Tag Archives: Nicole Paggi

July 3, 2025 – GH Weekdays, No Friday For You, Happy 4th, Soap Suds, Down But Not Out, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, A Farewell, Dressed For Independence, Septenary Quotes & Pie

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Natalia walked into the christening and sat down. Carly wondered why she was there, and Sonny said he’d handle it. He asked to speak to Natalia outside, and they left. Sasha brought in Daisy.

Lucas and Marco prepared to cook dinner in Sonny’s old kitchen, but Lucas lost the recipe and admitted he was no chef. Marco said they’d have to improvise.

In his office, Curtis was about to get busy with Portia on the desk, when Jordan walked in, turned around, and left. Curtis said Portia had set that up, and Portia said she sure as hell did.

Turner asked Anna if failing to take down Sonny was a dereliction of duty or incompetence, and Anna told her again to take her gripe to internal affairs. Sonny wasn’t stupid; he was smart and strategic. Turner said, so was Anna, and wondered if Sonny was really one step ahead of Anna or if her personal allegiance was causing her to look the other way.

Natalia said Sonny was supposed to be on the plane with her, and he said she wasn’t supposed to be there. He was giving her a new life where she’d be comfortable, and he could monitor her safety. Natalia insisted he’d said he’d go with her (he actually never did) and whined about not knowing anyone. Was dumping someone in a foreign country his way of taking care of loyal people? He said she’d have a new life in Belize, but his life was in Port Charles. (Again, I will totally go if she doesn’t want to.)

Wiley asked if they were waiting for mommy, but Michael reminded him that she wasn’t coming. They were waiting for grandpa.

Brook asked if Chase knew why Natalia was there, but he said he couldn’t discuss it.

Anna said Turner’s routine was getting old and it was unnecessary. They had the same goal and Turner could use her as an ally or wreck herself on the altar of Sonny Corinthos. She wouldn’t be the first and Anna was fairly certain she wouldn’t be the last. She didn’t understand why Turner wasn’t working directly with her. Turner needed her.

Curtis said Portia had just apologized for all the lies and manipulation, then manipulated Jordan into walking in. He wondered if Portia’s seductive moment was part of the plan, but she said, no. She’d sent a message that Curtis wanted to see Jordan and knew she’d come running, but wasn’t sure when Jordan would get there. Curtis said, another lie, and Portia asked if he was mad because she lied or because his ex saw him kissing his current wife.

Lucas told Marco that he was a prolific microwaver. (Same.) His mom cooked, but Carly and Sam didn’t. They got good hair, but missed the culinary gene. He’d had no time to learn and when he was married, Brad cooked. Now he got take-out or something from the hospital cafeteria. Marco said his mom taught him to cook. It was something they loved doing together when he was young… before it all went wrong.

Natalia got more upset, and Sonny said he’d set up a beautiful home in a beautiful area. She’d have access to anything. She said, except connections – friends and family, but he said she could make friends. She cried and said she thought they were starting a life together. Kristina came out and said Father Reyes was about to start, and Sonny said he’d be there in a little bit. He told guard Steve to take Natalia to her hotel and make sure she got on the flight. Natalia said, felicitations on his granddaughter’s christening. She hoped he and his whole family got every blessing they deserved. She left with Steve, and Sonny went back inside.

Father Reyes asked what the baby’s name would be, and Sasha said, Daisy Celeste. The priest said Daisy’s name was her special identity to God and welcomed her to her family and the church. The godparents did their thing, renouncing Satan and promising to raise Daisy in the faith. Father Reyes baptized Daisy with water and made the sign of the cross with oil on her forehead. He presented Daisy Celeste, and there was applause and taking pictures.

Anna said Turner hadn’t crossed a line yet, but was teetering on the brink. Taking Anna’s officers while keeping her out of the loop wasn’t going to work. Turner needed to be careful in deciding how to proceed. Jordan walked in and apologized for interrupting, but Anna said, the acting DA was just leaving.

Curtis said he was looking at someone he didn’t know. Was it all a set up or a show? Portia said everything they’d just shared was real. They were reconnecting and Jordan needed to see that. Jordan wanted him back and needed to know it wasn’t happening. Not now, not ever.  

Jordan told Anna, sorry. It looked intense. Anna said Jordan did her a favor, putting a civil end to it. She asked if Jordan saw Curtis, and Jordan said she saw Curtis with Portia on his desk. Anna said she was so sorry, but Jordan said she didn’t blame Anna. She blamed Portia and herself. She’d played right into Portia’s hands. She thought Portia wanted her to catch them in the act. The bitch set me up.

Curtis told Portia that Jordan had been nothing but good to him. He went for a swim and they had a conversation. Portia said Curtis and Jordan had been dialed in. It was proof of what she’d been feeling for a long time. He said what she was feeling was in her head, but she said, no. Even before she confessed to him at the Nurses Ball, she noticed their private conversations. He said she’d been too busy being blackmailed by Drew and lying, and he thought her guilt was driving this. She said she felt guilty, she was hurting, and they were struggling. Jordan saw Curtis was vulnerable and was trying to exploit that. Curtis said it didn’t sound like Jordan, but it sounded like Portia.

Father Reyes gave his blessing and told everyone, go in peace. Michael invited them all to the Quartermaines and said the late Monica would love having them. Sasha suggested they get the show on the road since Daisy needed a diaper change. Carly asked Sonny what was going on with Natalia, and he said it was taken care of. Kristina asked if Jason had any idea what was going on. It seemed strange. Jason said whatever it was, was over. Today was about Daisy, Michael, and Sasha. She said, spoken like a true godfather. Daisy was lucky she had him to protect her. They all were.

On the phone, Chase told Turner that he was at All Saints Chapel. Natalia was just there at Sonny’s granddaughter’s christening. She and Sonny spoke briefly, and she left, but he didn’t know what they’d discussed. Brook saw him and asked what he just did.

As they finished dinner, Lucas said he couldn’t have pulled this off, but Marco said Lucas set a nice table. Lucas said he enjoyed the meal, the company, and the conversation, and thanked Marco for coming to his culinary rescue. Marco said Lucas saved lives and he saved dinner, and they kissed.

Natalia told Steve that she needed to pack and take a shower, but he said they needed to get to the airport. She asked if a girl couldn’t take a shower in peace, and he said he’d be outside. He left and she closed the door and cried.  

Chase said he wished Brook hadn’t listened, and she said it wasn’t Sonny’s fault Natalia showed up. Chase reminded her that they put a wall between work and their personal life, and asked her to respect that. He had to go to the station and didn’t want to fight. She said she needed to know if something was going on between Natalia and Sonny, but he said he couldn’t talk about it. He loved her. She said she loved him too, and he left.

Natalia hyperventilated and took some pills, washing them down with liquor. She put on her bathrobe, picked up a dress, and tossed it down. She took more pills and remembered Sidwell saying it was all on her for not accepting Marco for who he was. She flashed back to Sonny saying he was giving her a comfortable life in a beautiful area, but it wasn’t his life. His life was there. She recalled Marco saying, if she left, it was on her. She was no longer his client or his mother. She’d officially be nothing to him. She sent a text.

Marco and Lucas started to kiss, when Marco’s phone chimed. Lucas said, that was two in a row. Shouldn’t he check? Marco looked at his phone and said it was his mom. Lucas said it was gibberish, and Marco said she was probably drunk. Her drinking and texting weren’t a rare occurrence. When she was drunk, the guilt took over, and her texts were word salad courtesy of autocorrect. Lucas said Natalia was leaving the country. Didn’t he think the timing was odd?

Anna said if Jordan thought it was a set-up. That meant Portia was throwing down the gauntlet. What was she going to do? Portia said, nothing. Curtis wasn’t an option. She had feelings to process and was trying to walk away with some semblance of dignity. She had to. she wouldn’t be responsible for ruining Curtis’s marriage, but Portia and her games might be.

Portia said if Curtis was saying she went after a crack in his marriage to Jordan and unfairly took him away, but Curtis said that was on him. The issue between them nothing to do with Jordan. He’d believed Portia was worried about Trina and trying to find peace between them. She said that was why she came, but he said she seemed more worried about Jordan. Was everything an act? She said, nothing was an act. He’d been cold and hard to reach. He might disagree with her decision, but she wasn’t sorry. She did it to save them. He said she wasn’t saving them. She was destroying them.

Felicia asked how Carly felt about her new grandbaby, and Carly said Daisy was a surprise, but it felt like she’d always been there. She fit in. Felicia said a new grandchild to love on and spoil was a blessing, and Carly agreed. She wished her mom could have met Daisy. Felicia said Bobbie had been with them in spirit at the christening and was probably there too. She loved a good party. Jason came in and Sasha brought Daisy over to him. She asked if he wanted to hold her, and he said, sure, taking the baby. Sasha asked what he wanted Daisy to call him, and he said Jason was fine. She said he’d stuck by her and looked out for her and Daisy. She admitted she didn’t mind it as much as she thought she would. He took a lot of heat, and she felt taken care of. Daisy would feel that too. She was trying to say he was a good man. Daisy was lucky to have him in her life looking out for her and so was she.

Curtis asked what Portia’s end goal was with her lies and stunts. She wasn’t pulling them closer, but driving them further apart. She was Trina’s mother, but he still didn’t trust her. She asked if that’s all she was to him. She’d thought she was his wife, but maybe that didn’t matter because she lied. Lord knew, Jordan never did. He said Jordan lied about work and being undercover. She didn’t lie about having his child or being blackmailed by his enemy, and didn’t lie and manipulate him into doing his enemy’s bidding. Jordan was never the problem. The real problem was them.  

Jordan said she and Curtis had a complicated history and genuine affection. She didn’t want those feelings bound up in Portia. She should walk away and find peace. Anna asked if she thought it was possible, and Jordan said it depended. Portia’s instinct was to lie, and she did the opposite of what Curtis was. It was hard to know that. Anna said, right now, Jordan owed it to herself to process her feelings and find a way to move forward. What did she need?

Natalia drunk texted Marco again, when there was a knock at the door. Steve said they had to get going, and she said she was almost ready. She cried and sent another text.

Marco said it was his mom again, and Lucas it was pretty garbled. I know you’re mad. I’m… someone? Marco said she got drunk and texted him and it never made sense. Then she’d leave a voicemail in the morning apologizing. Lucas said she was leaving to start a new life. There was no guarantee she could call him again. His mom was reaching out and it might be his last chance to reach back.

At the Quartermaines, Brook phoned Chase and asked him to call back. She was worried about Sonny and Natalia. Kristina came in with a giftbag, and asked Sonny what Natalia was doing at the church. He told her not to worry about that, when her phone dinged. She said the manager at Charlie’s called in sick and she had to open up. She gave Michael the giftbag for Daisy and left.  

At Charlie’s, two masked guys came in and poured gas on everything.

Portia told Curtis that wasn’t true. The one causing a problem was Jordan. The problem was, Jordan needed to know they were married. They had a daughter, were a couple, and had a beautiful family. Curtis got a call, and Portia said don’t let her stop him from answering. She was just his wife. She’d leave him to it. Just know she’d be fighting for their marriage. What about him? She left.

