Tag Archives: Nina Simone

February 23, 2023 – Cyrus’s Mission Is Interrupted, Serenade, Mom’s Here, New Scribes, Now Leaving, Bad Joke, Awful TV, Dead Talk, Fun On 4 Legs, 10 Quotes On the Nose & To Be

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the hospital, Sam thanks Elizabeth for allowing Danny to volunteer at GH, and Elizabeth says, they can always use an extra hand. Sam says she thought it would be a good thing for him to do while he’s grounded, and Elizabeth asks how she’s doing with everything. Sam asks if she means her teenage son sneaking out and getting drunk in the park, and Elizabeth says, yeah, that. Sam says she can’t believe this is happening already, and Elizabeth says, if it makes Sam feel any better, we tend to grow out of it. Sam says, we? and Elizabeth says, former wild child at your service. Sam says, Elizabeth is right. She just… Elizabeth asks if she’s worried something deeper is going on, and Sam says, yeah. She just hopes she’s wrong.

Tracy absently stirs her drink at the MetroCourt bar and Gregory says, fancy meeting you here. She asks if he’s getting takeout, but he says he’s having dinner with his sons. She sees Finn and Chase at one of the tables, and says, how nice. He says, and her? and she says she just had a meeting with a Deception shareholder and she’s about to go home. He suggests she join them, but she says she doesn’t want to impose. He says, don’t be silly. They’ll be family soon enough.

Kristina is having a sonogram, and Dr. Navarro says, everything looks good. Molly wonders if she’s just saying that, but TJ tells her, doctors don’t just say that. The doctor says, growth measurements are right on target and all signs point to a healthy baby. Molly says, yay, and she and TJ kiss. Kristina says, they made it through the first trimester, a major milestone, and Dr. Navarro says, most miscarriages happen during the first four weeks of pregnancy, and they’re at week 14. And they know the sex. Do they want to find out? Kristina says, yes, but Molly and TJ look at each other.

Ava watches as Sonny comes into the penthouse. He goes to the bar, picks up a short glass, and slams it against the wall.

John says, Anna is going over his head? and she says she doesn’t want to, but she will. He keeps obstructing her investigation. It’s almost as if he doesn’t want O’Neill to tell them who’s been buying those guns. He says, and now she’s questioning his integrity, and other guy tells Anna that she’ll want to hear this. She tells him, put it on speaker, and they hear O’Neill say, even in protective custody he’s vulnerable. Cyrus asks, why so fearful? and O’Neill says, the Feds don’t know who they’re up against. Cyrus says, God will protect him if he has faith. At least let him share O’Neill’s burden. Who is this man whose threats are worth a lifetime in prison?

Elizabeth asks if Danny has been acting out in other ways, and Sam says, maybe, but she doesn’t know what’s acting out normally or what is normal teenage behavior. Danny joins them and Sam asks how it went. He says, fine, and Elizabeth says, he was great when she asked him to help the other volunteers. Sam says she’s proud of him, and he says he was mostly in the mailroom. Can they go home now? Sam says, sure. Where’s his coat? He says, it’s probably in the fourth-floor lounge. Whatever. He’ll just get it tomorrow. She says, not whatever, and he says, they’re just going to the car. She tells him to get his coat, and he reluctantly goes to the elevator. She says, thank you, and Elizabeth says, totally normal teenage behavior for sure.

Elizabeth sits with Gregory and sons and asks how it’s going living under the same roof. Chase says, it’s great, and Finn tells him, says the guy who doesn’t live there. Gregory says, hey, and Finn says, just kidding. It is great. Violet is over the moon having her grandpa there all the time. Gregory says, and the feeling is mutual. They built a pillow fort the other day. Tracy says, there better be evidence, and Gregory says, but of course (🍷). He shows her his phone, and she says, that is impressive. He says, they thought so, and she asks, how many pillows do they have? Finn says, more than he was aware of apparently, and Chase asks to see it. Finn asks if he has a little fort envy, and Chase says, maybe. When he was Violet’s age, his forts tended to disintegrate into a pile of pillows, but this actually has some structure. Violet could become an architect or an engineer one day – Gregory struggles with his fork and drops it, then Tracy slips him hers – after her singing and dancing, and does she still want to be a circus performer?

Kristina says, is it a girl? It’s a girl, right? Gender can affect the way you carry… Molly says she thinks that’s just an old wives’ tale. She and TJ discussed it, and they decided they don’t want to find out. TJ says, they want the baby’s sex to be a surprise, and Kristina says, of course (🍷). Sorry. She was just caught up in the moment. That should 100% be their choice. TJ says, they might change their minds, and Molly says, yeah. For now. The doctor says, their secret is safe with her, and Molly thanks her and says, they would, however, like to hear the heartbeat. Dr. Navarro says, they’ve got it, and puts the sound on. Kristina says, whoa, and Molly says, it sounds like a horse galloping. The doctor says, nice and strong, the way they like it. TJ tells Molly, that’s their baby, and Kristina takes Molly’s hand.

Sonny picks up the pieces of glass, and Ava asks if he got anything out of Selina’s guy. He asks if she was listening, and she says, he and Selina left to talk to her guard, who she gathers has some kind of loyalty problem. Sonny says, he gave up Selina’s location in exchange for a quick payoff, and Ava says, so she was ambushed like they were. So what did this traitor have to say for himself? Sonny says, he didn’t say anything at first, and she says, let her guess. Sonny found a way to convince him. Sonny says, he claims the guy coming after him calls himself Stone.

Cyrus says, as a man of God, he can help. As a former inmate, and sinner, he can understand. O’Neill says, better than talking to law enforcement. Protective custody is going to be hell. They’ll be the only people he sees. Cyrus says, well, take advantage of this moment while he has it. Tell him his story. Dante says, this is it, and O’Neill says, almost a year ago, he was contacted by a guy… Heather suddenly appears and says, Renault, you charlatan. Who you scamming now? Dante says, dammit, and John asks, who’s that? Heather says, do not let this man fool you. Cyrus is not a man of God. He’s a good for nothing liar.

Finn says, Coney Island? and Chase says, yeah. Finn says, Tracy is flying everyone to Coney Island the night before? and she says, yes, because that’s typically when the rehearsal dinner happens, the night before the wedding. Finn says, Coney Island? and Gregory asks, what’s wrong with it? Finn says, ask him at the reception when Violet is in the throes of a sugar crash. Gregory says he thinks someone is projecting here, and Finn says he thinks that someone’s him. Gregory says, oh really? Because if memory serves, he took Finn to a state fair when he was 8 years old, and he discovered the magic of cotton candy. (I love that stuff!) He had it everywhere; on his fingers, in his hair, on his eyebrows even. Tracy says, that’s adorable, and Finn says, absolutely adorable. Chase tells Finn, that’s what people say about him, and Finn says, that’s enough. Coney Island?

Sam tells Elizabeth that Danny’s never been grounded before. She’s starting to think maybe that’s because he just hasn’t been caught. Elizabeth asks if she thinks he’s sneaking out, and she says she doesn’t know. Maybe it’s because he’s been so quiet lately. She knows that happens with teenagers his age, but she doesn’t know. What if something is actually wrong? Elizabeth says, Jason was a man of few words. Like father, like son? Sam says, Danny reminds her more and more of Jason every day. The way he frowns when he’s concentrating or something, and the way he considers himself Scout’s biggest protector. Elizabeth says, that’s very Jason-like, and Sam says, so yeah, when Danny says less than 10 words to her in a day, she has to remind herself that Jason wasn’t a big talker. But Danny being quiet is just different somehow. Elizabeth says, because he’s a kid, and Sam says she knew if it was important enough, Jason would eventually tell her. She just doesn’t think Danny knows better. And while she wants to hold him accountable for all his screw ups, she doesn’t want him to look at her like she’s the enemy. Elizabeth says, it’s quite the ride, isn’t it? What does Dante say? Sam says. Dante’s been wonderful, amazing, and supportive, but she knows how that goes in the end. Her kids, her life. She just wishes there were a rule book or just someone to tell her what to do. Elizabeth says, you and me both.

Dr. Navarro hands Molly an envelope and says, if they do decide they want to know the sex of the baby. Molly tells TJ that he’d better hang on to it, and gives the envelope to him. He says, she doesn’t trust herself? and she says, not even a little. TJ thanks the doctor for accommodating his schedule and seeing them tonight, and she says, no problem. Everything looks great with the pregnancy. Next appointment in four weeks? Molly says she’ll call Dr. Navarro’s office, and the doctor says, goodnight, and leaves. Kristina joins them, and TJ thanks her for coming to the hospital this late. Molly says, TJ really wanted to be here for the appointment, and Kristina says, of course (🍷). Molly asks if everything is all right, and Kristina says, everything is fantastic. Their baby’s a rock star. Molly says, and so is their surrogate, and TJ says, they were going to dinner if she wants to join them, and Kristina says, no. She has plans, but thanks them. Molly says, plans with Blaze? and Kristina says she’ll call Molly tomorrow and jets to the elevator. TJ says, is it him or was that weird? and Molly says, it’s not him.

Cyrus says, a few cleansing breaths might help, and Heather says, cleanse this. She tells O’Neill that Cyrus says he leads a flock, right? Well, he led her little daughter to her death. Cyrus says, that’s not true, and she says, the hell it isn’t. By the way, what is Cyrus doing here anyway? She thought that his sister – she leans in toward O’Neill – the mayor got him out of here. Cyrus says, Laura had nothing to do with his release, and she says, yeah, right. O’Neill gets up and says, Laura Collins is his sister? (like people wouldn’t know this) and Heather says, he might as well be talking to the mayor herself. She and her big brother keep no secrets. He says, she doesn’t know anything about his relationship with Laura, and Heather says her little girl came to him for help, and he denied her, but he shared her every word with his sister, and now her little girl is dead. Her daughter died because of him. She launches herself at Cyrus and pushes him back. His microphone is muffled in the struggle, and Anna runs out of the room, followed by Dante and John, who tells other guy, find out what happened to that audio.

Elizabeth says, the teenage years are hard on everyone, us, them… Sam says, especially them. She just wishes she knew what to do. Elizabeth has raised boys. How? Elizabeth says she tries to meet each of them where they’re at. The way she parents Cameron is not how she operates with Jake. Hard lesson learned, by the way. It’s like they all have their own language, and she needs to find a way to translate. Sam says, that sounds simple, and Elizabeth says, she knows. Sometimes a shared experience is a good way in. Like doing something Sam loves, or they love, or if Sam can possibly find something they both love doing together, she finds it helps them open up. Sam thanks her and says, that’s really good advice. Elizabeth says, it took years of practice, when Danny comes out. Sam asks if he’s ready to go, and Elizabeth thanks him for his help today. Same time tomorrow? He says, yeah, tomorrow, and walks off with Sam. He says, time to go back to the old lock-up, and she says, it’s their home; it’s not a prison. He says, could have fooled him, and she asks if he wants to go somewhere else. She walks around the corner, comes back, and asks if he’s coming.

Ava says, Stone. As in Stone Cates Memorial AIDS Wing? Sonny says he thinks someone is trying to use Stone’s memory to rattle him, and she says, that is despicable. He says he never knew she cared so much, and she says, it happened to her or doesn’t he remember? Esme used Kiki’s memory to hurt her, to torture her, on Ryan’s orders. Sonny says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s glad that son of a bitch is dead, and Ava says, that makes two of us. You’d think it would give her just a little bit of closure, a little peace. He says, nothing can give you that, and she says, no.

Chase thanks Tracy and says, to have her involved in the wedding planning means a lot to Brook, and him. Gregory says, Tracy’s dedication is unparalleled. She’s been collecting RSVPs personally. Chase says, what? and she says she dropped by The Invader to… Lois wants a final headcount ASAP. He says, they just got the invitations back from the printer yesterday, and Tracy says she knows, but he knows Lois. Patience is not one of her virtues. Chase says, right. Don’t leave him in suspense. Is Gregory coming to the wedding? Gregory says, since he’s officiating, he thought it might be prudent to show up. And Alexis has agreed to be his plus one. Chase says, nice, and Finn says, that’s great. Tracy says, yes, it’s great, and Finn says, what about Tracy? Who is she bringing to the wedding?

TJ says, it felt strange, didn’t it, when Dr. Navarro asked them if they wanted to find out the sex, and Kristina answered, when she knows they’re the ones making all of the decisions about the baby. Molly says she thinks Kristina just blurted it out, Kristina being Kristina. She’s all in with everything she does, this pregnancy being no exception. He says he guesses, and she says, Kristina seemed totally cool when they said they didn’t want to find out, but he says, she doesn’t get to be cool. This has nothing to do with her. (Okay, he’s officially annoying me.) Molly says, and she knows, or she’ll get there. And it actually has a lot to do with her. Their baby is dependent on her sister for the next 8 months. Of course (🍷) she’s invested in the life inside her. Isn’t that what they want?

Kristina knocks at Blaze’s hotel room door, and Blaze lets her in. She says, Kristina had an OB appointment tonight, right? Did everything go okay? Kristina says, yeah. The baby is growing appropriately, strong heartbeat. It’s all good. Blaze says, thank God. The look on Kristina’s face made her think something had happened. Kristina says, all good, and Blaze says, then what is it? Obviously, something’s wrong. Kristina tells her that she wouldn’t say wrong, and Blaze asks if she wants to pick another word. Kristina says, more like strange.

John charges toward the room where Cyrus is, but Dante says, wait, and Anna says, if he goes in there, he’s going to blow Cyrus’s cover. We hear Heather yelling, and John says, what cover? This operation’s been cursed from the start. There’s no saving it now. They go in, and Heather tells Anna, that man is a false prophet. Off to the side, Cyrus has his arm around O’Neill’s shoulders and is talking to him. Heather continues to rant, and Anna tells her, calm down. Two guards hold Heather back, and she says her daughter died because he wouldn’t help her. Cyrus says, don’t hurt her. Heather is a lost soul with a troubled mind, and Heather says, he’ll pay for not helping Esme. Her daughter will not have died in vain. John says, enough, and tells a guard to take O’Neill back to his cell. Anna tells the guards, don’t hurt her, please. Just get her out of here. As O’Neill is led away, Cyrus says, go in peace, my friend, and John tells them to get Heather out of here. She wails that they’re hurting her as she’s taken away, and Dante asks Cyrus, what the hell was that?

Kristina says, when that heartbeat filled the room, it was like… Blaze says, magic, and Kristina says, yes, magic. And it was so real. It was more real than anything has felt so far. There’s a baby in there. Blaze says, that’s what happens when you become pregnant, and Kristina says, of course (🍷). Obviously, the pregnancy test is proof and morning sickness is definitely proof, but seeing and hearing that little blob… Blaze says she gets it, and Kristina says she can’t wait to see who this little person becomes. Blaze says, so what’s the issue? and Kristina asks what she means. Blaze says, Kristina is making everything sound so positive, but she said things felt strange. Kristina says, at the appointment, Dr. Navarro asked if they wanted to know the sex and she immediately without hesitation said yes. She wasn’t even thinking about it; it just came out of her mouth. Blaze says, and Molly and TJ told the doctor, no, and Kristina says, being them, they had discussed it ahead of time. Of course (🍷), and as they should. They’re the parents. It’s just… Blaze says, strange, and Kristina tells her that she feels bad saying this, but in that moment, she felt like the baby was hers. And she knows that it’s not. She knows it’s 100% TJ and Molly’s. She gets that. Her voice breaks, and Blaze takes her hands and says, right now, today, that baby is a part of Kristina’s body. Of course (🍷) she would think of it as hers. They hug.

TJ says, of course (🍷) they want Krissy to care about their baby, and Molly says, and remember, that’s her little niece or nephew in there. If it were Molly who was pregnant, Kristina would still be at every appointment and demanding to know the sex. He says, good point, and she says, this is new, for all of them, and like they say, three can be a crowd. He asks if she doesn’t mean four, and Molly says, four. He kisses her and she says, they’ll find a way through this, together. TJ says, any second thoughts? and she says, second? Try third, fourth, fifth… She’s fighting the urge to know and planning everything around the sex, but they’re not really the pink or blue type of people anyway. He says, their son or daughter is going to be whoever they want to be anyway, and she says, the ours part is not negotiable.

Walking onto the footbridge, Danny tells Sam that he used to come here with dad, and she says, it was his favorite place to think. He says, it makes sense. Quiet, no traffic, no people. She says, that’s why he liked it. That’s why she likes it to. He says, it’s cool… Why did she bring him here? She says, because she feels closer to his dad here and she thought maybe he would feel closer to him too. His dad was going to teach him how to ride. 16 isn’t that far away, but it’s not the same as learning from his dad. He says, no, it’s not.

Ava says, you’d think after all these years, she’d have a better handle on her grief. And normally she does she guesses, but losing Spencer brought it all back up to the surface. He asks if she’s been thinking a lot about Kiki and she says, constantly. He says he understands. Spencer’s death blew everything up. For all of them. Now he has this faceless enemy who’s using Stone’s name. She says, Stone was very important to Sonny, wasn’t he? and Sonny says, Stone represents all the people he couldn’t save. She says, he can’t be responsible for everybody. That’s not possible. He says, that’s not how he feels. His mother, Lily, Courtney, Morgan. He couldn’t do anything for any of them. She says, he can’t blame himself, but he says, how could he not?

Cyrus says, what does Dante mean, what was that? Wasn’t he listening? Anna says, his mic went out after Heather showed up, and he pats himself and says, it must have gotten loose during their struggle. Dante says, Heather really doesn’t like him, does she? when John joins them. Cyrus says, he must be Agent Cates, and holds out his hand. John ignores him and tells Anna, this whole thing is a colossal waste of time. Cyrus says, on the contrary, and Anna asks what he means. He says his talk with Mr. O’Neill was very enlightening.

Tracy comes back to find only Gregory at the table and asks if it’s something he said. He says, Finn is checking in with Violet, and Chase is in the restroom. It wasn’t lost on him what she did there. She says, what she did where? and he says, getting up to powder her nose when Finn inquired as to her date for the wedding. She says she had to use the rest room, and he wonders if he can ask her something. She says, as long as it has nothing to do with her plus one, and he says, did she really stop by The Invader to confirm his RSVP? She says, Lois wasn’t really sure if he was bringing somebody to the wedding. He shouldn’t be surprised. He’s experienced her… enthusiasm firsthand. He says he just got the feeling she was there for something else, and she says, if she was, it slipped her mind. He says, okay. He guesses it wasn’t important then. She says she guesses not, and sips her drink.

Sam says, Danny can talk to her about his dad any time. He knows that, right? He says, it feels weird sometimes, and she says, why? Because of Dante? Yes, Dante loves him, but in no way would he ever try to replace Jason. Nor would he want Danny to avoid the subject of his dad. Danny says he’s been missing his dad a lot lately, more than usual, and she asks if he wants to tell her about it. He asks if she remembers Wyatt. His dad came home last month after serving two years overseas. She says, Wyatt must be really happy, and Danny says, he is and he’s happy for him. They used to talk about their dads all the time. She says, and how they missed them, and he says, and now Wyatt’s dad is back. Is it terrible if he kind of wishes he wasn’t? She says, no, not at all. She thinks it’s normal that he would have somebody to relate to, and that’s comforting. Not having that can be sad, but he can talk to her. He steps away from her and says he’s good.

Sonny says he wants to do everything he can to find out who’s threatening his family, and Ava says, and Selina Wu is going to work with him. He says, they’re going to use her guard to lay a trap for whoever’s gunning for him. She says, and Selina, and he says, right. He’s going to tell Stone’s guy that they’re setting up a secret meeting at some isolated location where it’s easy to ambush. She says, really though, it’s a trap for Stone’s gunman, and he says he’s going to find the leak in his organization and he’s going to destroy it. Then he’s going after Stone. She says, he’s suffered some betrayal lately, hasn’t he? and he says he has. Carly, Michael, Nina… She says she thought he and Michael reconciled, and he says he thought so too, but it was all a lie. She says, maybe in their own way, they thought they were helping him, and he says, going behind his back? He can’t trust them. He can’t trust anyone. She says, what he can’t do is go through life alone, so if he really thinks he doesn’t have anybody else, he has her. He says, her? and she says, yeah. Her. He says, who would have guessed? and they laugh.

Kristina thanks Blaze, and Blaze says, for what? Kristina says, for letting her process her feelings without judging her. It’s all really confusing. But one thing she knows with absolute certainty is, this baby is TJ and Molly’s and that’s what matters. Blaze says, she’s amazing, but Kristina says she really isn’t. Blaze says, yes, she is. Being a surrogate is an act of love. Kristina loves that little baby inside her, nurturing him, or her, for her sister and TJ. Kristina says, that is exactly it. That is exactly the thing. She loves this baby for them. Blaze says, no. For all of them. This baby is her family too. Kristina says, yeah. It’s her niece, or nephew… Blaze says, look at her. Everything Kristina is feeling is not only normal, but healthy. Kristina tells Blaze that she always knows what to say, and Blaze says, for some reason, it always comes easy with Kristina. She sees Kristina, and what she sees takes her breath away. They kiss.

John says, Cyrus got useful information from O’Neill. How? The woman busted in, and all hell broke loose. Cyrus says, true, but after the guards pulled her off, Heather kept them conveniently occupied, giving him and O’Neill a chance to continue their conversation. Dante says, why would O’Neill tell him anything, especially after he found out the mayor is Cyrus’s sister? and Cyrus says, that was a setback for sure, but ultimately, the man wants to unburden his soul. Anna says, Cyrus threatened him? and Cyrus says he appealed to O’Neill’s better self. John says, enough with the semantics. Did O’Neill tell him who’s behind the mob hits or not?

Blaze says, stay with me. Don’t go. She and Kristina kiss, and then they get busy. Afterwards, they spoon in bed. (Kudos, GH!)

TJ and Molly come out of the elevator and Molly says, first trimester’s over. Their baby is healthy. Does he know what this means? He says, they don’t have to keep it a secret anymore, and she says, they can tell the whole world they’re going to be parents. He asks if he should announce it over the PA system, and starts walking toward the desk, but she says, don’t you dare, and pulls him back. He says, fine, and she thanks him, hugging him. He says, thank you. She’s given him everything he’d ever want. She says she loves him so much, and he says, not even close to how much he loves her. They kiss.

Tracy thanks Gregory for dinner and says, he didn’t have to do that. He insists he did. He invited her as his guest. Finn asks if Yuri is driving her home, and she says, it’s Yuri’s night off. She’s taking a Ride Share. Chase says he’ll drop her on his way home, and she says she is not on his way home, but she thanks him. She’s capable of taking care of it herself. Gregory says, just because you are doesn’t mean you must, and Chase says, and Brook would kill him if he didn’t get home safe. She says, okay, and thanks him, and Finn says he thought they were going to arm wrestle. Chase says, next time, and Tracy thanks them. She says, this was fun, and Gregory says, yeah, it was.

Cyrus says, O’Neill was much too terrified to give up a name, and Dante says, that’s too bad. John says he told them, and Cyrus tells them, but he did say something quite provocative. O’Neill is terrified of – pardon the pun – the man who is gunning for the mobsters. He’s convinced this person can get to him in here despite the protective custody. John says, that’s typical snitch behavior, and Cyrus tells them, he said this man is untouchable because he’s a ghost. Literally. Anna says, care to explain that? and Cyrus says, according to O’Neill, the person they’re so desperate to find does not exist because he’s dead. Soap looks all around.

Sam says she knows she and Danny haven’t talked about his dad too much, so it might seem a little strange to start now. He says, it’s not that, and she says, then what is it? He says, she and Uncle Drew were close at that time, and he didn’t want to add to that. He wanted to be strong for her. She says, there is no burden too big that she will not help him carry. No matter how tall he gets. And he can talk to her about his father any time. What say they go? They pick up their bags, and Danny asks if she thinks he can get his phone back, but she laughs and says, no chance. She puts her arm through his as they walk, and says she knows. Tough life, kid.

Sonny looks at his wedding ring and makes a fist. Ava says, if you look up brooding in the dictionary, this is the picture you’d see. He says, everything changes, that’s a fact. Just when you think you’re getting close to someone, you’re not. The only person you can really trust is yourself. Ava says, not Avery. She has us. Always. Sonny says, she’s got him there, and she tells him, goodnight. He says, goodnight, and she leaves. He looks at his wedding ring and takes it off. He looks at it for a moment, puts it on the mantel, and walks away.

On Monday, Blaze tells Kristina, maybe it’s time she returns the favor; Carly tells John that he’s wasting his time; and Nina asks if Ava and Sonny have a relationship now.

❤️‍🔥 Melting Maximista’s Heart…

All about Spinelli’s flirtation with karaoke and Maxie.

💃🏽 Mamá Comes To Town…

Great choice for this role.

✒️ Be Excited…

Loving some things – like Blaze and Kristina and Jagger John returning – not so much others – Carly unrealistically taking over at Crimson. Although she is getting a load of Drew’s madman persona.

🍑 No More Peach For You…

I’ve liked Marlo ever since the argument she and Shereé had that was totally in gibberish. She didn’t hold the peach for nearly long enough, but I don’t blame her.

https://people.com/real-housewives-of-atlanta-marlo-hampton-departs-ahead-of-season-16-exclusive-8585035

🍿 On the Wrong End…

I know I’ve said Andy is cruising for a lawsuit, but I didn’t think it would be this one.

https://ew.com/brandi-glanville-lawyers-call-for-andy-cohen-firing-8599618

🧽 Take Your Pick Of Messes…

The recap from the trainwreck that is Summer House.

I couldn’t even find a recap for this Reunion. Apparently, no one cares. This was the closest thing.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/southern-hospitality-cast-relationship-updates-after-season-2-finale

⚰️ Walking Again…

Basic info and a really cool picture.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/rick-and-michonne-return-this-weekend-in-the-walking-dead-spinoff-the-ones-who-live

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-time-takes-a-toll-on-rick-grimes

These people don’t seem to like the franchise too much. I get disenchantment with the original Walking Dead, but City of the Dead and Daryl Dixon were both stellar.

https://www.avclub.com/tv-review-the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-1851274240

A kinder, gentler review.

🦔 Not Your Average Pets…

Who wouldn’t want a goat for their anniversary?

https://people.com/kevin-bacon-explains-how-he-surprised-wife-kyra-with-goats-on-anniversary-8599569

This little guy is the cutest.

https://people.com/baby-rhino-gets-a-case-of-the-zoomies-at-toronto-zoo-8598864

🥠 Quotes Of the Week

They have a name for people who quit. They call them quitters. – Rose (Betty White), Golden Girls

What I did or said should never be more important than why I did it or said it.Andrea Kelly

If exhausted from severe and long-continued thought, he had to touch the earth again to renew his strength. When this weariness set in, he would stop thought, and get down with a little dog or kitten to recover.William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln‘s business partner

He does it in annoying ways, but he’s not wrong.Olivia Flowers referring to JT, Southern Charm

Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.Earl of Derby (I don’t have time for illness either.)

Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion. – Michael Jordan

Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice. – Baruch Spinoza

You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to. – Robin Williams

Genius begins with great works; labor alone finishes them. – Joseph Joubert

Have a drink. Become nice again. – Emile Calvet (Ronald Guttman), Mad Men

🛑 Stopping In the Name Of Love…

Enjoy your time off if you have it, your work if you don’t, and your happy place if neither is happening for you. Come back refreshed on Monday really Tuesday for soap and sketchy people on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay never giving your power over to anyone, and stay not being the picture in the dictionary if you look up brooding.

February 6, 2024 – Robert Asks Special Agent Cates For a Favor, Oops, Guess Who’s Back In Town, No Hospitality & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Lucy breaks away from Scotty and says, what is this? He says, what they’ve always wanted, and kisses her again. They fall behind the hay bales.

