Tag Archives: Puppy Bowl XXI 2025

February 14, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Sidwell Meets an Ex-Wife, Soap Suds, Reality Corner, Weekend Watching, Coming Soon, Next Fallout, Winning, 10 Whole Quotes & Endless

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

While Cyrus stared at Elizabeth, Ric came into the hospital bringing her flowers. At the Grill, Felicia said Cody owed someone an apology. Carly told Nina that she’d do anything to help Wiley and Amelia, but was concerned about pushing Drew and Willow closer together. Maybe the best thing to do was nothing. Sasha wondered if Willow had moved in with Drew, and Tracy asked Jason about his newest baby mama.

Ric told Elizabeth Cyrus’s parole terms and asked her to take a walk with him to pay him for his legal expertise. She said the last time they walked, they saw Alexis toss a gun off the bridge and they would ignore any crimes in progress. Josslyn asked Kristina to take the girls to the park because she had something to do that was now or never. Ava and Trina took a walk, and Ava said Trina was spending a lot of time at the gallery. Why wasn’t she at the hospital?

Tracy told Jason about Carly confronting Drew and Drew’s announcement that Jason slept with their cook and impregnated her. Willow told Sasha to mind her own business. Sasha hunted down Cody and said, thanks to him, she was the town’s topic of conversation. Felicia asked her to join them. Nina wondered if the kids would call Drew daddy, and Carly said they had to do something, but Drew couldn’t see them coming.

Trina said Kai’s injury crushed his dreams and she’d split his focus pushing him to do the project. She’d overstepped at the hospital and Kai told her to back off. Kai showed up and Ava made herself scarce. Nina said Maxie would be their way into Drew’s new house, and Carly asked how far Nina was willing to go. Nina said, as far as necessary. Martin reminded Willow that they hadn’t responded to the divorce petition. Did she really want a divorce or to work toward reconciliation? Cody admitted it wasn’t his place, and Sasha added, or sharing his conclusions. He said he cared about her and wanted the father to step up. Jason said he owed Tracy no explanations and she thought that meant the baby was his. It wasn’t fair to stonewall his mother and son.

Kai said he owed Trina an apology. She had been the only bright spot even when she was bossing him around. He was grateful their paths had crossed and wanted to know her better. Felicia said Cody was misguided, but cared about Sasha. Sasha said he was showing concern in the wrong way, and she wanted to raise the baby on her own. Respecting her choices was the best way to show he cared. Carly said she and Nina had to define their goals. She didn’t want Drew to be factor or obstacle in Michael and Willow figuring things out. Nina said Drew was the worst thing to happen to Willow. She knew Willow genuinely loved Michael. Carly said Michael loved her and their family, and Nina said, one other variable needed to be dealt with, but Carly was the only one who could deal with it. Elizabeth told Ric that the hospital was the safest place for her since Cyrus had been banned, but promised to keep her eyes open. She wasn’t on her own, but had Lucky. Cyrus went to Bobbie’s and Josslyn apologized to him. Ava saw Avery at the park. She asked if Avery wanted to see her new apartment.

Josslyn said she wanted justice for Dex, and it had clouded her judgment. The police didn’t think Cyrus was the killer and she was letting the professionals handle it. Cyrus got so flustered, he left. Trina said she’d fight her impulse to fix things and not micromanage. Kai said he didn’t know how many people cared about him if he couldn’t play. Willow said her marriage was definitely over, and Martin said he’d file a response asking for full custody, alimony, and full spousal and child support. Her custodial position wasn’t secure, but Diane would fight it. Nina joined them and was concerned about making things messier. Felicia said they were family and to stay united, they had to forgive. Jason walked in. Tracy started to leave a message for Diane, but Carly hung up the phone and said they needed to have a chat. Kristina said the girls had a project to finish and homework, but Avery asked if she could go with her mom, then Donna wanted to go too. Ava said Donna needed her mother’s permission, when Rick and Elizabeth showed up. Ric asked for a word with Ava.

Jason wanted to talk to Sasha, and Felicia suggested he sit down. Carly said confronting Drew was a mistake, and it just pushed him and Willow closer together. Tracy was just as guilty and if she continued to interfere, they might never see the kids again. Nina asked Martin to stall, but Martin said Michael had hit hard and they needed to respond. Nina said it could be handled in a calmer, more civil way when Michael came back. Don’t aggravate the Quartermaines more than they already had. Collette went to Bobbie’s with an envelope for Josslyn from Jack. Ric told Ava that Avery was under Sonny’s care and her desperation would cost her everything. Kristina told Elizabeth, first Ava killed her baby, then tried to make off with her little sister. If Kristina didn’t get to have her baby, Ava couldn’t have hers.

Collette told Josslyn that the address in the envelope was the location of a property Austin Gaitlin-Holt bought one month after Cyrus was released. Trina said she was sorry if she contributed to Kai getting hurt, but he told her that he’d been playing his best game ever and had never been more focused. Trina said social media had played with her head, and he suggested they go somewhere warm. Ava said she couldn’t lose Avery and Ric said, the only way was to go to court. Ava said she couldn’t afford to, and he said he’d take her case pro bono. Her best and only chance was to get out of her own way and let him do it. Ava kissed him and it looked like they were going to get busy. Carly said, going after Drew got them the opposite of what they wanted. They should trust that Michael was going to come home and get custody. Willow would feel guilty, see Drew for who he really was, and they’d find a way to compromise. Tracy said, wherever Drew goes, chaos follows, and Carly said leave Drew to her. Tracy told her, play it her way, but just make it hurt.

Martin said Willow wasn’t on equal footing with Michael. It wasn’t about money, but ammunition. Willow had cheated and Michael hadn’t. If it got nasty and the video was shown, it could impact her position. They needed to find something to use as leverage against Michael. Sasha said Cody started all this. Cody said Jason and his brother were entitled bastards and loudly told the room that Jason needed to step up, take responsibility, and say Sasha’s baby is his.

Tuesday:

Trina brought Kai to Charlie’s and introduced him to Emma and Gio. Sasha threw a drink in Cody’s face, said the conversation was over, and stay out of her life. Willow said, unlike Jason and Sasha’s relationship, Drew actually loved her, and she didn’t think anything could be found to use against Michael. Cyrus interrupted, saying he needed Martin’s help. Kristina told Lucky that Elizabeth stopped Ava from kidnapping Avery. Ric and Elizabeth showed up at the right moment. Thanks to her, Sonny might beat Ava at her own game. Sonny told Natalia that he didn’t need a pacemaker, but would need surgery to repair damage from the bullet wound in three months. Kristina called while he was on the plane. Emma told Kai about the benefit SAAC was hosting and she wanted him to join the committee. Isaiah talked to Lucky about Sidwell, and Lucky suggested they steer clear. Isaiah said not everybody was going to take that advice. Curtis asked Jordan if there was news about the esplanade, and she said there might be an 11th hour rescue. Martin said Lulu was afraid of her and Martin said he must have done something. Cyrus wanted Martin to go with him to talk to Lucky. Nina suggested Willow be discreet until the divorce was settled. Michael would be humiliated. Martin said he had to leave, but wouldn’t respond to the divorce petition yet. Willow thought the best thing she could do was be open and honest about Drew.

Jordan introduced Curtis to Sidwell. Sidwell said he could help bring things back on track with the esplanade. Sasha went to see Jason at the boathouse and asked about Michael. Jason said so far the treatment was working and Michael was determined to come home. Sasha said they had to let everyone believe Jason was her baby’s father. Isaiah said everyone was glad Elizabeth was back at the hospital an no one believed she’d done any wrong. Martin and Cyrus walked into Charlie’s. Kristina whined to Sonny about Ava, and Sonny suggested they talk when he landed.

Nina said people lied to protect themselves and the people they love but they end up serving the lie rather than living their lives. Cody talked to Felicia about Sasha. Sasha said if it came out that Michael was the father, it wouldn’t be good for the custody hearing. Jason said he was willing to go along with it for Michael and the kids. Sonny said even if he won, he couldn’t cut Ava out of Avery’s life, and Natalia reminded him that he needed to avoid stress. Lucky told Kristina to let Cyrus stay. Elizabeth said not many doctors were as brave as Isaiah, and he said it was like solving a mystery. Kai agreed to help Emma and took a photo, tagging it #savePCUFurryFriends. Danny pumped Rocco for information on Cyrus, and Rocco told him that he couldn’t do anything about Cyrus. He saw Kai’s photo with Cyrus in the background and said he knew where Cyrus was.

Jason agreed to Sasha’s plan, but said he wouldn’t let Danny think he was the father. Martin asked what Cyrus thought he was doing, saying he was in charge of Lulu’s medical care, and Cyrus said no one else was there for her. Isaiah introduced himself to Kristina who thanked him for saving her brother. Sidwell said they should move the esplanade to Pier 55 and Curtis said he had to get Drew involved. Sidwell said Drew was good with using eminent domain. When Sidwell stepped away to take a call, Curtis told Jordan, whatever Sidwell wanted, just say no.

Willow said if she’d been honest, everything would be different. She could be honest with Drew because she knew he’d be honest with her. Cody said he’d been on a tear lately, and Felicia said he was mostly hurting himself. He said he still wanted to be Sasha’s hero. Curtis said Sidwell was in bed with Drew and must have an angle. It was asking for trouble with Sonny. Jason wondered where Danny was, and Rocco said he told Danny about Cyrus. He went to confront Cyrus and wouldn’t listen that he was a dangerous guy. Jason took off for Charlie’s. Kai asked if Trina was down to save some bunnies. Cyrus said his actions had been misinterpreted. Danny came into Charlie’s.

Cody said he’d step back and let Sasha live her life and Felicia thought it was for the best.  She asked if he could be someone else’s hero. Nina said she understood how Willow fell for Drew because she… Sidwell wanted to set up a meeting with Aurora, and Curtis said call his office. He left and Sidwell was impressed with how Jordan and Curtis got along. Natalia suggested Sonny use his advantage over Ava to compromise. Do it for his kids before he couldn’t. He wasn’t sure that was possible. Rocco was worried, but Sasha said Jason was good at what he does. Danny confronted Cyrus, who assured him he had nothing to do with Sam’s death. Danny said he knew Cyrus killed his mother and Cyrus wanted to pray with him. He put his hand on Danny’s shoulder, when Jason came in and told him to take his hand off his son.

Wednesday:

Jason said if Cyrus touched his son again, he’d kill Cyrus, and they’d never find his body. Lulu saw Josslyn working at Bobbie’s and was surprised to see a Spencer behind the counter. Tracy saw Willow with Nina at the Grill, and said Willow living with Nina was all the better to commit adultery. Lucas and Maxie went to Charlie’s, and so did Carly and Jack.

Maxie asked if it wasn’t time that Lucas got back on the horse and Jack wondered why Lucas was giving him the stink eye. Carly said what Jack had done for her was above and beyond, and she liked that his softer side was all hers. Tracy ordered Willow to take off her mother’s ring, but Alexis walked in and ran interference. Chase told Anna that Cyrus had a visitor – a blonde in her 20s – and Anna told him to bring in Josslyn. She was going to get herself killed. Jason took Danny home, and Trina filled Gio in on Cyrus. Kai told Cyrus to go before there was another incident and Cyrus left with Martin.

Nina told Willow not to let Tracy get to her; it made her too happy. All of this would pass. Willow said it was hard not to think of herself as a horrible person. Chase asked Josslyn to come to the station and Lulu said she could cover Josslyn’s shift. It would give her a chance to have the Bobbie’s experience. Outside, After Emma changed the topic to her fundraiser, Gio told her to read the room and be less self-involved. Martin told Cyrus to file a complaint against Jason, but Cyrus said he was choosing peace.

Jason said confronting Cyrus was reckless, and Danny thanked him for showing up. He needed to know why Cyrus hurt his mom. Sasha came in and Jason wanted them to talk to Danny together. Lucas said he had a family and one great love, and Maxie said he could have it again. She wanted to set him up with a model from Deception. Jack said if there was something or someone he wanted, little could stop him, and Lucas asked for a word with Carly. Nina said everyone made mistakes and not to let anyone change the way Willow thought of herself. Hold her head up high. Alexis told Tracy to back off. Tracy said she was trying, and Alexis said try harder. She wanted what was left of her family to stay together. Tracy owed her and she needed to collect. Anna asked Josslyn about volunteering at the mission. Kristina told Isaiah that Elizabeth saved her from punching out her sister’s mother. Ava had caused the accident that made her lose her daughter. Isaiah said any friend of Lucky’s was someone he wanted to know. Emma said she redirected because Trina didn’t want to relive her trauma situation and Gio apologized. Kai asked how Trina could be calm, and she said she didn’t want to let the bad things define her. Lucky was worried about Cyrus knowing who was onto him.

Dante saw Lulu struggling and asked if she needed help. She said maybe a little and he pitched in. Sasha told Danny that Jason wasn’t the father of her baby, but Jason said a lot of people assumed he was. For certain reasons, he wanted people to continue to believe that. Danny asked, who was the real dad? Chase said the custodian ID’d a photo of Josslyn and Anna told her the game she was playing could cost her life.

Alexis said the only reason Tracy wasn’t in prison was because she didn’t pursue it and she didn’t want Tracy pursuing Drew and Willow. Tracy said she’d keep her observations to herself and her passions in check. Willow said she felt like she truly had a mother for the first time. She couldn’t have gotten through this without her mom. Maxie said she had something to discuss with Jack and Carly told Lucas not to worry about her and Jack. Lucas said it was Jack’s literal job to lie and don’t lie to herself. Lulu burned the toast and she and Dante laughed about her ineptitude. He said he hadn’t been able to laugh since Sam died and he felt guilty. Lulu said he’d always miss Sam and always grieve her, but Sam wouldn’t want him to wallow in it forever. Kristina told Isaiah that she didn’t know what she’d do without Sonny. Trina told Kai that she couldn’t control the actions of other people, but she could control how she reacted. She was taking back control. Kai said those were good words to live by. Lucky and Elizabeth were afraid Cyrus would skate, and Lucky thought they should go to Anna. Anna said Josslyn placed herself in Cyrus’s crosshairs and he was dangerous when cornered. She was arresting Josslyn for trespassing for her own good. Sasha said she had to respect the father’s privacy, but he was supporting her choice. Danny went to find Rocco and Sasha told Jason to stay away from Cyrus. it was the worst thing he could do for his son.

Willow thought Nina was seeing Drew the way she did, and Nina said that was it. Willow gave her blessing for Martin to look for dirt on Michael. Alexis said she’d figure something out and Maxie told Jack to stay away from Carly. It wasn’t fair for him to get involved with anyone when his job wouldn’t allow it. Carly told Lucas to wait for disaster before panicking and he told Maxie to set him up. Carly told Jack that he’d passed her test. Emma and Gio passed out flyers at Bobbie’s. Martin told Anna about Jason, but wanted to talk to someone else. Chase said they’d make Cyrus pay asap, but Dex wouldn’t want Josslyn to put herself in harm’s way. Let them handle it. Sasha said Danny idolized Jason and if he killed Cyrus, Jason would throw that away. Ask himself, what was more important, revenge or his son’s love and respect? After Charlie’s closed, their song came on and Lucky suggested he and Elizabeth finish their dance. Cyrus watched through the window.

Thursday:

Sasha ran into Elaine and Mavis outside Bobbie’s, and Elaine said Mavis was drawn to pregnant women. Ric came by the hospital to check on Elizabeth after the park incident, but she said it had been no big deal. Ric said Kristina would use it in the custody hearing. At Bobbie’s, Sonny updated Jason on his condition. Molly picked up some documents that the DA’s office requested at the hospital and ran into Cody. Kristina went to Alexis’s office and said Danny found out who killed Sam. Anna told Dante to get out of the station.

Sasha admitted she was pregnant and was due July 23rd. Sasha saw Jason and Sonny inside, but sat elsewhere. Jason didn’t want Sonny to wait on his surgery, but Sonny said the cardiologist said it was okay if he took his meds and avoided stress. (Hell, I can’t even avoid stress and he’s a mob boss.) Sonny said, like Natalia told him, something’s got to give. Felicia met Sasha, who told her about Mavis. Felicia told Sasha that Elaine was a P.I. and probably working on a case. Nina saw Ava’s new apartment and thought it was great. Ava said it was a shoebox that could fit in Nina’s bathroom, and she forgot they were having breakfast. (The apartment is actually very nice and spacious.) Anna said Dante was put on leave for a reason. He asked what she would do if someone she loved was murdered and she said if he wanted a job to come back to, he needed to leave. She wasn’t going to compromise the case. Chase said he’d told Dante that Cyrus was a suspect. Kristina told Alexis what happened at Charlie’s and how Jason threatened Cyrus. Chase said he thought Danny knew also and must have heard them. He told her what happened at Charlie’s. She said she couldn’t afford to lose another detective and she needed Cyrus to be alive to arrest him. Dante joined Alexis and Kristina and Dante admitted Cyrus was a suspect, but there was no proof or motive. He said Danny found out from him. Felicia said Elaine didn’t reply on technology and had a notebook. She used Mavis as a distraction. Martin met Elaine in the park. Nina told Ava that they were looking for dirt on Michael. Ava said there was something Nina could do to make Willow see the light, and Nina said she’d almost told Willow about sleeping with Drew, but Willow said she couldn’t have gotten through without her. Their relationship wouldn’t recover. Ava said willow needed Nina more than the truth. Elizabeth told Ric that Kristina was blowing things out of proportion, and she wouldn’t be testifying at the hearing – it wouldn’t help either side. Jason said Chase wanted to see him at the station, but he didn’t need Diane. He had Sonny’s back.

Cody apologized to Molly, and she accepted. Elaine said she’d found nothing on Michael, but he’d asked for Sasha in the hospital and Sasha was pregnant. Martin said it was Jason’s problem, and she said Sasha may have heard Quartermaine dirt. It was always the long shot that paid off big. Ric showed up to talk to Ava and Nina left. Ava asked if Ric didn’t want anyone to know about them. Dante told Alexis and Kristina that he’d pressured a friend to tell him who the suspect was. Kristina said Jason had threatened to kill Cyrus and she’d be surprised if he lasted a week. Anna called Jason to the station and said she hoped Martin was exaggerating about Jason’s threat. Jason had nothing to say. Cody found Molly on the roof, and he said clearly she was freaked out about something, but she asked him to leave her alone. He tried to leave, but the roof door was locked.

Molly’s phone battery was dead, so they were stuck. Sasha called Elaine’s office and pretended she was meeting her but forgot where. Ric said if anyone found out about them, it could compromise Ava’s case. He said Elizabeth wouldn’t confirm she’d tried to kidnap Avery, and he’d show Sonny to be an unfit parent. Nina joined Sonny at Bobbie’s and said he and Michael were in her prayers. He wanted to let her know what was going on, but everybody she was close to, he was up against.

Molly admitted the door was already locked, but she didn’t know it. Sasha found Elaine, when Martin called her. When Elaine stepped away, Sasha eyed her purse. Chase asked Elizabeth if she saw or heard Jason threaten Cyrus. Anna said Jason should let them handle it, but Jason said he wanted to make sure Cyrus knew not to come near his son again. He would protect his son no matter what.

Molly said she’d used the DA’s influence to get documents from GH and hadn’t wanted to draw attention to herself. Ava told Ric about the trip to Puerto Rico where Sonny was shot at and how Avery was there. Ric said he’d get Sonny to admit he felt guilty about Michael, and he’d break Sonny. Sonny knocked at the door. Elizabeth said she couldn’t hear, but Chase said other people did. She suggested he talk to them. Alexis said she’d talk to Jason, and Anna said they had information not released to the public. She needed the suspect to be alive, so she arrested him for threatening Cyrus’s life. Mavis got away from Sasha and Elaine chased after her. Sasha started digging in Elaine’s purse and heard tires screeching.

