What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

In an NYC bar, the bartender asks if she can get Patient 6 something other than water. He says he’s just trying to catch up on what he missed.

Jason and Sam arrive at an apartment in the city. He tells her that he thought she likes mysteries. She tells him if he bought a townhouse, she doesn’t want to move. He tells her to come in and see their future.

Nina is going crazy answering the phones, while Valentin kisses up her arm, like Gomez kissing Morticia. He tells Simone that Nina will have to get back to her, and hangs the phone up. Nina wonders where her assistant is.

At Kelly’s, Michael tells Nelle it was an incredible gesture to make the donation. She says she knows he thinks she should have given the ring back, but she couldn’t return it to the people who accused her of murder. It was a compromise, but she’ll never convince people of her innocence. Michael says he’s taken steps to prove it for her.

Nina needs to put the latest issue of Crimson to bed, and Valentin tells her that he wants to put her to bed. He says he has an opportunity where he needs her talents and leadership skills, but first a little fun.

Anna calls Griff. She wants him to check in. No matter how she feels about Ava, if Ava is his friend, she wants to help.

Ava is officially now a friend with benefits.

Michael tells Nelle that he hired Curtis to give the case another look. She wants to know why he didn’t tell her. If the Grant family finds out that she was nosing around on her behalf, they’ll be suspicious. Assuming that Curtis can do what the police couldn’t. Michael says the case needs fresh eyes.

Anna sees Finn at the MetroCourt. He asks why they’re meeting, and she says it’s the last time. They won’t be able to meet in public once Cassandra arrives. Finn makes snarky remarks, and she says that he’s hostile when he’s tired. He says he wants it to be over with. Anna says they’re heading into the second part of the operation, and tells him not to rush or he could make a mistake. He should take his time getting her trust. He remarks that all criminals often tell their doctors about their illegal dealings; she’s putting too much faith in his abilities. Anna says Cassandra wouldn’t be coming there if she didn’t trust him. Give her what she wants, and she’ll return the favor. She has every confidence in him. He asks what she’s going to be doing, and she tells him working the case from another angle. He asks if it has anything to do with Valentin.

Nina asks what opportunity Valentin is talking about, and he tells her that he’s on the verge of a deal to make her the next media magnet. She says that’s a huge responsibility. Not long ago, she was an heiress with mental instability issues; she doesn’t think she’ll be on the cover of Forbes any time soon. Valentin tells her that she’s an inspiration to his daughter, and not to sell herself short. Instead of just calling the shots at Crimson, she’ll be calling all the shots. He’s buying Derek Wells Media, and wants her to be co-CEO.

Jason opens the apartment door, and Diane is there. She has the titles for them, explaining that they have to sign this part in NYC. Sam asks what they’re signing, and Jason says today. Julian ceases to be the owner of Derek Wells Media.

Patient 6 says he’s been out of the country, and the bartender asks if he was deployed. He says he’s not in the military, but he’s been away for a while. She tells him welcome back, and asks if he’s in trouble. He asks if it’s obvious, and she says she picks up on things. Cops usually don’t show up for no reason. He follows her gaze to a couple of guys at the bar. He asks which way to the restroom, and she tells him it’s in the back. He leaves the bar, and one of the men says they’re looking for a guy. She says, aren’t we all? They tell her that he was a stowaway and entered the country illegally. They show her Patient 6’s picture, and ask if she’s seen him around.

Nina asks since when is Julian interested in selling? Valentin says he’s been circling for a while, and waiting for the right moment. She says he’s never shown an interest in publishing, and he says it’s not a done deal until the papers are signed, but thinks it’s a good fit. He says she can jump on board or continue to take orders from a demanding boss.

Diane says the deal was hard won. At the last minute there was a high bid. She tells Jason that Julian has major ties to the mob, and even though Jason is no longer in the business, he’s going to be scrutinized. The Feds will see it as one mobster selling to another. Jason tells Sam that he’s keeping him promise. He’s breaking away from his old life. He did this on his own, but he doesn’t intend to run the company without her. Diane says she needs Sam’s signature. He says they’re doing this as partners, or not at all.

Patient 6 peeks out. The bartender tells the men that he hasn’t been around here. They mention that he has blue eyes, and has a distinctive look. She says she would have remembered them. She adds that she also hasn’t seen any badges, and if they’re not cops, she has no reason to be talking to them. One of them slides some money over, along with a phone number. She says she’ll call if she sees him. When they’re gone, Patient 6 comes back out ad thanks her. She says it’s a fireman’s bar, but she’s not partial to cops, and gives him the money. He tells her to give it to someone who needs it, and she tells him he looks like he needs it more than she does. He takes the money, and gives her the watch.

