Tag Archives: nighttime drama

Jun15

June 14, 2024 – A Full Friday In Port Charles, PSA, Her Offer, Island Host, Already, Andy’s Issues, In the House, Those, New Reality, Bye Dog, Tonys, Three To See, Amusing, 9 Concise Quotes & Club

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone at the gallery, Trina asks if Portia is sure she didn’t say anything to The Invader about her giving them an interview, because she’s not… Gio walks in, and she says she has to go. They’ll talk later. She says, he made it, and he says, she could have finished her call, but she says she didn’t want to deal with it anyway. She talked him up to Ava, but she can’t make any promises. He says, she got him a shot. That’s all he can hope for. Ava comes in, and Trina introduces her to Gio, and says, he’s the musician she told Ava about. Ava shakes his hand and says she’s sure Trina explained she needs somebody to do background music for their next opening. Trina said, Gio got a full ride to PCU’s music program, and he’s drafted to their summer concert series too, andAva says, a full ride. His parents must love that. He says, if he hadn’t earned the scholarship, his Uncle Sonny was going to pay his way.

In his office, Drew gets a call from Nina, but before he can answer (or decide if he’s going to), McConkey walks in. Drew turns off the call and says he wasn’t expecting the congressman. McConkey says, Drew came to his office without an appointment, and he thought he’d return the favor. So time to fish or cut bait. Is Drew going to run for his seat or not?

Alexis asks, what’s on Kristina’s mind? and Kristina says, all the warnings Alexis gave her about being Molly’s surrogate. Alexis says, she’ll have to be a little more specific, and Kristina says, there’s one thing they didn’t cover. What happens to the baby if Molly and TJ split up?

Elizabeth meets Chase at the café, and she says she hopes she didn’t keep him waiting. He says he just got there, and thanks her for agreeing to meet him. He got her message. He was about to knock on Finn’s door when she called. After talking to Finn, he had a good idea why she called. She asks, how bad was he?

Finn wakes up with a start, fully clothed and on the couch. Violet asks, what’s wrong? and I can feel Finn’s hangover.

Ava asks if Gio means Sonny Corinthos, and he says he does. Sonny’s not an actual relative, but he’s an honorary member of the Cerullo family, so Sonny is treating him like blood. She says, he’s very fortunate, and he says, no question. Uncle Sonny’s paid for his musical education, lessons, conservatory, his instrument… Ava says, he’s a very generous man. Why doesn’t Gio go ahead and play something? Gio says he’ll go tune up, and steps away. Trina says, full disclosure. She’s never actually heard him play, but Josslyn says he’s fantastic. Ava says she didn’t realize Josslyn was an expert in classical music, and Trina tells her not to feel obligated to use him if this is a bad idea. Gio comes back and says, any requests? Ava tells him, play something that puts people in the mood to buy some very expensive art, and he says he’s got her. He begins to play.

Alexis says, hold on a second. Where is all this coming from? Kristina says, Molly came over to her house and she was really upset. She was venting about all the issues she’s having right now with TJ. Alexis says, couples fight, and Kristina tells her, that’s exactly what Allie said, but not TJ and Molly. They don’t. Not until… this. She indicates her bump and says, the baby is changing everything. Alexis says, babies do change things. Things shift. Sometimes it’s stressful. Kristina says, according to Molly, they’re not communicating right now. They’ve been together since high school. You’d think by now the two of them would have figured out how to talk to each other. Alexis says, back up, and Kristina says she is backing up. She’s backing all the way up to when Molly insisted on a domestic partnership instead of a marriage. What if, in her heart of hearts, Molly always had this feeling that she and TJ might drift apart? Alexis says, that’s just pure speculation. She doesn’t know where this is coming from. They’re having trouble, a little conflict. That doesn’t foretell the end of their relationship. Kristina says she hopes it doesn’t, but she has to be prepared either way. She has to know what she’s going to do. Alexis says, what she wants to know is what Kristina wants her to do, and Kristina says she knows this puts Alexis in a sticky situation because she’s Molly’s mother, but she’s also her mother. All she’s asking Alexis to do is walk her through the possible consequences if Molly and TJ do split up. Alexis told her that the only two people who would have legal claim to custody of this baby would be her and TJ.

Finn guzzles some water, and Violet asks if he’s thirsty. He says he’s so thirsty. Does she remember how he’s always telling her how important it is to stay hydrated? She asks, how was his nap? and he says, it was good. He guesses kids who nap have the right idea, but she says, not her. She thinks naps are boring. She would rather anything else. (Just wait, kid. You’ll wish you took all those naps once you’re working a day job.) So now that he’s up, can they go? He says, okay. Go where? She says, he told her that they could go to the pool after his nap. She’s been waiting for him to wake up. She made them peanut butter on toast for a snack and asked him if they could go to the pool. But he said he was too tired and needed to digest the food first. Doesn’t he remember?

Chase tells Elizabeth that Finn was belligerent and combative. He alternated between guilt tripping Chase and insisting that nothing was wrong. He’s never seen Finn like this before. Elizabeth says, that escalated quickly. He may have felt that he could keep this from her, but last night, Jake saw him coming out of a bar. And in his words, with some random woman. Chase looks stunned, and she says she was really shocked too. At first, she thought, he’s just slipped up. He’s had a couple drinks. Maybe it’s not as bad as it sounds. Perhaps Jake was confused by this woman. Maybe she’s an old friend. So she went to Finn’s apartment, and it was exactly like Jake said. He picked up this woman in the bar and brought him back to his place. He didn’t even know her name. Chase says he’s so sorry. He did see a bottle and two glasses, but it didn’t register. She did nothing to deserve this. She says, he has nothing to apologize for. This is Finn’s illness, his responsibility. So she just came from her first Al-Anon meeting, probably not her last. It only reenforced what she already knew. She can’t save Finn and she can’t subject her children to what’s happening with him right now. He says, of course (🍷) not. He understands what she’s saying. She ended things with Finn, and he gets why. He drew a hard line with Finn too, but Finn’s his brother. He doesn’t have the option to end things. He’s got to figure out a way to reach Finn.

Drew tells McConkey that this is a very big decision for him, and he had to consult with family and friends. He needed to get their input. McConkey says, sure it is. But they’ll support Drew and back him up, no? Drew says he was looking for someone who wouldn’t support him, for reasons not to run. That the campaign would be relentless, and his chances were slim. McConkey asks if he found someone who would oblige him, and Drew says, that’s why he intended to drive up and see the congressman tomorrow, to tell him that he’d made a decision… He would be honored to run for McConkey’s seat. McConkey says, that’s a great decision and he’s glad to see Drew recognizes a golden opportunity when it falls in his lap. They shake hands.

Elizabeth asks Chase to please believe her when she says she hasn’t stopped caring about his brother, but she has seen him addicted before, when he was with her sister. She went toe to toe with him, and he refused to admit he was using. He was arrogant and confrontational. He lied to her face, and she saw that same style last night. Chase says he’s so sorry, but she tells him that she’s going to say this as many times as he needs to hear it. He is not responsible. She knows he wants to support his brother, but he can’t enable him. He says he won’t, but he won’t drop him either. He can’t. She says, addiction is tricky. She can’t help Finn, but she can help Chase. Finn’s sponsor left town about a year ago. She doesn’t think he ever got a new one because of how well he was doing, but there is someone he might talk to. He and Alexis are close. They work the program together. He says, that tracks, and she tells him, with all that being said, her biggest concern is her niece. Violet is a strong little girl, but she’s dealt with so much loss, with her mother and her grandfather. And while Finn is battling himself, they have to figure out where she’s going to go. He says he and Brook came up with a plan for Violet to come live with them at the Q mansion this summer for a few weeks, long enough for Finn to have an intervention, hopefully, but he wasn’t having it. She says, maybe he just needs a minute for it to soak in. Tell her their plan, and she’ll try to talk Finn through it. He asks if she thinks Finn will listen to her, and she says, there’s only one way to find out. What she does know is, Violet is going to need all the support she can get.

Finn says he thought Violet said school. He was wondering why she wanted to go to school in her swimsuit. She asks why she’d want to go to school in her swimsuit. And he told her that he wanted to see her somersault in the water. He says he does, but does she think maybe he could have a hug first? She hugs him, and he says he loves her so much. He’s sorry if he’s been a little sad lately. She says, about grandpa? and he says, yeah, about grandpa. How is she? She says she’s sad too, and he says he’s going to get cleaned up and they’re going straight to that pool. They’re going to stop being sad and have so much fun. He promises. They pinky swear, and Violet hugs him again.

McConkey says, there are very few things that matter more than good government, and it’s easy to lose sight of that. With all the noise, and the innuendo, and the competing echo chambers… There are a lot of charlatans and cheats in the House, and it’s important for people of integrity to step forward and do the right thing. Drew thanks him and says he looks forward to shaking things up in the halls of Congress. This district… hell, this country deserves the best he can give. McConkey says, it sounds a little bit like his I’m running speech. Does he have a good speech writer? Drew says, no. Any suggestions? McConkey says, use his own voice, but think also about changing his last name to Quartermaine. He can’t beat that for recognition early in the race. Drew says, as a matter of fact, he… Nina walks in and asks why Drew hasn’t called her back, then sees McConkey. She asks, what brings him to Aurora? and McConkey says, as if she didn’t know.

Ava tells Gio, that’s enough, and thanks him. He definitely has the job. She knows he’ll be the perfect enhancement to their opening. Why don’t they go in the back and talk numbers? He says he’s grateful for any opportunity to perform live, and follows her into the back. Trina gently touches his violin, when Josslyn comes in. She asks if Trina is ready to go. Three new apartment listings just dropped, but they’ve got to be fast or else they’ll lose out… Is she okay? Trina says, yeah. This is Gio’s. He just auditioned for Ava. Josslyn was right about him. Josslyn says, he’s really good, but Trina says, no. He’s more than good. The way he played, it was like a painting. Gio’s an artist.

Kristina tells Alexis that she remembers in the State of New York, the birth mother is legally the baby’s mother until she signs the rights away to the baby. So what she needs to know is, if TJ and Molly split up, would TJ have to share custody with her, since Molly has no legal claims to the baby? Alexis says, she’s so jumping to conclusions here. There are so many factors to consider. Kristina says she knows that, but she needs to know what she’s going to do to protect this child and keep it in their family. She knows there’s a surrogacy contract that TJ might try to invoke, but Alexis said that won’t hold up in court. Alexis wonders if Molly knows Kristina is here asking these questions, and Kristina says, no. Alexis says she’s not entirely unprepared for these questions, because bringing up these questions has been her worst nightmare since the two of them told her about the surrogacy. She cannot and will not take a position on this, because she cannot choose between her daughters. Don’t ask her to.

Trina tells Josslyn that she’s never been that into violin, but the way Gio played, it was like a secret voice, like if somehow the paintings on the wall started singing. She can see how violinists were like rock stars back in the day. And it’s so easy to access – Gio comes back – the greatest music in the world on the internet, but it’s nothing like seeing it live. Josslyn tries to get her attention, and Gio asks if Josslyn is here to look at art. Josslyn says, no. Actually, they’re looking for apartments. She and Trina are getting a place together. She looks at her phone and says, oh no. Assuming the can find a place. Two of the listings just got taken. Trina says, already? and Ava comes back. She says hello to Josslyn and tells Gio that she’ll be in touch. She tells the girls, good luck with that apartment hunt, and returns to the back. Gio says he happens to know about a great apartment and it’s not going to be listed. Trina asks, why not? and he says, it’s over the Quartermaines’ garage.

McConkey says, maybe they should ask Nina about the name thing or Drew could pitch his platform to her… if she hasn’t already heard it. Nina says she’s sorry. What’s going on? The platform? The name? Drew says he’s running for Congress. The congressman wants him to take his seat when he retires. She says, Drew, a politician, and McConkey says he’s truly sorry. He assumed Drew would confide in Nina and that she would know what he was planning on doing. Drew says he just hadn’t gotten to it yet, and McConkey says, how about now? As the minister would say, all those who think Drew should not run for office, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Kristina says she’s not asking Alexis to choose, but she is responsible for this baby. And she has been ever since Molly and TJ chose her to carry this child. Alexis says, their child, and Kristina says she knows it’s their child, and she’s been trying so hard to do the right thing. She’s due to give birth to this baby in August, and she’s freaked out about it enough as it is. She doesn’t want to have to be thinking about this. Honestly, she’s been mentally preparing herself to sign away the rights and give this baby to Molly and TJ. Now she doesn’t even know if they’re going to make it. So she has to understand what her rights are in case she needs to protect this child. Alexis goes to her computer and says she’s sending Kristina the links to relevant statutes. Kristina asks if she just happened to have that open on her browser, and Alexis says she’s had it bookmarked since Kristina told her that she was pregnant. Kristina says, so Alexis does understand her concern, and Alexis says she just sent Kristina the link to the relevant statutes. Use the information as she sees fit. Kristina thanks her, and starts to leave, but Alexis calls her back. She says she wants Kristina to think long and hard about the promises she made to Molly and TJ, and the consequences if she breaks them. Kristina nods and leaves.

Elizabeth knocks on Finn’s door, and Violet answers. Elizabeth hugs her, picking her up, and Finn comes out.

Gio takes Josslyn and Trina to the apartment, which is super cute and about a hundred times nicer than my first apartment. He says, a living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms, only one bathroom. Trina says, it beats the showers in the dorms, and Josslyn says, it’s crazy. She’s been to the Quartermaines a million times and parked right outside the garage. She had no idea this place was here. Gio says, Ned offered it to him. Ned thought he’d like a place of his own, a little extra privacy. But Aunt Lois and Olivia weren’t having it. They want him at the house. Josslyn asks, why? Are they scared he’s going to get into trouble or something? He says, more like they think he might expire if he doesn’t have someone to do his laundry and make sure he eats regular meals. He can’t say for sure the Quartermaines will want to rent this place. They’ll have to talk to them directly, but since Josslyn’s brother Michael is a Quartermaine, he’s guessing they won’t drive too hard of a bargain. His phone rings, and he steps out to take the call. Josslyn says she knows they haven’t seen the bedrooms or the closets, but what does Trina think? They’re close to campus, it’s clean, it’s safe, there’s plenty of parking. She kind of loves it.

Chase knocks at Alexis’s door and asks if this is a bad time. She says, it’s been a day. From his expression, she’s thinking he’s having the same one. He asks if she knows Finn’s been drinking, and she says, he told her… How bad is it? Chase sits down and says, he’s drinking non-stop. He’s being irresponsible and reckless. He tried to confront Finn, but Finn completely shut him out. Elizabeth tried, but his behavior left her no choice but to end the relationship. She says, if Elizabeth jumped ship, it must be pretty bad, and he says, she still cares about him, but she doesn’t want to enable him or expose his behavior to her sons. (I think he meant expose her sons to his behavior.) She didn’t know if Finn ever got a new sponsor when his sponsor left a year ago, and suggested he talk to Alexis. Alexis says, if she was his sponsor, she wouldn’t be able to break a confidence, but she’s not. She hasn’t talked to Finn in a few days, but he did tell her that he slipped at the wedding. Chase says, Finn drank at his wedding before their dad died?

Elizabeth says, looks like someone is going swimming, and Violet says, they’re going to the MetroCourt pool. Elizabeth says, it’s a little late for that. By the time they get there, they’re not going to have whole lot of time to swim. Violet says, they would have gone early, but daddy fell asleep and forgot, and Finn laughs. He asks if Violet wants to run to the lobby and get their mail, and she says, okay. She leaves, and Finn asks if Elizabeth wants to come in. She puts her bag down and he closes the door. She says, Jake and Aiden have been asking about Violet. Even though they’re not together, Violet is still her niece and the boys’ cousin. She’d really love to take Violet to the pool right now, then bring Violet back to her house for dinner. He says he knows a wellness check when he sees one. Did Chase send her here?

Josslyn tells Trina that they can go hiking in the woods. They can even use the pool and the tennis courts on the grounds. She’ll talk to Michael. She’s sure they’ll get a great price on rent, because she knows everybody. Why isn’t Trina saying anything? She hasn’t said more than two words. Does she not like it? Trina says, no. She’s just not sure. Josslyn asks if she’s having second thoughts about moving off campus, but Trina says, no, not at all. Josslyn asks if it’s the idea of moving on, and Trina says, maybe. Josslyn says, if she’s not ready… but Trina says she wants to be, and this place is perfect. Maybe a little too perfect, like it’s too good to be true. Josslyn says, every now and then, that can happen. Isn’t she due for something like that? Gio comes back and asks what they think of the place.

Nina says she thinks it’s actually very inspiring, and Drew is going to be the perfect candidate to succeed the congressman. Despite his past legal problems, but they don’t need to get into that right now. McConkey says, old news, and they’ll deal with that, and Nina says, no doubt. Drew could not have a better mentor in politics. And the congressman couldn’t have chosen a better, more fitting successor. McConkey says, there’s nothing he likes to hear more than his instincts were correct, so they’ll time his retirement with Drew’s announcement that he’s going to run to take his place in the House. They need to work on getting their campaign together, so it will run as smoothly as possible. Drew says he just has to get his staff together first, and McConkey says, better hurry up. His opponent is the worst kind of opportunist. And it’s not a question of Drew saying he wants to win; he has to win. They need people in influential places in his stead, like this lady here. It’s good to have her. Good to see them both. He leaves, and Drew says, what the hell was that? Past legal troubles that they need not get into? She forgot mention that she was the one who pointed the SEC in his direction to begin with. She says, please. She couldn’t have been more supportive with the congressman right now. He says, agreed. So what’s the catch? She says, no catch. As loathsome as she feels he is, his brand of loathsome is perfect for Washington. He says he’s flattered, and she says, and also, she needs a favor. He says, of course (🍷) she does.

Alexis tells Chase, Finn wasn’t drinking per se at the wedding. He inadvertently grabbed a glass that had champagne in it, and she didn’t think that would… and she can tell from Chase’s face that Finn wasn’t very forthcoming about that. He says, it’s the first he’s hearing of it. Finn told him that he had his first drink when he found their dad. She says, he told her that as well. He came over and they talked. He told her that there was a bottle of alcohol in his apartment someone had left as a gift and he drank it after their father died, but he was adamant that he was stopping. Chase says, he’s been drinking the whole time. At their dad’s memorial, he saw Finn taking shots. He’s been going to bars… He came here because he had questions. She says she’ll do her best, and he says, Finn tells him that he’s a drug addict, not an alcoholic, so he can drink normally like everyone else. She says, it’s the story he’s telling in order to justify his behavior. He hasn’t had a drink in years, and he goes to regular AA meetings, so he wouldn’t do that if he weren’t an alcoholic. Chase says he trusted Finn when he said it was just a slip and he had it under control, but all addicts say that. He knows that because he has training for it and he was willfully blinded by it. Alexis says, listen to her because she knows what she’s talking about. This isn’t on Chase. He can’t control this. All he can do is take his cues from what Finn does, not what he says. Chase says, that leads him to his next question. Finn promised that he was going to AA meetings. Has she seen him?

Finn tells Elizabeth that he admits he’s had a couple of bad days, but if she and Chase think him getting drunk after his father’s funeral is a crisis, then he doesn’t know what more there is to say. She tells him to say he’ll stop lying to himself and everyone else. She didn’t want to come back here. Not after what happened last night, which she’s not even sure he fully remembers. Yet here she is. Because she loves him and he’s in trouble. And Violet needs a safe home. He says, Violet has a safe home. Please leave his daughter out of this. She says, Violet doesn’t deserve to be in the middle of his crisis. He’s got to get help before things get really out of control. He says, of all the people in his life, she was the last one he thought would turn their back on him. But clearly, that’s the choice she’s made. (Show of hands. How many people want to smack him right now?) She says, all she’s asking is for him to get real with himself and to give his daughter a break from the way he’s handling his grief. Violet can stay with her and the boys. She can stay with Chase and Brook… He says, she’s not going anywhere. Violet is his daughter. He is her father. And she stays with him. This is the last time he’s going to say that.

On Monday, Portia has something that might put a smile on Elizabeth’s face; Chase tells Cody that he wouldn’t trade it for the world; and Finn tells Alexis that it’s his loss and his to deal with in his own way.

🛟 Al-Anon…

Even non-profits have a business to run, and I worked in Al-Anon’s corporate office for several years. You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it. If a loved one’s drinking is affecting your life, let Al-Anon help you. And in the long run, them. (Sorry the link is so small. Occasionally, the come out like that, but there’s nothing I can do about it.)

https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings

👠 Will Quit For You…

I’m still creeped out about how Jenn changed her entire look artificially just to fit in. Bowling For Soup was right – high school never ends.

Jenn Fessler Offered To Quit RHONJ for Margaret Josephs

🌴 Island Of Questionable Love…

I could tell from the opening credits that I did not want to watch this. As usual, when it comes to this genre of reality, I feel embarrassed for the contestants.

How Ariana Madix Slayed the Love Island USA Premiere as Host

🍸 He and Billie Lee…

I love the stunned look on his face.

Billie Lee Claims Tom Sandoval Has Cheated on Victoria Lee Robinson ‘Several Times’

🤹‍♂️ Andy On Everything…

I’m guessing he’ll skate from all these issues, but is it even worth it anymore?

Andy Cohen Addresses RHONJ Recasting Rumors, and Lawsuits, Plus He Talks Vanderpump Rules Seeming “Forced,” Favorite WWHL Moment & New Seasons of RHOA and RHOBH

🐉 Imagining Dragons…

Premiering June 16th.

https://www.etonline.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-everything-we-know-about-the-dance-of-dragons-storyline-193169

And already renewed for Season 3.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-renewed-season-3-hbo-8662955

⚔️ It’s a New Game…

Hopefully, Iwan Rheon’s character won’t be quite as sadistic as Ramsay Bolton, although it is about ancient Rome. They weren’t exactly known for their compassion.

https://ew.com/anthony-hopkins-iwan-rheon-those-about-to-die-trailer-8662636

💃🏼 We Will Always Have Paris…

The forever friends are back with their not so simple lives.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1402961/youll-be-sliving-for-paris-hiltons-update-on-her-and-nicole-richies-new-show

🥀 Seven In Heaven…

It sounds like he had a wonderful life. See you at the Bridge, buddy.

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-dog-animal-actor-dies-8663330

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-dog-seven-dies-norman-reedus-daryl-dixon/

🏆 Light the Lights…

The Tonys air June 16th. The nominees.

https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/

Speculation.

https://www.theatermania.com/news/what-shows-will-win-the-best-musical-play-and-revival-tonys-in-2024_1742256/

Everything you ever wanted to know.

https://www.tonyawards.com/

🐾 Animal Kingdom Newness…

The new tallest dog.

https://people.com/great-dane-dog-kevin-worlds-tallest-living-dog-8663127

New wild jaguars.

https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/first-wild-jaguars-in-70-years-born-in-argentina-national-park.phtml

More on the new rare white buffalo.

https://people.com/birth-rare-white-buffalo-yellowstone-fulfills-lakota-prophecy-8662986

🧯 The Definition of Irony…

Is it a radio or a fire alarm? Maybe he needs to take his own advice and get his eyes checked.

https://www.etonline.com/henry-winkler-is-evacuated-from-hotel-in-dublin-says-he-thought-fire-alarms-were-a-clock-radio

📻 Quotes of the Week

Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will. – W. Clement Stone

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. – Warren Buffett

The worst walls are never the ones you find in your way. The worst walls are the ones you put there. – Ursula K. Le Guin

You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them. – Shonda Rhimes

I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me. – Dudley Field Malone

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts. – Joshua Reynolds

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi

Jesus Christ, it’s like a f***ing dog movie in here! – Doug (Will Forte), Strays

Be water, my friend. – Bruce Lee

⛓️‍💥 Going Out Like a Wrecking Ball…

Go forth and conquer the world. Then join me on Monday for soap and dirty deeds on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay embracing the local culture when traveling, and stay supporting, but not enabling, those with addictions.

Jun14

June 13, 2024 – Curtis Thinks It’s Time He Met Heather, Explanation, Rallying, End Of Awful (For Now), Crossing Over, Earth’s End, After the Glee, Prophecy Fulfilled & Words

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Tracy saw Stella sitting on Gregory’s bench at the park, and said Stella was sitting in her seat. Stella told her to sit her boney ass down, and they smiled at one another.

Blaze made raspberry iced tea for Kristina and said, it helped tone the uterus and made it more efficient. She had to take care of her baby, figuratively speaking. They both admitted to fantasizing that the baby was theirs, and Kristina said, they’d need a bigger place. Blaze said, their new house would have several bathrooms and a big backyard, and Kristina added a tire swing. Blaze said, they’d need three bedrooms for when her brother Eloi visited and the abuelas. Kristina liked the sound of Abuela Alexis.  

Adrian brought champagne to Alexis’s office and wanted to toast to the sweet circulation numbers. Alexis said she was a recovering alcoholic and couldn’t join him even if there was something to celebrate, which there wasn’t. She called him a poor excuse for a journalist, and he suggested she refer her complaints to the First Amendment. Alexis said she and the mayor understood the First Amendment, and leaked information had been used for clickbait headlines. She warned him that he did not want to square off with Laura.

Laura said Trina must have seen The Invader’s claims that she was launching a campaign to free Heather, and Trina asked if she was. Laura said, no, and she didn’t want Heather to be free. Trina said she was glad to hear that, and her mom would be too. Her mom had freaked out. Laura said she could empathize, but Trina said, not enough to leave it alone.

A guard brought Heather to the visitor’s room, but Heather said, there must have been a mistake. She didn’t know this guy. Curtis said, maybe not, but he knew her.

A mosquito was after Tracy, and she told Stella that her pheromones attracted bloodsuckers and parasites. It was a wonder she and Gregory became friends. Stella said, they don’t make them like that anymore, and Tracy remarked that the bench was solid and handsome, like the man. Stella asked how the memorial was, and Tracy said, good. A lot of memories were shared about what Gregory had left them. Stella asked what Gregory left Tracy, and she said, cheated.

Kristina thought Blaze’s mom would make a good grandma, that a baby would mellow her out. Blaze said, it might make her more comfortable with them, but she wouldn’t want Natalia to push the kid into music if they weren’t into it. Blaze would want them to be their own person, not molded into what she wanted. Kristina said, it was important that people be accepted for who they were. They’d let their child reveal who they wanted to be. It was nice to fantasize about the future, but she didn’t know if it was the right timing to be doing that. There was a knock at the door, and Kristina opened it to Molly.

Heather said, everyone knew the notorious Heather Webber, and Curtis said, she was all over the news. Her hook too. She said she didn’t need reminding how wretched a place the world had become and how she contributed to it. He did give her a reminder of the beauty in it though. It had been years since a man came calling. She asked what his name was, calling him hot stuff, and he introduced himself. He told her that he was Trina’s father, and he was sure Heather knew her.

Trina told Laura that she’d been freaked out too, but had to think objectively. What she knew about Laura was different than what people were thinking. Spencer thought world of her, and she and Doc were adopting Ace. Spencer would be so happy about that. She wanted to hear what was going on from Laura directly. Laura thanked her for keeping an open mind, and admitted she was torn in several directions, but she’d try to explain. Trina said her mom had already explained about the metallosis, and Laura said her actions had been mischaracterized. She’d only requested copies of Heather’s court records. Trina asked, why? and Laura said she wanted to see to what degree Heather’s condition was responsible for her actions, since it hadn’t been known at the time. Trina asked, if it had been, would Heather have gone free? Is that what Laura wanted?

Adrian told Alexis that they were only vulnerable to liable if the article was proved untrue. Did Laura prove that? Alexis asked what he didn’t get about we’re done, and he asked if Laura demanded a retraction or correction. Was she considering pushing the DA to set Heather free? Alexis said, Laura didn’t want Heather free, and Adrian asked who had more credibility, The Invader or the claims of an elected politician? Who was fighting for justice, their paper or Laura? Diane walked in and said she’d also like an answer to that.

Blaze offered to leave, but Molly said, stay, since Blaze was sister adjacent. Kristina asked what was going on. Did Molly lose a case? Molly said, no, just her domestic partner. They had a blowout fight. Kristina said, they didn’t even disagree on dinner, and Molly said, they never disagreed on anything until this year. Kristina said, until she was their surrogate.

Diane asked Alexis where the paper got their information and was it reliable. She’d been on the receiving end of a poison hook. Adrian said, it was a matter of civic interest, but Alexis said, it was more like prurient interest. He could see himself out. He left, and Alexis told Diane that Laura had only requested the transcript of Heather’s hearings. Diane asked what the file was on Alexis’s desk, and Alexis said, it was the transcripts. She’d gotten them from Laura. Diane asked if it was true that Laura was angling for Heather’s freedom and Alexis was helping her do it.  

Laura told Trina that there was no way to know how the inquiry would go. They only had what ifs. What if Heather’s illness had been discovered and diagnosed? Perhaps the atrocities she committed wouldn’t have occurred. Trina said, but they did. Five people were dead. She asked if there was anything in the transcripts that would get Heather released, but Laura said she wasn’t a lawyer. Trina said, Alexis used to be one, and asked if Laura was discussing it with her. There was a knock at the door, and Trina said she’d go, since she hadn’t made an appointment. Laura opened the door to Doc and told him that she and Trina were in the middle of a conversation. He said he was sorry to interrupt, but maybe he was just in time to run interference. Trina said, there was no need, but he said, her upcoming article in The Invader made him think otherwise.

Curtis said he knew Heather remembered Trina, and Heather kept her head down as he talked. He said, she barely escaped with her life, but not Spencer. Heather’s daughter made sure of that. He saw Trina’s broken heart because of what Heather put in motion and saw the light go out of her eyes. He asked if Heather was offended by the truth, but she said she knew the truth and had no problem with what he was saying. It was what she didn’t want to say that was the problem.

Tracy told Stella that she wished she’d met Gregory sooner, before his illness. He thought it brought out his strengths and would probably tell her something enlightened that made her feel obliged to look for untapped powers in herself, if she had any. Stella said, Tracy was a formidable woman, and she was surprised at this streak of self-doubt. Therapy worked. Tracy said, nice knowing her, but Stella told her, don’t give up on herself. We could see our weaknesses coming, but our strengths were a surprise, revealed when life demanded it. The trick was to recognize them before they went to waste. Gregory did put his to good use, but she could relate to Tracy feeling cheated. That’s what brought her on this walk. She didn’t even notice the plaque until she’d been there a while, but Gregory’s name seemed fitting, so she stayed. She was thinking about someone dear to her that she lost a long time ago and lost all over again today.

Molly told Blaze that she and TJ had been together since high school. Maybe all this time she’d been thinking they were in sync when it wasn’t the case. They were focused on their careers and school and catching up. Maybe they ignored the reality that they grew apart. Maybe they pushed new thoughts and feelings away until it exploded in their faces.

Doc said, there was a promo in The Invader that survivor Trina was sounding out on the mayor’s efforts to free Heather Webber. Trina said, it was a lie. She never talked to them. Her mom said they’d reached out, but she said she wasn’t interested. She’d never give an interview. Laura said she believed Trina, and doubted Alexis knew about it, since she hadn’t known about the original article. Doc said, it’s official; Laura was clickbait. Trina said she’d taken up enough of Laura’s time, and Doc said he was sorry that all this had been dredged up. Trina asked, in his expert opinion, did he think it was possible that the poison made Heather a killer?

Heather said she was a sorry excuse for a human being, and Curtis agreed. She said she didn’t have the words to express how she felt. Nothing would be sufficient to take away the pain she’d created. Saying she was sorry was ridiculously inadequate, but it was true. She cried, and said she was so, so sorry. Sorrier than he would ever know. He said she was right. Nothing she could say would change anything. He’s not sure what he expected to accomplish, but he thought it was time they met, especially with what was going on in the news. There was one thing that might help. If she hadn’t been captured, what were her intentions for his precious daughter?

Alexis told Diane that she was looking over the records as a favor to Laura and giving Laura her noncredited opinion. Diane said, no offense, but why didn’t Laura ask a lawyer lawyer? and Alexis said, offense taken. She and Laura were friends and she’d been standing there when Doc asked if Heather would still be accountable if her medical impairment had affected her judgement. Diane asked what she’d discovered, but Alexis said she hadn’t had much of a chance to discover anything yet. She did notice there was never a medical exam. Now they know the cobalt poisoning was an issue, and the implant causing it had been removed. Diane asked if Heather was nice now, and Alexis said, it was new evidence and they both knew there were lots of precedents about that. Diane said, in every one, a deterrent was found, and Alexis said, except one. Diane said, name it, and Alexis said, the one Diane set herself.

Diane asked what Alexis was talking about, and Alexis wondered if she was being uncharacteristically modest or feigning ignorance. Diane said she had no idea, and Alexis suggested they go to the gym. Diane said, it must be serious if Alexis would rather sweat than gloat. What precedent did she set in defense of Heather? Alexis must have misread one of her dusty old cases. Put your money where the precedent is. Alexis said, the State of New York versus Robert Frank, aka Franco.

Heather said, an honest answer might not be what Curtis wanted to hear, but he said he wanted to hear the truth. She said she didn’t know. Somehow, she mixed up wanting to protect her daughter with taking lives. She’s not claiming she doesn’t remember the horrible things she did. But what she can’t piece together or reconstruct is why. What she thought she would accomplish by murdering people. He asked if she was working out her argument in the event of her case being reopened, and she asked why her case would ever be reopened.

