Tag Archives: movies

Oct25

October 24, 2024 – Sam Is Prepped For Surgery, Doubtful, Steven Lars, Just a Bowl Of Oranges, Salty Talk, Movie Watch, On Backwatch, Full Circle, Vampire Review, Matching & Hour   

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Jason goes to Sonny’s office and asks, what’s up. Sonny says, it’s time to tell him what went on in Africa, and holds up the diamond.

At the Surf Lodge, Alexis, Danny, and Scout talk about Sam’s surgery. Scout says, it’s a big deal. Sam is saving Lulu’s life.

Jack calls Carly, and when she answers, he says he was starting to think she was avoiding him. She says she’s in the middle of something, but he says he needs to see her right now. She says, now is not a good time. She’s at GH. Jack says he insists. This is important. She says, so is this, and goes in to see Sam.

Laura tells Lulu that she knows it’s hard to hang in there, but help is on the way thanks to Sam. She’ll be here and Lucky will be here when Lulu comes out. She can do this. Dante and Rocco arrive, and Laura says, they’ll all be here waiting for her.

Isaiah is in the locker room, earbuds in, when Lucas says, sorry to interrupt. Isaiah says he likes to visualize a procedure before he does it, and Lucas says, they all have their pre-op rituals. He knew a surgeon who had to wear the same shoes and eat two banana muffins before surgery. Isaiah asks if Lucas is ready, and Lucas says he and Sam have the easy part. Isaiah says, it’s going to take all of them to give Lulu the help she needs. He leaves, and Brad opens his locker, finding a bag from Eckerd’s. He takes out a sweet roll and bites into it. Brad comes in and says, Lucas used to always have Eckerd’s before surgery. Unless he’s hungry for something else.

Ric visits Heather and she says she misses Alexis. He says, that’s something you don’t hear very… ever, and she says, her roommate isn’t good at conversation, but she does make a delicious toilet wine. He says, you win some, you lose some, and she says she wouldn’t mind winning some. Did the judge do what he was supposed to? Ric says, he did. The judge vacated her sentence. She’s going free.

Ellizabeth tells Portia that she heard about Heather, and asks if there’s anything she can do to help. Portia says, it’s enough that Elizabeth understands how she feels, but if Plan A fails, she might take Elizabeth up on it. Elizabeth asks, what’s Plan A?

Curtis’s assistant tells him that his 9 o’clock is here, and he says, let them in. No interruptions. Steven Webber (aka Steven Lars) comes in and they shake hands. Curtis says, Heather Webber’s prodigal son.  

Portia says, they have a big day they need to focus on, and Elizabeth says, they have to get ready to make sure the surgery goes smoothly. Portia says, Curtis is taking care of Heather, and Elizabeth tells her to be careful. Heather has a powerful ally in Ric, and if he sees someone moving against his client, he’ll respond in kind. Portia says, Heather is the one who needs to be careful.

Steven says he’s not a doctor anymore, but Curtis says he was highly skilled before he was incarcerated. Steven says, and financially stable. He thanks Curtis for paying his way here, and Curtis says, it’s the least he could do. Steven says, that depends on why Curtis is asking. He doesn’t have good memories of Port Charles and he’s not planning on staying long. Curtis says he’s not planning on standing in Steven’s way, and Steven asks what he can do for Curtis. Curtis says, when Steven does leave, he wants him to take his mother with him.

Heather asks if Ric is messing with her, but he says he got the call last night. She asks if she’s going to a halfway house or a minimum-security facility with a nice volleyball court, but he says, she’s being released. As soon as the paperwork is done, she’s out of here. She asks if she has to check in with a parole officer, get drug tests, or wear an ankle monitor, and he says, her violence stemmed from a medical condition that’s been eradicated, so she no longer needs those constraints. She says she’s free? Totally free? He says, yes, and she says, oh my God. She jumps up and hugs him. She says she got her second chance, and he’d better believe she’s going make the most of him. She kisses him on the lips, like, mwah, and hugs him again.  

Lucas says he thought he made the boundaries clear, and Brad says he brought Eckerd’s for the staff and wanted to make sure Lucas had what he needed for his pre-op routine. He was just being supportive. Lucas says he doesn’t want any misunderstanding, and Brad says he’ll throw it away, but Lucas says he already took a bite. His towel falls and he grabs it, but Brad says, relax. It’s nothing he hasn’t seen before… but that mole is new. He should get it checked out.

Laura tells Dante and Rocco that Sam is going to be prepped for surgery. If there’s anything they want to say, now’s the time. Rocco goes to Lulu’s bed and sits. He takes her hand, and says, it’s me. Rocco.

Carly asks how Sam is, and Sam says she just wishes they could get this show on the road. Carly says, waiting is the worst. It will take a miracle for Lulu to pull through, but what matters is Lulu getting a chance because of Sam. Sam says she’s just doing what anyone would do, and Carly says, if Sam needs anything, tell her. Sam says, Carly didn’t come to chat. She wants something. She always does. Carly admits she does. She wants to say thank you.

Jason asks where the diamond came from, and Sonny says, Africa. The same plane that brought Jason back. How did he find Lucky? Jason hands back the diamond and says, Jenz Sidwell was holding Lucky captive. They met at a casino in Nairobi and Sidwell invited them back to the camp. Sonny says, smart, but Jason says, not really. They’d been made at the casino and Sidwell took them back to have them killed. Sonny asks how they got out, and Jason says, there was a WSB drone strike. Sonny says, it’s nice to know they’re good for something, and Jason says, it saved their lived. When everything went to hell, they got out. Sonny says, but not alone, and Jason says, Holly was working an angle with Sidwell, but at the end, she helped them escape. She  had the diamond? Sonny says, plural, and Jason asks, how many? Sonny says, enough to know Holly is trouble, but the kind of trouble that might be worth it.

Heather says, the first thing she’s going to do is go to Kelly’s for a BLT, and Ric says, she needs to think about the state of her finances. Probably look into getting a job. She says, what about the millions from the quacks who gave her a poison hip? but he says, even if they get a settlement, it could take a while. In the meantime, she needs to support herself. She says, in the words of Scarlett O’Hara, she’ll think about it tomorrow, and he says, today, she needs a place to crash. Does she know anybody who will take her in?

Steven says he was hoping to have nothing to do with Heather, and Curtis asks if he’s aware of what’s happening. Steven says, Elizabeth caught him up, and asks if Heather got a reduced sentence. Curtis says, her sentence was vacated, and she’s being released today. He’s guessing that’s not happy news. Steven says, their relationship is complicated, and Curtis says, Heather wanted his daughter killed and she’s been allowed out in the world. Steven says, without the medical device that made her violent, and Curtis asks if Steven would bet his daughter’s life on it. He wants them to reunite far away from Port Charles. Steven says, Heather gave birth to him, but she’s hardly been his mother, and Curtis says he thought Steven might feel that way. So he’s prepared to make it worth Steven’s while.

Sonny tells Jason that Holly had a bag of them she wanted him to offload. He’s thinking the haul is close to a hundred million. Jason asks what he’s going to do, and Sonny says he’s inclined to work with her. Jason asks if Sonny knows if they’re registered, and Sonny says, no. There are no qualifiers; they’re stolen. Jason says, Sidwell might disagree, and Sonny asks if he didn’t die in the drone strike, but Jason says, he survived and he’s back in the US. He’s guessing Sidwell is looking for Holly.

Alexis tells Scout to go wash up, and Scout leaves. Alexis tells Danny that he’s a good big brother, and he says he’s the oldest. It’s his job. Alexis says, it’s not easy. His sister can be a little a lot, and when he needs to step up, Danny does. She thinks Danny is awesome and so does his mom.

Carly says, it’s no small thing, and Sam says she’s doing it for Dante and Rocco. Carly says, it means the world to all of them, and Sam says she may actually start to believe Carly can dish out compliments. She may have to bank this one. Carly says, please do, when Jack pops in and says he needs a word with Miss Spencer.

Laura says, Rocco is getting so big, and Dante wonders if Lulu will recognize him. She says, he was just a kid when the accident happened that put Lulu in a coma. He’s had to spend so much time without her. Rocco tells Lulu that he brought this for her, and puts a medal in her hand. He says his first cross country meet. He won. It’s all about endurance. Sometimes you feel like you’re not going to make it, but never give up. He thinks he got that from her. They’re so close, don’t give up now.

Outside, Carly tells Jack that her cousin is having a very complicated liver transplant. She was with the woman who’s going to be her donor. Jack says, Carly’s support is commendable. Why doesn’t she do that and then come to his office? She asks what he needs, and he says he needs Jason’s cooperation in giving him vital information from the rescue. She says, just ask him, and he says, it’s clear Jason is holding something back. She says, good luck, and he says, apparently, Jason made a nasty enemy in Jenz Sidwell when he was in Africa. He’s a gem of a human being and he’s now in the US, probably on his way to Port Charles. She asks what he expects her to do, and he says, she begged him to facilitate a rescue that could turn into a full-blown international incident. Doesn’t it seem reasonable to help? She asks why he went out on a limb for her, and he says, if she has to ask, she’s not as smart as he thought she was.

Sonny wonders how Sidwell survived, and Jason says, Lucky didn’t want him dead, and after the drone strike, there was no time. Sonny says, Laura would be proud, and Luke would be rolling in his grave. If he gets it done fast, Holly can be gone before Sidwell connects them to it. But he can’t do it today. He has to be somewhere. Sonny steps out, and Jason’s phone rings. It’s Carly.

Heather says her best bet is Laura taking her in, but Ric says, Laura is going through a family crisis. Heather says she could knock on Alexis’s door. They got along and she’s sure Alexis can give her an air mattress, but Ric says, she’s going through a family crisis as well that’s connected to Laura. Heather says, Laura can drop her off at the Quartermaines. She could hang out there for weeks before they know she’s there. Ric says, when they do notice, they’ll have her arrested. Think. Is there anyone she can call?

Isaiah sees the Eckerd’s box and asks if it’s for anybody. Portia tells him to help himself, and Brad says he’s glad they’re enjoying them. Isaiah says, duty calls, and Brad says he’s just about through. He’s going to the Woodchuck’s game. Elizabeth says, he’s leaving early for a baseball game? and Brad tells them that he could say, never mind, but Portia tells him, have fun, and he leaves.

Curtis says, what if he could get Steven’s medical license reinstated? He has a friend running for office who has influence. Steven says he can’t throw Heather over his shoulder and drag her out, but Curtis says he’s sure she’ll go willingly. He knows family means everything to her and he’s all she has left. Steven says, she has a grandson, but Curtis says, Laura will give her limited access and if it’s not good, she’ll cut Heather off altogether. All Steven has to do is crack the door open. Steven says, but he’ll be the one who has to keep her in line. He doesn’t want to be responsible for what his mother does. Curtis says, then he’ll be responsible for what becomes of her.

Alexis says, Sam has visitors, and Scout gives her some flowers. Sam says she noticed they don’t have schoolwork with them, and Danny says, it’s in the car. They want to stay here and not go to school. Sam tells Alexis not to let them work her. Stay strong. Alexis says, Sam is amazing, saving a life. There’s not many who would do that, but it’s no surprise that Sam is.

Dante and Rocco are in the waiting area, when Laura joins them. She hugs Rocco, and Dante says he’s got to get Rocco to school on time. Rocco says he’s not going, but Dante says they talked about this. Laura says, it’s a good distraction. His mom will still be in surgery after school. Rocco says he wants to be here. Please? Isaiah approaches, and Dante says he’ll make a deal with Rocco. They’re going to see Sam and it’s cool if Rocco does his schoolwork here. They leave and Laura asks Isaiah if everything is okay. Isaiah says he wanted to let her know, it’s time.

Carly asks why Jack keeps helping her, and he says, chivalry. She says, he doesn’t do anything without an ulterior motive, and he says, by definition, Anna is bitter and cynical, but Carly says, she’s not wrong. Jack says, Carly is cynical too. Almost agent worthy. She asks if he’s trying to recruit her, and he says, her talents could be put to better use than a concierge. Jason arrives and says, Carly didn’t tell him that Jack would be here. Carly says, she needs a favor, and Jason says, who’s asking? Carly or Jack? Carly says, both.

Portia says she realized Terry hiring Brad was in the hospital’s best interest, and Elizabeth asks if she thinks Brad is playing Terry. Portia says, does she? and they see Lucas headed toward them. They get quiet and he asks if they’re talking about him. Elizabeth says, they were talking about Brad, and Lucas asks, what’s he done now? Elizabeth says, pastries, and he says, bastard. Elizabeth says, Brad got his job back on Terry’s recommendation. Britt was Brad’s best friend and Terry was Co-Chief of Staff with her. Britt is dead and Brad needed a job. You do the math.

Curtis tells Steven, it’s about family. He’s protecting his and Steven needs to take responsibility for his. He thinks Steven and Heather should leave town and go far away. He’ll supplement Steven’s income until he’s on his feet. Provided Heather goes with him and stays gone. Steven says, and if he can’t convince her? and Curtis says he has alternative outcomes that are much less pleasant. (Very disappointed in Curtis.)

Elizabeth answers the hospital phone, and Heather says she can’t believe she got Elizabeth on the first try. Elizabeth asks why she’s calling, and Heather says she doesn’t know if Elizabeth heard, but she’s being released from Pentenville. Before she asks, it’s 100% legal. Elizabeth says, congratulations, and Heather thanks her. She says her head is spinning, and Elizabeth asks what she wants. Heather says she was wondering if Elizabeth can pick her up at prison… for Franco’s sake, when Ric walks in.

Lucas tells Brad that he hopes the Woodchucks do better than last time in the playoffs, and Brad asks if he wants something. Lucas asks if Brad manipulated his way back into the job. People are saying he played Terry. Brad asks, which is it? Keep it professional and stay away from each other or be in each other’s business. Lucas says, Brad’s right. Sorry. Brad says he did mention Britt, but he needed a job. He’s not proud of it. Lucas says, Britt would probably be proud, and Brad says he hopes so. He’s doing the best he can.

Elizabeth asks why Ric doesn’t pick Heather up if she’s worth millions, and Ric says, he’s going to be in court. Elizabeth says she wants nothing to do with Heather, and he says, just say no. Elizabeth says, they both know if Heather is left alone, she’ll find trouble. What does he want her to do? Take Heather into her home? Ric says he doesn’t like that idea, and Elizabeth says she was looking forward to ice cream and binging Dance Moms. Ric says he has an idea. He’ll move in too. Elizabeth laughs and says, that’s the opposite of helping.

Isaiah tells Laura that Lulu has been given anticoagulants to minimize the risk, but there are no guarantees. Laura says her daughter has been fighting for her life since she was a tiny girl and winning. She takes his hands and says, if he gives her the chance today, she will win again.

Alexis tells Sam that they have a standing invite to dine at the Quartermaines. She’s torn. There’s free food, which she loves, but there’s also… Sam says, Tracy. Sonny comes in and says he should have known the party was in here. He’s proud of Sam. Alexis says, so proud, and Sam thanks him. Danny says he knows she’s tired of hearing it, but she’s a real hero. Dante joins them and asks, who made Sam cry? Rocco has something he wanted to say. Rocco says, thank you so much, and Sam says she hasn’t done anything yet. Rocco says, she’s saving his mom’s life and he doesn’t know how he’ll repay her. She says, Rocco, Danny, Scout, Dante, and her mom, all of her people, including Sonny, have been so good to her. She’s just glad to be able to return the favor.

Carly says, Jack needs to know what happened in Africa, and Jason says he told Jack, but Jack says, he omitted some key details. Carly says, Jack came through for them. He’s the reason they got home. He saved their lives, and she owes him. She thinks Jason does too. Please help him. She leaves.

Jason says he told Jack everything he knew at the time, and Jack says, very good. He’s being honest while disclosing next to nothing. There was more to Jason’s adventure than he knew at first. Jason asks if Holly is up to something, and Jack says, she took something valuable. Jason says, diamonds. She stole a fortune. Jack says, thus Sidwell’s revenge tour, and Jason asks if they’re done. Jack tells him to thank Carly and tell her to watch her step. Jason says, nobody hurts Carly. Bad things tend to happen to people who do.  

On the phone, Portia says, Curtis is taking care of Heather. She’ll call Marshall after she speaks to him. Curtis comes in and nods. Portia smiles and goes to him. She throws her arms around him.

The prison gates open and Heather says goodbye to the guard. She sees Elizabeth walking toward her, and Steven approaches from the other side. She says, Steven Lars, and he says, hello, mother.  

Curtis says, it took some convincing, but Steven is on board. He’s going to take his mom and get out of town and out of their lives. Portia asks if he thinks it will work, and he says he doesn’t think Heather will be able to resist. It’s over. It’s finally over. She hugs him and sees Brad going to the elevator.  

Sam is wheeled out, and Lucas asks if she’s ready. She says, as long as she’s got him, and he says, she’s hard to refuse. There are some people who want to wish her luck. The whole gang is there, and Laura says she can’t possibly thank Sam enough. Sam says she’s glad to do it, and Danny says, kick butt. Scout tells her, what he said, and Rocco says, she’s his hero. Alexis says she loves Sam so much, and Dante kisses her. the elevator opens and Jason joins them. He says, she’s got this, and she says, piece of cake. Jason puts his hand on Danny’s shoulder, and Lucas says, the OR is ready. There are goodbyes and I love yous, and Sam says she loves them. She holds her fist up as she’s wheeled away.

Tomorrow, Anna tells Laura that she’ll find Valentin and bring Charlotte back to her family; Nina asks why someone is confessing now; Steven tells Heather, that subject is off limits; and the paternity results are in.

🩺 But It’s Her House That Alan Gave Her…

This is a real shame. I can understand the accidents she had. I’m pretty sure I’m going to meet my end by tripping over a dog toy, a dog bed, or an actual dog.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/leslie-charleson-unlikely-to-return-to-general-hospital

🚑 The Prodigal Son Returns…

Apparently, the stars aligned.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/scott-reeves-opens-up-about-his-return-to-general-hospital

🍊 A Dose Of Vitamin OC…

Jenn confronted Tamra and in Jenn’s interview, she came to the conclusion that Tamra had no soul. I concur. She also thought Heather should get out of Tamra’s ass and be her own human being. In Emily’s interview, she said when Tamra didn’t respect someone, she had no boundaries. Shannon met with her daughters and they hung out in London.

The group had an English dining etiquette lesson, and in Tamra’s interview, she said, there were too many rules. Here’s etiquette for you. She then gave us the finger. Seriously, why bother? Immediately after the lesson, Tamra called Shannon a liar and a drunk. Gina told Tamra to stop with the alcohol thing, and Jenn seconded it. In Fancy Pants Heather’s interview, she said, everyone gets an F. As happens occasionally, I agree with Fancy Pants.

Shannon needed an enema, which Katie graciously administered. Constipation, the great equalizer. Just as uncomfortable no matter what your income. And just in case you’re ever thinking about it, I’m not that friend. Staying on brand, Tamra told Fancy Pants that Katie’s daughter was watching Emily’s kids, and they said they didn’t like Fancy Pants because she was mean to their mom. When Fancy Pants relayed this to Emily, Emily said it was Katie’s daughter who told her kids that Fancy Pants was mean. She told them not to talk like that again. She told Fancy Pants that she’d never involve her kids in an adult situation and would never talk negatively about her friends in front of them. Fancy Pants said, Katie f***ed with the wrong marine. She was done.

In a rare humorous moment, Gine hit the fire alarm in a restaurant, thinking it was a device to flush the toilet. Sitting outside, Shannon said she’d told Fancy Pants about texting Johnny J. after the accident and shown her the photo in confidence. Fancy Pants made a million excuses for passing that information along, and said she felt that Shannon was controlling the narrative, but eventually apologized for breaking Shannon’s trust. She claimed she didn’t know it was private.

Meanwhile at the table, Tamra said Shannon told her that there was a rumor about Gina throwing Travis down the stairs. I’m sure there’s a big ball joke in there somewhere, but I’ve had a long day. In Gina’s interview, she said, Travis’s ex was telling lies. She wasn’t appreciating Tamra’s interrogation since she’d just stopped living with the love of her life to get away from this insanity. Tamra said Shannon had come between her and Jenn and was now trying to come between her and Gina. When Shannon returned to the table, Gina said, Tamra told her that Shannon was trying to dig up information on her before the Reunion. Shannon said, Tamra was the one who told her about the business with the stairs, but in Tamra’s interview, she said, when the story circulated in June of 2022, she and Shannon weren’t speaking. Shannon said, Tamra always got super drunk and talked sh*t about people, and in Jenn’s interview, she said, Tamra didn’t know how to be a friend or what an apology meant. She was a mean girl bully and thrived on it.

Shannon walked out, and in one of those ironic life moments, the birthday cake came out, along with singing servers. Tamra blew out the candles, and in Shannon’s interview, she said she wasn’t allowing toxic people to penetrate her life anymore. Tamra was evil. Again, agreed.

Katie summed it up best when she said in her interview, has there ever been a dinner with these women that’s pleasant? Nope. I don’t think so.

Next time, Jenn and Ryan have a wedding (not sure if it’s real); Jenn thinks she f***ed it all up; and Gina says, Jenn ruined her own life.

If you want more:

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 16 Recap: Tamra Is Throwing Everyone Under the Bus

🧂 Extra Salt…

If you didn’t get enough.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 5, Episode 6 Recap: Keep Your Frenemies Close and Your Housewives Closer

👀 Forgotten Watch…

No surprise I forgot I watched this last weekend, since I almost forgot I wanted to watch it. I did kinda, sorta watch the first two. Frankly, I saw a sex scene I can never unsee in I can’t remember which other one, and a disturbing dance with a scarecrow, so it’s doubtful I’ll rewatch those. But I love an 80s atmosphere, so I was looking forward to this one. I definitely liked this the most out of the three, and what’s not doubtful is Mia Goth’s excellent performances. She did not disappoint and the story was a good one. Probably not for those with weak stomachs though.

https://screenrant.com/maxxxine-movie-timeline-how-long-after-x/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/maxxxine-theda-baras-walk-of-fame-star-explained-how-it-calls-back-to-pearl/ar-AA1sKVYf

https://1428elm.com/do-you-need-to-watch-pearl-and-x-to-enjoy-maxxxine-01jard0y8033

🏃‍♀️ Behind In Watching…

Obviously, there are spoilers here. While I’ve still only seen the first two episodes, they’re so short, this is really better suited for binging.

https://ew.com/agatha-all-along-aubrey-plaza-death-reveal-rio-vidal-episode-7-8733310

I’m just behind by one here.

https://ew.com/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-reunion-between-daryl-carol-changed-exclusive-8729288

🤷‍♀️ What’s Weirder…

Wearing a costume or being one?

https://ew.com/rob-lowe-received-bigfoot-costume-60th-birthday-wore-outside-8630889

https://ew.com/rob-lowe-recalls-st-elmos-fire-halloween-costumes-8727923

🧛🏻 Final Shadows…

I haven’t been a faithful watcher, but the episodes I’ve seen are very funny. I love that there’s an energy vampire and they live on Staten Island.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-season-6-review-hulu

👻 It’s Not Just Me…

As long as I’ve had dogs, we’ve had a costume theme every Halloween. Last year was Barbie. This year… Well, you’ll see.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g39918082/dog-and-owner-costumes/

🧟‍♀️ Where the Wild Things Are…

Come by tomorrow for soap, a dash of entertainment, and my own Halloween movie list. Until then, stay safe; stay keeping all Halloween treats, costume pieces, and decorations away from pets; and stay never giving up, even when you feel like you’re not going to make it.

Oct11

October 10, 2024 – Anna Receives a Surprise Package, His Feels, Side Gig, Heavenly Birthday, The OC Invades London, The Real Thing, Watch These, All Dressed Up & Highway

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Diane goes to the coffee warehouse, and says she needs to talk to Jason. Is his staff still here? He says, it’s just them, and she says she needs him to do something. He says, it sounds serious, and she says she hates to ask, but circumstances demand it. She’s requesting that he betray someone, and he asks, who? She says, Sonny.

Carly shows up at the penthouse, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? She says, Holly is looking for him, and asks if any strangers have been hanging out nearby or if he’s seen a parked car. He says, his people would notice. Why? She says she had dinner with Jack, and someone was watching them.

Alexis says, Martin visiting her at night can’t be good, but he says, on the contrary. He has the key to her salvation. He shows her a picture of Jack and asks if he looks familiar. She says, not in the slightest, and he says, Jack Brennan is the WSB station chief in Port Charles. He’s a player and has a different girl in every town. His P.I. took this picture of Jack with Carly. Why would a known playboy host a late-night dinner in his hotel suite with Carly when she’s supposed to be reunited with Sonny? Shameful.

Kristina says she has information about the night John Cates was killed, and Anna asks if anyone knows she’s here. Kristina says, no, and Anna asks if she wants to call someone, like a lawyer. She needs to think carefully. Kristina says she feels like Anna is trying to get her not to talk, but Anna says, on the contrary. She just wants Kristina to understand the potential ramifications, not just for her mother, but for her.

Elizabeth finds Dante in Lulu’s room, and says she was just checking on him. She saw Sam leave with Rocco and thought this would be a good time. Is he staying long? He says he can leave if anyone comes to spend time with Lulu. He wants to make sure someone is always with her. She says she’s here if he needs anything, and he says, she can help him learn to keep his mouth shut. She says she’s sure whatever he said isn’t as bad as he thinks, but he says, his son will feel differently if he can’t keep his promise that Lulu will make it.

In the chapel, Lucky says, if God is listening, he could sure use some guidance. He’s pretty desperate and will take whatever He’s got. Laura comes in and says, Lucky? They hug, and she says, he’s home. He says, sorry it took so long, but she says, he’s right on time. Thank God. She’s so grateful. Now he’s able to help his sister.

Dante says he told Rocco that Lucky can’t be the donor, and he took it to heart. She says, so did Lucky, and he says he promised there would be another donor, but it’s a long shot, right? She says, it’s not impossible, and he says, she can’t get a donor from the National Registry. All of her relatives have been tested and they’re not a match. They’ve got to convince a stranger who doesn’t know Lulu to give her their liver when she’s in a coma and may not wake up.

Laura says she missed Lucky so much, and he says he missed her too. She says she heard what happened in Somalia. Does it hurt? He says, you should see the other guy, and she says, his hair is so long. He says he was thinking about cutting it, but she says, don’t. He reminds her of his father. She likes it. He says, it’s strange. He knows Luke is gone, but when he was halfway across the world, he expected to see him. She says she still has moments like that, and they sit down. She says she’s so sorry she wasn’t here to welcome him, and he says, that’s his fault. If he hadn’t gotten himself in trouble, if he’d been here with Lulu, she would be safe and healthy. She asks if he’s seen Aiden, and he says, he’s quite a kid. She says, he takes after his father, and Lucky says he hopes not too much. She says, he has so many wonderful qualities, but he says he credits Elizabeth for raising Aiden. She says she hopes their reunion was okay, and Lucky asks if Elizabeth mentioned anything. She says, no. Did something happen? He says he doesn’t know how to tell her, and she tells him, just say it. He tells her that Elizabeth said he can’t be a donor, and Laura starts to cry. She asks, why? and he says, the first round of tests checked out and he was a viable donor. Then they did a test to see if his liver was in good enough shape to donate, and it’s not. He’s so sorry. He’d do anything to save Lulu, but he can’t help.

Kristina says she appreciates Anna’s concern, but she’s thought about this a lot, and Anna asks where she was the night John Cates was murdered. She says she was at her mother’s house, and Anna says, not all night. Kristina says she went to visit her daughter’s grave, but Anna says, that’s not the only place she went. According to Chase, she drove that night or got a Ride Share or possibly Sam’s car. She had trouble remembering. Kristina says she remembers now, and Anna asks if she drove Sam’s car, but Kristina says, no. Anna says, hers? and Kristina says, no. Anna says, whose car? They know Alexis had hers. It was caught on camera entering the Quartermain estate. Kristina says, that’s not true. Alexis didn’t drive her car. Anna says, did she? when Michael barges in and says, stop talking. They’re leaving now.