Nelle appreciates Michael trying to clear her name, but there were no charges. He reminds her that she said the questions would follow her forever, and if Curtis comes through, a big cloud over her head will be gone. She says that would be a welcome change, but she’s used to being presumed guilty. He tells her that Curtis is coming straight from the airport, and suggests she stick around, but she has to get back to work.

Ava and Griff bask in the afterglow. Griff says he’s thinking about tomorrow. He has to speak with Father Cory. He was Griff’s spiritual mentor and gone to bat for him. He has to give him a decision. Ava asks if he’s made one, and he says no. She says of course not. He tells her that they have to talk, and she says if this is the part where he agonizes and says it’s a big mistake they should never speak of again, let her make it easier. She says it was a big mistake and they should never speak of it again. I have to mention, Ava sleeps on the loudest sheets ever. Every time one of them moves, we hear them rubbing together.

Jason wants Sam to help him run the company, and she says it’s like the blind leading the blind, and is he sure? He says absolutely not, but if it doesn’t work out, they’ll sell it and find something else.

Nina comes up with the domain name Casareeves, saying it’s strong and sexy. Nelle runs in, saying she saw the phones on night service, and asks if something happened. Nina says yes, her assistant was MIA during an important deadline. She tells Nelle that a lot of changes will be happening, and she can’t afford any mistakes.

Curtis arrives at Kelly’s hungry as a hostage. Michael says that he told Nelle about hiring him, and asks if he’s found enough evidence to exonerate her.

Diane calls Valentin, and tells him that he’s been outbid for Derek Wells Media. He asks how she knew he put in an offer, and she says she’s paid to know things. It was a valiant effort, but the company is off the table.

Patient 6 tells the bartender that the watch is supposed to be lucky. It already worked for him – he picked this bar and met her. She covered for him when she had no reason to. She says she could use a little luck, and he asks if he can exit through the kitchen. She tells him to have a safe trip, wherever he’s headed. He says, home, and jets. Sam and Jason walk in and order champagne. They’re celebrating.

Anna tells Finn that the WSB has determined that Cassandra is involved in international drug trafficking. The markup is astronomical, and the more money she makes, the worse people are suffering. Finn says he knows about addiction, and now the spy game doesn’t seem like a game anymore. Anna says this is one take down she’s looking forward to. Cassandra suddenly appears, and asks who’s being taken down, and who’s doing the taking?

Curtis thought that Michael wasn’t telling Nelle. Michael explains about her selling the ring to give the money to the foundation. Curtis says that could be generous, or manipulative. Michael says he told her the ring wasn’t hers to sell, but her intentions were sincere. He tells Curtis about her concerns that his investigation could trigger the Grants into escalating their vendetta. Curtis says maybe there’s something she doesn’t want him to find out.

Nina tells Valentin not to poach her assistant when he owns the company. She asks why Valentin has that look, and he tells her that she can register the domain name, but they can’t use it any time soon. His offer was rejected; he was outbid by another buyer.

Sam and Jason toast. They agree the champagne is not the best, and Jason asks if she wouldn’t rather have beer. They talk about how the company is a departure for them. Jason says it presents a bunch of challenges, and their lives will undergo one helluva change. The drink bad champagne to that.

Finn says he wasn’t expecting Cassandra until tomorrow, and she says she moved her flight up so she would have time to recuperate. He’s glad she made it in one piece. Anna introduces herself, but Cassandra says she already knows who she is. She saw her with Finn in Monaco, and she’s obviously his lover. Every time I hear that word, it brings to mind an SNL sketch with Will Ferrell and Rachel Dratch where they go on and on about being love-ahs.

Griff asks if Ava wants him to leave. Ava says it’s obvious he doesn’t want to stay. He tells her not to jump to conclusions or put words in his mouth. She says don’t tell her it actually meant something, and he says of course it did. She says he just doesn’t know what. He asks why it’s so hard to understand it’s not easy to throw away what he’d planned on being his life and calling. She says that’s one way of looking at it, but he can live honestly or live a lie. He can continue to hide behind the collar, but for what it’s worth, he doesn’t have sex like a man with doubts.

Anna tells Cassandra that they prefer the word “partners,” and Cassandra calls it chic. Anna is happy that Finn is able to help her, and Cassandra says it was a fortuitous meeting. She says Finn must have told Anna about it, but Anna says that doctor/patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance to him, and she’s lucky to have him. Cassandra says she’s counting on that. Finn asks if she wants to join them, but she declines, saying she just came in for a nightcap to help her sleep.

Valentin says that Diane is on retainer to Sonny. What would he want with the company? Nina says what does it matter, and he says it matters if he’s going to sabotage the company. She tells him it was the ultimate romantic gesture and she loves him. The name goes with anything, and they’ll have other opportunities. He can accomplish anything he puts his mind to. They kiss.

