In watching this, I understood what it is about Diana that I don’t like. She expects others to be empathetic of her without really knowing her, but she’s quick with judgements about people she doesn’t know. There was a poll on Twitter asking if she was soulless – which I think was just a dramatic word Sutton used, and not to be taken seriously – and I read she blocked people who said yes. Why? Is she afraid she might learn something about herself?
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. – Dale Carnegie
Never try to outstubborn a cat. – Robert A. Heinlein, Time Enough for Love
But instead of spending our lives running towards our dreams, we are often running away from a fear of failure or a fear of criticism. – Erin Wright
Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. – Steve Maraboli
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. – Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man. – Elbert Hubbard
I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace. – Thomas Paine
If you don’t like my shade, get out of my shadow. – Shereé (yes, that one) Whitfield, Real Housewives of Atlanta
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. – Marie Curie
I have more in common with a three-toed sloth or a one-eyed pterodactyl or a Kalamata olive than I have with Winston Churchill. – Boris Johnson (What?)
Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix
Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.- Annette Funicello
🦛 Taking My Hunky Dory and Going…
If all goes according to plan, we’ll all be filling the next two days with activities that are gratifying and/or productive. Or not, if that’s what you like. Then we’ll reconvene on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay doing everything in moderation, but allowing for a splurge now and then, and stay trying to understand where others are coming from. You might not like them anyway, but you won’t hate them. Don’t be a Diana J.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Brook says, voicemail again? and wonders why Chase isn’t calling her back. She leaves a message, saying, she hopes he isn’t having second thoughts. It’s important. She fully expects to see him at the Haunted Star in a half hour. Be there. She goes inside to the nook, and Michael and Willow are coming in. She asks if they’re still coming. Tonight is open mic night at the Haunted Star. Michael says, that’s tonight? and Willow says, they’re so sorry. Brook asks how they could forget. This is Chase’s big debut.
Finn holds the heavy bag, as Chase punches, and we see Chase has a number of missed calls and messages. Finn asks if Chase is done yet, but Chase says, not yet. Finn says, they’ve been here a few hours. Unless Chase has a personal vendetta against this bag, he’s guessing there’s something Chase doesn’t want to do. Chase makes a face, and Finn says, and by Chase’s reaction, he’s guessing it has something to do with Brook. Chase says, he told her that he’d sing at the Haunted Star on open mic night. Finn says, great, what time? and Chase asks if Finn isn’t meeting Elizabeth. Finn says, no, and Chase says, but she’s back. Finn says, she is, but she needs to spend some time with her boys. Chase asks if it’s Elizabeth’s way of keeping Finn at arm’s length, but Finn says, no. He thinks this time, things are good. Nice diversion, by the way. They were talking about Chase. So when is this open mic thing? Chase says, it doesn’t matter. He can’t go.
Spinelli answers his phone, greetings and salutations, and Cody says, Spinelli. Spinelli asks, to whom is he speaking? and Cody says, his buddy, Cody Bell. Spinelli says he has no desired acquaintance who bears that moniker, and starts to hang up, but Cody says, whoa. Tonight’s his date with Britt Westbourne, so he needs the 4-1-1. Likes, dislikes, what does she look for in a man? Spinelli says, so he can deceive her? but Cody says, so he can get another date. Spinelli says, he cannot… Nay, he will not abet Cody’s deceptions. Lose this number. He ends the call, and Cody says, fine. He guesses he’ll just have to wing it. There’s a knock at the stable door, and Britt says, hello? He says, she’s early, and she says, all the better to get this over with. Who is he talking to, and what does he have to wing?
At the Haunted Star, Maxie asks if Mac is excited about MC’ing tonight, and he says he is. He knows her mom really wanted to be here tonight, but since she’s feeling under the weather, he had to dust off his old skills and pitch in. She tells him, break a leg, and he says, thanks… he thinks. Austin arrives, and Maxie thanks him for rolling with the change of plans. She knows it’s not exactly the super romantic date they talked about. He says, it’s going to be super fun, and he loves how she supports her family. She says, that’s great, and promises they’ll go on a date with just the two of them very soon. They’re about to kiss when Spinelli says, buenos noches. Maxie says she didn’t know he was going to be here tonight, and Spinelli says he couldn’t pass up a chance to mingle. Austin asks Spinelli to join them, and Maxie suggests Austin grab them a couple of drinks. Surprise her. Spinelli says he’ll have a beer, and Austin says, of course (🍷). He leaves, and Spinelli says, it looks like it’s going to be a smash. Maxie asks why he’s stalking her.
Elsewhere on the boat, Epiphany says she appreciates Marshall bringing her out, but the MCATs are really soon, and she needs to study. He says he knows she agrees music is good for the soul. So he’s guessing it’s got to be good for the brain as well. She laughs, and he says, come on. She says, fine. One drink. He says, one drink… and a song.
