Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

November 10, 2023 – Spencer Explodes At Trina, Lolly Lover, Not Gone, Soap Fun, Final Date, The Best, Resilient, VanderNo, Not Yet, Downhill, Dead Revival, Roommates, One More, Nonagon Of Quotes & Battle

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Olivia gets to Eddie/Ned just in time, and extracts him from the tangle of seaweed and netting he’s in. Although I wonder why he’s wearing shoes when he left them at the boathouse.

At the MetroCourt, Alexis says, another precious minute lost. Where are you, Kristina? Blaze comes by and introduces herself as a friend of Kristina’s. She says she was supposed to meet a friend, but it seems fate has other ideas today; they just cancelled. She was on her way out, saw Alexis, and thought she’d introduced herself. Alexis says, that’s nice… Not that Blaze’s friend cancelled, but that Blaze introduced herself. Would Blaze like to join her? Maybe it’s fate. Blaze says, maybe it is, and sits down.

Drew sees Curtis at another table, and says, it’s nice to see him. Curtis says, likewise, and they hug.

Carrying a takeout bag, Trina joins Spencer outside Dex’s apartment, followed by Josslyn and Dex. She says, sorry he had to wait, but they have extra crunchy prawn, and Josslyn says, there was a delay in ordering because someone – she looks at Dex – had to weigh out the whole Marvel movie to catalog Monica’s powers. He says, in the last edition… and she says, yes, she understands. Trina asks Spencer, what happened? and he says, Esme happened. And this time she has his grandmother on her side.

Anna sees Valentin outside of Charlotte’s room and asks, how is she? He says, sleeping. The doctors say she’s going to make a full recovery. She says, thank God. There’s something he needs to know. He asks, what is it? but she says, not here, and they go to the stairwell.

Olivia gets Eddie to the surface and struggles to bring him to shore. She tells him, don’t make this hard. He’s got to be okay. She pounds on him, trying to get him to cough up water, then does chest compression and mouth-to-mouth. He coughs and she asks if he’s all right. He’s alive. He sits up, and she says he’s alive. He says, it’s her. She saved him. She says, of course (🍷) she did. She’d do anything for him. He says he should have always known this, and she says, it’s okay, Eddie, hugging him. He says he’s not Eddie; he’s Ned.

Kristina walks into the MetroCourt and sees Blaze talking to Alexis. She goes to the table and says she didn’t know Blaze knew her mother. Sorry she’s late. Alexis says, only forty-five minutes, and Blaze says her plans were a no-show, and she saw Kristina’s mother. Alexis says, Blaze introduced herself. That was so 1990s. Blaze says, and a lot of fun. She tells Kristina to sit, and says she was grilling Alexis about her job. Alexis says, actually, Blaze was keeping her company while she waited for Kristina… and waited… and waited… Kristina says, okay. Sorry about that. She got caught up with some planning commission things at the youth center. Alexis says, she’s here now and Blaze is here, so why don’t they all have dinner together?

Curtis says, it must be strange, being about to get up and go to sleep when he wants to and turn off his own lights, and Drew says, absolutely. But there are a few things he can think of that he missed more than that. Curtis says he knows that must have been hard. He’s sorry he didn’t visit Drew. Drew says, Curtis had a few things going on. What he went through is nothing in comparison to what Curtis went through. Curtis protests, but Drew says he’s serious. Doesn’t he think it’s silly for either one of them to feel they need to apologize to each other? They’ve been through it. Curtis has been there for him more times than he can count. This friendship is forged in fire. It’s brotherhood born in battle. Curtis says, wow, and raises his glass. To the battle… and to freedom. Drew says, and to survival, and they clink glasses.

Josslyn says, Esme again, and Spencer asks if Josslyn and Dex can give him a minute. Josslyn says, gladly, and she and Dex go into his apartment, Josslyn touching Trina’s shoulder as she passes. Trina asks what Esme did, and Spencer says, it’s nothing that Esme did; it’s what she’s going to do. She’s going to take Ace and she’s going to move into another apartment. Trina says, finally.

Laura looks in the window to Charlotte’s room. Elizabeth is with Charlotte, sees Laura, and comes out. Laura says, she looks so fragile in that bed, and Elizabeth says she knows, but Charlotte’s just sleeping right now. It’s best to let her rest as long as possible because her system is still fighting. But her vitals are excellent. She’s on track to make a full recovery. Laura breathes a sigh of relief and says, that’s fantastic. Where’s Valentin? She can’t imagine he’d leave her alone. (Geez, the poor guy doesn’t even get a bathroom break?) Elizabeth says, no. He’s been here the entire time. In fact, she just saw him walking down the hall with Anna just a little bit ago. Laura asks how Jake is handling all of this. She knows they all went trick-or-treating together, and heard he was the first one back to Anna’s house right after it happened. Elizabeth says she’s never seen him like this. It’s like he’s caught in this loop of feeling upset and feeling guilty that he lost track of her. He promised Valentin they would stick together, and that’s why he went looking for her. And now he’s scared and confused and doesn’t understand how Anna could have shot Charlotte. And honestly, neither can she.

First of all, didn’t anyone notice Charlotte was wearing a huge, dark, hooded robe and the apartment was dark? And on another topic, Jake knows that Charlotte had the keys and what she’d said about them getting her everything she wanted. This hasn’t come up yet, but I’m thinking it might give him a clue she was up to no good.

On a landing in the stairwell, Valentin asks Anna what it is he needs to know. She says, he has to believe her when she tells him, what happened with Charlotte was an accident. She had no way of knowing Charlotte was in that apartment. He says he knows that. She says she’s not making an excuse, because she understands this is killing him, and he says, there’s nothing she could have done. She says, when she left the apartment, she locked it, and when she returned, it was unlocked. So she knew there was someone inside there, and she thought she was going to be ambushed. That’s why she pulled her gun, and that’s when she made a terrible mistake. And she wishes she could make it all go away. When she saw Charlotte lying on the ground like that, and his face when he came in… He says, it was an accident. It was a tragic accident. She says, yes… How did he know to come to the apartment?

Ned and Olivia are dripping wet and sitting on the ground. Olivia asks what Ned is saying. Her Ned? Is it really him? He says, it’s really him. He saw her. He doesn’t even know how it happened. His mind was rushing like a whirlwind. Literally. The next thing he knows, he’s in the water, and stuck. And there she was. And now they’re here. She says, Lois told her that he was depressed. She went to the boathouse and saw his guitar and his shoes(🤷🏽‍♀️), and she thought… She cries, and he takes her face in his hands and says, it’s okay. They made it. She made it. They’re going to be okay. She says she thought she lost him, and he says, but she didn’t. She found him. It was her all along. She says, what? and he says, in the song. He knows how it ends. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says, the siren song. He knows how to finish it. She says, Eddie… Ned, let’s not do this right now, and he says he’s not Eddie. He’s Ned. She says, if he’s not Eddie, how did he remember the song? He says he remembers everything, and they kiss. So is he going to kind of be like Sonny/Mike now?

Spencer says, finally? Trina didn’t really just say that. She says, yes, she did. She knows he’s going to miss living with Ace, but it’s way past time that Esme go live on her own. He yells, who cares about Esme? He’s talking about Ace. Ace is the one he’s worried about in this instance. Josslyn and Dex come out, and Josslyn asks, what the hell is going on out here?

Kristina asks if Alexis knows that Blaze just signed with BLQ Management, and Alexis says, Brook Lynn Quartermaine. Blaze says, makes a refreshing change from that sleaze Linc Brown, and Alexis says she remembers his public takedown at the Nurses Ball. To Catch a Predator anyone? Blaze says, oh, we caught him, and Alexis says, and then he disappeared, and as she recalls, the whole thing went radio silent. She’s curious. How long before the abuse started?

Curtis asks how it feels to be back in the real world, and Drew says, he has no idea. Although he has to say, some things are more challenging than he anticipated. Curtis says, Drew has been out of the mix for a while, but Drew says, compared to when he broke out of captivity in Greece, the life he came back to this time hasn’t changed nearly as drastically. But Curtis’s has. What about him?

Elizabeth tells Laura that she knows Anna would never intentionally hurt Charlotte. Obviously, it was just a terrible mistake. But what was she doing carrying a gun around on Halloween? With people in costumes and kids jumping out at each other, acting all crazy. Laura says, she’s right, and Elizabeth says, and you add a gun in that mix? It only increases the odds that something tragic is going to happen. Yes, Charlotte is going to recover physically, but what about her emotional scars? And Jake is going to have to deal with this as well.

Valentin says he was supposed to pick up Charlotte and the other kids after trick-or-treating. Apparently, Charlotte went off on her own, and according to Georgie and Danny, Jake went after Charlotte in the direction of Maxie’s place, so he thought she was heading there. Anna says, well, he was right. She couldn’t figure out why Charlotte would come to the apartment. The police found her backpack, and in it was the keychain she showed him to Maxie’s apartment. Remember the one that had the shoe on it? In there were also these two cans of spray paint that were the same color that was used to paint the word murderer on her door. He says, Charlotte told him about the keychain; she didn’t tell him about the paint. She says, that doesn’t matter. What she’s trying to tell him is, she’s figured out who’s after her. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, and it is the WSB. Former WSB. She figured out the connection, and it’s a man called Jameson Forsythe. Old guard Bureau. They crossed swords ages ago. He says, no. She doesn’t understand… but she says she does. She found evidence, and Forsythe is trying to discredit, destabilize her, and somehow he’s involved Charlotte. She doesn’t know how he’s done it, but he’s using Charlotte to get to her.

Olivia and Ned go into the boathouse, and Ned puts a towel around her shoulders, then takes one for himself. She says she’s a little behind the curve. He has to catch her up. He’s not Eddie Maine anymore. He says, no. He’s just plain old Ned, her husband. She says, they have to get back to the house. They have to get him to a doctor. He says, you know what? He doesn’t want to go to the house. He wants to stay right here with her because it’s been too long. He just wants to enjoy this moment with her, okay? She says, okay, and they sit down. She says she doesn’t understand. He remembers everything? He says, it’s a bit fuzzy, a little disjointed, but he was here the whole time, like he was on autopilot. Or like playing one of Leo’s video games. He’s Ned, but he’s a little fuzzy. She asks if he remembers his daughter, and Tracy, and Leo. He says, yeah. He remembers everyone. He’s a Quartermaine. They were married in 2017. It’s now 2022. She says, 2023, and he says, right. He told her that things were fuzzy. She says, that’s just the small stuff. The important thing is that he’s here. They hug, and she says she was praying so hard for this, and he came back to her. He says, but she was willing to let Eddie stay, wasn’t she?

Blaze tells Alexis, at first, she was starstruck around all the beautiful people, all the glitz and glamour of the industry. She was so lost in it. When Linc began to overstep, she thought, maybe that’s just the way this world works; maybe he’s that way with all his artists. She didn’t want to seem uptight, so she stayed quiet and avoided being alone with him. Alexis says, Blaze made it her problem, not his, and Blaze says, exactly. One more layer of pressure to being in the public eye. Backstage, where you’re supposed to let your guard down, she was constantly looking over her shoulder. Alexis says, so she’s spending her downtime dodging him, and Kristina says, no one should have to do that. Alexis says, women are conditioned to normalize that kind of behavior, and then that message gets passed down to other artists. Blaze says she gets that entirely. By keeping her mouth shut, she was basically endorsing him.

Curtis tells Drew that his life is upside down for sure. Simple things like walking, running, even standing up, he can’t take for granted anymore. Drew says, but he’s not alone in this. He has family, friends. Curtis says he does and he’s grateful for that, but everything has shifted. The dynamic is different. Hell, he’s different.

They all go into Dex’s apartment, and Josslyn says she gets it. Spencer’s upset. One thing she’s learned about living in the dorms is, you have to be considerate of your neighbors and your own business. The whole building doesn’t need to know what’s going on right now. Spencer asks if she really thinks he cares what the building thinks. He gets louder, and says, Esme just told him that she’s taking Ace and moving into a new apartment, and his grandmother is going to co-sign the lease because they think Ace shouldn’t be a part of his life anymore. And when he comes to Trina with this, saying he’s going to be losing his baby brother, all she can say is, finally.

Anna tells Valentin that this is her past catching up to her. And somehow, it’s caught up to Charlotte, and she never wanted that. Forsythe has gotten to her somehow. Valentin says, there is no Forsythe. At least not the way she’s thinking. She asks what he’s trying to say, and he says his daughter’s been stalking her for months. And he’s been covering for her.

Laura sits next to Charlotte’s bed and says she’s here. How does it feel? Charlotte says her stomach hurts, but not too bad, and Laura says, she’s such a brave girl. Charlotte asks, where’s papa? He promised to be here. Laura says, he’s been here the whole time. He just went for a walk with Anna. Charlotte gets agitated, and says, it’s dangerous. They can’t trust Anna. She’ll hurt him.

Olivia tells Ned, every waking moment, with every beat of her heart, she was fighting for him. He says, no… and she says, he’s got to hear this. He needed to find his way back to them. She couldn’t push him. He needed to choose to come back to them. If he thinks she preferred Eddie Maine… He tells her, stop. She misunderstands. He’s not accusing her of being disloyal. He knows she was supporting him, and he loves her all the more for it. She says, Eddie… and realizes her mistake. He laughs and hugs her. He says he needed that space. After the accident, when he woke up in the hospital, everything was so confusing and unfamiliar, he grabbed the first thing that made him feel safe and comfortable. She says, Eddie Maine, and he says, it was his escape to a time when life was less complicated, and he wasn’t feeling the weight of his family and business suffocating him. To a time when it was just him, on stage, playing his music, no restraints, no judgements, just freedom.

Blaze says she didn’t mean to open a vein here, but Alexis says she’s the one who pried. Old attorney habits die hard. Kristina says, Blaze doesn’t know her mother; this is like catnip for her. Alexis says she’s more than curious. She’s outraged. Her nerve endings are twitching thinking about the lawsuit Blaze could file. Blaze says she doesn’t know… and Alexis says she’s serious. Kristina says, if Blaze doesn’t want to go the legal route, how about collaborating together on a piece about sexual harassment in the music industry? What does Alexis think? A feature with Blaze as the focus? Alexis says she thinks it’s a great idea; shed light on a rampant issue. Is Blaze willing to go on the record? Blaze says, it’s no secret what happened what happened to her. Anyone who was at the Nurses Ball or who saw it on television knows about it, but she wants to move forward with her career. She doesn’t want to go backward. Kristina tells her, what about what she just said? What about all of the artists who could fall into the same trap? Here’s her chance to show that predators aren’t the only way to do business. This is an opportunity for her to break that cycle.

Curtis tells Drew that sometimes he actually feels fortunate. There’s this guy, Devon, his gym buddy. Devon has it way worse than him, but this guy always stays positive. He has the most amazing outlook on life. Drew says, that’s incredible. He’s so glad to hear that. Curtis says, but to be perfectly honest, there are moments, split seconds, where he forgets about his new reality and tries to do normal things like get out of bed and stand up. Then reality slams back, so he’s learning to adjust.

Trina tells Spencer that she never meant to say it was a good thing losing Ace. She just thinks that Esme moving out is healthy for her, and ultimately for him. He says, healthy for him, to be separated from Ace. He’s losing a member of his family, and he thought she would understand that. Josslyn says, it’s not like Esme’s moving to another planet. She’s still going to be in Port Charles and so will Ace. He can see them whenever he wants. Isn’t that a good thing? Dex says, but it won’t be the same thing, and Josslyn and Trina look at him, as I would. Thanks, Dex.

Valentin says, Charlotte’s the one who vandalized Anna’s hotel suite. Security footage showed her breaking into that room with a backpack. Anna says, what? and he says he had Nina delete the footage from the server. She asks why he would have Nina do that. Why would he hide that from her? He says, the moment he saw it, he knew she was the one who spray painted Anna’s front door, that she was the one who set Anna’s house on fire. Anna says, no, but Valentin says, she knew how to get in Anna’s house. Her camp was less than an hour away. She could have gotten there easily. Anna says, it’s not possible, but he says he doesn’t know what Charlotte is capable of anymore. She says, so he knew his daughter was terrorizing her and he just let Charlotte keep doing it? and he says he was protecting Charlotte because he failed her so many times as a father. And he thinks he was protecting himself… She says, what about protecting her? Didn’t she have a right to know?

Laura tells Charlotte, it’s okay. Her father isn’t in any danger from Anna. Charlotte says, she’s wrong. Grandfather Victor warned her about Anna. He told her to protect papa. Laura asks what Victor said about Anna, and Charlotte tells her, he said she was a double-agent, and everyone would know about it soon. He visited her at school and told her to stay there where she’d be safe from Anna. He even wrote her a letter. She grabs her side, and Laura tells her, try to be still. She doesn’t want to reopen the wound. Charlotte says, Laura doesn’t understand. Grandfather told her that Anna was going to use her and pretend to be nice to her so she could trick papa. Laura says, he told her all of this in a letter? and Charlotte says, yes. He said that papa was so in love with Anna, he wouldn’t realize she was using him. Anna’s done a lot of bad things in the past, and made papa take the blame. She’s going to do it again and this time, papa’s going to end up in prison forever. He’ll be killed if she doesn’t keep Anna away from him. Laura says, shhh. It’s okay.

Olivia says she can understand Ned getting nostalgic for the past, for simpler times. So she’s got to ask him. Does Lois figure into this equation? (I laugh because Lois likes math.) He asks why she would bring Lois up, and she says, Lois was the last one he talked to before he jumped in, and everything changed. Is Lois the reason he came back to them?

Kristina says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to put Blaze on the spot. Her mother can vouch that is something she does. Blaze says, don’t worry about it. She appreciates Kristina’s passion. Alexis says, there’s no pressure here at all. It was a just an idea. She sees Drew and Curtis, and says she sees two friends over there who she’d love to say hello to. She’ll be right back. She leaves, and Kristina tells Blaze, that was not her place. Here she is, lecturing Blaze about her story when she knows better than anyone it’s an intensely personal decision. Blaze says, Kristina’s fire, her commitment to justice is infectious. It’s okay to want to make a difference. The thing she’d hate is if Kristina started editing herself and only told her what she wanted to hear.

Curtis says, Drew told him the whole story. Alexis is one gutsy reporter. Threatening to expose that judge like that? He’s glad it all worked out. They really missed Drew and he’s glad Drew’s back. Drew says he appreciates that, and there are smiles all around.

Ned tells Olivia that he was talking to Lois before he came down here to the boathouse. She was giving him a pep talk about finishing the song. Olivia says she wanted him to finish the song too, and he says he guesses he needed Lois’s no-nonsense bullying, and Olivia laughs. He says, Lois told him to take a leap of faith and go find the siren. She says, the siren, and he says, maybe she knew that was the key to getting him back to his real self. Or maybe not. But Olivia. She’s the one who actually pulled him back. She cries and he kisses the top of her head, pulling her to him. He says, turns out, she’s the siren. Hers is the only voice that could have brought him back. Lois may have had the idea, but Olivia made it a reality.

Dex says he understands where Spencer is coming from. Up to now, he and Esme have been raising Ace together. Obviously, living apart changes that dynamic, like a divorce. Spencer says, yes, a divorce where, if he wants to spend time with his own brother, he’ll have to act like a visitor. And it’s not the same as living together. He tells Trina, it’s just not, and Dex asks, what if they could get shared custody? and Spencer says, Esme’s not going to do shared custody with him, not with grandmother on her side. Trina says, Esme doesn’t have to share custody. He’s Ace’s brother, not his father.

Laura says she needs Charlotte to help her understand. She’s trying to keep her father away from Anna to protect him? Charlotte says, yes. Maybe move to London or somewhere near her granddaughter Emma. Anywhere really, as long as she’s away from papa and papa is safe. Laura says, okay, but this is what Victor wanted her to do, right? Charlotte tells her, he said it was the only way. Anna must have figured out she knew about her. That’s why Anna shot her, so she wouldn’t ruin Anna’s plans. Laura says, no, that was a terrible accident, but Charlotte says, it wasn’t. Anna saw her in the apartment. She knew it was her. Anna shot her on purpose. Anna wanted to kill her. Just like she’ll do to papa.

Valentin says he loves Anna, but Charlotte is everything to him. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her that Charlotte was targeting her. She says, so he just lied to her over and over again, and he says he wanted to tell her the truth. She says, but he didn’t. What did he think? That he could fix this? That he would just stitch this whole mess together and they would live in separate worlds, and it would all work? He says he was hoping by moving her into the house and giving her a home with him, that for once it would end her destructive behavior. They met with Doc. She was willing to have… Anna slaps him in the face, then pushes him, and says, shut up. If she’d known Charlotte was the one after her, she never would have pulled a gun. She shot a child. His child. She has to live with that for the rest of her life. She’s never going to forgive him. She storms out, and he can’t believe how stupid he is.

Ned and Olivia leave the boathouse, and he picks up his guitar. He says he thinks he knows the way the song ends now. She says she can’t wait to hear it, and they look out over the water, his arm around her. He says, she saved his life – literally and figuratively. She says, they save each other. That’s what love is. They kiss.

Drew and Curtis’s food comes, and Alexis says, that’s her cue to leave. She has to get back to her dates over there. It was such a pleasure to see Curtis, and he says, good to see her too. Drew says it was good to see her, and she leaves. Curtis tells Drew, sometimes it is so hard to just have a conversation without everyone trying to help when they know good and well they can’t. So that’s why it’s good to just hang out with a good friend who gets it. Drew says, any time, and Curtis asks what he thinks of the Nets’ chances this year, but Drew says he’s not falling for that. Curtis got him last time. Although they do have some good games coming up. Curtis agrees, and says, Boston tomorrow. Drew says, Curtis’s couch, his beer? and Curtis says he’s in… Portia may have other ideas. Drew says, then he’ll have to bring some wine, and Curtis laughs.

Alexis sits down, and Blaze says she’s decided. Kristina says she doesn’t want Blaze to feel pressured, but Blaze says, she’s in. A complete interview; nothing off limits. Alexis says, really? and Blaze says, yes. Kristina brought up some really good points. She can’t complain about what happened to her on one hand and not do everything she can to change it on the other. This is something she can do to stand up for those coming after her. Her contribution to their art, and to their voices. Kristina says she didn’t put it nearly as poetically as that, and Blaze says, that’s what collaboration’s all about. Someone comes up with an idea, someone comes up with the words, put it together, you’ve got magic. She has to make a quick call, but they can talk details when she gets back. She excuses herself and leaves, and Kristina asks what Alexis thinks. Alexis says she thinks Blaze likes Kristina, and Kristina says she likes Blaze too; she’s cool. Alexis says, no. I mean she likes you likes you.

Spencer says, Trina… but Trina says, no. Let’s unpack this. The only way he gets to be Ace’s father is if he’s with Esme, in a relationship. If the two of them are a couple, then they get to raise him together. That is a sure-fire way to solve his problem. Is that what he wants? He says, no, of course (🍷) not. He doesn’t love Esme; he loves her. But he also really loves his little brother, and he knows in his heart that Ace needs to be in his life. Trina says, he will always be in Spencer’s life, just not in the house, but Spencer says, no, because that would be abandoning him, and she knows he’s not going to do that. She says, then he knows what the solution is for that, but where does that leave them? He tells her not to ask him to choose between her and Ace. She’s not going to like the answer. She says, don’t worry. She’ll save him the trouble. She grabs her bag and walks out.

Laura tells Charlotte, don’t worry. She’ll make sure Charlotte’s papa is safe. They’re going to figure all of this out. Charlotte says, Anna can tell that she knows she’s bad. That’s why Anna shot her. Papa can’t trust her. Laura has to tell him. Laura says, it’s going to be all right, she promises. Close her eyes and get some rest. It’s going to be okay. She kisses Charlotte’s forehead and leaves.

In the hallway, Anna says she really needs to talk to Charlotte, but Elizabeth says, it’s only family. Anna says, it will only take one minute, but Elizabeth says, it’s not possible. Laura comes out of Charlotte’s room and Elizabeth goes in. Valentin comes out of the stairwell, and Laura tells Anna that Charlotte’s just fallen back to sleep. Anna says, she doesn’t understand. It’s imperative that she speak with Charlotte right now. Laura says she really thinks Anna should wait… but Anna says, it can’t wait. She has to tell her… Laura says, Anna can’t go in there. Charlotte is terrified of her. She thinks Anna shot her on purpose. Anna cries and says she didn’t, and Valentin hangs his head, as he should.

On Monday… they show scenes from several days ago, so I’m not sure what that means. Either it’s a mistake, or we’re going to be forced to watch news-not-news.

💣 He’s Just Misunderstood…

They’ll have to dig deep to find some redeeming qualities.

🍕 Didn’t Think So…

What would the Q mansion be without her? My money’s on her coming back for Thanksgiving pizza.

👻 Fun And Games…

The kids always look like they’re having a good time off-camera.

🏆 For Real This Time…

As predicted, the main event of the Daytime Emmys will be aired on December 15th.

👖 It’s Not The Pants…

I knew there was a reason I liked Sutton so much. This is it.

👠 Bouncing Back…

Hopefully, she can keep the momentum going. Talk about making (hard) lemonade out of lemons.

https://extratv.com/2023/11/08/ariana-madix-on-fan-support-at-bravocon-and-her-resiliency-exclusive/

🍸 Her Calendar Is Full…

Why would she come back? Just to be harassed by Erika and get offers of fake friendship from Kyle? It’s not like she has nothing to do.

And while we’re on the subject.

🌁 Lasting Long Enough For Last…

2025? Really? Although I can hardly blame Pedro Pascal.

https://ew.com/tv/the-last-of-us-season-2-everything-we-know/

https://collider.com/gladiator-2-filming-start-pedro-pascal-last-of-us/

🛟 Like They’re On A Water Slide…

The short answer: yes. The golden years with Captain Lee and Kate are over, but we’ll always have Couch Talk.

⚰️ A Diabolical Plot…

Of course, he’s not against reviving the original series. It’s got to be a billion dollar franchise by now. And brilliant idea to merge all the Deads into one big kumbaya Dead.

🦥 This Guy…

I’m obsessed with 90 Day Fiancé and all its spin-offs. I don’t include it here because I already give it too much time. If this guy’s mother wasn’t living in the closet, it might be fun to live there. For about a week. I love the annoyed chihuahua.

https://people.com/90-day-fiance-clayton-introduces-5-roommates-including-two-guinea-pigs-exclusive-8386660

🐩 You Didn’t Think I Was Done…

Oh, come on, just one more.

https://www.homecrux.com/celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes/181675/

🍿 Quotes of the Week

Never trust humans just to let things be. – David (Mike Colter), Extinction

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. – Alexander the Great

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. – Ronald E. Osborn

It is never too late to be what you might have been. – George Eliot

It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end. – Ursula K. Le Guin

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Many things—such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly—are done worst when we try hardest to do them. – C.S. Lewis, Studies in Medieval Literature, compiled in Words to Live By

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. – Thomas Edison

An idea is a fart your brain makes. But if you patent an idea, it’s an asset. – Rufus Griswold (Michael Trucco), Fall of the House of Usher

🍠 Keep Your Yams To Yourself…

On Sunday, stop the scaries by dropping in for some Fear. Until then, stay safe, stay considering going out for Thanksgiving dinner (nothing says Thanksgiving like Oysters Rockefeller!), and stay toasting to the battle, freedom, and survival.

November 8, 2023 – Eddie Deep Dives To Find His Siren, Beverly Hills Infects Las Vegas, A Tale Of Two Recaps, It’s Over & Rain

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Yuri says he’ll put Tracy’s bags in the car, calling her Miss Quartermaine. She tells him to call her Tracy, and he says, of course (🍷). He leaves with the bags, and Olivia asks if Tracy is planning an escape, but Tracy says she’s going to take care of something she should have done a while ago.

Eddie/Ned works on his song, when Lois walks in. He puts his guitar down and mumbles about moving the chords. Lois asks if anyone ever told him that if he keeps making that face, it will freeze like that. He says, what? and she says, he’s obsessed. He’s cooped up in here. He’s moping around, playing that damn song over and over again. Go take a break. Go get some air. Go hang with the kid. The song isn’t going anywhere. He says he can’t take a break. Not when he’s this close. He has to finish it. She rolls her eyes.

Brook knocks on Maxie’s office door and asks if she has a minute. Sasha is there, and Maxie says, they’re in the middle of a meeting. Brook says, Sasha is back, and Sasha says, in the flesh. Maxie says, yeah, Sasha’s back, but Brook’s not.

On the phone at Aurora, Michael says, they have to up their game. Their production values are mediocre at best. There’s got to be some hidden talent at ESPN or one of the networks, itching for a chance to shine. Just find it. He goes into his office, and Carly and Drew are there. He says, they’ll touch base later, and tells Drew that he can’t believe it, hugging him. Drew says, it’s good to see him too.

Chase sees Austin at the hospital, and says, just the person he was looking for. Austin says he was on his way out to run an errand, and Chase says he’s glad he caught him. He just needs a few minutes of Austin’s time. Austin asks, why? and Chase says he’d like to ask Austin a question about his cousin Mason Gatlin. Austin flashes back to trying to smother Mason in his hospital bed.

Ava shows up at Sonny’s penthouse, and he says, it’s not a good time. She says she understands that, but it’s her life they’re talking about here. Has there been any word from Brick about Nikolas? He says, forget Nikolas. He’s the least of her problems. She asks what that means, and he says, she’s in bed with the enemy. And the worst part about it? She doesn’t even know it.

Olivia says, whatever it is, Tracy is going to miss a very nice going-away party for Lois, and Tracy says she’s sorry she’s going to miss seeing the back of Lois, but she has more pressing matters to attend to. She seems distracted, almost sad, and Olivia says, now she’s just being mysterious. What’s up? Tracy says she’s going to Amsterdam. Bobbie is going to help her sort out Luke’s affairs.

Eddie says, this song is a brick wall, and Lois says, maybe it’s time to move on to some different material, but he says, no. He can’t do that. He’s got to finish this. She says, stubborn as ever. Classic Quartermaine. He looks at her, and she says she’s sorry. That’s right. He’s not a Quartermaine. There was this time he had to come up with a B-side last minute, Lay in My Arms. That’s the song they ended up playing on the radio. He says he doesn’t remember that. Did it get any airplay? She says, number seven, College Media Journal, and he smiles and says, oh. She says, see? He doesn’t mind taking a stroll down Memory Lane if it’s about a hit song. Isn’t he even curious about the rest? He asks what she means, and she says, that Ned Quartermaine isn’t just a name. That Leo and everyone else who loves him really loved Ned.

Brook says she had no intention of coming back to Deception. She just wanted to see Maxie, and running into Sasha is just a bonus. She tells Sasha that she looks great, and Sasha thanks her, but Maxie says, this is not a good time. Sasha says she and Maxie were just discussing a new Face of Deception campaign… Maxie says, remember their privacy policy, and Brook says, if she wanted information about the company, she could just go to Tracy. She is the majority owner. Maxie says, thanks to Brook betraying their trust and spying on them, and Brook says, because Tracy was blackmailing her. Maxie says, there’s always some excuse with her, and Brook says she’s already apologized and she’s happy to do it again, but Maxie says, forget it. Unless she has some sort of time machine. Brook says, and if she did, Maxie would come right along with her for the ride after all the crap… Maxie says, she’s talking about the very distant past, but Brook says, not so distant. Sasha says, stop it, both of them. All this fighting is pointless. Can’t they see that they both miss each other?

Ava assumes Sonny is talking about Austin, and Sonny asks how much her new boyfriend has told her about his boss. She says, Austin is not her boyfriend. Maybe they got a little closer, but they’re not romantically involved at all. He says, really? No feelings? Nothing? He thought maybe they had a thing going since she’s so blind to Austin’s new role in her abduction.

Leading Chase into his office, Austin says, whatever this is, could they get it over quickly, please, because he’s really a little pressed for time. Chase says, quick question. Does he have any idea why his cousin would want to abduct Ava Jerome? Austin says, no idea. Chase probably knows this, but he’s already been over this once with another detective. Chase says, right, but the only common factor between his cousin and Ava is Austin. He figured Austin would want to open up to him considering their past. He’s just trying to tie up a few loose ends around here. Austin says, he and his cousin aren’t really that close. The only reason he tolerates Mason at all is out of some misguided sense of family loyalty. Chase says, but he’s been here at the hospital with Austin several times, and Austin says, sure, but telling him his plans to kidnap Ava, their chats don’t run that deep. Their worlds don’t intersect at all. Austin is a medical professional and Mason… he’s a kidnapper apparently. He feels like they’re done here. He opens the door and says, if Chase has any other questions for him, he’ll ask that Chase goes through his lawyer.