Diane says she’s already committed several ethical violations by talking to Jason. Alexis is probably going to be convicted if she doesn’t do something. A trial date has been set and they need to put an end to this travesty. She wants him to convince her client to confess to a murder they both know he committed. She knows it’s a bad idea, but doesn’t see any other way to help. Alexis is her best friend, and she can’t let Alexis go down for a murder they know she didn’t commit. He needs to convince Sonny to do the right thing. He’s the only one Sonny will listen to. He says, Sonny already decided to turn himself in, and she asks if he’s at the PCPD. He says, he’s with Carly, filling her in, and she says, that makes sense. There are big implications for Carly. He says, that’s why they need to stop him.  

Sonny asks why Carly thinks a P.I. is tailing her, and she says, at the very least, they know she was in Jack’s hotel room. He says, she’s the owner of the hotel and can explain it away, but she says, having dinner alone with him will raise eyebrows. He says, that depends on who’s tailing her and why, and she says, maybe it’s the false alibi. She bets it’s Martin. He wants to prove Alexis is innocent by proving Sonny is guilty. Sonny says, smart play. Alexis’s trial is coming up fast and Kristina’s not doing well. She’s going to do something to get the Fed’s attention. The whole thing is getting out of control. There’s only one thing to do. He’s going to confess to killing Jagger. She says she’s his alibi, and that means she’s going down with him.

Alexis asks how Martin got the photo, and he says, the P.I. he had tailing Carly. She asks what else he found, and he says, nothing yet. Brennan is no fool. He thinks Brennan already made his investigation. Alexis says, he’s kidding. Shocking. He says, it doesn’t matter, but she says, it does. Carly knows they’re onto her and she’s not going to get caught again. It’s not enough.

Anna says, they’re in the middle of an interview, but Michael says, the interview is over. Kristina knows better not to talk to the police without a lawyer and so does Commissioner Devane. Let’s go now. Kristina looks at Anna, who nods, and she and Michael leave. Michael looks at Anna and shakes his head as he closes the door.

Jason says, this can’t be the only way to save Alexis, but Diane says, it’s the only option. A trial won’t end well. Jason says, they could still find the gun. They just need time. Diane says, the Feds aren’t going to agree to a continuance, but Jason says, this can’t be how it ends for Sonny. She says, it’s not what she wants either. She loves Sonny too. She hasn’t worked all these years agreeing to be his lawyer because he pays her well. Underneath that gruff exterior lies a heart of gold. Jason says he had a deal with Cates. He finds out about Pikeman and Cates leaves Carly alone. Diane says, Cates was using him to bring Sonny down, and he says he created the situation. He should have done his job and killed Cates when he had the chance.

Sonny says he’s not going to let Carly go down. If he’d known what was going to happen, he wouldn’t have asked her to get involved. She’s got to see it a different way. She says she knows he’d never let the mother of his child go to prison for something he did, but Kristina’s not going to let that happen. If Alexis goes to trial, she’s going to start talking and get all of them convicted of something. He says he can’t promise there will be no consequences for her, but Carly’s not going to prison. He’s got to get things under control. He’s got a plane on standby. All she has to do is get Donna. She says, he wants her to leave the country? and he says, there are places with no extradition where she can’t be touched. She says, that means he’ll never see Donna again, and he says, Donna will be better off losing him than losing both parents, but Carly says she can’t do that.

Laura asks why Lucky can’t be a donor, and he says, there’s an anomaly in his liver from a parasite. It’s not dangerous to him, but it could kill Lulu. Laura asks if he’s sure he’s okay, and he promises he’s good. He’s healthy, but not good enough to save Lulu. The whole reason he came back was to help Lulu. He thought he could make up for not saving her when she was a baby. He already failed her once. Now he’s failing her again. She says, he’s not. He can give her his love and strength and use his incredibly strong will to convince her to pull herself through. He says, whatever happens is on him, but she says, he didn’t create Lulu’s illness. He’s not responsible for her recovery. He says, the reason he can’t donate is that he spent the last 13 years in combat zones. Everything he was exposed to, affected his body. It’s not a freak accident. It was the reckless life he chose to lead.

Dante says he was convinced Lucky was their miracle, and Elizabeth says, they’ll use every available resource to find a donor. If he needs anything, let her know. He thanks her, and she opens the door to find Olivia. Elizabeth says she’s glad Olivia is here. Her boy needs her. Elizabeth leaves, and Dante tells Olivia that Lucky can’t be the donor. She says she’s so sorry, and he says, that was their last shot. Now what do they do? She says, they’re going to do more than hope.

Laura says she’s not going to let Lucky beat himself up. It’s not going to do his sister any good. He had no way of knowing what was coming when he left, and he deserved to live his own life wherever it took him. He says his responsibility was here, but she says he also had dreams that had a profound effect on other people. Where would those doctors and patients be if he hadn’t provided security? He saved lives. Lucky says, but he can’t save the life that matters most, and she says, if his sister knew, she’d say she was proud of him for the work he’s done in this world.

At the café, Michael says he knows Kristina is worried about her mom, but that was a bad idea. She asks how he knew where she was, and he says he had Spinelli put tracking software on her phone. She’d asked for help. She says she didn’t ask him to invade her privacy, and he says, she refused to listen. Telling the police what she did could put her future in jeopardy, and likely make it worse for Alexis. She could be convicted for a murder that their father did.

Sonny says, it’s not easy, but they’ll fight this out, and Carly says she’ll support the family while it collapses. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, Elizabeth called. Lucky’s not a viable donor. He says he’s sorry, and she says, Lulu is too sick to use the registry, and finding a private donor is a long shot. She’s going to die and there’s nothing they can do. That’s why she can’t leave the family. And Rocco and Dante need Sonny. She knows beating the charges is a long shot, but she has a chance while he doesn’t have one.

Diane asks when Jason could have changed the outcome, and he says, the minute Cates said Carly’s name. She says, he would have been thrown in solitary and his family would have believed he’d died in Greece. He says he had plenty of opportunity, and she says, Cates was a federal agent. The government is going to great lengths to find his killer. He can’t presume he could have walked away. He says, what happens to him isn’t as important as what happens to Sonny and Carly, and she says she doubts his sons agree.

On the phone, Anna says, it seemed like Kristina was about to admit to killing Cates, or admit to knowing who did… Of course (🍷) she knows what that means. Alexis is going to be convicted for a crime she didn’t commit. What are they going to do about that? Suddenly, an alarm goes off, and Chase comes in. He says, they have to evacuate, and she asks if it’s a fire. He says, no. A bomb.

Laura says, they all have flaws. Ask her husband about hers. Lucky says, she’s one of the strongest people he’s ever known. If he winds up half the person she is, he’d be good. She says, he is good. He’s a good man and strives to be better all the time. He helps others. He says he could have done that here, but she says she’s not so sure. She’d always known the day would come when he’d leave Port Charles and her. He’s so much like his father. Lucky was on the run with them when he was a just a little baby. By the time he was crawling, he was going off on his own adventures. Does he remember when they had the Triple L? Eventually, trouble caught up with them there too. We flash back to the diner explosion, and she says, Lucky was separated from him for weeks. Any other parents would have been beside themselves with worry. Of course (🍷) they knew, even at his tender age, he could take care of himself. Lucky says, they taught him how to survive, and she says she hopes they taught him how to thrive. The day came when he couldn’t thrive in Port Charles, but she’s always known he’d come back one day when he was ready. And here he is. Just when she and his sister need him the most.

Chase tells Anna that they’re checking the cameras in the garage now. Everyone has been moved back 200 feet and the hazard team is working on it. She asks how they knew, and he says, the dogs reacted to a suspicious package. They pulled the surveillance footage, and it looks like the package was placed in a blind spot so they wouldn’t get caught. Anna says, whoever did this knew what they were doing.

Michael says, Kristina going to the police was an impulsive decision. She didn’t count all the possible consequences. She says, just like she didn’t count all the possible consequences when she went to see Ava.  

Jason says he hates how the fallout affected his sons, but they’re used to living without him, and Diane says, they’ll lose more than they’ll gain. There are people who love and need him, and it’s no longer a luxury for him to decide his life isn’t worth more than someone else’s. Imagine how hurt his sons will be. Think about that the next time he decides to sacrifice himself for someone else.

Carly says, Sonny will have to get his affairs in order and warn Dante. He doesn’t want Dante to be blindsided by this. She’ll talk to Josslyn. Sonny asks her to tell Josslyn that he’s sorry, and Carly says she agreed to help him. Now she has to deal with the consequences, but Cates is gone, and their kids are safe. He says, all it cost them was their parents.

Alexis says, one picture doesn’t prove anything, but Martin says, all he has to do is call into question the US Attorney’s narrative of the crime. They’ll never go for a conviction with a hole this big in the case. They’ll have to let her go and reopen it. Alexis says she’ll still be seen as a suspect, but he says, she won’t be their number one suspect. They’ll have to redirect their attention back to the real killer. It’s their only card to play. Alexis tells him, do it, and he says he’s already on it. She says, when he turns the photo over, if he feels tempted to suggest Sonny is covering for Carly, go ahead.

Lucky wishes there was something he could do, and Laura says, so does his brother. He was crushed to find out he wasn’t a viable donor. She thinks he felt like if he could do that, it would help make up for the bad choices that put him in prison. Lucky says he knows it’s hard for Laura to see Nikolas behind bars. He can understand Nikolas wanting to make almonds amends. She says, no one can bear every burden, and he says he’d settle for just one. Lulu went through so much when he was away. He wishes he’d been here for her to lean on at least once. They hug, and Laura says she thinks she’ll be leaning on him plenty before this is over.

Olivia tells Dante, done. She left a message for Nina to have her media contacts get the word out about Lulu’s condition. She texted an SOS to everyone on her contact list – friends and family, people in the old neighborhood, vendors, contractors, dishwashers… Just wait. People will roll up their sleeves in droves to get tested. He says he hopes it’s soon. Lulu is looking weak. She says she knows Lulu is in trouble, but so were the Mets in Game Six, and look how they turned out. Dante says, but they like the Yankees, and she says, today, they’re Mets fans. The same rules apply. Miracles happen. Like the Mets say, you gotta believe.

Kristina tells Michael that she wishes she could change what happened, but she can’t. He’s right to say she’s impulsive and there could be consequences she’s not prepared for. She’s living them now, so she’s going to listen to him and keep quiet – for now. But if it comes down to it, she’s not letting her mom stay in prison when she’s innocent.

On the phone, Anna says, if there are any changes, she’ll let them know. She tells Chase that Brennan is the last person they need help from. A guy from the hazard team tells them they can go back inside, and Anna asks if the bomb was disarmed. He says, it was a false alarm. There was no trace of explosive material. An officer brings the box and Anna wonders, what the hell is it? Chase suggests they open it and find out. (This is why he’s a detective.)

Jason says he doesn’t want to fail his boys again, but he doesn’t want to fail Sonny either. Diane says she gets that sacrifices come with the job description, but he can only make sacrifices if he’s here to do it. He says, they’re in danger of losing Sonny, and she says, Sonny chose this life. So did Carly. Jason says, still, she shouldn’t have to pay the price, and Diane says she promises if the day comes, she’ll stand up for Carly to the best of her ability. He asks, what are the odds of success? And she says, not great, but that doesn’t mean they don’t try. Her phone rings, and she says, speak of the devil. Sonny tells her that he’s with Carly and they need to talk now.

At the penthouse, Jason asks, what’s going on? and Carly says she’ll let Sonny tell him. On the phone, Sonny says he’ll let Diane know when it’s time. He asks if Carly filled Jason in, but she says she thought he should. He says he’s putting an end to this. He’s turning himself in. Diane is making a deal right now. Jason asks, what kind of deal? and Sonny says he’s confessing to Jagger’s killing and everything else. Everything the Feds want, and the statute of limitations allows. Jason says he knows it’s Sonny’s choice, and Sonny says, he’s going to give them everything, cop to it all, everything they’ve always wanted. In exchange for one thing. No one pays for Jagger’s death but him.

Alexis lies in her bunk when the guard yells, lights out!

Outside Anna’s office, Chase tells Martin that Anna is unavailable, but Martin says he’s got to see her now. It’s vital in getting Alexis out of prison. Chase tells him to take it up with the US Attorney, and goes into the office. Anna says, it’s not what she expected, and shows him a gun. She says, it’s a nine-millimeter, and he says, like the one Elizabeth and Ric saw Alexis dump from the bridge. Anna says, the gun Alexis said would exonerate her if it was found.

Laura tells Lucky that his sister’s body has been though an awful lot. Time is not on her side. He said he wanted to do something. If the worst should come to pass and they have to let their girl go – she cries – please stay with her and hold her hand when she says goodbye. He says, of course (🍷), and they hug. She thanks him and cries.

Tomorrow, Martin tells Alexis that she’ll be out by the end of the day; Ava asks someone if there’s a reason for this visit; Anna asks if Carly wants to change her statement; and Sonny says, someone has to be stopped.

🩺 Nothing More Than Feelings…

I’m still preferring the old Lucas, but I like his attitude.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/van-hansis-opens-up-about-taking-over-as-lucas-on-gh

🚑 After His Schedule Was Cut…

Another underused character. I’d love to see him have an actual storyline. I’d love to just see him show up again.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-marc-anthony-samuel-stars-in-a-new-netflix-movie

💖 Sweet Remembrance…

It was so sad when he passed away. They really seemed to be in love, even after all those years.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/all-my-children/susan-lucci-remembers-her-late-husband-on-his-birthday

🍊 Down In the OC So Low…

After receiving her un-invitation, Alexis suggested if Shannon could host a trip, she could afford to pay the money she owes Johnny J. The women got mammograms and Fancy Pants Heather found out she had a 39% chance of getting breast cancer because of familial history. She was surprised that no one asked her how hers went when they were all swapping results. In Jenn’s interview, she said, an apology from Tamra was just words, but in Tamra’s interview, she said she was just being honest. She wondered if she should give Ryan a tampon since he was a little bitch, and Eddie told her, just stop. Good luck with that.

When I saw the amount of luggage, I wondered how long the trip was going to be. Six months? On the plane, Fancy Pants announced that it was Shannon’s 60th birthday and she was single. I could feel Shannon cringe. They stayed at an amazing, humongous penthouse where a tea was already set up, and drew keys for rooms. If Ramona had been there, she would have checked all the rooms, removed the key to her first choice, and had her suitcases unpacked before anyone else even got to the bowl.

Shannon gave all the women a bag of English-themed gifts, including a Burberry scarf that retails for $595. I knew this before the text showed us, since I thought, maybe I can afford a scarf, but nope. In her interview, Tamra wondered why Shannon was dishing out scarves like candy when she claimed she had no money to pay the lawsuit. Tamra and Fancy Pants discussed Shannon’s appearance on Jeff Lewis’s podcast, and the inconsistencies with what she was saying now. Not only did she come close to admitting the money was a loan, she said that she’d never thought about whether or not Johnny J. heard the accident. In Heather’s interview, she wondered why Shannon was telling her one thing, then saying something vastly different on Jeff Lewis. In Tamra’s interview, she said, Shannon was playing the victim.

After having some cotton candy, the women went on a Captain Rocket boat ride. The life jackets were actual long-sleeved jackets, which I’d never seen before. There was a bit of a tour, where they saw Big Ben and the new London Bridge. Tamra informed us that the original London bridge was in Havasu – so weird – and we saw a clip of that. They sped up, which some of the women enjoyed, and some not so much. Gina thought the cotton candy beforehand was a bad idea.

The women dressed for dinner, and Tamra wore a low backed jumpsuit that she compared to a mullet – business in the front and party in the back. They went to The Londoner for a five-course meal, and Fancy Pants finally spilled her feelings – as one does at a group dinner – about no one asking how her mammogram went. For maybe the first time ever, I felt badly for her when she told them her risk percentage for breast cancer. Everyone seemed genuinely surprised and sorry. They’d thought when they heard her say, yay, she was in the clear, but Fancy Pants said she’d been cheering for Gina who’d had a harmless lump.

Moving on, Katie said she and her family were going to Korea for her 40th birthday, and she would be meeting her birth mother who’d had her when she was 15. Yikes! Somehow, we circled back to the loan/gift thing, and in Tamra’s interview, she said Shannon told her it was a loan. Once more, this became a dinner table discussion. I always wonder what the servers think as they put plates in front of crying and/or screaming women. Shannon screeched that she was not a victim and was working on herself, and bolted. She went directly to the bar, not passing go or collecting $75,000. Gina followed, and Shannon showed Gina a text she’d found from 2018, where Alexis was clear that both she and her ex-husband Jim were suing Shannon and Tamra for defamation. We flashed back to Alexis insisting she’d had nothing to do with that, and Shannon said it was the smoking gun. Gina said, holy sh*t!

That’s right. She’s got receipts! Proof! Timelines! Screenshots! A text from 2018!

Next time, jazzercise; Gina says she’s trying to figure out how to be a friend to Fancy Pants; and Fancy Pants says, that was a lot.

If you’re craving more Orange.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 14 Recap: Tea and Burberry Scarfs Can’t Solve Everything

🧟‍♂️ Beauty Or the Beast…

My next watch on Netflix. Because I don’t have enough going on.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/07/lyle-and-erik-menendez-s-bombshells-about-their-parents-murders-in-netflix-doc/

So how much time does she spend helping innocent nobodies on death row? Apparently, the DA is on board as well.

https://extratv.com/2024/10/04/kim-kardashian-calls-for-release-of-menendez-brothers-they-are-not-monsters/

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Among the many series I’m in the middle of, I watched V/H/S Beyond on Shudder. While I love a lost footage theme, this one was hit and miss. I’d been intrigued by Justin Long’s Furbabies, but it wasn’t my favorite. There were some great moments overall, but two hours was too long. Some mild spoilers here.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vhs-beyond-review

V/H/S/Beyond Review: A Fantastic New Entry

When it was first on, I got lost watching Lost and gave up on it. I decided to give it another go though, and I’m not hating it. In addition to my From favorite, Harold Perrineau, I’d forgotten Naveen Andrews (Abby, Planet Terror) was in it. I love a good binge, and this has enough episodes to go on for a while.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/lost-on-netflix-a-experts-guide-to-bingeing-the-121-episodes

Speaking of From, here’s what happened this week. All spoilers all the time.

FROM Season 3 Episode 3: Boyd’s Hope and Tabatha’s Crisis

👻 Not So Roguish Gallery…

Never enough pets in Halloween costumes.

https://www.tmz.com/2021/10/29/celebrity-pets-all-dressed-up-for-halloween/

🌄 The Year’s Sunset Sky…

Come on by tomorrow for soap and what’s watch worthy (or not). Until then, stay safe, stay planning to keep your pets indoors on Halloween, and stay never letting your apology be just words.

Sep27

September 26, 2024 – First Loser In Sidwell’s Game, New Soap Who Dis, No Party Goes Unpunished, WWDD, Teasing Us, Digipool, No Joke, Fall Films, Saved By Her Hair & Rain

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Stella meets Tracy at the park, and Tracy says, in her book, on time is five minutes early. Punctuality is a principle she holds dear, and if Stella doesn’t agree, maybe they need to rethink their arrangement. Stella asks who Tracy thinks she’s talking to.

James goes to the stables and Sasha tells him to have fun with his Uncle Cody. Cody says, fun is his middle name.

Drew tells Ned that Valentin is wanted by the FBI. His assets have been seized and it’s not going to look good for ELQ. Ned agrees, and Drew says he wishes Ned had been in agreement when he teamed up with Valentin. They need a less controversial CEO. He can’t do it, so that leaves one person. Ned says, me, and Drew says, Michael.

Sidwell says, it would be easy to kill them all, but he wants to make it more interesting. He’ll give them a chance to keep breathing. Jason asks, what’s the game? and Sidwell says, three players. If Jason wins, he and Anna live. If Lucky’s name is accurate, he and Holly will live. If he wins, they all die. No matter what happens, he can’t lose. Holly says, this is insane. Kill them if he wants to, but not her.

Tracy asks Stella if she was harsh. Timeliness is important to her. Stella says, her too, but there was an accident on Bellmont… She’s not explaining herself. She doesn’t buy that Tracy is this angry because she was late. Tracy asks what she’s angry about then, and Stella says, you tell me. Tracy says her mood has nothing to do with Stella being late. Two staff members were insubordinate and ill-mannered, and she’s annoyed about it. The cook took it upon herself to throw an elaborate brunch for another family at their boathouse and the stable hand was involved. Stella says, that is rude. Some people have no work ethic anymore, throwing a party on the job. Tracy says, the cook wasn’t on the clock. It was her day off. Stella says, it’s a shame about the stable hand, but Tracy says, it was his day off too. Stella says she’s confused. What’s the problem? Tracy says, their blatant disregard for her. Sasha got huffy and defiant, and Cody chimed in on her behalf. Stella says, problems are like onions. You’ve got to pull back the layers to get to the root. She knows what this is really about, and bets Tracy does too.

James asks if Cody is happy to be part of their family, and Cody says, the happiest. James says he can’t believe Grandpa Mac is Cody’s dad, and Cody says he can’t believe it either. He learned to be okay with being alone and leaned into the cool parts, but having a family who he cares about and who cares about him is a lot cooler.

Maxie thanks Sasha for the brunch, and Sasha says, it was fun until Tracy. Maxie says, that was a lot of hot air over a quiche. She was checking for updates on Lulu. She’s getting worse and needs a transplant now. Sasha says she’s sorry. She knows they were close. Maxie says, Lulu is her best friend. Always has been and always will be.

Drew says, Michael is the obvious choice, and Ned tells him, says who? Who authorized him to choose? Drew says he’s a member of the family, and Ned says, he made that clear when he changed his name before his run for office. Drew says he makes no apologies, and Ned never apologized for making Valentin CEO. Ned asks if the initials SEC mean anything to Drew, and Drew says, they need to replace Valentin with Michael. Ned asks why he should support that, and Drew says, because he’s a team player. He’s supporting the family over his personal interests. Michael and Willow walk in, and Michael asks if they’re interrupting.  

Holly says she doesn’t know what these people are doing and doesn’t care. She’s not involved. He’s the one who persuaded her to leave Monte Carlo, and now she’s going to be killed if someone doesn’t win a game. Sidwell says he enjoyed his time with her, but doesn’t trust her. She knew these people and didn’t tell him. She says she explained why, but he says he doesn’t like people who keep secrets. He tells the guards to get the women out and secure Lucky and Jason. He asks if they’re ready to play for their lives.

Tracy asks if it isn’t premature for Stella to presume she knows what Tracy means, and Stella says, they’re more alike than Tracy wants to admit. It all boils down to one thing. How Tracy feels about Cody.

James asks if Sasha is part of their family because she’s Cody’s girlfriend, and Cody says, some people have a hard time believing in themselves. Sasha believed in him when he couldn’t and talked him into it. James says he believes in Cody. How can he not believe in himself? Cody says, James wrote the book on cool, but James says he hates writing. Cody tells him, it’s just a saying. For the record, Sasha is part of his family. James says, then she’s part of his too, and they get ready to go for a ride.

Holly and Anna are put in a cell, and Anna looks around. Holly says, she won’t find anything, and Anna asks if she’s supposed to sit around waiting to die. The whole reason they came was to bring Lucky home to save Lulu, but that only happens if he lives. If he wins, that means Jason can’t win. She finds a paper clip and starts to work the lock. She says, that means she’s a dead woman. Why didn’t Holly help Lucky escape when she found him? Holly asks how she would know Lulu needed a transplant. She was two months into the most odious con, and two weeks was all she needed. She would have had millions of dollars, but instead, they show up, and now their lives are at risk. Anna says, Holly always survives. She needs to ask Holly a favor. When she gets out, go to Robert and asks him to tell their daughter how much she loves her. Holly says, Anna is such a bitch. Anna knows she can’t go to Robert and tell him that she left her to die. Anna says she doesn’t see what choice Holly has. Unless Holly has a magic Get Out of Jail Free card, she’s screwed.

Sidwell says he’ll do the honors, and shuffles the cards. A guard whispers something to him, and he says, something requires his attention. In case they think of doing anything stupid, there are guards outside. He leaves, and Lucky asks what Jason and Anna are doing here. Jason says, they’re here to take him home.

Drew says he was filling Ned in on his idea for Michael to take over as CEO, and Ned says, it was more like a mandate. Drew says, does Michael have time to join them? and Willow says, it’s fine. She’ll see him at the boathouse. Michael says, if they miss their reservation, he’ll make it up to her, and she says she knows. She leaves, and Michael says he takes it Ned’s not on board, and Drew says, Ned’s creating conflict where there is none. They need to get ELQ on solid ground and it’s easier if they’re on the same page. Ned says, it’s always two against one, and Drew says, Ned’s right. Ned says, that’s a first, and Drew says, no more two against one. He’s confident they’ll figure it out on their own. He leaves, and Michael says he doesn’t have an agenda. He just wants to do what’s best for the family. Ned says he believes Michael. It’s not Michael he doesn’t trust. It’s Drew.

Tracy asks if Stella is suggesting she’s harboring romantic feelings for Cody. If so, she’s ready too many trashy novels. Stella says she’s not saying that… Not that she would blame Tracy. They’ve been meeting for several months and it’s clear by how much she talks about Cody, that they’ve become close. He even took her out on the lake in that old rowboat. They confide in each other. She was one of the first people Cody told when he found out Mac was his real father. Tracy says she’s mentioned him more than she realized, and Stella says, he’s a good friend and now he’s reunited with his family and he’s with Sasha. Tracy is afraid of losing him. And why not? Look at where they are. She points to Gregory’s plaque on the bench, and Tracy says, it’s been a difficult year. She hasn’t spoken to Finn in months. Stella says, another good friend. Loss is hard. Tracy says, losing Gregory was harder. He was one of her closest confidents. And there’s Luke. She misses him most of all. Luke, Finn, and Gregory were all so compelling, especially Luke. They’re very different, but Cody reminds her of him. Maybe she just wants to see that, but she thinks they share a lot of the same qualities. Stella says, it’s safe to say he’s important to her, and Tracy says she couldn’t stand another relationship slipping away.

Lucky says he appreciates the effort, but Jason says he doesn’t understand. Lucky says, just get himself and Anna out. Sidwell talks a big game, but he’s not going to kill him or Holly. Jason says, there’s no time. Lulu had a medical crisis and needs a liver transplant. Lucky is her best shot at a donor and has to get home as soon as possible. Sidwell comes back and says, apologies. Now, where were we?

Stella says she’s sorry about Luke, Gregory, and Finn, and Tracy says, at least Finn is still alive. Stella says, but he’s not present in the way Tracy wishes he was. Grief isn’t linear. There are ups and downs, twists and turns. Tracy says, her own personal roller coaster. She wants to get off the ride now. Stella says, you think you’re making progress and you’re at peace, then out of nowhere, it hits like a ton of bricks. Tracy says, it sounds like she’s speaking from experience, and Stella says, a few weeks ago, she heard My Girl. She and Irene used to play it over and over, and dance and sing for hours. She was in her car and just lost it. She’s convinced, the deeper the love, the longer the journey. Tracy says, there’s no bond like siblings. She had a brother. He drove her crazy like nobody else. Why get involved with people when you’re just going to lose them? Stella says, everything Tracy feels is normal. Although maybe she should temper her reaction. Tracy says she guesses she owes Sasha an apology, and Stella says, that’s a good place to start. Tracy says she’s sorry for scolding Stella. It’s not going to happen again… if there is an again. Stella asks if Tracy doesn’t recognize a good friend sitting next to her. She’s not a compelling man, but she is a compelling woman if she does say so herself. Tracy says she has to agree.

Ned says he gets that Michael is in it for the family and sees he’s willing to put aside what he wants for the greater good. Michael says, but Ned doesn’t think Drew is, and Ned says he knows Drew isn’t. Michael says, no one has come through for the family more than Drew, and Ned says, they’re grateful, but Drew is a Quartermaine through and through. He wasn’t always like he is now, but maybe his struggles changed him. He knows Drew is out for himself and will take what he wants. Michael says he’s never seen anything to indicate that, but Ned says, keep his eyes open. Just because Michael’s intentions are pure doesn’t mean Drew’s are. He’ll never fully trust Drew, and if Michael is smart, he won’t either. He leaves.

Creeper Drew goes to the boathouse, and Willow asks what he’s doing here. He says he could tell she was upset and wanted to say he’s sorry. He didn’t mean to ruin her night with Michael. She says, it doesn’t matter. She’s continually asked him to stay away, but he doesn’t care. He says, of course (🍷) he does, and she says she has feelings for him that are jeopardizing her marriage, and it makes her feel like absolute crap. He says she doesn’t want her to feel that way, and she says, then stop running into her and checking on her. She needs him to leave her alone.