Turner ran into Anna’s office and told her to put out an APB on Natalia Ramirez. She was skipping town, and it might be their best chance to take Sonny down and it began with Anna’s lead.

Lucas cleaned up and blew out the candles. There was a song part while the celebration continued at the Quartermaines. Natalia drunkenly stumbled around and looked at her phone. She slumped on the couch and let the phone fall from her hand. There was a text from Marco saying he was on his way.

Kristina went into Charlie’s and saw the puddles behind the bar. She touched her hand to the gas and smelled it, when a Molotov cocktail came through the window and everything was in flames.

Tuesday:

On the phone, as he stood at his usual vantage point on the turret, Sidwell said that he saw the job was completed. Alexis arrived with a bunch of folders and told Sidwell that they needed clearances from the harbor master for goods he was importing. Sidwell said he thought Marco handled his accounts, and Alexis said he did, but nothing got filed until she vetted it fully.

At the hospital, Isaiah said Portia had asked him to cover the ER, and Elizabeth said, good. Portia had been working too hard.

On the phone, Lucas asked if Marco caught his mom, but still driving, Marco said, not yet. He kept calling, but got voicemail and there had been no more texts. He guessed she passed out. He apologized for their night being ruined, but Lucas said, it was just interrupted. There would be other nights. Suddenly Marco said, what the hell? and had to go. Josslyn came in and asked if Lucas had a friend over, and he said, it was an amazing night until it wasn’t. Something had come up. She said she was giving Trina and Kai some privacy, and he asked about the christening. She said, Sonny was Daisy’s grandfather, so there was drama. Marco’s mom showed up at the church.

Sasha, Carly, and Cody fawned over Daisy.

Michael thanked Sonny for putting the kids to bed, when Jason said he and Sonny needed to talk. There was a knock at the door, and Molly told Michael, sorry she was late. He said, the star of the show needed a diaper change and a nap, but there were still people there. She asked if Kristina was there, but he said, she had to go open Charlie’s.

Jason told Sonny that the plane was ready, but Natalia hadn’t shown up.

Steve knocked at Natalia’s door and said they needed to get going. He heard something and jetted. Chase and another officer came around the corner and Chase knocked, saying it was the PCPD.

Kristina grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out.

Chase banged on the door, when Anna arrived. He said no one had seen Natalia leave and there was no noise. She said the hotel manager had given her the key, and she was going in. They found Natalia out cold on the couch, and Chase checked her pulse while the other officer called an ambulance.

Isaiah saw a picture of Lucky hanging off the side of a mountain on Elizabeth’s phone, and she said she was choosing to believe Aiden’s explanation that it was an optical illusion. Aiden was having a great time with his dad.

Sidwell insisted most of his contracts were routine and suggested Alexis didn’t trust his son. Alexis said it was standard for her and Diane to oversee new associates for six months, but Sidwell thought it was a massive waste of time. Alexis said she’d earned her reputation, and no document went out with her name on it until she was satisfied. He still believed her hypervigilance was because of Marco and said his son should be extended the same courtesy she’d want her daughter to have. She said, duly noted, and continued with the contracts.

Lucas asked if Carly or Sonny told Josslyn why Natalia was in the chapel, but she said they wouldn’t tell her and neither would Jason.

Sonny said Michael was a great father, and Michael said he had a great teacher. People said his dad was important, powerful, and busy, yet Sonny made time for him, and it made him feel special. He wanted to make sure his kids felt the same way. Sonny said Michael was special and he was proud to be his father.

Sasha thanked Molly for coming and said she knew it was hard. Molly said she couldn’t help wondering about Irene, but she couldn’t be happier for Sasha. Sasha said she wondered about Liam sometimes, when Cody joined them and confessed that he’d eaten all the little sausage thingies.

Jason got a phone call and told Sonny there was a fire at Charlie’s.

Kristina yelled for help and ran behind the bar (not the best plan), when Marco asked if anyone was there. She yelled for help again and said everything was burning. Marco came in under a blanket and asked if anybody was left, but she said it was just her. He said they wouldn’t make it out the front and they ran for the back door under the blanket.

Elizabeth said the patient had no pulse and was probably an OD. Isaiah said some medical stuff and told her that he’d take over the compression. We saw it was Natalia.

Cody asked if Michael knew what happened, but Michael said he had no idea. Carly showed Molly pictures of the christening, and Michael said the late Monica insisted on them documenting everything. Cody asked if when Jason and Sonny disappeared, they acted like things were fine, and Michael said that was the drill. Cody said he was just trying to fit in, when Molly’s phone rang. She asked if Michael was sure Kristina was at Charlie’s, and he said, why? She said her friend that worked at the PCPD said there was a three-alarm fire there, and Michael flashed back to the fire in the penthouse. Cody said he’d drive, and he and Molly left.  

Isaiah said, time of death, 9:07 pm. Did they know who she was? Elizabeth said she did.

Josslyn told Lucas that it was just about to start when Natalia showed up and Sonny was not happy to see her. Lucas asked if she seemed drunk, and Josslyn said she didn’t see Natalia, but thought her mom would have mentioned it. Was something going on with Natalia? Lucas said he didn’t know, when his phone rang. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina and Marco ran outside coughing, when Dante arrived. He hugged Kristina and asked if she was hurt. She said, no, and he asked if Marco was okay. What happened?  

At the hospital, Lucas said he wasn’t able to reach Marco, and Elizabeth said she remembered they were having dinner and thought they might be together. He said they were, but Marco left to see his mom at the MetroCourt. Where was he?  

A paramedic said Kristina and Marco had smoke inhalation and minor burns, and Kristina said, it was burning fast. Dante said all that mattered was that she was safe, and she said, thanks to Marco. Sonny and Jason arrived, and Sonny hugged Kristina. Jason asked what Marco was doing there.

Alexis said she was satisfied, and Sidwell presumed she’d be charging her hourly fee. She said, oh God yes, when Molly called. Molly said there was a fire at Charlie’s and Kristina was there. She was headed there and had tried calling Kristina, but there was no answer. Alexis said she’d be right there.

Josslyn saw someone outside and opened the door to find Jack. She asked why he was lurking, and he said it was a test to see how long it would take her to notice. She said her mom wasn’t home, but he said he came to talk to her. Vaughn told him about her plan to distract Emma, and he thought it was good. He didn’t want Emma near Dalton. He told her to make it priority number one and figure out a course of action asap. Josslyn said he could have just called her to the office. Was he hoping to run into her mom?

In the car, Molly worried about the firefighters not getting there on time. A three-alarm fire was bad. Cody said they didn’t have all the facts yet, and she worried about it being like the penthouse. She and Kristina were on track to be sisters again and she couldn’t lose her. Cody said, stop assuming the worst-case scenario.

In Natalia’s hotel room, Chase told Anna that it looked like she’d drunk a lot of alcohol, and they bagged a bottle of pills. Suicide? Anna said, possibly, or staged. Natalia had been leaving town. Chase said a guy had been seen walking away from the room and he might be involved. Anna said have the hotel give them the security footage and find him.  

Kristina said she’d be dead if not for Marco. She wasn’t supposed to work, but the manager called in sick. She was going to open up and noticed the smell of gas. The floor was wet, and she heard a crash, then everything was on fire. She tried to put it out, but it was too big and too fast. She was trapped and Marco burst in and got her out. Sonny said Marco just happened to be in the area? and Marco said, yes. He was on his way to the MetroCourt when he saw the fire. He noticed a car in the parking lot and ran in to make sure nobody was inside. He said he needed to get to his mother and asked if they could talk later, but Sonny said Marco wasn’t going anywhere.  

Sidwell said the launch was ready, but Alexis asked if he had a speedboat or a rowboat. She had to get off the island and see if Kristina was all right. He asked if she was sure Kristina was in the pub.  

Jack told Josslyn that agents compartmentalized. He’d be delighted to run into Carly, but came to talk to her. He was her superior and she didn’t get to comment on his relationships. She asked if he’d notified his superior that he was in a relationship with an agent’s mother, when Carly came in. She asked what Jack was doing there.

Lucas told Chase that he was with Natalia’s son when Marco got some garbled texts that were unreadable. He thought Natalia was drunk, so he decided to check on her. He called from the car on the way to the hotel, said something came up, and hung up quickly. He never called back. Was Chase sure Marco never showed up? Chase said they were going through the security footage, but no one remembered seeing him. Elizabeth said she hoped Natalia’s death was an accident, but Anna said the cause wouldn’t be official until there was an autopsy. Lucas said they couldn’t do an autopsy until Marco knew his mom was dead.

The EMT insisted Kristina go to the hospital, and Marco asked if he could get his phone. Molly and Cody arrived, and Molly said she was so scared Kristina was hurt. She loved Kristina so much. They hugged.  

A firefighter said the fire was totally out, and Dante asked if they had any idea what started it. The firefighter said his men were working on it, when Anna showed up. Dante told her that gas might have been used as an accelerant, and she asked if there were any casualties. He said, no. Kristina was the only one inside and she was fine thanks to Marco Rios. Alexis arrived and hugged Kristina. Sonny said Kristina would be okay, and she said, no thanks to him.

Jack said he took a chance he’d find Carly there, and she said it was good to see him. Josslyn said she remembered she had a quiz, but left her notes at the apartment. She’d probably stay there tonight. She left, and Jack asked if Carly was all right. She said, no. There was a fire at Charlie’s, the pub Sonny gave Kristina. She didn’t know if Kristina was inside, but hearing about the fire took her back to the ICU and wondering if her son would survive the night.  

Michael flashed back to another actor playing him, who was conveniently covered in fire. He got a call and told Sasha that Kristina was okay. She was inside, but had gotten out. He was about to get a drink when he remembered he’d taken a pain pill, and Sasha said she didn’t realize he was still in pain. He said he usually didn’t need a pill, but he didn’t want it to interfere with the celebration. The doctors said he had residual nerve damage, but thought he’d be pain free soon. It was nothing compared to the pain after the fire. He told her about going through debridement and said it was agony. Thank God Kristina was okay.

Dante said he thought Marco needed to go to the hospital, and Alexis asked Sonny, which of his enemies did this? They kept going after him and got his children instead. She knew he and Kristina working together was a bad idea. Death and violence were all over him like a plague he passed on to those who loved him. It had to stop. She would not bury another daughter. There were soap looks all around.

Carly told Jack she was worried about Kristina. When she heard there was a fire, she shut down and the anger and fear came rushing in like the penthouse fire was happening then. It was crazy because Michael was standing by her, but it was like she was back in the clinic in Germany. She could only touch his hand because it was excruciating if she touched anything else. All she could do was sit there and hear him moan. Jack said she’d experienced PTSD because the emotional trauma couldn’t be processed all at once and she’d been triggered. A lot of agents had it and he’d dealt with it himself. She said she couldn’t tell him what it meant that he understood. Josslyn blamed Sonny and she was right. He almost lost another child. She didn’t know what she’d do if something happened to Donna. Jack held her.  