Drew says, Scout told him that she wants to take crossbow lessons. She’s all about Katniss now, but blink and you miss it. Michael says, exactly. They have their whole lives mapped out until the next day when they’re on to the next thing. Carly says, Drew’s only one step away from Scout wanting to take archery classes, and Drew says, at least her tastes haven’t changed when they went for Kelly’s pancakes this morning. Then they stopped and said thanks to Alexis. Michael says, it’s so great to have Drew back with them. He knows Alexis played her part, but his mom is the force behind Drew’s release. Carly protests, but Michael says, she’s the one who got leverage over Judge Kim. She says she was just grasping at straws. They were all doing whatever they could. Drew says, that might be so, but one of the things that kept him going in Pentenville – sometimes, the only thing – was knowing that she was out here, and she was fighting for him. She says she’ll never stop fighting for him, and hugs him. She says she can’t believe he’s home. It’s almost unbelievable. He says, she’s got to believe it. Now they’re going to put everything else behind them. They’ve got a lot of time to make up for. She says, that’s easier said than done. Someone turned them in to the SEC. She wants to know exactly who and why. Michael bites his tongue.

Sasha says, there’s a big difference between a mistake and a bad choice, and a betrayal, and tells Brook, spying for Tracy wasn’t right. Maxie tells Brook that she couldn’t have said it better, and Sasha says, if Maxie is ever in trouble, Brook would have her back, no questions asked. Recently, she’s had to learn that real friends, people who may not be perfect, but who truly, genuinely care, are not the same as the ones who are too selfish or hurt to show genuine concern. Now that’s not either of them, is it? Honestly, it just makes her so sad to see them both toss away a friendship they both cherish and need. Brook says, when Sasha’s right, she’s right, and Maxie says, okay, fine. She misses Brook. Brook says she misses Maxie more, and Maxie says, she probably does. Brook laughs, and Maxie says, all right, so why is Brook here? Brook says she cares about Georgie and Charlotte, and Maxie says, she has no idea. Sam dropped Georgie off, and all they knew was that Charlotte was missing and Jake went after her. And there was a shooting at her old apartment. None of it makes any sense. Brook asks how Georgie is doing, and Maxie says, she’s understandably in shock. She feels guilty, like she could have done something. Brook says, poor baby, and Maxie says she and Spinelli spent the whole night with her. He found a grief counselor for her, which is where they are now. Sam and Elizabeth are doing the same thing with their kids. They have a group text going. Brook holds out her hand and Maxie takes it. Sasha smiles.

Olivia says she’s so glad Tracy will have Bobbie there with her, while the rest of us are a little uncomfortable since Jackie Zeman passed away in the spring. Tracy says, it will be a welcome distraction from mourning Luke alone, and Olivia says she’s sure Bobbie feels exactly the same way. With Tracy gone and Monica not in the house and Lois going back to Bensonhurst, this place is going to be really quiet. Tracy says, perfect. Maybe in all that silence, Olivia will find the will to restore some normalcy to this house. Olivia says, Tracy… but Tracy says, no. Ned’s little fantasy is wearing thin, really thin.

Lois says, Eddie’s been hanging around the Qs for a while now. Aside from Tracy, who never misses a chance to talk about having wants him committed, the family’s had his back. He agrees, and she says, so he can’t go the extra mile and help them out a little bit? No. Because he’s got writer’s block. He starts to disagree, and she says, come on. That’s writer’s block. It’s indulgence. He told her that Sonny is willing to put out his album. What album? He has half a song. Without songs, you’ve got no album. Without an album, you’ve got no tour. Without a tour, there is no Eddie Maine. So ditch the siren and move on. He says he can’t just do that. This is something he really needs to follow through. She says, okay. So when she was working on the Free Radicals second album, they hit a serious sophomore slump, and they decided to turn it into a logic puzzle. She loves logic; it’s math. Here’s the puzzle. Pinpoint the problem, figure out where you’re at, and decide where you want to go. So Eddie, where do you want to go?

Lois tells Eddie that he’s doing it all wrong. He’s working from the outside, in. Music comes from the inside, out. He asks what she means, and she says, his song. What’s the problem? With the song. He says, the problem is, he can’t finish the lyrics, and holds up a sheet of paper. She says, forget about the lyrics, crumpling the paper and throwing it in the fireplace. He says, whoa, wait a minute, but she says she doesn’t want to wait. He’s got to write what he knows. So what is he afraid of? What is his problem? He says he’s afraid he’ll never find the girl… the character in the song. He knows that she’s out there, but he can’t see her – the siren. She says, so he’s looking for something he can’t see… like the prince in Cinderella. Except he has the glass slipper. So what does Eddie have? He says, just a voice calling out from the distance, and she says, then it’s simple. He has to go find the voice. That’s the where-you’re-at part. Remember? Pinpoint the problem, figure out where you’re at, decide where you want to go. He says, so… where does he want to go? and Lois says, she’s a siren, right? So he’s got to go in the water. He’s got to dive right in. It’s the only way he’s going to find the girl with the voice. Anyone could tell him that.

Tracy tells Olivia, this is ridiculous. Eddie lounges around all day with his guitar, like he’s some college kid on summer break. It’s depressing, especially for Leo. And nobody’s running ELQ, Look, she knows Olivia doesn’t want to have him committed, but he has to talk to somebody. Olivia says, they’ve been over this and over this. She’s very sorry Tracy is about to take a very difficult trip, but this situation with Eddie isn’t as simple as she’s making it sound. She saw Tracy at Eddie’s concert. Tracy saw him up on that stage. He was completely in his element. Maybe Doc is right. They just have to let this whole thing unfold naturally. Tracy says, there is nothing natural about Ned living in his own private wonderland, waiting for cosmic messages from the Cheshire Cat. Word to the wise. Keep her eye on Lois. She doesn’t trust that woman. Olivia says, Tracy is living in the 1960s in some kind of Valley of the Dolls novel. Tracy says, try the 1560s; it’s the oldest story in the book. Olivia covers her ears and says she’s not hearing this. She’s going to look for Tracy’s son. Have a safe trip. Brook walks in, and Tracy tells Olivia to look in the lounge. He’s probably watching cartoons. Brook asks if she missed the memo about Tense Tuesday.

On the phone, Maxie thanks Spinelli for letting her know. Tell Georgie to call her if she wants to, but only if she wants to… Yeah. What’s fine with him is fine with her. Just keep her posted. She tells Sasha, Georgie wants to spend tonight with Spinelli. Maxie thinks she’s just avoiding James. Sasha says, Maxie is handling this so well. She’d be a wreck. Maxie says, what else can she do? She’s connecting with Spinelli on this. She could force the issue just to let Georgie know she’s here for her, but Georgie will tell Maxie about her boundaries. Sasha says, if Maxie wants to head out, she’ll completely understand, and Maxie says, maybe that’s a good idea. She’ll respect Georgie’s boundaries another time. Maxie’s phone rings, she looks at it, and says, really? She answers, Maxie Jones… Yes. Of course (🍷) we’re interested… He’s available right now? As in like, now now?

Ava tells Sonny, don’t be ridiculous. Austin is not responsible for what his cousin did. Mason was just following orders from his mysterious boss. Sonny says, his boss is Cyrus Renault, and she asks how that’s possible. He says, you’ve got to look at the timeline. Betty steals the information he planted, hands it to Austin, Austin goes to Pentenville and gives it to somebody – he doesn’t know who, but he’s got a lot of enemies in prison. She says, he told her that he thought maybe it was with that Novak cousin, and he says, it could have been, but here’s the thing. Austin shows up at Cyrus’s early release hearing, saying that in his professional opinion, Cyrus is too sick and weak to threaten anyone. Now does she think it’s a coincidence that at the same time Austin’s at that hearing, Mason is holding her hostage?

Chase goes into Mason’s room and says, he’s still under arrest with the right to remain silent, however, if Mason wishes to cooperate, he has a few questions. Mason says, what else is there to do? It’s not like he’s going anywhere. Ask away. Chase says he’ll try to make it brief, but Mason says he’s got all the time in the world. Chase asks why he kidnapped Ava Jerome.

In the hallway, Austin looks in the window of Mason’s room and sees Chase talking to him.

Drew tells Carly, it’s got to be Ned. There’s nobody out there with a grudge who would target them. Ned had the only obvious motive to turn them in to the SEC and get him away from ELQ. Michael looks like he’s going to turn inside out, and Carly says, but he can’t confirm or deny because he has no memory. Drew says, he still hasn’t recovered? and she says, no, and it’s been really hard on Olivia. Drew says, well, then he doesn’t want to add to her troubles by accusing Ned of something he can’t even remember doing. Especially since this is all behind them now, and he wants to move forward. Michael says, what if it wasn’t Ned?

Lois says, Eddie has to put himself in the character in the song. Then he has to dive right in. It’s the only way he’s going to find this siren chick. He’s got to take a leap of faith. He says, she might be on to something, and picks up his guitar. He says he’ll be at the boathouse, and jets, grabbing his jacket on the way out. Lois sighs and rolls her eyes.

Tracy says, Brook. Somebody sane at last. Brook asks, what’s with Yuri and the car? Is he packing Tracy’s stuff? Tracy says, yeah. She’s going out of town, and maybe while she’s gone, Brook can help pull this family out of its downward spiral. Brook says, she sees. Running away again and leaving them to hold the bag. What’s the occasion this time, a riverboat cruise? Or maybe jet-setting with pretend billionaires? Tracy says she’s going to Amsterdam to close out Luke’s affairs with Bobbie Spencer.

Sonny says, connect the dots, and Ava says, he’s implying that Cyrus Renault had Mason hold her hostage to force Austin to testify on his behalf. He says, that is the picture, and she says, well, then Austin was just doing it to protect her, right? He says, probably, but he put her in the crosshairs. Never told Ava to watch her back. Did he tell her that he was going to testify for Cyrus? She says, no, he didn’t, and Sonny asks if he told her anything about him and Mason being in Cyrus’s pocket. She says, no, he didn’t, and Sonny says he guesses Austin doesn’t trust her very much, does he? And whatever Austin claims to feel for her, his first loyalty is Cyrus Renault, and that trumps everything.

Chase says, the cards aren’t in Mason’s favor. The proof has Mason looking at two decades without parole. Mason’s only hope of reducing his sentence is to tell them who’s pulling the strings. Mason says he guesses they’d better cut him a deal then. The sooner he gets a deal, the sooner he walks free. And a whole lot sooner than that, maybe he opens up about who’s running things. Chase says, fine. He’ll see what he can do. He leaves, passing Austin who’s skulking around the corner.

On the phone with her mother, Lois says, some things never change with the Quartermaines. Tracy is still a piece of work. Ugh… No, Brook is amazing… Olivia walks in, and Lois says, wait until she meets him. He is such a hunk… No. Ned is just going through a thing… She sees Olivia and says she needs to go… No. She’ll call later. She has to go. She hangs up, and Olivia says, Gloria? Lois says, the one and only. She was just filling her in on the Quartermaine circus. Olivia says, three rings. Now with even more juggling, and Lois says, she just missed Ned. Olivia asks, how is her… She doesn’t know what to call him. Her husband? Lois says, whatever he is, he’s lost in that song. But she thinks deep down inside, Quartermaine is trying to come out. Olivia asks if she really thinks so, and Lois says she does. And she thinks Olivia is doing the right thing, giving him space. She thinks that’s what Eddie needs. Olivia says, there is such a thing as too much space. Like just enough space for someone else to slip right in.

Lois says, Tracy? and Olivia says, what? Lois asks how long they’ve known each other. Let her remind Olivia; Sister Monica’s third grade class. Olivia says, don’t remind her of the woman and her rulers, and Lois says she will remind Olivia how many times they sat in detention together. She’s not here to slip into anything with Olivia’s husband. Olivia says she knows, and Lois tells her that she will say, she thinks it’s all part of God’s plan that she got here when she did, because this place is a mess, and she thinks she’s here to set some things straight. Olivia says, Lois is starting to sound like Tracy, and Lois gasps. She tells Olivia, take that back, and Olivia says, Tracy is demanding she force him to go for therapy that he doesn’t want. Lois says she doesn’t know anything about that. All she does know is, he could probably use a friendly face. Olivia asks if something happened, and Lois says, he’s been spinning out all day about that stupid song. Olivia says she knows. It seems like he’s possessed or something. Lois says, maybe Olivia, his wife, can go lift his spirits. He’s writing in the boathouse. And don’t let Tracy in her head. She likes playing games. She kisses Olivia on the cheek, and leaves.

Brook says she didn’t realize, and Tracy says, apology accepted. And maybe while she’s gone, Brook will consider her offer. Brook says she thought they settled that, and Tracy tells Brook, she heard what Brook said, but she has no interest in taking away Brook’s agency. But she can have her cake and eat it too. Brook suggests they not get into it before Tracy takes off. She told Tracy that she wants to focus on her music and really give it a good go. It’s her passion, and besides, she doesn’t want to get involved with Tracy’s old vendetta against Lucy Coe. Lois almost walks in, but stops, and Tracy says, Lucy Coe is already taken care of, and Deception is wide open for Brook to run however she wants. It’s her gift to Brook. Brook says, running Deception is a hard no. Lois comes in and tells Brook not to be so quick to turn down her grandmother’s offer. Tracy says, will wonders never cease. Even someone damaged by years of nail polish fumes can recognize a good plan.

Maxie says, this is wrong on so many levels, but Sasha says she disagrees. It’s synchronicity. Maxie says she didn’t think it through. She shouldn’t have said yes. Sasha says, she didn’t have time to think. This has been on Maxie’s vision board for as long as Sasha’s known her. Maxie says, yeah, but the timing is bad, and Sasha asks, how? Georgie is with Spinelli. She specifically wanted time to herself to process what she’s been through. The timing couldn’t be better… Unless It’s not only Georgie Maxie is worried about. Maxie says, not at all. It’s just going to be too difficult to pull this together quickly. She let her excitement take over. Sasha says, a photographer like Salvador is busy around the clock. He only became available because another project fell through. He’s not going to wait for them to be ready. Maxie says, there are other photographers, and Sasha says she saw Maxie’s face when that call came through. Maxie has been wanting to book Salvador for as long as Sasha’s known her. Maxie says, yeah… and Sasha says, and she’s had an idea for the spring campaign since before the lawsuit. So the only reason not to do the shoot is if she doesn’t think Sasha is up to it.

Carly asks what Michael is talking about. He was the first one to accuse Ned. Michael says he was. They all jumped to that conclusion, right? They tried to fit the facts to their assumptions, but what if the leak had nothing to do with Drew’s ties to ELQ and Carly was the target, and Drew just ended up being collateral damage? Carly says, that was Diane’s theory. Diane thought the FBI was coming after her just to get to Sonny. Maybe Diane’s right. Unfortunately, she’s the one who gave them ammunition by trying to cut corners with the ELQ merger. Drew suggests they just press pause and leave it alone, and Carly asks what he’s talking about. After everything Drew went through and after what happened to him in Pentenville… Drew says, nothing is going to undo it. Let’s just leave it behind. Please, both of them. Stop trying to figure out who set this all in motion because it’s not going to help anyone. Carly says, okay. If that’s what he wants, that’s what they’ll do. She hugs him and he thanks her. Michael looks all kinds of disappointed.

Eddie goes to the boathouse and sits down to play. He sighs, and flashes back to Lois telling him that he has to dive right in. He’s got to take a leap of faith. He starts to play again and pauses, hearing the song of the siren.

Ava tells Sonny that she was desperate. She was struggling to hide Nikolas’s body, and suddenly, there was Austin. He told her that he would help her. She believed him. She trusted him. Then out of nowhere, Mason showed up. He said he had Nikolas’s body. How is that even possible? Right? But Austin told her that it would be okay. Everything would be okay if she just did what Mason told her to do. And he kept telling her over and over again that his boss isn’t somebody who should be crossed, but he never told her who that boss was. And now Laura’s come back with proof that Nikolas is alive. If that’s true – and she really hopes it is true – Mason’s been lying the whole time. Ava flashes back to asking if Austin knew Nikolas was alive and Austin saying he had no idea. That’s why he did everything Mason asked him to do, to protect her. He had no idea Nikolas was alive. She tells Sonny, then Austin’s probably been lying too. Sonny says, she’s smarter than this. It’s time to admit Austin’s been playing her from the start.

Austin goes into Mason’s room, and Mason asks if Austin brought his lollypop. Austin asks what Mason told Detective Chase, and Mason says, a doctor without lollypops. Austin says, tell him what he said to Detective Chase, and Mason says, Chase was really rough on him. Chase forced it out of him. He had to tell him everything. He told him that he did it all for Austin, so he’d better start running. Austin says, there’s no way Mason just incriminated him, and Mason says, not yet. He has to make sure he gets a deal first. Austin says, the only deal Mason should be making is the one where he gives up Cyrus, and Mason says, suicide? That might be Austin’s way out, but it’s not his. Go ahead. Austin can give up Cyrus if he wants to. Chase comes back and sees Austin talking to Mason through the door window.

The siren continues to call Eddie. He puts his guitar down and looks out over the water.

Brook says, not Lois too. She doesn’t want Tracy’s gift. Lois says, don’t be so hasty, and Tracy says she’s so sorry Lois isn’t going to be around to talk some sense into her daughter. She did hear Lois was leaving. And she’s also sorry that she won’t be able to join the angry villagers running her out of town. Lois says, yeah. It is a shame. It’s going to be quite a party. Of course (🍷) if Tracy was there, her broom might catch fire, and someone might try to be a hero and throw water on it and Tracy would melt.

Yuri comes in and tells Tracy, the car is ready and it seems time to go. Tracy thanks him, and Brook hugs her. She says she’ll be thinking of Tracy, and Tracy nods to Lois and leaves.

Eddie continues to hear the call of the siren. He takes off his jacket and shoes, and jumps into the water.

Maxie says, Sasha’s been through a hideous ordeal; something that would have broken most people. She’s still piecing her life together, and Maxie doesn’t want to throw her into the deep end before she’s had time to relax and float. Sasha says, the only way she’ll know if she can handle a photoshoot, or any challenge for that matter, is by doing it. So will Maxie trust her? Maxie says she definitely trusts Sasha, and Sasha thanks her, but Maxie says, no, thank you. She thanks Sasha for holding her hand this entire day; first with Brook, then with Georgie. Now with Salvador? She can’t believe it. Are they really doing this? Sasha says, they are, and Maxie says, they have to get things together. She dashes out the door.

Olivia looks for Eddie by the boathouse and calls his name. She sees his guitar leaning against the bench, and his shoes in front of it. She looks inside, but the boathouse is empty. She comes back out and finds his coat on one of the chairs. She looks out over the water, worried.

Tomorrow, Lois tells Brook, say the word, and she’ll stay exactly where she is; Spencer asks how Laura could do this; Charlotte wants to tell someone what happened; and Olivia asks if Eddie can hear her.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

We revisit the fabulous hotel that will no doubt be wasted on this bunch. They have a room service meal, but Garcelle says she doesn’t want to eat; she wants to meet men. And she wants to do an intervention on how they date. Everyone looks at Sutton. Sutton says, when Garcelle goes on a first date, she can talk about Sutton not getting a second date. After a particularly good date, she invited him to an ABT black tie gala, and didn’t hear from him again. In Sutton’s interview, she says, they had dinner, she invited him back to her house, they played backgammon and had a nice conversation, and she never heard from him again. Dorit suggests not following up with flying across the globe, and in her interview, she says, that’s not the right thing to do. How would she feel if a man invited… She realizes the only thing wrong is her, and says, if the roles were reversed and it was a man extending the invitation, it would be sexy. They laugh over Sutton showing off her triceps in a text, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, Sutton’s got no game, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days 2, starring Sutton Stracke. Kyle FaceTimes the guy and hangs up. You know, like you do at sleepovers when you’re 13. In Sutton’s interview, she wonders why she gives her phone to Kyle. She’s dangerous. We flash back to them doing that another time, and Kyle says, Sutton is smart, beautiful, fun, and funny. If they don’t respond, tell them f*** off. It’s their loss. Garcelle suggests they take a break in their rooms, then get ready to meet for Magic Mike and dinner.

Sutton can’t find her white pants, and texts Avi. He comes in, and she says he must want to die today, but he immediately finds the pants so there’s no public hanging. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she hopes he gets paid a lot of money. Sutton says she prefers unpacking herself since she likes complete control. She tells Avi to save himself, and he runs. Dorit thinks she and Kyle are the only ones who didn’t bring a glam team, and Erika tells hers that they’re going to Magic Mike. They’re getting homegirl Crystal on stage. In Sutton’s interview, she says, when she goes out, she likes to carry Ocean Spray grapefruit juice. Beyonce carries hot sauce; she carries Ocean Spray. Southern girls know what they like. They get ready, and Garcelle wears the shortest dress ever. Trying to get everyone to move along, Sutton says, it’s like herding cats. They meet at the bar, and Sutton says she doesn’t like wearing pants. We flash back to the private jet and Erika telling them to wear pants if they want to be on stage. Sutton asks if anyone remembers dollar bills, flashing a stack of them, and Erika says, don’t let her touch any money or the IRS will say she owes it to them. Okay. That’s funny.

They walk through the Sahara and a VIP rep meets them. Erika says, they need drinks and men, and in her interview, she says, this is her contribution to Crystal’s birthday party. We see a clip of her telling assistant Mikey that she’d love for all the girls to get on stage. She says she knows most of the dancers, and Mikey’s partner is in the show. They sit in the front and in Erika’s interview, she says, Crystal needs to get out of her shell. It’s her f***ing birthday. They’re going to make this girl have some fun. There are stupid jokes about getting wet from the warm-up act, and the dudes come out, gyrating all over the place. Sutton wonders why she’s into this, and yells, we wore pants! The guys dance, and I critique in my head, since they’re not exactly in sync. There’s lots of cheering, so I guess synchronization doesn’t matter. One guy gets nakey, holding a cowboy hat over his junk. They make Crystal go up on stage, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, his body’s amazing, and so close to her. It feels good letting their hair down. Sutton shrinks into the corner, and Erika joins Crystal on stage. Sutton says she wore pants for nothing, and Erika and Crystal get lap dances. Erika shows off, doing some exotic dancing of her own, and in Crystal’s interview, she says, jumping on one of these hot guys, maybe she can turn 40 every year. Erika lies down on the stage and spreads her legs, the dancer putting his face between them. In Erika’s interview, a producer asks if Tom had moves like that, and Erika says, Tom had other moves that landed her in hot water, but not moves like this. In her interview, Garcelle thinks Sutton’s feelings are hurt because she wasn’t the cool girl who was chosen.  And she wore pants. Kyle tells Crystal that Sutton says she’s leaving, and Dorit says, that’s not okay. As Sutton goes to the lobby, she says she’s on the Board of the American Ballet Foundation and doesn’t do that sh*t.

The way Erika presented it, it did sound like everyone would get a chance to be on stage. And whether it was up to Erika or not, she should have insisted the others go up before she did. I’m also not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but geez. It wasn’t her show.

It’s all kind of stupid, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, here we go again. Sutton always has to make herself the center of attention. She can’t help herself. Garcelle follows Sutton out and finds her in the lady’s room. Sutton says she’s pissed. Kyle tells Erika that Sutton is upset, but she’s not sure why. Garcelle wonders what happened. They were having a good time at a fun show. Sutton says, until she saw her two friends with their legs wide open, and a man’s face in one’s crotch. She’s on the Board of the American Ballet Foundation, and doesn’t have friends who get onstage and have men’s faces in their crotches. On stage, a dude puts whipped cream on Kyle’s legs and licks it off. Blech. Sutton tells Garcelle that she lives by a different standard for herself. Kyle joins them and asks, what’s wrong? Sutton says she didn’t like it, and Kyle says, Sutton really wouldn’t have liked what just happened. She had whipped cream licked off her. We see a clip of the dancer now licking it off Kyle’s cleavage, and Sutton says, that’s fine. It’s silly and stupid, but spreading your legs isn’t. In her interview, Garcelle doesn’t see why Sutton is so wound up. Even for her, it’s extreme. Kyle thinks Sutton is upset because the attention wasn’t on her. She didn’t get to dance with a naked man. This is starting to sound like some Bizarro World kid’s birthday party. Sutton says, it has nothing to do with that and nothing to do with the pants. We flash back to Sutton bitching about her pants, and Kyle says she’s pretty sure it had something to do with the pants. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, this is not normal. They were having a great time, then Sutton’s freaking in the bathroom and yelling in the lobby. Hurricane Sutton is here. Sutton says, blah-blah-blah her brand, and Kyle says, Sutton did not just say that. Sutton says she’s not blaming the pants. She was uncomfortable about the whole thing. Call her a prude, but she wears a kitty sweater on the first date. That’s who she is. Kyle feels her reaction is a little excessive, and Sutton suggests Kyle not follow her. Kyle says she was actually just going to the bathroom (did she take a wrong turn?), and Sutton says, then shut up. Kyle says, don’t be a bitch, and Sutton tells her not to say her reaction is excessive. She just went to the bathroom. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Sutton brought money to put in their pants. She’s not buying it; sorry. She’s never seen a personality switch so fast. Sutton says she never made it a big deal, and Kyle texts Crystal, who might have been able to ignore the whole thing and just have fun.

The show has moved on to acrobatics, which Erika and Dorit watch with rapt attention. Crystal says she’s got to go, but Erika says she’s here to see her friend. Sutton says, all she did was go to the restroom. They didn’t have to make a big deal. Kyle says she thinks it’s the pants, but Garcelle says, it’s about integrity. Kyle points out that Sutton mentioned her brand, and Sutton says, Kyle is a bitch and hits low. Here we are again. Kyle walked in on a conversation she didn’t hear. (Touché.) Kyle says, Sutton’s a bitch, and Garcelle says, there’s not enough tequila for tonight. I consider giving it another try if I have to hear the word pants again. Sutton ends up apologizing to Kyle for calling her a bitch, even though Kyle called her one first. Erika and Dorit talk to the dancers, and Dorit says, they were so brilliant. On the sprinter, Sutton says she’s trying to explain, so it doesn’t blow up, but Garcelle says, too late. And Erika’s not even here. In her interview, Garcelle says, because of Erika and Sutton’s history, it’s going to be WWIII. Get your popcorn ready. Erika approaches the sprinter and says, Sutton is sitting in there like Judge Judy.

Erika gets on the sprinter and asks, what’s going on? Dorit says, Sutton is offended, and Sutton says, it was the spread-eagle head in crotch. Erika says, he was her oldest dance partner forever, but Sutton says, it was too much. Erika says, they’re all adults and it was a good show. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Erika is calm and collected, and doesn’t seem bothered at all. In Erika’s interview, she says she told them she gave up fighting with them for Lent. Dorit says, the dancers saw 80% of their group gone, and I think, isn’t that on them? In Dorit’s interview, she says, Sutton leaves in a huff and doesn’t come back. Miss Manners herself. Toughen up, buttercup. Hey, that kind of talk is reserved for Captain Lee. Sutton says she got upset seeing them, and Crystal asks how she feels at them not being upset. Dorit suggests their husbands wouldn’t care, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, Mau would never care. I just think, well…  Sutton says she’s sorry she had a visceral reaction, and in Garcelle’s interview, she wonders how Sutton got her children. Did Sutton have a stork? They walk to a restaurant, Uhu, where they have dinner. No, make that… food porn! Garcelle says, it took a turn, and Sutton says she gets very passionate. She apologizes to Erika, who says, it’s all good. In Dorit’s interview, she says she doesn’t know who this Erika is. It’s not the one they’re used to. In Kyle’s interview, she says she was not expecting this reaction. Garcelle asks, what’s the plan? then wonders why she’s asking, since it’s her trip. She tells them that she’s having lunch with Oliver tomorrow, and Sutton says, Garcelle has had a lot of moments with her boys that she’s handled so well. We flash back to the Reunion where Garcelle talked about Oliver’s addiction, and a conversation between her and Oliver. Garcelle says, she tries, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t cry at night. Dorit says she knows Garcelle will give him wise words, comfort, and love. In her interview, Garcelle says she’s not comfortable talking about her kids because of last year. We flash back to Mauricio saying it’s great Erika told Jax to f*** off, and Garcelle says, she doesn’t trust it. She feels like she’s not in a safe place. Sutton struggles to eat a fish ball with chopsticks, and Kyle says she’s beginning to understand why there’s no second date. She’s not wrong.

They play a game where they have to answer questions off of cards, and the first one is, what is your favorite song to f*** to? Sutton chooses a country song by Cody Jinks, and in Kyle’s interview, she says she was expecting Sutton to say The Nutcracker. All the questions are about sex, as they always are. While they talk nipples, a line of guys come out carrying sparklers and Happy Birthday signs and some giant ice cream concoction. After this birthday dessert extravaganza, they go back to their rooms and get ready for bed. Garcelle desperately wants to sleep, but Sutton has to get the drapes just right. She asks if it’s okay if she reads, and Garcelle says, no problem. Sutton says she’s reading a book on tantric sex and could read out loud, but Garcelle says she doesn’t want to hear anything.

Kyle works out at 6 am, and in her interview, she says, the old her would never be going to the gym in Las Vegas. She would have been exhausted, hung over, and looking for room service. She thinks the new Las Vegas Kyle is annoying. Dorit wonders how miserable you have to be on a girl’s trip to Las Vegas to be working out. Is Kyle deliberately trying to torture herself? Dorit tells Erika that Kyle is living in extremes. In Dorit’s interview, she says she’s not getting up at 5:30 am for anything or anyone except her children, and on vacation, hell no. They sit on the giant sectional sofa, and Garcelle says she wants to share. When she was talking about Oliver, she felt disingenuous. What she wanted to say was, she doesn’t know if she trusts them when it comes to her family. They’ve said nice things, but she’s still a little iffy about them laughing at Jax. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Kyle and Erika apologized – we flash back to those – and she can accept their apology, but it doesn’t mean she forgives them. It’s not about holding on to it, but she’s still in a space that’s vulnerable when it comes to her family. She tells the women that she feels like she still wants to protect her family from the group, and in Dorit’s interview, she says she thought their issues were resolved. They seemed okay. Now for Garcelle to feel she can’t trust Dorit around her kids is hurtful and it makes her angry. Even though that’s not what Garcelle said. Garcelle tells them that she and Jax are going through stuff, and they’d feel the same way. Dorit says, it’s been over a year, which shocks me because of her PTSD issues. Garcelle says, you can’t put a time limit on it, and Dorit says, after two years, you know if someone is good people. Garcelle says, Dorit is taking it wrong. She’s not saying Dorit is a bad person. Sutton says, if you get hurt, it might take time, and in her interview, she says she understands 100%. When you watch your husband making fun of a child and don’t do anything, you’re just as responsible. We flash back to PK making fun of the Jax situation, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, Dorit is making her feel like she needs to apologize, she’s so hurt by how Garcelle feels. Dorit says she’s just sharing her feelings, and Garcelle says she doesn’t understand why they can’t understand. It’s not about Dorit being a mom. In her interview, Garcelle says she doesn’t think Dorit listens. She makes things personal where she’s the victim. Garcelle always walks away feeling like, what just happened? Garcelle leaves to shower, when no doubt they’ll discuss why she shouldn’t feel the way she feels.

Next time, Sutton rides a mechanical bull and might have found her cowboy; Dorit asks Kyle about her marriage; Erika insists on Sutton apologizing to her friend (more middle school sh*t!); and Kyle and Sutton clash.

🧂 You Put Salt In My Winter…

What happened on RHOSLC.

What happened on the wretched Winter House, where awful people from other shows have now been added to the awful people who were already there. Please note Kory in one of the worst outfits ever.

🎉 This Is The End…

Finally, we can get The Last Of Us back.

https://www.avclub.com/hollywood-stars-react-to-end-of-sag-aftra-strike-with-j-1851006187

🫛 Hiding The Green Beans…

Join me tomorrow for soap and dubious Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay not making things personal where you’re the victim, and stay turning problems into logic puzzles; pinpointing the problem, figuring out where you’re at, and deciding where you want to go.