Sasha asks Brando to check on her discharge papers again; they’re taking forever. He says he doesn’t think they’ll appreciate him checking every five minutes, when Nina walks in. She says hello to them, and hands Sasha a bag, saying, she brought some clothes and toiletries in case Sasha needs them. Sasha thanks Nina, and says she can’t tell Nina how much she appreciates this. Brando says he’ll go check on the discharge papers, and leaves. As Brando goes past the elevator, Sonny comes out with Dex. Sonny says he was hoping to run into Brando, and Brando says, Sonny… Dex, and I laugh because it’s so obvious from his change in tone, he doesn’t like Dex. Sonny gives Dex a look, and Dex moves along. Sonny asks how Sasha is doing, and Brando says, Dr. Sheffer recommends they transfer Sasha to Shadybrook (all things to all people) for rehab. Sonny asks what Sasha thinks of that, and Brando says, she insists all she needs is rest, and that she can get at home. Sonny asks what Brando thinks, and Brando says he just wishes he understood how his wife got here in the first place.
Sasha says, Nina thought of everything. She’s going to get changed. Nina says she thinks that can wait. She’d like to talk to Sasha first. Sasha says she loves Nina, and appreciates everything Nina is doing for her, but she’s going home tonight, so do not try to stop her.
Chase says he knows he’s not a detective anymore… Finn says, right at the moment, and Chase says, but it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to see Finn is still worried about Elizabeth. Finn says he sees a bag; he’s going to go punch it. Chase says, Finn… and Finn says he admits he was a little thrown when Elizabeth checked herself out of Shadybrook, but she came back and they talked, and she says she really wants to be with him. Chase says, that’s great. What’s wrong? Finn says, nothing’s wrong. It just seems fast, that’s all. Chase says, for them to get back together? but Finn says, for Elizabeth to be back to normal. It seems almost too good to be true.
Michael asks if Willow is up for a night out, and Brook asks if she’s not feeling well. Willow says, she’s fine. In fact… Does Michael want to tell her? Michael says he’d be honored. He and Willow are having a baby. Brook squeals, and hugs Willow, saying, congratulations. She’s sorry. Did she just hug Willow too hard? The only pregnancy she ever had was a complete fraud, and she only pretended to read the books. Willow says she’s great, and Brook suggests they go out and celebrate, like tonight. It’s never too early to expose your kid to some culture. Michael says he’s not sure amateurs covering top 40 pop songs is considered culture, but Willow says, babies love music in utero. Michael says, all right. Then they’ll be there. Brook says, great. She just hopes Chase doesn’t get cold feet. She dashes out the door.
Sonny and Brando sit, and Sonny asks if Brando has to get back to Sasha, but Brando says, Nina is with her. The drugs are out of her system, and the doc said there’s no damage to her heart this time. Sonny says, thank God, and Brando says, but the drugs are just a symptom. They might have been a factor in Sasha’s breakdown, but not the cause. Sonny asks if he’s talked to Sasha about Liam, and Brando says, he’s tried. She just shuts down. He wants to tell her everything is going to be okay, but it feels like a lie every time he does. He’s trying to be supportive and honest at the same time, but it’s impossible. What is he supposed to do?
Nina says she fully supports and understands Sasha’s desire to go home, and Sasha says she’s sorry. She thought Nina was going to try to force her to go to rehab. Nina says she’s not, but it’s worth a conversation, doesn’t she think? Sasha says she’s not addicted. Those pills were just supposed to take the edge off. It was obviously a mistake to take them. She just didn’t want… Nina says, to feel. That’s it, isn’t it? She understands the pain you go through when you lose a child; she lost her daughter twice. It can really mess you up. If Sasha feels like she needs a break from the stress and pressure of the world – and there’s a lot out there, isn’t there? – a place like Shadybrook might help. It helped Nina more than she can tell Sasha. Sasha says she appreciates Nina’s understanding, but she doesn’t need a break. Nina asks if she’s sure about that, and Sasha says she can’t think of anything worse than sitting around obsessing about her problems. That’s why Dr. Sheffer has scheduled outpatient therapy sessions for her. Nina says, that’s wonderful, and Sasha says she knows she needs help, and she’s getting it. The worst really is over.
Mac asks Austin how to pronounce a name, and Austin says, Muh-zush-ka. Mac says, all he sees are consonants, and asks how Austin knew. Austin says, a Ukrainian arachnologist popped up once to study a spider; Nina Muzushka. Spelled it the same way. Mac says, maybe he’ll run it by her just to make sure, and Austin says, that’s always a good strategy.
Spinelli says he’s not stalking Maxie. He’s aghast. The very idea is an anathema. She says, when he starts using words she doesn’t understand, that only means one thing; Spinelli is hiding something. Spinelli says, very well. If he may be perfectly honest, he doesn’t think she and Austin are a perfect match.
