Tag Archives: National Dog Show 2024

Dec4

December 3, 2024 – Lulu Learns a Lot, Soap Suds, Kathy Orchestrates a Weekend, New York Minute, OG Argument, Their Thanksgiving, Showing Off & Back

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In the boathouse, Carly says she expects the truce between Jason and Drew to last, and Jason says he’ll keep his part. She says, it’s affecting his relationship with everyone. Tell her what’s going on. He says he’s not telling her.

Molly looks through her old journals from back in 2012 and finds entries about TJ. There’s a knock at the door, but she ignores it. There’s another knock, and she opens the door. It’s Ric, and she says she can’t, then closes the door.

Sonny visits Natalia in her office and she asks if he’s here on Deception business. He says he stopped by to discuss personal business.

Maxie asks if James is sure he saw Lulu in the house, and he says he is. He swears she was here, and suggests they call Mac to solve the mystery. Maxie says she is going to call Mac. There’s something shady going on.

Lulu thanks Dante for bringing her to Laura’s apartment. She can’t wait to see her mom. They knock and Lucky answers. She asks how he’s been, and they hug. Lucky says he’s so glad she’s okay, and she says, it’s been an adventure. Where’s mom?

Anna comes into Laura’s office, and Laura asks if there’s any word on Lulu, but Anna says, no one’s responded to the BOLO yet. Laura says, on the other subject… and Anna says, he just arrived. She opens the door, and Dex comes in with Cyrus in handcuffs. Cyrus asks if Lulu’s been found, and Laura says, that’s none of his business. Unless of course (🍷) he knows where she is already. He says his nephew is misguided. He had nothing to do with Lulu’s disappearance. He’s committed no crime. Why is he in handcuffs? She says she’s having him arrested for stalking her daughter.

Ric asks Molly to let him explain. He took the case to help her, not Ava. He’s not denying Kristina’s fall and Irene’s death were a horrible tragedy, but nobody’s to blame. He knows that’s not something she wants to hear, but let him talk. She says she doesn’t want to hear what he has to say. Thanks to his help, TJ is staying somewhere else tonight.

Sonny says, Natalia’s description on the stand of the car accident didn’t match Kristina’s, and Natalia says, Kristina was upset. Her memory is probably fuzzy. He says, she perjured herself. It’s a serious crime. She risked a lot. She says, the testimony she gave is the least she owes his daughter.

On the phone, presumably with Mac, Maxie says, Lulu’s awake? and James says he told her that Lulu was here. She says, James saw her. She was probably confused by the strange boy scarfing down cookies. They have to find her. Call her as soon has he knows anything. She calls Dante and asks if he knows Lulu is awake.

Carly tells Jason that the kids are going to feel the tension. What about Danny and Scout? Don’t make them pick their fathers over each other. Danny comes in, and Jason asks, what’s wrong? but Danny says, nothing. He starts to leave, but Jason says, hold on. Something is obviously bothering him. Let’s talk about it. Danny says, Rocco got his mom back.

Lulu tells Lucky, long story short, she went to the Quartermaines to look for Tracy and found Rocco. Then Dante showed up. Dante says he needs to go and tells her to call if she needs anything. He leaves, and she says, something’s off with Dante. Lucky says, one minute, she’s in a coma, and the next, she’s on Dante’s doorstep. It’s a lot. Lulu says, it’s a lot for her too. She’s still trying to process, including Lucky being here. He says he thinks the last time they saw each other… It was when they were helping bring Jake back from Cassadine Island. She says, the last big Spencer family adventure. So far anyway. It’s good to see him, but she knows Port Charles isn’t his natural habitat. He says he came when he heard she was in trouble. She needed a liver transplant. She says, he came to be her donor? What about Nikolas? He says, Nikolas was a match, but there were other factors involved, and she asks if Nikolas is at Windymere. He says, no. Nikolas is in prison. She says, they’ll revisit that later. So with Nikolas out… Lucky says he was her best bet. That’s why he rushed back. She says, her family rallied around her in a time of crisis. Is dad back too?

Laura says she asked Cyrus not to visit Lulu without her permission and he falsely represented himself as someone who could make Lulu’s medical decisions. Anna says, as a paroled felon, it will land him back in Pentenville, but Cyrus says he’s not stalking Lulu. Laura says, she’s missing because of him, and he says he didn’t take her. Laura says, she left on her own, and he says, she’s awake? Laura says, yes, and she’s on the run thanks to him.

Dante arrives at Maxie’s, and she asks, where’s Lulu? Who’s more important for her to see? He says, she’s at her mom’s, and Maxie says, fair point. Laura must be overjoyed. He says, she’s not there, and Maxie says, so why didn’t he bring her? He says he left her with her brother, and she asks, how far down the list is she? How is Lulu doing? She’s awake? He says, yes, and she hugs him. She asks how Lulu escaped Turning Woods. Did she tell him that she came here? Tell her something. Dante says, it’s like she didn’t miss a beat. She’s smiling and talking like her old self. Maxie says, it’s a miracle, and he says, it really is.

Lucky tells Lulu that he doesn’t know how to say this, but dad died. Lulu says, he didn’t. Call him and he’ll be here faster than you can say Ice Princess if he knows she’s awake. He says, dad can’t, and he won’t. He died in a cable car crash in Austria. They recovered his body. (Since when?) It was him, no question. Lulu says, he can’t have died from a random accident, but Lucky says, it wasn’t. Victor Cassadine sabotaged the cable car. Victor finally succeeded where Helena failed. He’s sorry. She asks when it happened, and he says, December 2021. She says, he’s been gone three years, and she didn’t know, and Lucky hugs her. He says he’s so sorry.