November 1, 2023 – Charlotte Doesn’t Burn the House Down This Time, PK Makes Dorit a Pretty Woman & Dia

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dressed like Einstein (Albert, not my dog), Leo trades math equations with Lois. Who knew she was a math wiz? Leo tells her that she’s pretty good and they high-five. Eddie/Ned comes in and says, looks like this is where the fun is. He asks what they’re playing, and Leo says, some math stuff. He says, that’s his cue to exit. Carry on. Lois calls him a scaredy cat, and he says, uh-huh. She and Leo continue, when Brook comes in and asks if they’re still at it. Lois says, of course (🍷). Brook leaves, and Lois stumps Leo.

In the foyer, Tracy asks why Brook isn’t looking for some new musical protégé, and Brook asks, what’s it to her? Tracy says, everything in this house is something to her.

Outside Kelly’s, the courtyard is all decorated in pumpkins and haystacks, and there’s a closed sign on the door. Carly is doing last minute touches, when someone walks in. She says, sorry, they’re closed, and Cyrus says, trick or treat.

Ava meets Lucy at the Bistro, and Lucy says she’s glad Ava could make it. She has some mega, mega exciting news. Ava says, Lucy told her it was important, and Lucy says, it’s very, very important. As in… Ava says, don’t keep her in suspense, and Lucy says, as in, this is Ava’s golden ticket. This is her chance to unload wicked Windymere and spooky Spoon Island. But they have to act fast before the prospective buyer changes their mind.

Scotty tells Robert, this is a textbook case of misunderstanding, so why don’t they just cut to the chase and drop these charges? Robert says, in his dreams. They have some very interesting footage that the jury will just love. Scotty says, what footage? Nothing’s been entered into evidence. Diane approaches Robert’s office door, and listens. Robert says, Scotty should tell his client to cease with the intimidation tactics, and Scotty says he’s not going anywhere until he sees this alleged footage. Robert says, the only thing Scotty is going to see is him throwing Scotty out of his office when it goes viral, and Scotty asks if the District Attorney is threatening him. Diane walks in and tells Scotty, now might be the time to make a tactical retreat. He seems to have worn out his welcome. Take the hint. Anything he was hoping to accomplish here ain’t going to happen. Scotty says, Lady Justice herself, coming to the rescue of Crocodile Dundee (ha-ha). There’s a first.

Anna approaches Valentin’s door, the porch adorned in harvest décor. She knocks on the door, and Valentin invites her in. She says, he’s gone all out on the spirit of the season thing, and he says, it’s his first Halloween with Charlotte in a while. He figured he should make some effort. Anna says, something smells really good, and he says, that would be Charlotte. She’s inspired in her new kitchen. That, and a rivalry with Jake Webber’s little brother has lit a competitive fire. She says she’s sure Charlotte will accomplish whatever she sets her mind to, when Charlotte comes in. She says, Anna’s just in time. Does Anna want to be her guinea pig?

Diane says, with all due respect, Scotty’s made his argument, the DA’s not having it. Exit, stage left. Scotty says he knows when he’s being double-teamed. His wallet is already fat. All Robert is doing is wasting the taxpayer’s money. Robert asks, since when did Scotty care about anyone but himself? Scotty waves his hand dismissively and leaves. Diane asks why Robert lets Scotty get to him, and Robert says, history. He thanks her for being his noble wingman, and she says, anytime.

Charlotte tells Anna that she’s making pumpkin bars. The first batch just came out of the oven. Anna says, sounds good. Since when is Charlotte a baker? Charlotte says she’s not, but Jake’s brother Aiden sure is. He always brings these amazing creations to school, so she thought she’d try it before her friends come over. Anna asks if they’re having a party, but Charlotte says, they’re all meeting here before going trick-or-treating. Papa is going to drive them, and then drop them off. Anna says she’s thinking of buying herself some candy in case there’s any trick-or-treaters at her door, and Valentin says, at the hotel? but she says, no. That’s why she’s here. She’s no longer staying at the MetroCourt. She’s taking over Maxie’s flat. She shows them the keys, and Charlotte says, Georgie’s old apartment? Valentin says, she’s kidding. When did this happen? Anna says, it happened this morning. Felicia’s idea, and then when she had a look, it just seemed right. Charlotte tells Valentin, isn’t this great? She congratulates Anna and says she’s so glad Anna has a place of her own. Anna thanks her, and Valentin sort of smiles.

Brook says, there’s the granny she knows. Godmother of the Quartermaine clan. Tracy asks, to what do they owe the honor of this visit? and Brook says she just came to see Leo’s costume. Tracy asks what he’s going to be, and Brook says, Albert Einstein. Tracy says, good choice. He’s the smart one in this house. Brook asks if that’s a general dig, or just for her? Her mother told her about Tracy’s gift of Deception. She gathers she’d be stupid to pass it up. Tracy says, she could do worse, and Brook says she doesn’t want it. Tracy asks, why not? She seemed to be happy there. Brook says, so Tracy noticed. Her, surrounded by her best friends, working on a project they loved, until Tracy poisoned it by blackmailing her to betray them. Tracy says, but she’ll be the boss, giving them incentive to mend fences. Problem solved. Friends again. Brook says, wow, Tracy knows nothing about friendship, and Tracy says, maybe not, but she knows about family and loyalty, and the sacrifices they make to take care of one another.

Eddie comes back and asks if math class is over, but Lois shushes him. She and Leo are bent over papers, solving a problem, and Leo finishes. Lois says, rats! Congratulations, kid. He holds out his hand, and she takes some money out of her bra, giving it to him. Leo says, see? He knew money was in math. He runs off, and Lois says, he’s a wonder. He rattled off the heights of the tallest buildings all over the world. She hates to tell Eddie, and she’s very sorry, but he’s going to have to take Leo to play the banjo at the top of the Burj Khalifa. She thought knowing the length of the Brooklyn Bridge was impressive. Eddie remembers kissing Lois there on their wedding day, and she asks if he’s okay.

Ava says, Lucy is a miracle. Windymere and Spoon Island have their charms, but they’re hardly the Maldives. People with the means to buy a private island, typically are drawn to warmer climates. How in the world did she find somebody who’s interested? Lucy says, Ava doesn’t have to act so shocked, because she has kept her finger on the pulse of the high-end real estate market. She just picked up the phone, put the word out, and given her track record, the referrals started rolling in. She just had to pick the most promising one. Ava asks, who is it? Who wants to buy Spoon Island? (Um… Nikolas perhaps?)

Cyrus says he likes what Carly’s done to the place, and this décor really captures the holiday season. She says, get out, and he tells her, don’t be so inhospitable. She says, this is her place, and he’s not welcome here. He says he just thought with their history, she would at least hear him out, and she asks what he wants. He says, a job, and she asks if he’s serious. He says he has experience as a cook, and she says, from the prison kitchen detail? That’s not what they do here. He says, touché. Many incarcerated do learn valuable skills in prison, however, he’s been cooking since his youth. When he had to fend for himself, he was living out of his car… She says, that’s touching. If he has to impress his parole officer by getting a job, he’s barking up the wrong tree, because he will not be working here. He says he never expected her to be someone who discriminated against ex-cons. Her beau Drew will be one eventually. She says, half the people she cares about have rap sheets. So him being an ex-con is not why he’s not going to be working here. It’s because she knows who he is. He’s a monster.

Brook says she doesn’t need a caretaker, especially not one with Tracy’s manipulative tactics. Yeah, she loved working at Deception, but it’s not one of her passions. Tracy says, passion doesn’t pay the bills, and the ups and downs of the music business – mostly downs – will not support Brook in the style to which she’s become accustomed. Brook says she can make sacrifices if she has to, and Tracy laughs. She says, been there, done that. She thought she could subsist on the great love she had for a pauper. It didn’t end well. Brook says she’s not Tracy, and money’s not everything. Tracy says, no, but it’s far from irrelevant, and Brook would be foolish to think otherwise.

Eddie says he’s fine, and Lois asks if he’s sure about that. It looks like he’s seen a ghost. He says, they were married, right? and she says, yes, they were. He asks if that was at the Brooklyn Bridge, but she says, no, it was at St. Ignatius, but after the wedding, they went to the top of one of the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge. He says he has to go, and jets. Leo comes back, and asks where Eddie is going, but she says she has no idea. He asks if she wants to play Suduko, and she says, you’re on, kid.

Charlotte tells Anna and Valentin, watch out; they’re hot. Anna says, they’re delicious. Really good. Not too sweet, nice texture. Charlotte says she’s so glad, and Valentin says, these really are good. Anna says, quite delicious actually. She thinks Aiden’s going to be impressed. Charlotte says, that’s the plan. Another batch is in the oven. It could be a housewarming gift for Anna for her new place. Anna thanks her, and Valentin says, her new place that he didn’t even know was on the horizon. Anna says, it all came about because she needed a caffeine transfusion. She needed some coffee and met with Felicia at Kelly’s. She said Maxie was subletting her apartment because she and the kids were moving into a new house. The smoke alarm in Valentin’s kitchen goes off, and I nearly jump out of my chair it’s so loud. Charlotte runs to the kitchen, and tells Valentin, the oven’s on fire. Anna tells her not to worry about it, and she and Valentin go into the kitchen.

Diane tells Robert that she has ticket to a fundraiser for a cause near and dear to her heart, Animal Advocacy, and she was toying with the idea of asking him, but ever since that time… He tells her, just say no more. He is in. Where? When? What’s the dress? Cocktail attire? Maybe a tux. She says, yeah.

Ava says, a holding company? That’s the impressive buyer Lucy selected? Just a faceless LLC? Lucy says, that’s how it’s done these days. Important buyers use holding companies. (It’s gotta be Nikolas, right?) Ava asks if Lucy verified this company’s financials. Just because they made the offer, doesn’t mean they have the 25 million in cash to back it up. Lucy says she’s in the final stages of verifying all their assets, and Ava says, if they don’t put the whole amount in an escrow account, there’s no deal. Lucy asks if she understands they could lose this sale. Putting the whole amount in escrow is not standard practice. Ava says, why get herself mired in some drawn out real estate mess? and Lucy says, what Ava needs to understand is, sellers of private islands in upstate New York can’t really be too picky. Ava shrugs and says she’s not just any seller, and she can afford to wait for the buyer who meets her exact terms. So if Lucy wants her big, fat commission, she’ll get this buyer to put up the whole asking price, or there’s no deal. She gets up, and Lucy asks where she’s going. Ava says, people and places, and leaves.

Diane says she’s loving Robert’s enthusiasm, and yes, definitely a tie, black tie. He says he so kills a tux, and she says she’s seen him in a tux, and yes, he does. She’s off. That’s enough for now. He says, wait. She’s going to leave him in suspense? She says, suspense is the spice of life. Details to follow. She leaves, and he says, a tux… Oh, a tux. He puts tuxedos near me into Spyder Finder, and says, there we go. Freddy’s Formals. He calls the shop and asks what time they close.

Cyrus says he understands Carly’s position, but she should know, he turned over a new leaf. He’s here to set her mind at ease. She says she was there. She held the line while Sonny was gone and protected their territory from him. He says, that white dress she wore. He remembers that… She says, remember this. She knows who he is. He’s a predator and he’s dangerous. Those spots don’t change. He can walk around town telling everyone he found the Lord, but she knows better. He’s lying in wait and seeking out vulnerability, but that’s not going to happen here. So he can take his phony humility and sob story and get the hell out, because Kelly’s is off limits. He says, she’s every but the fierce woman he remembers. That hasn’t changed but he has. Ask Drew. That man she described would have let Drew die, but he saved Drew. He tells her, farewell, and leaves.

Tracy says she didn’t do all this to sabotage Brook’s friendships. She worries about Brook. Brook says she never asked Tracy to worry, but Tracy says, she doesn’t have a choice. Brook has no stake in ELQ. And they’ve all seen firsthand what the music business did to her mother. Years of hard work and nothing to show for it. Brook says, her mother’s overseen four Grammy nominated albums, and countless national and international tours. Tracy says she’ll be sure to look all that up when she surfs the net. The point is – the truth is – she wants Brook to have something real, something stable, something lasting. That’s Deception. And yes, maybe she let her disdain for Lucy Coe color her approach. Brook says, ya think? and Tracy says, everything she did was to secure Brook’s future. Brook says she gets it. In her own twisted Tracy way, Tracy thinks what she’s doing is best, but it’s not. Accepting Tracy’s gift would be like declaring herself and her dreams a failure. It would rob her of any confidence she had, confidence she sees in Tracy. Something she’s still trying to build. Do not sabotage her. Tracy says, sabotaging Brook is the last thing she wants.

Eddie brings his guitar into the nook to work on his song.

Lois gets up and tells Leo, pause the timer. She’ll be right back. She dashes out.

At the hospital, Charlotte says, how could she be so stupid, turning on the broiler? but Valentin says, don’t worry about it. It’s just a minor kitchen disaster. It’s not like she burned the house down. (I say, ooh, out loud.) She says, at least the first batch of pumpkin bars turned out okay. Doc comes out and asks them to come in, and Valentin thanks him for seeing them on such short notice. Doc says, it’s his pleasure. Charlotte’s family. Valentin says, full disclosure, this was his idea. Charlotte’s had a difficult year and they’re kind of navigating it alone. It would be nice if she had somebody she could tell everything to. He’ll just be waiting outside. He leaves, and Doc asks if they should have a seat. He and Charlotte sit down, and he asks what she thinks. Does she feel comfortable talking to him?

There’s a knock at Robert’s office door, and he says he swears, if it’s Scotty, there will be manslaughter. He says, come in, and Anna walks in. She asks what he’s doing. Off to save the world? She kisses him on the cheek, and he says, no. He’s finding a tuxedo. The last one finished up with a bullet hole in the lapel when they were in London. He’s still waiting for a call. What’s up? She says she just sublet Maxie’s apartment, and she’s wondering if he can help her move. He says, everything she possessed in the world went up in smoke. What exactly are they moving?

Lois comes into the nook and listens to Eddie play. When he stops to write something down, she says, he’s still got it.

Tracy says, the confidence and poise and smarts Brook’s developed is all her. Nobody can take that away. She wants to build Brook up; she doesn’t want to break her down. Brook says she’s sure Tracy believes that, but in this family, nothing comes without strings. Even when they’re giving, they’re usually taking. Tracy says, they’re flawed. Most people are. Actually, it’s what keeps things interesting. Brook says, interesting is exhausting. (Agreed.) She just wants something mundane and predictable. A little peace and quiet in this house. Tracy says, that’s never going to happen.

Scotty meets Lucy at the Bistro, taking Ava’s seat. He asks, what’s so important that she had to drag him away from his important business? And give him back his pen. (Ha-ha! He’s so me with that.) She asks, what’s so important about the pen? She doesn’t know where it is, and it has bad mojo. She thinks she threw it in the bushes at the Quartermaine’s. Maybe Yuri has it. He says, Yuri? and she looks at her phone and says, this is exactly why she bailed on the cutthroat real estate business. Fussy sellers, slimy buyers, and they just want more and more. You know what? She tries so hard to keep the peace. She tries to broker the peace, but she can’t. All she wants to do is end up with her cut. He says, she’s got to dial R for real estate lawyer. If she wants to dial him, go to T, because he’s a trial lawyer. She says she knows that. That’s not what she wants. Look at her. She needs him to help her break that agreement she made with Tracy.

Avery runs into Kelly’s yelling, Mama Carly! They hug, and Ava says, they’re ahead of schedule. She hopes that’s okay. Carly says, it’s okay; it’s amazing. Avery’s costume. Spin. Mermaid Avery twirls around, and Carly says, it’s great. Does she want to be the first to decorate a pumpkin cookie? Avery says, yes, please, and Carly brings her over to one of the tables and shows her all the cookie toppings. She tells Avery, go for it, and goes back to Ava. She says, Avery seems to be doing great, and Ava says, yeah. She’s very excited about this party. She didn’t even mention trick-or-treating. Carly says, good, and Ava says, it will ease her mind. It’s easier and well out of harm’s way.

Robert and Anna carry a trunk into Maxie’s old building, and he says, it’s not what he was expecting, rubbing his back. She says, it’s heavier than she thought. Robin was holding on to it for her. She guesses it got stuck in storage somehow when Robin moved. She’s been meaning to go through it for years. He asks, what’s in it? and she says, her and Alex’s leftovers from a life she’d rather not dig up. It’s just personal paperwork from her early years at the WSB. Files and journals and even draft mission reports. She’s hoping maybe there’s a clue in there to help her find out who it is that’s targeting her at the WSB. She goes through her pockets, and he asks what she’s looking for. She says, the key. It’s typical. She thinks she’s lost the key to this apartment.

Doc says he wants to assure Charlotte that their conversations are confidential. Whatever they talk about in here is privileged information. She says, anything? and he says, uh-huh. She asks if that means he won’t tell papa what they talk about, and Doc says he might give him his general findings. For instance, if he thinks she’s under significant stress or she needs additional support, he might tell Valentin that. But the details of what they discuss in here, that stays in this room. And he meant what he said; she’s family. His only goal is to help her. And if she’s uneasy about it, it’s fine. He can always recommend someone else. She says she’ll talk to him; it’s okay. It’s not like there’s a big secret or anything. Papa’s overthinking this. She did miss him when she was away, but nothing terrible happened when she was at boarding school. He suggests they start there. Why doesn’t she tell him about her experience at boarding school?

Ava asks Carly if Nina and Sonny are bringing Donna, and she says, yes. They’re going to take Avery home with them, and the girls are going to be spending the night. (Revolving kids!) Ava says, nice. It’s too bad really. Windymere would have made the perfect backdrop for a Halloween party. Just the right amount of spooky. Carly says, it really would, once they’re old enough not to have nightmares; when they’re like 13 or 10. Ava says she’s hoping Windymere will be someone else’s problem long before then.

Scotty says, there’s no such thing as an undo button when it comes to signed contracts, and Lucy says she knows. She just can’t take it. She can’t take Tracy having 51% of Deception, and Tracy is sabotaging her creative vision. She has to do something. She has to get Tracy out. She wants to get her out. Scotty asks what she’s going to do about that, and Lucy says, her? He’s the smarty pants lawyer. He has all the legal expertise. There has to be something like… Wait a minute. A loophole. Some sort of loophole they didn’t see. She thinks that contract is not written in the right kind of font – he holds his head in his hands – or what about this? There was none of that blue paper, that stuff on the back of the pages… He says, come on, man. She’s got to get in the twentieth century. All of that went out with electronic signing. And if – and it’s a big if – what if she could nullify the contract? Tracy would just reinstate the lawsuit and Deception would go down as fast as the Titanic did. She says, over her dead body.

The super lets Anna in, and she says she’s so sorry. She doesn’t know what happened to the key. She must have dropped it in the chaos of moving. The super says, it happens to the best of us, and hands her a key, telling her to make sure she returns that after she makes a copy. She says she will and thanks him. She says she really appreciates it, and the super leaves. She tells Robert, shall we? and he says, of course (🍷). They lift the trunk, and go inside. I have to give them this. They made that trunk look heavy. I hate when a character is carrying a grocery bag or to-go coffee, and it looks like it’s empty by the way they hold it. Kudos.

On the way out, Charlotte tells Doc that she made pumpkin bars for her friends. He says, great, and Valentin asks, how was their chat? Doc says, Charlotte was just telling him about her trick-or-treating plans for this evening. Charlotte says, papa is the chauffeur, and Doc says, have a wonderful time, and he’d like to continue this next week if that’s all right. Valentin asks how she feels about that, and Charlotte says, it works for her. Doc’s easy to talk to. Valentin says, they’ll sew up the details later, and Doc tells them, happy Halloween. Charlotte thanks him, and she and Valentin leave.

Lois tells Eddie, that’s really good. Play the rest for her. He says, no can do. That’s all she wrote. He puts his guitar on the table, and she says, come on. Her and him, they go way back. There’s no reason for stage fright. He says, seriously, it’s a work in progress, and literally, it’s only half-baked. She says, he’s in the zone. She doesn’t want to mess with his mojo. She gets up, but he says, no. No mojo. Just a creative dead end. She sits back down and says, he’s got something there, so don’t trash it, but he says, easier said than done. She says, listen. The same fire that got you there will also see you through. Okay? Trust her. Leo yells, the clock’s ticking, and Lois says she forgot. Sudoku showdown. She’s got to go.

Tracy tells Brook, all right. She’ll back off. No more pressure from her. Brook says she appreciates that, and Tracy asks if Brook will think about her offer. Brook says, think, but no think. She’s on a new course, one Tracy inadvertently helped to set. She really wants to make a go of it, and she has a new musical protégé. She signed a rising star named Blaze. Tracy says she’s heard of her, and Brook says, she has? Tracy says, yeah, and she has every confidence Brook is going to make her a household name. Brook says she’ll do her best, and Tracy says, of that, she’s sure. She goes back in the living room, and Brook smiles.

Scotty tells Lucy, Tracy’s always had the upper financial hand. That’s why she agreed to the deal in the first place. Lucy says she’s very well-aware; she knows. He says, so she can just ride it out until Deception is bankrupt, and Lucy says she can’t let that happen for Maxie or Sasha. You know though, she is quite the dynamo at real estate. She could just pivot back to that. He says, like a rat deserting a sinking ship, but she says, no rats, no sinking ship. She would never do that to them. Maxie needs Deception for her future, and that ridiculous Gladys almost took everything Sasha has. He asks why she doesn’t just become a silent partner, but she says, no way. And let Tracy run her company? She doesn’t think so. She won’t let that happen with the last breath left in her body. She won’t… let that happen. She picks up a piece of muffin, showing it to him, and he says, she’s going to poison Tracy’s muffin? She’s better off poisoning Tracy’s cognac. Lucy says, as tempting as it is to poison her, she thinks she just got it. Think about it. She doesn’t need to get that 51% back, does she? No. If she can wiggle just a teeny tiny 2% out of Tracy’s greedy hands, then she’s the major shareholder again, and Deception is hers. All hers. She eats the piece of muffin.

Avery asks if she can have Ava’s phone to take a picture of her cookie, and Ava says, of course (🍷), handing her the phone. Avery runs off, and Ava tells Carly, isn’t it lovely how kids can find joy in the simplest things? We adults are burdened by adult things. Carly says, adult things. Like selling Windymere? Ava says, yeah, like selling Windymere. She has to move on, but she can’t do that while she’s anchored to that place. And after what happened with Austin’s cousin Mason, she’s determined to sell. Carly wonders what kind of buyer she can get for that place, and Ava says she has no idea, but Lucy assures her that she’s found one. Carly says, really? Who? Ava says, that’s vague, but if Lucy can get confirmation that the buyer has the money, Windymere and its torturous memories will be in her past.

Anna open the trunk, and Robert says, whoa. Someone’s a bit of a packrat. (Not really. It’s not even full.) She says, you never know what type of information could be handy down the line, and he says, in this day and age, all of that goes on a thumb drive. She says, that can be hacked into in a heartbeat. He does realize this stash is completely off the grid, and no one has any idea this information even exists. He asks if she’s sure about that.

Speaking into a recorder, Doc says, subject, Charlotte Cassadine, session one. Charlotte displays a maturity that belies her years. She’s both insightful and evasive. We see Valentin and Charlotte going back to their house, and Doc says, she’s already mastered the art of camouflage, presenting only what she believes people want to see and hear.

Valentin and Charlotte go inside, and Charlotte says, it still stinks in here. How are her friends going to be smelling burnt pumpkin bars? Valentin says, don’t worry. He’ll open the windows in the kitchen and air the place out. He thanks her for meeting with Doc. He knows it wasn’t her first choice, and he appreciates it. She says, a deal’s a deal. She kept her side of the bargain because she knows he’ll keep his. He says he loves her – he kisses her forehead – a lot. She says, papa? and he says, what? She says she’s sorry, and he asks what she’s sorry for. She says, for… burning the pumpkin bars, and he says she worries to much, and goes into the kitchen. Charlotte flashes back to reading Victor’s letter: Anna Devane is not who she seems. Do not trust her.

Doc continues, she is anchored to her father, a relationship that seems almost symbiotic. Charlotte takes Anna’s key out of her pocket, and Doc says, he is very protective of her and in return, she feels a great responsibility to protect him. Charlotte looks at the key and smiles.

Tomorrow, Anna finds something important; Valentin asks what Charlotte is doing; Halloween continues; and Josslyn tells Adam, it looks like he’s seen a ghost.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

I get irritated at Erika before it even starts. Over that hair flip at BravoCon.

Erika meets with Dorit, since Dorit is apparently still irritated about it too. Dorit tells her that it sucks she had to ask for an apology. Erika acts all contrite and says, what she did was wrong and Dorit means a lot to her. In her interview, Dorit wonders where this was on the retreat. She tells Erika that it had a bigger impact because of the year she and PK had. In Dorit’s interview, she says, it was 14 months since the home invasion, and she took $10K out of the bank for Christmas gifts. (Yeah, I know.) She had her handbag in the shopping cart and walked away. When she came back to the cart, she realized it was gone. I want to feel bad, but why do that? And I know women do this. I have told complete strangers, don’t leave your bag like that. Seriously, bad, bad, bad idea. She says, the surveillance footage showed she was followed by three men, and it threw her back into throes of PTSD. Erika says she wants to repair the friendship because she doesn’t have many friends. (No surprise.) She wants them to move forward together and they hug. How long this will last is anybody’s guess.

Sutton calls Garcelle, who’s bummed about Jax leaving. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, she and Sutton are planning an amazing weekend in Vegas for Crystal’s 40th birthday. They want her to have fun and hopefully get the stick out of her ass. We flash back to Sutton and Crystal butting heads, and in Sutton’s interview, she says she hopes they can start fresh.

Matchmaker Alessandra visits Sutton, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, dating apps not working for her. She’s getting a callus on her finger from swiping left. She’d rather meet in person. Alessandra is known to be the best in Beverly Hills, and Alessandra is her only hope, like Obi Wan Kenobi. Sutton tells Alessandra that she doesn’t click with people, and usually doesn’t get a second date. In her interview, she thinks she can be slightly intimidating. She’s highly intelligent, nervous, acts strangely, and wears things like cat sweaters. Alessandra asks about her ideal man, and Sutton says, tall, handsome, and a college grad. They’ll talk about the wealth part later. Alessandra says she’s a believer in letting the men lead, but Sutton gives a hard no, which is funny since she sounds like she’s waiting for them to ask her out if she’s not getting a second date. Or is she asking and they’re turning her down? It’s not clear. In her interview, Sutton says she’s a first child and an overachiever. She wants to win with Alessandra and needs to get to a second date. Alessandra says she’ll bring 3 men (I assume she means their profiles) and Sutton can decide which she wants to meet.

Crystal and Rob meet Crystal’s brother Jeff for dinner, and in Crystal’s interview, she says, she and her brother are close, but even though he’s older, she’s the more mature of the two. He’s a pop star and is known as the Bieber of China. He’s like a little kid who happens to have money. He was engaged three years ago, but before the wedding, the pandemic happened. She and her mother begged him to come home, but he couldn’t because his fiancé only had a Chinese passport. It led to the breakup, and Crystal thinks he blamed them. The food comes and I want what they’re having. Jeff asks if Crystal would be okay if he was with someone younger, and in his interview, Jeff says, when he first met Rob and found out he was twenty years older than Crystal, he said, oh no. Rob and Crystal determine that if his girlfriend is fabulous like her, she’ll welcome her with open arms.

Kyle picks up Dorit, who thinks they’re going to lunch for her birthday, but PK intends to recreate Pretty Woman for her at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. In Kyle’s interview, she wonders what message PK is trying to send. Dorit asks Kyle, what’s up with her, since she’s sensing a heaviness. We flash back to the retreat, and Kyle saying things weren’t exactly in sync with Mauricio. Kyle tells Dorit that she thinks it will pass, but in Dorit’s interview, she says, she and PK used to go out with Kyle and Mauricio, but haven’t seen them as a couple in a long time. Something is up. Dorit tells Kyle, even on Instagram, it seems like they’re apart a lot, and Kyle says she needed some freedom. Dorit asks if she means specifically away from her husband.

Kyle says she wanted to get away from everything, but Dorit feels like Kyle isn’t telling her something. In Dorit’s interview, she says she needs to respect Kyle’s boundaries even if she suspects something’s up. When Kyle brings her to the hotel, she wonders what’s going on. Meanwhile, Garcelle visits Sutton, and asks about the matchmaker. Sutton says she thinks she was a bit hard on Alessandra. Traditional doesn’t work with her. In the beginning of her marriage, she gave up her power. In Sutton’s interview, she says she wasn’t invited to the boardroom in her marriage. He made decisions about the finances and the kids, but the one thing she got to do was plan summer vacations because he didn’t come until the end. She tells Garcelle that she’s holding on to her power now. She asks what’s going on with Garcelle, and Garcelle immediately tears up. She says she Jax thinks she’s doing it wrong. We flash back to last week on the beach, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she thought Jax was being a brat, and the realization is now hitting her. She tells Sutton that being a mom is the most important thing to her, and Sutton says, teenage boys are kind of a-holes. Garcelle says, when Jax asked to live with his dad, it hurt her, and in her interview, she says, during the summer, Jax was hinting around. She thought he was punishing her, but also seeing how much he could get away with. In Sutton’s interview, she says, people don’t understand why she and Garcelle are friends, but they’re both single moms dealing with an ex.

When they get to the hotel, Dorit nearly freaks out because Kyle won’t tell her what’s going on. When they get to the room, which Dorit complains is not the presidential suite, there are tables with everything on the menu, a la Pretty Woman, but it takes Dorit a while to get it. In her interview, Dorit says, plating her own food doesn’t scream, it’s your anniversary. She suddenly panics about who’s taking care of the kids, and goes out on the balcony for some air. Kyle calls PK, who tells her to tell Dorit that it’s a surprise the whole family is in on. Dorit calls her kids, who tell her to stop stressing. They’re fine and with Winnie the Dog. Their exchange is very sweet and cute. In Kyle’s interview, she says, the control is out of Dorit’s hands and is freaking her out. Dorit’s stylist Justine arrives with a rack of red dresses, and now more relaxed, Dorit gets all into it.

In Dorit’s interview, she says, like in Pretty Woman, she’s leaving reality behind for one night and living out her movie fantasy. She’s excited now. PK awaits her wearing a tux, and in her interview, Dorit says, they’re good at surprising one another and big grand reveals. We flash back to some of those, and she says, she needs to do some work to get back to surprises or hang up her grand reveal hat. PK presents her with a Peter Marco necklace that’s on loan and worth $5 million. He puts it on her, and they go to an incredible suite. He tells her that he wanted to take her breath away as they walk in, and singer Berlin is there. She sings, You Take My Breath Away, and they dance. The text below reminds us that the song is from Top Gun, not from Pretty Woman. It’s not my fantasy, but I’m happy for her. In PK’s interview, he says he likes the idea of switching the soundtracks of movies, and suggests taking the Jungle Book soundtrack and putting it in The Godfather. He and Dorit have an incredible dinner, and she says, it was a difficult year, but this is so much better. It’s not that she doesn’t love surprises, but a lot of effort goes into looking a certain way. In their dual interview, Dorit says she doesn’t like someone else choosing what she’s wearing, and PK says, sometimes she needs to let her husband take control. PK says that he struggles to understand her PTSD. The concept of her not being in control is unusual. In Dorit’s interview, she says, she doesn’t need a grand gesture. She needs him to step up and help with the kids, house, and daily stuff, but it’s not in his personality.

Oh no. Mauricio is on the Lovebean train again. I’m not a huge fan of pet names, but that’s especially annoying. Maybe because it almost seems forced. In Kyle’s interview, she says she and Mauricio have always been in sync, but now it doesn’t feel that way. She thinks his heart and soul is in the agency. It’s the other woman. It’s Portia’s birthday, and they have a huge Mexican food spread. Kyle’s MIL Estella asks her about the rumors of trouble in their marriage, but Kyle says, it started because she was seen without her ring. In her interview, Kyle says, it had nothing to do with them having a hard time. It was one time when she was lifting weights. It’s not what she wants to hear at her daughter’s birthday dinner. She tells Estella about her tattoos, and Estella doesn’t think it’s a big deal. Then as a joke, she tells Estella that Mauricio has one, but when she gets zero reaction, she says, not really. She tells Mauricio about it, and he gets all pissed off. She says she thought it was funny in the moment to see Estella’s reaction, but she didn’t care. Mauricio stomps off and says he doesn’t want to talk about it. I don’t get this. Doesn’t he smoke a lot of weed? Where’s his usual mellow?