Doc told Trina that metallosis was a real diagnosis. It manifested itself differently in different patients. Was the issue because they were clinically psychotic or because they were raging with toxins? One way to find out was to remove the toxins. Trina’s mother had advocated for removing Heather’s artificial hip. Trina said, and now she was kicking herself. Would they let her know if there were further developments? She promised she wasn’t giving any interviews. Laura said she would, and thanked Trina for not rushing to judgment. She feared there was more to come. Lately, there had been a lot of it. Trina told them, goodbye, and left.

Kristina asked what she was missing. How could they fall apart over one argument? Most high school romances didn’t last, but theirs did. Molly said, it was less complicated then. They were on the same page with everything, but now, not so much. TJ says something, then later claims he never meant it, like he had to fall in line with her. They’d had disagreements, but not like this where it was filled with pent up resentment. Was it wrong for her to want him to mean what he said, instead of waiting months to tell her how he really felt? Kristina asked if he was having buyer’s remorse about her being their surrogate. She thought they’d hashed it out already. Molly said she thought so too, and Blaze said she didn’t get what the issue was. Kristina said, TJ thought she was unreliable. Despite the questions and doubts, he just agreed because it’s what Molly wanted. He wouldn’t trust her to take care of a cactus, let alone a baby.

Molly thought she and TJ’s argument was exacerbated by an underlying issue, and Kristina said, communication was more important now than ever. Molly said, they needed to work on that and do better. She had to get back to work, and Kristina and Blaze encouraged her to stay, but Molly said she was good. She was sorry to interrupt their afternoon and thanked them for hearing her. Everything was going to be fine. TJ was still the most wonderful guy on the planet, despite his bout of un-wonderfulness. She left, and Blaze said she’d never seen Molly like that. Kristina said, her either.

Alexis said, it was discovered Franco had an infliction that seriously impaired his judgment, like his mother. He was found not liable and the person who presented that to the court was Diane. She wasn’t judging Diane and respected her. She didn’t want to see Franco go free, but Diane did her job and did it well. If a smart lawyer deployed her Twinkie defense, Heather’s sentence could be overturned. Diane said, if it was, and a murderer went free, she had no one to blame but herself.

Heather said she pled guilty, case closed, and Curtis said, she had no idea? According to The Invader, the mayor was questioning her conviction and asking for it to be looked at. Heather asked, what mayor? and Curtis said, Laura Collins.

Doc says he hated the outrage toward Laura, especially when he was to blame too. He performed a psyche assessment on Heather that was different from any other, and asked Alexis if there were any legal ramifications. He never thought there would be a chain reaction that would affect Laura’s career. Laura said, he’d been professional and ethical. There was no way he was at fault, and frankly, neither was she. As mayor, she was supposed to do the right thing. And the right thing by all the citizens of Port Charles, not just the ones they liked.

Tracy said she was assuming this was about a man, and Stella said, the love of her life – Marcus. They were engaged, but circumstances changed that. She broke engagement and left him behind to help her sister raise her nephews. Marcus married a lovely woman who passed away. There was never another man she could be serious about. There was a man in London who she thought she loved, but he couldn’t hold a candle to Marcus. She convinced herself that she chose the life of a single woman and believed it, until a friend called and told her Marcus died. It hurts so much every day. Everything she’d done seemed nothing compared to what she never had and never did.

Heather said, even she knew it was a crazy idea. She’d reach out and ask Laura to stop. She was a rotten person who’d done terrible, unforgiveable things. She remembered all of it. The weight of the hook in her hand and the sound when it made contact. She was exactly where she belonged and didn’t need a judge to verify it or say otherwise. She was so sorry about the light going out in his daughter’s eyes. Curtis said, she’d given him lot to think about and thanked her for her time. He wouldn’t be back. The guard took Heather away.

Laura said Portia was treating Heather, but didn’t see a conflict in holding her responsible, and Doc said, Portia trusted the legal system that sent her to prison. No wonder Portia wanted to see her stay. Laura said she didn’t think Heather was innocent, but it was important for her to have a fair hearing. It wasn’t up to them to decide. Doc said he admired the stand Laura was taking, and she told him to remember that when they were calling for her head. He might be the only supporter she had left. They hugged.

Diane said she was stymied and didn’t know what to do. Alexis said, the goal was to keep Heather in jail. Diane should keep her mouth shut and hope no one stumbled on her defense to save Heather like her son was saved.

Stella said she’d be fine in an hour… or two, and Tracy said she had the time, putting her hand on Stella’s. Aww!

Kristina thought Molly had a bigger problem than she was admitting, and Blaze asked if they wouldn’t fight to save their marriage. Kristina said, they weren’t married. They were domestic partners. Blaze asked why they didn’t get married, and Kristina said, Molly didn’t want to see it fail. Blaze said, it happened with domestic partners too. What would happen with the baby if Molly and TJ broke up? Kristina said she never thought about that. What would be her responsibility? She needed to figure that out.

Tomorrow, Drew asks Nina, what the hell was that; Kristina wonders, what happens with the baby if Molly and TJ split up; and Elizabeth tells Chase that she can’t subject her children to Finn.

🏊‍♂️ Oh Poolboy…

I have to confess, I didn’t notice. And I desperately want that pool for my living room.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-adam-j-harrington-explains-what-happened-to-his-eye

⚖️ Demanding Justice…

A beautiful tribute from Perry Shen.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-stars-join-rally-to-demand-justice-for-johnny-wactor

🤽 Making Life a Beach…

Finally, an end to this Summer hell. Amanda said she’d gone into a funk after marrying Kyle. I wondered if she ever considered that she might be in a funk because she married Kyle. There was more about the Carl/Lindsay debacle, and Lindsay backpedaled and grandstanded, while Carl just looked blank. Mr. Kyle Obvious said there was a history of her drinking and being irate. I noticed that Lindsay is one of those people who goes up on the ends of their sentences, kind of like it’s a question? And once I noticed it, it became annoying AF. When asked about what she actually did for a living, there was a moment of crickets. I’m still not sure. The million-dollar question was, how was she blindsided? She confirmed it was because of her ego when she said it seemed like Carl had laid the groundwork for her to be the villain. Kyle said he thought she’d have a sense of self-awareness at the Reunion. He asks a lot. And this coming from someone who has little self-awareness themselves. She did agree Carl had made the best decision for her, but didn’t like the way he’d done it. When asked about their situations, Lindsay said she was in a new serious relationship, and Carl said he hadn’t kissed anyone since Lindsay. Andy told Kyle, the mullet needs to go, and although he had no credentials in this area, he cut Kyle’s hair. Badly.

Summer House Season 8 Reunion Recap, Part 2: What Would Jesse Solomon Do?

Paige’s take, a New York POV.

Summer House’s Paige DeSorbo on Kyle Shading Podcast, His Marriage Issues With Amanda, and West “[Fumbling] the Bag” With Ciara, Plus Talks #JusticeforHannah and Their Reception Compared to West and Jesse

It’s doubtful Lindsay understands the meaning of sisterhood.

Danielle Olivera Gives Update on Lindsay Hubbard Friendship

⚰️ Still Interviewing…

I haven’t really kept up with this show, but from watching the first season and the beginning of Season 2, it’s worth your time. It’s incredibly stylish and the gore is magnificent. I’d wanted to watch Mayfair Witches too, but you can’t watch everything. At least not in the same season.

https://screenrant.com/interview-with-the-vampire-season-2-mayfair-witches-crossover-tease/

🌏 Just Go About Your Business…

My latest K-binge. What do you do when an asteroid is about to hit the earth?

Goodbye Earth – Netflix Series Review

And in the plot twist we didn’t see coming. This is a shame. I also loved #Alive and Hellbound.

https://thedirect.com/article/goodbye-earth-yoo-ah-in-netflix-scenes-controversy

🎼 Coming Up Roses…

While they lost some cast members way too soon, it sounds like those remaining didn’t do badly. I resisted watching this for a while, but enjoyed it when I finally gave in. I thought they could have done better with Rocky Horror though.

https://ew.com/tv/glee-where-are-they-now/

🦬 Good News and Bad News…

Supposedly, the white buffalo is both a message of hope and a warning. It was sad to hear buffalo are essentially extinct in the wild.

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/uknews/warning-as-birth-of-rare-white-buffalo-calf-in-yellowstone-park-fulfills-ancient-prophecy/ar-BB1o8cio

🪁 Being Lazy, Hazy, and Crazy…

End the week with me tomorrow, along with the whole bar of soap, tea, quotes, and a tune to send you off to whatever life holds for you. Until then, stay safe, stay not spending your time at a party on your phone, and stay recognizing your strengths before they go to waste.

Jun8

June 7, 2024 – Jake Sees Finn At the Brown Dog Bar, Everything Emmy, Shahs Now, Bad Timing, Sandy On Deck, More Last, Dragons Plus One, Black Barbie, Don’t Worry, Stanley’s Pups (!), Quote Octet & Queen

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Hey, whatever happened to Roxie, Finn’s bearded dragon? Just curious.

Willow is with Wiley in the pool, when Drew comes in. Wiley hollers to him, and she says, Wiley is excited to see him. So is she, but she’s not as exuberant about it. He says he’s excited to see them too. He didn’t know the Navy SEALs were training here today. Wiley says he wishes there were SEALS in the pool (although it’s questionable as to which kind he means), and Willow says she’s glad they’re not. It will be hard enough getting him out of the water today. Drew says he hears that, and she says, of course (🍷) he does. He and Wiley are kindred spirits. It’s good to see him. He says, it’s good to see her too, but he’s surprised to see them bobbing around in here. Willow says, Wiley thinks the hotel pool is more fun than the one at the Quartermaines. She can’t say he’s wrong and it’s a gorgeous day. Drew says he had a similar thought process himself, and she says, great minds. Amelia is loving her swimming lessons. She’s a proud mini fish. Drew says, amazing. So if Amelia is a mini fish, what does that make Wiley? Wiley says, a shark, and dives under the water.

Nina walks into the pool area on the phone. She says she needs them to hear her on this. Crimson is an elite publication and they’re not giving a discounted ad rate to a gym equipment company… She doesn’t care what Mr. Cain said. It’s still not happening. She watches as Drew gets in the pool.

Dex sees Gio at the towel bar and says he didn’t expect to see Gio here. When did he start working at the MetroCourt? Gio says, this morning. Can he interest Dex? He holds out a towel and says, fresh from the dryer. Dex says, Gio read his mind. So did Olivia put him to work? Gio says, good guess. He’s living at the Quartermaines and said he was looking for a part-time job, and here he is. Dex says, Olivia did him a favor. There are definitely worse places to work. Gio says he’s with Dex there. Aunt Olivia promised that he could be off duty early enough to watch the NBA finals, even if it goes to seven games. Dex says, here’s hoping, and Gio says he’s been following all season. He can’t wait for game two on Sunday night. (I assume it’s on ABC.) Dex says, be warned, and looks at Josslyn. The lifeguard is a big sports fan. She’s fierce and a terrible loser, so if Gio is rooting against her team and his team wins, don’t gloat. Josslyn and Dex smile at each other.

Going into Chase’s apartment, Chase tells Brook that he doesn’t know if he’s being strategic or just avoiding the thing he dreads. Maybe they should have gone to Finn’s first like they planned. She says, they still could. What would he say to Finn? Chase says, you son of a bitch, how could you use our dad’s death as an excuse to dive into a bottle? She looks at him, and he says, not the best approach, huh? She says, certainly justified, but no. She doesn’t think Finn would have a good response to that. Chase says, he’s sick. It isn’t his fault. Addiction is a disease. He knows this. He has training for this, and he’s still so angry and frustrated and disappointed that Finn would do this to Violet. And his dad. She says, and him, and he says, frustrated and angry will get them exactly nowhere. They need to come up with a plan. A way to confront Finn, get him into recovery, and most of all, protect Violet.

At the Brown Dog Bar (remember that place?), Jake and his friends Gordo and Dale take a seat in a booth. Jake asks what they do now. Does somebody take their order or what? Gordo tries to get the bartender’s attention, but he says, the bartender’s not even looking this way. He guesses if they want a drink, they have to go to the bar. Jake says, if they do that, they’ll be carded. Gordo will be fine, he has a fake ID, but Jake has nothing. He’ll just be out here twisting. Gordo tells him, relax. Nobody ever gets carded here. Jake asks how he knows, and Gordo says he just knows. He asks Dale if he’s got this, and Dale says, no problem. They give their money to Dale, who says, three of their best cheap beers coming up, and goes to the bar. Jake looks over and sees Finn at the bar, sitting next to a woman.

The woman says, here’s to ignoring first impressions, and Finn says, okay, clinking glasses with her. He holds up two fingers, and she says she wasn’t sure she was going to come over here. She was afraid he was going to be one of those dark, brooding types, but she figured, what the heck, and came on over. She’s glad she did because he is all kinds of fun. (I doubt Finn has ever been called all kinds of fun before.) Finn says, really? Huh. They clink glasses again as Jake watches Finn down the shot.

Wiley pops out of the water, and says, how about this time? Nina watches them, and Drew says, that was like, fifteen seconds. He’s going to have to hold his breath a little bit longer to be a Navy SEAL, but he has a lot of time to figure that out. Willow says, ever since she mentioned to Wiley that Drew was in the Navy, all he’s talked about is how he wants to be a Navy SEAL. He’s less certain, though, about what that is. Drew says, he’s got a lot of time to figure that out. The Navy will be lucky to have him. Willow says, and Wiley will be lucky to have Drew as his mentor, and Wiley asks if he’ll get a uniform. Nina smiles and walks toward the pool, but she literally runs into Gio, who drops the towels he’s holding. She says she’s so sorry, and helps him pick them up. She doesn’t know where her mind was at just now. He says, somewhere good, he hopes, and Wiley yells, Grandma Nina! He gets out of the pool, and she wraps him in a towel. She says, look how big he’s gotten, and hugs him.

Chase says he doesn’t know where to start with Finn or with Violet. The day his dad died, and Brook took Violet to Bobbie’s, Finn completely broke down. He knew he’d screwed up and told Chase to pour the rest of the bourbon down the sink. He made a bad choice, but it was like Finn was getting back on track, and he bought it. Brook says she would have thought the same thing, but he says, no, she wouldn’t. She says, they have very different experiences with substance abuse. The Quartermaines have a lot of history with it and there was this couple down in Bensonhurst… Anyway, she knows how to recognize it for exactly what it is. He says, what kind of detective is he if he’s this naïve? and she says, believing in his brother says nothing about his work as a detective. He says he bought Finn’s whole act. The remorse, the resolve to do better, and Finn lied to him. She says, he didn’t do it on purpose. It’s part of the disease. He says, reading about it is one thing. Experiencing it firsthand is another. He keeps thinking about when Finn was at their dad’s memorial. He was shaking hands and wiping away tears, putting on this whole devoted son act. Then he’d sneak away to the bar and have a few tequila shots. And for the record, he bought the whole devoted son act too. She says, it’s not necessarily acting. He could be a devoted son in mourning and an addict who just had a relapse. Chase says he defended Finn to Elizabeth. She was worried about Finn, and he said everything was okay. She says, he has to give himself a break. Finn isn’t the only one who just lost his dad. Chase is in mourning too, and he’s way too close to Finn and the entire situation to see it clearly. If this was a case, he’d take himself off of it. He says, but it’s not a case. He can’t hand Finn off to someone and say, good luck to the both of you. She says, even if he could, he wouldn’t do it. Finn is his brother. He says, she’s right. He loves Finn and wants to help him through this, even though he’s madder at Finn than he’s ever been. She says, no one can disappoint you like the people you love the most. That’s why they call addiction a disease. He says he knows. And when he’s less angry, he’ll remember that Finn is suffering too. She says, they both love Finn and want to treat his situation compassionately, but their main priority has to be protecting Violet. He asks, so how do they shield Violet when her father is falling apart?

Jake tells Gordo that he had to go – now, and Gordo says, why? What’s wrong? Jake says, his mom’s boyfriend is here and if her boyfriend sees him, he’s dead. Gordo asks, what’s he doing here? He thought Jake said he’s a good guy. Jake says he doesn’t know. He’d thought he was.

Finn tells the woman that he signed up for Doctors Without Borders right out of med school, right after he graduated, and she says, so she’s having drinks with a fun doctor? Lucky her. Did he go anywhere good? he says, no. The good places don’t usually need them. He was in Rota, the Mariana Islands. She asks if people were shooting at him, but he says, no, not really. A lot of people needed help and didn’t have anywhere else to get it. Their operating room was a tent. She says, he’s lived quite the life, and probably save quite a few along the way. He says, not enough, and she asks if that’s why he’s here in Port Charles. Dr…? He suggests they leave the names out of it, and she says she doesn’t see why not. They’ve been doing just fine without them so far. He says, just think of him as in town to visit family, and she asks, how bad is it going? She’s only asking because he’s sitting in this place with her instead of doing whatever families do when they visit. He says, just taking in the local sights, and she says, he sure is. And she hopes he feels welcome. She’s also hoping there’s something she can do to make his trip memorable. He downs another shot. (I’m getting drunk just watching.)

Willow goes over to Wiley and Nina, and Nina says she’s sorry. He was just coming out. Wiley says, Grandma Nina is here, and Willow says she can see that, and says hi to Nina. Nina says, nice to see her, and Wiley asks if she’s going swimming, but Nina says she doesn’t think she’s dressed for swimming. Actually, she came here to look for his Uncle Drew, but maybe some other time, okay? Wiley says, sure. Swimming’s always good. Nina says she thinks so too, and Wiley says, the Quartermaines have a big pool too, and they have a big blow-up thing that looks like a duck. He thinks she’d like swimming there. He does. Willow says, they’ll see about that, and sits down with Wiley. Drew gets out of the pool and says he heard Nina was looking for him. What does she need? Willow says, Wiley smells like chlorine, and Drew says, there’s a pre-swim lotion you can put on your skin that prevents the chlorine from getting through. Willow asks if that’s something he learned from the Navy, but he says, no. He actually read it in Crimson. They had a few ads for it, or is he just imagining things? Nina smiles at him.

Dex says, here’s to Josslyn’s first day of lifeguarding, and she thanks him. She says, here’s to no running, fighting, or cannonballs, and he says he bets she can get two out of three. Trina says that’s not what she wants to hear, and Josslyn thanks him for remembering it’s her first day. He says, she knows how much he loves swimming, and she says, it’s a good thing he got those stitches out. Otherwise, she’d have to stop him from getting in the pool. He says, that might be easier said than done, and Trina says she heard about what happened to him at Brook’s wedding reception. That’s insane. He says, it was a little, but it’s over and he’s okay. Thanks to Joss. She’s the one who took him to the ER and made him wait to get stitches. He would have gone home, put some ice on it, and probably wound up with a scar. Trina tells him, some people say a scar makes you look a little daring, and he says, but then people as how you got it and he’d have to explain it. Some things are best left forgotten. He looks at Josslyn, and so does Trina.

Brook brings Chase something to eat, but he says he’s not hungry. She says she knows, but he has to keep his strength up. Wow. She thought she’d have more time before she’d see her mother. He says, there are worse things, like sitting around feeling helpless. He just lost his dad. He can’t risk losing his brother too, and he can’t let Violet get caught up in Finn’s mess. He thought Violet would be reason enough for Finn to get back on the wagon. Brook says, she hasn’t been so far, and he says, she’s right. A person can’t be an addict’s only incentive to get sober. She says, they have to do more than just cross their fingers and pray that things don’t go from bad to worse. If Finn is in denial about his drinking, he’s certainly not going to think there are any problems when it comes to Violet. Chase wonders how Violet is going to feel about whatever they decide to do. How does this end without one or both of them hating us? She says, Finn is going to hate whoever makes him confront his drinking, and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about that. And yeah, Violet might think she hates them for a little while. He says, it’s better than leaving her with her father… He can’t believe he just said that. She says, if he hadn’t, she would have.

Dale comes back with the beers, and Gordo says, see? Told you we wouldn’t get carded. Good job. He takes a long sip, and says, the best money can buy. Their money anyway. Jake continues to watch Finn, and Gordo says, chill out. Drink his beer. Jake says, the last thing he needs is for Finn to see him drinking, and Gordo says, yeah. He’s really taking in the beauty of this place. Come on. That guy hasn’t looked at anything but that woman in half an hour. He’s not sure that guy knows there is anything else in this bar. Jake says, shut up. His dad just died. Gordo says, he looks real sad, but Jake says, he doesn’t know. This doesn’t mean anything. He would never do this to Jake’s mom.

The woman puts her hand on Finn’s leg and says, there must be other things he’s dying to see besides the inside of this bar. She can think of a few things that might be of interest. Finn motions for the bartender to come over and asks if there are any liquor stores around this establishment, but the bartender says, not really. Finn says, how about that bottle there? and points. That’s a nice bottle. Would he be willing to part with it? The bartender says, they’re not supposed to, and Finn says he knows that, and puts a fifty on the bar. How does he feel about that bottle now? The bartender scoops up the bill and puts the bottle on the bar. The woman says she loves the sight of a man taking care of business, and Finn picks up his drink. He says, here’s to taking care of business, and they clink glasses.

Trina says she’s going to grab herself an iced tea while Josslyn and Dex catch up. Does anybody want one? They say, no thanks, and Trina leaves. She bumps into Gio, who maybe needs glasses, and he says he’s so sorry. She says, that’s okay, and he says, for some reason, he’s like a human bumper car today, but she says, he’s okay. It’s fine. He says, it’s not, but he promises he’s not always such a klutz. He was just going to check in with Josslyn. Trina says she would probably hold off if she were him. Those two used to be together and now they’re not, but it looks like they’re patching things up. He says, they obviously still like each other, and she says, that’s what she keeps trying to tell them. She loves them, but they’re exhausting. He says he comes from a long line of nosy Italians, so he has to ask. Why did they break up in the first place? She says she doesn’t know all of the details, but it had something to do with Josslyn’s stepfather. Technically, ex-stepfather, which is bonus points for Josslyn. Sonny Corinthos is basically awful.

Dex asks if Trina knows everything that went down between him and Sonny, and Josslyn says she told Trina that Sonny assaulted him. She didn’t get into the details and probably won’t. He says, Sonny tracked him down in the park the other day, and she says she doesn’t see any fresh wounds or bullet holes, so she guesses that’s progress. He says, Sonny told him the bad blood between them was done, and he could live his life however he wants. Even become a cop. She says, wow. Dex doesn’t need his permission, but she’s a little surprised. He says he’s surprised too, and she asks if Dex believes him. It’s the least he could do after trying to kill Dex, but it’s Sonny, so… He says he believes Sonny hates him, but he also believes Sonny has taken the target off his back. She says she can finally breathe, and he says, him too. She says she guesses it’s a fair trade. Dex doesn’t press charges and Sonny leaves him alone. He says he’s just ready to put Sonny and whatever he does or doesn’t do behind him, and just focus on what’s in front of him. That’s all that matters.

Drew tells his future frogman to come along and let Willow and Nina talk lotions. He goes back into the pool with Wiley, and Willow says, Nina and Drew seem to be working well together. Nina says, it’s amazing how perspectives can change. They respect each other as professionals and that’s been nice. Willow says, however they managed it, they seem to be in a more peaceful place, and they both look happier. Nina says she’s certainly on board for more peace, and Willow says, he’s so good with Wiley and Amelia, and of course (🍷) his own daughter. Nina says, he really is. She’s never seen Drew Cain like this.

The woman whispers something to Finn, and Jake says, you’ve got to be kidding me. That’s it. He gets up, but Gordo says, hang on. Not here. Jake says, he doesn’t need to do this to his mom, but Gordo says, if Jake gets in his face here, they’re all going to get busted, right? Jake says, right.

Finn says he needs to go. He needs to get out. He needs some fresh air. He picks up the bottle and tells the woman, let’s go, and she says, that‘s an excellent idea. She follows Finn out, and Dale tells Jake that he’s really sorry. Jake thanks him and says he’s sorry, but he has to get out of here. He leaves, and we see the two empty shot glasses on the bar.

Brook says, Violet doesn’t have a passport, does she? and Chase says he’s not sure. She says, if they need one, they’ll get one, and he asks why exactly Violet needs a passport. She says, because they’re going to take Violet with them to Italy while Finn is at rehab. What’s that saying about seeing the world through a child’s eyes? He says he doesn’t know, but he knows the saying about abducting a minor and taking them across state and international lines. It’s a felony. She says, they’re not kidnapping Violet, but he says he’s pretty sure Finn’s going to say they did in court. He loves that she’s willing to bring Violet on their honeymoon, but Finn’s never going to go for it, and Violet’s not going to want to go if Finn’s not 100% behind it. And if he’s being honest, he doesn’t think child abduction is the answer to all of their problems. She says, what if they keep it local? and he says, like a scavenger hunt? Where Finn goes around town looking for his own child? (Ha-ha-ha!) She says she can tell by the tone of his voice that he’s not completely on board, and he says, it’s a terrible plan. It’s actually one of her most troubling. Her family would be proud. She tells him that he always knows exactly what to say, and he says he knows she came up with that plan just to take the edge off. She asks if it worked, and he says, no, but he loves her for it anyway, and they kiss.

Gio says, Sonny Corinthos is Josslyn’s ex-stepfather? and Trina says, yes, to her eternal regret. He says his family thinks Uncle Sonny is second only to the Pope in terms of greatness, and she says, Uncle Sonny? He says, Sonny’s not really his uncle, more like his benefactor. Sonny’s been really good to him. She says, okay. She’s happy for him, but pretty much everyone in Port Charles has an opinion about Sonny. Some good, some bad. She just knows there’s some bad history when it comes to Joss. He says he’s sorry to hear about that, but now that they’ve gotten that settled, tell him. Why did she have such a weird look on her face when they first met? Did he do something, or have they run into each other before?

Finn brings the woman to his apartment, and he looks at all the boxes. He flashes back to packing up Gregory’s stuff and picking up the shoes Gregory wore at the wedding. The woman asks if those are the things from his border work. These boxes, are they his Doctors Without Borders stuff? He nods and says, it’s hard to believe he lived that life. It feels like it happened to somebody else. She says she sure likes the doctor guy who’s living this life, but he says he doesn’t. He doesn’t like anything about him. She smooths his hair back and says, hey. Come on, sugar. This is not the time to be sad. Anything he’s feeling, she can take it away. He asks how she’s going to do that, and she says, how about this? and kisses him. Doesn’t that feel better? He nods and she says, and this, kissing him some more. (I’ve been basically yelling, no, no, no! at the TV since they left the bar.)

Jake goes into the hospital and finds Elizabeth at the reception desk. She says she didn’t expect to see him until later. She thought he was going to the movies with Gordo. He says, they were, but… She asks, what happened? and he says he met up with Gordo and Dale, and they were on their way to the movies, and they passed this dive bar. He’s talking super sketchy, and they saw Finn coming out. She asks if he’s sure it was Finn, and he says, positive. And he wasn’t alone. She says, great. He’s found himself a drinking buddy. Jake says, sort of. He was with this lady, like with her with her, and it was pretty obvious he’d been drinking with her.

Elizabeth turns away, and Jake says he’s sorry, but she says, he has nothing to apologize for. He says he didn’t want to tell her, but he had to, right? and she says, he absolutely had to. She’s glad he did. Thank you. He says, sure, and she says she’ll handle this when she’s done here, but he says he doesn’t know. That might not be the greatest idea right now. She says, don’t worry. She’s got this. She’ll see him at home, okay? He says, okay, and she leaves. He takes out his phone and makes a call. He says, it’s Jake. My mom’s got a situation. She needs you.

Chase tells Brook that there’s got to be something they can do that doesn’t mean them spending their honeymoon in separate prison cells fighting assorted felony charges. Brook says, okay. What if they make something happen at the Q’s house that Violet just won’t want to miss? He says he’s listening, and she says, they tell her that all the kids are out of school, that there’s tennis and swimming and horseback riding and barbecues every night. He says, like summer camp, and she says, exactly. He says, that sounds promising. Are they just talking about this or doing it? She says, we are doing it, baby. And all the Quartermaine adults will take turns on supervising shifts, work schedules permitting. He says, because of his dad, he has some time off he could use, and she says, and she can work from anywhere. So they’ll just say they’re spending a few weeks at the Quartermaines. He says, and there will be a bunch of cousins and pseudo cousins and assorted rugrats running around playing with Violet. She says, not bad, huh? and he says, yeah. He’ll talk to Finn tomorrow, assuming that he’s sober. She says, and with Violet staying with the Qs, they can do some sort of intervention. Get him to see what kind of trouble he’s in. Chase asks if she’s sure her family is going to be okay with this. He can’t imagine Tracy will be. It’s a lot. (One more kid? And Violet no less? Hardly.) She says, then they’ll tell her the truth, privately. Tracy and Finn are friends. She should know anyway that her friend is in trouble. Then she can help them get the rest of the family on board. He says, that might be a leap, and she says, maybe. But at the end of the day, every last Quartermaine is going to be doing this, no matter what it takes.

Nina and Willow sit by the pool, and Nina says, the lotion. It’s called DermaPool and it’s fantastic. It contains shea butter and green leaf extract in it. It leaves a moisturizing coating on the skin and vitamin C neutralizes the chlorine. Olympic swimmers swear by it. They had medalists that were actually part of the ad campaign at Crimson, and they were great. It also helps with pool rash and swim hair… Willow says, swim hair? and Nina says, you know how chlorine can change some hair green? Willow says she didn’t know it had an official name, and Nina says, Crimson has boxes of DermaPool in storage. Why doesn’t she send Willow a couple of boxes?… She can really overdo it sometimes. The last thing Willow needs is a truckload of product showing up on her doorstep. Willow says, that’s okay, and Nina and Drew exchange glances.

Trina is on her laptop at a table, and Gio says, sorry. The way people go through towels, you’d think they never saw one before. Trina says, people go wild when they’re not the ones doing the fluffing and the folding, and he says, that makes sense. At the risk of trying her patience, is she sure they never met before? He’s positive he’d remember someone like her. She says she promises they haven’t, but she will admit that if she looks at him just the right way out of the corner of her eye, he does look like someone she used to be close to. He says, why used to be? Why aren’t they close anymore? She says, he died, and Gio says he’s sorry. He’s an idiot. She says, no. You know what? I’ll just… She dashes out, and Josslyn looks at Gio.

Willow tells Wiley that they have to get home. Mommy has a date. He says he doesn’t like that idea, and she says, it’s with daddy. He’s taking her to dinner. Wiley says, okay then, and she says she’s glad he approves. Nina asks if they’re going anywhere fun, but Willow says she has no idea. It’s a new place Michael wants to try. Nina says, nice. She’s sure wherever they go, it’s going to be lovely. She should get back to Crimson before they send out a search party. They still have some things to iron out before they launch the next issue. She tells Wiley that it was really, really great spending some time with him, and he says he knows. Let’s do it again. She says she hopes this is the start of an incredible summer for him and Amelia. She hopes they have lots of adventures and lots of fun and lots of swimming. He says he already told his mom that he’s going to swim every day this summer, and Willow says, he’s not lying. He started telling her about his swim plan in February. Nina says, that sounds like a great plan. It was really good to see Willow. Willow says, it was nice seeing Nina too. Wiley loved it. Nina says, and if she ever needs DermaPool… Willow says she knows who to call. Nina leaves as Drew watches.

Josslyn catches up with Trina and asks if she’s okay. Trina says, yeah. She just went to the ladies’ room. Josslyn says she saw Trina take off. Did Gio say something? She’ll beat him up if he did. Trina says, Gio didn’t say anything wrong. It’s just that sometimes some things will just hit her a certain way, and memories of Spencer will flood in and just knock the wind out of her. Josslyn says she’s so sorry, and Trina thanks her. She thinks it’s best if she just goes home. Josslyn says she’s going to be off soon, and they could go somewhere. They could talk or go see a movie. Whatever she wants. Trina thanks her, but thinks it’s best if she just has some alone time tonight. Josslyn says, of course (🍷), and hugs Trina. She says, but she’s here, and Trina says she knows. She leaves, and Dex comes back. He asks if Trina is all right, and Josslyn says, not at the moment, but she will be. He asks if something happened, and she says, not really. She thinks that grief just snuck up on her. He says, it’s going to take her a while to get over Spencer, and Josslyn says, it is. She really loved him. She feels so bad for Trina. He says, there’s been some big losses lately. What he keeps trying to say and keeps screwing up is, every moment is precious. They both know that life is short, so have dinner with him.

Chase says he wishes there was something they could do to fix Finn right now, and Brook says, her too, but they can’t lock him in a cage for his own good. He says he desperately wants Finn to stop drinking before he hits rock bottom, and she says she knows. They just need to remind him that the stakes are different for him than they are for other people. On top of everything else, Finn is a doctor at GH. People know him from there. If he keeps this up, word is going to get out. He says, if Finn does something he truly regrets and can’t take back, he’ll never recover. There will be nothing left of the Finn they knew and loved.

Elizabeth approaches Finn’s apartment and almost knocks, but then lets herself in with her key. She sees Finn and the woman sitting on the sofa, the woman’s legs on Finn’s lap, and the nearly empty bottle on the table with two glasses. Elizabeth is stone-faced and Finn just looks drunk.