Sasha said Michael had asked for her in the ICU, but was sedated by the time Jason found her. Did he remember what he’d wanted to tell her? He said he wanted to tell her to take care of their daughter no matter what happened him, and she did. Daisy was perfect. All his kids were safe and it was going to stay that way. She said he couldn’t know that, and he said he could. His dad was a great father, and he’d never be like him, but he promised nothing like the fire would ever happen to his kids.

Marco got to the hospital and asked Lucas, what happened? Anna said she needed to have a conversation with him about his mother, and Marco said, why? Was she there? Was she okay? He ran past everyone and into Natalia’s room. When he saw her, he put his hands to his face.

On the phone, Sidwell said his instructions were clear. Do not set the fire unless the building was empty. If Sonny Corinthos’s daughter was in the fire, there would be hell to pay.

Kristina said they didn’t know what caused it, but Alexis said she did. It was Sonny’s love for money and power that exceeded everything and everyone. They’d both lost children and knew how painful it was. She couldn’t and wouldn’t go through it again. Kristina said it was suggested she go to GH and get checked out, and asked Alexis to come with her. Cody said he’d drive, and they left, along with Molly. Sonny told Jason that they had to find out who caused the fire. Kristina wasn’t supposed to be working. Jason said, the manager called in sick, and Sonny said, talk to him. A firefighter said it looked like there was evidence of arson, which made this place a crime scene.

Wednesday:

At the Surf Lodge, Emma and Outback high-fived. Gio joined them and said Outback steals his shoes, but only the left ones. He wanted her to choose between him and the dog, but she didn’t want to choose between her two favorite strays. She also had the feeling that the real problem was him being upset about Brook and Dante being his real parents.

Tracy found Brook working in the living room. Brook said, Deception might be in serious trouble, but it might be too late to fix it.

Vaughn found Josslyn at Charlie’s and asked why she wanted to meet there. She said she heard there was a fire and came to check, but she couldn’t get herself to leave.

At the hospital, Kristina told Alexis that she was fine and would like to go home. Alexis said, she could have died.

Marco cried, and sat by Natalia’s bedside saying, no, no. It couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t end this way.

Elizabeth suggested Lucas let Marco have time with his mom, and Anna said Lucas could help them figure out what led to Natalia’s death.

Jason told Sonny that they had guys on the street who would hear whispers about the fire. Sonny said they both knew Sidwell was responsible.

Selina went to Windymere and said, finally, she and Sidwell were meeting in person. She asked if he wanted to set up a poker game, but he said he wanted to warn her. She was about to go to war with Sonny.

Gio admitted he might be upset about his parentage, and Emma said if he wanted to talk, she was there. He said he wasn’t there yet and told her that he was dropping out of PCU.

Josslyn told Vaughn that her former stepsister almost died in the fire. It was unnerving, and all because she was the daughter of Sonny Corinthos.  

Alexis asked Kristina, what happened? and Kristina said the manager called in sick, so she left to open up Charlie’s. When she walked in, she smelled gasoline and the floor was wet, but before she could check, she heard a window shatter and suddenly fire was everywhere. The fire extinguisher wasn’t enough, and she wouldn’t have gotten out alive if not for Marco.

Anna asked about Natalia’s texts, and Lucas said, they were all gibberish. Sometimes she drank and texted Marco. Marco came out, and Lucas asked if he was okay. Anna said they were sorry for his loss, and Marco said he didn’t understand what happened. Anna said she and Chase entered Natalia’s hotel room and she was unconscious. They called the paramedics immediately. Isaiah said Marco’s mother was unresponsive at the scene. There was no pulse, and the paramedics weren’t able to restart her heart. Unfortunately, when she was brought in, there was nothing they could do. Marco asked what the cause of death was, and Isaiah said it was speculation, but they suspected it was an overdose. Marco said, accidental or intentional? but Isaiah said they didn’t know. They suspected a lethal combination of tranquilizers and alcohol, but they’d know for sure when there was an official autopsy. Elizabeth said she was sorry. She and Lucas tried to call him. Marco said his phone was in the car. He was on his way to see his mother and saw the fire at Charlie’s. There was a car in the parking lot, so he ran in to make sure nobody was inside. Anna said he got Kristina out just in time. He was a hero tonight. Marco said he was able to save Kristina, but not able to save his mother.

Gio told Emma that he had a music scholarship and would be first chair violinist in the orchestra. It was a huge responsibility and honor. She said he deserved it, but he said he had no intention of playing again. He would lose his scholarship and couldn’t afford college on his lifeguard’s salary. She suggested he borrow from family, but he said he wanted nothing to do with them. She said, what about Sonny? but he said it didn’t seem right. She said, why not wait? He might feel differently in the fall. Don’t walk away from the gig just yet. He might want to play again by September.

Brook told Tracy that Natalia found something in Sonny’s supplemental investment… Tracy said, an offshore account. Sonny was laundering money and now they were complicit. Brook said, it was a clerical error, but Tracy said, it was a felony. Brook said she was sorry. It was all her fault.

Chase asked if the texts were in Marco’s phone, and Marco said they were, but his phone was in his car at Charlie’s. Anna asked if the messages were incoherent, and Marco said he thought one message was supposed to say, I’m sorry. He guessed he’d never know. He texted her that he was on his way, but he saw Charlie’s was on fire. They knew the rest. He had no idea his mother needed him so bad. Lucas said it wasn’t his fault. He thought a life was at risk and stopped to help. Marco asked how Anna ended up at the hotel, and she said the acting DA was supposed to pick up his mom. As her lawyer, Marco must have known that the DA negotiated a plea deal in exchange for evidence against Sonny. Chase said Natalia showed up at the christening for Sonny’s granddaughter. He saw them talking and alerted Turner. Natalia definitely seemed troubled.

Jason said Sidwell was mad about Sonny not selling his piers and it was payback. Did he think Kristina was a target? Sonny said it didn’t matter. Kristina almost died. Ever since Sidwell came to town, two of his children nearly died. If anything happened to Kristina, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Selina said Sidwell was misinformed. She wasn’t at war with Sonny and stayed on his good side. They had an understanding. Sidwell said that changed tonight when a firebomb was placed in Sonny’s daughter’s place of business. She said she had nothing to do with that, but he said her associates Simon and Dan doused Charlie’s with gas and lit it up with a Molotov cocktail. When Corinthos went on a hunt to find out who was responsible, he’d trace it to her. She said, in other words, he set her up, and he lifted his glass to her.

Tracy said she blamed Brook’s mother. She raised Brook to trust Sonny. Brook said she believed what Natalia said, it was an accounting error. Sonny wouldn’t do anything to hurt Deception. Tracy said they were going to use this to their advantage and not bury it.

Vaughn said, Sonny was once married to Josslyn’s mother and Donna was their child? and Josslyn said, yeah. So was her older brother Morgan. He said, Morgan died in a car bombing. He was sorry. She said there was plenty of blame to go around. Morgan died because he was Sonny’s son, and it was the same reason Michael nearly died, and the same reason Kristina nearly died. He said, not a fan? and she said her family kept getting hurt because Sonny Corinthos brought death and destruction wherever he went.

Alexis said Kristina had Marco to thank. If she had died, her father would have died too, because she would have killed him. It was no accident. Someone was sending Sonny a message and Kristina got caught in the crossfire. Molly came in with Deanna and said she was filling out administrative forms and needed Kristina’s ID. Alexis said she had a copy on her phone, and left with Deanna. Molly asked how Kristina was doing, and Kristina said she was desperate to get out, but Alexis wanted her to stay overnight. Marco saved her life. Allie always said her brother was a good guy. Molly said Marco was a hero, but Kristina was amazing too. They way she handled their mom when she went after Sonny was impressive. In the past, she would have jumped to Sonny’s defense and fought with their mom. Instead, she let Alexis say what she needed to and Molly was proud of her.  

Sonny told Jason that he and Kristina had a special connection. He thought it had to do with them being the most alike. Jason said he thought so too, and Sonny said they had the same anger, intensity, and demons. Kristina fought with her emotions like he did, and he wanted to protect her. That’s why Alexis was out of her mind with fear, and he respected that. Jason said she was safe, and Sonny said, for now. They had to find out who did this. Otherwise, his whole family was in danger.  

Selina said she’d go to Sonny and tell him the truth. He’d known her longer than Sidwell, and her words had more weight. Sidwell said, go ahead, but given Kristina’s close call, he guessed Sonny wouldn’t let her live long enough to get her explanation out. (I guess a phone call wasn’t an option?) They’d clashed in the past and she’d already crossed Sonny once. She said Sonny would see through him and guessed Sonny already had, and he said he’d point the finger at her associates. Who knew what evidence Sonny would uncover about her involvement? The best idea was for her to leave town now. She said, and walk away from her business? but he said she could return later with his blessing. Port Charles would be a better place when she returned. She said the only way she could come back was if Sonny was dead, and he said he was aware. He opened the door, and she said she guessed she had a plane to catch. Until they met again. He said, travel safely, and she left.

Chase said Natalia and Sonny spoke privately and she left. Marco said he was almost positive it wasn’t the full story. His mother was murdered by Sonny.  

Gio said he needed a clean break from his old life filled with lies, and Emma said there were good things too. Gio said they were tainted. He’d felt special performing when he was a kid. Now he knew it was a lie. The technique was still there, but without the passion and the smile, the music was hollow. There was no point in playing. His family had been stolen from him.

Deanna said Kristina had a close call, but would be fine, and Alexis said the last time she filled out these forms was for Sam. Deanna suggested Alexis read the information and she’d write it, and Alexis said that would help a lot.

Kristina told Molly that even if she was collateral damage, she didn’t feel it was her dad’s fault. Her mom was scared for her child, and she got that. Molly said, because of their daughter. She couldn’t lose Kristina. She loved Kristina so much. They joined hands and Alexis watched from the doorway.

Anna asked if Marco had proof of his accusation, but he said, wasn’t it obvious? His mother had evidence that she was about to turn over and Sonny found a way to stop her. Lucas suggested he take a minute, and Marco agreed. Anna said talking about the fire could wait. In the meantime, he had their condolences. Don’t hesitate to reach out if the thought of anything else. She and Chase left, and Marco said he almost admitted he knew his mom was breaking the deal and moving out. Lucas said Marco had been through lot, and Marco said he was glad Lucas was there. Lucas said him too, and Marco said he needed to call his father, but had no phone. Lucas said he’d deal with it and he wanted Marco to get checked out by Isaiah. Doctor’s order.  

Jason said they’d find out who did this, and Sonny said he couldn’t lose another child. He wasn’t going through what he went through with Morgan again. Jason said they’d stop them, and Sonny said they’d make them an example. It would hurt so bad, they wouldn’t think of coming for his family again. An eye for an eye, effective and fair. Jason said, Sidwell’s only known child was Marco, and he’d just saved Kristina. Sonny said he owed Marco, but protection was more important than gratitude. If Marco ended up being collateral damage, so be it.