Oh I misunderstood. I thought only Garcelle and Sutton were going to Vegas, but they were just the ones planning it; everyone is going. This probably won’t end well, since no Housewives vacations do. They get on a private jet, and I say a prayer: Please God, let me one day make friends with someone who has a private jet. They give Crystal a $3K necklace, and Erika says she’s taking Crystal to Magic Mike. She wonders if Channing Tatum will be there. Sutton says they’ll all bond and have fights, but Erika says she’s given up fighting with them for Lent. In Erika’s interview, she says, a higher power told her that she needed to give up fighting with them for Lent, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, that could have come in handy a while back. I don’t need to tell you that the hotel is magnificent and so are the rooms. They’re met with champagne, and the rooms even have personalized pillows on the beds. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Sutton’s assistant went on ahead and unpacked her clothes. She just gets a corner of the closet.

4 hours later. The women are at Magic Mike, and Erika gyrates on stage with the dudes. There’s some kind of altercation that we really don’t see, but my interpretation is that Erika was not wearing underwear. Crystal says Sutton is upset and they’ve got to go. Kyle calls Sutton a bitch, and Erika says, Sutton is being Judge Judy.

To be continued…  

💀 Sugaring My Skull…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Charmers too old for their behavior. Until then, stay safe; stay getting your holiday act together, since it will be here before you know it; and stay finding joy in the simplest things even when you’re burdened by adult things.

October 25, 2023 – Michael Confronts Nina, Beverly Hills Has Frozen Over & Hand

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava meets Trina at the Bistro, and they hug.

On the phone at Kelly’s, Carly says she’d like to arrange a visit with a prisoner… Drew Cain… Why? Is he okay? He was just transferred back there from the hospital… Then when can she see him?… Then she’d like to speak to the warden… Okay. She’ll speak to someone else.

Outside, Maxie asks James, what does he mean he wants a new Halloween costume? She just bought him one; he picked it out. He says he knows, but he found one that would be way cooler. She says, great, he can wear that next year, but he says, it won’t be cool then. Besides, Halloween is the most important holiday of the year. She asks who told him that, and he says, oma, and smiles.

At the hospital, Obrecht hugs Willow and says she looks marvelous. And she’s back to work. Willow says she wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Obrecht, and Obrecht says, it was nothing. Willow says, Obrecht saved her life, and Obrecht says she’d do it again. Willow says, they haven’t heard from her in so long. Where has she been? Obrecht says, purging her demons and reinventing herself.

In her office, Nina looks at flowers Sonny sent to her, when her phone rings. She says, send him right in, and Michael walks in. She says, it’s good to see him, and he says, those are beautiful flowers. From his dad? She says, yes, they are. She’s so lucky, isn’t she? He says, very lucky. Too bad luck runs out.

At Pozzulo’s, Brick (looking very hip, I might add) shakes Sonny’s hand and congratulates him. Brick says he thought Sonny was supposed to have his wedding at the MetroCourt, and Olivia was supposed to be planning it. And he was supposed to be invited. Sonny says, that was the plan, but he just couldn’t wait any longer. Brick says, no surprise there. He could see how in love they are. Did he have the wedding on the island? Sonny says, yeah, and Brick says, beautiful. Just him and Nina? Sonny says, Michael was there, Donna was there, Kristina and Willow, and his grandson Wiley. Avery didn’t come and Dante was busy taking down Mason Gatlin.

Dante finds Cody at the stables, and says, look at him; back on the job. Cody says, as a matter of fact, he still does have a job, thanks to Dante’s mom. Dante says, of course (🍷) he does, and Cody says he kind of just figured he’d get fired after going AWOL for a couple weeks, but Mama Q wouldn’t have it. Dante says, that’s his mother, and Cody tells him, she said, there’s no way Cody is getting fired for trying to help save Sasha’s life. Dante says, Sasha will be happy to hear Cody didn’t lose his job either, and Cody says, she’s probably gone by now though.

We see Sasha’s empty apartment.

Nina asks what Michael said, and he says, after everything Willow’s been through, you can’t always count on luck. She says, no. Of course (🍷) not, and she doesn’t intend to. She’s going to do everything in her power to make sure this family, she and Sonny, have the happiest life possible. And she’s so sorry that he, Willow, and Wiley had to leave so soon after the ceremony. Then again, she and Sonny had to cut their honeymoon short, since he had business to attend to. Michael says he heard. He just came from Sonny’s office. He seemed as happy as she is. She thanks him for saying that, and tells him that they can’t wait to get back to the island for an extended stay. And they were hoping he, Willow, and the kids would join them. He says he doesn’t see that happening, and she says, they haven’t actually picked out specific dates, so they’ll work around his schedule. He says, no. What he’s saying is, he has to look out for his family’s best interests, and that means they’re not going to be spending too much time with her in the future.

Obrecht and Willow walk down the hall, and Obrecht says, of course (🍷) the ice baths came after the eight mile hikes and before the daily colonics. Willow says, and she actually paid to be put through that? and Obrecht says, only $10,000 a week. It was heaven. Willow says, sounds kind of pricey, but Obrecht says she would have paid double after that horrible time in Greenland with Victor, then giving her bone marrow to help Willow. She was a shell of herself. Willow says, she looks great now, and Obrecht says she does, doesn’t she? (She does!) Because she’s back to 100%. She flips her hair and they laugh, and she says, now that she’s home, she was thinking how wonderful it would be if she, Willow, and Nina could go back to the spa together. Willow says, that sounds great, but she’s not sure Nina will go anywhere with Sonny now that they’re married. Obrecht says, what? and Willow says, she didn’t know?

Brick says he’s glad to hear Ava’s all right. It sounds like Dex and Dante did their jobs. Sonny says, they did. Too bad Mason Gatlin survived. Brick says, and Renault was released from prison early the same day, and Sonny says, that’s one of the reasons he had to cut the honeymoon short. Brick says he found out the judge responsible for letting him go is the same guy that’s on the board of a foundation to reduce recidivism. It turns out they’re proponents of rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Sonny says, supposedly, Cyrus has given a lot of money to his cause, and Brick says, the cause or whatever behind the scenes dealings that were going on doesn’t matter at this point when he’s out. Sonny says, they just have to figure out what Cyrus is going to do next.

Trina asks why Ava didn’t tell her when she asked Trina to cover for her at the gallery, and Ava says she didn’t want to scare Trina. Trina says, Joss told her that Ava was almost killed, and Ava says she’s sorry. She should have realized Trina would talk to Joss. Thank God for her and Dex. Trina asks if Ava’s sure she’s all right now, and Ava says, yes, and Avery’s fine. It was wonderful to see her and hold her when it was all over. Just like it’s wonderful to see Trina. Trina says she can’t lose Ava.

Maxie and James are seated at a table, and Carly says, it’s nice to see their faces. What can she get them? James says he’d like an ice cream sundae, like the one he split with Cody before. Carly says, for dessert, but would he like his dinner before his dessert? He says he’s having a backwards dinner. Ice cream sundae first, then grilled cheese. Maxie says she’ll have a backwards dinner too; chocolate pie and then a chicken Caesar salad. Carly says she loves it. Two backwards dinners coming right up. She leaves, and Maxie and James high-five.

Dante says, Sasha was all packed up, and Cody says, so Dante went to see her. Dante says he wanted to say goodbye before she took off, and Cody says, he tried to talk her out of leaving, right? Dante says he did, but she’s got to make her own decisions, and Cody says, this one’s the wrong one. Dante says he can understand her wanting to start fresh. She has some bad memories here. Cody says, she has some good ones too, and Dante says he guesses she has to weigh the difference between the good and bad ones, and wait and see. Cody thanks him for going to see her, and Dante says he just wanted to make sure she was okay. Cody asks if he thinks she is, and Dante says he hopes so. What about Cody? Is he okay?

Carly says, first course. One piece of chocolate pie and one sundae. Maxie and James thank her, and she tells them, enjoy. Maxie says, so James doesn’t want to wear the Halloween costume they ordered? and he says he has to wear a different one. She says, he hasn’t even told her what it is yet, and James says, she’s not going to like it. (I’m intrigued. Is it Cyrus? Gladys? Trump?)

Lucy meets Martin outside Kelly’s and hugs him. She asks why they’re eating here. They do not serve wine, and right now, she could really use a glass of wine. He says he’s sorry. He thought this would be a little more intimate, but never mind that. Where did she wander off to? He was waiting for her at the MetroCourt. She says she had that contract she had to sign giving 51% of her Deception to Tracy, so she decided she would go to the Quartermaines. She would look Tracy in the eye, and she wanted to take that contract and just cram it down Tracy’s throat… but she wasn’t there. He says, that was a blessing, and she says, now, not only did Tracy blackmail her out of control of her company, Tracy’s completely trying to derail her great decision.

Ava says, Trina is never going to lose her, but Trina says she almost did. Joss said she was kidnapped by some horrible man. Why? Ava says, none of that even matters now. He’s in police custody and he’s going to get the punishment he deserves for what he did. Trina asks how she can be so calm about it, and Ava says, believe her. She wasn’t so calm when it was happening. If Dex and Dante hadn’t shown up when they did… Trina tells her, Joss said Dante shot the man, and Ava says, he survived of course (🍷), the way men like him usually do, and he’s being treated at GH. Trina says, it must have been awful, and Ava says, it was, but she has to move on. Move forward for Avery’s sake and put it behind her. Trina says, she’s so strong, and Ava says, maybe not as strong as Trina thinks. Trina says she thought about Ava so much when she was in New York City, and Ava says she hopes Trina had a wonderful time. Trina says she did, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as good if it weren’t for Ava. Ava changed her life forever.

Brick says, after much digging, he found this, handing Sonny a paper. It confirms what Sonny already knew. Renault was Mason and Austin’s boss. Sonny says, good. Then he has proof Cyrus is pulling the strings. Brick says, so he’s the guy responsible for Ava’s kidnapping and he’s the one who planted Betty in Sonny’s house to dig up information. Sonny says, and he turned over the information she gave him to the Feds, and Brick says, if Sonny wasn’t a step ahead, he would have been going into prison just as Cyrus was being released. Sonny says, and Port Charles would have been wide open for Cyrus to take over, but Brick says, no matter. Sonny’s still here. He’s not in any position to take over any territory whatsoever. Sonny says, that’s true, but he’s still a threat.

Obrecht says she can’t believe Nina wouldn’t contact her only aunt to let her know she was getting married. Does she mean nothing to Nina? Willow says, actually, the whole thing was totally last minute. Nina and Sonny eloped. Obrecht – who actually knows the meaning of the word – says, so it was just the two of them? and Willow says, not exactly. Obrecht says, be exact please, and Willow says, a few people were there. Obrecht asks, how few? and Willow says, Michael, Kristina, Wiley, Donna, and her. Obrecht says, that’s more than a few. Willow and Michael went to the wedding? She has missed a lot. Willow says she’s sure Nina wanted Obrecht there, but she was at the spa, and Nina probably didn’t want to bother her. Obrecht says, Nina could have given her a choice, but she didn’t… No matter. She should move on. If she learned anything in Gdansk… Willow says, Gdansk? and Obrecht says, that’s where the spa was. And on her hikes and meditation, she learned, we must not spend time lamenting the past; we must stay in the present and be thankful and curious about what is going on in the here and now. Willow says, that sounds like a good philosophy, and Obrecht says, so tell me, my beautiful grandniece, how is you’re here and now? Willow says, it couldn’t be better.

Nina says she doesn’t understand. When Michael said he’d bring Willow and Wiley to the wedding, she thought they reached a new agreement. Michael says, that’s because it’s what his father wanted, and Willow agreed to go. Nina says, he was happy for them; he was happy for both of them. So was Willow, and Wiley had a wonderful time at the wedding. Michael agrees he did, and she tells him, he said his father is happy. Michael says, he is, and she says, Michael wasn’t pretending. She saw his face when he was watching her and his father after the ceremony. She knew he knew how much that moment meant to them. And she felt that animosity between them was finally falling away. She felt so… He says, lucky? That’s because she was lucky. Because Sonny, Willow, not even he knew what she did, but now he knows. Her luck has run out.

Cody says he’s fine. If that’s the only reason Dante came here, then he has work to do. Besides, Dante was always useless in a barn. Dante agrees, unless there’s some menial task he can do. Cody says, Trigger could use an apple, and gives one to Dante. Cody leads Dante to a gorgeous brown horse, and asks if Dante minds telling him why he thinks Cody is so screwed up. Dante tells Cody that he never said he was screwed up, and Cody imitates Dante, what about you, Cody? Are you okay? Dante says, so a guy can’t just ask his buddy if he’s doing okay? Cody asks why Dante would think he’s not okay, and Dante says, maybe because he pretended to be crazy to get institutionalized so he could save Sasha. Then he saves her, and she decides to move to Texas. Cody says, that’s her choice, and Dante says, it’s okay to admit he misses her and likes her and all that kind of stuff. Cody says, he’s going to miss her, and Dante says, that’s a good first step. Cody says he’s sure Dante is going to tell him the next step, and Dante says he is; he’s going to tell Cody both next steps. Cody is going to tell Mac that he’s his kid and stop pretending he’s not. Cody says, they’ve been through all that, and Dante says, they have. He’s actually glad he’s not the only one who knows anymore. Cody asks what that means, and Dante says, Cody told Sam, he told Sasha. He’s no psychiatrist, but he thinks Cody kind of wants Mac to find out he’s his kid.

Martin says he doesn’t understand. Lucy likes Sasha. She says she loves Sasha. She’s told him that many, many times. She adores Sasha, and she still has an interest in Deception. So wouldn’t he think it was in her best interest if their company was as profitable as possible and as soon as possible? He says he supposes, and she says, but Tracy doesn’t see that. She is mandating that Sasha remain the Face of Deception, but they haven’t even asked Sasha, does she want that?

Sonny tells Brick that he spoke to Selina Wu and let her know who’s in control. She’s definitely going to be cooperating when it comes to Cyrus. Brick says, she’s not a stupid woman. She understands the power structure. Sonny says he knows, but he needs Brick’s expertise. Cyrus has given a lot of money to this foundation. He wants to know where the money’s coming from. Brick asks if Sonny really thinks a guy like Renault would give all his money away? and Sonny says, not likely; he probably has a stash somewhere else. But they have to figure out who else he’s working with. Brick says, Cyrus seems like a renegade to him, but he’ll check it out. Sonny says he’s made a lot of enemies in this town. Cyrus isn’t going anywhere. He’s got a lot of connections in Port Charles. Brick says he’ll do a deep dive on Cyrus’s finances; see where the money leads. There’s a knock at the door, and Carly flies in. She hugs Brick, and he says, a bonus. He gets to see his favorite girl. He asks how she’s doing.

Nina says she doesn’t know what Michael is accusing her of, and he says, she only wishes he was accusing her. He’s stating a fact. He plays the recording of Martin saying that he told the SEC to investigate Carly and Drew for insider trading under Nina’s direction, and she asks where he got that. He says, it doesn’t matter. What matters is, Martin’s telling the truth. The question is, what is he going to do with it?

They sit down, and Willow tells Obrecht that Wiley and Amelia are both doing so well. And Michael has been amazing. Obrecht says she was very impressed with how loving and supportive he was in her time of need, and Willow says, he still is, and somehow things have gotten better with Nina. Obrecht says, they went to her wedding; that’s a good sign. She’s certain Nina was so happy Willow was there. She loves Willow very much. Willow says she’s actually starting to think they may be able to develop some kind of relationship, and Obrecht says, of course (🍷) they will. It sounds as if everything is perfect. Willow says, not everything. Drew Cain is still locked up in Pentenville. Obrecht says, injustice. That man saved not only her life, in turn, Willow’s as well. Willow says, yes, and she prays he’ll be released soon, and Obrecht says, from her mouth. But there’s something else; she can see it. Please share with her. Willow says she keeps having this dream, and Obrecht says, dreams are important. Tell her. Willow says, it’s Harmony. In the dream, it’s as if she’s warning her not to trust someone. Obrecht says, classic Freudian. After all Willow’s been through, her mind is trying to tell her to stay alert. It’s trying to protect her from her deepest fear, that the struggle and uncertainty she’s been through will return. But it’s a false dream. She must ignore it. Her future, her family’s future, and now her future with her birth mother are all bright and beautiful.

Ava asks if Trina saw the paintings on her list, and Trina says, yes, and they were amazing. Spencer got them a first-class tour of the archives at the Met. Ava says, that’s incredible, and Trina says she was walking through, and she realized that she liked art before she worked at the gallery; she just didn’t understand why or how to appreciate it. Ava says, Trina had a great eye from the moment they met, and Trina says, but Ava opened her eyes to that. Ava helped her realize it’s more than just about the strokes and the beautiful sculpture. It’s something else. Ava says, a meaningful piece of art can give you understanding… No, can give you an actual feeling of what the artist went through to create it. Trina says, yes, and that’s what she felt when she went to the Met. Those paintings made her feel something. Ava says, she’s extraordinary, and Trina says, Ava opened her eyes to all of that. She loves her mom, and she loves both of her dads. She’s so lucky to have both of them, all of them, but she’s also lucky because when she met Ava, it was like she was a second mom.

Martin says, so Lucy hasn’t even spoken to Sasha? and Lucy says, no. Come on. After that horrible ordeal with that barbaric doctor and her crazy mother-in-law, she just thought Sasha needed space. She needed her privacy. Lucy completely understands. He says, but she didn’t know about Tracy’s plan, and Lucy says, no, and according to Maxie, Sasha is leaving town today. But Tracy wants her to somehow track down Sasha and demand. What is she supposed to do, force her to be the Face of Deception? He says, doesn’t Lucy at least owe it to her to let her know it’s an option? Lucy says she guesses. She doesn’t know. She found the perfect choice to be the Face of Deception, to replace Sasha.

James says he can wear the first costume for the Halloween Parade at school, and the second costume for trick-or-treating, and Maxie says, sounds like he’s got it all figured out. He says he does, and she says, he doesn’t need two costumes. Obrecht comes up behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders, and says, of course (🍷) he does. Because Halloween is the most important holiday of the year. He says, oma! and hugs her.

Nina asks what Michael wants, and he says he expected a denial, but she says, there’s no point. Clearly, he coerced Martin into betraying attorney/client privilege. He said he saw his father earlier. She assumes he didn’t tell Sonny or anyone else. He says he hasn’t, but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to tell everybody what she did. She says she didn’t do anything illegal, unlike his mother and Drew, and he says, so she doesn’t care if he tells everyone… She says, just tell her what he wants, and he says he wants her to stay away from Willow forever… but that’s only going to make her suspicious. So this is what’s going to happen. From now on, Nina is going to get his permission before even setting foot near them. She asks why he’d even think that. Willow and Wiley had a wonderful time at the wedding. His father is finally happy. Why doesn’t he just leave it alone? He says, she thinks he’s going to let her off that easy for what she did to his mother and Drew? She says, me get off that easy? His mother kept both of her daughters from her. She didn’t know Nelle was her daughter until after she was dead, but did Carly know? Yes, she did. Nina could have helped Nelle. He says, no one could have helped Nelle, and she says, he’s talking about Wiley’s mother and her daughter, so watch it. And after Carly put her through hell, did she change? No. Carly found out Willow was her daughter too, and did she tell anyone? Did she tell Nina? Did she tell Michael? Did she tell Willow or anyone? No. She waited until Willow was literally dying. Yeah, people are going to be a little angry at her that she turned in Carly and Drew to the SEC for doing something illegal, but that is nothing compared to what Carly has done to her. And she’s telling him this, he is not keeping her away from her daughter. Or her grand- children.

Cody tells Dante, that is crazy. He doesn’t want Mac to know he’s his son. Dante says, then why does he keep telling everybody? (ha-ha!) and Cody says, he told three friends. Dante tells him, he’s just saying, if you don’t want anybody to know something, you don’t tell anyone. Cody says he knew he could trust Dante, and Dante says, and Sam and Sasha. Cody says, yes and yes, and Dante tells him that he’s just saying, people slip up when they know stuff. Cody says he knew Dante wasn’t going to tell anyone; neither is Sam. And Sasha’s on her way out of town. This is ridiculous. Why is he even arguing this? Mac has this tight-knit family; he’s happy. There’s no reason he needs to be stuck with a guy like him for a son. Dante says, Mac trusted Cody. He bent the rules to take down Montague. Cody says, Mac did that for Sasha and he’s thankful for it, but Dante says, he did it because he believed in Cody. He’s seen the side of Cody that can sabotage himself at poker games and such. Cody says, exactly. Who in their right mind would want to be stuck with someone like that as a son? Dante says, because he’s also seen the other side of Cody that does good stuff, like saving Sasha. He saw the way Mac looked at Cody after he did that. He was proud of Cody. He’d be proud to call Cody his son.

Carly says she didn’t know Brick was in town, and Brick says he just got back. He hopes she’s doing okay. She says she’s trying. She’s sorry she had to call him, but she’s glad he’s here. Sonny says, she did the right thing, and tells Brick that Carly was the one who told him Cyrus was set free. Brick asks if he’s harassing Carly, but she says, that’s not why she’s here. She’s here because Drew went back to Pentenville this morning, and when she called to arrange a visit, they said he wasn’t allowed any visitors. Sonny asks if he’s in the infirmary, but she doesn’t know. The GH doctor said he was well enough to go back in the general population, but when she asked why she couldn’t see him, they wouldn’t tell her. Sonny says he’s going to check this out. He’ll be right back. He leaves, and Brick tells Carly, stop worrying. They’ll get to the bottom of it. Carly says she hopes so, and asks how he is. Brick says, life is good. Lots of changes in Port Charles. She says, yes, and she’s still trying to get used to them all. He says he hasn’t been back to Kelly’s since she took over, and she says, he should drop by. She’s made some improvements. He’s says he’s sure she has. She’s usually pretty good with rolling with the punches. Change can be good sometimes. She says, yes, but he says he doesn’t know if he’ll ever get used to calling anybody else Mrs. Corinthos.

Nina says she’s not going to ask Michael’s permission to see her child. He’s not going to play God with her life. The only reason why she turned Carly and Drew in to the SEC for doing something illegal is because she wanted his mother brought to justice. It was impulsive. She’ll explain it to Willow. He asks if she thinks Willow will understand. Does Nina know what Drew means to her? Nina says she knows he helped her, and Michael says, he saved her life. Drew saved her daughter’s life, and she got him sent to prison. She says, no, she didn’t, and he says, Drew’s only there because of her. He was beaten so badly that he almost died. Does she think Willow’s going to forgive her for that? She says she didn’t mean for him to get hurt, and he says, she doesn’t mean for a lot of things to happen, but bad things always do happen when it comes to her. Sonny is going out of his way, doing everything he possibly do to protect Drew in Pentenville. How does she think he’s going to feel when he finds out his new wife is responsible for Drew being in prison and costing his mother everything?

Carly says, Brick is a shameless flatterer, and he admits he is, but he means this. She asks, how many Mrs. Corinthoses has he known? and he says, a few, but she’s always been the one. She thanks him, and says, but she’s not anymore. Nina is, and she wishes them both happiness. Well, she wishes Sonny happiness. Brick says, Sonny wants the same for her, and she says she knows. And she cares about what happens to him. That’s why she’s glad Brick is in town, especially with Cyrus being out of prison. He says, she knows this guy pretty well. He remembers her and Jason facing off against him several times when Sonny was away. She asks if Brick means when his new wife led them to believe he was dead. Did she say that out loud? He says he heard nothing, and she says, she and Jason wouldn’t have gotten through that time without him. Cyrus is vicious. Please look out for Sonny. He says, consider it done, and she thanks him. They hug.

Ava tells Trina that a lot of mothers wouldn’t be so open to their daughters working with her, let alone becoming friends with her. Trina says, Ava is more than a friend to her, and her mom knows how important Ava is to her. She really appreciates everything Ava has done for her. Ava says, when she lost Kiki… Trina says, it’s okay, and Ava says, thank God for Avery. She loves her, and Ava knows Avery loves her, but she’s just a kid. She starts to cry and takes Trina’s hand. She says, there aren’t many people in her life who care about her without an agenda. She feels so lucky that Trina is one of those people.

Cody says, Dante really thinks Mac is proud of him? and Dante says, he does. He wouldn’t have said it otherwise. Cody thanks him and says, it means a lot to him. Dante says, but Cody’s still not going to do anything about it, right? and Cody says he really thinks things are better the way they are. Dante asks how it’s better for Mac, not knowing he has a kid, and Cody says he’s a loner. Dante knows that about him. He also knows Cody is only going to screw things up again. Mac’s happy now. He doesn’t need to mess up Mac’s life. Dante asks what Cody is talking about, being a loner. He thinks Cody has more friends than him at this point. Cody says he did get lucky, and Dante says, why doesn’t he come to the house Sunday and watch the game with him, Sam, and the kids? Providing Scout doesn’t commandeer the TV. Cody says he’ll be there either way, and they bro hug. Dante says, and you know what? Texas ain’t Mars. Cody says he meant what he said. He’s lucky to have Dante as a friend. Dante says he knows, and leaves.

Maxie says, they obviously missed Liesl very much, and James repeats, very much. Obrecht says she’s missed her family, and kisses the top of James’s head. Although her time at the spa was divine. Maxie says she can’t wait to hear about it, and James asks if Obrecht wants half of his grilled cheese sandwich, but Maxie tells Obrecht, sorry. She agreed to a backwards dinner if James ate his entire grilled cheese. James says, mom… and Maxie says, James… Obrecht says, James must listen to his mother, when Maxie notices Lucy talking to Martin outside.

Lucy tells Martin, Blaze is not only beautiful, she’s a fantastic singer. So picture this. They go to Home & Heart. She sings this wonderful song, belts out that tune, knocks everybody’s socks off, and then they sell lots and lots of Deception products. Slam dunk. He says, but Tracy doesn’t see it her way, and she says, no. The answer to digging themselves out of the hole that they’re in is right in front of them, and Tracy will have nothing to do with it. Maxie comes out and says, Tracy is right.

Inside, James asks what Obrecht is going to be for Halloween, and she says, it is a difficult choice. Either an Alpine maiden or a NASCAR driver. He says, NASCAR driver, and she says, okay.

Outside, Maxie says, yes, Blaze would be a fabulous idea, if Sasha wasn’t already the Face of Deception. They discussed this with Tracy. They agreed. Martin says, they did? and Lucy says, Maxie is right, but… Maxie says, but they owe Sasha the option to continue, and Lucy reminds Maxie that she said Sasha was leaving town today. Maxie says, they agreed that they would call her. Lucy knows how important Sasha was in getting Deception off the ground. They owe her another chance.

Cody tells Trigger, Dante has a different life. It’s not their fault, and he doesn’t regret anything he did. He understands people need to look out for themselves. Sometimes, that means starting over someplace else. It really sucks when someone who cares gets left behind. He hears the door open, and Sasha is there.

Ava asks Trina to tell her more about her trip, and she doesn’t mean the museum part. Trina says she and Spencer had a wonderful time. He had so much planned, and it was all so special. They had dinner on a beautiful rooftop. Ava says, it was the first time they were really alone together, and Trina says, yeah, and he got her this. She shows Ava her necklace, and Ava says, that boy has excellent taste, and not just in necklaces. Trina says, the whole trip was just a dream. And now they’re back to reality. Ava says, Esme and Ace, and Trina says, yeah. They still have so much to work out. Ava says she’s glad Trina had a great trip, and if it’s meant to be… Trina says she knows.

Sonny comes back, and Carly asks if he heard anything. He says, the reason Drew can’t have any visitors is because he’s in solitary. She says, why? Drew was the one who was attacked and almost killed. Why is he being punished? Brick says, they might be doing this for his protection, and Sonny says, Brick is right. Brick says, and to cover their butts. They either don’t know or don’t want to know who attacked Drew, but the prison don’t want a repeat. That would be horrible press. Sonny says, the fact that he’s in solitary under their observation means he’s safe, but she says, he’s not going to be safe until he’s out of Pentenville for good. Brick asks if that’s a possibility, and Sonny says, Alexis is working on it. Carly tells Brick, Alexis is looking into the judge’s past cases, and thinks she found some impropriety. Brick assumes Sonny’s helping her, and Sonny says he’s doing everything he can. His main priority right now is to get Drew out of Pentenville. When he’s set free, they’ll figure out what they’re going to do with Cyrus.

Nina tells Michael that she’ll explain it to Sonny. She’ll tell him that she acted impulsively. He says, she’ll explain it to Sonny, and he’ll explain it to Willow. He’s sure they’ll understand how she did what she did in the most underhanded, secretive way. She says, no… and he says he’s sure Sonny will understand why she lied to him this whole time. He’s sure Sonny will understand that, when his mother stood there and accused Ned of turning them in to the SEC, Nina stood silent. After all, Sonny is very understanding about lies and deception. She says, he can’t go to Sonny, but he says he can, and he will. If she doesn’t do exactly what he tells her to. He’s not even sure Sonny should be the one she’s most worried about right now, because once his mom finds out what she did… She asks if he doesn’t understand. He’s not only trying to control her life, he’s trying to control Willow’s. He says he’s trying to protect his family from her. His father is happy right now, so he’s not going to take that away from him. He’s sure his father is going to be happy until he finds out the kind of woman she really is. She says, don’t do this, but he says he doesn’t care. He’s not risking his family. She will only see them when he says that it is okay to see them. And she’s going to do something else for him too. She’s going to sell his mother her half of the MetroCourt back. Nina says, she doesn’t have the money. How’s she going to buy it back? (If I remember right, Nina offered to give it back to her, but Carly didn’t want it.) He suggests she figure out a way, but she says, no, it’s too much. He says, this is all she gets. Take it or leave it. There’s a knock at the door, and Willow walks in. She says, Nina’s assistant said Michael was in here. She hopes she’s not interrupting.

Tomorrow, Stella tells Jordan, this calls for a celebration; Carly says she’s not going to stop until she finds out who blew the whistle on her and Drew; and Michael asks if Nina is going to tell Willow, or should he?

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

We start with the roller coaster about Kyle and Mauricio. We see what’s to come, and it begins looking promising, and then, not so much. There’s a trip to Barcelona, and it shows us – let’s all say it together – all the wrong people have the money.

Dorit has soul healer Eaglewoman coming over, along with her apprentice Blue Raven. Dorit tells Eaglewoman that she and her friends had a rough year, and she wants them to move on. Eaglewoman says she’s a healer of the soul, and PK says he’s concerned about her being able to work her magic on this group. In Dorit’s interview, she says she invited all of them to a retreat, and to her surprise, they all accepted. Eaglewoman says she’s up for the challenge. Dorit has darker hair this season, and I like it. It actually makes her look younger.

