What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Trina picks up the dove on her desk at the gallery, and flashes back to getting busy with Spencer in NYC. Spencer walks in and says he heard there’s a gorgeous girl here in need of a latte. She thanks him, sips it, and says, this is good. He says he likes seeing her happy, even if it’s over small stuff like coffee. She says, he’s in a good mood, and he says his grandmother’s back in town. He missed her quite a bit. She asks if Laura found his dad, and he says, not exactly.

Laura knocks on Valentin’s door, and he thanks her for coming. She asks if Charlotte is home, but he says, she’s at school. She says, what’s going on? He sounded so upset when he called her in Geneva. He says he’s in a bad way and doesn’t know what to do, and she asks, what is it? He says he feels like he doesn’t know Charlotte anymore. He needs Laura’s help.

Anna meets Jordan at the MetroCourt and they hug. Anna asks if Jordan minds if they switch to a different table. It’s so out in the open, and she wonders if they can find something more private, more sheltered.

At the hospital, Elizabeth sees Finn and asks where he’s running. Is he going up to 10? He says he is, and thanks her for recommending Dr. Cramer. His dad really seems to like him, and she was the one who really pushed the issue. Elizabeth says she was happy to help. She’s glad it all worked out, but she’s sorry their dinner last night didn’t.

Gregory goes to Alexis’s office, and she asks him to give her a minute. She’s just finishing up some notes. He says, it looks like she’s dressed for battle, and she says she is. Because if they do this right, Drew goes free.

Felicia and Maxie walk into the breakroom at the hospital, and Felicia thanks Maxie for bringing breakfast. Maxie says she wanted to see Felicia, and she knows Felicia ran out without eating this morning, so she decided to bring breakfast to her. She misses spending time with Felicia. Felicia says she’s neglected Maxie and the kids, but Maxie says, first, they understand. Second, she hasn’t neglected them. Felicia says she didn’t realize how much there was to learn about this position. Don’t get her wrong, she loves it, but she feels like she’s back in college studying for finals. Maxie says, it’s going to be worth it. Felicia is taking on a totally new career where she’s going to be helping people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. They’re so proud of her. Felicia thanks her.

Finn says he’s so sorry he had to cancel, but he figured if anybody would understand the sick child excuse, it’s Elizabeth. He was wondering if she’d consider a raincheck. She says, of course (🍷). How’s Violet feeling today? He says, she’s much better. She was up early and excited to go to school. Elizabeth says, good. Let’s forget about the raincheck and figure it out right now. How about Friday? He says, no, and she asks if he’s busy, but he says, no. He doesn’t want just one night together. Let’s spend the weekend together. Maybe go out of town for a couple of days. What does she say?

Gregory says he likes Alexis’s suit, and she says, it’s old. She hasn’t worn it since she was disbarred. It’s her summation suit. She would wear it to closing arguments. She’s not superstitious, but she did win most of those cases. He says, so it’s her lucky suit, and she says she hopes so. He asks if she misses being in court, and she says, yes. There’s really nothing like it when you’re in a courtroom and you have a jury in your hands. When she did her closing statements, she would look each one of them in the eyes until she was sure they had a connection. Then, when the judge rules in your favor, it’s… not this. Interviewing an ambitious judge is certainly not the same thing. He says he’s sure she’ll be just as passionate as she is in the courtroom, and she says she hopes so. He says, Judge Kim handed down a sentence that was harsh and biased, and he’s sure with her skills, she’ll get Drew out of prison. She says, if this is going to work, she needs his help. So is he ready for battle?

Trina says, this is huge. Spencer’s dad’s alive, but they just don’t know where he is? He nods, and she says, he just doesn’t want to see Spencer? Spencer says, yeah, and she says, but he knows about Ace, right? He says, yeah, and she asks, what is with these one-word answers? Isn’t he upset that his dad isn’t coming home? And please don’t say, no. He says he doesn’t mean to be glib, it’s just that if his father were to come home right now, that would ruin things. She asks, how? and he says, because he, Esme, and Ace have gotten into a routine. It’s nice because he can spend a lot of time with Ace this way, and with his grandmother and Doc home, they can help out when they need to, and Esme can take a break. He thinks if his father were to come home right now, it would throw everything off. So he’s kind of glad his father is staying away. She asks if he doesn’t think Ace needs his father, but he says, no. Because Ace has him.

Valentin tells Laura, this is all his fault. As a father, he’s supposed to protect Charlotte and he’s completely failed her. He was so obsessed with Victor and Anna and tracking down Nikolas, he totally lost touch with his daughter. She says she can’t help him if she doesn’t know what it is. Did something happen to Charlotte? He says, when he got back from Russia, he was staying with Anna while Charlotte was at camp. One night he was out and Anna went for a run. It was the night Anna’s townhouse burnt down. She says she did hear about that and she’s so sorry. It must be so hard on Anna, but thank God no one was in the house at the time. Do they know what started it? He says, it was arson; it was intentional. They were pretty shaken up, so they sent Charlotte to Sam and Dante’s for a while. Laura says, that was a good idea. She’d definitely be protected there. He says, they didn’t realize they’d need protection from her though, and she says she doesn’t understand. He says, a couple of weeks later, they were staying at the MetroCourt Hotel. They were just getting back from dinner, and their hotel suite had been trashed. There was a threatening message written on the hotel mirror. It was Charlotte.