Ric asks, what happened with TJ? and Molly says, Ric won. She decided he was right, and that Ava never intended to hurt Kristina or Irene. It was just an accident. He says he’s glad she can see that, but what does it have to do with TJ? She says, he thinks her accepting the verdict (which hasn’t been reached yet) is a way to avoid her grief. He thinks she wants to forget Irene like she never existed. He says he’s sorry, and she says she’d like him to leave, but he says, not before they talk about him putting her on the stand.

Natalia tells Sonny that when she waits for a call from her daughter that never comes, she thinks about how terribly she treated Allison and Kristina. She’s so ashamed of her behavior. She hopes her testimony at least begins to make up for the pain she caused his daughter. He says, what happened with Kristina, it’s all good with her, and he thinks the same way. What Natalia did doesn’t compare to what Kristina’s uncle did to her today. Natalia says, he was so brutal, and he says, Ric is using her to hurt him, just like Jagger Cates did.

Jason asks Danny to tell him what happened, and Danny says he saw Rocco and Dante talking to a lady. It was Rocco’s mom. Carly asks if he’s sure, and he says he’s seen a picture. And he could tell by the look on Rocco’s face. She’s the only person who could make him that happy. Carly says she needs to go to the house, but Danny says, she and Dante left. Rocco is still there, but he didn’t know what to say. Jason says, tell Rocco that he’s happy his mom is back, but Carly says, Danny misses his mom, and Danny nods.

Ric says, if he’d thought it would harm Molly, he would have never done it, and Molly laughs. She asks if he thought forcing her to testify against her sister would be harmless, and he says he knew she’d tell the truth. She says, he weaponized her ethics to hurt her sister, and he says, she’s all about justice. He remembers her defending her friends from bullies on the playground. He’s hoping he doesn’t look like a bully. She says, what he put Kristina through was more savage than what a playground bully could come up with. But who is she to judge when she’s said that to Kristina herself?

Dante tells Maxie that he was staring at Rocco, who looked like he couldn’t believe it. He was really happy, but the sad part was him realizing how much he missed his mom and how long she’d been gone. Maxie asks how Dante is doing, and he says he’s doing fine. He’s happy Rocco’s mom is back. She says, but the joy doesn’t outweigh his grief at losing Sam.

Cyrus says, their prayers have been answered. Lulu is awake. How… Anna says, the security footage showed that she left alone, and he says he’s so happy. Why is Laura angry at him? Laura says, he went against her wishes and continued to visit Lulu. She thinks Lulu heard him talking to the medical staff and thought he’d abducted her. She ran out of there in a weakened state. If anything happens to Lulu, she’s going to hold him responsible.

Lucky gives Lulu something to eat, and she says, their dad could turn anything into an adventure. She was always jealous of him being on the run with him and mom. Lucky says, they would have taken her if she’d been born, and she says, he got the good years, when their parents were together. After she was born, mom got sick, and she was raised by Grandma Lesley. He says, she’s still living happily in Italy with Marcello, and she says, what about Tracy? She knows Tracy lives at the Quartermaine mansion, but she didn’t see her. He says, fierce and formidable as ever, and Lulu says she couldn’t believe when dad married her. Making Tracy her stepmom was one of the best things he did for her. She can’t imagine life without him. He says him neither.

Natalia asks how Kristina is doing, and Sonny says, hanging tough. She’s like her dad. He doesn’t have a lot of faith in the legal system. He hopes it doesn’t fail them, but if it does and Ava walks, he’s going to be there for his daughter.

Danny says he remembers what hugging his mom was like, and Carly says, and when he saw Rocco… Danny asks why Rocco gets to have his mom. He knows it’s not Rocco’s fault, but his mom saved Rocco’s mom’s life. They should both be here. Why did his mom have to die?

Ric tells Molly, for what it’s worth (🍷), her mom had plenty to say to him about Kristina. Molly says, that was the worst part, him tormenting Kristina with her own words, what she said when she confronted Kristina at Irene’s grave. He says he regrets it, and she says she should have never claimed Kristina didn’t love Irene. She knew how much Kristina loved that baby. She never meant to hurt Irene. She just can’t get out of her own way. She feels, then reacts. Kristina doesn’t think. She was always the opposite. She approaches things rationally and logically. Maybe TJ is right and she’s cold and unfeeling.

Lucky says he didn’t go to Luke’s memorials. There was one here and one in Amsterdam. Lulu asks, why not? and he says his excuse was that he was doing humanitarian work, but if he’s being honest, he couldn’t face listening to a room full of people reminisce about dad. She says, he wouldn’t have wanted a memorial. At most, he’d want them to have a drink. Lucky says he did that. He got blind drunk. She says, dad wanted them to live life to the fullest, and he says, never take life for granted, cowboy. She says she certainly won’t, thanks to his liver, but Lucky says he wasn’t her donor. That’s why he came back, and he was a match, but apparently a parasite he picked up in Africa made the transplant too risky. She says, if it wasn’t him, Nikolas, or mom, who was it? Do they know? He says, they do. It was Sam McCall. She says, that’s generous. She’ll have to thank… What now? He says, Sam’s part of the surgery went great, but afterward, she was given the wrong medication, and she went into cardiac arrest. She didn’t make it. Lulu says, Sam died because of her.