Elizabeth found Sidwell’s number for Lucas, and Lucas made the call. He said he was calling on Marco’s behalf. His son was fine, but there was something Sidwell should know. Marco’s mother passed away tonight.

Chase asked if Anna thought Marco was right and Sonny killed Natalia. She said they couldn’t rule it out. Her phone chimed and she said it was the security footage. It was useful, but not good news for Sonny.

Tracy said they needed to come clean, and Brook asked, why? Tracy said if they were honest and declared their innocence, they’d probably just get a slap on the wrist. If they helped nail Sonny, they’d be rid of him, and it was a win-win. Brook said Sonny was the only family member Gio was talking to, and Tracy said, all the more reason, but Brook said if they took Sonny away from Gio, her son would hate her even more. Tracy said, fine. She’d do it all by herself, when Chase walked in. Tracy said the PCPD had perfect timing for once.  

Emma asked Gio to promise not to drop out of PCU, and he promised he’d make no decisions for now. She said they had to figure out what else he was passionate about. He showed some interest in exposing Professor Dalton’s animal testing. He asked how they start Dalton’s take down, and she said she couldn’t prove he was testing on animals yet because she couldn’t get into the lab. They might have to do something drastic. Gio asked if that was her way of saying illegal.

Vaughn told Josslyn that he’d never defend Sonny, but watching your loved ones pay for your crimes must take a toll. Josslyn said she tried to let go of her anger, but too many people she loved were getting hurt. She had no sympathy. She’d never told anyone this or even said it out loud, but that was one reason why she joined the WSB. He said he thought it was because of Dex, and she said that was part of it, but it wasn’t just about an idealistic version of justice. It was more personal and a lot less altruistic. He asked if she wanted to get high enough in the agency to take down Sonny, and she said, exactly.

Marco told Lucas that Isaiah gave him the all-clear, when Sidwell arrived. Sidwell hugged Marco and said Lucas told him about Natalia. He was so sorry. Marco thanked him, and Sidwell said he had to make sure Marco was okay. He thanked Lucas for calling, and Lucas left to give them time to talk. Marco said it was surreal. He knew she was gone. He’d seen her body, but his brain couldn’t process it. Sidwell said, take a breath, and Marco said he had to call Allison, but didn’t know how to break the news. Sidwell told him not to worry about it now, and Marco said there was so much he wished was different. They hugged, and Sidwell said he knew.  

Anna went to Sonny’s place and he said he couldn’t answer questions about the fire right now, but she said she was there for a different reason. Natalia Rameriz was dead.  

Tracy said she had some interesting news too, and Chase said he was sorry to inform them that Natalia Rameriz was dead. It may or may not be a drug related OD or foul play. Anna was questioning Sonny. Brook asked if he was suspect, and Chase said they were exploring possibilities. Tracy said it wasn’t okay for Sonny to be anywhere near Gio. He was taking too many people, and he wasn’t taking Gio too.

Emma asked if Gio thought Sonny could give them pointers, but he said, definitely not. He may not be taking Sonny’s money or advice in this particular situation, but he was glad to have him. Sonny was the only one he could trust right now.

Kristina asked how long Alexis had been there, and Alexis said, not that long, but long enough to see them together. It warmed her heart. She wished Sam was with them too. She couldn’t lose another daughter. That meant they were both contractually obligated to outlive her. They needed each other and couldn’t let anything separate them. They all agreed and had a group hug.

Lucas asked Elizabeth’s opinion. OD or murder? She said there were no obvious signs of violence, but the autopsy would tell them more. Did he think Sonny had her killed? He said, all they knew was that Natalia was dead, and Kristina almost died. To him, that was the start of a mob war that had Marco’s family on one side and his on the other.  

Marco said he felt like it was his fault, and Sidwell asked, how? Marco said his mom was texting him and he could tell she was drunk. It wasn’t the first time. Sidwell said there was no way he could have known, but Marco said maybe if he’d gotten there in time, if he hadn’t stopped to help with the fire. Sidwell said, what fire? and Marco said, at Charlie’s Pub. He stopped and saved Kristina Corinthos Davis. Sidwell said Marco could have died, and Marco said it was crazy how things played out. Thanks to him Sonny’s daughter is alive and thanks to Sonny, his mother was dead. Sidwell asked how this had anything to do with Sonny.

Sonny invited Anna in and said he was sorry to hear it. Why did she come in person? He wasn’t close to Natalia. Anna said they’d had an intense conversation at the christening, and he said Natalia was congratulating him. She asked if he could explain why his bodyguard was having a conversation with Natalia at the hotel, and he asked if he should call Diane. She said, it depended. Did he have something to hide? Another of his guards was seen entering and exiting her room. He was in the corridor when the police arrived and made himself scarce. That made her think he and Natalia had a close association. He asked what she was getting at, and she said Natalia had evidence the DA’s office was going to use against him and was conveniently dead of alcohol and tranquilizers. They were waiting for the autopsy, but in the meantime, he was a person of interest, and she had to take him in for questioning. 

Josslyn said she just gave Vaughn the ammunition he needed to get rid of her. She had an unhealthy personal vendetta which made her unfit for the job. She was sure she’d be out tomorrow morning. She started to leave, but he grabbed her arm and said he’d told her that lofty ideals weren’t a reason. Those agents got jaded, but a concrete goal to take Sonny down would get her through tough times. And there were going to be tough times. She asked, what was his goal? and he said maybe he’d tell her sometime. Once he got to know her better. He kissed her.

Thursday:

At the pool, Willow told Gio that she saw what happened at the Nurses Ball. There was nothing more painful than being betrayed by someone who was supposed to love you.

As they sat in chaise lounges, Trina told Kai that it wasn’t a bad way to spend a holiday afternoon. She knew the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.

Brook said Maxie should be there, and Tracy asked if she was going to tell Maxie that Sonny’s blood money would bring down Deception. She wanted to do her best to save Gio.

Michael opened the door to TempMaxie (see below), who said she was there for an emergency Deception meeting, but as unofficial godmother, she wanted a peek of Daisy. He said he couldn’t thank her enough for making the christening happen. It gave him hope for his family’s future.

Danny and Rocco were at the Surf Lodge, and Emma approached their table. She asked what was so important she had to detour from the pool on a national holiday, and Rocco asked what she knew about Britt Westbourne.

Laura went to see Lulu, who said she was reporting on the fire for the Llanview Banner. Those who were pro Measure C said the fire was proof of mob violence escalating and that Laura was ignoring it because of her connection to Sonny. Laura said there was a right way and a wrong way to investigate, and she had to do it the right way. She was the one who’d called for Measure C. Lulu said she hated to say it, but maybe it was time for Laura to cut Sonny loose, but Laura asked what they would accomplish except tearing the family apart.

In the PCPD interrogation room, Sonny told Turner that he wasn’t saying a word unless his attorney was there. Turner said that’s why she was there.

On the phone, Jason said, what did Diane mean, he wasn’t allowed to see his attorney?… Keep him posted. Dante arrived and said the PCPD was holding Sonny and wouldn’t let him talk to Diane. He had an update on the fire at Charlie’s. Selina was a suspect.

Gio told Willow, for what it was worth (🍷), he was sorry, and she said, when your life was turned upside down, you found out who you could trust. He said, and who you can’t, and she said anyone who helped you through hard times was someone you could always count on.

Michael said Kristina was at GH, and Maxie asked if she was okay. He said she had a cough, but was doing all right, and she said, it could have been worse. He said that’s why he was focused on the good, like how Wiley and Amelia were crazy about their baby sister. He was trying to stick to routine, hoping it made things more stable until the visitation hearing.

Willow told Trina and Kai that she was sorry to interrupt, and Kai said he thought she’d be celebrating with Drew in DC. She said Drew was too busy working, so she thought she’d keep it lowkey. Maybe next year. Drew was impressed with Kai’s work and appreciated him going the extra mile.

Brook said they had no reason to think Gio was a target, but Tracy said it was a naïve thing to say. Brook said it wasn’t like he lived with Sonny. They barely spent time together. Tracy said when gangsters went to war, they didn’t go after each other, but after their enemy’s loved ones. They could only try their best to protect Gio, but he wouldn’t be safe until Sonny was done with once and for all.

Turner said she could hold Sonny for 24 hours, and Sonny said she couldn’t keep him from seeing his attorney. In the meantime, he wasn’t saying anything. Diane was one of the few people he didn’t mind waiting for. Turner said, if his attorney was withheld, anything he told her was inadmissible. It was his best opportunity to tell her what happened. He asked why he should take her word on this, and she asked why he was acting like the injured party when Natalia was the one who was dead.

Dante told Jason that they’d ID’d two suspects as Selina’s guys and there was a warrant out for them. Selina had booked a flight to Singapore and the needed to find out if she got on it. Jason asked, why come to him? and Dante asked if they should keep looking for Selina’s guys or were they buried in the woods.

Emma wondered why Rocco was asking about The Britch, The Wicked Witch of Westbourne, and Rocco said he presumed she didn’t like Britt. She said she was little and for a while her dad dated Britt. Eventually, he came to his senses and dumped her as. Britt was so pathetic and desperate, she got pregnant… She got it now.  

Maxie asked why they were working on a holiday, and Brook said she had bad news. Maxie said, hit me, and Brook said, it seemed Sonny’s second investment had been made with dirty money. Maxie said Sonny wasn’t sloppy like that and Brook showed her the financials. Maxie asked how she found out, and Brook said Natalia told her. Maxie said Natalia would have to walk her through it, but Brook said she couldn’t. Natalia died last night. Maxie said, Brook didn’t think… but Brook said, never. Maxie said they’d have to go to the police and hand over the records, and Brook said, what about Spinelli? Spinelli adored Sonny. Would he be okay? Maxie said he’d have to be. Her family needed Deception, and she’d do everything she could to save the company.  

Lulu said, Laura just had to publicly disavow Sonny. She didn’t have to do it for real. Laura said, first of all, Ezra Boyle had a tracking device on her and would be waiting with cameras to prove to the world she was a liar. Secondly, Sonny was part of the family. What kind of example would she set for her grandchildren, teaching them how to lie to save their hide? She was also thinking about Rocco. She’d never want him to have to choose between his grandmother or grandfather. Lulu said she’d talk to him, and he’d understand, but Laura said, would he? She wasn’t sacrificing her family or principles or compromising her own morals. She couldn’t help feeling there was more to this.

Emma said she had to go, and Rocco said Britt was pregnant with him. He was the baby she carried. Emma said she was just a kid. He should talk to his mom and dad. Their memories would be better than hers. Danny thanked her for talking to them, and she said she totally got it. Happy 4th. She started to leave, but came back and said there had to be more she never knew about. She thought Rocco owed it to himself to find out the truth.