Sam tells Jason they’ll need an ad campaign to rebrand the company to be more like them. Jason asks who she is, and what has she done with his wife. Sam says he bought the company; what has he done with her husband? He says they might be successful and actually like being in publishing. Sam says they’ll make sure everything is honest, with no bias. He says they’ll be bankrupt with a year. She says that’s possible, but at least they’re together.

Valentin is about to leave Crimson and sees Nelle. He tells her not to let her personal difficulties affect Nina’s business. She says that’s the aim, and he says make it a reality. Nelle says she’d never do anything to hurt Nina. He tells her that he knows an opportunist when he sees one.

Curtis explains to Michael that Nelle worked as Zack’s mother’s assistant – the same job she had with Michael’s mother. To hear Sharon tell it, she did her research. Michael asks if he’s suggesting that she’s planning the same thing with him, and Curtis says he can’t deny the parallels. Michael says there was no evidence of wrongdoing. Curtis says not by itself, but coupled with other things, he advises Michael to take a good look at Nelle.

Anna tells Finn that they can use this to their advantage with Cassandra, but he wonders about the rest of Port Charles. She says he doesn’t seem like someone who cares about what people think. He takes her hand and they walk out of the bar.

Valentin tells Nelle that she’s good, being all things to all people. She says she had no idea he was watching her so closely, and he says he used to be in threat analysis. People think it’s a boring desk job, but it’s not. It’s solving endless puzzles, finding what’s dirty in something seemingly innocuous, and dismantling a web of lies. He says he’s good at finding the threat, and good at taking it down. If she makes a move against Nina, he will intervene.

Curtis tells Michael it’s his money, and he doesn’t want to tell Michael what he doesn’t want to hear. Michael says Nelle lies, but he thinks it’s because she’s scared and no one trusts her. He wants her to trust him, but he can’t help unless he knows everything. Curtis says, even the things that make her look guilty?

Nina runs out with Valentin’s scarf. He’s already gone, so she asks Nelle to give it to him at the bar. When Nelle comes back, Nina wants her to research the sale of Derek Wells Media. She needs to know about who she reports to now.

Sam and Jason see the watch on the bar. The bartender tells them that they have the best sliders in town. Jason asks if it’s better than the champagne. She tells him that’s the first champagne she’s served in a decade, but they serve sliders every day. Sam admires the watch, and asks if she can look at it. The bartender tells her to knock herself out. Sam sees the name Huxley engraved on it, and asks where she got it.

Patient 6 sits at he bus station.

Griff doesn’t want to leave things like this. Ava asks what the alternative is. Then she says, wait, don’t tell her; he doesn’t know. Griff says he’s strangled by indecision, but closer to clarity. She says she’s glad to be of service. He says is wasn’t a mistake for him, and hopes it wasn’t for her. She walks away, and he leaves. Ava looks at the door.

Nelle is about to walk into the MetroCourt, and sees Valentin sitting with Cassandra. He tells Cassandra about living on an island, and she tells him you can’t be spontaneous if you need a boat every time you want to leave home. But then again, spontaneity was never his thing. He always planned everything, down to the last detail, which is why he never got caught. He tells her that he would have arranged a proper welcome had he known she was coming. Cassandra kisses him, and Nelle snaps a photo. She’s not very subtle about it either.

Curtis asks Michael if Nelle didn’t say she couldn’t save Zack. Michael says she tried, but couldn’t reach him and she wasn’t a good swimmer. Curtis says the Lakes High Dolphins might disagree. He shows Michael a newspaper article about Nelle winning a medal for swimming. You mean to tell me the police wouldn’t have known that? Or the Grants?

The bartender tells Sam that she did a guy a favor, and he insisted on giving her the watch. Jason shows her a picture of Huxley on his phone, and asks if she recognizes him, and if he gave her the watch. She says no, it was someone else. He tells Sam it was a stretch, and there are probably a lot of Huxleys out in the world. She thinks there would be a slim chance of running into someone they know. Guess again. NYC is the smallest big city ever.

The train for Port Charles is departing in ten minutes. Patient 6 gets up from the bench.

On Monday, Franco asks what someone is doing there, Jordan asks if she should prepare for World War III, and Michael asks Nelle why she lied. For the fiftieth time.

Once Upon a Time

In Storybrooke, years ago, Hook swordfights on his ship with Henry. Emma is impressed. Hook wins the match, and Henry says he’ll never be good enough. Emma asks what’s up, and Hook says he’s almost grown. Emma is bummed because he’s supposed to leave home, but Hook says It’s not an ending; there’s more to come. She wants to keep him a while longer; she’s worried she won’t get a second chance. Hook takes out a bottle of magic. You speak into it, leave a message, and you can find who you seek. Hook says Henry will be fine.

In another realm, years later, Henry rides through the forest and is surrounded a bunch of men on horseback. Lady Tremaine rides up and says this is the man who helped Cinderella kill the prince. Henry says she didn’t kill him, and Lady Tremaine asks where she is. He won’t tell her, and she realizes he’s in love with Cinderella. She tells him to give her the slipper and live. She wants to know where he’s hidden it, and he says he hid something else made of glass. He speaks into the bottle, calling Regina and Hook.