Now seated at another table, Anna says, sorry for the inconvenience, and Jordan says, no problem. Anna says, just because she’s paranoid, doesn’t mean someone’s not after her, right? Jordan says, it’s perfectly understandable to feel on edge. First, her house burned down, then there was the incident in her hotel suite. Anna asks if the PCPD has made any progress, and Jordan says, unfortunately, no, but it is an ongoing investigation, so hopefully, they’ll come up with some leads. Anna says she feels so anxious lately, like a sitting duck, and Jordan asks if there have been any more incidents. Anna says, no, but it doesn’t stop her from looking over her shoulder or jumping at her own shadow. Which is exactly what the WSB wanted. Jordan says, so she’s convinced they’re somehow connected to this, and Anna says she can’t prove it. Everything that’s happened is right out of their playbook, toying with her. They won’t make another attempt until their target – her – relaxes into a false sense of security, which she has absolutely no intention of doing. Jordan asks if there’s anything she can do, and Anna says she has a bodyguard now, full-time, courtesy of Sonny. So whenever her enemy, whoever they are, makes another move, she’ll be ready.

Finn says he knows Elizabeth has a lot going on with the boys being back in school, but this offer just kind of fell in his lap. She says, what offer? and he says he has this friend, Dan, good guy. He’s got this amazing cabin in the mountains. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s beautiful, the lake and the trees, and it’s kind of a magical place to recharge after a week here. He knows it’s short notice, so if she can’t make it, he totally understands. They can do it some other time. She asks, what is it that she’s been telling him up on the roof? That they should take advantage of every moment. Okay, yes. Let’s do this. She’ll call her gram and see if she can watch the boys. He says he’s sure Chase and his dad can look after Violet, and she says, so are they doing this? He says, they’re doing this, when his phone beeps. He says he’s needed in surgery. He’s really glad she can go. She says she can’t wait, and he leaves.

Gregory says, Alexis wants him in the room? and she says, of course (🍷) she wants him in the room. That’s part of the strategy. She’s going to take the lead and occasionally she’ll toss it to him. That’s when Gregory is going to butter him up. He’s going to make Judge Kim think that this puff piece is going to build his reputation, and he’s going to play to the judge’s ego. Then when they have him relaxed, that’s when they go in for the kill and blindside him with the documents they’ve uncovered. He says he doesn’t know. His contribution was strictly research. He had no intention of being in the spotlight. She doesn’t need him. She says she does need him. He’s her co-counsel. What does he say? Gregory says he’s in.

Trina tells Spencer, every child needs a parent. It’s important for a boy to grow up with his father. Spencer says, not when that father is Nikolas Cassadine. He’s rotten to his core. She says she’s confused, because a few days ago, they talked about his dad. He said he and Ace were better off without him and got all fired up. Then she reminded him of sweet moments that he shared with her; stories from his childhood when he bonded with his dad and looked up to him. Then Spencer admitted he still loved him and hoped he’s okay. Now Spencer just doesn’t want him back in his life? He says, it was a moment of vulnerability. He got caught up in false sentiment. He realized, just because he had a few sweet moments with his father from childhood, it doesn’t mean his father isn’t the same cruel person he’s always been. He thinks Ace is better off without his influence. She says, so he’s fine with Esme’s influence, and he says, how he feels about Esme is irrelevant. She’s Ace’s mother and that’s never going to change. She says, he can’t just forget about the awful things the old Esme did. That person might still be under the surface, just waiting to come out. He says he has no misconceptions about who Esme is, and he can’t believe he’s going to say this, but she’s been a good mother to Ace. Trina says, so just like with his dad, his opinion seems to have changed. Because not only did he want to take Ace away from Esme, he was the one who said they should hold onto the false evidence Victor left him. Spencer says, yes, because he is cautious, and that evidence acts as an insurance policy should Esme revert back to her old ways. It’s future leverage. She says, so he doesn’t really trust her, and he says, yes and no. He’s never going to forgive her for what she did to Trina, Joss, and Cam, but at the same time, the new improved version of her seems to be at least somewhat sincere. She says she doesn’t care what type of mother Esme is to Ace, that is the same woman who not only drugged her and framed her for violating her best friend, she thinks Esme is still motivated by jealousy and wants to be with Spencer. He says, come on. She doesn’t want that. Trina says, snap out of it. This fantasy that he and Esme have of playing house is a dream come true for her.

Maxie tells Felicia that she’s so happy with the new house. At first, she thought it was going to be really weird since it was Lulu’s. They spent so much time there, laughing, crying… Felicia says, Lulu would love the idea of Maxie being there. The house is filled with life again. Maxie says, and Georgie and James both have their own rooms, so she doesn’t have to referee the two of them. It’s a win-win. Felicia says she wishes she could see them more. James said he found the perfect tree to climb in the backyard. Maybe she and Mac could come over on Sunday and she could cook. Maxie says, okay. She’ll have to barbecue. Felicia asks if it isn’t getting a little chilly for that, and Maxie says, yeah, but James is kind of obsessed with grilling hotdogs. Felicia says, okay. Has Maxie finished unpacking? She knows Maxie’s been busy at Deception. Maxie says, work has been a little tense lately, and Felicia says she thought the lawsuit was settled. Maxie says, yeah. Lucy managed to save the company, but it came at a very high price.