Cody tells Britt, not important; he was just on the phone. Welcome to his not-so humble abode. She says, it looks great, and he says, it is great. She says she just can’t imagine living with horses, and he says he does have a little apartment upstairs. They don’t make him sleep in the hay. She asks where they’re going to dinner, and he says he thought they could eat here; outside, underneath the stars. He ordered from the MetroCourt. She says he ordered for her, and he says he knows how hard doctors work, and tonight, he just wants her to relax. He’ll take care of everything
Chase and Finn walk back into the gym, and Chase wonders, if he were a phone, where would he be? He sees it, and says, there you are. He looks at it, and says, and there you are. He shows Finn, who says, wow. That is a lot of missed calls… and voicemails… and texts. Chase says he’s been dodging Brook. Oh look, lucky number 11. Finn reads, don’t make me hunt you down. Be at the Haunted Star or else. Normally, he’d recommend Witness Protection, but knowing Brook, she’d probably find him. Chase says, if he gets up there tonight, he has to prove to everyone that he’s worth listening to. What if the audience doesn’t agree? Finn says, all Chase’s dreams will vanish, and he’ll have to go back to being a singing waiter. Chase says he’d rather be a singing waiter, and Finn asks, what’s the problem? Chase flashes back to telling Brook, Linc owns her songs. He punched Linc in the face. Linc’s not going to want anything to do with them, and now Brook wants Linc to manage him? She says, Linc is dirty. Once Linc buys out Chase’s contract, they’ll be in the perfect position to get the goods on him. Chase tells Finn, Brook has a plan, and Finn asks, when doesn’t she? Chase says, to get back at her former music producer that he punched, and Finn asks how he can help. Chase says, Finn can give him a doctor’s note to get out of it, and Finn says, done, but if Chase doesn’t want to sing for Brook, why doesn’t he just tell her?
Maxie tells Spinelli, she doesn’t need a matchmaker. She decides if she and Austin are a perfect match, not him. Be nice. Austin comes back with the drinks, and Spinelli thanks him for the ale; much appreciated. Brook comes in, and Maxie waves. Brook says she’s looking for Chase, and keeps moving. Mac gets on stage, and says, good evening, and welcome. He tells them to settle in with their favorite beverage, and get ready to be impressed. Open mic night is the night that might change someone’s life.
Cody asks if Britt is ready for that riding lesson, but she says she didn’t think he was serious. He says, obviously, she doesn’t have to ride, but come meet Comet. She says she can see him fine from here, and he says she doesn’t have to be nervous. The Q’s bought Comet for a child to ride; Comet is perfectly safe, he promises. She says she told him, she doesn’t like horses, and he says, so she’s made up her mind and that’s it? She says she knows what she likes and what she doesn’t like. Why won’t he let this go? He says he just wants her to try… and she tells him, she said no. He says, all right. They’re supposed to be on a date, right? They’re supposed to be putting forth their best effort to get to know each other, or at least try to. She says, and by choosing not to listen to her when she says she doesn’t like horses, is refusing to get to know her. He says, if you’re opposed to new experiences, you might as well be dead, and she says, maybe he’s not wrong. Maybe she has been a little stubborn. He says, so she’s telling him… and she says, let’s meet this Comet, and approaches the horse.
Sasha says, she knows she thanked Nina before, but that wasn’t enough. She really picked the perfect outfit. Sasha’s phone rings, and Nina hands it to her. She says, she can leave if Sasha wants to talk to Willow, but Sasha says she’s not ready. Nina asks if something happened between them, and Sasha says, no, nothing like that. She found out Willow is pregnant. Nina says, that must have been hard to hear.
Sonny says he hates that Brando is going through this tough time, and Brando says, Sasha is in so much pain. Whatever he’s going through or needs to feel can wait. Sonny tells him not to forget to take care of himself. Whatever pain he’s feeling doesn’t just go away. Brando says he hears Sonny, and Sonny says he hopes Brando does, because at least he feels like he’s giving Brando something helpful. Brando says, whatever Sonny tells him is always helpful. Talking like this… Sonny says, if Brando needs anything, he’s here; he promises.
Mac says he’s sure everyone will recognize their first performer from her show stopping performances at the Nurses Ball. Epiphany sings, and everyone gets totally into it, Marshall bopping to the music. Me too. She’s fabulous.
Britt backs away from Comet, and says, Comet wants to eat her, but Cody says, no. She says, he tried. She thinks she should go, but he says she can’t leave. They haven’t had dinner yet. She says, it’s obviously not working. According to him, she’s bad tempered, judgmental, and devoutly allergic to fun. Why does he want her to stay? He says, because underneath all that attitude, every once in a while, he sees a glimpse of a woman who’s whip smart, wickedly funny, and passionate about life. He just wants to get to know her a little bit better. Will she let him?