On Monday, Curtis tells Drew, this is just the right time to do this; Willow tells Michael, if Drew can start fresh with Nina, maybe she can too; Nina tells Maxie, this is the price they pay for dancing with the devil; and Finn wants a chance to explain.

🏆 Winning Daytime…

The winners.

https://people.com/daytime-emmys-2024-winners-list-8653423

The important winners.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/the-2024-daytime-emmy-award-winners

Red carpet gallery.

https://parade.com/tv/daytime-emmy-awards-red-carpet-fashion-outfits-2024

History maker.

https://people.com/daytime-emmys-2024-dick-van-dyke-becomes-oldest-winner-guest-performer-in-drama-8652791

🌍 Where In the World Is Reza Farahan…

This was another reality show I actually liked. Yeah, there was fighting and fussing, and Mike… Well, let’s not talk about him. But it had tons of heart, and it was the real deal. I need someone to root for and this group was worthy of cheering on.

‘Shahs of Sunset’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

📹 Nice Try…

Doubtful I’d have watched this before the whole Rust tragedy anyway. He just doesn’t seem like a good guy.

https://people.com/alec-baldwin-reality-show-not-ideal-timing-rust-trial-source-exclusive-8659398

👩‍❤️‍👩 There Went the Brides…

After the wedding and other hookups.

https://extratv.com/2024/06/04/captain-sandy-on-married-life-and-below-deck-hookup-shockers-exclusive/

Who was in attendance.

‘Below Deck’ Stars Who Attended Captain Sandy’s Wedding to Leah Shafer

Supposedly, there was no shade intended on excluding Captain Lee.

Which Below Deck Stars Attended Captain Sandy Yawn’s Wedding?

🌁 Are We There Yet…

The latest news on The Last of Us. Sounds great if we ever get to see it.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-last-of-us-season-2-will-expand-on-unseen-stories-from-game/

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/the-last-of-us-season-2-episode-count-seasons-3-and-4/

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/the-last-of-us-four-seasons

🐉 Caution – Dragons Ahead…

This makes me want to give it another try.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-review

A spinoff of a spinoff.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-sea-snake-spinoff-steve-toussaint

💃🏾 Evolution Revolution…

This is definitely on my must-see list.

https://ew.com/shonda-rhimes-black-barbie-documentary-trailer-8658080

🕸 Not So Itsy Bitsy…

Everybody, calm down. It’s not going to bite you or your pets, and it doesn’t have wings. Actually, my first thought was, I hope I get to see one.

https://people.com/joro-spiders-2024-everything-to-know-8659303

🐶 Move Over Montreal…

The pups are taking over the ice. More on the Stanley Pup.

https://people.com/stanley-pup-adorable-rescue-dogs-take-nhl-ice-8659802

https://www.nhl.com/fans/2024-stanley-pup

📠 Quotes of the Week

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. – Albert Einstein

A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations. – Jodi Picoult

The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke

As I get older, I am becoming more selective of who I consider a friend. I find that I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies. – Steve Maraboli

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell

I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou

I am under no obligation to make sense to you. – Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Be yourself, but not too much.  – Jasmine Pineda, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

⛺️ Oh Those Summer Nights…

Join me on Monday for a little soap and a little Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting others’ boundaries at the beach or pool (also, please don’t leave litter behind), and stay remembering addiction is a disease, and give grace, but don’t excuse it.

May25

May 24, 2024 – Alexis Rests Her Case, Monday, Free Soap, That House, VanderJunk, Post Deck, Range To Behold, Gaga’s Quinn, For Love Of Pets (!), Very Nearly 10 Quotes & Bumper

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Diane and Alexis return to the courtroom. Fergus scowls at them and Diane says, he’s going to give himself a migraine if he keeps that up. Alexis says, he’s doing that because he hates her, which is okay, because she hates him. Diane says, good, and Alexis says, he knows she didn’t have any responsibility in Neil’s death, but that didn’t stop him. Diane says, as lawyers, they both know that sentence was over after she didn’t have any responsibility. Nothing that man has said today bears any relevance in her case. It isn’t factual. He’s completely unhinged. The bailiff says, all rise.

At the hospital, Portia tells Elizabeth that she’s so sorry about what happened. Finn called her and told her about Gregory and that he wasn’t going to be in today. She didn’t know him that well, but she did know him to be an incredibly decent man. Elizabeth says, better than decent, one of the best, and Portia says, he handled his ALS diagnosis with phenomenal dignity. She felt very lucky to see him in his element yesterday. How proud he was of his family and how much he clearly loved them. It was really beautiful. Finn didn’t tell her very much, just that it happened suddenly. Elizabeth says, in his sleep, and Portia says, sometimes when that happens, it can be very difficult for the family members who are left behind. Elizabeth says, more difficult than she ever imagined.

Violet tells Brook that she knows of a lady who lived to be over 100 (she knows my neighbor?). She wonders if her dad could do that. Brook says, maybe, and Violet says she wishes grandpa would have. Brook says she does too, but they know that was impossible because grandpa was sick. Violet says she’s scared, and Brook asks, why? Violet says, because she forgets things all the time. She forgets her times tables, she forgets her dates, and even though she tells herself not to, what if she forgets her grandpa? Brook says, impossible, and Violet asks how she knows. Brook says, because his hugs and smiles and fun stories aren’t things they can memorize for a test. The people who love us and that we love, changes us. That love becomes a part of us, imprinted on our hearts. Violet says, like a tattoo? and Brook says, exactly like that. Violet says, tattoos are forever. That’s why her daddy says she has to be sure if she wants to get one because they’ll stay. Brook says, just like her grandpa’s love for her. It’ll never go away.

Chase says he doesn’t want anyone telling him how to handle losing dad, so he’s not going to turn around and judge Finn on how he’s dealing with it. This is going to be one of the hardest days of their lives, especially for Finn. Finn says, no… but Chase says, Finn had to find him like that. He doesn’t know how Finn did it. Finn says he had no choice, and Chase says, still. Finn says, it’s not like it’s his first dead body, and Chase says, it’s not a body; it’s dad. Finn says, it didn’t look like dad. Their dad’s eyes were kind and understanding, and his mouth… how it curved up at the edges. Chase says, yeah. Like he was always ready to give a smile if anyone gave him half a reason to. Finn laugh/cries and says, yeah. That wasn’t the person he found. He didn’t smell like Old Spice anymore. He was so cold to the touch. Colder than you could ever imagine possible. That wasn’t their dad. Their dad was warm. Chase says, one of the warmest people he’s ever met, and Finn says, yeah… He didn’t want this to happen. Chase hugs Finn and says, neither did he, and they both cry.

Tracy comes into the stable humming, and Cody asks, how was the ride? She says, just what the doctor ordered. She means literally. She has to thank that Dr. Randolph for telling her to get outside more. Sun on her face, wind in her hair… yummy! Cody says, that’s really great. He’s glad. He was told she’s needed up at the house. Don’t worry about the mount and saddle. He’ll take care of that. She says, really? No one was up when she left, and if they’re up now, it’s because they’re gossiping about the Bensonhurst family members she met at the wedding, and thankfully, have already forgotten. Cody says, it sounded pretty important, and Tracy says, really? Who needs her? He says, Chase, but she says, no. Chase and Brook are on a plane to Florence. He says, they didn’t get on that plane. They couldn’t. She says, why not?… Why not? He says he’s sorry.

Portia says, this must be hard for Elizabeth too. Gregory wasn’t simply a patient. She’s practically a part of the family. Elizabeth says, it felt that way, and Portia asks how Finn is holding up. Elizabeth says, he’s struggling. They all are. Portia says, if she wants to take the day off to go be with him… but Elizabeth says she’s pretty sure he doesn’t want her around right now. Portia says, that doesn’t sound like Finn, especially under these circumstances. Is she sure? Elizabeth says, positive, and Portia asks, what’s going on? She is Elizabeth’s friend too, remember? Elizabeth says, she’s also the Co-Chief of Staff, and walks off.

Tracy says, Gregory died? and Cody says he’s sorry. He knows he already said that, but he doesn’t really know what to say. Why doesn’t she take a seat – he pulls out a chair – and he’ll get her a water. She sits down, and he puts a bottle of water in front of her. He puts his hand on her shoulder and says, anything else he can do? She says she wishes he’d seen Gregory at the wedding yesterday, and he sits next to her. He says, Gregory must have been proud, and she says, he was happy. How is it that person no longer exists? She’s sorry. That sounds ridiculous. He says, no. It doesn’t sound ridiculous to him. She says, they all knew it was coming. It’s just that… this was so sudden. Cody says he feels like you can expect something and still feel punched in the gut when it actually happens. He’s sorry she had to hear it from him. She says she’s not. She used to try and imagine what Gregory would have been like when he was young, and you know what? She imagines he was a lot like Cody.

The bailiff says, court is now back in session, and Diane asks Alexis if she’s ready for this. Alexis says she’s done nothing but prepare and be ready for this. What more does Diane want her to do? Diane says, what more does she want Alexis to do? She wants Alexis to get mad at somebody other than herself. And she wants Alexis to fight like hell, or just give it up and go home at this point. She doesn’t care. But what she doesn’t want is even a hint of wishy-washy I deserve this nonsense. The judges take their seats in sync, looking weirdly robotic, and Judge Caldwell says she trusts everyone had productive recess and used the new slide. They’re ready to hear the final statements, starting with Miss Davis. Alexis says, if she may, she would like to return to her earlier points, without them being obscured by opposing counsel, if that is at all possible. Yes, she lied under oath, but that perjured testimony was made in front of a medical board hearing and not in a court of law. Judge Caldwell asks why that distinction matters, and Alexis says, because she wasn’t testifying as an attorney. She was testifying as a private citizen, who was desperately trying to protect the career and the reputation of a man she deeply cared about. A man who just so happened to be the late brother of opposing counsel Fergus Byrne. (Yep, I’m still laughing when they say Fergus, but come on. His brothers are Neil and Brendan, and their parents decided to name their third baby Fergus. One of these things is not like the other.)

Finn says he handled things in the worst possible way, but Chase says, no, he hasn’t. Finn insists he has. What is he doing? Hurting Elizabeth, pushing her away? Being someone Chase and Violet can lean on? No. He selfishly made this about him and that bottle. Chase says, there’s no right way to grieve, and Finn says, but there’s a wrong way. And that’s what he’s done. Chase says, he’s being too hard on himself, and Finn says he’d have thought after all this time, he would have been stronger. Chase says, he is strong, and Finn says, it’s not like they weren’t prepared. They’ve known dad was dying for months. Chase says, but knowing it and experiencing it are two completely different things, and Finn says, he hurt dad. He hurt him so many times, and now he’s gone and blown his sobriety, one of the things dad was really proud of him for. Chase says, now he’s just rewriting history, but Finn says, did he or did he not ruin his relationship with dad? Chase asks if he rebuilt. Did he? Landing in a place of understanding and trust and love. Finn did it with dad; he can do it with his sobriety. Finn says he needs a favor, and Chase says, anything. Finn says, get rid of it, and Chase takes the bottle and glass to the kitchen.

Cody says he’s really flattered that he reminds Tracy of Gregory, but he doesn’t see it. Tracy says, they both have a quiet, open way about them. Unhurried, unworried. Cody laughs and says, believe him, he worries plenty. She says, just good at hiding it? and he says, more like good at alleviating it. Or the horses are rather. He comes here to the stables and hangs out with these guys and figures, a world with them can’t be all bad. She says, that is exactly what Gregory would have said, except about his family. They are what grounded him and what gave him a reason to keep smiling. He says he’s happy Gregory had them, and she says, her too. Does he want some more similarities? He says, if she wants to share them, and she says, he doesn’t talk too much, and he doesn’t miss a thing. And he doesn’t push people around. He gives people a lot of grace. That, my friend, is a gift. She gets up, and he says, going back to the house? She says, no, not yet, and he asks if she’s going to Finn’s, but she says, no. He needs time. Did he notice if she left some clothes in the tack room? He says, yes. He hung them up behind the towels so they wouldn’t get dusty. She thanks him and says, if anybody asks, would he tell them he told her the news? He says, of course (🍷). He really is sorry. She says she really is sorry too, and goes in the back.

Molly comes out of the hospital elevator as TJ is walking by, and he says he thought they were meeting downstairs. He kisses her, and she says she couldn’t remember what they said, so she thought she’d come up in case he was waiting for her. He asks what she feels like for lunch, and she tells him to pick. He says he picked last time, and she says, he did such an amazing job of it. He says, Bobbie’s? and she says, Bobbie’s. Elizabeth runs up to Molly and says she can’t get ahold of Molly’s mom and keeps getting her voicemail. Molly says, to tell her about Gregory? She’s so, so sorry. Elizabeth thanks her, and Molly says, it’s going to be a really big loss for her mom. They were really close. TJ says, it’s not every day you jump out of a plane with someone, and Elizabeth asks if Molly knows where she is or how she could reach her. Molly says, she and Diane are in Albany for the Court of Appeals hearing, and Elizabeth says, right. That’s why she didn’t go to the wedding. How’s it going? Molly says she hasn’t heard anything yet. She should be home tomorrow. Does Elizabeth want her to try and call her? Elizabeth says, that’s okay. She would like to talk to Alexis herself, but thanks her. Elizabeth and Portia lock eyes, and Elizabeth leaves.

Fergus says, as soon as he heard his brother Neil figured into the complaint against Miss Davis, he recused himself from the medical review board. Alexis says, and was replaced by his partner of his law firm, and Diane says, sounds like an inside job to her. Alexis says, something else that she thinks is very noteworthy is that Ava Jerome was the sister of her ex-husband. She thinks Ava’s credibility should be called into question because she had clear motive to have Alexis disbarred. Judge Caldwell says, which was? and Alexis says, retaliation for divorcing her brother. Fergus says, Miss Jerome’s animus toward Miss Davis is irrelevant, but Alexis says she begs to differ. He says, they’re going in circles here. Miss Davis perjured herself, plain and simple. Alexis says, which she already admitted. It’s where she perjured herself that’s relevant. What’s also relevant is that she was never informed of her disbarment hearing, or the fact that Mr. Byrne’s law partner was sitting on that panel, or that Ava Jerome was involved. And had she known any of those things, she would have proceeded differently. It has become very clear to her, and she hopes to the judges as well, that this disbarment is not about her wrongdoing, but about the personal vendetta of the Jerome family and Fergus Byrne.

At Bobbie’s, TJ asks what Molly thinks is happening up there, but Molly says she doesn’t know. She wishes she did. Can he imagine? It’s not out of the realm of possibility her mom comes home from Albany and is able to practice law again. He says he certainly wouldn’t bet against Alexis and Diane, and she says, her either. He says, what about a little Davis girls match-up? and she says, he means if she and her mother went up against each other in court? He asks who she thinks would win, and she says, that is a nightmare scenario that she doesn’t even want to think about. He says, she knows all of her mother’s weak spots, and Molly says, yeah, and her mother would know all of hers. TJ says, even so, he’d put his money on her, and she tells him that he has to say that. He’s her domestic partner. He says, rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? and they laugh. She says, how about DP? and he says he could get used to that. She says she could get used to him, and he says, she’d better, because he’s not going anywhere.

Elizabeth sees Tracy coming out of the elevator and says, it’s a hard day. Tracy says, one of the hardest, and Elizabeth says, if she’s looking for Finn… Tracy says, no. She assumes he’s home. Elizabeth says, he is, and Tracy says, actually, she’s looking for Stella Henry. Does Elizabeth know where she is? Elizabeth says, last time she saw Stella, she was in the breakroom, and Tracy thanks her. She says she’s so sorry for Elizabeth’s loss, and Elizabeth says she’s sorry for Tracy’s. Tracy continues on.

Tracy finds Stella in the breakroom, and Stella says she heard about Gregory. She offers Tracy a chair, and Tracy sits down.

Elizabeth is sitting in the locker room, when Portia comes in. Elizabeth gets up, but Portia says, please don’t leave. She was confused, and honestly, a little hurt that Elizabeth didn’t want to talk to her. Is she wrong about their friendship or… Elizabeth says, no, but what she would be talking to Portia about, it’s not her story to tell. Portia says, okay, but just know Elizabeth can trust her if she changes her mind. She’s worried about Elizabeth. Elizabeth says she’s not the one Portia should be worried about, and Portia says, now Elizabeth is scaring her. Is someone in trouble? Elizabeth says, when she went to Finn’s this morning, he was drinking.

Elizabeth says, Portia has to understand Finn had just found his father’s body. Portia even said how difficult it is when a death is sudden like that. There’s no warning; there’s no chance to say goodbye. Gregory was just gone, and Finn was in shock and needed to hold on to something and he grabbed the wrong thing. It’s all been… Portia says, wrong, and Elizabeth asks Portia not to make her regret confiding this.

Stella brings tea and cookies to the table, and Tracy thanks her. Stella says, Tracy and Gregory were very close, and Tracy says she’s glad for the time they had together. Stella says, but she wishes they’d had more, and Tracy says, so much more. Stella tells her, Curtis and Portia said the wedding was magical, and Tracy says, it was. Gregory officiated over the ceremony beautifully. It was important to him. Stella says, and to Chase and Brook, she’s sure, and Tracy asks if she heard anything else. Stella says, about the wedding? but Tracy says, no. About his cause of death. Stella says, from what she understands, it was in his sleep, and Tracy says, no seizures? No paralysis? Stella says, not that she’s aware of. It sounded peaceful. Tracy asks what she thinks it was, and Stella says she’s heard a few theories. Cardiac arrest, pulmonary ambulism. Both are merciful outcomes for an ALS patient. She’s sure Dr. Cramer’s file has the death certificate. Does Tracy want to see it? Tracy says, no, but does Stella think there will be an autopsy? Stella says, no, there won’t be, and Tracy says, good. The family shouldn’t have to go through that. Stella says she agrees, and Tracy says she wonders if Stella could do something for her. Stella says, name it, and Tracy says she knows Stella’s job title is patient advocate, but she gets the feeling Stella sort of runs this place. Stella laughs and says, don’t tell her supervisor. Tracy says, so if anything comes up, like medical bills or official notifications, anything she can handle with her hands or her checkbook, would Stella let her know? Stella says, absolutely.

TJ asks how Molly is spending the rest of her day off, and Molly says she was thinking of taking a walk around the bluffs. He says, that sounds great, and she says, but? He asks if he sounds too much like a dad if he prefers that she doesn’t go alone, and she says, seeing how he’s about to be a dad, he should probably start sounding like one. He says, ask Kristina, and she says she did, and Kristina said yes, but that was a few days ago. Now Kristina’s not answering her calls. TJ asks if that’s his fault that there’s a rift between her and Kristina, but she says she wouldn’t call it a rift. They talked about going for a walk casually. She’s sure Kristina didn’t even know it was a plan plan. He says, okay. Why didn’t she just say that from the start? Because she thinks the minute she mentions Kristina not being the paragon of perfection, he’ll jump on it, right? She says, he’d be wrong.

Brook brings Violet home, and Finn hugs her, saying, he missed her. Violet says, they weren’t even gone a whole hour, but Finn says, it’s still too long. She says, he smells like toothpaste. Did he have lunch yet? He says, no. He was waiting for her. Does a grilled cheese sound good? She says, with tomatoes, like grandpa used to make it? He says, she’s got it. Why doesn’t she go wash her hands?

Alexis says she’s made choices in her life that she wishes she hadn’t, but she’s paid for them. She doesn’t think her personal life, as flawed as it may be, should have any bearing on her ability to practice law. She’s a good lawyer and she has a track record to prove it. She lost her career as the result of a personal vendetta, and she was never given a chance to speak her piece. So she’s speaking it now. Thank you for listening. She sits down and Fergus gets up. He says, Miss Davis asks them for a separation of her personal and professional life. It’s ironic, since all of the mitigating factors she presented were personal. Judge Caldwell tells him, get to the point, and he says, Miss Davis asks us to rely on her ability as a lawyer, citing examples of her work in and out of the courtroom, and those examples are impressive, though decidedly cherrypicked. Before they start polishing her Lawyer of the Year trophy, let him point out a few details that she conveniently left out.

Molly says she thinks when it comes to her sister, she and TJ are both to blame. He says something about Kristina; she jumps to her defense. She says something, it’s his turn. TJ says, right. He hasn’t done too much defending lately. He’s been too busy second guessing every move. He’s sorry. She’s been hesitant to bring up her own sister and that’s not right. She says she thinks it’s easier to worry about Kristina, and he asks what she means. She says she means it’s easier for them to doubt their surrogate because it’s her sister. If it were Andrea or another candidate, does he really think they’d be monitoring her bedtime and showing up with groceries? He says, or looking for parts of their family tree they can chop off, and she says, doubtful. He says, they’d just want them to be healthy and happy and living their lives, and she says, that’s what they should want for Kristina too. He laughs, and she says, what? He says he was just trying to picture how someone else would react to their inquiries, and she says, he means he doesn’t think their surrogate would welcome her showing up on their doorstep with kale and yogurt? He says, obviously, our baby needs protein, and she tells him, say that again. He says, protein, and she laughs. He says, our baby, and she says, they’re having a baby. He says he can’t wait.

Stella says, Tracy would really step up for Gregory’s family like that, and Tracy says, they have enough to negotiate, so if there’s any issue with his literary works or his papers at the university, she’ll just take care of it and get them professionally stored. Stella says, that could be a lot of work, but Tracy says she doesn’t mind. She has one more favor. Stella says, okay, and Tracy says, as much as she’ll miss Gregory immensely, it really is not her loss, and she wants Stella to keep this just between the two of them. She doesn’t want her name all over it. Stella says she understands, and she will, but let her be very clear on something. It is Tracy’s loss. Not hers alone, but it’s her loss. In her neighborhood, when someone is grieving, you bake them a casserole. Tracy laughs and says, no one wants her baking a casserole, and Stella laughs with her. She says, the point is, these are extraordinary gestures, and Tracy says, it’s what she can do. Stella says, a lot of people can do things, but they don’t have Tracy’s heart, so they end up doing nothing. Tracy says, Gregory changed her, and Stella says, for the better. Tracy says, he expected a lot of her and she doesn’t want to let him down. Not this soon anyway.

Fergus says, what Miss Davis didn’t tell them was that she was suspended at one time for discouraging her client, Carlos Rivera, from taking a plea deal which would have afforded him a lighter sentence. That’s a curious choice, until it’s revealed that the man Mr. Rivera would have been testifying against was none other than her husband at the time, Julian Jerome. Judge Caldwell says, and she assumes Mr. Rivera can testify to that, but Fergus says, unfortunately, not. Before the case could come to trial, Mr. Rivera was murdered by Julian Jerome. Perhaps Miss Davis’s plan all along. Both Alexis and Diane jump up, and Diane says, objection. Prejudicial. Fergus says, apologies. It’s just that it’s difficult to keep Miss Davis’s personal and professional life separate when the two are so entangled. Judge Caldwell says she encourages him to try. Avoid such wild speculation. Fergus says, understood, and Diane says, is it though? Fergus says, in addition, his other brother Brendan, futilely attempted to hold Miss Davis accountable for his brother Neil’s death, which tragically, led to Brendan’s death as well. Diane says, that is a wildly inaccurate statement, and Alexis says, he knows very well she had nothing to do with either of his brother’s deaths. Judge Caldwell bangs her gavel, but Fergus won’t shut up and says, does she truly think Neil wouldn’t be alive today if he’d never met her? Of course (🍷) he would, and Brendan would too. The judge bangs the gavel again and says, order in the court. Fergus says, you destroyed my family, Alexis, and I’m here to make sure you never destroy anyone else’s. Judge Caldwell yells for order.

Tracy picks up her bag, and Stella asks if she has someplace to be. Tracy says, not really, but she probably should head home. She’s avoided her family long enough. Stella says, what’s a few more minutes? and pushes the plate of cookies toward Tracy. Tracy holds out her hand and Stella takes it. Tracy picks up a cookie with her other hand, and Stella laughs.

Elizabeth tells Portia that she’s sorry she dumped all of that stuff on her earlier. She’d just come from Finn’s apartment, and they’d gotten into it… Portia says, it’s fine. She can’t imagine what must be happening with the two of the right now, but she is glad Elizabeth trusted her as her friend. Elizabeth says, it’s all just really fresh. She thinks once the dust settles, it’ll all go back to normal. She lowers her voice and says, and Finn having a drink was a complete aberration. He had a moment of weakness, and that’s all it was, a moment. He has to take care of Violet and she knows he’s going to pull himself together and be strong for her. Portia says, and he has patients that are counting on him as well, and Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). He would never put his patients in danger. Portia knows that. She has to keep this a secret. Please. Portia says she knows how important Finn’s sobriety is to him and she’s sure this was a one-time crisis. And it’s probably over already. Elizabeth thanks her and tells Portia that she really needed to hear someone say that. Portia says she’s really glad she could be the one to say it, and Elizabeth leaves, but Portia looks worried.

Violet says she saved Finn the last bite, and he says, she’s too good to him. He opens his mouth, and she pops it in, saying, she knows. He says, so good, and she asks if she can play on her tablet for a little. He says, sure, but first, daddy needs a hug. She hugs him and he says he loves her so much. Never, never forget that. She says she won’t, and goes to her room. Finn tells Brook that he’s so sorry they missed their honeymoon, but she says, their family is the most important thing right now, okay? And she’s here for whatever he needs. Errands, food, laundry, babysitting. Consider her at his beck and call. He thanks her and says, but right now, he thinks what he needs is a meeting. Chase says he thinks that’s a great idea.

Fergus says, lying under oath is perjury. Yes, it took place at a medical board hearing, and sure, some would argue that makes it less impactful. But the repercussions from that lie had enormous impact. Diane says, how many times will opposing counsel say the same thing? and Judge Caldwell tells Fergus to wrap it up. He says, Miss Davis’s lie set off a chain of events, which led not only to the deaths of both his brothers, but removed Miss Davis from the state bar as well. She has demonstrated repeatedly that she has no regard for legal ethics. Nothing that happened can be undone. That should include the disbarment of Alexis Davis. He sits down, and Judge Caldwell thanks him, Diane, and Alexis for their statements. The court will communicate their decision within the next 30 days. Court is dismissed. She bangs her gavel, they rise, and the judges leave. Diane tells Fergus that he should be ashamed, and he walks out. Diane tells Alexis, I’ll say this for you, you swung for the fences.

Next week (I assume Tuesday), Tracy says she’d prefer to skip the platitudes; Alexis tells Fergus that she has the legal system just where she wants it; Sam asks if Spinelli doesn’t want to help her anymore; and Jason says he’s hoping that’s still the case, but Anna says, he can’t be certain.

🧼 Monday Soap Or No Soap…

GH will not have a new episode on Memorial Day.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-opera-soaps-holiday-schedule

🧴 Studio Suds…

If you want a change of pace, this looks pretty good.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-bold-the-beautiful/watch-sean-kanans-soap-studio-city-for-free

🏊‍♂️ If They Say So…

The only thing I can see that’s best about it is that it’s almost over.

Why Summer House Season 8 Is the Franchise’s Best Season Yet

For those who want to relive this week’s trainwreck one more time.

Summer House Season 8, Episode 14 Recap: From Dusk Till Donne

🍸 Following the Rules…

GH has told us many a time, the only way past it is through it.

Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Reunion, Part 3 Preview: Ariana Madix Gets Emotional Over ‘Difficult’ Summer

Playing the world’s smallest violin.

Tom Sandoval and Billie Lee Are ‘Not Talking Anymore’

⚓️ Stud Of the Deadly Seas…

I’m thrilled Captain Lee won’t be leaving the screen even though he’s left the Deck. Premieres June 1st.

What You Need To Know about Deadly Waters With Captain Lee

🦬 My Latest Binge…

Love this story and love Josh Brolin. He’s in one of my favorite Tarantino movies, Planet Terror, and the remake of True Grit was better than the original.

https://ew.com/outer-range-season-2-trailer-josh-brolin-time-travel-family-conflict-8631136

https://ew.com/josh-brolin-outer-range-season-2-ayahuasca-trip-8650631

No wonder I like him.

https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/josh-brolin-doesnt-buy-difficult-actors-1235008748/

🃏 The Latest In Harleys…

It will be interesting to see her spin on the character.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/joker-2-lady-gaga-breaks-silence-harley-quinn-role/

🐕 Three Wins and a Loss…

Another partnering for pets.

https://people.com/kat-dennings-on-losing-her-soulmate-cat-adopting-kittens-exclusive-8651686

Glamming it up.

https://people.com/adoptable-pets-dogs-and-guinea-pigs-treated-to-fancy-hotel-photoshoot-8651280

I’m not telling my dogs about this. There will be no living with them.

https://people.com/bark-air-luxurious-new-airline-for-dogs-took-first-flight-8653726

So sad to see her go to the Bridge, but she certainly had a full life. And 18 years is amazing.

https://people.com/dog-behind-viral-doge-internet-meme-dead-at-18-8653525

👄 Quotes of the Week

Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you. – Friedrich Nietzsche

If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes. – Corrie Ten Boom

A person sees in the world what they carry in their heart. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. – George Eliot

Everlast is a brand name, not a nickname. – Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), Golden Girls

It’s easier to track a stuck pig than it is to ask it where it’s going. – The Ghoul (Walton Goggins), Fallout

Make a pact with yourself today to not be defined by your past. Sometimes the greatest thing to come out of all your hard work isn’t what you get for it, but what you become for it. Shake things up today! Be You…Be Free…Share. – Steve Maraboli

A hypnotist with pink eye is like a boxer with two broken hands. – Bill Doss (Michael Keaton), Documentary Now!

Home of the free, because of the brave. – Unknown

🌭 More Than a Barbecue…

Enjoy the extra time off if you have it, but keep in mind the reason you got it. Then join me on Monday really Tuesday for no soap, but the Deck which gives us no break for memorials. Until then, stay safe, stay giving some thought to those who died keeping you safe, and stay remembering that we’re changed by the people who love us and that we love, and that love becomes a part of us. Like a tattoo.

May18

May 17, 2024 – Sonny Decks Dex, Say Fromaggio, Price Hike, Rinna Shade, Hot Mic In NYC, VanderNews, No Invite, Dragons Coming, Oops, They’re Off, All Along, AKA Peggy, Ogdoad Of Quotes & Almost

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brook says, they’ll have to excuse her. She’s got some rounds to make. Chase tells her to wait, then kisses her. Dante says, he’s a lucky man, and Chase says he sure is. Anna asks Sam, how’s the P.I. business? Any interesting new cases? Sam says, same old, same old.

Brook says she’s so glad Monica got Jason to come, and he says, she wanted to come herself. And he knows she’d want him to tell Brook, congratulations. She thanks him and says, it’s good to see him. She moves on.

Gloria says, they don’t see enough of Sonny. He doesn’t come around the neighborhood as much as he should. Carmine says, they have a big 4th of July party every year, and he wants to see Sonny there this year. Sonny says he’ll try, but Gloria says, no trying. Brook runs up to Sonny and hugs him. She says she’s so glad he came, and he says he wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Lois tells Drew and Jordan, say fromaggio, but Jordan says, that’s okay. Drew says, they’re not… and Lois says, they’re not the mother of the bride. She is, and she’s walking around taking pictures of everyone, so pick their favorite cheese and say, fromaggio. Drew puts his arm around Jordan, and they say, fromaggio. Lois says, beautiful, and takes their photo.

Gloria tells Blaze that their great grandkids love her music, and Blaze thanks her. Carmine says, don’t be embarrassed. Tell her. Blaze says, tell her what? and Carmine says, she loves it too. When the kids are dancing, she’s out there with them like she’s going to break something. Gloria says she’s going to break him and asks if Blaze is going to perform today. They’d love it so much. Kristina says, Blaze is a guest, and Gloria says she knows, but she’s here and she’s got that amazing voice. Natalia joins them and says, she really wanted to perform, but think about it. If Brook had her most important client perform at her wedding… Carmine says, exploitation, and Natalia says, right.

Violet asks how Michael, Willow, and Josslyn liked her song, and Michael says, they loved her song. Josslyn says, and she wrote that all by herself? and Violet says, yes, she did. Gregory watches them and smiles.

Maxie throws her arms around Jason and says, it’s so good to see him. (I hope that poor guy has recovered from his gunshot wound. Everyone is manhandling him.) At this wedding, obviously, but just in general. Spinelli joins them, and she says, Spinelli really missed him, and so did she. Jason says, it’s always good to see her, and Spinelli asks if she’s free to enjoy herself, or does she still have responsibilities? Maxie says, this is Olivia’s show now. Her responsibilities ended at the church. Spinelli says, the violinist was superlative, and she says she thought so too, but she can’t take any credit for that. He’s a cousin of the Cerullos or something. Usually when a family says they have someone they want to play at the ceremony, it’s a total mess, but she thinks he was really good.

Lois hugs Gio and tells him that his performance was perfection. He could not have given Brook a greater gift. He says he’s glad she liked it, but Brook was a little busy. He doesn’t think she noticed. She says, is he kidding her? Everybody noticed his talent. All the family is so proud of him. She hugs him again.

Finn stares at the champagne glass he took a sip from, when Violet comes up to him with Elizabeth. Violet says she needs to ask him a question and he needs to be honest with her. He says, ask away, and she says, what did he think about her song? He says, honestly? That she’s amazing. She hugs him, and Elizabeth says, it’s almost dinnertime. Why doesn’t Violet find their place cards? Violet runs off, and Elizabeth says, Finn seems upset. Did something happen? He looks at the glass again.