TJ tells Portia that he hears congrats are in order, and she squeals. He says, Co-Chief of Staff? That’s great. She thanks him and says, she wasn’t sure at first, but now she’s happy she made the decision. He says, it’s not an easy job, and she says, no, it’s not. There’s a lot of challenges around here, but she has confidence in her Co-Chief Terry. He says, Dr. Randolph made great and significant changes around here, and she says she really hopes to be a part of that. He says he hates to bring up bad news on her first official day, but she says, that’s okay. She can handle it. That’s what this job is all about. He says, it’s not a problem with GH. Someone was here last night and it’s her right to know. It was Cyrus Renault. He was released from prison.

Laura tells Valentin, there’s got to be some kind of mistake. Charlotte? How could he be so sure? He says, security footage. He saw her breaking into their room while they were out. She asks if it couldn’t have been someone else. Anna’s built up a lot of enemies over the years. They don’t even know yet if Anna is the real target at the MetroCourt pool shooting. He says, the only one in the footage is Charlotte, and she says, it’s just so hard for her to believe her sweet little granddaughter could do something like that. He says, it makes him sick, but he saw the footage and the room; furniture overturned, Anna’s clothes all over the place covered with red ink. Laura asks, what was the message on the mirror? and Valentin says, you think you got away with it; you didn’t. You think you’re safe; you’re not. She asks if he’s confronted Charlotte about any of this, but he says, no. He asked her where she was; gave her a chance to come clean. Laura says she’s guessing Charlotte didn’t, and he says, no. She lied right to his face. She says, this is a lot for her to digest… They’re going to figure it out and they’re going to find a way to help Charlotte. He says he doesn’t know if that’s possible. It’s worse than Laura realizes.

Anna asks if Jordan thinks she’s going to go back to her old job as Police Commissioner, and Jordan says, Laura hasn’t been gone very long. They haven’t had time to discuss this. Anna asks what Jordan’s gut is telling her, and Jordan says, to be honest, she’s pretty torn. Anna says, that surprises her. She thought Jordan would jump at the chance to get her badge back. Jordan says she never thought of this job as a temporary thing, but she has to admit she’s enjoyed being Deputy Mayor. And the thought of working with Laura full-time is appealing. Anna says, she’s great. She really gets things done in this city, which is the hard thing. Jordan says, part of her thinks she could better serve Port Charles working in the mayor’s office, but she has to say, there’s nothing like getting your hands dirty. Portia walks over to their table and asks why Jordan wouldn’t at least warn her that Cyrus Renault was released.

Spencer says, Trina has nothing to worry about. Esme is not a threat to them. Trina says she doesn’t think Esme is actively trying to drive them apart, but nothing would make her happier than having Spencer all to herself. He says he’d never let that happen, and she says, but he’s already committed to Ace, and she thinks Esme loves the fact he’s a father figure to him. He says he doesn’t see anything wrong with him filling that role for his brother, and she says, that is just it. Ace is his brother, not his son. He’s not Spencer’s responsibility. Spencer’s father needs to be taking care of him. No matter what he thinks of Nikolas, Nikolas did a good job with him. He raised the man she fell in love with, so he can’t be all bad. He asks what she suggests; that he just have no active role in Ace’s life? She says she’s not suggesting he abandon Ace, but she needs him to start thinking about his future. Their future – his and hers.

Valentin says he thinks Charlotte burned Anna’s house, but Laura says, no. Charlotte didn’t do that. He says he didn’t think she could trash a hotel room, but she did, and Laura says, but arson? Come on. That’s a whole lot worse. Besides it’s not possible. He just told her that she was away at camp. He says, it was an hour away. She could have taken a Ride Share. Laura says she thinks that’s a lot of planning for a fifteen-year-old kid, and he says he thinks she waited outside until the house was empty because she didn’t want to hurt anybody, but she wanted to cause mass destruction and she did; she succeeded. She says, but this is all speculation, right? He doesn’t have proof, does he? He says, no, but he believes she burned Anna’s house, and he believes she’s disturbed. He can’t get through to her, and he’s praying Laura can.

On the phone Elizabeth thanks her gram and says, it’s much appreciated… Elizabeth will be glad to see her too. And Aiden has a new recipe he wants to try out on her… It’s just a weekend thing. She’s going away with a friend… Yes, gram. It’s Finn… She’s glad to hear her say that. She really likes him a lot too.

On the phone, Finn thanks Chase and says he owes him one. His next call will be to dad. He knows dad will be happy to spend some time with him and Violet… No. Chase won’t have to worry about tea parties. She’s kind of outgrown that, but get ready for a manicure… Oh, it’s his friend David. Chase met him. It’s his cabin in the mountains. With everything going on, he could use getting away for a couple of days. He’s really looking forward to it.

Alexis’s desk phone rings, and she says she’ll be right down. She tells Gregory, the judge has arrived. She’s going down to greet him. Then she’ll escort him up. Show time. He better be here when she gets back.