In Seattle, Rogers comes to Henry’s place at 6 am. He tells Henry that he read his book, and can’t get something out of his head. He wants to know who the blonde woman is, and Henry says she’s a fictional character. Rogers says it feels like he met her, and asks if she’s based on someone real. Henry says the truth is, he made her up. He tells Rogers there’s something can help him with since he’s there. He wants to find where his family is buried, and keeps hitting dead ends. Was that a purposeful pun? Rogers says he’ll see if he can help. Henry asks how Lucinda and Lucy are, and Rogers says not great.

Lucinda finds out that the ballet Lucy is performing in is now a charity event, and the tickets are five hundred bucks a pop. She accuses Victoria of keeping her from her daughter, and Victoria says her assistant set the price. Lucinda says people should be given second chances, and Victoria tells her they’re not given, they’re earned.

In the other realm, Henry is tied up on Cinderella’s bed. Lady Tremaine says that’s as close as he’s getting to her. She tells her daughter to find the slipper and kill him. He must never see Cinderella again. Drizella says she doesn’t understand, and Lady Tremaine says she doesn’t need to; she just needs to obey. When she’s gone, Henry says Drizella seems nicer than the others, but she says she’s not, and pulls out a dagger. She asks where the slipper is, and Hook and Regina appear. Drizella asks who Regina is, and Regina says, his mother, and knocks her out. Hook and Henry hug. (Say that three times real fast.) Regina marvels that he grew up, and they hug. Hook suggests they do hugs and tears outside. Henry asks where is other mom is, and Hook tells him that she’s fighting a swarm of tiny irritating dragons, but really she wants to let him get on with his life. They have to respect her wishes.

Back in Seattle, Detective Weaver (Rumpelstiltskin) notes that Rogers is late. Rogers wonders why Weaver chose him as a partner, and Weaver says when he’s a real detective, he’ll have the answer.

Lucinda’s friend/co-worker (whose name I do not know) promises she’ll see Lucy, and look for part time jobs for her. Lucinda says she needs the money by tonight. Henry comes in and Lucinda’s friend goes back to work. He tells Lucinda that he was wrong, and he’s sorry. She wants to see Lucy, and he offers to give her the money, but she tells him that she’s not a damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming. He tells her that was Snow White. Ha-ha! She says she can find her own money, and he tells her that she’s not being fair. She says what’s not fair is being separated from her kid.

Victoria summons Weaver. She tells him she has a problem that needs to go away – Henry. He’s been seen with Lucinda in a bar, and he’s a bad influence. She tells Weaver to do something. He’s like, wth?

In not Seattle, Regina tries to work some magic on the glass slipper. Hook says they’re near the sea, so their must be a port. Where there’s a port, there’s pirates. If a woman passed through, they’ll know. Regina thinks he should bring Henry, but he says Henry needs to remain in this realm, and he doesn’t want to take chances.

IRL, Roni asks why Weaver is in her bar. He says that she knows Henry, and she tells him a bartender is like a therapist – they don’t share secrets. He says he can always get answers, and leaves. Roni tells Rogers to be careful around him. He gets a lot of new partners, and none come back. He needs to ask himself how badly he wants this job.

Moving parallel, at the pier, a hooded figure approaches Hook. Hook demands his name, and the stranger says he already has it, and reveals his face. It’s Hook from yet another realm. Everything there is a twisted version of the truth, like a cracked mirror. Other Hook says, infinite realms, infinite possibilities. Hook says he’s seen him before, a drunken fool version of himself. He’s afraid of what he might have become. Their stories were the same up to a point. When the tales parted, Hook found love and happiness, and Drunk Hook found misery. Drunk Hook says he wandered realms, but couldn’t find his Emma, and then the answer literally jumped into his lap. He brings out the magic bottle. It sent Henry’s message to both Captain Hooks. He tells the bottle, Emma here, and says he aims to take her. Then he falls over. Hook chastises him for his self-pity, and Drunk Hook head butts him. He covers the knocked out real Hook with a blanket.

Flipping to Seattle, Weaver asks Rogers if he thinks they’re going to far, and Rogers says not far enough. Weaver wonders if Rogers is going to the dark side, and Rogers says he’s not the man Weaver thinks he is.

Back in the fairytale realm, Lady Tremaine wants Drunk Hook’s help with Henry. Make him go home, and they both get what they want. She asks what he wants, and he says a woman, Emma Swan. She wonders why he’d think Emma would go for him, and he says she already fell in love with Hook from another realm. He got some fresh blood from Hook, and wants to be made like him. Lady Tremaine says she doesn’t wield magic talent, but does have a talent for acquiring things. She takes out the wand, saying acquired it from a fairy godmother; bad luck for her, good for them. She touches the wand to the blood, and it sparkles, swirling around Drunk Hook like a snake. When it’s done, he looks like real Hook.