Cody is sweeping the stables, when Sasha comes in with a picnic basket. He says, what’s this? and she says, it’s samples. She just finished up wrapping up all the after-party prep. He says, catering for two families. What was she thinking, volunteering for such a mission? She says she honestly feels so bad that she couldn’t make it to the wedding. She wanted to go, she was planning on going, but she had no idea how much Lois and Olivia were expecting from her for this after-party. They gave her this long list of food to prepare, and being so new at the job, she couldn’t say no. He says he gets it, and she says, well, Yuri and Leo are splitting some take-out and playing video games. Monica wanted a late dinner, and being as everyone else is still at the reception – she opens the basket and takes out a bottle of wine – it seems that we have the Quartermaine manse all to ourselves.

Sonny tells Natalia, sorry. He didn’t mean to leave her stranded, but she says, not at all. Actually, it’s been really nice to see him hanging out with his really loving family and friends.

Anna goes up to Jason and jokes, for the love of God, I know this is a party, but you’re causing a scene. Can you just rein it in?… Everything okay? He says, why wouldn’t it be? and she says, three names, Cates, Brennan, Pikeman. Why doesn’t he just forget about all that for the evening? He says he will if she will.

In a Pentenville shower room, Jack washes his hands, while another inmate finishes his shower. The inmate leaves, and Jack unwraps a knife from a nearby towel. He checks the sharpness against the metal sink.

Brook thanks Gio so much for playing, and kisses him on both cheeks. Didn’t she tell Chase he was brilliant? Chase says, she did, and she did not exaggerate.

Anna says she knows it’s not in Jason’s nature, but it wouldn’t kill him to mingle. He says, she’s right… It’s not in his nature. She laughs and says, it’s not like she’s asking him to go up to total strangers and start discussing the trends in coffee… fashion… gadgetry. There’s a lot of people here who really missed him.

Dante tells Sam, no matter what his cousins say or do, they are not going to this after-party. They’re going to try to get to him through her. They’re going to get her to go and get her to drag him along. They’ve got to present a united front. She says, this is new for him, and he says, what is? She says, cowardice, and he says, wow. She kisses him.

Jack sharpens the knife against the front of the sink, when another inmate walks in and says, too slow. Jack asks what he means, and the man says he saw it. A homemade shank. Jack tells him that he’s not saying he has such an item, but if he did, what could he offer the man to pretend he never saw it? The man says, how about he just takes the item? Jack won’t want the guards finding something like that on him. Jack says, no deal. He needs it. The man says, make a new one, and Jack punches him, then karate chops him on the back of the neck, the man falling to the floor. (This is impressive, since he’s twice Jack’s size.)

Cody says he knows jack (ha-ha!) about wine, but judging from this year, he’s guessing these grapes weren’t growing in Napa last summer. Sasha says, they were not, and he says, and she didn’t just get this bottle from a local wine and spirit outlet. She says, Ned uncorked it last night and only had one glass. He says he’s wondering, are the Q’s going to be okay with them absconding with this bottle? and she says, he didn’t abscond with anything, she did, and she’s the chef. He says, even so… and she says, please. She’s had their wine before and it never bothered them, so why would it now? He says, maybe because this bottle is expensive, even for them (he knows this how if he doesn’t know jack?), she says, it probably was when it was corked, but he can be sure of one thing, that wine is good tonight, and it definitely won’t be tomorrow. He says, well then, as a budding wine connoisseur, he cannot in good conscience allow today’s good wine go to waste tomorrow.

Chase asks how Gio and Brook are related again, and Brook says, they’re cousins once removed. Or is that twice? She always gets that mixed up or confused. (Same, and the grand or great uncle/aunt thing.) Anyway, he’s a Cerullo on his mom’s side. He gets his musical talent from his mom. Chase says, so his dad’s not musical, and Gio says he doesn’t really know. He was in the military. He died before Gio was born. Chase says he’s so sorry, but Gio says, it’s fine. He’s very proud of him. Chase says, as he should be. Actually, that guy in the blue suit there (Dex), he served in Afghanistan. He’s now at the police academy. Gio asks if he likes it, but Chase says, Gio will have to ask him. Brook says, no, no, no. Do not try to recruit Gio to be a cop. Her grandmother would have a heart attack, not to mention the rest of the family. Gio is going to be a concert violinist. Isn’t that right? Gio says, that’s the plan.

Elizabeth says she knows it wasn’t easy for Finn, seeing his dad struggle. Look. He’s fine. Finn says, he seems to have recovered thanks to Tracy. She’s really good with him. Elizabeth says, she is. Who would have thought? The point is, they shouldn’t think about what happened because his dad is having a wonderful time right now. He says, she’s absolutely right. The bartender removes the glass.

Anna turns around and Sonny is there. He asks how Dex is doing at the academy, but she says she’s not about to discuss that with him. And he should know better than to ask. She walks away, and Sonny laughs. Natalia walks up and takes his hand. She asks if they should go find their seats, and he says, yes.

Maxie takes the floor and says she thinks one of the most important lessons she’s learned from Brook is that, just because you can’t stand somebody – for a very good reason, she might add – doesn’t mean your lifelong enemy can’t become one of your very best friends. A friend that is there for you when you need someone the most. She congratulates Brook, and Brook hugs her, saying, love you. Maxie says, love you… Oh yeah, and Chase. You sweet, handsome, honorable man, just do your best not to arrest her again. Good luck with that. She raises her glass and says, congratulations to the happy couple. Everyone clinks glasses and says, to the happy couple.

Brook thanks Olivia for being the best wicked stepmother ever, and Olivia says she does what she can. They hug, and Lois tells Ned, he’s done good. He says, she didn’t do too bad herself, and she puts her hand on his.

Gio introduces himself to Dex, and says, Chase was telling him that Dex served in Afghanistan. His dad did too. Dex asks if he knows where, and Gio says, no. His dad was killed in action before he was born. He doesn’t have a lot of details about his service. Dex says he’s sorry for Gio’s loss, and Gio thanks him. He says he didn’t mean to put Dex on the spot, but he thinks what Dex did was very important. Thank you. Dex says, so does he. Gio’s dad must have gone over there pretty early. 2001? 2002? Gio says, it was 2002. Did Dex like serving in the military? Dex says he did. It’s hard when you’re deployed. You spend a lot of time thinking about home. He bets Gio’s dad spent a lot of time thinking about his mom and wondering who Gio would turn out to be. Gio says, a violinist? and Dex says he bets Gio’s dad would have really liked that. When you’re surrounded by destruction, you have a lot of respect for the people who create things that are beautiful. Like music.

Sonny asks if Lois can stop Gio from talking to that guy, and she says, why? He says, he used to work for me and he’s not trustworthy. She says, it’s a wedding reception. They’re probably talking about sports scores. He says he doesn’t care. He doesn’t want Gio talking to him. She says, the bigger deal he makes of this, the bigger deal it’s going to be. So just let it go, okay? She walks away, but it looks doubtful that Sonny is going to let it go.

Spinelli asks if he’s told Maxie how beautiful she looks, and she asks if he means in the last 15 minutes. He says, that’s far too long. It’s unforgivable. He’s about to kiss her, when Sam appears. She says, got a minute? and steers him away.

Sasha says she really wonders how the wedding is going, and Cody says, it’s a wedding. It’s either great or godawful. There’s no in between. She says, if those are the options, she thinks it’s going great, and he says, you can wish all you want, but there’s about a billion things that can go wrong. They could forget the rings, someone could object, there could be food poisoning, a runaway bride, a runaway groom… She says, wow. Okay. Until she hears otherwise, she chooses to believe this wedding day is everything Brook and Chase would want, and she can’t wait to see pictures. He asks if she wants more wine. He could use some. He picks up the bottle, but she says, hey, whoa. What is with him? He says, she’s with him, and she asks if he has something against weddings. He says, not weddings per se. He just hoped it was a cliché that all women dreamed of a formal church wedding. She asks why it matters, and he says, because even if a guy like him could convince a woman to marry him, he doubts he could afford the big, fancy wedding of her dreams. (I guess no one has told him that’s not how this works.)

Sam takes Spinelli near the entrance where there are no other people, and he says he thought she didn’t want to discuss this tonight. She says she changed her mind, and he says he would love to help her, but he also values his freedom far too much to investigate – he looks around – the FBI. What’s the goal here, besides getting locked up in federal prison? She says, full disclosure? and he says, by all means. Redact nothing. She says she’s not sure, and he says, a fishing expedition is one thing, but the data stores of federal law enforcement are vast beyond comprehension. How do they even know how to start? She says she doesn’t know. Maybe he can help her. All she does know is that Jason has been working for the FBI as an informant. He says, working for the FBI? and she says she knows it sounds crazy, but Jason actually told her so himself. And the only reason he would work as an informant would be… He says, if the FBI held damning evidence against him, and she says, yeah. And they have to find it.

Olivia says, it is that time, folks, when we welcome our beautiful newlyweds to the dance floor. The guests applaud and cheer as the music begins. Brook and Chase come out and have their first dance together.

Lois dances with Chase, while Ned dances with Brook (and hey, why isn’t Chase’s mom here?). Lois whispers something to Chase, who leaves the dance floor and goes over to Gloria. He asks, may I have this dance? and she says, yes, you may. She tells Carmine, don’t be jealous, and Carmine says, of what? She says, think of a reason, and she and Chase go out to dance. Brook whispers to Ned that she wants to dance with Gregory and kisses him on the cheek. She asks Gregory, may I have this dance? and he says, um… looking at his cane. She says, he doesn’t need that, and she gives it to Tracy. He says, it would be his honor, and they go out on the floor. Olivia and Ned are dancing. Kristina tells Lois that it seems like Sonny is having a good time, and Lois says, he’s surrounded by Cerullos. How could he not be? Kristina is lucky to have a dad like him, but she thinks Kristina already knows that. Kristina says, she does, and Lois tells her, although she’s got to say, if Kristina only knew him back in the day – oh. Kristina asks if she even wants to know, and Lois says, her dad is a stand-up guy. Always has been and he always will be.

Spinelli says, and Sam is certain this would help Jason? and she says, honestly, she doesn’t know, but she thinks they have to at least try. Because Jason would do the exact same thing for them. Spinelli says he’s in, and she hugs him and says, thank you.

More contemporary music starts, and Dex asks if Josslyn thinks she can keep up with his sick moves. She says she can try (I’m surprised she didn’t burst out laughing like I did), and they join everyone dancing. Brook goes over to Sonny and says, the bride gets to pick who she dances with on her wedding day. She holds out her hand, and he says, it would be his honor. Chase asks Violet, may I have this dance? and holds out his hand. She takes it and says she thought he’d never ask. Everyone is having the best time, so you just know something is going to go sideways.

As Cody pours the wine, Sasha says, first of all, she doesn’t think all women dream of getting married in the first place. Let alone, have a big wedding that takes over a year to plan. Cody says, and at least a year’s salary to pay for, and she says, traditionally, the groom’s family doesn’t even pay for the wedding; the bride’s family does. He says, is that a part of the dowry, or is that in addition to, since they’re talking about tradition? Sasha says, and traditionally, sure, every fairytale ends with a wedding, and he says, she clearly wasn’t raised by Germans. The Grimm brothers… She says, and popular culture tells little girls that their wedding day is the one day they get to be a princess, but she thinks it’s just one way to celebrate love. He says, if she has a better way, he’s all ears, and she says, take her and Brando for example. They got married in a garage, and yeah, it wasn’t really what they imagined, but they were just so excited to get to the happily ever after part. And when that didn’t happen, yeah, she felt cheated. Because a wedding day is just one day of your life, but the marriage, a chance to grow old with the person you love, that lasts a lifetime. Or it’s supposed to anyway.

Brook says, all the single ladies, come, and the women come to the dance floor. Gloria says, ladies, keep your head in the game, and Lois says, all right. Get ready. Brook throws her bouquet and Jordan catches it, but slides it into Violet’s hands like, oops. Violet jumps up and down, and everyone applauds. Olivia is running somewhere, when Ned grabs her and says he wanted to dance with his beautiful bride. She says she loves him. She wants to dance with him, but she’s got to check the Viennese table. He says, does she really? and she says, fine, and goes with him.

Jordan sees Drew getting ready to leave, and she says, going so soon? He says he’s got a big day ahead. Can he give her a ride? She says she’s going to stay a little longer, and he says, that’s too bad. He’s been meaning to tell her about his last conversation with McConkey. She says, please don’t tell her that he wants an entire pier to go with the esplanade, but Drew says, no. Let’s just say the congressman has given me a lot to think about. They’ll talk. He leaves, and she says, you tease.

Dex asks Gloria if she’d like a water, and hands her a glass. She says, thank you, young man. With all the excitement and the dancing and everything, her head was beginning to spin a little bit. What’s his name? He says he’s Dex Heller, and she asks how he knows her granddaughter and her new husband. He says he’s a cadet with the PCPD, and she says, he’s a policeman. His family must be so proud of him. They’re so pleased and thrilled to have Chase in their family. Sonny sees them and glowers, and Dex says, Chase is an exceptional officer. She says, then of course (🍷) he knows Dante, and he says, yes, ma’am. Gloria says, he’s the fifth cop in his generation on the Falconari side of the family, when Lois joins them. Gloria says, she knows Dex, and Lois says, mm-hmm. Gloria says, he saw that she was parched, and he brought a glass of water over to her, and Lois says, that was very thoughtful of him. She thanks Dex, and he says, no problem. Gloria says, and you know what else? Dex is at the police academy. Lois should introduce him to her cousin Lucia. If they were to marry, then there would be four cops on the Cerullo side. Lois says, Gloria just met the guy and she’s already marrying him. She tells Dex that she’s so sorry about her mother, but he says, not at all. Lois tells him, although she will say, he should meet Lucia. She’s a beautiful girl and also very smart. She has a degree in computer science, but no pressure though. No pressure at all. Dex laughs and Sonny stares daggers at him.

Jack takes the knife out of the towel again and takes a few deep breaths. He plunges the knife into his own side and falls to the floor. He pulls it out, puts it in the other inmate’s hand, and passes out.  

Cody says he’s never really pondered the whole ever after thing. He makes sure the horses are healthy and cleans out their stalls. He lives day to day. Where he’s from, the whole long-term thing didn’t seem like a great option. Sasha says she gets that. When you marry someone you love, thinking long term is the default setting. Then when it’s cut short, you realize making big plans and relying on them happening sets you up for disappointment. He says, don’t get him wrong. Hoping for a future with the person you love doesn’t seem like a bad thing. It’s just in his personal experience, if you don’t plan too far ahead, it leaves you open for surprises. She says, like parachuting into the swimming pool, and he says, yeah, and like quitting your spokesmodel job because someone calls you too wholesome. She says, or finding your family even though you can’t tell them you’re a part of it, and he says, or this. Great wine, great food, great company… Hold that thought. He goes in the back and returns with a radio. He puts on some music, and says, may I have this dance? He holds out his hand and she takes it.

Sam says she remembers how much trouble Brook used to be, and Brook says, that’s why she married a cop. Needed an inside man. They laugh, and Sam says, that was good thinking. Brook says, she should try it sometime, and Maxie says, ooh. Sam jets, and they laugh. Spinelli tells Brook, congratulations, and leaves Brook and Maxie alone. Maxie says, believe it or not, she thinks she’s said all she has to say, and Brook says, and she heard it. Maxie says, she’s going to have the best life, and Brook says she just wishes she deserved it. Maxie asks what she’s talking about. Of course (🍷) she deserves it. That’s why it’s hers. They hug.

Willow and Michael join Josslyn and Dex, and Willow says, they saw the two of them on the dance floor. Nice moves. Michael says, it’s like Dex forgot Josslyn is his little sister and he’d do anything to protect her, and Josslyn says, that’s enough, thank you. Michael says, Dex knows he’s kidding. It’s a shame he’s not kidding. Dex picks something up off the floor and says he found someone’s hearing aid. Willow says, it’s probably Carmine’s, and Dex says he’s going to go find him then. Dex leaves, and Sonny follows him. Jason watches.

Patty tells Dante that he’s coming to the after-party. She won’t take no for an answer. Dante says he would love to go, but he has kids to tuck in, and… Sam says she thinks he should go, when Jordan joins them. Patty says, Deputy Mayor, are you coming? and Jordan says she’d love to, but she can’t. She has a city to… deputy run. Maxie says, don’t worry. She and Spinelli can drive Dante and Jordan to the after-party. Dante says he doesn’t want to go, and Jordan says she really can’t. Spinelli tells Dante, yes, you do, and Maxie tells Jordan, yeah, you can. Dante says, all right. They’ll meet Patty there. How’s that? Patty says she can’t wait, and leaves. Dante and Spinelli fist bump.

Chase says he can’t stop thanking Gregory, and Gregory says he’d do it again in a heartbeat. Chase tells Tracy, and thank you for… She says she certainly hopes he regrets arresting her, and he says he would do it again in a heartbeat. They all laugh, and Tracy says, good answer. She, Violet, Chase, and Gregory leave, and Finn thanks Elizabeth. She says, for what? and he says, everything. Always. They walk off hand in hand.

Dex looks around near the entrance, and Sonny pops out. He says, the Cerullos are his people. Is Dex enjoying himself, with Sonny’s people? Dex says he’s having a good time, a great time, and Sonny laughs. Sonny says, that’s the wrong answer. They’re like family to him. Stay away from his family. Dex says he was invited the same as Sonny, and Sonny says, he’s a snitch, a spy. He’s lucky to be breathing. Stay away from him and his, or Dex may not be breathing much longer. Sonny starts to walk away, and Dex puts his hand on Sonny’s arm, saying, he’s not Sonny’s enemy. Sonny punches him in the face, knocking him down.

Chase and Brook go to their room, where the fireplace is lit, and there’s a rose petal path from the door to the bed and rose petals on the bed. They close the door and lie down on the bed, fully clothed. Brook says, they did it. They tied the knot. They crossed the finish line. And he is her husband. He says, and she is his wife, and she says, wife, and kisses him. She says, now what? and he says, now, they have a great wedding night, followed by a great honeymoon in Florence. Then they spend the rest of their lives together. How does that sound? She says she’s so glad she hit him with that bottle, and he says he thought it was an accident. She says, that was no accident. That was luck. They kiss.

Natalia says she seems to have misplaced Kristina’s father, and Kristina says, sorry about that. Natalia says, uh-oh. What did she do to him? They laugh, and Kristina says she didn’t. He hasn’t seen his family in a long time, so he probably got caught up in telling stories from back in the day. Natalia says, that makes sense. She’s just ready to go up. Does Blaze want to ride up with her? Blaze says she’s not tired just yet, and Natalia asks if Kristina would tell her dad that she had a great time, thanks again, and have a really great evening. Kristina says, sure, and Natalia leaves. Kristina says, don’t judge her, but she kind of wants to get another piece of cake, and Blaze says, grab two and meet her in her room. Kristina says, done.

Cody and Sasha slow dance, looking into each other’s eyes, and she says she should probably go. The reception should be over, and Olivia and Tracy will be home soon. He says, she can’t keep them waiting, and she says she’s got an after-party to throw, so… she’s got to go. He says, okay. One more song.

Jack is wheeled into the hospital, and a doctor asks what they’ve got. The paramedic says, stab wound in the abdomen, BP 70 over 40, heart rate 130. He’s lost a lot of blood. The doctor says, let’s get him to trauma one.

Olivia is walking with Ned, when Anna runs out, calling her name. Olivia asks, what’s wrong? Who’s under arrest? They were so close. Anna says, no one’s under arrest. She just wanted to say it was a great party. Olivia blesses herself and say, thank God. It’s always good when a wedding is over and no one’s incarcerated. Ned says he’s just glad when a wedding happens at all, and Anna says, it was lovely. Congratulations. Thank you. They all say, goodnight, and Ned and Olivia continue on. Anna’s phone rings, and she says, Devane… Where’s Brennan now?… Okay. She’s on her way.

Michael asks if they can give Josslyn a lift, but she says, no. She thinks she’s okay actually. Thank you though. Michael says, is she sure… Willow says she’s sure Joss can make her own arrangements, and Josslyn smiles. Michael says, why should she… and Willow says, okay. They’re leaving. Have a fun rest of her night. Josslyn thanks her and says, them too, and they leave.

Sonny throws Dex up against the wall and punches him again, Dex’s face already bloody. Dex doesn’t fight back, but puts his hands up defensively, and Sonny throws him to the floor. Sonny says, you know what I do to traitors? and kicks Dex in the stomach as he’s trying to get up. Come on. Jason races in and grabs Sonny from behind. Sonny says, let go of him, but Jason says, no and tells Dex, get out of here. Sonny says he’s going to kill them both. They’re both dead to him. He’s going to put a gun to their heads. Kristina comes in and drops the plates of cake she’s holding. She and Sonny lock eyes.

On Monday, Chase says, whatever his beautiful wife wants; Gregory wants to clear the air about something with Finn; Anna says, Brennan is never more dangerous than when he appears harmless; and Blaze asks if Kristina wants to go to the hospital. She’d better not lose this baby because of Sonny. I’ll never forgive him.

📜 You Are Cordially Invited…

Photos from the wedding.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/brook-lynn-chase-wedding-general-hospital-photos/

🦚 More For Days…

Peacock’s prices are going up.

Peacock Price Hike: Days of our Lives to Cost You More

💎 Let’s Talk About the Husband…

What is wrong with this woman? I think the only reason they’re still together is because Harry goes on solo camping trips a lot and seems to be on a camping trip in his head when he’s home.

Did Lisa Rinna Shade Recent RHOBH Separations on Instagram?

🗽 Shady Apple…

I went to an online business seminar where Rebecca Minkoff was a speaker and I thought she was plenty interesting. She also offered great advice.

RHONY’s Sai De Silva Suffers Hot Mic Moment Dissing ‘Boring’ Rebecca Minkoff

🍸 Life In VanderLand…

They’re just waiting for Ariana to cool down.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1401659/lisa-vanderpump-addresses-rumors-vanderpump-rules-is-canceled-amid-hiatus

The cast just wants a Reunion so they can snipe at each other about what they now know happened during the season. I watched a few episodes, then some shiny new shows caught my attention, but I’ll be back.

Why the ‘Vanderpump Villa’ Cast Thinks a Reunion Special Is ‘Necessary’

🩰 Short Answer: They Don’t Like You…

Probably no one would do it if she came. I understand about dance teachers being kind of mean, but they scream at you about things like your form. This woman got weirdly personal with everyone, like she was a teenager with issues.

Dance Moms Reunion Insider Reveals Why Abby Lee Miller Was Banned

🐉 Flying Dragon Airlines…

What’s up with House of the Dragon, Season 2.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-emma-darcy-olivia-cooke-cover-story-8646032

https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/fantasy-shows/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-producers-reduced-episode-count-game-of-thrones-prequel/

More spinoffs of spinoffs.

https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/fantasy-shows/game-of-thrones-prequels-positive-updates-aegon-hedge-knight/

🩸 That’s What He Gets…

I saw this on Watch What Happens Live and it was too funny. That’ll teach him to lie.

https://ew.com/joe-manganiello-reveals-graphic-sex-filled-true-blood-fan-fiction-8644633

🔮 Defying Gravity…

This looks amazing.

https://ew.com/wicked-trailer-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-8648594

🧙🏻‍♀️ Which Witch Title…

WandaVision was great and I can’t wait to see this. Kathryn Hahn is so much fun. I’ve loved her since the Bad Moms films. Beginning September 18th.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/agatha-trailer-actual-title-wandavision-all-along

🐶 The Real Superhero…

I can’t with this dog. Now I love the Deadpool franchise even more.

https://extratv.com/2024/05/13/ryan-reynolds-on-being-inspired-by-his-kids-and-casting-dogpool-exclusive/

Ryan Reynolds: Dogpool “Feels Like The Animal Manifestation Of Wade Wilson.”

https://ew.com/movies/deadpool-3-dogpool-ryan-reynolds/

Dogpool AKA Peggy

🥠 Quotes of the Week

Roadie. Sounds like a BJ behind a gas station in a minivan. – Danielle Cabral, Real Housewives of New Jersey

I measure success by the difference I make in the lives of others and the positive changes I can bring to my community. – Catherine Montgomery

We’re flawed because we want so much more; we’re ruined, because when we get these things, we wish for what we had. – Don Draper (Jon Hamm), Mad Men

Dogs are a really amazing eye opener for us humans because their lives are compressed into such a short period, so we can see them go from puppyhood to adolescence to strong adulthood and then into their sunset years in 10 to 12 years. It really drives home the point of how finite all our lives are.  – John Grogan

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. – Albert Einstein

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

The difference between a dream and a goal is a timeline and an action plan. – Dr. Phil McGraw

That is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. And I’m Dennis Quaid and I’ve seen a lot of crazy sh*t. – Dennis Quaid as himself, Strays

🎰 Can’t Hustle Me…

Come see me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and stupidity on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay welcoming newcomers (be it a job, a neighborhood, or your family), and stay not thinking about what happened when a wonderful time is being had right now.

May11

May 10, 2024 – Carly’s Pentenville Visit Is Suspect, Separating, Next Round, Charming Pillows, Andy, Everything Last, Show Dogs (!), Keeping Them Together, Mostly Mom Quotes & Spicey Mama

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava goes into Sonny’s medicine drawer and digs around until she finds the lorphenadine. She scratches the number of refills off the label. (FYI, the bathroom is the worst place to keep medicine, even though we all do it.)

At the MetroCourt, Natalia thanks Sonny for all this. She guesses they should probably finish it up and get on their way. He asks if she’s in a hurry, because he’s not. He likes having her here. He enjoys her company. She says she has a personal belief no one should ever have to dine alone, and he says, lucky him.

In her office, Anna takes out the WSB file on Jack Brennan. She flashes back to John telling her that the ties between Pikeman and the WSB go back to her early years as an agent in the 80s. She says she can tell him flat out that she never had anything to do with Pikeman. Jack Brennan, who ended his rather brief tenure as head of the WSB by being shipped off to Pentenville, could tell him more. It’s alleged he was running but Pikeman and the WSB. Unless he thinks she’s the new head of Pikeman, and by packing him off to prison, she was making a big power grab. John says, anything is possible. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, come in, shoving the folder into her briefcase. Dex says, she wanted to see him? and she says, yes. She just wanted to check in, since it was her bright idea to have him apply to the police academy. Detective Bennet thinks his performance in class and training exercise was outstanding, so she wanted to check in with him personally. He says, first of all, he wanted to thank her. It never would have occurred to him to become a police officer, but every day he’s more certain this is where he’s supposed to be. She asks why he feels certain, and he says, the men and women in his class are exceptional. He’s very proud to stand next to them. She says, and the other officers, the rank and file, how’s that going? He says, it’s getting better, mostly thanks to Detective Chase. He’s really gone out of his way to take Dex under his wing and smooth the way a bit. She says, good. He’s very well liked and well respected, so she’s sure that the other officers will trust his judgement. Dex says, Chase invited him to his wedding tomorrow, and she asks if he’s going to attend. He says he wouldn’t miss it, and she says her sentiments exactly. She’s sure she’ll run into him there. He asks if that will be all, but she says, one other thing. Has he had any interaction with Detective Falconari?

Dante meets Sam in the park and apologizes for being late. She says, he’s not going to believe it. She finally got some answers from Jason about what he’s been up to the last few years. Jason is an FBI informant.

Jason is doing actual work at the coffee warehouse, when John walks in. He says, the FBI has some questions for him, and Jason says, John doesn’t have to follow official procedure. There’s nobody here but them. John says he still has questions. Why was Carly visiting the former director of the WSB in Pentenville? What did Jason tell her? What did he say to Carly? Did he mention Pikeman or Brennan to her? Jason says, no, and John says, then why did she drive out to Pentenville? Jason says he doesn’t know. This is the first he’s hearing of it. John asks why she’d visit Brennan of all people. What was she hoping to find out? Jason says he told John, he doesn’t know, and John says, if he even hinted to Carly that he’s been tasked with finding evidence against Pikeman, it violates their agreement. Jason says he only took the agreement to protect Carly. Why would he turn around and give her information that would put her at risk?

Natalia says she could sit here all day if she didn’t have a dozen phone calls to make, and Sonny says he knows how that goes. She says she would imagine he’s a pretty busy man. She knows he was waiting for someone when she showed up. Who would have the audacity to stand him up? He says he didn’t get stood up. It was Ava, the one she met at his place. He brought her here and he said something she didn’t like. She got upset and stormed off. She missed out, but he didn’t. Natalia says, it was a lovely meal, and the conversation was equally so, and he says, it’s amazing how that works. She asks if he thinks things will calm down by the time he gets home, and he says his home, not Ava’s. He brought her and his daughter Avery into his home because… basically for Avery’s sake, but at first it worked out and now it’s… not really. She says she gets it. When a relationship is ending, transitioning, that’s hard enough, but when kids are involved, it’s just so complicated. He says, sounds like she’s been through it, and she says, yeah. She and her husband are separated. That’s Allison’s father and she has a son from a previous relationship. He says, remember he told her that his family is complicated? Life’s a long and winding road. She says, full of all kinds of paths and forks not taken. Ugh. She does hope it’s a little calmer when he gets back. He says, either that, or he’s going home to an empty apartment, and she laughs. He says, Ava could be packing as they speak, but as long as they sip this coffee really slowly, it will give her enough time. She says, okay, and they clink coffee cups.

Ava goes into the hospital pharmacist’s office and says, the print has rubbed off on this bottle. She’s planning an extensive trip and wants to know how many refills are left on her husband’s prescription. They’re going to be out of the country, and she thinks maybe they should be stocking up. Actually, she wouldn’t mind a little more information about the drug itself. He takes the bottle from her and says, normally, he wouldn’t disclose this information, but since she’s gone to all this trouble, he can at least take a little look. He looks at the label and back at her. (Does this guy live under a rock? Making a note that the hospital’s pharmacist takes no security precautions just like the rest of the hospital, just in case I’m ever sick in Port Charles.)

Dex says he and Dante haven’t had much interaction. He thinks they both have the same avoidance strategy. Anna asks if Dante is icing him out, but he says, nothing like that. Dante nods hello when he walks in the squad room. Otherwise, Dante pretends he isn’t there. She says, he told her they have the same avoidance strategy. Why is Dex avoiding Dante? He says, Dante is senior detective. He also just got shot in the line of duty and he’s highly respected here. But he’s also Sonny’s son. Everyone here knows he worked for Sonny for more than a year, so if they’re seen together too much, people might think they’re working together for Sonny’s behalf. A lot of people already suspect him of that, so why put it on Dante? She asks if he has any reservations about Dante. Maybe suspicions that he might act on his father’s behalf?

Sam says she’s only telling Dante until they figure out what to do with this information. Dante says, Jason saved his life. He must have been with the shooter when they tried to take out Sonny. She says, Jason said he’s been working undercover while he’s been away, that he’s been working under an assumed identity, and Dante wonders what Jason was doing. She says she doesn’t know his exact role, but he’s working with Agent John Cates. He says, my God. He already knew that Jason was an FBI informant, and she asks, how? He says, his father told him.

The pharmacist says, Mr. Corinthos has four refills left, and Ava says, that’s what she thought. She just wanted to be sure. He says, as per usual, he’ll call the prescribing doctor when it’s time to renew unless he hears anything else. Will that be all? She says, as he knows, her husband just started taking this new drug. She does have some concerns about it. He says, really? Lorphenadine was recently approved by the FDA, but it’s highly effective and safe in combination with other drugs like lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Has she discussed her concerns with his doctor? She says, not yet. She didn’t want it to seem like she’s undermining the doctor. Sonny is very comfortable with him. She’s sure it’s fine. She does wonder though, what would happen if a patient, for whatever reason, didn’t take the medication as prescribed or took less than the prescribed dosage. Because, as she’s sure he knows, mistakes do happen.

Natalia says, maybe Sonny should go home and talk to Ava, try to resolve things, and he says he was being flip. Ava’s fine. It was just a stupid argument. He was invited to go to some social event. She wasn’t invited. He couldn’t push it because it was the bride’s family calling the shots. It was a wedding. He didn’t even know Ava wanted to go and then she said she wanted to go. He made it clear to her that she can’t go. Then she got upset and stormed off, like he said, and that is basically that. She says she gets it. She empathizes. It’s a pretty terrible feeling, feeling like you’re being excluded. He says, who would exclude her? and she laughs. She says, thank you, but she’s a newbie in a new town and it’s a town that’s got a very tight knit social set. Allison’s going to her manager’s wedding. She might even be performing; Natalia doesn’t know. Obviously, Kristina is her plus one, so she misses out. He says, Brook Lynn Quartermaine’s wedding? That’s what he was talking about.

John says, everything Jason has done up to this point has been to protect Carly, so it doesn’t make any sense to involve her in this, and Jason says he wouldn’t. John says, that leaves them with a big problem. Why was Carly at Pentenville? Could Carly and Brennan have some kind of understanding? Jason says, no. He doubts that. John asks if they know each other. Brennan was arrested at Bobbie’s. Then it was Kelly’s. Carly was the only other person there. She never said anything about this? Jason says he never asked, and John says, ask her now. Jason says, why? and John says, before he was incarcerated, Jack Brennan was career WSB. He rose all the way to director. It can’t be a coincidence that he lands in Port Charles and starts cultivating Sonny’s ex-wife. Carly must be useful to him somehow. Or, and this seems much less likely, he’s of use to her. Either way, it’s in both of their best interests to find out. He’ll leave it to Jason to figure out how. He leaves.

