Tag Archives: Muddy Waters

January 27, 2021 – Peter Pulls the Trigger, the OC’s Reunion Concludes, Jen Is Confronted in Vegas, Click Here & Cold

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sasha’s interview is being set up at the MetroCourt. Chase asks if Jackie is sure she doesn’t mind that he’s there, but she says, he wants to support his friend, and she’s fine with it. He says he’s not the only one, and we see Michael come in with Willow. Sasha isn’t there yet, and Jackie hopes she doesn’t flake. Chase says, she won’t, and Jackie says he sounds confident. He says he is.

Nina finds Sasha in the Crimson reception area, and Sasha apologizes for dropping by unannounced. She wanted Nina to know, so she wasn’t caught off-guard. Jackie Templeton is interviewing live on TV this morning on GMA 3. Nina asks what the topic is, and Sasha says, her drug use and what led to it.   

Sam knocks on Alexis’s door. Alexis throws it open without saying anything, and heads for the couch. Sam says, warm welcome; late night? Alexis says she’s celebrating. Sam asks what the occasion is, and Alexis says, her vindication, She’s not the drunk driver Tracy would have the world believe she is. She doesn’t suppose Sam would care to toast with her.  

Jason goes to the MetroCourt bar where Carly is working. He tells her that they need to make a decision, and she asks if they can do it there. They’re shooting a TV show in the restaurant, and she needs to be there. He says, it’s not incriminating, just difficult. They’re getting pressure from the five families, and somebody already tried to make a move. They need to strengthen their position, and make it clear he’s in charge. Carly asks how they do that, and he says, they have Sonny legally declared dead, and have a funeral.

Nikolas and Ava come into the hospital with Avery. Ava asks if she’s ready for her appointment, and tells her that the doctor will want to hear all about the vegetables she likes to eat. Does she have her list? Avery says she does, and Nikolas tells her broccoli is always a crowd pleaser, and there’s lima beans. Avery says, eww! She hates lima beans. He says he’s just kidding, and Ava says she’ll see him afterward. She and Avery get into the elevator, and Elizabeth tells Nikolas, they look almost like a real family. He says, it helps having people to emulate.   

Franco meets Obrecht behind a building, and asks if they can meet indoors next time. He doesn’t like the idea of wind chill when it’s time to turn his head and cough. She says there’s no examination this time, and he asks what they’re doing then. Has she finally figured out a way to fix him?

Britt and Maxie do couples stretches at the gym, and Maxie says, she’s done. Britt says, that was fun, and Maxie says, was it though? Britt asks if she’s not a good prenatal yoga partner, and Maxie says she’s a little high energy. It’s supposed to be slow and smooth. Britt says, boring, and Maxie thanks her for stepping in for Peter. A big story came in late. Britt says, sounds juicy, and Maxie says, let’s hope, for Peter’s sake.

On the phone in his office, Peter says, go ahead and pull the trigger. Dante comes to the door, and says, Peter wanted to see him? Peter says there’s a big story coming out, and he wants Dante to be aware of it. Dante asks if he’s being featured, but Peter says, the story could pose a risk to the paper, the staff, and himself.

Elizabeth says she and Franco are hardly perfect, but Nikolas says they withstood what he and Ava threw at them, which was a lot, and came out stronger. She says, it’s easier to come together when you know the enemy; when the threat is right in front of you and you can see it. It’s the invisible ones that are hard. He asks her, what’s wrong?

Obrecht tells Franco, science can’t be rushed; she needs time. He says that’s the one thing he doesn’t have. She says she’s doing all she can, and he says, Terry thinks it’s time he consider radiation, but Obrecht says, it’s no guarantee. He says, it’s something, which is better than nothing. He can’t sit back, and let time tick away. It’s driving him crazy. She says she cautions patience, and he asks if he strikes her as a patient guy. She says if they can’t isolate what brought Drew’s memories to the surface, they could be lost forever. He says, so what? If he’s alive, who cares about the memories? She says she does.

Britt asks if Peter works a lot of long days, and Maxie says they both do, but when he’s home, she gets her feet rubbed. Britt says, lucky girl, and Maxie says she is. When she buried Nathan, she thought she buried her heart with him, but Peter showed her that wasn’t true. He showed her there was a big, beautiful life ahead, and he was right. Britt says she’s happy for Maxie. Peter sounds great. Maxie says, Peter is her brother. Doesn’t she think he’s great too?

Dante asks if it’s true, and Peter says he wouldn’t have published it otherwise. An article like this carries with it all sorts of implications. Dante says, especially given the subject matter, and Peter says, and the subject. He hasn’t asked much of Dante so far, but he’s about to earn his salary. Dante says he’ll speak to the staff.   

Alexis shows Sam her driver’s license, and says she’s once again a member of the motorized society. Crossing guards of Port Charles beware. Sam guesses Alexis thinks it’s funny, and Alexis says all she has left is her sense of humor. Sam wonders if Alexis thinks it’s a license to keep going on living the way she’s living, and Alexis says, license is funny. Sam needs a sense of humor to live with Jason. Sam says they’re not together anymore, and Alexis says, it’s a good first step. The next step Sam should take is paying attention to her own family and career, and turning her critical eye inward and off of her.   

Jax says he has to make a phone call, and leaves, while Nina brings Sasha into her office. She says, that was super fast, and Sasha says, a reporter came sniffing around yesterday. Nina says, like Maxie predicted, and asks if it’s damage control. Sasha says, Chase introduced them to his mother, who agreed to an interview. She used her contacts to get them on GMA 3. Nina says Sasha is really getting the story out there, and Sasha says, that’s the plan.   

Valentin comes into the Crimson offices, and Jax says, Nina is busy. Valentin says he’ll wait. Jax asks if Valentin is surprised to see him, and Valentin says, why would he be? Jax says Valentin thought his maneuvers were going to drive a wedge between him and Nina, but Valentin says he’d be a fool to try and do that, considering what a spectacular job Jax is doing for himself.

Carly tells Jason, Diane explained how it makes sense from a legal standpoint to have Sonny declared dead, but why have a funeral so soon? Jason says, it will stabilize things. It sends a clear message to the five families and any other potential rivals, that there’s no weakness. They’re not just waiting around for Sonny. He’s gone and Jason is in charge. Carly says, a stable transition. But what about the kids? Avery and Donna are too young to understand, but what about Michael, Kristina, and Dante, even Josslyn? It seems disrespectful to have a funeral so soon; they don’t even have a body. He says he hates the idea of a funeral, and hates asking her and everyone else to go through a ritual to say Sonny is gone. It would be a relief if she said no. She asks, will it keep them safe if there’s a funeral? He says, yes, and she says, then that’s what they’re going to do. She’ll call Father Rias and make arrangements. He says he’s sorry, but she says she’d be sorrier if he didn’t tell her. She’ll tell Michael. Conveniently, Michael comes over to the bar, and asks what she’s doing there. She says, someone had to oversee the TV show, and Olivia can’t come in. Michael says not to expect her back for a few days, and Carly asks, what’s going on? He says, changes at home, including his living situation. She asks if they’re moving out, and he says, he and Wiley are staying put. She says, not Willow? and he says, their marriage is officially over.

Chase introduces Willow to Jackie, who says she’s heard a lot about Willow. Jackie’s phone dings, and she looks at it. She says, it’s shaping up to be one busy news cycle day.

Carly tells Michael, she thought things were going great. Now they’re ending the marriage? All of their phones ding, and Carly says, oh my God.

Maxie and Britt look at their phones, and Maxie says, yikes. Late nights yield big scoops.

Sam asks how many times she and Alexis are going to have this same fight? Alexis asks, who’s fighting? Their phones ding, and Alexis says, Sam… Sam says she sees it.

Nikolas asks Elizabeth to tell him what’s wrong. Their phones ding, and Elizabeth says, oh no. Nikolas says, is it true?

Franco asks why Obrecht is so desperate to find out about some random memory of Drew’s. Is Peter that important? Their phones ding, and we see it’s a story in The Invader about Franco’s tumor returning, and wondering if the old Franco is returning.

Maxie says, if there’s any saving grace in Lulu not being there, it’s that she’s missing a Franco redo. Although she’d probably wish she’d snagged the story, but it’s good for Peter. Britt flashes back to Peter being at the computer, and her telling him that she can’t let him dig in hospital records. He says he’ll have to find some other way. Maxie says she has to go change, and Britt looks at her phone. Maxie says, this was fun? Should they do it again sometime? She’s willing if Britt is. Britt says, what? Anything for family, right?