There’s lots of discussion about what wardrobe to pack, which is always a first concern when going on retreat. First world problems. Garcelle has decided, no expectations. In Kyle’s interview, she says her relationship changed with everyone last year, and we flash back to Kathy at the Reunion. The retreat is held at a beautiful ranch, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she thought their first outing would be cocktails at a cool lounge, but they’re on a spiritual retreat with Dorit. In Erika’s interview, she admits to being vicious last season, and we flash back to that. Although she’s vicious every season, so I don’t get why this was any different. She says she had to protect herself, and she’s walking in like a man without an island. Or $750K earrings. Erika says she lost weight because of hormones, but in Dorit’s interview, she wonders if the hormones are spelled O-z-e-m-p-i-c. <snort> They do a drum circle thing, then sit in a circle. Eaglewoman serves sage tea to precede a ceremony to open up the soul. She tells them forget what they know and remember what they forgot. Dorit hopes to move through some issues, heal, and put it behind them, and says she’ll go first. She says she’s been hurt by Erika, and we see a clip of Erika at BravoCon, trashing Dorit’s marriage and wearing an age-inappropriate hairstyle. Dorit says, it was mean spirited and deeply hurtful. Erika tells Dorit that she didn’t want to answer the question and asked not to. We see another clip, but it’s not like she was being shy about it. Dorit says, Erika delivered the answer like she wanted attention, but Erika says she’s a showman, and delivered what the people wanted. Yeah… no. She thought she was giving them the old razzle dazzle, but she came off more like Baby Jane than Erika Jayne. In her interview, Dorit says, that’s not a showman; that’s a bitch. Dorit says she thought Erika would lead with an apology rather than defending her actions, and Erika says, it was an explanation. It was a shady question, so she gave a shady answer. Is Dorit’s marriage strong? This woman is so full of it. In Sutton’s interview, she says, the only rumor she’s ever heard about Dorit and PK’s marriage was when PK was pulled over for a DUI. He may or may not have had a woman in the car. Dorit says, her marriage is very strong. Erika crossed the line as a friend. She’s hurt and lashes out, and she’s mean spirited. Erika says, they all hurt each other’s feelings in this group. I hate any person who avoids responsibility by saying, we were all [put your favorite a-hole behavior here]. The one used most often is, we were all drunk, when the person in question was being an obnoxious drunk. We flash back to the various women basically telling Erika the truth, and Erika being like, f*** you. Erika says she was getting hit on all sides and needed to catch her breath. As a friend, she’d like to apologize. At that point in time, she’d never felt so low or unheard. She loves them and she’s sorry. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s interesting to see Erika emotional and vulnerable, but does she trust that completely? She doesn’t know. She wants to give Erika a chance and see who she is. Maybe she’ll be surprised. We get what we give. Eagelwoman says, they want to keep the circle alive and moving, which I guess means, let’s move on from Erika’s problems. Kyle says, the stuff with Kathy strained all of her relationships, and we flash back to the Reunion; Andy listing things Lisa claimed Kathy said during her rant, and Kyle weeping. The rest of them are either looking down or away. Kyle says she wanted someone to come up to her. It hurt her a lot. In her interview, she says she expected more from Dorit and Sutton. She thinks they just want to go to Kathy’s parties. Garcelle says she was confused as to why Kyle wasn’t going for people coming for her family.

In Kyle’s interview, she says, her sister created this by coming for her family and for her. She tells the circle that she’s not a punching bag, and didn’t want to stir things up, so she kept her mouth shut. Kyle cries, and Dorit hugs her. In Kyle’s interview, she says, her sister loses her temper on the phone, and we flash back to Kyle telling Kathy that she rants. Kyle says, it makes her feel sheer panic when she sees Kathy’s name come up on the phone. She knows she’s an adult, but it affects her like a child. Eaglewoman tells them to take a deep breath. There’s a lot of hurt and pain in the group, but there’s also love. In a moment of clarity, Erika says, we can’t be hurt by people we don’t love, and Sutton says she thinks they all have a lot of regrets. She’d like to see them be better friends collectively. Eaglewoman wants them to move closer, and they group hug. In Dorit’s interview, she says, they got through the day, and now they’re hugging. Hell hath frozen over. Or at least Beverly Hills has.

Sutton discusses putting a horse on her Amex with property manager Avi. In Sutton’s interview, she says she’s half Texan, and grew up riding. She wants to ride again. Santos spoke to her with his eyes… on the internet. I totally get this, since I got my rescue chihuahua the same way. I saw those eyes online. Jennifer Tilly (I love her!) comes to the store where Sutton has a spread for them that screams… food porn!   In her interview, Sutton says, Jennifer has been one of her best friends for over ten years. They travel well together. She tells a story about mistaking Jennifer’s salted caramels for earplugs on a plane, and says, they’re so stupid together. Jennifer tells Avi, we need some alcohol, and I love her even more. They talk about the store having been open four years now, and Jennifer says, Sutton spent the last twenty years raising kids. She’s going through a metamorphosis. Sutton says she wants to show her success to the ex-husband, and in her interview, she says, when they got married, they were both working. When she got pregnant, it was, you’re not going to work anymore. Her power was diminished, and she got an allowance. She’s never going to allow that to happen again. She tells Jennifer that financial autonomy is important, and she especially wants to show her daughter that. When there’s a divorce, there are two words, spousal support, but they come with an anchor. She’s not going to give it up – we see an article that’s says she gets $300K a month – she earned every single dime. But building something for herself is important. In her interview, she says she wants her ex to remember she’s smart and capable. She doesn’t just make lunch and dinner. She hates to quote Cher, but she will; I’m strong enough.

Erika meets with therapist Dr. Mann for the first time in person. In Erika’s interview, she says she’s been in therapy for the last two and a half years. She’s got the tools to organize her emotions. Bad emotions like anger and hurt don’t serve her any longer. The doctor says, Erika had a terrible fall from grace, and in her interview, Erika says, the indictment was everywhere, and we see a news clip where the newscaster says Tom stole the money and spent a lot on his young wife. Erika says, it feels better that she’s not included, but it doesn’t stop people thinking she did something wrong. We see a clip of Crystal’s husband says, Erika wasn’t responsible for stealing it, but she was responsible for spending it. Dr. Mann says, when Tom actually dies, Erika will go through a new process of grieving, and it will surprise her how she feels. Erika asks if she’ll slide back, and the doctor says, not as long as she’s not abusing Lexapro, but Erika says she’s off Lexapro. She tells the doctor, now Dorit is upset about what she said at BravoCon. How can she be a better friend? Dr. Mann says, she needs to have empathy, and Erika asks how she develops that. The doctor tells her to imagine being in a person’s shoes with their background and history; imagine what it feels like emotionally. It’s Erika’s job to take the high road. She did the low and it didn’t work. Try high. I am stunned that someone of Erika’s age and experience doesn’t grasp empathy.

Kyle is coming to Dorit’s for lunch, and PK sneaks a piece of pizza, saying, Kyle isn’t going to want it anyway. In Kyle’s interview, she says, it’s been seven and a half months and she’s had no alcohol. We flash back to Kyle accosting Sutton at Garcelle’s party, and she says, alcohol wasn’t serving her. She wanted to do what it took to make her feel better physically and spiritually. Kyle arrives, and PK makes himself scares. Dorit tells Kyle that she’s serving salad and petrified pizza. She’s glad to see Kyle in a better place. She knows it was probably a sh*t journey, but Kyle is coming out the other side. Kyle says, she won’t be mistreated be anybody. She didn’t deserve what anybody said about her. In her interview, she says, Kathy is used to people allowing her to get away with certain behaviors. She always gave Kathy leeway because she didn’t speak up to her big sister, but she’s not going to continue to allow Kathy to treat her this way. Dorit says she’s been struggling with PTSD and her husband, the one she depends on most, spent a lot of time in London. She felt like they weren’t connected, and for the first time, thought they might not make it. Kyle thinks it’s normal. Life happens, and things can pull you apart or you can pull together. Dorit says, it would be one thing if he’d done something or there was an incident, but there was a period of time when she needed him and he wasn’t there.

Garcelle takes sons Jaid and Jax to the beach for a picnic. In her interview, she says, they’re 15 now, but she remembers when she carried them like footballs. Now they can carry her; they’re huge. She’s been shooting a show in Atlanta and wants to spend time with them. She has to work, so she needs to make quality time when she can. Jaid says he wants to stay with his girlfriend Ashlyn, and Garcelle says, that’s fine as long as his dad is good with it. Garcelle says she could tell they were annoyed that she was gone so long, and Jaid says, three weeks is a year. She says she wishes they would vocalize their concerns more, and now is a chance to say how they feel. Jax says he wants more freedom, and Garcelle says she feels like he won’t let her parent him. Jax says he understands, but he needed that a few years ago instead of now. He already knows how to do things for himself. In her interview, Garcelle says, she feels she’s always been there for them, but not always 100%. Hearing it from Jax is like a knife to her heart. Jax says, there were times he thinks he needed it more. but now he doesn’t need parenting that much. It’s not his intention to hurt her, but it needs to be said. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s happy he’s being honest, but it makes her feel like a failure. She apologizes, and Jax says he’s glad they’ve learned from the past and matured from it. She asks, who is he? and in her interview, she says, although Jax and Jaid are twins, they couldn’t be more different. Her mom blanket parented, but she’s parented according to individual needs. She asks what Jaid has to say, and he says he misses Ashlyn. Aww. They’re good kids.

Mauricio does business on the phone, and Kyle asks to talk to him about their calendars. He says he’s going to Portugal during Portia’s spring break, and wonders if she can join them, but Kyle says she can’t go during that window. In her interview, she says, it’s been a challenging year. Mauricio has been working non-stop and she’s been working. When you have to schedule a meeting to go over your schedule, it’s problem. Mauricio says she looks great. She’s working out like a beast, eating healthy, and not drinking. In Kyle’s interview, she says, you have to find an outlet. She feels good about it and hopes Mau does too. Mauricio says she looks amazing, and asks how many tattoos she has. She tells him, five, and he says he only knew of three. She suggests maybe he should be looking at her body closer, and in her interview, Kyle says, it’s a symptom of not being together. Mauricio tells her, it’s a lot. If she wants to get another, he won’t allow it. She says, he didn’t even know how many she had, and he says, she doesn’t need anymore. He keeps calling her Lovebean, and it’s annoying the hell out of me. She tells him that he doesn’t have choice, and in her interview, she says, sometimes they can do no wrong, and sometimes they breathe, and you want to punch them. She tells him that she doesn’t have to please anyone, including him. She went from her mom to being an example for her girls. You can do all that, and things can still go to sh*t. She tells Mauricio that she doesn’t know if it came from dealing with her sister or what, but she doesn’t feel like she has to answer to anyone. He tells her not to become a rebellious person and do it out of rebellion, and she says she’s very f***ing clear, she’s not rebelling.

Next time, Sutton looks for a partner; Erika wants to work on repairing her friendship with Dorit; Mauricio’s family asks about the divorce rumors; and Garcelle feels like she’s failed as a parent when Jax asks to live with his dad.

💭 This show looks good right now, but in the preview, Denise shows up and all those tools Erika said she got from therapy go out the window.

🍫 Putting Chocolate In My Peanut Butter…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Southern shenanigans. Until then, stay safe, stay never ghosting someone, and stay not telling anyone if you don’t want anybody to know something.

October 13, 2023 – The Wedding Is On, Thought, Back, Fitting, MIA, A Goodbye, Salty Talk, Postscript, Hard Times, Back To the 80s, Dead Stuff, Costumed Pets (!), Totally Ten Quotes & Monster

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis lifts weights, when there’s a knock at the door. He wheels himself over to open it, and Stella asks if it’s a bad time. He says, not at all, if she doesn’t mind waiting for him to finish another set. She says, not at all, and comes in. She asks if somebody else is here, but he says, no, just him, picking up one of the weights. He asks if she thinks they shouldn’t have left him alone, and she asks if she said that. He says, no, and she says, he’s been on his own for a while now, and he’s doing just fine. He works with the weight, and says, she’s been tracking him, huh? She says she always has; she’s not going to change now. He’s working hard; very impressive. He says he’s just trying to keep it all together, and she says, he’s doing more than keeping it together. She’s very proud of him. He thanks her and says, all these exercises, in fact everything he does, is for Trina and Portia and Marshall. She says, how’s that? and he says, every morning there’s a part of him that doesn’t want to get out of bed. Then he thinks about his family. They need him, and he will not let them down. There’s a knock at the door, and Stella says she’ll get it. She opens it to Selina and says, what do you want?

TJ tells Portia he heard a rumor going around. The buzz is totally positive. She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, but he says, spill. She says she doesn’t want to talk about it yet. Not until she gets a chance to tell Curtis, and she wants to tell him in person. He’s going to be so hurt if he finds out everyone at GH knew before he did. She’s trying to sneak out of here so she can see him. TJ says, he’s going to be thrilled.

Josslyn knocks on the door at Windymere, and Giles answers. He asks if he can help her, and she says, he probably doesn’t remember her, but she’s Josslyn Jax, Avery’s older sister. He says, of course (🍷). What can he do for her? She says she’s looking for Ava. She never picked Avery up from the nanny last night. Giles invites her in.

A guard walks Cyrus to the visiting room, and Cyrus says, another visitor during off hours? He sees Laura, and she says, hello, Cyrus.

Austin sits at his desk and flashes back to him telling the judge that Cyrus is weak because of his heart attack, and no longer a physical threat to anybody. He says, yeah, weak like a great white shark is weak. He remembers telling Mason that he did what was asked and to let Ava go, and Mason saying, neither one of them call the shots. There’s a knock at the door, and Dex says, sorry to bother him, but has he seen Ava Jerome?

Puerto Rico. Here Comes the Bride plays as Nina walks to Sonny, and everyone looks all happy. The priest welcomes everyone and says, they’ve been blessed with a beautiful day to witness the joining in matrimony of Michael Sonny Corinthos and Nina Reeves. This is a joyful occasion, and a solemn one. Marriage as a traditional ceremony is an honorable one, not to be entered into lightly, but a pledge between two people to honor, support, and love one another for the rest of your lives. Is that the pledge they’re willing to make? Nina says, we are, and Sonny says, yeah, we are.

Selina says she’s here to see her friend, but Stella says, she doesn’t have any friends here. And no way she’s buying any with that gift basket. Stella looks at the bodyguard holding a basket of fruit behind Selina, and Curtis says, it’s okay. Selina’s a business associate. Stella says, uh-huh, and Selina walks in. (Oooh. The bodyguard has a bakery box too.) Selina says, his aunt is very protective. She admires that in a family. Stella excuses herself, and Curtis asks what Selina is doing here. She says, he’s been back home for a while now. She thought she’d give him some time to get accustomed to his new life. He says, that was considerate, and she says she hopes now he’s come to his senses and is ready to sell her The Savoy.

Cyrus says, what an unexpected and wonderful surprise. He didn’t know Laura was back from her trip. She says, they just got back, and he says, and she chose to come and see him. He’s touched. She says, he cut his hair, and shaved, and… He says, since he found his true calling, he didn’t find the need to hide behind appearances, and she says, he looks great. So tell her, how is he feeling? He says, their brother told her about his little medical problem, and she says she doesn’t know that she’d call a heart attack a little medical problem, and she’s glad Marty told her. He asks if Martin also told her that it was her aura that pulled him through in his darkest hour, but she says, it was Drew Cain who saved his life. He says, without the will to live, his CPR might not have been effective, but he is a good man. She says, he’s a very good man. That’s why it’s such a shame he’s in here with… Cyrus says, with men like me. He gets the feeling checking on his health isn’t the only reason she’s here. She says she heard about his application for early release, and he asks if she’s here as his sister or the mayor.

Giles says he’s also concerned about Miss Jerome’s whereabouts, and Josslyn says, so she hasn’t been here? He says, she was home when he left. That was night before last. She didn’t mention any plans to be away, but when he came to work yesterday, she wasn’t here. She never came home. Josslyn says, so no maid or no housekeeper has seen her, and he says, no one on the staff has seen or heard from her, but he did find a broken martini glass on the floor here. He points near the fireplace, and says, it could have been an accident. Perhaps she’s staying with her friend Miss Reeves? Josslyn says, no. Nina’s in Puerto Rico getting married. He says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt’s been a frequent guest recently. He was under the impression the doctor and Miss Jerome might be close.

Austin says, recently, no, he hasn’t seen Ava, and Dex asks if he remembers the last time he saw or heard from her. Austen says, two or three days ago. Why is Dex asking him this? Dex says, she hasn’t been to her art gallery, and no one has seen or heard from her, and Austin says, Dex works for Sonny Corinthos; is he right about that? Dex says, yeah, and Austin says, a couple of days ago, Ava mentioned she was thinking of maybe taking a trip to New York. She said there was an artist she was interested in signing. Dex says, that could be very helpful, and thanks Austin for his time. Austin says, no problem, and as he walks past Dex, Dex punches him in the stomach and gets him in a headlock. As Austin struggles to breathe, Dex says, Sonny has a daughter with Ava Jerome, so he cares about her. If he finds out Austin has something to do with her disappearance, he’ll be back, and he won’t be asking questions. He lets Austin go and walks out.

In the hallway, Dex’s phone rings, and Josslyn tells him that she thinks she might have found something.

The priest says, it’s his understanding Sonny and Nina have elected to say their own vows, and Nina hands her bouquet to Willow. Sonny says he guesses Nina wants him to go, and she says, yeah. They join hands, and Sonny says he spent all morning writing his vows. They’re in his pocket, but when he looked in Nina’s eyes, he felt like he didn’t need to write his vows because he can always speak from his heart to her. He thanks her for trusting and loving him, and for seeing the better man in him than he ever saw in himself. He appreciates her kindness and her strength and her willingness to fight for their love, even though everybody was against them. When they doubted they should be together, they did everything they could to get through it, and here they are. He’s convinced more now that they belong together, because of how he feels right now in the moment. How he always does; she makes him secure. He knows she loves him and he loves her that much more, and he always will.

Selina asks Curtis to just hear her out. She’ll keep the entire staff at The Savoy – Stella walks back in – and the entire name of the club will remain. He and his entire family will have VIP memberships for life, and she’ll increase her original offer to twice what he paid for the club. He says, that’s an extremely generous offer, and she says she agrees. So what does he say? He thinks a moment and asks why she’s determined to buy his club. Why doesn’t she start her own and find a location that’s half the price? Stella says, good question.

Cyrus says, in case Laura is wondering, he has no idea how the judge is going to rule. He hasn’t heard anything yet. Now that she’s back, will she oppose his release? She says, he looks as strong and healthy as the day he got in here, but that said, she’s not a doctor. And as the mayor, she doesn’t interfere with judicial decisions. He says he supposes putting in a good word for her brother is out of the question, and she says, yes. He asks if Marty also told her that he gave away all of his money.

Dex arrives at Windymere, and Giles lets him in. Josslyn introduces Giles, and says, Giles told her that Ava hasn’t been home since night before last, and nobody on the staff has seen or heard from her. Dex says, she told him that she found something, and she says, this cellphone and this lollypop. The cellphone was under the coffee table, and the lollypop was just kind of sticking out of the couch. And Giles found a broken martini glass on the floor. Giles says, Miss Avery must have dropped the lollypop last time she was here, but Josslyn says, this isn’t Avery’s. Dex asks how she knows, and she says, because it’s grape and Avery hates grape. So somebody else had to have been here. And Ava would have never left her cellphone in case Avery needed to get in touch with her. Dex says he saw cameras everywhere as he walked up to the house. There have to be more, right? Giles says, yes, and Dex says he needs to see the footage from the minute Giles left Ava.

Nina says, to be honest, she never imagined she’d be here right now with Sonny. It’s actually the last thing she ever expected or wanted, and she fought it for a very long time. She kept telling herself that they would never work, and as she kept saying that, her heart kept falling deeper and deeper in love with him. And she couldn’t fight her heart anymore, could she? Or him. His charm, his humor, his compassion, his courage, his loyalty… his dance moves. What more could a person ask for in someone they love? Then she saw him parent his children, who he fiercely loves, and how he’s willing to fight for them, for their protection. She’s always wanted that family, since she was a little girl. Her daughter is now a part of her life – she looks at Willow – and the two of them are part of his family. He’s given her so much. He’s given her a family. And she wants to give him something. She’s going to surround him with love for his entire life; she promises him that. And they can leave all their mistakes behind them. She’ll walk with him, hand in hand, right beside him, loving him, for the rest of his life.

Selina tells Curtis that she doesn’t have the time or the inclination to open a new club. It’s too much work and she has a busy schedule. The Savoy is already established; that’s why she’ll be paying him top dollar for it. Stella asks if he heard how Selina made it sound like it’s a done deal, when Portia walks in. Selina tells her, good afternoon, and Stella says, she got here just in time. Miss Wu brought them a basket filled with treats. Why doesn’t Portia have a seat and she’ll make them some tea so they can all get to know each other better. She asks what kind of tea Selina would like, and Selina says, that’s kind of her, but she has another appointment. Stella says, that’s just too bad. Maybe another time then. She opens the front door, and Selina nods to her bodyguard. She tells Curtis that she’ll be in touch, and he thanks her for the basket. I want to know what’s in the bakery box. Selina leaves with the guard, and Stella closes the door, putting her back against it, and says, amen.

Dex looks at a tablet, and Giles says, he can see the front entrance is well-covered by several cameras. Dex says, there Giles is, leaving. This is the night before last. Ava was alone when he left? Giles says, yes. Feel free to examine the rest of the footage. He must check on a delivery. Please help Miss Jerome. He leaves, and Dex points at the tablet, saying, there. Someone’s coming in. Josslyn says she sees him, but she can’t see his face; he’s wearing a hood. They keep watching, and Dex says, they’re at about twenty minutes later. Josslyn says, there’s Ava. She’s with him, but Josslyn can’t tell if her hands are tied or if she’s just walking super close to him. Dex suggests they check the dock camera around that time… They didn’t use the launch. Josslyn says, he would still have to go back to Port Charles, no? and Dex says, right there. He has his own boat. That’s what they left on. If he and Josslyn want to see where they came ashore, they need to see the harbor security cameras and the traffic cameras from that time. They can’t do that without going to the cops. Josslyn says, there’s another way.

Josslyn knocks at an apartment door, and a voice asks, who knocks? She looks up at a camera and says, Spinelli, it’s Josslyn. You’re watching us through the security camera. Spinelli opens the door and says, greetings, clever girl. What brings them to his door?

Austin gives TJ a folder and says, the prognosis was very impressive. He coughs and drinks some water, and TJ asks if he’s all right. Austin says he’s fine. He went to a concert last night and he was very enthusiastic. TJ asks, who was the band? when Mason walks in. He says he’s sorry. His cousin here wanted to see him.

Cyrus tells Laura that he’s seen so much suffering in here, he thought his money could do more good trying to help these poor souls. She says, Marty did mention to her that he’d given some of his money to a recidivism organization, but he says, not some of his money, every dime. He says, she doesn’t believe that, and she says she guesses they’ll see, won’t they, if he’s granted his early release. He says, how little faith she has in her brother. They were ill-gotten gains. He’s come to realize and appreciate that. She says she hopes so, and he says, she doesn’t seem to doubt the generosity of her friend Sonny Corinthos when he gives away his dirty money. He’s not wrong.

The priest says, Sonny and Nina’s vows were so clearly from the heart. Now please repeat after him. They say the traditional vows; in sickness and health, forsaking all others until death do us part. The rings are exchanged, and the priest says, in the presence of God and these witnesses, they’re now husband and wife. What God has joined, let no one put asunder. He thinks they know what happens next. They laugh and Donna says, you’re supposed to kiss. They do, and everyone smiles.

Portia asks what that was about, and Stella says, that woman was trying… Curtis says, Selina came to talk business, but what is Portia doing here in the middle of the day? She says she wanted to tell him something in person, but she wanted it to be official. Stella says, for what to be official? and Portia says she’s been named Co-Chief of Staff at General Hospital. Curtis says, congratulations, and she says, it’s going to be a lot more administrative work and a lot of emails, but… Stella says, Portia knows she can handle all of that, and Curtis says, she’ll be great. Portia says, and it’s going to be a little extra money. Stella says, as it should be for all that extra work, and Curtis says, they’ll be very lucky to have her. He couldn’t be more proud of his intelligent, accomplished, and very gorgeous wife. She kisses him and says, thank you.

Dex tells Spinelli that they couldn’t download the video from the system at Windymere, so all they have is the footage he had access to. Josslyn says, they also found Ava’s cellphone at Windymere, but she doesn’t know how to get in. Can he break in? He says, he can, but it will take time Ava doesn’t have, and Dex says, let’s get back to what we’ve got. The butler departed the house at 10:57 that night. At 11:18, an unidentified figure, likely male, entered the house. There’s no footage from the interior, so we don’t know what happened inside, but at 11:59, the hooded figure left by the front door with Ava. They were close together. He appears to be leading her, and from her posture, it’s likely her hands were tied. They arrived at the docks at 12:03 am and left in a single engine outboard. That’s what we have. Spinelli says, well done, and Josslyn says, what they really need to know is where they docked the boat in Port Charles. Does he think he can get access to the harbor security and traffic cameras?

Austin tells TJ that the apologizes. His cousin is unaware of hospital protocol. Mason could have just interrupted a consultation with a patient. Mason says he’s sorry. He’s just a truck driver and doesn’t know anything about hospital protocols. So he hopes TJ can forgive him. TJ says, no problem. They’re finished. He thanks Austin and is about to leave, when he says, so Mason is a truck driver? and Mason says, used to be. Now he kind of does a little bit of everything. TJ says, it was good to see him again, Mason says, him too, and TJ leaves. He pauses for a moment outside the door, then walks on. Mason tells Austin, do not get high and mighty with him about manners. Austin said he needed to see him right away, so what’s going on? Austin says, Sonny Corinthos knows.

Laura says, Sonny has nothing to do with the way she views Cyrus, but he says he’s well-aware of that. He and Sonny were in the same kind of business for years, and he ever thought much about Sonny. But then he’d see Sonny treated with such reverence, an honored member of the Port Charles community with a respected family when he’s no better than Cyrus is. Again he’s not wrong.

Kristina congratulates Nina and welcomes her to the family, hugging her. Donna goes over to Sonny and says, her turn. He says, come here, girl. Give me a hug. He wants her to know something. Daddy always loves her. She knows that, right? She says she loves him, and they hug again. These two are too cute together. Donna asks Nina if she can call her Mama Nina now, and Nina says she would love nothing more. She hugs Donna.

Willow tells Sonny, congratulations, and hugs him. He says, her mother is the best thing that ever happened to him. He just wants her to know that she means everything to Nina. Willow smiles at him, and tells Nina, congratulations. Nina thanks her, and says, it means so much that she’s here. Willow hugs her, and I feel sick thinking about this all falling apart. Michael hugs Sonny and tells Nina, congratulations. Welcome to the family. He kisses her on the cheek.  

Stella says, this is definitely cause for a celebration, and Portia agrees. Stella says she’s taking the two of them out for dinner tonight to celebrate. Marshall and Trina too. Portia says, they can actually have dinner in here tonight, have some champagne. It’ll be a little bit more relaxing, right? Curtis says, no. Auntie’s right. This is a big deal and they should celebrate it, right? Stella tells him, you said it, baby.

Laura tells Cyrus that she supposes she and Sonny have the sort of friendship that surprises some people, but she had no idea it upset him that much. He says he’s sorry. He’s not upset at Sonny. He supposes he just envies Sonny’s life, and how Sonny seems to have a closer relationship with his sister than he does. She says she’s known Sonny for a very long time, and he says, he knows it’s unlikely, but if he does get his release, perhaps he and Laura can build a bond that’s even stronger than the one she has with Sonny. She kind of shrugs and smiles, and the guard says, time’s up. Cyrus says, wish me luck, and she tells him, good luck. He laughs and pats her hand. He thanks her so much for coming. He hopes to see her again very soon. He leaves with the guard.

Just for the record, I’m aware they spell the prison Pentonville on the show, but I think Pentenville looks more like penitentiary, so, artistic license. Like with Windymere.

Dex says, there. That was the boat. Josslyn is surprised he can see it, and Spinelli says, keen powers of observation. Here they are. Dex says, Pier 17, and Spinelli, the abductor, if that’s what he is, chose his spot well. See what’s around the pier? It’s all warehouses. They’d be deserted at that hour, so even if Ava were to call for help, he doesn’t think she’d be heard. Josslyn says, wait. He took off his hood. Dex asks if Spinelli can tighten it, and Spinelli says, yes, of course (🍷), but the cameras are not high res; it might be grainy. Dex says he knows that guy. That’s Austin Gatlin-Holt’s cousin… Mason.

Austin says, one of Sonny’s guys was here asking about Ava, and Mason says, so? Austin says, what does he mean, so? No one’s heard from her in a couple of days. Mason says, because she’s locked in a basement somewhere. Who cares? Austin says he cares. He cares very much. Mason says, that’s sweet. His cousin is in love. Austin says he’s not joking around here. Don’t you hurt her. Mason says, Austin knows better than to threaten him, and Austin asks if it isn’t enough that Ava spent all this time thinking she killed Nikolas, and Nikolas is alive and well. He’s fine; he’s in Europe. Mason says he didn’t tell the guy to take off. He and Cyrus were the ones who kept him alive in the first place. Austin says, Nikolas is Cyrus’s nephew, and Mason says, forgive him. Cyrus has never struck him as the sentimental type about family, but Austin says, maybe they’re wrong about that. Mason needs to convince Cyrus to leave Ava alone. If that guy comes back for him… Mason says, put him off, but Austin says, no. He thought he already had. He punched Austin in the gut and grabbed him in a chokehold. He said, if anything happens to Ava, he’s coming back for Austin. Mason says, looks like you’ve got a problem, cuz.

Sonny and Nina, and Michael and Willow slow dance, while Kristina dances with the kids. Michael’s phone dings, and he says he has to take this real quick. He’ll be back. Willow calls Wiley over to dance with her, and Sonny asks if he can dance with his little girl. Donna says, yeah, and much cuteness happens. Willow suggests Wiley ask his grandmother to dance, and Wiley asks Nina if she wants to dance. She says, does she? Yeah. They dance as much as you can dance with a three-foot height difference. On the side, Michael says he’s at a family function. He can’t talk long. So, they have the name of the person who turned Drew Cain in to the SEC?

We don’t see his face, but a man tells Michael, the SEC was contacted by a lawyer named Martin Grey, acting on behalf of a client. Michael says, Grey was just a go-between. He needs the name of the person who pointed the SEC to his mom and Drew… He turns around and looks at Nina having a grand old time with Wiley. Ugh. I mean, I get it. She did wrong, but I still feel badly about it since it all finally came together, and everyone is so happy.

Curtis reaches for his water, and Portia tries to help, but he says he’s got it. Doesn’t she have to go back to the hospital, Co-Chief of Staff? She laughs and says she does actually, and he says he’s going to take a shower and he’ll see her tonight. She says she can’t wait, and he wheels himself out of the room. Stella suggests Portia take the basket over to the hospital for the nurses to enjoy, and Portia says, okay. When she gets closer, Stella lowers her voice and says, Portia doesn’t have to do everything. She just got a wonderful well-deserved job and she’ll be making more money. Portia says, right, and The Savoy is making money, and Stella says, but Curtis isn’t there. In his mind, he’s not making a dime. Curtis needs her, he needs all of them, to live out their lives as normally as possible and not walk on eggshells around him. He can go out the restaurant and have a fine time. Portia says she was just thinking he’ll be more comfortable here, that’s all, but Stella says, if something is making Curtis uncomfortable, he’s a grown man and he can tell them himself. Believe her. She knows Curtis and he will. Portia says, okay, and thanks her. They hug, and Stella hands Portia the basket. Portia asks if she’s sure, and Stella says, absolutely. They don’t want nothing that woman has to offer, but she will be keeping the baked goods. Portia takes the basket and leaves.

Josslyn asks if Dex is sure that’s the same guy, and Dex says, positive. Maybe Mason has ties to someone working against Sonny; he’s not sure who yet. Josslyn asks how he can tell from this picture, and Dex says, when he was following Mason, he always had a lollypop in his mouth. Josslyn says, that would explain the grape lollypop at Ava’s, and Spinelli says, here we go. The vehicle that Ava and Mason got in is registered to a Pautuck Trucking Company, Pautuck, New York. Dex says he’s going to need a list of all the employees employed by the trucking company and their addresses, as well as any properties owned or leased by the trucking company. He tells Josslyn, that’s where they’ll find Ava.

Austin says, Mason’s right. He has a problem. Because for some reason, Cyrus hates Sonny Corinthos. Can Mason please explain that to him, because he doesn’t understand. Isn’t there enough to go around for everybody? There’s plenty there. At least there used to be. Mason says he doesn’t get it either. Honestly, he thinks the whole thing started when the boss found out Mayor Collins was his sister. Austin asks, what’s that got to do with anything? and Mason says he doesn’t know. He’s just telling Austin, that’s when Cyrus started mentioning Sonny more and more. He would rant on and on about Corinthos and the life he had. Austin says, what life? They both have the same life. They’re mob bosses. Mason says, he called Sonny respectable. It’s almost as if it’s something he wanted for himself and doesn’t have. Austin says, so his life is in danger because Cyrus is jealous of Sonny Corinthos, but Mason says he thinks it goes deeper than that. Austin says, if that guy comes back, Sonny’s guy, he’s going to spill his guts. And they’re next move is to come after Mason, and then Mason will be as dead as him. Mason tells him, don’t do anything stupid. Austin’s only protection from Sonny is the boss, so just do as he’s told. Let the boss handle Sonny. He leaves.