Laura says she doesn’t believe Charlotte is capable of burning down Anna’s house, and Valentin says he didn’t believe she was capable of trashing a hotel suite, but she did. It’s not that inconceivable. She says, but he has proof of that. By the way, can she see that footage? He says, the footage no longer exists, and she says, the best way for them to help Charlotte is to find out what’s driving this behavior. He says he doesn’t have a clue. She used to like Anna. Maybe she resents Anna for all the time he and Anna spent together in the safe house, working against Victor. She’s jealous he chose Anna over her. Laura says, that’s it. It’s Victor.

On the phone, Jordan says, they’d better give her some answers. She should have been notified of Renault’s release; his victims deserve to know as well. Find out who dropped the ball and call her back. Portia says, this is unbelievable. How could something like this possibly happen? Jordan says, it seems Renault was given a hardship release. He had a major heart attack a few months ago and a doctor testified that he’s physically debilitated. Portia says, it doesn’t take a lot of strength to hold a gun, and Jordan says, apparently, Warden Garten also gave a statement to the parole board. She claimed Cyrus was a model prisoner. She claims he’s reformed and not a threat to anyone. Portia says, this maniac threatened to kill her. He threatened to kill her daughter. He held her hostage in her own home, with his sister. How is he not a threat? Jordan says she knows this is difficult… and Portia says, there has to be a way to get this reversed and get him sent back to prison where he belongs. Anna says she’s sorry. That’s just not possible.

Maxie tells Felicia that Lucy announced to the entire office that she was taking Tracy’s deal and Tracy dropped the lawsuit. Felicia asks if that’s not a good thing, and Maxie says, none of their options were good, but now Tracy has 51% of the company and they can market The Deceptor again. Felicia asks if that’s not their most successful product, and Maxie says, it is, but unfortunately, Lucy wants to rework the entire ad campaign, which means replacing Sasha as the Face of Deception. Felicia says, that poor girl; she’s been through so much. Maxie says she knows. She wanted to tell Sasha in person, so she went over to her apartment and found her packing to move to Texas. Felicia says, she must have family there. She can understand Sasha wanting to be with them at a time like this. Maxie says, that’s the weird thing. She does not have family in Texas. She said she just wants a fresh start. It seemed so important to her, Maxie didn’t have the heart to tell her that she’s being replaced at Deception. (Um… was she going to do it long distance?) Felicia says, maybe she just needs to make a clean break. Was she going to leave without saying goodbye? Maxie says, yes, and her heart breaks for how much pain Sasha is in. Felicia says she’s so sorry for Sasha and for Maxie. Maxie’s losing a good friend.

Finn asks to talk to TJ about a consultation, and TJ asks, what’s up? Finn says he knows they scheduled it for Saturday, but he also knows it’s not urgent. He’d like to know if they can reschedule because he’s clearing all his appointments for this weekend. TJ asks if he’s going away, and Finn says, maybe… Yeah, he is. He knows that sounds kind of strange for a workaholic like himself. TJ says he hasn’t seen Finn this upbeat since he found a cure for that parasite. He’s a whole different person.

Spencer asks where this is coming from, and Trina says, they’re at a different point in their relationship than when Ace was born. They’re more serious now, and she thinks it’s time they talk about what’s ahead for them. He says, she wants to know about his future? and she says she does. Where does he see himself in five years? (What is this? A job interview? Not to mention, most candidates hate that question.) He says he doesn’t know. Having fun? Spending time with his friends and family? Being with the love of his life, her? She tells him, don’t do that. She’s being serious. He says he’s sorry, and she says she really wants to know. What does he want out of life? What are his dreams? What makes him happy? He says, her. She makes him happy. And his brother. Ace makes him happy.

Maxie says she doesn’t blame Sasha for wanting to start over. This place holds so many painful memories for her. First losing a child, then her husband. It must be so overwhelming. Felicia says she’s sure Maxie is going to miss her, and Maxie says she will. And Deception won’t be the same without her. They made such a great team with Lucy and Brook. Although Brook ruined it even before Sasha left. She still can’t believe Brook betrayed them. Felicia says, Maxie was so close to Brook, and Maxie says, and now that friendship is over. Felicia says, but it doesn’t have to be.

TJ says he doesn’t know what Finn’s diagnosis is, but his symptoms lately are happiness and high spirits, bordering on downright cheerful. He doesn’t know what the cause is, but hopefully, there’s no cure. Finn says, this friend told him that they have to hold on to the small moments in life. If something good presents itself, you don’t let go. Do what makes you happy. He guesses that’s what he’s trying to do. TJ says, it sounds like Finn has a very wise friend, and Finn says, what about TJ? How’s the surrogacy going? TJ says, it’s been a struggle to get here, but now everything’s on track. The pregnancy is going well, and he and Molly are excited for their first ultrasound. Finn tells him, congratulations. It sounds like TJ is in a good moment too.

Spencer says he loves Trina, but his brother is always going to be a part of his life. She takes his hands and says she gets that. She would never ask him to walk away from Ace, but it seems like he wants Ace to be more than his brother. He says he’s well-aware Ace isn’t his son, but it doesn’t mean he can’t be there for Ace. He wants to make sure Ace knows he’s loved and safe. Trina says, Ace has already been given a safe and stable home, and he says he’s going to make sure Ace stays there and isn’t shipped off to a boarding school like he was, because he doesn’t think his father realized how difficult that was for him. It was very isolating and lonely. She says, unfortunately, loneliness is a part of life, for some more than others. He says, it’s not going to be a part of Ace’s. Not as long as he has something to say about it. She says, what about his mother? Does her say matter?