Willow said Kai stepped in and got Drew out of the disaster at the press conference, but Kai said it was no big deal. Willow said Drew told her it was the only silver lining, and Kai said he just did his job. Willow said he made an impression on Drew, who thought he had a great future in politics. Willow left and Trina said they needed to talk, but Kai said he knew what she was going to say. Trina suggested even if he knew what a woman was going to say, let her say it. (Truth!) All the Quartermaines were crazy, and they would make him crazy too. Tracy walked in and Gio turned away. Trina said, case in point.

Tracy said she didn’t know if Gio wanted to talk to her. He wasn’t answering her texts. He said, make it short, and she said she thought his life was in danger.

Kai said Trina didn’t need to worry. He was only interested in politics. Maybe not forever, but after football, it was good to be interested in something. Trina said he needed to understand and accept that the Quartermaines were always battling about something. He had to remember not to get stuck in the middle. Michael came into the pool area with Wiley and saw Willow. He steered Wiley over to his swim instructor.

Lulu said she didn’t want Laura to betray her principles, but she wanted Laura to beat Boyle. Laura said she wanted that too, and Lulu said she was still ahead in the polls, but she was falling behind. Boyle was corrupt and so unqualified, she couldn’t hand the city to someone like him. If she wanted to save Port Charles, she needed to stay where she was – in the mayor’s office. How far was she willing to go to make that happen?

Turner told Sonny that Natalia was facing five years for a DWI, and she offered Natalia a lifeline. If she turned over evidence against Sonny to her office, the charges would be dismissed. Natalia agreed, so imagine her surprise when Natalia wound up dead, with two of Sonny’s men coming and going… Sonny said all this had nothing to do with him. Turner hauled Natalia in on a trumped-up charge and persuaded Natalia to give her information that might incriminate him. Might. He thought Turner believed she was the one who got Natalia killed.

Jason said he had no idea about Selina’s men. He didn’t think Selina would risk crossing Sonny and wouldn’t target Kristina. Dante said, if not Selina, who set it up? but Jason said Dante already knew the answer. Dante said, Sidwell.  

Tracy told Gio about Charlie’s and said they suspected arson. His Aunt Kristina was trapped and had minor injuries, unlike his Uncle Michael, who had severe injuries from a previous fire. The reason for both was Sonny Corinthos.

Maxie said they’d all agreed to let Sonny invest, except Tracy, and Brook said, this time, Tracy was right. She’d love to turn the evidence in, but Gio would hate her more than he did already. Was there any way they could wait for a subpoena? Maxie said, no. They needed to get ahead of it. She picked up a folder, and Brook said it was the wrong file, but Maxie opened it, seeing Britt’s picture. She asked what it was and why Brook had it, and Brook said it was supposed to be her revenge against Lulu.

Trina told Kai that even if her mother hadn’t had to work, they’d have canceled the cookout. Things were tense between her parents.

Michael told Willow that Wiley hadn’t seen her yet and to please leave before he did. She said the visitation hearing was August 1st. She’d see Wiley then. He said, until then, he was asking her not to make it harder than it had to be.  

Tracy told Gio that Sonny put everyone in danger around him. The people after Sonny knew he was Gio’s grandfather, and she had no intention of losing him. Gio said he wasn’t hers to lose, and she said, like it or not, he was a Quartermaine. He said, they might be related, but she didn’t own him and never would. Emma joined them and suggested they order some iced tea and cool down.

Brook said they should call their lawyer and turn the financials into the DA’s office, but Maxie said it could wait. What did she mean by revenge? Brook asked if she remembered when Lulu refused to apologize, and Maxie said, vividly. Brook said she recalled Lulu bragging that she’d never lie to her child, then remembered a story about Britt stealing an embryo and passing it off as her own. Rocco would want to know the truth and she needed proof. Maxie asked if she was going to show Rocco the file.

Rocco said the only reason Britt got pregnant was to trap Emma’s dad, but Danny said Emma told them there was more to the story than that. His mom was his mom, period. However he got here, Danny was glad he did and so was everybody else… almost. Rocco thanked Danny and said he was glad Danny told him the truth when no one else did. If Danny hadn’t found the file, he thought his parents would have never told him.

Turner said Natalia’s blood alcohol level was above the limit and the charge was real, as well as the consequences, and Sonny said she mentioned a five-year consequence. Did she tell Natalia that it was a possibility, or did she make it sound like a done deal without Natalia having an attorney present? Turner said she offered Natalia a great deal. She either killed herself or Sonny killed her. He was busy at his granddaughter’s christening, but his associates dropped her off at her room at the MetroCourt. Sonny said he hired nice guys, and she said, whether they forced Natalia to ingest huge amounts of tranquilizers and alcohol or she did herself, they both had a hand in her death.  

Brook told Maxie that she’d never show Rocco the file, but since Lulu would never keep a secret from him, she was sure he knew. Maxie asked when Lulu was supposed to tell him. When she was in a coma? Brook said she got why Lulu didn’t tell Rocco that Britt was her surrogate when Rocco was younger, but he was too old to be in the dark now. Maxie said Lulu was the one Brook was mad at, but it would hurt Rocco, and Brook said that’s why she didn’t tell him.

Laura asked if Lulu was saying she had to sacrifice her family and principles to beat Boyle, and Lulu said, if she wanted to win, something had to change. Laura said she believed in being straightforward with voters, but Lulu said, they read headlines, not articles. Laura said, Sonny told her this in confidence and it had to stay between them, and Lulu said it was off the record. Laura said Sonny told her that Sidwell was going to bring violence to Port Charles. Then the fire happened. It was a scare tactic, and she didn’t scare. Lulu said, it scared the public. Boyle was in Sidwell’s pocket. If he won, Laura was essentially handing the keys to the city to Sidwell. Laura said there was more than one thing at play. If she disavowed Sonny, she was playing into their hands. She had to be very smart with her next move. If she wasn’t careful, Port Charles could go from a bad situation to something much worse, like that. She snapped her fingers.

Dante told Jason that he read Sonny was a magnet for violence. What better way to prove it? Jason said, taking down Sidwell would be easier If Natalia hadn’t been found dead with Sonny’s guard in the hallway. Dante said he believed Sonny knew Natalia had evidence incriminating him, but he wasn’t allowed near the case, and Jason said it was probably for the best.

Sonny told Turner that Natalia was a strong person. In the end, we never know what drives a person to do what they did. Turner said he still blamed her, but he said she was doing her job. How Natalia dealt with it was on her, not Turner. Turner said, no more questions, and left.

Trina told Kai that she was worried about her parents. She wanted them to stay together. He said there was nothing wrong with wanting lasting love.

Tracy asked Emma to leave them alone, but Gio said he’d like her to stay. Or they could both leave. It was up to Tracy. Emma said Gio was going to tell her later anyway, and Tracy told Gio that his grandfather was a dangerous man. Gio said, not to him, but Tracy said, especially to him. Sonny’s family were targets and she didn’t want him to be the next victim. If he didn’t want to live in the main house, he could live in the gatehouse, or they could move Trina and Josslyn in there and he could have the apartment. Gio said he liked where he was living and wasn’t moving back. They were not family. Tracy said she understood that people in the house had hurt him, but his feelings weren’t worth his life. Emma said her grandmother was literally the Police Commissioner, and Tracy said, a lot of good she’d done to curb crime in Port Charles. She was Gio’s best bet. Gio said he’d consider it if it was really about his safety, but it was about him rejecting his grandfather. He wasn’t going to do it.

Wiley saw Willow and ran to her. She hugged him and said she missed him so much. He did great in the pool. Michael said it was time to go, and Wiley asked why they couldn’t stay and swim with mom. Willow told him that the judge said they had to wait a while longer before they could spend time together, and Wiley said he hated the judge. He missed her. Willow said, hopefully, the judge would change her mind soon, and Michael said it was time to go. Wiley and Willow hugged, and she told him to be a good boy and go with daddy. She loved him. Wiley said he loved her too, and left with Michael.   

Kai told Trina that they all wanted to believe making a commitment meant something and no matter what, they didn’t give up on each other. Trina said, it was a risk. When you trusted someone, they could disappoint you. He said, maybe if it was worth it, so was the risk. Trina was worth it. Trina said she never thought she’d feel like this again. He was worth it too.

Wiley told Michael that he didn’t want to wait for the judge. He wanted his mom to come home and be with him now. Michael said he knew, and hugged him.

Tracy said Gio was an adult, and she couldn’t force him, and Gio said, then they were done. Tracy said she had a request. After work, he should go by Charlie’s and see what was left. Then go to the hospital to visit his Aunt Kristina. Gio said he knew what she was doing, and she said, after that, she wanted him to go to the cemetery and visit his Uncle Morgan’s gravesite. He was 23 years old, a year older than Gio. He was killed in a car bomb because of his father. (Well, really Julian.)

Laura went to the PCPD and said she needed to see Sonny. The judgmental desk sergeant said, of course (🍷). He was in the interrogation room, and she could go in. Sonny asked if she was sure she wanted to be seen with him, and she said this couldn’t wait. He asked what was wrong, and she said he warned her that violence was coming. The thing was, a warning without details didn’t help much. She needed to know what Sonny knew.  

Jason said he and Dante lived in the same house, the house he swore he’d never move back to. Their kids were like brothers. Dante said, who would have thought that? and Jason said he didn’t want trouble with Dante and didn’t want to take any action involving him. Dante said he wished he believed Sonny wasn’t going to try and retaliate, but unfortunately, he knew better. He left, and Jason made a call. He asked if there were eyes on him yet… No. Let him know when they wanted to move.  

Brook told Maxie that she was going to set it up so Rocco accidently found the file, but he’d been through enough. Lulu had it coming, not Rocco. Maxie said she knew Lulu had hurt her, and intended or not – Brook said, it totally was – It wouldn’t solve anything. Brook said she could get back at Lulu for what Lulu did to her and Gio, but she chose not to. She was better than Lulu.  

Rocco went home, and Lulu said she thought he was working on something. He said she needed to tell him about Britt Westbourne.

On Monday, Rocco confronts Lulu about Britt giving birth to him; Josslyn tells Vaughn, this isn’t working. We’re done; Sidwell tells Anna if she’s looking for answers, look to him; Sonny tells Laura there may be a way to contain the damage.

🫔 No Enchilada This Week…

There’s no new GH tomorrow because…

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Coming, albeit temporarily.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/kirsten-storms-temporarily-replaced-on-general-hospital-nicole-paggi-steps-in-as-maxie/

And going.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-exits-general-hospital-as-natalia-it-was-just-an-awesome-experience-excl/

She was really excellent in her final scene.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-on-natalias-death-on-general-hospital-ive-never-been-killed-before-excl/

🪟 Full disclosure, everything is a little shorter this week because not only did I suddenly realize the last GH would be on Thursday, but I also ended up at the doctor with no good, very bad allergies. No hot dog cookout for me, but that’s okay, there’s always streaming to catch up on.

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Bosun Caio claimed to be adjusting to Captain Kerry. I think he meant adjusting to actual work, since that seemed to baffle him.