Michael tells Willow, the nanny is reading My Truck is Stuck to Wiley, and he seems very quiet and happy. He says they make a run for it. She says she’s ready, and he says, before he forgets, when is her next OB/GYN appointment? He wants to block out the time in his calendar. She says, he doesn’t have to come to every single appointment, but he says he wants to be involved. Jonah and Wiley births were very traumatic. This time, everything’s going to be different. She says, no cult leaders or sociopaths, and he says, just them and Wiley. She says, and 300 other members of his family, and he says, exactly. It’s crazy there’s no craziness. No threat lurking out there to ruin everything. So far, so good, huh? They hug.
There’s applause for Epiphany, and Marshall asks how she feels. She says, he was right. Music is good for the soul. He says, not only does she feel better, she lifted up every person in this room, and she says, he’s a smooth talker, but he says, he only speaks the truth. Brook looks at her phone, when Finn and Chase come in. She asks if it would kill Chase to return a phone call, and what is he wearing? He can’t go on stage dressed like that. He says, about that… when Linc comes over to them. Linc says, Brook Lynn… Detective… Is he still a detective? Brook tells him, get lost, but he says he just came over because he’s concerned about Brook. Does watching other people perform remind her of the talent she lost forever? She sure had a set of pipes on her. It’s a tragedy she can’t sing any longer. Why do some of these characters sound like they came out of a 1940s movie? She thanks him for his phony concern, but she’s better than ever. He says, is that so? and she says, it is. She found something she wants more than fame. Linc says, really? Would that be Chase?
Sasha says, Nina saw her meltdown on Home & Heart, didn’t she? and Nina says she did. Sasha says, it’s funny. She barely remembers it. But she does remember seeing Liam… She means, thinking she saw Liam. She knows he wasn’t there, but in the moment, she was so happy. And she knows it wasn’t the pills. They were responsible for the hallucination, but the feeling… Nina takes her hand, and says she knows the feeling. That you would do anything just to stop the pain. Sasha asks if she can tell Nina something, and Nina says, anything. Sasha says, part of her wishes she could live in that mirage. The feeling of him in her arms; he had weight, and warmth, and breath… and such a beautiful smile. She cries, and Nina holds her.
Brando thanks Sonny for everything, as usual, and Sonny says, anytime. Brando says, whenever Sonny needs him, and Sonny says, he may need Brando for something. Brando says, name it, and Sonny says he wants Brando to give him the name of the paparazzi scum who gave Sasha drugs. Brando says, his name is Felty, and Sonny says, he and Felty are going to have a little talk. He’s going to make sure Felty never gives drugs to Sasha or anybody again. Brando says he wants in on that talk.
Linc asks if Chase is taking a turn on the stage, and Chase says, that’s why he’s here. Linc says, he’s a brave man. Crowds like this can be brutal. (Friends and family mostly?) He tells Chase, break a leg, and wanders off. Brook says, Chase is really doing it? and Chase says, that was the plan, right? She says she got the impression that he only showed up to turn her down, and he says, her former manager is probably the most disgusting person he’s ever met. He wants to give her the satisfaction of nailing him. She thanks him, says, come with her, and drags him over to the stage. Willow and Michael walk in, and Willow says, she had no doubt that Chase would come here for Brook, but why is this performance so important to her. Michael says he doesn’t know, but with Brook, he’s learned it’s best not to ask too many questions. Spinelli babbles to Austin, and Maxie kicks him under the table. Austin asks if Spinelli is all right, and Spinelli says, he is indeed well. He asks if Austin was ever a Trekkie (isn’t it Trekker?), but Austin says he didn’t watch a lot of TV. He did see one of the movies he thinks. The one about the whales? Spinelli says, an excellent film.
On the patio, Cody says, this better is better, right? and Britt says, it certainly smells better. He says he guesses riding isn’t for everyone. He’s sorry. He shouldn’t have pushed her. So why don’t they just stay here and talk. That’s why they’re here, right? To get to know each other better? Britt says, okay. She’ll go first. So he’s lived in a lot of places. He says he has, and she asks, where? He says, any place that has mountains or prairies. How about her? She says she’s seen a lot of the world, and he says, it sounds like she’s had some adventures. She says she’s traveled for leisure, for education, once as an international fugitive, so yeah. He says he sees how that could wear down on you, and she says, it can… She’s not like him, enamored of the nomadic lifestyle. He says he used to love the life of a nomad, but he’s done his wandering. He just wants to put down roots. Maybe get a little house of his own. She says, white picket fence, SUV, a wife to bring him his slippers, but he says, his mom would tan his hide if he ever expected a woman to wait on him. She says, smart lady, and he says he just wants an equal partner; someone to grow old with, maybe raise a couple kids. She says, he wants kids? and he says, yes? She gets up, and he asks where she’s going. She says, home. This is a complete waste of time. What the hell was Zelda thinking, saying they were a match?
Sasha says she wants Nina to know she realizes having Liam with her was a fantasy, and Nina says, a beautiful fantasy. Of course (🍷) she understands why Sasha would yearn for that. Sasha says, so Nina doesn’t think she’s crazy? Nina says, if Sasha were to ask around, the majority opinion would be she’s not the perfect judge to define crazy or sanity, but no. Sasha isn’t crazy for wanting her baby back. Sasha says, as long as she knows that it can never happen, and Nina suggests it might be something Sasha should talk to Dr. Sheffer about. Sasha says, good idea. She’ll do that.