Martin says, for the life of him, he can’t figure out why Tracy wants to suddenly unburden her conscience, but like he said, he’s not up for it right now. She wants him to say she’s right? She’s right. He’s broken up with Lucy. They’re done now. Unless of course (🍷), she wants to discuss some obscure point of law, in which case, she can call his office. Tracy says she’s the reason he and Lucy broke up.

John calls for a car to come to the station of the PCPD… He wants to transport a couple of detainees. Robert comes in and says, look what the cat dragged in – Jagger Cates. John tells him that it’s John now. It’s been a while. He looks good. Robert says, better than the last time John saw him, and John says, he beat the cancer well. He and Robin stay in touch, although it’s been a few months since they caught up. How is she? Robert says, they’re doing great, out there saving lives. Noah’s captain of the soccer team and Emma is an intern at Berkeley Astrophysics Center. John asks why it doesn’t surprise him that Robin’s daughter is a genius. He’s glad to hear they’re all doing so well. It’s good to see Robert. Robert says, him too. What brings him to Port Charles?

An officer locks Jordan and Anna in a cell, explaining that Special Agent Cates asked for them to be detained. Anna says, of course (🍷) he did, and Jordan asks if they don’t get a phone call. The officer says he’ll check on that and leaves. Jordan wonders how far Anna’s friend is going to push these obstruction charges, and Anna says, Lord knows. Jordan suggests they tell him what they know. He might be interested to learn that the buyer for the weapons is in Port Charles. Anna says, if they give him their intel, they use their leverage. If they want to be involved in this investigation, then they have to keep what they know to themselves. Jordan says, they won’t have much time to investigate while they’re being arraigned in federal court, and Anna says she’s just hoping their friends intervene. Dante comes in and says, friends like him?

On the phone in his office, Michael tells Drew that he’s glad the meeting went well… There’s no need to come back. Everyone’s gone for the day. He’s just wrapping up a few things himself… Looking forward to it. AND HE ACTAULLY SAYS GOODBYE. Unheard of on a soap phone call. Dex walks in and Michael asks what he’s doing here. Dex says, somebody tried to kill Michael’s father.

At the penthouse, Sonny thanks Brick for coming by so quickly, and Brick says, it sounded urgent. Sonny says, it is, and Brick says, whatever he needs. He knows Sonny is going through a lot right now. Sonny says he needs people he can trust.

Sitting in the interrogation room, and John tells Robert that he’s in Port Charles working on a case. Murder, attempted murder, stolen weapons. Robert says, sounds serious, and John says, it is, but on a lighter note, he hears Robert is DA now. Congratulations. Robert says, John knows him; keep moving, so to speak. Which brings him to why he’s here. He understands Anna was arrested, so after he sorts that little mess out, the three of them should get together. He knows Anna would love to see John. John says he doubts that. He’s the one who arrested her.

Anna asks, who told Dante they were in custody? and Dante says, Nikolas Cassadine is back in town and turned himself in. He brought Nikolas in for booking, and the desk sergeant told him they were down here. What’s going on? Anna says, the Feds arrested them for an obstruction charge, and he says, really? What happened with that? Jordan says, she and Anna tangled with them while following a lead, but Dante says he’ll need a little more information than that. Anna says, they tried to keep the PCPD’s hands clean while they gathered some extra information, and Dante says, right. Well, too late, right? Because here they are the PCPD jail. He can’t override the Feds, but if he’s going to help sort this out at all, they have to tell him what happened. Start from the beginning. Tell him everything. Anna says, it all started with Dante’s father.

Sonny says, someone close to him targeted him and his family in Puerto Rico, and Brick says, so he thinks the shooter is someone he knows? Sonny says, has to be, because they had to have knowledge of his island. They knew how to get through security, they knew where his men were, and they knew how they worked. That kind of information isn’t easy to get, so it’s got to be somebody he trusts. Brick says, so his theory is, someone inside was the shooter or was working with the shooter, and Sonny says, that’s the only thing he can think of. Brick says, no one on the outside would have any knowledge whatsoever of Sonny’s security plans. Hell, some of his own men don’t know. Sonny says, that’s right, and Brick wonders, who the hell can it be? He personally vetted every single person who works for Sonny. Sonny says he guesses he has to question the source, and Brick says, what?! Sonny thinks he’s behind this? Does he?

Dex tells Michael, after they realized the shooter had gotten away, Sonny didn’t want to stay on the island, so they came back to Port Charles. Michael says, everyone’s okay though, right? His dad and Ava… Avery didn’t see anything, did she? Dex says, everyone’s fine. Fortunately, Avery was in her room with her bodyguard the whole time and never even realized anything was wrong. Michael says, that’s good at least. How could someone get close enough to Sonny to shoot him in his own house with Avery there, and why is this the first he’s hearing about it? Dex says, Sonny probably didn’t tell Michael because he didn’t want to worry him, and Michael says, this is exactly why he wanted Dex to keep working for him, so Dex can tell him when things start to spiral for Sonny, and it seems like it’s happening now.

On the phone, Gregory says he needs to make an appointment with the doctor. He’s expecting Gregory’s call… Yes, he can hold. He looks into the restaurant and sees Tracy sitting with Martin.

Martin says he gets it. Tracy and Lucy don’t like each other. He understands. What he’s telling her is, if she wants to gloat, to bask in Lucy’s misfortune, she’d better have the decency to do it somewhere else. His relationship issues have nothing to do with her. She says, they do. With her and with Scotty. He says he’s telling her that he wants to be alone. It’s none of her business. She says, the trouble with Lucy started when she warned him about Lucy and Scotty. She’s the one who put it in his head that their tawdry history has a habit of repeating itself.  He asks what kind of game she’s playing, but she says she’s not playing a game; she’s trying to stop the games. She’s trying to be honest with him. She’s been manipulating him. She’s been misleading him. He says, in what way? and she says she doesn’t want to bore him with the details, but she got wind of the fact that Lucy and Scotty were plotting against her. They wanted her to fall for Scotty. He asks, why the hell would they do that? and she says she doesn’t know. She thinks it’s got something to do with Deception. When she found out, she decided to turn the tables and started manipulating them and thereby Martin. Her intention was only to get revenge on Lucy, then he got swept up in it… She’s so sorry. Martin bangs on the table and says, of all the self-centered and hateful… How could she do something like that? She says, believe her, she’s done worse. So he has a choice now that he knows the truth. He can either waste his time berating her or use it more wisely and try to get Lucy back.

Lucy sits up, her hair full of straw and her dress off one shoulder. She says, oh my God. What did I just do? Scotty sits up, looking more rumpled than usual, and says, this was amazing. At the same time, Lucy says, this was a disaster,

Martin says, Lucy’s not picking up, and Tracy asks if he expected her to jump at his call. He just broke up with her. Try again. He says, that’s the third call in a row. Obviously, she doesn’t want to talk to him, and he can’t say as he blames her. He’s an idiot. He let someone like Tracy poison their relationship. He would be surprised if she ever forgives him. Tracy says, if he gives up this easily, maybe she shouldn’t. Why doesn’t he stop wallowing and figure out a way to get her to listen to him? Martin says, do him a favor. Don’t help. She’s done enough already. Then again, he can’t stop thinking, if it’s that easy for her to turn the two of them against one another, maybe it’s not meant to be after all. She says, that’s between him and Lucy. She for one thinks he could do a lot better, but for some unfathomable reason, he’s in love with Lucy, so he deserves the truth. He says, after the damage is done. That’s what he doesn’t understand. Why? She got what she wanted. She got her revenge. She blew up his relationship with Lucy. Why confess now? She looks over at Gregory and says, why indeed.

As she zips up her dress, Lucy wonders how this just happened. How, how, how? What were they thinking? Really, what was she thinking? How in the world did she and Scotty just end up here – again? Scotty says, hang on. She’s single. He’s single. They didn’t do anything wrong. She says, right. Technically, she is single because Marty just broke up with her. But she just ended up with another man in bed… Well, it wasn’t in bed, was it? It was horizontal behind a haystack. He says, it’s a haybale, not a haystack, and she says, who cares? She just had sex with another man when the love of her life just broke up with her. She’s not particularly proud of this. He says, she’s very emotional from all those things Martin said to her. It’s not like they planned this. Lucy says, right. It just sort of happened because she was emotional and devastated and very, very, very hurt. So he’s right. He was here and it just happened. It felt familiar. Scotty says, she better be honest with herself and she sure as hell better start being honest with him, dammit.

John tells Robert, after Anna and Jordan refused to disclose whatever information they had about the unsub, he had no choice but to arrest them. They’re hiding something. Robert says he gets that John has a job to do here, but if Anna… John knows her. If she’s prepared to go to these lengths to check this out, then he’s got to know that she’s got a good reason. John says, too much is at stake here. He needs to clear this case, and both Anna and Jordan are getting in his way. Jordan ignored his warning, then she and Anna joined forces and cost him his best lead. Robert asks how they did that, and John says, the gun dealer lawyered up and isn’t talking. They admit they learned something from him, but they won’t say what. Robert says, so he thinks throwing them in jail on an obstruction charge is going to help, and John says, whatever it takes. They’re both former law enforcement. They understand time is of the essence in a case like this, but Anna is more interested in protecting Sonny Corinthos. Robert says, don’t start him on Sonny. They’re both on the same page when it comes to that guy. As the DA, he understands the position John is in. John says he appreciates that, and Robert says, but he’s going to insist John drop the charges.

Dante says he understands why Jordan wants to investigate who shot Curtis. He’s her ex-husband and she wants someone to pay. Jordan says, Curtis could be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Whoever did that to him should be behind bars. Dante says he agrees, but the problem is, the Feds told her to back off and she went and got Anna involved. Anna says she didn’t need convincing. It could have just as easily been her that day instead of Curtis. Dante says he gets it, but he wishes they’d come to him, but Jordan says, they didn’t want to involve him or anyone else in a fight with the Feds. He says, it would have been better than this. Now they’re in a cell facing serious criminal charges, and Jordan says, if they’d had just a few more minutes with the gun dealer, this would all have been a moot point. He was just on the verge of talking to them when the FBI burst in. They were so close to identifying the person who shot Curtis. Dante asks if they got anything, and Anna says, they did get one piece of intel they can use.

Brick says, Sonny thinks he’s behind this? and Sonny says, wait a minute. They’ve known each other a long time. He can always count on Brick. That’s why he asked Brick to be second in command. Brick says, and he gladly accepted the position and all it entails, and Sonny says he knows that, but he’s been in this business a long time and he knows people have a breaking point. and if Brick was ever in a position like that, he hopes Brick would come to him before he did anything he shouldn’t do. Brick says, of course (🍷) he would. They’ve been through entirely too much together for him to even think of doing something against Sonny. Sonny says he didn’t think it was Brick, but he had to make sure. With all these people that are close to him, it’s making him question everything. Brick says he understands. If he was in Sonny’s position, he’d do the same thing. Sonny says, so they’re good? and Brick says, yeah, we good. But in the spirit of honesty, he has a confession to make.

Brick says he did a favor for Jordan Ashford, and Sonny says, since when does Brick work for the cops? Brick says he doesn’t. Never have, never will. But Jordan isn’t part of the PCPD anymore. She hasn’t been a cop for a while, and now she owes him a favor, whenever he asks, no questions asked. Sonny says, somebody in the mayor’s office owing him could be good down the line, and Brick says, that’s what he was thinking, but Sonny says, it still doesn’t help them with who the rat in his organization is. Brick says, no, it doesn’t. Based on the intricacy of the attack and how easily the shooter escaped from Puerto Rico, this isn’t the result of someone just shooting off at the mouth loosely or letting some information slip. Sonny says, this wasn’t a mistake or an accident. Somebody he trusts wants him dead.

Michael says, Sonny doesn’t know Dex is here? and Dex says, he doesn’t, but Sonny is going to tell him to keep this from Michael, so he’s not going behind Sonny’s back. Between the shooting and Spencer dying so unexpectedly, Sonny’s been going non-stop. He doesn’t think Sonny’s had time to process either of those things yet. Michael says, his first instinct is to go see his father, but he doesn’t think he’s welcome in Sonny’s house right now. Dex says he can’t speak on Michael’s relationship with his father. That’s between the two of them. Michael says, that’s why he made the decision not to turn Sonny in to the Feds. He started working on their reconciliation and they made it. He thinks they did. Things were good between them in Puerto Rico. That’s why he couldn’t bring himself to tell Sonny what Nina did. It would break his heart. He also thought Sonny would take it as him saying Sonny was wrong to choose Nina over his mom. Sonny claims he’s angry with Michael because he kept quiet about what Nina did, but he’s more angry because Michael was right about Nina all along.

Anna says, as they surmised, the shooting was an attempt on Sonny’s life, but it’s a smaller piece of a much larger case, and Dante asks how she knows. She says, because the agent who arrested them gave up a piece of intel. Apparently, the Feds are investigating this string of killings committed using the cache of weapons stolen from the WSB. They believe a single person is responsible for these murders and that all the victims have something in common, but he wouldn’t give up what that something is. Dante says, they should know as well that another attempt was made on Sonny’s life a few days ago on his island, and Anna asks if anyone was hurt. Dante says, everyone’s fine, but obviously whoever this is wants to finish the job, and Jordan says, and they’re stuck in this cell, unable to help. Can he get them out of here? Dante asks, why? So they can run around town, investigating again and putting themselves in harm’s way again? Jordan says, come on. The Feds don’t want to work with anyone else on this, and Sonny isn’t their favorite person anyway. Anna says, which puts them in a better position to help, and they can’t just sit in here while someone makes an attempt on his life. Dante says he knows. He’ll talk to Robert and see if he can get them arraigned and released tonight. Anna thanks him, and he says, don’t make him regret it.

John says, not Robert too. He’s the District Attorney. He should understand better than anyone that no one can be above the law. Robert says, look at this. Something they agree on. Anna is the mother of his child. They’re always going to have each other’s backs. So he’s asking John, let them go. John says he hears Robert, but he needs to know whatever Anna and Jordan are hiding. If he lets them walk, he ends up with nothing. Robert says, if John drops the charges, he’ll get them to share whatever they know with him, and John asks if Robert really thinks he can get them to do that. Robert says, Anna responds better to those who are on her good side.

Scotty says, Lucy can deny this all she wants, but there’s something between them. That spark that they had years ago, that’s still there. So why fight it? Him being with her is like him just breathing. She says, their history says otherwise, doesn’t it? How many times did they cheat on nice, deserving people with each other? How many times did they scheme? How many lies have they told? How much damage have the done everywhere, and how many times did they try to make this – what is this? – this relationship work? Every time, they fail. He says, maybe that’s because all of that didn’t matter… until now. Now, this is their time. She says she admits she feels close to him, and she’s more of her real self with him than with anybody else, and he says, then stop fighting it. He’s about to kiss her, when Martin walks in.

Lucy asks what Martin is doing here, and he says, apparently interrupting. Scotty says, yeah, they’re busy, and Martin says he can see that. He doesn’t have to ask what they’re doing here. Lucy says, you know what? Martin doesn’t get a say. He just broke up with her, remember? He doesn’t get to say what she does. Martin says, they just broke up fifteen minutes ago. Of course (🍷) what she does still matters to him. for her information, he came here to tell her that he was wrong, that he made a mistake when he said they were over. Because it turns out, all of their problems were manufactured by Tracy Quartermaine.

Gregory meets Tracy at the bar and says he’s sorry he kept her waiting. The call took longer than he expected. She says, it’s fine, and he asks if they’re still on for dinner. She says, actually, she’d rather not, and he says, if this is about him leaving her alone for so long, he apologizes, but she says, no. She just lost her appetite. He says, something’s going on here. If she wants to deal with it all alone, he’ll go, no questions asked, but he saw that she and Martin were having a rather animated discussion and he’s here for her if she wants to talk about what happened that got her so upset. She says she doesn’t have a problem with Martin. She has a problem with him.

John says he appreciates how close Robert and Anna are, and he appreciates Robert wanting to look out for her, but nothing Robert does will matter if Jordan and Anna keep interfering in his investigation. Robert says, if John releases them to him, he’ll take personal responsibility for their supervision, and John says he hopes Robert knows what he’s doing. Fine. He’ll extend Robert this one-time professional courtesy and drop the charges against Anna and Jordan, provided he keeps them in line. Robert says he knows John is in a tough position. He owes John one. John laughs and says he’s got to admit, if he’d been told when he was running around Port Charles causing trouble that one day the DA would ask him for a favor, he never would have believed it. Robert says, people change. John should be proud of the man he’s become. Dante says, sorry to interrupt, but can he steal the DA for a minute? John says, sure, and Dante and Robert step away. Dante says he wants to talk about Anna and Jordan, and Robert says he had a little talk with the FBI and they’re going to drop the charges. Dante says, that’s great, and Robert calls to John, saying they have to get together before he leaves town. John says, looking forward to it, and Robert leaves. Dante says, they haven’t met, and introduces himself to John. John says, he’s Sonny Corinthos’s son, and Dante says, yeah. Who is he? John says he’s Special Agent John Cates.

Brick says, Sonny was right to start by looking at the people closest to him. It takes people with the right kind of knowledge to pull a job off like this. He would start off with Frank, Gabe, and Dex. Sonny says, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t find anything on Dex, but Brick says, Dex hasn’t been the most transparent person with Sonny. Sonny says, Dex has been loyal to him repeatedly. He got shot saving Sonny’s life when they were ambushed. If Tony hadn’t come back, Dex would be dead right now. He also did a really good job in Puerto Rico. Dex let him know when the guard was knocked out, and it allowed him and Ava to take cover. Brick says, there could be a simple explanation for this. Whoever’s doing this, they have to deflect attention away from themselves, right? Sonny says, maybe, and Brick says, he put the wheels in motion, so he can come to the rescue and save the day for Sonny and Ava. That way, he looks like the hero, he provides himself some cover, and ultimately Sonny feels gratitude toward him, and maybe allows him even more access into his operation. Sonny says, that sounds like smart play, but the thing is, they don’t know it’s Dex and don’t have evidence of that, do they? Brick says, Dex was coordinating with the head of security on the island. Plus, he’s the one who found the shooter’s hideout. He’s just sayin’, it fits.

Dex says he’s not telling Michael that stuff’s not important, but Sonny is more worried about keeping his family safe, and Michael says, that means finding the person behind the attack. Any leads? Dex says, Sonny’s theory is that it’s someone on the inside, and Michael says, maybe there’s a way he can help his father. Dex asks, how? and Michael says, you.

Sonny tells Brick, it’s possible Dex is a traitor, but he doesn’t really know a lot about the business. That means he would have had to get access elsewhere. Brick says, he doesn’t need to know the inner workings of the organization. He just needs to know how, where, and when Sonny is most vulnerable. Sonny says, like he told Brick before, Dex has gone above and beyond. He offered Dex a job he wouldn’t trust many people to do because it would have bound him for the rest of his life, and he didn’t even blink. He would have gone through with it if Sonny hadn’t stopped him. Brick says he gets it. Sonny likes the kid. He exposed Dex to a lot of sensitive things and he came through, but here’s the question. Is it possible what Sonny is feeling is exactly what Dex wants him to feel?

Dex says he wants to find out who’s after Sonny just as much as Michael does. Because as long as Sonny is in danger, so is his family, and he doesn’t want anything to happen to Joss or anyone she loves. He’ll do anything in his power to keep them all safe. Michael says, good, because if Sonny is right and someone on the inside is working against him, Dex is in a perfect position to find out who it is. Dex says, Sonny hasn’t asked him to look at anyone in the organization yet, but Michael says, he can be discreet. Sonny never has to know. Dex says, it’s risky. If Sonny catches him, he could assume Dex is the traitor and trying to cover his tracks. Michael says, make sure he never finds out. Dex is the best at this, and he’ll gladly pay Dex extra for the risk he’s taking.

Jordan says she thought Dante would be back with an update by now, and Anna says she’s sure he’s moving as fast as he can. Robert comes in and says, they’ve got themselves in a bit of a situation, have they? Anna says, don’t gloat, please. Did he talk to Dante? Robert says, yes. He’s got good news and bad news. Anna asks, what is it? and he says, thanks to his incredible powers of persuasion, Cates agreed to drop the charges. Anna says, that’s great, and Jordan thanks him. Anna asks, what’s the bad news? and Robert says, they have to back off this investigation. Jordan says, they were just making progress, and Anna says, they’re going to find out who’s behind this entire operation. They can’t stop now. He says, they might as well stay in this cell, because Cates isn’t going to give them another chance. They’re civilians. They have no right being involved in this business. They have no power. What are they going to do if they catch this perp? They can’t do anything with him. They may as well cooperate with Cates. Anna says, maybe she’ll do exactly that, and Jordan says, meaning? Anna says, the conversation she had with Mayor Collins last week. Laura offered her a position in her administration, but the timing wasn’t right. She thinks the timing has just changed.

Gregory says he doesn’t understand how Tracy can have a problem with him. All he’s ever done is try to be a friend to her. She says, that’s her problem. His friendship is changing her, and she doesn’t like it. He says, changing her how? and she says, ever since she met him, she’s been getting… soft. She surrenders in feuds. She compromises with the Bensonhurst brigade. She’s trying to help people she doesn’t even like. He says, making donations to grieving widows? and she says, it’s poor form to ask a lady about her finances. But if she did, it’s a direct result of his influence. Being around him is making her nice. He asks if that’s really so bad, and she tells him, that’s easy for him to say; he doesn’t have to live with the consequences. She takes a sharp breath and says, oh my God, I’m so sorry. That’s not what she meant. It came out wrong. She wasn’t thinking. He starts to laugh, barely containing himself.

Lucy asks what Tracy has to do with any of this, and Martin says, for weeks now she’s been intentionally feeding him little tidbits of information about Lucy and her history and her relationship with Scotty, because she wanted to poison the well. She wanted him to doubt Lucy, make him believe that she was being unfaithful to him. Lucy says, what? and he says, that was his reaction when she accosted him in the restaurant just now. Some kind of attempt to unburden her conscience. She mentioned something about turning the tables on Lucy and Scotty because she realized they were plotting against her. Scotty says, their plan was foolproof, and Lucy says, that conniving snake. Martin says, ya think? Because from where he’s standing, she wasn’t far off. Obviously, Lucy has been hiding parts of herself from him and Scotty’s had full access. She and Scotty have been getting closer together while they’ve been drifting apart. Lucy says, that’s not true. He knows her really well, and they’re very, very good together. She doesn’t know what this was. It was just some sort of mistake, that’s all. It was a big mistake. Martin says, the mistake was him coming here to ask her for forgiveness. It was so easy for Tracy to manipulate them. All she had to do was use Lucy’s nature against her. Lucy says, that’s not true. Please. Can they just go somewhere and talk together? She knows she can make it right. She loves him. Martin says, that’s what makes this so sad, because he loves her too. But he’s all talked out. In fact, right now he doesn’t think he ever wants to see her again. He walks out.

Dante asks if John is any relation to Stone Cates, and John says he has a son named Stone, but he thinks Dante is referring to his younger brother. Dante says, so that’s how John knows his father. He used to talk a lot about Stone. He guesses they were really close. John says, they were, and Dante asks if John and Sonny go way back then. John says, they have plenty of history, and Dante says, now John is in charge of an FBI case against his father. Robert brings in Anna and Jordan, and John says he takes it this means they accepted his terms. Anna says, actually no. She’s not stepping back from the case. She’s going to continue to investigate… as the new Police Commissioner.

Lucy tells Scotty that Martin couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with her. He couldn’t even look at her. Scotty says, so what? He wouldn’t even hear her out. She deserves better than him. Lucy says, no, she doesn’t. He just broke up with her and somehow, she ends up in Scotty’s arms, so he’s right. She’s a horrible, horrible person. He says, that’s not true. Listen to him for a second. She says, will he please just leave? and he says, Lucy… but she says, get out now. Now. Please leave. He leaves, and she sits and cries.

Gregory tries to get ahold of himself and tells Tracy that he hasn’t laughed that hard in a long time. She says she doesn’t understand what’s funny, and he says, ever since he was diagnosed with ALS, people have been tiptoeing around him, being so proper and polite and handling him with kid gloves like he’s going to break at any moment. He hates it. He didn’t realize how much he needed someone to talk to him like he wasn’t sick. He laughs some more, and she says, he knows she didn’t mean it the way it came out. He says he knows, but even she did, he’s fine with it. He may have a fatal disease, but he’s still the same Gregory on the inside. It’s just so nice to have someone talk to him like he’s normal. He appreciates it more than she knows. So no matter how nice she may become, he hopes she’ll never stop doing that. She says she’ll do her best, and he keeps laughing.

John says, since when is Anna the Police Commissioner? and she says, Mayor Collins asked her if she wanted her old position back. Anna told her that she needed to think about it, which she did, when she was stuck in the cell. And she accepted that job. John says, so she can continue to undermine his investigation, but she says, no. So she can hunt down the threat to Port Charles in her new capacity as law enforcement, and no one can stand in her way. So if you want the PCPD’s help, Special Agent Cates, you’re going to have to give us the FBI’s help in return.

Sonny says, they can’t count anyone out as a suspect. He needs Brick to look into everyone in his organization, and that includes Dex. Brick says he’ll get right on it. He knows Sonny is fond of Dex. So for Sonny’s sake, he hopes he jumped to the wrong conclusion. But this is him. Sonny knows he’s rarely wrong about stuff like this. He’ll find out if Dex is hiding something.

Michael says, the money is in Dex’s account now, and Dex says he appreciates it, but this isn’t about the money. He just wants to keep Joss and her family safe. And stay in Sonny’s good graces. If he even gets a hint that Dex came on with an ulterior motive… Michael says, he won’t. They both want the same thing here. Just find out who the threat is to Sonny and his family and report back to him. Dex says, he can count on it.

At the door, Brick asks what Sonny will do to Dex if he finds out Dex hasn’t been loyal after all, and Sonny says, he’ll make Dex beg for death. Brick nods his head and says, yeah.

Tomorrow, Ava tells someone that they’re not welcome here; Michael asks what Willow’s secret is; Cyrus tells Laura that he wasn’t expecting quite that level of hostility; and Finn wants to take Gregory to the hospital.

😳 My bad, I got my days mixed up yesterday. Probably because I desperately want this season of RHOBH over. Tonight, it’s the awful people on VPR. Well, one anyway.

Vanderpump Rules

Nice update on the new beginning credits, showing the different restaurants.

The outcast is home and poor assistant Ann has to run interference between him and Ariana. In Sandoval’s interview, he says he came back from a competition reality show after being on the receiving end of more hate than he’s ever gotten. He wanted to punish himself, penance through pain. He’s brought a bribe of athletic shoes for Schwartz, and tells Ann that things are cool between them, but in his interview, he says, things are not okay with Schwartz. Schwartz talked sh*t about him on Jax and Brittany’s podcast, and he feels betrayed. Tomorrow is his birthday, and he wants to have people over. He’s open to having Ariana there, but Ann says she doubts Ariana would want to be there. He tells Ann to text Ariana that he’ll get her a nice hotel room, and in Sandoval’s interview, a producer asks what it’s like for exes to be living in the same house. He says, stupid, and in Ariana’s interview, she says, awkward. He’s done stuff like opening her mail and got a white noise machine that’s annoyingly loud. In his interview, Sandoval says he got it because Ariana would overhear what he was talking about, and in her interview, Ariana wonders if it’s psychological warfare. Ann presents the offer to Ariana, but Ariana says, that’s not happening. She thinks it’s disrespectful and inappropriate, and if they make noise, she’s going to call the cops. In her interview, she says she’s spiraling thinking about parties Sandoval used to have. Loud music and a mess. It was disgusting and would sometimes last until 6 am. Now that they’re not together, she’s not putting up that sh*t. Ann tells Ariana, everything is great, but when she’s out of earshot, Ann says she thinks it’s weird.