Wiley and Donna chant, cake, cake, cake, and pound on the table. Sonny and Nina get ready to cut the cake, and Michael watches from the sidelines.

The guard says, this is it, opening the door, and Cyrus goes out into the sunshine wearing civilian clothes. He takes an envelope of the possessions he came with from the guard, and the guard says, he knows his way out. Cyrus says he certainly does, and tosses the envelope into a trashcan on his way to the gate.

Sonny and Nina cut the cake, and Sonny feeds Nina a piece. Michael watches.

Before going through the gate, Cyrus takes a deep breath and smiles.

Sonny and Nina wipe icing off of Donna and Wiley’s faces. Michael glares at Nina. This is bad.

The prison gate opens, and Cyrus walks out. He turns to look back at the prison.

Sonny and Nina kiss and drink champagne. Michael glares some more.

Cyrus gets in a car, and it drives away.

On Monday, Cody wonders if Sasha is going to walk away from her life after just getting it back; Willow says, Michael never told her who he was talking to; and Kristina asks what someone is doing here.

💭 A thought: Interesting that Nina and Cyrus have parallel goals of wanting a family and are both going about it all wrong.

🩺 The Doctor Was Out…

This is embarrassing. He’s my absolute favorite soap actor and I didn’t even realize he’d been gone for so long. Well, nice to have him back.

🧳In Sonny’s Defense…

The punishment fit the crime; being exiled to Bridgeport. And one of the funniest interactions ever, starting with her opening the door to give Sam the boot and him standing there.

🕵🏾 The Latest in Waldos…

It’s time to put him back on the canvas. Taggert is definitely underused.

🥀 Ringing Down the Curtain…

He had a wonderful run.

🗽 Her Face Is Irrelevant…

Doubtful she was joking considering her ego. Tribecca does not need her endorsement.

🧂 Four Teaspoons Of Salt…

This week in RHOSLC.

The slam.

The non-clap back.

To be filed under don’t care.

https://people.com/jen-shah-husband-sharrieff-shah-sends-50th-birthday-well-wishes-prison-exclusive-8303004

🍊 Orange You Done Yet…?

Fancy Pants Heather’s hint.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/style-living/rhoc-season-17-reunion-recap-heather-dubrows-new-house

It was pretty bold for one just released from banishment.

Apparently not too bold though, since the status quo stays the same.

💎 Possible Final Word…

So, they’re separated, but not divorcing, and it’s no one’s fault.

👠 Those 80s Ladies…

Normally, this wouldn’t be my type of film, but I do like an 80s flashback.

https://ew.com/tv/ladies-of-the-80s-lifetime-movie-first-look-photos/

https://people.com/ladies-of-the-80s-a-divas-christmas-lifetime-first-look-photos-8305219

⚰️ News Of the Departed…

Reddest herring in the world.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-melissa-mcbride-season-2/

It makes sense since Jadis was a huge part of the Rick story.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-adds-terry-o-quinn-pollyanna-mcintosh-teaser-photos/

There better be some good explanation of why Victor went from antihero to antichrist.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-season-8-scene-madison-victor-reunite-kinda/

Dead at the con.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/new-york-comic-con-2023-recap-the-walking-dead-universe-rick-michonne-daryl-dixon-carol-fear/#1

🐩 Best In Costume…

I could look at this stuff all day.

https://www.thelist.com/646383/the-best-celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes-ever/

https://www.hola.com/us/lifestyle/20211022325485/celebrity-halloween-costumes-pets-roundup-gallery-1/

📣 Quotes of the Week

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. – Bertrand Russell

If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content. – Leo Tolstoy

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor. – Horatio Nelson

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man. – Schopenhauer

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. – Joshua L. Liebman

Our experiences don’t define us. It’s what we’ve learned from them that matters. – Monkey D. Garp (Vincent Regan), One Piece

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. – Mahatma Gandhi,

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. – Henry David Thoreau

Few things will make you feel better than a job brilliantly done. – Robin S. Sharma

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping. – Gertrude Stein

🪄 Putting a Spell On You…

Visit again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s happening in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay never blowing out a Jack O’Lantern before midnight on Halloween, and stay being aware of hospital protocol before you barge into a doctor’s office.

October 10, 2023 – Took Me a Minute, About Lois, Celebration, Sobering, Sharing, In NYC, Daryl’s Week, Reunion Talk, VanderDogs, AKC’s Finest & Watching

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There was no GH today because maybe, kinda, sorta we might have breaking news. I thought I was losing my mind when I put it on, and Carly and Josslyn were talking about Trina getting back into PCU. I thought, wasn’t she just making a big deal about a paper for class? Then the lightbulb came on…

🎧 History Brush Up…

It’s been a while since Lois was in town.

How the stars aligned for her return.

🎉 Not Quite Italian…

Not quite Benard either.

☕️ Una Amiga Sobrio…

Not to be discouraging, but I think part of it is the company you keep. We’ll see how this goes with her palling around with Vicki and Tamra.

🍹 Watch What’s Not Charming…

For someone who wasn’t upset, he sure seemed upset. And his cheating is nuanced? What does that even mean?

🗽 Living the Dream…

What happened on RHONY this week.

⚰️ This Week In Daryl…

This is such a great show. It’s everything The Walking Dead should have been and Fear tried to be.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-recap-episode-5-deux-amours/

The surprise guest… sort of.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-carol-cameo-melissa-mcbride/

I don’t know about this theory. I figured she was talking about Rick and it was more of a set-up for The Ones Who Live.

https://screenrant.com/daryl-dixon-carol-cameo-walking-dead-season-12-setup/

👢 Could Happen…

People laugh at me, but I loved their music and they put on a great show. Back in the day, their concert was one of the few things I ever watched using pay-per-view.

https://extratv.com/2023/10/03/geri-halliwell-talks-spice-girls-reunion-and-reacts-to-mel-b-message-exclusive/

🐶 Pros and Controversies…

That whole thing with Dorit still annoys me. Knowing how rescue works, Dorit was in the wrong. Period. And the constant chatter about it wasn’t coming from Her Majesty. If anyone could single-handedly end the dog meat trade, it would be LVP.

👻 A Whole Lotta Treat…

These are some of the cutest costumes I’ve ever seen.

☎️ Hanging Up If the 90s Calls…

Take a break tomorrow for some soap (I think) and what I hope is the end of OC season. Until then, stay safe, stay not raining on anyone’s Halloween parade, and stay not hanging out with Vicki and Tamra if you want to curb your drinking.

October 4, 2023 – No Soap Or Radio, Sprina’s First, Not Leaving, Surprise, Memories, Reunited Doesn’t Feel Good, Beverly Hills Peek, Back To the 80s, History Lesson, Frightful Décor & Yeah

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There was no GH today because, baseball, but here’s a little news to keep you going until tomorrow.

😍 Feels Like the Very First Time…

IMO very nicely done.

👠 Not Going Anywhere…

News to me, but I’m not exactly lurking in the soap social circles.

🌌 It Was Just a Dream…

It’s really too bad they killed her off, but if you’ve got to go, you might as well leave a trail of murder and mayhem in your wake.

🧛🏻‍♂️ Light the Corners of My Mind…

It’s such a shame the canceled this. Michael Easton was great as a vampire.

The Real Nauseating Housewives of Orange County

Reunion – Part 1

Oh good God, this has been on for 17 seasons. Andy wants to take us somewhere, and we hit the virtual beach. He asks Tamra how it feels to be unpaused, and she says, great. She was a little nervous. That’s why she drank so much. Already the excuses start. We find out Emily lost 40 pounds, and Andy points out that Heather Fancy Pants is wearing all black. Now an official realtor, Gina says she has two homes in escrow. Jen doesn’t think she did enough meditation to prepare, and when Andy wonders how many pounds of hair Shannon has on her head, she says, not as many as Teresa did at her wedding. I don’t think I like this look on her. It’s like she’s trying to be a teenager from the 1970s. Andy says, Tamra came in hot and burning rubber, literally on a motorcycle, and she wasn’t afraid to burn a few bridges. We flash back, and the first clip is Tamra claiming she’s back with a different perspective. She doesn’t have to call everybody out. Funny how she did nothing but call people out. Andy asks where she and Shannon are and she says, great. They have their ups and downs and are definitely like sisters. He asks, how’s Eddie? and she says he started a supplement company that’s going to be launching soon. I will never be able to reconcile how shrew Tamra landed Eddie, who seems to be a decent guy, but then again, I only see bits and pieces of him. Maybe he’s a freak or a weirdo or both. A viewer asks how Fancy Pants feels about a friendship with Tamra, and Fancy Pants says, Tamra talked against her, and it makes her feel sad. Tamra says, she never did it on purpose, and Fancy Pants says, there wasn’t one episode where Tamra didn’t say something unkind about her. Tamra accuses Fancy Pants of running to Andy with that, but Fancy Pants says she did no such thing. She’s just a tiny cog in the Andy Cohen machine. When she does get a precious minute with him, they’re not talking about Tamra. Andy says, Fancy Pants never brought it up, and Tamra whines that Fancy Pants had said there was no place for her on the show. It’s time to move on, and Andy says, Tamra and Jenn had a friendship so messy, even a flying napkin couldn’t clean it up. We flash back to Tamra being absolutely abusive to Jenn, ending with her screeching that Jenn ruined her whole family, and it annoys me all over again. Andy says he thinks it’s admirable that Jenn has fostered kids, and Jenn says, it fulfilled her. Ever twisting even good things around, Tamra wonders if Jenn was a foster mom because she was lacking love. Gina says, Jenn didn’t destroy her family. Gina had the same situation in her life, and it’s okay to shift family dynamics. Andy says, they invited Ryan to the show, but he declined. Geez, I wonder why. Jenn says, he has a history with Tamra and Eddie, and felt if Tamra goes at him, he’d look like an a-hole going after a woman. It was a no win for him. Agreed. Andy asks if she thinks there’s a proposal in the future, and Emily asks if Jenn thinks he was ring shopping for the show? We flash back to Ryan’s shopping trip, and Jenn says, they’ve talked about marriage a lot. He’s ready, but waiting on her. She knows they all think she was doing all kinds of things she wasn’t, and they rehash the whole Ryan and Jenn thing. Tamra says she wants better for Jenn, and Jenn says, it’s none of her business. She thought Tamra was her friend. Tamra says she was until she found out Jenn cheated. Jenn says, no, you, and they call each other POS cheaters. It didn’t take long for me to hate Tamra all over again. Andy takes a break because I beg him to with a brain wave.

Jenn says, Tamra’s a cheater, and Tamra says she and Eddie have been married 13 years, like this means anything. Jenn says, Tamra is a sh*tty friend, and Andy says, the perception was, the minute Tamra came on, she went for Jenn. Tamra says she gave Jenn advice beforehand to be honest. Tamra rehashes Ryan texting whatever-her-name-was, and Jenn says, for the millionth time, that she’s seen all the texts. Andy asks if Jenn thinks whatshername and Ryan were messing around when they were together, but Jenn says, it was only the one time when they were on a break. Tamra squeals that Ryan texted her for three months, and when asked if she was in a committed relationship. Then later she sent him risqué pic. Jenn says she saw the pic and told him that she wanted this be done. Shannon says she told Tamra that it was too much, and Tamra shoots back that when they were at the pool party, Shannon asked if they could dig up more. Emily agrees Shannon wanted to dig. She said it was so juicy, they had to get it on camera. Shannon insists she didn’t, and Gina suggests they look at Shannon’s track record. Shannon says, no, you, and then the d*ck pic gets rehashed. Jenn wonders why they’re all still talking about it (thank you). It was a personal moment and no one’s business. Gina says, Jenn chose to forgive him, move on, and give it a go, and Jenn says she loves him and she’s happy with him. Gina says she feels like Jenn is being the bigger person. She’s the scapegoat in her own story, and doesn’t chuck anyone under the bus. Tamra says she’s sorry she upset Jenn, but she knew Jenn would protect him and make her out to be a liar. She says sorry again, but that doesn’t sound like an apology. Jenn says, they’ll have to agree to disagree, and Tamra says, Jenn deserves happiness. She’s an amazing person. I guess Tamra ran out of steam.

Taylor comes out, and Fancy Pants whispers to Gina that Taylor’s been sh*tting on her all over the place. Andy says, Taylor is now fighting hard from a different zip code, and asks how it feels to be the first Housewife to cross over? She says, it feels like home and she’s finding friendships. Andy doesn’t spend much time here before he tells us that Fancy Pants has the perfect cure for empty nest syndrome; trade in the nest for 55 million. We flash back to all that, and Andy asks about Terry having a stroke. Fancy Pants says, in front of her, but he didn’t realize it happened, and argued with her about going to the hospital. She literally chased him down with them both in Ubers. She finally got him to go, and the doctor confirmed he’d had a stroke. Andy asks about Taylor being in her first movie, and she says, because of the strike, they haven’t been able to finish. A viewer agrees that Fancy Pants sounds condescending and asks if Taylor thinks she’s unaware of it. Taylor says she thinks it’s just how Fancy Pants talks, and she is unaware. She told Fancy Pants they were filming in Oklahoma, and she asked, where’s Oklahoma? Fancy Pants says she’s not Magellan, and if she offended Taylor, she apologizes. I’m no Magellan either, but I know approximately where Oklahoma is. Fancy Pants says she felt terrible that’s what Taylor thought during the season, but she wasn’t trying to be condescending. Since the pot isn’t stirred enough, Andy points out that Tamra was the one who said Fancy Pants hadn’t worked since the 1900s. Tamra says she wasn’t making fun; she just got her years mixed up. Fancy Pants says, when Tamra and Eddie closed the gym, what if she’d said, they were only in business nine years; it’s not the Equinox. Andy says, Gina warned Taylor that Tamra was two-faced, and Taylor says, Tamra likes to stir the pot. If she had something to say to Fancy Pants about her, she should have said it in front of her. Tamra says she literally followed Fancy Pants to the bathroom while she was talking. Fancy Pants reapplies her lipgloss, and Taylor says, Fancy Pants said she was anti-female, but she works tirelessly for women and children of domestic violence. Heather says, then don’t put down another woman’s career, but Taylor says she thought she was supporting it by suggesting Fancy Pants go for a role in the film. Tamra says, Fancy Pants is the one who ran into a producer and said, get her off this f***ing show. Shannon pipes up that she was there, and Andy asks if Fancy Pants thinks she’s better than them. Shannon says, sometimes, and Fancy says, it was the producer of That’s Life, the series where she was most recently a regular. She wondered if it was a sign, since they’d been trashing her career. She didn’t mean she wanted off the show or was putting it down. She’s grateful for the platform and came back because of it. Emily says, Fancy Pants doesn’t put her down, but she didn’t stick up for Emily when Tamra said she wasn’t an attorney. Tamra says she meant Emily reached out to her as a party planner, but Fancy Pants says, Tamra said, Emily was a party planner, not a real lawyer. We flash back to that, and she kinda, sorta did. Tamra tells her that she said Emily wasn’t a practicing attorney, and Emily says she’s tired of hearing she’s not a real attorney. Gina suggests Fancy Pants is tired of hearing she’s not a real actress, and Emily says she understands. She feels the same way and wishes Fancy Pants either told her at the time or defended her. A viewer says, Fancy Pants said she didn’t want to tell the group about the sale of her home because she was afraid the press would find out. Then she said it was because no one would be happy for her. Which was it? Shannon says, nobody wasn’t happy for her, and Tamra says, they did find out about it from the press. Heather says she didn’t want that to happen. She wanted to tell them in Mexico. Tamra says, they were all happy for her, and Fancy Pants admits that’s true and looks like she’s going to cry. Andy says, Fancy Pants claimed she got picked on because the others are jealous, and wonders if she still feels that way. Fancy Pants says she does think she self-actualizes, and wants to be a better person, human, mom, wife, friend. Shannon says she needs to go to the bathroom badly, and Fancy Pants tells Andy that she doesn’t know; she’s sad. Resident psychologist Emily says she thinks Fancy Pants feel isolated because she’s offended all the time about everything that everyone does. Fancy Pants says she does not, but Emily says she thinks the problem is that Fancy Pants needs to laugh at herself more. Andy asks who thinks Fancy Pants has a sense of humor, and it doesn’t look good, but Gina and Tamra both say she does. Taylor says she’d hoped they’d moved past everything in Tulum, and she’s here for Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants says she thought they’d had a nice conversation, but everything Taylor says about her is punitive. She would like Taylor to stop doing that. Taylor says she’d like to review what things those are in a separate conversation from this one. Andy tells us that it’s time to say goodbye to Taylor, probably because she showed some smarts instead of saying, let’s discuss this right now in an inappropriate venue, and broke Housewife Rule #1. We take a break. Not like Ryan and Jenn’s break though.

To his credit, Andy says, we’re back, instead of welcoming us back like we were the ones who left. He says, Gina’s life was in an upswing, but she had some friendships in need of renovation. We flash back, and when the clip is shown where Shannon brings up Gina’s DUI, I think, they’re going to get mad about this all over again. That’s what I hate about these Reunions. They stir it all up again when I’m over it. Gina says, Matt’s infidelity hurt worse than the domestic violence, and Emily says she thinks it’s because that was an isolated event. Gina says, it wasn’t Matt that night, and she doesn’t look at him like that person. A viewer asks why Fancy Pants had a problem with Gina sharing her problems with Travis, and Fancy Pants says she’s had no boyfriend for almost 30 years. In her day, you didn’t talk about your ex. She wasn’t talking negatively against Travis. Emily says, blended families are different, and Gina says she knew Fancy Pants meant well. She still has to process something that changed the course of her entire life. Andy says, Shannon promised not to talk about Gina’s DUI again, so why did she? Shannon says – wait for it – she didn’t realize she said it. When she made the statement, she wasn’t saying Gina’s kids would be taken away, but if she had been arrested and another adult not there, they wouldn’t have been left alone. Gina asks Shannon what the names of her kids are, and Shannon is hard pressed to get it right. Gina says, never talk about her children. She’s known Shannon for six years, and Shannon doesn’t even know her kids’ names. What she said was completely inaccurate, out of bounds, and wrong. She shouldn’t have anything other than I’m sorry. Shannon tells Gina, yes, what she said was unkind, and Gina says, Shannon is worried about people talking about the same things she’s saying about other people. Shannon is talking about her children. My children! Shannon tells her to keep screaming, and Gina says she will. My children.

Andy asks Shannon what her reaction was to the seeing herself, and she says she was horrified, and she spoke to Gina. Emily says, when she knew she said it, that was an opportunity to say she was wrong, and Shannon says, it was established at the table she’d said it. I don’t know if Shannon is being deliberately dense or she’s stupid, and Gina explains that it would have been an opportunity to be a kind person. Shannon says she could present a list of things she’s done for Gina, and Gina says, Shannon gave her a phone number four and a half years ago. Andy asks if Shannon doesn’t think she’s beaten that one to death, but Shannon repeats she has a list of things she’s done for Gina. Gina says, of course Shannon makes a list, and Shannon says, before Gina met Travis, she invited Gina out, then Gina kept painting her out to be a horrible person. Andy reminds Shannon that she said Gina had been talking about her and John, yet she talked about Travis. We flash back to Shannon’s remark about Travis’s teeny penis, and Shannon says she was repeating something she’d heard three years ago. Emily asks, why bring it up now? and Shannon says, Gina was saying horrible things. Gina says, so instead of coming to her and asking if she’d said those things, Shannon chucked her and Travis under the bus. Shannon only worried about herself. Shannon says she apologized for the Travis comment, and Emily says, there’s nothing more detrimental as mom to hear someone say you’re a bad mom. It feels like Shannon is being defensive instead of saying she was completely wrong and crossed the line. Gina says, she and Shannon went out and had a little fun years ago. Her kids are close to being on social media, and for them to see that about being taken away would hurt them and scare them, and Shannon doesn’t even know names. This wound will stay with her, and she doesn’t know if she can continue to do this. It’s unclear whether she means her friendship with Shannon, the Reunion, or the show.

Next time, the Reunion concludes, Fancy Pants confronts Shannon; Emily says, Fancy Pants has no sense of humor; Fancy Pants says she hasn’t gone against Tamra because she’s scared of her; and Tamra says, Fancy Pants should be scared of her. I guess that baptism just plain wore off.

💎 Trailing the Hills…

The vault has been opened for the new season of RHOBH. I think I’d handle the trips they go on the way my BFF and I handled CYO trips in high school. Take the bus there with everyone, “get lost” somehow, and then conveniently find the bus again when it’s time to go home.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-13-trailer/

🛼 Having a Flashback…

I’ll have whatever Donna Mills is having.

https://ew.com/tv/ladies-of-the-80s-lifetime-movie-first-look-photos/

👻 Scary Truth…

Great article on Halloween.

https://www.fatherly.com/entertainment/the-real-history-halloween-in-the-us

🎃 Scaredy Dog…

I had a Golden that was literally scared of his shadow.

https://people.com/golden-retriever-gets-scared-halloween-decorations-watch-8285818

🧋 Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life…

Set a spell tomorrow for soap and questionable Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay taking a mint if someone offers it, and stay not being defensive when you are completely wrong and crossed the line.

While this isn’t exactly a Halloween themed song, the video is pretty weird.

September 29, 2023 – Nina Spills To Sonny, NuMolly, Hope, Revealing, Backtrack, Levi Rock, RHOP 8, Early Drama, Fakes, Her Stance, VanderWhiner, A Huid Ye, Last One, Newsworthy Pets, Tenner Of Quotes & When

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

New York City. Trina and Spencer are seated outside at an upscale restaurant, and Trina says, that was amazing. The set, the costumes, the music. She felt like she was actually at the Moulin Rouge, Didn’t he love it? He says he did, although he did have a little bit of trouble paying attention, because there was a pretty girl next to him who he kept stealing glances at. She says she’s definitely not as exciting as the Can-Can, but he says he disagrees. She says she’s not sure Toulouse-Lautrec would agree, and he says, it made him happy to see her so happy. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She says, how could she be anything but happy? She’s in the city with the most incredible guy. He says, who’s incredibly hungry, and she says she’s starving.

Nina lies in bed sleeping, surrounded by papers, when Sonny comes in. She says, hello, handsome, and he says he didn’t mean to wake her. She says, no apologies necessary. She loves waking up to him.

Drew dreams about the attack and wakes up with a start. Willow is sitting next to his bed, and she says, bad dream? He says, this kind of dream is his reality.

There’s a knock at the gatehouse door, and Michael opens it to Carly. He asks what she’s doing here at this hour, and she says she needs his help. She saw Willow at GH; she’s with Drew. He says he stayed behind with the kids. How is Drew doing? She says, he made it through surgery. He’s lucky to be alive. They almost beat him to death. Michael says, he shouldn’t even be in Pentenville. He doesn’t know what that judge was thinking. She says she does. Judge Kim used Drew to advance his career, and she needs Michael to help her prove it.

Finn asks where Elizabeth has been all night. It’s the first time he’s seeing her. She says, it’s been so busy. She’s been assisting in surgery for the past three hours. Why is he here so late? He says he couldn’t leave without saying hi to her.

Ava comes into Windymere, and butler Giles takes her umbrella. She asks, why is it only raining on this godforsaken island? Not a single drop anywhere else. Giles says, Spoon Island is in microclimate, and she thanks him for the science lesson. (Personally, I’d like to hear more on that, since I think I live in one too.) She says she’s obviously not meant to be dry today, so in keeping with the wet theme, she’s going to take a long, hot bath. He says, no, she won’t, calling her madam, and she tells him, stop it with the madam and tell her why she can’t take a bath. He says he’s sorry, but the hot water heater isn’t working due to intermittent power outages on the island from the storm. She says, like the microclimate, and he says, precisely. She says, please tell her the vodka and olive situation hasn’t been affected by the storm, and he says, not to his knowledge. She says, hot dog. Then fix her a martini. She’s going to get out of these wet clothes. He asks how she’d like her martini, and she says, dry, very dry.

Geneva, Switzerland. Laura and Doc walk into an office, and a man says, welcome, Miss Spencer. She shakes his hand and says, actually, it’s Collins now, and introduces Doc. The man says, Hans Mueller. Pleased to meet you. He and Doc shake hands, and he tells them to have a seat. Hans says he’s known Doc’s lovely wife for years, and Laura wonders how long they’ve been doing business, then says, don’t answer that. She doesn’t think she wants to hear that number, but Hans has been a friend of the family for a long time. Hans asks what he can do for her, and she says, he can help her find her son.

Elizabeth says she’s not buying it. There has to be another reason Finn is still here. His shift ended hours ago. He says he’s insulted. Okay, maybe he’s waiting around for some lab results, but seeing her is incentive for sticking around. She says, he won’t be seeing her around here at night anymore. The kids are done with camp and she’s switching back to days. He says he likes seeing her any way he can, but he has to admit these nights have been kind of special. She says she wouldn’t exactly call a 12-hour shift special, and he says, seeing her has been kind of nice, and their talks on the roof. She says, when he stole her spot, and he says he thought they cleared this up. She’s the interloper. She says she doesn’t think she’s ever been described that way, and he says, if the shoe fits. She says, whoever gets there first, okay? and he says, it sounds like a challenge. She laughs and says she should go. Goodnight, Dr. Finn. He says, goodnight, Nurse Baldwin.

Sonny asks how things went with Charlotte. He’s sure she was excited spending the night at Nina’s place. Nina says, she was, but things are difficult for her right now. She’s been acting out. He says, she’s what? Fourteen? Nina says, it’s hard for her to believe this, but she’s fifteen, and he says, acting out comes with the territory at that age. You’ve got to have patience. She says she is, but when she and Valentin were together, she was Charlotte’s stepmother for a while, and even though they’re not together now, she still thinks of Charlotte as family. He says, family is very important. It’s the most important thing. She says, since they’re on the subject of family, they need to talk about his.

Drew says, not that he doesn’t appreciate the company, but what is Willow doing here? She says, she and Michael heard about the attack. They were so worried about him, she had to come and see him, so Michael stayed home with the kids. He says, that’s very sweet, but she didn’t have to come, and she says, it’s the least she could do. He literally saved her life. If he hadn’t rescued Liesl, she wouldn’t have gotten the bone marrow transplant, and she wouldn’t be here. A visit from her certainly can’t compare, but she wanted him to know she’s thinking about him. He thanks her, and she asks if there’s anything he wants or needs to talk about? He says, no… Well, there is one thing he needs to know and it’s pretty important. She says, anything, and he says he needs to know how Wiley’s T-ball team is doing.

Laura tells Hans that her son has been missing for months now, and she’s afraid something’s happened. Hans says, he hasn’t contacted her at all? and she says, no. And he left behind two sons. One of them is just a baby, and she doesn’t believe he’d just abandon them. So she’s afraid maybe he’s being held against his will. She and Doc have been searching for him for weeks now, but they haven’t come up with any leads. Doc says, they’ve been to the Cassadine properties in Russia and Greece, but there’s no sign of him, and Hans says he’s happy to help in any way he can, but what makes them think Nikolas is in Geneva? Laura says, because his money is here.

Ava thanks Giles for making the fire. She knows it’s a bit early, but it was so damp. She feels better already, and she’ll feel even better when she gets that martini. She turns around to take the martini from Giles as there’s a clap of thunder, startling her. The martini sloshes onto her, and Giles says he’s so sorry. Let him get her a napkin. She says, no, no. It’s quite all right. She told him she wasn’t meant to be dry tonight. He hands her a manila envelope, saying, this came from the real estate agency. She thanks him, and he says he’s off this evening, but there’s plenty of food in the kitchen. She says she’ll be having a liquid dinner. Thanks so much, and get home safely. He leaves, and she sits on the sofa. She opens the envelope and takes out pictures of a house interior. She says she can’t wait to get off this island.

Trina says, what a beautiful night, and thanks Spencer. He says, no need to thank him. All he did was place a few phone calls; to the hotel, to the restaurant, and then the concierge. It’s not a big deal. She says, everything has been wonderful, but she wasn’t talking about the reservations. She knows how hard it is for him to get away. He has to deal with Esme and be there for Ace, and she wants him to know how grateful she is that he made time for them. He says, I love us, and she says, me too. And she loves him, so very much. I’m not sure why. He’s really good looking, but he talks too fast and too loud, and he’s still an entitled snob.

Carly tells Michael that she can’t believe it. This is all her fault. He says, it isn’t, but she says, it is too. She’s the one who insisted on investing in Aurora. She’s the one who took a chance and put all her money into that stock. That’s what led to the insider trading charge. Michael says, she had no idea that was going to happen. Someone is to blame, but it’s not her. Whoever called the SEC, they’re to blame. She asks if he still thinks it was Ned, but he says, there’s no way to know. Now Ned thinks he’s Eddie Maine and they may never know, but he’s working on it. She asks what he means, and he says he may have a lead on the whistleblower, but it’s not going to get Drew out of prison any sooner. He’ll tell her about that later, but right now they have to focus on getting Drew home. She says she spoke to Diane, and she thinks their best strategy is to put pressure on the judge; either get him to reduce or commute Drew’s sentence. He asks how they do that, and she says she has some information on the judge and she’s going to use it.

Willow shows Drew her phone, and says, these days, all the kids get a trophy. Wiley didn’t understand it at first, since they lost every game. He said he thought only winners get trophies, so she told him, everyone is a winner at T-ball. Drew says, has he maybe tried soccer? but she says, young Mr. Corinthos wouldn’t even consider it. She’s afraid Wiley takes after his dad. He is so stubborn. He’ll argue about it no matter how many times he strikes out. Nina came by last week, and she can’t believe how committed their slugger is. He says, wow. That must mean she and Nina are getting along. She says, it’s going better than she ever imagined. Nina’s respecting boundaries. She always calls to see if it’s okay to come over. She’s great with the kids. Wiley loves his grandmother. He lights up when he sees her. He says he’s so happy that things are going better. That’s great. How is Michael doing with all this? Has his opinion of Nina changed? She tells him, like she said, Michael’s stubborn.

Sonny asks if something happened between Nina and Michael, but she says, no. It’s not Michael, it’s… Gladys. He says, what’d she do now? and Nina says, she’s in serious debt. She owes a lot of money to Selina Wu. He says, that’s somebody you don’t want to mess with. How did Nina find out? She says, Gladys came to her. Gladys asked her for money. She wanted Nina to bail her out because she was too afraid to approach Sonny. Sonny says, let him guess how she got into this hole – gambling. Nina says, she lost a lot of money. Apparently, she’s been playing for months. He says, dammit, getting out of bed. What the hell is wrong with Gladys? Didn’t she see what gambling did to Mike? It pretty much destroyed his life. What was she thinking? Nina says, that’s the point; she wasn’t thinking. And she hates to tell him this, but it gets worse. Before Gladys came to her, she found another way to get the money. He says, how? and she says, Gladys was stealing money from Sasha.

Thunder rumbles as Ava raises her glass and says, here’s to the end of the Windymere era. Good riddance to this place and everything that happened here. She sips her martini, and flashes back to the argument she and Nikolas had that ended with her cracking him over the head and thinking he was dead.

Doc tells Hans, we have a saying in the US; follow the money. That’s what led them here. Laura asks if there’s anything Hans can tell them, and he says, Nikolas indeed has a substantial amount of money with them, but it’s separate from the Cassadine estate. Nikolas has several separate accounts. A large amount was sent to him by his Uncle Victor. His condolence on Victor’s death. Both Doc and Laura are like, no, and Doc asks if there’s been any recent activity in Nikolas’s accounts. Hans says, as a matter of fact, there’s been quite a bit. There have been several withdrawals. Laura asks if Hans has seen him, and Hans says, no, but he’ll print out the records for them. Laura thanks him, and Hans leaves. Doc says, this could mean Nikolas is alive, and Laura says she hopes so.

