her apartment on the phone, Josslyn says she’s fine. She promises to call if she’s not. Love you too. She picks up a gift from under the tree and the tag says, To Dex, Love, Joss.

In a busy room, Felicia tells Jordan, a coat drive, a food pantry, a healthy clinic, and now flu shots. Does Jordan think it’s enough? It’s amazing. Jordan says she wants to do more, and Felicia says, she should be proud of putting all this together.

As Nina decorates, she says she’s not sure if she’s going to get done before Wiley and Amelia come out of the playroom. Ava asks if they’ve been in there all week, and Nina says, they love the new nanny she hired and so does Willow. Ava says, given time, Nina would bring in a real reindeer, and Nina says, she wants it to be special for Wiley and Amelia. Is it too much? Ava says she loves it, but Nina should make sure her eggnog is spiked.

Curtis shows Michael the early quarterly report, and Michael says, it’s way below market expectations. Curtis says, according to the final report, they’re doing well, but looking at the draft, it would be an easy mistake to make thinking it’s the final. What does Michael think would happen if it got leaked? Michael says, the stock price would crater, and Curtis says, if that happened, someone like Michael would be able to buy up the Aurora stock and be the majority shareholder. Then he can be officially named CEO like they planned.

On the phone in front of the coffee warehouse, Jason says, no one can hide from Spinelli, not even Valentin… Time isn’t something they have. Carly flies in and asks how could Jason not tell her that Willow cheated on Michael with Drew?

Jordan says, so far, so good, and Felicia says, it’s great. Jordan says, having the GH staff here put them over the top. She thanks Felicia for making it happen.

Cameron introduces Gretchen Ross, and Elizabeth asks if she’s the Gretchen from Music Theory. Gretchen says, so Cameron has been talking about her, and he says, her name come up once or twice. He and Lucky hug, and he introduces Lucky to Gretchen. He says, a lot has changed. Look how big Aiden is. Aiden says he didn’t stop growing when Cameron left, and Elizabeth asks if they’re hungry. She has food in the fridge, but nothing prepared. Cameron says he’s sorry he didn’t give her a heads up that he was coming early, but Elizabeth tells him not to apologize for her having more time with him. He says, about Christmas…

Trina comes into the apartment and says she thought Josslyn was at her mom’s. Josslyn says she was… Trina says, it doesn’t matter, and hugs her. She’s so sorry. Josslyn says she can’t feel anything.

Jason and Carly walk inside the warehouse, and Jason says, Carly can get mad at him, but first, how’s Josslyn? She says, not great. She wanted to go back to her apartment. He says, maybe that’s a good thing, and she says, maybe. Josslyn doesn’t need to worry about her brother’s marriage. He asks, what happened? and she says, Tracy blasted footage on the big screen at the Christmas party of Drew and Willow together. And by together she means… Jason says he knows what she means. She says, he saw the footage? and he says, Michael showed him. She asks if that’s why he beat up Drew, and he says, yes. She asks why he didn’t tell her, but he says, it wasn’t his place. It was Michael’s.

Curtis asks if Michael is comfortable leaking the early report, and Michael says, people could mistakenly conclude Aurora is on the verge of Chapter 11. Curtis says, a simple clerical error, and Michael says he has a friend at the Wall Street Journal that he could leak it to, but there’s something he needs to run by Curtis first. Curtis says, Michael isn’t backing out, and Michael says, not him. What about Curtis?

Willow says, Isaiah doesn’t fit the typical surgeon profile, and he says, because he’s not arrogant and self-important? She says she’s known surgeons like that… Not him. He says he loves helping people, and she says, her too, and it takes her mind off her own problems. Obviously, they don’t compare with what these people are going through. Drew walks in and Jordan gives him a look that makes me laugh.

Ava says she’s sorry to drop in on Nina’s holiday extravaganza when she’s dealing with this situation. Her trial is finally over. Nina says she’s happy Ava got off and glad she dropped by. When the dust settles, they’re going to have the most magnificent holiday. Ava says she’s never seen Nina is such a positive mood, and Nina says she’s never had her daughter and grandchildren with her. It’s a Christmas miracle. Michael has been standing between Willow and true happiness. She can finally have a relationship with her daughter. Ava says, for now, and Nina asks what she means. Ava says, Nina needs to hear this. Nina’s got to tell Willow about her and Drew before it’s too late.

Cameron says, Gretchen’s parents invited him to Key West for Christmas, and Lucky says, meeting the parents is a big step. Cameron says he feels bad. He knows Jake is in Barcelona aging up visiting his host family. Elizabeth says, he’s not missing anything. They’re going to celebrate Christmas today.  

Jordan says she didn’t expect to see Drew here, and he says he wanted to thank her for her amazing work taking care of the underserved. She says she’s a public servant and serving the community is her job, and he says, she’s good at it. He also wants to thank the GH staff.

Nina says she can’t tell Willow about her relationship with Drew. Not now. Ava says she tried to get Nina to do it before, and Nina says, Willow has to be able to know she can trust her. Ava says, she will if Nina tells her the truth about her involvement with Drew before Willow had feelings for him. Nina tells her that Willow will say she should have said something when she found out they kissed, and Ava says, then apologize and tell her why she didn’t. Nina says, that’s not going to work, and Ava says, nothing will work if she’s not honest and if Willow hears it from someone else. Nina says she has no choice. If she tells Willow about her and Drew, she’ll run back to Michael.

Curtis asks why he’d want to back out, and Michael says he wants Curtis to know everything before he goes ahead. Willow and Drew’s affair came out in front of the whole family. Curtis says, damn. He’s sorry. Michael says he wants to play out what that means. Drew was going to give him Aurora when he thought all Michael knew about was the kiss. Curtis says, to buy Michael’s silence, and Michael says, to keep the peace. Now there’s no peace. Drew blames him for the affair coming out. He’s not going to let Michael near Aurora. He knows he said Drew wouldn’t keep Curtis on if he didn’t take the position, but now with this chaos, there’s a chance he’ll keep Curtis on. So now that the truth is out, Curtis can call the whole thing off. Curtis says, no, he can’t.