Laura says, her daughter knew Cyrus was dangerous, even if she didn’t know he was the one who was behind the bomb that put her into a coma. She’s getting a restraining order. If he tries to approach her daughter or any member of her family, he’ll be arrested. Get him out of here. Anna says she’s not quite done with Cyrus yet.

Ric says, Molly isn’t cold. She feels things deeply. TJ is wrong. She says, don’t start on TJ, and he says he doesn’t like seeing her in pain. She says, it’s not TJ’s fault, and he asks if these are her old journals. She says, TJ is in every one since they met – all the celebrations, arguments, plans, and dreams. It’s wild to think he might not be in the next one. First, she lost her daughter and her sister, and now TJ. What does she have left? He says he loves her and always will, and she says she appreciates that, but she doesn’t want him here right now.  

Anna tells Dex to take Cyrus to the station and hold him until someone from Turning Woods arrives. See if they want to press charges. She thinks it will probably be in the morning, but they’ll make sure he’s comfortable. Dex takes him out, and Laura asks if that’s legal. Anna says, it’s not illegal, and Laura thanks her. Anna says, my pleasure, and they hug. Anna looks like she’s worried about something.

Lucy says, Sam’s death had nothing to do with Lulu’s transplant. It was in the results of the autopsy. Don’t blame herself. Lulu says, Danny and Scout lost their mom. Why would Sam risk her life? He asks if Dante has said anything about Sam, and she says, no. Why? He says, when Sam died, she and Dante were in a relationship, and she asks if it was serious. He says, they’d been living together for a while, raising their kids together, and she says, while she was in a coma, Sam was Rocco’s mom? He says, not officially, but for all intents and purposes, and she says, Sam saved her life and Dante lost her.

Maxie asks if Dante told Lulu about Sam, but he says, it wasn’t the right time. She says, if he wants to talk about Sam, she’s here to listen, but she’s going to give him some unsolicited advice. He asks, what took so long? and she says, don’t hide his grief from Lulu. He says he has no reason to. Before the explosion, Dustin proposed. She was moving on. Maxie says, well… and we flash back to Maxie with Lulu in the hospital after the explosion. Lulu says, Dustin just died, and Maxie wants her to confess her love for Dante? Maxie says, not this minute, but soon. If she loves Dante – and she’s admitted that she does – she has to say it. She almost died and Dante would have never known how she felt. In the present, Dante is like, hello? and Maxie says she was thinking. Lulu would want him to be happy. She would understand his relationship with Sam. Don’t hide his feelings because he thinks Lulu can’t handle it. They’ve all made that mistake and it’s always a disaster. He says he’s done that and he’s going to do better for Rocco’s sake. (I don’t remember Lulu telling Maxie this, but in the article – see below – about Dustin, it says she told her mother.)

Danny’s phone dings and he says, Rocco is looking for him. What does he say? Jason tells him, say he’s happy for Rocco, and Carly says, he can still be sad and angry about his mom. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Life is complicated. We can have many emotions at the same time. Danny says, what if Rocco sees that he’s jealous? and Carly says, it’s okay. Rocco knows he’s still processing losing his mom. He says he misses her so much, and Carly hugs him. She says she’s not going to lie. Some days will be awful, and eventually the pain won’t go away completely, but the good stuff – the love and the memories – are what you’ll think about. Jason says, it’s okay to be sad and angry and confused. Just remember, he’s not alone. His dad is here and always will be.  

Molly says she wants to be alone, and Ric says he’ll always be here for her, if she wants him in her life. She says she wants him in her life, but not right now, and he says fair enough. He’ll call her tomorrow. She says she might not answer, but he says he’s still going to call, and he leaves.

Natalia says, it’s clear Sonny’s support is what’s getting Kristina through, and he says he gives Alexis credit. She says, of course (🍷), but Kristina knows he’ll be there, no matter what. Meanwhile, both of her kids think she’s incapable of giving them what they need. He takes her hand and says, don’t give up. Fight for your kids. That’s the most important thing.

Lulu asks how long Dante and Sam were together, and Lucky says he thinks it’s been a couple years. She says, so they were really in love. That’s it. That’s what she saw in Dante. She couldn’t name it because she’s never seen him in love with anyone else, but that was it. The look in his eyes was grief over losing the woman he loved.

Maxie tells Dante that she can’t wait to see Lulu, to talk to her and hear her talk back. She’ll wait until tomorrow. Don’t worry. Dante says, remember, she’s been through a lot. His son has his mom back and he’s so thankful for that.

Laura tells Anna, the dock situation has been dealt with. The Cyrus situation has been dealt with. Her phone rings, and Lucky says, Lulu is here at her apartment. She asks if Lulu is all right, and he says, Lulu’s impatient to see her. Otherwise, she’s perfect, like always. Laura says she’s on her way, and tells Anna, she’s home. She’s got to go. Anna says, go… go, and she jets.  

Jason tells Danny that he knows it’s not going to be easy. There will be a lot of ups and downs. He knows Danny’s mom would want him to live his best life. If he can do that, he’ll make her so proud. Danny thanks him and says he should go find Rocco. He leaves and Carly says, he’s such a good kid. And Jason is such a great father. Jason’s phone rings, and Anna says she needs to see him. Can he come to her apartment? He asks, what’s going on? and she says, they have to find Valentin right now.