Franco wonders why his diagnosis is splashed on front of this rag, and Obrecht asks if he’s shared it with anyone outside the family. He says, just Jason, but that’s not his style. She supposes someone at the hospital could have leaked it, and he asks why Peter would have published it. He bought Peter a beer; Peter said he was his friend. They’re going to his wedding. He even told Peter it was his voice in his head. She says, Peter knows he has more of Drew’s memories? He starts to walk away, and she asks where he’s going. He says, to get some answers. Obrecht makes a call, and says, there’s been a development. They need to act.  

Sam tells Alexis, this is way overwritten. She spoke to Elizabeth who told her Franco’s tumor was back, but it was being treated, and there had been no changes in his behavior. Alexis says, before Sam gives him a free pass, she needs to do more than take his wife’s word for it. Sam says she’s going to the hospital, and Alexis says she’s going with her.

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, he has to go. He wants her to bring the boys to Spoon Island. She and her sons are in danger. She says Franco wouldn’t hurt them, but he asks how she knows. She says she has faith in her husband, and he says, it’s not a matter of faith; it’s a matter of science. She says she’s listened to the doctors. She’s heard from Sam and Jason, and her other friends, but she hasn’t heard one word of support from her friend when her husband is dying. He’s dying, Nikolas. Nikolas says he’s sorry, and holds her. Ava and Avery come out of the elevator.

Carly says, Franco’s tumor is back, and Jason says he’s taking care of it. Franco won’t hurt anyone they care about.

Lucy breezes in, and tells Jackie that she looks very camera ready. Jackie thanks her, and says, it’s almost go time and Sasha’s not here. Is the interview still on?  

Nina tells Sasha that she doesn’t have to do this, but Sasha says she does. She wants to feel empowered again. Being a victim sucks. Nina says she can’t argue with that. Sasha says, this is her, taking back control. It’s scary, and she might bomb, but it will be on her terms. Nina says she’s proud of Sasha, and Sasha says, that means a lot. Jax comes in, and tells Nina, Valentin is out there, loitering. He said something about Lucy calling, and are they still doing the interview? Nina says Sasha wouldn’t miss it. Go get ‘em, tiger.

Michael says he knows Jason is on top of it, and appreciates it… Jason says, but Michael isn’t going to leave protecting his family to anyone else. Michael says, not where Franco is concerned. He’s going to see about upping security at the house. He leaves, and Carly says, about Sonny’s funeral. Anything to keep them safe is worth doing. Jason says he’s going to take off, but Carly says there’s something else they need to talk about, but they shouldn’t do it there. They go to a more private place.

Michael says he’s sorry to interrupt, and asks to talk Willow, who says, of course (🍷). They step over to the bar, and he says he broke the news about the annulment to his mom. She asks how it went, and he says, she was surprised and disappointed, but they didn’t have time to get into it; something came up. They need to revisit the subject of her moving out. She says she can be out in a week, but he says, no. He doesn’t want her going anywhere.

Lucy tells Jackie, Sasha will definitely be here. Maxie comes in, and Lucy says, they just need a little time. Jackie says it’s a live show; time isn’t negotiable. If Sasha isn’t ready in ten, the interview is off, and there will be no other opportunity, friend of her son or not. Sasha arrives, and asks where Jackie wants her.

Jason asks if Carly is okay, but she doesn’t know. There’s a lot going on; Sonny, Cyrus, his mother. She needs to do something to help. Jason says, moving forward with the funeral will help, but she says she needs to do more. Jason says, she can’t. They already talked about this. She says she knows. He said she can’t be involved in the business. Jason says, not on any level. She says she understands, and Jason says, but? She’s gotten involved with something else.

Avery fingers her necklace, and Nikolas asks how it went. Ava says, she passed with flying colors. She asks if he’s ready to go, and he looks at Elizabeth. Ava takes that as a no, and he asks if she saw the news about Franco. She says she did, and he says he can’t leave Elizabeth like this. She says she understands. It’s incredibly difficult for Elizabeth and the boys. Give Elizabeth her best, and if he sees Franco, tell him that she’s thinking about him.

Britt goes to Peter’s office, and he thanks her for taking his place with Maxie. She says, it was fun, but it’s the last time she’s stepping up for him. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says she saw his story about Franco. He says, it’s a hell of a thing, isn’t it? and she says, the fact that he used her? Did he or did he not swipe medical files from the GH server? Franco comes in, and says, good question. He’d like to hear the answer.

Sasha tells Michael that he didn’t have to come, but he says it’s the least he could do after what she did for Wiley. Lucy says Sasha has to get glammed up now, and Sasha goes to the makeup table. Ava comes in with Avery, who runs to Michael and says she missed him. He says he missed her too, and Ava asks if Carly is around. He says, she’s talking to Jason, but she’s here. Ava says, Carly didn’t see Avery yesterday, so she thought they could spend the afternoon together. He says, she’ll be thrilled, and Ava tells Avery, rule number one, have fun; rule number two, behave yourself. She’ll see Avery later. Avery shows Michael a lollipop, and says look at what she got. He says he’s starving, but she says it’s not for him. She got it from the doctor. He says she had check-up. How much did she grow? Ten feet? Twenty? Avery giggles, and Ava gets in the elevator and smiles.

Valentin asks Jax, any word on Cyrus’s mom? and Jax suggests he ask Jason. Nina says she’s sure that would go over well, and Valentin asks if they want to know what he thinks. Jax says, no, but Nina says, please tell them what he thinks. He says he thinks while it’s an effective way of controlling Cyrus, it’s reckless, and he doesn’t think that’s Jason’s trademark. It is does sound like Carly’s though. He thinks Carly took her. Jason will take the heat, since they’ll go to hell and back for each other. He thinks it pays dividends in the short term, but in the long term, he thinks it’s a hell of a lot more trouble than it’s worth. If he were Jax, he’d reach out to that ex of his as quickly as possible, and get her to reverse course. Jax thanks him for that, and Valentin leaves. Jax says, wow.

Carly tells Jason, Avery has the real necklace, and if Nina sees it, Nina could easily figure it out like she did. Nina is going to figure out Nelle is her daughter, and she can’t let that happen. Jason says Carly didn’t push Nelle, and Carly says she knows, but it will break Nina’s heart. It’s a problem she can solve. By keeping the secret buried, she gets to end Nelle’s reign of terror.

Nikolas asks how he can help, but Elizbeth says she’s not the one who needs help. He asks how he can help Franco, and she says, Franco did something to exacerbate the situation. Now he’s fighting the enemy from the inside and out. There’s the tumor, and there’s Jason.

Peter says he’s calling security, but Franco grabs the phone. Peter asks who he’s talking to; old Franco, or Franco 2.0? Franco says he’s talking to a man who’s a husband and stepfather to three boys. Why did Peter do this? Putting his personal information on the front page is putting his family in jeopardy. Peter says, the people of Port Charles are in jeopardy from him. Did Franco forget he told Peter that he’s hearing voices? Franco says, that’s from something that Shiloh did. Shiloh messed with his head; it has nothing to do with the tumor. Peter asks if Franco’s doctors will attest to that, and Franco says Peter would know the answer if he’d bothered to ask the questions. Did he give any consideration how people are going to react to the article? They’re going to come after him, Elizabeth, or the boys. If they get hurt, it’s on Peter. Peter doesn’t think it’s his head that’s the problem, and Franco grabs him. They struggle, Dante runs in, and Peter throws Franco off him and onto the floor.  

Dante says, call the police, but Britt says, don’t. If he does, Peter will have a bigger problem with her than Franco. Peter says, let him up, and escort him out. Franco gets up, and says, this isn’t over. He leaves, and Peter asks if those are the actions of a sane person. Britt says she thinks they’re the actions of a furious person. She’s furious too. He says, the story had to be told, and she says, by manipulating his own sister? He says she saw how Franco reacted. How quickly he moved to violence. He’s hearing voices. People need to know that Franco is capable of saying or doing anything. She asks if Franco was right. Did he not contact any of Franco’s doctors? He says people are going to thank him for this story. It was the only way to keep Port Charles and his family safe.

Alexis and Sam arrive at the hospital, and Alexis tells Elizabeth that they saw the article. Elizabeth says, so did the rest of the world. Did Sam tell her the reporting is incomplete? Alexis says, Franco almost killed her daughter, and killed multiple people. He skated on Diane’s the-tumor-did-it defense, and now the tumor is back. Why isn’t Elizabeth protecting herself and her kids? Elizabeth says Alexis doesn’t get to question her decisions, and she doesn’t have to defend herself. Is Sam going to back her? Sam says she can’t.

Jason says he won’t stop Carly. Just make sure it’s worth it, and it’s not the one thing that makes the rest come crashing down. He’ll be there to bail her out, but he’ll have to drop something else to do it. He gets up, and she says, that’s not going happen. If it does, she’ll go to Jax. It’s not one more thing for him to worry about. He says he knows her, and how she deals with hurt. Just keep moving instead of standing still, and letting herself feel it. He’s not telling her how to grieve, and he’ll stand behind her no matter what, but chasing after the necklace to cover her grief isn’t going to help. It might put her grief off, but she’ll still have to go through it. She guesses they’re having a funeral then.