Jason says, If Michael wanted Carly to know, he’d have told her, but Carly says, maybe not, but she encouraged Michael to give Drew a chance to prove he’s a good guy. Drew and Willow got close because she pushed Michael to trust Drew. Jason says, Drew and Willow are responsible for their own actions, and Carly says, Michael let Willow and the kids go with Nina because he’s still in love with Willow. She didn’t think he’d let her take the kids, but if he doesn’t get them back, they’re in for a hell of a fight. Jason says, call Diane. She lives for a good fight. Carly says, she’ll show Diane the video, it explains what a sleazebag his brother is.

Drew says he’s not surprised Willow is here, and she says she signed up weeks ago. He asks Isaiah if he can borrow Willow, and Jordan gives him another icy look. They go into the hallway, and Drew says he was hoping to see her. She says, they can’t be seen together, but he says he doesn’t care. All he cares about is himself her.

Elizabeth gives Cameron a grocery list for their Christmas feast, and he leaves with Gretchen. Lucky says, she’s handling it well, and she says she had a feeling this might happen. Whenever she asked when Cameron was coming home, she didn’t get a straight answer. Now she knows why. She can afford to be flexible. It’s nice to see her son happy.

Josslyn tells Trina that after the video, she went to the hospital to see Dex. When she got there, they were trying to revive Him. She’d just spoken to him, and he was completely fine. Then he was gone. Trina says she wishes Josslyn had called her, and Josslyn says, Anna was there, and Jason stayed with her until her mom came. Her mom wanted her to stay, but she can’t. She wants to be alone. Trina asks if Josslyn wants her to go, but Josslyn says, not her. She’s glad Trina is here, but everybody else is a million miles away. Trina says she knows the feeling, and Josslyn says she knows. She kept trying to remember what she told Trina when she lost Spencer. She thought it would help, but it doesn’t. Nothing helps. Trina says, nothing will for a while. If Josslyn wants to talk or not talk or be alone or have company or just sit and look at the tree, whatever Josslyn wants to do, she’s good with it. Josslyn thanks her and takes her hand. She says she keeps thinking about Oscar. Losing him was horrible, but she knew it was coming. With Dex, she never saw it coming, so how can he be gone when she never got to say goodbye?

Curtis says he can’t predict what Drew will do or not, but he can’t work for a man like that. Michael says, Drew knows he’s coming for him. The element of surprise is gone. Curtis says, he won’t know Michael had anything to do with the leak, and Michael says, if the stock doesn’t tank, Curtis will be left with no options. Curtis says he’s willing to take that risk, but Michael has to make him CEO. Michael says, that was always the plan, but Curtis says, before he hits send and in writing. For the next five years, he’s permanent CEO of Aurora. He can’t be forced out or asked to step down. It’s his one condition. Take it or leave it.  

Nina tells Ava that if Michael takes Willow back, she’ll be indebted to him for the rest of her life and it’s not the kind of life she wants for her daughter. Ava says, what if Willow wants that for herself? and Nina says, she’s infatuated with Drew because she couldn’t admit Michael is the wrong man for her. If she needs to believe Drew was her savior to leave Michael, so be it. When he goes to Washington, Willow will stay here and rebuild her life and find her own identity away from the Quartermaines. Ava says, it could happen, but people make strange choices when their marriage ends. There’s a knock at the door, and Nina says, that’s why you have to expect the unexpected. She’s way ahead of Ava. She opens the door and Martin is there.

Drew says he’s worried about Willow. How is it going at her mom’s? She says, it’s great, but hard. Carly tried to stop them, but Michael agreed that the kids belong with their mother. He says he’s glad Michael sees that, especially since he was keeping the video from her, and she says, he was hurt and she doesn’t blame him. He loves his kids. Drew says he’s sorry, but being with her meant something to him. He won’t have the Quartermaines turn it into something cheap. She says, right now, she needs to focus on her kids. She’s made mistakes that affect them and has to protect them. Drew is being sworn into congress and can’t be caught up in a scandal.

Carly wonders how she couldn’t see Drew was lying, and Jason says, it’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t negate the good things he did. He rescued Liesl Obrecht and save Willow’s life. He went to prison for Carly.  She says, he’s not the hero she thought he was and doesn’t owe him a damn thing. He says, her feelings are hers, not Michael’s. Michael has to figure it out for himself. She says, don’t tell her to back off. He had a shot at Drew. Let her have hers.

Elizabeth says, the heartbreak over Josslyn sent Cameron to California, and Lucky says, he thought distance kept heartbreak from catching up, but it doesn’t. She says she’s glad Cameron found someone he likes, and he says, it looks like she likes him back. Cameron and Gretchen return, and Cameron asks if they’re going to be meeting Tobias soon, but Aiden says, he went to Disneyland with his parents for Christmas, but they’re not at meeting the family yet. Elizabeth asks if Aiden thinks she’ll embarrass him, and Cameron says, they’ll put the groceries in the kitchen. Elizabeth tells Lucky that she’s glad the kids are happy on their own, and he says, she’s pretty great with only her.

Martin asks why he’s here, and Nina says, her daughter Willow left her husband and needs an attorney to steer her through the divorce. She also wants him to help her secure primary custody. Martin asks if she’s not being hasty. Not all separations end in divorce. Nina says, this one will, but Martin says, maybe they’ll reconcile. Nina says she’s sure they won’t, and Martin says, a lot has happened, and he gets the urgency, but he has to ask. Where is Willow and what does she want?

Drew tells Willow, there won’t be a scandal. The only people who know are his family and his family doesn’t want it to come out any more than they do. She says, the children won’t be celebrating Christmas with their father. They’ll see him, but it won’t be the same. What about him? He’s not staying at the Quartermaines anymore. He says he got a room at the Cosmopolitan and he and Scout will celebrate there. She says, until then, he’ll be alone. Jordan continues staring daggers at him, and Felicia says, if looks were lethal, Drew would be in big trouble. Jordan says, he is, and she has to do something to stop him from making a bigger mistake than he already has. Felicia asks if there’s anything she can do to help, and Jordan says, there is something Felicia can do for her and Willow. Willow tells Drew that he’s welcome to come to Nina’s and bring Scout (is she insane???), when Felicia joins them. She says she doesn’t mean to interrupt, but she needs help with the first aid kits. She doesn’t know what goes in the boxes. Willow leaves with her.