Sliding back to Rain City (okay, Seattle), Lucinda’s friend says she must have a fairy godmother somewhere. She’s found the perfect job for her – a catering gig at the ballet. The bartender is turns out to be Henry. He tells Lucinda just trying to help feels terrible trying to make up for it after tonight never has to see him

Rogers and Weaver go into Henry’s apartment. Weaver deduces he has a daughter who doesn’t live there, so he’s probably divorced. Rogers says that’s hardly dirt. Weaver intimates that it’s something to be used, unless it bothers him. He says Rogers has been there before, and needs to be either a good detective or extremely loyal. He’s pinning his hopes on loyal. Rogers says to try him, and Weaver says he certainly will.

Lucy sees Lucinda. Lucy says she knew Henry would help. It’s all happening. Lucinda’s friend asks Henry if he’s in love with Lucinda. He stammers, and says he’s just a guy who screwed up and is trying to fix it. Victoria sees Henry and gets on her phone to Weaver. She says that he’s here, and get him out of her life. Weaver tells Rogers to come, the Lady beckons. Rogers sees a keyring with a swan on it, and takes it.

In the supplementary realm, Henry asks Regina how things are back home. She says that Archie’s therapy business is down because of all the happy endings, but his wedding officiating is way up. Everyone is sickeningly happy. He asks what about her, and she says she misses him. She wants to hear about him, his story. He tells her that Cinderella doesn’t even like him. If he was her, he’d ditch the slippers and run too. Hook, that’s really Drunk Hook, returns. He tells Henry that he caught Cinderella on the pier before she left, and she wrote him a note on the spot. Henry reads it, but we don’t see it. Drunk Hook says she’s set sail, and it’s time to head home. Henry declares the trip a failure. Regina tells Drunk Hook to go give Henry a piratey heart-to-heart, and make him feel better.

Drunk Hook tells Henry sorry about the lass. Henry says it will take a while, and asks if everything is okay at home. He says Hook doesn’t seem like himself, and Drunk Hook says let’s just go home. Henry wants to know if Emma is okay. Drunk Hook isn’t really sure what to say, when Emma appears. She says she’s fine; Hook just wanted her to stay home and rest. She hugs Henry, and says she wanted to tell him herself that she’s pregnant. Now what, Drunk Hook?

Emma says that she and Hook will have to learn the diaper and feeding thing. She missed it with Henry. They’ve made mistakes, but learned from them. Now they can do something good from the start. Drunk Hook says he’s done something he has to fix it, and jets.

Victoria fumes. She tells Weaver that she doesn’t care what he does; frame him for something, just put him away. Weaver gives a bracelet to Rogers and says Rogers told him that he’s not the man Weaver thinks he is. Let’s see who he is.

The ballet is performed. Rogers pretends to bump into Henry during the applause.

You know where, Drunk Hook can’t find real Hook, who comes up behind him. He says Drunk Hook came to finish him off. They fight, and roll around on the dock, and Drunk Hook falls on a dagger. Hook says it looks like he’s finished himself off. Drunk Hook says he didn’t come to kill him, but set him free. Emma is here, and he’s going to be a father. He would never get between father and child. He was trying to find his own daughter. It’s why he came there in the first place.

In the other place, the ballet concludes. Victoria proclaims it a delightful performance. Weaver goes to the front and says that there’s a missing bracelet. The donors should stay in their seats, and there will be a non-invasive search of the employees. Lucinda is offended that they’re just looking at the workers. Weaver moves forward, and Henry says to leave her alone, putting his hand on Weaver’s shoulder. Weaver punches him out, saying you never touch an officer. He tells Henry to turn out his pockets. Henry is surprised to find something, but it’s the swan keyring.

Hook tells Drunk Hook to stay awake until Emma comes. Drunk Hook explains that a witch trapped his daughter in a prison. He was sneaking in to visit her, but he was discovered. He was cursed to never save her, but true love is the cure. He roamed the realms seeking it. Emma appears, and says he deserves a second chance. Drunk Hook says it’s too late for him, and gives Hook something to give to her. It’s a chess piece; her rook to his knight that she carries. Emma says she’s sorry, but she doesn’t think her magic works there. She has to find the part that’s Hook. She tells Drunk Hook that he doesn’t know her, but she knows him, the man she fell in love with. Before they met, that’s who he was. She tells him there’s hope, just believe. He looks at her, she passes her hand over his wound, and he’s all better now.

Rogers starts to throw the bracelet into the river, and Weaver stops him. Rogers says that he couldn’t do it, and wonders if he’s out of a partner or a job. Weaver says Rogers had asked why he chose him as a partner. He thought Rogers would to anything to keep his job, but he caught a glimpse of something he’d thought extinct – a moral core. He tells Rogers not to worry about the bracelet. He’ll put it back where it belongs.