Sidwell says he’ll put down first, and lays his cards out. Lucky puts his down, but Jason folds. Sidwell tells the guards to take Jason and bring Holly back. Jason’s loss is English’s gain. She always lands on her feet. Give his condolences to Anna. It was pleasure playing cards with him. Lucky says he’s sorry, and Jason says, get home safe. The guards lead him out, and Sidwell says, for a savvy card player, Jason is naïve. Lucky’s not going anywhere.

Maxie sees Ned and says she has papers for Tracy and Brook. He asks if it’s Deception business, and she says, it is. She asks if he can keep an eye on James. One time, the lake; two times, a disappearing act. Ned says he’s got it, and Maxie says she won’t take long. Good luck. Ned asks, what’s new? and James asks if Ned kisses people on the lips. Ned laughs and says he does, but only one person, his wife Olivia. James says, kissing his mom makes Spinelli happy. Why would one kiss make Willow sad?

Cody tells Sasha that he and James talked about her and how grateful he is to have her in his life. James asked if she was part of his family. He hopes he wasn’t out of turn saying yes. She says, nothing would make her happier, and they kiss.

Holly says she’ll never forget the day Anna showed up, the woman from Robert’s past. Anna was awful. Her marriage to Robert was the sweetest time of her life. She thinks she knew in her heart something that special can’t last. Anna says she remembers how at peace and content Robert was with Holly. She guesses she felt bad about getting in the middle of that. She thinks Holly made Robert happy in a way she never did. Holly says, Robert will never be happy again if she lets Anna die here, but she can’t figure out how to prevent it. Anna says she doesn’t think Holly can, but Holly says she told Anna, no way is she going back to Robert and telling him that she left Anna here to die. The guards bring Jason in, and one of the guards punches him in the stomach just because. They take Holly, and Anna says, tell Robert to tell her, but Holly says, don’t give up. Jason says he’s sorry. He lost the game. Anna shrugs and says she knew he would.

Sidwell wonders what Jason’s hand was and Lucky looks at the cards. He says, a losing one, and Sidwell says, Lucky’s trend continues. Lucky says, they did what he wanted. They played his sick game and now two people are going to die. Sidwell says, that doesn’t mean the deal changed. If Lucky loses… Lucky asks if he’s not bored, but Sidwell says, not even a little bit. Lucky says he thinks it’s time they shake things up, put in something for him. They play a hand and if he wins, he goes free. Holly is brought back, and Sidwell tells the guard to take the other two to the courtyard. He welcomes Holly back, and she says she’s glad that unpleasantness is behind them. She’ll forgive him this once. Since they’re still playing, she’ll go to her room. Sidwell tells her to stay and tells Lucky that he’s right. It’s high time they reset the terms.

Cody knocks everything off the table, and he and Sasha start to get busy. Tracy clears her throat, and they see her standing in the doorway. (Why do they continually leave this door open?)

On the phone, Michael says he’s off the grid for the rest of the night. He has plans with his wife. Maxie walks in and says, he makes his family priority. She wonders how he’s not pulled in different directions. She’s having a hard time, and she only works for one company. He says, there’s nothing more important than Willow and the kids, and she says, Spinelli usually gets the short end of the stick, but he’s patient and kind about it. She hereby declares she’s making her relationship a priority. Michael suggests a standing date night. Twice a month minimum, one a week if they can swing it. She says, they’re both lucky they found their person.

Willow says, please just go, and Drew says he will, but he wants her to know that he understands. He’s going through the same thing. She says, he’s not married. He’s amazing and her heart races when she sees him. It puts what matters at risk and she wishes she could make it go away, but she’s having trouble. He can help. He helped her in Greenland. Help her now. Stay away from her. Please. He leaves.  

James asks if sad and guilty are the same, and Ned says, sometimes. James asks what guilty means, and Ned says, it means you feel bad about something and wish you hadn’t done it. He’s confused. What does that have to do with Willow and a kiss? James says he heard Willow tell Aunt Nina that she felt guilty for kissing Drew. (Rut-roh. Congratulations, Ned. You’re the new CEO of ELQ!)

Jason says, Sidwell is going to kill them, and Anna says, he made that clear. He says, their only chance is to jump them, but she says, they’re armed. She has to get the cuffs off of him. She can’t go after them alone. He picks up the paper clip and she works at the cuffs, but she says, it’s not working. It’s not strong enough. It’s just bending. She can find a nail. She searches the bed, and says, if she can get it out… Frustrated, she lifts the bed and it bangs on the floor, and Jason says, just try again. She starts to cry and says she can’t do it. He tells her, stop, and she says, sorry. This is it, isn’t it? They’re going to die in here tonight. She hugs him, and it looks like they’re about to kiss, but they’re distracted by a door clanging. Jason listens for a moment, then kisses Anna. (I wrack my brain trying to remember if they’ve ever been involved.)

Sidwell says, Lucky isn’t just playing to keep himself alive. Holly lives as long as Lucky continues to win. Holly says she refuses, and Sidwell asks if she thinks she has a say. She smacks his face and says, he brought her to this hellhole just to be part of his sad game. He grabs her and says, does she think he didn’t know she was after his diamonds? Does she think he’d let her cheat him? She grabs his gun and tells him not to lay his hands on her. And don’t think of calling the guards. She asks if Lucky can get free, and he says he’s way ahead of her, already out of the cuffs and leg irons. He asks where Anna and Jason are, and she says, they’re in the same cell he was. Sidwell knocks the gun out of her hand.  

Tomorrow, Cody says, Tracy should know if she does, he’s going too; Robert tells Diane, don’t be too sure on that; Brennan tells Carly that he’ll do as much as he can, the rest is up to them; and Sonny says he would have hoped Martin would make that happen.

🧼 At the Starting Gates…

This sounds pretty good. Doubtful I’ll watch it during its daytime slot, but I’m sure it will stream as well. Could this mean daytime is taking a turn for the soap? Premiering on CBS in early 2025.

https://deadline.com/2024/09/beyond-the-gates-cbs-daytime-drama-casts-tamara-tunie-daphnee-duplaix-karla-mosley-1236093722/

🍊 Ti Many Martoonies For Tamra…

Fancy Pants couldn’t figure out why it was two steps forward with Gina and Emily, and said there was a piece of the puzzle missing. Yeah, the piece that’s Heather’s ego. She and Terry got in a little spat, which was interesting. He was annoyed with her talking over him (ugh, same, I hate that), and told her not to admonish him on camera. They tried to hide from the camera when they had that conversation, but Andy sees all.

Johnny J. wouldn’t settle the suit with Shannon (try saying that three times real fast) because he wouldn’t sign an agreement not to say bad things about her. I’m still confused as to who asked for this in the first place, since I thought this whole thing started because she was talking smack about him. Alexis said he’d lost everything, and it was all coming out tomorrow. While we assumed she meant the videos, which he admitted keeping for blackmail purposes (!), it was just an article in the press about the lawsuit, which is par for the course. Shannon butt-dialed Tamra, who heard her wailing about it and saying she thought Alexis’s PR team was behind it.

Katie was having a couples’ dinner party so husband Matt could make friends. It was funny when Katie listed the names of the guests for Matt. I got the feeling they went right back out of his head the second she said them. Ryan had gone on a podcast and trashed Eddie, and Shane wondered if there was going to be a boxing match. I like Shane. He seems normal. In her interview, Katie said, just be kind around the wineglasses. Emily said, Fancy Pants wasn’t invited because she didn’t acknowledge Katie’s existence, but Terry had just undergone surgery to fix his snoring nose, so that could have actually been why. Gina was away, and Katie said she didn’t want Shannon feeling like a ninth wheel, although I’m pretty sure Shannon would still be offended at not getting an invite. Especially since she was whining about being all alone… except she had Archie… sniff… Hey, you can do worse than a dog. When Eddie asked if there were name tags at the table, Emily said he was by Ryan. I literally lol’d and even Eddie had to laugh. Yeah, if I was going to hang out with anybody IRL, it would be Emily and Shane.

Tamra kept downing martinis, and in her interview, Jenn said the last time Tamra got drunk like this, she (Jenn) had a napkin thrown in her face, and we flashed back to that. They discussed Alexis being looney toons and this led to Emily weeping over the whole dress thing again. It’s a shame Emily still feels like she’s overweight. She doesn’t seem to understand that the size number doesn’t matter. Even at my thinnest, my waist only gets so small. Tamra wanted to talk about the elephant in the room, or as Emily put it, the two big elephants. Because you should always discuss these things at a dinner party. At least in Housewifeland. This led to Tamra and Ryan arguing about his love of married women. Eddie kept trying to get her to shut up, while the other husbands looked at the sky, the grass, or their drinks. It didn’t take long for Tamra’s vocal register to hit screech level, and she ended up stumbling out of the party by herself, saying, I’m done.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 12 Recap: An Elephant Never Forgets

⚰️  Spinning At You This Sunday…

The latest on Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol. No spoilers.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-our-best-look-yet-at-the-book-of-carol/

TWD: Carol Finds a Way to France in Exclusive Daryl Dixon Season 2 Preview

https://www.ign.com/articles/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-2-review-book-of-carol

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – What to Expect From Season 2

🌁 Something New From Last…

The latest trailer for The Last of Us. However, it’s not making the new season air any faster… sigh…

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/last-of-us-season-2-trailer/

🦸 Straight From the Merc’s Mouth…

The Amazon version sounds awesome. When it comes out on DVD, I want the Blu-ray with the pop-up Deadpool army. Yes, I bought the Game of Thrones makeup set with the pop-up throne. I’m that kinda girl.

https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/marvel-studios-deadpool-and-wolverine-digital-4k-uhd-blu-ray-dvd

I’m not surprised. There was really nothing like seeing this on the big screen. I would have walked on glass to get there. Not broken glass, but maybe that safety glass like they use for car windows.

https://collider.com/deadpool-wolverine-global-box-office-1-317-billion/

🃏 All Joking Aside…

Lady Gaga proves once again that she’s more talented than the rest of the world put together.

Lady Gaga Brings ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Energy to the Louvre, Paints the Mona Lisa a New Smile

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/lady-gaga-fiance-michael-polansky-joker-folie-a-deux-london-photos/story?id=114124780

https://ew.com/joker-folie-a-deux-clip-joaquin-phoenix-lady-gaga-kiss-prison-8713670

🎬 And the Rest…

A list of the movies that may or may not be in your future.

https://ew.com/your-guide-fall-movies-2024-joker-folie-a-deux-wicked-8717208

🐕 Nemesis Of Roadrunners Everywhere…

I saw this on the news and got an adrenaline rush just from watching it. Thank God she was right there and moved fast. We don’t have coyotes here, but we didn’t used to have deer in the backyard either.

https://people.com/tommy-lee-wife-brittany-furlan-saves-their-dog-coyote-attack-video-8717966

🍵 Autumn Is Calling…

Join me tomorrow for soap and whatever nuggets of entertainment I can dig up. Until then, stay safe, stay organizing your environment for inner peace, and stay peeling back the layers until you get to the root of your problem.

Sep26

September 25, 2024 – Sidwell Makes It More Interesting, On Call, Salty Talk, Returning Sisters, She Had Input, Squid Nouveau, Films To Scare You, Double Launch & Blame

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Carly tells Lulu to hang in there. Jason is going to bring Lucky home and get her what she needs. She sees Sam in the hallway, and says, Dante just left. Sam says, Dante told her that Carly was here, and Carly asks, what’s up? Sam says she needs Carly’s help. Help her save her mother.  

Martin says he doesn’t think Alexis is taking this seriously, and she says, if she gave him that impression, she apologizes. He needs to keep Kristina out of this. He tells her, if that’s what she wants, let him do the next best thing, and she says, point them in the direction of another suspect. He says, the perfect suspect – Sonny Corinthos.

Sonny goes to Kristina’s apartment and tells her that Diane said she needed help. She said Chase was here. Did he force her to answer any questions? Kristina says, no, but she may have screwed up anyway, and he asks if she said she had the gun. She says she knows better than that, but he asked her how she got around that night and she thinks she might have said too much. He says, that’s why you can’t talk to the police without an attorney, and Kristina says, all that matters is that he knows the truth. All of it.

Jordan brings Isaiah a donut for breakfast, and says she expects a five-star review. He says she and the staff are taking good care of him, and she says, when he’s allowed to leave, there’s a lot more of Port Charles for him to explore. Has he been given a discharge date? He says, not yet. He’s getting stronger every day, but her son might have a different assessment. Her phone rings, and she steps away to take the call. She asks if they’ve double checked that it’s the correct spelling… She’ll make pickup arrangements. She thanks them, and Isaiah says, important package? She says, it is, and he asks if she wants to talk, but she says, talking won’t help.

Holly says she hopes Anna and Jason are comfortable, and Anna says, when Sidwell and Holly invited them back to their camp… Sidwell asks if she thought they’d sit by the fire in the dirt drinking boiled water out of animal skins, and she says she guesses this is a step up. Holly asks if she should order drinks or something to eat while they prepare for their game, but Sidwell says, it’s not necessary. First, they have to find out why Anna and Jason are really here.

While Lucky is picking the lock, he hears someone and hides the penknife he’s using.

Alexis says, going with the-other-guy-did-it defense sounds like Martin wants to take it to trial, and he says, he wants the prosecution looking at Sonny. He’ll use every arrow in his quiver to exonerate her. She says, he can’t take it to trial. Kristina is going to be in the courtroom. He asks what’s wrong with her? Her license was just reinstated. The jury wants to see family in the courtroom. She says, it’s another chance for Kristina to incriminate herself and she will. If she sees it’s going badly, she’ll stand up and do what it takes to protect her mother at her own peril. He says, unless Alexis is willing to take a deal, which won’t be generous, their only option is going to trial and pointing the suspicion in Sonny’s direction.

Carly asks what she can do, and Sam says, tell the truth. She said she was Sonny’s alibi when Cates was killed. Carly says she gave her statement, but Sam says, there’s no way in hell she and Sonny slept together in Tracy’s bed. Carly says, we all have moments were not proud of, and Sam says, if it wasn’t so ludicrous, it would be funny. There’s no way she and Sonny are getting back together. She’s begging Carly to come clean and clear her mom.

Kristina says she didn’t tell Sonny everything. She went to the Quartermaines that night. He asks, why? and she says, to kill John Cates.  

Isaiah says, Jordan helped him, and he’d like to return the favor. She says she wishes talking would help, and he asks if she can think of a time it didn’t help a situation. He understands if she can’t discuss work. She says, it’s not work, and he says he doesn’t want to overstep, but he’s not used to not doing anything. She says, he’s healing, and he says, doctors make the worst patients, but they’re great listeners. She says, her son and his partner were having a baby by a surrogate. There was an altercation, and the surrogate fell out a hotel window. The baby didn’t survive. He asks, how far along was she? and Jordan says, a week away. It was a girl. He says, her granddaughter was stillborn. He’s so sorry. She says, the call was about the headstone. It’s ready. He says, is she ready? and she says, TJ and Molly are suffering. She’s just helping them pick up the pieces. She’s only the grandmother. This is their loss. He says, that’s not true. It’s hers too.

A guard brings Lucky some food, and Lucky wonders if it’s steak, lobster, or surf and turf. He asks if the guard wants to join him. The food and beatings are pretty good here. The guard says, Lucky deserved it, and Lucky says he usually does. Should he psych himself up for another all-night card game? If the answer is yes, he wants to start praying now. The guard says, his prayers were answered tonight. Sidwell came back with some fancy guests. Lucky says, fancier than you and me? He asks if the guard can smuggle him a scotch and a few canapés, but the guard walks away. Lucky says he knows they’re friends, but he can’t read the guard’s silences yet. Fancy guests means there’s one vehicle on the site at least, and he only needs one to get out. He gets the knife that came with his food, and picks at the lock. (Kind of strange that they gave him a knife, but okay.)

Sidwell asks if Anna and Jason are in the habit of accepting invitations from strangers, and Anna says, the company is nice, and although it wasn’t her preferred mode of transport, any good business transaction requires a certain degree of sacrifice. He asks what business she’s in, and she says, platinum, gold, diamonds. They have that in common. He says, possibly, and she says, good. She wants in.

Alexis tells Martin, it’s not as simple as pointing a finger at Sonny. If he targets Sonny, Kristina will defend him too. He says, Kristina only has one parent in prison. He’s trying to do his job, but she’s tying his hands. She says she’s sorry. She knows she’s making it a challenge, but Kristina will defend both of her parents, and she’ll do it in a way that will ruin her life. He says, Kristina is an adult, and she can’t control herself or be controlled in a courtroom? and Alexis says, yeah. He asks if she has any plans for a defense, and she says, trust the system. She’s innocent. The truth will prevail. He says, the whole truth or half of it? If she doesn’t come forward and say what Kristina was doing the night of the murder, it’s not an arrow in their quiver. She says, how about the fact that John Cates was hated by everyone? His list of enemies is impressive. Find one and point his finger. It’s not that hard.  

Sonny says he knows where Kristina’s head was at. John Cates was harassing her and tormenting her for weeks. Her feelings were all over the place. She probably felt like the only way to stop the pain was to end Jagger’s life. She was going through a mental health crisis. Not a lot of people understand, but he does.

Sam and Carly go to Lulu’s room, and Carly says she’s sorry for Sam and Alexis. She knows Sam’s family is going through hell, but Alexis tossed the gun. Alexis made a choice and got herself in this situation. She and Sonny didn’t. She gets that it’s easy to blame Sonny, but this time it’s not Sonny’s fault. Sam says she doesn’t believe that, and Carly says she believes Alexis is a good lawyer and can get herself out of this. Sam says, Alexis loves and wants to protect her children at all costs. Carly would do the same for her kids. Carly says, absolutely, and Sam says, then show some empathy. It won’t clear Alexis, but the truth will. Sonny is a professional with resources. His people will get him out. She knows he and Carly share history. So much, that protecting him is like breathing to her. She gets it, but the alibi isn’t only keeping Sonny out of prison. It’s keeping her mother in.

Jordan tells Isaiah that she was most excited about seeing her son with her granddaughter. He’d be an amazing father, and she wanted to see that. Isaiah asks if she’s talked to anyone, and she says she’s talking to him. He says he’s flattered, but she’s dealing with something so big, it can be hard to find her way through it. She says, and find closure? and he says, if it exists. She says, maybe she should try, and thanks him.

Holly asks if the evening is going to descend into business chatter. It was supposed to be fun. Sidwell gave her his word. Sidwell says, they’ll return to the fun, and Holly says, while he hammers out whatever, she’s going to freshen up. She leaves, and Sidwell says, assuming they have business interests in common, what does Anna know about that? She says she knows he sells his materials in Dubai, but the market there for precious metals and jewels is inundated. He tells her to make her pitch, and she says she’s in a position to help him move his materials through Switzerland, where he’ll get a substantially higher return on his investment. He asks what Jason moves, and Jason says, her. Anna says, he’s her security, and Sidwell asks about the cuddling at the club. Anna says, there’s always perks. He can secure a profit in a Swiss bank, which has more flexible and transactional speed than a bank in the Caymans. He says, this might be his lucky day… or maybe something else entirely. Give him a reference.

Anna gives Sidwell a number to call and give her information, and says, then maybe they can get back to the evening as planned. A guard makes the call, and Sidwell says, Jason is quieter than he was at the poker table. Would Jason like to have a drink to accidently soak him with? Jason says he’ll have what Anna is having, when the guard comes back and whispers something to Sidwell. Sidwell says, Anna’s references checked out. He thinks doing business with her would be both profitable and interesting. She asks if he would have preferred the alternative, and he says, no. He would have preferred something less convenient.  

Lucky hears the lock click, and says, baby, we are out of here. He runs into Holly outside the cell, and she says, perfect timing. She’s come to rescue him.

Kristina says she spoke to Felicia who referred her to a counselor and a support group, and Sonny says he’s extremely proud of her. A lot of people are afraid and ashamed of what people think, but you gotta do what you need to do to take care of business. She says she knows. Someone she respects, admires, and loves very much gave her an example to follow. He puts his arm around her, and she puts her head on his shoulder.

Carly says she can’t give Sam what she wants, and Sam asks if Carly is going to let her mother go to prison, maybe for the rest of her life, for a crime she didn’t commit. She’s that loyal to Sonny. She can warn Sonny and let him and Diane get their ducks in a row, as long as she comes clean. Carly says her cousin is fighting for her life. That’s the only thing she cares about, saving Lulu’s life. Sam says she’s not sure what Carly is doing to save Lulu, and Carly says, Sam needs to leave. Sam says, Carly is doing what she always does. Nothing. Jason is the one saving Lulu, risking his life going to Africa to find Lucky, but Carly already knew that, right? Because she asked him to.

Jordan goes to see Alexis, and Alexis asks if she’s visiting as Deputy Mayor. Jordan says she’s here as a grandmother, and Alexis says, anything new? Jordan says, Irene’s headstone is finished, and they’ll be placing it soon, and Alexis says, maybe it will be some closure for TJ and Molly. Jordan says, and them, and Alexis says, they were going to spoil their grandchild together until everything happened. Jordan says, that covers a lot. They both haven’t had much time to deal with the loss. Alexis says, Kristina has been in crisis since she went out that window, and Molly isn’t far behind. Her feelings are inconsequential. Jordan might be the only one who knows how she feels. Jordan says, TJ told her that Kristina was going to sue for custody and was planning to take Irene away from him. Was Alexis going to help?

Martin meets Molly in an unidentified restaurant, and she says she saw him listed as her mother’s attorney and thought they should meet. He says he doesn’t think they can ignore the obvious potential for a conflict of interest, but she says she’s not here as an ADA. She’s here as a concerned daughter. He says he’s not sure the court will see the difference, but she says, only he needs to see it. She was wondering who hired him. He says he can’t give her that information, and she says she’s guessing it was Uncle Sonny. She already knew before they he sat down. He says, then why ask to meet with him? and she says, his misgivings about Sonny’s involvement in this case, and Sonny hiring him proves she was right to worry.

Sonny says, no matter what you’re dealing with, killing someone is never the answer, and Kristina says, never? He says, when you make the decision to kill someone, even if it’s a piece of garbage like John Cates, it marks you and you carry that burden for the rest of your life. He doesn’t want that for her. She says, what about for him? Is he carrying that burden?

Carly says, Lucky is their best chance at saving Lulu, so yes, she asked Jason to find him and bring him home. She’s not apologizing. Sam says she doesn’t expect Carly to apologize for anything. She’s just asking Carly to think about somebody else’s family besides her own. Danny couldn’t be prouder that his father went to find lucky. Carly asks if Sam is proud, and Sam says she’s terrified for Jason. She prays he comes home safe, and she doesn’t have to tell her son for the second time that his father is dead. She prays Jason is as invincible as Danny thinks. Carly says, what happened to Lulu is killing Dante and Rocco, but Sam says, that’s not the point. Carly asked her son’s father to risk his life again, so she’s asking for something in return. Please recant her statement. She’s not asking Carly to lie or frame anyone. She’s just asking her to tell the truth. Carly says she knows the right thing to do, and leaves.

Holly tells Lucky that the guests can’t stall Sidwell for long, and he asks if those are the fancy guests. She says, come on, and he asks if it’s the WSB. Do they have a vehicle? He won’t even need keys. She says, they have to grab the guests. They can’t let them twist, but Lucky says he doesn’t care who twists. Holly says, trust her, and grabs his hand, but Sidwell and a guard arrive. (I literally gasp out loud.) He says, oh my darling English, how you’ve disappointed me.

Alexis says, when Kristina drew up the petition, she told Kristina to keep her out of it. She didn’t want to be in a position to choose. Jordan says, there are no winners there, and Alexis says, Kristina still came to her for advice. Jordan asks if Alexis gave it to her, but Alexis says, no. She took the petition and hung onto it. That’s how Molly found it. Jordan asks, why hold on to it? and Alexis says she believed when the hormones and emotions calmed down and Kristina saw how happy TJ and Molly were… Jordan says, she was hoping Kristina would change her mind, and Alexis says she never thought Kristina would go through with it. Jordan says, what if she had? but Alexis says she can’t answer that now. All she knows is they had a granddaughter who is now gone. Jordan says she was looking forward to meeting her, and Alexis says, her too. She was looking forward to being a grandmother with Jordan.

Molly says, the best way to free her mom is to turn the indictment on Sonny, and Martin says, hypothetically, one could see the merits of it, but hypothetically, it could be a conflict of interest that Sonny paid to retain him. He’s going to give her mother the best possible legal defense. Molly says, the best chance he has at defending her mother is to point the finger at Sonny and prove he killed Cates.

Sonny says, Jagger would have continued to punish Kristina to get to him. That’s no longer a problem. Kristina says, because of him, and he says, she knows how much she means to him. She says, yes, and he says, that’s all that matters. She says, what about mom? and he says, let him worry about that. She’s going to be okay. Kristina has got to trust him.

Carly asks if Isaiah is up for some good news, and he asks if Lucky was freed. She says, if everything goes as planned, it could happen any minute, but he says, Sidwell has a way of making things go wrong. She says she believes Lucky is coming home, and if anyone can do that, Jason can. Isaiah says, when she told him Lucky was being rescued, he thought she meant by a SEAL team or the WSB. One guy can’t bring Lucky home.  

Holly is brought into the game room where Anna and Jason are handcuffed. She says, the handcuffs are chafing her and he promised her a diamond bracelet. Sidwell asks how she knows them and what’s her connection to Lucky? She says she was bringing him to the game. She knows Sidwell loves a challenge. Sidwell says, it was going so well. All she had to do was amuse him. She says, it’s a simple misunderstanding, but he says, don’t insult him. They were all made at the club in Nairobi. How is she connected to Anna? Holly says, Anna is a horrible woman. She’s the ex-wife of Holly’s ex-husband. She was happily married to a handsome man – she clearly has a type – and Anna did what she could to ruin her marriage and her life. Anna says she’s horrible, yet Holly is the ex, and Holly says she saw Sidwell catch Anna’s eye and thought Anna was doing it again, that it was history repeating itself. Sidwell asks why she didn’t say something, and she says she presumed he knew who she was and he was trying to make her jealous. He vets anyone and everyone around him. She didn’t think she knew something he didn’t. He asks what her connection to Lucky is, and she says she already told him. He says, tell him again or they’ll beat it out of her. Lucky says, she was just being nice. All he wanted was to work for Sidwell, and Sidwell threw him in a cell. He didn’t do anything and neither did Holly. Sidwell says, that remains to be seen. Does Lucky know what’s going on with Jason and Anna? Lucky says, they’re trying to take hm for everything he’s got.  

Jordan says, some days, she’s almost okay. She has a lot of sadness, but doesn’t want to show it, especially in front of TJ and Molly. They’re grief isn’t bringing them closer. If they break up, it’s another tragedy. Alexis says, they’ve grown up loving each other, and Jordan says, they could lose that. Alexis says, or get to the other side together and be better for it, and Jordan says, no matter what, TJ and Molly will always have them. Alexis says, always. She’s loved TJ forever. Jordan says, when they got together, she knew TJ was happy, and he has been, and Alexis says, so has Molly. If something does happen, and she prays it doesn’t, know that she’ll always love TJ. He’ll always be a son to her. Jordan says, and Molly will always be a daughter to her.

Sonny says, Kristina’s mom will be fine. Concentrate on her treatment and don’t worry. She asks if he can make her a promise, and he says, anything. She says, promise mom won’t go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. He says he gives her his word as her father. Her mom is going to get out of this. They all will.

Molly says, there’s got to be a weak link around Sonny. Martin has to find it and exploit it. Martin asks if she has any idea where to start… hypothetically. She says, he can cross Jason and Michael off the list, and Kristina obviously. But Carly could be something. If Sonny is guilty and she’s been lying about his alibi… Martin says, target the alibi, and Molly says, target Carly.

Carly tells Isaiah that Anna is with Jason. She’s a former WSB agent and Police Commissioner. He says, it’s crazy. Two people against an army of security. She says, the WSB can’t assist in an official capacity, but they have eyes on the ground and are helping unofficially. As it turns out, Anna and Jason didn’t have to infiltrate Sidwell’s compound. They were invited in. He says he’s not sure that matters. Her friends had better be as capable as Carly is saying. If they’re not, they’re going end up dead, right beside Lucky.