Michael signs the document and the notary signs and stamps it. Michael gives it to Curtis, who says, it’s all good. He thanks the notary and she leaves. Michael says, once he leaks this, there’s no going back, and Curtis says, damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead. Michael hits send.

Lucky shows Gretchen pictures, and Cameron says, it’s embarrassing. He goes into the kitchen and says he’s sorry he didn’t tell Elizabeth, but she says she understands. She wants him to be happy. He seems happy with Gretchen. He says he is, but he’s taking it slow. He would have told her sooner, but he wanted to make sure things were real. She says she really does understand, and he says, it took him a long time to get over Joss. He didn’t want to jump into anything before he knew what it really was. She says, it’s tough not jumping in unless you’re just looking for a fun distraction, and he says he’s not a fun distraction kind of guy. He really likes Gretchen. She says, Gretchen really likes him too, and he says he thinks so. He hopes so. Again, he’s sorry. She says, stop. Apology accepted. They go to the living room, and Aiden asks if they can open presents. Elizabeth says she didn’t know Gretchen would be here, but Aiden says he has a present for her upstairs. Cameron says he has presents for everyone in his suitcase… which went to Key West. He sucks at Christmas. Elizabeth says, it doesn’t matter. He’s here. There’s only one other thing she wants. Will he play them a song?

Josslyn tells Trina that when Dex was working for Sonny, she was sure she’d lose him. She thought he was safer being a cop. She was so stupid. He said she was the reason he stopped working for Sonny and wanted to turn his life around. If she’s the reason he became a cop, she’s the reason he’s dead. Trina says, she can’t think like that. When Spencer died, that’s exactly what she did, and that kind of thinking goes nowhere good. Josslyn says, their situations are different, but Trina says she blamed herself that Spencer was in Paris and Esme wasn’t locked up. She thought he would be alive if she hadn’t fallen for him in the first place. Josslyn says, so would Dex, and Trina says, stop. She has to give herself time. After a while, she’ll be grateful for the time she had with Dex like she’s grateful for her time with Spencer. Josslyn says she hopes so. She doesn’t know how long she can survive feeling this way. Trina says, Josslyn can handle more than she thinks. Eventually she’ll get to the place Trina did. They loved each other and that’s a good thing. When she finally let herself live again, she found moments of happiness. Spencer would want that for her. Josslyn says, Trina is stronger than her, and Trina says, she’ll get there. She’ll figure out a way for herself. Dex would want that for her too.

Isaish says he’s vaccinated everyone within a five-mile radius and asks Jordan if he can help. She tells him to grab the box of donated coats, and they can sort through it. He brings the box over, and Jordan looks at Drew, making a face. (I laugh because she’s so good at this.) Isaiah says, thanks for inviting him, and she says, it’s her favorite part of being Deputy Mayor. He says, she’s in her element, and she says she’d rather this than network. She loves working with Laura, but it feels good to be here with the people she’s serving. Even if it’s a little thing, she feels like she’s doing something. He says, it’s not a little thing. He vaccinated a girl who she helped pick out a coat. It was purple. She says, purple was the girl’s favorite color, and he says, it’s her favorite coat. When he was giving her the shot, she kept talking about it. Jordan says, what about the shot? and he says, she didn’t flinch. She was braver than most adults. What about her? She says, not yet.

Nina says she’s helping Willow get the preliminaries out of the way while she’s doing some good works, and Ava tells them, nothing says merry Christmas like a divorce lawyer on retainer. Nina says she knows going against the Quartermaines is not an easy task. She was hoping Martin would know how to handle them. He says, that depends. What precipitated the breakup? Nina says, Willow had a brief, unfortunate relationship with Michael’s uncle. It’s not her fault. She was vulnerable and he took advantage. Martin says, nonetheless, Michael is the injured party, and Willow isn’t Wiley’s biological mother. Nina says, Willow legally adopted him, and Martin says, to be honest, Michael’s family has power, contacts, and very deep pockets. They won’t let the children go without a helluva fight.

Jason says, if Carly has to go after Drew, go, but leave Michael out of it. She says she’s not sure she can do that, but he says, she can do anything. She says, like him? and he says he thought he wanted to hurt Drew, but he regrets it. She says, so do as I say, not as I do? and he says he can’t undo it, but it’s not too late for her to stay out of it. She says she’s not the type of person who turns the other cheek. Drew and Willow hurt her son. Now it’s time for them to start paying for it.

Josslyn says she’s lucky she has Trina in her life. She doesn’t know what she’d do without Trina and her family. Trina says she’s glad to be here for Josslyn, and Josslyn says her too. Dex never got anything like this. He didn’t get so much as a phone call or a card from his family at Christmas. Trina says, he had her. He wasn’t alone. Josslyn says, that’s why it’s up to her to make sure he gets justice.

Cameron plays guitar and sings The First Noel. Lucky joins him on the chorus.

Sitting in a chair, Jordan tells Isaiah that she’s ready to get it over with. If she faints, promise he’ll catch her. He says he gave her the shot, and she says, he’s good.

Felicia says, it would be great to get the kids together during the holidays, but Willow says, it’s up in the air. Felicia says, let her know, and Willow says she’ll get back to her. Willow looks at Drew, and Felicia watches. Felicia says, with everything going on, Willow is busy. Don’t worry about not getting the kids together. Willow says she’s sure they can work everything out. Drew’s phone dings, and he sees Aurora’s stock is tanking.  

Curtis says, that didn’t take long. It’s already falling. On the phone, Michael says, when the stock hits 15, start buying. Buy it all.

Nina says, the Quartermaines have considerable resources, but so does she. She’ll spend whatever it takes to make sure Willow gets custody of her children. Martin asks if Willow is ready for that kind of fight. It will get long, costly, and very ugly. Nina says, Michael probably has Diane building a case now, so Willow will be ready. She has to be.