Michael tells Avery, Sasha is going to be on TV. The nice lady is going to interview her. Avery says, about what? (we won’t speak of how a child of that age probably wouldn’t ask that question) and he says, a lot of things. How about they find mom. He bets she has leftover Christmas treats in her office. Avery says, wait. Sasha needs good luck.

Nikolas punches the heavy bag, and thinks about Elizabeth telling him, if there are any signs Franco is reverting to form, Jason is going to kill him. Jason doesn’t need a reason. She’s begging him not to let that happen. Don’t let Jason take Franco from her.

The makeup artist tells Sasha, all set, and wishes her good luck. Jackie says, they’re agreed on topics. Sasha might find her questions sharp at times, but she won’t be surprised by the content. Lucy asks Maxie to keep Valentin occupied. He’s trying to get himself involved. She looks at Sasha, and says she looks absolutely fantastic, but needs one thing to complete the ensemble. She puts the half-heart necklace on Sasha, and Jackie says, let’s do this.   

Carly sees Avery, and asks what she’s doing there. Michael says, Ava dropped her off; she thought Carly could use some face time. Carly says she could, and suggests they go to the office where she has more candy. Michael says, what did he tell her? He tells Carly that Avery wants to watch the show. He tried to tell her it’s not for kids, but she’s relentless. She wants to see her good luck charm on TV. Carly is like, uh-oh.

Ava finds Nikolas at the gym, and says he thought he was tending to Elizabeth. He says he’s tending to her from afar. Has she spoken to Franco? She says, not yet, and he says he imagines Franco has his hands full. He bets Franco could use a friendly face. She asks, what’s happening here? Is he actually considering Franco’s feelings? He says, and Elizabeth’s, but mostly he’s considering them. How, for all of their issues – Ava says, and there are many – they’re doing pretty good in comparison. He says he doesn’t want to press their luck, and she says, sounds intriguing. What does he have in mind? He gets down on one knee, and says, marry him for real. Yay! I really like them together.

Obrecht asks Dante what took him so long, and he says, there was a situation at The Invader with Franco. She asks how Peter reacted, and he says, like he was being cornered by a killer. She says, the article was a preemptive attempt to discredit Franco should he ever implicate Peter, and Dante says, Franco’s built a new reputation since the tumor was removed; it’s easier said than done. She says, that’s what she’s afraid of.

Britt tells Peter, she’s the Chief of Staff, and has a responsibility to her patients, which includes protecting their privacy, which clearly she didn’t. People will know what he did and wonder why. They’re likely to find holes in his story. He says she’s his sister and he loves her, but make no mistake, if she pushes this, it may threaten his family. She doesn’t want to come between him, and Maxie and his child. Jason comes in, and says, or what?

Obrecht tells Dante, the article is merely Peter’s opening salvo against Franco. If it doesn’t do the job… He says, they reload, and she clicks her pen several times. She says, Franco is the key to Peter’s guilt, and must be protected at all costs. It’s up to Dante to do it.

Sam says Elizabeth doesn’t want them to believe Franco’s tumor is dangerous, but she doesn’t know, and neither do the doctors. Franco joins them, and says, the story isn’t the whole story. Alexis asks why he didn’t inform her and Sam of his relapse? and he tells her that he didn’t want to scare them. She says, too late. She wonders why they’re being so casual? Does she need to arm herself? Elizabeth asks if Alexis is threatening her husband, and Sam tells Alexis, don’t escalate right now. Alexis stomps off, and Franco asks Sam to just listen. She yells that she doesn’t want to talk to him right now, and Elizabeth suggests Sam hear him out. Alexis goes into an examining room, and digs in her purse. She sees either a pill dispenser or a really wide syringe on the table. Franco tells Sam that he’s not going to hurt her or anybody else. He’s made specific arrangements to make sure that never happens. Alexis checks to see if anyone is looking.

Nina messes with the computer, and tells Jax, got it. Jackie asks Sasha to introduce herself and Sasha says she’s the co-owner and face of Deception Cosmetics. Jackie asks why Sasha sought out an interview, and Sasha says, a few months ago she nearly died of a heart attack brought on by drug abuse. Nina sees the necklace, and asks, what is Sasha wearing?

Carly asks Avery, what good luck charm? and Avery says, there; Sasha’s wearing it. She points to the necklace on Sasha. Jackie asks if Sasha attributes her drug use to her scheme to manipulate the custody proceeding for Wiley Corinthos. Sasha says, when she chose to act, she knew the personal cost would be painful, but she told herself that she could handle the pain. The pain would fade, and she’d be okay.

Nina says, oh my God, Jax. Sasha is wearing her daughter’s necklace. Jax makes a face and shakes his head.

Tomorrow, Nina asks how someone could do thi;, Curtis doesn’t think it’s a good idea; Dante says, it’s a generous offer; Phyllis tells Sonny, there are some conditions; and Jason asks why Peter is threatening Britt.

The Real Housewives of Orange County – The Reunion – Part Two

When we last left, Shannon said Braunwyn had told her daughter that if she wanted the good stuff, to text her. Braunwyn didn’t remember it, and started bawling, saying she was sorry. She would have never done that sober. Shannon said she appreciated the apology. One would assume the good stuff meant drugs, but I’ve hunted for clarification, and Shannon says no. So WTF is it? Hennessey? Andy said Gina had a new house and a new man, but her road to happiness had been paved with roadblocks from the past. We flashed back to Gina and Travis’s version of The Brady Bunch, took a trip down Matt Memory Lane, and strolled through Gina’s many hairstyles. Gina said she was proud of her and Matt’s co-parenting, and they were in a place where Matt could hear the truth. Andy thought it was nice that she found someone great. Someone please get that guy a thesaurus. On break, Braunwyn got all dramatic with her sorries to Shannon, and hyperventilated loudly.

Andy said, Kelly now being friends with Shannon gave him faith in everything. Apparently, it doesn’t take much. Kelly talked about her wedding to Rick, and how she got flack for having a gathering with a lot of people. Although my idea of a lot isn’t 28, and they had everyone tested. The BLM protests were discussed, and Kelly getting more flack for wearing a Drunk Wives Matter hat, which moved the conversation to racism. Both Elizabeth and Kelly said they’d experienced it being Mexican, and Kelly didn’t feel Braunwyn was sincere in being an ally. Emily said Braunwyn used a victim mentality as an excuse for her behavior, and Shannon said Braunwyn had claimed she got no support, and alluded to the group being racist and homophobic during an ET interview. Braunwyn said she’d gotten pissed because they’d called her confused. Um… she certainly seemed confused this season. Elizabeth told the group that she was actually bi-sexual, but non-practicing. Is that a thing now? Braunwyn said she’d thought Elizabeth was a lesbian when they met, and tried kissing her in the beginning. Shannon’s head went back and forth like she was watching a ping-pong match, and Andy thought Braunwyn was trying to do a lot at once; her sexuality, her marriage, her kids, her sobriety. She said she was taking a step back, and that’s where she was right now.

Any said every Housewives trip was messy and dramatic, and this season was no exception. We saw clips from the trip to Lake Arrowhead, and Andy asked Elizabeth at what point she realized she was in a cult. She said she and her brother didn’t understand the situation until they were banished. Her grandmother was the founder, and her dad was a pastor. Andy asked what their tenet was, and she said, money and greed. They were brainwashed in school to obey. He asked how they finally left, and she said her mother got an 18-wheeler, and drove them to Washington. Elizabeth couldn’t live with the burden, and once she said it out loud, she knew she’d exposed her truth, and fear of rejection. She liked her cookie cutter perfection because it helped her to not deal with her issues. Braunwyn said she wasn’t alone. There were many women with perfect lives who didn’t really have perfect lives.

When Andy introduced Sean, Shannon wondered who he was, forgetting he was Braunwyn’s husband. We found out that Braunwyn had never been attracted to men physically, and while Sean said it broke his heart, in some ways, it was a relief when Braunwyn had said she was a lesbian. Braunwyn explained how she’d wanted to try having an open marriage, but when she’d found out from the nanny that Sean brought someone home, she got upset. They eventually decided to go to therapy. We saw pictures of Braunwyn’s new girlfriend Kris, and Andy said it looked like Braunwyn did what she wanted to, and Sean took care of her. It was like he was of service. Sean said he derived happiness from his kids, and they both hoped to stay together. Sean said they wanted to create a decent structure for the kids, and see where it went. It sounded pretty messy, and I’m sure the kids will all be in therapy soon.