FYI, the preview shows Mavis as being okay. Who cares about Elaine?

Friday’s Enchilada:

Sonny yells for Ava to open up. They need to talk – now. Ava wonders what Sonny is doing here, and Ric says, he can’t know about them. She says, not if she wants to keep him as her lawyer and win custody, and Sonny knocks again. He says he’s not going to leave until she opens up.

At the hospital, Sasha tells Mavis that she’s so sorry. Truly she is, but she needed to look in Elaine’s bag. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt. She’s so sorry. Mavis barks.

On the phone, Maxie says, no ego issues… Yes. He’s very hot and kind and sweet. She’ll see if he’s available. Brook comes in and Maxie asks if Brook is ready for the meeting. Brook says she is. Natalia is on the phone and Lucy is coming up, but guess who’s not ready? Maxie says, who? and Brook says, Lulu is late again.

Kristina hears someone come into Charlie’s and says, we’re closed. She turns and sees it’s Lulu, who says, hi. Lucky mentioned Kristina was working, and she hopes it’s okay that she dropped by. The place looks amazing. Kristina thanks her and says, she looks great too. It’s so good to see her. Lulu says, her too. She would have come by sooner, but she’s been working up the nerve. She’s been trying to figure out the kindest way possible to thank Kristina and say she’s sorry. Kristina’s sister saved her life at the cost of her own.

Cody says, let him get this straight. He and Molly are trapped on the roof, freezing their butts off and Tracy is probably ready to fire him because of some documents? Papers with words on them? Molly says she’s not supposed to have them, and he says, they’ll probably bring back the electric chair for this. She says, it’s not just paperwork. It’s a murder victim autopsy, her sister’s. Is he happy now?

Jason is taken to the interrogation room and asks what Alexis is doing here. Alexis says she’d like a moment alone with her client, without handcuffs. The officer takes Jason’s cuffs off and tells him to sit. He leaves and Jason asks, where’s Diane? Alexis says she lied. She’s not here as his lawyer. She’s here as Sam’s mother.

Ava asks what Sonny wants. She’s in a meeting with Ric. Sonny asks if he can come in, and Ric tells him, whatever he has to say can wait for the courtroom. Sonny says he’s come to make her an offer concerning Avery. She can deal with it now or lose in court. It’s up to her.

Elaine comes out wearing a neck brace, and Sasha says, oh my God. Are you okay? Elaine says, one can only hope. The car just came speeding out of nowhere. She could have been roadkill. Sasha says, thank God she’s not. Other than missing her, Mavis is fine. Elaine says, Sasha doesn’t know her. Mavis may be hiding it well, but she can tell Mavis is traumatized. (Mavis does not look traumatized.)

Maxie suggests maybe Lulu needs an adjustment period. Their schedule isn’t easy. Brook asks if she’s going to defend Lulu forever. Does she need an adjustment period too? Maxie says, if Brook has a problem with Lulu, take it up with Lulu, when Natalia comes in. She asks if they got her report on the LA trip, and Maxie says, so many west coasters are on board with Deception. Brook says, and their new overnight rejuvenating cream… if they ever get it out. Maxie says, production and marketing cost money. So does the rare mineral in it. Brook says, it is rare, and they’ll need a lot to mass produce the cream. Lucy walks in and says, never fear. Their pesky problem was solved by none other than yours truly.

In an examining room, Lucas asks when Sidwell found the tick, and Sidwell says, 5 hours and 23 minutes ago. Lucas says, he’s precise. As was his job removing the tick and cleaning it out. Sidwell says, when you travel to the remote places he does, survival hinges on expertise and diligence. He hasn’t experienced any body, muscle, or joint aches. Lucas asks if he’s had the chills, a headache, or fever, and Sidwell says, no. And he’s taken his temperature every five minutes since he discovered the tick. Lucas says, he’s vigilant, and Sidwell asks if Lucas is going to test for Lyme. Lucas says, it’s highly unlikely he has it due to the short window the tick was present, but he’ll prescribe some antibiotics to be on the safe side. Sidwell asks if he should take any other preventative measures, and Lucas says, don’t walk in tall grasses. It’s winter, but the ticks are still out there. Sidwell says, sadly, his property is full of tall grasses. He’d have it sprayed, but Spoon Island is larger than it looks. Lucas asks if he lives at Windymere, and Sidwell says he’s just getting settled. Lucas says, he lived there as a child. It’s been in and out as a family property for years.  

Sonny tells Ava, it’s now or never. Take it or leave it. Ric says, the offer is one of Sonny’s intimidation tactics. Don’t fall for it. Sonny says he’s talking to Ava, and Ava says, Sonny took the time to come by. She’d like to hear what he has to say. Ric says, listening to him is a mistake, and Sonny says, Ava knows he doesn’t trust her. He never will. Ava says, the feeling is mutual, and he says, as far as Avery goes, they’ll put their differences aside. He knows Ava loves Avery and would do anything to make sure she’s not hurt. Ava says, of course (🍷) she would. She would die for Avery. He says, so would he. He knows Avery misses her, She needs both her parents and he’s willing to make her an offer. He’ll abide by their original agreement of shared custody. This fighting has to end today. Ric says he thinks that’s supposed to make them believe Sonny is a nice, reasonable guy. It doesn’t. It makes him think that Sonny knows Ava’s case is better than he’d like it to be, and he knows they’ve got a legit shot at full custody. Sonny says, he’s not even close, and Ric says he can do better. Send Sonny packing and they’ll take him to court. Sonny says, if they do that and he walks away, Ava will get nothing.

Lulu says she thinks of Sam and Sam’s family when she wakes up every morning. The fact she can do that is because of Kristina’s sister, who will never be able… She doesn’t know how they’re getting through it. She can’t think about Kristina’s poor mom. She’s losing her mind without Charlotte. Kristina says, it’s hard, and Lulu says she prays for Sam and Charlotte every day. She pictures Sam this badass guardian angel, looking down and keeping an eye on the people she loves. She never expected Sam… Kristina says, they never had to. Sam never hesitated. If she had the chance to help someone, she did. Lulu says, taking that chance cost her, and Kristina says she sees what happened to Sam and what she did for Lulu as completely separate. One had nothing to do with the other. Lulu says, it’s hard for her to reconcile that. Every day she’s reminded of how much so many lost. She sees it in Scout, in Danny, in Rocco, and Dante too.

Alexis says she heard about the incident at Charlie’s between Danny and Cyrus, and Jason says he ended the conversation and got Danny home. Alexis says, Danny confronted Cyrus. He believes Cyrus killed his mother. Does Jason believe that? Jason says he does, and she asks, what makes him so sure? He says, Anna. She’s focused solely on Cyrus, and he trusts her instincts. He never believed Cyrus’s redemption act. Alexis asks if Anna is close to an arrest, and he says he doesn’t know, but he knows Cyrus wouldn’t think twice about hurting Danny if he could get away with it. Until he’s arrested, he wanted to let Cyrus know he wouldn’t think twice about hurting him. Alexis wonders why he’d kill Sam. They barely had an interaction. He says he doesn’t know, and like he told Danny, knowing why doesn’t bring Sam back. Alexis says, Jason wants Cyrus dead, right? So does she.

Isaiah holds Mavis, and Elaine asks if Sasha minds staying with Mavis and keeping Mavis company while she gets her prescription. She doesn’t want Mavis to be alone at a time like this. She tells Mavis, be a good girl, kisses her, and leaves.

Cody says, of course (🍷) he’s not happy. He’d say he’s sorry, but he and Molly both know how much she loves his apologies. She asks if he wants to look at the documents. It’s her own sister. He says, no, and she says, the only reason she took it is because she needs to figure out what happened and find the person who did it. Cody says, please don’t hate him more than she already does, but what does she think she can do that he cops and everyone else can’t? She says, nothing. Sam was the P.I., not her. All she managed to do was take a file, risk her job, and get stuck on the roof to freeze to death. What made her think this was a good idea? What’s wrong with her? He says, absolutely nothing. When you’ve lost someone you loved, there’s no seeing it clearly or thinking it through. He doesn’t care what anyone says. She says, it’s obvious this is the universe’s way of telling her to stay in her lane, and he says, or it’s the universe’s way of telling GH’s maintenance department that they need a new lock on this door. Or maybe the universe was too busy and took a pass and there’s no message. Getting stuck was just an accident. She’s being way too hard on herself.

Alexis tells Jason that when she wakes up and remembers her baby is dead, she’s filled with so much rage, she feels like she can’t go on. Then finding out she was murdered in the hospital… It’s just too much. He says, it’s hard to reconcile, and she says, her beautiful, gentle girl was murdered after saving someone’s life. It’s just not fair. He agrees, and she says, when she lost her law license, she worked like hell to get it back because she loves the law. She believes in it. She believes the system works, most of time. He says, what about the other times? and she says she’s not willing to take the chance that it’s one of those times. She wants him dead and wants to be the one to kill him. She wants her face to be the last face he sees before he leaves this earth. Jason says, she can’t kill Cyrus. That’s not who she is. She says, no. That’s who he is.

Kristina tells Lulu, everyone is struggling with Sam’s death, especially Dante. They really loved each other. Lulu says she’s glad Sam made him happy. It’s all she wanted for Dante. From what she’s heard, their love was pretty epic. Kristina says, it was her favorite love story. She’d be happy to share it with Lulu if she ever wants to hear it, but she doesn’t want to cause unnecessary hurt. Lulu says she appreciates that, but she feels like she won’t be honoring Sam properly without knowing what everyone lost when she died. The last thing she wants to do is impose on Dante, because he can barely say Sam’s name around her. Kristina says, okay, and they sit. She says, where to begin… Sam had her kids and Dante had Rocco, but when they first met, they were essentially alone and hurting. She thinks because they each knew what the other was going through, that made it hurt less, and they spent more time together. They confided in each other and built each other up. In the beginning, it was a sweet, quiet love. They had eventually figured it out. Lulu’s phone dings and she says she’s late for a meeting. She’s sorry. She’s got to run. Thanks. She jets. (That’s not the way I remember Sam and Dante. They couldn’t stand each other in the beginning, and she flattened his tire when he was following her.)

Lucas tells Sidwell that he’s all set. The pharmacy is on the 7th floor. Sidwell wonders if he can ask a personal question. He understands that Windymere belonged to the Cassadines. How did Lucas live there? Lucas says his mother married a Cassadine. They were long time residents of Spoon Island. Sidwell says, small world, and Lucas asks if Sidwell is liking it there. When he was a kid, it creeped him out. Sidwell says he’s hoping to change that and make it more welcoming. He’s working with a local gallerist to give it a refresh – the Jerome Gallery. Lucas says, the world gets smaller yet. Ava Jerome is his aunt. She has a great eye. Sidwell says, she does, and Lucas has an excellent bedside manner. He thanks Lucas for seeing him.

Ava says she’s glad Sonny realizes how much she loves their daughter. She appreciates him offering to share, but he’s already trampled on the agreement they have by keeping Avery away from her. What’s to stop him from doing it again? Ric says, exactly. That’s why he’s telling her to fight. Avery isn’t even staying with Sonny. She’s staying with Carly while Sonny deals with the penthouse firebomb. It’s not safe for Avery to be with him any more than it was for his son. The judge knows that and so does Sonny. Sonny says, Ric doesn’t know about it. All he does is yap a lot. All he wants is to get Sonny on the stand so he can come for him, but the thing is, Diane will come at Ava. Ric says, don’t try to intimidate his client, but Sonny says he’s not. He’s telling the truth. Somebody has to. It’s not about them. It’s about Avery. Ava says, it only ever has been, and Sonny says, if Ava loves Avery the way she says she does, she’ll act in Avery’s best interest.

Sidwell walks into Deception’s meeting in Maxie’s office and says he hopes Lucy doesn’t mind that he let himself in. His schedule is tight. Lucy says, not at all. Welcome. She introduces him, and Lulu says, did she say, Jenz Sidwell? Sidwell asks if they’ve met, and she says, no, but she’s sure he knows her brother, Lucky Spencer.  

Sonny says he and Ava need to be honest with themselves. Their little girl isn’t little anymore. She’s intuitive and can feel the animosity between them. The other day, Avery came to him and asked, how come him and her mom can’t be in the same room? He didn’t know what to say, He felt bad, but if the custody battle continues, it will get ugly. The therapist will keep asking their daughter questions she’ll have to answer and it’s not fair. Ric asks if Sonny is sure it’s not about protecting Kristina from testifying, and Ava tells him, please. Sonny says he doesn’t want any of his children to be forced to testify. He’ll agree to 60/40. Ava says, 50/50, and Ric says, Ava! Sonny says, okay. He’ll have Diane write up the paperwork. He leaves.  

Alexis says she appreciates Jason not calling her a hypocrite, especially after she’s judged him for the violent way he lives his life. Jason says, they’re different people, and Alexis says, they’re not as different as she wants to believe. She wants retribution. She wants retribution for the life Sam would have had and wants it for Sam’s children who won’t have a mother. She wants it for Dante and wants it for herself. He says, now she understands how he feels, and she says she does. She wants vengeance so bad, she can taste it. If she didn’t have to think about the consequences, she’d put the gun in his hand. Now he knows how she feels, but she’s not going to hand him the gun. It doesn’t matter how she feels or what she wants or what he wants. The only thing that matters is what Sam wants. He says, Sam was supposed to be here to tell them, and she says, Sam isn’t. It’s up to them to do the right thing, what Sam would want. She would want Danny to heal over the loss someday, but he’ll never be able to do that if Jason kills Cyrus.

Molly says she appreciates Cody trying to make her feel better, but he says, it’s the truth. It’s too cold to think of anything to make her feel better. She says, thanks anyway, and he says, it’s human to want to find answers, find the evil person who killed Sam. When all is said and done, what Molly did was human. Don’t beat herself up about it. He would have done the same thing if he was her.

Sasha tells Elaine to get some rest, and Elaine thanks her. Sasha says she’d be happy to give Elaine and Mavis a ride home, and Elaine says, Mavis goes out 3 or 4 times a day. She’s so stiff and achy, she doesn’t know how she’s going to do that. Sasha suggests Elaine let her take care of Mavis while she’s recuperating, and Elaine says, it would be such a relief. And Sasha and Mavis have already bonded. Sasha says, they have, and starts to head out, but Elaine says, wait. She thinks this has gone on long enough. She thinks it’s time they were honest with each other.

Ric asks why on earth Ava would believe anything coming out of Sonny’s mouth, and Ava says she wanted her child. Ric just want to tear his brother apart. Ric says, that’s not fair. No matter his personal feelings, he wouldn’t jeopardize her getting her daughter back. He knows he could have done better. She says, for whom? Not Avery. She needs her father. And Sonny admitted for the first time that Avery needs her too. Ric says, so she didn’t need him, but she says, that’s not true. She was solely focused on getting her daughter back before he came along, and hurting Sonny as much and however she could, using John Cates and Kristina to do it. She’s ashamed of that. He says, she never told him that, and she says, it’s not something she’s proud to admit. She’s past it, especially since Ric was able to prove in court what happened to Kristina’s baby was an accident. He was the first person to believe her. And whatever Kristina believes, she doesn’t want Kristina to have to get on the stand and relive it. Ric says, she’s actually more generous than people give her credit for.

Sonny goes into Charlie’s and says, it looks amazing. Is Kristina up for a visitor? She says, of course (🍷). If it’s him, anytime. He says he has news, and she asks if it’s about Michael. Is he okay? He says, Michael is as good as he can be. It’s about her sister. She doesn’t have to testify at Ava’s custody hearing. She says, he doesn’t have to worry. She’s not afraid of Ava and Ric. He says, there’s no trial. They’ve settled the custody arrangement with Avery.

Lucas says, Sasha got a dog, and Isaiah says, show some respect. Her name is Mavis. Lucas apologizes and says he got a guy who got a tick bite on Spoon Island. Isaiah asks if he said Spoon Island, and Lucas says, he lives in Windymere, the big mansion. Isaiah says, a friend told him that Windymere’s most recent occupant is Jenz Sidwell. Bald with an accent. Lucas confirms it was Sidwell and asks how Isaiah knows him. Isaiah says, Lucas might want to ask Lucky about his experience with Sidwell, and Lucas says, it sounds like Isaiah had his own experience. Isaiah says, yeah. Sidwell is the bastard who kidnapped him in Africa and tried to kill him in the hospital when he escaped. He’s not a good man.

Molly says, just when she was starting to think Cody was halfway decent and being supportive. The guy who drinks too much and punches his way through his problems thinks she did the right thing. What does that say about her? He says, okay Little Miss Not-So-Perfect, it happened twice. She made a mistake, and he didn’t judge. She says, he’s got no moral code and she’s trying to hang onto hers, and he says he was trying to be nice. It’s not worth it. He starts to take his pants off, and when she protests, he says he has long johns on. She asks why he’s taking his pants off, and he says, because it’s cold and windy. He ties the legs of his jeans together and balls them up, walking to the edge of the roof. He says, there are people down there and they’ve got enough wind for the pants to make it down. It’s his version of a flare. If it doesn’t work, he’ll throw himself off. He tosses the pants.

Isaiah tells Lucky, watch out! and they step aside as Cody’s pants hit the sidewalk. Lucas says, is that a pair of jeans? and Isaiah says he thinks it’s a cry for help. They look up, and Molly and Cody yell for help.

Alexis says, if Jason kills Cyrus, he’ll make Danny complicit, but Jason says he’d never compromise Danny morally. Alexis says, it will make Danny feel responsible. They’re adults and know that he’s not. He’s a teenage boy. Don’t make him carry the burden of Cyrus’s death with him for the rest of his life.

Kristina says she would have bet money Ava would battle to the death before she gave up custody of Avery. Congratulations to Sonny and her sister. Sonny says, she didn’t just give up. They settled – a 50/50 split. She asks why he’d do that, and he says, Avery misses her mother. She needs both of them. Kristina says, Ava just tried to kidnap Avery, and they know what she’s capable of, and Sonny says he knows how she feels. It’s not fair that Ava is getting access to Avery, especially after Kristina lost Adella. They’ve both been through way too much, so it’s settled. She says, okay then, and goes behind the bar. She says, funny. She never thought she’d see her father take the easy way out.

Elaine tells Sasha that she’s a P.I. They didn’t meet by chance. She set Sasha up. The party she’s working with is investigating Sasha. Sasha says, why her? Who would do this? Elaine says she can’t break client confidentiality, but Sasha has been so kind to her and Mavis, she feels like she needs to warn Sasha. Watch her back. Somebody is looking into her. Sasha thanks Elaine for telling her, and Elaine says, she’s welcome. In her line of work, she doesn’t make many new friends. She tells Mavis, right? and Mavis barks. Elaine says, that’s right.

Isaiah and Lucas come out to the roof, and both Cody and Molly yell, don’t close that door! Cody says he thought he’d freeze, and Isaiah tosses his pants to him. Molly tells Cody that she can’t believe she’s uttering these words. Thank you for taking off your pants. You might just have saved our lives. Cody says he thinks she should just admit he’s right, and they all leave.