Tomorrow, Laura sees Lulu; TJ says he and Molly are taking a break; and Jason says he’s as much to blame as Anna is.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

In case you wondered who Dustin was. Or forgot. TBH, he was kind of forgettable.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-mark-lawson-dustin-phillips-171529

In case you wondered where Scotty is. Geez, are the kicking Laura out next?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kin-shriner-shares-an-update-on-his-status-at-gh

Meet Robin in The Locher Room, on YouTube, Friday, December 6th at 3 pm ET.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/catch-up-with-gh-alum-kimberly-mccullough

Ditto for ex-Parker, but on December 3rd, 3 pm ET.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-bold-the-beautiful/chat-live-with-soap-star-ashley-jones

I don’t really know/remember them, but I doff my cap, since they were soap legends.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-phil-brewer-martin-west-dead-82-174370

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/days-of-our-lives/days-of-our-lives-star-wayne-northrop-dead-at-77

Celebrities, they’re just like us. They probably celebrated about the same, except for that Thanksgiving Eve bowling thing.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-the-stars-spent-thanksgiving

💎 Girls’ Weekend Out…

I’m loving Boz. Are they going to be fighting? Are different people going to be fighting? Am I going to be fighting? Kyle consistently works my last nerve, with Dorit coming in a close second. The two of them clashing on a weekly basis is giving me a headache. Mauricio paid a visit to Kyle, who showed him some updates she was making to the house. I swear he was high. Dude just wants to party, and Kyle lives under the delusion that they’ll be getting back together when his six-month lease is up. I actually think, unless he finds some other unsuspecting soul to take care of him, he’ll want Kyle to look after him in his old age. Hopefully, by then she’ll have gotten a clue and moved on.

Erika wondered why Garcelle didn’t marry Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, or Sean Penn since she dated them, and also made it clear that she was envious of Jennifer Tilly’s high-end luggage. Methinks she’s missing the accoutrements that came with being married to Tom. Maybe she should learn to play poker. Or marry someone involved with a hit TV show. Speaking of Toms, Kathy had a girls’ weekend where the hotel was next to a house where Top Gun was filmed, and they had a photo op with a Tom Cruise lookalike. Good times…

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 14, Episode 3 Recap: Kathy Hilton’s Cast Trip Isn’t Hunky Dory

How Jennifer can afford that Vuitton boat.

https://people.com/rhobh-recap-jennifer-tilly-reveals-she-got-a-piece-of-the-simpsons-in-her-divorce-from-co-creator-8754939

🗽 They Want To Be a Part Of It…

Once again, dog poop was the great leveler, as Sai discovered, stepping in some inside her home. Yep. Been there. They don’t care who you are or how much money you have.

For whatever reason, the recaps for RHONY seem to come out the day after, but the second half of the episode revolved around Racquel and Mel’s engagement party, which was a lavish affair with a ballroom theme. Not the waltz kind, but the queer culture kind, originating from drag balls hosted by Black men. I can’t think of a better theme to center a big party around.

The first half had a more somber note, and I have to admit that I feel a little guilty for not liking Brynn after hearing her sexual assault story. It made me remember that people usually have a reason for behaving the way they do. She’s certainly a better woman than I would be in this situation.

https://people.com/rhony-star-brynn-whitfield-opens-up-about-surviving-sexual-assault-exclusive-8754876

There was also this out there. But what are Housewives without a feud?

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/ubah-hassan-goes-on-the-record-about-rhony-feud-exclusive

🎤 Dropping Their Mic…

I don’t know how much he’s at fault, but Jeff Lewis does seem to be a drama magnet.

Dorinda Medley and Margaret Josephs’ Tour Canceled After Jeff Lewis Live Argument

🦃 The Other Half’s Holiday…

Non-soap stars celebrating Thanksgiving. Again, the majority do it the way us mere mortals do.

https://okmagazine.com/p/thanksgiving-2024-celebrities-celebrated/?utm_source=mainlineemail

🐩 After the Parade…

To look at a Pug is to put a smile on your face about sums it up.

https://people.com/vito-the-pug-wins-2024-national-dog-show-8752796

I hope they have a weewee station there.

https://people.com/national-dog-show-handlers-stuck-during-show-because-of-this-rule-exclusive-8748136

Groom your dog like the pros do it.

https://people.com/inside-the-grooming-routines-national-dog-show-exclusive-8748199

🏂 Sliding Into Winter Like…

Join me tomorrow for soap and what’s watchable (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay not forcing joyfulness if you don’t feel it; and stay never giving up. No matter what your goal is.

Nov28

November 27, 2024 – Ava’s Trial Concludes, Final Bow, Salty Talk, 60 Years, They’re Off, Everything Parade, Pardoned, National Pups (!), Happy Thanksgiving & Give Thanks

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Olivia asks Gio about playing the National Anthem at the PCU/Llanview game, when Chase runs in looking for Brook. Lois asks, where’s the fire? when Brook comes out, grabs his hand, and they run upstairs, saying that they’re going to finish a movie. Olivia says she knows where the fire is, and Lois says, they all know.

Sasha tells Maxie that she can’t believe it. She hasn’t slept with anyone since Brando, and spends one night with a guy from the bar… She doesn’t know if she can do this.