Alexis introduces Judge Kim to Gregory, and says, he’s a senior member of their editorial board. He has an extensive background in journalism, and he’s written several pieces on the Supreme Court and the Federal judiciary. Gregory says he’s enjoyed reviewing the judge’s decisions; he’s a very impressive jurist. Judge Kim says he’s flattered, but it’s the first time he’s heard the word enjoy associated with his decrees, and Gregory says, some of his cases are interesting. Kim says, even Chapman versus Young? and Gregory says, his judication in that case set a precedent. Kim says, clearly the professor has done his homework, and Alexis agrees. She wants to thank him for agreeing to this interview. Why don’t they begin? She tells him to have a seat and make himself comfortable. She thought they’d begin with just some general questions. What drew him to a career in law?

Laura says, Victor had Charlotte at that boarding school in Switzerland for almost a year. They don’t know how many times he could have visited her there or what lies he could have fed her. Valentin says, according to Charlotte, he never visited her there, but who knows? and Laura says, there was also that time they all went to dinner at the MetroCourt and Charlotte wanted to wash her hands before they sat down at the table. She felt Charlotte was gone a little too long, so she went to look for her. She found Charlotte in the alcove with Victor. She sent Charlotte back to the table and gave him a very strong warning. Valentin says, she never told him that before, and she says, it never meant much of anything before, but she’s starting to think maybe he was right there influencing Charlotte. He says, Victor has always hated Anna. He blamed her for turning Valentin against him. This is starting to make sense. So this is revenge. He’s weaponized Charlotte and pointed her directly at Anna.

Felicia says, Brook was forced into it. Blackmailing family members comes easy to Tracy. Maxie says, Brook should have come to her first. They could have figured out a way around Tracy. They could have out maneuvered her or something. By the time Brook fessed up, it was too late. Felicia says, surely Maxie understands going to extreme measures when backed into a corner, and Maxie says, okay. She’s made a few mistakes. She’s told a few lies… Felicia says, and pulled a few schemes, and Maxie says, point taken. She’s really not in a position to judge Brook. Felicia says, exactly. So just be honest with her. Tell Brook that she forgives her. Tell Sasha that she doesn’t want her to leave. Maxie wonders how she ended up with such a smart mother, and Felicia says, just lucky I guess.

Trina says she doesn’t see Ace and Esme living with Spencer and Laura forever, and he says, they haven’t discussed it yet, but Esme knows she can stay there for as long as she likes. She has everything she needs there. Trina says, as Ace gets older, Esme will make decisions that affect his future. Where he lives, who he sees will be her choice, not Spencer’s. He says, they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it, but he doesn’t see anything changing for a while. She says, this idyllic situation can’t last forever, and eventually Esme and Ace will be on their own. There’s nothing he can do about it.

Portia asks why they can’t get Cyrus put behind bars where he belongs, and Anna says, unfortunately, this is a legal provision to show mercy on the elderly and infirm. Portia says, this is insane. He’s exploiting the justice system. Jordan says, she’s right, but their hands are tied. She knows this isn’t much comfort, but there’s no way Renault is going to go near her or Trina again. Portia says, Jordan doesn’t know that. This maniac is playing the feeble old man card, and some judge actually bought it. Jordan says she despises Cyrus, but he’s smart and calculating. He had to have called in a lot of favors to get released. There’s no way he’s going to do anything to jeopardize it. Anna says she’s sure Cyrus is going to want to reconcile with his sister, so he’s going to be on his best behavior.

Valentin says he can’t believe he entrusted his daughter to that monster, but Laura says, Victor was his father. Valentin never would have thought Charlotte would be at risk with him. He can’t blame himself for this. He says, she was far from him at school, and he still got his claws into her. So he gets her to commit arson and she’s going to have to pay the price for it? Laura says she’s not convinced it was Charlotte who burnt down Anna’s house. She knows his father isn’t above manipulating his own granddaughter, but it would be more likely that he’d encourage her to taunt Anna in some way. She thinks that would actually explain the hotel room incident. He says, so what do they do now? and she says, now that they know what’s driving her behavior, they can help her. They got her out of that school. Now they just have to get her out from under Victor’s influence.

Judge Kim says, after law school, he secured a position as Assistant District Attorney for the State of New York, and Alexis says, her daughter works in the DA’s office. It’s challenging, but she finds it rewarding. Kim says, it gave him a solid base for understanding the legal system, but he gets a greater satisfaction from presiding on the Federal bench, especially with cases dealing with constitutional matters. Gregory says he’s read the judge’s opinions, and he considers himself an originalist. Correct? Kim says, yes. He believes the meaning of the Constitution doesn’t change over time. Alexis says she was just reading an article about Ascher Alexander, and apparently they both share that view. Gregory says, isn’t that the billionaire investment banker? and Alexis says, mm-hmm. Kim says he’s certainly heard of him, but he wouldn’t know if Alexander agrees with any of his judicial opinions. He’s never met the man. Alexis says, really? Then that’s interesting. He flew to St. Thomas on this man’s private jet to go deep sea fishing, yet he’s never met him?