Sidwell says, she must be Lulu. A pleasure. He’s met her mother. He extends his hand, but she doesn’t take it. She says, if he met her mother, he knows her brother Lucky is the one he held hostage. Lucy apologizes and says, obviously, there must be a mistake. Lulu says, because Jenz Sidwell is such a common name, and Sidwell says, he has indeed met Lucky and found him aptly named. He doesn’t need to remind her that there are two sides to every story. He tells Lucy, the last thing he wants to do is create discord among her staff, and she says, Lulu is inconsequential. She doesn’t count. The one who counts is her beautiful partner, Maxie Jones. He tells Maxie, a pleasure. However, he feels he should take his leave. If after discussing it internally, they find his involvement too disruptive, call him. Lucy says she’ll keep the phone by her side and tells Lulu, he’s the one person who can throw a lifeline to Deception and she chased him off. Brook asks if it couldn’t wait until after the meeting, and Lulu says she’s sorry she wasn’t more polite to the man who tried to kill her brother. Lucy tells her that she doesn’t have a say, and Maxie says she does. And she wants to know everything about that guy before taking him on. Lucy says she’s seen his finances. She’s just going to tell him that these things happen, and they want to talk more. This was an aberration, and she guarantees it will not happen again. She leaves.

Alexis says, it’s Jason’s job to make sure Danny gets the future Sam would want him to have and he deserves without the burden of guilt. Which means – as much as she hates it – they have to leave Cyrus to the police. Jason says he understands, and she says she knows he does.

In the parking lot, Natalia asks a man if he has a cigarette. He says he doesn’t and gets in his car. Sidwell says he thought she gave up that filthy habit years ago. She says she gave up a lot of things that were bad for her back then, and he says, including him? Seeing how she slipped out of the meeting, he takes it she hasn’t told them that they were married once upon a time.

Ric says he’s going to grab the paperwork so he can approve the language. He’s got to get going. It’s going to take forever. Ava says he doesn’t have to rush to the office right this second, does he? and he says he supposes it will take Diane some time to get the paperwork together. She says she’s sure of it, and they move closer. She asks, however shall we pass the time? and he drops his bag. They kiss.

Kristina says, obviously, Sonny is trying to do the right thing, but Ava must have forced him. He asks if she thinks he’d let her. They have a difference of opinion and that’s fine, but he’s doing this for Avery. She needs her mother and father like Kristina does, like Donna does. She says, Ava’s not mom and she’s not Carly. She’ll never be a good role model. He says, okay, maybe not, but does she know how many years they’ve been fighting over Avery’s living arrangements? And who pays the price? Avery. He knows she doesn’t understand his decision, but he hopes one day she’ll figure out why he did it. He leaves and Kristina takes out her phone. She looks at the photo taken through the hotel room window that shows Ava with her hand on Kristina’s shoulder.  

On Monday, Anna tells Mac that she feels they’re getting closer; Elizabeth tells Jason that she thinks they found the evidence to put Cyrus away; and Carly asks if Sonny is going to tell her what’s really going on.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

First, the sad news. I don’t know why I thought she was older. Probably because she’s been around forever. I hope they don’t wait as long as they did for Bobbie’s memorial. That got weird.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/leslie-charlesons-cause-of-death-revealed

And the happy news. Well, roll me up and call me curly. I didn’t know he was married.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-alum-anthony-geary-celebrates-his-anniversary

A flashback from the 80s.

https://people.com/john-stamos-and-demi-moore-have-general-hospital-reunion-9732736

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

I thought about watching this, but got sucked into a TLC rabbit hole.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Sutton’s visit to her mother continued. We flashed back to Sutton telling Garcelle that she never felt her mother was proud of her. Garcelle tried to impart this wisdom to Reba, but Reba told her to mind her own business. Garcelle took it with grace, and in her interview, she said Reba had been hurt somewhere along the way and thought there was jealousy because Sutton had been a daddy’s girl. In Sutton’s interview, she said there may have been some pent-up resentment on her part, since her mother had been home when her father shot himself. It wasn’t something they talked about.

Erika must be doing okay since she was spending over $60K on a decorator. She said she was slowly getting back to a person she recognized. As part of her healing journey about her father, Sutton went with Garcelle and Kyle to the house where she grew up, and the new owners were gracious enough to allow her as much time as she needed. Sutton wanted the last years of her mother’s life to be happy and peaceful, which I guess included accepting her mother’s denial of pretty much everything. It was quite emotional. Boz talked to her daughter Lael about Keely and having another baby, and Lael was incredibly thoughtful and mature for age 15. Kyle had to remind Kathy not to put the phone to her ear when they were FaceTiming. I sometimes wonder how Kathy exists in the world, but I guess she pays people to do that for her.

In her ever-continuing apology tour.

And in the too little too late and no one cares category.

Summer House

Apparently, West broke up with Ceara through a New York Times article. More shocking was how desperate the Times must be for readers. Or maybe they forgot they’re not the Star. Many of the housemates made a big deal of two newbies being younger at 26 and 27, but when everyone acts 14, who cares?

It ended with Carl’s arrival, and it would be the first time he’d seen Lindsay since finding out she was pregnant.

Southern Charm

It was time to go to the Bahamas, and no surprise there were ads for Bahamian tourism during the commercial breaks. Once they got there, Shep called Sienna who said she’d meet them at the hotel. Craig acted like big baby Ramona when he didn’t want to share a room in an amazing suite. Craig lived in the Bahamas for two years? Surprise to me. In Craig’s interview, he got the vibe Sienna wasn’t really into Shep. I got that vibe too. She didn’t greet him like someone she hadn’t seen for months and missed. She also didn’t want alone time with him, which says everything.

Next time Shep tells Sienna that he’s wildly in love with her and Craig wonders why Austen hates him so much.

Southern Hospitality

While I can’t stomach the middle school antics on this show, I do like watching Maddi’s career as a DJ evolve. It’s also refreshing to see a boyfriend being as supportive as Joe is. Maddi is for sure living her best life. And soberly, no less. No surprise, Emmy had another weepfest at a dinner. I wouldn’t believe Will either, but I do feel sorry for her. Group dinners are a bad idea all around. Reality casts either want to start a fight about something at this inappropriate time or they want to play a game no one should ever play, involving negative comments about the others. Tonight, it was, who is the person at the table you trust the least? Like Heather’s worst texts about someone else on RHOSLC, no good can come from a game like this.

Random Items

VanderTease.

Is there any amount of money this guy can’t make? Admittedly, he does work hard for it.

The world has become her oyster.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Apple Cider Vinegar. Netflix. This is a kinda sorta true-ish miniseries. There are three intersecting stories about different forays into natural cancer treatment. One woman fakes having cancer and cons the world into thinking she’s found the answer in a healthy diet. Another woman actually diagnosed with cancer finds a real cure in a healthy diet, also becoming a guru of sorts, only to find it wasn’t such a cure after all. A third woman is a cancer patient in search of a cure. A lot of food for thought – no pun intended.

https://www.techradar.com/streaming/netflix/netflixs-new-crime-drama-apple-cider-vinegar-is-the-latest-female-fraudster-series-that-i-cant-get-enough-of

Baylon Out Loud. TLC. I like this show more every time I watch it. It shows there are still decent people in the world

https://collider.com/baylen-out-loud-tic-con/

These two. I’m rooting for their relationship to win.

https://people.com/tiktoker-baylen-dupree-is-engaged-to-colin-dooley-exclusive-8789450

⌚️ Upcoming Watches…

SNL50: The Anniversary Special, February 16th on NBC, E!, and Peacock, the red carpet beginning at 7 pm ET.

https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/snl-50-days-of-fandom-events-specials-episodes

This looks intriguing. Premiering February 23rd at 10 pm on NBC and streaming on Peacock February 24th.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/nbc-s-grosse-pointe-garden-society-reminds-us-of-wisteria-lane-review/ar-AA1yuVSx

And at the cinema, coming this July. Dinosaurs! Flying dinosaurs! Dinosaurs popping out of the water like a prehistoric Jaws! What more do you need?

https://www.jurassicworld.com/

🎰 Vegas Here We Come…

Walton Goggins talks Fallout’s new season.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-new-vegas-walton-goggins

🐕 And the Winners Are…

The Puppy Bowl.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10154197-puppy-bowl-2025-recap-mvp-highlights-and-twitter-reaction

The Westminster Dog Show.

https://people.com/westminster-dog-show-2025-best-in-show-winner-8789581

🥁 Quotes of the Week

The plan is to fan this spark into a flame. – Lin-Manuel Miranda

If you get up one more time than you fall, you will make it through. –Chinese proverb

A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t. – Jack Dempsey (Apparently, I’m a champion every morning.)

There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits. – Michael Phelps

A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body. – Benjamin Franklin

My size is tedious. – Juan, My 600-Lb. Life

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. – Robin Williams

Reading butts. – a job requirement to keep the Puppy Bowl dogs calm and the field accident-free

That wasn’t karaoke. It was you, a jukebox, and a bar full of angry people. – Mike (Billy Gardell), Mike & Molly

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

💖 Valentine Mode Activated…

Until next time, stay safe; stay being your own Valentine; and stay not hesitating. If you have the chance to help someone, do it.

January 31, 2025 – Lulu Confesses Her Love For Dante, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Performing, Animal Tales, An Even Number Of Short Quotes & Mountain

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Tara from Turning Woods had info for Elizabeth, but when she and Lucky showed up, Tara was out sick. Natalia told Lucy that she could land an account in LA, but the contact only wanted to meet with her and the silent partner – i.e. Sonny. Kristina went to see Sonny and asked him if everything was okay since he didn’t show up at Charlie’s. She said they had to keep Avery away from Ava and she’d decided to testify at the custody hearing. Anna told Jason about Sidwell being in Port Charles. She asked if he or Sasha were willing to go on record about Sasha’s kidnapping.

Curtis told Nina that Drew was going to undermine the company in congress if he didn’t get his stock back. Chase visited Willow, who whined about Drew being ostracized by his family. Drew met with Martin and told him that Monica wasn’t speaking with him. He was her first truly lost cause, and he wondered if he’d ever really been a part of the family. Anna told Jason not to go after Sidwell on his own. Lucky told the Turning Woods rep that Cyrus wanted a list of his patients who had died so he could send condolences to the family. Curtis told Nina that things had a way of getting out and encouraged her to tell Willow that she’d been sleeping with Drew. Drew told Martin, if they thought banning him from the Quartermaine grounds would keep him from Willow, they had another thing coming.

Jason told Anna that he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Mr. Furner came in while Lucky and Elizabeth were there. Lucky distracted him by threatening a lawsuit while Elizabeth waited for the printout. Chase told Willow that he and Brook were trying to have a baby.  Nina told Curtis that she’d made the devil’s bargain with Drew. She couldn’t tell Willow about Drew, nor he about her. She hoped with time, Willow would trust her more than Drew. Curtis said he had a plan and needed Nina’s help. Anna said the best way of getting Sidwell was to get criminal charges that would stick, but Jason said he had to do it for Michael.

Natalia conferred with Sonny about the LA trip. Anna asked if Jason could guarantee he would be the only target for retaliation. He could break the cycle of violence by not retaliating. Curtis told Nina that he wanted to sabotage Drew’s connections in DC. Chase showed Willow his lab results and she told him to see his doctor. According to the results, he couldn’t father a child.

Tuesday:

Ned told Tracy to show some respect to Willow or she’d be out on her high-class derriere. Tracy said two fingers of bourbon for everyone, and no one was leaving until they figured out what to do.

Felicia took Anna for a manicure and told Anna that she’d seen Emma clubbing. Emma joined them and Anna questioned her. Emma said, it wasn’t a spa day; it was an interrogation. Carly couldn’t figure out Jack’s angle. He said when he first came to Port Charles, he was on a mission. He had no intention of pursuing her until she visited him in prison. He considered her a friend, not an asset. Kai told Trina that his vertebrae was cracked, and he couldn’t play football because he’d risk a spinal injury. She suggested he talk to her mom. Portia told Alexis that Sam had been murdered and how they came to that conclusion. It had been a pattern. Alexis said she wasn’t leaving it to the police and was going to find answers.

Ned said the mess was all on Drew and they should give Willow a chance to create distance. Tracy said they had to make rules and asked what Chase thought. Brook told Lois that she was able to have a baby. Lois asked if she regretted giving her baby up, and Brook said it was the hardest choice she ever made, but she never regretted it. Chase said Willow was a good person and they should respect her. Tracy said Drew would use Willow to his own ends, but Ned said, if they pushed things, Willow would run back to him. Sasha said Tracy was being dramatic, then Tracy screamed because she saw a mouse. She said Sasha was out if she didn’t climb up and get it (like the mouse wasn’t in Chicago after Tracy screamed), but Sasha said she wasn’t climbing anywhere because she was pregnant, quickly adding, it’s not Cody’s.

Sasha said if anyone had complaints or judgements, oh well, and Gio said he didn’t grow up with a father and turned out fine. Alexis talked to Isaiah about Sam. Trina asked Portia to talk to Kai. Anna said Emma was allowed a social life, but not allowed to lie to her and sneak around. Emma said she’d been to a fundraiser and wondered, since when was Anna so uptight? Jack offered to have Michael’s cultures forwarded to Germany from the WSB to expedite things for Carly.

Tracy wondered why they offered daycare to everyone, and Ned said she’d just kidnapped two more. Portia said Kai wasn’t necessarily sidelined. Anna said there was a difference between uptight and responsible, and she was the latter. Emma said she never saw Anna because she worked so much. Carly called Felicia about the cultures, and Felicia told her to proceed with caution when it came to Jack.

Emma made a deal that if she got straight A’s, Anna would go clubbing with her. Jason asked Sasha if Michael knew about the baby. Chase told Brook that his tests came back, and he couldn’t get her pregnant. Portia suggested Kai get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine. Kai said Trina’s mom was amazing and he knew where she got it from. Alexis said she wasn’t going to stop until she found the killer. Jack went to the hotel spa and Felicia warned Carly that Jack had an agenda, but Carly said Jack was intriguing and she wanted to know more. Valentin showed up at the spa to kill Jack.

Wednesday:

Chase told Brook that he was sterile and couldn’t be a father. Olivia and Lois took Tracy for a manicure to destress. Sasha told Jason that Michael knew she was pregnant, and he was the father, but they had a deal that he’d stay out of it. At the hospital, Anna told Lulu that she was glad no one was hurt in Prague. Lulu said she was glad her daughter didn’t get shot a second time. Valentin pretended to be a masseuse and tried to strangle Jack while he was on the table.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Emma told Gio that she wanted to do a fundraiser to stop animal testing. She wanted him to play at it because something classic and boring would get the old people and boomers to contribute. Olivia said asking invasive and intrusive questions was Tracy’s love language, but she should let up on Sasha. Martin came into the beauty salon and said, good luck with that. Sasha said it was none of Jason’s business, but he said Michael had a right to know. Anna said she didn’t have the words to tell Lulu how sorry she was, but Lulu said she could see how it was an accident because of the circumstance. She thought Valentin was dangerous and bad things happened when he was around. Carly went looking for Jack at the spa.

Anna said she had an eye open for Valentin, and Lulu thanked her. Gio agreed to play at Emma’s fundraiser, but wondered if it was a scam to get extra cash. Jason told Sasha that Michael had asked for her and thought it was because he knew she was carrying his child. Sasha said if he wanted to help Michael, make sure no one else found out. Chase didn’t want Brook to miss out on the experience of being pregnant, but she said she loved him more than anything and they’d get through it together. Tracy said Martin would defend anyone and she’d been trying to protect the kids. He said she had a bad habit of rolling over people’s lives and just wanted to hurt Drew. Lulu told Dante that she was the best judge of what she could do, but he said, obviously not. Carly heard a noise in Jack’s room, but an employee said it was nothing.

Jack was lying on the floor when Carly came in and cracked something over Valentin’s head. Chase said he didn’t deserve Brook, but she said he was stuck with her. Emma said she was sick of people treating her cause like it was a joke, and Gio said he was only kidding. She said she’d volunteered for a shelter when she was younger. Some puppies were bought by a lab, and it stayed with her. Cody showed up looking for Tracy. He wanted to apologize for missing their ride, but Gio said she was pretty upset, so Cody should wait on that. Martin said just because Tracy disliked someone didn’t make them disreputable, and Brook called Lois, asking her to come home. Portia told Anna about the pattern of suspicious patient deaths and that someone had injected the patients with a large, unprescribed dose of digitalis that resulted in a heart attack. Carly told Jack to wake up or she’d tell the world he died wearing his bathrobe, and told the employee to call an ambulance.

Brook told Lois about Chase and said she felt like her soul was broken. Gio told Cody about Sasha being pregnant and Jason promised not to tell anybody that Michael was the father. Sasha had no doubt Willow would use her pregnancy against Michael, and she’d do what it took to keep her baby away from the Q’s. She also wanted Sonny to be kept in the dark. Anna told Portia about the Angel of Death syndrome, but Portia said two of the cases involved healthy patients, Sam and Dex. Lulu said she was no longer helpless, but Dante said she was human and had limits. She said he focused on someone else to ignore his own pain and didn’t want to think about losing Sam. Jack said he was fine and the WSB would handle Valentin. Carly asked what he was going to do now, but he said, that’s classified.

Jack made a call to have Valentin killed on sight. Tracy asked what Martin’s problem was with her, and he said she had an obnoxious misguided sense of entitlement. She felt entitled to judge him and Willow and had prevented him from having a relationship with Lucy. Tracy said he should thank her instead of ruining her zen. Lois said Brook and Chase could be as sad as they wanted for as long as they wanted. Brook said Chase suggested IVF, but he was just sacrificing his feelings for her. She thought she should tell him that she’d been pregnant before. Dante said he didn’t blame Lulu for Sam’s death and she asked what he was doing for himself. She knew her presence was a complication in his life. He said he’d never be sorry she was here. Anna asked to talk to Dante. Jason said Sasha didn’t have to do it on her own and he was on her side.

Anna told Dante that Sam was murdered. Sasha let Jason feel the baby move. Carly and Jack kissed.

Thursday:

Hitting the heavy bag, Chase flashed back to his and Brook’s baby journey. Brook told Lois that Chase was mourning the life he’d imagined for them. She wanted him to know the pain and anguish she’d felt giving her baby up so he didn’t feel so alone. Alexis told Diane that Sam had been murdered, while Lulu told Maxie. Cody listened in on Sasha talking to Jason about the baby, but slipped away before he heard Michael was the father. In Baden Baden, Jack went to Carly’s suite and kissed her. She said she needed a minute, and he apologized if he’d read things incorrectly, but she said he didn’t. She just didn’t want to do something she regretted. He said he wasn’t there to sleep with her and had something much different in mind.

Molly visited Cody at the stables to drop off his paperwork from the station. He was less than hospitable. He said his feet were held to the fire while career criminals got away with everything. Jason wanted Michael’s side of the story, but Sasha said she didn’t owe Jason anything. He said she owed Michael. Lulu said she owed Sam everything, but Maxie said, feeling guilty over something she had no control over would go nowhere. Lulu admitted still being in love with Dante. Brook said she’d have to tell Chase the whole truth, that Dante was the father of her child. Dante told Chase about the murders at GH and that Sam was one of the victims. Alexis didn’t know what to do with her feelings about Sam being murdered, and she threw stuff around the office.

Jack brought Carly to the rooftop, where he had a fire going and they had champagne. Carly said, it was cozy, beautiful and private. He toasted to her changing her mind about coming to the spa. Jason told Sasha that he’d back off the second he talked to Michael. Sasha said they were done, but if he talked to Michael, tell him that she was thinking of him and praying for his recovery. Cody said, clearly Molly had an agenda, but she said she was there as a favor to Mac. He said he appreciated it and she left. Diane wanted to say the right thing, but Alexis told her that there was no right thing to say. Diane said, whatever Alexis wanted, she was all in – whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. Alexis said she had to tell Molly and Kristina, who were on their way there. Diane got a text from Jason and promised she wouldn’t tell him anything. Kristina came in and wondered what had happened.