Jason says, do not make Willow and Drew pay, but Carly says she is. Jason says, no. She’s a good mom and he knows she’ll put Michael’s needs above hers. She says she hates this for Michael, but she knows he’s right. She’ll let Michael take the lead, but if she gets the chance to make Drew pay, she’s going to take it for what he did. She walks out, and Jason sighs.

Tomorrow, Nina tells Willow that Drew isn’t someone she should rely on; Drew wonders why Curtis isn’t concerned that his company is in trouble; Tracy asks what business Martin could possibly have with Michael; and Michael tells Chase that Drew is going to pay for blowing up his marriage.

🥀 This Year’s Losses…

Saluting those who made a contribution to the soap world.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/remembering-the-soap-stars-we-lost-this-year

🧂 Rubbing Salt In the Wound…

Britani complained of crickets after making an announcement about her daughter at dinner. Bronwyn wondered if Britani was bothered because it was about her daughter or because attention wasn’t paid when she announced the announcement. Britani called her a bitch, and in Bronwyn’s interview, she said, if Lisa was called a bitch and she didn’t jump to defend her, she would hear about it until her death. When she pointed it out to Lisa, Lisa said it wasn’t her job to defend Bronwyn. Alrighty then.

On another note, I used to like Heather because I thought she was authentic – a rarity in reality – but now she’s just one more Housewife.

The whole scoop.

Bronwyn’s confession.

https://people.com/rhoslc-bronwyn-newport-reveals-daughter-caught-husband-todd-bradley-cheating-8763940

These women are evil. 1) This is a reality show. We’re supposed to be watching real life. 2) Cheating always comes out anyway. 3) If he didn’t want it ever coming out, he shouldn’t have done it. Shame on them for shaming Bronwyn for being real on a reality show.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhoslc-cast-slams-bronwyn-newport-revealing-todd-bradley-cheated-exclusive

👠 Fixing Her Crown…

Apparently, the Grand Dame doesn’t think she should be judged on the same scale as the rest of us peasants.

https://people.com/real-housewives-of-potomac-star-karen-huger-found-guilty-of-dui-8639972

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

In addition to the too many series I’m juggling, I watched Subservience. Megan Fox was great, but it was an incredibly unoriginal story. Her robot could have been replaced by a nanny, an orphan, a stalker, and any other beautiful woman who works their way into the home of a married dude with a child and then tries to take over, wife or not.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/netflix/netflixs-new-no-1-movie-is-a-dark-sci-fi-thriller-starring-megan-fox-but-opinions-are-split

🐶 Sweater Weather…

Normally, I don’t pay much attention to the Kardashians, but I’m always up for a dog in a holiday sweater.

https://people.com/kylie-jenner-dogs-christmas-sweaters-photo-dachshunds-8763303

🌲 A Lingering Season…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a little Charm. Until then, stay safe; stay keeping toasts short and sweet; and stay expecting the unexpected.

December 13, 2024 – Another Patient Flatlines At GH, Soap Suds, VanderLockUp, Extra Charm, More Pilaf Please, Practically 10 Quotes & Hollis

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

The restaurant manager tells Ava that her card has been declined. Does she have another card she’d like to try? Ava says she doesn’t understand. These cards should definitely work. Ric says, what about his? and the manager says, the second card Ric gave him has also been declined. Ava says, what is going on? and the manager says, they have a $179 bill before gratuities and now it seems they have no way to pay.

Dante and two other officers kick in the door at Windymere and find Lulu in the living room. She raises her hands and says, don’t shoot, officer. She smiles at Dante.

At the Quartermaines’, everyone is cheering the game, when Tracy turns it off. She says, it’s giving her a headache, and they yell for her to turn it back on. She messes with the phone and brings up the video of Willow and Drew getting busy instead. Everyone is shocked, but Tracy laughs out loud and Ned chuckles. Drew says, turn it off, but Tracy says, oh no. Let it play.

Drew shuts off the TV, and Ned says, they’d all thought he’d sunk as low as possible when he kissed Willow. Little did they know he was having sex with her, his nephew’s wife, in his daughter’s nursery. His father would be so proud. Drew tells him, back off. It’s none of his business. Ned says, Drew made it his business when he did that in this house, and Olivia says, that’s enough. Willow looks sick, and Tracy tells Nina, her daughter sleeping with the man she’s gotten so close to must really sting. Josslyn wonders how Willow could do that to Michael, and Trina says she didn’t think Drew was the kind of guy to mess with a married woman. Gio says, wait until Uncle Sonny hears about this. Drew is a dead man.

The manager asks if there’s another card Ric would like to try, but Ric says he’s down to his library card. The manager says he’s sure someday they’ll all look back on this and laugh, but today is not that day. Ric says he already made a few purchases against the check Ava gave him and now he’s overdrawn. (Seriously? He has no money saved?) He asks if there’s another form of payment they can accept. Maybe they can do dishes. Ava says she doesn’t wash dishes at home. She’s certainly not going to do them here. The manager says, maybe it’s time for him to call the police and have them sort it out, but Ava says, that’s not going to be necessary. It’s not a simple case of dine and dash here, especially not in these shoes. The manager says, they’re quite nice, but they won’t cover the bill, and Ava says, there’s been a bit of an unexpected hiccup here. They’ve called some people. Please just give them a little bit more time. Lucas walks in and says he got here as soon as he could. What’s going on? The manager says, his friends have run up quite a large bill and have no way to pay for it. He’s hoping that’s what Lucas is here for. Lucas hands him a credit card, and the manager says, hopefully, this one will go through. He leaves, and Lucas says, please tell him this isn’t why Ava had him rush over here.

Dante tells the officers that they can holster their weapons and asks them to hit the lights. He knows who this is. She’s only a danger to herself, maybe. Lulu says, hilarious, and Dante says he’s got this. He’ll see them back at the station. And call Windymere’s alarm company. Tell them that everything is working fine. It’s a false alarm. One of the officers says, they’ll call when they get back to the boat, and Dante asks him to send the boat back for them. They leave, and Dante says, no broken glass anywhere. How did she get in? She says, he knows her dad taught her how to pick locks before he taught her how to ride a bike, and he asks what she’s doing here. She knows there’s nothing but bad memories in this place. She says, Valentin and Charlotte lived here. She’s praying they left something behind that will help her find them, because she’s going to find her daughter and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop her.