Villa Rosa! Hairstylist Patrick does Lisa’s hair for the last celebration at Pump. In Lisa’s interview, she says, Pump is closing after 10 years. The rent is going up, so it’s going to be more expensive, and Ken wants to retire. Ken will be stomping around West Hollywood when he’s in his 80s, and her in her… 40s. It’s just too old. She tells Patrick, sometimes it’s good to know when to walk away.  James and Ally discuss if they’re ready to get a dog, and we see clips of James with Graham. In James’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what happened with his dog. He’s never gotten over it and he’s heartbroken. He and Ally get ready to say bye-bye to Pump.

One of Sandoval’s few remaining friends, Jason, visits, and in Sandoval’s interview, he says, since the scandal, he’s lost friends, but Jason stuck around. He’s also the band manager and kept him from being in a bad place. Jason asks about Raquel, but Sandoval says he hasn’t heard from her in a few weeks. In his interview, he says he’s still in love with Raquel and hoping to give their relationship a real chance. He tells Jason that Ariana nixed the birthday party, but Jason says, what’s she going to do? Ann says, she mentioned calling the police, and in his interview, Sandoval says, obviously, Ariana is still very upset with him. (Yeah, obviously.) She thinks what he did makes him a criminal, but he doesn’t think the police would agree. He says, what if they’re out by midnight? and Ann texts Ariana with the idea, including more than one so sorry!

Lala and Ariana meet for smoothies, and Ariana tells Lala about squelching the party idea, but Lala says, he’s allowed to have a party. Ariana says, she’ll call about a noise complaint, and Lala says, what about if she compromises and everyone is gone by a certain time? Ariana admits the suggestion was made, and Lala says, it will be easier when Ariana moves out. Ariana says she will when the house is sold, and Lala says, Sandoval is getting off on making her uncomfortable. In Ariana’s interview, she says, Sandoval wants to buy her out, but she’s not going just because he offered her a measly sum. He f***ed this up, so he doesn’t get to do that and keep it. Lala asks what new boyfriend Dan thinks, and Ariana says, he’s looking forward to her getting her own space, since they’re paying to stay somewhere when Sandoval is in town. She says she thinks Dan has opened her mind to possibilities she couldn’t see with Sandoval. In her interview, Ariana says, being with Sandoval affected her about having kids more than she thought. We flash back to Sandoval saying he wants 3 or 4 kids, and Ariana saying she wants none. She says, Dan made her realize there can be more than just a 50/50 partnership. On a day where she can only give 10%, he can give 90%.

Lisa and Ken go into Pump amid cheers, and I wonder where Pride Day will be celebrated. The guests chant, Lisa! Lisa! and she says, 10 years ago, they had a dream to create the most beautiful garden in West Hollywood. We go down Pump Memory Lane, ending with TomTom. Lisa thanks everyone for their support, and says, that’s a wrap. Let’s f***ing party. Schwartz bartends, and in his interview, he says he feels more at ease than he did 10 years ago. We flash back to him having a panic attack, and he asks Lisa how she’s feeling about closing the restaurant. She says she has mixed emotions, but if it’s not carrying its own weight, it will be a drain. Schwartz says, Sandoval tainted their Schwartz & Sandy’s brand. Their partners said, if he comes in, they’ll close the doors. He’s not welcome. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he didn’t expect Sandoval to fully check out. He could have at least come up with ideas on how to weather this storm. Lisa says she thinks it’s time for Schwartz to reevaluate things, and in her interview, she says she thinks it’s unfair to blame Sandoval totally for the failings of the business. She tells Schwartz to tell Sandoval how he feels.

Scheana goes to the recording studio and says she’s going to be DJing with Ariana and Katie on Emo Night. In Scheana’s interview, she says, it’s a huge event. They listen to emo music and if you’re sad AF, you’re supposed to be because it’s Emo Night. But you’re sad in a happy place. She wants to do Good As Gold as an emo screamo cover, and in Brock’s interview, he says he loves this version of his wife. In her interview, Scheana says, in 2019, after the negativity about her One More Time song and video, she threw in the towel and moved on. But everyone loves a good reunion tour, so guess what bitches? I’m back. I actually have Good As Gold on one of my playlists, but I forgot all about One More Time. Apparently, it was forgettable. She tells Brock that the next thing she and her therapist are working on in exposure work is having someone else watch Summer Moon. In her interview, she says she was diagnosed with post-partum OCD, which magnified her worst fears. It took her almost a year to do anything alone with her daughter. She tells Brock that she’s known Tori since she was 16 and trusts her, and Brock says he’ll take anyone she wants.

Sandoval meets Schwartz at a place they don’t own, and Sandoval drinks a non-alcoholic beer. In his interview, Sandoval says, the catalyst in him getting sober was that he knew Raquel couldn’t drink where she was. He wanted to do it with her. They make small talk for a hot minute, and Sandoval says he knows he caused collateral damage. He can feel Schwartz is angry with him, but he had to tour because Ariana didn’t pay bills for 8 months. In Sandoval’s interview, he says he’s pretty much been paying for everything, and it’s like pulling teeth to get Ariana to pay him back. He says, Schwartz hurt his feelings, saying he was living his rock star dreams. Schwartz says he was dealing with Sandoval’s sh*tshow at the bar. Had he been in Sandoval’s position, he would have at least been pitching solutions. Sandoval tries to spin it six different ways, but Schwartz says, all he should be saying is that he’s sorry. Sandoval says he understands he f***ed up and he’s sorry. He wants to move on. Scwartz says, he’s going get there, and Sandoval asks if Scwartz is sticking with him. Schwartz says he’s doing what’s best for himself. I don’t want to say I like this new Schwartz, but I’ll go with disliking him less.

Tori comes over to Scheana and Brock’s, and Scheana’s mom says she’ll be there with Tori, but she has a torn rotator cuff and can’t be doing any heavy lifting. In Scheana’s interview, she says she absolutely trusts Tori. She’s hoping her OCD brain can take a nap tonight. Brock decides to be an agitator, not seeming to grasp Scheana’s issue, and wanting it to be done with; and this frustrates Scheana even more than she is already. In Brock’s interview, he says, before Summer was born, he and Scheana were a juggernaut of getting things done. Now simple tasks are overwhelming for her, and they get nothing done. Scheana’s mom tells Brock that he needs to validate his wife’s feelings, and in her interview, Scheana says she’s hoping to get to a place where she’s not afraid to do things alone with her daughter, and not worried about something bad happening. She wants to live in the moment without thinking it might be the last moment. Her mom says she’s proud of Scheana putting in the work.

Schwartz visits James and Ally, admiring their new house. In Schwartz’s interview, he says, it’s hard not to feel the sting of losing his dream home. In Ally’s interview, she says she started an astrology business. She did Schwartz’s birth chart. She feels like he could use a little direction. She tells him that it’s the most Libra chart she’s ever seen. He’s a peacekeeper. Sandoval texts James about the birthday party, and James says, if Sandoval comes at him, he’s egging the place when he leaves.

Poor Ann has to decorate too, and Sandoval says, it’s giving him baby shower vibes. He likes it. On the way there, Ally says, it’s not too late to not do this, but James says, he’s not mending things with Sandoval. He feels he needs an apology and Sandoval needs to mean it and show he’s a friend. Ally decides to wait in the car, and in her interview, she says she doesn’t have a relationship with Sandoval, but she does care about Ariana. She doesn’t see the point in forcing a relationship with him.  Meanwhile, Katie, Ariana, Lala, Scheana, and Brock go to Emo Night.

In James’s interview, he says, the party is like a who’s who. Like, who the f*** are you people? Sandoval used to be the coolest guy. Now look. A guy named Brett comes up to James and says he has a question about the friend group situation, and James wonders, who the f*** is this guy? He tells Brett that he came to talk to Sandoval, and he and Sandoval step away from the crowd. James says, he feels like a big brother got lost. He was waiting for a text that never came. Sandoval makes time excuses, but James says he’s seen him on Instagram. Sandoval says, sorry he didn’t reach out, and James says, it’s the ultimate betrayal. Sandoval asks why he’s so angry when James hooked up with Kristen. James says, that was 10 years ago, but Sandoval insists it wasn’t. We flash back, and yep, it was. James says, Sandoval is embarrassing, and walks out. In James’s interview, he says, Sandoval is bringing up the past when he’s looking for an apology. He was made to seem crazy when Sandoval was getting his d*ck wet. He pees on the bushes outside, and from the car, Ally says, those are Ariana’s bushes too.

I watched the later airing and there was no preview.

🥃 I keep trying to watch Southern Hospitality, the poor man’s Vanderpump Rules. Or Summer House in a restaurant, if you will. But the more I watch it, the less I care about it. I checked for recaps to include here, but none were posted yet. They’re probably staring at their screens, wondering how to write about this drivel.

🧀 Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Cheese…

Join me tomorrow for soap and RHOBH – for real this time. Until then, stay safe, stay not deciding on your order at the counter, and stay remembering that sometimes it’s good to know when to walk away.

August 23, 2023 – And the Mystery Boss Is, Shannon Blows Things Out Of Proportion & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna goes to Pozzulo’s and Sonny asks how she’s holding up. She apologizes for just wearing jeans, and says she had to get some clothes. He says, she could wear a burlap sack, and she’d still look great. She thanks him, and he asks if she’s hungry, because he’s been cooking in the kitchen. She asks what he’s making, and he says, a very special lunch.

Sasha rocks back and forth on her bed, when Janice comes in and asks if she’s up for a visitor. Sasha says, no, no, no, and Gladys comes in and asks, what’s wrong with her? Janice tells her, Dr. Montague said she’s going through withdrawal, and Gladys says, from what? Drugs? That doesn’t make any sense. Hasn’t she gone through withdrawal already? Janice says, unfortunately, Dr. Montague said she’s been using in Ferncliff. She must have found someone to bring her drugs. Gladys says, who? How? She’s not allowed any visitors. She’s the only one who gets to see Sasha. Janice says, the medical staff gets to see her, and so does the custodial staff. Gladys would be surprised what an addict will do in order to get what they want.

Selina sees Marshall sipping a drink at a table near the pool, and says, so nice to see him again. They’re blessed with a beautiful day. Is he here for a swim? He says he’s waiting on his sister-in-law, and Selina says, since she hasn’t arrived yet, this is a great opportunity for them to revisit her offer to purchase The Savoy.

Deanna hugs Stella and says, it’s so great having her back working here. Stella says, as long as her family needs her – and Lord, do they ever – she’s sticking around Port Charles. She might as well keep busy and earn some extra money while she’s at it.

Ava arrives at the gallery, which has loads of bird paintings on the walls (this figures in later), and goes through the stuff on her desk. She hears something and picks up a three-hole hole puncher (which is pretty hefty). She stands by the door waiting, when Trina comes in. Ava says, Trina scared her, and Trina says she’s so sorry. What is Ava doing here? How’s Avery? Is she okay? Ava asks, what’s wrong with Avery?

Carly wonders what Austin is doing at Pentenville, and Drew says, he has his doctor bag with him. Maybe he’s seeing a patient or doing some kind of community service or something. She says she never liked that guy. He manipulated Chase into spying on the Quartermaines. Drew says he remembers that, and she says she can’t figure out what his deal is. (That’s okay. Neither can the rest of us.) There’s something about him that she doesn’t trust.

The guard tells Austin, there’s his patient, and Cyrus gets up. He says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt, it’s so nice to see you again, and it’s good to know someone still makes house calls. Austin says, how about if they just get this over with?

Trina tells Ava that Josslyn said Avery was sick; she has a cold. She thinks the new nanny told Josslyn that. Joss is not a fan of hers. Ava says she thinks they might have made a mistake letting Pilar go. She did make a mistake, that’s true, but Avery likes her so much and was so comfortable with her. Just because someone has a spotless reputation as a nanny doesn’t mean that person is the right person to take care of your child. Trina asks if she’s talking about Pilar or Betty, and Ava says she thinks she and Sonny should give Pilar another chance. But enough about that. How is Trina? How’s her summer? How’s Spencer? Trina says she wouldn’t know. Ava would have to ask Esme.

Carly tells Drew that she’s sure Austin has a very good reason for being at Pentenville, and she’s not wasting any more time speculating about it. He says he likes the sound of that, and she says she wants to focus on him. He told her that he saved Cyrus’s life, and that means every inmate in here thinks Drew is his ally. A guard brings Dex in and seats him at a table, and Carly asks if it doesn’t put Drew in even more danger. He says, that’s the way life works in prison. You can’t stay neutral. Like it or not, everybody in here – everybody – is allied with somebody else. Book walks in, and Carly says, Drew didn’t answer her question. Does that mean Cyrus’s enemies will now be targeting him? Book sits down with Dex.

Austin listens to Cyrus’s heart and says, he’s a lucky man. Cyrus says, yes, he knows. The good Lord chose to keep him on this earth a while longer so he can continue doing His work. Austin says, no. Cyrus is a lucky man because he had a heart attack in front of a trained Navy SEAL who knew enough to keep him alive until the medical professionals could arrive. He was lucky Drew Cain was there to intervene. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be alive. Cyrus says he’s thankful God chose to put Drew in his path that day. That whole experience was enlightening in so many ways. Austin says he’s sure. And if that helps Cyrus sleep at night, he’s happy for him. Austin is a fan of science, and this is medicine. He holds up a pill bottle and says, this is for Cyrus’s heart. It’ll unclog his arteries. He’s to take it once a day with baby aspirin. Cyrus says, really, doc, that’s it? No lollipop?

Anna says, this is so delicious. Who taught Sonny to cook? He says he taught himself. Cooking relaxes him. Anna says she rarely cooks. She’s learned to like it a bit more, but she can’t remember the last time she spent a significant amount of time in her kitchen. He says he’s sorry her house burned down, and she says she thinks it’s hitting her harder than she thought it would. He says, it’s her home; she’s going to be hurt. She says she hasn’t been there that long. The stuff inside, it’s just things, like furniture and clothes. She has to remind herself that no one was hurt. Like, what if Robin and the kids had been visiting or Charlotte was home? That’s the stuff she keeps running around in her head. He says, the important thing is nobody was hurt, that’s true, but it’s her home. She picked out the furniture, her clothes… She felt safe, and someone deliberately destroyed that. They wanted to take what she valued and leave her with nothing. She says, yeah. Whoever is out there trying to ruin her life, they’re doing a pretty good job.

Stella sits next to a young woman and introduces herself. She says she was told the woman’s mother was brought in with a lung issue and was put on a ventilator. She knows that must be very scary for her. Felicia walks in and watches from a distance. Stella asks if there’s anyone she can call to be with the woman; dad, grandparents, a sibling? The woman says, it’s just her and her mom. Her mom can’t talk and she doesn’t know what the doctors are saying to her. Stella says, that’s where she comes in. Her job is to help the woman understand all the medical jargon so she knows exactly what’s going on with her mom. Okay? The woman nods, and Stella asks her name. She says, Joanie, and Stella says, good name. She’s got a friend back home named Joanie. And her mother’s name? Deanna tells Felicia, she’s pretty amazing, isn’t she? and Felicia says, she knows exactly what to say. Deanna says, they see it here all the time. Stella is hands down the best patient advocate they have. If anything ever happened to her, she’d want Stella in her corner.

Selina sits down, and Marshall says he didn’t ask her to join him. She says she finds it so much more civilized to discuss business in comfort, but he says, they have no business to discuss. He thought he told her, The Savoy’s not for sale. She says, yes, but that conversation happened in front of his son, who has suffered a devastating injury. She can understand Marshall not wanting to discuss taking anything else away from him, but they’re alone now. It’s time for him to face reality. Either sell the club to her, or simply put, The Savoy will go under.

Gladys asks if Sasha knows who she is, and Sasha says, Gladys. She doesn’t understand. Why is this happening? Gladys asks, why is what happening? and Sasha says, everything hurts. Is Brando coming? Gladys says, we lost Brando. He’s not coming. Sasha says, no, no, no. She needs him. She needs Brando. Everything hurts. Dr. Montague comes in, and Gladys asks what he’s done to her daughter-in-law.

Sonny asks if there are any leads on who burned down Anna’s house, and she says she was with Dante this morning at the PCPD, but nothing. He says he’s asked around, but he hasn’t heard anything. He’s trying to figure out if the shooting at the pool was meant for her or him, but if she was the target, does she think there’s a connection between the fire and the shooting? She says she doesn’t know. She’s not sure what’s more upsetting; the thought that there’s an individual out there laser focused on ruining her life, or that there are multiple people out there after them. He says he’d still like to offer her protection, and she thanks him. She says, Dante offered her that this morning too, but she’ll tell Sonny what she told him. Thank you, but no. He says, Dante’s a cop. It makes sense for him to guard her, but if she doesn’t want the cops to track her… He’s just a friend who’s worried about her safety.

Book asks what Dex wants, and Dex says he works for Sonny Corinthos. He sent him with a message for Book. Book asks, what’s that?

Carly says, Drew shouldn’t have to take on Cyrus’s enemies. She can only imagine that’s one helluva list. He says he can’t undo what’s already happened. Like it or not, he set something in motion when he stepped in to help Cyrus. There’s no way to stop it. She says, that’s where he’s wrong, and he asks, why? What is she thinking? She says she’s thinking they can avoid all this by focusing on getting him out of here.

Cyrus takes the top off the bottle and says he’s glad it’s not a childproof cap. Austin says, again, lucky you, and Cyrus looks on the underside of the cap, seeing the flashdrive, and says, ah. God certainly works in mysterious ways. He puts the cap back on, and Austin says, all right. He’s done everything Cyrus has asked him to do, and it’s Cyrus’s turn to repay the favor. Do unto others, right? That’s the basics for his newfound faith, right? Because he’s done. He’s done cleaning up Cyrus’s messes, he’s done cleaning up Mason’s messes, he’s done risking the integrity of General Hospital, and putting innocent people at risk. He’s done. He’s more than paid off his debt. He wants out. Cyrus says, does he now?

Ava says, it can’t be easy watching Spencer and Esme play house with Spencer’s little brother, and Trina says, yeah. She doesn’t blame Spencer. If she had a little brother whose mother was Esme, she wouldn’t take her eyes off him. Ava says she understands Spencer’s impulse; he’s worried about Ace. Spencer approaches the gallery entrance, and Trina says she gets that. Family is too important to take for granted. She sees that with her mom and everything that’s going on with Curtis… She means, her dad. So she doesn’t blame Spencer for standing by his little brother; that’s what family does.

Stella says she has some answers for Joanie. She spoke with Dr. Burns, and he said he put her mother on a ventilator because her lung collapsed, and he also thinks there might be possible infection. So he’s ordered some other tests to figure out why her lung collapsed in the first place  and what could be causing the potential infection. And he may need to put a stent in her lung to help her breathe better. It’s a serious situation, but it is far from being fatal, and Dr. Burns expects her mom to make a full recovery. Joanie starts to cry, and says, really? She hugs Stella and thanks her. Felicia watches and smiles.

Gladys says she wants Sasha out of this place today, but Montague says, take a look at her daughter-in-law. She’s in no shape to be released; she’s a mess. Gladys says, because of him. He put her in this nuthouse and he can get her out. He says, so she can go straight to prison? She says, all of this is too much and she wants it to stop, and he says, anything she wants… after she pays him for all his trouble. He’d say fifty thousand will do the trick.

Spencer comes into the gallery and says, this new showing is amazing. He always said Ava’s gallery is for the birds. (BA-DUM-CHH!) Trina says, funny, hugging him, and he asks if it’s somebody he’s familiar with, but Ava says, no. It’s a very talented up and comer she happens to have great faith in. Trina can tell him all about it. She’s going to go take care of what she and Trina discussed earlier. She leaves, and Spencer asks Trina to tell him about this new showing. It sounds very cool, very exciting. She says, he hasn’t seen her in forever, and he really wants to talk about the new art exhibit when they have much better things to do? He says, like what? and she says, like this, kissing him.

A nurse comes out and says, Joanie’s mom is asking for her. Stella says she told Joanie that her mom is going to be okay, and Joanie thanks her for everything. They hug, and Stella says she’s so welcome. Now go see her mom, and if she needs anything after, Stella will be right here. Joanie leaves with the nurse, and Felicia approaches Stella. She says, they’ve never met before, but she’s Felicia Scorpio. Stella asks what she can help Felicia with, and Felicia says she was observing Stella with that young girl. The way Stella comforted her was really remarkable. Stella thanks her, but says she was just doing her job. Felicia says, which is what exactly? and Stella says, a social worker. Here at GH, she’s a patient advocate. She helps patients and families of patients navigate their way through the healthcare system. It can be very daunting for the average person. Felicia says, it must be very rewarding to help people, and Stella says, it’s a very rewarding job, but you also have to remember, not every patient gets better. There are some rough days too.

Marshall says, if his son doesn’t sell her the club, Selina is going to run The Savoy out of business? but Selina says she’s sorry. Allow her to clarify. She’s just stating the truth. Curtis isn’t capable physically of running The Savoy right now and Marshall isn’t qualified to run the hippest club in town. (Ouch.) He doesn’t have the connections, or know the ins and outs to keep it going. He says he’ll tell her what he does know. He knows she’s running an illegal poker game in the back room, and in his first act as manager, her poker game is done. Her being welcomed at the club anymore is done. And whatever she’s got on Curtis and whatever arrangement she has with Curtis is done. She ain’t got nothing on him. She says, he’s lived long enough to know how life works. Everyone has something that can be used against them. It’s just a matter of her finding out what his is.

Personal note. Selina would have nothin’ on me either. I’ve always been an open book just in case I get famous, so the tabloids would have nothing on me. Whatever it is, I’ve already outed myself.  

Gladys says, fifty thousand dollars? She doesn’t have that kind of money. Montague says, but Sasha does, and Gladys is in charge of her finances. So she does have that kind of money. She says, it’s not like it’s liquid. It’s not like it’s sitting in some account somewhere. She has to sell stock, and she’s already in debt to Selina Wu. (Didn’t he pay that off for her? Isn’t that how we got here in the first place?) He says, then if he were her, he’d find a way to figure it out, because Sasha isn’t leaving Ferncliff until he gets paid.

Anna says she really appreciates Sonny’s friendship. It’s nice. It feels… well, it comes with amazing food. He laughs, and she says, now that she’s not in law enforcement, it’s a lot less complicated too. He says, so she agrees to have his guys watch her, but she says, no. She doesn’t want his people following her, because she treasures her privacy… and her autonomy. He says he could still have his guys follow her, and she tells him, think about that for a second. How does that work? If she has strangers trailing her, she’s not going to know if they’re his guys following her or the bad guys, so he can see how that would be confusing. He says, all right. He won’t pressure her. He just wants her to know he’s here, he’s available, and he has a lot of resources if she needs them. She says she knows he means it. She also knows he has challenges of his own. He says he can handle that, and asks if she wants more parmesan. She says, that remedies everything, and he sprinkles some on her pasta.

Dex tells Book, Mr. Corinthos wants Drew Cain to be left alone. Don’t mess with him. Don’t approach him. Nothing.

Drew tells Carly that he pled guilty. He accepted the verdict. There’s no way to get out of that. Carly says she disagrees. The sentence the judge imposed on him was unfair and wrong, and it wasn’t what he agreed to with the DA. (Talk to Roman Polanski about that one.) There has to be a way to appeal it, get it overturned, and get him the hell out of here.

Cyrus says, Austin wants out. Just like that. Austin says, just like that. He’s hopeful Cyrus is going to be open to the idea because they go way back, don’t they? When he was a kid, when Cyrus showed up at the house, it was like Christmas morning. It’s the only time in his childhood that he can remember his mom stopped crying. It was great. For her, it was like it was her birthday or something, every single time. And it was so good for him, a relief. For those little chunks of time, he didn’t have to be her perfect little man. And he’s so grateful. He really is. He thanks Cyrus, and thanks him for paying for his education. He thanks Cyrus for checking on him all of those years. He’s grateful, but that’s enough. It’s enough. Because now it’s just all the downside. Little by little, Cyrus roped him into this world he doesn’t belong in. Whatever gratitude that was between them, Cyrus manipulated it. Any love that might have been between them, Cyrus twisted it. He’s exploited Austin’s skills as a doctor and used him. Cyrus has coerced him and forced him to do things he didn’t even think a person could ever do. He didn’t know he was capable of that. He looked Ava Jerome right in the eyes and lied to her, a beautiful woman. He told her that her husband was dead. Who does that? He’s done. Ava deserves to know the truth. She deserves to know Nikolas is alive and he’s the reason. He saved Nikolas’s life.

Spencer tells Trina that he doesn’t want Ace to suffer the same fate he did. He knows that’s far from ideal with him living at his grandmother’s house with Esme and Ace, while she’s off looking for his father. His hope is that his living situation improves once his grandmother and Doc get back. He knows his family situation is really complicated. He wishes it was something simple like Trina has. She says, had. With Curtis being shot and paralyzed, her life is far from being ideal. Spencer asks how he’s doing, and she says, it’s hard seeing him like that. And her mom too, because she wants to help him so badly. He keeps shutting her mom out, and the worst part is, there’s nothing she can do to make it better. She just feels like… He pulls her close and holds her.

Carly says, Drew’s sentence was harsh and arbitrary, and there has to be a judge out there who will at least review it. Diane is the perfect person to find that judge and plead Drew’s case. Drew says he hates being in here; he hates it. He hates being away from her and Scout, but he has to do the time. She says, no he doesn’t, if there’s a chance they can get him to overturn… He says, just hoping for an early release is its own form of torture.

Book tells Dex that he wasn’t going after Drew. He was going after Cyrus and Drew got in the middle. Otherwise, he would have left Drew alone. Dex says, Mr. Corinthos doesn’t want any explanations or excuses. He wants full compliance. So even if Drew spends all day every day with Cyrus Renault, that’s his business. Book doesn’t go anywhere near him.

Austin tells Cyrus, this thing he did with Nikolas is the last thing he does. Where are they at now? Cyrus smiles, and Austin says, that’s it? He’s got nothing to say? Cyrus says, go in peace, and sits down. Austin gets his bag and asks what Cyrus is planning to do with the information he just gave to him. Cyrus says he’ll do what he should have been doing all along. God’s work. Austin gives him a puzzled look, and leaves. Cyrus looks at the bottle and smiles.

Gladys runs into Selina at the pool, and says she was hoping to find Selina here. Selina says, that must mean Gladys has her next payment, and Gladys says, about that. There’s a little problem getting the money together. Some kind of hold was put on Sasha’s Deception, but don’t worry. She’ll do everything she can to clear it up quick. Selina says she’s not here to listen to Gladys’s problems. She wants her money.

Jordan and Anna sit at a poolside table, and Jordan says she’s worried about Anna. It’s unfortunate she can’t head up the investigation into the fire, since she accepted this new role as Deputy Mayor, but she needs Anna to know, she’s monitoring Anna’s case. Anna thanks her, and says she appreciates what everyone is doing, but it’s strange there aren’t any leads. She finds that quite interesting. Jordan asks if she thinks the arson could be connected to the shooting here that injured Curtis.

Stella tells Marshall that she’s so sorry to keep him waiting, but he says, no need to apologize. What she’s doing at GH is important. She says she couldn’t agree with him more, and she thinks she might have recruited someone new to join her department.

Spencer tells Trina that he wouldn’t count Curtis out just yet. It’s really hard for him to imagine someone as active and vital as Curtis facing life in a wheelchair. Does she remember what kind of badass he was in Greenland? He was amazing. Spencer thinks she really needs to trust that Curtis will figure this out. And as soon as he gets his thoughts together, Curtis is going to do the right thing by her mom. She says she just wishes she could do something, but he says, she can’t put that on herself. He thinks ultimately, she needs to remember that this is something between her mom Curtis, and even though he views her as Superwoman, this is one battle her mom is going to need to fight on her own. And what’s more, her mom is one hell of a doctor. She’s not going to let Curtis get anything but the very best care he could possibly have, no matter what he says. The most important thing Trina can do, is stand by her parents. Because that’s what family does.