Brook said if she told Chase, she’d have to tell Dante, and she felt sick. Dante told Chase about the digitalis murders, that Dex was one of the victims, and Michael had been saved by Isaiah’s quick thinking. Maxie said she was surprised Lulu admitted she still loved Dante, but it would be weird if she didn’t. Jason met with Diane and told her about Sasha’s pregnancy. Alexis told Kristina and Molly that Sam was murdered. Carly wanted to know what was going on between Jack and Valentin. She thought it was crazy that Valentin tried to kill him. Jack said, Valentin had been a friend, but after tonight, he wasn’t protecting Valentin any longer. He figured Valentin assumed he was the one who fired the shot in Prague. He hadn’t, but he was at that point now. It was a winding, complicated story. Carly told him to order another bottle of champagne.

Dante unloaded on Chase about Lulu and said she had to stop taking risks and be careful for her sake and Rocco’s. He was happy she was there, but Sam was gone because of it. Every time he looked at Lulu, he’d think of Sam and what they’d all lost. At the MetroCourt, Cody saw Diane with Jason. He apologized to Maxie about the other night and told her that Sasha was pregnant. Then he realized she knew already. Jason said Carly couldn’t know anything about this. He was going to the clinic to see Michael, but wanted Diane to keep an eye on Sasha. Jack told Carly that he wanted to rise in the ranks at the WSB and an alliance with Valentin was a smart move, so he sought out Valentin’s friendship. Valentin was the iron fist, and he was the velvet glove. Valentin needed him as much as he needed Valentin, and they became true friends.

Diane promised to keep an eye on Sasha and let her know when Jason got clarity. The fact Michael never told her spoke to Sasha’s credibility. Jason said if he was wrong, he’d gladly admit it, and she said she wanted a ringside seat for that. Maxie asked how Cody found out, but he said it didn’t matter. Maxie said Sasha was clear that she had no plans to tell the father, and Cody said the father was Jason. Sasha told the baby that they could do this on their own and promised she’d always be there. Lois said she didn’t want to influence Brook’s decision, but Brook said she needed Lois’s advice. Lois said Brook was a grown-up now and it was only her choice to make. Brook said she and Chase had to be open and honest and she had to tell him. Dante asked Chase what was up, and Chase said he’d talk when he was ready. Alexis promised they’d find out who did this to Sam. They were going to shield the truth from Scout and wanted to wait for more information to tell Danny. She’d ask Anna to keep it away from the public for as long as possible. They’d have to stay strong and present a united front for Sam.

Carly said there was more to Jack than met the eye. She admired his loyalty. He said there was a big difference between them. She was a good person. She said he wasn’t the bad guy he wanted people to think he was. To her, he was the guy who’d done awesome things for her and expected nothing in return. They kissed by the fire.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In his hospital room, Kai struggles to put on a brace belt and Trina walks in.

Jordan is surprised to find Drew at Volonino’s, and asks if he’s allowed through the doors of Aurora these days. He asks if she means his company, and she wonders if he’s trying to drive away anyone who ever thought they knew him.

Curtis meets Portia at Beradino’s and says, Aurora’s new CEO is looking fine. He says he aims to please, and she asks, what’s with the good mood? He says he’s at breakfast with his beautiful wife. Why wouldn’t he be? She says she saw on the news that there’s a holdup with the McConkey esplanade. It was a big project for him and Aurora. Curtis says, it still is. Don’t worry. He’s steps ahead of it. Since no one eats at home, at another table, Ric says, even though it was gruesome, the fire strengthened Ava’s case. She asks if it’s strong enough to rescue her daughter, and he says he thinks it should. Given her present financial situation, he has a proposal to present to Diane. With any luck, it will convince Diane to wrap things up with her and Sonny. Ava says, that would be ideal, and thanks him. His generosity had been so helpful. He says, what generosity? and she says, him representing her pro bono. He says he’s not doing her case pro bono, and she says, he’s not? Since he stopped hounding her to pay, she assumed… He says, that his service was gratis? Why? Because they kissed?

Lulu meets Laura at the bistro and apologizes for being late. Everything she does seems like something she has no chance with. She was here with Rocco and her baby boy is now a coffee drinker. Laura says, he’s a coffee snob, and Lulu says, he gets that because of Sonny. Dante is so good with Rocco. He’s a great dad, but… Laura says, she’s still in love with him, isn’t she?

Dante bursts into Anna’s office and asks, what the hell is going on? Mac said she ordered him locked out of Sam’s murder investigation. She says, he’s correct, and he asks, why?

Brook goes to the stables and asks Cody if they’re alone. He says, yeah, and she says, good. She needs to talk to him. He says, about what? and she says, the summer romance she had with Dante, and he asks if she means the summer she got pregnant.

In Diane’s office with Kristina, Sonny says he’s going to LA on business for Deception, and she says, that’s a long way to go for a silent investor. He says, Natalia wanted him to go and he wants to go over some things before he leaves. Diane says, that’s why Kristina came, and he says, there are things they all need to discuss.

At Volonino’s, Brad does push-ups, and his trainer suggests a break, but he says, no breaks. The trainer hands him some water and says, he needs to hydrate. Brad takes a drink and says, if he’s going to hit his goal before Miami, he can’t afford breaks.

Ava asks if Ric thinks she kissed him in exchange for legal fees, and he says he hopes not. It was a good kiss, but hardly covers his retainer. He’s attracted to her, but business is business. He’s extending her grace in deferring his payment. She says, he’s a beacon of charity. At this juncture, it’s like the kiss never happened and it’s not likely there will be another. He says, ever? and she says, not until she gets her daughter back. After that, they’ll see what’s on the table. He says he guesses he should be going then, and leaves.

Curtis tells Portia that Drew is stalling the project, and she says, that’s so sad. He says he can think of two other strong words, and she says, Drew is using his office to exact petty revenge. She’ll stick with sad. Tell her about his next steps. He says he’s going to need an ally on Capitol Hill who has more connections than Drew. Nina is setting up something, but if it doesn’t work, he has a back-up. Meanwhile, his focus is on the next step with Aurora, and it involves her, him, a beach, and daquiris on a tropical island.  

Drew says he understands that Jordan is upset about the esplanade, and she says, he brought the project to her, and they worked on it together. Now he’s stalled it. He’s damn right she’s upset. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s sorry, and she says, explain why he’s doing this. He says he’s just trying to hold onto what’s his.

Brook says, of course (🍷) she’s referring to that summer, and Cody says he thought the subject was verboten. She says, it was, and it is. Did he ever tell Dante? He says, she swore him to secrecy, and he drove her to the bus station. She left and he didn’t see her again until he started working here. She asks if he ever told Dante, but he says, no. He hasn’t even thought about it since then. She says, thank God, and thanks him, and he says, no problem. She says she’s sorry to make a big deal out of it, but she had to be sure. He says he gets it, but it was like, a million years ago. Why bring it up now?

Anna says she wants to reiterate how sorry she is, but Dante says he doesn’t want her sympathy. He wants Sam’s file. She says, he barged into her office and asked for access to a case… He says, because Sam  was his fiancé and he loved her, and Anna says, that’s precisely why she can’t let him get anywhere near the case.

Trina offers to help Kai, but he says he’ll do it himself. He struggles some more, and she says, it will be easier when his arm isn’t in a sling. He finally asks her to help him, and she puts the belt on him. As she wraps it around him, they gaze at each other for a moment.

Lulu tells Laura that she loves Dante, but not… He’s still grieving Sam… They were already divorced, but she ended things with Dustin. She was planning on telling Dante that she never stopped loving him, but unfortunately, she never got the chance. Now she’s finally awake, but Dante is grieving Sam… He totally should. Laura says, good to know, and Lulu says, it’s probably better. Things between them are worse. Laura asks, how so? and Lulu says, they fight all the time. When she went to Prague, Dante brought it on himself to follow. It’s a habit and they know how she doesn’t like being handled. Laura says, they do indeed, and Lulu says she wants to try and get along, but he makes it impossible. Laura says, maybe she’s pushing him away, but Lulu says, it’s not that. If anything, she thinks she’s holding herself back.

Sonny tells Diane that he’s concerned Charlie’s is going to be scrutinized. The business is clean, but he did sell it to Kristina. Diane says, she’ll stay ahead of it and tells Kristina to call if there’s a problem. Kristina says, if the Feds tap her phone, she’ll ask for a copy of the recording to help her keep track of things. Sonny says he doesn’t want what he’s done to interfere, and Diane says she’ll make sure of it. She’s about to leave when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Ric and Ava, and Ric says, good. They’re already here. That makes it easier.

Brad kisses his bicep (he’s pretty jacked) and says, woo!

Kai thanks Trina for her help and says he’s sorry for snapping. She says she gets it, and he says he appreciates her coming, but he’s not in the mood. He’s still trying to rap his head around what he’s going to do with his life. She says, that’s why she’s here. Since he was injured in a game, PCU can’t revoke his scholarship. She brought him some catalogs for inspiration. He says he can’t think about classes. He’s barely managed to schedule his rehab. She asks if that means he got a second opinion that was positive, and he says, they told him, no promises.  

Drew tells Jordan that he’s the ultimate team player. He’s dealt with Tracy, navigated Ned’s fragile ego, and sat through his fair share of family squabbles disguised as ELQ board meetings. He does one thing the family doesn’t approve of… Jordan says, he had an affair with his nephew’s wife, and Drew says, and the rest of the Quartermaines are saints compared to most people. Monica banned him from the grounds, and he was pushed out of his own company. Jordan says she gets it. His life as a rich congressman is in shambles. Welcome to politics. They’re not here to talk about Quartermaine infighting. He’s stalling the progress for the good of the city he’s been chosen to represent. He says, it could still happen. That depends on what Curtis chooses to do with Aurora.  

Portia says, Curtis’s plans for Aurora involve them on a beach? and he says, not just any beach. St. George Island, potentially the first site of Aurora’s new resorts. Portia says she loves it, and he says, of course (🍷) he wants to experience the island before moving forward and he can’t without her. What does she say? She says she can feel the sand between her toes, when Curtis’s phone rings. Jordan says she’s calling in a favor, and Curtis says, which one? She tells him to meet her at Volonino’s as soon as he can.  

Anna says, when she told Dante that Sam was murdered, she was speaking to him as a private citizen. That’s why he can’t be involved. He says he can help find out who killed her, and she says she’d let him if the victim was anyone else. He says, because it’s Sam, and she says, imagine if he finds the killer and it goes to trial. What does he think the defense is going to do? He says, object because of his conflict of interest, and she says, they won’t need to. We won’t have a case. It will be thrown out because he was involved in the investigation. He asks if that’s what she wants, but she says, no, but she has to look at it. What if he finds the killer and decides to take the law into his own hands? He asks if she thinks he’d do that, and she says, in this instance, she doesn’t know. He asks what she means by in this instance. Does she have a suspect?

Brook says she’s sure everybody knows she and Chase are trying to start a family, and Cody says, word got around. She says, it’s bringing up a memory for her, living in the same house with Dante. She needs to be sure. He says he never told Dante. He hasn’t even thought about it in years. If she had told Dante back then, he’s sure Dante would have stepped up, unlike other guys. She asks what he means, and he says, it’s an obligation and the guy has to step up. He can’t leave the woman hanging. Brook asks what he’s talking about, and he says, Sasha is pregnant and she shouldn’t be in it alone.  

Drew works out with the weights, when Curtis comes in. He asks if this is why Jordan needed him, and she says, Drew told her that the future of the esplanade depends on Curtis. Care to elaborate? Curtis says, Drew wanted to push Michael out of Aurora, and Jordan says, while he’s in Germany, recovering from third degree burns? Curtis says, yeah. And if Drew doesn’t get what the wants, he’s more than willing to sabotage Aurora. Hence the delay on the esplanade. Jordan says, is that right? and Drew says, Curtis couldn’t be more wrong.

Kai tells Trina that the doctors told him to manage his expectations and set reasonable goals. Don’t get ahead of himself. She says, that’s good advice, and he says his teammates’ doctors said the same thing. She asks if they played again, and he says, one did. The rest never set foot on a field again. She says she’s sorry, and he says him too. He knew it was a possibility, but he told himself that it would never be him. How could he be so stupid?

Lulu tells Laura that Dante would jump in to save any chance he got, whether she needed him to or not. Laura says, Dante just lost someone he loved and maybe he doesn’t want to lose someone else. Lulu says, maybe… probably. She hates seeing him and Rocco in pain and not be able to help. Dante sees her as the woman his fiancé died trying to save. What is it going to be like for the rest of their lives? Laura says she knows what Lulu thinks, but unless she’s spoken to Dante directly, she doesn’t know how he feels.

Anna says she has no suspect yet, but there’s a person of interest, and Dante asks, who? She says, it’s not his case and she’s not disclosing more information. He says, she hasn’t told him anything. Dammit! She needs to tell him… She says she thinks he should go home. She’s placing him on one week’s paid leave and would like him to see the department psychiatrist. He asks if he can say no, but she says she thinks he knows the answer to that. He says, fine, and leaves.

Diane tells Ric to come back when he’s made an appointment, but he says he has an offer regarding the custody hearing. Sonny says, let’s hear it, and Ric says, the recent incident at his domicile caused the destruction of property and injury to his son. Ava says, it was obviously an attempt… and Ric says, it’s obvious Sonny can’t provide a safe home for Avery. At best, Sonny is going to lose. He’s made an effort to save them time and expense. He gives Diane the paperwork and she laughs. She says, visitation every other weekend and Ava has sole custody and all major holidays? Ava says she’s willing to give up Arbor Day, but Diane says she won’t even entertain it. Ric says, then they’ll go to court, and Sonny says, let’s do it. Ric says he’s going to call Kristina to the stand, and Kristina says, no problem. He asks if she’s sure. He’s going to ask about her father’s brutal assault on Dex Heller and his long list of mental and emotional instabilities. He’ll also bring in her impulsiveness and hot-headed temper that led to the attack on Ava and also the death of Kristina’s child. Sonny says, that’s enough, and Kristina says she looks forward to making sure Avery ends up with the right parent. Ric says, it’s impressive, but her keeping it together in her attorney’s office for five seconds doesn’t hold a candle to keeping it together on the witness stand… which she knows. Ava tells Sonny to spare the agony for both him and his daughter and take the deal. Sonny leans on his desk and asks, when’s the date? Diane says, February 25th, and Sonny tells Ric, see you there. Ric says, it’s their final offer, and Sonny shrugs. Ric says, it’s over, and he and Ava leave. Diane says she knows one thing, and Sonny says, they’re desperate. Diane says, right, and he says, Ava’s funds have dried up. Kristina says, Lucy mentioned to her the other day that Ava took a place far below her standards, and Sonny says, Ava wouldn’t trade down if she didn’t have to. Kristina says, that’s good news. If Ava can’t afford it, all they have to do is wait, but Diane says, they can’t rely on that. Ric and Ava’s argument is stronger than theirs.

Dante sees Brook at the stables and asks if Cody is around. She says, he was, then he wasn’t. She doesn’t know if he’s coming back. Is Dante okay? He says, obviously not, and she asks if there’s anything she can do. He says he doesn’t know. Sam was murdered and Anna won’t let him find the bastard who did it.

Lulu says she knows Dante loved Sam, and Laura says, and Sam loved Dante. She’s grateful they gave a good home to Rocco. Lulu says her too, but she’s a little jealous. And by little, she means really jealous. Laura says, Sam is gone now, and Dante has to find a way to live with the loss, and Lulu says, it’s a big loss and here she is, swooping in. Laura says, Lulu is entitled to be here, and Lulu says, Sam is too, but she can’t be. Laura says, but Lulu can, and Dante is afraid he’s going to lose her too. He practically camped out by her bedside and fought like hell for her. She says she knows, and Laura says, from her own life, she knows it’s possible to love two people at the same time. Dante absolutely loves Lulu. Maybe not in the same way she loves him right now, but there’s definitely a place in his heart for her. Lulu says she knows it’s not rational, but she feels like it’s her fault Sam died. If she feels that way… Laura says, maybe Dante does too?

Trina says, Kai isn’t stupid. He doesn’t know how rehab is going to turn out. His first orthopedist told him that he’s never play again. He says he doesn’t feel like a lecture. He needs to figure out rehab now. As for class, he doesn’t know if he wants to go back. She says, why? Even if he never plays again, he’s been given an amazing opportunity. A scholarship most kids would kill for and PCU is an amazing school. He says he knows Trina thinks she’s helping, but she’s not.

Drew says, when he pitched the esplanade, he did it on behalf of his company. Now he’s pitching for his constituents. Jordan asks, then why hold up the project that will give his constituents jobs? and he says, the environmental report was of concern, so it’s been put on pause for review. She says, it’s going to die because he has an ax to grind, and he says, it’s Aurora’s project. Curtis is the CEO and it’s up to him to clear up the issues. Curtis says, Aurora will be fine without the esplanade, and Drew says, there you have it. Curtis says, Drew is screwing them over, and Jordan says, it was a project for the constituents that was supposed to carry on the name of the man who gave Drew a seat in congress. (Good point!) Drew says, Curtis seems tense. What does he say to them working it out in the ring?

Diane says she hates to admit it, but Ric had good points. It’s of public record that the penthouse fire was deliberately set. Sonny says, Avery was at Carly’s, and Diane says, that’s the only reason Sonny still has custody. As for Kristina, she was magnificent back there. Kristina thanks her and says, hate is a powerful motivator. Diane says she has to advise Kristina, no matter how cool and calm she is on the witness stand, Dex’s assault is going to count in Ava’s favor. Sonny says, Ric is all about money. The only reason Ric is representing Ava is to hurt him. He’s going to use Kristina to do that. Kristina says, let him try. She can’t allow Ava to have Avery. Diane says she knew Kristina would say that. She’s going to let them talk. Take all the time they need. She leaves and Sonny says, Diane is right. Ric is going to hammer her on the stand like last time. Kristina says, let him. Ava’s not going to win this case. She doesn’t get to have her daughter back after she took Kristina’s from her.  

At the MetroCourt bar, Ava says, Sonny is itching to take them to court, but Ric says he’s not so sure. Ava says, he has enough money to drag this on forever, and Kristina, with her hair trigger temper, didn’t take the bait. Ric says, no matter. It comes down to Sonny. If he doesn’t want to move forward, it’s all over. She says, too bad he and Diane are determined to do that, and Ric says, maybe he’s wrong, but he thinks something is going on with Sonny.  

On the phone, Anna says, come back to my office and we’ll go over your allegations about Cyrus. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, it’s open. Cody comes in and asks if she’s seen Mac, but she says, he’s out on a call. Is everything okay? He says he needs to get a message to Mac’s brother and doesn’t have a way to reach him, and she says she can reach him. He says, it can wait, and she says, is he sure? It seems urgent. He says, it is… It isn’t important. It’s not like they need to contact international law enforcement. Anna tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is in trouble and it’s Jason Morgan’s fault.  

Brook tells Dante that she’s sorry, and he says, the minute he found out Sam was murdered, he wanted to hunt down the piece of garbage who did this. He’s a cop. She says, the best, and he says, Anna told him under no uncertain terms that he’s too close to the case. She says, maybe he is, and he says, obviously. He went to Anna’s office to show her how he’d handle it, and instead, he proved her right. He lost it on her. He yelled at his boss, and she sent him home. Brook says, Anna made the right call, and he says he knows that. For Sam to die like that, in a hospital bed, confined, unable to fight… If she could have gotten up, she would have fought tooth and nail. Brook says, damn straight, and he says, Sam was there because of him, and she’s gone because of him. He doesn’t know how to live with that.