Sonny tells Dex, let him know when Felty is located, and Dex says he’s on it. If Sonny needs anything… Sonny says, don’t get carried away, but this is the time to impress him with how well he follows orders. Dex says, got it, and leaves. Brando asks if Sonny is going after Felty now. He’s sending that bastard? Sonny says, Brando said he wanted to go; he has every right. Brando says he wants to, but Sasha needs him more than he needs revenge. Besides, he trusts Sonny to take care of it. Sonny says, oh he will. He promises.
Brando goes back to Sasha’s room, and she says he was gone for a while. Is there a problem? He says, no. He just ran into Sonny, and they got to talking. Nina says, Sonny’s here? but Brando says, no, sorry. He’s got to take care of something. Nina says, as luck would have it, she has to get going too, and Sasha thanks her for everything. Nina says she loves Sasha, and she’s just a phone call away. Sasha says she knows, and Nina leaves. Sasha asks if Brando was really just talking to Sonny. They haven’t hit a snag with her discharge papers? He tells her, Deanna said her paperwork is on its way up, and she says, good. He asks why she would think there was a problem, and she says she knows he thinks it’s too soon for her to come home. He says he is concerned they’re jumping the gun, but it’s her call. And he’d never go behind her back like that. She says she knows; she’s sorry. He says, they’re a team, right? and she says, 100%.
Cody asks what he missed, and Britt says, he’s not at all the man she thought he was. He says he knows he didn’t make a great first impression, and she says, he’s so boring. (We hear crickets, and I wonder if it’s on purpose or coincidence.) She thought at least he’d have some good stories, traveling around like he as. He says he has great stories, and she says, it seems like they’re all in the past. All he wants to do now is sit on his porch and rock himself to sleep. He tells her, he never said any of that, but she says, and yet, he made it perfectly clear. So once and for all, goodbye. She hopes he finds a nice boring wife, who gives him lots and lots of kids; at least a dozen. She starts to walk out, and he says he doesn’t even want any kids. She asks what kind of game he’s playing.
We return to the Haunted Star, and more applause. Austin gets a text: Come to the starboard deck, or I come in and get you. Maxie says she hopes it’s not the hospital, and Austin says he’ll be back. Mac says, let’s hear it for Kathy Muzushka, and there’s more applause. He says, now for another one of the Nurses Ball favorites – Harrison Chase. Chase sings, and Brook smiles. It’s a weak start, but then he gets into it, and everyone claps along. He finishes to much applause.
Sasha says she just wants to fall face down on the bed with Brando, and stay there forever. Or until she gets hungry; then she wants pizza. He asks if she’s saying she missed him, and she says, he has to ask? It’s been a long, long 72 hours. He says he thought maybe she was mad at him for sticking her in there, but she says, he did exactly what she needed him to do; she just didn’t know it. He says, so they’re good? and she says, always. He says he really missed her too. He promises, no matter what, he’ll always be there. She says, he’d better, and they kiss.
Epiphany says, this has been fun, but she really needs to get back to studying, and Marshall says he hopes she learned the most important lesson tonight. She says, what’s that? and he says, never listen to a jazz man. They’re a bad influence. She laughs and says, but jazz men are known to have a good time, so she thought it was worth the risk. They leave, and Chase goes over to Brook and Finn. He says, was he…? and Brook says, amazing. Finn says, he wasn’t terrible at all. Chase says he started off a little shaky, but Brook says, trust her, performing is all about a strong finish. If you wow the audience at the end, no one cares how you started out. Finn says he’s so proud of Chase, when Willow and Michael join them. Willow says, Chase was fantastic, and hugs him. She says, he owned the stage, and Brook says, the best part is she was right; she loves being right. Michael says, they have to take off, but it was a helluva performance. He congratulates Chase, and Chase thanks him, saying, it means a lot. They leave, and Finn says he has to go too, but next time, he’s bringing dad. Chase says, if there is a next time, and Brook says, there will be a next time. Chase says, then bring everybody, and Finn leaves. Chase asks, did the fish take the bait? and Brook says, here’s to hoping. She’ll make herself scarce, and they’ll see what happens. She leaves, and Linc saunters over.
Spinelli asks where Dr. Gatlin-Holt disappeared to, and Maxie says, he had to take a call. Why does he ask? Itching for more Trekkie talk? He says, Austin is a good listener. Perhaps he’s been a tad over protective. She says, yes he has. Austin is a good man, and Spinelli has to start being nicer to him. Now.
Austin steps out on the deck, and sees a bald guy. He backs bald guy up, and says, they can’t be seen together. Bald guy says, careful. Austin is going to hurt his feelings. Austin says he was really clear about that when bald guy visited the campsite. What the hell is he doing here?