At Pozullo’s, Ava says she did just what Sonny asked her to do. She went to Austin and asked if Betty found any information on Sonny and Pikeman. Sonny asks what he said, and Ava tells him that Austin assured her they have everything they need. And that as soon as the information is given to their boss, they’ll get Nikolas’s body back, and this will all be over. He asks if she thinks Austin believes that. Does she think Mason and the mystery boss are just going to hand Nikolas’s body over to them, and lose whatever leverage they have?

Dex says, Book wants to stay on Mr. Corinthos’s good side. Not only is he going to avoid any trouble with Drew, he’s going to help Drew out if he gets into trouble with anyone else. Book says, got it. But for the record, Drew is pretty good at taking care of himself.

Carly says, this is Drew’s life, and she’s going to fight for him. If there’s the slightest chance they can get him out of here, they’re going to take it.

Montague tells Sasha that he does have sympathy for her. She’s so confused. She looks around and says, wait. Gladys was just here… Wasn’t she? He says, yes, she was, and Sasha asks if she’s still here. He says, no, she had to go, and Sasha asks, where’d she go? He says, Gladys went to save her, and for Sasha’s sake, she’d better hope Gladys comes through.

Gladys says, please. She’s good for the money. Selina knows that. Selina says, does she really? and Gladys says, in the past, she’s always made her payments on time. This is just a little problem with the Deception stock. Selina tells her that she already said that, and Gladys says, so Selina gets it. She just needs a little more time. Selina says, time is what Gladys doesn’t have, because she’s shutting down the poker game. Gladys says, what? Why? Selina says she doesn’t have to explain anything to Gladys. But when she closes down the poker game, she’ll also be closing down the books on it. No more extensions. No more credit. Payment in full.

Anna tells Jordan that she doesn’t have any evidence to back up her theory, but her instinct tells her the shooting here isn’t related to the arson at all. Jordan says she really wishes they had something on the shooting; any lead, even a small one. Curtis is really going through it at the rehab facility. Even though they’re fairly certain Curtis wasn’t the intended target, it would sure help him to know who was responsible for leaving him paralyzed and unable to walk.

Stella tells Marshall, someone saw her in action today at GH, and she asked Stella about her job, particularly the patient advocacy part. And she got a chance to tell her how wonderful the job could be and how it really gives you a sense of giving back to the community. Marshall asks if she really thinks she’s getting a new colleague, and Stella says, she certainly seemed receptive to the idea. He says he’s not surprised with Stella promoting it. Nothing gets in the way of her – nudge, nudge – getting her point across. She says, he can poke fun of her all he wants, but he’s not going to spoil her good mood. She believes she changed somebody’s life today. He raises his glass to her.

Felicia sits on a bench at the hospital. She smiles at Deanna, then begins to fill out a Patient Advocate Program form.

Spencer asks if that’s a smile he sees. Did he just succeed in cheering up Trina Robinson? Trina says, more like, he stopped the pity party. Because how is she going to help anyone if she’s feeling sorry for herself? So she’s going to take a deep breath – they take one together – and she’s going to promise to be there for her mom and Curtis, whatever they need from her. He says, that sounds more like the fearless person he knows she is, and she thanks him for reminding her that family is all that matters. Speaking of family, how is his little family with Esme? He laughs, and asks what she means. She says, when Laura and Doc get back, are they all going to still live together?

Ava tells Sonny, honestly, she doesn’t know from one day to the next if Austin is being sincere with her or if he’s manipulating her. The night that Nikolas died though, she would have sworn he wanted to help her. Sonny says, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what Austin believes. It’s Nikolas’s body that’s the ultimate leverage over her. They’re not going to get it back unless they find out who Austin and Mason are working for. She says, right. So let’s say his plan works, and the phony information Brick planted on the computer for Betty to find does lead Sonny to their boss. Then what? He slams his hand on the table and says he’ll deal with them.

Carly says, Diane is the best for Drew’s case. It’s her area of expertise. He says, okay. Let Diane explore their options. Carly says, Diane is going to get him out of here, but he tells her not to get her hopes up. The odds are, he’s going to have to serve the full three years. She says she doesn’t believe that, and whatever happens, she’s with him.

Dex tells Book that he’ll be back for another visit soon. He’s going to be monitoring Book closely to make sure he’s following Mr. Corinthos’s orders. Carly sees Austin leaving, and so does Dex. She and Dex lock eyes.

Tomorrow, Brook asks, what’s the emergency; Lucy tells Maxie, someone is out to bring them down with malicious intent; Cody tells Mac to take him in; and Sonny asks about Carly’s visit to Pentenville.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Shannon tells John that she felt ambushed and Emily betrayed her. John says, they need to STFU, and tells her to be careful who she trusts. As usual, Shannon blows things out of proportion. I think everyone should just ignore her relationship. Emily is going to an event for the California Innocence Project, but plans on getting back for Shannon’s taco fiesta or whatever. I’m with Emily when she says there are a lot of flaws in the legal system. In many of these cases, it’s so obvious they’re innocent. Fancy Pants tells Gina that her day was a clusterf***. She doesn’t think she’s making Shannon’s taco thing, and Gina says she doesn’t think Shannon wants her (Gina) there. In Gina’s interview, she says she’s joining Emily rather than having tacos thrown at her and being screamed at. Fancy Pants meets with Shannon and says she’s sorry Shannon is upset. She doesn’t like people saying she’s spreading info about Shannon’s relationship. She’s never initiated a conversation about it ever and isn’t spreading anything. As usual, Shannon blows everything out of proportion. In Shannon’s interview, she says she wants to think people have good intentions, but they don’t. Fancy Pants says Shannon doesn’t seem to remember who she tells what, and in Gina’s interview, she says, Shannon drinks the truth serum and it brings out the truth. In Emily’s interview, she suggests Shannon get a breathalyzer for her phone. Shannon whines that John wants privacy, and Fancy Pants suggests she not talk so much to so many people. In her interview, Fancy Pants says that Shannon has told several of them that John likes the limelight. As usual… you know the rest. Shannon abruptly ends her conversation with Fancy Pants and walks away.

There was a bunch of family stuff and fostering kittens with Jenn. Her son Dominic is adopted and came to them at 11 months, and in Jenn’s interview, she says, even though she worries about all her kids, she’s more protective of Dominic. She talks to Dominic about his birth mother, and I have to note that all her kids seem very well-adjusted. Run, Jenn, run!  

Fancy Pants signed escrow papers for the penthouse she and Terry negotiated on for 9 months, and it looks like they’re selling the house for $55 million. Fancy Pants says, it’s like having a baby. Shannon takes the news of Fancy Pants canceling calmly, and says, more tequila for her. As Shannon gets the house ready for her fiesta, Emily calls and says, it’s important they have sit-down. She cares about their friendship. Shannon says, Emily is talking to everybody else about her relationship, but Emily says, Shannon shares her relationship BS off-camera, then doesn’t take accountability for what she says. She’s two different people. Shannon makes excuses, and Emily says she’s not doing this on FaceTime, and she’s not doing it tonight. Have fun at her party. Shannon is still talking as Emily hangs up. In Emily’s interview, she says, the purpose of her call was to tell Shannon that she was going to be late, but forget it, she’s not going at all. And tacos are her favorite food, so you know she’s pissed. She tells production that she’s sick of Shannon’s BS. As usual, Shannon blows everything out of proportion, and whines to production that John’s kid doesn’t like her. She can’t say that on camera. It’s on camera? They can’t put that on camera.

We revisit the story of Terrill, a man who served time for a murder he was innocent of when he was a kid. Emily had met him early on through the Innocence Project, and Gina tells Emily that she’s a great friend and person. She’s pissed at Shannon badmouthing Emily, but thinks Shannon is in a bad spot. They meet with some of the exonerees before the gala, and one woman had been in prison for 28 years and on death row before the girl who committed the crime confessed. In Gina’s interview, she says she was in jail for less than 24 hours, and it was enough for her. Terrill is there with his little daughter, and says, he can’t get his time back, but can help another young person. Emily says he could be pissed off, but he’s kind and radiates light and positivity. In her interview, she says, when do work that’s bigger than you, it puts things in perspective. It makes you realize the things that are trivial and that you have no reason to complain. At the gala, the head guy makes a short speech, and Emily is introduced. She tells them that tonight is about money and make sure they donate. It’s also about the exonerees, and she encourages the guests to take the time to meet them and hear their stories.

In contrast, Shannon wails that six people aren’t coming. She bought 16 of everything and it was expensive. As usual, she blows things out of proportion, and in her interview, she says, it’s the worst case scenario. I guess it doesn’t occur to her that she could have no one showing up. In Tamra’s interview, she says, Shannon called her up, hysterical and crying, and telling her six people weren’t coming. She feels bad, but if you have a fight with them the night before, probably. Taylor and her husband, Jenn and Ryan, and Tamra and Eddie arrive. Shannon bitches to everyone, Señor Noodles mans the grill, and they swill tequila. Should Eddie be drinking like that?

Shannon says she’s grateful for those here. She had a tough day, but she’s with people she cares about and who care about her. Eddie says, they’re glad to be here to celebrate Shannon and John’s relationship. John says, it’s not perfect, and Eddie says, nobody’s is. In Tamra’s interview, she says, when she sees Shannon and John together, things seem good, but she doesn’t believe it. She doesn’t know if they’ll get married, but her gut tells her no, and her gut is always right. Señor Noodles says, the steaks are high, and no that’s not a typo; he holds the steaks aloft on his knife. Jenn says, it sucks to have your relationship scrutinized and to have being honest thrown back in your face. It’s not right. In Jenn’s interview, she says, no one deserves that treatment, but if you’re hiding something, this is not the group to hide info from. The food looks absolutely amazing, and Taylor says, she’s new to the friend group, so she wonders who can be trusted. Tamra tells her to look at who’s sitting at the table and who isn’t. Which could be taken two different ways. Jenn tells Shannon that Gina felt Shannon was poking around in her relationship, and we flash back to that to Gina saying, Shannon talks about her relationship, but God forbid Shannon’s relationship is talked about. Shannon says, if she’d been crying to John about David for years, he’d say get TF out. She tried to be nice to Gina and help her with her DUI a million years ago. We flash back to that, and Shannon says, Gina’s children would have gone to CPS if she hadn’t intervened. In Jenn’s interview, she says, this is not table conversation. You don’t talk about a mom, her kids, and CPS. If she was Gina, she’d be pissed. Tamra suggests they just move on, and Señor Noodles says, they need a tequila shot. He brings out a super soaker filled with tequila, and after Taylor nearly chokes on it (the tequila, not the water gun), somehow Tamra gets ahold of it. She chases Taylor around, but gets Shannon instead, then throws it in the water, saying, bad gun.

I know I don’t have to tell you how very extra and fabulous the penthouse is. I was too mesmerized to gather many details, but it’s over five thousand square feet, which is bigger than my 4-bedroom house. Roberto Cavalli did a lot of the furniture, which was included. All this for only $14 million. In her interview, Fancy Pants says, the finishes are perfection, but she wants to tweak some of the furniture. She and Terry feel like newlyweds. The view is insane, and all I can say about the main closet is, wow! She says, they’re not sharing details about the sale of the house yet. It’s not goodbye to Orange County. She’s just seeing someone else for a moment.

Omg, they’re bottle feeding the kittens. Gina visits Jenn, who asks where she was. Gina says she didn’t want to be responsible for messing up Shannon’s fiesta. It made zero sense to go. Shannon got super defensive, assuming Gina was trashing her relationship. Jenn tells her that Shannon didn’t say that, but she alluded that she helped Gina when she went through a DUI, and Gina’s kids would have gone to CPS if she hadn’t stepped in. Gina says, there were zero scenarios where her kids would have been taken. She and Shannon are going to have a problem. You don’t say things like that if they’re not true. In Gina’s interview, she says, it’s a completely false statement. If that happened when you got a DUI, everybody’s kids in the OC would be locked up. She tells Jenn that Shannon relentlessly brings that up, and we flash back to that. Gina says, the best way for her to have a healthy relationship with Shannon is to set boundaries. Now Shannon’s being crueler. In her interview, Gina says, there isn’t going to be a friendship, but Shannon needs to know she crossed the line. She tells Jenn, you can’t light me on fire and let everybody watch me burn, and Jenn says, Gina needs to sit Shannon’s ass down and say, enough.

Emily meets Shannon for lunch, and in Shannon’s interview, she says she cares about Emily, but she doesn’t think the feeling is mutual. Emily apologizes for what she said during their call, and Shannon says, if Emily is concerned about her, she needs to talk with her instead of talking behind her back. Emily says, they had a conversation about Shannon’s relationship because they were concerned about her, and Shannon says she thinks Emily is exaggerating, which is pretty funny considering that’s Shannon’s M.O. She tells Emily that Fancy Pants is insinuating her relationship is all bad sh*t, and said Emily brought it up; Gina and Tamra brought it up. In Shannon’s interview, she says, Fancy Pants has a history of making things worse than they are, and we flash back to Fancy Pants telling Terry that Shannon is having a psychotic break when she’s really just yelling. Shannon tells Emily that Fancy Pants is calculating and manipulative, but Emily suggests they table Fancy Pants and get back to them. She wants to move past this. She cares about Shannon and wants her to be happy. In Emily’s interview, she says she can’t force someone to be friends or forgive, and in Shannon’s interview, she says she’s grateful for this meeting. She feels good about things, but she’s going to proceed with caution. Emily says she’s sorry for missing Shannon’s taco party, and Shannon says, it was on National Taco Day. It’s the way she says it. Like it makes the offense even worse.

Next time, pumpkin races; Gina confronts Shannon about the CPS remark; Jenn says, the thought of marrying Ryan is scary; Shannon wonders if John is really in the relationship; and Shannon thinks Fancy Pants is insincere.

🏄‍♀️ Living Life Without It…

Come by for soap, what’s on the Runway, and teatime tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay being assertive without being aggressive, and stay not having pity parties. How are you going to help anyone if you’re feeling sorry for yourself?

April 7, 2023 – A Surprise Guest Crashes the Ball, New Life, Bad Cop, Joisey Tawk, Daisy’s Pick, House Spin, VanderChatter, Happy Place, Exactly Eleven Quotes & Sun

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Valentin brings Victor the necklace, and Victor says, finally; that’s more like it. He whips out his jeweler’s loupe and checks it out, saying, to think they could have done this together, father and son. Instead, he’s had to choose another heir to carry on the Cassadine name. Valentin’s betrayal broke his heart, so he thinks it’s only fair he return the favor. He shoots Anna, who slumps to the floor.

The audience applauds the magic act, even though Obrecht disappeared and never came back. Molly says, Georgie and James were so adorable, but where did Obrecht go?

Esme watches the Nurses Ball at Laura’s apartment, bouncing Ace on her knee.

Backstage, Nina asks Maxie where Georgie and James are, and Maxie says, in the dressing room. Georgie is trying to figure out what went wrong, and James keeps insisting magic is real. Nina asks, what happened? Did Aunt Liesl get stuck or something? Maxie says, that’s the mystery. Liesl vanished from the vanishing cabinet.

Bobbie tells the audience not to go anywhere. The next act is the act they’ve all been waiting for, and they don’t want to miss it. The audience applauds, and the bracelet bodyguard asks Sasha where Gladys is. Sasha says, she was here a second ago. Maybe she went to the ladies room? We see Gladys sneaking around backstage, sans bracelet.

Josslyn asks if Trina is still upset that Spencer talked to Dex like that, and Trina says, Josslyn was pretty annoyed with him too. Josslyn says she’s still furious, but she’s not dating him.

Sam says, Spencer is brooding at the bar. Is he just being a Cassadine, or did something actually happen? He says he blew it with Trina – again.

Gladys comes back to the ballroom, and Sasha says, the bodyguard was looking for her. Gladys wonders if a lady can’t powder her nose in peace, when Sasha asks, where’s the bracelet?

Victor leaves with his goons, and Valentin runs to Anna. She tells him to go after Victor.

Gladys says, a bazillion dollar piece of jewelry has just been stolen, but Sasha says, it probably just fell off. Look around. The bodyguard comes back while they’re looking, and asks, what’s wrong? Where’s the bracelet? Gladys says, that’s what she’s trying to tell Sasha; somebody stole it. Sasha says, maybe it’s just missing. Maybe the clasp broke. The bodyguard asks, when was the last time she thought she had it? and Gladys flashes back to putting it in Cody’s tux pocket backstage. She says she doesn’t remember, and just prays they find it soon.

Trina tells Josslyn, it’s not just the way Spencer spoke to Dex. It’s like he went out of his way to pick a fight. Josslyn says, maybe he’s just being an entitled jerk. He’s overcompensating for his own insecurities by lording his imaginary status over those who actually work for a living. Trina says, but he wanted to do better. She really believes that. Spencer was lashing out, and Dex was the nearest target. Something’s going on with him. Josslyn says, like what? and Trina says she doesn’t know, but she’s going to find out. She’s not letting Spencer hide this from her anymore.

Obviously in pain, Anna struggles to breathe. She tells Valentin, if his father gets away, they’ll never find him, but Valentin says he’s got to get her to a hospital. He calls 9-1-1.

Walking into the Haunted Star, Victor tells Watkins, that was nice work with Miss Devane. Watkins provided just enough incentive to get his son to talk. Watkins says, it’s Victor’s new strategy, and Victor says, and an effective one, if he does say so himself. He asks if Watkins has followed up on Holly Sutton, and Watkins says, she’s still listed as a patient in the Swiss burn unit, but she’s not there. She doesn’t have a room, she’s not being treated. There’s no patient there matching her description, so she’s not using an alias. Victor says, all the more proof that fire was a ruse. Miss Sutton has been looking for her son when she should have been recovering. Watkins asks if Victor wants them to move him, and Victor says, in a manner of speaking. It’s time to offload Ethan Lovett… at a profit. Victor’s phone rings, and he says, when it rains… taking it out of his pocket. He asks if they’ve found Lucy Coe… He wants her home, the PCPD, and the MetroCourt under constant surveillance. That’s probably where she’s going to run to. She’s one of their remaining loose ends – he messes with the necklace as he talks – he needs to have tied up, now that he has everything he wants.

Gladys wonders who would steal the bracelet, and at a charity even no less, but Sasha suggests Gladys retrace her steps. Did she leave the ballroom, other than going to the bathroom? Gladys says, she’s been here the whole… wait… she went backstage to tell Maxie what a great job she’s doing. The bodyguard asks if she talked to anyone else when she went backstage, and Gladys says, now that he mentions it, she did see Cody Bell.

From the stage, Maxie asks for everyone’s attention. They have another anniversary to celebrate. Ten years ago today, at the 2013 Nurses Ball, there was a performance that not only brought down the house, it set this place on fire. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen them, but they are now back. She’s so happy to introduce The Magic Wands. The Magic Wands, including Milo, and is that Yuri? dance to Devil in Disguise, going out into the audience and back, and ending with showing the audience Nurses Ball 2023 on their behinds. The dancing is pretty good, with some unknown dudes doing a lot of flips and old school break dancing.

Backstage, Maxie tells Milo, once again, he blew the room away. He says, the guys were really good, but she says, every football team needs a quarterback, and every heart-stopping, jaw dropping all male review needs a centerpiece, and that’s obviously him. Some little girl runs through, nearly colliding with them, and Milo says, break a leg. She looks at him, and he says, that means good luck. She gives him a thumbs up. I can see no conceivable reason for this scene, so I’m wondering, who is this kid related to? Maxie says, her performance is going to be darling, which reminds her, she has to tend to the performers. She thanks Milo for coming, and he thanks her for having him. He leaves, and she says, now if she could only find Liesl. Nina walks in, and Maxie asks if she’s seen Liesl. Nina says, no, and this is ridiculous. She knows she has a bone marrow harvest tomorrow.

Laura comes home, and asks if the Nurses Ball is still on. Is Esme enjoying the show? Esme says, there’s certainly a lot of local talent on display. She asks if it happens every year, and Laura says, almost. She loves how their community comes together to raise money for a good cause. Esme says, it certainly seems like everybody… yes, and Laura says, Ace looks a little bit tired. She reaches for him, and Esme says, don’t touch him.

Sonny comes backstage, and Nina tells him that they can’t find Obrecht. Maxie says, they questioned Georgie, James, the stage managers, but everybody says the same thing. Liesl stepped inside the disappearing cabinet, and never stepped out. Sonny asks how it works, and as he looks it over, Maxie says, there’s a false back that the assistant hides behind to disappear. Then they slide back to reappear. He says, there’s a trapdoor at the bottom? Is there a trap door on the stage? Nina says she’s not sure, and Maxie says she’ll text the stage manager. Nina says, maybe she fell through the trap door. Aunt Liesl could be hurt. They all walk out.

Spencer asks Trina to tell him that he hasn’t screwed up the best thing that’s happened to him. Can they talk please? She says, okay. Tell her, what is going on with him?

Felicia fans herself, and Robert asks what she thought of Magic Milo. Mac says, those Magic Wands have her all flustered, and she says she’s not apologizing for enjoying the act, but the one who always gets her flustered is her Mac. Robert says his brother’s a very fortunate man, and Mac says, doesn’t he know it.

TJ comes back to the table after getting out of his Magic Wand skivvies, and Molly says, he was so good. He says, the things he does for charity, and she says, what about her sacrifice? She had to share him with a ballroom of thirsty women. He says, okay, the things she does for charity, and they kiss.

The bodyguard says, the bracelet’s been found, and Gladys asks, where was it? The bodyguard says, one of the people in wardrobe found it when she was moving some clothes. It fell out of a tux pocket. Gladys says she told them it was stolen, and Sasha says she can’t believe someone would actually do this. Who was it? Cody comes in and asks if anyone’s seen his… What’s going on?

Victor’s messenger, now dressed in sweats, comes onto the Haunted Star, and tells Victor, everything went fine on his end. Victor says, excellent. Now he wants messenger guy to check the state rooms; make sure they’re appropriately prepared for their guests. He asks if Tobias is back, but messenger guy says, there’s been a complication.

Valentin tells Anna, please stay awake, and she says, if anything happens… He says, nothing is going to happen, but she says she’s glad they found each other. He says he doesn’t know how he got so lucky, and she says, he’s a good man. He says he doesn’t know about that. He thinks there are plenty who would disagree with her. She says, they don’t know him like she does. They don’t know his heart like she does. He says, she knows him better than anyone, and she says she loves him. He says, and he loves her, and he hears the sirens in the distance. She starts to fade, and he calls her name.

Esme says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to snap at Laura like that. Laura says, that’s okay. Esme knows she’d never hurt the baby, right? Esme says, of course (🍷) she knows that. Did Laura ever hate leaving her kids out of her sight for even a second? Laura says she has, and Esme says she feels like everyone is making some claim on Ace, and he’s all she’s got. Laura says she understands, but babies pick up on the emotions of people around them. How does Esme think her constant anxiety is going to affect him? Esme says she’d never hurt her son, and Laura says she knows that; that’s not what she meant. Laura’s phone rings, and she says she has to get this. She answers, Laura Collins…  Oh my God… Where is she?… Okay, she’ll be right there. She tells Esme that she’s sorry, but she has to go right now. They’ll talk later. She rushes out.

Spencer says he’s sorry about what happened with Dex, and Trina says, sorry because he treated Dex like dirt, or sorry because she’s disappointed? He says he’s sorry he upset her. That’s the last thing he wants to do. She says, he does know that’s the wrong answer, and he says, Dex is not a good guy. Whatever is going on with him and Josslyn… She says, is none of his business. He says, Cam is his best friend, so it is his business, but she says, Cam is in California, living his dream, and that is not the reason he went after Dex. Spencer was spoiling for a fight, and Dex was there. And Spencer knew Dex works for his uncle and wasn’t going to fight back. That is the definition of a coward. He says, she’s right. He’s sorry. He’s trying to do better. She asks if he means that, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. She says, good. Apologize to Dex. His phone rings, and he sees it’s Victor. She asks if he’s really going to answer the phone right now.

Robert’s phone rings, and he says he’ll meet them at the hospital.

The bodyguard asks if that’s Cody Bell, and Gladys says, that’s him. Cody says, or the guy could just ask him, and the bodyguard asks if this is his jacket. Cody says, all tuxes look the same, and the bodyguard asks, so where’s Cody’s? Cody says, it went missing when he was on stage, so it may or may not be his. What’s going on? Sasha asks, did he maybe find a bracelet on the floor, and put it in his pocket for safekeeping so he could return it later? Cody says, no, and the bodyguard asks, then why was it found in his pocket? Gladys says, because he stole it, but Cody says, if it was in his pocket, it’s because someone else put it there. Maxie blows through, and asks them to take this conversation elsewhere. She’s trying to put on a show. Sasha says she’s sure they can clear this up, but Cody says, there’s nothing to clear up. He has nothing to do with the bracelet, but the bracelet’s back, so no harm no foul. He starts to walk away, but the bodyguard stops him, and Mac walks in. Mac asks, what’s going on here? and the bodyguard tells Mac, arrest this man.

Dex and Josslyn make eyes at each other, when Sonny calls Dex over. Dex asks, what’s up? and Sonny says, they have a problem.

Cody says this is a mistake, and the bodyguard says, a million-dollar bracelet was found in his jacket pocket. Cody says, but he didn’t steal it. Mac has to believe him. Mac says he’s just following the evidence, and Cody says, Sasha please. Gladys says, this guy’s been hanging around her all night, insinuating himself with her daughter-in-law. Following her, and apparently casing her so he could strike at the perfect moment. Does Cody deny following her in here? Cody says he doesn’t deny it, and Mac says, so he admits to following Gladys.

Trina says, they’re right in the middle of something, but Spencer says he’s sorry. It’s his Uncle Victor. He has to. He steps away, and says, yes, uncle? Victor says, it took him long enough, and Spencer says, sorry about that. Now’s not a good time. Victor says, it doesn’t matter. Does Spencer want to get his brother away from Esme? Spencer says, Victor knows he does, and Victor says, then come to the Haunted Star immediately, and tell no one.

Laura walks into the hospital, and asks Valentin, where’s Anna? He says, she’s in there, pointing, and Laura asks, what happened? He says, Victor shot Anna in the abdomen. Robert comes out of the elevator, and Valentin says, the bullet’s still inside of her. She coded in the ambulance – he starts to cry – but they were able to bring her back. Laura says, Anna is very strong; she will make it through this. Robert asks where Victor is now, but Valentin says he doesn’t know. He got away. Laura asks, what about Lucy? Where is she? Valentin says, she was able to get out of the house, but he doesn’t know where she is now.

Slipping into the Ball backstage area, Lucy says, if she can just find Mac and tell him that Victor found the safehouse. A muscley dude comes up behind her with a gun, and says, don’t move. She turns around, and muscle man says, if she screams, he’ll shoot her. She says she’d really rather he didn’t, and he says, good. Let’s go. She says, this is just a whole case of mistaken identity… Actually, it’s not, but she’s not a spy. She doesn’t know how to decode anything… He tries to grab her arm, and she says, one thing she does know how to do its this, and kneecaps him. He doubles over, holding his knee, and she runs.

Robert tells Laura, when Valentin called from the ambulance, he said Anna had been shot. Did he offer any other details? She says, Valentin didn’t call her; the hospital did. Robert says, when? He was under the impression Anna and Valentin arrived at the hospital… She says, right before her. She asks Valentin if Victor gave any clue as to what his next move might be, and Valentin says, he only said he’d chosen a new heir. Robert wonders what he meant by that, when the doctor comes out. Valentin asks, how’s Anna?

Accompanied by messenger guy, Spencer walks into the Haunted Star, and says, so this is where Victor is staying. Victor says, it suits his current needs. Did Spencer tell anyone he was coming here? Spencer says, no. He followed Victor’s instructions to the letter. So tell him, what’s happening with Ace? Is everything all right? Victor asks why it wouldn’t be, and Spencer says, when they spoke this afternoon, Victor told him to sit tight. Has something changed? Is there something Victor needs him to do?