Caio, Caio.

Next Gen NYC

Georgia planned an event with Brooks’ mom Meredith (Real Housewives of Salt Lake City) which was an interesting pairing. Charlie continued to be a d-bag, which was no surprise to anyone, as well as Brooks’ dad being weirdly intrusive.

The Valley

Jesse finally proposed to Kristen in Maui and it made almost everyone cry.

Real Housewives Of Miami

Adriana hosted a baby shower for Julia and Martina. Lisa tried to guest, but became overwhelmed, still grieving her father. New Housewife Stephanie was introduced and we found out her goal in life was to become filthy rich – and she succeeded. Mazel! She gave one of the best quotes of the night: What kind of welcome is this? I was just asked to have a threesome. Where’s the food? Needless to say, there was also a bunch of fighting, and in her interview, Kiki also gave quote: Who fight at a baby shower? We need God. We need help. I’d say that covers it.

Random Reality Items

Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

The Runway returns.

https://ew.com/project-runway-season-21-trailer-contestant-clashes-nina-garcia-attitude-11764431

Scheana reveals all. I totally buy she didn’t know he was married. I doubt she could lie her way out of a paper bag or keep a secret.

https://ew.com/scheana-shay-opens-up-about-eddie-cibrian-affair-in-memoir-excerpt-11764114

I still miss Metul.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

I mostly caught up on series since I actually went out in the real world and interacted with real people last weekend.

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise. Netflix. This one made me want to never go on a cruise. No air conditioning, no lights, no food, no more booze for you, no toilets, and I will never look at a red bag the same way again. Or lasagna. And if you should decide to brave the high seas, make sure you read that contract thoroughly.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1419133/carnivals-poop-cruise-cruise-ship-nightmare-timeline

Squid Game. Netflix. Since it’s still fresh, no spoilers, but IMO, the ending probably wasn’t what anyone hoped for. That being said, the final leg of the series was still spectacular and the VIPs super creepy. I’d love to see those cut scenes.

https://deadline.com/2025/07/squid-game-season-3-premiere-viewership-netflix-1236446846/

Behind the scenes.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-3-jump-rope-vips-cut-exclusive-11765916

What might have been.

https://www.slashfilm.com/1900202/squid-game-season-3-gi-hun-alternate-ending/

The Gilded Age. HBO/Max. Basically Downton Abbey set in NYC, this show is worth watching for the costumes and sets alone. My only complaint is that it’s being doled out like methadone, one episode at a time. Yeah, I’m spoiled. Speaking of which, some mild spoilers.

https://ew.com/the-gilded-age-review-season-3-11752361

The real deal.

https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/the-gilded-age-season-3-fact-vs-fiction-1235135953/

🐍 Adios, Sidewinder…

I was sad to hear this. He’s the reason hearing Stuck in the Middle With You has a whole new connotation now.

https://ew.com/michael-madsen-dead-reservoir-dogs-and-kill-bill-actor-was-67-11766378

🐾 Red, White, and Pet…

Dress them up, but please don’t take them out.

https://cheezburger.com/6118661/16-super-cute-animals-all-dressed-up-to-celebrate-4th-of-july

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix

You are not called to be a canary in a cage. You are called to be an eagle, and to fly sun to sun, over continents. – Henry Ward Beecher

To be nobody but yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e. e. cummings

We never know when our last day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with true faith, and hope with all of your might. Better to have lived in truth and discovered life, than to have lived half-heartedly and died long before you ever ceased breathing. – Cristina Marrero

No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself. – Virginia Woolf

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

Sometimes what’s right for the hole isn’t right for the soul. – Marisol Patton, Real Housewives of Miami

🦅 Waiting For the Chirp, Chirp, Chirp…

Until next week, stay safe; stay following pet safety guidelines for the 4th of July; and stay not leaving folders meant for revenge lying around.

December 27, 2023 – Brook Comes To Tracy’s Defense, TempMaxie, Soap Roll Call, Her Future, But Is He, Almost Quit, News Of Us, What’s On the Eve, Holiday Pet (!) Mix & Party

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Kristina and Molly show up at Alexis’s house, and Alexis says, there they are, my pride, and most of the time, my joy. She thanks them for coming and says she knows it’s early. She asks if they want coffee, but they both say they’ve reached their limit. (I didn’t know there was a limit.) Molly asks, what’s so important she needed to see them before work? and Kristina says, her voice sounded really tense on the phone. Alexis invites them to sit down, and says she’s sorry TJ couldn’t make it, but it’s probably best they speak first, just the three of them. Molly wonders why she feels like they’ve been called to the principal’s office, but Alexis says, they’re not in any trouble… yet.

At Deception, Lucy rifles through photos and papers on her desk, mumbling, and Tracy asks if she can’t do anything quietly. TempMaxie (see below) asks if they want coffee before the senior leadership meeting, but Lucy suggests they just dive right in. Oh wait. They can’t, because the leader of their leadership meeting isn’t here. Maxie says she’s sure Brook will be here any second, and Lucy asks what kind of company Tracy and her granddaughter are running. Tracy says she lightened Lucy’s workload by 51%, which means Lucy should have 51% more time to rifle (coincidence!) through photo proofs and wrangle her spokesmodel. Lucy says, Tracy shouldn’t even be in this office, never mind breathing their rarified Deception air. Tracy says, and yet, here she is, and Lucy says, as if she could miss Tracy, but she sure would love to try.

Brook says, if her grandmother finds out she’s late for the meeting because she can’t find her… Chase says, her bag’s over there, and she thanks him. She says she’s just going to grab a coffee on the way, and he says, brewed, in her travel mug, holding it out to her. She asks if he’s psychic, and he says he doesn’t have to be; he knows her routine. She says, he’s the best. What does he have planned for his day off? He says he’s trying to find wedding venues that accommodate guests with mobility issues, and she sits next to him. He says he wants his dad to have the time of his life at their wedding, and Brook flashes back to Gregory saying that time isn’t on his side. His Christmas wish is to see his son get married to the love of his life. She tells Chase, you and me both.

Finn dashes into an exam room, where Gregory is sitting, and says he was told Gregory was in here. Does Gregory want to tell him what happened? Gregory says he’s fine. He just got a bit overheated. Finn looks at the IV bag and says, this is for aggressive fluid replacement. They don’t just give it to people who are a bit overheated. Does Gregory want to tell him what’s going on?

At Kelly’s with Felicia, Robert orders coffee, and Felicia says, nothing to eat? Is he feeling okay? He says he’s not hungry, and she says, he’s probably full because he already ate with Diane. He says, she didn’t bring him here to discuss his personal life, and she says she didn’t know that was an option, but he’s right. She’s sorry. They need to talk family. He asks if something happened with Mac, but she says, Mac is fine. There’s a mystery she wants solved before he comes back, and she needs Robert’s help.

Sasha finds Cody at the stables and says, it looks like he’s having a busy morning. He says he was just hammering out one of Comet’s old horseshoes, but he always has time for her. What’s up? She says she wasn’t sure if she could beat Comet in a contest for his attention, and he says, totally. Nobody else. What brings her by? She says she came to warn him. He’s in trouble.

Scotty goes to the counter at Kelly’s and tells the server that he hears some people try to eat their feelings. He thinks he’s going to be that guy, because he has a lot of feelings. She gives him a menu and asks what she can get him. He says, everything… from the left side of the menu. And a cup of coffee. He’ll be at his table.

Robert asks why Felicia is still on about this Cody Bell thing, and she says her instincts tell her that Cody lied about those DNA test results. He says, if that’s the case, why is his brother saddled with this jerk? and she says, Mac has a right to know if Cody is his son. She knows Cody is no choirboy, and Robert says, ya think? He hadn’t been in town five minutes, and he almost drowned Britt Westbourne. She says, there wasn’t supposed to be somebody in that pool when he parachuted into it (there wasn’t; she was near the pool and he knocked her in), and Robert tells her, let’s say for instance, he came through the front door and offered his hand and said hi, like a normal person would do. She says, it was a publicity stunt, a job he was contracted and paid for, but Robert says, it was reckless endangerment and he got arrested. She says, he apologized to Britt, and she got over it. Why can’t Robert? He says, because he knows a con man when he smells one, and she says, which proves the exact point she was trying to make. Cody came to their house over the holiday and brought all these gifts for all of them. The kids adore him, and he fit right in. Robert asks if he brought receipts for the presents, and Felicia says, he cares about their family. She can feel it. She can see it. And there’s this undeniable bond between him and Mac and James. He tells her, let’s say he believes her. If she’s right, why would Cody lie about being a part of a family he cares about?

Cody wonders how he’s in trouble, and Sasha says, after Spinelli made him leave Mac and Felicia’s on Christmas… Cody says, Spinelli didn’t make him leave, but Sasha says, Spinelli was rude, out of line, and just completely wrong. After he left, Felicia said she hates not knowing the truth about him and Mac. He says, she knows the truth… a truth. She was at the hospital when he got the DNA results. Sasha says, but he never showed Felicia the printout and she thought that was strange, and he says, Felicia is pretty invested with him being a part of the family. He guesses it makes sense that she wouldn’t accept the results. Sasha says she thinks it’s more than a case of just being disappointed. She thinks Felicia is genuinely skeptical. He says, she was a P.I. and she’s married to a cop. She’s kind of conditioned to be suspicious. She says, Maxie didn’t buy her theory, but they know she’s right. He did lie about the DNA results; he is Mac’s son. And now Felicia is wondering why he’d pretend to be the son of Leopold Taub.

Brook closes the laptop and says, about the wedding… Chase says, she hasn’t changed her mind, has she? and she says, not on your life, kissing him. He says, then what’s up? and she says, if they’re going to do everything in their power to make sure his dad has the best time on their special day, it’s going to need to happen a little faster than they anticipated.

Gregory says he was doing hot yoga on an empty stomach. Dumb idea. Finn says, yes, very dumb. Since when is he doing hot yoga? Gregory says, Finn doesn’t need to hover; the fluids are already working. Dr. Matt comes in and asks what daredevil stunt Gregory was up to this time, and Gregory says, hot yoga. They don’t call it hot for nothing. But he already has his next quest lined up. Matt says he can’t wait to hear about it and asks how Finn is. Finn says he’s fine. He’s just making sure his dad’s okay. Matt says he’s about to examine Gregory right now, if Finn will excuse them, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He’ll be right outside. Gregory says, no need, he’s fine, and Finn reluctantly leaves. In the hallway, a woman comes up to Finn and asks if Gregory is okay. Finn says, he’s fine, and asks how she knows his dad. She says she’s the yoga instructor. She’s so glad he’s all right. She’s never had anyone collapse in her class before.

Molly says she can’t take any more bad news. It’s been a rough few months. Alexis says she knows Molly’s been through a lot, and this isn’t necessarily bad news. She’s happy for Molly and TJ, that they’re soldiering on through this journey to have a baby. She knows that’s what Molly really, really wants. And Kristina, giving her the most extraordinary, generous gift. Molly says, and Kristina knows how grateful she is. Kristina says, of course (🍷). She’s honored. Alexis says she just wishes the commitment they made to each other was legally binding, but it’s not. Their surrogacy arrangement presents what could be a really big legal problem.