Lulu asks Laura, how does she not feel responsible? The only reason Sam was in a hospital bed was because of her. Laura says, it’s human to feel like it’s her fault, but it’s completely untrue. She’s not responsible for Sam’s death. Only one person is – the murderer. Lulu says she knows that. It’s just so hard to silence the voice telling her that it’s her fault and to think about how Dante sees her. Laura says, he’s grieving, so she can’t assume to know how he feels, but she could ask, and Lulu says, just like that. Laura says, with the connection they have, yeah. It may not be the best time to tell him the full breadth of her feelings, but she can love him as friend.

At the hospital on his phone, Brad orders the deluxe spa package, while Portia tries to quietly go past him. He trots after her and asks if she has any idea where Dr. Jones is. She says, he switched his shift. She can imagine why. He says, speaking of schedules, is there any chance he can get an extra vacation day in Miami?

Curtis says, Drew wants to see him in the ring? and Jordan says, she brought them together hoping they could compromise like the adults she assumed they were, and Curtis says, it was a noble thought. But they both know Drew makes decisions based on what Drew wants. Drew says, and Curtis never misses the opportunity to get on his high horse. Curtis says, it must be real difficult for Drew to see that high up, being so damn lowdown, and Drew asks what Curtis says when the common denominator of the people keeping secrets from him is himself.

Anna asks how Jason is involved with Sasha, but Cody says, forget it. She says, he doesn’t barge into her office saying Robert’s daughter is in trouble and then drop it. He says he wants to talk to Robert directly, but she says, they’re close. What happened? Is Sasha in danger? He says, no. It’s not a crime or a legal thing. She tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is pregnant, and Jason is the father.  

Ric tells Ava, the thing about having a brother as an enemy is, they can read each other. He has a strong feeling something was off with Sonny just now. She asks how he can tell, and he says, Sonny may talk tough, but he has the sense Sonny doesn’t want to see this through. She says, when he dreams, he dreams big. Sonny doesn’t give up. He says, Sonny knows cutting her out will hurt Avery. Maybe he’s starting to care a little. She says she hopes he’s right. She needs to have Avery with her. The sooner he can make that happen, and the sooner she’s back on her feet, the sooner she can pay him. Once he gets paid, maybe after that they can see where things stand between them.

Kai tells Trina that he figured out how to put the brace on and it’s an accomplishment. He appreciates Trina coming, but he needs time to himself. She says, okay. She’ll leave him to it. She goes to the door and says, just so he knows, he doesn’t need to do this alone. She leaves, and he gets on the bed with his phone. He puts on an old game, and the announcer says, PCU is down three and going for a Hail Mary pass… They win, thanks to the golden arm of quarterback Kai Taylor! He puts the phone down, and Trina sees him through the window. She takes out her phone and makes a call. She says, when you get out, come and meet me at GH. Nothing is wrong. I just need help.  

Portia says she’s made accommodations for Brad, and he knows why. Brad says, just because he forced her doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated, and she says she does have limits and if she sticks to them, they shouldn’t have a problem. He says, understood… That said… She says, if he starts asking too much too often, people will start to notice. Don’t push his luck any further than he has. He says, so… is that a yes? and she says, enjoy your vacation day. She jets, and he says, thank you.  

Curtis says, his friendship comes with loyalty and wonders if it’s too much to expect in return, and Drew says, so his friendship is transactional. He’s not applying undue influence to sink Aurora. They’re not in court. Curtis says, let him remind Drew that he’s brand new to congress. He’s alienated his backers by seducing his nephew’s wife. He overextended himself and left himself wide open. Curtis and Jordan walk out.

Sonny asks what Kristina wanted to see him about. Is everything okay? She says, actually, no. The hospital investigated Sam’s death, and it turns out it’s not an accident. Sam was murdered. He asks if they know who, and she says, no, but they know how. She was given a drug she wasn’t supposed to have. Digitalis killed her. He says he’s going to ask a question she might not be able to answer. Does Dante know? She says, probably. The police are looking into it. Should she worry? He says he doesn’t want her to worry. Let him worry. Everybody has a breaking point and she’s carrying too much.

Brook says, it’s not Dante’s fault. She knows he can’t see it, so she’ll let him get there on his own, and he will. He says, she’s right, and she says she knows he’s saying that to get her off his back. She’s here if he needs anything. He says, she’s a pretty good friend when she tries, and she says, don’t tell anyone. He says, they wouldn’t believe him anyway, and they hug. Lulu walks in.  

On Monday, Laura tells Lucky that she has some news; Gio tells Emma that he has a bad feeling about something; Maxie tells Sasha that the more she stonewalls, the more it looks like she has something to hide; and Lulu tells Dante, nothing can be further from the truth.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Looks like a good time. Especially for that random dog who’s probably been stealing food all night.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Sage advice for any condition you might be suffering from: If you are suffering, you have to be your own advocate to keep going… If your doctor doesn’t get it, find a new doctor that listens to you and believes in you, and doesn’t just want to stick you on an antidepressant.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Side gig. I still say Adam Huss was the best Nikolas and they should bring him back.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-wraps-a-movie-with-tuc-watkins

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

In making a sushi dinner for multiple people who don’t eat fish, Cloyce said he had nothing to do but laugh, bang his head against the wall, and innovate. It must be tough for any woman who dates Cloyce to get past him giggling like Anderson Cooper. Captain Glenn joined the guests for dinner and was impressed. Glenn said he still believed in Gary, which is beyond my scope of understanding. In his interview, the captain said, if Gary wanted to step up the ladder, he’d have to grow and mature. Good luck with that. Mixing his metaphors, Captain Glenn said, the crew knocked it out of the park and suggested they put this baby to bed. He’d seen growth and thought they finished the season on a high. The tip was $21K or 2000 euros each, and they’d made a total of $188K for the season. Gary told Daisy that he wanted them to live a fairytale life. She was like, hard no, and wondered why they couldn’t get to a level they could agree on. After the crew night out, Gary waited alone at the jacuzzi while everyone else went to bed. He had a lightbulb moment in his interview, where he said if he was going to be in Glenn’s position, he’d have to start taking more responsibility for his actions. I still can’t figure out what the problem was with the stews and Daisy, except that she wanted them to work. Gary thought there was still hope for him and Daisy, and we flashed back to them over the years. He was intrigued to see what the future held. Glenn said, it was a crazy season and it was done. Margarita time.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Kyle’s interview, she said she was alone in the house more often because the kids wanted more time away from her. Um… yeah, that’s how it works when kids get older. Boz and Dorit have gotten tight, which surprises me, since Boz doesn’t seem like she’d suffer fools or rambling talkers gladly. Garcelle pointed out that Kyle saying she’s never shared anything PK has said to her sounded like it was more than memes, but Kyle insisted that they’d never discussed PK and Dorit’s marriage. Kyle apologized to the group for yelling and leaving, but in Sutton’s interview, she wanted Kyle to apologize for acting better than everyone else and not being accountable. Kyle used the old it’s not who I am backpedal. I hate when people say that because, if not you, who? It was who you were in that moment and to say that is distancing yourself from accountability.

Dorit and Kyle went for a walk on the beach, and Dorit asked where Kyle’s loyalty lay, with her or PK. Dorit wanted the same respect from Kyle that Kyle would expect from her. In her interview, Kyle said she understood and if it was what Dorit needed, she’d do it, but IMO, she should have understood it without Dorit having to tell her. Dorit was also wrestling with Jagger having asked if she and PK were divorced, since he’d gleaned it from social media. In Erika’s interview, she said it was impossible to shield children in this day of the internet, but I wonder if you even should in the first place. By all means you should explain things at their level and make sure they know you’re there for them (and your partner too, if that’s a factor), but I’m not so sure kids should be shielded from negative situations entirely. God forbid they hear it from someone else like this poor kid. The show ended on an up note for once.

Real Housewives of New York City

It was the Reunion Part 1, so… There’s never a lot to say about these, since it’s just a rehash of the season’s arguments and them getting mad all over again. There was Jenna coming out in robe and turban, which was… original. Brynn spoke more about her assault, and sad to say, it’s someone she’s required to inhabit the same space with on a regular basis. It seemed hard for Erin to understand how difficult it is to out someone like that when it’s a he said/she said situation. There was a big deal with Brynn having said Pavit wasn’t the love of Jessel’s life, when they’d been talking about crazy hook-ups. Jessel was pretty upset about her family seeing the show. It looks to be a lively Part 2.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Ugh. The Reunion Part 2. In a word, tedious. Meredith almost walked off because… Okay, I lost track of the whole thing, but it had to do with something she said or didn’t say and who said she said or didn’t say it. You see how I could get lost, right? Angie said that for a new Housewife, Bronwyn put herself out there and that’s why everyone loved her. Agreed. Seth was a jerk, trying to explain away why he called Whitney a bee-yotch during a dinner. No excuse for that, dude. As NeNe so succinctly put it, stay out of women’s business. Period. End of story. With the exception of RHONJ, where the men should have their own show, the husbands need to stay quiet. It’s not called Real Househusbands. Still this season’s MVP, Mary was the exception. Lots of tears over Robert Jr.’s story, even from Andy. And it shut the other women up for once. That’s quite a feat. Whitney said it helped her kids understand why they didn’t have a grandpa as she hasn’t spoken to her (addicted) father since Season 1.

Southern Charm

Poor JT. I almost have to feel sorry for him. Almost. He’s so clueless as to how he’s going wrong. Although Venita doesn’t see it. She admitted to having a crush on him and I thought, oh, just do it already. Craig called Austen and wanted to hang out, which surprised me, but it didn’t seem to surprise Austen. Shep hadn’t heard from Sienna, who texted that she needed a moment. It made Shep nervous, which made me laugh. He said he wanted beautiful babies and a Bahamian house, making me laugh harder. Patricia and Madison had a pajama party, complete with caviar in bed, making me rethink my friend group, and Patricia said Sienna had approached Whitney on Raya before meeting Shep. Venita invited JT for dinner, and he told her that he was seeing someone. It wasn’t the answer either one of us was hoping for. I don’t like him, but she does, so I felt bad for her. He professed faithfulness, but IMO, he’d been leading Venita on. Not a gentleman.

I don’t remember this guy from Summer House, but I’m not always paying attention.

Southern Hospitality

I tried to watch this. I really did. But it’s just a bunch of relationships that are more complicated than they need to be. I’ve seen enough to know Emmy is a drama queen, so I can just imagine when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Red flags have been thrown her way before, which she’s put her fingers in her ears and gone la-la-la about, but this seems to be irrefutable evidence. Rut-roh.

There was this priceless quote though: Even though I’m 33, that’s like 50 in gay years, so I’m basically dead. – TJ

I feel the opposite. While the diversity is commendable, the personalities aren’t so diverse. We even have Maddi being James Kennedy 2.0. Sans the alcoholic rants. Wait for VPR’s reboot if you want to relive the glory days. Or actually watch the original glory days on several streaming services.

Random Reality

The latest in Atlanta. Twirl on, Kenya. Twirl on.

Why not? And I actually don’t mind Slade. They seem to be a good match. Maybe he’ll marry her on his deathbed.

Get your lemons ready.

I’m sporadic in watching this, and like with Survivor, I get lost with the challenges, but when I see it, I enjoy it. Alan Cumming is the best host, all theatric and Scottish.

Take the tour.

https://ew.com/the-traitors-host-alan-cumming-season-3-castle-tour-exclusive-8766966

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Sleep. Hulu et al. I was a fan of Korean cinema long before it was popular, and Netflix had a Korean for beginners category. While this wasn’t one of my favorites, that didn’t make it less intriguing. A story of possession masked as a sleep disorder, it has creepiness a plenty. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, which left me kind of hanging, but the style and atmosphere were worth the time spent. I hadn’t thought of it as a metaphor for a deteriorating relationship, but there’s that too. Those of you who feel, if I want to read, I’ll get a book, be forewarned; this one has subtitles.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sleep-korean-film-review

https://nofspodcast.com/sleep-review-new-korean-horror-is-a-methodical-slow-build-of-simmering-scares

Saturday Night. Netflix. This is the telling of the story of the first episode of SNL, and how no one thought it would get on the air, much less stand the test of time it has. A dramatization for sure, but the real-life drama may have seemed heightened since there were so many roadblocks. From John Belushi refusing to sign his contract while ice skating in a bee costume to Milton Berle flashing his legendary junk, it’s a fun watch.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saturday-night/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/saturday-night-netflix-review

The truths and the nots.

https://people.com/how-much-of-saturday-night-is-true-8725801

Some of this is a stretch to connect to SNL, but six degrees and all that.

🎸 Who’s Playing For Who…

The Super Bowl performers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-halftime-sza-jon-batiste-8779483

The Grammys performers.

https://ew.com/everyone-performing-at-2025-grammys-charli-xcx-sabrina-carpenter-more-8779877

🐾 Send In the Furbabies…

🐶 It’s always nice to see a celebrity using their powers for good. This must have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved Paris since Tinkerbell wrote her book.

https://people.com/paris-hilton-reunites-her-foster-dog-from-l-a-fires-with-the-dog-s-family-8781373

🐎 What would the Super Bowl be without the Budweiser Clydesdales?

https://people.com/super-bowl-2025-budweiser-clydesdale-horse-commercial-8780322

🐕 And don’t forget the best Bowl of all.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/pb-xxi-gallery

https://www.discovery.com/shows/on-tv/puppy-bowl/see/2025

🐐 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who wants to achieve a dream must stay strong, focused and steady.Estée Lauder

A dead end street is a good place to turn around. – Naomi Judd

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. – Groucho Marx

If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small. – Richard Branson

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. – Pablo Picasso

You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. – George Burns

Words are the clothing of our thoughts.Jonathan Swift

A ship in a harbour is safe, but it’s not fulfilling its potential. – Susan Jeffers

If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment. – Carlos Santana

I don’t know why they say alcohol is a depressant. It fixes everything. – Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz), Mike & Molly

🍫 Like a Box Of Chocolates…

Until next week, stay safe; stay being adaptable in social and professional settings; and stay managing your expectations, setting reasonable goals, and not getting ahead of yourself.

January 17, 2025 – Michael Gets the Final Say, Soap Suds, Not My Reality, Weekend Watching, Plus One, Getting There, Gate in the City, Exit Interview, Good Guy, Awards, The Players, Hebodomad Quotes & Things

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Willow said she was in charge of Michael’s medical care, and Michael went into cardiac arrest. Portia said Willow had the right to make decisions about Michael’s medical care, and Drew told Carly and Sonny, hand over the kids and they’d have access, like the trashbag he is. Carly said, Drew was pushing things to point of no return, so Willow would have no one to turn to but him. Nina finally talked Sonny into giving the kids back, and Willow thanked Drew because she’s an idiot in love with a trashbag.

Cody wanted to invest in crypto, but Tracy said it would be better to set his money on fire. Alrighty then. But later, Cody told Brad to call his Aunt Selina because he had a sure thing bet on football after he’d talked to Kai for 3 minutes. Later, Portia said she wanted to use Brad’s talent for bending the rules to find out what patients had gotten digitalis without it being prescribed. Brad was a busy guy this week.

Lulu told Laura about what happened in Prague and asked when Laura was going to tell her that Anna had shot Charlotte. She said she thought Dante was right in that she’d led the shooter to Valentin. Laura promised to help Lulu find Charlotte again.

Isaiah told Lucas that they could choose to do something, and risk Michael dying, or do nothing, and Michael would definitely die. He chose to do something and gave Michael a medication that counteracted the digitalis. Isaiah told Portia what happened with Michael, and they came to the genius conclusion that, someone in this hospital is killing people with digitalis.

Tracy and Stella talked about Monica, which was like a knife to the heart knowing that Leslie Charleson had passed away.

Tuesday:

Lucky talked to a woman from the Port Charles Redemption Mission and found out Cyrus’s focus was on patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Lucas told Elizabeth about Michael and how Isaiah had given him digoxin immune FAB to counteract the digitalis. Lucky said they had to figure out what connected all the digitalis victims and why Cyrus would want them dead. Jason told Sonny that whoever planted the bomb in the penthouse would try again.

Willow told the kids that Michael was in the hospital. Dante told Sonny what happened in Prague. Josslyn conferred with Lucky about Cyrus.

Drew showed up at Nina’s and after she slammed the door in his face, she let him in.  She said he’d moved Willow away from what she loved and valued with the sick hold he had over her and gave him the business. She said Drew wouldn’t know love if it jumped up and bit him in the ass.

Tracy said she’d help Lulu if she had a solid lead, but Lulu needed to be more strategic and less emotional. Jason suggested the clinic in St. Petersburg where he’d been held hostage for Michael’s treatment, since Ava had her burns treated there. Sasha helped trick Willow into letting the kids go to the main house, and Tracy said, they weren’t leaving. Martin argued with Tracy about letting the kids go with Willow. Felicia said Jason and Carly had to leave the ICU, and Nina told Sonny that he had to go to the Quartermaines and get the kids from Tracy.

Wednesday:

Lucky and Elizabeth went to Beradino’s where Cyrus works. Josslyn went to Anna about Cyrus stabbing Dex. Alexis spoke to Drew about Sam’s wishes for Scout. Drew decided to commute to DC rather than live there. Carly wanted to call a press conference and out Drew, but Felicia told her not to make it worse than it already was.

Sonny talked to Tracy, who told him that Drew was the enemy and to handle him accordingly. Trina and Gio watched the game at The Brown Dog, and Emma showed up. (Since she was nuEmma, I didn’t realize she was also the pickpocket in Rice Plaza.) Cody was also at the bar. Alexis said Scout needed consistency and stability, and Drew said, maybe Willow was what she needed. Alexis wondered if it was less what Scout needed, and more what Drew needed. Tracy reminded Sonny that Michael was AJ’s son.

Felicia needed a drink, and Sasha was her designated driver. Elizabeth chatted Cyrus up while Lucky was in the bathroom, then suggested to Lucky that she volunteer at the mission. Carly asked Jack about the Boronsky clinic, and he said it no longer existed, but the burn expert was now in Germany. Carly badgered him about getting Michael into the German clinic. Jason showed up at the Quartermaines and asked Tracy to please give the children back. Tracy said it was the first time he’d ever said please, but then pulled the Monica card. Alexis suggested Scout move in with her, but Drew wasn’t having it. Anna questioned Cyrus, but Josslyn blew everything and alerted him to the investigation. Tracy said, for once in Jason’s life, don’t choose Sonny, choose his family, and he did.

Thursday:

Chase got checked out and Brook went to see Dr. Navarro. She told the doctor about her teenage pregnancy, and Dr. Navarro told her that it should have no impact on her trying to get pregnant now. Nina suggested Willow compromise, but Willow was all about what Drew said. She thought Nina was asking her to bow down to Carly and Sonny, but Nina said Willow needed empathy. Lay down her weapons and maybe they’d lay down theirs. Tracy said using the kids as bargaining chips wasn’t going to fly. They were where Monica wanted them and that’s where they were staying. (Keep twisting those knives.)

Kai ended up in the hospital and Cody had to pay off his bet. Carly told Tracy about transferring Michael to the burn expert, and asked how far Tracy would go if it was Ned. Tracy said, as far as she had to. Nina told Ava what was going on and that Willow’s life was in shambles because of Drew. Dante talked to Cody about Lulu, and Cody said, Dante could keep doing what he was doing and get shut out, or do things Lulu’s way.

Trina visited Kai in the hospital. Tracy sympathized with what Carly was going through as a mother, but it was about what Carly had put the family through for years. Tracy suggested Carly and Sonny find another way. Nina discussed the Willow/Drew situation with Ava. Selina tried to get Cody back in the game, and Dante wondered what was up, but Cody told Dante that he was okay. Alexis talked to Curtis about Drew. Nina wanted to get Willow thinking for herself again, and Ava said, tell Willow who he really is. When they were falling in love, he was having sex with her mother. Chase told Tracy that she couldn’t keep Wiley and Amelia from Willow and this had to stop. Willow asked to see Carly.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In her office, Brook leaves a voicemail for Chase that she’s done with her appointment and Dr. Navarro was super positive. She should get her test results soon, but maybe they should do something to relax, like spend a weekend in New York City. Have dinner and see a show, just them, and they can have baby making time. They’ll figure it out tonight. She loves him. Lulu comes in and asks if she’s interrupting.