Everyone agreed that covid taught them to appreciate the little things, and that friends and family were the most important things in life. They were also in agreement that 2021 would be better than 2020; it had to be. Andy said, since everyone was starting the year with a dry January, they would have a mocktail, and he cautioned Kelly and Shannon not to sneak in some tequila. Emily was tasked with the toast, and said she wanted to toast to everyone. Everyone added something, and everyone had something beautiful in them. She lifted her glass to love and success, to 2021, women’s empowerment, being successful, and supporting one another. That wasn’t just a toast; it was a whole loaf of bread.

Adios for now, OC.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Whitney got together with Heather, and told her about apologizing to Meredith and Lisa, while Meredith and Lisa met early for the group dinner. Lisa said, as far as she was concerned, it was a clean slate with Heather. Heather told Whitney that Jen was still blaming her for ruining Sharrieff’s party, which surprised Heather, since Jen had forgiven her. Heather said she’d said the same thing to Jen.

Jen joined Meredith and Lisa, and Lisa said Heather had acknowledged her weaknesses, and said she was working on them, which was good enough for her. She asked if Jen was still upset, and Jen said she felt Whitney’s apology was sincere, but there were still other issues. She wondered how Lisa could be good with Whitney, when she’d thrown Lisa and Meredith under the bus. Meredith told her, Whitney said she was sorry, and in Jen’s interview, she said they were talking sh*t. If they could forgive Whitney so easy for lying, did that mean they were lying? Lisa said, in Whitney’s head, she was defending Mary, and Jen said, if they wanted to be on Whitney’s side, fine. Meredith left the table, saying she wasn’t engaging. No one was going to tell her who to be friends with.

In Meredith’s interview, she said she grew up with a lot of fighting and volatility, and felt pitted in the middle of her divorced parents. She felt trapped, and got triggered when there was intense conflict. Jen wailed, are you kidding me? and whined that Meredith had just walked away, like Lisa hadn’t seen that. Lisa tried to calm Jen’s ass down, when Whitney and Heather walked in. Jen literally pushed Heather away, and stormed out, immediately coming back, since she forgot to take her purse. She put her finger in Whitney’s face, telling her STFU, when Whitney hadn’t even said anything yet. Heather said it wasn’t necessary to come at her, and Jen got in Heather’s face, looking like she was going to head butt her. It was so bad, Jen’s bodyguard came over. Jen told Lisa that she’d chosen her side, and stormed out – take two – Lisa following her. Lisa said Jen couldn’t leave like this, but she wasn’t listening. Jen said her feelings were hurt, and Lisa told her to talk it out. Heather said Jen just came at her, and she felt shell shocked, and I thought, wouldn’t that be Shah shocked? Lisa said she thought Jen was still upset about the birthday party, and in Lisa’s interview, she said Jen’s behavior was outrageous, but she didn’t think Whitney understood the magnitude of her actions. There had been trouble in Jen’s home. Um… Whitney might be responsible for seriously bad timing, but Sharrieff was pissed about Jen’s reactionary behavior. I’d say Jen is responsible for Jen. Lisa went back to the dinner, and Whitney told her that Jen had accepted her apology, which Heather confirmed. In Whitney’s interview, she said the fact that Jen was still blaming her made her feel like the time they’d spent talking was bullsh*t. Heather thought it was compounded because Jen was also mad at her. She’d said the rest of them were friends with Whitney because she was friends with Heather. Whitney said Jen talked about all of them, and we flashed back to Jen gossiping to Whitney. Whitney said Jen had shown her a picture of Meredith with another man. Lisa said Jen claimed to be loyal to both her and Meredith, but Whitney said Jen had said Meredith and Lisa were coming for her. In Lisa’s interview, she said, the woman she just chased through a hotel claimed she was coming for Whitney. It was a straight up lie. In her hotel room, Jen screamed nonsense to Sharrieff on the phone.

Everyone, except Jen, went to Heather’s room. Heather told Meredith, welcome to the jungle. She got out in the nick of time. Lisa said they were trying to digest what happened, and Heather said Jen had come in and pushed her out of the way. Whitney said Jen had come at her, and Meredith didn’t get it, since the afternoon had felt positive. Whitney said Jen had told her that Meredith and Lisa were going to come after her, and her friendship with Heather was the only reason she wasn’t dead in the lake. Meredith said Jen thought Heather was responsible for Whitney, and she wasn’t going to tolerate that. Whitney said Jen kept dropping bombs, and pushing her to say bad things about Meredith’s marriage. Meredith admitted that she and Seth had been separated off and on for a long time, and she’d seen other people. In Lisa’s interview, she said it was the first time she was hearing this, and her feelings were hurt. It was like she didn’t know her best friend. Meredith said she and Seth had reconciled, and they were the happiest and closest they’d ever been. They were moving forward, and there was nothing else to discuss. She didn’t want to be Jen’s friend. Heather thought Jen had redeeming qualities. She could be horrible, crazy, and toxic, but there was some of that in all of them. Yeah. Not to that level, and not out in public. In Heather’s interview, she said she knew what it was like to feel rejected. She was loyal to her friends whether they were crazy, perfect, depressed, or happy. That’s what friendship is, and she was riding it out. Meredith said she wasn’t okay with it. In her interview, Whitney said, Worst. Trip. Ever. It was worse than when she started her period on the waterslide at a hotel in the Bahamas.

Lisa called Mary, and told her, be glad she wasn’t there. The race track was fun, but not so much dinner with Jen. She made peace with Whitney, but Jen was still mad. Whitney and Heather walked into dinner, and it set Jen off. In Mary’s interview, she said she told them that was going to happen. If they didn’t listen, they got what they deserved. Mary told Lisa that she was regrouping. People were trying to understand Jen, but how did you understand crazy? Lisa said the best decision Mary ever made was not to come.

Heather stopped by Jen’s room, and even though Jen claimed she was going home, her glam squad was working on her. In Heather’s interview, she said Jen was being charming and funny; nothing like the crazed monster she saw last night, spinning and yelling and furious. She told Jen, everyone was freaking out, and Jen said no one had approached her since dinner. Now that I think of it, did anyone even eat dinner? Jen said, no one was talking about the real issue. I wasn’t really sure what that was, since it seems like Jen just likes being angry. In Jen’s interview, she said she wasn’t mad about Meredith and Lisa making up with Heather, but she couldn’t move on until Heather admitted she lied, or Meredith and Lisa admitted they were scared of her. I’m not even sure what it was Heather was supposed to have lied about, since she was just repeating what Mary told her. Jen said her family had suffered the consequences. Heather said Jen had been aggressive and mean, and Jen asked why Whitney couldn’t apologize, and say she f***ed up?  Heather said, the person who had f***ed up was Jen, and in her interview, she said Jen wouldn’t acknowledge anything. She was acting like they’d all wronged her.

Whitney set up a meeting with Kimberly Friedmutter, who wrote Subconscious Power. In her interview, Whitney said it was her last attempt at something positive on the trip. Give them crystals, clear their chakras, bring out the sage, and sound the gong. They needed a lot of negative energy cleared tonight. The women (sans Jen and Heather, who were late) met at Kimberly’s house, and she had them close their eyes and get comfortable. She told them, let it feel good to be in this space. Just then, the doorbell rang, and when I saw it was Jen with Heather, I laaaughed. In Meredith’s interview, she said, the energy shifted. She thought Kimberly would need a bigger crystal. Kimberly took them through some relaxation steps, and I wanted to follow along, but was afraid I’d fall asleep. In Jen’s interview, she said she came because people were lying, and she needed to know who her real friends were. And because she’s 14.  

They all moved to a giant sectional, and Kimberly said she was feeling a lot of damage. It was a safe space, but feelings might get hurt, so know everything could be rectified. Jen started whining immediately about how everything was always her fault, and said she felt she was always the reason for Meredith leaving. Well, yeah. Meredith said Jen was trying to tell her who to be friends with, and Jen said that was Meredith’s perception. Well, yeah again. In Meredith’s interview, she said, the reality was, Jen wasn’t in touch with reality. Jen said Whitney chose an important time to give her information she didn’t want to hear, and it’s time she won’t get back. She was confused as to why. She added that Lisa said Whitney was lying, but Lisa told Jen, she didn’t say that. Jen said she was loyal to the end, and Meredith said Jen was giving a lecture on loyalty, when she’d made negative comments about Meredith’s marriage. If it doesn’t concern her, mind her own business. She told Jen that she didn’t anger easily, and Jen didn’t want her angry. Jen claimed she never said anything, but Whitney said that was false. In Whitney’s interview, she said Jen was absolutely the instigator. She would have never known a damn thing if not for Jen.