Nina tells Sonny that Obrecht’s bag is still in the dressing room, her car is still in the garage, and no one’s seen her. Dex comes in, and says, no sign of Dr. Obrecht, and Nina says, she’s scheduled to have that stem cell transplant tomorrow. Willow cannot wait, and if Aunt Liesl is missing, or if she’s hurt somewhere… Sonny says, they’re going to find her Aunt Liesl, and everything’s going to be fine, and he holds Nina.

Mac says, so Cody admits to following Gladys tonight, and Cody says, yes, he followed her, but not to steal some bracelet. Mac asks what reason he’d have. How does Cody even know Gladys? Cody says he and Gladys have crossed paths a few times, and Gladys says, there’s no big mystery here. Cody saw that bracelet on her wrist, and thought it was an easy payday. Mac asks if Cody has anything else to say, and Cody says, he didn’t steal the bracelet. He guarantees his fingerprints aren’t on it. Gladys says, that doesn’t prove anything. You can wipe off fingerprints, and I oughtta know. Mac puts handcuffs on Cody, and tells him his rights.

Jordan says she knows TJ and Molly are still in the trying stage, but can she probably expect a grandchild within the year? TJ says, they’re still in the seltzer solidarity stage. They have a long way to go. Jordan says, they’re two of the most efficient people she knows. It probably won’t take too long. Her phone rings, and she says, ugh. It’s the station. She steps away to take the call.

On the phone, Jordan says, Anna Devane’s at GH?

The doctor says, they’ve prepped Miss Devane for surgery to remove the bullet, and Robert asks, how bad? The doctor says, she’s critical, but they’re trying to keep her blood pressure up enough to affect her organs, including her brain. Gunshots can create considerable damage from the bullet fragmenting. They won’t know the extent of the damage until they’re inside, and can assess what they’re dealing with. He leaves, and Laura says she has to make a call. She goes down the hall, and says, come on, Esme, pick up.

Felicia runs into the hospital, and asks Valentin what the doctors said. Robert says, this is your fault, Cassadine. She wouldn’t be in this state if it wasn’t for you. Felicia says, stop it. Did Valentin shoot Anna or did Victor? Don’t take this out on Valentin. Valentin says, Robert’s right. Victor shot Anna to hurt him. This is all his fault.

Lucy tries a door on the next landing, but it’s locked. She squeals, and turns around, but muscle man is there, and says, it looks like she has nowhere to go. She says, he has great big muscles, and a tiny little gun… but she has this. She pulls down a boa from a costume box, and starts smacking him with it. As he’s dodging the feathers, Sonny comes up behind him, hitting him with a large cane. He drops, and Sonny says, a boa? Really? Lucy shrugs.

Mac asks if Cody understands his rights, and Cody says he always does. Mac starts to take him away, when Sam runs in, and asks, what’s going on? Cody says, it’s a frame-up. This time, he’s innocent. Mac leads him away, with the bodyguard following.

Carly takes the stage, introduces herself, and says she doesn’t work at GH, but her mother is an integral part of the hospital. She asks Bobbie to come out, and everyone cheers. Bobbie says, for the few who don’t know her, this is Barbara Jean Spencer; she’s nursing officer at General Hospital. More cheers, and Carly says, they’re not just celebrating General Hospital’s 60th year, they’re celebrating Bobbie. This beautiful woman has been helping people and saving their lives for the past 45 years. What makes General Hospital so special is its people; the passion and tradition of helping communities and making the world a better place. No one embodies that more than her mother, Nurse Bobbie Spencer. More applause and cheers, and Bobbie flashes back to when she was practically a baby nurse; telling Monica her cancer prognosis; giving BJ’s heart to Maxie – I remember that, and even though I had no investment in the storyline, it made me cry anyway; with Laura; giving Elizabeth the morning after pill when she was raped, even though she wasn’t authorized to do it; threatening to bitch slap Tracy to the Canadian border; making peace with Carly. Carly says, she is a consummate healer, infinitely kind and loyal to those she loves, and equally fierce to her adversaries. Carly should know; she’s been both. Bobbie found Carly when she was at her worst, and loved her until she was her best. And she’s not the only one.  That’s what she does to anyone whose life she touches. That’s what Nurse Bobbie Spencer does for General Hospital. Bobbie is given a standing ovation.

Sonny asks if Lucy is okay, and she says she’s not dead. He says he can see that. Good for her. She says, thanks to him, and he says he does what he can. How can he help her? He holds out his hand, and she steps over muscle man. She tells Sonny that she has this really important errand, but what does she do with… She looks at muscle man, and Sonny says he’ll take care of it. She thanks him, kisses him on the cheek, says, ta! and dashes out.

Victor says, Spencer’s already done his part. He called on Spencer, and voila! Here he is. Spencer says, so now… what? He hears something, and asks, what’s that? Victor asks if he doesn’t recognize the sound of ship’s engines, and Spencer asks, what’s going on?

Laura sees a pacifier in the hallway outside her apartment, and picks it up. She lets herself in, and the place has been tossed. Esme lies unconscious on the floor, and there’s no Ace. Laura says, oh my God.

Jordan says, she was told Valentin died in Paris, and Valentin says, the reports of his death are… exaggerated. She says, clearly. Here he is. Meanwhile, she has reports of multiple shots fired at a house in a quiet suburban neighborhood, and now one of her best friends is fighting for her life. So why doesn’t he tell her what the hell is going on. He says his father shot Anna, and she asks, where is Victor? Valentin says he doesn’t know, but he does know, whatever insane plot Victor is hatching is going to be unleashed on them very soon. They have to stop him.

Bobbie thanks Carly for the beautiful and unexpected tribute. It’s an honor. And it’s also an honor to be involved with General Hospital’s first 60 years. She’s also been given another honor this evening; the chance to speak about Lucy Coe. The curtains part, and there’s a giant photo of Lucy. Bobbie says, it might seem counterintuitive that she’s up here, because she and Lucy were never friends. She and Lucy were tearing each other’s hair out – Lucy arrives backstage, and listens – long before the word frenemies was even invented. Lucy came to town dressed as a librarian, and seduced the man Bobbie loved. That was only the beginning. Lucy lied. Lucy cheated. She even married a Quartermaine. Backstage, Lucy says, Bobbie’s one to talk. She started off by lying to Laura that she slept with Scotty. Lucy heads up the stairs to the stage, and Bobbie says, somewhere along the way, in 1994 to be exact, Lucy shocked everyone, especially her, by discovering a passion for giving. Lucy finagled herself a place as Mistress of Ceremonies at the very first Nurses Ball, and it transformed her. All of that willfulness, all of that guile, the conniving, the deceit, the vanity… In the wings, Lucy says, vanity? Bobbie’s red hair hasn’t been natural for a hundred years. Bobbie says, Lucy cajoled, she arm twisted, she blackmailed to get all of them there, either onstage or in the audience the first year, and many years thereafter. From 1994 to the early 2000s, and 2013 to the present, the General Hospital Nurses Ball has raised millions of dollars for HIV and AIDS related charities. She turns to the photo, and says, and Lucy Coe was the leader, the inspiration, and yes, the relentless nag that made it all happen. Lucy Coe isn’t here tonight, but none of us would be here… Lucy stomps toward the stage, but slips on something on the floor, and busts right through her photo, faceplanting. Everyone is shocked, and Lucy gets up. She says, what the hell did Bobbie call her? Bobbie says, she’s alive, and Lucy says she’s back. Deal with it. Bobbie says, welcome home, and moves to hug Lucy, but Lucy backs away. The audience gives Lucy a standing ovation, which is only fair.

On Monday, Portia thinks something wasn’t such a great idea; Victor says he’s not abducting Spencer, he’s saving Spencer; and Carly asks Nina where the hell Obrecht is.

✈️ From Across the Pond…

She took a big step, but we only regret the things we don’t do. Or so  they say.

🚓 At Least He’s Honest…

I wouldn’t want to be a patient at the hospital either. The security there leaves a lot to be desired.

👠 Really, We’re Good…

This sounds like as good of an explanation as any.

So, are we good?

⛵️ Green Is Not His Color…

Gary wouldn’t have been just a step down from Colin. More like several stories.

🏖 Desire To Be Awful…

Actually, it remains to be seen whether this show will rival the Hamptons in immaturity, but I trust nothing after seeing a 40-year-old in a mullet.

🍸 Don’t Leave Home Without It…

Reunion prep.

I don’t know about must see. I doubt it will get the show any new viewers, but for those already watching, it adds a fresh level of interest.

https://www.avclub.com/scandoval-has-made-vanderpump-rules-must-see-tv-1850280936

And how is LVP friends with this guy?

https://www.aol.com/entertainment/steve-o-calls-scandoval-greatest-215315189.html

Schwartz’s word salad.

https://jezebel.com/andy-cohen-tom-schwartz-tom-sandoval-raquel-leviss-scan-1850306803

🦩 And In This Corner…

What more do we need when we have pets and Barbie?

https://people.com/pets/drew-barrymore-loves-7-pets-4-cats-exclusive/

I so can’t wait for this film.

https://ew.com/movies/dua-lipa-joins-barbie-movie-posters/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

You have the need and the right to spend part of your life caring for your soul. It is not easy…To be a soulful person means to go against all the pervasive, prove-yourself values of our culture and instead treasure what is unique and internal and valuable in yourself and your own personal evolution. – Jean Shinoda Bolen

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. –Wise Man (Scott Glenn), Sucker Punch

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson

On Love: Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves—to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good. That is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not. – C.S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity

A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but its persistence. – Jim Watkins

Accept me, Lord, as I am, and make me such as thou wouldst have me to be. – Mary Livingstone, African missionary

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. – Oscar Wilde

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.Arthur Ashe

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. – Marcus Aurelius

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. – Bruce Lee

Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

🐇 Hippity Hopping Down the Bunny Trail…

A Happy Holiday to all celebrating both Passover and Easter (aka Resurrection Sunday). After the festivities, stop in on Monday really Tuesday for soap, setting sail, and the original awful Housemates. Until then, stay safe; stay taking a spring break, even if it’s only in your mind; and stay never overcompensating for your insecurities by lording your imaginary status over those who actually work for a living. In other words, don’t be an entitled jerk.

July 11, 2020 – Cody Meets His Match, Drama Queen on the Med Deck & Tree

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dante wakes up in a chaise next to Sam at the pool, and says, they’re losing sun. How long was he out? She says, about an hour. It’s been a glorious day in the sun. He asks, thanks to Drew, and asks if they had any SOS calls, checking his phone, but she says she thinks with Drew’s Navy SEAL training, he can survive a day with Rocco, Scout, and Danny. He says, don’t forget, they have a sleepover at the Q’s tonight too, and she says, ouch. All for this? They may have pushed it a little. He says he thinks they’re in good hands. Plus it gives them a chance to focus on nothing but them.

At the MetroCourt Gardens, Esme suggests she and Spencer snag a spot on the roof terrace to watch the fireworks, but he says, they’re already pushing it by being here. Carly banned them from the pool, remember? They could go to the park. She says, but it’s so much better on the terrace, and he says, which is reason number two to skip it. Joss, Cam, and Trina are probably already out there.

At a table by the pool, Trina tells Josslyn, sorry. Maybe coming to the pool was a bad idea. She can’t seem to get out of her own head. Josslyn says, her either. She can’t help thinking about the trial starting tomorrow. Trina says, it feels like it’s been looming over her for so long. Part of her is glad it’s finally happening, but she hate the thought of listening to that ADA trash her to the jury. Josslyn tells her, don’t worry about that. The jury is going to hear from her and Cam too. They’re the victims and they’re testifying on her behalf. That’s got to outweigh anything that over-eager ADA has prepared.

Valentin goes to Nina’s office, and says, this is how they’re celebrating the birth of the nation? When she called, he hoped she was meeting him with hot dogs and a marching band. She kisses him on the cheek, and says, the marching band was booked. She’s super busy, and he’s busy too. Congratulations on getting over on Michael and Drew, and maintaining control of ELQ. He says he thought she’d be pleased, and she says, pleased? Someone finally told Michael that he can’t get everything he wants? Absolutely. He says he was thinking more along the lines of Carly.

Money manager Reggie tells Carly that he doesn’t like what she’s proposing. Is she comfortable assuming more debt? She says, no, of course (🍷) not, but from what he’s telling her, she has no other option. She has to secure a loan to buy back her half of the MetroCourt. He says he’ll make some calls, but prepare herself. The interest rate on such a large loan is going to be quite high. Olivia comes in, and says, a loan? Is Carly out of her mind?

In the park, Maxie tells Austin, this is the perfect place to watch the fireworks. Port Charles always puts on the best show. No offense to Pautuck’s lightning bugs. He says, none taken, and she’s probably right. She says, he’s not even going to defend his home town? and he says, what’s the point? He’s a lucky guy. He’s here enjoying the holiday, and he’s so happy to be with her. He takes Maxie’s hand, and we see Britt is sitting with them. She says, kill me now.

Cody sits on the chaise next to Dante, and says, what a day. He can’t wait for the fireworks. Dante asks if he means the ones the city puts on, and Cody says, unless Dante has some cherry bombs hidden somewhere.

Temp Michael and Willow walk into the MetroCourt Gardens, and Michael says, his mom must be in her office. Willow suggests they go; she’s kind of tired. He says, they don’t have to stick around for the fireworks. They can grab Wiley, and watch them from the house. She says she’s a little tired, but just because she’s pregnant; nothing to worry about. He says, worried? He’s on top of the world, and she says she’s right there with him. Sonny walks in, and he and Michael lock eyes. Michael tells Willow that his mom might be in the restroom. Why doesn’t Willow look for her there? She says, fine, but first… She leads him over to Sonny, and Sonny says he’s glad to see her up and about. How’s she feeling? She thanks him, and says, much better. He asks if they found out why she fainted, and she says, yes. There’s something he should know.

Olivia says, please tell her that she misheard that. Carly can’t possibly be considering taking out a loan when she’s so deep in the hole, she can’t even see daylight. Carly says she knows it’s a big risk, but it’s the only way she can buy back her half of the hotel before Stillwater Venture Group gets better offer. Olivia says, and this is the only way. Carly can swallow her stubborn pride, and let her friends help her. Carly says, unless pride is the only thing she has left.

Valentin says he didn’t realize how heavily invested Carly was, and Nina says, it was a surprise all right. He says, they’ll just file it under unintended collateral benefits. When he stayed in power, Aurora stock tanked, and Carly lost big. Nina says, don’t expect a standing ovation, and he says, don’t tell him she’s softened toward Carly. She says, not her, but Sonny has.

Sonny says, Willow told him she’s fine; he hopes she’s better. She says she is, and she’s been meaning to thank him for his help at the pool. She understands he caught her when she fainted, and even went to GH to make sure she was all right. He says, of course (🍷). She’s family. Michael says they should get going, and catch up with mom. Willow thanks Sonny again, and they leave.

Britt says she’s out of here, and Maxie asks why; she said she’d stay. Britt tells her, she said she’d come for the picnic. Now that’s over, and sitting here watching them make goo-goo eyes at each other all night isn’t what she signed up for. Austin says he wonders what happened to all the other people, and Maxie says, they had no way of knowing no one else would show up. Britt says, maybe they had better things to do, and Maxie says, they still had fun, didn’t they? Britt says, so much fun, but now it’s time to leave. Spinelli struggles in, pulling a cooler, and says, celebratory greetings, friends. Apologies for the late arrival. Maxie tells Britt, look! Spinelli! and Spinelli smiles.

Dante says he doesn’t know what Cody is talking about. He’s an officer of the law. Cody says, how things change. Dante was the one who snuck fireworks into camp; impressive fire power. Dante says, it was. Cody was actually the one who told the counselors it was the Gallagher twins. Cody says, please don’t tell him that with maturity comes remorse, and Cody says, hell no. Those two little punks? They’re probably Wall Street hot shots by now. Sam comes back, and says, look who’s here. She asks what they’re talking about, and Cody says, illicit firework stories; got any? She says she pleads the fifth, and Cody says, good woman.

Trina says she should go, but Josslyn says, forget it. She won’t let Trina go back to her room and obsess about the trial. Trina says, she should obsess in public? and Josslyn says, she gets it. It’s like this black hole that’s a gravity well, and you try to think about other things, but somehow it all connects back to the trial and keeps pulling you down. Trina says, that’s it exactly. She’d give anything to forget about the trial, even for an hour. Rory joins them, and says, easy. He can make that happen.

Esme says she doesn’t see how Joss, Cam, and Trina have anything to do with their plans for the evening, and Spencer says, the last time she and Joss were face-to-face, they both ended up in the pool. Trina’s trial is tomorrow, and he’s sure emotions are running high. He’d rather avoid another confrontation… for her benefit. Carly’s probably up there anyway; she’d throw them out. Esme doesn’t need the aggravation. She says, so considerate, always thinking of her, and he says, night and day. She kisses him, and Sonny clears his throat, getting their attention. Esme gasps, and he says he’s glad he ran into them.

Spinelli wonders, where’d everybody go? Don’t tell him they departed before the fireworks? Maxie says, her mom and Mac took the kids home. They played so hard, they could barely keep their eyes open. Austin says, everyone else was pretty much a no-show, and Spinelli says, no Terry? No Amy? and Austin says, no. Spinelli says, Epiphany? and Britt says, no one; just the three of us. Spinelli says he’s sure a good time was still had by all, and Britt says, it was a blast. Now that Spinelli is here, the party can continue. Thanks for inviting her. She jets.

Sam asks how the job is at the Quartermaines’, and Cody says he loves it. She says, Danny keeps going on about how Leo just loves Comet, and she tells Dante, Comet’s one of the horses. Cody says, the Quartermaines couldn’t have picked a better horse for Leo. He’s calm, steady, he’s almost impossible to startle. The other day, Cody accidentally knocked over this metal bucket. It was so loud, it sounded like a firecracker going off. A couple of the horses shied, one started going crazy in its stall. Comet barely even noticed. Half the time, he pretends that he’s asleep, except when Leo is there. When Leo’s there, he’s totally engaged; he’s focused. Leo will groom him, and he’ll suddenly connect. Sam says, don’t let Leo get it in his head to take Comet out solo, but Cody says, another thing about Comet. If Leo were to hop up on him alone, no one grabbing the lead rein, he’s not going anywhere. That horse is smarter than most of the dudes he knows. Dante tells Sam, this guy is basically half-horse… Smells like one too. Cody says he took a shower after work, and smells his shirt. He says, oh my God, I’m sorry, and they laugh.

Trina asks what Rory is doing here, and he says, looking for her. Does she have plans for watching the fireworks? She says she was planning on taking off. He says he knows it’s short notice. Being one of the newbies, he had to work crowd control for the parade, and wasn’t sure he’d be done, but he’s free now and has plenty of time to take her mind off tomorrow. Trina asks what he has in mind, and he says, dessert in the park while they watch the fireworks? Josslyn tells Trina, go, but Trina says she doesn’t want to leave Josslyn all alone. Josslyn says, go, and she’ll hang out with her mom; she hasn’t talked to her in a while. This is Trina’s chance to escape gravity well. Rory says, sorry? and Josslyn says, Trina will explain. Take her, please. Rory says, Trina heard her girl. How about it? He promises to be as distracting as possible.

Esme says, please, Mr. Corinthos. You promised Laura you wouldn’t kidnap me again. Sonny says, first of all, he didn’t kidnap her, and Spencer says, he woudn’t have to. He had one of his people do it for him, but Esme’s right. His grandmother assured them that she had his word Esme had nothing to fear. Sonny says he did and she doesn’t. He just wanted to give Esme the opportunity to tell the truth, and since she doesn’t want to tell the truth, she’s smart to stay away from him. Ain’t that right, Esme? Will she do him a favor? Can she give him some time with his nephew? Spencer suggests Esme go to the park, and find them a good space to watch the fireworks. She tells him, be careful, and he says he’ll join her soon. She leaves, and Spencer asks what he can do for Sonny. Sonny asks Spencer, what the hell has happened to him?

Nina gives Valentin something to drink, and says, Sonny’s first instinct, once again, is to rush to Carly’s rescue. She’s the one who asked for the divorce. He shouldn’t feel guilty, but he does, and that guilt is making him feel responsible for Carly’s financial misfortune. Valentin says, well, he shouldn’t. She took the risk, she rolled the dice, and she lost. That’s not Nina’s problem. Nina says she’s sure Michael and Willow will blame her for everything, like they do all the time. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and sorry hear she lost her petition for visitation with Wiley. She says she doesn’t absolve herself of the mistakes she’s made, lying about Sonny when he was in Nixon Falls, but losing her grandson is an unbearable price pay. He says, soon enough, Wiley will be making his own decisions, won’t he? and she says, she’s holding out hope, but what are the chances he’s going to choose to get to know her, hearing how she’s the schemer who blew up his family? She’s tired of being the villain all the time. He says, maybe it’s time to change that.

Carly says she doesn’t appreciate Olivia barging into her office and making her second guess herself. Olivia says, she didn’t barge; she entered with urgency, because she cares. She doesn’t want to see Carly make another mistake that she’s going to regret. Reggie says, maybe he’ll wait outside while they confer, and Carly asks him to look into the loan, and let her know their best terms, and she’ll make a decision. He leaves, and Olivia says she’s only trying to help. Carly says she knows, and she’s sorry she snapped at Olivia. She’s angry at everyone; she’s angry at herself. Helping Drew and Michael is a great thing, but as usual she took it too far. Olivia says she talked to Ned. He’s completely behind the idea of buying Carly’s half of the hotel and holding onto it until she can buy it back. Carly thanks her, but says, she has no idea when that will be. Olivia says, however long it takes. She doesn’t care. Michael and Willow come in, and Olivia says, look who’s here. She asks Michael  to talk some sense into his mother. Carly tries to stop her, but Olivia continues, saying, talk some sense in to your mother. Tell her the only idea that makes any sense is Olivia buying Carly’s half of the MetroCourt. Michael says, she’s selling her half of the hotel? and Olivia says, he didn’t know? She has a big mouth; she’s sorry. Carly says she didn’t have a chance to tell her family her plan, and Olivia says, or maybe she knew that her family wasn’t going to agree with her. Please, think long and hard about her offer. Please. She leaves, and Carly asks if Willow is okay; any more dizziness, fainting? Willow says, like she told Carly on the phone, she’s doing great, and Carly says she knows, but she felt like Willow was holding something back. Michael says, Carly is deflecting. What were she and Olivia talking about? He knows she took a financial hit when the Aurora/ELQ merger fell apart, but she can’t possibly be thinking about selling her half of the MetroCourt. Carly says, she can’t… because it’s already gone.

Spencer says, he’s the same as he’s always been, and Sonny says, really? He heard Spencer made a deal with Ava to loosen the purse strings on his trust, and he heard Spencer quit Kelly’s, and Spencer lost all his friends because of his shifty girlfriend. Loyalty and friendship are very important. He doesn’t take that lightly, and Spencer shouldn’t take that lightly. Spencer asks if that loyalty shouldn’t extend to his girlfriend, and Sonny says, his girlfriend is a liar. She made a sex tape on Josslyn and Cam, and framed Trina. They can’t forget that, can they? Spencer says, as long as the evidence proves otherwise, he’s staying by Esme’s side.

At the park, Rory opens a container, and Trina says, brownies; pretty basic. He says, not his brownies, and she says, so his amazing, stupendous, spectacular dessert is brownies. He says, try one. He made them himself. She says, they’re not special brownies, are they? (ha-ha; I was thinking that too) and he says, remember? I’m a cop. Just taste. She takes a bite, and looks at him, saying, oh my God. This is amazing. He says, and stupendous and spectacular. Best brownies she’s ever had, right? She says she’s in heaven. She’s sorry she doubted him. He says, it’s okay. Maybe she’s used to being let down. She can count on him. He won’t disappoint her.

Austin’s phone rings, and he says he’ll be right back. He leaves, and Spinelli says, Britt left in a hurry. Did he miss something? Maxie says, no; she was angling to leave the entire time. She’s actually a bit worried about Britt. He asks, why? Hasn’t she had any more matches? Maxie says, Britt hasn’t mentioned any, but she’s trying to stay positive with Britt about the whole Society Set-Ups thing. She’s afraid Britt’s soured on the idea, especially after the whole pool incident. She thinks Britt’s given up on dating altogether. He says, maybe that’s for the best for now, and she asks why he’d say that.

Cody brings Dante and Sam something to drink, as Britt walks in. She takes a look at them, and keeps walking. Cody says he forgot the napkins. He’ll grab a menu too, for appetizers. He goes over to the bar, and Britt says she doesn’t really need this right now. He says, good evening to her as well. He’s just here to get a menu and some napkins. Happy 4th, by the way. She asks if he wasn’t bragging that he had access to the Quartermaines’ pool? Why isn’t he there? He says, because he’s here, hanging with his friends, and she says, great. She’s sure Dante told him to stay away from her. He should listen. He asks what makes her think she knows what he and Dante talk about, and she says, because Dante hates her guts, for good reason. She hands him a menu and napkins, and says, bye, but he asks why he should leave now that he’s met his match?

Olivia asks if Sam and Dante are enjoying the holiday, and Sam says, yes, very much. She thanks Olivia for letting the kids crash at the Q’s, and Olivia says, no problem. Drew wore them out at the fair, and the nanny is an expert at getting them down. No work for her. Although she will be doing all the work around here pretty soon. Dante asks what she’s talking about, and she says she guesses she can tell him; he’s family. Carly lost her half of the hotel. Sam asks if it’s because of the drop in the Aurora stock, and Olivia says, she leveraged her half of the hotel, and now she can’t cover what she lost. And the woman is too damn stubborn to let her help. Dante says, Olivia is pretty stubborn too. Don’t let Carly tell her what to do; do what’s right.

Nina tells Valentin, she’s kept a low-ish profile, and she’s tried to make almonds amends to Sonny’s family. But when that didn’t work, she wanted to focus her attention on restoring her public image. That Invader article didn’t help at all, but she’s just going to keep trying, and maybe it will pay off in ten years or so. He says he’s no stranger to the court of public opinion. He tries not to pay too much attention to it. As long as Charlotte’s all right, the rest of the world can go hang. She asks if that includes Anna, and he says he admits there are certain people whose opinion matters to him; Nina is actually one of them. Nina says she’s glad they get to be friends. She forgot to tell him, Charlotte emailed her, and included pictures of her equestrian event. She’s ribboned? He says, she’s pretty competitive, and Nina says she never would have predicted it, but this boarding school seems like a really good fit for her. He says, seems that way, and she says she’s still surprised Charlotte wanted to live away from home, and that he could bear to see her go. He says he’ll do what he has to, to make sure Charlotte is okay, whatever the cost to him.

Carly says, Stillwater intends to put her half of the hotel on the market, and Willow says, that’s terrible, but Carly says she’s going to buy it back. Michael says he knew it was a mistake for her to buy in, just like it was a mistake to include Ned. Carly says, this is why she didn’t want to tell him. It was her decision to bet on the merger between ELQ and Aurora, and it didn’t happen, so she has to suffer the consequences. Michael says, so now she’s going to take out a loan. What’s she going to use as collateral? The house? No. Just let him give her the money, or he’ll buy her half and sign it over to her. She says, no. She knew he’d do that, and she loves him for it, but she just wants her family to be happy and safe. That’s it… What’s going on? She saw the look. Did something happen with Willow when she was in the hospital? Willow says, they hadn’t planned on saying anything this early… Michael says, he and Willow are having a baby. Carly gets all excited, and hugs them both.

On the phone, Austin says he was only in town for a couple of days; he’s not in Pautuk… Now they need to live up to their end of the bargain. Don’t contact him again.