Chase says, Tracy can’t keep the kids from their mom, and Tracy says, not him too. He has no idea how many times she’s had this conversation today. She was hoping for a break. He says, they’ve been through a lot, and he’d like to think they could be honest with each other. She says she’s going to stop him. He makes her granddaughter so happy, and she holds his entire family in the highest regard, so she’s going to put this as nicely as she can – butt out.

At the gallery, Lucas shows Ava a video on this phone, and she says, look how well Avery is dancing. Her costume is perfect. Lucas says, Avery was so proud. She wanted to make sure he recorded the rehearsal for Ava. She thanks him for bringing it, and he says he wanted to return the favor for her talking him down on Christmas Eve. She says, of course (🍷). She can’t stop thinking about the fire at Sonny’s. She’s so grateful Avery wasn’t there. She asks if they know the cause yet, but he says, all he knows is that the police are looking into it.

At Beradino’s, Cody looks at a cashier’s check and says he was so close to making his dreams come true. He sees Drew and walks over to him. He says he’d tell Drew that it’s nice to see him, but he’s far too sober to lie.  

Jordan starts a conversation with Martin near the bar, but then sees Drew and Cody and says she’s needed over there. Drew asks if Cody is disappointed that there’s’ nothing left to blackmail him with, and Cody says, you smug… Jordan tells him, don’t even think about it.

Outside Michael’s room, Willow says she’s glad Carly is here. She was hoping to talk with her and Sonny. Sonny joins them, and Willow thanks them for getting here so fast. Sonny says, it sounded important, and Willow says she knows they’re upset, and she understands why. She’s hoping they can find a way forward that works for them both. Carly asks if that means she’s going to let them see their son.

Chase tells Tracy that he’s had a front row seat for everything that happened with Michael and Willow because he’s friends with them both. He’s begging her not to make it more difficult. She says, it’s not difficult; it’s simple. The children are going nowhere. He tells her that everyone says she’s acting out of spite, but he doesn’t believe that. He saw how she helped his dad and Finn. Through all the snarky and sarcastic comments, he knows nothing means more to her than family. He knows she thinks she’s helping protect the kids, but he promises she’s only causing more drama.

Brook asks if Lulu needs help, and Lulu says she was looking for Maxie, but she can hang out in the waiting area. Brook says, she’s better off texting. Maxie is meeting with a vendor, and her afternoon is booked solid with interviews. Lulu says, that’s why she’s here. She was hoping to be one of them. Brook asks if she’s applying for a job at Deception.

Ava tells Lucas that she knows firsthand what Michael is going through. It’s a horrible, painful ordeal. Have they arrested anybody for setting the fire? Lucas says she doesn’t think so. Anna and Chase were at the hospital to question Michael, but he was in no shape to talk. Ava says, he was injured because of Sonny, and Lucas says she knows what she’s thinking, but Avery is completely safe. He sees her all the time. If he had doubts about Avery’s safety, he’d tell her. She says, of course (🍷) she worries about her little girl. She’s glad Lucas gets to see Avery so much and came to show her the video. Will he do one little favor for her? He says, it depends, and she says, give Avery a hug and tell her how much her mama loves her. He says he’ll do it tonight after work. He’s headed there now. She asks him to send her the video and he says he will. He leaves, and Ava makes a call. She says, I need to see you right away.

Cody tells Jordan that he has no beef with the congressman, but it seems the congressman might have one with him. Drew says he does, but Jordan says, neither of them need to get into anything in a public place. Cody should go. Cody says, gladly. He’ll see Drew around. Have a terrible day. He hopes Jordan’s day is a pleasant one. He leaves and Drew says, nice to see Jordan’s got his back, and she says, it looked like he was the one escalating things. What was it about and what did he do?

Willow says, the situation between her and Michael is being made more difficult with everyone getting involved. Michael wouldn’t want her separated from their kids. Carly says she had the kids and sent them to the Quartermaines, and Sonny says, she did what she thought was right at the time. Carly says she had no idea Tracy would hold them hostage, and Willow says, the kids are worried sick about Michael. Carly says, Wiley called her. He’s wondering what happened. Willow says, he called her too and asked when daddy was coming home. Carly says, Sonny made a good faith effort, and Sonny says, but Tracy refuses to let them go. Carly says, Tracy has no right to keep them and can’t legally. They’ll figure out a way to get them back. Willow says she hopes Carly is right. She needs to trust her own judgement about what’s best for her children and Michael and she’s come to a decision.

Ric walks into the gallery and asks, what’s so important? Ava says, Avery’s life is in danger. He needs to petition the court for an emergency custody order for her to have Avery full-time. Ric says he thought Carly had Avery, and Ava says she assumes he heard about the fire. It was no accident. Ric says, of course (🍷). Any time there’s a catastrophe in Sonny or Jason’s vicinity, it’s some attacker seeking retribution. She says, what if Avery had been there? She could have been burned like Michael. It’s terrifying. He says he’s sorry. As a father, he understands, but the court won’t see it as a reason for an emergency change in custody. Avery was nowhere near there at the time of the fire. She was with Carly and Donna where she has a bedroom and where she’s lived most of her life. Ava says, if he won’t file it, maybe she should find herself a lawyer who will. He says, that’s her right, but they’ll tell her the same thing. Wait until the right moment to make her move. She tells him, says the absentee father, and he says, it’s no reason to get personal. She says, sorry, but she could never understand how he could stay away from Molly for so long. It kills her not seeing Avery every day. He says, one of his biggest regrets is not being able to be a presence in Molly’s life, and she says, what if he was in her place and Molly was in danger? What would he do? He says he’d move heaven and earth to keep her safe, and she asks why he’s telling her the opposite. He says he wants her to fight, but be smart. Her current custody battle with Sonny is going to be very long and very expensive. She says she may be overextended at the moment, but it’s not like she’s living in the street, and he says, then why hasn’t she paid him?

Lulu says she’s here to apply for the job, and Brook says, it’s an assistant position. Wasn’t Lulu’s last job as a reporter at The Invader? Lulu says, that was four years ago. Deception needs an assistant, and she needs a job. They don’t all have trust funds. Brook says she doesn’t care what Lulu thinks, but every job she’s had, outside the music industry and in, she’s stood on her own and earned her own paycheck, Lulu says, like when Brook was paid to seduce Dante? (very mature) and Brook says she did that and it was a lapse in judgement. She and Dante have moved past that. Lulu says she didn’t get the memo, and Brook says she lives in her family’s home with her husband. Dante and Rocco live there too, and they all get along great. They let go of something that was a lifetime ago and they’ve moved on. Lulu says, Brook is being condescending, when Maxie comes in. She says she sees they’re getting along as great as ever, and Brook’s phone dings. After reading a text, she says she needs to go home and talk to her husband. She leaves Lulu in Maxie’s capable hands. She trusts Maxie will make the right decision. She leaves and Maxie asks Lulu what they were arguing about this time.

Tracy says she didn’t realize Chase had a psychiatric degree to go with the police badge, but he says he doesn’t need a degree to read her. She says, since he’s an expert in her behavior, what is she going to say next? and he says, she’s going to argue that Willow can’t be trusted because she cheated on Michael with Drew. Drew will never be a real Quartermaine, and even though she doesn’t like Michael, he’s a real Quartermaine. Family’s got to stick together. How did he do? She says she’s delighted they’re on the same page. Now drop the entire thing. He says, there’s one more thing. She left out something important. Wiley and Amelia are Michael’s kids, but they’re also Willow’s kids, and they need their mom.

Willow says, Michael would want both Carly and Sonny to be with him during this and she won’t stand in their way. Carly thanks her and looks through Michael’s room window. Sonny thanks Willow and says he knows how difficult the decision is. She says she’s not sure how it got so messy, and he says, they’re both grateful she’s letting them see Michael. She says, Michael has done so much for her. He gave her the gift of family and supported her dreams even when they changed. All she wants is for him to get better and be with the kids again. Portia joins them and says she needs to discuss the next step in Michael’s recovery with Willow. Willow looks at Carly.

Tracy says, Chase is disposed to favor Willow, seeing her as a well-meaning angel led astray, but Chase says, that’s not true. She says she watched the congressman’s hubris in taking Willow and Wiley to the inauguration. She saw the pictures. Willow, Wiley, and Scout, the perfect readymade family. He had no concern whether Michael or Monica would see the photos. Chase says, Michael and Monica are adults. This is about two kids who need their mom. Tracy says, their mother does not put them first. She does.

Lulu says, a miracle recovery doesn’t pay the bills. She needs a job. Maxie says, at Deception? and Lulu says she saw the ad, but she didn’t want to put Maxie on the spot, so she tried other places. The Invader is under new management, and nothing else panned out. Maxie says, she’s overqualified, but Lulu says she just needs to make money. Maxie asks if she’s interested in cosmetics, and Lulu says, not really, but she wasn’t into fashion and she was still good at her job at Crimson. Maxie says, what about the Brook factor? and Lulu says she promises to be on her best behavior working with Brook. Maxie says, she’d be working under Brook, and Lulu asks if she’d be Brook’s assistant. Maxie says, since they hate each other, she doesn’t see it going well, but Lulu tells her that she wouldn’t say hate. It’ll be fine, but it’s weird that Brook and Maxie are BFFs now. When did that happen?

At the hospital, Cody says, just the man he didn’t want to see, and Brad pulls him aside. He says he told Cody that he’d text. Coming to where he works is not cool. Cody hands him the check, and says, it’s most of the money he owes Selina. Brad says, most of it? He placed a bet with his aunt for Cody and not he can’t pay up? Lucas sees them.

Ava says she’s working to secure funds. She’ll get the money. Ric says, she could work harder, and she says she’s good at what she does. She’s in communication with some long-term clients who are experienced collectors. She just wants her daughter with her. He says, she needs to dig in for the long haul. They both know how Sonny is with his kids. He’s territorial and had his share of custody battles and won. At least Avery is close by and safe. Watch and wait. Patience is the key. Sidwell walks in and asks if someone can assist him. Ava says, of course (🍷), and introduces herself as the owner of the gallery. She asks what she can do for him, and he says he’s brand new to Port Charles and stumbled on her lovely gallery. He’s Jenz Sidwell. She says, it’s nice to meet him, and Ric introduces himself, shaking hands with Sidwell. Sidwell says, since Ava owns this fine establishment, perhaps she can guide him to which painting is worthy of his attention.

Jordan asks what Drew was trying to accomplish starting a fight, but Drew says, Cody approached him. She tells him, stop looking innocent, and he says he just doesn’t trust Cody. She asks who he does trust. Look around. Is there anyone currently talking to him who isn’t on his payroll? He says he’s guessing Curtis filled her in on what happened at Aurora, and she says she’s aware of the issue. He says he hopes she’s aware that he was giving Curtis a promotion, a huge raise, and complete control of the wellness division. She says, that’s his problem. It’s not about the money. It’s about how he treats his friends who were always loyal. Curtis values honesty and Drew lied. Drew says he never lied, and she says she stands corrected. He misled Curtis. He let Curtis think he was going to be CEO. It’s less betrayal in his books, but in hers, it’s semantics.

Portia says she’d like to speak with Willow in private, but Willow says, Carly and Sonny can hear too, so they can all discuss options. Portia says, good. They got Michael a bed in the Johns Hopkins burn unit. It’s the best hospital in the country and vacancies are rare. Willow says, he’ll be close enough to visit, but Carly says she might have a better option.

Chase says, Tracy can get herself in trouble if she doesn’t turn over the children, but she says she’s not afraid of litigation. He says he’s talking about criminal charges, and she laughs. She says, the carrot didn’t work, so now he’s bringing out the stick and threatening her. Good luck with that. She’s faced down worse. Brook walks in and asks why Tracy is picking a fight with her husband.

Maxie says she’ll have to fill Lulu in on her relationship with Peter August another time over a bottle of wine. And when she says, bottle of wine, she means several shots of tequila. Lulu asks what that has to do with Brook, and Maxie says, Brook was there for her in a big way. Lulu tells her, if you say so, and Maxie says, Lulu may not want to hear it, but Brook is a good person. She’s flawed and made questionable choices, but who hasn’t? Brook has been a good friend. Lulu says she’s glad Brook was there when Maxie needed someone, but something about Brook always rubs her the wrong way. She plays at being Bensonhurst, but has the Quartermaine name and fortune to fall back on. Maxie says she’s not buying that. Lulu is obviously upset, but she doesn’t think it’s about Brook. What’s really going on? Lulu says, Charlotte.

Ava says she’ll show Sidwell around. Ric was just leaving. Ric says he’d like to stick around and watch her work, and she says, art is subjective. What speaks to someone depends. She asks Sidwell to tell her something about himself so she can steer him in the right direction. He says he’s an importer looking for a North American base, so he moved to Port Charles. Ric asks, where’s his house? and Sidwell says, it’s an old, gothic residence on Spoon Island. Ava says, he bought Windymere? And he asks if she’s familiar with it. She says she used to live there, and Sidwell laughs.

Cody says he thought he had luck, but it was not his lady, and Brad says he’s $5000 short. Cody says he’s good for it, and Brad says he’ll tell his aunt. Maybe they can work out something. Cody says he’s never going to use the term sure thing again. He jinxed himself. Brad says he’s sorry, and Cody says he’s got to go. Brad walks over to Lucas and says, it’s not what it looks like. What he saw isn’t what he thinks.

Jordan tells Drew that she’s the last one to cast stones. TJ’s father was her husband’s best friend. The issue isn’t how he chooses his relationships. It’s how he treats the people in his life. Drew asks if she realizes that Curtis was just as deceptive in stealing Aurora, but she says, he led Curtis to believe he’d be permanent CEO, then went behind Curtis’s back and promised the job to Michael. Drew says he was trying to make peace, but it was a futile effort, and she says, stop. She doesn’t want to hear his explanations. He dug a hole for himself and if he doesn’t start making amends, he’s going to be alone and isolated. She believes he’s a better man than his recent actions indicate, so she’s going to give him some advice. Start mending fences. She leaves, and Martin joins Drew. He says he guesses it’s safe to assume the appropriate amount of rain has gone down on him from his constituents.   

Carly explains there was a groundbreaking procedure to remove scar tissue in a burn unit used by the Boronsky Clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia. It’s now closed, but the doctor is working in Germany. Willow asks if she wants to send Michael to Germany and asks if Portia has heard of the procedure. Portia says, no, never, but Carly says, the results are incredible, and Jack Brennan was able to secure a space in the clinic. Sonny asks if they can talk privately, and they step away. He asks why she didn’t tell him before, and she says she wanted to make sure it was possible. Michael can make a full recovery with no scars. He says he’s not sure, it’s so far away, but she says, you can’t even tell Ava was burned. She wants that result for Michael and Sonny has to trust her that this is the best thing. She’ll be there every minute of every day. She gets that he doesn’t trust Jack, but doesn’t he trust her?  

Carly tells Willow that the clinic has had incredible results, but Willow says she doesn’t think it’s best for Michael. He needs to be nearby so they can visit. Portia says she has no information, so she has to advise against it, and Willow says she’s not comfortable with Michael so far away and the doctors not having vetted the procedure. Carly says, he’ll make a full recovery, but Portia says, his burns are quite severe. Carly says, they’ve already seen the results. No one is able to tell that Ava had third degree burns. Willow says, Michael won’t have his family, and she knows Johns Hopkins is a great hospital. It’s her preference. Sonny says he thinks Michael should make the decision, and Willow says, that means waking him up. Portia says, it will cause immense pain, but Sonny says, it’s Michael’s life and he should make the call. Carly says she knows Michael wouldn’t want them to make the decision for him, and Willow says, she’s right. Michael has to decide for himself. Wake him up and let him choose. Portia says, okay, but only one of them can go in and talk to him, and Sonny says, that would be Carly. Willow says she agrees.

Sidwell says, it’s nice he and Ava have Windymere in common. How was her time there? Ava says, it was eventful, and he asks, what made her leave such a magnificent home, if she doesn’t mind him asking. She says she was living there with her husband and they split up, and he says he’s sorry to hear that. She says, he’s being kind, but she’s moved on, and he says he’s glad to hear that. He’s a firm believer in second chances and kismet. How else could you explain him wandering into her gallery? He sees she has the taste and expertise he needs to help him choose the right art to make his new home his own. Ava says she happens to have the perfect painting in mind and steers him to a large modern art canvas. She says, this painting is by talented Greek artist from Crete. He’s a marvelous painter and a talented sculptor. Sidwell says, the light in the study will make this a vibrant addition to his collection, and she says she loves the artist and would love to show him more of their work. They walk to the next room and Ric follows.

Tracy tells Brook that she and Chase disagree. He believes she should give Wiley and Amelia back to Willow and she refuses. Brook says, because of Monica, and Tracy says, the children are Monica’s only saving grace. They put a smile on her face and they’re going to take that away? Brook says, they all love Monica, and Tracy says she’s glad they agree. The last thing Monica needs is more stress. Brook wonders, if Monica asks, is Tracy going to tell her that she needs to be their mother, especially if their father can’t be there for them?

Maxie says she’s happy that Dante brought Lulu home safe, but she’s sorry Valentin ran off with Charlotte. If it was one of her kids, she’d be going crazy. Lulu says she needs to find Charlotte and it’s going to take a lot of money. Maxie says, good thing her stepmom is an heiress who loves her, and Lulu says her mother and stepmother agreed to help her, but they want to wait and see what Valentin’s next step is. She needs Charlotte home now. Maxie says, Lulu never liked waiting, and Lulu says, Maxie knows her well. Maxie says, she can’t galivant across the world when she doesn’t even know the country, and Lulu says she doesn’t know where her daughter is. Charlotte lost four years of life living without her mother. She needs something she can control and the only thing she came up with was getting a job. Maxie says she gets that, and Lulu says, it’s not just the money. She wants to get a place where she and Rocco can live, and Charlotte when she finds her. Maxie says, it makes sense. Lulu was always Miss Independence, eager to get on with life. Lulu says, life has moved on and she’s racing to catch up instead falling farther back.

Drew says he’s not discussing his personal life with Martin, but Martin says, as a survivor of three divorces, does Drew mind if he offers some unsolicited advice? The heart wants what it wants, and you can’t help who you fall in love with. Drew says, exactly. He’s not going to apologize for how he feels about Willow. Martin says, as long as he stays true to his feelings, and does the best he can for himself and for the woman he’s involved with. Drew thanks him and says, that’s actually what he wanted to talk about. They sit down, and Drew says, Willow is in the hospital with Michael, as it should be, but the situation with the children is up in the air. They need to get Wiley and Amelia away from the Quartermaines and back with Willow where they belong. Martin tells him, easier said. Tracy is holding them, and he wonders if there’s a more amiable opponent he could be set up with. Like Stalin or Vlad the Impaler. Genghis Kahn comes to mind. Drew says, Tracy has no legal rights, and Martin says, she’s well-connected with deep pockets and knows how to work the system to her benefit. It’s one hell of a combination to go up against. Drew says, she thinks she’s safe behind the walls of privilege and money, but she’s wrong. He’ll do anything to reunite the children with Willow.

Wearing a sanitary jumpsuit, Carly goes into Michael’s room and says his name. He looks at her, obviously in pain.