Perhaps Judge Kim should be removed from the bench for stupidity.

Tomorrow, Drew is scheduled to go back to Pentenville; Esme says she’s perfectly capable of looking after her own son; and Laura asks if Charlotte is worried about her father.

Southern Charm

Venita’s boyfriend Manny laughs over dressing Charles to go out even though he has fur. JT wonders if he should drink tea out of bowl or wineglass, and picks the latter. Shep chases Little Craig, who has the zoomies.

Madison visits Craig and Paige, and she’s shocked at how good the place looks. In Criag’s interview, he says his biggest concern about Paige is that she has no social circle in Charleston. She loves Madison, and they’re both firecrackers. He loves fireworks as long as they don’t blow up in his face. Madison says, she has the real tea, and tells them about Whitney saying Taylor sent him a nude photo. Craig says he saw it, but so much was going on, he forgot to tell Paige. (Right.) Paige asks if it was full front, and Madison says, it was, but Craig says, it was dark lighting. Paige says she’d never do that. She picks one item and focuses on that. Craig asks, what’s with Taylor and all of Shep’s friends? He thinks she’s really lost. Paige tells Madison about the pheasant dinner, and how Olivia hadn’t even walked through the door when Taylor cornered her to spill about her and Austin kissing. Paige thinks the problem is the lying over a six month time period, and Madison says, the timeline is f***ed up. Craig says, Taylor told him that Austin and Olivia weren’t together at the time, but Madison says she saw it after they were in New York, and we flash back to the Reunion. Craig says, Austin was trying to win Olivia back at that time. The sleepover JT was talking about happened recently. Paige says, they’d been sleeping together for months. Wait. What?

Austen visits mom Wendy and dad Tom, who have a meat and cheese board awaiting his arrival. In Austen’s interview, he says, a year ago his parents moved from his childhood home in Charlotte, and left behind so many memories. It was an emotional day. We flash back to that, and he asks Wendy how it’s going. She says she never thought retirement could be this fun, but she’s having a ball. Tom asks Austen how things are going, and Austen says he’s exhausted, and Olivia is angry at him. He tried to talk to her, and she said she f***ing hates him. Tom wonders if he should ask why, and Austen says, uh…. Basically, what happened was, Taylor was distraught over Shep, and they were there for each other. They were hanging out a lot. Wendy cuts to the chase and asks if he slept with her, and he says, no… but they did kiss. Wise Wendy suggests they open more wine, and tells Austen, obviously, Olivia is hurt. Austen says he knows he falls hard and fast, but then gets to a certain point and pulls back. Tom asks if it seems like a pattern (duh), and Austen says, it is, and he’s seeing a therapist because of it. She said he’s kind of broken, and he wants to know, why he’s the way he is. Wendy says she’s glad he’s seeing someone. She thinks being good friends first is important, and Austen says, Wendy and Tom are best friends. Tom says, that’s what got them through when Kyle died. They were stable and could lean on each other. In his interview, Austen says, to survive losing a child, a marriage goes through so much. He can’t imagine it, since he can’t even maintain a friendship with the women he’s dated. Wendy reminds him that he said he and Olivia would always be friends. Austen hangs his head and sighs.

Shep calls dad Rip from the car and says he’d dropped Little Craig off at doggy daycare, but got a phone call that Craig had a fever of 108. He was throwing up and breathing very hard, and the daycare took him to the vet. Rip says, it sounds like it’s an infection, and Shep says he’s about to find out. Whatever happened almost killed him. Shep is obviously upset, and I hate this because I hate Shep and I’m tearing up. Even if the worst of the worst loses a pet, I will bawl. He goes to the animal hospital, and the vet says, Craig has a smooshed face, and it was warm out. He was struggling to breathe and in critical condition when he was brought in. He’s not out of the woods yet, and they’ll have to monitor him closely for the next few days. Then they’ll talk about the next steps. In Shep’s interview, he says, Little Craig’s meant everything to him. It makes him very emotional to think of Craig not being on this earth. He changed Shep’s life. We flash back to good times with Little Craig, and Shep says, Craig taught him something about being responsible for something other than himself. He was 40 when he got Craig and had never thought about anyone else. The vet brings Craig out wearing the cone of shame, and Shep says, Craig scared him. The vet says, he’s so sweet. He was out of it earlier and it’s a 180 difference. Little Craig snorts in response.