Lulu walks into her house and says, what the…? James comes out and asks who she is. She says, sorry, but who is he? And what is he doing in her house?

Lucky says, Cyrus was here? and the manager says, he volunteers at Turning Woods. Lucky asks if he thinks it’s okay that a violent, convicted criminal has access to patients, and Elizabeth asks why the family wasn’t consulted. The manager says, Cyrus is Lulu’s uncle and said he had authority to act on the family’s behalf, and Lucky says, like hell he does.  

Kristina says she loved her child and would never hurt her, and Ric says, not more than she loved her father. That’s why she went to the hotel room, isn’t it? To protect her father. She put her father first before the baby. ADA Turner objects, badgering the witness, and the judge sustains it. She tells Ric, question the witness or dismiss her, but don’t testify on her behalf. He says, Kristina wanted to protect her father more than her sister’s child, and Kristina says, she was her child. It was an impossible situation. She wanted to protect her family. He says, the baby was her niece and Kristina’s reckless action caused her death. She’s the reason Irene Davis-Ashford is dead. Alexis stands up and says, that’s enough. Leave her alone.

The judge tells the court to come to order, and Alexis says, the defense attorney is attacking the witness and assaulting her emotionally. It’s egregious. (Alexis’s favorite word.) The judge says, Alexis has no standing in this court and needs to leave before she’s cited for contempt. Alexis says, Ric should be cited for contempt of the judicial process, and the bailiff starts to move toward her. Sonny says, they’ll leave, and the ADA requests a recess, but Ric says, it’s not necessary. No further questions. The judge gives them 15 minutes anyway, and Ava tells Ric that he made Kristina look sympathetic. He says, she already looked sympathetic, but now she looks volatile and reckless. That’s what they wanted.

Kristina says she blew it, but Dante says, not necessarily. He’s been on the stand numerous times, and the jury responds to the truth. She told hers. Molly tells TJ that she’s afraid, and he says, of which part? Ric breaking Kristina down or Kristina saying their baby was her baby. Molly says, if Kristina’s testimony gets Ava acquitted, she’ll never forgive herself. Molly goes over to Kristina and hugs her. She says she’s sure their mom will take Kristina home, but Kristina says she’s not going anywhere, and stares at Ava.

Alexis tells Sonny that Ric knows he can’t win on his own merit, so he’s shattering Kristina. Sonny says, it’s a desperate move and the jury will see right through it, and she says, Ric wanted to make Kristina look like a loose cannon, and she’s worried the jury will believe him. Sonny asks if she wants to go home, but she says she wants to wait. She tells him to go inside. His daughter needs him. He goes back in the courtroom.

Maxie says she knows Sasha is scared, but she meant what she said. Sasha does have a support system and they’ll be here to help. Sasha says she knows. She has a lot of decisions to make, and this isn’t the only one. Maxie says, she just found out that she’s pregnant and needs to do what’s best for her.

James says, it’s not her house. It’s his house. Lulu says she doesn’t know who he is or what he’s doing here. If he tells her where he lives, she’ll help him find his way home. He says he doesn’t have to tell her anything, and she says she lives at 34 Cherry Lane. He says, that’s here, and she says, this is her house. He yells, mom! Stranger danger!

Lucky says, Cyrus has zero authority to act on the family’s behalf, and Elizabeth says, they’ll figure it out. When Cyrus came to visit Lulu at GH and Lucky’s mom found out, she had him removed from the list. Lucky asks the manager why his mother would ban Cyrus from GH only to turn around and authorize him to act on the family’s behalf, and the manager says, he’ll have to ask the mayor. Their focus is on patient care, not family disputes. Lucky says, Lulu vanished, and no one noticed, and the manager says, they have state of the art security equipment. An orderly listens from outside the door, and Lucky says he wants to see the footage – all of it – up until what happened to his sister.

Cyrus is working at the PC Grill when his phone rings. The orderly says, it’s Joe from Turning Woods. Cyrus’s nephew is here, and he’s upset. Cyrus asks if something happened to Lulu, and Joe says, his niece is missing.

Ric calls Natalia to the stand, and she looks surprised. (Um… wouldn’t she have to know if she was going to testify? What if she hadn’t come to court? I don’t think surprise witness means the witness is the one who’s surprised.)

Gio says, Chase and Brook were in a hurry. It must be a great movie. Olivia says, kicking back and watching a movie is just what they need, and Lois says, they need to take it easy. Gio says he’s going to go practice, and leaves. Olivia and Lois laugh, and Olivia says, Lois is going to be a Nona soon.  

Chase and Brook kiss their way to the bed, and Chase says he’s sorry he’s late to make a baby with her. They get busy.

Maxie runs out with a bat in her hand and looks around. She says, James Malcolm West, what is going on? She thought someone was in the house. He says, there was, and she says, she told him not to joke about something like this. He says he’s not. There was a lady in the house. She asks if the lady gave him cookies, but he says he got them from the kitchen. She asks how many he’s had, then says she doesn’t want to know, taking the plate. He says he’s telling the truth. There was a lady in the house. Maxie says, that’s not possible. The doorknob is locked. She goes over to the door, turns the knob, and it opens. Sasha says, it’s not locked, and Maxie asks if James did this. James says, there was a lady standing by the chair, and Maxie and Sasha look outside. Maxie says, this is weird. He doesn’t usually make up stories. She picks up the rock and sees the spare key is gone.