Josslyn, Gio, and Trina go into the foyer, and Josslyn says she doesn’t really want to leave, but Trina says she thinks it’s best that they let the people involved talk. Josslyn says, but he’s her brother, and Trina says, yes, and he might need her later. For now, she thinks it’s best if they stay out here. Gio says he agrees with Trina, and Josslyn sighs and says, fine.

Carly hugs Michael, and Tracy says, Drew is every bit as despicable as she thought he was. Drew tells her to get off her moral high horse. Everyone knows her precious Ned slept with his aunt while she was still married. Ned says he had no idea Monica was his aunt when he slept with her, and Drew asks if he had any idea he was married to Lois when he and Kathryn Bell tied the knot. Ned says, that was a long time ago and Lois forgave him, and Drew says, that was her mistake. Brook tells him to keep her mother’s name out of his mouth. She’s not here to defend herself, but she can get Lois on the phone if he’d like to hear how she feels. Chase says, it’s probably best if no one calls anyone right now, and Brook says, fine, but if Drew says one more word about her mom… Ned says, the golden boy, thinking he was better than everyone else. Oh how the mighty have fallen – right on top of his nephew’s wife. Drew says, if he has to tell Ned to back off one more time, it’s going to get ugly, but Tracy says she thinks they passed ugly right around the time they saw Willow on top of him. Willow goes over to Michael and says, everyone else was shocked. He’s the one who took that video, isn’t he?

Michael says, Willow is right. He recorded it, accidentally. He wanted to check on the new nanny they hired, so he bought a nanny cam. He got a notification on his phone about activity in the nursery and when he checked his phone, that’s what he saw. She says she was with Drew that one time, on the day that Sam died, which means he’s had that video for weeks. Why did he play it now in front of everyone? She starts to cry and asks, why did he do this? Carly says she’s sorry, but Willow is cheating on Michael and trying to make it seem like it’s his fault? After everything he’s done for her, how could she treat him like this? Michael says, let him handle this, but Carly says she’s not going to let Willow try to gaslight him into thinking it’s his fault. Willow says, that’s not what she’s doing. She knows she was wrong. She gave in to her feelings for Drew and she regrets it more than she can say. But Michael has known she and Drew slept together for weeks, and he didn’t say anything. Why? Michael says, because he wanted to wait until after the holidays. He wanted the kids to have one more Christmas together as a family.

Ava thanks Lucas for coming and says she’s so sorry she had to call him. It really was an emergency. Lucas says, an emergency is when someone has a heart attack, not when you can’t pay for dinner, and Ava says, that very judgmental man Lucas just gave his credit card to was about to call the police. She was just acquitted of killing a baby. She can’t have any more run-ins with the law. Lucas says, that makes sense, when the manager comes back. He gives Lucas back his card, thanks him, and says, his card went through without a hitch. He leaves, and Ava asks if Lucas would like to stay and help them finish this dinner he so generously paid for. Lucas says, normally, he hates being a third wheel, but he didn’t have a chance to eat when he was at the hospital, so he’s going to take her up on that. He pulls a chair over and asks the manager if he can get a menu and another bottle of champagne. The manager holds out his hand, and Lucas says, oh, getting his card out again. The manager says, of course (🍷), sir, and Lucas sits down.

Dante tells Lulu, no other people have lived here since Valentin and Charlotte. (Huh? Weren’t Nikolas and Ava the last ones who lived there?) He’s sure whatever was theirs is long gone by now. She says, he’s probably right, but she’s going to tear this house apart board by board if there’s even the slightest chance of something that can help her find her daughter. He says, maybe don’t tell the cop about the future crimes she’s planning on committing, and she says, he’s off the hook. She’s already searched Windymere’s poorly maintained and not so secret tunnels. She didn’t find anything. He says he gets it. They all have someone they love so much, they’re willing to do anything for them. Even coming back to a place that gives you nightmares. She says, people make all kinds of sacrifices for love. Some people care about someone so much, they’re willing to do anything for them, even give their own life if it comes down to it. He says, doesn’t he know it, and she says she’s so sorry. He must hate her so much.

Dante says he doesn’t hate Lulu. He never could. Why would she say something like that? She says, Lucky told her about Sam being her donor, and he says he wanted to tell her about that. It was just crazy. There was a lot going on and she woke up with no warning. She says, her waking up from a four-year coma required a warning? and he says, it would have been good to get a heads up. He could have prepared things like clothes, and food, and Rocco. She says she was so focused on how weird everything was for her. She’s sorry. She didn’t even think about how crazy it was for him and Rocco. He says, crazy doesn’t even scratch the surface. When he saw her, he wanted to ask her a lot of things. There were a lot of things he wanted to tell her. She says, he must have been overwhelmed. She was. But she appreciates him not dumping four years of life on her all at once. He says he wanted to tell her about Sam, and she says she understands why he didn’t. It would have been hard to handle learning that Sam died saving her while her head was spinning. But she knows that now and it’s obvious how much Sam loved him. He says, she did, but she didn’t help Lulu because of him and Rocco. That’s just who she was. She says, his expression changes when he talks about her. It’s also obvious how much he loved Sam. He says he still does. He just can’t believe she’s gone. But he wants her to know he’s happy she’s awake, and it’s just really challenging to balance that with losing Sam. She puts her hand on his arm and says she knows he and Rocco are grieving. And she understands what her waking up cost Sam… and him.

Josslyn says she already knows how this is going to play out. Michael is just going to forgive Willow for cheating on him. Trina says, it’s Michael’s life. He’s the only one who gets to choose how he handles this. Josslyn says she doesn’t want to see him get hurt again. She’s got to get out of here. She can’t look at Drew’s smug face anymore. She’s going to see Dex in the hospital. She leaves, and Gio says he thinks he’s had enough of this Quartermaine party time too. He’s going to go practice now. Trina says she’s probably going to work on her Art History project… On second thought, does he still have that all-access stadium pass he got when he was playing the National Anthem earlier? He says, yeah. Why?