JT is at his event space, Inn’s Clubhouse, and mom Bunny comes by. She wants to know what’s going on with the furniture, and JT says he chose it. She says, it’s not done, and in JT’s interview, he says, where to start with his mother. She’s a designer and he’s been consulting her on the décor and vibe of the space. She points out a small table and lamp for him to get rid of, and says, the pillows are fine… for a fishing cabin. He says he’s about to throw a launch part after years of doing this, and in his interview, he says, she wants to spar a lot. When he bought the building, she was in Virginia, so they did a lot of FaceTime. We see a clip of that, and he says, now it’s almost done. She helps him move the sofa and says, it looks better already. He needs to loosen it up and create some vibe. It’s not that she doesn’t like it, but it needs to be finished. It reminds me of the main building at a camp I went to in high school. They sit down, and JT says he has a good life and he should be happy. He was busy building a career and a business, but he can’t do this much longer. He’s about to turn 38 and doesn’t have a wife or girlfriend. He did have a first at bat, but he botched it. Maybe part of his problem is calling a relationship a first at bat. Bunny says, they were just children, and in JT’s interview, he says he loved his ex-wife, but doesn’t think people should get married at 22. (Agreed.) If they’d met when they were 30, it would have been different. Bunny says, to be married, you need other skills you don’t have at 22, and in his interview, JT says he got divorced and moved to Charleston. It was a painful time. He tells Bunny that he knows it’s hard to find someone, but he doesn’t want buyer’s remorse. He doesn’t want to go through that again. Okay, problem number two; looking at a breakup as buyer’s remorse. Maybe JT needs to know the difference between baseball games, buying a car, and a relationship. Bunny suggests he take a step back, and says, it’s not easy, but when it’s right, it’s gonna be right. JT says, one day at a time, and Bunny says, it will work out how it works out. It’s not a reflection on him as a person. Wow. She’s a real Confucious.

Patricia Facetimes with Michael, who says he has no complaints. He compliments her on her Dolce and Gabbana cat shirt, and she says she’s put on weight, so the cats are getting fatter. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Michael is in assisted care in Sarasota, Florida, but they keep in touch and talk all the time. He’s like a member of the family. She says, he promised to show her how to make a martini like he used to make. She’s been living with inferior martinis. He explains how to pound ice in a bag, and in her interview, she says, people think making a martini is easy, but it’s not. With the right ingredients and proportions, it’s an art form. I dunno. Pour top shelf vodka in a glass, glance at a bottle of vermouth, throw in a couple of olives. Whitney tests the martini and pronounces it perfection. It’s white, crisp, and exceptionally good. Michael is a true genius. They miss him and his martinis. He says, it’s his second anniversary at the facility, and Patricia says, he’s doing incredibly well. He says he’s grateful for the help and inspiration they’ve given him, and in Patricia’s interview, she says, life is uncertain. They were out the night before and everything was fine. The next morning Michael had a stroke. You have to savor every moment, every day, because you never know when life is going to change. She says, they love him, and he says he loves them and the dogs. Patricia and Whitney toast to him. After the call, Patricia says she can’t believe it’s been two years, stay and Whitney says he misses Michael. She says, she does too, and I say, me too. Whitney leaves, and Patricia sniffles, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. It’s probably the only time we’ll ever see that steel magnolia cry.

Leva calls Olivia and leaves a message asking if they’re still meeting for dinner; she’s on her way. She meets Venita at a restaurant and says she doesn’t think Olivia is coming. She called several times, and there was no answer, but she’s been through a lot this week. Venita says she called Taylor, but she’s not answering her calls or texts. Leva says she texted Taylor too, and decides to call Rod. She asks if he talked to Olivia lately, and he says he texted this morning. Leva says she’s like a mom, and Rod says he’ll try calling. Venita says she likes Rod for Olivia. Taylor calls Leva, and Leva asks how she is. Taylor says she’s shaking, and Leva asks, what happened? Taylor asks if Olivia is okay, and Leva says, they haven’t talked. Taylor says she doesn’t know if it’s true. It’s something about Olivia’s brother Connor. She starts to cry, and Leva takes her off speaker. She asks if there was an accident, then looks shocked. She tells Taylor to take a deep breath and call her back. Leva says, Ervin texted Taylor and asked if she knew about Connor passing away, and Venita says, no. Leva says she doesn’t want to cry in the restaurant and doesn’t want them to film. She asks them to stop, and she and Venita leave.

The next day. Taylor calls Austen and says she’s going through waves, hurting for Olivia and her family. She’s shook. Olivia kept saying, it feels like a nightmare. In Austen’s interview, he says he’s in a fog. The death of a sibling was first time in his life he learned about death, when his sister passed. Now he and Olivia share that tragic bond together. He wants to see her, but he’s tired and sad and feeling like he can’t be there for her. He wants to give her a hug. Taylor says she thinks it’s important for him to reach out. He’s one of the only people who understand and it’s important he go show his face. Austen says he doesn’t want to make it worse, and cries. He looks at a picture of him and his sister.

JT calls Rod and says he’s postponing the launch. Rod says, it’s obviously the right move. He texted, but it feels super awkward. He wants to do something, but there’s nothing he can really do. Shep calls Craig and says he had an idea to offer Olivia the house for her friends and family from out of town. He asks if he can stay with Craig, and Craig says he’s always welcome. Venita calls Leva and says she called Olivia. She suggested they gather at one house. She wants to make sure Olivia feels safe and protected. She wonders if her house is okay, and Leva says, it’s totally fine. Rodrigo comes over Craig’s and says, it’s been a hell of a week. Craig says he’s making gluten free lasagna to bring Olivia. Paige left a couple days ago, and he’s not sure when it’s appropriate to talk to Olivia. He sent flowers, but she’s only talked to Austen. He’s trying to keep Austen straight. He’s taking it hard, and Craig told him, whatever the f*** you do, don’t go over there. The last time they saw each other was at the party, and Olivia said she basically hated him. He breaks the cork in the wine he’s trying to open, and decides to just open a different bottle, but Rod magically opens it, saying, Craig makes it look so hard. Craig says he and Austen were texting, and Austen kept saying he knows it’s not about him. There might be a time to be there for a loved one, but he wasn’t aware Austen and Olivia were still loved ones. It’s been a day.