Victoria complains that Weaver didn’t fail at the task; he couldn’t pull off basic police work. He says she’s not his employer, and she’s not the boss of him. She says their goals had aligned up until now, but he tells her not always.

Lucinda gives Henry a beer as he nurses his eye. She says if it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t have seen Lucy, and she accepts his apology. He’s earned a second chance. He asks her to join him, but she’s like, sorry, not that accepting.

Ye alternate realm Henry asks if Emma and Hook are good. Emma asks if he wants to come back with them. He does, but still hasn’t found his story. Maybe he did, but he still has to fight for it. Emma knows the feeling. He says it could be for nothing; maybe Cinderella didn’t leave the slipper for him, and it just fell off. can’t give up could be for nothing maybe slipper just fell off. She says he’s not allowed home until finds answer. It will never be okay with them apart. She misses him, but has to give him what he gave her. Drunk Hook tells him to never give up on love. He tried to steal another man’s love, and it’s time for him to find his own – his daughter. Hook gives him back the rook. Drunk Hook wishes he knew what steps to take. Henry feels the same way, and Emma suggests they team up. She’d feel better with some sort of Hook looking out for Henry. Yeah, just don’t take him to a bar. Regina decides to stay behind, hating to be apart from Henry.

Henry asks her to come with them. Her story isn’t over, and maybe she needs to be there to find it. Maybe he needs her there too. She asks if this can be one of his Operations, and he calls it Operation Next Chapter.

Emma and Hook say goodbye to Henry. Hook makes a portal. I guess we can do that at will now. They all gaze at each other, and Hook and Emma walk through.

In our final Seattle chapter, Rogers finds Henry, and gives him list of cemeteries. He couldn’t find any information, but thought it was a good place to start. Henry says he was happy to find the keychain in his pocket. Funny, he took the bus, and thought left it at home. He’s always liked swans; it’s the name of the mother of his main character. tje mother he wanted, a hero.

Rogers tells Henry about trying to find a missing girl, and going down wrong alley. He was attacked, and a woman came from out of nowhere. She placed a hand on his wound, and told him if he believed in her, this will work, and she gave him life. She was the woman from the book. He never saw her again, but she gave him a second chance. He became so desperate to succeed, he almost lost himself. The woman from the book reminded him do things the right way.

They agree that all the problems in town have the same name – Victoria Belfry. They go to Roni’s bar. Rogers wants a know about all the people being squeezed, and tells her to write it down. He’ll release it when they’re ready, and maybe he can find the missing girl. Roni says it sounds like enough for a book, possibly two. Henry asks if she’s ready, and she says, oh yeah. Rogers says, let’s get to work, and they clink glasses.

Next time, Lucinda has to make a sacrifice, a rebel and a princess unite, and something buried is unearthed.

Z Nation

10K sees remains of the treehouse, and thinks of Red.

Lucy is still in the backseat of a car, when a shot comes through the windshield, killing the soldier who’s driving. She hangs on, and the car crashes into a tree. The driver’s door opens, and the soldier falls out. Murphy looks inside. Lucy says, dad?

Murphy tries to give her a hug, and she turns away. He tells her that he didn’t know she was alive. She says now he knows. He tells her that she’s grown, and she says that happens – if you’re there for it or not. He says she did it kind of quickly. He asks if he’s done something to disappoint her. If so, he’s sorry. He doesn’t know what he would have done differently; the parent thing is hard, especially during a zombie apocalypse. She says he looks different, and he tells her he’s been cured. She asks if there was something wrong, and he says he didn’t mean it that way. She tells him that she doesn’t feel anything with him, but she does with Roberta. She touches Roberta’s shoulder, and Roberta says something is wrong. Lucy tells her that Addie told her to go, but she didn’t want to leave her behind. They were going to the refugee camp. Everyone is heading to Newmerica. Roberta says they’ll go to the camp, and Addie will find them.

At camp, Doc says he’s seen bad things he can’t explain, but this insane. Why not take the gear? It doesn’t make sense. Mueller says they need to be proactive, head north. Doc says as soon as his friend gets back. Mueller tells Doc that he may not find her, but he could find whatever ripped her face off and ate her soul. The situation is not compatible with survival. What makes him think what cleaned this place out isn’t coming back? Doc get the point, but staying there has kept everyone alive. Mueller says they’re down to four. He’ll be damned if he lets Doc kill himself on his watch.