Chase, Brook, and Sasha walk into the nook, Sasha carrying a plate of hors d’oeuvres. She puts it on the table and says, might as well dig in. Chase says, thanks, and Brook says, that was quite a party. She really thought Drew was different, but he’s really living up to the Quartermaine name. Chase asks what she means, and Brook says, fidelity isn’t exactly a top priority for the Quartermaines and they sleep with people they’re not married to. Not her. Obviously. She takes Chase’s arm and says, lucky for him, loyalty and fidelity mean everything to the Cerullos and she’s a Cerullo through and through. He says he’s glad, but he wasn’t worried in the least. Because he knows her and what kind of person she is and he has complete faith in her. They kiss and he says he has been thinking about something though. Maybe he and Sasha shouldn’t have played God with Michael and Willow’s lives all those years ago. Maybe Michael and Willow were never meant to be together.

Willow says she wanted the same thing, one more Christmas as a family. She was going to tell Michael after. Carly says, well, thank God Tracy spared her from having to tell Michael that she slept with his uncle, and Olivia says, okay. They can all stop judging each other. There are no saints in this room. Carly says, is she kidding? What if it were Dante whose life was blown apart? Olivia says she thinks Michael can speak for himself, and Carly says, Willow had an amazing life with Michael. He supported her career. He took care of her when she was sick. He gave her a family and she threw it away. Willow walks out, and Carly tells Drew, and you, you son of a bitch. She knew Jason had a reason for going after him. Jason knew he slept with Willow, didn’t he? He finally found someone who would put him first, even if it meant destroying a family. She hopes it was worth it. He says he’s not going to talk about this in front of the entire family, and Tracy laughs. She says, but he was willing to sleep with Willow in this house where anyone could have walked in on them. He involved them in his tawdriness, so he doesn’t get to keep anything private. Ned says, she’s right, and Tracy says, even his father Alan, with his terrible taste in women and string of sordid affairs, never would have stooped this low. He never would have slept with his nephew’s wife.

Carly goes upstairs, and Drew says, this wasn’t anything that he planned. A woman he once loved, the mother of his child, had just died (getting out my tiny violin) and he was a wreck. He was falling apart and Willow reached out to him. Ned says, I’ll say she did, and Drew says, shut your damn mouth. What happened between him and Willow is between them. It’s none of his damn business. Tracy says she thinks they already determined that it is, and Drew says, just stay out of his life. Please. She says, gladly. And by the way, she thinks he should move to DC now, because once Monica finds out that he slept with Michael’s wife, she’s going to kick him out. And they’re going to leak the video and show the whole world what a low life he is. Drew says, they can do whatever they want to him. Just don’t hurt Willow. Michael says, so now he’s worried about how his actions will affect Willow.

Sasha says she doesn’t see it that way. Michael and Willow wouldn’t have been together this long if there wasn’t something real between them. Chase says, that’s true, and Sasha says she really tries not to judge people and doesn’t want to think badly of Willow, but she’s really struggling to understand why she would cheat on Michael with Drew. Brook says she was shocked too, but he did save Willow’s life by bringing Leisl Obrecht back to Port Charles. It had to change the way she feels about him. Sasha says, that’s understandable, but Willow has this starry-eyed view of Drew. If Drew was the decent guy he wants everyone to think he is, he would have been flattered and left it at that. Brook says, Willow’s a big girl. She’s responsible for her actions too. Chase says, there’s plenty of blame to go around here. Sasha says, none of it is Michael’s, or her and Chase’s for something they did years ago.

Dante says he should have told Lulu about Sam a lot sooner. He’s sorry about that. He didn’t want it to affect her health negatively. She says, he has nothing to feel guilty about, and he says, not about Sam, but he messed up when she went into that coma. She asks, how? and he says he didn’t keep Rocco and Charlotte together. He just let Valentin take her. She says, that would have been next to impossible to get custody of Charlotte. Remember how hard they fought the first time? And she wouldn’t have been there to help. He says, yeah. Valentin is her father, and she wanted to be with him. She says, none of this is his fault. It’s Valentin’s. He manipulated Charlotte so she would never want to get to know the Spencer side of the family. He says his mom kept her close to the Spencers, and she says she’s glad Valentin at least allowed that to happen. But he’s still keeping the fact that she’s awake away from her daughter. She hates that, because of him, she can’t tell Charlotte that she loves her. It does feel like a piece of her is missing without Charlotte here. He says, they’re both going through a lot right now. He’s grieving Sam. He’s going to be doing that the rest of his life. But right now, she’s looking for Charlotte and that’s what’s important right now. So if she wants to tear Windymere apart top to bottom, he’s here to do that with her.

At the stadium, a reporter congratulates Tai on the PCU victory and says, but for most of the game, it looked like a stunning defeat. How did he pull off this win? Kai says, a lot of credit goes to their offensive line. Their defense is great too. They kept him in the game until he could figure out a way to get the ball into the endzone. The reporter says, he certainly did that. Congratulations again and good luck in the upcoming Bowl game. Kai thanks him, and the reporter says, that’s quarterback Kai, taking PCU to their first Bowl game ever. He and Kai shake hands, he thanks Kai and leaves with the camera crew. Kai sees Trina and asks if he should alert security that there’s an intruder in the tunnels. She says, very funny, but no. Her friend just played the National Anthem and gave her his pass. He says, the guy with the violin. He was amazing. Trina says, that’s sweet. She’ll tell him that Kai said that. Kai says, please do. He didn’t expect to see her today, especially not down here. She says she just came to congratulate him, and he says, on their Art History project? She says, no, but she did read what he sent her, and she thought it was amazing. She came to congratulate him on the game. He says he thought football wasn’t her thing, and she says, it wasn’t, but she watched it with some people who are totally into it and they were losing it over his performance. And that was just in someone’s living room, so she can’t imagine what it’s like when he’s playing in an actual stadium. He says, it’s very, very loud, and she says she bets. He had a lot of people rooting for him and he was amazing.

Josslyn comes out of the hospital elevator and doesn’t see anyone around. She hears beeping and Isaiah asking for vitals and saying, continue chest compressions. She goes to Dex’s room and listens at the door. She opens it and sees Isaiah using the defibrillator on Dex. Anna comes up behind Josslyn and says, come with me.