The manager says he’ll call security in the morning, but Lucky says, now. The manager says he’s sorry, but there’s protocol, and Lucky suggests they call the cops. The manager says, they’ve started a search. Lulu was probably sent to the wrong room. Lucky says, their incompetence doesn’t make him feel better. Give him the footage.

Ric asks if Natalia was recently in a car accident, and did she make a 911 call on November 11th? She says, it was earlier in November, and she’ll trust him on the date, and Ric enters her 911 call into evidence. He plays it for the jury and asks if that’s Natalia’s voice. She says, yes, and he asks, who’s the other voice? She says, Kristina Corinthos-Davis, and he says, she and Kristina in a car accident? She says, technically, yes, but they didn’t hit. He asks about Kristina’s emotional state, and she says, Kristina was shaken. He asks if she was rational, and Natalia says, totally. He asks, who caused the accident? and Natalia says she did.

Maxie asks if James promises he didn’t take the key, and he says he promises. Sasha says she’s going to let Maxie handle this, and Maxie says, they’ll talk tomorrow. She doesn’t want Sasha to think she’s on her own. Sasha says she’ll call in the morning, and opens the door. Spinelli is about to come in, and Sasha says, hi… bye, and leaves. Maxie asks James to tell her more about this mysterious stranger, and James tells Spinelli that there was a strange lady here, but mom doesn’t believe him. Maxie says, James is convinced there was an intruder, and James says he promises it’s really true. Maxie says, if the intruder returns the key, she’d appreciate it, and Spinelli says he believes he has a way to solve the mystery.

Lucky storms into the PC Grill, Elizabeth following him, and asks Cyrus, where the hell is his sister?

Gio plays his violin outside, when Lulu comes by. When he finishes the song, she says, it’s a good thing he’s playing not singing it. The high note always trips people up.

Lois tells Olivia not to put the stroller before the baby. Brook isn’t pregnant yet and she doesn’t want to jinx it. Olivia says, it’s only a matter of time. She’s glad Brook did it in the right order, not like she did, but it worked out for the best… She’s sorry. Lois did everything right too. Lois says she thinks she’s learned there’s no right or wrong way to live your life. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Olivia says, one way or the other, and Lois asks if she’s okay. Olivia says she was thinking about Sam, Dante, and the kids. One minute, they were a big happy family, and the next minute, it was all gone. Lois says, it makes you appreciate how fragile and unpredictable life can be, and Olivia says, Brook and Chase are going to live long, happy, healthy lives. And Lois is going to be the second proudest Nona in the world. Lois says, all she wants is for Brook and her grandchildren to be happy, and Olivia says, grandchildren. Monica is going to have to put on another wing.

Chase says, mission accomplished, and Brook says, it’s too early to know if she’s pregnant, but mission definitely accomplished. Promise her something. She never wants making a baby to take precedence over them and for it to feel like a chore. He says, the most important thing is for them to enjoy each other. Everything else will come in time. She says she has another mission, should he choose to accept it, and he says, definitely. They kiss.

Ric reminds Natalia that she’s testifying under oath, and says, she claims the accident was her fault? She says, yes. It was definitely her mistake. He asks her to tell the court what happened, and she says she was driving when she got a text. She’s embarrassed to say, she looked down at it and drifted into oncoming traffic. He says, it must have been important, and she says, it was from her daughter. Their relationship is strained and they’re not speaking, so the text surprised her. He asks why she said she didn’t need emergency services, and she says, they were both fine. He asks if she called anyone else, and she says, Kristina’s dad. He picked her up. He asks if an insurance claim was made, but she says, no. They took care of it themselves. They didn’t want the insurance to go up. He says, of course (🍷). She testified that she caused the near collision and Kristina acted rationally in the aftermath. Natalia says, correct, and he says he has no further questions. The judge asks the prosecution to redirect, but the ADA says she has no questions. The judge tells Natalia that she can step down and asks Ric to call his next witness. He calls Molly Lansing-Davis to the stand.

Spinelli says, the answer is in the palm of his hand, and James says he’s bored. Spinelli says he has the mobile app for a camera he just installed at the front door, and Maxie says, so it records everything outside. They look at the video and see Lulu taking the key. Maxie says, James was right, and James says he tried to tell her. Spinelli says, her hood is covering her face, and Maxie says she knows she owes James an apology, but she needs him to focus and describe the woman. James says, she had blonde hair, and Maxie says, that narrows it down. Spinelli says, James can give the description to the PCPD, and James says he’s going to help crack the case, and runs off.

Lucky says he was just at Turning Woods and Cyrus was the last person spotted with Lulu, and Cyrus says, it’s surprising Lucky showed up. He’s been there to support his niece during these trying times. Lucky says he wants to make it clear. Cyrus is not welcome near his sister. Cyrus says, Lucky’s mother is busy running the city and raising his nephew. Lucky is rarely on the continent, much less at Lulu’s bedside. If he’s not there, who is?