Dex asks if Anna thinks Dante might be protecting Sonny, but she says she asked him first. He says, no, not consciencely anyway, and she says, but he might have an unconscious bias in Sonny’s favor. He says he saw enough of their relationship when he worked for Sonny to know that he and Dante are close. Sonny was estranged from Michael, so he relied on Dante, even though he was a cop. He’s seen them interact as family. It’s easy and relaxed around each other; they trust each other. He doesn’t think Dante would deliberately look the other way if Sonny committed a crime. But he does think maybe when Dante looks at Sonny, he sees what he wants to. She thanks him for his perspective, and he says, to be clear, he thinks Dante’s an incredible officer. Dante is the kind of cop he wants to be. She says, yeah. There’s no one better he could emulate. No one. Okay, that’s all. Thank you. He leaves and her phone rings. She asks, what’s up?… All right. She’s coming over. She leaves the office.

Sam says, Dante knew that Jason was working for the FBI and he didn’t say anything to her? and he says he didn’t remember. It just hit him with all the things she was saying. He was out of it. He was in the hospital. He’d just woken up. He doesn’t know who he saw or what he said. She says she hopes he remembers her, and he says, of course (🍷) he remembers her. But now he remembers Sonny there. Sonny came into his room. He told him that Jason was working as an informant for the FBI. Then Jason came in his room and told him the same thing. It must have been these meds. She says, that actually tracks. So did what Jason said, because he said he and Sonny aren’t close anymore. She just couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that Sonny would actually think that Jason would turn his back on him. Dante says, if he’s working for Agent Cates, Sonny would consider that betrayal.

Dex does push-ups against a bench (please), when Josslyn trots up. He asks what she’s doing, and she says she’s obviously working out. She just heard about the challenge; the stadium run without the stadium. Does he want to race? He says, only if he gets a head start… She says, absolutely not, and takes off. He follows.

Dante says he and Agent Cates didn’t get off to such a hot start. He didn’t trust Cates; Cates didn’t trust him. Cates said he was trying to protect Sonny and he didn’t believe that for a second. Sam says, because why would the FBI be protecting a mob boss? She believes it though, but she thinks it’s probably secondary to whoever’s behind those hits. He says, it’s something bigger than his father. Those four crime lords who were taken out, the big cities, major transportation hubs. She says, some sort of smuggling ring? and he says he’s been doing some digging on his own. What sticks out, these are not mob hits.

Sonny says he knows it’s last minute, but he does have a plus one. If Natalia wants to go to the wedding with him, he’d love to take her. (Smelled that coming yesterday.) She says, what? That’s so generous, but she doesn’t want to impose, especially at this late date. He says, she met Lois, and she says, yeah. He says, she’s a close friend of his. All he’s got to do is tell her that he’s bringing somebody. Unless she doesn’t want to be seen with him. He understands. She laughs and asks if he’s sure. He says, yes. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked. They can be like a mom and dad posse for both of their children. She says, they’ll love that, and they laugh. She says, yes. All right. She accepts with pleasure. She thanks him so much, and says, that means she has to come up with a dress, shoes, and she has to somehow talk her way into a hair salon appointment, so she’s out of here. He says he’ll let her know the time and the whole thing, and she thanks him again for everything. The lovely meal, his thoughtfulness. She’s really looking forward to tomorrow. So goodbye for now. She leaves and he smiles.

The pharmacist says he can assure Ava that he takes quality control very seriously, and she says she’s sure he does. But we’re all human. He says, it seems she’s concerned about her husband’s dosage, and she says she doesn’t stand over her husband to make sure he takes his medication on time. What if he takes less than the prescribed dosage? What if he skips? Could his behavior change? For example, could he become aggressive or even violent? He says, that would depend on his behavior patterns when he’s not medicated. The symptoms could return, but that’s beyond his scope. He’s a pharmacist; he’s not a physician. She picks up the bottle and says she was hoping he could ease her mind before the big trip. He says, what he can tell her is that it’s important a person on mood stabilization medication take their medication regularly. And while unmedicated bipolar disorder may manifest in behavioral issues, people generally don’t become ax murderers overnight. She laughs and says, that’s good. Ax murderers are definitely to be avoided. He asks if she’s noticed any change in her husband’s behavior, and she wonders why he asks. He says, if she’s worried about him not taking his dosage, she should speak with him and his doctor. She says, that’s not necessary. This is a new drug and all, and she had some questions about it, so she thought she’d come to the expert. She goes to the door and says she really appreciates him taking the time to explain things to her. She thanks him for all he continues to do for her husband, and he says he’s glad he could help. Good luck with the trip. She leaves.

Jason is back to doing actual work, when Anna comes in. (No wonder nobody gets any real work done. They’re always being interrupted.) He thanks her for coming, and she asks, what’s so urgent? He says he needs all the information she has on Brennan’s arrest here in Port Charles, but she says, it was relatively uneventful. She and Dante made the arrest at Bobbie’s. He asks if Carly was there, and she says, yeah. Why? Did she say something to him about it? He says, no. Cates did. She says, that’s strange, and he says, Cates was asking why Carly would visit Brennan in Pentenville. Anna says, she did what? and he says, Cates didn’t tell her? She says, no. John is not very big on sharing, but that’s fine because there’s a lot about this supposedly join investigation that she hasn’t been sharing with him. More to the point, it’s actually very concerning that Carly would visit Brennan. He says, why exactly? and she says, because when they made the arrest, it looked as if Brennan was going to kidnap her. The man had zip ties in his pocket. This was months ago, but why would she suddenly take it upon herself to go see him now? Jason sighs and says, there’s only one thing I can think of. She thinks she’s helping me.

Dex and Josslyn end up at the bench, both out of breath, and she says, nice race. For a second there, she thought he was going to let her win. He says, and face her wrath? and she thanks him for respecting her enough to beat her. Two out of three? He says, no. It’s a good thing she isn’t at the academy. She would kill herself trying to finish first in everything. She says, like he doesn’t finish first in everything, and he says, not everything. She says, it’s going good though? and he says, yeah. Things are good. He had to face down a lot of people’s doubts, including his own, but it turns out that if you stick with things and don’t walk away, they get better.

Anna asks why Carly would think she’s helping Jason by going to see Brennan, and he says, a couple days ago, he was with Carly. John shows up, and Carly wanted to call Diane, but he said, don’t. He’ll take care of it. Just leave. But she didn’t want to leave, so he’s sure she found a place to eavesdrop in on their conversation (ha-ha!). She says, which was what? and he says, which was John talking a lot about Brennan and Pikeman and possible ties with Sonny. She says, John didn’t mention him working for Pikeman, did he? and Jason says he made sure John didn’t in case Carly was listening. Anna says, thank God he knows her so well. So what does he think is likely she overheard John saying? He says, John went on to talk about Brennan being arrested with a Pikeman guy, and she says, yeah, Hume. Oh no. She hopes Jason is wrong about this. Because if Carly knows the FBI is investigating this Pikeman/ Brennan connection and she inadvertently gives Brennan that information, then she just made their job exponentially harder.

Dante tells Sam, these four crime figures that were taken out, it wasn’t by rivals. It was all in the same way, long range, professional, clean sniper shots. She says, which backs up his belief that Jason did something to prevent them from killing Sonny, and he says, the other thing is, these bosses that were taken out, it’s not like their organizations collapsed afterwards. The next in line took over with almost no interruption to the organizations. Which tells him that this wasn’t to cause chaos or some kind of takeover from outside forces. So if it’s not that, what’s it for? She says she’s definitely not going to lose any sleep over some dead mob bosses, but she does care about Sonny, and she knows Dante cares about him too. And she hopes he doesn’t take this the wrong way, but she cares about Jason too, and she believes him when he says he didn’t stay away voluntarily, that he was coerced. And she thinks that they should help him. Actually, she wants to help him. Danny can’t lose his father again.

Outside the penthouse door, Sonny takes several deep breaths. He goes inside and Ava is there, and he says he’s surprised to see her. She stormed off at the restaurant. He makes a drink, and she says she’s really sorry about that. It was so silly of her to let her feelings get hurt over a social event. Of course (🍷) she understands the Cerullos and Falconaris don’t want her there. He says, that’s the point he was trying to make, and she says she knows. She realizes that. She’s embarrassed actually. She likes to think she has pretty thick skin and she does with most people, but not with him lately. She’s so appreciative about how they’ve been able to connect and come to trust each other. She really cares about their relationship. And that’s why, for Avery’s sake, it’s time for her to move out.

Dex asks, how’s school? Are they on summer break yet? She says, just about. She’s turned in most of her labs and her papers. She has a few exams left, but she actually just got a new summer job at the MetroCourt. She’s going to be a lifeguard there. He says, that’s more fun than working at the front desk, and she says she hopes it’s fun. He says he thought she’d have some high-powered internship lined up, and she says she thought about it, but she’s actually in the middle of switching her major. He says he’s glad she figured it out. So what does she want?… For her major? She says she’ll be taking much of the same labs and classes as last year, just with a different concentration – environmental science. He says, sounds like a good fit, and she says, really? She feels like she’s so late to change her major. He says, just trust herself. He has no doubt she could save the entire planet if she set her mind to it.

Sonny asks if Ava is sure this sudden need to move out has nothing to do with what happened earlier? and she says, yes and no. Once she cooled down, she realized the most important thing here is the friendship they’ve developed over these last few months. She really values that. Plus, she never wants to put Avery in the stressful situation of watching her parents fighting. So it will take her a few days to find the right living situation for the two of them, one that meets the terms of their shared custody agreement. He asks if this is really what she wants, another place, and she says she was looking for a place of her own after she sold Windymere,. Then he wanted them there when they were under threat. but that threat seems to be gone and she’s starting to feel like she’s overstaying her welcome. He asks if he ever said that, and she says, no. He says, then don’t put words in his mouth. He likes having Avery here, taking her to school, putting her to bed. She says, what about her? and he says he likes having people around. He likes the company. But just so she knows, he didn’t ask her to leave. That was her call. So if she wants to get a place, he’ll help her get a place, but just for the record, he likes the way things are.

Sam says she hopes Dante understands why she wants to help Jason, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. They have a history together; he’s Danny’s father. He’s not threatened by any of that stuff. She says, Danny is a big part of this, but it’s more than that. When Dante was in the hospital and she found out Jason was on that roof, and everyone thought he was the shooter – she thought he was the shooter – she was so angry and cold to him. She was just so terrified she was going to lose Dante, she wanted someone to pay, and she had lost all faith in Jason. He says, so she wants to make almonds amends. She wants to help. She says she supposes she does. She knows that Jason loves Danny and Danny has obviously formed some sort of a bond with Jason. It’s just that Danny needs his father in his life. Dante says, 100% he does. He needs his father. And he feels like he owes Jason. He just doesn’t know how to help him. She says, they’re going to figure that out together. That’s what they do. He takes her hand and says, the thing is, he doesn’t know what this is. This can’t be just a simple undercover operation that guy’s got Jason doing. She says, they need to figure out exactly what it is the FBI has on Jason.

Anna tells Jason, so far, the FBI has been under the radar. And Jason being found out to be who he is didn’t exactly rattle Pikeman’s cages too much. He says, yeah, but Cates thinks they’ll still target him because he knows too much. She says, Pikeman obviously doesn’t know he’s with the FBI, so that’s a good thing at least. And he’s absolutely certain he never told Carly that he was undercover at Pikeman. He says, absolutely not. He wants her to stay out of this. She says, that ship’s sailed. So in all probability, Brennan now knows the FBI is on his trail, which means that they’re blown. And that’s a big problem. Because Brennan’s tentacles, they reach from Pentenville to Pikeman to the WSB to God knows where. He asks if she’s afraid of this guy, and she shrugs. She says, Brennan’s a bit of a charmer. Very smooth. But behind those sparkling eyes is a mind constantly working, processing, reading everything, everyone in the room. He is very smart. He’s very shrewd. They all learned as trainees, the most dangerous weapon was to give Brennan information of any kind. He says, so what do they do now? They just wait for Brennan to make a move? How do they know he’s going to make a move? She says, he will. He’ll find his target and then he’ll act. And the FBI won’t know what hit them. She thinks what they need to do is find out exactly what Carly told Brennan. He tells her, Cates said the same thing. There’s one problem. He can’t be the one to do it.

Dex does more push-ups, and Josslyn says she thought she could escape taking Bio-Chem by switching to environmental science, when actually she has to still take environmental chem, which is just as difficult, and she has to do all of the papers, all the labs, and she has to get her master’s after her undergrad break. He says, there’s no escaping. She’s going to have to be awesome. She thanks him and thanks him for what he said earlier. It means a lot. She should go. He says, him too. It’s really good to see her. She says, it was really good to see him. Take care. She runs off as he watches her.

Ava thanks Sonny and says she knows Avery wants to stay. So does she. She realized something. She’s let herself become a bit of a recluse since the Nikolas thing. And after she sold Windymere, she wanted a fresh start, but other than the gallery, she doesn’t get out too much. She guesses that’s why she made the assumption about Brook’s wedding. He says, she doesn’t have to be cooped up here or at the gallery all the time. She should be able to get out, have fun. She was always the social type. She doesn’t have to cramp her style on his account. She laughs, says, that’s some solid advice, and thanks him. She asks if there’s anything she can do to help him get ready for the wedding. She can get his tie, or she can get a gift. How about a painting from the gallery even? He says, cash is king (truth!). There’s a lot of ties that he doesn’t even wear, but he thanks her for that. She asks if she can give him a ride. She can drop him off and she can pick him up. That way, Frank doesn’t have to waste the day waiting around outside the wedding and the reception. He says he can drive himself. Besides, Blaze’s mother is coming as his plus one. She says, oh. Natalie, right? He says, Natalia. Blaze and Kristina are going, so he thought it would be nice to include Blaze’s mother. She says, that’s very generous of him, and he laughs. He goes in the back, and Ava smiles until he’s gone.

Dante says he gets Sam wants to help. It’s important to her and it’s important to Danny. And please don’t get angry at him for saying this, but he thinks she should stay out of it. She says, wait a minute. He just said he had some digging of his own to do, which means he doesn’t know the whole story. He says, no, he doesn’t, but he can tell it’s a delicate situation. And to get involved with Cates and the Feds, and then maybe she’s in the line of fire… There’s nothing she can do. She says, oh no. She has a hard time accepting there’s nothing you can do as a policy. (Me too.)

Anna says, but Jason is Carly’s best friend. Who better than him to find out what she knows and what she’s done? He says, she just answered her own question. Carly can read him like a book. If he questions her, she knows something’s up. And even if he mentions Brennan, that’s it. She’ll decide she can help him by working Brennan for information. Anna says, oh God. They don’t want that. He says, no. She cannot suspect anything more than she already does. So they have to find a way to stop Carly from doing anything else to help him. She says, all right. If Jason can’t question Carly, she’ll have to talk to Carly herself.

On Monday, Gregory says he would have enjoyed it more with Tracy; Sasha says she should have asked Michael before she said yes; Trina says she knows what Stella is doing; and Anna tells Carly that she’s just compromised a major investigation.

❤️‍🩹 Another Non-Divorce…

Yeah, things weren’t looking too good last season. PK getting sober sounds like a good sign, but it’s a tough road in the music biz. And what is this, a RHOBH curse?

https://people.com/rhobh-dorit-kemsley-paul-pk-kemsley-announce-separation-after-9-years-marriage-7502831

📺 Bravo On Tap…

The shows that have been renewed.

Bravo Renews Seven Real Housewives Shows and Other Veteran Series

New shows. These both look promising. They should have filmed me during my first years in NYC. Then again, maybe not.

Bravo Picks up New Making it in Manhattan Show and South Africa Safari Series

🍹 The Pillow Man Can…

These look like really nice pillows, albeit a little pricey. I would have gone all the way though and paid an extra $12 for the actual pillow.

Putting Craig Conover’s Sewing Down South Pillows to the Test

☎️ Andy, Andy, Andy…

I never thought Brandi’s claims had any merit. It was just her way of trying to deflect from her own bad behavior. I have no doubt it happened – it sounds like something stupid Andy and Kate would do – but they certainly weren’t serious. As for Leah, I have no clue about the coke, but I’m sure the producers don’t discourage drinking alcohol, especially if it leads to drama. Just not too much. Still, is that Andy’s fault? I dunno, but the responsibility ultimately lies with the cast member on that one.

https://people.com/bravo-closes-investigation-on-andy-cohen-as-network-renews-15-shows-8646400

I never once thought of Andy and John as romantic. More like frat boys.

https://ew.com/john-mayer-criticizes-speculation-andy-cohen-relationship-8646524

🌁 Waiting…

I don’t know how much info is new here. It’s not like they’re going to show it any sooner.

‘The Last of Us’ Adds 4 More Stars to Season 2 Cast

🐩 Going To the Dogs…

I’ve been to this several times, and the set-up is much better now. They used to do the whole thing at Madison Square Garden, with the benching area (where the dogs are kept in between their shows), the prep area, and the shopping area all in one place. It was always packed with people and like, 110 degrees. On top of it, dog hair dryers were going half the time. Now it’s in two buildings by the river, with only the main show in the Garden. At last attendees can breathe. Go Pekes!

https://people.com/how-to-watch-the-2024-westminster-dog-show-including-where-to-stream-8646120

🐾 A Worthy and Wooly Cause…

This is a great organization. No one who’s being abused should have to choose between that and keeping their pet. I’d sleep in the street first. Even though I’d need a pretty big box.

https://people.com/mariska-hargitay-joins-effort-to-make-pet-friendly-domestic-violence-shelter-8645788

🪺 Quotes of the Week

Sooner or later, we all quote our mothers. – Bernard Williams

I’ll join this conversation on the proviso that we stop bitching about people, talking about wigs, dresses, bust sizes, penises, drugs, night clubs, and bloody Abba! – Bernadette (Terrence Stamp), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now. – Paulo Coelho

Motherhood seems to be a no-win battle: however you decide to do (or not do) it, someone’s going to be criticizing you. – Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. – Immanuel Kant

Thus far the mighty mystery of motherhood is this: How is it that doing it all feels like nothing is ever getting done. – Rebecca Woolf

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. – Aristotle

Even dads need their moms. – Brandon Gibbs, 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way

Silence is golden. Unless you have kids. Then silence is suspicious. – Nicole Fornabaio, The Noun Project (This goes for dogs too.)

Happy Mother’s Day – Juliet, July 11, 2007

🌻 Easy Like Saturday Morning…

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, stepmoms, pet moms, and mother figures. We’re all moms to something, even if it’s a plant. Join me again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and God knows what on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay sharing with those who have less than you, and stay sticking with things and not walking away. They get better.

May4

May 3, 2024 – Dante Questions His Boundaries, Cast Changes, Reflection, Not Quite Divorce, Grey This, First Day, Where’s Here, Animal Farm, Dog TV, An Ounce Of Quotes & Listen To How

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Trina and Josslyn run in the park and stop at a bench. Trina says she can’t believe she let Josslyn talk her into HIIT training, and Josslyn says, what they did in 20 minutes, is the equivalent of an hour long run. So she just did Trina’s heart a favor. Trina says, don’t expect a thank you. The way her heart is beating out of her chest, she’s glad to be standing next to a doctor to be. Josslyn says she’s not so sure about that anymore. She used to be so sure about her future. Now, not so much.

Alexis asks Sam and Kristina which one she should wear to the hearing, and Sam says, they both look the same. (They do and they’re both black.) Alexis says, they’re nothing alike. This one is for summations, and she usually won those. And this one is for the I don’t feel anxious look. Sam suggests she go with the one that makes her feel comfortable, and Alexis says, they both do for different reasons, and asks Kristina what she thinks. Kristina says, oh, and touches her bump, and Alexis says, fine. She’ll wear the lucky one. Kristina says, that wasn’t about the suit. It’s the little kicker weighing in.

Nina and Drew pull into a parking lot, and Drew says, they’re here, but Nina says, not so fast. He says, they had an agreement. She was going to help get him a meeting and he was going to help get her closer to Willow. She’s not backing out already, right? She says she just wants to make sure he fully appreciates what she’s doing for him. Congressman McConkey is a key figure in the US House. He has the ear of all the major players in DC and he wants to speak with her. He says he’s sure she’s very honored, and she says she is. And she also understands this is because of her relationship with her father. This is her personal connection, and she wants to make sure he doesn’t screw it up. He says, in other words, she wants him to be grateful and follow her lead. How could he not? She’s such a people person. He leans toward her like he’s going to kiss her, but he undoes her seatbelt.

Sonny visits Dante, who says, this is a surprise. What’s going on? Sonny hands him a giftbag, and Dante asks if it’s something for the kids, but Sonny says, open it. It’s for my son. Dante says, for this kid? He looks in the bag and says, oh wow. This is amazing. He takes out a white boxing glove, and Sonny says, last time they were at the gym, he noticed Dante’s gloves had seen better days, so he got those. They’re 14 ounce, more padding, and good to hit the bag with. Dante can use his old gloves to spar. Dante says, when he gets back, yeah, and Sonny says he knows Dante doesn’t hit the bag anymore, especially right now. Dante thanks him and says he appreciates it. Sonny says, it’s the least he can do since Dante is the only person in his family he can trust.

Ava opens the penthouse door to Carly and asks, where’s Frank? Carly says, he’s down the hall. Is Sonny home? Ava says, no, he’s out, and Carly says she’ll wait here until he gets back. She walks past Ava and sits down in the living room.

The congressman’s assistant Mariel tells Nina that the congressman has been looking forward to this, and Nina says, that’s nice to hear. He and her father were great friends. Mariel says, Drew isn’t on his schedule, and we hear the congressman on the phone in his office, saying, he wouldn’t endorse Fred for dog catcher. Nina says, perhaps they should come back if now isn’t a good time, but Mariel says she’s worked with him since he was in bellbottoms and organizing sit-ins. His bark is worse than his bite. Nina says, really? and Mariel says, no. Follow her. She leads them into the office as McConkey says he doesn’t give a damn about party loyalty. Stop wasting his time. He hangs up and sees Nina. He gets up from his desk and goes over to her, taking her hand. He says, the last time he saw her, she was riding on Dan’s shoulders, her hair in ribbons. She laughs and says, and he has never looked more distinguished. He says, it’s the grey hair, is it? And they say politicians are smooth talkers. Nina says, it’s nice to see him and thanks him for seeking her out. She’s honored that he trusts her with his statement. He says he trusts her, but who’s the suit?

Kristina tells Sam and Alexis that she was so smug about being over her morning sickness. This little one is definitely making up for it with all its kicking and squirming. She thought maybe it was because of all the spicey foods she’s been eating, Oh, Blaze found this incredible restaurant that has the most delicious pastelis. They have to try it. It’s so good. They’re obsessed. Sam says, who? Her and Blaze? But Kristina says, no. Her and the baby. This little one loves spicey food as much as she does. Alexis says, Kristina didn’t when she was pregnant with her, because she had indigestion the entire time. They already talked about her kicking. Kristina says, this is really nice. She doesn’t share too much about her pregnancy with Molly because it’s sensitive. Sam says she kind of gets that. Once the two of them get over this initial awkwardness, things will get a little easier, and she’ll probably enjoy hearing about the baby and how Kristina is doing. Kristina says she doesn’t know. She’d never want to hurt Molly’s feelings, but she does really appreciate that she can share this with them, because this is the most powerful, profound experience she’s ever had in her life. It’s amazing. Having this little life growing inside of her is so incredible. She knows the both of them know exactly how she feels.

Trina does push-ups against the bench, and Josslyn says she’s thinking about switching her major. Trina says, from pre-med? Why? Josslyn says, because she’s not sure she wants to be a doctor. It’s such a huge commitment. Should she really be doing it if she’s anything less than all-in? Trina says she guesses not. Wow. What brought this on? Josslyn says she’s been thinking about it for a while. Then all that stuff went down with Adam, and it freaked her out. Trina says, Adam’s problems had nothing to do with his major, and Josslyn says she knows that, but it gave her a glimpse into the next few years of her life. And it’s another year with a full course load, then studying for the MCATs. Then it’s med school and then a residency, maybe a specialty fellowship. She’s exhausted just talking about it. Trina says she hears her. Becoming a doctor is no joke. Her mom has told her some pretty daunting things, but she always said that it was worth it and she loves it. Josslyn says, and she’s amazing at it. She has nothing but pure admiration for those who pursue a medical degree. It’s just, is that for her? She knows she wants to do something in science, but she’s just not sure being a doctor is her passion.

Carly says, Ava can go do whatever she wants to do. She doesn’t need to be monitored. Ava says, this is Sonny’s house and she’s an invited guest. So let’s get something straight. Carly might think she can come in here and just start ordering her around because of her prior relationship with Sonny, but that’s over. As far as Sonny is concerned, she’s gone too far. Carly says, wow. Okay. She gets up and says, as long as they’re getting things straight, let her get something clear. Ava might have appointed herself Sonny’s gatekeeper, roommate, or whatever the hell she wants to call herself, but she will speak to her ex-husband, the father of her children, whenever she needs to, and that’s never going to change.

Dante says, Sonny has more people in his corner than he thinks he has, and Sonny says, the people on his payroll don’t count. Diane is representing Jason. Dante says, Diane always represented Jason. She can represent him too. Sonny says, they’ll see if she can work for both of them. Did he hear that Nina signed the divorce papers? She’s another one out of his life. Dante says he’s sorry that ended badly. He knows Sonny really cared about her. Sonny says he doesn’t trust her. He doesn’t really trust anybody anymore. Jason, Dex, Nina, Michael… Carly. Carly hits the most. He went to the MetroCourt the other day, when she made her triumphant return. Does Dante know what Carly said to him? Get out of my life. Dante says, just like that, no lead up? Sonny says, no. He asked her, why, when Jason offered to buy the hotel back for her, she said yes, but when he offered, she turned him down. Does he know what she said? Stay out of my life. But he can’t do that. Because they have kids, grandkids. She’s trying to cut him out. That ain’t happening. Dante suggests he let things cool down a little between them. They’ll work it out. Sonny says, no, because once Carly makes up her mind like that, there’s no getting through to her. Dante says, it’s good Sonny has him then, and claps him on the shoulder. Sonny puts his hand on Dante’s shoulder and says, it is a good thing Dante has his back, because he’ll always have Dante’s back. He looks like a corpse about to cry, and Dante says, hey. Is something going on? Sonny says, it’s… it’s… yeah. He’s concerned that Dex has joined the PCPD.

McConkey points at Drew and says, he doesn’t have a camera, so he’s not a photographer. Why is he here? Nina says, this is Drew Cain. He’s her… Drew steps up and says, it’s a pleasure to meet the congressman. He shakes McConkey’s hand and says he’s the CEO of Aurora Media and the publisher of Crimson, but people call him Drew. McConkey says he has an appointment to speak with Nina alone, and Nina says she’s so sorry. She didn’t mean to overstep. It’s just that she mentioned to Drew that she was talking to him today and he expressed an interest to come along. Drew says he’s been a supporter of McConkey for years, and McConkey says, Drew needs to make an appointment. While he’s talking to Nina, maybe Drew could see Mariel and she could fit him in maybe sometime after the election. Drew says he could totally do that, but they’re both busy men, and he’s here right now. Why not take advantage of the situation, right? There was actually a specific project he’d like to discuss with the congressman in particular. Nina looks at him like she can’t believe it, and McConkey says, yes, but he doesn’t hand out favors to corporations. Nina says, forgive her. She’ll show Drew out and they can proceed with his statement. Drew says, the project had nothing to do with Aurora whatsoever. It has to do with the people of Port Charles, his constituents. Could he share a moment of his time for them?

Sam says she wishes she could stay and chat longer, but she has to go pick up her nearly grown, teenage son from school. Kristina asks how Danny is doing, but Sam says she doesn’t know. He hasn’t been talking to her much lately. She doesn’t know if it’s a teenage thing or a Jason thing, but they’re disagreeing on how much time he should be spending with his father, so… Alexis says, he has her to count on and that’s everything, so just give it time, and Sam thanks her. She hugs them both and leaves. Kristina says, she’s okay, right? and Alexis says, considering her boyfriend was shot and her ex has mysteriously returned, and Danny wants to spend all his time with him. Kristina says she loves Jason, but she understands why Sam is worried about her son spending so much time with Jason, and Alexis says, she’s very protective of Danny. Speaking of protective mommies, how’s her girl? Seems like the trimester is going well for her. Kristina says she’s actually really good. It’s Molly and TJ she’s worried about.

Josslyn tells Trina that now she has to figure out what major she wants to switch to so she can still graduate in time. And in order to do that, she has to figure out what it is she wants to do in the first place. Trina says, same. She’s behind on credits unless she wants to play a game of catch-up during the summer, and she definitely doesn’t want to do that. All she can do is work at the gallery. Josslyn says, she’s still grieving Spencer, and Trina says, yeah, but she doesn’t want to get stuck on that. She really doesn’t. She wants to care about anything. And it’s weird because it’s just not like her. She used to know where she wanted to go and where she wanted to be. Now she doesn’t. Josslyn says she feels Trina on that, and Trina says, but Josslyn was on track. That’s why she’s surprised they’re here in the same boat. The police cadets jog by, and Josslyn and Dex exchange a look.

Dante says he heard that Dex was accepted into the academy, and Sonny says he can’t tell Dante how to do his job, but he’d be wise to stay away from Dex. Dante says, they shouldn’t be talking about that, and Sonny says he’s just telling his son to watch his back. Because from his experience, Dex can’t be trusted. He was good to Dex. He did everything for Dex, and Dex turned on him. So if Dante is ever in a difficult situation, don’t expect Dex to cover for him. Dante says he doesn’t expect to be in that position, and Sonny says, Anna and the cops and whoever else wants to believe whatever comes out of Dex’s mouth, but he knows Dante is too smart because he knows better. He’s telling Dante right now, Dante is going to hit those bags – he throws a fake uppercut – in no time. He pats Dante’s shoulder and leaves. Dante looks concerned, as we all would be.

Ava says, Carly can talk to Sonny whenever and however she wants to, but Sonny isn’t here. So why doesn’t she leave a message, and if Sonny wants to talk to her, he will. But something tells her that Carly will be waiting a while for that call. Carly says, for somebody who claims to be so confident in her situation, Ava sounds a little defensive, and Ava says, Carly sounds desperate. That’s why she came barging in here, planting her sad little flag in the middle of Sonny’s living room, because Carly can feel him slipping from her grasp. And she knows she screwed up with Sonny for good. Sonny comes in and asks Carly what she’s doing here. Where’s Donna?

Drew tells McConkey that the piers continue to attract criminal activity. There’s two unused piers that have beautiful infrastructure and incredible views that can be developed into something amazing to benefit the people of Port Charles. McConkey says, and generate tourist revenue, and Drew says, that’s one of the goals, absolutely. He’s been working with Deputy Mayor Jordan Ashford to redirect some of that revenue into the city’s budget to be used for things like more public transportation and have more weekend hours in the libraries and more green energy projects. McConkey says he and Jordan crossed paths a few times when she was Police Commissioner, and he was pleased to see she was taking on Deputy Mayor. She has some impressive ideas. Drew says, she really does. That’s why they’re working together on this, but as he knows, a project of this scope requires federal funding. So he guesses his question for the congressman is, can they count on his support? McConkey says he’s intrigued, but he can’t help Drew.

Alexis asks what Kristina means, Molly and TJ are having trouble. What happened now? Kristina says, apart from TJ giving her an inquisition about her sleeping habits and forbidding her from seeing her father? Alexis says, this is why she told Kristina that they have to have some grace, because this is a new situation. Kristina says, it’s a funny thing about extending grace. You actually have to acknowledge that your behavior is maybe part of the problem. She doesn’t see TJ doing that anytime soon. Honestly, it’s insulting to insinuate she doesn’t know how to take care of herself or this baby. She thinks she’s doing a pretty good job. And it’s not just the way he’s being toward her. She thinks there’s some tension between him and Molly. Alexis says, there’s tension between every couple now and then, particularly when there’s a life-changing event, and Kristina says, they can figure that out for themselves. She’s the one who’s carrying this child. She doesn’t deserve to be micromanaged.

Sam says she’s sorry she’s home later than she thought, but she had to stop at her mom’s to see Kristina. Dante says, that’s okay, and she kisses him. She asks if Danny is home, and he says, not yet. How’s Kristina doing? Sam says, she’s hormonal and grumpy… Is that a gift or something? She reaches for the bag, and Dante says, yeah. Sonny got him new boxing gloves. He hands her one, and she says, that’s really nice of him. She puts it on and says, these are really good gloves, and he says, they are. She asks, how was his visit with Sonny? and he says, it was fine. She holds up her gloved hand and says, don’t do that. Something’s wrong, obviously. He can talk to her. He says, it’s just that line he’s drawn between work and being Sonny’s son. He kind of feels like he might have crossed it.