Sidwell gives Ava a check and says he’s thrilled with his new painting. He enjoyed their talk on art. Perhaps she can come over and help him with the placement. He’d also love any suggestions on future purchases. She says, it’s her pleasure, and he says, it’s lovely to meet them both. He’ll see them soon he hopes. He kisses Ava’s hand and leaves. Ric says, it was enlightening to watch her work, and she says she barely lifted a finger, but she knows how to close a deal. Ric says, yes, you do, and takes the check from her. She says she just earned it, and he says he appreciates her first payment for his services.

Brad tells Lucas that Cody wanted him to place a bet on the PCU game with his aunt. He didn’t want to, but Cody was persistent, so he called his Aunt Selina. Cody lost and this is his payment to her. Lucas says he sees, and Brad says, once he delivers it to her, he’s not going to see her again, he swears. Lucas says, thanks for telling him, but Brad doesn’t owe him any explanations. Brad says he knows he doesn’t, but Lucas taught him that telling the truth is important, so he wanted Lucas to know. Lucas says he appreciates that.  

Maxie says she knows what Lulu is going through. She’s been there. Lulu says, now Maxie has it all – an amazing career, her children together under one roof, and a wonderful relationship with Spinelli. Maxie says she went through a lot of trial and error. No one trusted her to make her own decisions since she was shown to be flaky. She thinks Lulu is already taking the right steps to ensure the life she wants, and Maxie believes she’ll make it happen. Lulu says she needs to have a job if she really wants to make it happen. Maxie says she needs to know that Lulu can put her history with Brook aside and get along working together. Does she think she can do that?  

Chase says he gets that Tracy has the best intentions, but at the end of the day, it’s not her call. Tracy says, Brook’s husband is brave standing up to her, but she doesn’t understand why he’s defending Willow. Brook says, he’s trying to keep the peace, and Tracy should listen to him. Martin and Drew walk in along with an officer, and Tracy says, back so soon? Holding out a paper, Martin says, it’s an official order signed by a judge. They’re allowed to take Willow Corinthos’s children back to her. Drew tells Martin to ask the nanny to get the kids ready, but Tracy says, it’s a waste of time. She can’t comply. They’re not here. Drew asks where they are, and she says she hasn’t the foggiest. He says, the officer knows what to do, and the officer takes out handcuffs. Chase tells him to put those away, but he says he’s sorry. The congressman wants her arrested. Tracy pulls away and says, don’t touch her, and Drew says, resisting arrest. The officer says, she did touch him, and Tracy says, he’s so going to regret this.

Sonny says he’s glad they were able to come together to do what’s best for Michael, and Willow says, Michael is going through something terrible. He’s lucky that he has Sonny and Carly to fight for him. Not everyone has that kind of unconditional love in their life. Sonny says, they’re the lucky ones to have Michael as their son.

Michael says, mom? and Carly says she’s here. And his dad is out there. They’re here to do everything they can to help him get better, but they need his help. Tell them how to make the choice he needs.

On Tuesday (see below), Willow asks Drew if she ruined her chance of getting Wiley and Amelia back; Anna asks if someone is the one who planted the device in the penthouse; and Ava asks Sonny to do what’s best for their daughter before it’s too late.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/daytime-soaps-preempted-on-monday-january-20-2025

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

The most important story.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-alum-vinessa-antoine-asks-for-help-finding-her-brother

She will be greatly missed. After all, Alan gave her the house. It’s so weird how they must have filmed in advance, yet they’re talking up a storm about her on the show.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-star-leslie-charleson-dead-at-79

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/daytime-stars-remembers-leslie-charleson

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/wally-kurths-heartfelt-tribute-to-leslie-charleson

You never know. On All My Children, Bobby Martin came back after 40+ years of polishing his skis upstairs.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chad-duell-opens-up-about-his-gh-exit-and-return-plans

Don’t do it. It’s not him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-warns-do-not-donate-to-a-gofundme-in-his-name

💉 A Dose of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Once again Gary proves himself to be an idiot. The guests wanted some of the crew to join on a night out, and Captain Glenn, being the decent soul he is, told Daisy, Gary, Keith, and Chase, two drink maximum. And if they came back drunk, they’d forfeit their share of the tip. Gary had 10 drinks. 10. Then got pissed off when the captain called him on it. Classic Gary.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The episode focused a lot on PK and Kyle’s friendship, and Dorit’s reaction. Of course, Kyle is never wrong and while I often think Dorit is wrong – and her reactions are over the top – I can’t disagree with her on this one. If one of my close friends was texting with my estranged husband, they would no longer be my close friend. Kyle whined that Dorit made it sound like she was being inappropriate. Doubtful anyone thinks she’s got it going on with PK, but it is inappropriate for her to be buddy-buddy with her friend’s almost ex. Let’s just call it what it is now – Memegate. Garcelle, Kyle, and Sutton took Erika to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday. A good time was had by all. It actually looked a lot more fun than any of their formal parties.

Real Housewives of New York City

If I was on a trip to Puerto Rico, I wouldn’t have the bandwidth to argue about a dead pigeon. I’d be too busy swimming in the possibly-less-than-blue water and eating local cuisine. The women did synchronized swimming at Jenna’s instruction. Apparently, she’s quite a fan of it, and it was pretty amusing until Raquel got whacked in the forehead by Jenna’s elbow. That Jenna, always full of surprises. Ubah was out of control, and Erin can’t win. If she fights back, she loses. If she walks away, she loses. As usual, Jenna and Raquel were the voices of reason. Next time, the finale.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake CIty

Heather suggested a fun dinner party game where the women pulled out the worst thing they had said about one of the others on their phone and shared it with the group. As you might have guessed, this didn’t go over all that well, and resulted in tears and Lisa running from the table after someone read something about John. Oh, horrors.

Bonus scene.

Southern Charm

Once again, two men acted like middle school girls – that would be Austen and Craig – while Whitney pretended to be the voice of reason. In her interview, Madison said she and Brett thought that Austen and Craig would be the couple least likely to break up, but it looks like they did. Craig dared to meet with JT, and Austen wasn’t having it, but it was just the opening Craig needed to scrape Austen from his shoe. As little as I like JT, I don’t get why some of them keep harping on him calling Patricia a bitch, when the footage shows clearly that he didn’t, and most of them don’t believe it anyway. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and sometimes an a-hole is right too.

Southern Hospitality

I just couldn’t even this week, but here you go.

Random Events

BTW, Bill was not happy.

https://people.com/rhonj-star-jennifer-aydin-uninvited-from-housewives-cruise-after-viral-outburst-jersey-mikes-8771411

Amazing timing.

https://people.com/karen-huger-enters-rehab-skips-real-housewives-of-potomac-season-9-reunion-after-dui-8772200

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Borderlands. It was hard to find something that was at least partially positive. There are plenty of worse films, although I actually enjoyed this. Perhaps because I’m unfamiliar with the games. I’m definitely in agreement with the writer that Night Swim was a total waste of time.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/movies/borderlands-isnt-the-worst-movie-of-the-year-despite-what-the-internet-wants-you-to-think

Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action. A fascinating look at a man who began as someone I admired, but chose to serve money and ratings rather than the greater good. I’d known about the coaching, but not about the murder connected to the show. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and this was just sad.

https://screenrant.com/jerry-springer-fights-camera-action-tv-review/

https://screenrant.com/jerry-springer-documentary-netflix-shocking-reveals-list/

The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin. I’m there for a cult story, but missed this somehow. While this documentary has been around a while, they’ve been showing it recently on TLC, so I caught it. I have some vague memory of her in the news, but had no idea how messy this got. And the hair… What’s with the hair?

https://people.com/human-interest/what-to-know-about-gwen-shamblin-lara-hbo-max-the-way-down/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-way-down-hbo-max-review

🔍 One To Watch…

IMO, Baylen Out Loud is what reality TV should be about. I’m rooting for this girl, and with a supportive family like she has, I think she’ll make it after all.

https://people.com/baylen-dupree-struggles-with-boyfriend-upcoming-air-force-relocation-in-new-tlc-series-8773525

https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/baylen-out-loud-season-1-trailer-tiktok-star-takes-on-adulthood-while-tackling

🤹‍♀️ Upcoming Awaited Seasons…

The latest on The Last of Us.

https://deadline.com/feature/the-last-of-us-season-2-cast-release-date-everything-to-know-1235940502/

While you wait.

https://collider.com/grounded-last-of-us-part-2-documentary-youtube/

An understandable pause for Fallout.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-season-2-production-pause-la-fires

An Squid Game accident? Really? Highly doubtful.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/squid-game-season-3-release-date-2025-netflix

👠 They’re Not Wrong…

Sex and get away from my front door in the City.

https://ew.com/carrie-sex-and-the-city-apartment-iron-gate-tourists-8774330

☕️ His Final Thoughts…

I never did understand Eraserhead, but he did some fine work.

https://people.com/david-lynch-expressed-hope-over-divided-country-in-one-of-last-interviews-exclusive-8776098

🥇 A Mighty Fine Man…

It’s such a shame about his health issues, but he’s blessed to have such a wonderful family to support him.

https://people.com/bruce-willis-seen-in-public-dementia-diagnosis-la-police-officers-8775698

🏆 Awards Corner…

No surprise, GH is in the running.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/2025-writers-guild-awards-daytime-drama-nominees-announced

The BAFTA noms.

https://ew.com/2025-bafta-awards-nominations-full-list-8774808

🐕 No Gutter Balls Here…

I want them all.

https://ew.com/puppy-bowl-2025-meet-adoptable-dog-players-8773005

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/puppy-bowl-players-2025-super-bowl

☃️ Quotes of the Week

Just because my heart is beating doesn’t mean I’m alive. – Ish Williams (Alexander Ludwig), Earth Abides

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man (and woman) which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus. – Blaise Pascal

You don’t break habits, you replace them. – Coach Mike Bayer

If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan (Or kick it down.)

Make failure your teacher, not your undertaker. – Hilary ‘Zig’ Ziglar

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. – Spencer Johnson

She took every bit of power I had and left me with household appliances. – Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), Agatha All Along

🌉 Taking a Sentimental Journey…

Until next week, stay safe, stay warm, and stay valuing honesty.

January 10, 2025 – A Killer Is Revealed, Soap Suds, Reality Recaps, Weekend Watch, Award Corner, Great Moments In New Year’s Eve, Best Bowl, Cardinal Number Of Quotes & You

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday through Thursday bites and whole enchilada Friday.

Monday:

Portia confirmed that Elizabeth was suspended and told Cyrus that he was no longer welcome at the hospital again. Trina helped Josslyn pack up Dex’s apartment. Jack was pissed at Colette because she was supposed to tail Valentin, not take a shot at him. He looked at the Rice Plaza footage and saw Cyrus stab Dex.

Michael filed for full custody after seeing that Willow was with Drew in DC. Willow told Drew that Michael was punishing her for being with him. Lucy welcomed Sidwell to Windymere after he bought Spoon Island. They flirted, had champagne, and she gave him some gifts, including her book. Both Laura and Willow separately talked to Martin, and Martin told Laura that Willow would have to be smarter if she wanted to keep her kids.

Carly was supposed to have dinner with Carly at the MetroCourt, but had to cancel. Jack ended up joining her instead. Sidwell literally skipped through the Windymere living room to the terrace and watched as Sonny’s penthouse exploded. Sonny and Jason were in the hallway, and the only one inside was Michael, who turned into a fireball.

Tuesday:

No soap, funeral.

https://abc7ny.com/post/general-hospital-new-episode-tuesday-preempted-abc-news-special-report-former-president-jimmy-carters-state-funeral/15765536/

Wednesday:

Drew and Willow got busy while Jason told Sonny to call 911 and smothered the fire on Michael with a blanket. After Michael got to the hospital, Isaiah worked on him with Lucas assisting.

Carly enjoyed her time at the MetroCourt with my husband… I mean, Jack.

Josslyn wanted to stay in the place her and Dex were happy, but Trina told her that she wasn’t just grieving; she was angry. After Trina left, Josslyn looked at Dex’s gun a lot. Curtis told Nina that taking Wiley over state lines was a federal crime. She wanted to bring Willow and Wiley home, but he advised against it.

Brook was upset because she wasn’t pregnant yet, even though she was doing all the right things, including eating pineapple which she didn’t like. (Who doesn’t like pineapple?) We found out Brook had been pregnant before and given the baby away. She thought God was punishing her, but Lois said, God didn’t work that way. Chase discussed things with Sasha, who told him that he and Brook should just relax.

Lucas told Carly, Sonny, and Jason that Michael had 3rd degree burns over 40% of his body. He was critical and they didn’t know if he would live. Nina called Willow with the news.  

Thursday:

Drew showed up at the hospital since he’s an idiot and a creeper. Curtis advised him to get lost. Martin wanted Willow to petition the court for sole custody, but she said, absolutely not. Diane advised Carly to get the kids away from Willow. Nina told Willow that she shouldn’t show up at the hospital, but she went anyway. She and Josslyn got into it.

Jason said the explosion was like nothing they’d ever seen, and Sonny said they had to find the culprit and stop them dead in their tracks. Anna and Chase investigated the penthouse. Anna called Jack to come and help. Jack said, the Bureau had come across the same type of incendiary device before and thought he could be of assistance. Sonny said they’d find who did this and retaliate, and Jason said he was all for that (me too), but he also wanted to get Danny out of the line of fire.

Sonny and Kristina had a father/daughter moment on the roof of GH. Molly showed up at the hospital to offer support. Carly prayed in the chapel that God spare her son. Drew walked in to give his sympathies, but she wasn’t having it. He whined about what he’d done for her, and she hit the nail on the head telling him that he had a hero complex.

Michael opened his eyes.

Friday…

On the roof at GH, Sonny looks up and tells Morgan that he’s worried. Can he watch over his brother? Please help him. Isaiah comes out and joins him.  

At Beradino’s, Alexis sees Ric and says, her bad day just got worse. He says, nice to see her too. Despite her many flaws, she has great taste in restaurants. We see Cyrus puttering around, and Alexis asks if Ric can eat somewhere else, but he says he’s meeting a client. However, if she feels compelled to leave, don’t let him stop her. He encourages it. He tells the hostess, Lansing, party of two.  

Lucy brings Sidwell to Bobbie’s and tells him that there are other charming spots, but for an authentic Port Charles meal, this is the spot. They have the best burgers, chili, and everything in between, but no matter what, always, always, always order the fries. He says he’ll remember that and tells her that her energy is contagious. She suggests having made such a charming new friend has made her happy, and he says he appreciates that. She says, now back to the tour. Bobbie’s is named after a special, dear friend of hers, the late Bobbie Spencer. He asks if she said Spencer, and she asks if he knows the Spencers. He says, no, but he’s sure they’re lovely people, and she says, unfortunately, Bobbie passed away not long ago. She was influential in the community. She was a nurse at GH, owned this place, and was a leader for charitable causes.

Colette asks if there’s any new business, and Jack says he just spoke to Anna. She asks if it was about Valentin, but he says, no. It was about the fire that put Michael Corinthos in the hospital. The WSB may bear some blame.

At the MetroCourt, Felicia says she’s glad she was available to take Maxie and Sasha to lunch, and Maxie asks to what they owe this unexpected treat. Felicia says she needed a break from the hospital stress, and Sasha says she can imagine. Felicia says she loves her job. It’s rewarding, but it’s also difficult and draining. She sees people during the hardest times in their life and it’s challenging. She witnesses their pain, not just the physical pain, but the emotional pain. Maxie says, the patients are lucky to have her and so are they, and Felicia says, sometimes it’s hard for her to leave work behind, especially if she knows the patient. Like now, with Michael Corinthos. Sasha asks, what happened with Michael?  

Portia tells Jason that Michael is in shock. He has severe burns, and the main issue is to manage his pain. He’s on the highest dose of morphine and they can’t bring him to full consciousness for too long. It’s too much. Jason says, Michael came to, and he’s sure Michael knew it was him, and Portia says, good. That’s a great sign. He’ll likely be heavily sedated or unconscious for the next few days and it’s absolutely the best thing for him right now.

Carly tells Drew that her son is upstairs in excruciating pain fighting for his life. Does that even matter to him? Drew says, she came at him when he was speaking the truth. She needs to go make a list of the things Sonny’s done to harm Michael, but he can see it on her face that she already knows. Does she have any regrets about way back when she decided to let Sonny raise Michael instead of AJ? Was it worth Michael’s life? She says, nothing is worth Michael’s life, and he says he knows she loves her son, but none of what she did was what was best for Michael. It was all about what she wanted.

Jack tells Colette that the incendiary device left almost zero evidence. It was a unique weapon like a device the WSB designed years ago. He knew what the hardware looked like even before Anna described it. Colette says, it’s highly classified, and he says, it was meant for Sonny, not his unfortunate son. They need to find out who wanted Sonny eliminated and had access to the weapon. She says, there could have been a security breach. Maybe the specs were leaked and sold to the highest bidder. He says he’s making it top priority, and she asks if it has anything to do with the Rice Plaza footage, but he says, that has to do with his other project.  

Willow tells Josslyn that no matter what’s happened between her and Michael, she loves him. He’s the father of her children and she’s praying he recovers quickly. Josslyn says, did she forget she cheated on Michael with his uncle, and they had sex in the nursery? How skeevy can you be? Nina joins them and says, that’s enough. Leave her daughter alone.

Sitting with Ric, Ava says, it’s not like she’s destitute. The gallery is doing well, and she had money of her own before she married Nikolas. She was planning on moving the gallery to a new location and purchased a building. She was going to renovate it and have it up and running before she sold the building the gallery is in now. He says, she’s paying for mortgages on two commercial properties? and she says, unless the divorce settlement money is returned to her, she’ll have to sell the building and finding a buyer won’t be easy. He says he’s sorry, but the only way she’ll see any of the money is if the estate grants it, and she says, by estate, he means Alexis. He says, as trustee, Alexis is the only one who has the power, and Ava says, the money isn’t even Alexis’s. It’s in trust for Ace. He says, until Ace is of age, Alexis can decide how it’s spent. Considering Ava was involved in Alexis’s disbarment and Kristina fell out Ava’s hotel room window causing the death of her baby, the chances of Alexis gifting her are pretty slim.

Diane joins Alexis and says she’s represented Michael’s family for most of his life. What happened is unimaginable. She can’t stop thinking about it. Alexis says, Michael has always been so good to her girls over the years. She respects him for that. Diane says, he’s a wonderful man, and Alexis says, Kristina adores him and she’s reeling. She’s had so much loss lately. Michael has to pull through. Cyrus listens in.

Felicia says she assumed they heard, and Sasha asks why Michael is in the hospital. Felicia says, there was a terrible accident at the penthouse. Michael is in the burn unit and in critical condition. Sasha says she needs to go see him, and Felicia says, of course (🍷). Maxie asks her to text or call if there’s an update, and as she leaves, Sasha says she will.

Sonny says he comes up here to think sometimes, and Isaiah says, it’s good for that. Sonny thanks Isaiah for everything he did for Michael when he brought Michael in, and Isaiah says, of course (🍷). He has a lot of experience with burn victims from his time in Africa and he’s glad to help. Sonny asks about the percentage of recovery and tells Isaiah to be straight with him. Isaiah says, it’s serious, but GH is doing everything in their power to treat Michael and alleviate the pain. How is Sonny feeling? All the stress could complicate his condition and possibly make it worse. Sonny thanks him for his concern, but says he can’t think about himself. Isaiah says he understands that Michael is the only thing on Sonny’s mind, but he has to take care of himself too. Sonny asks if Isaiah has kids, and Isaiah says, not that he’s aware of. (Ha-ha!) Sonny says, when he does, he’ll know the love for his kids can get him through anything.  