Sidwell says, it would be so easy to kill all of them, but it would be more interesting to give them a chance to keep breathing. Jason asks, what’s the game? and Sidwell says, three plays. If Jason wins, he and Anna get to live another day. If Lucky’s name proves to be accurate, he and Holly live. If he wins, they all die. Lucky looks at Holly.

Tomorrow, Tracy says, if Stella doesn’t agree, they might have to rethink their arrangement; from behind bars, Anna says she needs to ask a favor of someone; Willow says she needs creeper Drew to leave her alone; and Jason says lucky has to get home as soon as possible.

⚾️ Put Him In, Coach…

As much as I like him, I once dated somebody who wanted to be NYC’s baseball commissioner (whatever the hell that is), and I’ve had enough of baseball to last me a lifetime. We went to every single home game of the Mets and Yankees that year, including an endless Mets game where every inning was the same and I swear we were the last people in the stands.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-adam-huss-shares-a-sneak-peek-at-his-new-series

🧂 Passing the Salt…

A lot of the episode was focused on newbie Bronwyn making a remark about Whitney, and Heather waiting until a group dinner to call her out. I was more interested in Bronwyn, Heather, and Lisa going to Wendy’s. Apparently, Lisa has a partnership with them, and they were also featured in this season’s first episode. I love Wendy’s burgers, but their buns are the worst. They’re cheap and fall apart easily. Can I call Lisa about this? And why was weird Omen music playing in the background when Lisa went to meet Angie? What I was more interested in was Whitney hosting a drag night at Trixie Mattel’s bar in Milwaukee. She invited (I think) everyone, and they’re going by private jet. I’d give my bouffant and heels for an invite like that. But I suppose the closest I’ll get is next week’s episode.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/rhoslc-episode-2-recap-everyones-fighting-with-lisa-barlow

👯‍♂️ More To Lose…

Kudos and more kudos to Tammy for her 500 pound weight loss. I’m struggling with 15. While I don’t clear my schedule to watch it, I’m kind of fascinated with this show. More with the family dynamic than anything else, but I’m always down for a massive weight loss tale. I’m also a fan of My 600-lb Life. I love Dr. Nowzaradan. He’s so cranky, yet quirky funny. The new season of Sisters premieres October 8th.

https://people.com/tammy-slaton-skin-removal-surgery-new-season-1000-lb-sisters-exclusive-8707174

It’s amazing how many times she’s been knocked down, and has gotten back up again.

https://parade.com/news/1000-lb-sisters-tammy-slaton-inspiring-message-mental-battle-instagram

⚰️ Let’s Hear It For the Girl…

There was never any question in my mind that both co-stars had a lot of say. After all, it is their show.

https://ew.com/melissa-mcbride-input-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-book-of-carol-8716833

🐙 Ready For the Game…

The basics.

https://blackstarnews.com/squid-game-season-2-release-date/

The poster.

https://gizmodo.com/squid-game-season-2-new-poster-netflix-release-date-2000500294

A tease.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/squid-game-season-2-trailer-lee-jung-jae-1236007425/

The director speaks.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-details-director-hwang-dong-hyuk-star-lee-jung-jae-exclusive-8714251

🎃 Movies To Get You In the Mood…

Not a bad list of scary movies to stream. My take on their list: Nightmare on Elm Street – a classic; The Amityville Horror – good, but a lot of lost opportunities to be better; American Werewolf in London – I love, love, love this movie; Arsenic and Old Lace – old films aren’t usually my jam, but this one is funny; The Babadook – I am the only person on earth who was disappointed, but you do you; Beetlejuice – the detail is amazing and how can you not love him; Bell, Book and Candle – love the 50s NYC vibe; Bodies Bodies Bodies – very funny with an unexpected ending; The Cabin in the Woods – one of the best horror films ever made and I was astonished at the special effects; The Conjuring – maybe I’m jaded, but meh; The Craft – great female ensemble film, like Jawbreaker, but with magic; Death Becomes Her – two great actresses and broad comedy; Evil Dead 2 – love Bruce Campbell, but all of the Evil Dead films have run together in my mind at this point; Frankenweenie – kind of precious; Halloween – another classic; Halloweentown – surprisingly, I never saw it; Hocus Pocus – more fun than a barrel of newts, and nothing is better than Bette Midler singing I Put a Spell on You; Kiki’s Delivery Service – never saw it, but not so surprising since I’m not that into animated films; Late Night With the Devil – I loved the premise, but wasn’t thrilled with the ending; The Night of the Living Dead – hail to the beginning of zombie greatness; The Nightmare Before Christmas – absolutely magnificent and I love Zero so much; The Return of the Living Dead – a helluva lot better than you’d think from the title; Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – I haven’t seen it, but it looks intriguing; Scream – so much fun; Tigers Are Not Afraid – I haven’t seen it, but if it’s going to make me cry, I’m not sure I want to; Us – Jordan Peele is a genius master of horror; The Wailing – haven’t seen it, but putting it on my short list; and The Witch – I loved it as a period piece, but wanted something more. I’m not sure what, but something.

https://ew.com/best-halloween-movies-streaming-now-8718114

🐕 Clydeo To the Rescue…

She’s a woman of many talents. I love her motivation for writing her book series too.

https://people.com/jennifer-aniston-launches-fund-to-help-animals-exclusive-8717723

🍂 Falling Into a New Season…

Join me tomorrow for soap and some OC shade. Until then, stay safe, stay savoring seasonal flavors (like those Trader Joe’s roasted vegetables they dole out like methadone during the autumn months); and stay doing what you need to do to take care of business, and don’t be afraid or ashamed of what people think.

Sep19

September 18, 2024 – Ric Gives Heather Bad News, Return From Nowhere, Salt This, A Saint, Not Allowed, Surprised, VanderFilming, Two To Watch, Runaway Capybara & Night

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Judge Otis says he’s made his decision. The defendant is to be held without bail and remanded to Pentenville to await trial. Alexis says, given the nature of the charges, it’s not unusual to deny bail, but there are other options for incarceration. Noah says, it’s not her first time in Pentenville, but she says she was transferred from Pentenville to a minimum-security facility. Noah says, the charge is the murder of an FBI agent, and it’s the only appropriate course of action. The US government asks that the judge stand by his decision. Alexis says, it’s cruel and extreme, and the judge says they can address the charges at trial, but his decision stands. Kirstina jumps up and says, he can’t do this.

On the phone, Sonny tells Brick that he doesn’t care. Just get him here. There’s a knock at the door, and Natalia asks if it’s a bad time. He says, it’s been a day, and she comes in carrying a bottle of champagne. She says she thought they should take a moment to celebrate.

At the hospital, Portia asks Elizabeth, why do they want to be in charge again? and Elizabeth says, she seems to be in a good mood. Portia says she’s having dinner with Trina after work, and Elizabeth tells her to give Trina a hug and enjoy their time together.  

Ric visits Heather, and she asks how her handsome attorney is today. He asks how it’s going, and she says, the sandwich sitch isn’t great, but it won’t be much longer, right? He says, sorry, but she’s never getting out of here.

Heather asks, why? and Ric says he received the results of her blood test and there need to be significant differences before and after surgery. According to the results, the difference is negligible. Heather asks how that’s possible. It’s not like she’s sucking cobalt lollipops all day. He says, she can ask the health experts there, and she says, they have one lame doctor and a couple of nurses. Maybe they’re feeding her cobalt rich food. Her bacon did look a little blue. He says, her previous hip didn’t poison her. She committed the crimes of her own accord.

Kristina says, this is a huge mistake, and Judge Otis tells Alexis to get her daughter under control. Alexis says she’s so sorry. Her daughter has been through a series of traumatic events. The judge says he’s sympathetic, but he won’t tolerate disruptions in the court. His ruling stands. Pentenville, no bail. Court is adjourned.

Sonny asks what they’re celebrating, and Natalia says she thought he’d like an update on his investment. She just closed a 3-year deal with Goddess Gleam Beauty that will generate more than 10 million dollars minimum. She wonders why he’s not more excited, and he says he’s got a lot on his mind. She says she knows Alexis’s arraignment is today, and honestly, she was trying to take his mind off of it. He says he can’t focus when he knows Alexis is facing time for a crime she didn’t commit, and she says, he seems sure. He says, she’s not capable of it. She will defend and protect her daughter, but that, no. She says, they need to just have some faith, and he says he’s not on good terms with the Almighty. She says she’s talking about the legal system. If Alexis is innocent, the authorities will figure it out and find the actual murderer. (She clearly hasn’t been in Port Charles very long.)

Sonny says, Alexis is Kristina’s mother, and they don’t always see eye to eye, but they’d both do anything for their daughter. Natalia is impressed that he’s still communicating with some of his exes, and he says, for better or worse. She says, Ava is the worst. She can’t stand to be in the same room with Ava for more than ten minutes. He says, sometimes two, and she says, they can drink to that, when Sonny’s phone rings.

Kristina hugs Alexis, and Sam joins her. Molly stands to the side, but Alexis brings her in for a three-way hug.  

Heather says, what she needs help with understanding is, her former lawyer was sure this was a solid case. He convinced her to pursue it. Ric says, they both should have managed her expectations better, but the case had a lot of potential. She says, it makes no sense. She’s been better since the hip replacement. Her dark thoughts have stopped, and she can make no sense of her actions before that. He says, maybe she anticipated feeling that way even if her condition had nothing to do with it, but she says, no. She doesn’t think she’s different, she is different. She’s never been an angel, but when she was consumed with hatred and revenge, something was off, and she’s so much better now. He says he can’t see a path forward with the case, and she says, that’s just it? He says he’s sorry, and she says, thanks for trying. It’s not his fault or what he wanted. It would have been a big payday. He says, that was the hope, and she says, for a lawyer, he’s honest. There’s value in that. It was never about the money for her, but it would have been great. It would have allowed her to be a better grandma to Ace. It would have allowed her to be a grandma at all… He just lost a grandchild, didn’t he? She takes his hand and says she’s so sorry. There’s nothing worse than losing someone who’s supposed to outlive you. After losing Esme and Franco, this was her last shot at having a family. He says he’s sorry, but he’s afraid he has to go.

Alexis is handcuffed and the guard leads her out. At the door, she smiles and nods at her girls.  

At the hospital, Sam tells Kristina to sit, and Kristina says, they should be helping. Sam wonders how, like breaking Alexis out? Kristina says, if she could, she would, and Sam says, they’re helping now. Kristina asks, how? and Sam says, Kristina is getting the help she needs. She fell out a window and nearly died. She lost a baby… Kristina says, and a sister, and Sam says, and everything Cates put her through. Kristina says she wishes she’d killed him, but Sam says, it’s not right to take a life out of revenge. Kristina says, Jason and her dad would agree, and Sam says she’s not a professional, but after everything Kristina has experienced, it had to cause PTSD. Kristina says she feels like she’ll never be the same. It’s like she’s… broken. Sam says, she’s not broken. She’s getting professional help because she can’t do it on her own. Kristina suggests they call her dad. He knows what to do in situations like this. He always has a good idea. Sam tells her, stay put and talk to the professional. She’ll be right back. Stay here. She leaves and Kristina takes out her phone.

Sonny’s phone rings again, and Natalia says, Mr. Popular. He asks, what’s going on? and Kristina says, the arraignment is over. Her mom was denied bail and sent to Pentenville to await trial. Sonny says, she’s no danger to the community, and Kristina says, it was the murder of an FBI agent, and they sent a Fed to prosecute her. There’s no death penalty in the state of New York, but there is in a federal case. He tells her, just breathe. Where is she at? She says, GH. Sam took her here. Sam thinks she needs help. He says, Sam did the right thing. She can’t handle this herself, none of them can. Let him take care of her mom’s situation. The best thing she can do is help herself. She tells him that Sam said the same thing, and he says, when she’s right, she’s right. They exchange I love yous, and Natalia says, that didn’t sound like it went well. He says, no bail and Alexis was remanded to Pentenville. She says she’s sorry. It’s crazy. Is there a trial date set? Sonny says he’s going to do everything he can so that Alexis doesn’t spend one more second than she has to in Pentenville.

Alexis’s mug shot is taken. She puts her jewelry in a bag and has her fingerprints taken. (No ink needed anymore!) The guard searches her and gives her a uniform. (Do they not get underwear?) She hands her clothes to the guard and changes.

Elizabeth asks Ric what he’s doing at the hospital, and he says, saying hi to his favorite ex-wife. She says she’s probably the only one who doesn’t want to kill him, and he says, and she’s probably the one who should want to the most. She says, that almost sounds like an apology. What’s the real reason he’s here? He says, to confirm test results. It was going good for a while, but now it’s all over for Heather.

Felicia says she’s glad Kristina is here. She’s amazed Kristina is still standing. Kristina says, so is she, and Felicia says, they have a wide array of support resources and services, and suggests they go to the conference room where it’s more private. Sam promises to stay, and Kristina leaves with Felicia. Dante comes by and Sam hugs him.

In the conference room, Felicia says she’s here solely on Kristina’s behalf. She can speak openly and honestly. Kristina says she doesn’t usually hold back, but lately she doesn’t know where to start. Felicia asks how she’s doing right now, and Kristina says she’s upset and angry. She feels sad and guilty and feels like a failure. She feels empty. She cries and Felicia says, what she’s feeling is normal after going through what she experienced. Kristina tells her that Sam said she had PTSD, but Felicia says she’ll let the professionals decide. Losing a child is devastating. Kristina says, when she was pregnant, she had all the fears of what could happen to her child, but she never imagined they actually would. Even when she was in the hospital, she never let herself think Adela could… She’s sorry. Felicia says, don’t apologize, and Kristina says she guesses it’s true that grief comes in waves. Lately, it’s been tsunami after tsunami. Felicia says, she’s been through a number of traumas. She just fell out a window. Kristina says she keeps replaying it in her mind, and Felicia says, to add to her injury and loss is her relationship with her sister. Krisina says, it’s a lot to process, and Felicia says, most women in her situation have postpartum depression, hormonal changes, and PTSD. As her advocate, she’ll walk Kristina through the mental health resources, but as a mother, one who lost her own child, she wants to help Kristina get through it. She’s not alone. She knows what it feels like. Kristina asks, what’s next? and Felicia says, that’s up to her. She can connect Kristina with the hospital’s psychiatrist who’s a specialist in postpartum depression, and there are grief support groups that meet weekly. Kristina says, no offense, but she hates that idea, and Felicia says, bereft mothers find connecting with each other to be invaluable. Kristina says, okay, but she has to tell Sam. She knows if someone doesn’t hold her accountable, she’ll never go. Felicia says, it may not feel like it right now, but if she does the work, the pain will be significantly less.

Elizabeth asks if Ric will still be staying in Port Charles, and he asks if she wants him to. She says, idle curiosity, and he says he’ll be staying for a while. Molly needs him since Alexis was remanded to Pentenville. They were all blindsided. Ric’s phone rings and he steps away.

Sam tells Dante that she wonders how things got this bad. Kristina being Molly’s surrogate was a terrible idea, but no one could have predicted this insanity. Dante says, it’s tragic, and Sam says, even before that, Kristina was thinking about keeping the baby and Molly felt betrayed. She understands both sides. Dante says, Kristina made a promise that was impossible to keep, and Sam says, it’s all anger and blaming, and they haven’t even begun to grieve. Dante says, then Cates openly went after Kristina, and Sam says she’s glad he’s gone. He says he doesn’t think many people are going to miss him, but he’s like a roadblock to her family grieving. Where’s Molly? Sam says, probably somewhere being upset because the focus is still on Kristina, and he says, Kristina is needier? Sam says she thinks Kristina doesn’t remember that Molly also lost a child, and he wonders how neither one of them cannot understand the other’s grief and loss. She says, they’re not dealing with it head on and making it about each other. She’s terrified about what’s going to happen to her family.

Sonny opens the door to Martin, who says, Sonny’s communications director is very persuasive… Mr. Brick. Sonny says, just Brick, and Martin says, of course (🍷). Sonny asks if Brick explained why he needed to see Martin, and Martin says he’s got the gist. If Sonny wants him to step in for Diane, he’ll be more than happy to act as Sonny’s counsel. Sonny says, Diane is his attorney, and with all due respect, she’s the best. Martin isn’t here to represent him. He wants Martin to represent Alexis Davis.

Alexis is walked to her cell.

Kristina thanks Felicia, who tells her to reach out with any questions. She hopes she didn’t overwhelm her with information. Kristina says, it’s not that. She feels behind in her grief. There are already so many things she should have been doing. Felicia tells her, you know what they say about planting trees, and Kristina says she’s not exactly a gardener. Felicia says, the best time to plant is 20 years ago. The second-best time to plant is right now. There’s no timetable for life. She’s here getting help right now. Kristina says, what if it’s not enough? She knows she won’t get over it, but she thinks she can learn to carry it. Felicia says, it’s possible. Believe her. She knows. Kristina says, what she thinks she doesn’t know is how. How does she carry her guilt? Felicia says, for what? and Kristina says her baby died because of a fall that happened because she was somewhere she shouldn’t have been. Felicia says, one thing she’s learned about guilt is, it does no good and doesn’t help, and Kristina says, it could have been different if she never went to Ava’s hotel room. Her sister Molly blames her for what happened to the baby and her biggest fear… is that Molly is right. She is responsible. Felicia says, Kristina didn’t jump out the window, but Kristina says she created the circumstances for the accident to happen. Felicia says, the accident. Sometimes terrible things happen and it’s nobody’s fault. Kristina says, even if it’s nobody’s fault, there’s always someone accountable, right? Losing the baby, the rift with her sister, and everything that’s happening with her mom is all because of her. Felicia says, what if it is? What is she going to do with it? What if it isn’t? How is she going to deal with that? Kristina says she guesses that’s what she’s here to figure out, and Felicia says, the best thing for her to do for her mom is to work on herself and her mental health. That’s what she’s doing and it’s a great first step. Kristina cries and Felicia holds her.  

Sonny tells Martin that Diane can’t handle Alexis’s case because she’s representing him in the same case. Martin asks how Sonny is involved, and Sonny says he was a person of interest before Alexis. Martin asks who her current attorney is, and Sonny says, she’s representing herself. Martin says, she’s making a mistake. It’s a fool’s errand. Scotty would be better. Sonny says, Alexis likes doing things her way, but Martin says, she can’t. She should know that. Sonny says, that’s why Martin is here. He needs somebody to represent Alexis who can beat these charges. Martin says he’d be a fool to not be interested. The murder of a federal agent? That is huge. You can’t buy that publicity. Sonny says he needs somebody who’s doing it for the right reason and would do anything to win, and Martin says he certainly has no intention of losing. Sonny holds out his hand and asks if they have a deal. Martin shakes it, and says, they have a deal.

Sam tells Dante, no one is thinking clearly. All the sanity is up to her. He says, that’s a scary thought. They have to focus to help her mom. Sam says she did have a chat with Michael about that. He said they should focus less on who killed Cates, and more on finding the evidence to clear her mom. Dante says, it makes sense. The only thing involved is the gun. She says, it’s not the gun that killed Cates, and he says, ballistics will prove it, but it’s still in the river. The police divers can’t find it. She says she wishes they knew an expert diver… She is. He says, the water is choppy, but she says she can handle an undercurrent. (so does everyone who drowns here due to one every summer.) He says he’s not loving the sound of this, but assumes there’s no talking her out of it. She says, waste of breath, and he says, so what’s next? She says she’s going to find the gun her mom tossed off the bridge and end this nightmare for her family.

Elizabeth says she sees Ric is still here, and he says he was wondering if he could ask her a question involving a medical issue. She says, as long as it’s not violating a patient’s privacy, and he shows her some paperwork. He says, the results from both labs are from the same blood same taken at the same time. Shouldn’t they be redundant? She says, the test results are wrong. They’re not even close. The level from the outside lab is much lower. The tests should be done again. Something is seriously wrong.

Alexis sighs, and a guard comes by. She says she was told she has a cellmate, but she’d like to lie down and doesn’t know which bunk… The guard keeps walking, and another guard arrives. She unlocks the cell, and Heather walks in. Alexis sighs again. (I’m dying laughing.)

Cyrus sats, somehow, he will help someone; Ric says, Elizabeth is the one person he’d do anything for; Dante says he wants Rocco to be prepared; and Jason guesses he and Anna caught a break.

🧴 Blink and You Missed It…

I’m not sure if you can return if you’re not really gone, but okay. I’m also not sure if Drew and Nina posing as a power couple is going to help his campaign, but double okay because I’d rather he be with Nina than creeping on Willow.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-returns-to-general-hospital

🧂 Salt On the Snowflakes…

My bad yesterday. I forgot Million Dollar Listing LA was over and has no Reunion. So on to Salt Lake.

During the gorgeous opening shots, I was immediately reminded of how much I love and miss snow. While it’s not like I live in the south, near the ocean, the winters are often mild, and nowadays, we’re lucky if we get one good blast during the entire winter. But I digress.

After Mary told her that she looked thin, Heather made the disturbing comment in her interview that she finally cracked the code. She lost 25 pounds, and Mary loves her. She does look great, but it’s sad how much being liked is tied to appearance, whether it’s a real thing or just perception. Although Mary did get Angie an invite to Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party, so maybe it’s wise to be on her good side, no matter what that entails.

New Housewife Bronwyn (no, not that one) has six dogs, so she’s okay by me. They all look like Boxers too, so I doff my cap. Those dogs can be a handful. What I didn’t like about Bronwyn was her anecdote about meeting Lisa (whose coattails she rode in on). She and Lisa first met at an upscale department store and when Lisa complimented her on what she was buying, Bronwyn brushed her off because she was wearing sweats. Bronwyn said she didn’t remember it – it was what Lisa had told her – but it sounded like something she would do. As the Countess would say, don’t be all uncool.

And what’s up with Angie and Mary in the Burger King crowns?

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 5, Episode 1 Recap: Dropping a Bath Bombshell

🍊 And In a Shocking Twist…

Maybe he should have stayed with the devil he knew.

Shannon Beador’s Ex-Husband David Called Her a ‘Saint’ in Shocking Texts Attacking Wife Lesley

🚫 No Friends For You…

Gina stuck herself in the middle with Fancy Pants and Katie. And who said she’s not allowed to be friends with Katie? Bowling for Soup was right, high school never ends.

Gina Kirschenheiter Feels She’s ‘Not Really Allowed’ To Be Friends With Katie Ginella

🃏 Maybe She Is Just Stupid…

Has she watched herself? Was shutting up about Johnny J. and his blackmail Ring tapes not an option?

Alexis Bellino ‘A Little Surprised’ RHOC Castmates Didn’t Support Her More

🍸 Only Andy Knows For Sure…

Is it a spinoff? Is it a reboot? Is it something completely different? Does anybody really care? Okay, I might if LVP is involved.

Rumor: Pump Rules Season 12 to Film in Fall With Original Cast

💻 What Else To Watch…

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this film, other than the enjoyment of seeing Jason Momoa shirtless through most of it, but had I known it was a meditative art film wrapped in a bloody genre blanket, buried deep in a scorching sci-fi desert, I might have put more thought into it. While I didn’t pick up all the nuances this reviewer did, no one enjoys an apocalypse more than I do (okay, maybe Murphy from Z Nation), and I still appreciated the hell out of it. This review is years old (from when the movie actually came out), but the film remains the same and is now on Netflix. Warning: Major spoilers ahead.  

https://www.rogerebert.com/features/why-the-bad-batch-is-one-of-the-best-films-of-2017

I’d been waiting a while for this one to stream, since I love an animal/human hybrid theme. This is no Sweet Tooth, but it still contains the element of people fearing what they don’t understand and ridding the world of those who are different. I would have liked to see more of the animal/human hybrids, but it was a fascinating watch all the same. I also would have preferred a different ending, but that doesn’t make it bad. Actual animal, the main character’s dog Albert, added a touch of realism since he was no Lassie, and ran off in the face of danger as my dogs would. You can stream this on Hulu or Disney+ – in French with subtitles. Minor warning: A few small spoilers, but they don’t give the whole film away.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-animal-kingdom-film-review-2024

🦔 Where In the World Is Cinnamon…

Capybaras are one of my favorite animals. They’re kept as pets in some places and seem pretty chill, so I’m wondering why she’s so hellbent on not going back, especially since her capybara family is there. I hope it’s just because she has an adventurous soul.

https://people.com/cinnamon-capybara-runs-away-from-zoo-found-in-nearby-field-8714849

🦥 Dreaming Through September…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the OC for sure. Until then, stay safe, stay not sacrificing comfort (or safety) for style, and stay not carrying guilt. It does no good and doesn’t help.

Sep4

September 3, 2024 – The PCPD’s Busy Night, Thoughts, Suds Galore, He’s a Monster, Goodbye Dubai, Her Fabulous Snaps, What Went Wrong, Marvelous Extras, Arrested, Feasting Felines & Ends

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Sonny says he told Jagger over and over and over. Jagger can come after him, but when Jagger goes after his daughter, it’s unacceptable. He shoots John and John falls. Sonny walks over to him and shoots him again for good measure. Michael shows up and sees John. Sonny says, he doesn’t understand. John was coming after his sister. Michael says, enough. He doesn’t want to hear it.

Drew and Willow kiss as the thunder crashes.

Alexis thanks Sam for coming over, and Sam says, of course (🍷). Alexis says, it’s her sister, and Sam says she figured. Alexis says, she left Kristina for two seconds, and Kristina grabbed her keys and ran off with her car. Sam tells her not to freak out. Kristina is a grown woman. She’s sure Kristina is fine. Alexis says, she’s not fine. She has no business being out there. Sam asks where Alexis thinks she went, but Alexis says, if she had any idea, she’d be there and not here.

Kristina stands at Adela’s grave and says, it’s me. Your mom. She wanted to tell Adela how sorry she is for what happened at the funeral. She didn’t deserve that. She deserved to be celebrated for the gift she was, still are, and always will be.

Isaiah lies in the road. Jason comes along and walks over to him.  

Boyle and Ava walk through the rain, and Ava says, they have to go back and help that man. Boyle tells her, stop walking. They’ve gone far enough. Ava asks if Boyle ever killed anyone. It changes you forever. Whatever life she believes she’s going back to, won’t be the same if she pulls the trigger.

Kristina says, Adela has to believe her and listen to her. Molly was wrong. It’s not true what she said. Kristina never would have gone to that hotel if she thought she was putting Adela in danger. She loved her so much. She only wanted to protect her and keep her safe. She cries and says she wishes so badly that she could go back, but it doesn’t matter what she wishes. Adela is there, and she’s still here.

Kristina sobs and says she doesn’t want to live without Adela. She doesn’t want to be without her. Please, just come back.

Sonny asks what Michael is going to do, and Michael says, mom is still at the main house. He picks up the bullet casings and gives them to Sonny. He says, Carly will give Sonny an alibi. Sonny says, someone is going to find Jagger, but Michael says he’ll take care of it. Sonny leaves.

Jason checks Isaiah’s pulse and turns him over. He calls 911, and says, there’s a probable hit and run on Route 41 past mile marker 28… No. He was going by and saw him at the side of the road. It’s a male in his 30s and has no ID, but he’s still alive. Hurry.  

Ric carries a bouquet of flowers to the reception desk and tells Elizabeth that he has a delivery. She says, room number? and turns around. He says he thinks they’d look fantastic right here. She asks what he’s doing, and he says, craving a friendly face. He thought it might belong to her. Can she help? She says, nice touch, and he says, but she’s not accepting them. She says, not a chance… Actually, she’ll break them up and give them to her patients. He says, how very Elizabeth, and she asks how he knows that. He’s been gone a long time. He says, true. How about having dinner with him to jog her memory? Sound good? She says, no, and he says, still, he’ll circle back and maybe there’s a chance she’ll be less busy. Elizabeth says she’s the head nurse now, and it’s never less busy. He congratulates her and says, he’ll circle back anyway. Hope springs eternal and all that.