Kimberly suggested they allow themselves to be receptive, and told Jen to just say it. Say she’s sorry about sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. If she was sorry. Jen apologized, but not really, and Kimberly told her, no conditions, then decided they’d take a break with a game called Trust/Not Trust. She asked who didn’t trust Meredith, Lisa, and Whitney, and no hands went up. She asked who didn’t trust Jen, and all their hands went up. In Jen’s interview, she said she’d opened her heart and soul to them. She’d showed them that she’d fight for them, no matter what, and this made her feel attacked and ganged up on. Kimberly asked who didn’t trust Heather, and only Jen raised her hand. In Heather’s interview, she wondered if Jen didn’t understand the question. She’s the one who chased Jen down every time she’d stormed off. We flashed back to several times Heather chased Jen down, and Heather said she never betrayed Jen. Whitney asked to change seats, so she could have her own space, and Kimberly said they had to respect their own comfort. She asked Heather to share, and Heather said Jen had been aggressive and violent, and came at her. She was horrified. Jen preached loyalty, but had been a sh*tty friend. Maybe she’d been blind. Lisa said ,it was beyond uncomfortable the night before, and in Jen’s interview, she said her big reaction was justified. Didn’t they know her? Lisa said they all felt attacked, and she didn’t want to be Jen’s friend, but maybe she’d change her mind in the future. In Jen’s interview, she said she wasn’t disloyal. She told the women, if she was going to ruin a friendship… and Heather said, she was on the brink of ruining a friendship. Kimberly said, this was good.

Next time, Sharrieff and Jen do some dancing, Jen meets with Lisa, and Heather has a grand opening for Beauty Lab.

🦗 Give Us a Little Click, Wouldja…?

The start-up site I write for – https://MupoEntertainment.com – could use some clicks. While your there, you can find me in the magazine section.

🤼‍♀️ That’s Quite Enough For Now…

See you tomorrow on the Charm side. In the meantime, stay safe, stay on the road less traveled, and stay not sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong and/or being a crazed monster.

December 2, 2020 – Cyrus Meets With Sonny, Pandemic In the OC, Mary’s Met Gala Luncheon & Weather

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

I missed the very beginning, but here are the takeaway points. Peter and Maxie surprised Anna and Finn, along with some welcome home signs made by Violet. Peter told Anna that he thought Maxie was glad to get her mind off Lulu, but was spaced out when they all sat down to talk. Cyrus showed up as soon as Curtis and Jordan got back, and encouraged Jordan to get back to work. Curtis wondered if he was on to them, but Jordan said Portia had doctored her medical records perfectly. Josslyn and Trina packed up Dev’s things, and Josslyn gave Brando a bracelet that had belonged to Dev, and said Dev had considered Brando a good friend. Franco told Cameron that he was sorry about Dev, but Cameron didn’t want to talk about it. At Pozzulo’s Jason told Sonny the shoreline had been searched for miles, but there was no sign of Julian. Sonny thought Sam needed to know that Julian was behind the bombing at The Floating Rib. And away we go.

Curtis thanks Jordan for the medical records she so brilliantly copied in Mexico. He tells her, the person Cyrus was housing in Oregon is Florence Gray. The connection to Cyrus is still unclear, but he tracked her back to Port Charles. She and her husband lived there years ago, but there’s not much information online. Jordan says he needs paper records. Does he have any idea how to get them? Curtis says, if anyone got sick while they were there, there would be hospital records, and Jordan says, what a coincidence. She has an appointment later.   

Carly calls upstairs, telling Trina that her mom is there. She tells Portia that Trina will be right down, and Portia thanks Carly for letting Trina stay over. She asks how Josslyn and Trina are holding up, and Carly says, they’re processing. They’re going to be doing that for a while. One minute, they’re crying, and  the next, they’re laughing about something they did with Dev and Cameron. Portia says she’s trying not to hover, and Carly says, Lucas called, and told her how Portia helped with Lulu. The entire family is grateful. Portia wishes she could have done more. She’s sick of telling that people that, and wishes she could actually do it. Trina comes down, and thanks Carly for having her. Carly says, anytime, and they hug. Trina asks Portia if they’re getting breakfast, and Portia says they are, but she needs to make a quick stop on the way.

While Finn and Anna chat with Peter, Maxie suddenly says she wants to talk about Alex. What’s up with her? Why was she obsessed with Maxie and the baby?

Cameron asks Franco what they do to trim the tumor, and Franco says, they took a little bit off the top and sides. Elizabeth says the medical term is debulking. It reduces the size of the tumor. Cameron says, but it’s still there, and Franco says, it’s smaller, but present and accounted for. Cameron asks, what’s next? and Elizabeth says they need to take it a step at a time. Franco needs to recover first. Franco says he’d like to spend some quality time with the people he loves, and Cameron says, it’s great news. Franco tells Elizabeth that he has a sugar craving, and she leaves for the vending machine. Franco says, Cameron’s mom is gone, so… Stepfather to stepson, man to man, he’s scared. He tells Cameron, his turn, and Cameron says he’s more than scared. He’s terrified.

Cyrus opens the door to Brando, and says once again he appreciates Brando coming in despite his loss. Brando says he wants to keep busy, and Cyrus says, perhaps that’s best. If there’s anything he can do… Brando says, actually, there might be, and Cyrus says, name it. Brando says he’d do anything to get his hands on the  bastard who killed his son. Cyrus wouldn’t happen to know who it is, would he?

Cyrus asks Brando how he would know who did this heinous crime, and Brando says, Sonny has a lot of enemies, and he knows Cyrus keeps his ear to the ground. Cyrus says he can’t fault Brando for asking, and he’s glad Brando did. Sonny might assume he had a hand in the situation, and he needs to clear up any unfounded misconceptions. He asks if Brando thinks his cousin would respond to an appeal from him, and Brando says he and Sonny aren’t exactly on the best terms, but if Cyrus wants, he’ll reach out. Cyrus says, that would be ideal. He says, Brando has a phone call to make, and trusts Brando would be more comfortable without him hovering. Brando leaves, and Cyrus’s right-hand guy (whose name I don’t remember) comes out. He asks if Cyrus believes it’s in his best interest to meet with Sonny, and Cyrus says, it’s in his best interest that Sonny believes his hands are clean.

Anna tells Maxie, her sister wasn’t always like this. She’s done terrible things, but years ago, Alex saved her life. Maxie says, wonderful. She’s sure they’re all grateful. Go, Alex. But more recently she tried to kill Anna, and that doesn’t explain why… Anna says, it kind of does, oddly. In her own way, family is important to Alex, but because of her choices and the mistakes she made, it kept her from being a part of one. She knew the WSB would never stop searching for her. Maxie says, so Alex had to pretend to be Anna. It’s so sad, having to pretend to be someone else to others to love you, but it’s not you they love. They love a lie. Peter asks if it wouldn’t make more sense for Alex to stay far away from the people who know Anna well. She was falling all over them at dinner. Maxie says, it was creepy the way Alex wanted all the details of their lives.  

Franco says he wants Cameron to fight; he needs Cameron to fight. He’s going to do anything and everything to be there for Cameron, his brothers, and his mom, and continue being the husband and father he loves being. Cameron says, he’d better, and Franco says he needs Cameron to promise he’ll fight the impulse to look for the worst in every situation, and force himself to expect great things to happen to him. Can Cameron do that for him? Cameron says, okay, and Franco tells him, come here. He hugs Cameron, and says, onward.

Josslyn gets frustrated with the packing tape (been there), and Sam says, let her help. Josslyn says she’d give anything to be putting effort into Dev’s yearbook page, or helping him with his college apps. He was so excited to be going to college in the states. It’s not fair. Sam says, it’s definitely not fair, and Josslyn says, Dev deserved so much better. Sam says, what happened is terrible, and Josslyn says she knows Sonny and Jason do their best to protect her, and she loves them so much. She never wants to complain, but sometimes she has to wonder what life would be like if they were safe, normal people.

Jason puts Brando on speaker phone, and says they’re listening. Brando says, Cyrus wants to meet, and Sonny asks if he said why. Brando says he wanted to clear up any impression Sonny might have about his involvement with the explosion at The Floating Rib. What should he tell Cyrus? Sonny says if Cyrus wants to talk, he’s willing to listen, but he’s got terms.

Martin asks Elizabeth for a word, and she asks if there’s something she can help him with. He says he represented her husband for a time, and she says she remembers he tried to convince the court that Franco was Drew because he had Drew’s memories. He says that brings him to the point. He has Franco’s will. Elizabeth says, when he thought he was Drew… and Martin says, he filed a will, yes. Recent events reminded him that he still had it. It’s technically Franco’s property, and he should feel free to dispose of it as he sees fit. As for him, he’s officially off the case. He hopes she accepts his best wishes for her husband’s speedy recovery.