Carly says she needs to talk to Sonny alone, and Ava tells Sonny that she wasn’t clear. Does Carly get to dictate what happens in this house? Carly says she needs to talk to him about Donna. She’s not discussing their daughter in front of Ava. Ava says she has a call to make to the gallery to check on a delivery. Excuse her. She leaves, and Sonny asks if Donna is okay. Carly says, she’s fine. She wanted to have this conversation in person. She’s not bringing Donna to sleep over this week. She’s not bringing Donna here at all anymore. He says, why not? and she says, it’s not good for Donna to be here with him.

McConkey tells Drew that he has lung cancer, Stage IV. He intends on serving out the rest of his term, but then he’ll be stepping down to be with his family. He knows it’s a political cliché, but in this case, it happens to be true. Nina says she’s so sorry, for him and for his family, and for the people that he serves. And she knows he’ll be dearly missed by his colleagues in the House. Does his staff know? Does Mariel? McConkey says, yes, Mariel and select members of his staff. He wants to stay focused on his remaining programs and legislation, and he wants this statement not to be about pity, sentimentality, or hysteria. There’s enough political spectacle to begin with. Nina says she assures him that she’ll see to it, and Drew says he’s deeply saddened by this news. He’s so sorry. If there’s anything he can do to help in any way, please let him know, but if he may. The congressman’s term doesn’t end until May of 2025… Nina says, talk about being insensitive, but Drew says he’s not being insensitive. He really thinks this project could be McConkey’s legacy for the people in his district. He can take a place that was previously neglected and turn it into a showpiece. Give the people of Port Charles something beautiful, a place to gather by the water like this, it would be such a gift. Not only for the people here now, but for future generations. McConkey says, go on, and Drew says, he still has time to push this in the House. It could be his farewell piece of legislation, and given his current diagnosis, who’s going to vote against it?

Trina says, when Josslyn told her that she was going into pre-med, she remembers thinking to herself, she never heard Josslyn express this before, but she was so proud of Josslyn, she didn’t put it together. Josslyn says, put what together? and Trina says, that it has something to do with Dex. Josslyn says, when she and Cam were falling apart and she was catching feelings🪣for Dex, Dex got really hurt. She had to stitch up his side and she had no idea what she was doing. And it was the most helpless feeling. She remembers wanting to be able to do more than just wait around and be concerned. She wanted to be able to help people, especially in an emergency. Trina says, and by people, she means Dex.

Sam says, Sonny should have known better than to discuss police business with Dante, but from what he just told her, she thinks he handled it pretty well. Dante says, Sonny didn’t come right out and tell him not to act on any information Dex might have, but he sent a message. He assumes Dex is going to talk and Anna is going to listen to him. She says, he didn’t ask Dante to interfere on an investigation, and Dante says, not yet, but he’s come this far, so that’s probably next. Anna called this too. She says, how so? and he says, at Chase’s bachelor party, the guys were shunning Dex, and he questioned the wisdom of bringing Dex on board to Anna. She asks what Anna thought about that, and he says, she kind of reversed it on him. She said, maybe it’s what Dex could be telling them at the PCPD about his dad that might bother him, and to steer clear of him. She didn’t want Dante to be put in a position where he might be compromised or tempted to protect Sonny. She says, there’s nothing wrong with setting boundaries, and he says, but the thing is, he used to set the boundaries for himself. He didn’t need someone else to set them for him. She says she thinks he’s being too hard on himself. Everyone in town knows Dex worked for Sonny, and cops are bound to be suspicious. It does create a hostile work environment. She thinks it’s good he made that point to Anna. He says, there’s one other thing he hasn’t told Anna or her, and that’s when he found out that Dex was applying to the police academy, his first thought was, how could this hurt his father? That’s not thinking like a cop. That’s thinking like a son who’s worried that his father is already guilty.

Sonny asks if Carly is using his daughter to get back at him, but she says she’s protecting Donna. She shouldn’t hear from her father that her mother betrayed him. He says, it sounds like she’s protecting herself, but she says she doesn’t want Donna involved in an adult situation that she can’t possibly understand. (She’s correct. Dr. Phil says that all the time.) Or poisoned by bitterness and resentment. He asks if she thinks he would do that, and she says she doesn’t know. He says, that he would say something against her to their daughter? and she says she doesn’t recognize him anymore. She doesn’t know what he’s capable of. He rubs his forehead and says, legally, he’s Donna’s father. He has rights, even if he has to take her to court. He’ll do that if he has to. She says, please, take her to court. Let’s put it all out on the record. Let’s put it in the light of day and let the judge decide who Donna should go home with. It’s not him. He says, first, she turned on him. Now she’s using their daughter… She says she’s trying to protect them both. Donna doesn’t deserve to be around his level of hate and anger right now. He says, she’s getting everybody in his family to turn against him. Why? Why? Because of Jason? She asks if he can hear himself. He’s not making any sense. He’s not listening to reason at all. He’s living in an alternate universe. It’s like everybody’s out to get… Oh my God. Oh my God, Sonny. She jets to the back of the apartment, and he asks where she’s going. He follows her, and she goes to his bathroom and looks at his prescription bottles. He asks what the hell she’s doing, and she says she’s making sure he’s taking his medication.

Nina says, Drew’s enthusiasm for his project has clearly clouded his sense of tact. He will wait outside while they finish their conversation. McConkey says, no. He’s not insulted, nor is he swayed. Does Drew know how many developers have sat in that chair with a slick pitch and an outstretched hand? Drew says, more than a few, he has no doubt, but that’s not what’s happening here. He truly believes in this project, and knowing what McConkey is facing, he thinks this would be such a legacy for him. McConkey asks how he knows Drew isn’t beautifying these docks not to just turn them into luxury apartments on a federal dime. He believes in public projects. He likes them, but he might not be around to see how things work out. Drew asks if he thinks Jordan Ashford would really be on board for a real estate scheme, and McConkey says, no, but if Drew is well-funded and smart enough, she may not be able to stop him. It all comes down to Drew’s true intentions. What does Nina think? She brought this guy in here. Should he trust him?

Kristina tells Alexis, Molly and TJ are very goal-oriented people. And that’s great for them and their careers – more power to them – but sometimes it seems like they look at this pregnancy and this baby as the next thing to check off on their list of accomplishments. Alexis says, that’s cynical. She hopes Kristina is just being a little hyperbolic. Kristina says she loves Molly and TJ – Alexis knows that – and she knows how much they want this baby. It’s just that they both get so focused on the practicalities of this pregnancy, they’re missing out on the beautiful process of absolutely falling in love with this baby as much as she is.

Sam says, Dante loves his father, and he doesn’t want anything to happen to him, just like billions of other sons and daughters all over this planet. He says, yeah, but he’s in a position to protect Sonny and put his welfare ahead of his badge. Sam says, he had one thought. She knows him. He’s not going to allow one thought to influence him or effect his work. They both know life can get pretty messy and ambiguous when family is involved, and he’s never compromised himself for Sonny. In fact, Dante had him arrested when he put Cyrus Renault in the hospital. He says he wishes he could be as sure as she is. He used to be. He thought he could be both a good son and a good cop. She says, and he’s done that, but he says, has he though? Sonny runs a criminal enterprise. He knows it, she knows it, everybody knows it. His job is to stop Sonny. So why hasn’t he? (To be fair, neither has anyone else who’s in a position to.)

Taking the bottle of lorphenadine with her, Carly says she needs to call his pharmacist, but Sonny says she is not calling his pharmacist. Give him his pills. She says, not until he answers a question. When was the last time he took his medication? He says, what is this? Just because he didn’t agree with her custody arrangement, she’s accusing him of not taking his medication? She says she’s not judging him. She’s trying to help him. Something is so wrong. Does he remember the last time he was off his meds? He says he’s fine, but she says, he’s not fine. Ava comes out and asks if everything is okay, and Carly tells Sonny to look at her. It is common for people dealing with bipolar to go off their medication. She’s not judging him. Just tell her and she can help him. He asks if she really thinks he’d risk everything by not taking his medication. Does she think that little of him?

Nina says, Drew is a very tenacious businessman, but he’s also a decorated Navy SEAL, and he’s known for his philanthropy and leadership at Aurora, and he’s very committed to the city of Port Charles. She can say truthfully that Drew can be tough, but fair. Not so different from the congressman. McConkey says he’ll have to see some actual concept sketches and specs, but if the numbers check out and Drew can make this a reality, he’s got himself a deal. They shake hands, and Drew thanks him so much. McConkey says, it’s going to be tough to wrangle this through the House. He’s going to expect a little more than a park bench with his name on it. Drew says, how about the McConkey Esplanade? McConkey says, that will do. Of course (🍷) he’ll be long gone before this thing is finished, but Drew has to promise he’ll have the congressman’s wife front and center for the dedication, and he’s got to let her cut the ribbon, because Hazel does love a good photo op.  Drew says, absolutely. He can count on that. He looks at Nina.

Alexis says she and Kristina know Molly and TJ already want and love this baby, but maybe their misguided and annoying attempts to contribute to her pregnancy may be their way of trying to connect with Kristina and be a part of it. Kristina says, by coming at her like she’s some clueless, irresponsible incubator? Alexis says, stop. She’s going to ask Kristina something, and it’s important she answer honestly. Kristina says, okay, what? and Alexis asks if Kristina is starting to think of this baby as more hers than her sister’s.

Josslyn tells Trina that she didn’t get into pre-med because of Dex, and she’s not thinking of getting out of it because they broke up. Trina says, but he is a factor, and Josslyn says, yes, but not because she was thinking Dex is a criminal and she needs to be able to stitch him up – we see Dex clad in a towel, opening his locker at the academy – in case he’s shot again. She guesses it’s that she and Dex are close in age, but they’re worlds apart in life experience. He’s already served in the military. We see Dex getting dressed, and Josslyn says, that really matters, and it seemed to her that becoming a doctor would also really matter, and it would. But just because she’s got the grades to get in medical school doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit. She would be taking a spot from someone who really does have the passion and could very well make a much better doctor. And she thinks she owes it to them and to herself to figure out where she would do the most good – Dex buttons his shirt – and find out what she actually wants to pursue. Trina says, whatever Josslyn decides, she’ll be here for her, and Josslyn says, same. They’re in this together. Trina says, and why is she trying to figure this out, when part of the future she’s struggling with is about Dex? She’s still in love with him, isn’t she? We see Dex fix his hair, and Trina asks why Josslyn can’t admit she doesn’t want her and Dex to be over. We see Dex in his new uniform.

Sam says she thinks that Dante is being hard on himself, because she knows how he values the law. And she knows how he always walks that line. He’s a good cop. He’s got to give himself a break. He says he thinks maybe he just has to face reality. He’s gone easy on his father because he loves him and his siblings. And that right there is a conflict of interest. If he’s not willing to enforce the law, he’s got no business being a cop.

Carly suggests she and Sonny go to his doctor and get his blood drawn. Maybe he just needs his dosage adjusted. He says he doesn’t need his dosage adjusted. Get out. She says, please listen to her, but he says he’s listened long enough, and opens the door. She says, he has to understand how serious this is, and he says, she’s got to go, and points out the door. She slams the bottle of lorphenadine onto the mantle and walks out. He closes the door and looks at Ava. He looks like scary, unwell, sad Sonny, and says, there’s nothing wrong with him is there? Ava says, Carly is being unreasonable.

Carly walks down the hall and stops. She says, oh my God, and keeps walking.

Sonny says, Carly can go to hell, and walks into the back. Ava walks over to the mantle and picks up the bottle of lorphenadine.

On Monday, Kristina asks if Molly thinks her father poses a threat to their baby; Alexis tells Diane, if this one explodes, it’s going to shred her entire family; Anna tells Bennet that he can’t trust them with anyone but her; and a stranger (to us) on a park bench asks if Sonny wants to join her.

🚑 Two In One Out…

I thought I’d seen the congressman before.

https://soapsspoilers.com/general-hospital/news/gh-comings-and-goings-spring-summer-2024

Another revolving door character.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-aiden-recast-with-tristan-riggs

It’s confirmed. We saw him through his newbie, dad bod phase, and now he’s ditching us.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicholas-chavez-says-goodbye-to-general-hospital

🏋️‍♂️ Sweatin’ To Memory Lane…

Aww. Good times…

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/richard-simmons-reflects-on-his-time-on-general-hospital

💎 A Drift In the Hills…

But divorce isn’t in the cards? Really? That’s kind of hard to believe when he’s moved out and she’s changed her name back.

Mauricio Umansky Purchases Luxury Condo, Moves Out of Home With Kyle

https://www.eonline.com/news/1400726/kyle-richards-drops-mauricio-umanskys-last-name-from-her-instagram-amid-separation

🍸 Rocking the Gray…

Vanderpump Rules enlightens the world on the latest method in dealing, which I used to call, I’m ignoring you.

https://www.popsugar.com/relationships/gray-rock-method-49359630

🛸 In the Beginning…

The long awaited third installment is almost here.

https://ew.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-origin-story-djimon-hounsou-part-2-8639286

🌲 Beyond Lost…

This is old news, but this show is new to me. Amazon suddenly sprouted it as a lure for MGM+. Thankfully, I get that through my TV provider, since I already pay for enough streaming services, and I was hooked with the first episode. I thought it was reminiscent of Wayward Pines, which I also loved, and it was taken from me too soon. (Although there’s a book trilogy that finishes the story.)

Without giving away too much, all kinds of people from all different places find themselves in a town with very few amenities. To the naked eye, it might seem idyllic, albeit unplugged, but the catch is, monsters come out at night. The acting is impressive, and I love looking at the details of the town. The gore ain’t bad neither, but the show doesn’t rest on that. It’s more of a mystery as to where they are and how, or if, they can get home. And if Stephen King recommends it, how can you go wrong? As a matter of fact, as soon as I’m done here, I’m going to watch another episode.

https://screenrant.com/from-show-stephen-king-review-horror-fans-recommendation

https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/from-is-the-best-tv-show-that-will-make-you-hate-its-guts.php

🐄 Animal Magnetism…

Enjoy some peace on the farm.

https://people.com/beautiful-issue-kaley-cuoco-and-her-pets-8633984

🐕 A Dog’s Favorite…

I’ve never had a dog who’s a big TV watcher, but I’ll have to give this a whirl.

https://people.com/why-dogs-love-watching-bluey-according-to-an-expert-8639804

🐦 Quotes of the Week

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. – Khalil Gibran

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.  – Jack London

Faith is daring to put your dream to the test. It is better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed. – Robert H. Schuller

Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up. – Jesse Jackson

It’s only stealing if they find out. – Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Golden Girls

Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies and the character of his friends. – K@$H

⚔️ Feeling the Fourth…

Join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and Deck dilemmas. FYI, the new season of RHONJ begins Sunday at 8 pm if you want to torture yourself that way. Until then, stay safe, stay taking it easy with those margaritas, and stay never involving children in adult situations.

Apr20

April 19, 2024 – Sonny Calls Out Three Traitors, Pre-Med, Back Again, Arrested, One Out One In, Not Leaving, Together At Last, Pups (!) For All, Ten Quotes A-Quoting & Showers

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason does push-ups in his room so we can see his muscles and tattoos. Carly knocks at the door, and he lets her in. She says she really needs his help. There’s a guy downstairs and… She sees his sleeve and asks when he got that. He says, about a year ago, and she asks, why?

Adhering to protocol this time, Diane tells Madison that she’s here to see Nina. Nina’s expecting her. Madison says, yes, she is, and brings Diane into Nina’s office. Madison leaves, and Diane asks if Nina has news for her. Nina tells Diane, smile. She’s going to give Diane what she wants.

Brook says, it would be good to know what Olivia and Lois have planned for her for her bachelorette-slash-bridal shower, and Olivia says, it’s going to be fantastic. Doesn’t she trust them? Brook says, absolutely not, and Olivia says, wise girl. She knows whatever it is, it’s going to be fabulous, and with Brook’s mother running the show, it’s going to be one for the ages. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy her surprise. Lois comes in and says, speaking of surprises, she’s got one for them.

Sonny slams his hand on the table, and says, Dex is becoming a cop? Is Ava sure? Ava says she was with Trina and Trina told her. So unless she’s mistaken… He says, son of a bitch. If Dex goes to the cops, he’s going to tell them everything he knows, unless he stops Dex cold.

Josslyn thanks Anna for seeing her, and Anna says, of course (🍷). What’s on her mind? Josslyn says, Dex. She knows he applied to the police academy. Anna says, yeah. He took his fitness test today. Josslyn says, she can’t let him into the academy. She has to turn him down. Anna asks, why? and Josslyn says, because if Dex becomes a cop, Sonny will have him killed.

Nina looks through some paperwork while Diane peruses the dresses on a rack in the office. She says she thinks Nina will find everything in order, and as Nina is about to sign, Drew walks in. Nina says, they’re in the middle of something. So why doesn’t he leave word with Madison, and she’ll get back with him. Drew tells Diane that he needs to speak with Nina, and Diane says she has a court date anyway. She’s sure they can pick this up tomorrow. She picks up her bag, but Nina says, no. This is her office, and she can do what she wants when she wants to do it. So she’s sure Drew can wait until they finish their business. Nina signs the papers and says, done and done. Diane says, excellent, and double checks the paperwork. She says, fully executed. A pleasure doing business with her. They shake hands, and Diane leaves. Drew asks, what was that all about? and Nina says her current situation wasn’t working for her, so she made some changes. (Forget having sex with this guy. I’d be poisoning his coffee.)

Carly says she would have bet money Jason never got a tattoo, and he says he guesses she would have lost. She asks if she can see it, and he shows her his arm. (I see the word victory and a lion in the mix.) She asks why he did it, and he says, because he was alone. Obviously, he’s been alone before and he thought he liked it, but this time was different because he knew he couldn’t come home. So he guesses he just wanted something that was his, something that couldn’t be taken from him, or something he couldn’t be forced to leave behind. She asks if it hurt, and he says, it doesn’t really matter. It took a while. He never let himself think about home. He’d just shut it down; he wouldn’t think about it. There was nothing to do that night except sit there while this guy worked on him. He guesses he broke his own rule; he thought about home. He thought about Jake and Danny and how tall they were getting. If Jake still liked art and Danny still liked football. He thought about Elizabeth and hoped that they were happy. He thought about Monica and was just hoping she was okay, and she didn’t grieve for him. By that time, the guy was half done. That’s when he let himself think about her.

Lois says, Sonny is coming to the wedding, and Brook asks how she managed that. Since he didn’t RSVP, she assumed he didn’t want to come, and she didn’t want to push since he’s got all this stuff going on lately. Lois says, that is where she comes in. She pushes for Brook… gently and lovingly of course (🍷). Olivia says, of course (🍷). Good for her. Whatever she did, Olivia is glad she did it. Brook thanks her and says, the wedding just wouldn’t be the same without Uncle Sonny there. They hug, and Olivia says, and the Bensonhurst Brigade will be back together again. Brook asks if they should update the seating chart. Does she think Uncle Sonny will bring a plus one? Lois says she asked, but before he could answer, Ava interrupted. What is up with that one anyway? Sonny better watch out, because she’s putting those roots down fast. Brook says, she doesn’t think Uncle Sonny would bring Ava as his plus one, does she?

Sonny tells Ava that he should have taken care of Dex when he had a chance, but Carly talked him out of it. Why did he have to listen? Then Michael hires Dex to infiltrate him and spy on him. Ava says, Michael was definitely wrong, but children do lash out in anger… He says, how is he supposed to forgive? Carly said Michael redeemed himself, but Michael is his son. He wanted to destroy his father, then he changes his mind. No, I don’t want to destroy my father now. I’m going to hire Dex to protect him. What does he need protection from? She says, Michael and Carly definitely overstepped, and he says, yes. When Carly showed up, he should have had his men take her to the car. Or drag her to the car, whatever was needed. But she insisted that Dex was innocent and to let him go, so that’s what he did. He spared Dex’s life and let him go. And now he’s becoming a cop. She says she doesn’t know what Dex is thinking. She does have a soft spot for Dex – he saved her life – but he’s crazy to think he can get away with this. Sonny says he’s done… with all of them. He’ll get that divorce from Nina and deal with Dex, but what does he do about Michael and Carly, especially Jason?

Anna says she sees Josslyn’s concern, but she needs to calm down. Josslyn says, Dex told Anna about how Sonny ordered him to kill Cyrus. That alone is enough for Sonny to kill him. Anna says, Dex joining the PCPD is the best way for them to keep him safe, because Sonny is hardly going to target a police recruit. Josslyn says she’s sorry, but Anna is wrong. Does she know how Josslyn knows? Because last night, Sonny had an FBI agent beat up.

Jason says he figured Carly would be okay without him, but she says, he’s wrong. He says, come on. She’s tough, adaptive, and resilient. She asks where that came from, and he says, it’s something they say on assessments and fitness reports, that if you’re adaptive and resilient, you have a better chance for survival. And she’s the most resilient person he’s ever met. Nothing knocks her down for long. She says, losing him. When she was happy, she didn’t have him to share things with. When she was sad and miserable, he wasn’t there to fix it. It’s funny that he had a rule, because she had one of her own. When she would think she can’t do this because Jason’s not here, she’d tell herself, no. You do it for Jason. Jason wouldn’t let you quit. So even though he wasn’t with her, in a way, he was with her. She takes his hand, lifts his arm, and looks at the tattoo again. She says she likes it. It looks good on him. He thanks her.

Nina says she just needed to finalize some paperwork, and nosiest dude in the world Drew says, for the divorce from Sonny. She says, no. Why doesn’t he just say what he came to say and get out? He says he wants to hear about her business with Diane. What she does on company property affects him. So if she’s planning some new revenge scheme, she has to keep it away from him. She asks if he’s paranoid. That’s why she doesn’t want to tell him anything. But since he insists, she just sold her half of the MetroCourt to his brother… She thought the same thing. Jason’s just going to turn around and give it to Carly, but she has to hand it to Carly, she didn’t waste any time having Jason do her bidding. He says, a buyer can’t buy without a seller, so he’s sure she made a sweet profit on that. She says her father was in the real estate business. She learned a lot from him. You have to wait until somebody really wants your property, and then you make them pay. He says, so much for her loyalty to the MetroCourt, and she says, Carly can have the hotel. It brings her one step closer to the real prize. He says, which is? and she says, getting Sonny back.

Anna says, accusing Sonny of targeting a federal agent is a serious allegation. Does Josslyn have proof to back it up? Josslyn says she doesn’t need physical evidence to put two and two together. Her mom found Agent Cates on the ground, beaten up, not far from Corinthos Coffee warehouse. And it wasn’t a robbery, because he had his gun, he had his wallet. What does that tell her? Anna says, maybe the assailants were interrupted before they could rob him, and Josslyn says, come on. Anna knows that’s not true. She knows it was Sonny. He’s dangerous. And Dex becoming a cop is not protecting him. It’s making him even more of a target. She has to turn him down. Please. Anna says, all right. She can see how much this means to Josslyn, but assuming Dex gets accepted into the academy, ultimately, it’s his choice whether he decides to move forward or not. And she believes he understands the risks involved. Josslyn says, so she’s not going to do anything? Really? Josslyn walks to the door and says, okay, but when Anna throws him some big funeral after Sonny has him killed, and Anna invites all of his family, she doesn’t think they’re going to be there, but she will, and she’ll be sitting front row. And she’s going to look at Anna and they’ll both know Anna could have saved him and she chose not to. So do not hand her the flag from his coffin. She leaves and Anna picks up the phone. She asks someone to come to her office immediately. It’s important.

Ava says she understands Sonny’s anger. She’s been there. Not knowing who you can trust and who you can’t. Not even sure of the ground beneath your feet. She knows it’s tempting to turn his back on everyone that’s failed him, but please, tread lightly. Betrayal by family is a tricky thing. Sometimes family is all you’ve got. He says, they’re family because of Avery. That counts, right? She says, it does to her, and they’re on each other’s side. As for Michael and Carly and even Jason, up until now, they’ve been very loyal. He says, no. That’s wrong. Everything changed when he was in Nixon Falls. When he came back, the trust was broken. First of all, his wife was married, and he was gone what? Less than six months? Jason supposedly died and he was gone for over two years. He couldn’t pick up a phone and say, hey, I’m alive? He didn’t know what Jason was doing. Then Jason tells him to his face that he’s an informant for the Feds. All he knows is, Jason was on the roof with a guy who shot at him. He has to defend himself.

Jason asks if Carly needs him to help her with something, but she says, that’s okay. She can handle it. He says, Carly… and she says, the gas has been shut off downstairs, and there’s an obnoxious man from the city downstairs telling her that it’s all her fault. She could use some back-up. He says he’ll be right down, and she says, thanks. She can’t wait for him to meet Jason.

Lois brings out the seating chart and says, Sonny is seated unaccompanied. She purposely didn’t invite Ava, even though she was standing right there. Sonny knows not to bring her. Olivia says, she hopes, and Lois says, Sonny can read her like she can read Sonny, and he knows not to bring her. Olivia says, okay. Sounds like she has it all under control. She’s got to get back to work. Does Lois need anything else for the bachelorette party? Lois says, no, go on, and Olivia says she’ll see them tonight. She leaves, and Lois asks if Brook has started packing for the honeymoon. Brook says she’s narrowing down her choices. She can’t bring half her closet. She has to leave some space for shopping. She’s going to Florence. They both squeal, and Brook says she’s dreamed about this her entire life. And now, she doesn’t only get to go, she gets to go with the man she loves. How perfect is that?… Well, it’s not entirely perfect. Chase did have to sell his truck to pay for it. Lois says, which she thinks is very sweet of him and noble, and Brook says she does too. She very nearly ruined it though. Thank God Tracy stopped her. Lois asks if she just said, thank God for Tracy.

Drew says he knows he shouldn’t ask (then don’t), but how does Jason buying back the MetroCourt for Carly get Nina closer to Sonny? Nina says she didn’t know he cared, and he says he doesn’t. So forget he asked. You do you. Nina says she was hoping that Sonny would appreciate that she gave her stake up at the MetroCourt so his best friend could have it, and Drew says, good luck with that. She says, that’s it? What did he come here to talk to her about? He says, never mind. He’ll shoot her an email. It had to do with the wellness article she’s running. He’d like to look at some of the research; maybe talk to a reporter. He’ll let her know. He leaves, and Madison tells Nina, the update and revisions are in her inbox. Does Nina want her to print hard copies? Nina says, not yet. She wants Madison to contact the hotel manager because she wants to know when Olivia gets in. She has something very important to discuss with her.

Gas guy Mr. Tandy tells Carly, notifications about the essential repairs were sent, but she says she didn’t get a notification. Will he please have her gas turned back on? Jason joins them and Tandy says, the repairs will take three days. Her carelessness or disorganization is not the city’s fault. Danny walks by outside, and Carly says she’s not careless or disorganized, and unless he has proof those notifications were delivered, she has grounds to sue. He says, the city followed policy, and she says she guesses they’ll find out when her lawyer… Jason says, they know things get lost and misdelivered all the time, but they can’t run a business without gas for three days. Is there anything he can do to help them out? Tandy says he’ll speak with the gas company. They may be able to expedite repairs and get the gas restored by tomorrow. He’ll get right on that. Jason thanks him and he leaves. Jason asks what Carly needed him for, and she says, he’s been arrested enough times to know how good cop/bad cop works. He asks which cop he was, and she says, the good cop.

Danny goes onto the fire escape and enters Jason’s room through the wide-open window. (Really? In a city that’s crime ridden on and off?)

Ava says she knows it’s difficult for Sonny to trust anyone right now, but isolating himself from everybody who might care about him might put him at a disadvantage. He asks, who might that be. Carly? Michael? The only ones he has left are Kristina and Dante. And he can’t talk to Dante because he’s a cop. Michael, Carly, Jason, Dex, and Nina have all turned on him. She tells him that she’s not saying he doesn’t have the right to feel the way he does. She’s just suggesting that things aren’t always black and white. Carly and Michael, in their own warped way, probably thought they were protecting him. And Dex put his life on the line for Sonny more than once. She was in Puerto Rico. She saw it herself. He says, that was before Dex became a cop. And Michael and Carly can think whatever they want, but they put a spy in his organization. She says, at least he knows Jason didn’t have anything to do with that, and he says, based on what? Does she think Carly and Jason didn’t have any contact? She says, he doesn’t believe that, and he says, here’s what he believes. Carly and Jason are loyal to each other. He’s seen it for years with his own eyes. Carly would lie for him, do anything for him. So does he believe she may have had contact with him? Of course (🍷) he believes that. She may have known Jason was alive and didn’t tell him for months. Maybe even years. That’s unforgivable.

Anna thanks Molly for coming, and Molly says, of course (🍷). What’s going on? She said it was important. Anna says, it is. In this file, there are two statements, one from Cyrus Renault, one from Dex Heller. One details how Sonny Corinthos viciously attacked Cyrus at All Saints Chapel on New Year’s Eve, landing him in hospital. Molly looks at the statements, and Anna says, the other tells how Sonny Corinthos ordered his then employee Dex to kill Cyrus when he was a patient at GH. Molly sits down as she reads, and Anna says, questions? Molly says, yeah, one. She has to ask, what’s changed? May she speak plainly? Anna says, please do, and Molly says she thought Anna and Sonny were friends. Anna says she thinks they had a friendship of sorts, a mutual understanding maybe. Mostly because of his relationship with Robin. And she thinks at times, perhaps, they were on the same side, so to speak, battling a common enemy. That being said, when she was Police Commissioner before, she gave Sonny no passes and she gives him none now. And this case falls in her jurisdiction, and she has to pursue it, even if it implicates someone who has been kind to her in the past. Molly says, and why show it to her? Why not go directly to DA Scorpio? Anna says, Robert loathes Sonny, and she thinks he would enjoy it too much. Molly says, that can’t be the reason, and Anna says, in so many words, if Robert were to prosecute Corinthos, it’s just too personal to him. Molly says, it’s personal to her too.

Ava takes the drink out of Sonny’s hand and says, you know what you need? Some air. It’s beautiful out, so why don’t they go for a walk? They can walk across the park and get something to eat. It’ll do him good. Besides, if he’s seen out and about in public, he’ll let everybody know, as far as he’s concerned, it’s business as usual. They’re not getting to him. He says, yeah. He’s not going to get holed up in this place like he’s trying to hide something. He’s not going to be a victim. Come on. He’s hungry. Let’s go get something to eat. He takes Ava’s hand and they walk out.

Danny checks out Jason’s sunglasses and looks around the room. He picks up Jason’s razor and looks at it, then puts on Jason’s leather jacket.

Carly says, that bureaucrat messed up, but he didn’t want to admit it. That’s why she brought Jason into it. She knew Jason could get him to compromise without losing face. Jason says, or maybe he just didn’t want Carly to sue him, and she says she would have won, by the way. She didn’t want to lose three days of business. Her way was faster. Diane comes in and says, Carly is closed? Why? Carly says, it’s a long story. Is she here to see Jason? Diane says, no. She’s here to see both of them actually. She hands Jason some papers and says, there you go, signed, sealed, and delivered. He’s now half-owner of the MetroCourt. Carly says, he bought the MetroCourt? and Diane says, just Nina Reeves’ half. Now all that’s left to do is both of them sign the transfer of ownership, and Jason’s half is once again Carly’s. Jason thanks her and says he’ll get it back to her. Good job. Diane says she’s very happy for Carly, and leaves. Carly says, Jason can’t give her the MetroCourt, and he asks, why not? She says, because it’s on her to get it back. She’s the one who lost it. She did it all on her own. Drew and Michael told her not to invest, but she did it anyway. She put the MetroCourt up for… He says, okay. If he’d been here, does she think it would have happened that way? She says, no, and he signs the paper. He gives it to her and she hugs him, crying. He says, this deal is done. Enjoy it. He leaves.

Brook tells Lois that Tracy explained, if she bought Chase a brand-new truck, it would just devalue the sacrifice he made in order to pay for the honeymoon. Lois says, and she would be right, which is surprising for her to say. Brook says, it was surprising for her to take Tracy’s advice, which prompted her and Chase to talk about money, including her trust fund. Lois says, how did that go? and Brook says, really good. She’s glad they finally did it. It’s actually kind of a relief, and she thinks they’re in a really good place with it now. Lois says, that’s wonderful. She’s so proud of Brook. Brook says she never wanted to talk to Chase about a prenup or her money, because she never wanted him to think she’d believe he would take advantage of it or her. But the whole what’s mine is his wasn’t working either. It was actually doing quite the opposite. She’s just glad all that stuff is behind them. Lois says, it’s better late than never. Some people don’t even have those open lines of communication to discuss the important things. So it’s a good sign that she and Chase do.

Anna asks what Molly thinks. Can she get a conviction? Molly says, it’s pretty comprehensive. Someone could definitely make a case for assault, conspiracy, and attempted murder. Anna says, not someone. She’s giving it to Molly. Molly says she couldn’t possibly prosecute this case, and Anna asks, why not? Molly says, conflict of interest. Her sister is Sonny Corinthos’s daughter and currently pregnant with her child. Anna should give it to Robert. He’ll be aware of the stakes and do what he needs to do to keep emotion out of it. Or there are other ADAs who can work with him and give him the objectivity he needs. Maybe he’ll even assign the case to one of them. Anna says she’s not ready to move forward with it just yet, and Molly says, then why did Anna need to see her? Anna says, because she wants Molly to do it. So consider this fair warning. When she is ready to pull the trigger on it, she’ll be pushing Robert to give it to Molly to prosecute.