Chase says he thought he and Brook agreed on a summer wedding. It’s not too far away, but it still gives them time to plan. She says, too much planning’s overrated. Who says they need this whole elaborate production? He says, she said that, but she tells him, what does she know? He says, Lois told him that she used to sketch her wedding gown in her school notebook, but she says, dreams change. He says he doesn’t want to rush this. He had a quickie wedding once, and they all know how that turned out. She says, they both know why he had that quickie wedding with Willow, and those reasons have nothing to do with why they want to be together. He says he knows, but he’s only doing this one more time, and he’s doing it with her. He wants it to be special. What’s going on? She says, when his dad pulled her aside on Christmas Eve, he said his Christmas wish was to see them get married.

Gregory says, well, doc? and Matt says, at the moment, his vitals look good. Gregory says he’s not surprised. He’s feeling better already. Matt says he’s already recovering from the dehydration, and Gregory says he’s guessing Matt’s prescription for recovery is lots of rest and plenty of fluids. Matt says, it is, and he’d like to admit Gregory for observation.

Alexis says she knows Molly and Kristina have done their homework on the medical side of things and they’re clear about that. She just doesn’t know that they’re clear on the legal implications. Kristina says, well, this baby’s mother is a brilliant lawyer, and Alexis says, she is, but she’s not a specialist in family law. Molly says, true, but she can draw up a contract, and Kristina says, and she can sign it. So lawyer/contract, they’re good. Alexis says she’s not sure that’s entirely true, because there is no binding agreement that she can sign that would make that baby Molly’s.

Maxie says, everyone needs time to adjust to their new corporate reality, and Tracy says, reality, Lucy. The opposite of what’s going on in your head. Maxie says, but they do have to be professional, and Tracy says, why start now? Lucy says she knows blackmail is Tracy’s go-to, but technically, blackmail is not professional, and Maxie says, this is a critical time for Deception. A lot is at stake for everyone who works here. For people who have rent and kids and have to grocery shopping on the way home. Bottom line, they need to make this work. Lucy says, Maxie is so right, but you know what’s not working? Tracy’s powers of manipulation. Judging from the fact Brook isn’t here, her powers are a big, fat flop. Tracy says, Lucy is well-acquainted with big, fat flops, from her marriages to business ventures. She just can’t seem to stick the landing. Lucy says she knows where she’d like to stick… and Maxie says, that’s enough. She can’t believe she has to talk to them like she does her children, but five minutes of silence, both of them. This lasts about three seconds, when Lucy says, Tracy doesn’t really care about Deception at all. She’s just bored and needs a distraction. Maxie says, it doesn’t work on her kids either, and Tracy says she can think of a thousand distractions more appealing than listening to Lucy, and Lucy says, but none of them would distract Tracy from the fact she has nothing to live for since Luke died. (Ouch! That was mean.)

Sasha says she knows the whole Taub necklace scam wasn’t the only reason Cody lied about the DNA results, and he says, Mac’s a good guy. Mac doesn’t deserve a son like him. She says, that couldn’t be further from the truth, but Felicia is a good P.I., and she’s going to dig and keep digging until she discovers the truth, and the fallout from that could be massive in ways he couldn’t expect. Trust her. She speaks from personal experience. He says, that whole Nina Reeves thing, right? and she says her situation was the complete opposite from his. She was hired by Valentin Cassadine to claim she was Nina’s daughter, but looking back, she realizes she could have mitigated a lot of damage if she’d just come clean. The fact that she stayed silent and got busted made the fallout so much worse. He says, maybe he should just move to Bolivia or some other county that doesn’t extradite Americans. Coming clean is not an option, and if Felicia finds out he’s Mac’s son, he’s going to Pentenville.

Felicia says she was hoping Robert and his extraordinary skill set could help her figure out why Cody would lie about those test results, because he’s right. It doesn’t make any sense. He says, take some advice from the man with the extraordinary skill set, and leave it. She says, if he thinks she can do that, he understands her even less than he understands Cody, and he says he understood all too well what kind of a grifter Cody was when he walked into Britt’s office and found them fighting over Taub’s necklace. She asks, what about Leopold Taub? and he says, this time last year, he went to seize Taub’s necklace, the one that Victor wanted. He goes into Britt’s office and they’re both there fighting over the necklace, both claiming ownership. She asks if they ever got it sorted out, but he says he doesn’t think so. Not since it was destroyed. She wonders if Cody ever contested any of Taub’s other assets, and he says, that would be a good question for a lawyer. She looks over at Scotty and says, indeed it would.

Chase tells Brook that he can understand his dad talking about his stamina, but worrying about his death seems seriously premature. Brook says she’s just telling him what Gregory told her; he doesn’t want them waiting too long. He asks if she thinks Gregory is holding something back, but she says she doesn’t know. She’s not going to the meeting; she’s calling the office. He says she doesn’t have to do that; he’ll be fine. She should go to her meeting. The last thing they need is Tracy coming around here looking for her. She says, that’s a good point, and hugs him. They’re going to make sure they do what’s best for everyone, okay? He says, whatever that is, and she gathers up her stuff and leaves. Chase’s phone rings, and he says he’s glad Finn called. Brook just told him something… Finn says, dad’s here at the hospital. He’s okay, but he took a fall. Chase says he’s on his way.

Alexis says she should have known Molly would have done research on the child/parent security act, and Molly says she’s familiar. She hasn’t studied it. Alexis says, because it’s new, which means it can be easily challenged, and Molly says she’s aware, but it does allow for surrogacy in New York. Alexis says, it does, but the surrogate has to be using a third-party egg donor, and Kristina asks if it really makes a difference. Molly says, a big difference actually, and Alexis says, in her case, she’s not using a third-party egg donor. She’s the donor and the surrogate. In this case, it’s called a genetic surrogacy, and the contract for a genetic surrogacy is not enforceable in the state of New York. Kristina says, okay, but if genetic surrogacy isn’t enforceable in the state of New York, they’ll just get pregnant in a different state. They’ll find some other workaround. Alexis says, there are always loopholes, because Molly will tell her, regulations exist because there are precedents. Kristina says, precedents and regulations and loopholes. She’s talking to them like they’re her court case, not her children. Alexis says she’s talking to them this way because they are her children, and she wants to make sure their best interests are protected. Kristina asks if it’s their best interests, or is Alexis really just trying to protect Molly from her?

Tracy tells Lucy not to say Luke’s name ever again, but Lucy says, Tracy doesn’t own Luke’s name, just like she never owned Luke. Tracy says, don’t, and Lucy says, Luke had many, many women in his life, and Tracy was just one of them. She barely cracked the top ten. Maxie says, don’t go there, but Lucy says, why? Why can’t she just tell the truth right to Tracy’s face? Luke was the great, true love of Tracy’s life, but does she know who the great, true love of Luke’s life was? Laura. (People who don’t even watch GH know that.) In fact, Tracy is probably just an also-ran to Holly. Tracy asks where she did her research, Wikipedia? Are they just naming exes now, because two can play that game. The great love of Lucy’s life, Doc, is so happily settled down with Laura. She guesses he doesn’t miss being burned by Lucy. Lucy says she happens to be in love with Martin now. She’s with Martin, and none of her loves married her to extort her. They didn’t stay married and try to escape from her all the time. The fact is, Tracy and Luke were in totally different countries when he died. She needs to know why Tracy did all this. Why did she steal Deception? Is it because she has more to look back on than to look forward to? Is it because her family just barely tolerates her, and when she stands looking around, she has nothing and nobody? She doesn’t see anything, is that it? She can keep doing it. She can keep scheming and using sarcasm as a distraction – Brook walks in – but you know what? Tracy is going to die just like she lived – unloved and completely unlovable. Brook says, who is Lucy to speak to her grandmother that way?

Chase says, hot yoga? Hot yoga is a challenge for people in the best of health. He did it once and it almost killed him, but Finn thinks there’s more to the story? Finn says, the instructor came with him to the hospital. She said he wasn’t just a little woozy. It seemed like he lost consciousness.

Gregory says he knows he overdid it, but is a hospital stay really necessary? and Matt says, his collapse may be the result of a temporary fluid loss… Gregory says, or? and Matt says, or this may be a new symptom of the disease.

Sasha says, even if Mac could arrest Cody for lying about the DNA results, she doesn’t believe he would, but Cody says, he wouldn’t have a choice, thanks to the lawsuit Scotty cooked up. Legally, he’s on the hook. She asks if Cody was suing the WSB for the value of Taub’s necklace? She thought he dropped that lawsuit. He says he did, but only after he was deposed and signed an affidavit saying he was Taub’s son. She says, and that is considered fraud? but he says, worse. It’s perjury. He’ll have to do time for that. She says, he may not. He broke the law for her and it turned out okay. He says he was willing to risk himself, but he doesn’t want to risk Mac. The potential scandal could impact his reputation on the force. Mac’s a good guy. He doesn’t deserve what Cody would do to his life. She asks what Cody thinks Mac would want for his life if he knew he was Cody’s father.

Felicia tells Scotty, sorry to interrupt. Does he have a minute? He says, yes. Sit down. She says, his breakfast companions might not feel the same, but he says, what breakfast companions? He’s alone again as usual. She asks if he tried again with Liesl, and he says he did. He presented his heart to her, and she threw it right against the wall. So they’re done, finished. She says she’s sorry. She respects him for trying. She thinks it’s really brave of him to put himself out there. He says he won’t be making that mistake again. He doesn’t know what went wrong with Liesl, but it was the last nail in the coffin of love for him. She says she’s really sorry to hear that. She just wanted to ask him a question, and then she’ll leave him to… whatever this is. He says, it’s breakfast, and what is her question? She says, Cody Bell, but he says, don’t bring up his name. She says, why? She thought they had a great relationship. He says he doesn’t have a problem with Cody. Cody just kind of goofed up his chances of getting back with Leisl a little bit. She asks, how so? and he says, Cody cost him a big payday.

Alexis says she’s trying to look out for both her daughter’s best interests, and Kristina says, really? She’s just focusing on the contract part of this because she thinks someone is going to violate it, that someone being her. Does Alexis just not trust she’ll abide by the terms? Alexis says, of course (🍷) she trusts Kristina. She’s just trying to look at all possible outcomes. Kristina says she appreciates Alexis advising them of the current statutes, but her concern isn’t really necessary. Alexis says she’s done research, and Molly says, she didn’t really have to go to the trouble, but Alexis says, it was no trouble really. She looks at some papers and says, do they know they can avoid any potential legal conflict between them by establishing parenthood after birth via adoption? (That’s what I was thinking.) Molly says she’ll look into it, but Alexis says, Molly doesn’t have to; she’s already done it. The first step is for Kristina to stipulate that she has no parental proprietary interest… Kristina says, Molly told her that she’d look into it, but Alexis says she can go over this. It’ll be really quick. Kristina says, no. Not for nothing, but Molly is the lawyer here, not her. (Another ouch.)