Anna says, it’s not the first time Alex tried something like this. She had Anna drugged up and locked in a hospital for months, but was eventually found out. Finn says, by Emma, if his memory serves. Anna says, Emma knew who she was, and Maxie says she’s embarrassed to admit they didn’t figure it out. Anna says, Alex was very good at making people believe it. She was convincing enough to insert herself into a family she wasn’t part of. Maxie asks why Alex would bother to kidnap her, and Anna says she was rescued. She’s fine, the baby is fine, Finn is… She looks at him, and he says, not in the traditional sense, but he’s on the mend. Maxie says, but Lulu’s not, and Anna says she’s so sorry. Maxie says she keeps trying to tell herself that Lulu will make it out of this soon. She’s a Spencer. Anna agrees, she’s a Spencer, and she thinks Lulu would want Maxie to concentrate on the good things in her life; the baby, their wedding, Anna and Finn’s wedding. They haven’t told anyone about the changes they’ve made yet.

Jordan and Curtis meet with Portia, and Curtis tells her, they found a lead. Cyrus had someone stashed in a house in Oregon. They don’t know where that person is now, but they lived in Port Charles at one point. Portia says, that’s something. What do they need from her? Curtis tells her not to feel obligated, and she can opt out at any time. She says, it’s not game to her. She wants to bring down a drug dealer and murderer who directly affected her family. What do they need? Jordan says, by the time they got home, Cyrus was knocking on her front door, and Portia says, even a medical investigator wouldn’t be able to tell that Jordan’s documents weren’t true. Jordan says Cyrus is pressuring her to get back to work, and Portia says she’ll refuse to clear Jordan. Anything else? Curtis says, they need access to medical files from 40 years ago.

Cyrus tells his guy, Julian made claims that Taggert is still alive. If he is, they need to drag him out of hiding. Julian is the perfect means of disposal. Brando comes back, and says he got ahold of Sonny. Cyrus asks if Brando was persuasive, and Brando says, yes, but Sonny has one condition. If they meet, Cyrus has to come alone.

Josslyn tells Sam, sometimes, when she’s in Australia, she pretends that’s what her life is like all the time; no lockdowns, no sudden trips to Puerto Rico, no Friday night game with a bodyguard. Sam asks how Josslyn thinks that would make her feel, but Josslyn honestly doesn’t know. It’s not possible. She says, don’t get her wrong. She’d never want to leave. Australia is great for vacations, even long ones, but her life is there. She guesses that’s just the way it is. Over there, life is one thing, and here, it’s this. Carly has been listening outside the door, and comes in. She asks Josslyn how the playlist for Dev’s service is coming, but Josslyn says she put it aside to pack boxes. Carly suggests she and Sam let her get to it. She’ll be downstairs if Josslyn needs anything. Josslyn thanks Sam for listening, and Sam says, of course (🍷).

Trina sees Cameron at the hospital, and he asks if she’s cutting school. She says she’s thinking about it; him? He says he’s not going back today. She asks how Franco is doing, and he says, the brain tumor came back. She says, that’s awful; she’s sorry. She asks what the prognosis is, and he says, they were able to remove some, but not all of it. The rest they’ll treat with radiation. She says, that sounds encouraging, and he guesses it is, but he feels guilty that Dev died because he was in The Floating Rib. Dev’s life is over, and it seems selfish to be happy about the news regarding Franco. She says he can grieve and still be happy. He can be angry and sad about one thing, and feel happy about the other.

Carly says she knows what Sam is going through; she’s been where Sam is. Sam says thinking that Danny and Jason could have been caught in the explosion, is beyond terrifying. If she’s questioning all this, how the hell can she stay with it? Carly says, talk to her, but leave Josslyn out of it, and Sam says she didn’t mean to overstep. Josslyn wanted to talk, and she was just listening. Carly says the kids can’t see that Sam is struggling, but she does because she’s a mom. Sam says she doesn’t know what to do. The information about the explosion, then lockdown. Danny is old enough to understand and ask questions. What is she supposed to say? He’s going ask why daddy is leaving at all hours. Is she supposed to keep saying, great, dad is back again tonight? Carly says she can tell them the truth when they’re older, but Sam wants to tell him now. Carly says she doesn’t owe him a full explanation, and discussing it might make him anxious and afraid. They don’t need to tell their kids the truth if the truth will hurt them. She learned to cope that way, and so can Sam. The kids need to see that she and Jason love each other, and have faith in each other. Sam says their son almost died because Jason took him to play pool. She needs better than that for her kids.

Finn tells Maxie and Peter, they’ve decided to throw in the towel on a formal wedding. Maxie asks if Anna is okay with that, and Anna says it was her idea. Maxie says, okay, continue, and Finn says they decided on something small and intimate, with the people closest to them. Peter asks if he’s still invited, and Finn says he can be Maxie’s plus one. Maxie says she can understand them not wanting to make a fuss, and Peter says, no, she can’t. She says she understands it happens, and Anna says they don’t want to put it off any longer than they have. Peter tells Finn that Violet has some surprises when she comes home from preschool. They involve Roxie and some new dance moves. Finn says his emotional support animal will need an emotional support animal. Peter goes to get their coats, and Maxie tells Anna, one thing Alex said has her freaking out. Alex said she and Peter were alike. What does Anna think she meant? Anan says she thinks Alex was trying to trouble them both because she could. That’s who she was. Her advice is, Maxie needs to let it go. Alex is dead now, and she wouldn’t want Maxie to waste a moment of happiness because of her. Peter comes back, and asks what he missed, but Maxie says, nothing. She and Anna were just talking about how much they love him. He tells Anna, I love you too, mom, and he and Maxie leave.

At the bistro, Trina tells Portia that she thinks she’ll go to school. Portia says it’s understandable if Trina wanted to take a few days off, but Trina says she wants to feel normal, and ancient history will do that. Portia asks what they’re studying, and Trina says, The Iliad. It’s all about justice; what’s not to love? She says she can’t have Portia looking over her shoulder, and Portia says she’s leaving, but come home right after school.  

Cyrus shows up at Pizzulo’s with Brando, and Jason says he was told to come alone. Cyrus says Brando is Sonny’s family. How could he not bring him? Jason tells a guy to put Brando at a table, and Cyrus goes into Sonny’s office. Cyrus asks if Sonny is going to offer him some Corinthos Coffee, but Sonny says he’s fresh out. Brando said Cyrus wanted him to tell him something about the explosion at The Floating Rib. He’s listening. Cyrus says, to begin with, his sincere condolences on the death of Sonny’s cousin Dev. Sonny says he’s running short on patience; cut to the chase. Tell him what he wants.   

Martin sees Jordan and Curtis, and says he heard Jordan was under the weather. He hopes she’s better soon. As he walks by, he says, Mr. Ashford, and Curtis says, Mr. Gray. When he’s gone, Curtis looks at Jordan, and says, Mr. Gray…

Elizabeth goes back to Franco’s room, and Franco says Cameron was showing him some videos. Elizabeth says she smells social media happening, and Franco says Cameron is trying to convince him to do a dance number with his brothers as soon as he’s out of this bed. Elizabeth suggests he sleep on it, and gives him the candy she got, saying, here’s his sugar. She says she loves him, and Cameron says he does too, but he’s never going to admit it. Franco tells him, don’t forget their deal, and Cameron leaves with Elizabeth. In the hallway, Elizabeth asks, what deal? Cameron says, it’s just something they came up with to make their futures brighter. Franco starts to fall asleep, and hears Peter’s voice saying, I’m telling you, I want this to happen.

Finn asks if Anna is okay, and she says, actually she’s fine. Right at this moment, everything is great; at home, with their wedding happening in a few weeks, Peter and Maxie are happy. Everything is looking up for a change.

Peter asks if Maxie has something on her mind; she doesn’t seem happy. She says, Finn almost died. Peter doesn’t think they should concentrate on that, and Maxie says, they’ll concentrate on happy things, like their wedding. She has some ideas she wants to run by him.   

Trina looks at the picture of her and Taggert on her phone. She says, ancient history has been around thousands of years; it will be there tomorrow. A guy approaches her table, and asks if she’s Trina Robinson.

Josslyn looks at Dev’s jacket, and packs it.  

Carly tells Sam, they all want that for their kids; a perfect life with no disappointments and no danger. But that life doesn’t exist. They have a father who loves them, and would do anything to protect them, but doesn’t always tell them everything. Sam asks what she tells them. Scout is too young to understand, but Danny’s old enough to ask questions. Carly says, tell them that she and their father love them, and whatever is happening in the world around them, they have a mother who will always keep them safe.

Brando sits at the table, and looks at Dev’s bracelet. He puts it on.

Cyrus tells Sonny, he’s not there about what he wants. He’s there for Sonny. Sonny asks, how’s that? and Cyrus says he’s there to give Sonny everything he’s looking for.