Cody says he’s not playing a game, and Britt says, he doesn’t want kids. Why did he say he did? He says, because, while having kids isn’t a high priority, he’d be open to it if his wife wanted them. She asks if he has a bridge he’d like to sell her while he’s at it. All he’s been doing is telling her what he thinks she wants to hear. Why? What does he want from her?
Sonny’s phone rings, and he says, talk to me. Dex says he found Felty, and Sonny says, good. Dex knows what to do. He’ll be there. Dex says, Sonny’s got it.
Linc tells Chase, congratulations, detective. It was a great performance. Chase asks what he wants, and Linc says, he wants to know, has Chase considered a career in music? Brook watches.
Tomorrow, Britt tells Cody, the time of death is right now; Portia tells Marshall, their side is going to need a miracle; Austin says he doesn’t answer to bald guy; and Selena tells Curtis that he doesn’t know how far her reach is.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Dorit calls LisaR, who says she’s better, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, just when you think you’re done with covid, here comes omicron. Erika, LisaR, and Garcelle all have it, but Dorit managed to dodge a bullet. It’s time. LisaR tells Dorit to let her know the gossip after she goes to Kyle’s lunch. Jamie Lee Curtis comes to Kyle’s house, and Kyle tells Jamie that she’s the most unrelaxed human being ever. She just colored her roots, her skin is dyed, and she’s running around like a chicken. Jamie says she doesn’t give sh*t about grey hair; she only cares about Kyle’s heart. That’s why she’s here. Not for any other reason. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s known since 1978 when they did Halloween together. Although Jamie’s a big star, she’s down to earth, kind-hearted, and thoughtful. She’d reached out about Kyle doing some charity work for the Children’s Hospital of L.A. We see a clip of Jamie announcing that Kyle and Mauricio have joined First Families, which is a new level of giving. Kyle tells us, Jamie founded a company called My Hand in Yours, and 100% of the proceeds go to the hospital. Right now, they’re working on a fundraiser.
The women arrive, and in Diana’s interview, she says, she’s not in the mood for Sutton; not at all. Crystal says, three of their friends are sick, and Jamie says, it’s hard times. In Dorit’s interview, she says, oh my God, Jamie Lee Curtis! and pinches herself. They sit down for lunch, and Sutton sees she’s seated next to Diana. She tells Kyle, really? and Kyle makes a surprised face like it just dawned on her. In Kyle’s interview, she says, let’s be honest, Sutton was going to have an issue with someone somewhere. Somehow it gets switched – I guess by Diana – and Jamie says she’s learning a lot about the group already. Sutton tries to help Sheree (not that one) put an eyelash back on, but gets glue all over her eye. Jamie swoops in to the rescue. I’ll bet she’s a combination of Martha Stewart and Bob Villa at home. Dorit tells Diana that she heard Diana had lunch with Sutton, and asks how it went. Diana says, terrible, and we flash back to that. She shrugs, and tells Dorit that she’s repulsed by Sutton. She went home and scrubbed herself. In Diana’s interview, she says, it’s the truth. She exfoliated. She says, Sutton offends her space.
Dorit gushes over Jamie, who suggests she talk about why she’s here while they eat. She tells them about My Hand in Yours, and shows them the various products. Dorit exclaims some variation of that’s so chic! as each product is shown. Jamie shows a dog leash that has a cute My Paw in Yours charm, and I’m in. Luckily, they have a website. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Jamie found herself a new best friend in Dorit. At this point, Jamie could show them a dirty old tissue, and Dorit would say, it’s so chic! Kyle says she gave $25K to the Kyle Richards and Jamie Lee Curtis Fund for the hospital, and Diana says, she’ll match it. In her interview, Kyle tells us that she should have said a higher number. They open their gifts, and Dorit says she’s excited about the gift bag. Jamie tells them to use everything in good health, and Diana thanks her for giving them the opportunity of being part of the charity. Kyle walks Jamie out, and Sheree sits with Sutton. Dorit joins them, and says, she heard Sutton had lunch with Diana, and Sutton says, Diana is angry. We flash back to that horrible, horrible lunch (said in Sophie from 2 Broke Girls voice), and Sheree asks why Sutton is always in trouble. Sutton thinks it’s because she says what she thinks, and Sheree asks, how’s that working for Sutton (hearing Dr. Phil voice in my head)? Sutton says, not too good. I’m going to be quiet, and ya’ll will be sad. Sheree says she understands, but when someone is bitchy at your lowest moment, it carries a different weight. Sutton asks if that excuses mocking her miscarriages. She would never make fun of anyone’s miscarriage. Dorit says, Sutton questioned Diana about being on bed rest, which wasn’t quite the same thing, but we flash back to that. Dorit says, had Sutton led with empathy, she would have gotten a different reaction. Sutton says, Diana hurt her feelings, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, it’s a pattern. It’s always about Sutton. If you can’t see your own mistakes, you’re going to have trouble. She asks if Sutton wants to try and fix things, and Sutton says she might…