They hear the car coming, and draw their weapons. Doc is thrilled to see Roberta. They hug, and Doc says he’s digging her hair. She calls it apocalypse blonde. Lucy walks past Doc without saying anything, and Murphy shrugs. Doc hugs him, and Murphy says he’s the first person who’s been happy to see him. Doc says you reap what you spawn. He introduces Mueller and Lily. Roberta says she’s ex National Guard, and Doc says Murphy is ex human. Mueller explains about intercepting the convoy, and that they were ambushed. They lost a good man, and found the camp abandoned. Doc says everyone was gone, including Red and Sun. 10K is out looking for Red. Mueller says whatever is out there will be out there when the sun sets. They can’t risk the vehicles, supplies, and lives for one individual. Roberta says they’ll wait until morning. Mueller says it’s a mistake, and she tells him it wouldn’t be her first.

In the forest, 10K does bird call.

Lucy is napping. Roberta watches the road, and her hand turns a mysterious something. Mueller asks what’s up with her, and Murphy says she’s complicated. He asks what Zona was like, and Murphy says better than this. He wonders why Murphy left then, and he asks if Mueller has hear of reset. For two years, Zona was like Club Med, but for free. Then, one day a guy was cracked over the head with a four iron, and that was that. Mueller says it doesn’t matter. Newmerica is actual civilization. Murphy says he’s heard that a hundred times, and it always turns out to be a Utopian cult freak show, and by the time they leave, it’s on fire. Mueller says it’s all they’ve got. Murphy says it can’t be better than Zona, and Mueller says, maybe, but it’s more real.

Doc tells Murphy that Lucy is sleeping, and not much for talking. Murphy says he’s all for anyplace that’s not here. Doc tells him that Newmerica is in Canada; they’re headed for the Yukon. Murphy whines that it’s far and cold, but Doc says they have no choice. Murphy says, welcome back to the apocalypse. Doc knows he was living like the pope of zombie town, but there’s slim pickin’s in the cheap seats. He wonders what’s up with Roberta, and Murphy says there’s more there there [sic] than there used to be. Roberta continues to turn an unseen knob or dial or something.

10k finds car with dead people in it. He takes the glass out of one of the windows, and holds it up to his ear, where it amplifies the sound. He hears a crow, and thinks he hears Red, but a zombie comes up to the other side of the glass, scaring the bejesus out of both of us.  He slams it to the ground with the glass and runs.

Murphy hears something, but doesn’t know where the sound is coming from. Mueller looks through binoculars. Roberta ponders. She moves closer to the gate. Mueller says something is out there, watching, waiting, and unkillable. He wonders if it’s the Z virus mutating. He says something is happening that can’t be stopped, some fresh hell they’ve brought upon themselves. It’s enough to make you run into the abyss. Doc says why not jet, but Mueller says they’re waiting for his boy, but people who wait too long are dead

Suddenly, it sounds like something is crashing through the forest, and the trees are moving. It seems to surround them, like in that scene from American Werewolf in London, when they don’t stick to the roads and stay off the moors. Lucy comes out, and gets coffee. Mueller says they’ve got to get out, but Doc tells him not until Roberta gives the okay. Mueller doesn’t want to stay put while something decides to eat his innards, and he’d rather die on his feet than his ass. Doc asks if those are the only options. Mueller goes to a truck with Lily. He says if their friend is out there, they’ll bring him back. He tells them that he doesn’t know what’s up with Roberta, but be alert. They leave, and Murphy says, never get out of the boat.

Roberta sees her vision. A voice tells her always go east. She falls into the fire, and hears, the rising sun, you know the way; it burns. She’s engulfed in flames, and wakes up in the medical tent. Doc asks if she’s okay, and gives her some water. He tells her that she passed out, and she says she has to quit doing that. The last time, she lost two years. Doc can’t believe she’s alive, but says he shouldn’t have doubted it. He tells her that she didn’t miss much. It was like one long root canal. He asks if life was that sweet in Zona, and she says she slept through the party. He says he feels that way about the 60s, 70s, 80s, and most of the 90s. He still keeps wondering if it was worth it; keeping the faith in the midst of an apocalyptic sh*t storm. He asks if it’s worth it, and Roberta says it’s all they’ve got. He says he knows, but really, is it really worth it. Roberta takes his face in her hands, and says yes. Doc says he just needed to hear that, and tells her to get some rest.

Mueller and Lily walk through the forest. They walk toward the sounds, with Mueller ahead. He calls for  Lily, but she’s gone. He hears the crunching noises. The trees move and crackle.

Murphy blathers to Lucy, saying creepy, threatening sounds coming from deep infested woods; let’s follow them. He tells her to go ahead and roll her eyes. He’s rarely wrong, and rarely listed to. Doc joins them, and asks Lucy what happened to Addie. Lucy says she made it, but she was shot in the face by a sniper. Doc asks when, and she says a few hours ago. She’ll meet them in Newmerica. Doc asks Murphy what he thinks happened to Mueller, and Murphy says he realized no help was coming and got the hell out of Dodge.