Tomorrow, Curtis tells Laura they might have a lead, Cyrus tells Sonny to look no further than Julian, and Carly tells someone that all of this is on them.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Still in Palm Springs, Kelly, Braunwyn, and Elizabeth went to the Frey House, designed by Albert Frey. In Kelly’s interview, she revealed she was a history buff, and loved the mid-century modern that was now hip, funky, and cool. Like her. It wasn’t my style, but still beautiful. It used a lot of natural elements, which I love, and was built around a section of mountain. Kelly thought the house was like Arizona meets Cabo, and in her interview, she said it had a lot of windows. She and Rick could live there and be expositionists [sic]. Seriously, someone needs to get that girl a dictionary. Shannon, Gina, and Emily went on a hike. Shannon wanted to get the toxins out of her body. We flashed back to Shannon talking nonsense when she was drunk at Braunwyn’s vow renewal. The best quote of the night was when Shannon said, you know, the thing about the thing. They discussed Elizabeth’s divorce, and in Emily’s interview, she said she’d met Elizabeth before the other women did, and they’d connected. Now she didn’t know who this emotional chick was. Kelly told Elizabeth that she didn’t think they were getting the whole story, and in Elizabeth’s interview, she said, because of the gag order, she couldn’t discuss her net worth or what she’d be receiving, and she didn’t want to poke the bear right now. I think Elizabeth has some serious money issues, especially since she said she was set for life, but still didn’t want her ex to win. I would assume she’s still going to get a bundle from him too. Braunwyn and Kelly suggested she stop talking about it; it was annoying. Elizabeth said she was glad they told her. She thought she was annoying too. In her interview, Elizabeth said she wanted to be perceived as successful. Old pictures of her were shown, and she was unrecognizable, and certainly not a blonde. Gina told Shannon and Emily that Braunwyn had done a 360, and in her interview, said Braunwyn had opened up and got in her heart. Elizabeth talked about going out after the party, and said she got hammered, and Shannon went off on Jimmy. She was screaming she didn’t like his opinions, but they had no idea what he’d done. She asked if Shannon did that, and got a resounding yes. Elizabeth thought it was the alcohol, and in Braunwyn’s interview, she said it hit too close to home. It goes from drinking is fun, to fun with problems, then just problems. It seems like alcohol is the problem with a lot of them. Maybe we need The Real Housewives of Sobriety.

I have to mention. I didn’t even realize how much Tamra and Vicki brought this show down until they were gone. While there are still arguments, they seem more like normal people, and the show is more enjoyable. I even found myself laughing a few times.

We saw that WHO declared a global pandemic. Gina played tennis with friends Kyle and Tatiana, and boyfriend Travis. In her interview, she said if she got emotional, Travis was good with bringing her back. Braunwyn saw therapist Jamie, and in her interview, she said the AA meetings were good, but she went to therapy to have the one-on-one, and deal with the root issue. She was learning how to deal with life on life’s terms. She told Jamie that she’d started drinking at 14, and when she moved to DC at 30, had a miscarriage, she began drinking and abusing Xanax. She said she was so dark, she couldn’t see around or through it, and contemplated suicide, ending up in the psyche ward. Sean had been managing and protecting her since she was 18. There was a dark side to her that few people saw, but he had.

Shannon shopped with Sophie for a debutante ball gown. In her interview, Sophie explained that a deb ball was an entrance for young women into society. The dress had to be white, not ivory, not strapless, and no flowers or lace. While Shannon had been a surfer chick, Sophie’s grandmother and great-grandmother were debutantes. Meanwhile, Braunwyn took Jacob to Cos Bar, which was like Sephora, to get some makeup for him. He seems like a real sweet kid. In her interview, Braunwyn said she never had support growing up, and thought it was important for children to know they’re accepted the way they are. When she was a kid, she needed to fit in a box, but she could only be boxed for so long. Jacob’s journey inspired her, since she’d never been authentic. She said, at the end of the day, the only thing that mattered was that we be true to ourselves.

Elizabeth met with personal trainer Casie, and in her interview, said that she’d spent $2 million in legal fees with the divorce. She’d just lost 30 pounds, and losing the weight was like losing the stress of her husband. When she lost a pound, it was like shedding him from her body. She called mom Lyn, and said the women were finding it annoying that she talked about her divorce, and felt the pieces of the story didn’t fit. Lyn said they’d never understand because Elizabeth’s divorce was in the 1%, and in Elizabeth’s interview, she said the questioning was why she doesn’t get to know women. Well, it’s called friendship, and they just want to know what’s going on in her life.

Sophie tried on Shannon’s old wedding dress, from when Shannon was like a triple-zero. In Shannon’s interview, she said the dress symbolized hardship, but on the flipside, she had three beautiful children she wouldn’t trade for anything. She loved John, but wasn’t rushing into another marriage. She wanted to make sure the relationship was right, and wanted to be smart about the future. Shannon called John’s daughter Julia, who was at Costco, and Julia said they were out of Corona. Everyone thought this was sooo funny, until Julia said they also didn’t have any chicken. She should have gone to the Italian market Gina and Emily went to, since there seemed to be no shortage of anything there. Gina said the market made her feel at home. She told Emily that Shannon was freaking because Braunwyn’s grandma had gotten up close and personal at the party, and thought the pandemic was the end of the world. We flashed back to when Shannon freaked out about Zika when they were on a trip. Shannon realized that instead of antibacterial wipes, Sophie had ordered baby wipes, which were pretty much useless. In Emily’s interview, she says she didn’t know who to trust, or get information from, and wondered what to do about keeping her kids safe. Shannon got weepy over paper towels, and I felt her pain there. She didn’t want to use them in case she could never buy another one. In her interview, she explained that she had permanent scarring in her lungs, which put her at high risk.     

In Kelly’s interview, she talked about the expo being cancelled, saying it was disheartening, since they were looking for investors to get next Positive Beverage to the next level. She said toilet paper was now like a Birkin bag. You had to be on a list to get some. She told Shannon that she thought things were being blown out of proportion. Shannon reminded Kelly that she was in a high risk group, and Kelly said, there were old people, babies, and Shannon. In her interview, Kelly said Shannon was the biggest hypochondriac in the world. Manager Zach told Kelly they should put everything on hold, since it was costing them $50K a month. Gina called mom Susan, and said the kids’ school was closed for a month, and she couldn’t even get toilet paper on Amazon, but she had enough pasta for three months. In her interview, Gina said it felt like 1700 feet just got a lot smaller. I wondered if it was sadder too. Her victim impact statement was coming up, and she said it was going to affect the dynamic of her and Matt’s relationship, and she didn’t want him to be mad at her. She fretted about having six kids there with no school.

Braunwyn told Sean, when they first started canceling things, she thought it was ridiculous, but now she believed they were in uncharted territory. Daughter Rowan said she was terrified. Not of the illness, but of the older people in her life getting it. Braunwyn found Sean’s optimism annoying, and told him not to give the kids false hope. In Braunwyn’s interview, she said it freaked her out watching Rowan get anxious. She was glad she was sober to deal with it. She explained that when she had her first drink, it wasn’t the being drunk she wanted, but she wanted the anxiety to go away. She told Sean if she was drinking, she wouldn’t be able to handle what was needed. She was afraid she might drink, and said there was a bottle of tequila in the cupboard that she’d kept for company. She wanted to get rid of it. Sean was proud of the fact it was unopened and still sealed. Sean got rid of all the liquor, and Braunwyn said she was 43 days sober. She started talking about a meeting, when Sean interrupted, and she got loud, saying no one let her talk. In her interview, she said that she felt like she needed to escape, but there was nowhere to go, because she wanted to escape herself. Being home with 9 kids scared her. She was afraid she’d get bored, and that’s when she made bad choices. It’s when the little voice told her, you can have a drink. No one will know.

At this point, production on season 15 came to a halt.

Later this season, filming virtually, Shane is sick, Shannon says her relationship isn’t a perfect fairytale, quarantine divides the women, Elizabeth says she has a secret she’s been carrying her entire life, and Kelly and Braunwyn argue.    

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

My jury is still out on this show. I find it somewhat fascinating, since it’s slightly different from the others, but Jen. She’s about as antagonistic on a good day as Dorinda was when she was drunk off her ass.