Her shirt covered in baby food, Tracy walks into the living room and sees Nina talking to Brook and Chase. Brook asks, what happened? and Tracy says, the devil baby. Chase says, Ace? and Tracy says, the nannies couldn’t handle him any longer, so she and Lois were trading off trying to get him to quiet down. Brook says, maybe he’s hungry, and Tracy says, that was her first thought before he flung the food at her. Nina says she’s surprised Tracy didn’t change, and Tracy says she’s surprised Nina is still here. Nina says, Michael invited her to dinner, and she was catching up on business with Brook. Tracy says, she’ll take over here, and Brook can take over upstairs. And if Ace doesn’t quiet down, Chase can arrest him for disturbing her peace. Chase says he’s here if Brook needs backup, and Brook leaves. Tracy says, there’s not enough backup in the world for Ace, and Nina says, she’s really not changing?

Sonny goes upstairs at the main house and grabs Carly, pulling her into a room. Seeing he’s soaked, she asks what he was doing outside, and he says he needs her help. If anybody asks, they’ve been here together for the last half hour. She says, why?

Alexis says, Kristina’s still not picking up, and Sam says, after all she’s been through, maybe she needs some space. Alexis says, she can still call her mother, and asks Sam to call Molly and ask if she’s seen or heard from Kristina.  

As the thunder rumbles, Kristina says she loves Adela so much. It’s a love only a mother could know. It’s not Molly’s fault that she doesn’t understand the connection. How could she? Adela grew inside her. She lies down on the grave and says, they breathed together, they hiccupped together and hated kale together. She’s sorry about that. That stuff is the worst. She promises to never ever forget everything Adela hated and loved, like that Pink song. She loved kicking her foot to the beat. It was amazing. She knows Adela would have been a dancer.

Willow says she can’t believe this happened again, and Drew says he’s sorry, but she says, it’s not his fault. He insists it is and says, emotions got mixed up in her talking to him. She says she’s glad he felt he could talk to her. He was in pain, and she wanted help, but it morphed into something else. She got caught up in it and she shouldn’t have. He says, neither of them should have, and she tells him that she was going to say she’s not a wife who cheats, but is she? He says, she’s not. She’s a wife who got caught up in a weak moment with someone else having a weak moment. She says, he also knows that she loves her husband, and he says he does. He loves Michael too, but if he’s being honest, there have been times where he wishes he’d met her first.

Kristina says she hopes Adela felt loved and hopes she knows Kristina would do it all over again to have those moments back. She will never ever forget her. She won’t be forgotten. She loves Adela and will take Adela with her forever.  

Willow says, but Drew didn’t meet her first. Michael did and she thanks God for it. He’s an amazing father and husband and stood by her in her darkest time. The life they’ve built means everything to her. That’s why what happened will have to stay locked in her heart. He says, no one will ever know from him. He only wants the best for her. She says she should go. She’ll call a Ride Share. He says, let him drive her. The roads are going to be messy, and he wants to make sure she gets there safe. She thanks him and they leave.

Brook walks Ace into the living room, and Tracy asks if she drugged him. Brook says she just walked him around and asked if he wanted to do a meet and greet. Tracy says, it’s clearly not the same baby. Chase says, Brook is going to make a good mom, and Brook asks if Tracy wouldn’t be excited to have a great grandchild. Tracy says, it’s not the worst thing… Okay. She’d adore it.

Sonny asks if Carly is ready, and Carly says, they’ve done it before. Let’s do it. They walk into the living room, and Tracy wonders how much more she has to endure.  

Jordan tells Portia that she’s checking in to see if there are any problems because of the storm, but Portia says, it’s been quiet. What about the rest of Port Charles? Jordan says, she’s coordinating emergency responses, and Portia says, they could use a break. Now that Jordan is here, what can Jordan tell her about Ric? He’s TJ’s father-in-law, so she thought Jordan might know about him. Jordan says, they’ve had a few conversations, but nothing deep. Why? Is there something in particular Portia wants to know? Portia says, after Scotty dropped Heather’s case, she thought she could stop worrying. It wasn’t five seconds until Ric showed up and said he’s Heather’s attorney. Jordan says, Port Charles is no longer Ric’s home, so it gives him a leg up in terms of not caring about the hate storm he’ll receive. Portia says, what she wants to know is, is he that great of a lawyer? Can he actually make a winning case for Heather? Jordan says, from what she understands, he’s a very good lawyer.

Ric gives Elizabeth some coffee, and she says she’s impressed he remembers how she takes it. He says he’s impressed she’s head nurse, but not surprised. She asks if he’s still practicing law, and he says, and he’s managing to stay out of trouble. Like she said, it’s been a long time. People change. Look at Franco. She says, that was different, and asks how Molly is. He says, hanging in there. She’s incredibly strong and he’s proud of her. Elizabeth says she never doubted his love for his daughter, and he asks what she thinks about Heather. She says, that’s quite a subject change. Heather has a soft spot for her because of Franco, so Heather is on her best behavior around her. Ric says he can use that, and she asks if he’s representing her. He says he read her file. It’s quite the body count. She says, however, there were extenuating circumstances, and he says, cobalt poisoning. Elizabeth says, if he takes her as a client, he’ll never make a friend here, but he asks when that was an option. There’s only one other person in Port Charles besides Molly whose opinion matters to him.  

Kristina says she named her Adela after her great-grandmother Adela, her father’s mother. Her dad is… not perfect, but he’s always been a constant presence in her life, someone she could count on. She wanted to be that person for Adela. She never imagined a world where she wouldn’t be and couldn’t love her. She hopes Adela still feels that love because it doesn’t know time or space. It’s not true what they say, you can’t take it with you. She hopes Adela proves that wrong. She hopes Adela takes all of her love with her. She kisses the Mickey Mouse plushie and puts it on the grave. She says, I love you, and cries. She gets up and walks out.  

Ava tells Boyle that she has a daughter, Avery. She loves her very much. Let her go and they can both disappear. She’s been where Boyle is now. She held a woman’s life in her hands and ended it. She regrets her decision every single day. Boyle says, it sounds like karma, and cocks the gun. Behind Boyle, Jason is holding his gun on her.

Jason says, drop the gun, and Boyle grabs Ava, holding Ava as a shield, the gun in Ava’s side. Boyle tells him not to come any closer, but he says, drop the gun and let Ava go. Ava says, shoot her already, and he cocks his gun. Boyle drops the gun, and Ava picks it up. She says, how is this for karma?

In Isaiah’s hospital room, Dr. Park tells Portia, 911 found him lying by the side of the road. Portia says, a hit and run? and he says, probably. He tells her a bunch of medical stuff they’re waiting on, and she asks if they have an ID or is he a John Doe? Park says, they looked, but there was no ID, and Portia says she’ll take it from here.

A nurse tells Elizabeth that Dr. Park is waiting on an MRI and CAT scan, but she’s getting no response from imaging. Elizabeth says, duty calls, and Ric asks if they can catch up later. It was a nice conversation, and he’d like to continue it. She says she gets off in 20 minutes. Meet her downstairs. He says he’ll be there.

Sam tells Alexis that Molly hasn’t seen Kristina, and Alexis wonders who they call now. Sam suggests they wait a little bit, and Alexis hopes Kristina didn’t do something stupid. Sam asks what she’s afraid of, when Kristina comes in. Sam says, she’s soaked, and Kristina says, it’s raining. (Those familiar with Rocky Horror will recognize that line.) Alexis asks if she’s all right, and Kristina says she didn’t mean to make Alexis worry. Sam says, mom was totally freaked out, and Kristina says she went to the cemetery. She needed to talk to Adela.

Michael looks at John’s body and makes a call. He says, Chase needs to get to the boathouse right away. Agent Cates was shot… No, just the coroner. He’s dead… He doesn’t know. He showed up and found the body. Should he call the police or can Chase radio it in? Willow and Drew come by, and Willow says, oh my God, and Michael tells Chase to alert the FBI. Cates was an agent. Willow hugs him and Drew asks, what the hell happened?

Nina says she doesn’t mean to be indelicate, and Carly says, then don’t be. Nina asks if Sonny and Carly are back together, but Sonny says, they were having a conversation, and things got heated. That’s it. Nina asks if he’s sure that’s all it is. Chase says, there’s been a shooting, and Tracy says, on the property? He says, outside the boathouse, and tells Brook that he needs to go. She says, of course (🍷) and Tracy says, dinner is canceled, but Chase says he needs them all to stay for questioning.

Michael says he’s not hurt. He was just surprised. Drew asks how long John’s been there, but Michael says he doesn’t know. He was making sure everything was okay at the boathouse because of the storm and found him. Drew asks if there wasn’t anyone else around, but Michael says, no, and asks if they saw anyone leaving. Willow says, Drew drove her home, and they were walking to the gatehouse, and Drew says, he assumes John is… Michael says, yeah, and Willow asks if he heard a gunshot, but Michael says, not with all the thunder going on. Drew asks if he saw any bullet casings, but Michael says, no, and Drew says, whoever did this knew how to clean up after themselves. He’ll wait with Michael. Michael says he’ll be fine. He’s sure they’ll have some questions for him. Drew says, let him be the wingman, but Michael asks him to take Willow back to the house. He’d feel better if he knows she’s safe. He’ll handle things here. Willow hugs him and leaves with Drew.  

Portia says she was hoping Jordan was still here and asks if Jordan can do her a favor. An unidentified man was brought in. Apparently, the victim of a hit and run. Jordan says, no ID? and Portia says, not on him. She was hoping Jordan could use her credential to help figure out who he is. Jordan says, absolutely, and Portia says, if something like this happened to Trina, she hopes someone would do what they could to find her family.

Alexis thinks it could have waited until morning given the weather, but Kristina says, no. She wanted to talk to Adela tonight. Alexis says she was worried and wishes Kristina had called or told her. She would have driven here there. Kristina says she left her phone in the car. She wanted to be alone. She went to apologize for what happened at the burial. Alexis says, what happened was, everyone’s emotions were running high. Everyone cherished the baby. Kristina says she doesn’t want to go on without her, and Alexis hugs her as she cries.

Boyle asks if this is the part where she tells Ava that she’s got a daughter too, and she’s made mistakes. Ava says, that’s obvious, since she’s under John’s thumb. She doesn’t care. She tells Jason to take it from here, but Jason says he’s not getting involved. Ava says, he’s already involved. If he had been one second later, she’d be bleeding out. Jason asks what she wants him to do, and she says she’s at her limit. She’s sick of being pushed around and letting people play a game with her life. No more.

Drew and Willow come into the living room, and Tracy says, they’re just in time for police questioning. There’s been a shooting. Drew says, they saw the body. Agent Cates is dead. Nina says, oh my God, and Sonny asks, where? Drew says, Michael found the body. The coroner is on the way and Michael is waiting for Chase.

Michael tells Chase that Cates was already dead, and Chase asks if he saw or heard anything. Michael says he was in shock and could have missed something, but as far as he knows, he was the only one here. Chase says, that’s all he needs. He’ll let Michael know if he has more questions. Michael asks if he can go back to the main house and be with his family, and Chase says, of course (🍷). He’s glad nobody else was hurt. Michael says, him and Chase both.

CSI takes photos at the boathouse, and Anna says, well? Chase says, Michael came to check the boathouse and found Cates. There are no witnesses, weapons, or casings. Anna says, and no suspect, and Chase says, just the victim. Did she know Cates a long time? She says, no. Her daughter Robin knew him, and despite everything, she’s grateful for the way he treated Robin. He was capable of love, his family and Karen. It’s tragic how he went so wrong. (IKR? And he was sooo good looking too.)

On the phone, Jordan says she appreciates it, and Portia says, any luck? Jordan says she listened to the 911 call and recognized the voice. Portia asks, who was it? and Jordan says, Jason Morgan. He didn’t know what happened. Just the location. She’s wondering if the man’s wallet was launched when he was struck by the car. Portia wonders why Jason would leave before help arrived, and Jordan says she doesn’t know, but she’s going to ask him when she finds him.

Ava says, there was a time she would have pulled the trigger without hesitation, but she doesn’t want this on her conscience. She’ll leave it to the professionals. She starts to hand Jason the gun, and Boyle lunges for it, but Jason grabs her. Ava says, Boyle hit someone with her car, and Jason says he already called 911. Ava asks how he found her, and Jason says, Sonny told him to find her, and he called Brick who tracked her down. She says she’ll wait in the car, but he says, no. They’re in this together now.

Sam says, it never gets easier, but the pain will get smaller and won’t be the only thing Kristina sees and the only thing she feels. And she’ll be able to make room for other parts of her life. Alexis says, beautiful parts, and Kristina says, it means lot that Sam understands. Sam says she really does, and Kristina asks if she ever dreams about Lila. She dreams about Adala all the time. Sometimes she’s a baby, but sometimes she’s grown up and off to school. It doesn’t matter how old she is or what age, she’s always happy and smiling. Then she wakes up and remembers that none of those dreams will ever come true because of Ava. She has to make sure Ava pays for what she’s done.

Elizabeth hands the nurse the test results, and Ric asks if she wants to get coffee. She says she just had one, and he says, how about ice cream? She says he knows she can’t say no to ice cream, and he says he’s glad some things haven’t changed.

Ava says, Jason saved her life and she’s grateful. She’ll back up whatever story he wants, but the last thing she needs is to be involved. Jason says, there’s a good chance no one will miss Boyle. They have to make sure to leave nothing behind. He takes out his phone, and Ava asks who he’s calling. He says, the police.

Michael tells Sonny, the police are here, and Sonny asks if he’s all right. Michael says he’s fine, and Carly asks, what happened? Michael says, he went to the boathouse and found Agent Cates. She asks if anyone else saw, and Sonny says he’s sorry Michael had to see that, but Michael says he’ll live. Willow goes up to Michael and hugs him.

Nina asks how Drew is holding up. She knows he was fond of McConkey. He says, McConkey’s death hit him harder than he thought it would, considering he knew it was coming. Nina says she wasn’t ready either. She guesses there are some things in life you can never prepare yourself for. He says, death is apparently one of them.

Willow asks if they can go home, but Michael says, they have to wait to talk to the police. Tracy says she can tell them what everybody knows. Sonny despised Cates and vice versa. It was not lost on her that Cates was murdered on the very night Sonny came to check on his offspring. Brook says, Cates had more than his share of enemies. Anyone could have killed him. (True dat.)

Anna says she’s going to the main house to get statements, and Chase says, he’ll make sure the autopsy is done as soon as possible. Anna says, Cates was a persona non grata here, but he was still FBI, and they have a dead agent on their turf. What are Chase’s thoughts? Who could have pulled this off? Chase says, the pool is large.

Kristina says she’s going to take something and go to bed, and Alexis says, she loves Kristina. Her sister is right. It’s going to get better. Kristina goes upstairs, and Alexis thanks Sam. She gave Kristina an ally in her grief. She knows it’s painful. San says, it always will be, but she’s had time to process and move forward. Krissy will get there. Alexis says she’s worried. The way Kristina is talking about revenge isn’t healthy. Sam says, her emotions are raw right now. After she lost Lila, her emotions were all over the place. She can’t remember exactly what she did or said, but she’s sure it was extreme. Alexis thanks her for her help and tells her to go home to her kids. They exchange I love yous, and Sam leaves. Alexis picks up Kristina’s bag and sees the gun in it.

Tomorrow, Curtis tells Drew that he has to put a stop to it before it goes too far; Lucky asks Sidwell if there’s any chance they can change the stakes; and Ric tells Elizabeth that they clearly saw something they shouldn’t have.

💭 Thoughts. Oddly, I expected Sam to open the door and find Cates standing there since it’s happened so often. And yeah, okay, Kristina might be a suspect, but John wasn’t shot by the same gun. Wouldn’t they know that right away? I also think she might have taken it because she was originally going to kill herself.

🛁 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

A lot to unpack. First, the new guy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/sawandi-wilson-opens-up-about-joining-the-cast-of-gh

Goodbye to John Jagger Cates, known by all three names singularly. As Anna said, it’s tragic how he went so wrong.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-j-harrington-says-goodbye-to-general-hospital

A return. I’m looking forward to this one.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-spoilers-week-september-3-holly-returns

GH sounds like a really amazing place to work. They’re very accommodating to their actors.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-emma-samms-opens-up-about-living-with-long-covid

Lulu was never a favorite of mine. I didn’t dislike her; she was just in the background. But Emme Rylan was a fine actress, and obviously open to coming back, so I don’t get why they’re not rolling with that.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/who-could-play-lulu-on-gh

They should bring him back for more than a day. Come on. He’s the best Nikolas of all the Nikolases.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-thanks-his-general-hospital-fans

In case you were wondering, what do they even do anyway?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/what-is-the-wsb-on-general-hospital

Ending on a literal high note.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/watch-ghs-maurice-benard-and-son-joshua-duet

⚖️ His Monster Of a Gig…

They don’t show much, but it’s a good cast and I have no doubt it will be excellent. I started watching the one about Jeffrey Dahmer, but I stopped after the second or third episode. It was too depressing. Probably not for the reason you’d think. I like true crime, but it was starting to make me feel strangely melancholy about NYC.

https://ew.com/monsters-menendez-brothers-first-look-nicholas-alexander-chavez-cooper-koch-8698044

🐪 Last Camel Ride Of the Season…

In her interview, Lesa told us that, in the summer, Dubai was 120 degrees on a good day. No. Literally hell no. Stanbury and Chanel threw a Goodbye, Dubai party as they were leaving for two months. This is another reason you have to be super rich to live there. You can’t live there for a quarter of the year. As if Sara – the one with the nanny who tried to pimp out her kid – wasn’t dealing with enough, she asked boyfriend Akin for a break to focus on said child. He didn’t take it well, and it was over, but I think she dodged a bullet. It seemed like he wasn’t even concerned about the whole nanny incident.

Chanel had the best quote of possibly the entire season when she dropped the Somalian saying, a monkey doesn’t see its own a-hole.

Next time, the Reunion.

Real Housewives of Dubai Season 2 Finale Recap: B*tches, Liars, and Braggers

📸 Fabulously Photogenic…

God bless her for jumping into the dating pool. A matchmaker is definitely the way to go, and I hope she finds what she’s looking for. BTW, the photos were gorgeous.

https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-whitney-way-thore-strips-down-for-sexy-photoshoot-in-exclusive-sneak-peek/

🏡 Welcome to Marriage Rehash 101…

You mean you can’t get pregnant by sitting too close to a guy? I think the writer meant, Olivia’s approach to sex and romance was skewed, not stewed. It did make me laugh though.

Welcome to Plathville’s Olivia Was Told It Was Her ‘Job’ to ‘Please’ Ethan

More whining from Ethan and not admitting he was part of the problem. Of course he’d go back to Cairo. Georgia, not Egypt. That’s where he was sheltered from the world.

Welcome to Plathville’s Ethan Reveals Olivia’s ‘Problem’ With His Family

🦸 Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop…

I dunno. I remember seeing this.

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-gambit-secret-post-credits-scene-revealed-ryan-reynolds-8701767

And in related news.

https://www.avclub.com/james-spader-return-ultron-casting-news-august-23-24

🚓 Then There Was This…

I saw this on Page Six this morning and was like, WTF? And the cops are called for a camel bite? Did they arrest the camel? Where are we, Dubai?

1000-Lb. Sisters Star Amy Slaton Arrested at Zoo for Drug Possession and Child Endangerment

🐈 Dinner For Mew…

I never had a dinner party for my cats, but Eric the Cat once had a dinner party of his own when he stole a turkey leg off the stove and ate the entire thing.

https://people.com/jenna-lyons-dines-with-her-elegant-cats-at-dinnertime-exclusive-8700479

📒 Time For Pencils, Time For Books…

Join me tomorrow for soap and what’s Listing(s) in LA. Until then, stay safe, stay not putting your summer clothes away too soon, and stay understanding that pain never gets easier, but it will get smaller, and you’ll be able to make room for other parts of your life.

Aug29

August 28, 2024 – Laura Calls In a Favor, A Petition, Powerful, This Week In LA, Test Flirt, Her Date, Rails Residue, Post Deck, New Apes, Where’d He Go & Sadness

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Alexis tells Sonny what happened at Irene’s funeral; how Molly tore into Kristina and Kristina ended up falling on the grave. Everyone was hysterical. Sonny asks what Molly was thinking, and Kristina walks in.

In a hotel room somewhere, Ava says she knows John is headed back to Port Charles and asks when he’ll be back. He says he won’t be gone long, but she says she doesn’t feel safe without him. He says, she’ll be fine, when there’s a knock at the door. He says, Agent Boyle will watch over her, and Boyle walks in.

At the hospital, Anna says, Tracy looks pale. Is she all right? Tracy says she’s not, and Anna asks if she can get Tracy something. Tracy says, it’s not her. It’s Lulu. She needs a miracle.

Laura tells Doc that Nikolas was crushed. That leaves Lucky. She’s got to find him. He travels a lot doing humanitarian work, but she hasn’t heard from him in months. She’s waiting to hear back from the place he last worked. She’s also going through some back channels. Her phone rings, and she asks if Robert has an update.

Gerard (a guard who has a name) says, they’re going in five minutes, and leaves. Lucky says, they did it. It worked. Isaiah says, it played out just like Lucky said, and Lucky tells him that they’re getting out today.

Kristina says she keeps wishing she hadn’t gotten so angry and stormed into Ava’s suite. Sonny says she didn’t know how Ava was going to react. She can’t blame herself. She says, not according to Molly. Molly said she chose to protect Sonny instead of her child and that she was selfish. Alexis says, Molly doesn’t mean that. She was lashing out. Trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense. She’s grieving too, and Kristina was the easiest person to blame. Kristina says, Molly thinks she was going to steal her baby after it was born, but you can’t steal what belongs to you. She was never more certain than at the funeral. When Adela was lowered into the ground, a part of her died too.

Ava says, John told her that he’d keep her safe, and he says he’s held up his end of the bargain so far, but she says she needs to know about the future. When is he bringing Avery? Are they going to be put in the witness protection program? He asks if that’s what she wants, living in some backwater town trying to fit in, and she says she wants to survive. Isn’t that the best option? John says he’s doing what he can. If the plan goes right, she’ll be able to go back, and Sonny will never threaten her or Avery again. She asks if she can give Avery a call, but John says, she’s having a wonderful time with the nanny. If Ava calls, it will just make Avery miss her. She asks if she can at least have her phone, but he says, it’s too risky. Her location could be compromised. Ava says she’s feeling cut off, and he says, that’s the whole point. It’s keeping her safe. Everything is going according to plan. Be patient. Does she trust him? She says, of course (🍷), and he says he’ll see her soon. He leaves with his suitcases.

Anna says, if Nikolas isn’t an option, what happens next? and Tracy says, they have to find Lucky. Anna says, it won’t be easy, but Tracy says, it has to happen unless some donor was overlooked. Anna asks if they have to share DNA or just the same blood type, and Tracy says, they don’t have to share the same DNA, but it’s the best chance for a match. Time is of the essence. If it doesn’t happen soon…. She says she has to take care of something, and leaves.

Robert says, the WSB said Lucky was participating in humanitarian efforts. He saved several doctors and patients in an area under siege. The organization decided to relocate to a more friendly part of the world, and Lucky found himself an area where his talents could be used. Laura asks if the WSB knows where he is, and Robert says, they believe he was headed toward East Africa, to a refugee camp. But it was months ago and nearly impossible to get a message to him. She asks if they have the location of the camp, but he says, the camp is always in flux and isolated. He’ll let her know if he can do more. Keep him in the loop. Doc says he’s sorry, and Laura says, it’s a setback. She’s not giving up. She thinks it’s time to call in a favor.

Isaiah says, Sidwell is complaining of stomach pain. He’s known toddlers who whine less. It’s just indigestion, but he told Sidwell that he needed to get a full panel of tests that require equipment they don’t have, so they’re leaving. Lucky says, all they need to do is make it off the compound. Once they lose the guards, he can get ahold of his contact, and they’ll be on their way. It’s not going to be easy, but it will work. It has to.

Anna goes to Portia’s office and says she learned from Tracy that Lulu’s condition is declining, and she needs a liver transplant. Is that true? Portia says she can’t discuss a patient’s condition without permission of the patient or family, and Anna says, of course (🍷). She doesn’t need information about Lulu’s condition, but needs information about the donor search. Portia says, the potential donor needs to be in good physical and psychological condition. They need to be a non-smoker for six weeks prior, understand the risks of the procedure, and have a compatible blood type. Anna says, what about age? Can they be a minor? Portia says, it’s rare. They prefer it be an adult, but in special circumstances, it’s possible. Anna says, that’s all she needed to hear, and leaves.

Laura goes to Jack’s office, and he asks, to what does he owe the honor? She says she needs his help, and he invites her in. She says her daughter was badly injured in an explosion and has been in a coma ever since. Her health has taken a sudden turn for the worse and she needs a liver transplant in order to survive. He says he’s sorry, but she says she’s not here for sympathy. She’s here for information. He asks what he could possibly know that would help, and she says, he’s a very high-ranking member of the WSB and she’s here to ask him to help her find her son.

Lucky says, Isaiah knows the plan. Wait for his signal, then move. Gerard comes back and says, let’s go. They pick up their bags, and Gerard says, just the doctor. Lucky is staying.

Kristina says she falls asleep and dreams about Adela, and Sonny says, she named the baby after his mother? She says, it’s not what TJ and Molly would have named her, but if she’d lived, that’s what she would have named her. Sonny says, it’s beautiful, and thanks her, and she says, in her dreams, Adela is so beautiful, so tiny, and so sweet. Kristina cries and says she’s so full of joy. She holds Adela and she’s laughing and kissing her face. Then she wakes up and remembers Adela is gone all over again. It’s like a knife to her heart and she can’t breathe. That’s why she’s not sleeping. When she sleeps, she can be with Adela, but when she wakes up, she remembers again that Adela has been taken away from her. There’s a knock at the door, and Alexis says she’ll get rid of them. She opens the door and asks what John is doing here again. He says he’s sorry to intrude, but he has a few more questions for Kristina.

Laura tells Jack that Lucky has been away from Port Charles for several years doing humanitarian work. He’s been providing security for aid workers in East Africa, and it isn’t easy getting in touch in an emergency. Jack says, it’s a chaotic part of the world, and Laura says she needs to bring him back. A donor that’s a full sibling is the best chance for a match. Can he help? He says he’ll do what he can, but he doesn’t want to lie. Finding Lucky will be a challenge. Laura says she realizes that, but he has more resources than she does, and he says, the WSB isn’t popular in that area. Inquiries will have to be made under the radar. Otherwise, it will be considered interference. She says she expects the WSB is expert in covert operations. She’s asking him to give her daughter a chance at life and to locate her son. He says, if it’s in his power to help, he will. He gets up, and she thanks him for his time. Before she goes out the door, she says, her family has done more than their share of favors for the WSB. When they had the power to help, they did. It’s time the WSB repaid the favor. Good day. She leaves.

Isaiah says, Lucky needs to come. They need protection. They’ll be transporting expensive equipment. If it’s stolen, is Gerard going to tell Sidwell it’s gone? Gerard hears something, and he tells Isaiah to be ready by the time he gets back. He leaves, and Isaiah asks what they do now.

Alexis says, no way in hell is John speaking to her daughter, but Kristina says, maybe she should just answer the questions. She has nothing to hide. Alexis says, as her attorney, she’s advising Kristina that it’s a bad idea. As her mother, she forbids it. John can’t come here without scheduling it in advance, and when he does, she’ll be present as Kristina’s attorney. Sonny says, John didn’t come to talk to their daughter. All John has to do is ask him. He’ll talk to John. John says he does have a few questions for Sonny, and Sonny tells him to come to his office tomorrow, but John says, Sonny doesn’t get to pick the time and place. The PC Grill in 20 minutes. Don’t keep him waiting or he’ll come back and take Kristina into custody. (Ugh. His schtick is getting so very old.) He leaves, and Kristina says, he’s just trying to get Sonny to say something. It’s a trap. Sonny says he can deal with it. He knows how to handle Agent Cates.

Ava asks how long Boyle has been with the Bureau, and Boyle says, five years. Ava asks if she’s been working with John, and Boyle says, some of the time. Ava says, John is high up, and asks if he has a lot of power, but Boyle says, they don’t divulge those things to the public. Ava says, nice shoes. She would wear them. Cartullo? Boyle says, good eye. She got them at a sample sale. Ava says, they still must have cost a lot. You can usually tell a cop or a Fed by their shoes. Those are chic. Boyle asks if she needs anything, and Ava says she’d like to have her phone, but Boyles says she meant to eat or drink. Ava says, that depends on how long they’re going to be here, and Boyle says she doesn’t think that long.  