Trina tells Rory that she was around six or seven, and was convinced her dad was a magician, and of course (🍷) he encouraged her. That 4th of July, he had a real wand, and he’d point it at the sky, and say, presto. The sky would light up with fireworks. He probably heard the whoosh when they sent it up, but she didn’t, and thought, wow, her dad is magic. She could use some of that magic now… She’s so sorry. She’s really trying not to think about the trial. He takes her hand and says, she can’t ignore reality; he doesn’t expect her to. He just wanted her to have a few moments where is wasn’t the only thing she thought about. She says she appreciates his efforts, but he says he wishes he could do more. She moves closer to him, and says, he’s doing just fine.

Carly asks why they didn’t tell her, and Michael says he thinks that’s what they’re doing right now. Willow says, keeping quiet is so much harder than she expected, and she certainly didn’t want Carly worrying she was ill. Carly says she’s so happy they told her. She really needed good news today. Josslyn walks in, and says, her too. What’s the good news? Willow says she’s pregnant, and Josslyn congratulates them and hugs them, saying, she’s going to be an auntie again. Reggie comes to the door, and says he has those numbers for Carly, and she tells the others to go to the Garden and she’ll meet them. Michael says, they’re still not done talking, and they leave. Carly invites Reggie in, and says, well?

Maxie says, she thought Spinelli was the champion for love and romance these days. He thinks it’s better for Britt to be alone? Spinelli says, alone is better than being with the wrong person. Austin returns, and Maxie asks if everything is okay. He says, it was just the hospital, and Spinelli says he thinks he’ll take his leave, but Maxie says, he just got here. Spinelli says, they should have an evening alone together. Farewell. He drags his cooler back out, and Maxie wonders, what’s up with him?

Sam wonders if Carly is coming back, but Dante doesn’t know. He asks if it matters, and she says, as much as she loves hearing stories about his outlaw past, she wants to go somewhere private to watch the fireworks, just the two of them. He asks if she has a place in mind, and she says she does. She was thinking, the view from her bedroom is spectacular, and he says he happens to know that for a fact. She says, the harbor lights up, and it’s so beautiful. She was thinking it would be incredible. He says, it probably would be incredible. Does she want to get out of here? He kisses her, and they jet.

Nina says, Valentin didn’t tell her what he wanted to see her about, and he asks if Victor has approached her. She says, no, why? and he says, Victor is determined to stay a part of his life. So much so, he’s reaching out to the people closest to him. She says, not a fan, and Valentin says, stay away from him. He’s a dangerous man, and Valentin doesn’t care how devoted he seems to be. She says, duly noted, and thanks him for his concern. It’s actually refreshing not to be the perpetually guilty one. He says, she doesn’t care that much what people think, and she says she doesn’t, but Wiley is a different story. She’s never going to be considered a saint, but she does want to be than the woman who destroyed Wiley’s family. Valentin says he knows a way she can balance the scales.

Sonny says, Spencer wants to be a better man, and have a better life? He respects that. Spencer says, but Sonny doesn’t respect him now, and Sonny says, Spencer is living at Windymere, standing with his girlfriend, he quit his job… is this about money? Spencer’s got to tell him. Spencer shakes his head, and Sonny says, tell him; what is it? Spencer says he’s still trying to be better. Sonny, of all people, should know you have to do what’s in your heart, not what other people are telling you to do. He knows how it looks, but he swears on his mother’s memory, he’s doing the right thing. He loves Sonny, and would never ever do anything to hurt or disappoint him. Sonny says, okay. He guesses time will tell. Just be careful. Understand him? Sonny leaves, and Spencer says, time’s running out.

Cody says, Britt feels it too, right? There’s something between them. She says, he’s delusional. He’s clearly fallen off a horse one too many times. He says, the first thing they teach you in riding is how to fall off a horse, and she asks why he’s pushing this. He can’t be that hard up for a date, and he asks if she just called him handsome. Charming? A catch? She says, he’d do in a pinch, and obviously, he keeps up with his physique. He thanks her for noticing, and says he feels she’s easy on the eyes as well. He bets if she didn’t treat every conversation like a prizefight, she’d have her pick of men. She wonders how she can put this… He’s not her type. He says, obviously, dating her type hasn’t worked out for her, and she says, he’s relentless. He says, she doesn’t know the half of it; he has a lot of stamina. If she really wants to be alone, he’ll respect that, but he thought they could have a few laughs and try to enjoy each other’s company for a change. She says, one date, and he says, sweet, let’s go, but she says, not tonight. She’ll find him on Society Set-Ups. He says he’s looking forward to it, and leaves.

Carly asks if that’s really the best offer she can get, and Reggie says, unfortunately, news of her sizeable investment in Aurora has made the rounds. The lenders know she’s over a barrel. She says, and sharks smell blood in the water, but it’s just business, right?  He asks what she wants him to do, and she says, she just got the best reminder in the world that there are more important things than money. She can’t risk her house; she can’t buy back her half. She guesses she’s no longer co-owner of the MetroCourt.

As they lie in Sam’s bed, Sam asks Dante to tell her more about the cherry bomb capers. He says, it was his second summer at camp, and he was trying to make up for his first summer at camp. She asks, what happened? and he says, he was doing pretty good for a city boy out in the country, when the 4th of July rolled around. In his neighborhood, come 4th of July, everybody’s out in the street; the Falconaris, the Cerullos, the entire neighborhood. And there he was in this place he didn’t want to be in, surrounded by people he didn’t want to be surrounded by. So he found a spot by himself, and started to break down about everything. Then Cody comes looking for him, and he told Cody the whole thing, about his aunts and uncles and cousins and his grandmother, and the food, and the stickball games, and the fireworks. Even Cody started to get sad, thinking about their situation, because he said it sounded like the coolest 4th of July ever. She asks if the two families still get together, and he says, they’re probably out there, 100 tables strong, still in the street as we speak. She asks him to promise they’ll take the kids next year, and he says, it’s a date. She kisses him as the fireworks begin, and they watch through the window.

Carly starts to leave her office, but just puts her forehead against the door. There’s a song part, as everyone watches the fireworks. At the pool, Britt looks at Cody, who raises his glass to her. In the park, Austin and Maxie watch, lying on a blanket. Esme texts Spencer: You’re missing the fireworks! Where r u??? Rory and Trina kiss. Finally.

Cody sees Spinelli walk into the pool area, and says, my man. Come. Join him. He’ll let Spinelli buy him a drink. Spinelli asks, why, pray tell, would he do that? and Cody says, to celebrate his date with the lovely Dr. Britt Westbourne. Thanks for setting that up. He claps Spinelli on the shoulder, making him jump, and Spinelli says, Cody didn’t give him much choice. Cody says, Spinelli doesn’t want everyone to know matchmaker Zelda’s just a front, and the real man behind Society Set-Ups is Damien Spinelli. Spinelli tells him to keep his voice down, and Cody says, once that came to light, it wouldn’t take long for everyone to figure out how he matches one lovelorn sucker with another. He’s doing Cody a solid. Spinelli says, Cody got what he wanted. Spinelli engineered his match with Britt. Their business is concluded. Buy his own drink. Spinelli walks away.

Josslyn, Willow, and Michael go back to Carly’s office, and Josslyn asks why she didn’t come down. Carly says she got caught up in a few things here, and she kind of wasn’t feeling it. Michael says, they’re going to figure out something that doesn’t involve Carly taking out another loan, and Carly says, okay. He says, they’ll talk tomorrow; they’ll drop off Josslyn. Carly tells Willow, congratulations again, and everyone exchanges I love yous. They leave, Carly’s smile disappears, and she says, oh my God.  

Maxie tells Austin, what a perfect night. Clear sky, not too muggy… Austin is lost in thought, and she says, should they have some more wine? He says, sounds nice, and she asks, where was he? Is everything okay? He says, everything’s fine. It’s just… some old memories, that’s all. She says, such as? but he says, nothing. He’s much happier being here in the moment with her.

Rory says, Trina is just so beautiful… If he overstepped… She says, he didn’t. They kiss again, just as Spencer is walking into the area. He sees them, and leaves quickly and quietly.

Britt takes out her phone, bringing up the email from Society Set-Ups. She hesitates, then accepts her match.

Olivia sees Sonny having a cup of coffee, and he says, why the face? She says, he knows about Carly and the hotel? She offered to buy Carly’s half and sell it back to her, but Carly’s too stubborn to let her help. He asks if she’s surprised. She wouldn’t let him help her either. She says she was going to do it anyway, but someone beat her to it.

There’s a knock at Carly’s office door, and Carly says, come in. Nina walks in, and Carly says, get out. They have nothing to talk about. Nina says, that’s not true.

Tomorrow, Trina tells Rory, this can’t happen again; Nina asks Carly to let her do this; Sonny wants some information checked out; and Sasha asks Brando how bad the fallout is.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Ugh. I hate when it’s all new people and I have to learn their names. Even better, this season there’s a Natasha and a Natalya – and they look alike. I don’t even mean similar. They could be twins. Moving on.

Captain Sandy says, they’re going to Malta this season. It’s a new place with a new boat, and new department heads. Challenge accepted. We see a preview of the coming season.

Grand Harbour Marina, Malta. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Malta is a small country off the coast if Sicily; a little piece of paradise, undiscovered by the superyacht industry. Chief stew Natasha (who later introduces herself as Tasha, so we’ll go with that) arrives first, and the captain says she loves that Tasha has had a lot of experience. In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s been in yachting almost 10 years. She likes to lead by example, which she knows sounds super cringe. Bosun Raygan and Chef Dave are next, and we find out Dave and Tasha have worked together before. Captain Sandy tells Raygan, it’s nice to have a female bosun again, and in her interview, the captain says, she tried to get Malia again, but she’s Chief Operating Officer on another vessel. But someone once gave her an opportunity, so she wants to extend it forward. In Dave’s interview, he says he and Tasha are good friends. They get on like a house on fire, and her smile is unreal, so yeah… He says he’s trying to dig himself out of this hole. Hmm… a boatmance?

Raygan examines the boat, and Dave meets the captain. In his interview, Dave says, he’s been in yachting for 8 years, and owns his own restaurant in the south of France. He’s won the British Ski Championship, done skydiving, and climbed Mt. Everest. He’s cheated death so many times, it’s a joke. Deckhand Jason, and stews Natalya and Kyle show up. Natalya remarks that she and Tasha could be twins, and seriously, they could. In Raygan’s interview, she says, she was born in Essex, but moved to Turkey when she was 12, because her parents had a business there. It’s a Muslim country, so she calmed down, but she’s loud when she goes to Essex. They divvy up the cabins, and Captain Sandy calls Mzi, who’s the only repeat this season. In the captain’s interview, she says she saw potential and growth in Mzi. Bringing him back and watching him flourish will be incredible. He referred his friend Storm, who will also be a deckhand, but unfortunately, they’re both stuck in quarantine for another day. Mzi says, they’re being released at 8 pm, and Captain Sandy says, that’s a bummer. Tasha and Dave decide to share the one co-ed cabin, and in Dave’s interview, he says, it’s cool. He doesn’t know what to say. The captain radios the crew to meet in the main salon for the welcome meeting.

The captain tells the crew that the boat is a hybrid, a Motor Yacht Home; futuristic, white and stainless, and ultra-modern. She explains, they have two deckhands that are still in quarantine. It’s going to be challenging, since they have to pick up a charter tomorrow. With the turnaround time, it’s a disaster. In Raygan’s interview, she says, just her and Jason; that’s bad. Captain Sandy says, she likes the crew to help each other, and she’s there for them. They’re adults, and she expects them to act like it. She doesn’t tolerate hate comments or sexual harassment. If you fall in love, that’s not harassment. She introduces, Chief Officer Ray and Chief Engineer Carlos, and says they’ll be helping until the deckhands come. In her interview, she says, it’s been a while since she’s had a whole new crew, and we flash back to previous seasons. She says, how they handle pressure and can lead is critical. There’s no room for error. They ready the boat, except for Raygan, who goes for a smoke. In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s not a scream-in-your-face chief stew. She’s worked a 107 meter boat, with 10 stews under her. She’s worked with people who scream and swear, and she doesn’t like negativity. When her parents divorced, she was the peacemaker. She tells Kyle and Natalya, she doesn’t think they need ranks, and Kyle jokes that he deserves his rank. In Kyle’s interview, he says he was a service queen from the get-go; an extreme personality and extreme service. He grew up around 18 cousins, and had to stand out. Provisions come in, and Kyle says, this is the most meat he’s ever handled. He’s no Josiah, but he might turn out to be fun. Jason says he’s not used to a mega-yacht, and in his interview, he says, his perception was incorrect. He did commodities training, and when his company was bought out, he was like a divorcee with a new lease life, and went into yachting. He’s one of the wild cards for sure. The captain calls Tasha, Dave, and Raygan for a preference sheet meeting.

The primaries are Billy, who has an ad agency, and his fiancé Chris. They met in Japan, and will be celebrating their anniversary with a Japanese themed evening. They’d also like a local drag performer to come out, and have an all-out drag night. They also expect all the water toys. Captain Sandy says, it’s a bummer (her WOTD) that their slide is still in customs. They need to pull out all the stops. Chef Dave reads that they like a lot of seafood, and beets taste like dirt. He says, you can’t beat a root, which the captain finds funnier than I do. She says, Ray will be helping when they pull out of the dock, and in her interview, she says, being down two deckhands, it’s a safety issue. She needs the Chief Officer to call out distances; they need the support. Natalya says, on her last job, she was the sole stew, and it was lonely. She was every department, and she’s super excited to have 8 crew members. Raygan sits on the dock, having a smoke, while everyone else readies the boat.   The crew goes to bed early.

In the morning, Tasha tells Natalya that Dave brought her coffee. Natalya wonders if there’s romance, but Tasha says, they’re just like Musketeers. In her interview, she says, she just went through a break-up, and she’s focusing on herself. Captain Sandy thanks Jason for working so hard, when the floating dock arrives. Jason tries dealing with it himself, and the captain wonders where the bosun is. She ends up helping Jason herself, and I’m thinking Raygan seems lazy. In Kyle’s interview, he says he grew up in South Africa, where it’s not popular to be a homosexual. Plus, he went to an all-boy’s school, and hid being gay. He had a relationship for 12 years that was kept secret, and it damaged him, but he likes to make humor out of an uncomfortable situation. Don’t look at the gay guy, look at the funny guy. He tells Natalya that he wants to get married and have kids one day. They need to get all the provision boxes out of the guests’ site, and Kyle says, wherever you find a hole, fill it. The captain radios for the crew to get in their whites.

The guests arrive while everyone is still getting ready, but somehow they manage to be lined up in time. Captain Sandy tells them, welcome to Motor Yacht Home. Their goal is to make it their home, and give them the best holiday. They’ll head out as soon as the luggage is on board. Tasha says, they have blue Jolly Rancher shots (gag), as well as champagne. She gives them the tour, and it’s definitely a different boat design than we’ve seen before. Raygan tells Jason, the suitcases are too heavy for her, and in his interview, Jason says, she could help. The luggage is on board, and Tasha confers with primary Billy to have their fabulous Italian luncheon at 3. Sandy says, they’re ready to depart, and in her interview, she says, the current in this marina pushes the vessel starboard, and the dolphins (markers, not to be confused with the sea creatures) are really close. They get out of the marina, and Ray says, slow and easy wins the race. In Dave’s interview, he says he follows the preference sheet, but not recipes. He’s always bouncing ideas against himself. He shuts his eyes and envisions the plate.

Jason says he’s lifting more than everyone, but Raygan (who’s not lifting anything) says, he’s just not used to it. In Jason’s interview, he says, he’s trying to bite his tongue. He stands by his work ethic, but it’s easier to take it on the chin. Raygan tells him to get the toys out, and Jason says, she couldn’t lift a bag, but she has energy now. They eat, and Jason says, there’s only one of him. Raygan says, that’s because the other deckhands didn’t come. Dave tells Tasha that lunch is a family style Italian buffet, and she seats the guests, as Jason struggles with the water toys. Tasha tells Dave the food looks beautiful, and he says, she looks beautiful. Lunch is served, and the guests pronounce it delicious, although Billy says, it’s very peppery. Captain Sandy radios Raygan, telling her to get the toys out, and in her interview, the captain says, it’s difficult having the toys in the hull of the boat, but it’s so the guests don’t see behind-the-scenes work. It’s magic. You step outside, and the toys are there. The food keeps coming, including beef cheeks (Chef Leon would approve) made with cinnamon. Billy whines about the cinnamon, telling Kyle, it’s like his kryptonite. Kyle tells Dave that he hates to be the barer of bad news, but he needs some beef without cinnamon. Billy demands to look at his preference sheet, but when it’s produced, he can’t believe he didn’t put no cinnamon on it. In Natalya’s interview, she tells us that she can’t pronounce cinnamon or ambulance, and demonstrates. In Dave’s interview, he says, the first lunch is important, and sets the tone for the charter. And the beef wasn’t seasoned with cinnamon, it was just sticks to give it aromatic flavor. But if the guest doesn’t like his food, he’ll keep going until they do. Billy says he can still taste the cinnamon, and guest Twanna thinks they should be in the water.

Billy wants a Seabob, but one isn’t available, and Raygan suggests a kayak, but he says, that’s too much exercise. He tells Kyle that he’s not sure Raygan is his favorite. She gave him a stank face, and he thinks she hates him. In Kyle’s interview, he says he thinks Billy has had one too many, and he’s going to be overdramatic about everything, but at the end of the day, he’s the guest. Chris complains that Raygan is being a stupid bitch to him, and treating him like he’s stupid. Captain Sandy wonders what’s going on, and Billy says he’s irritated. He’s sure they think he’s a drama queen… but the captain lies assures him that no one thinks that. He says, Raygan wouldn’t put the slide out, and Captain Sandy explains, it’s in customs. Billy says, well, make up for it then, instead of realizing he is stupid. The captain says, they’re without two crew members, and Billy says he’s in customer service. Raygan isn’t rude, but she’s not warm and fuzzy. The captain says she’ll take care of it, but tells him, using the WaveRunner and drinking can’t happen. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, she’ll shoulder the complaint, but she’s concerned about Raygan not getting the toys out. They need to work with what they have. She should have communicated, and not blindsided the client. Billy says, the captain is hands-on, and she says, that’s how she started; she didn’t start out driving a boat. In Tasha’s interview, she tells us, people say if you don’t laugh, you cry. She also doesn’t have time for it. The guests get in the water, and Raygan takes primary Chris for a ride. Using a paddleboard, Billy says he’s like a dolphin.

In Dave’s interview, he says, it’s not like he has all day to prep, but he puts pressure on himself. He grew up poor, and started working at 13. He’s afraid to fail. The dinner table is decorated, and Natalya steams the guests’ clothing. The guests come out, and Billy asks if he’s the only one wearing suit, and says the other guests are trash. Mzi and Storm are on their way, and Captain Sandy freaks over how disorganized everything is. The guests are seated, and Wagyu beef with wild mushrooms and mashed potatoes is served. I want some very badly, but Billy is already making faces. He tells Kyle that it’s more rare. More rare than what, he doesn’t say, but he wants it cooked more. Kyle takes his plate, and Billy says he can’t believe he had to send it back. Kyle tells Dave that he’s sorry. It’s perfect, but Billy wants it cooked more. In his interview, Dave says, you can eat Wagyu raw. It’s ridiculous.

Billy whines some more about how his steak wasn’t medium, and guest Crystal says, it was like it was a mooing cow, not exaggerating too much. Mzi and Storm arrive, and Captain Sandy says it couldn’t be better timing. She takes it back. It could have been yesterday. Billy gets his new steak, and the captain says she’s so happy. She meets Storm, who says, it’s been a long 14 days. She says she’s happy to have Mzi back, and in Mzi’s interview, he says, it’s like breaking out of prison. It seems like they’re chilling, but quarantine isn’t easy. He wants to hit the ground running. The captain says she’ll give Mzi the lowdown, and he can relay it to Storm, who she wants to start sorting out the mess; it’s a safety issue. Raygan goes for a smoke, which seems to be the only thing she does. Billy puts his placemat on his head, and in Storm’s interview, he says he’s a dirtbag pirate. Some people don’t enjoy him, but if everybody likes you, you’re doing something wrong. Dessert is served, and everyone loves it. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Storm is pretty fit.

Tasha and Kyle get dressed in drag, and discuss the drag themed evening. In Mzi’s interview, he says, Storm is a childhood friend. When Storm was 13, he looked 18, and they were petrified of him. The same mustache he has today, he’s had since he was 13. Drag queen Trihanna Wilde arrives, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, theme parties are her strong point. When she was growing up, they had no money, and her grandma would treat them to the theater. She wants to make other people feel how she felt as a child; it’s magic. Trihanna does a show, and in her interview, Tasha says, thank the Lord they pulled tonight together. She’s happy that they guests are happy. She says she’s had two long term relationships on boats. It’s nice to share a cabin, and blow off steam, and you can trust the other person won’t say anything. She asks Dave if he wants to hook up, and he nods.

Captain Sandy consults a chart, and says, they’re going to have a swell. In her interview, she says, every bosun should have their watch schedule on day one. She wants to see it and approve it, so she’s comfortable with who’s on anchor watch. She asks Raygan for her schedule, and tells her, the tender should be in the water. The toys are a priority, and she wants the tender and WaveRunner out. In Raygan’s interview, she says, the last boat she worked on was a private yacht, and it was more relaxed. This is the most demanding job she’s had in a long time. Well, that’s obvious. The captain tells her to get the tender in the water, and get the schedule done. The guests get ready to go in the water.

Around noon, the guests are back on board, and things start rocking. Captain Sandy realizes they’ve lost their stabilizers; they’re malfunctioning. Everything starts falling, and Crystal wonders what’s happening. The boat rocks like crazy, and the captain radios for all crew to hold onto everything. Everything is just crashing everywhere, and it’s worse than Sailing Yacht. A guest asks where the lifejackets are.

To be continued…  

🦋 Catch You Later…

Join me tomorrow for soap, and who knows what else. Below Deck Down Under is on in the evening, and although I’ll no doubt be watching, too many Decks spoils… something. So until then, stay safe, stay fighting the good fight, whatever that is for you, and stay knowing that, being alone is better than being with the wrong person.

February 10, 2022 – Maxie Convinces Peter To Leave Louise, Lindsay’s Message, Good Stuff, Celebration, Suspended, Salty Talk, Jurassic Trailer & Gifted

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Maxie approaches Louise, and says, it’s gonna be okay, sweetie, but Peter backs up. He says, Maxie is going to see Louise on his terms now. She asks, what are those? and he says he’s leaving the country with Louise. He wants Maxie to say goodbye to her, here and now, knowing it’s the last time Maxie is going to see her… or she can come with them. They’ll be a family, forever. Maxie suggests she take Louise someplace warm, but he says, their daughter will be warm and comfortable on the journey to their new home. The question is, will Maxie be joining them?

On the phone, Chase says, keep him posted. Brook says, no news on Peter’s whereabouts? and Chase says, it’s like the guy disappeared into thin air. Brook wonders how you can do that with a baby. Isn’t it supposed to make him easier to spot? She can’t believe she let her guard down. She can’t believe Peter just waltzed in, and took Bailey from upstairs. He says, this isn’t her fault. This is on Peter, and Peter alone. The PCPD isn’t going to stop searching until they find Maxie’s baby and bring her home. The bell rings, and Chase opens the door to Finn and Elizabeth, who says, they got there as soon as they could. Finn asks if there’s any news, but Chase says he’s afraid not. Elizabeth tells Brook, she’s so sorry. She knows this is every parent’s nightmare. Finn says he knows Peter is nuts, but what would he get out of taking Bailey? Is he looking for ransom? Is he hoping the Quartermaines will pay him so much, he can just disappear forever? Brook looks at Chase, and Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? Finn asks if they know something, and Brook nods. Chase says, Bailey isn’t Bailey.

Charlotte asks what happened to Valentin, and he says he’ll tell her everything, but first, she has to tell him who took her. She says, Peter August. She thought he was the pizza delivery man. She opened the door, and he grabbed her before she could run away. Then he blindfolded her. Valentin hugs her, and Anna asks if she can ask Charlotte something. Did he hurt her? Charlotte says, he wouldn’t let her take the blindfold off. He took her someplace in his car, then locked her in. As soon as he was gone, she took the blindfold off. It was a warehouse. She was trying to find a way out when Grandpa Victor found her. Victor says, quite the introduction, wouldn’t she say? and Laura says she has a million questions, but she has to get in touch with the PCPD and let them know they found Charlotte. She thanks Victor as she walks past, and Valentin says, thank you, father, for being a hero; being in exactly the right place at the right time. Anna says, it’s almost as if he knew where to find Charlotte.

In the hallway on the phone, Laura tells Dante, she said it was Peter August who grabbed her… She’s been checked out. She’s absolutely fine, thank goodness. She has no idea what Peter’s motivation could possibly be. Maybe to get them panicked, and distract them from finding him and Bailey… him and Louise. Austin comes out of the elevator, and Laura tells Dante that she talked to Mac’s doctor. He’s expected to make a full recovery. So that’s something they have to be grateful for. Please keep her posted on the search for Peter and Louise. Austin says he didn’t mean to overhear, but Laura knew Louise was masquerading as Bailey? Laura says, Robert Scorpio filled her in, and Austin takes it Louise hasn’t been found. She says, no, but every available officer on the force is looking for her and Peter August. She knows he has a personal interest in the baby being found; he delivered her, right? He says, he did, but it’s not just that. He might be responsible for Louise being taken.

Peter tells Maxie, there’s not much time. Don’t think she can stall until the cavalry arrives; it’s not happening. But he’s going to give her the choice she never gave him. He’s taking the baby regardless, but if she comes with them, she’ll never have to suffer the heartache that still haunts him, all the questions. Where is his daughter? Is she safe? Will she grow up never knowing who he is? She looks out to the water, and asks if that ship is taking them somewhere; where is it going? He says, there’s no time for questions. She has to make a choice now. Is she coming with him and Louise or not? She says, it was hard enough saying goodbye to Louise when she gave birth to her. She’s not sure she can do that again. He says, even if it means saying goodbye to her family and friends forever? Maxie says, Louise is her whole world. Everything she’s done, she did to protect her. He says, from him, and she says, yeah, but he found her, because he loves Louise as much as she does. He says he loves Maxie. That’s why he called her. Otherwise, he would have just left with Louise. She asks why he didn’t, and he says, because he wants them to be a family, the way they were supposed to be, but only if she wants to. She says, Louise is her family. She made Louise with him, so there’s no choice, is there? He says, sounds good on paper, but what’s the catch?

Finn says, what does Chase mean, Bailey isn’t Bailey? Chase says, it started over a year ago, and Brook says she should explain. Chase only got involved because he wanted to help. She was in on it from the beginning. Elizabeth asks, in on what? and Brook says, protecting an innocent baby from her psycho father. Finn says, Chase is a lot of things, he’ll admit, but psycho’s a little harsh, but Brook says, not Chase; Peter August. Maxie wanted to make sure Peter never got his hands on their daughter. Elizabeth asks what that has to do with Brook’s baby, and Brook says, she never had a baby. She was never even pregnant. She faked the pregnancy, and when Maxie gave birth, she told everyone that the nurse Peter hired handed the baby off to some mystery accomplice, and she disappeared. Elizabeth says, that was a lie? Brook took Maxie’s baby and passed her off as her own? Brook says, that’s right, and Finn says, Bailey was really Louise, and Brook said the baby was hers to help Maxie keep her daughter away from Peter. Brook says, yeah, and asks how much they hate her. Elizabeth says, nobody hates her. She thinks Brook’s amazing. Finn says, she certainly went above and beyond to help a friend, and Brook says, she and Maxie weren’t friends; at least, not at first. She only helped Maxie for selfish reasons. She wanted to get one over on Valentin Cassadine.

Victor suggests they discuss the details about how he found the lovely Charlotte later, and Valentin tells Charlotte, all that matters is, she’s safe and unharmed. Charlotte says, thanks to Grandpa Victor, and hugs him. Victor promises they’re going to keep her safe. Peter August is going to be very sorry for what he did to her. Very sorry.