Kai says he was just doing his thing, and Trina says, maybe, but his thing is incredibly difficult. She’s been really hard on him and she’s sorry. He says, no. She’s been calling him out on things he needed to be called out on. He’s glad she held him to high standards. Because of her, he looked into his class schedule and discovered things he never would have known. So he’s grateful actually. She says, that’s nice considering she guilted him into staying up all night and working on their project. He was so exhausted, he almost got killed on the field today. She’s sorry. He says, that’s not why he didn’t play well for most of the game. Llanview’s defensive ends are some of the best in the league. They did a good job of keeping PCU’s offense from finding its rhythm. She says, it all sounds like gibberish to her, and he says he remembers. Football’s not her thing. She says, it isn’t, but she’d like to learn more about it today. Starting with everything he just said. Something about defensive enders? He says, defensive ends, and she says, sounds like a good place to start.

Anna tells Josslyn that she stopped by to check on Dex. When she got to his room, they were already working on him. Josslyn says, but she was just talking to him on the phone. Like, just now. They were talking and laughing and joking. Anna says, when she just talked to him, he was fine too, and Josslyn says, maybe it’s a reaction to one of his medications. Maybe he’s in anaphylactic shock. He could have a blood clot. They were using the defibrillator which has to do with the heart. Anna says, they’re just guessing right now. The best thing to do – she knows it’s hard – is to wait for his doctor to come out and tell them. Josslyn says, yeah, but seeing him like that… Anna suggests they just focus on him having the best of care. She’s going to call Josslyn’s mom. She starts to make the call, and Josslyn says, Dex is so young and healthy. She was told that the injury wasn’t even that serious, so he’s going to be fine. He’s recovered from a lot worse. So he’s going to be fine now. She knows he’s going to be fine. Anna puts down the phone and smooths Josslyn’s hair.

Ava thanks Lucas for rushing over. She’s going to pay him back as soon as she gets things straightened out with her bank. Lucas asks if she’s having problems with them, and she says she assumes so. She’s waiting for a call back from her business manager. Everything was fine yesterday. Now her credit cards don’t work, her debit cards don’t work, nothin’. Ric says his accounts are frozen too. Probably because the check Ava gave him for his legal services bounced. (I’m not getting how Ric has no money other than that check.) Lucas asks if Ava thinks her identity was stolen. That’s been happening a lot these days. Ava says, who on earth would want her identity right now? She’s so sorry she disrupted Lucas’s night. She’s sure he has better things to do than come here. He says he had plans, but she seemed desperate, and he had the feeling he wasn’t her first call. She says, he wasn’t, but he’s the only one who came.

Lulu and Dante walk into the living room, Dante carrying a box. She says she knew she’d find something to lead her to Charlotte, but he tells her not to get her hopes up. She says, that’s the Cassadine crest, and he says, it is, but this could belong to Nikolas or Victor or Spencer. Ava lived here. This could be hers. She says, that’s why they have to get it open, and she knows he’s curious about what’s in there too. He says he guesses he wouldn’t mind seeing, and she picks the lock. She says, got it, and opens the box. She takes out a sparkly top and smells it. She says, this was Charlotte’s, and holds it to her chest. She takes out a toy horse and says she got Charlotte this. She loves horses and she wanted to get Charlotte one that she could carry around and play with. She searched all over for the perfect gift because she wanted Charlotte to like her. She just left it here. He says he thinks she’s looking at it the wrong way. She kept it. It’s got to mean something.

Nina and Willow go into the gatehouse, and Nina says, Willow can stay at her place for the night, or maybe a few nights. Willow says she doesn’t think she can do this. She doesn’t want to take Wiley and Amelia away from Michael, not without telling him first. Nina says, listen to her. They have to play this smart, really smart. Michael is one of the richest, most powerful men in the state. He has connections on both sides of the law. He is a Quartermaine and a Spencer and a Corinthos. All those people are going to take his side and go against her. This is going to get ugly. Willow says, Michael would never do anything to hurt his children, and Nina says, he’d do everything to protect them. Willow says, from her? and Nina says, this is war. If Willow wants any chance of getting custody or even seeing her children ever again, she’ll go get them right now.

Michael says, the time to worry about Willow would have been before Drew slept with her, and Tracy says, Michael’s right. Where was Drew’s concern when he was playing footsie with Michael’s wife? Drew tells them that he’s just saying he doesn’t want Willow dragged into a scandal. He doesn’t want Scout to read about this online when she’s still grieving her mother. Olivia says she agrees with Drew, and Tracy asks if she’s out of her mind. Olivia says, that footage goes public, it only hurts innocent people, and Tracy says, that footage didn’t look innocent to her. Olivia says she’s talking about the kids. Amelia and Wiley, and as Drew just pointed out, Scout just lost her mother. She’s gone through more than any human should have to go through. If this gets out, she will certainly hear about it, and it’s the last thing that kid needs. Whatever blowback Drew deserves, the children do not deserve this, and Tracy knows she’s right. She and Tracy leave, and Drew tells Michael that he knows how badly this footage could play out. For him, absolutely, but for everyone. That’s out of his hands now. It’s up to Michael.

Kai teaches Trina some football stuff, and she says she wants to learn. That way, she’ll know what people are talking about the next time she watches a game. He says, so there’s going to be a next time? She says, yeah, sure, and he says, she’s just in time. They only have one more game and it’s going to be a big one. She says, bigger than this one? and he says, way bigger. The Bowl game. She says she’s not missing that. What’s a Bowl game? He says, just watch and she’ll see, and she says, okay. She kind of wanted to talk to him about something. She really thinks they should do the presentation together. So is the extension still a possibility?

Chase says, when Willow left him for Michael, he was so angry and jealous of him. He thought Michael got everything and he was left with nothing. Sasha says, breakups are hard, and he says, they are, but that wasn’t his point. He was wrong to think he’d never fall in love again. He didn’t realize how wrong – he takes Brook’s hand – until he met Brook. Willow is great, but she wasn’t right for him. He couldn’t see that until he found the person who was. Brook is perfect for him and she always will be. Brook says, right back at him.