Gio says, no one wants to hear him sing, and Lulu asks if the Quartermaines hired him to play. He says he lives here, and she asks if he’s a Quartermaine. He says, it’s a grey area between guest and extended family. No one has asked him to leave, so he must be doing something right. Lulu says, the way he plays, they should keep him around, and he tells her that Lois said the same thing. She brought him here. She says, Lois Cerullo? She thought Lois lived in Bensonhurst. He says, she did, until last year. He’s answered her questions and now he has one of his own. Who is she? She says she’s sorry she interrupted him, and he asks if she knows where she’s going. He could take her somewhere. She says she appreciates it, but she’s had her fill of stranger danger for one night and they just met.

Ric asks if Molly was with her sister when Kristina was served with the subpoena, and Molly says, yes. He asks, what was Kristina’s reaction? and Molly says, she was not happy. He says, define not happy. Was she angry? ADA Turner objects, leading the witness, and the judge says, sustained. Ric asks if Kristina stated she was planning on testifying, and Molly says, she said she didn’t intend to comply. He asks if she informed Kristina that failure to comply is a punishable offense, and Molly says she did. He asks what Kristina’s reason was for not complying, and she says, Kristina was afraid she would incriminate her father for an unlawful act. He says, her father is Michael Sonny Corinthos, Jr. So Kristina would rather protect her father than state the truth. Molly says, Kristina was set on not testifying, and he asks if Kristina confided her intention to confront Ava. She says, Kristina told her that she was going to get Ava to drop the subpoena. She didn’t specify that she was going to confront Ava. Ric asks what she said and how did Molly respond, and Molly says she warned Kristina not to see Ava. He says, Kristina didn’t take her advice, did she? Why does Molly think that is? Molly says, she was angry, and there are mumbles throughout the courtroom. He says, so Kristina Corinthos-Davis, 38 weeks pregnant with Molly’s child, was aware the subpoena would not be lifted, yet sought out and confronted Ava to protect her father from her testimony. Molly says, yes, and Ric has no further questions.

Ava takes the stand, and Ric says, Kristina arrived at her hotel suite upset. Ava says she understood. Kristina is very protective of her father. He says, Ava subpoenaed her, and she says she believed Kristina would see her obligation to tell the truth and consider what was at stake, the well-being of her half-sister Avery. He asks if Kristina asked her to lift the subpoena, and Ava says, she demanded it. He says, and Ava refused? and she says, yes. He asks about Kristina’s mental state, and Ava says, she was angry. He asks if Kristina made threats, and she says, Kristina threatened to bring up her alleged past transgressions to damage her custody case. He asks how Ava reacted, and Ava says she was upset, but she didn’t wish harm on Kristina’s baby. He asks if Ava laid a hand on Kristina, and she says, yes. They were arguing and Kristina was pushing past her. She reached out and grabbed Kristina’s shoulder, and Kristina pulled away. She lost her balance and tripped. She fell against the window and crashed through it. It was horrific. He asks what she did, and Ava says she went to the window and closed the drapes. He asks if she saw what Kristina tripped over, and she says, a duffel bag belonging to a man she was involved with. He asks if she replaced it with another item, and she says she moved the bag to the other room and replaced it with a pair of shoes. He asks, why? and she says, the man she was involved with was an FBI agent. She didn’t want to draw him into any trouble. He asks if she had any intention of harming Kristina or her child, and she says she could never harm a child. Her own daughter was brutally murdered, and she’d never wish the pain of losing a child on anybody. He says, one last question. Does she have any regrets about that day? She says she regrets that they both thought they had to protect their families. She regrets that their differences weren’t addressed in a courtroom, and deeply regrets that an innocent baby lost her life before she had a chance to live it. She knows it was a tragic accident and for that she has so much regret and sorrow. Ric says he has no further questions.

Lois says, all she wants is one beautiful healthy grandchild, and Olivia says, being a Nona is the best. You get to say yes to everything. That reminds her. She made Rocco his favorite cookies. Lois says she thought Dante didn’t want him eating those, and Olivia asks, what did she just say?

Brook says, that didn’t feel like a chore, and Chase says he’s looking forward to that big, beautiful baby belly. She says, he’s made it clear that he’s excited about Project Baby Bump, and he says he’s excited about everything to come. She says, her blowing up like a balloon, and he says he knows she has the harder part, but when she starts to show, it will feel real. She says, he’s going to be the best father, and he says he’s excited they’re doing this together for the first time. He’s excited about all of it.

Elizabeth says, they were wondering if Cyrus saw anything suspicious at Turning Woods, and Cyrus says he was told Lulu was showing improvement. He was too focused on the good news to notice. He’ll be more vigilant next time. Lucky says, there’s not going to be a next time. He made it clear that Cyrus is to have zero access to his sister going forward. Cyrus says, that’s a mistake. Lulu needs him. Lucky says, Cyrus needs to get it in his head. In no way is he Lulu’s family. Cyrus says, Lucky’s been absent for more than a decade. Now he graces them with his presence and gets to decide who’s family. When he’s spent more than a month with his own child, then they can discuss family.  

James wonders when Grandpa Mac is getting here with the police, and Maxie tells him to sit and read. Spinelli says, perhaps James is right, and they should get the police involved. Whoever came in, is out there with the spare key. James flips through a photo album and suddenly says, this is her. The lady who was in the house. Maxie takes the album and sees Lulu’s photo.  

Lucky says, it doesn’t matter where he’s been. He’s here now and he’s going to do everything in his power to protect his family. Cyrus says, as will he, and Elizabeth says, getting arrested isn’t going to help. Lucky says he just got the security footage, and he and Elizabeth look at it. They watch as Lulu gets the clothing out of the drawer behind the reception desk, and Lucky says, she’s awake.   