Sonny and Ava walk into the MetroCourt, and Olivia says she heard Sonny had a visit from Lois this morning. He says, she won’t take no for an answer, and Olivia says, does she ever? He says, not really, but he stopped fighting. How’s Dante? She says, good. She talked to him this morning. He’s back at work, grumbling about being behind a desk. Sonny says, at least he’s healing quickly, and Ava says, hear, hear. Carly comes in and says she needs to talk to Olivia. It’s very important. They step aside, and Olivia asks, what’s going on? Carly says, welcome her back, and Olivia asks what she’s talking about. Carly says she got her half of the MetroCourt back. She’s Olivia’s partner again. They screech, hug each other, and jump up and down. Sonny and Ava look at each other.

Molly tells Anna that Sonny is her uncle. He’s her sister’s father. It’s a clear conflict of interest. Anna says, that’s usually the judge’s call to make. Yes, of course (🍷) Molly can go to the court and inform them of their relationship, but ultimately, it will be the judge’s decision whether she stays on the case or not. Molly says, not if she recuses herself first, which she would, and Anna says, oh my God. She’s asking Molly to reconsider. Please. It has taken her a while to recognize the fact that Sonny isn’t the person she thought he was all these years. And she’s gravely concerned and disappointed in some of his recent actions. That is why she wants Molly, because she knows Molly will prosecute him fairly. She won’t seek to make him pay, or showboat; nor will she be too lenient. Molly asks if Anna feels that she’s been too lenient with him all these years, and Anna says, maybe. Sonny Corinthos is a larger-than-life figure in this community; he has been for decades. And he’s a generous benefactor, and in his own way, he’s kept Port Charles safe from others less scrupulous than he is about the drug trade. She imagines most city officials feel he’s the lesser of two evils, that he’s like a power to be tolerated and not eliminated. But that is over because she now has tangible proof of what Sonny has become, and frankly, it’s disturbing. And she’s going after him for something he actually did. And he needs to be stopped. Molly says she agrees. There’s absolutely a case here and it needs to be prosecuted. But not by her. There are four other ADAs in this office who don’t have close ties to Sonny. Anna says, in a perfect world, every case would be black and white. They’d know who was right and who was wrong. Who the good guys are and the bad. But that is not reality. In reality, most cases are layered, they’re complicated, they’re messy, and that is why they have to adhere to the rule of law. They can’t just decide who they’re going to pick and choose to investigate and who they’re going to prosecute. If they start relying on their own personal bias, that’s when the entire system breaks down. They have to do their duty, and it’s hers to investigate, and it may well be Molly’s to prosecute. (Um… but this isn’t some personal bias. She’s literally related to the guy. If she was a doctor, she wouldn’t be the one performing surgery either.)

Sitting at the counter in the nook, Lois says, Brook has never really asked about her dad, and Brook says she guesses she just accepted things didn’t work out between the two of them. Her dad was always present in her life, and they were really good at co-parenting. Lois says, and she’s very proud of that. Ned is a wonderful man, and they loved each other so, so much. They just didn’t agree with each other on things like money… and a bunch of other things, which was why she was so adamant about raising Brook in Bensonhurst. She didn’t want Brook to be around all that Quartermaine money and the drama that accompanied it. It’s a decision she’s never regretted. Brook says, she’ll forever be grateful for her upbringing. Growing up with the Bensonhurst Brigade was a gift. Lois says, oh ho! They’re all going to be there, right? And look – she points at the seating chart – she seated Sonny next to Kristina and her girlfriend Blaze, and then she put Michael on the whole other side of the room because something is still going on between Michael and Sonny. Hmm… She hadn’t even thought about that. Brook says, about what? and Lois says, should they invite Jason?

Jason opens the door to his room and sees Danny in his jacket. He heaves a Jason sigh and says, Danny…

Olivia says, how did this happen? and Carly says, Jason. Nina sold him her half, and he signed it over to her. Sonny looks grim, and Olivia says, this is so fantastic. She’s missed Carly so much. The hotel has missed her so much. Please tell Jason, thank you, a million, million times. Nina looks all happy and pleased with herself, and like a cloud of doom, Sonny walks over to Carly and asks if he can have a moment. Carly says, no. Whatever he has to say, he can just say it. He says, you, Jason, Nina. Three liars. Three traitors. You all deserve each other. Soap looks all around, and Nina catches Ava’s eye.

On Monday, dressed in a boa, Lois says, it’s showtime; Drew says he thought maybe Willow would like to know; Nina asks how long Ava’s been playing her for a fool; Sonny tells Carly, that’s proof someone is working against him; and Sam asks Jason how he can do this to their son.

🔬 Before He Was Finn…

This actually sounds like a pretty good story. My favorite role of his will always be the vampire Caleb on Port Charles though. No surprise there.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-shares-a-throwback-movie-clip-with-emma-samms

🏆 Feels Like We Just Did This…

Everyone is hopeful that the Daytime Emmys will be on time this year.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/the-2024-daytime-emmy-awards-nominations

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/daytime-emmy-awards-155953

🍻 Nature Or Nurture…

I don’t remember her well, but I do remember her as being a bit unhinged. Perhaps it’s true about the apple not falling far from the tree.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/tyler-campanella-stepson-of-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-star-siggy-flicker-arrested-on-jan-6-charges

🔄 The Circle of Minkoffs…

Where one Minkoff ends, another begins. Hey, wait. Has anyone ever seen them in the same room at the same time?

RHONY Newbie Rebecca Minkoff is Allegedly a Hardcore Scientologist Who Was Also Friends With Danny Masterson

I’m going to miss her… sniff…

Find Out Why Crystal Kung-Minkoff Was Fired From RHOBH as Insider Claims She’s “Devastated” Over Departure

🍼 Daddy Don’t Go…

While I have mad admiration for Andy’s business sense, I don’t think he recognizes that the Housewives franchise is getting old, and Bravo should move on. Now it’s old and cranky and come back to bite him in the ass. I wouldn’t bet the farm on it, but I tend to think the lawsuits against him personally don’t have a lot of merit. I believe what he said about Brandi, who’s scrambling to get away from her own lawsuit, and as for Leah, no one complained at the time, and this isn’t the 80s.

https://people.com/andy-cohen-not-leaving-bravo-despite-legal-troubles-says-network-8635855

🦸🏻 A Bromance For the Ages…

Deadpool is the best and the trailer looks very promising.

https://www.gamesradar.com/deadpool-3-release-date-cast-trailer-plot-deadpool-and-wolverine-marvel

The tease.

https://www.cbr.com/deadpool-wolverine-secret-wars-psa-teaser-theaters

The cameo… maybe.

https://www.cbr.com/deadpool-wolverine-shawn-levy-taylor-swift-cameo

For theorists, conspiracy or otherwise.

https://www.escapistmagazine.com/taylor-swift-fans-think-her-new-album-confirms-her-role-in-deadpool-wolverine

🐶 Barking Up the Right Tree…

Celebrity dogs. They’re just like ours.

https://okmagazine.com/p/most-adorable-moments-celebrities-dogs

You, too, can be a celebrity in your dog’s eyes.

https://people.com/daniel-radcliffe-stephen-colbert-lies-about-puppies-dog-adoption-segment-8636078

🦧 Quotes of the Week

Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway. – Mary Kay Ash

Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong. – Peter McIntyre

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. – Earl Nightingale

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. – George Bernard Shaw

Get your face out of my… look. – Debbie Johnson, 90 Day Fiancé: Tell All Part 5, after being told by Debbie Aguero, keep my name out of your mouth. (Obviously, comebacks aren’t her strong suit.)

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly. – Stephen R. Covey

A memory is a beautiful thing, it’s almost a desire that you miss. – Gustave Flaubert

So, Earth is round, Earth is flat, where are you guys at on that these days? – Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), Fallout

🪂 Pulling the Cord…

Have a weekend filled with places to go and people to see, or at least catching up on your streaming and sleep. Come back again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and Deck exploits. Until then, stay safe, stay knowing your audience, and stay having open lines of communication to discuss the important things.

Apr19

April 18, 2024 – Ava Learns the Truth About Sonny’s Meds, That Awful House, Falling Into a Prime Series, The Dog & Fire

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At Bobbie’s, Carly asks Hunter how it’s going, and says, don’t quit. Please don’t quit. Hunter says she just came out to keep the barbarians at bay, and Carly tells her, keep up the good work. Sitting at one of the tables with her laptop, Josslyn asks if Carly is sure she can’t help with anything, but Carly says, no. She want’s Josslyn focusing on studying. Josslyn says, Katrina’s great, but is she qualified to take over for the cook? And Carly says, she knows her way around a kitchen. She just wishes the stove was working. Josslyn says, there’s no stove? and Carly says she keeps trying to call the usual repairman and he’s on an emergency. Josslyn says, this is an emergency. She has a jack of all trades. At least she used to.

Outside in the parking lot, Brennan says, Dex has to complete the JST in under four minutes and 28 seconds. Any questions? Dex says, ready whenever he is, and gets in position. Chase blows a whistle.

On the phone at the hospital, Dante says, they better kick whoever’s sitting at his desk out of his chair because he’s on his way… That is right. He’s back. He sees Finn at the registration desk, and Finn asks, how’d it go? Dante says, good. He just got a clean bill of health and he’s headed back to work. Finn says, that’s good news. He’s sure Chase will be glad to have his partner back. Dante asks if Finn is okay, but Finn says, everything is not okay. Chase’s bachelor party is going sideways, and he doesn’t know what to do.

At the Bistro, Trina tells Ava that she’s almost ready with the video teaser for the Kevin Huber opening, and Ava says, great. She can’t wait to see it. She can’t tell Trina how much she appreciates the extra time Trina’s putting in at the gallery. Trina thanks her and says she’s happy to. She’s not in school and she’s got to start saving up for things, like her own place. Ava’s phone rings, and she tells Trina that she didn’t realize… She looks at the phone and sees it’s a call from Applied Analytical Labs, and Trina asks if she needs to get that. Ava says, no. If it’s important, they’ll call back.

Sonny splashes water on his face and looks at himself in the mirror. He squints and looks like he has a headache. Lois comes into the penthouse and tells Frank to tell his mother to use arnica. It will help her lumbago. Frank says, arnica, got it, and Lois says, the only issue is, she’s going to have to stay off the garlic while she’s using it. Sonny comes in, and Frank says he doesn’t think his mother can sacrifice garlic. Lois laughs and says she knows what he means. Her ma is the exact same way. Frank tells Sonny, Miss Cerullo is here, and Sonny says he thinks he knows that. Frank leaves, and Sonny says, Lois has never met a stranger, has she? They hug, and Lois says, they’re only strangers until you say hello. She loves hearing people’s stories, which is exactly why she’s here. Something’s off with him, so what’s his story?

Anna answers her office phone and says, he’s here now?… Send him in. Cyrus walks in and thanks her for agreeing to see him. She asks what brings him here, and he says, his duty as a citizen. When he was attacked at All Saints Chapel on New Year’s, he wasn’t prepared to make a statement, but after talking with his sister, he’s ready to make one now. She says, he can do it here, and he thanks her. She says she has to inform him that once he makes a statement, it will officially be evidence and may be used to prosecute his attacker. He says, understood, and she turns on the recorder. She says, present, Commissioner Anna Devane taking a victim’s statement. It’s April 17th, 2024. She asks Cyrus to state his name for the record, and he says, Cyrus Renault. She asks if he can identify the individual who assaulted him on January 1st, 2024, and he says he can. He was attacked by Sonny Corinthos.

Trina tells Ava, don’t get her wrong. She loves her parents. She loves her grandfather with all her heart. She just thinks it’s time she found a place of her own. She can’t be a kid all of her life, right? Ava says, that’s true. Children have to grow up; parents have to let them. She just wonders though, if this is a good time for Trina to be alone. She knows it’s hard to process a loss like Trina’s without some solitude. She also knows that there is such a thing as being alone too much, where the space you want becomes a void. Trina says she hears what Ava is saying and appreciates it, and Ava says, but? Trina says, but between her family and Joss, and her family and Ava… Did she mention her family? She thinks she’s good. And she doesn’t think a little self-reliance is a bad thing. Ava says, just when she thought she couldn’t be prouder of Trina, and Trina says, speaking of space, she’s been dying to ask. How is Ava doing living at Sonny’s? Ava says she guesses it’s okay. She supposes when you spend so much time fighting with somebody and you’re forced to be together and there’s a child involved, you just get used to each other. Trina says, miracles do happen, and Ava says, they certainly do. They’ve settled into a routine. Sonny relies on her. Avery does too, of course (🍷). Trina says she’s glad the two of them are making things work. In the meantime, she has to go open up the gallery. Ava says, since they discussed business at breakfast, it’s a write-off, and hands Trina a credit card. Trina leaves, and Ava sees there’s one missed call and one new voicemail from the lab.

Sonny asks why Lois thinks he’s off. It’s not like his life isn’t going incredibly well. Lois says she knows he’s going through it, but it doesn’t explain why he hasn’t responded to her only daughter’s wedding invitation. Because he knows how much Brook wants her Uncle Dimples to be at the most important day of her life, right? He says, yeah, and she asks, so why is he going to leave his favorite niece hanging? He says he was thinking of just sending a gift, and she says, oh. Sending a gift instead of coming. So what’s that gift going to be? A gravy boat? A toaster oven? Spatulas? Sonny says, no. He was going to buy her an espresso machine. Lois says, Brook loves him, and she loves him. He’s her oldest friend from the neighborhood, and the wedding wouldn’t be complete without him. He says he doesn’t want to ruin the day for her and Brook, and she says, so this is about her and about Brook. It doesn’t have anything to do with him being seated next to one of the growing list of people he can’t stand being around anymore?

Brennan starts the timer, and Dex runs through something that looks a lot like a dog agility/training course, except for when he has to fake shoot a gun.

Carly asks how Josslyn is with everything, and Josslyn says, with the breakup? Carly says, that and Spencer, Trina moving out… and Josslyn says she’s fine. She thanks Carly for asking, but says, Carly has more important things to deal with. Carly says she hates when Josslyn does that. There’s nothing more important than Josslyn. Josslyn says, more urgent then. She’ll be fine. Carly’s customers, not so much. Carly says, help has arrived, and Michael walks in. Josslyn says, where? and Carly hugs Michael and thanks him for getting here so fast. Josslyn says, please tell her that he brought the help, but he says he is the help. Josslyn says, they’re doomed, and he thanks her for the vote of confidence. Carly says, her brother is a capable young man, and Josslyn says, he’s capable of picking up his platinum card. She just doesn’t know about a wrench. He says he’s going back to the office where he’s appreciated. Then mom can call her new boyfriend to help.

Dante asks if Finn has a Plan B, but Finn says, no. He was all in on Plan A. Who books The Savoy on a weeknight? Dante says, they can still salvage this thing. What did Chase say he wanted his bachelor party to look like? Finn says, Dante knows Chase. Nothing fancy. No strippers. Dante says, of course (🍷), and Finn tells him, Chase said no techno music. Other than that… Dante says, they can work with other than that, and Finn says, they can? Dante says, of course (🍷) they can. Don’t worry about a thing. He’s just going to do boring desk work at the PCPD anyway. Now he’s got a case. Finn says, the mystery of the missing bachelor party, and Dante says, that’s right. His first assignment.

Brennan says, time? and Chase looks at the stopwatch. Dex asks how he did, and Brennan says he’ll get his results from both the written and physical tests after they’ve been reviewed. He leaves, and Chase tosses a towel to Dex and says, he did well.

Michael asks if Carly has told Josslyn about the new man in her life, and Josslyn asks, who’s this mystery man? Michael says, some FBI agent, and Carly says, oh my God. Josslyn asks, how serious is it? and Michael tells her that he’d say it’s pretty serious. He has it on good authority that they already graduated to sleepovers at the MetroCourt. Carly says, that’s enough, and Josslyn says, on whose good authority did he hear this? Carly says, Nina, and Josslyn says she should have guessed. It’s just like that time Willow and TJ were having that torrid affair. Carly says, exactly. So is he going to go in the kitchen and fix her stove? He says he’ll take a look at it, and leaves. Josslyn says, so? and Carly says, nothing. She was driving to the coffee warehouse, and she saw this man being attacked.

Anna gets Cyrus’s statement from an officer and asks him to sign it. He looks at it, and says, as he told them here in his statement, he does not believe the young man in scrubs who visited his hospital room was GH personnel. She asks if there’s something he wants to add, and he says he’s since discovered the man was working for Sonny. While he can’t prove it, he believes the man was sent by Sonny to do him harm. Then again, no harm came to him. At least, not that day. She says she’s aware of the situation, and for what it’s worth (🍷), she knows the young man in question has severed all ties with the Corinthos organization entirely. He says he’s relieved to hear that, and signs the statement. She thanks him, and he asks, what happens now? She says she’ll make a copy for him and then she’ll file this. He asks if he needs to make arrangements to leave town for his own safety, but she says, oh no. This information will remain confidential for now. He says, but not forever, hopefully, and she says, until she finds the best possible use for it.

Ava calls the lab and says she just missed a call from a Stuart. Can he connect her please? He says he’s Stuart, and she says she’s calling about sample #H6784, and he says, yes. Like he said in his message, they completed the analysis of the samples she sent to them. She asks if he can tell her the results, and he says, if she doesn’t mind him asking, where did she get those capsules? She says, it’s her husband’s medication. They got them at the pharmacy. She explained all this when she called. Is there a problem? Stuart says, it appears the compounding pharmacy made an error, and she says, what kind of error? He says, each capsule has an imprint code that tells them the name and dosage of the medication that’s supposed to be there, and she says, supposed to be? He says, the contents of the capsule match the imprint code. It is indeed lorphenadrine, but the dosage should be 50 milligrams. She asks, how much is it? and he says, closer to 10 milligrams. Her husband is getting less than a quarter of his prescribed dosage. If this is a pharmacy error, the failed to satisfy their standard of care. She thanks him and says, he’s been very helpful.

Dante walks into the squad room and everyone applauds. He says, they remember who he is, and thanks them. He finds a balloon attached to baseball caps that apparently have his enemy team on them, and he says, those will make for good kindling, whoever thought of that. Anna asks who he thinks, and he says he’s guessing it was that guy, pointing to Chase’s desk. She says, welcome back, and he thanks her and says, it’s good to be back. Even though he’s probably looking at doing more filing. She says, they’ve been saving it all up for him, and he says he can start with what she’s holding, but she says she’ll handle that. Just get settled. He says, Chase’s bachelor party is at the hatchet range, and she asks if that isn’t a guy thing, but he says, that’s old traditional stuff. She says, it’s the tradition part that… and he says, no strippers or anything like that, but drunk people throwing axes. She says, it sounds so tempting. Why is he handling this? She thought Finn was his best man. Dante says, he is, but he tried to book something at The Savoy, and someone’s actually booked up the entire club. She says, on a weeknight, and he tells her, that’s what Finn said, so he wanted to give Chase a good send-off. Could she help spread the word? She says, absolutely, and he says he guesses he has calls to make. She says, no personal calls, but he says he thinks they can agree that celebrating Chase’s time left as a single man constitutes as police business, right?

Trina comes back with the receipt for Ava to sign and says, one of these days she’s paying for breakfast. She doesn’t know when, she doesn’t know how, but she’s going to make it happen. Ava says, she’s more than welcome to try. She has a question for Trina. She likes living with Josslyn, right? Trina says she loved it. Why? Ava says she was just thinking, maybe Josslyn is ready to move off campus too. The two of them could get a place together. Trina says she loves the idea. She doesn’t know why she didn’t think of it herself. Ava says, it would be perfect, and when her boyfriend comes to visit her, there will a lot more room. Trina says she didn’t tell Ava. Joss and Dex broke up. Ava asks, what happened? and Trina says, long story, but the craziest part is that Dex is now trying to become a police officer. Ava says, Dex wants to be a cop. Talk about a change in direction. Trina says, nobody could be more shocked than Joss, and leaves. Ava says she can think of somebody who will be.

Sonny says he’s fine with all kinds of people, and Lois says, oh yeah. She can see him dancing the Funky Chicken during the reception next to Ned and Michael and Tracy… He says, she doesn’t have to list all the people, and she says, come to the wedding. Rise above his petty grievances. He says his grievances are not petty, but she says, they are when you compare them to the magnitude of her daughter’s heart and to the joy she should be guaranteed on this, the happiest day of her life. He needs to put up with those people, who in turn, have to put up with him. He says, that’s what he’s talking about – those people. That’s the point. A large celebration like that, there’s safety issues. He doesn’t know if she’s noticed, but he’s a target right now.

Carly tells Josslyn that Agent Cates might not be her favorite person, but she didn’t want to hear from Olivia that housekeeping found him on the couch in a coma the next morning. John walks in, and Josslyn says, is that him? Carly tells her, you study, and goes over to John. She asks if she can get him something, but he says, no. She’s given him plenty. It’s time he finally gave her something in return.

Anna gives Cyrus a copy of his statement and he asks if he frames it. She says, the department understands his legitimate concerns about his safety. Just to let him know, she’ll give him a heads up when she intends to charge Mr. Corinthos. He says he appreciates that, and she says, he’s welcome. She would wish him well, but… He says, but she doesn’t. And with a history like his, how could she?

Lois says, safety is paramount. which is why security has already been handled, and Sonny says, who? She says, some of Yuri’s people. They’re enormous. She’s got to book a trip to Belarus during beach season. With his people and Sonny’s people, it’s going to be the safest wedding in years. So please, can she tell her daughter that he’ll be attending her nuptials? Well? He laughs and says, fine. She says, wonderful. Will he be bringing a plus one? Ava walks in, says hello to Lois, and tells her that Frank said she was visiting. Lois says, Ava’s still here. She hadn’t realized. Ava says, for the time being, yeah, and Lois says she just figured Ava would want a place of her own that better suits her aesthetic. Ava says she’s here because Sonny insisted she and Avery be here for their safety, and Lois says, but things have been quiet recently, right? And Lucy Coe is such a great real estate agent. She’s sure Lucy could find Ava and that adorable daughter of hers a place lickety-split. Or maybe Ava wants to stay at a suite at the MetroCourt Hotel, since her bestie Nina owns the place. Ava says, those are really terrific suggestions, and thanks her. Lois says she’s here to help. Chiao. She leaves and Ava looks at Sonny, who shrugs.

Carly says, John has something for her? and he says, first off, his sincere thanks for her rescuing him the other night. She says, if it stopped him from falling into a coma or bleeding all over the upholstery, it was worth it.

Michael tells Josslyn, look, it’s mom’s FBI agent, and Josslyn says, back so soon? Did Michael already get a grease stain on his Egyptian cotton? He says he’ll have her know, he scoured all the build-up off the burners and the gas jet. He’s just waiting to see if Katrina and Hunter can get the stove going again.

John says he gets the sense that Carly really enjoys being right. She laughs and says, absolutely. Especially when other people have to admit it.

Josslyn says, Michael doesn’t think she actually likes him, does he? but he says, no. He’s just messing around with her. But still, he thinks they should keep an eye on that guy.

Chase says, officially, they can’t talk about the results, but he can tell Dex that he admires his decision to quit Sonny and apply to the force. Dex thanks him, and Chase says, he read in Dex’s application file that he did a tour in Afghanistan. Dex says, that’s right, sir, and Chase says, detective when they’re at the station. Dex can call him Chase when they’re on the street. Dex says he’ll remember that, and Chase says, he never did the service himself, but he can’t imagine what Dex went through. But Dex lived it and he’s here now. He admires that. Dex thanks him and says he appreciates Chase telling him that.

Chase and Dex go into the squad room, and on the phone, Dante says, hatchet range, 8 pm. Will they be there?… Okay. Good. And keep it on the downlow. It’s going to be a surprise for the guest of honor. He turns around to see Chase and Dex, and says, how much did Chase hear? Chase says, about his super-secret bachelor party at the hatchet range? He didn’t get the time. Did Dex get the time? Dex says he did, and Chase says, he’ll see Dex there. Dex thanks him and heads for the door. Also on his way out, Cyrus says he almost didn’t recognize Dex without his scrubs.

Carly asks if John has any suspects in the attack, and he says, as a matter of fact, he knows exactly who’s behind it. She says, really? Who? He says, her, and she says, excuse me? He says, the way he sees it, she planned that little beatdown as payback for him coming to her door with a search warrant. She asks why she would do that, and he says, isn’t it obvious? To give him a warning. She says, he wants a warning? Call first. She starts to walk away, and he says he doesn’t have her number. She just looks at him and he says, so he guesses he’ll just have to give her his. He holds out his hand and she puts her phone in it.

Lois knocks at Finn’s office door and asks if this is a good time. He says, she’s always welcome. What can he do for her? She says she’s glad he asked. Planning Brook’s wedding has become a full-time job, and she was hoping he could help her take one little item off the list. He says, if he can, and offers her a seat. She says she wanted to inquire about the rehearsal dinner, which happens to be something that’s traditionally organized by the groom’s family. He says, absolutely. Don’t worry. He and his dad are on it. She says, good. She was a little worried about broaching the subject. He says, it’s totally under control. In fact, he thinks that his dad emailed all the details to Tracy. She says, originally, they were planning on doing the rehearsal dinner over on… He says, Coney Island. They’re aware. She says, of course (🍷) everybody who lives in Bensonhurst can easily get to Coney Island. Seeing as how the rehearsal dinner is the night before the wedding and the wedding is here in Port Charles… He says, Tracy had offered up the ELQ jet, which might be a violation of wedding etiquette, but his family doesn’t own a jet. And chartering buses would mean arriving in Coney Island in just enough time to turn around and come back. She says, exactly. The jet is essential and she’s very happy Tracy stepped up. So there’s a favor she would love for him to ask his dad for her. Anything he happens to email Tracy about the wedding, would he mind Bcc’ing her on all of it? That way, she knows what’s going on without Tracy having to know she knows what’s going on. He says, ah. He’ll pass along the suggestion. She says, oh good. Maybe Finn could also have him forward her the email that he sent to Tracy about the rehearsal dinner, in case Tracy gets busy with whatever Tracy happens to get busy with. He says, that he can promise, and she thanks him. She can’t tell him how excited she is for him and his dad and her future son-in-law to meet the whole Bensonhurst posse. He says, they’re already fastening their seatbelts, and she says, they really should. He says, it actually feels like this wedding is coming together, and she says, fingers crossed. Does he mind if she just asks him one more thing? How’s his dad?

Carly asks how the studying is going, but Josslyn says she hasn’t looked at it. What’s the deal with her FBI buddy? How badly was he hurt when she found him? She says, pretty bad. It would have been worse if she hadn’t found him. Josslyn asks if she thinks it was random, and Carly says, they didn’t take anything. He still had his cash and credit cards, phone and gun. Josslyn asks where she found him, and Carly says, a couple blocks from Corinthos Coffee. Josslyn asks if she thinks Sonny’s behind it, but Carly says she doesn’t know. It could have been random. Josslyn says, it could have been Sonny. And if he’s going to do that to an FBI agent, imagine what he’s going to do to Dex when he finds out Dex is becoming a cop.

Brennan walks into Anna’s office with a folder, and she asks if that’s what she thinks it is. He says, Heller’s application, physical, and psyche exam report, and standard test scores. She takes the folder and asks if he can give her the Cliff Notes. He says, Dex was in the 98 percentile of academy applicants, and she says, this year? He says, ever, and she says, wow. She was right about him. Brennan says, she was right about his skills… and she says, but he still has reservations. Okay. Let’s hear them.

Ava says, Sonny looks exhausted. Although, who wouldn’t be after a visit from Lois? He says, who happens to be one of his oldest friends, and she says, don’t get her wrong. She admires Lois’s high-spiritedness. He says, does she? and she says she does. Lois is very vibrant. That being said, she gets the feeling there is precious little Lois admires about her. He says, Lois is just over-protective of him, and Ava asks if she has a point. He says, about what? and she asks if it’s safe for her and Avery to leave. Have they overstayed their welcome? Should she be looking for another place for them? He says, that’s up to her. He’s not in a rush. She says, that’s very nice to hear, and he says he likes having her and Avery here, because he can keep an eye on them. She says, it’s funny. Not very long ago, him keeping an eye on her would have been out of suspicion. He laughs and tells her that he’s got to say he appreciates her looking out for him. She says, what kind of lookout would she be if she didn’t ask him if he took his meds this morning, and he says he has to get on that. He gets up, and she asks if they make him sleepy. He says, they used to, but not anymore. He thinks he’s gotten used to them. Why does she ask that? She says, looking out for him, and he laughs. He goes into his bathroom, gives a scary Sonny look at himself in the mirror, and takes a pill. Ava watches him.

Carly says, Josslyn has every right to be concerned, but this is Dex’s decision and she’s going to have to respect it. Michael comes out and says, bad news. He, Hunter, and Katrina tried everything. Either she needs a new stove or there’s something wrong with the gas. There’s no pilot light. There’s no gas. Carly says she’ll have to try the gas company and call the repairman again. She thanks him for trying and he says, sorry he couldn’t help. Mainly because he’s not going to hear the end of it from Josslyn. Josslyn says, he knows he’s always her hero. And he’d be mom’s hero if he bought her a new stove. Carly says she’s going to call the repairman, and steps away. She sees John’s number and smiles.

Finn says, his dad has stopped sharing any medical updates, and Lois says, that’s not good. She’s so sorry. He says, it’s all right. He thinks his father’s been keeping things to himself to avoid putting a damper on the celebration. He thinks in many ways, this wedding is what’s keeping his dad going. She says she thinks that’s beautiful. Just like his invocation is going to be beautiful. He says he’s sure it will be, and she says she knows when Brook and Chase asked Gregory to officiate at the wedding, he agreed only on the condition they arrange for a back-up just in case. She knows they haven’t actually done that, so would he like her to arrange for a back-up? Quietly? He says, yes, and thanks her. His dad’s right. Whether he’s sharing what his doctor is saying or not, a back-up is probably a good idea. She puts her hands on Finn’s shoulders and says she’s on it. Not that they’re going to need it. He says, if nothing else, her force of will is going to see his father through the day.

Chase hugs Dante and Dante says, okay, pulling back and touching his wound. Chase says he’s sorry. He’s just glad Dante is back. Dante says, him too. Even if it is desk duty. Chase says, anywhere, and Dante says, Chase’s brother is going to kill him, but Chase says he can act surprised. Dante says, he can? and Chase says, watch. He puts his head down, then looks up at Dante, and unconvincingly says, oh my gosh! Dante says, that’s what he thought. Chase is too honest. Chase asks, what’s wrong with that? and Dante says, nothing. It’s a great quality for a cop. It’s a terrible quality if you’re pretending to be shocked to see all your friends hoisting a drink to celebrate your impending wedding.

Dex says, Cyrus probably has an idea of what he was doing in his room at GH, and Cyrus says he has his suspicion. Dex says he’s sorry for that. He took a wrong turn in his life, and now he’s trying to correct it. That’s why he’s here. Cyrus says, what a coincidence. He came here to the PCPD so he could do the very same thing.

Brennan says, candidates like this don’t come around very often, and Anna says she knows. That was her impression too. He says, by his objective standard, Dex Heller could make an excellent cop, assuming he doesn’t need police protection himself.

Sonny says he feels pretty good, and Ava hands him a cup of (I assume) coffee. He says, it’s amazing that out of everybody on the planet, she’s the only one right now who he’d let into his daily routine. She says she considers that trust quite an honor, and he asks where she went this morning. She says she took Trina out to breakfast, and he asks how she’s doing. Ava says, she’s okay, all things considered, and he says, poor kid. She says, yeah. Trina did tell her something pretty interesting. He says, what’s that? and she says, don’t kill the messenger. Is he aware that Dex Heller is joining the PCPD? He bangs his fist on the table and makes the scariest of scary Sonny faces.

Tomorrow, Lois tells Brook and Olivia that she’s got surprises for them; Anna needs someone to come to her office; and Nina tells Drew that they’re one step closer to the real prize.

🤽 Too Close Of Encounters…

Watching this, albeit in a half-assed way, made me rethink what’s more awful, this or The Valley. It’s kind of a backwards love-the-one-you’re-with situation. The show with the most awful people is whichever one is on my TV at the time. This week’s frat party had an space alien theme and was so messy, I started wondering how none of these parties end with one or more attendees being loaded into an ambulance. Well, they do say God protects drunks and fools, so, double the protection.

Summer House Season 8, Episode 9 Recap: Danielle’s ‘Kind of F*cking Nutty’

Narrowing it down.

Summer House’s Paige Calls Danielle ‘Nutty’ for Slamming Craig Romance

🌁 Down the Apocalyptic Rabbit Hole…

After watching the entire first season of Fallout, I am now going through the stages that happen after watching an entire series at once. Denial, grief, watching any extras, looking for related articles and merch, and hopeful for a new season.

While I jump around from stream to stream, I’m loving Amazon Prime lately for giving me both Strays and now Fallout. I’m not a game player, mostly because I’m terrified that I’ll get sucked in and never come up for air. I know how easy it can be to lose time on the internet, so I’d probably never see family or friends again. But I have to admit, Fallout has made it very tempting.

A post-apocalyptic theme is high on my list of favorite sub-genres of horror entertainment. It goes: zombies, zombie apocalypse, any kind of apocalypse, big sea creatures, dinosaurs. Somebody dropped a nice amount of money on this series, and I couldn’t be more impressed.