Roberta hears something from inside a metal closet. She moves slowly toward it, ready. She flings it open, and worried guy pops out. She knocks him to the floor. The others run in, and Doc says he knows him. It’s Burgess, one of the refugees. He asks what happened, but Burgess just shakes and sweats.

Roberta tells Burgess that she needs to know what happened. Where did everybody go? Burgess just sits there, shaking, Doc asks if they’re safe, and Murphy wonders if he expected a different answer. Roberta asks if it was alive, or something else? She tells him to breathe. She needs him to pull himself together; she needs his help, and needs to know what they’re up against. Murphy says, zombie gaga; he’s seen it a million times. Whatever happened traumatized him. Murphy suggests getting out. 10K could be home or could be in zombie town. Roberta says at least take supplies; they’ll be better off with them. Murphy asks if she’s not coming with them.

All is quiet around Mueller. He looks at a picture of a little girl that’s been torn in half, and says he’ll find her. The noises begin again. He walks up a hill. 10K is walking on the other side, and both have their guns drawn. That damn Czarnecki comes out of nowhere, and attacks Mueller. Mueller shoots and runs. He trips over a boulder, and I gasp out loud. The zombie is almost on him, and he shoots it in the head, and it falls. He gets up, gun still at the ready, and says I give you mercy. He shoots Czarnecki in the head once more, and Lily. Behind him, Czarnecki gets up. He’s like Yul Brynner in the original Westworld. That sucker needs to be burned to a crisp.

Roberta tells Burgess to blink once for yes, twice for no. Did he see what it was? No. Did he hear it? Yes. Was he in the tent alone? No. Was Sun with him? Yes. Roberta asks what happened to her, and he freaks a little. Roberta keeps asking. Lucy tells them something is coming.

Outside, they all get ready. We hear snarls. Something is moving closer. It’s 10K. Doc calls him a zombie-proof SOB. Doc opens the gate and hugs him. He tells 10K to stop leaving him like that. Roberta and 10K hug. Murphy comes out of the tent and says Burgess is gone. We hear growling. It’s Mueller, who’s now a zombie. They all shoot at him, but he keeps coming at them. He grabs Lucy, and she screams. Doc whacks him with the gun, but he grabs it, Doc still holding the other end, and continues holding on to Lucy with his other hand. Roberta whacks him on the back of the head with a shovel, and he gnashes his teeth at her. Murphy shoots him in the head, but he gets back up and continues to attack. Doc hits him in the back of the knees, and brings him down, and they all keep beating at him with whatever is in their hands. He grabs Murphy and gets a little close. Lucy kicks him off, and 10K stabs him in the back of the neck.

Lily enters the scene with a seriously big gun. Everyone gets out of the way. Mueller comes toward her with a scary wide-open mouth. She keeps shooting, and he keeps coming, and it’s all in slow motion. Why don’t they try cutting off his head? He just won’t quit. This is relentless, and the oh sh*t! moment of the night. There are a million spent shells on the ground, and still it doesn’t end. Lily waits until he’s really close, and blows the top of his head off. He still comes at her, and she literally cuts him off at the knee. He falls, but she keeps shooting until there isn’t much left.

Roberta and the others hesitantly come out. Lily is obviously devastated. She goes to Mueller, and kneels by his body. She takes out the other half of the picture with him on it. Was she his daughter? The others slowly come forward. Wow. I swear, I get physically worn out during scenes like this.

Farewell, Henry Rollins. We barely knew ye.

Mueller is buried. Everyone is silent, and Lily puts both halves of the picture on the grave. She salutes, giving a final tug on my heartstrings. Her half of the picture blows away.

Lily says they’re going north, and everyone gets in the truck. Except for Roberta, who grabs a Route 66 sign with a red Z painted over it. She begins to walk east. Lily says she’s going the wrong way. Doc yells to her. Lucy begins to follow. Doc asks Murphy if Roberta knows she’s going the wrong way, and he says not in her mind. 10K also begins to follow Roberta. Doc is like, great, but goes along too. Murphy asks where he’s going now, and Doc says Murphy knows he doesn’t like it when they split up; he’s going with them. Lily pulls up, and Roberta and the others get in the truck. Murphy shrugs, gives a last look at the camp, and gets in.

Next time, zombies aren’t z only problem, and Murphy says Newmerica is looking better.

Quotes of the Week

Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people. – Prince

Family isn’t about blood relationships, it’s about the meaning behind them. I realize now that sharing chromosomes is not the only way to having a family, it’s about the friendship behind it. – Sarah Dessen

We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. – Laverne Cox – Great. I’m a dog and Chinese food.

Life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now. – Audre Lorde

Being happy isn’t about having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it’s about stringing together all the little things – Ann Brashares

The world is f**ked. – Luthor Voz (Mel Gibson), Machete Kills – I had to even it up somewhat.

The Love-ahs…

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/hot-tub-lovers/3505918?snl=1