Ava’s phone ding-a-lings and she says she’s still getting alerts. She doesn’t have any more credit cards to cancel… It seems she has had something stolen. Just not her identity. She hands Ric her phone and says, please tell her this isn’t saying what she thinks it’s saying. Lucas asks what it says, and she tells him that her entire divorce settlement from Nikolas, the Cassadines have taken it back.

Josslyn asks Anna, what’s taking so long? They should have heard by now. Isaiah comes out of Dex’s room, and Josslyn asks, how’s Dex? He says he’s sorry. They did everything they could. Dex didn’t make it. Josslyn says, what?

The monitor is on flatline, and it’s turned off. Elizabeth removes the tubes attached to Dex and says, this isn’t right. He’s the second person to die like this. It just doesn’t make any sense. Something very wrong is going on here.

Lulu says, they should get going, and Dante says he’d love to, but they’ve got to wait for the boat. She says, islands. They’re a real pain in the butt sometimes. He says, especially this one, and she says, it’s stuffy in here. Does he want to wait outside and get some fresh air? She picks up the box and he asks if she’s kidding him with that right now. She says, this box is coming with her, even though it technically doesn’t belong to her. She knows he’s a cop and doesn’t expect him to get involved. He says, which part? The trespassing, the destruction of personal property, or the theft of stolen goods? She says, all of it, but he says he already is. He takes the box from her and says, why doesn’t she hold the door, and he’ll carry her box of stolen stuff? She says, gladly, and they go outside.

Tracy says, Drew is taking advantage of the Quartermaine name and laughing at them while he’s doing it. Ned says, he spent a lot of time buttering up Monica, only to turn around and sleep with Willow, and Olivia says, what Drew did was despicable, but however they feel about him, if Michael wants to make things up with Willow, they have to support him… Right? Ned says, of course (🍷), and Tracy says, once a cheater, always a cheater, but if that’s what Michael wants, she can play nice with Willow. Olivia says, good. Because Michael is going to have to know they’re here for him, no matter what.

Michael says he won’t be the one who leaks the video, for all the reasons Drew mentioned. To protect his children, to protect Drew’s daughter, to protect Willow from her own humiliating mistake. And that protects Drew too. So Drew is using them to protect his own reputation. So much for Willow’s hero. Drew says, Michael knows nothing about him and Willow, and Michael says, yeah? Why doesn’t Drew tell him?

Nina says, first one to the car gets a treat, and tells Wiley not to trip. Willow says, sorry they had to wake them up. They’re going over to Grandma Nina’s for a little sleepover adventure. Wiley says, okay! and Nina says, let’s go, but before they get to the door, Carly walks in. She asks where they’re all going in such a hurry. They wouldn’t be trying to take Michael’s children away from him, would they?

On Monday, Portia tells someone to take a step back from patient care; Drew asks Michael, would Willow have cheated if it wasn’t real; and Willow says, what happens next isn’t up to Carly.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

You know this now, but still, what a shock.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/evan-hofer-out-at-general-hospital

This is actually kind of ick. No. No future.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-previews-drew-and-willows-future-on-gh

This happened today, but I’m sure it’s on YouTube. Alan Locher does a great interview.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chat-live-with-soap-star-rick-hearst

Gio’s side gig is impressive.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/giovanni-mazzas-new-film-is-premiering-at-sundance

Love this story!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kimberly-mccullough-opens-up-about-her-son-otis

I didn’t know he’d been in GH, but I doff my cap.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-alum-michael-cole-dead-at-84

🍸 Not a Good VanderLook…

So I guess he’s drinking again? That’s a real shame.

https://people.com/vanderpump-rules-james-kennedy-arrested-on-suspicion-of-domestic-violence-8760616

Wow. It didn’t take long for his life to start unraveling.

https://people.com/vanderpump-rules-james-kennedy-removed-from-las-vegas-residency-following-domestic-violence-arrest-8761602

Team Thirsty has to put in their two cents. Bitch, please.

https://people.com/rachel-leviss-reacts-to-james-kennedy-domestic-violence-arrest-8760749

But for how long? Not if he keeps this up.

https://www.tmz.com/2024/12/13/james-kennedy-ally-lewber-not-splitting-after-domestic-violence-arrest/

👒 Working Like a Charm…

Yeah, Shep did a really weird toast at the Easter dinner too. Something about Jesus and Pontius Pilate, but it didn’t make a whole lot of sense and had nothing to do with Easter. It was just weird.

Wow. When Venita gives up on you, you’re hopeless.

So glad it’s only a rumor. I’d hate to see Craig regress, even if he doesn’t think pandas are real.

🪓 But It’s an Undisputed Masterpiece…

I think this film is perfect as is. Christian Bale is Patrick Bateman.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/american-psycho-remake-austin-butler-patrick-bateman

🐕 It’s a Dog’s Life…

I’m pretty sure Pilaf is living a better life than I am, but I’m okay with that.

https://www.instyle.com/demi-moore-molly-ringwald-dogs-photos-8759246

https://www.instyle.com/demi-moore-snake-print-bikini-pilaf-birthday-8743074

📫 Quotes of the Week

We’re not in the Midnight Realm. It’s just the suburbs. –  Owen (Justice Smith), I Saw the TV Glow

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. – Anatole France

It is, of course, quite true that God will not love you any the less, or have less use for you, if you happen to have been born with a very second-rate brain. He has room for people with very little sense, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have.C. S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity (He sounds like Anthony Hopkins in my head.)

Do I seem like the kind of guy who has the energy to argue?Niles Valentine, 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny. – Tyron Edwards

When we talk about understanding, surely it takes place only when the mind listens completely — the mind being your heart, your nerves, your ears- when you give your whole attention to it. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.Ray Bradbury

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it. – Ann Landers

As a mortician, I always tie the shoelaces together of the dead. Cause if there is ever a zombie apocalypse, it will be hilarious. – Caleb Wilde, from a post on X or what we still call Twitter

⛄️ Pretending He’s Parson Brown…

Amid your holiday or everyday tasks, take time to smell the poinsettias. Then join me on Monday for soap and Deck doings. Until then, stay safe; stay not drinking and driving home from holiday events (I can never say it enough); and stay never sleeping with your nephew’s wife.