Cody says he has no idea what Mac would want when it comes to him, and Sasha says she could guess. Mac is a good guy, and she can’t see any world where Mac wouldn’t forgive him. And he’d never do anything to jeopardize Cody’s future. Cody says, what about Mac’s brother, Robert Scorpio, the DA? Not a fan. She says, that’s because Robert doesn’t know what she knows, and he says, what’s that? She says, how much has changed since he signed that affidavit. He put himself on the line for her, and she knows he hates to hear this, but she’ll forever be grateful. He says, they’ve been over this. Gratitude, no; friendship, yes. She says, speaking of friendships, he’s been a really good one. Dante and Sam… He says, they’ve been better to him, and she says, Maxie and all her kids, especially James. That little boy hero worships him. Cody says, he’s too young to know any better, but she says, maybe he knows Cody better than Cody knows himself. Cody has changed a lot, and the only way to prove that is to come clean. Today.

Felicia says, so Scotty and Cody were going to sue the WSB over Taub’s necklace? and Scotty says, yeah, but hush-hush. Nobody really knows about this, and he’s hoping Cody changes his mind. She says, so it was Cody who decided not to move forward, and he says, yes. After all the legal depositions and the filings, all the dirty work was done. She asks, why? and he says he doesn’t know why exactly, but the WSB blew up Cody’s asset and he felt Cody should be compensated. She says, so being Taub’s son would pay off big for Cody, and he says, huge, huge windfall. Why does she ask?

Brook says, Lucy knows nothing about her grandmother, which is insulting, because not only did she take Deception, she’s running it way better than Lucy ever did. And by the way, Lucy is sadly misinformed. Tracy Angelica Quartermaine is greatly loved by her whole family. A love Lucy couldn’t possibly understand how they express, because she’s nothing but a gold-digging outsider who managed to trap Brook’s great uncle into marriage for what, ten seconds? She’s been hanging around for years trading on her single share of ELQ, which Brook’s grandmother managed to get from Lucy, by the way. So now she’s out on the street, exactly where she belongs. Lucy says, Brook really has nothing to say… and Brook tells her, and by the way, Luke Spencer was the love of her grandmother’s life. She accepted him for exactly who he was, fought for him with everything she had, and stuck by him until the very end. Meanwhile, Lucy has thrown away every man who’s ever loved her, with both hands. So do not lecture her grandmother on love, because she understands it way better than Lucy ever will. Tracy looks at Brook proudly, and Lucy says, they can hold this meeting without her. She walks out, closing the door behind her, and Tracy tells Brook, thank you. Brook says she meant every word, and Tracy says, well, she’s still late. So what was more important than the meeting they had scheduled? Brook says, something happened with Chase’s father.

Matt says he wants to run some tests overnight. It could be that Gregory is no longer getting nutrients from food and water intake alone, or the collapse could have been because of his lung intake level falling below 50%, which the tests will show. If it has fallen below 50%, they’ll have to discuss options. Gregory says he’ll give Matt 24 hours to do anything he needs, but he has plans on New Year’s Eve, and nothing is going to stop him from making good on them.

Chase tells Finn, the yoga instructor isn’t a doctor. They don’t know what actually happened. Finn says he thought Chase should know. He left Chase out of the loop once before, and he promised not to let it happen again. Chase says, if dad believes he overdid it, doesn’t Finn think they should trust that? Finn says, dad’s not a doctor either, and Chase says he gets that. And he gets that facts are important, but so is faith. Finn says he doesn’t remember seeing that on the curriculum at med school, and Chase asks, doesn’t a patient’s state of mind effect their health? Finn says, of course (🍷) it does, and Chase says, then a little positivity can’t hurt. Matt comes out and asks why they don’t come in with him and their dad. He has an update.

Alexis says, when Kristina’s right, she’s right. It’s tough to know when to take off her legal hat and put on her mom hat, but either way, she’ll defend her daughters with everything she’s got, and that includes Kristina. Kristina says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to dismiss Alexis’s legal expertise or her concern for her daughters. Alexis says, but Kristina thinks she’s overstepping, and Molly says, it’s just that, for her and TJ, this whole journey has been about hope. Now with Kristina as their surrogate, it’s also one of implicit trust. The bond between her and Krissy is stronger than all the legal protections in the world. Kristina says, they’re sisters. Nothing is ever going to make them forget that. Alexis still looks worried.

Molly and Kristina put on their coats, and Alexis says, so it looks like her concern for her daughters has been outmatched by their belief in each other. Well done. Congratulations. Kristina says, it’s the truth, and Alexis tells them that she’s not going to say another word about it. What she did say isn’t because she doesn’t believe in them, because she does with all her heart. And she’s very proud of the way they stuck up for each other, even against her. She loves them both, and she loves the way they love each other. They have a three-way hug, and Kristina and Molly leave.

Gregory asks what Chase is doing here, and Chase says, Finn called and said Gregory was in the hospital. Where else would he be? Gregory says, Finn didn’t need to call Chase; he’s fine. Finn asks Matt, is he? and Gregory says, they’re going to admit him. They’re going to run some tests. 24-hours, that’s it, then he’s out of here. He asks Matt to tell his boys not to worry, and Matt says, an overnight stay is just a precaution. Chase says, precautions are good. He’s all for precautions. Matt says, good. He’ll go take a look at Gregory’s intake paperwork. He heads for the door, and Chase thanks him and says, and take good care of his dad. His dad promised his bride a dance at his wedding this spring. Matt leaves, and Gregory says, they decided on a date? Chase says, they did, and Gregory says he didn’t think it would happen so soon. Chase says, he and Brook decided they didn’t want to wait another minute to make it official in front of the whole family. He can’t wait to marry Brook. Gregory says he’s so happy for Chase, and Chase thanks him. Chase says he just has to… follow her orders and stay out of her way, and Gregory laughs.

Felicia goes back to the table, and Robert says he got a call from the office. He’s got to go. He asks if her conversation with Baldwin was of use, and she says, and how. He asks if she still thinks Cody is Mac’s son, and she says, more than ever. He says he’s not asking for any details, but if Cody chose not to be the son of a man like Mac Scorpio, does Mac need to know? She says, Mac has a right to know, and he says, so what’s the plan? Is she going to get Cody to ‘fess up to lying about the DNA results? She says, he’s held on to this secret for a long time, so no. Robert says he’d move on. It’s going to be hell to prove. He leaves, and she says, not for me.

Cody says he can’t just come clean, and Sasha says she guesses that’s ultimately up to him, but if he does decide to admit he’s Mac’s son, she’ll be right by his side. And if he doesn’t, she’ll keep his secret forever. He thanks her, and she says, that doesn’t mean the truth won’t come out, but it won’t come from her. She looks at her phone and says she’s got to go. She’s beyond late. He thanks her for being such a good friend, and she says, he deserves nothing less, and leaves.

Tracy asks if Gregory’s all right, and Brook says, yes. Things were just complicated. Tracy says, given the circumstances, that’s an acceptable excuse for Brook’s tardiness, but if she’s going to take the helm here, she has to follow Tracy’s example and act like a leader. If Tracy is going to give her this company, she needs to start taking it seriously. Brook says, oh, I am, granny. Very seriously.

Scotty puts more syrup on his pancakes, and Lucy says, keep that up and he won’t make it through the year. He says, who cares? and she says, oh come on. Buck up. She sits down and says she has a way for both of them to end up on top. He says, that sounds physically impossible, but he’s willing to give it a shot. She says, stop, focus, and not on these plates of food please. What is this all about? He asks what she wants, and she says she’s proposing a plan where she’s restored all she’s lost, and Scotty could land a big, fat chunk of change. He says he’s listening, and she says, they’re going to be big winners in 2024. Big winners. And Tracy Quartermaine is going to lose big time. He asks how he fits in, and she says, as a groom. He asks if she could repeat that. Did she just say the word groom? She says, yes, she did. He’s going to marry Tracy and they’re going to take her for everything she’s got.

Tomorrow, TJ says he and Kristina have to set some things straight; Lucy tells Scotty to get ready, because she’s just getting started; and Sonny asks if this is where Alexis wants him to tell her that she’s wrong.

☎️ Today the Role Of…

Since regular Maxie was in the preview, I’m guessing it was nothing major.

That’s Nicole Paggi as the Temporary Maxie Recast on GH!

🥀 Our Loss Is Heaven’s Gain…

This made me miss Passions all over again.

🗽 Model Of Legacy…

Some of the forgotten Wives. I met Kristen at a radio station cocktail party years ago. It was after the season where Ramona threw the glass at her. She seemed like a nice person, and I think she should run from any facet of this franchise.

🛟 Toxicity On Deck…

I just don’t see it this way. I thought Natalya was one of the worst human beings ever, but Kyle? Kyle is just gossipy and emotional, so don’t tell him anything you don’t want anyone to know. Problem solved, and hopefully, he’ll grow out of it. Whereas Natalya was deliberately mean, Kyle just gets all in his emotions and lashes out. Captain Sandy also thought he was the root of the problem, but I’ve disagreed with her before.

🥇 But At the Time…

It’s like Jerry said in Edward Albee’s Zoo Story, sometimes it’s necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly. But geez, don’t mention his stellar final season of Fear the Walking Dead or anything.

https://people.com/colman-domingo-nearly-left-acting-after-losing-big-break-role-8420368

🌁 And the Last Shall Be Divisive…

They seem to be focusing an awful lot on it being parallel to the game, but I don’t think this stuff is confirmed. What is confirmed is it not being aired until 2025… sigh…

https://screenrant.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-divisive-story-reason/

https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/i-cant-wait-for-the-last-of-us-season-2-to-air-but-im-also-dreading-it-heres-why

There’s a blink-and-you-miss-it teaser for The Last of Us, but mostly what HBO/Max has in store for 2024.

https://gizmodo.com/last-of-us-season-2-release-it-prequel-trailer-hbo-max-1851078003

🥂 To Rock Your Eve…

Stuff to watch if you don’t want to brave the night. Like me. Been there, done that, I’m good. Dick Clark might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten on New Year’s Eve.

https://people.com/new-years-eve-specials-2023-everything-to-know-8420122

🐕 Holiday Assortment…

Good advice all year round.

https://people.com/how-to-keep-your-pet-safe-around-the-holidays-8417416

I don’t know how I missed this, but it’s very cute.

https://people.com/pets/adoptable-animals-model-halloween-costumes/

No one can say I don’t include cats. They’re not keen on costumes though, as a general rule.

https://people.com/mandy-moore-includes-cats-in-holiday-traditions-8418338

And last, but never least, the InstaDogs of Christmas.

🍇 12 Grapes For 12 Months…

Boomerang back tomorrow for soap and some New Year amusement. Until then, stay safe, stay being on time, but not early to a party, and stay not eating the entire left side of the menu if you have a lot of feelings.