On the phone, Alexis says she’ll be right there. She tells Kristina that the hospital has a problem with her insurance. She’ll be as quick as possible. Will she be okay? Kristina says, yes, but she’s worried about dad. Alexis says, Sonny can take care of himself, but Kristina says she’s upset that she’s the reason John has leverage over him. Alexis says, she has nothing to do with it. John would use any excuse to go after Sonny. When she gets back, they’ll have a snack watch harmless movie. She leaves, and Kristina makes a call. She asks if they can come over. She needs their help.

Lucky tells Isaiah to take the gun. If he gets a chance to stop the guards, run to the airfield and meet his contact. He’ll get Isaiah to Mogadishu. Isaiah says he’s not leaving with Lucky, but Lucky says, unless they shoot their way out, that’s not happening. If he had the chance to get out, he’d leave Isaiah in a heartbeat. Go save himself to save him.

Tracy goes to Laura’s apartment, and Laura asks what she can do for her. Tracy says she wants to help Lulu.

Kristina says she didn’t know who to call, and Jason says, Sonny kept him updated, but it’s good to see her. How is she feeling? She says, physically, she’s healing. She’s just scared. Cates came looking for her and her mom stood up to him. She knows Cates is working with Ava, who’s lying and making up everything. Ava is blaming her, but that’s not accurate. Jason says, it’s hard to be accused of a crime you didn’t commit. She has to fight the impulse to do something. Cates wants her to react and make a mistake so he can find something to charge her with that sticks. Please do not give him that chance. Kristina says, she can’t sit around and wait. She has to do something, but she can’t do it alone. She knows it’s a lot to ask, but he has to help her stop Cates and find a way to make Ava pay.

Ava says she knows a little bit about guns and the one Agent Boyle has, isn’t what Feds typically carry. Boyle says, female agents have their choice of weapons now, and Ava says she could use a coffee. She’ll run down and get one. Boyle says, you never know who’s out there. She’ll go. Ava says she’d like a macchiato, and Boyle says she’ll go to the coffee shop lobby. Sit tight. She leaves, and Ava picks up Boyle’s bag. She says, all right. Who are you?

Sonny meets John at the PC Grill and John says, Kristina seemed upset. How is she doing? Sonny says, John doesn’t care about Kristina or the fake crimes he’s charging her with. Stop playing around and tell him what he wants. John says, Kristina’s not looking too good. She probably won’t make it through the trial, let alone a 20-year sentence. Sonny says, it’s not going to come to that, and John says, Sonny can make his daughter’s troubles go away. Sonny asks, how? and John says, he’s going to confess.

Anna goes to Jack’s office (I’m starting to feel sorry for him), and he says, what an unexpected pleasure. What can he do for her? She tells him to stop playing games. She needs to know Valentin’s location. He says, the WSB doesn’t currently have it, but if he learns anything, she’ll be his first call. She says, he’s lying. She’s conducted run arounds herself. He asks if she’s rethinking letting Valentin escape. Browbeating him won’t help her find him any quicker. She says she needs to find his daughter for Lulu. His phone rings, and he tells them to send him the information immediately. Anna says, he knows Lulu is dying and Charlotte might help save her mother’s life. He needs to give her the courtesy of his full attention to discuss it. He says, she always sees him in the worst possible light, and she says she has reason to. He says, she can badger him or save Lulu. That’s what the phone call was about.

Tracy says she knows Laura is looking for Lucky, and she can use any of the Quartermaines’ resources to help bring him home. Laura thanks her for her generosity, but she’s waiting to hear from the WSB. She spoke to Jack Brennan, the station chief in Port Charles. Tracy says, they should be able to find Lucky, and Laura says, he told her that it was a chaotic part of the world, when her phone rings. It’s Jack, and she says she’s putting him on speakerphone. He says he has good news. He has a location for Lucky. She thanks him, and he says, Lucky was last seen at refugee camps in Somalia and Ethiopia a week ago. She asks if he’s there now, but Jack says he’s not sure. His contact doesn’t currently have eyes on Lucky and he can’t get satellite information for 48 hours. By then, it will be a long shot, since they move frequently. She asks if she can get a message to him to let him know it’s urgent, but he says, communication is sketchy to non-existent. Her best bet is to send someone, but whoever she sends needs to be prepared for the substantial risk. It’s a dangerous part of the world.

Alexis thanks Portia for helping with the insurance, and Portia says, no problem. She knows Alexis has a lot on her plate. How is Kristina doing? Alexis says, she slept last night, so there’s that. She’s got a long road ahead of her. Portia says, she’s a strong woman and clearly has a lot of support. It’s not easy, but she will get through it. Alexis says she takes it Portia heard about the scene between Kristina and Molly after the funeral, and Portia says she thinks they’re in a lot of pain. She imagines Alexis is too. As a mother, she truly feels for Alexis. It’s a terrible position to be in. She’d do anything for Trina, and she just has one daughter. Alexis is stuck in the middle, having to choose. She doesn’t know what she’d do.

Jason says he totally gets where Kristina is coming from, but it’s not her fight. If Cates hadn’t used her, he would find another way. Ava is a means to an end. He’s using Kristina, so don’t give him anything else he can hold over her head. He’s obsessed with getting Sonny. Being obsessed makes him crazy and it makes him dangerous. It also makes him weak. He has tunnel vision. He wants revenge for something that happened decades ago and will risk everything to get it. At some point, he’s going to make a mistake and leave himself open. Sonny knows when to make a move and Cates will never see it coming.

Sonny asks what he’s supposed to confess to, and John says, everything last thing. On the record of course (🍷). No trial, witnesses, or plea bargain. He’ll confess to the smuggling, money laundering, counterfeiting, and murder. Last but not least, he’ll tell them how he groomed an innocent underage girl and put her to work as a stripper. Sonny says, that’s a pretty big swing John’s taking. What if John misses? John says he won’t, and Sonny says, all he’s got is a phony statement from Ava that any lawyer can poke holes in. John asks if he wants to test that theory. If he’s wrong, Kristina will go to prison for a long, long time. It’s her freedom or his.

Isaiah says he’s not leaving Lucky in this mess, and Lucky says he came to rescue Isaiah. Isaiah says he didn’t ask, and Lucky says, he’s asking Isaiah to rescue them both. They’re out of their league and Isaiah needs to get out of here, get back to the states, and bring backup of the three letter kind. Isaiah says, don’t say the CIA, and Lucky says, no. Never go near them. But the WSB owes his family a favor.

Anna tells Jack, time is of the essence. She doesn’t know why they’re pinning their hope on Lucky when there’s another viable donor out there. He says, for the last time, he doesn’t know where Valentin and Charlotte are, but she says she doesn’t believe him. Jack is robbing Charlotte of the chance to save her own mother’s life and putting his efforts into a desperate search for a single man in a strife torn part of the world. When this fails, he’ll have to face the fact that he chose to protect the WSB rather than save the life of an innocent woman. She leaves and Jack ponders.

Tracy tells Laura that they can hire a mercenary or an extraction team. There are security contractors. Laura says, no. She doesn’t want a stranger to find her son. She can do it herself. Tracy says, it’s too dangerous, but Laura says she’s aware of the risks. She has a contact, the man who runs the last organization Lucky was working for. Tracy says she understands the impulse for Laura to go herself, but professionals would be better qualified. Laura says she doesn’t agree. Blood is thicker than water. Tracy asks if Doc is okay with this, and Doc says he knows better than to argue… because he’s going with her. Tracy says, fabulous. The mayor and her psychiatrist husband. What could possibly go wrong? Laura says she appreciates Laura’s concern, but they’ll be okay. Tracy says she hopes so, and Laura says, there is something Tracy can do to help. Look after Ace. Tracy wonders if he shouldn’t be with a family like Elizabeth’s. She has a child who’s Ace’s cousin. Laura says she thought Ace would be more comfortable with Tracy’s family. Don’t they have a nanny on staff? Tracy says, two, and Laura says she hopes throwing Ace into the mix won’t be overwhelming. Tracy says, Ace is welcome to come stay at Monica’s house, and Laura says she couldn’t do this without knowing he was safe. She trusts Tracy. Tracy says she’ll make sure Laura’s grandson has excellent care, and Larua says, then it’s settled. Let’s go find Lucky.  

Kristina says, so Jason isn’t going to stop Cates? but he says, something will be done. He can’t talk about it. She thanks him and says she knew he’d come through.

Sonny says, John has a lot riding on Ava. If she finds a better offer, she’ll recant her statement, and his case will fall apart. John says he’s not worried. Ava is in no position to recant – ever.  

Ava looks in Boyle’s bag. She takes out a pair of sunglasses and says, these cost a fortune. You can’t afford them on a government salary. She takes out a phone, thinks a moment, then puts it back. She finds a wad of cash and says, this is not right. She flashes back to Sonny telling her that John wants her dead and will try to frame him for her murder. The only thing John wants is her dead. Ava puts the bag back and opens the door. Boyle is there with the coffee and says, going somewhere?

Tomorrow, Violet asks when Chase and Brook are having a baby; Willow tells Drew that she’s so sorry; and John tells Kristina that she has a way to make this go away.

📋 Don’t Let Her Go…

You never know. Could work.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-fans-rally-to-save-kelly-monaco

Here’s the petition. I signed and commented.

https://www.change.org/p/retain-kelly-monaco-in-the-cast-of-general-hospital

🎭 No Drama Outside the Lines…

Kudos to them for the tough scenes they’ve been doing so well.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kate-mansi-opens-up-about-the-powerful-drama-on-gh

💰 Fancy Crossover….

JoshA showed Fancy Pants Heather from the OC a mansion. In his interview, he explained that the Dubrows moved fast and didn’t mess around. That made them his kind of people. The house on a hill had 8 acres and amazing views of pretty much everything, and it was priced at $20 million. A steal Heather couldn’t resist.

There was trouble in his paradise between JoshA and his Heather. HeatherA was being spread too thin between work and family, especially now that the office had expanded to include Orange County.

JoshF went to Fashion Week in Paris, which left Tracy to handle their co-listing. In an odd twist, she showed it to a couple who were JoshF’s clients, meaning she might have to negotiate against Josh, which she said would be fun… for her.

Next time, a 20-car garage and doody on the curtains.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Season 15, Episode 8 Recap: Mo’ Mansions, Mo’ Problems

🐩 Looking For a Fabulous Match…

While I think a dog park is a great place to meet a potential date, it was weird when a guy asked if he could buy Whitney and her friend a drink. Are there bars in dog parks now? She finally made the smart move to use a matchmaker.

https://parade.com/news/my-big-fat-fabulous-lifes-whitney-thore-hones-flirting-skills-dog-park-exclusive-clip

🥂 Two Firsts In One Night…

I have to admit, it surprised me that Olivia spent the night with her first ever date. No judgement at all. As a matter of fact, good for her. I just didn’t expect it. If she doesn’t cut out that nervous laughing though, she might not get a second date.

https://people.com/welcome-to-plathville-recap-olivia-plath-spent-night-on-first-date-post-divorce-8702802

👠 Down the Not Quite Shore…

Melissa says she’s done with the drama.

Melissa Gorga Fine With Leaving RHONJ if Teresa Giudice Returns to the Franchise

https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/08/longtime-rhonj-star-promises-to-leave-if-castmate-stays-on-show.html

RHONJ: Melissa Gorga Calls Jackie Goldschneider ‘Desperate’ For Fueding With Margaret Josephs

And Danielle is putting on her big girl pants.

Danielle Cabral Says RHONJ Finale at Rails Was ‘Worst Form of Abuse’

🛟 After the Deck Is Over…

We need Chef Ben to come back and save the Med.

What Are the Below Deck Season 1 Cast Doing Now?

🦧 Their Kingdom…

I watched this last weekend. Nice plot twists and phenomenal effects. The story wasn’t bad, but I didn’t exactly come for the drama. It did not disappoint on the action/FX front.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ reigns on Hulu

Behind the curtain.

https://ew.com/kingdom-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-side-by-side-raw-cut-with-unfinished-vfx-clip-exclusive-8697941

🦍 Find the Chimp…

Coincidentally, I started watching Chimp Crazy too. The takeaway point being, don’t keep wild animals as pets. It’s abusive to the animal and it could backfire on you.

https://people.com/where-is-tonka-from-chimp-crazy-now-all-about-florida-sanctuary-8703367

🚓 Giving Summer a Speeding Ticket…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a seat in the OC shade. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping an emergency vehicle kit in your car, and stay not trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense.

Aug16

August 15, 2024 – Felicia Calls Out Mac, Nepo Walk-Ons, Marathoning, Finally, Oh Say Can OC, VPs Vs NYCs, Tag Who You, He’s a Hot One, A Win Either Way, Good Cover Boy & Spill

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

James looks for Cody at the boathouse. He picks up a frisbee and flings it, but it goes into the water. He reaches for it, but hears Willow coming toward the boathouse on the phone and runs inside.

Mac calls the station to have them help look for James, and Felicia says she thinks he’s on his way to the Quartermaines.

At the stables, Maxie says, there’s no sign of James, and Cody says he and Sasha will search the stables. If they can’t find him, they’ll search the rest of the property. Sasha suggests they go in separate directions, then meet at the stables later. They’ll find him. Maxie says, the only one in more trouble than James is his grandfather.  

Tracy says she won’t allow Sonny to invest in Deception, and Brook says she can see the potential challenges. Tracy says, it will be exposing them to criminal liability and damage the brand, when Lucy comes in. She says she’s glad to see them all so hard at work. If Natalia hadn’t called her, she might have missed it. What’s the agenda? Brook says, they’re deciding on a multimillion dollar offer from Sonny, and Lucy says she loves Sonny. Tell her more.

Lois says she knows Sonny has the best intentions, but she won’t expose her daughter to RICO charges because he wants to impress a woman. Sonny says she sounds like she did when she was 12 years old, and she says, he can’t change the subject. He says he wouldn’t dream of it, when there’s a knock at the door. Sonny lets Jason in and says, if Lois can’t trust one of her oldest friends, does she think she can trust Jason?

John goes to the gallery and tells Ava that he thinks he’s got Sonny. He’s using Clement as bait. Sonny will come for him, and John will nail him in the act. It’s that simple. Ava says, Sonny is rarely simple, and he says, after all this time he’s finally got Sonny where he wants him and it’s all thanks to her. He hugs her.

Nina finds Willow at the boathouse, and says, the gardener told her that Willow was headed here. Willow says, she and the family are going to the beach, and she forgot her hat, and Nina says, it sounds like fun. Willow says, between chasing the kids and covering them in sunscreen, it will be, and Nina says she’s been thinking about Willow since seeing her outside the MetroCourt elevator. Willow says she’s so sorry she ran off. She must have looked ridiculous. Nina says, no. She imagines being stuck in an elevator is high on the list of things people want to avoid. Willow says, it wasn’t the most fun, but they both know not why she rushed out. She’s resigning from the New Tomorrow Institute and going back to GH. Nina says she’ll miss working with Willow, but Willow needs to do what she thinks is best for herself, and Willow says she has to get out of there. She starts to cry and says she’s feeling guilty for kissing Drew. James hears them from inside the boathouse, and Willow says she can’t risk that happening again.

Tracy says she won’t allow Sonny to invest, but Lucy says, an investor with deep pockets. How foolish is that? Tracy says, there’s no world where Sonny would be a silent partner. Otherwise, why bring in a stage mother who said horrible things about her daughter as his mouthpiece? Natalia says, so many insults in one sentence, and Tracy says she heard what Natalia said about her daughter and the LGBTQ community. Natalia tells her that she said things she regrets to someone she never should have confided in. It’s a lesson she won’t forget, but it has nothing to do with her navigating her daughter’s career. Tracy asks if outing Blaze was part of her master plan, and Natalia says she regrets outing Blaze, but that has zero to do with Blaze’s portfolio. Brook admits Tracy has a point. The things Natalia said are the antithesis of what Deception stands for. Natalia says she’s happy to do a public mea culpa campaign, but being CFO has nothing to do with their image. She’ll have no media presence. Lucy says she needs to go with her first reaction. She thinks it’s a great idea. Tracy says, of course (🍷). Because she’s opposed to it. Lucy says, in this case, she feels Tracy isn’t thinking it through. It’s about what’s best for Deception.

Sonny says, Natalia’s daughter left town, and she has no friends, but Lois says, she has one at least. Sonny says, it’s good for Natalia and will help Deception grow, and if it grows, it helps Brook. Lois says she appreciates that Sonny wants to do good, but donate money to an animal rescue or adopt a dog. He and Natalia would look cute with a puppy. Don’t use Deception money to park mob money. Sonny says, the money earmarked for Deception is absolutely legit and accounted for. If she wants to know where it’s coming from, Jason will tell her. Just ask him.

Ava says, John’s plan is great, and she loves it, but out of curiosity, what is his Plan B? He says he doesn’t need one this time. Someone made Clement mess with Sonny’s medication, and Sonny is going to want to know who that is, so he’ll look for Clement. John will be waiting when he does. She asks, what if Sonny kills Clement? but John says, he won’t. She says, if that happens, she’ll lose any leverage she has to protect herself, and he says, she has him.  Scotty walks in and says he wanted to talk to Ava about the case, and Ava says, Scotty is a brilliant strategist. John should tell Scotty his plan. He’s not friend of Sonny’s. Scotty says, that’s a polite way to put it, and Ava says, Scotty will give John an honest objective opinion. John can trust him.

Cody and Sasha come back, and Maxie says she thinks James is on the property. Felicia and Mac join them, and Mac asks if there’s been any sign, but Maxie says, not yet. Sasha says, they should split up, and Felicia says, they’ll stay here in case James comes back. They leave, and Mac says, she can stay. He’ll go look. She says, the others have that covered. She wants to have a chat. This nonsense with Cody ends now.

Cody tells Sasha that he feels like garbage. James ran away because of him. Sasha says, James is a little kid. Running away is how they solve their problems. Cody isn’t the problem. Cody says he created the problem, but Sasha asks if he saw how frosty Maxie was with Mac. It doesn’t matter. They’ll find James together. He says, she has a nose like a bloodhound, and he has a voice that carries for miles. Together, they’ve got this. If she was a tiny cowboy, where would she go?

Willow tells Nina that after their kiss on the 4th of July, she doesn’t trust herself to be around Drew. She never thought something like this would happen. She loves her family. They’re her everything. Nina says, Willow never thought part of her could have feelings for anyone else, but she did, and Willow says she hates the feeling and it’s not going away. Nina says she’s in no position to be giving relationship advice, but she thinks the feeling will pass with time. Willow says, that’s what she thought, but this doesn’t feel like a crush, and Nina suggests they talk it through. What about Drew gets to her? Willow tells her that she wishes she could say one thing. She could get over one thing. But she’s attracted to all of him. Nina asks for an example, and Willow says she knows it sounds cliché, but part of her is attracted to him because he’s not her husband. She doesn’t have to ask him to do things around the house. She feels horrible saying it, and in the grand scheme of things, it’s nothing. Nina says, the feeling is normal, but Willow says, Drew doesn’t seem like every day normal. He risked life to save hers. His kind of courage and strength are pretty rare. Nina says she’ll be forever grateful, and Willow says, her too. Drew fought to put himself back together after Pentenville, and all he wants to do is give back and be a good dad. Sometimes she feels like there’s a part of Michael’s life that he keeps from her. It’s not like that with Drew. He gives his whole self to things… She just made a list about the man she’s attracted to who’s not her husband. Nina says, Willow can talk to her. She knows Willow loves Michael, and Michael loves her. Willow says, Michael has withheld things from her, but Nina says, the things he was withholding aren’t necessarily bad. Willow says she knows when Michael keeps things from her, he’s trying to protect her, but Drew treats her like she’s strong enough to know the truth. She knows he’d never lie to her.

Lucy says, Deception’s leadership is heavily weighted with Creatives, which isn’t a bad thing, but they’ve never had a CFO, and they need one. Tracy says she agrees. She’ll contact some people and get suggestions and set up interviews. Lucy says she needs to remember to let the candidates know they need to be ready, willing, and able to invest a large amount of cash. The last report she saw had a lot of sad arrows pointing down and she doesn’t want to see that again. Natalia says, that’s what she’d be solely focused on. It would be totally about the numbers. Brook says, it will free them up to explore the expansion initiatives they’ve been talking about, and Lucy says, they could use a large infusion of cash. Tracy says, once they accept Sonny’s offer, why stay legitimate? and Lucy asks if any of them know anything about smuggling, being a bookie, or counterfeiting. She understands that Tracy isn’t comfortable working with Sonny, so she needs to pick up the phone and call people who can come up with millions to match Sonny’s offer.

Jason says, the money set aside comes from Corinthos Coffee, and Sonny says, it’s a legitimate business, in good standing with the IRS. Jason says, the Feds audit them all the time, but they’ve always passed, and Lois says she appreciates Jason being honest. He’s also selective with what he says, and it’s nice to talk to someone who doesn’t just like to hear the sound of their own voice. She’ll tell Brook about what they discussed. Sonny says he looks forward to doing business with her, and she says, we’ll see. She leaves, and Sonny asks what Jason found out about the pharmacist.

John says, as long as he’s got the pharmacist, he can get to Sonny. Sonny has gotten away too long without paying. It’s their chance to get justice. Scotty asks if John thinks he can pull this off, and John says he does. Scotty asks how he can help.

Jason says, Ava admitted she knew about the tampering, but wouldn’t say who was behind it, and Sonny says, assuming it’s not Ava. His judgement became cloudy after she moved in. Her story is convenient. Jason says, she wants them to think she has something of value to trade, but the only way to know is to question the pharmacist.

Scotty says, Sonny is a two-bit criminal and he’ll shed no tears, but John says, he’s more than that. He’s involved in money laundering and extortion, and he’s got to be honest. There’s something personal to this piece – Karen. Scotty says he’s glad John said it. Karen deserves justice for what Sonny did to her and it’s about time she gets it. Ava clears her throat to get their attention and says, she thought they wanted Sonny to pay, but it seems to be more than that. It’s a little risky. Scotty says, they’re throwing in with the Feds. Is John going to give him a gun? John says, no, and Ava says, if this works, Clement is eventually going to disclose to the Feds that she knew he was tampering with Sonny’s medication. John says he can’t see why that would come up, and Scotty says, they’ll make a deal in exchange for giving them Sonny. John says, they need to get Clement in a secure location first. That part will be tricky. Scotty says he can handle that.

Nina says she supports any decision Willow makes. She just wants Willow to do what’s best for herself. But do her a favor and not be so hard on herself. No one is perfect and she’s trying to do what’s best for her family. Willow says, if she was trying to do that, she wouldn’t have kissed Drew, but Nina says, one tiny kiss doesn’t have to change anything. James continues to listen, and Willow thanks Nina and takes her hands. She says she doesn’t know how Nina knew the exact words she wanted to hear, and Nina says, because Willow is her daughter. Willow says, they should go back to the house, and Nina grabs Willow’s hat and says, she has a beach to get to. They leave, and James comes out. He says, huh.

Mac asks why Felicia is looking at him like he’s responsible, and she says, James adores Cody. He ran away because Mac wouldn’t let him see Cody. Mac says he just told Maxie that James could go back, but she says, Maxie should have been allowed to make her own decision about James’s association with Cody. By the time Mac issued his decree, it was too late. James is just a child. He doesn’t understand what happened in the first place. He says, it’s not something you discuss with a child, and she says, and apparently an adult. It seems like he’s deliberately punishing Cody. Mac knew Cody adored James. His ego was bruised, and he decided to get between them. It’s true and he knows it and look where got him.

James reaches for the frisbee, then thinks for a moment. He balances himself on the wall, but when he reaches out, he falls in the water. He yells for help and calls to Cody.

Maxie calls to James and says, he’s making her nervous. He’s not in trouble. Come out. Her phone rings, and she says she hopes it’s someone with their hands on James. She looks at the phone and says, sorry, Tracy. For once, you’ll have to handle the decision on your own. Spinelli joins her and she asks why he’s not talking. He says he overextended his larynx while yelling for James, and she says she should have known what would happen. She knows how James’s mind works. He says, no one could have predicted this, but she says, James was sad because he and Cody were being kept apart. Like his dad Nathan, James is loyal to the core. Mac is upset that Cody worked his way into James’s heart, but Cody’s not going anywhere.

Mac asks if he’s the only one who thinks James shouldn’t be spending time with some grifter, and Felicia says, Mac isn’t the patron saint of honesty. He came to Port Charles with his own agenda and was always working an angle. Sound like someone else? Has he conveniently forgotten the missteps he took with Robert? Robert rescued him from the water only to push him back in. He says, that was a long time ago, and she says, Mac changed. He grew up and matured, and he’s the most trustworthy person she knows. A lot of people gave him a second chance. She’s disappointed that he won’t he extend the same grace to his own son. She walks out.

Natalia is talking finance, when Lois comes in. She asks if she missed anything good, and Brook says she doesn’t know if it’s good, but Natalia is holding her own. Tracy says, the offer looks good, but it’s supposed to. It seduces you into thinking there’s a brighter future ahead. Lucy says, it’s business, not one of Tracy’s many marriage proposals she accepted from fortune hunters. Tracy says, Lucy knows all about fortune hunting. Maxie isn’t here, so it falls on her to be the voice of reason. They need to think about the company and its employees. Lois says, from in the cheap seats, she thinks Tracy is making an excellent point, and Tracy says, finally someone besides her is willing to engage in rational thinking.

Jason says, Clement worked a shift the other day at GH and hasn’t been seen since. He’s not at home, and Brick is going through GH’s security tapes to see what time he was last seen. Sonny says, he has no other talents or identities? and Jason says, no. Sonny says, he’s going to want protection, and Jason says, or a ticket out of town. Sonny says, he’ll lead them to whoever he’s working for, when Jason’s phone rings. Jason asks if Brick has something… Is it a positive ID?… Okay. Call when he finds him. He tells Sonny that Brick looked at the hospital footage, and Clement was last seen being escorted out of GH by John Cates.

Jason wonders why the FBI would take the pharmacist into custody. Why get involved? Sonny says, Ava’s been spending time with Jagger, and Jason says, maybe Cates ordered Clement to switch Sonny’s medication. Sonny says, Jagger is capable of doing a lot of things he didn’t think he was. Jason looks at his phone and says, Cates is with Ava at the gallery. Scotty is there too. Sonny says he wants eyes on all of them.

John says, Scotty thinks he can scoop up Clement and take him to a secure site? and Scotty says he knows he can. John asks, where? and Scotty says, Windymere. Ava doesn’t live there anymore, and nobody has moved in. John says, it’s perfect. It can only be accessed by boat and there are no nosy neighbors to give them up to Sonny. Okay. They’ll meet there once Scotty gets his hands on Clement. Scotty says, he’ll see them soon with the package, and leaves. Ava asks if the FBI isn’t supposed to protect the public, and John says, Clement will be fine. She says she’s not worried about the pharmacist. She’s worried about herself.

Tracy suggests they table the conversation until they calm down and Maxie is available, and Brook asks if she’s saying they’re the ones who are too emotional. Tracy tells her that she’s saying, upon further reflection, letting Sonny in is like inviting in a vampire. He’s a duplicitous crook who would sell his mother to make a deal. Lois says, whatever faults Sonny has – and he has many – Sonny is a man of his word. Lucy says, it’s his bond, and Lois says, if he claims the money is clean, she believes him. Brook says, Sonny would never invest tainted money in Deception, and Natalia says, she’ll do the forensic accounting, and if it doesn’t seem legit, she’ll kill the deal herself. Lucy says, it looks like they have themselves a brand-new CFO.

Nina and Willow find Michael back at the house, and Nina tells Michael that she was hoping to talk to Willow about the PSAs, but Willow told her that she’s going back to nursing. She thinks it’s wonderful, and Elizabeth will be so happy to have her back. She knows that GH and every patient of Willow’s will be thrilled.

Cody looks for James at the boathouse, and says he needs James to come out. He needs help with the horses. James yells, help me, and Cody takes off his shoes. He says he’s coming, and dives in.