Austin tells Laura that he took on the Quartermaines, and made an enemy out of Brook. It cost him is place in the Quartermaine family, and almost cost him his place at General Hospital. Laura gathers he was looking for payback, and he says, he was, so he approached Valentin. He thought maybe they could join forces and plot some kind of revenge against Brook, and Valentin’s father Victor managed to insert himself. She laughs, and says, no surprise there. Victor never met a revenge plot he didn’t like. He says, so Victor came to him with a sonogram that he said he found on the street, and all of the personal information was missing. He told Victor how he could find out who the sonogram belonged to. She says, and somehow the sonogram led Victor to believing Brook’s baby was really Louise? and he says, he assumes so. Who else would have passed along that kind of information to Peter August? What he doesn’t understand, is why it mattered to Victor. She says, Victor and Peter formed an alliance in Greece, so whatever matters to Peter – he says, like finding his daughterwould also matter to Victor. And if Victor could find Louise’s whereabouts, he could also use that information against Peter to get him to do whatever he wanted. Austin says, like what? and she says, she doesn’t know, but she’s going to find out.

Maxie says, she’ll go with Peter. There is no catch, she promises. He says, all the while plotting to run off with their child the first chance that arrives? and she says, she can’t just jump into his arms and say, all is forgiven, and she wants to spend the rest of her life with him. He says, he didn’t think so, and she says, but she thinks if they get away from Port Charles, the place that brought out the worst in him, he’ll start to become the man she fell in love with again. The one who was kind, considerate, talked her off the ledge when she was spinning, or made her laugh when she wanted to pull her hair out. The one she trusted and believed in. He sets the carrier down, and says, yes. He swears to her, on their daughter’s life, that will happen. He’ll be the best man and husband for her and Louise that a man could possibly be. She looks at Louise, who’s sleeping peacefully, and says, not Louise. He says, excuse me? and she says she’ll go with him, but if he loves their daughter as much as he says he does, he’ll understand why they have to leave her behind. He says, leave Louise? After he spent a year trying to find her; risking his life to find her and be with her? She says she understands the sacrifices he’s made. She’s asking him to make one more; one that they’ll make together. He asks why she’s doing this, and she says, the world knows him as Peter August, wanted by every law enforcement agency. It doesn’t matter where he takes them. They will constantly be on guard, waiting for someone to tap him on the shoulder, and take him away in handcuffs. He says, it hasn’t happened so far, and she says, he’s done a good job, up until this point. Robert and Anna found him. They arrested him and brought him back to Port Charles. It’s only a matter of time before the WSB or Interpol is on his trail. The longer he stays in one place, the better the chance someone will recognize him. They’ll constantly be changing their names and identities. They’ll always be on the run, never able to build a stable home for their daughter. Is that something he wants for the child he claims to love?

Brook tells Finn and Elizabeth, thanks to Austin’s vendetta, and Gladys Corbin’s big mouth, Valentin grew suspicious. When he finally cornered her, she was about to tell him the truth. That’s when Chase came in, and claimed Bailey was his. Finn asks if Chase knew Bailey was Louise all along, and Chase says he didn’t find out until the day he claimed to be Bailey’s father, but once he put the pieces together, he couldn’t let Peter find out the baby was his. Brook says, that’s when Finn’s brother came to rescue. She got into this for selfish reasons. She went to Maxie, and offered a mutually beneficial arrangement, one in which Maxie would have a safe place to hide her baby, and she would get some leverage over Valentin. She starts to cry, and says, but when Bailey… Louise actually got here, she was this living, breathing little baby that was solely dependent on her. She never knew how much she’d grow to care. Chase puts his hands on her shoulders, and Finn asks if Valentin knows Bailey is Maxie’s daughter. Brook says, she doesn’t know; why? Finn says, somebody found him, passed out drunk behind a dumpster and called the paramedics. Brook says, what? How did that happen? Valentin doesn’t go on benders. Elizabeth says, the tests showed there was no alcohol in his system, and Chase says, alcohol was poured on him to make him appear drunk? To what end? And if he didn’t pass out from alcohol… Elizabeth says, they’re waiting to hear back from toxicology to find out if he was drugged, but right now, they have more questions than answers. Brook jumps up, and says she has to see him. Chase says, he doesn’t think that’s a good… but she says she’s sorry, grabs her coat, and runs out.

Anna tells Charlotte to say goodbye to her dad, and Charlotte hugs Valentin. He tells her, je t’aime (I love you), and she says, feel better. He says he always does, and Anna takes her out. Victor says, an impressive young lady that Charlotte. She does the Cassadines proud. Valentin thanks Victor for finding her, and bringing her safely back to him. He knows that Peter kidnapped his daughter; he just wants to know why

Austin says, he knows his father had a beef with the Quartermaines, and pretty much everyone else in Port Charles, but whenever Laura’s name came up, Jimmy Lee always said, there’s a woman to reckon with. She says, and Jimmy Lee would be right, but Austin must also be someone to be reckoned with for Maxie to have entrusted him with the truth about her baby. He says he just wishes he’d known the truth before Peter snatched Louise. As for Maxie, after he told her that he was probably the reason Peter found out about Louise, she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Laura asks if he can blame her.

Maxie tells Peter to think about his life with his father. Faison dragged Peter from place to place, so he could be one step ahead of the law or a vengeful enemy. Think of how much he resented that life. (Um… wasn’t Peter sent to boarding school? We’ll let that pass.) How it gave him scars that still haven’t healed. Does he want that for Louise? If they leave her here in Port Charles, she can grow up in a safe and stable family. He says, a family that despises him; a family that will plant lies in her head about him. He picks up the carrier, and says he can’t do it. He can’t be abandoned again. She says she’s leaving Georgie with her father, and she’s hoping her parents will take care of James. She’s even hoping one day she and Peter can have another baby, one that won’t be taken from them. He says, she is? and she says, doesn’t he get it? Their love can live again. They just have to start over. Just the two of them. He says, she upended her entire life just to ensure he’d never see Louise. She made him believe Louise was stolen, and gave her to Brook to raise as her own. Not to mention all the accusations she made to his face, the anger and hurt that still haunts his dreams, and now he’s supposed to believe she can simply forget all that, and start all over with him? She says, maybe not forget, but weigh the past and the things they regret against what really matters. They made Louise; she connects them. And by giving her up, they can be connected again. A second chance. She’s willing to take it. Is he? He says, of course (🍷) he is. She knows he is. He hugs her, and she looks at Louise.

Finn says, he knows all Chase cares about right now is the safe return of that little girl, but has he given any thought at all to what this is going to mean to his life, to his career in law enforcement, when this comes out? Chase says, it’s already out. Ned came by earlier and gave him an earful. Bailey was safe as long as she was under Ned’s roof, but he came along and came up with the brilliant idea to bring Brook and Bailey here, just so they could keep up the lie. Then Peter comes, and takes Bailey. He’s a cop. This is his job. Finn tells him, shut up, and hugs him. Chase cries, and Finn says he’s got this. He did good.

Victor asks, what makes Valentin so sure he knows what’s going on inside Peter’s twisted mind? He doesn’t know. Perhaps Peter took Charlotte hoping the PCPD would focus on looking for her, rather than looking for him and Brook’s baby. Valentin says, Brook’s baby? and Victor asks if he’s saying she’s not. Valentin says, Victor found Charlotte minutes after the police issued a missing child alert. How did he know where to look? Victor says Valentin shouldn’t be taxing himself with all kinds of questions right now. As Anna said, he needs his strength. Get some rest. Valentin says he wants some answers, about Charlotte’s kidnapping, and what happened to him. He was just headed to his car, walking through the GH parking garage. He’d just left Victor, and the next thing he knows, he’s flat on his back by a dumpster, smelling like a distillery. Did Peter do that, or did somebody else? Victor asks if Valentin is suggesting he knocked out his own son to help Peter, and Valentin says, he’s known since Crete that Peter has something Victor wants, or he’d never have put up with him. Victor saw him at the hospital, collecting Bailey’s medical records. Did he figure out Bailey was Peter’s long-lost daughter Louise? Victor asks if Valentin thinks he made some kind of devil’s bargain with Peter; help Peter get what he wants, and Peter helps him get allegedly what he wants? What does Valentin think that would be? Valentin says, if he knew the answer, he wouldn’t be asking the question. He does know Peter kidnapped Charlotte, and Victor knew where to look because Victor made a deal with Peter. Victor says Valentin has a vivid imagination, and Brook runs in. She says, thank God Valentin is okay, and Victor says, no thanks to her.

Austin says he doesn’t know how to make up for his mistake if Maxie won’t return his calls or texts, and Laura says, maybe she can’t. He says, she doesn’t think… and she says, she doesn’t want to think the worst, but just in case… Anna brings Charlotte out, and Charlotte tells Laura that she can go. Anna says, the doctors checked Charlotte out, and she’s fine. Laura says, good, and Anna asks, everything all right?

Maxie says, if she and Peter are going to leave Louise, they should do it now. She asks for his phone since she left hers behind. She’s going to call someone she trusts. Peter asks, who is this person she trusts; Brook? Maxie says she promises Brook will take Louise and look the other way when they get on the ship. She won’t ask any questions. Peter says, absolutely not, but Maxie says, Brook couldn’t love this baby more if she was her own. They can’t leave her here for some random person to find her. He says he has no intention of putting their daughter at risk. He hands her the carrier, and says, this is how much he loves her. He’s giving up the child he searched for so long for. He knows where they need to go and what they need to do. Maxie says, lead the way, and follows him.

Maxie and Peter arrive at a firehouse safe place, and Maxie says, they can’t leave her here, but he says, the firehouse has a special drop-off for parents who can’t care for their infants. No surveillance cameras; no questions asked. She says, it’s so anonymous, and he says, that’s the point. They open a special door, and put her inside. When they close it, it triggers a silent alarm and notifies the firefighters that she’s here. He promises that she’ll be well taken care of, and opens the door. Maxie cries, and says, she can’t.

Chase says, he did good? How can Finn say when he lied to him and everyone else? Finn says, but his heart is good, and he lied for the right reasons; to protect Maxie’s baby when Peter was one step closer to finding out Bailey was his. Chase says, given Peter still found out, he feels he only made things worse. Finn says, that’s what this guy does. He takes you to the dark side where he lives, and makes you do things you wouldn’t normally do. Chase says, like try to kill him?

Valentin asks Victor to leave him and Brook alone for a minute so they can talk, and Victor says, he’ll be right outside if Valentin needs him. He leaves, and Valentin says, forgive his father. Brook says, forget his father. What happened to him? He says, he doesn’t know, but it begins and ends with Peter August. She says, it’s all her fault. He woudn’t have even been on Peter’s radar if she hadn’t lied about Bailey. He says, come on, her name’s Louise, and she says, he knows. She says she’s so sorry she lied to him about being pregnant, and he says, it was creative. She got her ELQ shares back, and protected the life of an innocent child. It was a smart move. She says, even if it made him suffer? and he says, better him than Bailey.  He guesses it makes him grateful.

Laura tells Anna, she and Austin were just talking about Maxie. It seems she’s not answering her phone. Anna says, for Maxie to leave Mac’s side, it had to have been extremely important. Austin thanks Laura for what she shared, and tells Charlotte that he’s glad she’s doing well. He leaves, and Charlotte yawns. Laura says she’s a very brave young woman who needs some rest. She needs one second with Anna, and then they’ll go home. Charlotte says, take as long as she needs; she’s good at waiting. Charlotte parks herself on a bench, and Laura tells Anna, she knows it’s a big ask, but the PCPD is stretched so thin… Anna  says, it’s fine; she’s on it. She asks what Austin was doing. What was Laura showing him on her phone? Laura says, somebody who might be able to help him locate Maxie. She’s grasping at straws, but it was all she had.

Austin calls Spinelli, introducing himself, and saying, they met at Jason and Carly’s wedding. He got Spinelli’s number from Mayor Collins. He needs Spinelli’s help. Maxie Jones is AWOL and radio silent, and Mayor Collins said Spinelli is his best hope of finding her.

Peter says, Maxie is the one who convinced him they can’t take Louise. Or was everything she said about leaving town together and starting a new life just one more lie?

Chase says he’s sorry for bringing up bad memories, and Finn says, it’s all he can think about. Peter throwing the antidote off the roof at GH, the antidote that was keeping Chase alive. Chase says, Finn would have done the world a service if Peter had died when Finn shoved him down the stairwell. Finn says, it would have cost him everything he believes in. That’s the evil Peter brings to the table, right? He turns people like us into people like him, that’s why he has to be locked up forever. Do him a favor; no more blaming himself. Chase says he can’t help it. He and Brook were outside on the patio when Peter broke in and took Bailey. He should have been more aware. He should have known Peter figured it out.

Peter says Maxie can do this, but she says she can’t. He says, she has to, and opens the safe space door. She puts Bailey’s carrier inside, and Bailey is still snoozing away. She says, my little one. She knows it probably seems like she’s always saying goodbye, but she knows Louise is going to be safe and cared for by people who love her. Maybe one day Louise will forgive her, and understand that nobody loved her more than her mommy did when she gave her up. He says, they have to hurry, and Maxie says, Louise, my little angel. Peter says, this isn’t goodbye. One day the three of them will be together again. He closes the door.

Finn says, the first thing they’re taught in medical school is, you’re not God. Not even close. You can’t control all the circumstances all the time. All you can do is your best, and Chase did that. Chase thanks him, and Finn tells him, that being said, it’s a good thing he didn’t tell dad and Jackie about his sudden fatherhood. Chase said then he’d have to break their hearts and tell them Violet is their only granddaughter. Finn says, speaking of broken hearts, he has to figure out a way to tell Violet she’s minus one cousin.

Brook says, Valentin is grateful she lied? and he says, he’s grateful she protected Bailey. She’ll always be Bailey to him. He’s grateful she protected Bailey from that sick son of a bitch who gets to be her biological father. She says, there were times when they were together with Bailey and Charlotte. She knew it was make believe, but… Valentin says, it felt like a family? and she says, yeah. She’s really sorry she took that away from him and Charlotte. He says, him too.

Anna talks to Laura, while Charlotte is stretched out on the bench, asleep, and Victor puts his coat over her. He says he thought Laura was taking her home, and Laura says, she is, but she also has a job to do. Evil people are at work in her city. She guesses he hasn’t noticed. Her phone dings, and she tells Anna, take a look. Anna does, and says, got it. She leaves, and Victor asks if there’s anything he can do, but Laura says, she thinks he’s done enough, hasn’t he?

Austin strides through the hospital on the phone with Spinelli. He thanks Spinelli for giving him the location of Maxie’s car, and tells him to call the cops.  

Chase tells Finn, obviously Valentin was drugged and left in an alley, but why? It couldn’t have been Peter; he was locked up at the time. Finn says, he doesn’t know, when Chase’s phone rings. Chase says, it’s Anna, and asks, what’s up? She asks if he’s up for some freelancing tonight, and he says, Peter? She says, yeah. It’s unofficial. He says, he’s already in hot water with the department. Why not kick it up a notch? She tells him that she was hoping he’d say that. She just sent him directions. He looks at his phone, and says he got them. She says, good, and Chase… He says, don’t worry. He’ll come prepared. Finn asks what Anna wanted, and Chase says, he’ll tell Finn on his way out. He goes to get his coat, and Elizabeth comes out. She tells Finn, Cameron said Aiden baked an Austrian pastry, Violet picked movies – Disney princesses, of course (🍷) – and Jake is asleep on the couch. Chase comes back, putting his gun in his waistband, and putting on his coat. He says, he’s so sorry, but Anna needs a favor. Finn says, don’t forget he’s suspended, and Chase says, lock up, and jets. Finn says he’s going after Chase, but Elizabeth says, don’t worry; Anna’s with him. She’s going to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. Finn says, he’s not thinking straight right now; he’s taking risks he shouldn’t be taking. He’s on suspension. She says, that’s his choice to make, not Finn’s. She knows he want to be the big brother and protect Chase, but as long as Peter is still out there with Bailey… she means, Louise, then this nightmare’s never going to end. Somebody has to stop him. He says, she’s right as usual, and she says, she knows he’s worried about his brother, but if he goes after Chase, she’s going to worry about him. And what about Violet? He says, she plays dirty, and she says, all’s fair when it comes to their kids. He says, okay. He’ll take her home and grab Violet. Hopefully, she didn’t eat too much Australian cake. Elizabeth says, Austrian, and she has a better idea. Why doesn’t he put Violet to bed in her guest room, and they can both spend the night? He says, safety in numbers, right? and she says, you can never be too careful or safe. He says, no, you can’t be, and helps her on with her coat. He says, he’s sleeping on the sofa, isn’t he? and she says, the pull-out bed is surprisingly comfortable, and they leave.

Laura tells Charlotte, it’s time to go home, and Victor asks if he can give them a lift. Laura says, no thank you. She has a police escort; she’s not taking any chances. He says, in that case, he’ll settle for a goodnight kiss from his granddaughter. Charlotte hugs him, and he tells her, goodnight, and sweet dreams. She says, him too, and Laura says, what about her? He says, of course (🍷), and hugs her. She quietly tells says in his ear, if she can prove he aided and abetted Peter August, he’ll share Peter’s fate. She steps away smiling, and says, goodnight, and leaves with Charlotte.

Chase meets Anna at the firehouse, and she says, they got an emergency call that a baby was dropped off here tonight who fits Louise’s description, so she texted ahead that they might have an ID. A fireman comes out, and Anna introduces herself and shows him her WSB badge. Chase introduces himself, and says, they worked a few arson cases together. The fireman says he’s glad to help out. He’ll be right back. He goes inside, and Chase says, he wants to believe they have Bailey, but it can’t be that easy, right? She says, that’s why she turned to him. She didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up. The fireman brings Louise out, and Chase says, that’s her. He tells Louise that she’s not alone anymore, and takes the carrier, thanking the fireman. Anna tells the fireman, this child was kidnapped by Peter August. Did they see who left the child? The fireman says, all drop-offs are anonymous. A silent alarm is triggered by the door, and they found her in the safe place. She thanks him, and he goes back inside. Chase says, he doesn’t get it. Why would Peter just give up the baby? She says, Maxie. Maxie convinced him to. That’s the only explanation that makes sense. Maxie met up with Peter. She thought Maxie was brave before, but she just made the ultimate sacrifice; she convinced Peter to give the baby up. Anna takes an earring out of the carrier, and says, it’s Maxie’s. She was wearing it tonight. He asks if she thinks Maxie left it on purpose, as a clue, and Anna says, she did. Where did Maxie and Peter go? That’s what they have to find out.

Austin arrives at Pier 55, and calls to Maxie. He sees a boat pulling out, and yells her name as it leaves. He makes a call, and says, there’s been a kidnapping. Send the PCPD and the Coast Guard. They’re in a boat. If the boat gets to international waters, it could be too late.

Maxie and Peter are in a car, and Maxie asks why they’re not heading back to the pier and the ship. He says, the authorities will be checking all the ships, and she says, he has it all figured out, doesn’t he? He says, soon they’ll be away from Port Charles and their past will be behind them. She looks at the other earring in her hand, and stares straight ahead.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth says, it sounds like Finn wants to crash on her couch again; Portia says she knows so; Carly says, seeing them together gave her the clarity she needed; and Sonny tells Phyllis that Carly’s (I think) calling the shots, and he ain’t having it.

📝 That Was Fast…

Regular Sam was back before the ink dried on the recast.

🏥 Coming To a Soap Near You…

What else would they say? It’s going to stink?

🎉 Happy Anniversary…

It wouldn’t be GH without her.

🎣 Can’t Win…

Off one hook, and on another.

🧂 A Little Salt…

The meltdown was epic.

🦖 We Gather Together…

The gang’s all here for the latest in dinosaur adventure. Looks good.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/jurassic-world-dominion-trailer-has-jurassic-park-fans-losing-it-over-franchise-reunion/

🌞 Going To My Happy Place…

Swing by tomorrow for soap, tea, and quotable words. Until then, stay safe, stay composed, and stay being someone to be reckoned with.

January 4, 2021 – Cyrus Accuses Jason Of Kidnapping, a Drunken Guest Takes a Midnight Swim, Not a Crush, a Hit, Unwelcome Return, She’s Still Here & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jason tells Carly, he had a shot at Cyrus, and she asks why he didn’t take it. He says, because she was there. If there was a witness or things had gone sideways, she could be an accessory and he couldn’t take that chance. He had to let Cyrus live. Cyrus knows why, and now they’ll be vulnerable. Carly’s phone dings, and she looks at it. She tells Jason, they won’t be vulnerable. She solved it. The house phone rings, and Jason answers. He says, send him up, and tells Carly, go upstairs; Cyrus is there. She says, it worked, and he says, what worked? What did she do?

Ava and Nikolas walk into an empty Charlie’s, and Ava says, Julian was so proud of this place. She was proud of him having it. It’s not easy getting out of the business he was in. This place gave him a foundation and a purpose. He poured his heart and soul into it, trying to make a legitimate living, but it wasn’t enough to save his life. Being a Jerome is a hard habit to break. Nikolas asks if she’s expecting trouble, and she says, nothing she can’t handle.

Portia looks for Mac, but finds Jordan in the office. She says she didn’t realize Jordan was back. She needs to speak to Taggert before he’s released. Jordan says she owes Portia an apology. She hopes to fix the damage that’s been done. Portia says it will just be an excuse, and she doesn’t have time for empty promises. They both know Jordan will do the exact same thing again.

Laura meets Martin at the MetroCourt. He says she seems to have something on her mind. In the spirit of their newfound status as siblings, can he do anything to help? She says, actually, yes. He’s guessing it’s about Cyrus, and she says she needs leverage against their brother.

On the phone with Josslyn, Jax says he understands. Let him know if she changes her mind… He’ll talk to her later… He loves her too. Nina asks if everything is okay with Josslyn, and he says, not really. His daughter refuses to come to Australia with him. Nina says she thought it was all set, and she’d agreed, but he says, she comes from a long line of stubborn women on both sides. Nina asks how much danger Josslyn is really in, and he says, that’s just it. As long as Sonny is missing, no one knows what the next move will be on his so-called territory. Seeing a mob war in Port Charles isn’t pretty, and his daughter is refusing to stay out of the line of fire. 

Carly opens the door, and asks how she can help Cyrus. He says she can’t. He walks up to Jason, and says, this bastard took his mother.

Nikolas tells Ava, the Jeromes attract their fair share of trouble, but the Cassadines have been known to cause chaos from time to time. She says they really are a perfect fit. Someone tries the door, and Nikolas opens it to Alexis. She says she saw the light on, and thought… She doesn’t know what she thought. Nikolas says he understands. Ava says she knows what Alexis is looking for. She blamed all of her problems on Julian, and now she’s realized too late that she wanted him back after all.

Portia says, Jordon doesn’t get to validate her feelings to assuage her guilt, and Jordan says, it was the only way. She wishes that wasn’t the case. Portia says, even if Jordan couldn’t tell her at first, why didn’t she say something after Portia started helping her? She falsified medical records for Jordan, and put her career on the line to buy her time. Jordan says, she appreciates the risk, and Portia asks if she didn’t do enough for Jordan to tell her that her ex was alive, and comfort her daughter with the truth. Jordan says she was trying to protect Trina, and Portia says they see how that worked out. Trina is devastated. Jordan took Trina’s father from her twice; once, pretending he was dead, and then destroying her faith in him.

Martin says Laura cuts right to the point, and she says she thinks they have the rest of their lives to get to know one another. Cyrus is dangerous right now, so she figured she’d start there. Please help her. He asks why she assumes he can, and she says she hasn’t known Cyrus that long. She never dreamed she’d have a half-brother who turned out to be an infamous drug lord. He reminds her that it’s alleged infamous drug lord. Cyrus was cleared of his crimes. She asks Martin not to tell her that Cyrus is a poor, misunderstood philanthropist. He sent a team of gunmen to Port Charles last winter, and she was one of the victims. He had a bomb planted in The Floating Rob that put her daughter into a coma. Martin says, something Laura has to understand about him, is that he’s a representative of the court; a servant of the law. He makes decisions based on evidence, not conjecture or hearsay. There’s no credible evidence to overturn Cyrus’s release. In the eyes of the law, he was cleared. That’s all they know, or can be sure of. She says she can’t tell if he’s turning a blind eye, or she read him wrong and he’s working for Cyrus.

Cyrus says his mother is a fragile, elderly woman, in need of constant medical care, and Jason asks what that has to do with him. Cyrus says, don’t BS him. Jason took her. Bring her back or there will be hell to pay. Jason says he doesn’t know where she is, but he can make inquiries. Cyrus tells Jason that he needs to do more than that. If his mother is harmed… Jason says, threats are not helpful. Like he told Cyrus on the pier, don’t try to escalate. If they keep the peace, no one will get hurt. Cyrus says, including his mother?

Jax says that he was counting on Carly to talk sense into Josslyn, and Nina says, maybe it slipped her mind. He says, her child’s safety? and she says, Carly’s husband is missing. He says, all the more reason for Josslyn, and the entire family to get out of town. What kind of a life is it for her? If he pisses someone off in his business, no one has to go into hiding. She asks if Josslyn told him why, and he says, she wanted to stay with her mother. She also mentioned Avery and Donna. She remembered Michael and Morgan being there during difficult periods of her life, and she wanted to do the same for her sisters. Nina says, she’s got a great heart, and he says he knows that, and he’s proud of her, but the agreement has always been, at the first sign of danger, she leaves with him. Nina says, he made the agreement when Josslyn was a kid. She hates to break it to him, but Josslyn isn’t a kid anymore. He asks what she’s saying. He should let Josslyn stay? She says, no. She’s saying maybe he needs a new agreement, but not with Carly – with Josslyn.

Laura asks if that’s how it is. Is Martin in Cyrus’s pocket? He says, no. He doesn’t work for Cyrus, or represent any of Cyrus’s legal affairs. She should be pleased to know they have no business aspirations in common. Laura says, that’s a relief, and he says, no matter how much he disapproves of Cyrus’s alleged misconduct, he owes Cyrus for his significant financial support of their mother. She says she understands family loyalty, and regardless of what Cyrus has become, he and Martin shared a childhood. She doesn’t have that loyalty. She and Cyrus are related, but they’re not family. Martin says, family are the people you come to love, no matter how. The city is an extension of her family, and she does what she can to protect it. Laura says she’d rather go against one brother than two, and he laughs. He says, he’s no crime lord, but he won’t be her enemy or adversary. She asks if he’ll be her ally.

Alexis says she saw the light, and was hoping… Ava says, for what, or who? Nikolas suggests Ava not kick Alexis while she’s down, and Ava asks if she should wait until Alexis sobers up. She was there when her brother did everything he could to win Alexis back, but it was never enough for her. Alexis thought Julian was unworthy. Alexis says, it’s an oversimplification, and Ava says, Julian made a million mistakes. He was a coward in many ways, but he was also heroic. Alexis says, he had his moments, and Ava says, generous of Alexis. She’s not blind. Julian had his faults. He made bad choices, scrambled to cover them, making worse choices, which eventually led to his death. If she wants to be angry at the people who hurt Julian while he was alive, she has the right to be. Alexis broke Julian’s heart. Nikolas says he gets it. It’s complicated. Feelings are complicated, but taking it out on Alexis isn’t helping. The momentary sensation of power Ava gets won’t ease the pain of Julian’s death. Ava says, power is better than grief, but he’s right. She has to consider that Julian never stopped loving Alexis. She doesn’t think he’d want her lashing out. Nikolas says, probably not, and Alexis says, are they kidding her? Is she seeing what she’s seeing, or is she that drunk? Have Nikolas and Ava fallen in love with each other?