Spencer says he can’t believe it, and she says, that she’s in love with him? He’d better believe it. He says, no. That it took her so long to say it. He was just professing his love to her back in the hotel room and she didn’t say anything back, so he just assumed… She says, that she didn’t feel the same way? and he says he didn’t know. Why didn’t she say anything then? She says she learned a thing or two from Aunt Stella. She said, good things come to those who wait. He says he would have waited an eternity for her to say those words and he’s so glad she did. He doesn’t know if she’s noticed, but he’s not the most patient person in the world. She says, him? What is he thinking about? He says, that he’s the luckiest guy in the world, and takes her hand. He says he’s loved her for so very long. Since the day he met her. She says, that was a long time ago, wasn’t it? They’ve certainly been through a lot since then. We go down Spencer and Trina Memory Lane, but not too far, since it was another actress then, and there’s a song part. He says, the best is yet to come, and kisses her hand.

Sonny says, so Nina is telling him that Gladys is stealing from her daughter-in-law? and Nina says, yeah. Gladys has been syphoning money from Sasha’s bank account for months, until she drained it. And she was desperate because she still owed Selina Wu a lot of money. Then when Sasha came to Gladys and said she wanted to end the conservatorship, she panicked. Gladys doesn’t want anyone to know what she’s doing. He says, Sasha came to him months ago and said she felt stronger and didn’t need a guardian. Gladys told him that she was against ending the guardianship. Is Nina telling him that Gladys tried to make sure this didn’t happen? She takes his hand and says, Gladys did a lot more than just that.

Drew tells Willow that he gets where Michael is coming from. Everyone knows how Carly feels about Nina. But he keeps getting reminded, not only is life short, but it’s so fragile. They shouldn’t waste their time arguing with people and holding grudges. It just takes too much energy. Willow says she knows. After losing her mother, she realized how important family is. Harmony was never really her family, but the Quartermaines are. She feels so blessed to be a part of them. They’re so generous and loving… He says, and crazy, and stubborn, and combative. She says she knows, but she wouldn’t trade their money them for anything. He says, neither would he.

Elizabeth scrubs at her scrubs in the locker room, and sees Finn’s ID hanging from a locker. She looks over to see him in the shower. Since the doors are wide open. She leaves her ID on the table, and walks into the shower stall with him.

It continues to storm on Spoon Island. Ava turns around, and jumps, dropping her martini.

Hans comes back, and says, here are the current records for Mr. Cassadine’s accounts, handing them to Laura. She says, thank you so much. She looks through a folder and says, wow. There are quite a few withdrawals, aren’t there? Doc says, and these dates line up. They started just a few months ago. She says, right after Nikolas went missing, and Hans says, his colleagues tell him the withdrawals were made in person by Mr. Cassadine. As she can see, there’s a recent transfer for a substantial amount. He’ll leave her with these records. He has to attend to another matter. She says, he’s been so helpful. She can’t thank him enough. He says, always a pleasure, and says, nice meeting Doc. Doc says, they really appreciate this, and they shake hands. Hans says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Laura says, he’s alive. Her son is alive. Thank God. She and Doc hug, and he says, this might lead them to him.

The waiter asks if Trina and Spencer would like to see the dessert menu, and Spencer looks to Trina, but she says, no thank you. They have to get going. He says he’ll take the check, and the waiter leaves. As much as I’m not keen on Spencer, I’m glad Trina is looking forward to her first time with him. Usually, there’s all this angst surrounding that, so it’s nice to see the flip side.

Elizabeth goes to Finn, and they kiss. She asks what he’s thinking, and he says he doesn’t want to think anymore. I’m thinking, why is she still wearing her scrubs? They start getting busy.

Nina tells Sonny, Sasha needed to get out of Ferncliff now. She needed to get away from this so-called doctor that was taking care of her. And the only way to do that was to pay this guy off. Sonny says, son of a bitch, and Nina says, a lot of stuff happened, but the bottom line is, Cody Bell broke Sasha out of Ferncliff. He says, Dante’s friend? and she says, yeah. Somehow, he got into Ferncliff, and he took her with him. Gladys said that Cody kidnapped her, but she doesn’t believe that. He says he’s sorry that Gladys put her in this position, but she says, no. She’s sorry she didn’t tell him earlier; she was trying to fix it herself. Anyway, he doesn’t need to apologize. He says, Gladys is family, but he’s put up with this way too long. That’s on him. Gladys will be dealt with. He probably doesn’t know who to go after first, Selina, Gladys, or the so-called doctor.

Drew thanks Willow for coming to see him, and she leaves. In the hallway, a woman turns around and Willow sees it’s Harmony.

Carly tells Michael, Diane said this judge is hoping to get a seat on the Circuit Court, and it’s really important because it’s a steppingstone to the Supreme Court. (The stuff I learn from this show.) He asks what that has to do with Drew’s sentence, and she says, he was hoping to look good. He could have given Drew a harsher sentence because he wanted to look good to the Justice Department. She doesn’t know. It’s all speculation, and it’s going to be really tough to prove actual misconduct. He says, what if they don’t have to prove it? What if the appearance of misconduct is enough? She asks what he means, and she says, let’s say we get the story out to the press. Maybe Drew’s case would gain some traction. She says, they could get Alexis to run a piece in The Invader, and that will put pressure on the judge, but he says, they have to tread lightly though, because Alexis is a former attorney and she’s scrupulous. Alexis won’t run a hit piece on Judge Kim just because Carly asks her to. Carly says, Alexis won’t do it for her, but there’s someone else she’d do it for.

Ava asks what the hell Mason is doing here. Did Giles let him in? He says, the guy in the penguin suit? He’s long gone. She asks what he wants, and he says, it depends. What is she offering? She says, nothing. She said her piece yesterday, so get out of here. He walks closer, and she says she told him, get out of here. She’ll call the cops. He says, go for it. We’ll be long gone before the cops can get here. She says, we? and he says, yeah.

Spencer opens the hotel room door, and Trina sees red rose petals on the bed. She says, Spencer… and goes to him, kissing him. They get busy, and there’s a song part. Another minority I’m in is, no rose petals on the bed please. Wouldn’t they stick to you?

Nina says, Sonny can’t do anything tonight. He can deal with this tomorrow. The only thing that matters is planning their wedding. He says, no. Actually, the only thing that matters is getting married.

Willow asks what Harmony is doing here, and Harmony says she came looking for Willow. Willow asks, why? and Harmony says she came to warn Willow. Willow says, about what? and Harmony’s lips move, but we can’t hear the words. Willow wakes up on one of the couches in the waiting area at the hospital.

Trina and Spencer bask in the afterglow, and he says he has no words for her. She says, wow, and they kiss.

Doc asks if Laura sees anything, and she says she’s looking for a pattern; a clue as to where Nikolas might be now. But it’s this one very large withdrawal. Does Doc think he opened another account so he could maybe hide what he’s doing or where he is? He says, maybe, but they’re not going to figure anything out right now. He suggests they take these back to the hotel for champagne. This is information worth celebrating. She says, it is, and hugs him. She says her son is alive and they’re celebrating. And their search was not in vain. Again, if Nikolas wanted to let her know he was alive, he could have just picked up the phone instead of making her trot halfway around the globe.

Ava says she’s not going anywhere with Mason, and reaches for a fireplace poker. He says he wouldn’t do that if he were her, and she tells him, stay away from her. He says, she ratted them out. She wasn’t smart.

Elizabeth approaches the reception desk and asks if Amy has checked on the patient in 1002. Amy says she did and he’s fine. Elizabeth looks tired. Does she want Amy to get her a coffee? Nothing like a little caffeine to get you through the night shift. Elizabeth says she’ll never sleep tonight if she has one of those. Finn comes out, and Amy says, here are the labs he’s been waiting for, and asks why they both have wet hair.

Spencer tells Trina, you know when I’m happiest? When I’m with you. He means it. They kiss some more.

Someone walks into Hans’s office, and he says he assumes they’re here for more money. Nikolas closes the door and says, yes. He needs to make another withdrawal. Hans says, he just missed his mother, and Nikolas says, did he? Hans says, she was just here with her husband. They’re looking for him. His mother is a very gracious woman. She loves him and his disappearance has given her a large amount of pain. Be a good son and do the right thing. Nikolas says he plans to.

We see the living room at Windymere is empty.

Carly asks why Drew isn’t sleeping. He should be resting. He says he got some sleep. Then Willow came to visit and he’s sure he’s going to nod off again, so he’s good. She should go home. She should be with the girls. She says, Josslyn’s with them; they’re fine. She’s not going to stay long. She just needed to be with him, even if it’s just to watch him sleep. She loves him. She’s so sorry this happened to him. He tells her not to worry. Everything’s going to be okay. She says, he’s damn right, because she’s going to make sure.

Michael asks if Drew’s okay, and Willow says she thinks so. It looks like Drew will recover. The surgery went well. They had a good visit. She’s really glad she saw him. He asks her, what’s wrong? but she says, it’s nothing. He says, if she’s not feeling well, she has to tell him. She says, it’s not that. After she left Drew’s room, she sat in the lounge for a bit and nodded off. He says, she’s pushing herself too hard. She should have waited before going back to work. She says she guesses she was a bit more tired than she realized, but that’s not what’s bothering her. She had the strangest dream about her mother. He says, Nina? but she says, no, Harmony. But it was only a dream.

Nina tells Sonny that she doesn’t care about the dress and the flowers and the – she flips through some of the papers on the bed – cake. It doesn’t matter. He says, it seems like it matters to her because she’s doing a lot of planning, and she says she has, but it’s also insignificant right now. With everything that’s happened these last few months; with Sasha being committed, and Curtis getting shot. She feels really guilty about planning a big wedding because a lot of people that they love are suffering. He says he’s got an idea, and she says, what? He says, why don’t they elope? He’s serious. All they care about is to say their vows and become husband and wife. She even said she didn’t want to deal with this right now. She says, but Sonny… and he says, the planning’s going to be out of control. Olivia is going to keep coming to her with more options, and do they really care what icing is on the cake? (Well… yeah.) She says she doesn’t know, and he says, we will fly to the island tomorrow. We will get married. What does she say? She tells him that she says yes! throwing all the papers in the air.

On Monday, Sonny says, that’s exactly what he wanted him to do; Laura says she’s not giving up her search; Valentin tells Martin that Charlotte’s future depends on their conversation today; and Sasha says she plans to do just that.

👩🏻‍⚖️ Newest Of the New Mollys…

I didn’t even know how old they were supposed to be, and who cares anyway?

🚑 It’s a Match…

Weird how it’s sort of art imitating life.

💎 Fancy Pants POV…

Like we didn’t think she’d come back.

🧂 A Little Salt…

Zero sympathy about the ring, and she acted like a child because she’s an adult? What does that even mean?

🗽 New York Casual…

I love their Reunion pic. They’ve dressed like themselves; not like they’re having a quinceañera. One article said fans were angry about the jeans. What’s wrong with people?

🪙 Trailing the Potomac…

What’s to come for the Grande Dame and company.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/rhop-season-8-trailer/

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

Jackie gives a tease.

When will Andy learn? When the lawsuit finally comes knocking?

🎪 Faux Housewives Of Bravo…

Kind of ironic, considering she looks nothing like she did when she was first on the show.

🍹 Dance Card Officially Filled…

She could use a break, but she should really let that Austen thing go.

🗑 Filed Under Who Cares…

What a big egotistical baby this guy is.

🎭 Farewell Old Friend…

I was sad to hear about his death. Although I’m glad they remembered he was in VR5. Blink and you missed it, but it was a great show and it started Michael Easton’s career. I knew he was going places.

https://people.com/ncis-star-david-mccallum-dead-7974574

https://people.com/david-mccallum-dead-ncis-costars-more-pay-tribute-7974806

https://people.com/david-mccallum-dead-ncis-costars-more-pay-tribute-7974806

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a45338401/david-mccallum-ncis-death-mark-harmon-tribute-statement/

📀 End Of an Era…

I’d keep that last one and sell it later on eBay.

https://www.today.com/popculture/news/netflix-stop-shipping-dvds-rcna80319

🐾 Paws In the Forefront…

If not at a Paw Patrol screening, then where else would they break records?

https://people.com/paw-patrol-the-mighty-movie-breaks-record-for-most-dogs-attending-film-screening-7974680

Adorable to the nth degree, especially in that tiny hat.

https://people.com/meet-wisp-the-persian-kitten-tiktok-is-in-love-with-8286012

🦆 Quotes Of the Week

No great discovery was ever made without a bold guess. – Sir Isaac Newton

The greatest deception [humans] suffer is from their own opinions. – Leonardo da Vinci

If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. – Seth Godin

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. – Babe Ruth

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. – Mahatma Gandhi

We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better. – C Joybell C

Action is the foundational key to all success. – Pablo Picasso

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. –Mark Twain

They’re not on the same page. They’re not even in the same book. – Jamal Menzies, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days

Crying and throwing a tantrum isn’t going to be a solution to the problem. – Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, My 600-LB Life

🛶 Building an Ark…

Stop in again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s going on in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay making requests instead of demands, and stay not wasting your time arguing with people and holding grudges. It takes too much energy, and life is short.

September 1, 2023 – Pikeman’s Shipment Comes In, On Or Not, OC In the Shade, Jersey Peek, Indecisive, VanderNotes, Messy Med, Over, Dead Talk, Praising Pups (!), Decapod Of Quotes & Pink

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone in the elevator, Sonny says, that’s excellent news. They’ll be in touch. Cyrus’s voice says, it is not often that we get to live in and appreciate the humility of the Lord, but on days when our salvation is imminent, our faith calls us to give thanks in an especially joyful way.

We see Cyrus preaching to a group in the library, and he says, hear me when I tell you something – God is coming. And we who have waited with faith and patience and humility are privileged to bear witness. Rejoice, my brothers, rejoice! Amen. The group applauds.

Carly runs into Kelly’s, telling Josslyn that she’s sorry she’s late. She knows the concert starts soon. Josslyn says, don’t worry about it. She guesses Carly didn’t see her text. She’s not going.

Brook says, Chase isn’t joking, and he says he’s 100% serious. She says, he wants her to move in with him, and he says, yes. She says, no.

Olivia brings Ned out by the pool. It’s empty, and he says, slow night, huh? She says, not exactly. She sent everyone home. He asks, why? and she says she wanted them to be alone out here. He says, to do what exactly? and she says, remember. Ned, remember us. Remember who you used to be.

At the Bistro, Charlotte asks why Valentin has that look, and he says, what look would that be? She says, the look he gets when he’s about to tell her something she won’t like.

Maxie turns on the lights at Lulu’s house, and goes in with Georgie, James, and Felicia. Georgie says, this was her big surprise, a visit to Aunt Lulu’s house? James says he’s surprised. He thought they were going to a Woodchuck’s game. Felicia tells him that they’re going to the game soon, but right now, they’re on an amazing adventure. Georgie asks, what is this amazing adventure? and Felicia says, they’re here to explore. James says, explore what? and Felicia says, the house. Maxie says, and maybe stake out which bedroom is going to be his new room, and James says, she means… Maxie says, no more sharing. They’re moving in here. This is their new house. Funny. I don’t remember Lulu’s house being this huge. I’ll just say it. This ain’t your Lulu’s house.

On the phone at the MetroCourt, Nina says, unfortunately, that’s a question for Olivia and she’s not here, so they’ll have to wait. She tosses down the phone, looking harried, and looks up to see Sonny come in. She says, this is a nice surprise. She didn’t know he was coming here tonight. They hug, and he says, this is the best joint in town, especially the view. She says she’s glad he likes it. There’s something she really needs to talk to him about… Kristina walks in, and asks if Nina is joining them, but Nina says, no. This dinner is just for the two of them. She has to work. Olivia asked her to be on the floor tonight. She starts to leave, but Sonny asks what she had to tell him. She says she can take care of it herself. It’s really nothing. Enjoy their dinner. There’s a great steak special tonight. Sonny says, then he’s got it all. He has great steak, a gorgeous fiancé, a brilliant daughter. He’s got it all right here, right? The three of them smile.

Ned starts to leave, but Olivia tells him, wait. His daughter Brook, Ned’s daughter, is in a lot of pain right now because of something Tracy did. She ran out of the house because of his mother. He says, don’t put that on him, and she says, of course (🍷) not, but he was always the bridge between the two of them. He could always sort it out. There are people who still need him; his mother and his daughter and their son… the kid… Leo? For their sake, can he please just try?

Nina says she’ll send the waitress over, and Sonny thanks Kristina for being so supportive of him. Kristina says she genuinely likes Nina. Not everyone’s against him too. She can see how happy Nina makes him. She puts her hand on his.

Cyrus tells the group, today is the day for miracles. A time of righteousness, and yes, vengeance. But without the dark, there can be no light; and without vengeance, there can be no righteousness. So let us pray that this vengeance passes by unscathed, so that we may testify to the cleansing power of our Creator. The Warden Garten watches as he speaks, and he says, for all the world’s a cage, and we are all inmates in God’s celestial play, trying to break free from the grip of licentiousness, arrogance, and evil. As it says in Deuteronomy 23:14; for the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee. Therefore shall they camp be holy that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee. He looks at the warden.

Willow comes into the restaurant with Wiley, who runs to Nina. She hugs him, and Sonny tells Kristina, look how happy she is.

Josslyn tells Carly that they can’t go to the concert anymore because suddenly, Dex has to do something for Sonny. Carly says, oh, and Josslyn says she hates that Carly knows exactly how she’s feeling. Carly says, so Dex has to work for Sonny and Josslyn has to make alternate plans. Been there, done that. Josslyn says, it’s not that; it’s the situation. She knows she said she was moving on and trying to put it behind her, but she hates that Dex is putting himself in danger. Carly says, that’s who Dex was when Josslyn met him. He’s a guy who takes risks, for better or worse. Josslyn says, yeah, but now he’s protecting Sonny, and taking those risks because of Carly and because of Michael. Carly says, and that’s his choice, and it’s for his protection. Josslyn says she knows. It’s just, some days are harder than others. Carly says she gets that, but if Josslyn got into this thinking she was going to change Dex, that’s not going to happen.

Chase says, Brook doesn’t want to live with him? and she says she doesn’t think he’s thought this through. He says he has, and she says, oh really? Because a whole two and a half second deliberation isn’t exactly thorough. He says, it’s not like they haven’t lived together before, and she says, exactly. That’s what she’s saying. The first time, she drove him absolutely crazy, and the second time was for Bailey. He says, the third time will be for love.

Charlotte says, Maxie and her family are living at her mom’s house? and Valentin says, her mother always loved Maxie and her children. Doesn’t she think it might be nice to have some people living in that house? It’s been sitting empty. She says, yeah, but she just wishes it was her mom coming home to live there. He says he does too, but how does she feel about Maxie and her kids moving in? She says, why bother asking her when it’s already done? and he says, the decision to rent was Dante’s. He’s just asking because he cares about her feelings, so why doesn’t she tell him? She says, it’s just another place, like all of the places she’s lived. None of them last.

James runs through the living room saying, this house is huge, and there’s a backyard. He can make a treehouse. Wait. How many rooms are there? Felicia suggests they take a reconnaissance mission and count the rooms. Ready for take-off? Let’s go. They run out, and Maxie asks Georgie, what’s going on? Doesn’t she like the house? Georgie says, of course (🍷) she likes it. She remembers playing here when she was little. It seemed even bigger then. But this is Aunt Lulu’s house.

Josslyn says she doesn’t want to change Dex. Why would Carly say that? Carly says she’s been down this road, many times. She wouldn’t be Josslyn’s mother if she didn’t want to spare Josslyn from unnecessary pain. Josslyn says she’s not in pain, and Carly says, Josslyn doesn’t have to convince her; she just has to be honest with herself. Worrying about Dex, knowing he’s always in danger, is a heavy burden. And if she decides she doesn’t want to do this anymore and doesn’t want to be a part of that life, that’s okay. She just has to admit it to herself, and then she has to tell Dex. Josslyn tells Carly not to put her history with Sonny on her. She’s just disappointed, and that doesn’t mean she wants to break up with Dex. Actually, she thinks she’s still going to go to the concert because she has a bunch of friends going. Carly says, great, and Josslyn says, don’t wait up for her. Carly says, okay, and Josslyn leaves.

Brook says, Chase knows she loves him, right? and he says, yes… She says, part of the reason she does is, he’s like a knight. When someone’s in trouble, he can’t help but want to fix it. He says, she’s not just someone. They’re in a good place, and he can see she’s hurting at home. She says she appreciates his concern, but she doesn’t think living together is what they need right now.

Nina says she’s so surprised to see Wiley. She’s glad he came. Wiley sees Sonny, and says he wants to see grandpa. Nina looks at Willow, who nods, and she brings Wiley over to Sonny. Wiley and Sonny high-five, and Kristina tells Wiley that he’s looking sharp. Wiley suggests they go to grandpa’s and have a barbecue and play baseball, but Sonny says, where he lives is kind of high up. You can’t play baseball. Nina says, but if you stand on the terrace, you can see all of Port Charles. Wiley says, really? and tells Willow, let’s all go to grandpa’s and have picnic on the terrace. Kristina can come too, and Amelia and Nina, Grandpa Sonny… Michael comes out of the elevator, and Wiley continues, mommy, daddy, and Leo too? Sonny says, he can invite anybody he wants, and Willow goes over to Michael. He asks if it’s a party, and she says, yeah. Nina was here when she arrived, then Wiley saw Sonny and went to say hello. He says, if it’s okay with her, it’s okay with him. Wiley runs to Michael, who hugs him. Michael smiles at Sonny, then realizes he’s smiling at Sonny.

Maxie tells Georgie, Aunt Lulu is her best friend, and she thinks Aunt Lulu would want them to fill this place with laughter and memories, just like the memories they made with her when she lived here. Georgie asks if it won’t make Maxie miss Aunt Lulu more if they live here, and Maxie takes her hand, saying, she’ll miss Aunt Lulu no matter where they live. That’s not going to change, but being here does make Maxie feel a teeny bit closer to her. It’s almost like she gave us a little present, right? Maxie wouldn’t have brought them here if she didn’t feel good about it. Lulu asks if she can paint her room purple, and Maxie says she can. (I painted my room purple when I was around Georgie’s age. Is that a thing when you’re a tween?) Felicia comes back with James, and he says, guess what? There’s four bedrooms, one for each of them. And he’s already picked his. Georgie says, no fair. She’s older and she gets to pick first. James says he forgot. Age before beauty. He runs off, Georgie chasing him. Felicia says she’s so glad Maxie is doing this, and Maxie says, so is she.

Ned asks what Olivia wants him to do. He’s not making any guarantees. She says she understands it. She just wants to walk him through what happened that night. He says, the night of the supposed accident, and she says, see if it comes back to him. He asks how she can walk him through it if she wasn’t here. He heard it was just Tracy and Drew who saw him fall. She leads him to the other side of the room, and says, Drew told her everything that happened. They can just give it a try. He says, all right, whatever. Lay it on him. She says, he started out over here – she walks across  the room – and he saw Drew and Tracy arguing over here. So just walk to her… slowly, and see if anything feels familiar. Okay? Is he ready? He says, ready, and starts to walk.

Brook says she and Chase are in a really good place and she wants to keep it that way, but he says, moving in isn’t going to change that. If anything, it’ll bring them closer. She says, or closer to World War III. She drove him crazy when she was just temporarily couch surfing. She’s not the neatest person. She leaves her stuff everywhere. She thrives in creative clutter. He says, so they had a few discussions about clutter, and she says, more than a few. He was counting the days until she left him to his Zen world of order. He says, then when she left, his place felt empty. He missed her, and it hasn’t felt right since she left. Make it right. Move back in with him.

Local guy Steve goes into Kelly’s, and Carly asks if he wants the usual. He says he likes what she’s done with the place. It’s gotten a lot nicer since she took over. She says, it was a personal project, and he tells her, this might not be his place to say, but he thought she should know. Her ex-husband is in for a world of trouble.

Warden Garten gestures that she wants to talk to Cyrus, and he suggests the group take a break to reflect on their redemption. Cyrus says he hopes the warden hasn’t come to stop their study. He and his friends are just trying to let go of their past so they can look toward a righteous future. She says, don’t worry. She’s not here to break up his group. She just wanted to see it for herself. She’s impressed. He says, her support means a great deal, and she says, he genuinely seems like a changed man. He says, after his heart attack, he’s come to see life in a new light. His faith was rejuvenated. She says, while she might not share his exact faith, she’s relying on him for a common cause. He says, trust him. He wants nothing but the best. He believes everything is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to be. She says, let’s hope so, and he says he has only one purpose now; to bring about God’s will on earth. She says she’d hate for him to disappoint her after all his progress, and starts to leave, but he calls to her and she stops. He says, sometimes the most unexpected alliances can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes. Who knows what a difference he and his flock together can achieve? She smiles at him, and I have no clue what to make of this.

A wooden crate stamped with the Pikeman name and logo is unloaded on the docks. Dex says, they’re late, and Gabe (?) says, sometimes there are delays. This shipment’s too important for them not to pick up. They’ll be here. Dex says, the sooner the better. The boss wants this stuff out of here. He looks out to the water using binoculars.

Nina says hi to Michael, and tells him that she’ll get them a table. She calls Trish over, and tells Wiley that it was so good to see him. They go to their table, and Wiley asks Michael if they can have Grandpa Sonny and Nina over for baseball and a barbecue. They live up too high. They can have a party with everyone at their house. Michael says, if that’s what Wiley wants, he thinks they can make it happen.

Sonny tells Kristina that he can’t believe how fast Wiley is growing. Such a nice surprise. Was that her? She says, no. She wishes she could take credit for that, but she can’t tell a lie. That was pure synchronicity. (I would have said serendipity, but okay.) Sonny asks why she wanted to meet for dinner, and she asks if she has to have a reason. He says, she always does, and she guesses that’s true. She wanted him to be the first to know that the LGBTQIA+ foundation board is complete. The Corinthos-Davis House is a go. He says, that’s fantastic, and she says she’s so excited, and she couldn’t have done it without him.

Olivia says, this is the spot where Ned fell. Drew said, Ned came rushing toward him over here, and had something really important to tell him. Nina walks in, and says she doesn’t mean to interrupt whatever they’re doing, but she heard Olivia closed the pool, and she wanted to see if everything’s okay. Olivia says she should have warned Nina. They’re just doing a little exercise. They’re trying to see if they can stimulate Eddie’s memory. Nina asks if she’s sure that’s wise, and Olivia says she thinks it could help. Nina says she knows head trauma is unpredictable and would hate for Olivia to risk anything, and Olivia thanks her, but says she thinks they’ll be okay. Nina says she doesn’t mean anything by that. She hopes their experiment works. Good luck. She strides out of the room, taking a last look at them before she goes.

Valentin says, it’s really done a number on Charlotte, all this shuffling around, moving from place to place. It can’t have been easy, and if it hurt her, he’s sorry. It’s his fault. She says she always knew he’d be with her if he could. He’s in between places, living with Anna while she was at camp. With grandma away, she can’t stay at her place with Spencer and Esme. Dante and Sam are nice, but… He says, it’s not her home. That’s what he’s always wanted to give her, a stable place to call home. Listen to him. Things are changing as they speak. She says she knows. Things are always changing. That’s the only thing that stays the same.

Maxie tells Felicia that she’s going to be totally honest. It feels really strange to be here after all this time. She knows they had to get out of that apartment, and she was putting her finances together so she could get a place. Then Tracy’s horrible lawsuit happened. So she was happy when Sam suggested they rent this place. Can Felicia imagine trying to juggle a lawsuit and a mortgage at the same time? She would have been pulling her hair out. Felicia says, Tracy Quartermaine leaves a trail of destruction wherever she goes. She doesn’t like to wish ill on anyone, but she’ll be so glad when they wipe that smug smile off Tracy’s face and win the lawsuit. And they will win, because they have the truth on their side. Maxie says she’s not so sure about that. Tracy Quartermaine is ruthless. And she’ll do anything to win, including using her own granddaughter as a spy.

Brook asks Chase if he knows the expression, be careful what you wish for; you just might get it. He says he knows it. Whatever happened to the fearless BLQ who leaps before she looks? She says, maybe she became a little more cautious because she sprained her ankle a few too many times. She has something to lose now – him. And she doesn’t want him to regret her moving in. He says he’s not going to regret it, but she says, he might. And not just because she’s messy. She does stuff. She does stupid stuff that she regrets, like getting mixed up in Tracy’s dirty tricks.

Carly says she doesn’t want to cause Steve any problems, but what does he mean, trouble? He looks around and says, it’s probably nothing, but he passed what seemed to be a staging area down by Elm, the fisherman village. It looked like Feds. They’re definitely not local. And he heard the name Corinthos.

Cyrus says, today is the day our unspoken adversary is just one step behind, and those of us who have been in his employ, willingly or not, are now called upon to awaken and cast off his infernal darkness. Wake up! Your life is waiting for you. The warden tells the guard that she wishes more inmates were as inspired as Cyrus, and she leaves. Cyrus smiles.

Nina flashes back to Ned overhearing her talking to Martin, and that she’s the one who turned Drew and Carly in to the SEC, when he’s being accused of it. Willow calls to her, and Nina goes over to their table. She asks if everything is all right. Did they get everything they ordered? Willow says, they did, and thanks her. She says, Wiley had the idea they should have a barbecue with baseball at their house. Wiley tells Nina that he has a new mitt, and Willow asks if that sounds like something Nina would like to join them for. Nina looks at Michael, who nods, and she says she’d love to go.

Kristina tells Sonny that she doesn’t want to jinx it, but she thinks Wiley might be the key to Michael and Willow accepting Nina. Sonny says, they’ve been through a lot and he thinks things are finally starting to turn. She says she’s so happy for them both, and he says he thinks she’s leading the way with this new center. He’s proud of her.

Olivia says, anything? but Ned says he doesn’t know. He’s told so often about what happened that night, he feels like he might remember… but he doesn’t. This is just another pool. She says, okay. She knew it was a long shot. He says he’s sorry to disappoint her, but she says, no. He was amazing. She thanks him so much for trying. He says she’s been pretty good to him and he’s been really hard on her. He just wants to say he’s sorry. She tells him that he’s forgiven. He says, friends? and holds out his hand. She takes it, and says, friends. For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss her.

Brook says, it’s not just about her and Chase moving in together, although that’s definitely nerve-wracking. She doesn’t have the greatest track record, and this whole situation with Tracy is just another thing she messed up. He says he’s not asking for or expecting her to be perfect. He loves her just the way she is, flaws and all. He’s not trying to rescue her. Her moving in makes sense… to him anyway. How about her? When she strips away all the worries and regrets of the past, how does she feel about it? She starts to cough.

Carly brings out Steve’s to-go bag, and says, it’s on her. He says, she doesn’t have to do that, but she says she appreciates the information he gave her. He thanks her and leaves. I like Steve. He has a pleasant way about him. Carly is about to call Sonny, when Chase runs in and asks if he can have a glass of water for Brook.

Nina asks if it would be okay if she brought Wiley over and taught him how to make a Roy Rogers. And Wiley can tell her all about his new mitt. Michael asks Wile, what do you say? and Wiley asks Willow, can he please? Willow says, all right, but just a small one. They don’t want all that sugar. Nina says, they definitely don’t, and hustles him away. Michael asks if Willow is sure she’s okay with this. She’s been having a lot of Nina lately. Willow says, it’s fine. She’s not 100% comfortable with Nina, but Wiley is. Micheal agrees, and she says, they have to start somewhere. The important thing is bringing this whole family back together.

At the bar, Nina tells Wiley, now they add the sugar free cola, and Kristina tells Sonny that they can go over there if he wants, but he says, Nina’s got it covered. He wants to hear more about her Board. She says, they have Dr. Randolph, Michael, and he knows Diane… His phone rings, and he sees it’s Carly. Kristina says he can take it, but he tells her, this is more important, and shuts his phone off. Off all the times, eh?

Cyrus says, we may be tarred with a brush whose mark can never be removed, but that does not mean we can’t contribute to God’s work. Perhaps we may never sit at the foot of His majestic throne, but we can know that our lives have not been lived in vain. There is a way for each and every one of us to do our part of the Divine work, no matter how small that part may seem. For the Lord said, the lowest among us, the most damnedest among us is capable of redemption. And he who protects the innocent is the first among men.