We were still at Whitney’s 20s party, and Jen questioned Meredith about canceling the sleepover. Let me stop right here. What adult calls staying overnight a sleepover? Meredith suggested they have this conversation not at a party. In her interview, Meredith said she wanted to spare Jen the embarrassment over her kids’ discomfort at Jen’s antics when she visited. Jen then moved on to questioning her about why she was friends with Mary. Meredith wisely said she didn’t engage in other people’s conflicts. She didn’t think it helped to resolve them. Jen asked if Meredith was going to be Switzerland for the rest of her life. In Meredith’s interview, she said Jen was unhinged. Jen wanted her to pick sides, telling Meredith that if someone did something to her, Jen would back her up 100%. In Whitney’s interview, she said there was no point in trying to talk Jen down. When she got pissed, she blacked out, and there was nothing you could do. Jen wanted to know how Meredith could be friends with Mary, and asked if she was okay with this. I guess this being Mary having said Jen smelled like a hospital. She wailed that it hurt her feelings, and in her interview, she wondered where the friendship and loyalty were. Meredith said, as far as she knew, they’d apologized to each other, said they loved each other, and everything was fine. We flashed back to that, and Jen said she’d accepted Mary’s apology because it was Meredith’s birthday. In her interview, Meredith said her birthday was weeks ago. She hadn’t heard anything more, and thought everything was fine. Even if there had been a problem, they’re not ten. No one can dictate who’s friends with who. Lisa came over, and told Jen to simmer down; it was a party. Meredith said she was disengaging, since this was not productive. Jen yelled that Meredith was going with Mary, who f***ed her grandfather. In Mary’s interview, she said she heard it, but she ignored it. Clearly, there’s something about her that Jen finds fascinating, since her name is always in Jen’s mouth. In Whitney’s interview, she said, whether it was true or not, it wasn’t appropriate. Jen told Lisa that it was either her side or Mary’s. Lisa tried calming her down, and said loved them both. Jen screeched f*** you at Meredith, at which point, Meredith had enough. In her interview, Whitney said Jen had a history of freaking TF out. She decided to check on Jen out of fear, since she didn’t want Jen to freak out because she didn’t. Jen wanted to bounce, and called husband Shareiff on the phone, yelling, where are you? and telling him she wanted to leave because she’s ten and can’t take cab. In Heather’s interview, she said, it was a crazy night. Between the pole dancing, drinking, and grandpa comment, it was a good thing their Mormon friends weren’t there. The flesh would have melted off their faces. Apparently, they were serving lollipop drumsticks, which Heather desperately wanted, and demanded be guarded when she got up from the table. I thought if I heard lollipop drumsticks one more time, I was going to find her and throw one at her.

Jen split, and screamed at everyone in street that she wanted to go TF home. In her interview, Heather said the best way of dealing with Jen on a rampage was to not react. Express your love and support, end it, and move on. She told Jen it was going to be okay, she loved her, and put her in Sharieff’s car.

The next day, Mary visited Whitney, who asked if she’d enjoyed the party, and Mary said, until the end of the night. Meredith told son Brooks about Jen getting upset, and Lisa and Heather went to lunch and discussed. Meredith said that no one should speak that way to another human being, and Jen needed to apologize. Mary thought Jen hated her, and Whitney couldn’t understand it.

Meredith went to MAR gallery, and chatted with gallery owner Maren. Lisa joined her, and in Meredith’s Interview, she said she just moved into her house a couple months ago, and didn’t feel settled in. It needed a part of her, and she liked modern, clean lines that were monochromatic, in her wardrobe and décor. Lisa wanted to touch everything in the gallery, which was weird. Meredith told Lisa she dreaded telling her, but she and her husband were separating. In her interview, Meredith said she and Lisa’s families were close, and she’s held off telling Lisa. She didn’t want her feeling that she had to take sides. She told Lisa they’d been kind of regrouping, and dating each other. Lisa felt blindsided, and Meredith said Jen was the only other one who knew. Lisa said she wouldn’t talk to anyone about it.

Meredith visited Mary, and in her interview, said she’d seen her fair share of homes, and Mary’s house was disjointed from her personal style. Mary was always so put together, but her house was eclectic. We saw one room was dedicated to Christmas, and I don’t think it was December. Mary’s son hung out with them for a millisecond, and Meredith asked what he wanted to do with his life. He said he wanted to be a fashion designer, which was news to Mary, since he’d always  wanted to be a brain surgeon. In Mary’s interview, she said her son had gotten his girlfriend a dog and a Prada purse for her birthday, which was more than he’d ever gotten her. The purse would last a lot longer than the relationship. Mary and Meredith discussed the party, and Mary said she preferred intimate gatherings. She wanted to have a formal luncheon where they could be real. In her interview, she said she wanted them to hear each other. They don’t listen, and she was breaking that yoke in a fun, fashionable, her-style way. She wanted the Met Gala feeling of dressing up. Meredith said Jen had gone from zero to one hundred, and Mary said she’d been going back and forth about inviting Jen. She thought it would be better to invite her, but Jen could end up being a downer. In Mary’s interview, she said she’d be doing the right thing if she invited Jen. If she didn’t, then it looked like she was in this with her.

Jen went to Heather’s house, followed by a food delivery she’d initiated. In Heather’s interview, she said she’d never been with Jen when she didn’t order food or bring her own snacks. She was like a toddler who needed her sippy cup and fruit snacks, or all hell would break loose. Heather told Jen to talk to her about the party, while she made green bean casserole for her kids. Was she okay? Jen asked if her lips looked okay, and Heather said, physically, she was a dream, but she was a mess on the inside. In her interview, Heather said she thought Jen was crazy, but Jen was her friend. Jen told Heather that she held it together to be a supportive wife, but didn’t see her husband much. She said it was the one-year anniversary of dad’s death, and we saw a clip of her at cemetery with Shareiff. I’m not loving Jen, but I felt badly for her here, since I’ve been there. Heather asked if Jen felt lonely and/or over it, and Jen said she was lonely. Shareiff couldn’t come to her dad’s funeral because had to go to a game. She sucked it up like a good football wife, and he never knew how much it hurt her. In her interview, Heather said loyalty was everything to Jen, and she expected Meredith to be loyal, but she was putting way too much on Meredith. Jen was frustrated with Shareiff, and didn’t know what to do with her anger. Jen ranted while Heather nodded, and Jen let fly about Meredith’s separation, and subsequent dating of her husband. We saw a clip of Meredith explaining it to Jen, and in Jen’s interview, she said she’d held on to the secret for months, but she felt betrayed, so now she was going to spill it. This girl is so fourteen-years-old; I can’t stand it. Jen told Heather she’d thought Meredith was a better friend.   

Mary set up for her luncheon. She’d decided to invite Jen, since, if she didn’t, there would be negativity. Jen called Sharieff for a morning pep talk, and he told her not to bring up any negative stuff at the luncheon.

Heather and Whitney rode to the luncheon together, and Heather wasn’t sure that Mary knew what the Met Gala was, since she was using it as a theme, and the Met was a location that had a different theme every year. She thought Jen would make an entrance. She and Mary would have to cross paths at some point, and she hoped Jen would move on. She told Whitney about Meredith’s separation, and Whitney was surprised, since Meredith always said everything was okay. So much for keeping that on the DL. Heather thought, whatever happened, Meredith would handle it with dignity. They pulled up to beefeater valets, and in Whitney’s interview, she said, beefeaters and a red carpet at noon in Salt Lake City. WTF is going on here? It doesn’t make sense, but it screams Mary.

I wasn’t all that impressed with the outfits. They were nice, but didn’t exactly bring glamour to mind, and definitely not the Met Gala. There were a lot of pants suits. There was a beautiful journal set, and a box from Louis Vuitton by each place setting, and Heather was all in. In Meredith’s interview, she said she was apprehensive about seeing Jen. She didn’t know what expect, but thought an apology would be in order. Mary told them to write about something no one knew about them in the journal. She asked them to open the gift, which she said was so they could hear each other. Inside the box was a set of LV earbuds. Before lunch was served, Mary they’d be together as one, and have a beautiful lunch. She thanked God for what they had, and got teary, but Jen wasn’t buying it.

The food looked amazing, and Mary asked them to talk – one at a time with no interruptions – about something people didn’t know. Mary started since it was her party, and said she didn’t trust people; she had issues. Whitney said she was working on not caring about other people’s opinions. And for the record, she wasn’t a swinger. Lisa said she set high goals for herself, and started tearing up. Mary asked what was up with Jen, and Jen said her dad grew up in Tonga with nothing, and wanted a better life for his family in the US. She was the oldest, and in their culture, the oldest child carried a lot of responsibility. She was expected to be perfect. Growing up, everyone thought she was Black, she was stood up for homecoming, and she didn’t go on dates. She understood how it was to work, and loved her friends, but needed to have loyalty reciprocated; the kind of loyalty she learned from her father. She explained she had a tough exterior, but wanted them to understand why she behaves the way she does. Mary said Jen could use words as a weapon. Jen apologized to Meredith, who thanked her for explaining where she was coming from. In Mary’s interview, she said, where’s her apology?   

Next time, Mary asks why Jen is so angry with her, Whitney’s dad does rehab, and Meredith doesn’t want to move to Ohio with her husband.

🌅 Another Night Turns Into Day…

See you in the charming South tomorrow, and in the meantime, stay safe, stay of staunch character, and stay being Switzerland your whole life if you want to.