Maxie tells Spinelli, the first thing she’s going to tell James is that he can take all the riding lessons he wants. Then she’s going to strangle him. Spinelli says, she should walk him through the consequences of his actions, and she says she wants him to learn from this and feel bad. He says, that’s reasonable. He’s a lucky kid to have so many people worried about him. She says, there could be a thousand people out looking for him, but nobody will find him unless he wants them to.

Cody grabs James and brings him back to shore. He asks if James is okay, and James says, Cody saved him. They hug, and Mac sees.

Nina says she’ll miss working with Willow, but she’s proud that Willow is choosing what makes her happy. Willow thanks her for everything. And on that note, she’s putting her hat in her bag along with all the sunblock she can find, and she’ll join them on the beach. She leaves, and Michael thanks Nina for keeping their conversation between them. Nina says, Willow didn’t need to know about it the way things are going. She hopes he has a great time at the beach with his family. He deserves it. She starts to leave, and he asks if she’s busy on Friday the 30th. The Quartermaines are having a dinner for extended family. Willow and the kids would love to see her. Drew will there too, of course (🍷). Nina says she’d love that, and she’ll be there.

Tracy says, they’ve thrown rational thinking out the window over misplaced loyalty to Sonny. What about those of them who didn’t grow up with him? Lois says she trusts Sonny and he wouldn’t put Deception in jeopardy, and Brook says she knows Tracy is nervous. Tracy says, everybody should be nervous. If they let Sonny in, it will be the end of Deception, and they’ll be lucky not to be escorted out in handcuffs.

Clement paces in a basement, when Scotty comes in. Clement asks, who’s he? and he says, Scott Baldwin. He’s here to rescue him.

Ava says, John is placing everybody at risk except himself. He’s using Clement and it’s dangerous. Now John wants to hide him at Windymere, putting her in more danger. John says, it’s ideal, and she says, if it doesn’t go the way he wants, it’s also an ideal place to dump her body. Even if she survives, she’s being charged with attempted murder. There are photos of the incident with Kristina, one of the many things that keep her up at night. He says he’s seen them. Hold on… It’s possible they don’t prove what everybody thinks. If you look at the photos another way, they could tell a different story about what happened in the hotel room. (Ugh. He’s such a jerk.)

Jason wonders how much the FBI knows about what Cates is doing. His assignment was about Pikeman. How would he explain what he’s been doing all along? Sonny says he doesn’t care. It’s personal. Jagger hates him and crossed lines to get to him. Sooner or later, Sonny is going to cross lines too.

Tomorrow, Laura tells Jack that she thinks they have a unique opportunity; Mac admits to James that it’s his fault; Ava tells John that it’s a stretch to make her the victim; and Sonny tells Jason that if Jagger forces his hand, he won’t have a choice.

👯‍♂️ New Faces of Rice Park…

It’s cute when the actors bring their family members into the fold.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bradford-andersons-daughters-make-their-gh-debut

🏃🏻‍♀️ Run, Kelly, Run…

She’s a better woman than I am. I ran for two years and I hated it. I could always tell how well it was going by how quickly I started thinking about the cup of coffee I was going to have when the run was over.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-thiebaud-tackles-a-new-challenge

⚖️ Justice For Johnny…

It’s good news we never should have needed in the first place. They’re practically children, but I hope they rot.

https://ew.com/johnny-wactor-killing-arrests-8696211

🍊 A Split Of Oranges…

I must be a masochist on some level. Otherwise, why would I keep watching these Housewives? Nearly everyone is equally awful, but in different ways. I still kinda like Emily. I don’t believe she’s become meaner since she’s become friends with Tamra, as Gina said, but I have to admit, the friendship puzzles me. Why anyone would be friends with Tamra puzzles me. The women split into two groups to take girls’ trips. Tamra, Jen, Katie, and Alexis – who could only talk about Johnny J. and it’s getting seriously old – went to Tamra’s house in Big Bear; while Gina, Emily, Shannon, and Heather went to La Quinta to stay in a house that Gina was going to be showing. It’s beyond me why Gina would have a party in a house she doesn’t own and is the broker for. No surprise, every time someone committed a housekeeping sin, she nearly had a heart attack. Shannon told Emily about Gina’s mean girl comment, which didn’t sit well with Emily, but when she tried discussing it with Gina, Heather quickly made it about herself, and we were in the middle of the paparazzi thing again. There was some discrepancy about the time frame between Katie telling Gina what she allegedly knew and Gina telling Katie to keep her mouth shut, and Gina asked if she’d ever lied to Heather before. Heather said she didn’t know, which should probably always be the answer to that question, since if they’re a good liar, no one would. Heather decided to give Gina the benefit of the doubt, but this will only last until she doesn’t. You know it will come up again. Heather is never letting this paparazzi stuff go even if she’s the one who has to bring it up. It’s now joined the ranks of Munchausen, Pantygate, and Lucy, Lucy Apple Juicy. While I was a little jealous of them riding saucers down a snowy hill in Big Bear, I can’t even talk about Jen putting her foot in an apple pie and then… No. I can’t. Let it suffice to say she’ll be making money on OnlyFans.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 6 Recap: Loose Lips Sink Ships

I wouldn’t use the word traitor, but IMO, you can speak hard truths without being an a-hole.

Is Tamra Judge ‘A Traitor’ or Just Speaking Hard Truths to RHOC’s Shannon Beador?

🗽 Hard Choices…

Oh no. What will we do?

Vice-Presidential Debate Clashes With RHONY Season 15 Premiere

🪪 Wearing Humility Well…

I love how down to earth she is. This is a great idea too. I wish everyone would wear nametags all the time. I can remember what somebody said 20 years ago and memorized the entire score of Hamilton in a few weeks, but I’m terrible with names, zip codes, and phone numbers.

https://ew.com/jamie-lee-curtis-asks-crew-wear-name-tags-on-set-8692789

🔥 Avoiding the Heat…

Sean Evans was on Watch What Happens Live last night and told this story.

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-joked-about-avoiding-hot-ones-for-years-says-host-sean-evans-8695795

🎬 Battling For Bucks…

So do you think things are frosty at home? Or are they too busy counting their money?

https://ew.com/blake-lively-ryan-reynolds-battle-for-box-office-supremacy-8693731

🐕 You Dogue You…

Another precious nugget gracing the cover. I totally get his desperate need for Brisket. I saw my rescue chihuahua El Wray’s picture and had to have him.

https://people.com/glen-powell-reveals-how-desperate-he-was-to-adopt-his-pup-brisket-8695639

🌇 On Manhattan Island Time…

Start your downtime here tomorrow with soap, a spot of tea, a few wise (or not) words, and a little music. Until then, stay safe, stay being thoughtful about how your actions affect those around you, and stay being selective about what you say. Don’t talk just because you like to hear the sound of your own voice.

Oct31

October 30, 2020 – A Stormy Halloween In Port Charles, a RHONY First, Northern Steal, Turning Points, For Your Halloween Viewing, Entertaining Costumes, Watching Them Watch, a Pumpkin Full Of Quotes & Nightmare

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason meets Sonny at the gym, and Sonny says Sasha’s been meeting with Cyrus, and Carly seems to think she’s using drugs. If she is, he broke the damn truce.

Julian tussles with Darth Vader at an otherwise empty Charlie’s. Darth’s mask comes off, and it’s Taggert. Julian says, You. I know you.

Ryan comes into the visiting room. They pick up the phones. He says he’s surprised to see her on this stormy Halloween night. Is this a trick, or a treat? She says, a treat, and he asks if she did what he said. She says she did. She divorced Nikolas.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, when he and Ava were playing Franco and her, they were playing him and Ava. She was the one blackmailing him.

Franco asks Terry if Elizabeth asked her to check on him, but she says Elizabeth doesn’t know she’s there. He asks what’s going on, and if she’s seeing a bunch of kids today. She says as much as she’d love to hang out, she’s there in a professional capacity.

Peter asks who it is on the phone, and a female voice asks if he doesn’t recognize her. It’s his old friend, Helena Cassadine. He’s stunned, and tells Maxie and Spinelli, work emergency. He jets to the hallway, and says she’s dead. She says, is she? Then she’s certain chosen the perfect night to deal with some unfinished business. And they have much unsettled between them.

Valentin asks if Anna has an answer, and she says, Faison doesn’t have the genetic marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Which means she’s not Peter’s mother. Alex is.

Valentin tells Anna to sit; it’s a lot to process. She asks how he felt when he found out his whole life was lie. When he found out Mikkos wasn’t his father, and Helena was his mother. He says, like the bottom dropped out of the world, and she says she kind of feels like that. He tells her, take a minute. There’s no more shame; no more guilt. She didn’t sleep with Faison. She didn’t have pregnancy, or give Peter up for adoption. She says, it still feels real, and he says, it isn’t. She says she blamed herself for sleep with Faison and giving away his child. She put herself through hell, and for what? It’s nothing but lies.

Peter asks who is she really, and why is she doing this? Helena says, they both know she’s eluded death before. Why should now be any different? He says because she contacted him. What about Nikolas? Or Spencer? Or her son Valentin? She says she needs him, not them. He asks, why? and she says she needs someone to help her stay dead until she’s ready to reveal herself. Nikolas and Valentin can’t be trusted, but she has leverage over Peter. She can expose his role in abducting Drew in Afghanistan. He says he doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and she says she has documentation to spark his memory. He asks what she wants, and she says, a meeting. Call when he’s ready to talk. If she doesn’t hear from him, there will be consequences. Maxie and Spinelli join him, and Maxie asks if he’s okay. Spinelli says he looks like he’s seen a ghost.

Jason tells Sonny, a lot more patients have been admitted to the hospital for ODs. Sonny says it’s not uncommon in the country overall, but Jason says it’s uncommon in Port Charles. He wonders if the opiates Neil OD’d on came from Cyrus. If Cyrus is bringing drugs into Port Charles, he found the ultimate way and the ultimate route. Sonny says, the hospital.

Julian says he knows Taggert from the pier. He was there when Julian was trying to stop Nelle from taking Wiley. Taggert says he doesn’t know what Julian is talking about. He’s not that guy. Julian apologizes, and says let him make it up. What’s his poison? On the house. Taggert takes off, and Julian runs after him.

Ryan says Nikolas was never her Prince Charming, and she says he thinks he is? He says he knows he is. She can’t expect him to take her word; he needs proof. She takes out the fake papers, and holds them up against the glass, saying, signed, seal, and delivered. She flashes back to telling Nikolas that they’ll have to do something about the divorce papers, and he says, it doesn’t matter. She didn’t think he’d risk everything, did she? Ava tells Ryan, it’s what he asked for; her divorce papers. Signed by both her and Nikolas, sealed by the state of New York, and delivered to him. She’s officially single, without a title, and the Cassadine fortune, all for him. He says it wasn’t for him. She did it to save her brother’s life. She says, if he thinks so. Now it’s his turn. Give her Nelle’s letter.

Nikolas asks Elizabeth if she’s covering for Franco. Was Franco having him followed? She says she led him on with Franco’s knowledge and support, and he asks, why? She says, the night of the Nurses Ball, she overheard Ava telling Nina that she was trying to push them together, because if Nikolas cheated, the post-nup would kick in. Everything started to make sense. She’d felt like she and Franco were drifting apart, but they were being pulled apart him by him. He admits he pushed Ava toward Franco, and she says he played a game with her marriage and her happiness, when he swore he wanted their friendship back. He says he’s sorry, but she says he can’t apologize for using her. He says he didn’t use her; the feelings were genuine. She says she loves Franco, but for some reason, he can’t accept that. When Scotty suggested they blackmail him and Ava, she was all in. She thought they would be taught a lesson, and she could take back her life and marriage. 

Franco says, propensity doesn’t sound great, and asks Terry where Portia is. Terry says Portia asked her to review his CT scan, and he says, start with the good news. She says she confirmed Portia’s finding that there’s a malignant growth in his frontal lobe, and he says his brain tumor is back.

Jason asks if Sonny wants him to get Brando out of Cyrus’s organization before it blows up, but Sonny says, nothing has blown up yet, especially not the hospital. Jason says he knows the drugs are run through legitimate pharmacy companies, but Sonny says if they get on that, the Feds will come in, and they don’t need the attention. Jason says the hospital makes Cyrus look legitimate, and he knows they won’t put innocent people in harm’s way. Sonny says, they need to take their time getting Cyrus’s drug operation out of Port Charles. The lights go out.

Valentin tells Anna not to pick up the glass with her hands, and asks if she has a dustpan. She says, in the kitchen, when the lights go out. She says, oh no, but he says, it’s all right; they can pick up it up later when the lights come back on. He asks if she needs to check on Violet, but she says Violet is out trick-or-treating with Chase, and then has a sleepover. He asks if she has a flashlight, and she says she’s not going break, but he says she’s not unbreakable. She’s been through a shock, and needs to feel it. She says, it’s not just that Peter isn’t her son. Alex is probably laughing at her. He says she’s laughing at him too. She knows he gave Peter to Faison, thinking he was Anna’s son, and knew the shame he felt. He wanted to be connected to the boy, and she knew the resentment he felt toward the only woman he cared about. She knew there was nothing he could do, and she was laughing at both of them. Anna says, maybe they didn’t deserve that kind of pain, but they’re better equipped to deal with it than Peter. She’s terrified what it’s going to do to Peter, and that he’ll lose faith in himself and his life. Valentin says, Peter is a big boy. They need to find Alex, and eliminate the threat. Anna says, Alex knows Maxie is carrying her grandchild, and they need to be prepared.

Peter tells Maxie that he wanted to go live with a story, and time was of the essence. Now the server is down. Maxie asks if Spinelli can fix it, but Peter says, IT is on it. She says she thought he might leave her stranded on her birthday. The storm probably canceled Georgie’s plans for trick-or-treating, and she was hoping for pictures. Spinelli says, Georgie does make a beautiful Elsa. Maxie says she’s going to check on Georgie, even though Georgie is with her mom. Spinelli says he hopes she only gets the happiness she deserves, and Maxie says she will.   

Franco says, so his tumor is back, and Terry tells him, it seems to have reoccurred in the same area. She’s sorry. He says he doesn’t have any symptoms, and he’s nothing like the person he was last time. She asks if he’s had any vivid dreams or nightmares. Besides fainting, has anything unusual or unexpected happened? He flashes back to his nightmare about Ava, and thinks about when Ava’s painting was defaced. He says, none; just fainting. She says, the symptoms are likely to increase as the tumor progresses, and the preliminary findings show that the tumor is inoperable.    

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, he paid Scotty by check, but it was never cashed. Did she change her mind about blackmailing him? She says she realized she went too far, and Nikolas says, she can try as hard as she can, but she can’t beat him. And he’s very grateful for that.

Ryan asks, what letter? and she says he promised to give her Nelle’s letter when she divorced Nikolas. He says Nelle wrote him so many letters. One describing her beautiful new house, and a very sad one where she said how much she loved her son, and was going to be devastated if she didn’t get custody. And one telling him that Julian knew about Brad replacing Willow’s poor deceased newborn with Sonny’s grandson. She says he knows that’s the one she means. He tells the guard, be a pal and get Mrs. Cass… Sorry. Get Miss Jerome the letter he gave him earlier. Ava says he has the guards doing him favors, and he says, considering he doesn’t know when he’ll see the outside world again, it helps to pay certain people to do certain things. The guard gives Ava an envelope that’s been opened, and Ryan asks if it’s what she wanted. She says he knows it is, and I wonder why she isn’t checking to make sure it is. She tells him, take a good long look. it’s the last one he’s ever going to get. She hangs up the phone, and takes out the letter. It says, do you think I’m stupid? Ryan says, oops. What did I just say? I can’t believe Ava is that stupid.

Franco wonders why the tumor can’t be removed, and Terry says her preliminary assessment is that they can’t remove it, but it’s just the first step in a complex process. They need to take more tests; a biopsy, and a PET scan. They have to get all the viable information before discussing options. Franco says, if they do all that, and still can’t operate, what happens to him?

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, he was hell bent on winning back the Cassadine fortune. He didn’t care what he did or who he did it to. That’s how he got in this mess in the first place. She said both of them were blackmailed. Does that mean there are compromising pictures of Franco and Ava?

Ryan asks if Ava really thought she could fool him with fake divorce papers and no wedding ring. His cellmate was a forger, and taught him all the tricks of the trade. Ava insists it’s not a forgery, but he says she can’t convince him it’s real, or that she’s divorced that cloying puppy dog. He starts yelling that the women he’s loved are all alike. She thinks she can use him because he loves her. The guard grabs him, and he yells that she’s a liar and traitor. She’ll pay. He screams her name as the guard drags him out.

Julian sees Taggert’s mask on the floor, and picks it up, saying, who the hell are you, buddy? He sees the phone, and looks at the picture of Taggert and Trina.

Sonny tells Jason to get a flashlight, and Jason says he’ll check on the generator. Jason leaves, and someone comes up behind Sonny. Without turning around, Sonny asks, who are you? He turns around, drawing his gun, and sees it’s Taggert.

Valentin tells Anna, he left a message with an associate who’s an excellent tracker. No more delays or second thoughts. They need to find Alex. Anna asks if they’re going back to their original plan to lure Alex to Port Charles, but Valentin says, that’s not enough. They need to neutralize her. She asks if it’s strategy or revenge because Alex hurt him, and he says he doesn’t think that’s relevant. Alex was prepared to kill her, and still wants her dead. She thinks he should go now, but he says, when he’s gone, nothing changes. It’s a question of who lives; her or Alex. He’s playing the game too, and chooses her.   

Maxie tells Peter, the storm is moving. Georgie and James will still get in some trick-or-treating. Can they get in some more birthday celebration, or does he need to check the server? He says his phone is off. He has it on silent. He’s all hers. She says, sooner or later, the storm will clear up, and he says, it certainly will. We see an incoming call to Peter from Anna.

Spinelli sneaks down an office corridor, and goes into a room. Sam is sitting at a computer, and startles him. He apologizes for keeping her in suspense; he wanted to check on his daughter’s Halloween plans. She says, did it work? and he says, like a charm. She smiles.

Anna gets Peter’s voicemail, and says, damn you, Alex.

Peter asks what Maxie is thinking, and she says, not only does Peter make a handsome groom, he’s going to make an equally handsome groomsman at Anna’s wedding. He says she’ll be an equally beautiful bridesmaid, and a stunning bride. She says, that has a nice ring. She meant what she said about the wedding and the baby. They have a lot to forward to next year.

Sam thanks Spinelli, saying, it’s brilliant. Once they got real usable audio, they were able to generate a duplicate voice, and all the rest fell into place. Peter thinks Helena is alive and well. Spinelli says, it’s reasonable to assume Helena was aware of Drew’s abduction in Afghanistan, and most likely recruited Peter to facilitate the order in the first place. Sam says, anyone who’s found out about it, ends up dead. Peter’s tied off a lot of loose ends. Spinelli says, if he thinks Helena is a threat, he’ll want to tie her off permanently. Then they can show Maxie who her fiancé really is.

Sonny tells Taggert, nice of him to dress up, and Taggert says, happy Halloween. Sonny asks if he isn’t too old for trick-or-treating. Jason comes back, and Sonny tells him, check the building security; make sure no one is lurking around. He asks Taggert why he came back, and Taggert says he heard what’s been going on. How many have to die before they do something about Cyrus? Sonny says he can’t abracadabra and make Cyrus disappear. Even if he could, they don’t know Cyrus is responsible for Neil’s OD. Taggert says, the body count keeps rising, and he’s not watching while his daughter gets caught in the crossfire again next time.

Julian looks at the phone and asks himself, what’s the connection? Is there a connection? Ava comes in, and he says, that doesn’t look like a happy face. She says she doesn’t have happy news. She needs a double vodka straight. He asks, what happened with Ryan? and she says, Ryan saw right through the phony papers. He’s not happy. She chugs the vodka.

Nikolas says he and Elizabeth have been friends for so long, he can read every expression. What happened with Franco and Ava? She says, they kissed, and he says, spontaneous combustion? She says he manipulated them like she did him. The plan worked. Both he and Ava broke the contract, so neither one of them can use it against the other. He’ll have to find another way to end his marriage… if that’s what he’s going to do. He has to go, and she says, don’t tell her that he’s sorry; show her.    

Terry tells Franco, the side effects will increase as the tumor grows. His sense of taste and smell; he might lose time, or have a personality shift. He asks if there’s a time limit, but she says, not until they run all the tests. She knows it’s a lot to take in. She’ll give him some time to talk to Elizabeth. He asks her not to tell Elizabeth about it; not yet. She says Elizabeth is his wife, and it’s going to impact her life. She has the right to know. He says Terry thinks he doesn’t know that? He needs her to promise him that she won’t say anything to Elizabeth about this.

Terry asks how he can’t tell Elizabeth? They’re potentially talking life and death. He says, please. He just needs a little time. She says the doctors and nurses will do everything in their power to help him, but he has to meet them halfway. Let his family go through it with him. He says he doesn’t want it at all. Cameron is looking at college; Aiden is his little sous chef; and he helped Jake with his costume. Jake wants to be Jack Sparrow; that’s where his head is at. They have beautiful, loving hearts, and he doesn’t want them to worry or be sad. He’s asking her to not tell Elizabeth for a little while. There are things he needs to work out first. Elizabeth comes in, and says, sorry it took her so long. She asks what Terry is doing there.

Ava slides her glass down the bar for a refill. Julian asks how Ryan saw through her deception, and she says, he claimed his cell mate was a forger. She thinks he was expecting a double-cross, and he’s furious. He was making threats that he’s going to tell Sonny. Nikolas walks in, and she says, as usual, Julian is complaining about unreliable liquor distributors. Nikolas says, as usual, she’s lying to him. She says she went to Pentenville, and brought the phony papers to convince Ryan that they were divorced. He asks if it worked, and she says, what does he think? It doesn’t matter. Ryan can’t hurt her; not physically anyway. But he can do damage to her family. Nikolas says, Julian, and she says she doesn’t suppose Nikolas will take pity on her and divorce her for real.

Sonny says the point of Taggert playing dead was to protect Trina; Cyrus would have no leverage. If someone sees him, Trina will be in more danger than ever. He needs to stay gone. Sonny promised he’d protect her. Taggert says, he doesn’t doubt that, but if there’s a full-scale war, Sonny might not be able to keep his promise. Sonny asks if that means Taggert is staying, and Taggert says he’s just giving Sonny a heads up that he’s going to protect his daughter. Sonny says, it has to be on his terms. He’s going to stash Taggert where he and his people can keep an eye on him.

Valentin calls Anna, and says, Alex used Berlin as a starting point. She was there, and must have left a trail. Anna says, that was weeks ago; she could be anywhere now. He says he’s afraid so, and she thanks him for the update. She says she’ll be in touch. The lights come back on, and when Anna turns around, Alex is there in the black witch costume. She says, happy Halloween, sister, and knocks Anna out.

Franco tells Elizabeth that Terry stopped by to make sure he’s all right. Elizabeth thanks Terry, and Franco says, the technical diagnosis was that he’s dehydrated and exhausted. She hopes Terry read him the riot act, and Terry says, Elizabeth knows her; always looking out for Biz. Elizabeth says they have to get going. Violet is spending the night, and they’re going to have a full house. Franco says if a bunch of kids are going to be there, that means he can eat all the candy.

Nikolas tells Ava, sorry. He sees she’s taken off her ring, and she says, it was just for Ryan. She’s not ready to divorce him. He says, sorry it didn’t work, but he’ll find another way to get Ryan off her brother’s back; he promises. Julian approaches their table, and says, isn’t this the cutest? Maybe they could take their eyes off each other, and make an actual plan. Nikolas says, as soon as Julian tells him what Nelle said. He gets silence, and says he didn’t think so. He says he has calls to return, and steps away from the table. Julian tells Ava, there’s nothing to stop Ryan from showing the letter to Sonny, and Ava says, as soon as he does, he’ll have no power over her. Julian says, Ava betrayed Ryan, and he’s going to want to punish her. Sonny is the perfect revenge.

Sonny excuses himself to take a call privately. He answers, and it’s a collect call from Ryan in Pentenville.   

Taggert wonders if Sonny is going to put him in a safe house, but Jason says, safe houses can be compromised, especially if someone is staying there a while. Taggert asks where he’s going, and Jason says, Sonny bought Kate Howard’s old place. It’s adjacent to Sonny’s house, so Sonny can keep him there without alerting the rest of the family. Taggert says he’ll be Sonny’s neighbor. 2020 has been a helluva ride. He ain’t kiddin’ there.

Maxie tells Peter, she can’t wait to see pictures. She knows she’s biased, but Georgie and James are the most adorable kids on the planet. Peter says, and soon to be joined by another most adorable kid on the planet. Maxie says she’ll be right back. She gets up, and says she knows Peter is worried about work, but whatever problems he’s having, he’ll find a way around them. She leaves.

Sam tells Spinelli that Peter never confirmed his involvement when he spoke to Helena. Spinelli says, Peter is too cagey for a direct admission. That will come when he reacts to Helena’s call. Sam says, speak of the devil, and hooks the computer into a phone. Peter is calling.

Sam and Spinelli listen in as Peter tells faux Helena, if she is who she says she is, they need to meet. Tomorrow night. Sam and Spinelli fist bump.

Alex answers the door to the trick-or-treaters, and says, don’t you look to die for? She passes out candy, while Anna lies unconscious in the basement.

On Monday, Carly tells Josslyn, today is her first election; a mock election involving woman’s suffrage is held; and Trina tells Josslyn, they’re making choices and making their voices heard.

🗽 Rookie Season…

What it’s like to be new girl on the RHONY block.

https://pagesix.com/2020/10/27/eboni-k-williams-on-being-the-first-black-rhony-cast-member/

❄️Corbett Exposure…

I loved this show.

https://pagesix.com/2020/10/27/john-corbett-stole-a-20k-moose-head-from-the-set-of-northern-exposure/

⚰️ Definitive Dead…

The episodes that shook us.

https://tv.avclub.com/10-episodes-that-show-how-the-walking-dead-turned-into-1845335889

📽 More Brains Movies…

I listed a few of my favorites yesterday, but also adding Cabin In the Woods today. It’s a relentless masterpiece. I’d read the book before I saw the film, and remember thinking, there’s no way they could get the grand finale on film, much less make it look believable. Yet, they did.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/best-halloween-movies

👑 Let the Dressing Up Begin…

Celebrities, they’re just like us. With several million more dollars.

https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/halloween/the-best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-for-some-last-minute-inspiration

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-2020-photos-of-their-outfits/

And the Consistently Outstanding Award goes to…

https://www.purewow.com/news/heidi-klum-halloween-costume

It’s a tie.

https://www.purewow.com/news/neil-patrick-harris-halloween-costume

👠 Watching Them Watch…

They might be in drag, but Trixie and Katya are never a drag. And they have a lot to say about some horror film classics.

🦇 Halloween Quotes of the Week

It’s as much fun to scare as to be scared. – Vincent Price

Darkness falls across the land, The Midnight Hour is close at hand. – Rodney Lynn Temperton

Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see. – Edgar Allan Poe (And I’d always thought it was an old Navy saying.)

The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for out wits to grow sharper. – Eden Phillpots

Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue. – Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison), Sleepy Hollow

I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly. – Elizabeth (Nancy McLoughlin), Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives

We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones. – Stephen King

A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality. – Lucy Van Pelt, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it’s about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves. – Elvis Duran

If human beings had genuine courage, they’d wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. – Douglas Coupland

Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night. – Steve Almond

I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color. – Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci), The Addams Family

Where there is no imagination there is no horror. – Arthur Conan Doyle

The moon has awoken with the sleep of the sun, the light has been broken; the spell has begun. – Midgard Morningstar

When the witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ’tis near Halloween. – Unknown

Werewolves howl. Phantoms prowl. Halloween’s upon us now. – Richelle E. Goodrich

Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? For some of us. – Tim Burton

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. – L. M. Montgomery

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. – Unknown

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. – Mason Cooley

On Halloween you get to become anything that you want to be. – Ava Dellaria

There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch. – Robert Brault

The farther we’ve gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we’ve come to need Halloween. – Paula Guran

🎃 It’s Here, Charlie Brown…

It might not be the same this year, but don’t let the pandemic bring down your Halloween spirit. Play by the rules, but by all means, do some playing this weekend. Zoom your Halloween, TikTok a Halloween dance, enjoy the wide array of horror films available, carve a pumpkin or make a pie with it, eat all the candy if you have no trick-or-treaters, but be smart about passing out candy if you do.  Stay safe, stay responsible, and stay conjuring up the kid in you, and being creative on this most creative of holidays. Most of all, have a Happy Halloween!