It’s time for the closing arguments, and ADA Turner says, by her own admission, the defendant physically struggled with Kristina. She moved the bag Kristina tripped over, restaging the crime scene. She lied about closing the curtain and hid having an affair with an FBI agent. But the biggest lie was that she claimed Kristina Corinthos-Davis’s fall was an accident. The truth is, Ava Jerome got angry, and with intent and malice, pushed Kristina through a third-floor window, causing the death of her baby. Irene Davis-Ashford would still be alive if it weren’t for the actions of Ava Jerome, and for that, the jury must find her guilty of manslaughter.

Ric says, the central fact of the case is, a baby is dead. A baby that was loved and wanted, mourned and grieved. When a tragedy happens, it’s natural to want to blame someone, when often, nobody is at fault. They heard testimony confirming Kristina was angry and out of control. She showed up at Ava’s hotel suite even though she’d been advised that visiting would not result in lifting the subpoena. What was her intention? Both parties admit they were heated and emotional, both intent on protecting their families. They argued, and in that argument, Kristina tripped over a piece of luggage and crashed through window. It’s horrifying and tragic… but not a crime. The prosecution would have them believe Ava was callous and caused the death of another woman’s child, even though she’s gone through that unimaginable loss. He’s sure all parties question their choices that day and if they could have changed course, but that’s why it’s called a tragedy. Random decisions caused the death of a child. It’s only way more tragic if they wrongfully assign blame. There’s enough blame to go around, so they should leave it here today. Call it what it is – an accident, a tragedy – and let the healing begin for all those involved.

The judge says, the jury must agree by unanimous verdict. When they do, notify the bailiff. She asks the bailiff to escort them to the jury room. Ava tells Ric, nice job, and he says he hopes at least one of the jury members agrees. Everyone gets up to leave, and TJ asks what Molly thinks. She says she thinks this was a tragedy.  

In the hallway, Kristina says, they can’t fail. The jury has to find Ava guilty and punish her.

Lulu walks into the Quartermaine mansion. She walks through the foyer and into the living room. She hears someone come in, and Rocco says, mom? She turns and sees him and says, Rocco?

Next week, Laura tells Lucky, the only time she would do something is when she was in danger; Lulu tells Rocco, long time, no see; Molly says she’ll do anything for TJ but that; Drew says, the second Jason moves into the Quartermaines, he and Scout are gone; and Kristina asks Sonny to tell her the truth.

🎭 Quite a Life…

I didn’t watch Ryan’s Hope, but I remember seeing her in the Soap Digest. I had no idea how accomplished she was.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/ryans-hope-star-helen-gallagher-dead-at-98

🧂 There’s Salt In My Lake…

According to Heather, the Mormons have two great claims to fame – potato sacks and polygamy. Who knew? While I’ve grown weary of the whining, what stood out in this episode was Robert Jr. confessing to his mother what we’ve known all along – he’s a drug addict. Mary was nothing but compassionate and supportive, and in her interview, she said she was disappointed with herself, having failed him in some way. She said she thought he’d stop at weed and edibles, but was clearly wrong. When she tearfully told him that he could kick his habit and they’d get through this together, it was as real as it gets.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 5, Episode 11 Recap: It’s Like Girl Scout Camp Except with Wine
‘RHOSLC’ Recap: Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Details Substance Abuse Struggles

🛸 Standing the Test Of Time…

I’ve never seen this, but I don’t think I’d hate it. I’m all for the so-bad-it’s-good movie.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/santa-claus-conquers-the-martians-60-year-anniversary

 👠 Oz, The Next Generation…

I won a ticket to see this from an online instant win contest. I’m waiting until the dust settles to go though. Fewer kids. I don’t want to feel like I’m in the middle of a school bus during a field trip.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/wicked-review-fantasy-diversity-representation

🦕 Before the Parade Passes By…

The balloons. My favorite, Pikachu, is flying with a buddy this year.

https://www.macys.com/s/parade/lineup/

https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pikachu-eevee-bring-pokemon-fun-to-the-2024-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade

The human performers.

https://deadline.com/2024/11/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-nbc-2024-1236164013/

The parade route. I’ve seen it in person twice. Once from the sidewalk in front of the store and once from inside an office building while drinking mimosas. Guess which one was better? Seriously though, you’re better off watching from home. It’s supposed to rain anyway.

https://www.macys.com/s/parade/route/

Before the parade. I knew a guy whose whole family did this every year, bringing hot chocolate and snacks. Sounds like fun, but again, weather.  

https://nypost.com/2024/11/27/us-news/hundreds-watch-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-balloons-get-inflated-in-nyc-mind-blowing-doesnt-really-describe-it/

🦃 Official Release…

Weird how this suddenly became a thing.

https://people.com/presidents-with-the-turkeys-they-pardoned-8403658

🐕 After the Parade…

I catch as much of this as I can every year, but I usually miss the end because Thanksgiving dinner approaches.

https://people.com/where-to-watch-2024-national-dog-show-thanksgiving-8751701

The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for. – Norman Vincent Peale

I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land. – Jon Stewart

🍗 Stretch Pants Activated…

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, your long weekend, your whatever, and see you on the flipside. Until then, stay safe, stay leaving room for dessert, and stay knowing there’s no right or wrong way to live your life. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.