Kyle thanks Diana for the contribution, and she, Diana, and Crystal clink glasses. Kyle asks how Crystal is doing. She saw Crystal’s Instagram post about her eating disorder. Crystal says she hasn’t nailed down what the cause is, and Kyle asks if it’s a control issue, and Crystal says, it’s definitely not appearance. It’s an internal feeling. In Crystal’s interview, she says, the holidays are triggering. She was going to post a family picture, and felt like crap, so she decided to be super real and post how she was feeling. Kyle asks if Crystal just doesn’t eat, or does she eat and throw up, and Crystal says, Kyle is asking the hard questions. Kyle says, that’s because she knows what it’s like, and we flash back to Kyle telling the women she used to heat up a bowl of V8, and that was her food. She tells Crystal, she would eat very little, but worry about what little she ate. In Kyle’s interview, she says, it seems like a cry for help. Crystal says she wakes up thinking about what she’s going to eat. She never eats pasta because it’s a trigger, yet she envies people when they eat it. In her interview, Crystal says, in every school picture, she’s in the back row. She was not just the tallest girl, but the tallest kid in the class, on top of looking different as a minority, which made it more apparent. She’s worked hard to be accepted, and appreciates how she looks, but it’s still hard. She tells Kyle that physically being in her body sucks. She feels like sh*t all the time; it’s exhausting. Diana says she’s sorry. She knows how much Crystal loves food too. Crystal says she wants to eat a meal, and be okay with it. She doesn’t want to hate what she’s eating every day. Kyle hugs her, and Crystal says she’s tired. In Crystal’s interview, she says, the scariest thing is passing it on to her kids. She doesn’t want them to suffer this much. It’s an ongoing battle. Diana says, because Crystal is being so open, for sure she’ll get there; 100%. Kyle says, the more she talks and is open, she won’t be in her head. In her interview, Kyle says, since she went through her own issues, she educated herself and daughters. She made a conscious effort to make sure they didn’t go through the same thing. Opening up and talking about it can be a good thing if Crystal seeks help.What she’s been doing so far isn’t helping. They join the others, and Kyle asks if they were talking about Sutton and Diana’s lunch. Sutton says, they were, and Kyle says, that sounds… Diana says, awkward.
Sutton says, Diana isn’t ready to accept anything from her, and Diana says, Sutton is right. Kyle asks what Sutton means, and if it involves an apology, but Sutton says, she doesn’t think Diana is ready to ponder any type of friendship with her. Diana says, when she came to L.A., the baby was due soon, and she didn’t want to count the weeks to the birth. So she flipped her life upside down, so she doesn’t go to that dark place. She tried to have fun in Mexico with them, but she shouldn’t have done tequila when she was taking blood thinners. On the way back, she started bleeding again. She’s not happy with her treatment of her own body. She was in a bad place, and sent a rude message to the group. In Diana’s interview, she says she’s still raw emotionally and physically. Sutton’s behavior was hurtful, and Sutton should know better than to talk to her like that. Uh… I dunno about Sutton knowing better, but maybe Sutton should have just stayed out of it, since she doesn’t really know Diana. Sutton says she appreciates Diana’s honesty, and she’s trying. They had a rough start, and she takes responsibility for 95% of it. Diana can take all the time and space she needs, and when she’s ready, Sutton is there to talk. Diana says, they’re taking a time out, and makes what I guess is supposed to be the hand signal for that, but it looks more like when you’re joking around to ward off evil. Sutton does it back.
LisaR calls Erika, and says she’s been decorating the tree, since she hasn’t done any decorating. Erika says, LisaR looks like she feels normal, but LisaR says she doesn’t feel quite normal yet. Erika says she’s out of isolation in two days, and Erika says she’ll see LisaR at Diana’s party on Tuesday. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s ready for a Diana Jenkins Christmas party. Erika says, the holidays bring back memories of being with Tom and her son, and LisaR asks how much can they take? Erika says, you just keep taking the punches, and rolling with them. You wake up, make the best of it, and f*** it. LisaR says she brought home Erika’s L.A. Magazine cover, but she hasn’t had a chance to read the article. Erika says, there are no revelations; they’re like 365 days late. In Erika’s interview, she says, they recycled the same problems, and criticized her for being ambitious. They dehumanize her, and it hurts. She tells LisaR that she thinks it’s a low blow to call her ambitious. Would it be better for her to be a lazy wife? A polite wife? A staying-in-her-place wife? LisaR asks if she’s talked to Tom, and Erika says, he heard she had covid, and called. In her interview, Erika says, sometimes, he’s super present, but sometimes he thinks she’s someone else. Nothing about their conversations is good, except she knows he’s in a safe place. She’s been down this road with her grandmother, and it doesn’t get better; it only gets worse. LisaR asks if Tom’s brother is still representing him, but Erika says, they dropped their legal team. LisaR asks if Tom has a divorce lawyer, and Erika says, they’re legally separated, so she’s moved on with her life, but she can’t get a divorce with so much legal sh*t going on. In her interview, she says, if she got a divorce, she’d have to pay Tom alimony. She’ll stay married. She tells LisaR, it’s a weird time, and she’s ready for it to be over.