Charles has his green/blue tail going on for the gathering. Leva goes to Venita’s, and Venita says she’s waiting on Olivia. Leva asks if there’s anyone else, and Venita says, she didn’t tell Madison. She doesn’t think Madison knows and it’s not her place. She hasn’t spoken to Taylor; she’s not picking up. Leva says, they had an awkward conversation, and she might be all over the place. She doesn’t think Taylor’s energy will be calming. Venita asks if Olivia knows Taylor and Austen kissed, and Leva says she didn’t know. Venita says she thought Leva did, when Taylor calls. She says she’s sorry for ignoring Venita’s calls, but it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. She’s been out of it a little, but Olivia is going through it. She’s hoping the invite still stands. She wants to be there for Olivia. Venita thinks Taylor might be emotional and too all over the place. She doesn’t think it’s a good idea for her to come over today. Olivia needs a safe space where… Taylor says, her safe space is where people genuinely know her, and she’s known Olivia and her parents a long time. Leva says she’s known them for ages, and in her best mom effort, she tells Taylor that she’s incredibly dear to Olivia, so come over. Venita tells Leva, that’s what she means. Taylor’s heart means well, but her brain is all over the place. She doesn’t want any secondhand anxiety for Olivia. Olivia arrives, and Leva asks if her parents are staying. Olivia says her dad is non-stop working the phones, and her mom doesn’t want to leave. She feels like she’ll be further away from him. Olivia hasn’t been able to go to his room, but her mom wants to stay in it. They’re all on different pages. She cries and says, he was so thoughtful, sweet, and kind. She hopes he knew how loved he was. Leva says, he knows everything now, and we flash back to Olivia on the phone with Connor and telling him that they’ll talk when he gets back. In Olivia’s interview, she says, the last thing he said to her was that she was doing everything right and was where she was supposed to be. He said he hoped she would look back and be as proud of him like he is of her. Taylor comes in and immediately focuses on Charles’s tail, as I would. She and Olivia hug, and in her interview, Olivia says she still has questions and is feeling hurt, but she’s not thinking about who she’d want around for something like this. At the end of the day, she cares about their friendship and wants to move forward. Venita makes margaritas. Olivia says, Austen brought her a comfort bag. He texted her that he was bringing something by, and she hadn’t replied, and then she got a text that he was in the parking lot. It was like he was texting her as he was inching closer. Then he said he was at the bottom of the stairs, and he’d leave the bag. In her interview, she says, everyone stepped up and it’s meant so much. Austen stepping up was comforting. She tells them that Austen has been kind and thoughtful. In his own words, they share common ground. Nonetheless, she hates having it in common. She’s really appreciative of them.

Austen goes to see therapist Kristen, and says, the week isn’t about him, but it’s drumming up feelings. He saw Olivia. He brought her some food and she was waiting on the porch. They met each other and embraced. It was a transcendent moment. Kristen says, the emotions are coming from the loss of his sister, and Austen tells her that he wants to say the right thing. Kristen says, it’s hard with their messy history, and Austen says, that’s why he’s here. He’s probably met two or three girls who could be the real deal. Kristen says, but something happens to make him pull back, and he says he doesn’t know why. She says he’s afraid of vulnerability. When relationships get to a certain level, it’s scary because they see who he really is. He doesn’t want to lose someone, and she thinks the pain from when he was 8 also makes him scared of the you’re my person thing. If he got married and had children, he could potentially lose a child, and could he go through that with someone? Austen says, when he tries to massage a situation so he doesn’t cause hurt, it backfires. He’s gotten in his own way so many times and things got mixed up. With Olivia, he wishes he had the right thing to say. Kristen tells him that it’s more important he be present, as much as Olivia allows. It will be healing for both of them. Austen says, they’ve been texting, and Kristen says she thinks Olivia is comforted by the fact he gets it. Austen says, maybe that’s his purpose in this; to show Olivia what time can do. Kristen says, he gives her some hope that it won’t always feel this bad. At this point, the only thing Austen could do to screw it up is by not being there.

Next time, Olivia tells Taylor that Shep needs to figure out his next move; Olivia says she’s trying to mend the friendship, but Taylor is making it hard; the nude picture is brought up, and Madison calls Taylor phony and fake. Pot meet kettle.

💭 You might have noticed (or not), I didn’t rag on these people too much this episode. How could I? I know what it’s like to lose a sibling and be worried about your dog. And on top of it, I miss Michael too, and seeing Patricia cry was heartbreaking. Common ground, as Austen said. Thank God for JT and Craig, the comic relief.

🧙🏽‍♀️ Hocus Pocus This…

Come set a spell tomorrow for soap and a cornucopia of amusements. Until then, stay safe, stay driving extra safely on Halloween, and stay savoring every moment, every day, because you never know when life is going to change.