Read all about it.

Season one reviewed.

https://www.theverge.com/24126474/fallout-review-amazon-prime-video

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/fallout-review-prime-videos-fantastic-take-on-video-game-franchise

Even the gamers think it’s good,

https://www.ign.com/articles/fallout-season-1-review-amazon-prime-video

The cast and cameos.

https://people.com/fallout-cast-everything-to-know-8635070

https://screenrant.com/fallout-show-cameos-explained

The set was right up there with Barbie. So many amazing details.

https://www.tvinsider.com/1127848/fallout-series-prime-video-creators-video-game

And the soundtrack couldn’t have been more perfect.

https://mashable.com/article/fallout-soundtrack-music-tv-show

For the hardcore full-time nerds.

https://people.com/fallout-easter-eggs-8634730

The future of the future.

‘Fallout’ Renewed For Season 2 At Amazon

And a maybe.

https://www.cbr.com/fallout-season-2-aaron-paul

🐕‍🦺 CX404 AKA Dogmeat…

Since I usually end with an animal story, what could be more appropriate?

https://www.looper.com/1554242/how-amazon-prime-fallout-fixes-dogmeat

Spoiler, but you want to know.

https://www.distractify.com/p/does-the-dog-die-in-fallout

The real deal.

Real Life Dog That Inspired Beloved ‘Fallout 4’ Character Has Died

⛓ Popped No Chain Whatsoever in New Orleans…

Join me tomorrow for soap and pre-weekend wit and whimsy. Until then, stay safe, stay knocking before entering, and stay putting up with the people who in turn have to put up with you.

Apr13

April 12, 2024 – Jason Has a Generous Impulse, Outside the Soap, Cancelled Talk, Knots Again, Just Awful, VanderSituation, Details, BravoCon Man, Three Tails, Nonet Quotes & Wild

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Alexis says she’s missed Gregory, and The Invader isn’t the same without him. He says he misses it too. He truly enjoyed the work, but in the words of a famous American poet, you’ve got to know when to fold ‘em. His best days aren’t ahead of him. She says she hopes he doesn’t mind if she still calls him every day with her problems, especially if they’re ethically sticky. He says he’d be hurt if she didn’t. Anything in particular? She says, let’s just eat before I lose my appetite. The Invader gives me heartburn. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and they look at their menus. She says, there was something else she wanted to say to him. She’s so sorry, but she can’t be his extra one for the wedding. He says, why not? and she says, because there’s a slight chance she may be getting her law license back.

At the coffee warehouse, Diane says she takes it Jason got her message about some of his bank accounts being unfrozen. He says he did. Fast work. She says she’s Diane Miller, and he asks if he has enough money to buy back Carly’s half of the MetroCourt. (I swear, I thought that’s what he was going to say before he said it.)

Michael says he doesn’t know what his mom was doing with Agent Cates… and because she never learns, Nina says, it’s all too clear what they were doing. Carly was bringing up room service for two and Agent Cates was wearing nothing but a towel. Curtis says, Nina knows things aren’t always as they appear. He’s sure Carly wouldn’t cheat on Drew. Drew says, it wouldn’t be cheating. He and Carly broke up. Curtis says he’s sorry; he didn’t know. Michael says, his mother’s personal life is her business, not Nina’s, and Nina says she just thinks it’s a shame Carly would hook up with a guy who’s a federal agent after she and Drew broke up.

As she brushes him, Sasha asks not-Comet not to tell his buddies, but she thinks his coat is the shiniest. He must get a lot of vitamin A, D, and E. Cody comes in and says, you again. Any luck with the job search? She says, not really. She’s applied for everything; receptionist positions, corporate communications, positions in insurance and public affairs, most of them in New York and Connecticut. He says he’d hate to see her move, but at least she’s getting nibbles, right? and she says, but nothing that interests her. She’s tired of being considered because these jobs are public facing, and she fits the company’s image. He says, receptionist jobs are out. She’s way too qualified for that. But any company would be lucky to have her. She says, not if they only care about her looks. Been there, done that.

At the Home & Heart studio, Lucy tells Maxie that they need gels because the light is just not flattering… to the product. She asks a woman on the stage if they could please get some lighting gels, and Maxie says, they’d really appreciate it. The woman says she’d have to get the producer’s permission, and Haven says, that’s okay. Just do it. She asks if Maxie and Lucy are ready for another blockbuster segment, and Lucy says, absolutely. Maxie says, all set, and Haven says, no Sasha she hears. Maxie says, unfortunately not, and Haven says she doesn’t know this Blaze, but her granddaughters are very excited. She’s been ordered to get an autograph. So is she here yet? Maxie says, they’ve decided to streamline the duties of the Face, so Blaze will not be the spokesmodel today. Haven asks, then who is doing the selling today? and Lucy says, who else? Moi. (I’ll have what Morgan Fairchild is having. She’s 74 and looks amazing.)

On the phone, Brook says, it’s fully electric, not a hybrid?… Tracy walks in and Brook says, that is so awesome. Send her all the specs and financials. Send her everything. She’s so excited that they have the pickup in stock. She’ll be waiting. Tracy says, don’t tell her that she and Chase has eschewed the traditional limo ride to church for a 4×4.

Michael says, before they believe what Nina’s telling them, just consider the source, and Nina says she imagines Michael is used to this. Carly is not known for her discretion. Drew says, Carly has a right to privacy just like everybody else. He doubts any of them would like everybody to know what they do behind closed doors. Nina says, that’s the thing. Cates’s door wasn’t closed. They were perfectly visible from the hall. Maybe Carly just needed a good… night out. Curtis says, they don’t know what did or didn’t happen. What they do know is, Carly and Agent Cates are consenting adults, so whatever happened is none of their damn business. Drew says, Curtis is right. He’s done discussing it. Nina says, yeah. It must be painful knowing Carly got over their relationship so quickly.

Haven says, so Lucy is the spokesperson, and Lucy says, yes siree bob. Because who better than the founder? Maxie says, and nobody knows the product better than Lucy, and Lucy says, yes, indeed. She’s been in on every single step of developing their new face cream. Haven says she’s going to have to check with her producer about this, and leaves. Lucy says, that certainly could have gone a lot better, and sees Maxie looking at her tablet. She asks, what is with Maxie’s tepid attitude? She just stood there like she swallowed a fish. Why didn’t Maxie have her back more? Maxie says, maybe because she doesn’t agree with Lucy’s decision to do this. Why is she insisting on taking this all on herself? Lucy says, why is Maxie so against… Wait a minute. Maxie wants to get up there herself. She wants the spotlight. Is that correct? Maxie says, Lucy has to be kidding her. She wants Sasha in the spotlight. The public knows her, and they love her. Lucy says, okay, fine, but Maxie has to get over that because Sasha – she lowers her voice – quit. Maxie says, thanks to Lucy, and walks off.

Carly goes the MetroCourt bar and says she got Michael’s text. How did he know she was in the hotel? He says, Nina told him. He guesses she spent the night in Agent Cates’s room. She says, that woman. Nina called to tell him that? Is she going to put it on the cover of The Invader? He says he was in Drew’s office downstairs, and she showed up and filled them in, and Carly says, she told Drew? He says, and him and Curtis Ashford. They were in the middle of a meeting. She says, Nina once told Sonny that she was having an affair with Brick and she was wrong. Does that woman ever learn? Just to be clear, she stayed over with Agent Cates. She did not sleep with him. Michael says he knows, and she asks, how is Drew?

Diane says she doubts Jason has developed a sudden interest in the hospitality industry, so she can only assume… He says he’s going to give the MetroCourt back to Carly, and Diane says, that’s a very generous impulse, but it’s going to take some finessing. First of all, Nina has no incentive to sell. He says, give her one. She can name her price. Diane says, no she can’t. Absolutely not. She has far too much pride in her skills as a negotiator to hand anyone a blank check, much less that real estate heiress. She can make a little profit, but Diane isn’t going to let him overpay. He tells her, handle it however she thinks is best. Just make it happen. She says, his real obstacle is going to be Carly, and he asks, why? She says, because he’s not the first person to offer to help her reclaim the MetroCourt. Initially, Olivia offered to loan her the money. Then Nina, in a craven attempt to suck up to Sonny, offered to sell it back to her. Then Sonny and Michael. And Carly has said no to all of them. She wants to do it herself. He says, don’t worry about Carly. He’ll work it out with her.

Sasha says, Cody’s not trying to get rid of her, is he? and he says, never. But as great as it’s been, she can’t stay with him and the horses forever. She says she knows. She’s going to run out of savings at some point. Sooner than she’d hoped actually. But she loves being here with the horses. They don’t care how she looks. He says, the horses appreciate her for her, and she says, exactly. He says he gets what she’s saying about being underestimated, and she says, people underestimate him too, don’t they? He says, occasionally, but she’s on a whole other level. She has brains, business savvy, personality, not to mention a strong work ethic. She says she’s proud to say she helped develop Deception’s initial business plan, and he says he bets Lucy and Maxie are kicking themselves right now for letting her walk away. Sasha wonders if she should be kicking herself. Was she crazy to leave Deception? He asks, why? Is she thinking about going back?

Maxie says, if Lucy hadn’t undermined Sasha by telling her that she needed to be edgier, they wouldn’t be in this mess, and Lucy says, what mess? They’re not in a mess. There’s no mess. Deception is not in a mess and she’s perfectly capable of being a pitchwoman. Maxie says, not as capable as Sasha. Their customers admire her. Not just for her beauty, but for her courage and the challenges she faced. She justified their faith. She’s not just beautiful, she’s inspirational, and you can’t buy that kind of narrative. Lucy asks, what is Maxie all of a sudden, the voice of reason? It seems like right now Maxie is a little bit power hungry. Maxie says she has just as much of a right to an opinion as Lucy does. They’re equal partners. Lucy says, they are. Maxie is absolutely right. And as such, they should work together against their common enemy, Tracy Quartermaine. But it feels like Maxie’s friendship with Brook has clouded her judgement lately, and maybe Tracy could then bring down Deception. Maxie says, Tracy didn’t want to get rid of Sasha. She actually lobbied to keep her. Lucy says, until she didn’t. Because Sasha quit and she was not fired. Maxie says, all right. Fine. Maybe if Sasha had felt heard and included, she would have stuck around, but Lucy is only interested in her own opinion. Face it. Her love affair with herself is the real problem.

Brook says she and Chase are going to Florence on their honeymoon, and Tracy says, congratulations. Florence is beautiful. It’s one of her most favorite spots on earth. Brook says she can’t wait to stroll through the Tivoli Gardens hand in hand with Chase. It’s going to be so romantic. Tracy asks what this has to do with a truck, and Brook says, since Tracy is so generously paying for the wedding, Chase insisted on paying for the honeymoon. And Florence is a dream come true, but it is more expensive than a stateside destination, so he sold his truck so he could pay for the trip. Tracy says, wow. She has to hand it to him, that is a sweet gesture. Brook says, he loved that truck. That’s why she’s going to be surprising him with a truck as a wedding gift. And guess what? It is fully electric, top of the line. Tracy says, don’t do it, and Brook says, come again? Tracy says, disrespecting your husband is no way to start a marriage, but Brook says, she’s not disrespecting him. She loves him. But there’s no reason he has to choose between their honeymoon and a truck. They can afford both. Tracy says, Brook can afford both.

Curtis says, Nina is way out of line, and she says she’s sorry. She takes his hands and says, but maybe he doesn’t know Drew as well as he thinks. She tells Curtis that she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She leaves, and Curtis tells Drew, that was uncalled for, and Drew says, it’s been worse. Now where were they? Curtis says, in a minute. He wasn’t aware Drew and Carly had broken up. Drew didn’t tell him. Drew says, because Curtis had a few things to focus on, and Curtis says he remembers when Drew came to the gym and told him that things were rocky between him and Carly. He thought they’d work it out, but he guesses they didn’t. They seemed so happy. Drew says, that was before Jason came back.

Carly tells Michael that Agent Cates didn’t want to go to the hospital, so she brought him back here. She stayed with him so she could wake him up every couple of hours. Basically, she was on concussion watch. Michael asks where she found him, and she says, a couple blocks from the coffee warehouse. At first, she thought he was trailing Jason, but then she realized he must have been following Diane. He asks, why? and she says, because Jason’s too hard to follow. He says, it didn’t bother her that the guy she sat up with all night taking care of wants to bust Jason? but she says, it doesn’t bother her because he’s not going to find any evidence against Jason. There’s nothing in that warehouse but coffee. And Sonny is so furious with Jason right now, there’s no way he’s going to bring Jason back to the business. So basically, Sonny is doing Jason a favor.

Alexis says, so basically, instead of sitting and enjoying a wedding with Gregory and the happy couple, she’ll be pacing up and down a hotel room, preparing for her appearance in front of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court. Gregory says, this is momentous. Although he has to admit he’s a little irked that she kept it from him until now. She says she really doesn’t think it could actually happen. It’s the longest of long shots. He says he doesn’t know. Her and Diane teaming up to argue her case. He’d take that bet. He raises his glass and says, to her then, but she says she doesn’t want to jinx anything. Sorry. She’s alternating between pretending this isn’t happening and having paralyzing anxiety because she really, really wants this so much.

Brook tells Tracy that she and Chase share everything. What’s hers is his and vice versa. Tracy says, sounds great. Very unrealistic. Brook says, don’t go there. They already had the prenup conversation, and that’s not happening. Tracy says she totally respects Brook’s misguided decision to forego the prenup. However, she’s learned from previous experience that having more personal wealth than your husband puts undue stress on the marriage. Brook says, no offense, but Chase is nothing like Tracy’s ex-husbands, and Tracy says, Brook means her ex-fortune hunters? She’s absolutely right. But – she pats the spot next to her on the sofa, and Brook sits down – she knows Chase’s father. And she’s assuming in addition to being a stand-up guy, Chase was taught to be the breadwinner in the family. Brook says, please. That is so old school. Tracy asks if Brook hasn’t noticed her husband-to-be is very traditional. It’s part of his charm. Brook says she almost blew it, didn’t she? but Tracy says, she did it out of love. Like he sold his truck out of love. But her going off and buying another one totally negates the sacrifice he made. She’d be devaluing his loving gesture. Brook says, wow. Tracy saw that. She didn’t. Tracy says she’s had many years to make mistakes and learn from them. But buck up, girlie. She’s got herself a thoughtful, generous, devoted husband-to-be. Brook says, the best. She’s just sad he has to give anything up for her.

Gregory asks if Alexis knows what happens when well-meaning people find out you have a terminal illness. You start getting suggestions; mindfulness, positive visualization, prayer, alternative medicines, healthy diets, yoga, acupuncture, you name it. She says, that’s got to be really overwhelming, and he says, yes, but you get used to it. He knows it comes from a good place. She asks if she’s done that, but he says, no, not at all. She asks, what’s his point? and he says, despite what other people may suggest, he thinks what it all comes down to is what you choose to believe. Alexis believes that she could still be a good lawyer. She says she does. She still has as much passion for it than she’s ever had and there’s nothing more satisfying than helping someone get the justice they deserve in court, no matter what the obstacle. He says he bets she was a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He hopes he gets a chance to see her back in action. She says she hopes he does too. He should know that most of these appeals are denied, which is why she’s so quiet about it. He says he has faith for both of them, and puts his hand on hers. She says she wishes everyone felt that way.

Madison hands Nina a stack of messages and tells her that the proofs from the shoot are on her desk. No one can locate Pedro; he still hasn’t delivered the dress for the cover. Nina asks her to call the agent and tell them if Pedro doesn’t deliver in 24 hours, he’s off the cover and her roster. She’s not doing this with him again. She looks through the messages and says, these can wait… Really? Olivia? Madison says, she keeps calling, and Nina says she can’t believe Olivia is still harping on the color refresh she gave the fourth-floor bathrooms. And forget about calling the agent. She wants that pleasure herself. Oh, and if Drew Cain calls, she’s not available.

Drew says, Curtis knows he loves Carly. He still loves Carly, but he’s moving on. He’s getting over it. He’s accepted the fact that she’ll always put Jason first and that is exactly why he had to end it. Curtis says, he ended things? Is he sure Carly is okay with that, after everything they’ve been through? Drew put his life on the line for her. Drew says, believe him. They both know it’s for the best. He did them both a favor. Curtis says, that sucks, and Drew says, it does, but he also knows it’s the right decision. The next time he’s in a relationship, he’s going for the brass ring. He wants what Curtis and Portia have. He wants it to be tested, survivable, solid… Curtis says, it’s true. That’s what they have. They’ve definitely been through the fire, and they’re still standing. Drew says he couldn’t be happier for Curtis.

Lucy tells Maxie that she’s just so passionate about her company. Right now, Deception is the most important thing in her life. Maxie says she knows Lucy loves Deception, but so does she, and Lucy says she knows. She has nothing but love and respect for Maxie. That’s why she lured Maxie away from Crimson to join Deception, but this friendship she has with Tracy’s granddaughter sets her teeth on edge. Because she can’t let that harpy ruin everything that she… they worked so hard to build. Maxie says, they built Deception together, and unless they get on the same page and start trusting each other again, Tracy’s not going to have to lift a finger to destroy Deception. They’re going to do it for her. Haven comes back and says, her producer agrees with her. Lucy is not a suitable replacement for Sasha, so their segment is cancelled.

Diane asks if Jason wants her to put him in touch with a real estate agent, and he asks, why? She says, to find him a place to live? but he says he has a place to live. She says, a rented room above Bobbie’s? and he says, yeah. He likes it there. She says, if he changes his mind, and if she can convince Nina to sell, he’ll have a whole hotel of rooms to choose from. He says he likes where he is, and she asks if he signed the papers her assistant dropped off last night. He says he didn’t get any papers, and she asks what he’s talking about. Her assistant was supposed to bring them to him last night. Carly walks in holding the envelope, and Diane says, this looks familiar, taking it from her. Carly says, Diane’s assistant came by Bobbie’s, and she said she would bring them over, but she got sidetracked. Diane puts them on Jason’s desk and tells him, start signing. He doesn’t need a notary. She’ll pick them up from him the next time she sees him… which she thinks will be soon. She’s off. She leaves and Carly asks if Jason is okay. Jason says he’s good and thanks her for bringing the papers by. She says, that was just an excuse. She wanted to see him. He asks if something happened, and she says she did something he’s not going to like.

Sasha says, if she was thinking about going back to Deception, and just hearing him say that made her stomach drop… He says he guesses that’s a clear answer, and she says she doesn’t want to do something she dreads. Besides, Deception has already moved on. They have a new Face, and booked a new segment on Home & Heart. Today, actually. He says, no regrets? and she says, not one. She may not know what she wants to do, but she knows what she doesn’t want to. He says, that’s progress. When she does figure out what she wants, let him know.

Alexis says, Molly is worried if her appeal is denied, she’ll start drinking again, and Gregory asks if she thinks that could happen. She says she’s an alcoholic. A lapse is always possible. Maybe that’s why she downplayed it so much, because she’s worried the disappointment might… He says, might destroy her? and she says, it’s destroyed her before, and Molly had a front row seat. The life she’s rebuilt doesn’t get her pulse racing, but it’s steady. And she worried if she gets her hopes up, it might be too big of a gamble, and she’s worked too hard for her sobriety. So is this a risk she can afford?

Tracy says, it may be old school, but no spouse or partner worth their salt is going to want to live on their other half’s money, and Brook says, Tracy has dealt with this her entire life, hasn’t she? Tracy says, the family money has given her a lot of advantages, but it’s also caused her a lot of pain. Brook says, those men are idiots. How could anyone look at Tracy and only see dollar signs? She’s an amazing woman, filled with wit and depth and beauty and surprising sensitivity. If those guys couldn’t see that, it’s their loss. Tracy says, yep, she’s a catch. So is Brook. Brook says, not that the Quartermaines are poster children for happy marriages. Look at Edward and Lila. Yeah, they were in love, but how many times did he cheat on her? Tracy says, too many, and Brook says, and Alan and Monica. Tracy says, both serial cheaters and they argued about it the whole time. Brook says, her father was a bigamist. He was married to her mother and Katherine Bell at the same time. Tracy asks, what’s her point? and Brook says, what if she and Chase follow the same pattern? What if their marriage is doomed already?

On the phone, Nina says, they are in charge of the kitchen. Is that correct?… She may have authorized the slightly cutting back of the service staff, but she did not intend for the room service orders to arrive cold. Outside her office, Madison tells Diane that Nina can’t be disturbed. If she likes, Madison can make her an appointment. Diane says she wouldn’t, and barges into Nina’s office, Madison following her. Nina says she expects the room service to maintain the same high standards as the rest of the hotel. She thanks them and Madison says she’s sorry. She told Diane… Nina says, that’s all right. She understands Miss Miller does not like to take no for an answer. Madison leaves, and Nina says, if Diane is here for the divorce papers, she’s wasted her time. Diane says she’s actually here to make an offer on the hotel. She has a client who is interested in purchasing Nina’s half of the MetroCourt, and willing to do it at 3% over market value. Nina asks, who’s the client? and Diane says, Jason Morgan.

Carly says, he was just lying there, and Jason says, and she got out of the car. That’s too big of a risk to take. She says she couldn’t just leave him there. Besides, the muggers took off after she blasted her horn. Anyway, she grabbed John and took him back to his room at the MetroCourt. She spent the night there, waking him up every two hours to make sure he was okay. Jason says, he was jumped a block away from here, and she says, yes, but they didn’t steal anything. They just beat him up. He asks what she’s thinking, and she says she’s thinking it wasn’t a mugging. Maybe it was Sonny.

Lucy says, Haven can’t just cancel their segment, but Haven says, this is live TV. She can’t go on air with an amateur. Lucy laughs and says she hosted the General Hospital Nurses Ball for years and years. And it was on a stage and on camera and she raised millions of dollars for GH. Haven says, congratulations, but she won’t be selling face cream on Home & Heart today. Maxie says, if Haven cancels their segment, what is she going to put in its place? And why would she turn her back on a sure thing? Haven says, they have lots of pre-taped segments. This isn’t the first time this has ever happened. And with Sasha, it was a sure thing. With Lucy, a whole other story. Maxie says, Deception is her highest earner. Haven said so herself. All of their segments have sold out. So will this one.

Gregory tells Alexis, risk is a funny thing. You don’t want to do it unnecessarily, but then again, you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t do it at all. Trust him when he tells her, the things you regret at the end of your life are not the things you tried to do and failed at. It’s the chances you didn’t take. Say she gets reinstated and she’s back doing the thing she loves. Let’s say she doesn’t. She’ll still know she gave it her best effort. And that’s its own reward. Her taking this chance is like skydiving was for him. She says, terrifying? but he says, life affirming.

Carly tells Jason that Cates stopped by Bobbie’s a couple of times, and she just assumed he was working her for information about Sonny, but he never asked her anything significant. But when she told Sonny, he was furious. The way he was toward Jason the other night after his arraignment. Jason says, she thinks Sonny had Cates beat up, and she says she definitely thinks it’s possible. Sonny hates him. And not because he’s an FBI agent, but because of the history they have. She knows the basics about what happened with Karen Wexler, but Sonny regrets it. And Jason knows, when Sonny regrets something, he’s volatile. And on top of that, John was Stone’s older brother and Sonny feels like John abandoned Stone. So she thinks it’s possible Sonny would be targeting Cates. Jason says, John Cates is an FBI agent (in case we didn’t know), and assaulting an FBI agent is a federal crime and Sonny knows that. She says, Sonny knows it. He doesn’t care.

Nina asks, since when has Jason Morgan been interested in the hotel business? and Diane says she’s just here to make the offer. Nina says she would imagine this is for Carly. Does he know whose bed Carly was in last night? He might change his mind. Diane says, interested or not interested? when there’s a knock at the door. Nina says, come in, and Madison says she’s so sorry to interrupt, but accounting needs Nina to sign off on the ad rates. Nina finds the folder and Madison leaves. Diane says she imagines it must be so difficult to run both Crimson and the MetroCourt, and Nina says she loves them both. Diane says she hadn’t realized Nina was interested in the mundane. Cranky guests, plumbing issues, all that tableware and linen to keep track of… Well, she’ll leave Nina to it. She starts to leave, and Nina says, 15% over market. Diane says, four.

Tracy says she doesn’t believe Brook’s marriage is doomed. Just be aware of it. What she thinks is reasonable, Chase may think is extravagant. Like public school versus private school. Brook says she hears Tracy, and Tracy says, as long as she understands that they have very different frames of reference about money, they’ll be okay… on that front. Chase really loves her. Brook says she loves him too. She’s sorry Tracy wasn’t treated with more respect. Tracy says, it’s true. She kissed a lot of frogs. She even exchanged vows with some of them. But in the end, she got her prince. Her marriage to Luke started with blackmail, but it ended with a true partnership. They were equals. Luke accepted her for her. He loved her and she did the same for him. Brook says, it sounds like she was very lucky. Tracy says, she was, and so is Brook. They hug.

Brook says she thinks she and Chase will make it, and Tracy says she certainly hopes so. And whatever happens, she’s always on Brook’s side. Brook says, back atcha, and Tracy says, now she has to get down to the stables because she’s riding again. Brook says, have fun, and Tracy thanks her. Brook says, good talk, and Tracy says, anytime.

Sasha says, very funny, and seeing all the pieces of hay in her hair, Cody asks, what happened to her? She says, Ranger, and he laughs and says, she got a whole bag of tricks. Not a mean bone in his body though. She says, he’s a sweetheart, except messy, and he asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to reconsider Deception, as he picks the hay out of her hair. She says, can he imagine if Haven de Havilland saw her now?

Haven says she’s here today with Lucy Coe, founder of Deception. Welcome, Lucy. So tell us what fabulous product you have for us today. Lucy thanks Haven and says, in fact, she’s so happy to bring them their brand-new face cream for the woman on the go. It is super moisturizing and goes on like a dream. It’s lightweight and you put this on just one time, and you’re good for the whole day. Haven says, sounds like her kind of moisturizer. She’s so busy and definitely on the go. Lucy says, tell her about it. No one is busier than she is. Besides running Deception of course (🍷), she has a thriving real estate business, and she was also, for many years, on the advisory board of ELQ. On the side, Maxie starts looking miffed, and Lucy says, and her vote kind of contributed to major decisions… Just recently though, that’s changed, but that’s a long story. She can tell them all about it later, but she thinks the viewers probably recognize her the most for being the mistress of ceremonies at the General Hospital Nurses Ball for many years… well, actually until last year. She wasn’t, because… Maxie looks like she has a headache and a half.

Alexis tells Gregory, that parachute jump was euphoric. And she almost backed out. When she forced herself to do it, she realized, until then, she’d been living in fear, and she doesn’t want to do that anymore, so she has to try. He says he thinks they call that resilience, which is also life affirming. And as far as he’s concerned, whether she ever practices law again or not, she already won.

Drew thanks Curtis for coming by. He really wants to discuss this fitness/wellness idea further. Curtis says, definitely. He still can’t believe Nina came at Drew like that. Drew says, it’s all good. She knew what she was doing. Curtis says, maybe. He thinks she’s still hurting over Sonny. Go easy on her. Drew says he and Nina have reached an understanding. They’ve made accommodations with each other. (Is that what the kids are calling it now?)

Nina says, nine. Take it or leave it. Diane says she will take it back to Jason, and Nina says, this might be a little premature. She knows they’re talking about price, but she hasn’t made up her mind to sell, so she needs to think about it. Diane says, the offer won’t be on the table indefinitely, and Nina says, if Jason wants the hotel so badly, he can wait.

Jason asks if that’s why Carly took care of Cates, to make up for what she thinks Sonny did? She says, no. She was just trying to help. It wasn’t until after when she thought about it, and she realized it could have been Sonny. He says, there’s nothing she can do about it. So here’s the thing. Cates is either going to figure it out or he’s not. The best thing she can do is just stay out of this. She says, yeah… That could be a problem. He says, why? and she says she told him, Last night she spent the night in John’s room, in a chair. But this morning, she ordered room service, and when she opened the door to get the tray, John came out of the shower wearing nothing but a towel, and Nina was standing right there, and she saw him. She left a vapor trail straight to Michael and Drew. It’s only going to be a matter of time before Nina tells the entire world that she spent the night with John Cates, including Sonny.

On Monday (unless there’s another eclipse), Brook tells Maxie not to give up yet, she’s got one more Hail Mary; Tracy says, if there’s a problem with it, Cody is out on his hind end; Ava tells Nina that she’s sure it’s progress; and Jason tells Carly that he doesn’t think Sonny would see it that way.

🎭 Old Gig, New Gig…

I’ve never seen this show, but I remember seeing the title in the guide listings.

James Patrick Stuart Reveals the Role He Calls: “The Most Fun I Ever Had”

This looks promising.

Susan Lucci Joins Cast Of Jonah Hill’s Dark Comedy Outcome

💫 What Goes Around…

It would only be fitting, since the replaced a soap. Now can we say goodbye to The View?

CBS Cancels THE TALK — Will a New Soap Take Its Place?

👄 Knotty Girls…

And Donna Mills is another one. She’s 83. Is it her vitamins? Something in the water? What? She has no right to look that good. I’m just kidding though. Good on her and Morgan Fairchild.

Donna Mills Teases Mini KNOTS LANDING Reunion — At L.A. Gala
Knots Landing Reunion – Together Again

💃🏿 Back With the Wind…

It might be a season worth watching with Phaedra and Kenya returning.

Kenya Moore Confirms Real Housewives of Atlanta Return

🏊‍♀️ Another Awful Summer…

Warning: sarcasm ahead. I just can’t understand how things fell apart when Lindsay was in love enough with Carl to make him a sandwich. If you follow this awful nonsense, you might remember many seasons ago when Lindsay’s boyfriend, whose name has been blessedly wiped from my mind, wanted her to make him a sandwich and she went out of her mind. I’m embarrassed to even know that. Then we have Kyle and Amanda who are married, but living on different planets. Run, Amanda, run! Paige and Craig seem to be the only sane ones right now, but we’ll see what happens the next time he brings up marriage.

Summer House Season 8, Episode 8 Recap: Imposter Syndrome

If you must have more.

Summer House Season 8 Midseason Trailer: Tears, Fights, and the Big Breakup

🪀 Rebounding From the Rebound…

Ugh. I hate guys like Schwartz. He thinks it’s friends with benefits, while she thinks it’s something more, but he doesn’t dare say anything because he doesn’t want to lose her. Usually, those types don’t say I love you, for which I give them credit, but not good old Schwartzy. He’ll say anything to keep things status quo, which makes him even worse. No surprise he bounced quickly to an actual girlfriend. No doubt he doesn’t like being alone with himself. The good news? He ditched the blond look.

Jo Wenberg and Tom Schwartz ‘Don’t Talk Anymore’
What Tom Schwartz Did To Make Jo Wenberg ‘Very Angry’
Tom Schwartz Gives Update on New Girlfriend Sophia Skoro

🍸 Giving Them Reunion…

I’m not sure how Lala didn’t fare well. She had zip to be embarrassed about this season. I don’t think I could forgive Sandoval, but I understand why she is. I also understand why she’s getting annoyed with Ariana. Not that I blame Ariana for still being pissed off. I would be too. But to act all middle school and say, if you hang out with him, you’re dead to me, is ridiculous since they’re all in the unique situation of having to deal with each other for the show. What she really wants is for Sandoval to be off the show, but that doesn’t look likely. Instead, she should just rub his nose in the best revenge of living well, instead of snarking at him every chance she gets and acting like she’s a queen banishing a subject. It’s not a good look and could backfire on her eventually.

Lala Kent Gives New Details on Pump Rules Reunion: ‘Grossed Out’

🎰 Speaking Of Reunions…

Viva Las Vegas. What’s the matter? NYC not good enough for him anymore? And 2024?

Andy Cohen Announces BravoCon 2025, Returning to Las Vegas
BravoCon Is Going on Hiatus in 2024 and Returning to Las Vegas in 2025 as the Network Plans to Host Smaller Events, Plus Andy Cohen Speaks

🍻 Two Dogs and a Cat Walk Into a Bar…

As Reggie said in Strays, poop for your freedom!

https://people.com/united-airlines-flight-forced-to-divert-after-dog-pooped-in-first-class-aisle-8629565

Get rid of the dude. Keep the dog.

https://people.com/woman-refuses-to-give-away-dog-even-though-boyfriend-allergic-8630181

Do you know this kitteh?

https://people.com/authorities-search-for-owner-of-lost-cat-in-strawberry-dress-8629238

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. – Dalai Lama

You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful. – Marie Curie

A little progress each day adds up to big results. – Satya Nani

Clichés are tropes because they’re true. – Wesley Fists (Austin Crute), Daybreak

Make the choice to embrace this day. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow! It’s inspiring to see all the wonderfully amazing things that can happen in a day in which you participate. – Steve Maraboli

People find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right. – Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you. – Lao Tzu

The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see. – Gilbert K. Chesterton

I don’t care to eat a chicken foot. – Karen Everett, The Family Chantel

✈️ Absence Makes Someone Not Here…

Take a cuppla days off, then visit again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and not Jill on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not fixing it if it ain’t broke, and stay remembering that the things you regret at the end of your life are not the things you tried to do and failed at. It’s the chances you didn’t take.