Another crate is put on the dock, and Dex says, they’re here. He runs down the stairs, and tells another guy that he wants everything ready for a quick transfer. His phone rings, and he tells Gabe that he’s got to take this. He’ll be back when the ship docks. Gabe says he’s got it, and Dex slips around the corner. He says, Miss Spencer? and Carly says, Josslyn told her that he was doing a job for Sonny tonight. He’s like, uh… and she says, whatever it is, get out of there. There’s going to be a raid. Dex looks out, and she asks if he can hear her. Get out of there now.

As they check out the kitchen, Felicia says she has a good feeling about Maxie being here. Almost as if the house is welcoming her. It wants Maxie to make it into a home again. Maxie says she thinks Lulu would want that too. To a new beginning, like Felicia at the hospital. Felicia says, she’s right. That came as a surprise. She never saw herself working as a volunteer at General Hospital. Maxie says she’s sure Felicia will be a lot better at it than she was. Felicia says she loves Maxie, and she’s so proud of her. She starts to cry, and Maxie hugs her, saying, don’t cry. She loves Felicia too. James calls from the other room, and Maxie and Felicia dash in. James says his room has a secret hiding spot, and Georgie says she’s got the view and the window seat. James says, Bailey can have the little room, and Georgie asks when they’re moving in. Maxie says, not soon enough. Should they go home and start packing? James and Georgie nod, and they all file out, Maxie pausing and smiling before she turns out the light.

Valentin says he knows he let Charlotte down, but she says, let’s not talk about that. He says he’s made mistakes. He’s made far more mistakes than he cares to mention. It’s taken him way to long to get her the stable life she deserves. She says she doesn’t care how long it took. She just wishes they could be together all the time. He says, they will be. He just has to get these last details in place. And until then, know this. She’s the most important person in his world. It’ll always be the two of them. She goes over to him and hugs him. She says, just the two of us, papa.

Chase brings Brook the water, and she gulps some down. She says she literally talked herself hoarse trying to come up with all the reasons she shouldn’t live with him. He says, she knows she has to take care of her throat, and she says, she does want this. She wants nothing more than to live with him. He says he knew she would see it his way eventually. He holds out his hand and says, let’s go home. They stroll out of the courtyard hand in hand.

Dex says, the boat is docking, and Carly says, forget about that. There is no time. He has to get out of there. As he’s about to go back out, floodlights come on and the Feds are there. One says, put their hands where he can see them. They’re all under arrest. Get on the ground now. All of the guys on the dock comply, but Dex remains unseen. He peeks out, sees what’s going on, and runs up the stairs.

Cyrus says, today, the Almighty will focus His cleansing vengeance on those who collaborate with our great enemy. Proverbs 2:22: The wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. He smiles.

Olivia says, the least she can do is buy Ned a drink after going through that poolside psycho drama with her. He says he’ll never turn down top-shelf, and she says, there’s a little Quartermaine left in him. (I was thinking more Larry Ashton.) They go to the bar, and Nina watches.

Willow tells Wiley, that was delicious, and he says, with two cherries. She and Michael smile at each other.

Since everyone is way too happy, when Kristina starts to tell Sonny about the upcoming first Board meeting, a bunch of guys come out of the elevator approach the table. One says, Mr. Corinthos, you’re under arrest for violations of the National Security Act, and shows his badge. Kristina says, what the hell? and gets up, but one of the Feds grabs her. Sonny tells him to get his hands off of his daughter, and the arresting Fed tells Sonny, do not escalate this. Sonny says he’s not escalating nothing, when Michael comes over and says, there’s no problem here, putting his hand on Kristina’s back. Kristina says, tell them; they’re arresting dad. Sonny tells Kristina that it’s okay, and they cuff him.

Wiley asks Willow what they’re doing to grandpa. Where are they taking him? Putting him on her lap, Willow tells him, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay.

Sonny tells Kristina, this is going to be cleared up, and the Feds march him to the elevator. Kristina tells Michael, do something.

Cyrus says, the Lord trieth the righteous, but the wicked and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth. Upon the wicked, He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone – Sonny is led into the elevator – and horrible tempests; this shall be the portion of their cup. The elevator door closes.

On Monday Tuesday, Carly says, Michael needs to tell her the truth right now; Austin asks what Nikolas is going to do; Dex tells Josslyn that somebody turned Sonny in; Cyrus says, Drew is no longer under Sonny’s protection; and Sonny tells someone that he’s not saying anything without his lawyer present.

🧼 Not Laboring…

No GH on Monday.

🍊 Follow the Bouncing Orange…

It was pretty funny when Gina said, the next time Shannon told the story, she’d be a murderer, since she made it worse each time.

📸 What’s Wrong With This Picture…?

Where the hell is Biscuit in the post about his/her birthday?

💎 Stuck In the Middle…

It still doesn’t make any sense. What does separated, but living under the same roof even mean? Are they seeing other people? If they are, it seems like it would be difficult to work out their issues. If they’re not, then aren’t they just still married, but not getting busy? And her answer to the fan question is a non-answer.

🍸 Latest On the Ruling Class…

He must be a keeper if he hasn’t run yet.

Not a real surprise.

⚓️ A Fun Time Was Had…

I’m not sure who looks worse, the guests or the crew.

🏖 Breakup In the House…

Yeah. Nobody saw this coming.

https://www.etonline.com/summer-house-stars-carl-radke-and-lindsay-hubbard-call-off-engagement-exclusive-210637

https://stylecaster.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/1631823/why-lindsday-hubbard-carl-radke-break-up/

⚰️ On the Undead Front…

How’d they manage this?

He’s a busy dude.

🐶 Just Like Us…

Celebrities celebrating their pups.

https://people.com/halle-berry-brooke-shields-justin-theroux-and-more-celebrate-national-dog-day-7853272

🪗 Quotes of the Week

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. – Albert Einstein (The first guy to figure out Survivor.)

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. – Dale Carnegie

The expert in anything was once a beginner. – Helen Hayes

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. – Stephen King

The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.John Locke

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

Believe you can and you are halfway there. – Theodore Roosevelt

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington

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

If I can’t eat it, bang it, or bet on it, it’s not in my phone. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

🛸 The Future Is Now…

Jump into September on Tuesday for a lotta soap and a little tea. Until then, stay safe, stay always returning your shopping cart to the proper place, and stay being careful what you wish for; you just might get it.

August 29, 2023 – Jack Returns To Port Charles, Hills News, Ousted From Under the Deck, Free Films, Another Life For Once, Panda Treat & Heart

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Lucy says, just listen to her. She needs them to get over to the courthouse, pronto… She doesn’t care what they’re doing; just drop everything. They don’t understand. Her life is at stake.

Brook and Maxie set down their bags in the courtroom, and Maxie says, Lucy has the best representation for them. Everything’s going to be okay. It’s just a preliminary hearing to see if this case is even going to move forward. Brook says, Maxie seems optimistic, and Maxie says she is. This is a good opportunity to smoke out the mastermind who’s behind this and shut them down for good.

Outside the house, Portia says she can’t tell Curtis how much it means to her having him home, and he says he knows it’s not going to be easy on any of them, but they’ll figure it out. Portia says, they’re all here for him, and he says he knows. Let’s do it. She opens the door, and Trina is there with Marshall. She says, welcome home, dad, running to Curtis and hugging him.

Michael comes into Kelly’s as Carly is serving, and he says, she has a real flair for this. She says she does. It runs in the family. Great Aunt Ruby ran this place for decades. He says he’s glad Bobbie kept it in their family, and she says, her too. She hugs him and says, it’s good to see him. She thanks him for coming by, and he says, of course (🍷). Why did she want to see him? She says she may have come up with a way to get Drew out of Pentenville.

Drew walks into the library, and Cyrus (who basically lives there) asks if he can interest Drew in a little soul cleansing. This book will help lead him to the Lord and all his prayers will be answered if only he asks. Drew thanks him, but says he’s looking for a book on rivers in upstate New York so he can do a little kayaking. Cyrus asks if it doesn’t make him long for a world he can’t be part of, and Drew says, it gives him something to look forward to when he’s out of here. Cyrus says, in the meantime, how fortunate for Drew that he’s under Sonny’s protection.

Sonny lets Brick into his office and asks, how was his flight? Brick says, long; too long. It’s good to see him though. Sonny asks if he wants coffee, and Brick says, anything strong. Sonny says, it’s all he’s got, and asks if Brick has an update. Brick says he does. That spy that was planted in Sonny’s home isn’t going to be a problem for him any longer. Sonny gives him that Sonny smile I love.

Janice asks Sasha how she’s feeling today, and Sasha says she’s so cold. Her head is throbbing and everything hurts. Please do something. Janice gives her another blanket, and says, she really needs to stay hydrated. Can she drink some water? Shivering under the blanket, Sasha says she thinks so, and Janice pours her a glass. Sasha takes a sip, and Janice says she’ll be back to check on her and give her something for that headache. Janice leaves, and Dr. Montague skulks around the corner and heads for Sasha’s room.

At her desk on the phone, Nina says, no, she doesn’t want to drop the two-page Deception ad… Why? Because it’s her magazine and she says it stays. Can they hold for a second? She clicks on the other line and says, she asked them to hold all her calls until she’s finished… Just send her in. She tells the person on hold that she’ll have to call them back, and Gladys walks in. Gladys says she understands congratulations are in order. She’s so happy for Nina and Sonny, and this practically makes them family now. Let her see that rock. Nina says, if Gladys has something to talk to her about, she’s so sorry, but she’s extremely busy right now. If Gladys sees her assistant, she’ll set something up. Gladys shuts the door and says, they have to talk now. It’s a matter of life and death.

Trina says, Curtis looks great, and handsome as always. Isn’t he, mom? He looks really fit. He must be really excited to be home. She tells him, come in, and he says, they’ve moved some things around. Portia says, they opened some things up a bit for him, and Trina says, they should have gotten rid of that coffee table a long time ago. She loves the open space. Wait until he sees what they did to his room. He’s going to love it. Come check it out.

Lucy comes into the courtroom and asks if they’re ready and able to kick this ridiculous lawsuit out on its keister, because if they don’t have The Deceptor to sell, their company is gone. Maxie asks, where’s their lawyer? and Lucy says she let her go. Maxie says, she did what? and Brook asks why she did that. Lucy says, obviously if they lose this lawsuit, they’re not going to have the money to pay her. They can’t afford her. Maxie says, they need her presentation, and Lucy says, don’t worry. She got somebody new, the best. Brook says, she just fired the best. Who did she get? Lucy says, Martin. He agreed to do it pro bono. Maxie says, great. Where is he? Lucy says, at the last minute, he flew the coop. Brook asks what they means, and Lucy says she doesn’t know. At the last minute, he had to do something with Valentin. She has a plan. They just have to stay focused and have hope. Come on, team, let’s stay positive. Maxie says, this is really bad. How are they supposed to halt the case if they don’t have representation?

Carly and Michael sit down, and Carly says she’s having Diane look into Drew’s case to see if the judge was bias. Michael says, bias in what way? and Carly says, that Judge Kim had a reason for going against Drew’s plea deal or that he has a pattern of being harder on white collar crimes. She doesn’t care. She’ll take whatever Diane can find at this point. She’s going to have another judge review the whole case, and hopefully, he can reduce the sentence or commute the whole damn thing. He says, if anyone can do it, it’s Diane. He hopes it works out for Drew’s case. Carly says she hopes so, because Diane is their only chance. He says, no matter what happens, Drew is strong. He can take care of himself. He’ll be okay. She says she knows he’s strong mentally; she’s just worried about him physically. He was already put in solitary confinement because he was in a fight. What if something else happens? Michael says, it won’t. Drew is under Sonny’s protection.

Drew tells Cyrus to stay out of his business, and Cyrus says he’s deeply sorry. Has he spoken amiss? Drew says, let’s skip all this; all the flowery gestures. Just tell him whatever it is Cyrus obviously wants to know. Cyrus says he really does appreciate Drew’s bluntness. Book was reminded on no uncertain terms that Drew is not to be touched. It was made crystal clear to him that Drew is under the protection and watchful eye of Sonny Corinthos. Drew says, and? and Cyrus says, good for him.

Brick tells Sonny that Betty Rutherford is no longer in Port Charles. She flew to Mexico. Sonny says he just assumed Betty’s job of spying on him was done when getting information on the Pikeman deal was finished. Let’s just hope Austin and Mason and whoever they were working for paid her off and told her to stay as far away from Port Charles as she can. Brick asks if he should have her brought back, but Sonny says, no. They’re hoping she’s out of his reach, but little do they know, she’s not. He has people in Mexico. If he needs questions answered, he can find her.

Nina tells Gladys to take a deep breath. What is this life and death matter? Gladys says, as Nina knows, their poor Sasha is still being treated in Ferncliff, and Sasha and Nina are pretty close. She knows how much Nina cares about Sasha, and she knows how close Sasha and Willow are best friends. Nina says, yes, they are. Sasha and Willow have been through a lot together. Gladys says, and Nina has been such a supportive and generous friend to Sasha. Nina says she loves Sasha. However rocky their relationship started out, she’s come to know Sasha as a wonderful and loving young woman. Gladys says she’s glad to hear Nina say that. That’s why she’s coming to her. She needs $50,000 today to cover Sasha’s medical expenses.

Montague goes into Sasha’s room, and closes the door. He takes out a syringe, and says, hello, Sasha. He’s going to give her something to take all her pain away. Sasha says, no, please. She doesn’t want it. Please don’t. No. He injects her.

Nina says, fifty grand? That’s a very large medical bill, and it’s very unusual it’s due so quickly. Gladys says she knows. It’s very upsetting. You’d think an institution like Ferncliff could wait until she’s on her feet before they demanded money. Nina says, Sasha has money. Gladys is her guardian, so she’s sure Gladys can use it at her discretion to pay her medical expenses. Gladys says, under normal circumstances, she could, and Nina asks, what changed? Gladys says, unfortunately, because of the Deception lawsuit, she can’t sell Sasha’s stock. Nina says, it makes sense that her money wouldn’t be accessible right now. She would do anything to help Sasha, but she’s a little curious. Why didn’t Gladys ask Sonny first? He’s her cousin; he’d be happy to help. Gladys says, as Nina probably knows, she and Sonny don’t have the greatest relationship, and money is an uncomfortable subject for them, but Nina says, this money is for Sasha, right? Just tell Sonny what’s going on. Gladys says she just figured they’d start with Nina. As she said, Nina is close to Sasha, and Willow is close to Sasha… Nina says, Gladys isn’t telling her everything. So if Gladys can’t be honest with her – she opens the door – she’s sorry. She can’t help her.

Sonny tells Brick, since Betty quit, he’s been having Mason and Austin followed, just in case they visit their boss. Brick says, any luck so far? and Sonny says, Austin was visiting Pentenville. He doesn’t know who Austin saw, but he had a medical bag, like maybe he was doing community service. Brick says, interesting. He’ll look into it and see what he can find. Sonny says, in the meantime, since they don’t know who Austin and Mason are working for, they need to ask themselves why this person wants information on him and Pikeman.

Michael tells Carly, so Dex visited the inmate who was fighting Drew and had him sent to solitary. Dex reminded him that Drew was under Sonny’s protection. She says, Sonny told her that he sent Dex there to send a message to back off Drew, and Michael asks when Sonny told her. She says, yesterday he came by here. He knew she was going to Pentenville to visit Drew, and he asked her if she saw Dr. Gatlin-Holt while she was there. He asks what she said, and she tells him, the truth; she did. Austin crossed through the visiting area, carrying his doctor bag, but that was it. Sonny asked her to let him know if she remembers anything else. He says, that’s the other reason Dex was at Pentenville, and she says, because of Austin? Michael says, he was following him for Sonny.

Lucy says she has a stomachache; it’s just horrible. She can’t believe they have a system where you can just nab all the hard work they’ve done all this time. Maxie says, Lucy… and Lucy says, it’s a grift. Someone is out to make a big, fat settlement… Maxie says, Lucy… and Lucy says, but they’re not going to be swindled. Deception will not be swindled. It’s just a nuisance lawsuit. They want cash and they’re going to exploit Deception for that and tarnish their reputation. Maxie shouts, Lucy! and Lucy says, what? Maxie asks if they have any idea who’s behind this, but Lucy says, no. That’s why they’re here kind of. Don’t they hate it? She hates this. She hates this. She hates this. Maxie asks if they at least know when the lawsuit was originally filed with the court, and Lucy says, nope. Maxie says, so they’re just completely in the dark, and Lucy says, yep, they are. Until the whole nonsense here is revealed. Then they’re going to have a very good idea who the culprit is and who they’re up against. Jack walks in.

Trina comes back out with Curtis and says, see? There’s a lot of room for Curtis. He thanks them, and says, they all went through a lot of trouble, and he appreciates it. Trina says, his room has the best view of the water, he doesn’t have to deal with the stairs, and did he see that his bathroom is wheelchair accessible? He says he did, and Trina says she picked out towels in his favorite color. He says, Trina and her mom certainly did an incredible job, and Trina says, it’s more her mom than her. Marshall asks if he and Curtis can go out to the patio for a minute. He has some things he wants to discuss in private. Curtis says, sure, and wheels himself out to the patio. He asks Marshall, what’s up? and Marshall says, there’s trouble at the club. Inside, Portia tells Trina that she sees what Trina is trying to do and appreciates it, but she may be making things worse.

Sonny says, Austin and Mason could be working for one of his competitors who heard about Pikeman, and Brick says, the more he deep dives into Pikeman, the more twisted it gets. Sonny asks what he found out, and Brick says, Pikeman’s got contracts all over the globe with many different governments, including the US. But one thing they know for sure, they make a whole lot of money. Sonny would know; they paid him generously. Sonny says, it almost cost him his life if it wasn’t for Dex, and Brick says, maybe someone’s trying to get rid of Sonny so they can get the money for themselves. Sonny says, they’re going to go through a whole lot of trouble to take something he doesn’t want.

Drew says, when he saw Sonny’s guy visiting Book, he assumed he was delivering a message from Sonny, and Cyrus says, and Book received it loud and clear. Drew says he never asked for Sonny’s protection, and Cyrus says, but he accepted it. Drew says he considers Sonny a friend of his. He respects Sonny, but just because he accepted Sonny’s offer of protection doesn’t mean he’s associated with Sonny’s world. Cyrus says, Drew doesn’t want any part of Sonny’s criminal enterprise. He admires Drew’s principles, but does he really believe he had a choice in the matter? Drew is protected whether he accepts it or not, which is ironic. Drew asks, why? and Cyrus says, because by extension, I now have Sonny’s protection too.

Carly says she can’t believe this arrangement is still working. That Dex reports back to Michael about Sonny’s businesses. Michael says, whatever Sonny lets Dex in on, Dex reports back to him, and she asks if Dex told him about Sonny’s interest in Austin. He says, Austin has a cousin named Mason Gatlin, and he and Austin were responsible for Betty Rutherford being hired. She’s the nanny who looked after Avery for a while, and it seems that she was their mole. Carly says she knew something was going on with Betty, and Michael says, so Sonny set her up, in the hopes she’d lead them back to whoever they work for. Dex’s job was to follow Austin, and he did, straight to Pentenville. Carly says, that’s where she saw him, and he says, apparently, Austin went into another room and Dex couldn’t see who he was visiting with. Did she? She says, no. She saw him walk through the visiting area carrying his doctor bag. She just assumed he was going to the infirmary. You know what? Maybe Drew can find out.

Trina tells Portia that she was trying to stay positive for Curtis. All the literature she read said the attitude makes a big difference when adapting. Portia says she knows, and she loves that Trina read the literature… Trina says, but she probably made Curtis feel uncomfortable, and Portia says, she had the best of intentions. Curtis knows that too. She loves her dad, and she was trying to help. But they just can’t push too hard. They have to let him go at his pace. They can’t just pretend nothing’s changed.

Marshall says, Selina circled back to him about buying the club, and Curtis asks what she said. Marhsall says, basically, she told him that they should sell it to her before it goes out of business. She didn’t come right out and threaten them that she’d run them out of business, but that’s the definite implication he got. Curtis says, maybe they should sell it, and Marshall asks if he’s lost his mind.

Lucy says, Jackson Montgomery, and he says, so they meet again. She says, they do. So tell her. What’s he doing here? He says he’s ready for round two with the devious, yet somehow captivating Lucy Coe, and she says, guess what? This time he’s on her turf. He says, that’s absolutely intentional. After all, her and her sister came all the way to Pine Valley to break in his safe. He figured the least he could do was make a trip to Port Charles. She says, spill it. He didn’t come here to have a sweet, little visit. Why is he here? He says he’s here for the Deception case and to make sure his client gets justice. (Hmm… wouldn’t there be a conflict of interest because of Lucy?) She asks, who’s his client? Who is he representing? He says, that would be telling, and sits down.

Curtis tells Marshall, the circumstances that made him open The Savoy and dedicate so much hard work to its success have radically changed. Marshall says, The Savoy is Curtis’s baby. He just needs a little more time to regroup. Curtis says, sometimes the best thing a successful person can do is walk away and cut their losses, but Marshall says, they can work through this. They can make this work. He can run the club until Curtis is ready to come back. They’ll call it a father/son venture. Curtis says he’s not even sure he wants to go back to it, but Marhsall says, he does; come on. Curtis says his dream of opening a nightclub has been realized. Maybe it’s time to move on. Marshall says, ultimately, it’s Curtis’s decision. He’s not going to push him, but he hopes Curtis reconsiders.

Trina tells Portia that she was over-the-top. She feels terrible. Portia says, she did nothing wrong, but Trina says she made Curtis feel uncomfortable. That’s the exact opposite of what she was trying to do. Portia says, but Curtis felt the love, and that’s all that really matters. Trina made him feel very welcome, but she thinks now they need to give him a little bit of room. She’s trying to find a balance too. There are so many adjustments they have to make, but they all love each other and they’re going to get through it together… as a family. She and Trina hug.

Lucy says she needs to tell Jack something. His client is a big, fat liar. Obviously, he or she is just trying to exploit Deception’s success. He says, or perhaps claim what is rightfully theirs. What does she think about that? She says she doesn’t think much of it, and she’ll tell him why. Does he want to know why? He says, oh gosh, yes, and she says, they did not steal The Deceptor. Jack says he hopes that’s the truth; he really does. He guesses time will tell. She says, speaking of time, where’s his client? Maybe they’re a bit afraid to show their scheming face. He says his client will be here. Don’t you worry about that.

Sasha is out cold, and Montague caps the syringe. Janice comes in and says she’s so glad Sasha’s sleeping. She was in a lot of pain earlier, poor thing. Montague says, she’ll get the rest she needs, and Janice says she doesn’t think Sasha is improving. She seems to be getting worse. He says, she was pretty severe when she was admitted. These kinds of recoveries take some time. Jancie says, maybe this isn’t the right kind of facility for her. Maybe she should be transferred to a private hospital where she can get more personalized care.

Gladys says, okay. Nina wants honesty? Nina says, that’s always best, and closes the door. Gladys says she got roped into a little poker game that she thought would just be a bit of fun. But what started off as just a few friendly hands of poker, turned into a losing streak and she dug herself into a hole. Nina says, let her make sure she understands what Gladys is telling her. This $50,000 is not about Sasha or her medical bills. Gladys need the money to pay off her gambling debt? Gladys says, but she’s getting better, and Nina says, at cards? (Ha-ha!) Gladys says she’s getting treatment. She’s going to Gamblers Anonymous. She just needs this one loan to get out of a tight spot… a really tight spot. Nina says, and Gladys came to her because Deception stock was frozen because of the lawsuit. So if the lawsuit wasn’t pending, she intended to use Sasha’s money to pay off her gambling debt?

Sonny says, Pikeman came to him originally because they wanted to use his territory to run their merchandise through Port Charles, and Brick says he remembers. They went to Valentin Cassadine, right? Sonny says, a man he doesn’t trust. But the money was so good for the first shipment, and Brick told him that they’re major players. Brick says, known globally, and Sonny says, that’s why he agreed to do it, and as promised, the money for the deal was incredible. But the money came at a cost, and he’s not sure the risk is worth the reward anymore.

Lawyer Alyse walks in, and Lucy asks what she’s doing here; she fired Alyse. Maxie says she rehired her, and Brook says, good job. Lucy says, actually, it is really good. She doesn’t think Scotty is coming. Maxie says, it’s going to be fine. Alyse is going to get this case thrown right out on its rear, right where it belongs. Right, Alyse? Alyse says she’ll do her best, and walks over to Jack, saying, Jackson Montgomery. He says, Alyse Vance, and they shake hands. She says, so he’s representing the clients suing Deception, and he says he is. She says, this should be a slam-dunk, and he says he thinks so, for him. Oh, she meant for her. He understands she took another shot at being the DA here in Port Charles. It’s got to be tough, falling on her face like that – twice. Alyse says she’s surprised he’s still allowed to practice, after that little incident in Pine Valley. When was that? He says, twenty years ago. She was a child. It’s ancient history. She asks what kind of scheme his client is trying to pull, and he says, no scheme. Maybe Lucy Coe is guilty of theft of intellectual property. Lucy says, yoohoo. She’s right here. She can hear them. The only thing she’s guilty of is making an excellent product consumers just love. Alyse hustles Lucy back over to her side of the courtroom, and Jack’s phone rings. He steps away, and Alyse says she has the updated documents Maxie emailed her. Maxie says she brought the originals, and Alyse says, this should be a piece of cake, if it’s as they say, and someone is just out for a quick and easy payday. Lucy says, that’s exactly what it is, cross her heart. Alyse wonders who would be stupid enough to sue. It’s obvious they have the receipts and the proof that they invented The Deceptor. Tracy walks in.

Marshall tells Curtis that he’d better get over to GH. His band booked a gig playing for some patients. Curtis says he’ll see Marshall later tonight, and Marshall leaves. Curtis flashes back to being a big, mean baby to Portia; telling her to let him go and that he doesn’t want to see her again. Portia comes out on the patio, and he says he apologizes for the way he spoke to her at the hospital. He was wrong and she didn’t deserve that. She thanks him and says she appreciates that. She knows he was going through a lot. Marshall is off to the hospital, and Trina went to see Spencer, and it’s just the two of them. Curtis says, and the wheelchair.

Carly says, with Drew inside Pentenville, he could ask around and see who Austin was visiting, but Michael says he doesn’t think they should get Drew involved. He’s got enough to deal with right now, just trying to survive in that place. Carly says, he’s right. She feels like Drew is already a marked man because he saved Cyrus’s life. Michael says he doesn’t want Drew asking questions, especially if Austin was there to deliver something to his boss. It would put Drew in even more danger.

Drew says he doesn’t want to speak for Sonny, but he thinks it’s pretty safe to assume Sonny wouldn’t lift a finger to protect Cyrus. Cyrus says, but Drew would, and he has. Not only did Drew perform CPR and keep him alive, Drew stepped in to defend him from Book. He had no reason to beyond Christian charity. He’s a noble man. Drew says he just doesn’t like watching an old man get beat up, no matter how much he despises Cyrus, and Cyrus says he has the feeling Drew would do it again, wouldn’t he? Whether Drew despises him or not. Drew says he would, and Cyrus says, and that speaks to the man Drew is. The kind of man he’s trying to be.

Gladys says she would have paid Sasha back, and Nina says she can’t help Gladys. Gladys says she came clean with Nina. She was honest about why she needs money. Nina says, either Gladys finds the courage to come clean with Sonny, tell him exactly what’s going on, and ask him for the money, or she can deal with her debt by herself. Gladys says, please… and Nina says, get out of her office. She has work to do. Go. Gladys walks slowly toward the door, and goes out to the reception area. Her phone rings, and Montague says, they have a little problem. Gladys asks what he did. Is Sasha worse? He says, there’s talk Sasha may need more personalized care and should be transferred to another facility, away from his attentive and gentle care here at Ferncliff. They both know what that means if it happens. She asks what he’s going to do, and he says he’ll have to make sure Sasha is in no condition to talk. So if she wants Sasha out, he wants his money – all of it – in two days.

Curtis tells Portia that he knows it’s pretty dark, but it’s true. He’s not saying he’s going to push her away again, because he won’t. But it’s time they come to the realization of what they can and can’t do. He’s feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, thinking about what he’s losing. She says she can’t even imagine what he’s feeling right now, but she loves him. He says, but he can’t love her back, and she says she knows he does, but he says, that’s not what he’s talking about. He just can’t physically love her back. She says she doesn’t know what kind of woman he thinks he married, but she’s here for him, and she promises him that they’re going to get through this… together. Apparently, no one has ever explained to Curtis, there’s more than one way to skin a cat and/or he’s never seen Coming Home.

Brook asks what Tracy is doing here, and Maxie says, it’s so nice of her to come and support Brook. And all of them for that matter. It’s been a really challenging time at Deception, and to be honest, it will look good to the judge to see someone like her in their corner. Lucy says she actually agrees with Maxie, and thanks Tracy. It’s really nice of her. She’s glad Tracy could put all those decades of nit-picking and bad blood behind them and lend aid in this horribly difficult time. Tracy says, actually, she’s just here to protect her legal claim to The Deceptor. There isn’t enough time to point out how many ways Tracy wouldn’t have a leg to stand on IRL, or that’s not how any of this works.

Carly says, the last thing she wants to do is drag Drew into a feud between Sonny and whoever, and Mr. Obvious Michael says, especially since Drew’s locked in Pentenville. She says, whoever the person is behind Austin and Mason must be a serious threat. Sonny was willing to let Avery be near Betty just to find out who it is. Michael says, Dex is on it and so is he. Dex is watching everything and reporting back to him. If Sonny needs help, he’ll make sure Sonny gets it.

Sonny says, he told Pikeman, he’s not going to move another shipment until they give him proof of who was responsible for the ambush at the warehouse and the shooting at the pool, and Brick says, be careful. Pikeman’s a heavy hitter. They obviously want to be in business with Sonny; there’s no doubt about that. But if Sonny chooses to cut them off, Pikeman could choose to go in a different direction and remove him from the equation. Find somebody, dare he say, that’s easy to do business with. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before. Sonny tells him, that’s what Valentin said, and Brick says, maybe Austin and Mason’s boss is trying to create just that kind of scenario; create discord between Sonny and Pikeman to remove Sonny from the situation, and let the competitor step in. Sonny says, first, they have to find out who his real enemy is.

Drew says, just because he couldn’t stand by and watch Cyrus get beaten to a pulp or watch him die, that doesn’t mean he likes Cyrus. Cyrus says, but he likes Drew. He knows Drew to be that rarest of things, a man of honor. And Drew will find that he, too, is honorable. He pays his debts. (What is he? A Lannister?) He owes Drew his life. He won’t forget it.

Gladys comes back into Nina’s office and says she lied. She does have a gambling problem; she was truthful about that. And she does have huge debts because of gambling, but that’s not why she needs the $50,000. She needs it because the doctor who’s treating Sasha at Ferncliff won’t let Sasha out until she pays him.

Tomorrow, Tracy says, this can all be resolved quickly and quietly; Cody tells Sam, this is the only way he can get in to see Sasha; Sasha begs Janice not to let Dr. Montague near her; and Dante says, the news isn’t good.

💎 Diamond Skinny…

The when and where on the Beverly Hills tribe.

https://www.dexerto.com/reality-tv/rhobh-everything-you-need-to-know-about-season-13-2268858/

🦘 Another Goodbye…

Am I the only one who doesn’t think Culver is hot? He has too many teeth for his mouth.

Their crew keeps getting smaller.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1384113/below-deck-down-under-loses-another-crewmember-after-heartbreaking-firing

📺 At No Cost To You…

I don’t know if these are the best, but there’s some good ones in here. Fast Times at Ridgemont High never gets old and Promising Young Woman is amazing.

https://ew.com/movies/best-movies-on-freevee/

👸🏻 Twice Upon a Time…

I loved this show. That ain’t your mama’s Captain Hook.

https://ew.com/tv/once-upon-a-time-hits-hulu-this-friday/

🐼 Birthday Bear…

And he eats the cake as we all would if there were no witnesses.

https://people.com/smithsonian-national-zoo-panda-treated-to-special-26th-birthday-celebration-7963525

🪠 Dirty Deeds Done At Cost…

Join me tomorrow for soap and throwing stones at the OC. Until then, stay safe (especially those in Idalia’s path), stay enjoying the last vestiges of summer, and stay remembering that attitude makes a big difference when adapting.