Jul3

July 2, 2020 – When Michael Gave Back Avery, Character Reference, LuAnn’s Halloween Party, New Trek, Pride Pics, Drunk Rainbow, Academy Goals & Rhapsody

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

The deck was shuffled, and a GH Flashback from June 29th, 2015 was pulled out.

Nina went to Ric’s hotel room, and asked Ric if he was Madeline’s new lawyer, while Madeline hid in the other room. At the MetroCourt, Franco asked Denise (Ava’s presumed sister) if they were a couple in public, and she said it suited their ulterior motive. She suggested they practice their canoodling. Michael and Sabrina brought Avery to Sonny’s. Sonny asked if it was a visit, but Michael said he was bringing Avery home. Dante told Valerie he didn’t know how he was going to get through the night, and Valerie said she was there for him. Lulu was in a hotel room with Dillon, and wanted to call her parents with their room number, but Dillon stopped her. Luke and Laura busted into another hotel room, guns drawn. Luke said, freeze, and they saw it was Holly, also holding a gun. Laura told her to put the gun down. Someone had broken into their hotel room, and they’d gotten word their son had been kidnapped. She asked what Holly knew about Lucky, but Holly was legit surprised.

Lulu told Dillon that Dante had sounded distant and cold when she’d last spoken to him, and she needed to make sure they were okay. Dante started putting the moves on Valerie, and she asked what he was doing. He said, the same thing Lulu had done. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see Lulu and Dillon together. He said Valerie had to admit, there was something between them. Ric told Nina that Madeline was a miserable excuse for a human being, and he would never do anything for that monster. He was Nina’s husband, and would never side with someone who had hurt her. Nina said she shouldn’t have listened to Franco. He got to her, and her imagination was running away. She thought it was strange that Madeline was walking around free, and told Ric that Franco had seen her in Port Charles. Ric said Franco could be lying, but Nina asked what the point would be for him to lie. She wondered, if her mother was out of prison, where was she? Why wasn’t she showing her devious head? Kiki asked Denise and Franco to join her and Morgan for dinner, and Morgan said he accepted that Kiki and her aunt were a package deal. Denise left to powder her nose, and Morgan followed her. Kiki told Franco that both she and Morgan were afraid he was going to hurt her aunt, but Franco insisted that he and Denise were the real thing, and told her to relax. Morgan told Denise that they needed to talk. He said Franco was dangerous, and wrong for her. Michael told Sonny that he was returning Avery to him. Even though Sonny’s life was still dangerous, Sonny was Avery’s father, and her family; he couldn’t pretend that didn’t mean anything. Carly asked if Morgan had talked Michael into it, but Michael said Sabrina had helped him to look past his anger, and see what was right. Sabrina said Michael already knew what he needed to do, and Michael said he was giving Sonny’s daughter back to him.

Nina told Ric that she thought Madeline was planning a sneak attack, but Ric said the thought she was trying to keep a low profile. Nina said Madeline didn’t know the meaning of a low profile, and thought she must be scheming with someone to get her hands on Nina’s money. Ric said Nina had to regain control of her finances before Madeline found a way to access them. Nina started to panic, and Ric suggested they meet in the restaurant. Nina said Franco was there, slobbering over his new girlfriend. Michael told Sonny that losing ELQ had a lot to do with why he was there. Lucy had been the deciding vote, and sided with Nikolas because of what Michael had done to Sonny. He didn’t want to take Avery out of spite, or to use as a weapon, and had talked with Sabrina. He told Avery this didn’t mean he didn’t love her. He didn’t want to trade one tragedy for another and tear the family apart. He’d thought giving in meant he was giving up, but his father would have been the first one to tell him to do what was best for Avery. The cycle had to stop. He told Sonny not to make him regret it, and Sonny promised to look out for Avery with everything in him. Michael handed Avery over.

Valerie told Dante he was a great guy, and had helped her with the death of her mother. He wasn’t a guy who cheats. He said he hadn’t thought Lulu was that way, but people surprise you. Valerie said if Lulu was hooking up with Dillon, she was the dumbest woman in the world, and he owed it to himself to confront her, and not be as wrong as she was. She also didn’t want to lose Dante’s friendship if he resented her later. Lulu decided if she called Dante, she’d have to lie, and she couldn’t; she was already sick over it. Dillon said she was doing the right thing, and he had a better idea. Holly told Luke and Laura that Ethan had also been kidnapped, and Luke suggested they all calm down and deal with it together. Holly said she and Ethan had been going after a mark in South America. When she went to pick him up, he wasn’t there, and the whole place was a disaster area. Luke asked if there had been signs of a struggle, and Holly said Ethan had put up quite a fight. He was gone, and she had no idea where or why. Their son had vanished. Laura said it was the same with Lucky. His room had been ransacked, and there was no sign of him. An anonymous person had called, and told her to find Luke, and they were led there. Luke said Holly was the last person he’d expected to see, and asked if she’d searched Ethan’s room for clues. She showed him a matchbook, saying there was no reason Ethan should have one from a hotel in British Columbia. She wondered how the matchbook had ended up there.

Carly told Michael that she’d never been more proud of him. She was sorry for times she’d hurt him when she seemed to be siding with Sonny. When AJ was killed, she didn’t want the family torn apart, so she lied, but he deserved better. She didn’t expect forgiveness,  but wanted him to know she loved him. Michael said he loved her too. He’d grown up believing Sonny was a man of honor, and wasn’t sure if their relationship would be the same again. He warned Sonny that if he felt Avery was ever unsafe, she’d be gone, but Sonny said he’d guard her with his life. Kiki wasn’t so sure if Franco was good for Denise, since he was on the rebound, and asked if Franco was sure he wasn’t using her. Franco promised that he and Denise were good for one another, and Kiki hoped it helped him get over Nina. Nina told Ric that she didn’t care what Franco did, she just didn’t want to watch it. Ric told her not to let Franco win, and suggested she flaunt her bliss with her new husband. He told her to show Franco that the best day of her life was when she kicked him to the curb. He told Nina to meet him downstairs, and when she left, he told Madeline to be gone by the time he got back. She said to be sure to get Nina’s signature giving him power of attorney, and let everyone know Nina had descended into madness again. He said it was touching how much she loved her daughter. Michael told Avery that she’d be living with her dad, but he loved her more than he thought possible. He’d always look out for her, even when she couldn’t see him. He told Sonny and Carly to take care of Avery, and left with Sabrina. Denise told Morgan that it was the only choice, and they went back to the table. Denise said she wanted to spend some time with her baby niece. Carly told Sonny, despite their faults, they’d raised a wonderful son, and had proof of that tonight. She knew Michael giving Avery up broke his heart, but she’d also known it would happen because of who Michael was. Sonny told Avery, welcome home, and Avery fed him a biscuit, which was super cute. Back at his apartment, Michael said he didn’t think out of sight was out of mind. He missed Avery already. His phone rang, but he ignored it. He thanked Sabrina for going with him, and giving them both space. She said he always knew it was the right thing to do. Dante told Valerie that he sucked at marriage, but Valerie said he was an exceptional father and husband. He said he was a lousy friend, and hoped he hadn’t ruined it. Valerie told him that he hadn’t. Dillon gave Lulu his script to read, and asked how he stacked up on a scale of one to ten. She said he practically held her at gunpoint to get her to read it, but wouldn’t shut up and let her. She had some notes.

Holly was surprised to find out that Jennifer Smith had lured Luke out, but Luke said she had nothing to do with Lucky’s kidnapping. Laura said Jennifer had used Luke’s desperation about his son to get close to him, and yes, she meant that way. Holly said, cow, and Laura said, idiot. Laura said whoever contacted Holly would be contacting them, but they hadn’t heard anything. In perfect soap timing, her phone rang with an unknown caller. Laura put it on speaker, and answered, asking where her son was. Holly said, and hers, and the caller said, good; Holly was there, and found his matchbook. Luke asked where their son was, and what the hell the guy wanted with them. He said he’d tell them everything they needed to know tomorrow.

Lulu told Dillon that she didn’t buy the relationship in his script at all, but he said it was true; those people were him and his first girlfriend after Georgie died. She’d stomped his heart into the dirt. Valerie suggested she and Dante forget the kiss, and Dante said, business as usual? She said, absolutely, and decided to go back to Windymere. She still had a room there until Nikolas said otherwise. Sonny fed Avery her bottle, and Carly said Avery looked more like him every day. She didn’t see Ava in Avery, but did see Ava in her crazy sister. At the MetroCourt, Denise said it was important for her to have Avery in her life. Morgan said there had been a truce with Sonny, but Franco stopped her from leaving by kissing her. Ric and Nina walked in, and Nina grabbed Ric, kissing him, while Madeline lurked around the corner. Sabrina asked Michael if he was okay, and he said he was trying to look on the bright side. He and Sabrina could spend more time together, now that he was out of a job. She said she was too, but things were starting to look up. He said he was trying not to think about Avery, and maybe they could help each other think about something else, so they got busy.

Ric told Nina that he wasn’t complaining, but why? She said she felt hot for him, and he suggested they table that, and get back to the issue at hand. Now that her mother was out of prison, they had to make sure Nina was protected by getting her funds released. He said he would have to act on her behalf, and needed her to sign something. He gave her some paperwork, and she signed it without even looking at it. Morgan said Franco and Denise might want to get a room, but Denise wanted to keep her panties on, at least until she talked to Michael. Carly told Sonny that Avery needed to sleep, and she would be there in the morning. Sonny said, and every morning after that. Basking in the afterglow, Michael said he’d wanted Sabrina for a long time, and she said she felt the same way. His phone rang, but he didn’t pick up, and Denise left a voicemail saying she’d like to come by and see the baby. She felt a connection to her sister’s baby, like she was Avery’s mother, which was fitting since Avery didn’t have one. Sonny told Avery that she was home with him, and never going anywhere again. Valerie told Dante that she thought it was best to give both of them space. Dante said he was sorry, and she said he was forgiven, if he’d stop apologizing. She left without looking back, and Dante looked at his and Lulu’s wedding photo. Dillon said now that Lulu knew the truth, what did she think? She said he seemed to think highly of himself; the character was perfect. He said he’d give him a flaw, and Lulu said, just one? Dillon said he chews with his mouth open, and only listens to Top 40, and she said maybe he was perfect. It was a good distraction for her from worrying about her brother for a while.

Holly told Laura to try *69, but Laura said she’d tried everything. They needed to get some rest, and pray the kidnapper followed through and contacted them. Luke told them, the contact said to wait, so they would wait. Laura and Holly agreed.

🏥 In Case You Don’t Know Them…

Meet Ava’s alter-ego sister Denise.

https://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/2015/general-hospital-spoilers-gh-avas-identity-revealed-who-figured-out-denises-dirty-secret/

And Valerie Spencer.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-valerie-spencer-brytni-sarpy-167403

And Jennifer Smith.

https://www.soapcentral.com/gh/whoswho/jennifer.php

The Real Housewives of New York City

With the first interview, I got a clue why they haven’t been showing new ones, even though they were filmed before the pandemic. The interviews were done remotely, so those must not have been edited in yet.

Leah goes to the Halloween store, and calls Rob, asking him if he wants to be a clown or a priest. In her interview, she says Rob isn’t typically her plus one, but he’s an important person in her life, and she wants to see what he thinks of the women, and more important, what they think of him. Dorinda and LuAnn join her. In LuAnn’s interview, she says her good friend Evan got her a fabulous venue for her Halloween party. She wants to enjoy it with the girls, and have a great time, so she’s not performing. Dorinda says she was Ramonasized again, and tells them, Ramona is planning a birthday party and invited her and Sonja along to see Larry Scott. We flash back to that, and I realize he reminds me of Michael Madsen in a size large. Dorinda swears Ramona barely spoke to them, and they were just there to take pictures for Larry’s social media. Three hours of her day. In her interview, Dorinda says it wasn’t bad enough that Ramona used them to swindle a free party, but she thought they were too stupid to notice. She tells LuAnn, since Ramona actively disinvited Sonja last year, she thought Ramona should do a joint birthday party, but she said no; it was only her and her coming out. She never even spoke to them again afterward. LuAnn asks if Ramona wanted their advice, and Dorinda says, not really. In Leah’s interview, she says she understands, but Dorinda has known Ramona for twenty years. She shouldn’t be surprised. And she needs to chill with the judging stuff. Dorinda is still skeptical about Tinsley getting engaged, and LuAnn says she and Ramona went out for drinks with Tinsley, and she’s 100% sure. In her interview, Dorinda says, everyone deserves to be happy. Tigers and rabbits don’t get along, but that doesn’t mean they can’t scamper away and be happy. They try on some costume armor, and Dorinda suggests they wear it to Ramona’s birthday party. LuAnn says they can show up as gladiators.

Ramona meets matchmaker Rori for drinks. In her interview, Ramona says Rori set her up with Brian, better known as Red Scarf Guy. She thought he was great in many ways, and fit everything in her box. Excuse me? We flash back to Brian, and to the dud date Ramona had with the guy who thought monogamy wasn’t natural. Rori asks if Ramona is looking for love or money, and Ramona says she wants a best friend who makes her laugh, and someone who travels. Rori says, that’s not cheap, and some women accept a little older and heavier for the lifestyle. Ramona says she wants both. In her interview, she says she wants someone who’s worth is the same as hers, or they get intimidated. She tells Rori that when she moved into her new place, it felt awkward. We flash back to Ramona wailing in the bar that she might never find a man. She says she had a renaissance. She feels more comfortable in her home, and loves herself. (That’s clear.) She wants someone in her life who adds to it, but it’s okay if she doesn’t find it. Rori says, happy finds happy, and Ramona is a great catch. Yeah. Until she opens her mouth. Ramona says, age is just a number. Wake me when she’s done promoting herself.

Sonja meets Elyse for drinks at Dakota. Sonja says Halloween isn’t her favorite holiday. She doesn’t like to get dressed up and be around people she doesn’t recognize. You could have fooled me with that one. She tells Elyse that Ramona bought a voodoo priestess costume and got her a matching one. Elyse wonders, why not her? and thinks Ramona is afraid of losing control. In Elyse’s interview, she says when Ramona need emotional support, she comes to her. She tells Sonja that Ramona called her, and said she was thinking of coming by. Meanwhile, her doorman was buzzing her that Ramona was on her way up. In her interview, she says she doesn’t have a house in Aspen and can’t do plastic surgery, so Ramona doesn’t need her now. Sonja says she tried to tell Ramona about becoming the Century 21 chief lifestyle officer (that’s a thing?), but Ramona eclipsed the conversation and made her feel like an upstart. Elyse says, Ramonaville is filled with one-way streets. In Sonja’s interview, she says she doesn’t recognize Ramona anymore. She has to one-up everyone with her fake friends and fake parties. Shut up, Ramona. Elyse tells Sonja to call Ramona out with her, and Sonja says she has a lot of dirt on Ramona, and she’s sure Elyse does too. Elyse says she’d never do that, but Sonja says Ramona doesn’t need to know that.

Dorinda meets daughter Hannah for lunch, and says she’s not dressed warm enough. Dorinda insists on giving Hannah her coat, and they go to Jimbo’s Hamburger Place, which looks like an old school diner. Dorinda asks for everything on her burger, and Hannah adds, and all the sauces. In Dorinda’s interview, she says if she was stranded on a desert island the one thing she’d bring is Hellman’s. Mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard are part of every meal, and Russian dressing is a holiday. Hannah says, no burger, just sauce, and I wonder why they’re calling condiments sauces. Dorinda shows Hannah a picture of Richard’s son Aidan that he sent to her. Hannah says Dorinda used to get sad, wondering who her person was. She’d always had an anchor that shaped her sense of self. Hannah looks up to her more now, and says Dorinda is a better role model than ever. She was given a bad hand, but didn’t turn it into a streak, which is worthy of pride. In her interview, Dorinda says everyone has seen her go through changes and grow. She’s a different Dorinda today. Hannah says it’s the first time she’s seen Dorinda be herself. She’s managing herself, and not desperate to be married. Hannah says she feels guilty that she hasn’t gotten it right yet. Dorinda tells her about Ramona’s party, and suggests she and Hannah have a birthday lunch. She confuses Riker’s Island – known for a prison – with Randall’s Island – a cute residential island that you can get to by an aerial tram. Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer had it out on the tram in Nighthawks.

Leah, Rob, and Kier go to Chinatown for dinner. In her interview, Leah says, when you’re from New York, you know all the spots to eat; it’s not all about the Upper East Side. She says this is normal for her and Rob. They’ve been co-parenting longer than they were a couple. She hadn’t wanted to be in a relationship; she wanted to spread her wings and fly. She specifies, not those wings, and we flash back to Dorinda discovering how Leah grooms downstairs. She says Rob has been her rock. She tells Rob that she went to lunch with Bunny and Brian (her parents), and we flash back to Bunny saying alcohol is a slippery slope for Leah. Leah says they talked about Rob. It’s weird. They’ve been broken up for eleven years, yet neither one of them has moved on. She feels like her parents wouldn’t accept another person; he’s like their son. Rob says he has no mother figure, so it’s definitely her mom. Leah says she should give Bunny more credit. In Leah’s interview, she says her sister likes to say she and her mother only communicate and show love through arguing. She tells Rob she still has resentment. Imagine telling Kier to live on the street at seventeen years old. Kier asks if Leah was really that young, and Leah says her mother claims she was nineteen, but whatever. Kier wonders if nineteen is a little old to be living with your parents, and Leah says, most people are in college then, and still being taken care of.  Kier asks why Leah didn’t go to college, and if she couldn’t get in. Leah is like, please, and in her interview, says she’s no saint, and she can be an a-hole. She tells Rob that she should be better to Bunny, and Rob says she knew that. She says, don’t be a d*ck. He’s so I-told-you-so, like her mother. She tells Kier, a lot of women marry men like their fathers, which Kier finds disgusting. Leah says she married someone like her mother, and Kier makes a face.

In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t normally dress up, but she found a see-through mesh jumpsuit, and she’s going as a voodoo slut. She goes to get her makeup done by LuAnn’s makeup artist, who says LuAnn is on her way. In her interview, Leah says, LuAnn has her own timeframe. LuAnn goes to the venue to check things out, and the décor is phenomenal. LuAnn tells Evan that it’s incredible. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, last year was sexy nurse, and this year, it’s voodoo. It has to be shocking. Evan shows her one room that’s like a cemetery, and tells her that it’s going to be filled with smoke, like a different world. LuAnn meets the chef, who says the menu is over-the-top. His seafood platter looks like it’s escaping. In her interview, LuAnn says, it’s not a Halloween party unless someone is grossed out. She says, the girls will love it, and moves on to makeup. Leah tells her about the jumpsuit, but says she’ll be covered in the strategic places. She doesn’t want to give anyone a heart attack. LuAnn says, it’s Halloween. You’re supposed to give people a heart attack.    

Ramona tells Missy, her plus one, that she hasn’t liked Sonja’s costumes, so she got one for her. They’re the first to arrive, and they check out the decorations. Ramona says her priest wouldn’t like it, and Missy says, don’t tell him. Ramona examines a goat head on the buffet table, and in her interview, she says, who would want to eat looking at that? Her friend Ron joins them, and we flash back to her meeting him at the bar when she was having drinks with LuAnn and Tinsley. She says he looks scary, and he says he takes Halloween seriously. Ramona calls LuAnn, asking where she is. LuAnn says dinner isn’t until 8:30, and Ramona tells her the room is gorgeous. Ramona tells Missy that she’d even sent a group text about starting early. A male friend of hers has a private table at Omar’s downtown, and she wants to go. Like this is her party. Sonja, Dorinda, and Elyse share a limo to get there. In her interview, Sonja says she got lit with her hair and makeup team. Halloween is a national holiday in their in group. If it’s not to you, stay home because you’re dead meat. She tells Dorinda and Elyse that Ramona doesn’t feel her pain or struggle. Dorinda says Ramona wants everyone orbit around her. Sonja gets animated with the voodoo doll she’s holding, and the driver looks nervous. At the party, Ramona tells Sonja’s friend Andrew that his paunch looks real. He tells her it is, and in her interview, she says, oops. Sonja, Dorinda, and Elyse arrive, and in her interview, Dorinda says, it’s a Dorinda set-up. She’s a little jealous. They took a page from her book.

Jill Zarin shows up to get her makeup done. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been friends with Jill a long time. She’s been on tour, and Jill has a new love, Gary, so they don’t get to see each other often. When she has a chance to invite Jill to a party, she does. Jill asks the makeup artist if she can be pretty, or does it have to be weird? The artist says she’ll make Jill pretty. Sonja whacks at her voodoo doll, invoking Ramona’s name. Ramona says Sonja is scary looking, and Sonja says the doll’s name is Ramona. She’s mad because whenever she  talks to Ramona, Ramona brings the conversation back to herself. In Sonja’s interview, she says, the other three vodka sodas will be kicking in soon. She tells Ramona that she loves her, but she’s an a-hole. Ramona gives Sonja a kiss, and Dorinda says Ramona should apologize. Ramona thinks Dorinda should stay out of it, and in Dorinda’s interview, she says when she’s told to stay out of something, it just makes her more eager to jump in. Sonja tells Ramona that she’s mean to Elyse, and Elyse is always at the bottom of the totem pole. Elyse admits she does feel like that, and says Ramona might have a lot of friends, but they’re different kinds. There are the ones that knock you when you’re on top, and kick you when you’re down; and the ones who celebrate when you’re on the top, and catch you when you fall. Which one is she? Ramona asks which one she wants to be, and in her interview, says she thinks Elyse is jumping on the bandwagon. Elyse says she’s asking Ramona, and Ramona says she doesn’t give a sh*t at this point. She tells them that she has to use the restroom, and walks off. Sonja tells Elyse, Ramona wants her to do well, but not better than her. In Elyse’s interview, she says she’s watched Ramona being an a-hole to other people, but at the end of the day, what do a-holes give you? Ramona goes over to Dorinda, and tells her not to repeat this out of the group. Why do these women always assume any of them will keep a confidence? Ramona says Dorinda and Sonja are her most important friends. In her interview, Dorinda makes a face, and says she doesn’t buy it. I literally lol. Dorinda wonders why Ramona can’t have a joint birthday party with Sonja, and Ramona says she’ll throw another party. Dorinda says, that’s silly. In Ramona’s interview, she says Dorinda would have no one to invite, while she has 80 girlfriends because she’s a good friend. I see that number has gone up by 20 since the last count an episode ago. Dorinda says Ramona just wanted a free party, and Ramona insists that she’s paying for everything. Dorinda tells her to swear on her daughter’s life that Larry is charging her, but Ramona won’t do it, and tells Dorinda, she’s whacked. Dorinda says Ramona is out of her mind, and sounds ridiculous.

Leah and Rob arrive, and Leah introduces Rob to the women. He says he feels small, and wow, they are tall next to him. Dorinda wastes no time, and asks why it didn’t work out. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Rob seems easy-going, and she sees why Leah hooked up with him. Sonja slinks over, and LuAnn says Sonja started Halloween early. In her interview, LuAnn wonders who came with Sonja, and who was at the pre-game? Sonja probably should have gone to bed. Missy says maybe Ramona should talk to Dorinda, but in Ramona’s interview, she says, Dorinda can’t talk when she’s angry. She’s going to stick it out for a while, and go to Omar’s. She tells Leah that she looks absolutely stunning. Sonja says Leah is an effing weirdo, and Leah says Sonja looks hot as hell. Sonja says she likes Leah, but she’s a weirdo. Leah goes over to Sonja, and gets nose to nose with her, and Sonja says they’re artists. Can they keep it real? Leah doesn’t know. In her interview, Leah says she and Sonja are having a fresh new start, and she loves everything about it. Sonja tells her, don’t be divisive be inclusive. In Leah’s interview, she says she understands drunken Sonja language, now she needs to learn to speak sober Sonja. It’s agreed alligator does not taste like chicken. Ramona tells Missy that Sonja is like Jekyll and Hyde. She flips, and it’s scary. Dorinda tells LuAnn, Ramona is a selfish, self-serving person who’s always thinking about herself. LuAnn can’t believe Ramona brought Missy; a girlfriend of her ex-husband’s. Ramona says Dorinda doesn’t have Tinsley to attack, so she’s getting it. We flash back to the engagement party, where Tom told Missy that wearing a wedding ring was like being a dog with a collar. In her interview, LuAnn says, Ramona doesn’t give a sh*t; she’s insensitive. The problem with people is, they always disappoint you, but Ramona never ceases to disappoint. Dorinda remarks that Ramona changed seats quickly to be next to Rick. Is she happy Dorinda brought him? Ramona ignores her, but Dorinda repeats the question, and Rick looks pretty uncomfortable. In Ramona’s interview, she says, the best thing is to ignore someone who’s being mean to you. It makes them more angry, and more reflective. I dunno about the reflective part. It probably just makes them angrier and meaner.

Dorinda stands up, and clinks her spoon against her glass. She says she has a question. Is it nice if you have a good girlfriend who, when they don’t like something you said, asks if you’re drunk? Sonja yells, why did you say that, Ramona? and Dorinda says Ramona has been there an hour and a half, boozing it up. Ramona is sad and mean to her – schadenfreude. Dorinda says, she’s not nice, and Sonja says, Ramona is terrible to her. Dorinda tells Ramona, don’t do that, and Sonja repeats it. LuAnn gets up, lifts her glass, and says, how about them Mets? Happy Halloween. In her interview, LuAnn says she understands Dorinda has had it, but she’s taken it to a whole other level. LuAnn actually feels bad for Ramona at this point. Jill asks if this is how it always is; you walk in, and Dorinda attacks someone? Elyse asks if Ramona is okay, and says she still loves her. Ramona says she has a lot right now. In Ramona’s interview, she starts to talk, and daughter Avery tells her, stop wasting her energy talking about Elyse. She hears Ramona telling her friends; she can’t get enough of it, and it’s annoying. Ramona tells her, shut up. Elyse asks if Ramona is good, and Ramona says she is. Dorinda carves the pig, for which LuAnn is glad. In her interview, Ramona says, who in their right mind, after witnessing that speech, would give Dorinda a knife? Leah pulls an octopus out of the seafood tower, and LuAnn tells her, don’t f*** with the seafood tower, which I predict will be the next, don’t be all, like, uncool, along with, 1985 is over. Leah introduces Sonja to Rob while still holding the octopus. She plops it back on top, and pulls out something else, asking, what is this? I don’t know what it is either, but it looks gross. LuAnn says, this is where it goes wrong, and Leah throws whatever-it-is on the table. In Ramona’s interview, she says, someone put voodoo on this party, and she’s out of there. She’s going to Omar’s, which will be a lot more fun than this party.

The music starts, and everyone dances, except Sonja who looks sullen and clutches her voodoo doll. Leah asks Rob if he’s okay, and he says he’s fine, but he’s not sticking around. She tells him that she loves him so much, and he says he doesn’t know how life ended up like this, but here they are.

Next time, a return to the fish room, Ramona blocks Elyse, Dorinda finally corrects Ramona’s mispronunciation of narcissistic, and LuAnn tells Sonja that she doesn’t need her and to eff off.

🛸 For the Trekkers…

A new animated comedy series. It sounds kind of weird, but I dropped out after Deep Space Nine.

https://www.startrek.com/news/star-trek-lower-decks-sets-release-date

🌈 For Those With Pride…

Lots of fun pictures.

https://www.manrepeller.com/2020/06/brooklyn-bushwig-2020.html?mc_cid=c16f404248&mc_eid=3e76ab4a64

🤹 But Don’t Let This Happen To You…

GoHomeRainbow

🎭 A Diverse New World…

The Academy is moving forward.

https://www.instyle.com/news/oscars-diversity-goals-new-members

🗺 How’d We Get Here Again…?

We’re back at Friday, or day 103 if you’re going by the pandemic calendar. Just think, we have so much to look forward to when this is over. Like wishing for a seat on public transportation, traffic, and people invading your personal space. In the meantime, stay safe, stay civil, and stay not like Ramona.