Carly tells Drew not to preach to her about selfishness. He had sex with Michael’s wife in the nursery where his daughter plays. Did he think about Michael? Or did Willow’s hero worship give him such a high that he couldn’t control it? Drew says she can’t understand his and Willow’s relationship. What’s between them is real. She asks if that’s what he tells himself, and he says, it’s more real than what they had. (Ugh. I hate people who argue like this. Like all of a sudden it was never a good relationship to begin with. It’s so immature.) Carly laughs and asks if that was supposed to hurt her. It didn’t. He had sex with her daughter-in-law, the mother of her grandchildren. Now she sees him for who he really is. He did her a huge favor when he dumped her. He says, good. He’s a lot happier away from her too. He walks out of the chapel. (Quick. Get that man a bonnet, diaper, and baby bottle.)

Colette asks about Jack accessing the Rice Plaza footage, and he says, Josslyn asked him to because she wants to find the person responsible for stabbing Dex. Thanks to the footage, now he knows who it is. She says, mystery solved, but to what end? He can’t use top secret footage to solve a civilian case. He says, of course (🍷) he can’t. But now that he knows who Josslyn is looking for, he can leave a trail of breadcrumbs and see how well she follows them.

Nina says, Josslyn has no right to speak to Willow that way. Her husband was just in a horrible accident. Josslyn says, Michael is her brother, and nothing she said was anything less than the truth. Was there anything Willow didn’t use Michael for? Nina says, Josslyn is just like her mother, and Josslyn says, thanks. She could say the same thing about Willow right now. Nina can’t stand to be called out on her crap. On the surface, they’re both so sweet and friendly, but underneath, they’re lying liars who lie. Stay the hell away from her brother. She walks away.  

Lucy says she and Sidwell had sort of discussed Mayor Laura Collins. She’s actually a former Spencer and has two Spencer children. Sidwell says, there are a lot of them in Port Charles, and she says, quite a few and very notable. He says, she knows everything and everyone in Port Charles really well, and she says, she seems to be doing all the talking. She knows she’s doing all the talking. He has to share something about himself. He says, she handled his purchase of Spoon Island skillfully. What else does she need to know? She says she hardly thinks the transfer of information captures a person. From what she read, he’s not currently married, but does he have a couple of former Mrs. Sidwells running about? What do she and Port Charles need to know about the newest resident? He laughs.

Maxie tells Felicia, it’s awful. Michael has always been good to her. She can’t imagine what the family is going through. Spinelli is going to be devastated and poor Jason. He’s got to be losing his mind. Felicia says, Michael’s injuries are severe, but it’s still possible for him to recover, and Maxie says she’s going to send every positive thought his way. Felicia says she hopes Sasha is okay. She seemed upset and stressed after she heard the news. (Well, of course. < 🍷>) Maxie says she knows Sasha and Michael were together at one point and stayed good friends, but her reaction did seem out of proportion. It’s probably pregnancy hormones. Felicia says she wants to tell Maxie how much she loves her, and Maxie says, why? Is there something wrong? Felicia says she’s fine. Don’t worry. Her work as a patient advocate has given her a new perspective. Working with people who are grieving and people in hospice who don’t have much time left, they all say the same thing over and over. Their biggest regret is not telling the people in their lives how much they love them. Her and Maxie’s relationship hasn’t always been easy, but she’s glad they’ve moved past it. She doesn’t want a day to go by that she doesn’t let Maxie know how much she loves her. Maxie says she loves Felicia too, and takes her hand.

Sasha looks into Michael’s room window and cries. Jason arrives, and she asks, what happened? All she heard was that there was an accident. He’s going to be okay, right? Jason says, they don’t know yet.

In the chapel, Carly says, please let Michael recover. He’s such a good man and has so much to live for and so many people who love him. Sonny comes in, and she asks if there’s an update. He says he went by Michael’s room to talk to Portia. Jason was with him and Michael woke up, but they had to sedate him because he’s in so much pain. Carly covers her face with her hands, and he says, the doctor said hopefully they’ll find out something soon. She asks how it happened, and Sonny says he doesn’t know any more than he did last night, but whoever planned this is after him.

Willow thanks Nina for defending her, and Nina says, Josslyn is a bully and a hypocrite. Don’t listen to a word she says. Willow says she thought that they’d come together to support Michael and the kids through this tragedy, but Nina says, Josslyn is a lot like her mother. Their first instinct is to lash out. No empathy, no compassion, just rage. Willow wonders if she can get some alone time with Carly, but Nina says she doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Willow says, they were close once. Carly walked her down the aisle when she married Michael. She cares… Nina says, cared, past tense, but Willow says she doesn’t know. Nina says, unfortunately, she does. Carly sent Diane and a social worker to the apartment and took custody of Wiley and Amelia. Willow says, how? and sees Drew come out of the elevator. She runs to him, throwing her arms around him. She says he has to help her. Carly has taken the kids. Drew looks at Nina.

Josslyn literally bumps into Jack at the hospital, and says, sorry. He says, it’s fine, and asks how Michael is. She says, the same. He’s in pain and it’s horrible. He says he’s very sorry, and she thanks him for bringing her to GH last night. He says he was glad to help, and she says she’s headed to grab some air. He says, before she goes, he has an update to share with her about who stabbed Dex.

Ava says, Ric is a fantastic lawyer. He got Heather Webber set free and got her cleared of any wrongdoing in Kristina’s accident. There’s got be something he can do. He was married to Alexis and knows her so well. He has to be able to use that to his advantage somehow.

Martin comes into the Baradino’s and says hello to Cyrus. Cyrus says he’s grateful Martin came to see him, and Martin says, that’s because when Cyrus calls, he picks up the phone. Cyrus should try it sometime instead of dodging his calls. Cyrus says he’s been doing the Lord’s work. The holiday season has been busy. He needed to see Martin because GH is trying to restrict his access to patients. Martin asks what that has to do with him, and Cyrus says he wants Martin to put a stop to it. His patients need him. Martin says, there are plenty of places Cyrus can do the Lord’s work if GH doesn’t want him there, and Cyrus says, if the law won’t help, the Lord will provide a path for him to continue his work. The Lord has ways the legal system knows nothing about. Diane comes by and asks if Martin has a moment to discuss the Corinthos custody case, and Martin says, when he’s done with his brother, they can have a chat. Cyrus says, it’s fine. They’re done. He’ll leave them to their business. He moves along with his non-Lord’s work.

Ric goes over to Alexis’s table and says, may I? He sits down, and she says, you may not. Seeing he’s not moving, she heaves a sigh.

Josslyn tells Jack that she wants to hear everything, but she’s confused. She thought there was no footage from Rice Plaza. Jack says, it’s true they have no footage, but he has a lot of resources. He called in a favor from the PCPD and got the witness list from Rice Plaza on the day of the assault. She says, that would help immensely, and he says he’ll forward it to her right now. She thanks him, and he says he suggests she speak to the witnesses. Ask questions and piece the scene together. Unless it’s too much for her to handle. Then she can always hire a private investigator. She says she’s going to do it herself. It’s what she owes Dex. She looks at her phone and says she received the list. She even knows some of the people. He says he hopes one leads to the answers she’s looking for, and she sees Felicia at the reception desk. She says she thinks she already knows where to start.

Carly says, Drew was just here and said what happened was her fault for bringing Sonny into Michael’s life, and Sonny says, Drew has no business judging her. Don’t listen to him. She made the best choice she could for Michael at the time. She tells him that he’s saying that with such confidence, and he says, it’s not like he doesn’t know the feeling. It’s not the first time he’s put Michael in danger or Michael has been fighting for his life because of what he does. He was supposed to protect him from all this. She says, he didn’t know what would happen, and he says, neither did she. She says she just wants Michael to be okay, and he says he does too.

Sasha tells Jason, it’s horrible to see Michael like this. She and Michael never had a real break-up. Everything that happened with Willow, Wiley, and Chase took their lives in different directions, but the love is still there. Jason says he gets it. Sometimes life doesn’t work the way we plan. She says, Michael stood by her when everyone else hated her. When her mother told her that Robert was her dad and she and Cody broke up, he found time to comfort her when his own marriage was falling apart. He’s such a good man. Jason says, the best, and Sasha looks in the window again and cries.

Willow asks how Carly can take the kids, and Nina says, Diane brought Chase and a social worker and this court order. She shows Willow the paperwork, and Willow says she thought even though Michael filed for divorce, they’d figure it out through mediation. Drew says he just had his head ripped off by Carly because she found out they spent the night together in DC. Clearly, she wants revenge. Willow says she can’t believe they’re talking about Carly taking revenge through her kids, and Drew says, it’s a valid order. Nina says, they need to petition the court for an emergency custody hearing, and Drew says he can call in a favor, but in the best case, it won’t happen until next week. Willow says she can’t be without her kids until next week. Michael will be in the hospital a long time and the kids will be scared without either of their parents. Nina says she understands what it’s like to be without your baby. There’s no worse feeling. But they can’t defy the court order. It will work against them in the long run and there’s no recourse at the moment. Drew says, maybe there is.

Sidwell tells Lucy that his last love left him feeling wounded. It seems she was using him to get her hands on inventory. Lucy says, that’s absolutely horrible, and he says, it’s a hazard of his profession. He doesn’t think she needs to hear more detail.  She says she loves details and nothing he could say would bore her. He says she’s too kind and he’s happy to repay her hospitality with lunch. And the knowledge she imparted about Port Charles will prove invaluable in helping him acclimate. She says, it’s been a pleasure. If there’s anything else he needs, don’t hesitate to ask. They clink coffee cups.

Diane asks Martin when she can expect a response to the divorce petition, and he says he assumed it would be put on pause after last night’s events. She says she understands, but unless instructed otherwise, she’s going to proceed with her client’s wishes. And if his client thinks she can be galivanting up on Capitol Hill with her son and her husband’s uncle, she needs to think again. He says, they’ll have to see how it shakes out at the custody hearing, and she says, or they can spare the upset if his client makes a compromise now. He says, a brave attempt. Now if she’ll excuse him, he thinks he should get back to his brother. He looks around, but Cyrus isn’t there.

Ric tells Alexis that the money belongs to Ava. She’s entitled to pain and suffering for the emotional duress she suffered when married to Nikolas. Alexis says she knows a thing or two about emotional duress having been married to Ric. Ava has mistaken her for an ATM. It’s not her money. She’s just the trustee. Ric says, she knows the Cassadine money ruins lives, like with Stephan and Nikolas. Even if Ava got all of what Nikolas gave her, Ace wouldn’t miss it. Alexis says, despite her reservations in giving it to Ace, Ava is not going to see a penny, and he says, if it was anybody but Ava, she’d be singing a different tune. She says she’d like him to leave. She enjoys the food here, and staring at him is making her lose her appetite. He leaves.

Carly tells Sonny, hindsight is a funny thing. You look back and see everything clearly and it’s easy to question your decisions. He says, they’re just torturing themselves here and can’t change the past. She says, it would be nice if they could. She was thinking about if she had to do it over, knowing what she knows, would she do it differently? He says, of all the wrong turns they made, there’s one thing they did right – their kids. Michael, Morgan, and Donna, they’re amazing kids. She says, Michael is special, and Sonny says, he is. She says, they have to present a united front. Their strength will be Michael’s strength. Sonny says he’s going to check on the doctors. They’re going to go through this. Hit it face on as a family. He takes her hand, and she says, yes.

Willow asks what other recourse she has, and Drew says, even though she filed for separation and Michael filed for divorce, they’re still legally husband and wife. If Michael made her his healthcare proxy, that’s still valid. She’s holding the cards. Michael is badly injured, a lot of decisions will need to be made about his healthcare, and Carly and Sonny think they’re in charge. Nina asks if he’s suggesting using the fact that Willow is Michael’s wife as a bargaining chip to get the kids back, and he says, exactly. She can deny Carly, Sonny, or anybody else access to Michael. Willow says she would never do that. Things weren’t great between her and Michael, but Michael is a good person and an amazing dad. Even after everyone saw the video, he let her take the kids so they could be with her. She’s not going to pay him back by keeping his family from him. Drew says, it’s Sonny and Carly that she’s up against, not Michael. Carly is angry about them being together, and it could be the only leverage she has to get her kids back.

Jason tells Sasha that Sonny and Carly are on their way back from the chapel and suggests he give her a ride home. She says she probably shouldn’t drive this upset and thanks him. They leave.

Sonny asks, how’s Michael? and Portia says, his condition remains the same. Carly asks if there are any long-term burn recovery units she recommends. They’d like to get him set up as soon as possible. Willow pops out and says, there’s nothing to worry about. She’s Michael’s wife and she’ll be making the decisions about his care. She’s the only one the doctors will be talking to. (Wow. She nasty.)

Felicia tells Josslyn that she’s sorry. That’s all she remembers. She wishes she was more help. Josslyn says, even small details matter in cases like this, and Felicia says she did tell Chase there was something weird that she can’t put her finger on. She’s done everything she can to remember why she feels that way, but it still escapes her. Josslyn says, if she recalls it from beginning to end, it might come back. She was at Rice Plaza, picking out a tree with Georgie and James. There were holiday lights and carolers, the college kids fighting before Dex and his partner ran them off. The elevator dings, and Felicia says she sees what it is. It’s the bell. Josslyn asks, what bell? and Felicia says, that’s what she was trying to remember. Cyrus was at Rice Plaza taking donations and he had a bell he was ringing the entire time. Jack listens from the other side of the desk, and Felicia says, when Dex was stabbed, there was no sound. Cyrus had stopped ringing the bell.  

We see slippered feet walk into Michael’s room and gloved hands closing the door and the blinds. Standing next to Michael’s bed, Cyrus says he knows Michael is in terrible pain, but it will soon be over. He’ll be at peace. God will call him home. He puts his hand on Michael’s forehead and says, may your soul be surrounded by divine light. He takes out a syringe and prepares it. He checks Michael’s IV bag, plunges the needle in, and we see that it’s digitalis.

On Monday, Tracy tells Cody that if he invests, that money will be gone; Laura says, Dante did the right thing by going after Lulu; Nina tells Sonny not to waste precious time on this fight; and Isaiah says, Michael will die either way.

I have to say, I didn’t see another digitalis death coming. As much as I hate all these characters being killed off, it is one hell of a storyline.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

This is just horrific. I had to turn off the news the first night. While I know I’d cry over losing my stuff too, if everyone and their pets gets out alive, that’s the most important thing.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/soap-stars-share-wildfire-updates

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-opens-up-about-losing-everything

They read the room.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/2025-daytime-emmy-awards-rescheduled-to-october

In happier news. Hopefully, this gets enough viewers to stay on the air. Many a decent show has been cancelled because it wasn’t given enough time to build up an audience.

https://ew.com/beyond-the-gates-trailer-first-black-daytime-soap-in-35-years-8762458

💊 A Dose Of Reality…

Here’s what happened all week on…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Another group of demanding, immature guests, who were – of all people – drag queens, who I would expect more empathy from even on a superyacht. TBH, Cloyce’s consistent inconsistency leaves something to be desired, but they didn’t have to make fun of him. Shame on them!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Love Boz and her boyfriend Keely. They seem like the perfect couple and it’s nice to watch. Erika and Dorit can both go pound sand. PK blindsided Dorit, saying he wanted a divorce during a 4-hour therapy session. Who has a 4-hour therapy session? I’d be done after 4 hours too. In an actual real non-screaming moment, Garcelle talked about the years she had to give Oliver tough love and how it killed her to not even let him in the house. She did it right though, because look at him now. That’s what reality TV should be about. Seeing the changes. Some of these women also need to get a vocabulary. Erika debuted her new single, Dominos, and it sounded like all her other singles. Like Jennifer said, it’s not going to win any awards for lyrics, but it’s catchy.

Real Housewives of New York City

While I do think Brynn has some good qualities, girlfriend needs to mature. She’s way too into stirring the pot and it’s not a good look. She picked on Jessel for having a penchant for glam. Really? Like she doesn’t?

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

I could barely sit through this. Meredith freaked out when she discovered out Britani was recording the back of a seat during a bus trip, screeching about how sneaky it was. I guess she forgot that Bravo recording them is actually the whole point and there are cameras on all the time. These women do nothing but find things to argue about, and they’re best response to an insult is, no, you. It didn’t sound any better when Heather had to explain what the word nefarious meant. Someone please get them a dictionary. They give me a headache. Except for Mary, who is still the MVP.

I also watched a little of Sold on SLC, and I think the crux of all their problems is the church. No judgement, to each his own, but if it isn’t lifting you up, get out. These people are all adults and feel they have to pretend to be a certain way just so they don’t get excommunicated. It’s doubtful they’re fooling anyone, so I’m guessing as long as they put their share into the collection plate or whatever, it’s all good. Seriously, if it’s making you hate yourself and everyone else, get out.

Southern Charm

Taylor’s picker still seems to be off, but hey, sometimes you need something in the moment that won’t be in your future. I’m more looking forward to next week when JT meets with Craig. Mostly because I want to see how JT makes an ass of himself this time.

This made me feel sad, but I get it.

Southern Hospitality

I still maintain that this show wants to be Vanderpump Rules 2.0, but misses it entirely. For every real moment, like the discussion between Michols and TJ about being gay in Charleston, there’s a ton of screaming, yelling, and heightened drama that belongs in a middle school.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

A Mother’s Instinct. I love the 60s time period, which is why I chose to watch this. But I stayed for the twisty-turny plot and the incredible acting.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mothers-instinct-neon-film-review-2024

Smile 2. I know a lot of people liked the first one, but I wasn’t one of them. It was okay, but I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. I’d seen the trailer for this when I saw Red One, and thought it looked promising. I was right. I actually thought this was better than the first one. This article pretty much sums up why. The costumes were also quite fabulous.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-watched-smile-2-i-need-to-talk-about-why-horrors-of-fake-smile-got-to-me

The Deliverance. More of a straight on horror film, based on so-called true events. Like both Lovecraft Country and Them, real life horror parallels supernatural horror. It was a captivating ride, capturing the truth of trying to escape poverty, along with the terror of living in a haunted house. Lee Daniels is a master and he snagged Glenn Close. It was definitely worth the time.

Nightbitch. I was looking forward to seeing this and it didn’t disappoint. You don’t need to be a mom to relate either. It gave me all the feels – it was funny, sad, poignant, and joyous. And there was an apology at the end that every man should watch. A bonus for me was seeing Jessica Harper, Janet from one of my favorite films, Richard O’Brien’s Shock Treatment. It was also nice to see an actress aging like a normal human.

🏆 And You Get an Award…

Golden Globe winners.

https://ew.com/2025-golden-globes-winners-full-list-8769343

Golden Globe fashion. Holy! Zendaya looks just like Elizabeth from GH.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37442/2025-golden-globes-red-carpet-fashion

https://pagesix.com/2025/01/07/style/melissa-rivers-on-the-best-and-worst-golden-globes-2025-looks/

Awards to come. The SAG nominations.

https://ew.com/2025-sag-awards-nominations-full-list-8770586

🎉 Bravo For the New Year…

Including one of my all-time favorite New Year’s Eves – the night Giggy married Grandma Wrinkles.

🐕 Bowling For Pups…

Coming February 11th. Be there or be a cat.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/get-ready-for-puppy-bowl-xxi-

🪂 Quotes of the Week

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. There is no short cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. – Asha Tyson

It’s never too late to never give up. – Pamela Anderson

Youth has no age. – Pablo Picasso

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

It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide

Things just tend to accumulate after Labor Day. What can I tell you?Little Edie Beale, Grey Gardens

My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference. – President Jimmy Carter

❄️ Kisses From Heaven…

Join me again next Friday for soap, recaps, what to watch (or not), and other entertainment nonsense. Until then, stay safe; stay helping a neighbor shovel after a snowstorm; and stay telling the people in your life how much you love them. Don’t let that be a regret.