Jason says Cyrus told him that he talked in facts not emotions. The fact is, Cyrus’s mother is missing, and making demands gets him no closer to finding her. Cyrus asks, what does? What does Jason want? Jason says he wants Cyrus to leave, and Cyrus says Carly is awfully quiet. She doesn’t seem that upset for a woman whose husband has vanished. Perhaps they arranged this between them. Carly says she can’t speak to his mother’s whereabouts, but she thinks his mother will find her way back to him. He’s lucky Jason is going to make inquiries; he usually finds what he’s looking for. Jason says Cyrus needs to leave before he calls the guards. Cyrus says, he and Sonny had their differences, but Sonny understood honor. He would never kidnap an elderly woman and use her as a hostage to guarantee Cyrus’s good behavior. Jason says, he’s not Sonny, and Cyrus leaves. Jason turns to Carly, and says, she took his mother? Carly says, they needed leverage. Now they have it.

Jason says Carly needs to tell him exactly what happened. How did she figure out where Cyrus mother was in the first place? She says, Laura, and sits down. She tells Jason, Laura’s biological father was Gordon Grey. He was married to Florence, and had two sons, Martin and Cyrus. Jason says, Cyrus is Laura’s half-brother? and Carly says, Laura just found out. She tracked Florence to a long-term care center in Vermont. He asks how she knows this, and she says, Laura stopped by, asking for Sonny. When she said Sonny was gone, Laura said they’d need protection, and Cyrus has a weak spot. Laura was referring to herself, but when she was explaining, she told Carly that Cyrus’s mother was in a facility in Vermont. After she left, Carly called Spinelli. He hacked into the facility’s computer, and arranged a transfer. Carly sent two guards and a nurse to take her to a safe house. Cyrus will never find her.

Alexis says, as absurd as a lecture is from the person who blackmailed her nephew into marriage… Ava says, what she’d like Alexis to understand is that she and Nikolas started out as adversaries, but found a connection deeper and more profound than they expected. Alexis says, that entire field has been fertilized how many times? The scenario is the same, and will play out for Ava and Nikolas, then end up the same way two people who are passionately in love with each other end up – at each other’s throats, fighting to the death.

Jordan tells Portia that she’s truly sorry Trina is hurting, but she was being watched. Because her grief was genuine,  Taggert was able to stay hidden. Portia says they let Trina go on in pain, and Jordan says it provided a cover for her to make sound choices. Portia says Jordan makes it sound easy, but Jordan says she knows how much Taggert loves Trina. They hated this, but genuinely believed it kept Trina safer to be kept in the dark. Portia says while she’s grateful for Trina’s safety, she doesn’t allow decisions for her child to be made in a vacuum. She has a right to know. How would Jordan feel in her place?

Laura tells Martin, even if he won’t side with her, he’s not going to interfere with Cyrus being brought to justice, is he? Martin says he hears what she’s saying… and Laura says, but he won’t help her. He tells her, he didn’t say that. Cyrus runs in, and makes a beeline for their table, saying, she’s gone. Martin says, who? and Cyrus says, their mother is missing. They kidnapped her. Martin asks, who’s they? and Cyrus says, their sister. It can’t be a coincidence that mere days after Laura discovered where their mother was, their mother disappears. He looks at Laura, and says, it’s all her, isn’t it?

Martin says, someone has taken their mother, and Laura knew? Laura says, of course (🍷) not. She swears it’s the first she’s hearing of it. She’d never put their mother in harm’s way. Cyrus asks if he’s supposed to believe that Laura didn’t tell Carly about her new brothers and their ailing mother. Martin says, the Corinthos crime family has their mother? Laura says, before she’s convinced, does Cyrus have proof? Cyrus says, whatever she told Carly, was passed onto Jason. He has a reputation for being lethal. He went there, and tried to guarantee their mother’s safety, but Jason refused. Laura asks if Jason said they have her, but Cyrus says, of course (🍷) not. That self-righteous bastard never incriminates himself, but he knows Jason has her. Laura says, if Jason has her – and that’s a big if – she can’t believe he’d let anything happen to her. Cyrus asks if that’s supposed to be a word comfort. Martin says, their mother needs constant care. If they don’t know where she is, how do they know she’s all right? Laura promises to do everything in her power to bring their mother back safe and sound. Cyrus says she’d better keep her promise. If anything happens to their mother, the fact that she’s his sister won’t help her.

Jason asks who’s taking care of Florence? and Carly says, the best nurse she knows; her mother. He says she brought Bobbie into this? She says, her mother was happy to help. Cyrus had Julian plant a bomb in The Floating Rib that put Lulu in a permanent care facility. She was willing to do anything. Florence is perfectly safe and receiving excellent care, and as long as they have her, Cyrus won’t hurt the people Carly loves. Jason says he has two options. The first, is taking Florence back to Vermont tonight, or play this out – on one condition. He plays it out. If Cyrus finds out Carly set this in motion, he’ll retaliate against her. Let Cyrus think he did it. From now on, Florence is his hostage. She says, everyone who knows him, knows he wouldn’t kidnap an old lady, but he says, that’s the deal; stay completely out, or he takes Florence back tonight. She says, fine, but she’s not sorry. He says he’s not asking for an apology, but it was a line he thought he’d never cross, and she just crossed it for him. He walks out.

Jax says, Josslyn feels that she’s old enough to stay. She knows the truth about Sonny, who Sonny is, and understands the courses that need to be taken, especially after a long, extended lockdown. Nina says, Josslyn sounds like she’s making an informed decision. Given what she’s had to live through, she’s wise beyond her years, and very strong. Jax says, that’s his point. She should just be a kid, and enjoy life, not mourn her friend who’s been killed by a bomb. Nina says she agrees, but that’s not her reality. She thinks taking Josslyn away, if she wants to go or not, will be a terrible mistake.

Nikolas suggest they sober Alexis up, but Ava says, a cautionary tale like this deserves two fingers. He tells her that she’s not helping, and Alexis says, it’s foreplay, isn’t it? Them sniping at each other? Nikolas says he’s not discussing what goes on in his marriage bed with Alexis, especially given her condition. Ava gives Alexis a drink, and Alexis says, he’s right. It’s inappropriate for her to discuss things like that with him. He thanks her, and she turns to Ava, asking, when Nikolas sees Ava – really sees her – does he see all of her? Not just the shiny smother parts, but the shards, the broken pieces that were swept away in the dark corners of her soul. Ava says she believes he does, and Alexis says, to expose yourself in that way to someone you know you’re not supposed to trust, but do it anyway is so intoxicating and forbidden, it makes you devour each other. Ava says now that Alexis’s law career is over, she can start a new one, writing romance novels. Alexis says Ava is wrong about her and Julian. It had nothing to do with him being unworthy. Ava says, Alexis could have fooled her, and Alexis says, he was bad for her, and she loved him because of it. Ava says she knows, and Alexis says, it was crazy love, but it was great. She never felt more angry or passionate. She loved every minute, even the parts she hated, because it was poison, like Ava and Nikolas will be. Nikolas says, that’s enough.

Jordan tells Portia, the situation had no good options. She made the choice that would save the most lives, and she stands by it. Portia says they have no reason to discuss it further. She’ll speak to the desk sergeant. Jordan says, she won’t be able to bail Taggert out; he hasn’t been arraigned yet. Portia asks when the arraignment will be, and Jordan says, tomorrow. Taggert will be charged with fraud for faking his death. Portia says, which Jordan helped with, and Jordan says, keeping Taggert in custody while Cyrus is free is the safest place for him. Portia asks, what about the Feds? and Jordan says, eventually, Taggert will have to answer for perjury and false testimony, but for now, they’ll figure things out one at a time. She can arrange a meeting with Taggert and Trina, and Portia says, Trina will want to tear into him. Jordan says, if Trina wants to tear into her too, her door is always open. Portia says she’s always been honest with Jordan about her conversations with Curtis. She saw Curtis Christmas Eve. She said she understood that Jordan lying to protect Trina made him angry, but she told him to go home and talk to her.

Jax says he thought Nina was with him on this. If it was her daughter, wouldn’t she want to swoop in and take her away from danger? Nina says, of course (🍷) she’d want to, but it would still be wrong. It doesn’t matter what she’d think she’d do. She’s never met her daughter; her child is a blank slate, abstract. He and Josslyn have a great relationship. Josslyn is strong and brave, and knows her own mind. He and Carly raised a great kid, who’s eighteen now. She suggests he respect Josslyn’s wishes, and preserve the bond they have. Josslyn will be safer, thinking she has a wonderful father she can go to when she needs to, rather than him breaking his word, and proving he doesn’t trust her judgement by taking it away.

Nikolas tells Alexis, he’s sorry she’s hurting. He can’t imagine how Julian’s death has affected her. She says he won’t have to if they keep going down this road. He says she can’t take out her grief, rage, and loss on Ava. Alexis tells Ava that she’s sorry, and Ava says, no harm done. Nikolas says Alexis was right about one thing; her relationship with Julian was toxic. Look what it’s done to her. He and Ava are far from perfect, but whatever issues they have, they’re nothing like her and Julian. Alexis hopes he’s right. She doesn’t think he is, but she’s been wrong before. Nikolas says, it’s been a long night. He’ll drive her home. She says, it’s not necessary, but he says he’s not letting her drive. She says, neither would the state of New York. Her law license isn’t the only license she lost. Try saying that three times. (It is kind of hard.) She doesn’t want them to make the same mistake. Nikolas says he’ll get her a car, but Ava says, no. If they can benefit from honest advice, she’d like to hear what Alexis has to say. Alexis says, at some point, the seduction will end, the bond will end. And it will just be lies, deception, and manipulation; looking over their shoulders to see what scheme their partner is scheming, who they’re lying to, and what lies they’re telling for them. Then it constantly replays over and over until it becomes exhausting, and one day they wake up and realize it’s not love, but addiction. She’s an addict, but so are they, just like her. She walks out the door, and Nikolas follows.   

Portia says she’s never seen Curtis happier than with Jordan. She hopes they can fix what’s broken. Jordan says, whatever choices she makes moving forward are her business, and Portia says, if she’s being informed by someone else’s experience, maybe Jordan can learn from their mistakes. Maybe there’s something Portia will say that can help, if Jordan decides to listen. Jordan says, all right, and Portia says she loved Taggert very much when they met and when they marred, even when she realized their marriage would always come in second. It was lonely. Knowing that his communication with his partner was more important than with his wife didn’t help, but they broke up because they couldn’t share a life together; she was shut out of so much of it. Jordan says, and Portia thinks that’s going to happen to her and Curtis? Portia says she knows it can, and it might be already. As angry as she is, she doesn’t wish it on Jordan or Curtis. She leaves, and Jordan sits at her desk, looking really sad.  

Ava asks if Alexis got off all right, and Nikolas says he put her in the car. Whether she goes home or to another bar, she’ll probably end up drinking more either way. Ava says, far be it from her to judge. At least on that account. Nikolas says, Alexis was wrong about their relationship. Her relationship with Julian was twisted, and they made it work, but what she and Julian did to each other isn’t them, and will never be them. Ava says, of course (🍷) it won’t. Their feelings for each other, the way they need each other… He says, it’s totally different, and Ava says Alexis is seeing it through vodka colored glasses.

Martin says he’s never seen Cyrus so… He was going say concerned, but that doesn’t cover it. He’s afraid. Cyrus says, of course (🍷) he is. Their mother is old, sick, and frail. Just moving her… Martin says he knows, but what’s frightening Cyrus most? Her dying or never forgiving him?   

Carly goes to Jax’s house, and he says he takes it there’s no word from Sonny. Carly says, not yet, and Nina says she hopes there is soon. Jax says, in the meantime, he’d like to know, if all hell breaks loose, will their daughter be caught in the crossfire?  

Laura goes to Sonny’s house, and Jason answers the door. She says she needs to speak to Carly right away, but he says, sorry; Carly is out. She walks past him into the house, and says, he’ll do.  

Tomorrow, Nina tells Valentin that she needs to quit kidding herself, Dante wants confirmation from the WSB, Laura tells Jason that he’s turned it into a war, and Franco tells someone to stop it.

Below Deck

Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Ashling asks what time Elizabeth went to bed, and she says it was late. Ashling asks if she and James were in the hot tub, and Elizabeth admits they kissed. She wonders what James going to say. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says, it was amazing last night. She feels excited and giddy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use the word giddy in real life. Eddie texts his mom about the virus. Francesca asks him if it’s hitting the U.S., and he says they’ve had the first death. It’s everywhere now. James does pull-ups using one of the railings, and Ashling says she feels fresh. Elizabeth is washing dishes, and Francesca notes that she got straight into it. She says Elizabeth seems flustered, and Elizabeth says she isn’t; she started working at 8:30. Francesca meets with the stews, and says, despite what happened with Elizabeth, she doesn’t want animosity. She wants them to work as a team, and no one is better than the other. She asks Ashling to clean the captain’s room, and puts Elizabeth on laundry. In Francesca’s interview, she says she’s still pissed at Elizabeth. It was super immature, and she could have been fired even before that. Elizabeth keeps disrespecting her, and it’s time for a wake-up call.

The captain tells Eddie that the new charter wants to be picked up in Jolly Harbour, two hours away. That’s what  they’re about, making the guests happy. Eddie tells Izzy that Rachel bothered him last night. When she’s working, Rachel is a great master of her art, but when she’s drinking, it’s like an evil switch flipped. Izzy says, she’s like a gremlin on crack. The deckhands get the boat ready, and Rob says they’re living the dream.

The crew congregates in the crew mess, and Elizabeth is all giggly to be around James in close quarters. In James’s interview, he says he’s been in relationships on boats before. The less people who know, the better. He asks Elizabeth if Ashling knows, and Elizabeth says it was written all over her face. In his interview, James says he’s a little peeved, but he can’t let her know. Rachel calls Vincenzo, and tells him that she loves him. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s worried. Vincenzo is traveling between France and Italy, in areas that are quarantined, and it’s scary. Milan has been quarantined, and the grocery stores are empty. Everything becomes overwhelming, and she needs to keep a clear head. Vincenzo is her best friend.

Eddie says he needs more sleep, and we flash back to Francesca telling Eddie and Rob goodnight, and Eddie telling Rob that she’s into him. In Rob’s interview, he says Francesca is giving off steamy vibes, but she’s above his paygrade. She’s like a steamy nut. Hot, but you can’t touch it. Rachel cleans up the galley, and the captain gets ready to dock. He tells the deckhands, they nailed it this time. Elizabeth and Izzy sit in the crew mess, and Izzy asks what Elizabeth did. Elizabeth says, nothing, but Izzy insists she did something. She asks if Elizabeth had kissy kissy with James, and Elizabeth admits she did. Izzy says she knew this would happen. In Izzy’s interview, she says she’s pretty sure James just wants a root to boot (new one on me), but Elizabeth wants to love on him and have an emotional connection. There’s no way it’s going to work out. Francesca wants to talk to Elizabeth, and they sit in the Sky Lounge. She tells Elizabeth that the reason she came in when Elizabeth was talking loud with Izzy, wasn’t because she was annoyed that they were talking about her and how Elizabeth felt. It’s how it’s affecting the crew by her screaming it. Trying to provoke Francesca and get attention is immature. Elizabeth says she tried not to talk about it, but Francesca says she doesn’t give a f***. Shut the door. Don’t get anyone else involved. Elizabeth agrees with Francesca, and Francesca says she’s letting Elizabeth know it’s unprofessional. Everyone gossips, but it’s the way she was doing it. Elizabeth says she respects Francesca, and wants to keep rocking the charter. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says Francesca took her stripe; now she’s taking her co-worker’s sympathy. Thank God for James

Izzy says she heard James had fun in the hot tub, and he pretends not to know what she’s talking about. She says she’s proud of herself. She called this happening three weeks ago. Did he use protection? Rachel tells Captain Lee that she’s making the space work for her. He says, if she hasn’t been efficient so far, he’d like to see what happens when she is. He’s impressed. It’s time for the preference sheet meeting.

Primaries Tina and Mark are avid boaters, and socialize with their yacht club friends, some of whom will be coming. In Francesca’s interview, she says, these people are bad news. Boat people know everything they do. They want a Great Gatsby party, with a six-course tasting menu, and the water toys and jet skis. They don’t sound too awful, but in this bizarro yachting world where the most-likely-to-be demanding guests turn out to be a delight (and having seen the preview), I have the feeling they will be. Eddie asks James about Elizabeth, and James again feigns ignorance. Eddie asks if James thinks he was born last night. In Ashling’s interview, she says she thinks Izzy has a crush on James, but she doesn’t like to express her feelings. She’s better off, since James is a f***boy. Sorry, Elizabeth. Boy, she couldn’t have been more wrong (see below). Francesca calls for party decorations, feathers, and headpieces.   

James texts Elizabeth, and they meet on deck. Elizabeth asks what James’s mom does, and he says she’s happily retired. Elizabeth says her mom is too. They talk dogs, and we find out James has French bulldogs, and the viewers collectively squee at their photo. In James’s interview, he says he wants to take it slow, and be careful. They discuss their common interests. and first loves. In his interview, James says she cheated on him, but never admitted it. It was five years ago, and why he doesn’t have relationships anymore. They go to bed, separately.

Everyone is up early for charter, and in Izzy’s interview, she says her body aches, and everything she eats tastes like sick. Provisions come in, and the captain calls Francesca for his pants. Elizabeth can’t find the starch, and radios Francesca, who asks Ashling where it is. Ashling says she told Elizabeth, and comes to the laundry room. Francesca says they’re stressing her out for no reason. They need to communicate. In Ashling’s interview, she says she’s always helping Elizabeth, and picking up the slack. She’s 100% team Francesca, and making her look bad in front of her boss is not okay. Francesca tells Elizabeth to listen more. Elizabeth brings Captain Lee his Cheerios. Funny, my dad had Cheerios every morning too, and also gave a bowl to the dog.

Francesca forgets to put on her third stripe, and Eddie asks if she demoted herself too. Elizabeth laaaaughs. The guests arrive, and Captain Lee says, they’ll get the luggage on board, Francesca will give them the tour, and they’ll get out of there. Eddie thinks it’s a good sign that they seem classy. Rachel makes a charcuterie platter. My Seanna moves out. All the lines are in, and Elizabeth pops more champagne. The crew gets in their blues, and the boat heads to Five Islands Harbour. Rachel finds her phone in the freezer where she put it by accident. In her interview, she says, her phone is frozen, and covid is happening. Now she can’t talk to her boyfriend. It’s f***ed up, and she’s going to have a breakdown. Will it be worse than the last one she had? Will she really punch someone in the scrotum this time?

Impatient for a drink, Mark wonders if the stews will be mad if they self-serve. Izzy tells Eddie that she’s run down, and has a head cold. He asks if she wants some vitamin C. Mark says, everyone is sober, but Tina tells him, it’s still early. He’d better pick up the slack for all of them. A couple of the guests wander to the galley, and tell Rachel that they’re looking for champagne. She radios Francesca, who radios Elizabeth, who’s already on her way. The guests tell her that she doesn’t have to ask if they want another. Alrighty then. In Izzy’s interview, she says she’s powering through. She doesn’t like to feel like she can’t do her job. One of the female guests tells Eddie that they need the shirt off his back, and he says he has a lot of shirts. Nice save. Rachel marinates some Wagyu beef, and prepares mahi-mahi for lunch. In her interview, she says, locally sourced products are really yummy. Did she go to the Rachel Ray School of Culinary Arts?

Eddie tells the guests that they have big trouble. There’s way too much fun planned. He tells them they have horseback riding on the beach slated for tomorrow, but Tina says she wants to go shopping in town. Another guest says, what about a party on the beach? and guest Karen says, put the slide up. I laugh, since it had to be a Karen. (Sorry, Karens of the world.) Primary Tina asks if Captain Lee can join them for dinner. In Eddie’s interview, he mimics the guests by talking with his hands, and says he hates boat people, making air quotes.   

The guests drink some more. Francesca tells Captain Lee, they’re coming at the crew from all directions. They want to do it all at once. He says they don’t have enough people for that, and she says, they invited him to dinner. It’s a roaring 20s theme. Ashling helps Rachel thaw out her phone, and tells her about James and Elizabeth. Rachel says, shut the front door. James tells Izzy that her body is freaking out. She needs to rest. The guests go on jet skis, and Delores rides sidesaddle. The captain tells Rachel that he’s not wearing a silly ass costume, but Rachel says, a tuxedo is Great Gatsby. The guests move to the hot tub. In Francesca’s interview, she says, the guests are drinking a ton. They just arrived, and they’ve almost cleaned her out of champagne. She doesn’t know if they’re making it to dinner, and she’s scared. Eddie tells Captain Lee to do whatever he’s got to do to get out of this dinner. This group is going to be difficult. Tell them he came down with a cold and needs to sleep.

Rachel’s phone comes back, and she tells Elizabeth, she can’t believe she froze it, but it’s working. Francesca pours a drink, and Delores says, one, two, three, four, now’s the time to stop the pour. Five, six, seven, eight, now your drink is really great. The toys come in, and Francesca and Ashling decorate for dinner. Ashling tells Francesca, romance has begun with James and Elizabeth. In Francesca’s interview, she says she’s not surprised. There’s no work ethic going on. It’s a match made in heaven. Eddie tells Izzy to call it a night. Rob says, the guests have been drinking since 1 o’clock.

Izzy calls her sister Tori, who asks what she’s sick with. Izzy say she doubts it’s the virus. She was on a plane three weeks ago. Now I’m scared. In Izzy’s interview, she says she hasn’t been this sick long time. She’s hoping her immune disorder isn’t acting up again. She doesn’t want to end up paralyzed in a hospital. She wants to end the season, and feel like she accomplished something.

Izzy sleeps, and the guests gaze at the fish in the water. Delores says she wants to get in. Rachel makes waffles out of sweet potato tater tots. In her interview, she says she wonders what Great Gatsby is anyway. Leo DiCaprio waddling around? To her, a roaring 20s dinner is shenanigans. Something different, bigger, more over the top. She loves it, and would sign up for that. Delores wonders if she has champagne eyes. Tina and Mark check out the tablescape – feathers, bowler hats, pearls – and Tina says, it’s beautiful. Rob thanks he and James met in a previous life. In his interview, he says, the chemistry of two lost wandering souls found each other at sea. He loves fun guys. The guests sit, and Captain Lee joins them, wearing his dress uniform. He tells them, this is as Gatsby as he gets. He answers questions from the guests, like how many years he’s been a captain – thirty-five – and does he have any tattoos – no. Delores suggests they bring him downstairs. I have no idea what that means, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to find out. James and Elizbeth wash dishes, and in Rachel’s interview, she says she and Elizabeth are friends, but she was super effing disappointed to find out Elizabeth and James hooked up. James has been hitting on all the girls, and he pushed harder on the weakest link. Rachel plates. At the table, Delores burps. Loudly.

The next course is served. Elizabeth scarfs down a shrimp in the galley. Delores looks like she might get sick, and definitely doesn’t know what Rachel is saying when she presents the shrimp scampi. James pours Prohibition shots. Delores suggests they talk about the elephant n the room, and says they haven’t seen the captain naked in the water. She babbles nonsensically, and Mark says he’s going to put her in time out. Delores asks, how? and says he can put her in the water. In his interview, the captain says, Delores is drunker than a four-peckered goat. I have no idea what that means, and neither does anyone on Reddit. The guests think the waffles are amazing, and Captain Lee says Rachel has quite an imagination. Vincenzo texts Rachel, telling her that he’s home and not to worry. She says, thank God.

An incredible looking chocolate mousse dish is served, and Delores randomly tells Captain Lee that she could fix him up on jet skis he couldn’t imagine. He pretends to answer his radio, saying he thinks he heard an alarm. Mark says they can dress her up, but can’t take her out. The captain takes his leave, and heads for the galley, saying, that was full-on. He tells Rachel that the dinner was great. Francesca realizes she has to watch Delores, who wants to jump in the water. Francesca tells her, it’s not safe, and Tina tells her, there are sharks, and she doesn’t like sharks. The captain leans over the railing above, and says, no; she’s not getting in the water. That’s not happening. If he has to come in after her, she’s not going be happy. In his interview, he says, she’s very drunk, and it’s nighttime. She’s crossing the line, and he’s pissed. He’s not putting up with that; not for a second. Delores asks Francesca for peas, and says, fish like peas. She suddenly dives into the water, and Captain Lee says, son of a bitch, and runs downstairs. James offers to go in, but Francesca says he’s not going into the water either.  

In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, it’s the ultimate f*** you. She’s drunk, it’s dark, and he doesn’t need someone who’s going to jeopardize their own life on his watch. It’s not going to happen. The other guests have heard the splash, and wonder what’s going on. In Francesca’s interview, she says, WTF? It’s total disrespect to the captain, her, all of the crew. It’s about safety. This has reached another level. It’s just mental. Francesca asks the captain if it’s okay for James to jump in. Tina says Delores is a good swimmer, but Captain Lee says he doesn’t care; she’s drunk. He doesn’t need any dead bodies. Delores yells to them, asking if she can have a drink. Or maybe it’s peas she wants. I’m not sure. The captain says she’s not having anything, and tells her, get your goddam ass back to this boat now. He adds for her to go around the other side, since there’s no way up on that one. She wonders if he’s pissed at her, and he says, very pissed. In James’s interview, he says, this woman gives zero f***s. At the table, one of the guests says, now Captain Lee won’t like them anymore, and points the finger at another guest, adding, because Delores is their friend.

The captain says Delores has stepped over the line, and he’s not tolerating this behavior. Delores rambles about how much she paid, and he says he doesn’t give a sh*t. Tina tells Delores not to ruin their time, and the captain says her charter just ended. He’s done. Get her ass out of the water. He’s going back to the dock. Elizabeth tells Rachel about Delores jumping in the water in her white dress, and says, now the captain is screaming at her. The captain stomps over to the table, and tells Mark, their charter is over. There’s a guest in the water, drunk, and she won’t come out. He’s headed back to the dock. He’s not putting up with this. In the captain’s interview, he says he’s so mad he can’t see straight. He doesn’t want to be responsible for someone that reckless with their own life. He doesn’t need the liability. Get your effing sh*t and get off my goddam boat. This is total bullsh*t.

There was no preview. I guess they’re just leaving it up to our imaginations. Will Delores walk the plank? Will she be drawn and quartered? Will another boat pick her up, and give her an eye patch and a parrot? Is the charter really cancelled? No more champagne for you.

🔮 No Discernment Award For Ashling…

I don’t think Izzy had a crush on James.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-star-izzy-wouters-comes-out-as-lesbian/

⚾️ Hitting It Out Of the Park…

I’m actually half-watching this now, but I know I’ll love it. The only thing better than watching TV is watching other people watch TV. Combine it with the Deck, and you’re bound to have a hit.

‘Below Deck Galley Talk’ Is a Huge ‘Below Deck’ Hit With Fans

🏖 They’re Ba-a-ack…

The awful people from Summer House are back on February 4th, to lead their double-lives as sub-human teens in the Hamptons on the weekends, while working high-level, high-paying jobs in Manhattan during the week. I’ve actually come to like Hannah Berner on Chat Room, but the only redeeming quality of this show is how easy it is to make fun of. Watch the trailer. If you dare.

https://people.com/tv/summer-house-season-5-trailer-premiere-date/

🤷🏻 Is She Or Isn’t She…?

The details are sketchy about her collapse, but apparently, Tanya Roberts is still hanging in there. I’d read this morning in the New York Post that she had died, but I wasn’t sure what I was more upset about, her death, or that they hadn’t mentioned The Beastmaster. I met her once at a convention (remember those?), and she was a very gracious person. As of this post, she still is.

https://abc7.com/tanya-roberts-still-alive-bond-girls-a-view-to-kill/9354423/

🕺🏽 A-Leaping Out Like the Eleventh Lord…

It’s time to reprogram myself away from full-time eating, TV watching, and napping. You’d think I meant after the holidays, but unless the holidays started in April… While I’m readjusting, stay safe, stay maintaining balance, and stay not disobeying the captain by drunkenly jumping in the water after dark to feed peas to the fish.