Diana and Asher meet with party planner Clare, and in Diana’s interview, she says, they didn’t celebrate Christmas when she was growing up in Yugoslavia. It was a communist country, so there were no religious holidays. When she went to London, they lit up the streets, and it was beautiful and festive. She enjoys turning the house into a winter wonderland, and likes to go over the top. Asher gets super involved, and in her interview, Diana says, even though Asher is younger, he’s more practical and sensible. She’s the one who’s the bigger dreamer and over-the-top. She doesn’t think anybody can match her over-the-topness.
Kyle visits Kathy, whose house is totally Christmased up. She says, it’s literally a winter wonderland, and looks around. She says, Kathy makes her feel like an underachiever, and Kathy shows her the tree that’s going to be in Architectural Digest, made of vintage fabric. In Kyle’s interview, she says, there’s a different style of tree in each room, and she thinks they’re up year round. She asks if Kathy is doing Christmas this year, but Kathy says, after the wedding, it’s too much. They sit on the terrace for lunch, and Kathy says, trying to get ahold of Kyle is liketrying to pull a hemorrhoid out of a bull’s tush. Something I’m sure she knows a lot about. Kyle asks where Kathy’s phone is, and Kathy says she lost it. Kyle says, don’t make her pull out receipts. She brings up her texts to Kathy, and shows Kathy that she has no missed messages. She puts it on speaker, dials Kathy’s number, and it goes straight to voicemail. She says, she’s been telling Kathy this for three years, and in her interview, she says, Kathy uses an iPad to comment on her Instagram, saying, she can’t find her phone and to call her. She has 100,000 people telling her to call her sister. House manager Paola brings out baked potatoes, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, the lady actually has a name. We flash back to Kathy calling Paola the lady who works for me, but in Kathy’s defense, I don’t think she remembers much of anything. Kathy puts sour cream and loads of caviar on her potato, and Kyle asks if it’s the entrée or appetizer. Kathy says, it’s the entrée, and in her interview, Kyle says, unless it’s a baked potato bar, she’s never seen one be a meal. (She’s clearly never been a broke, single person.) She tells Kathy that she’s never seen a person have so much caviar, and in her interview, concedes that if there’s thousands in caviar on the potato, it’s going to be a meal. Have lunch and come over for a baked potato, said nobody, but my sister. Kathy says she’s overwhelmed. She’s wrapped gifts until her hands hurt, and she can’t drive every gift to the recipients. You can’t find ribbon, and somebody peed on her sofa. Kyle asks if she means a pet, but Kathy says, no; a person. All of her carpets are ruined, and she feels like the house is falling apart. Kyle laughs, and so do I. Not only are they rich people problems, who peed on her sofa???
Clare and photographer Carlos are ready to roll, and in Diana’s interview, she says, the pandemic is messing with her. She usually has more guests, so she’s trying to make things cozy to fill up the place, so it doesn’t seem so empty. It will be a covid Christmas miracle. The closest I can come to equating that to something in my own life is, Halloween 2020. The women get ready in their respective houses, and LisaR says she’s excited to see everyone. Crystal calls, and says, Dorit isn’t coming; PK tested positive for covid. Erika tells Micky that she’s been having good time; maybe too much of a good time. We flash back to her incredibly inappropriate behavior at Garcelle’s party, and Mikey asks if she wants a drink now, but she says, no.
First to arrive are Innis and girlfriend Ava. Eneya is there, and they joke that it will be just them. In Diana’s interview, she says, Ava is going to be with them for a month. Having all her kids together is her favorite thing in the world. The women arrive, along with other friends of Diana and Asher’s, and everyone looks sparkly and festive. In LisaR’s interview, she says, it’s a winter wonderland in Beverly Hills. Money was spent for sure. Cash. Lots of it. Erika says she started drinking champagne at home, so she should stick to it. Hmm… I guess Mikey twisted her arm. Kyle says she’s never seen so many Christmas tress in her life. She tells Diana that her house looks to die for, and makes a production out of giving he a hostess gift. She says, Sutton isn’t coming; she tested positive for covid. LisaR says, we’re dropping like flies.
Everyone mingles, and Kathy arrives. In Diana’s interview, she says she met Kathy because of Paris, and knows her more as a stricter figure. Kathy introduces herself all over the place, and hugs the people she knows. We find out Innis knows Paris, and Kathy tells Crystal to put her hands on her head, because that’s how you tell if your dress is too short. Crystal already knows how short her dress is, and declines, but Kathy says, her dress is too short. Garcelle comes in with a unicorn tucked under her arm, and I think, what the… until she presents it to Diana for her daughter. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, the last time she saw Diana was at her birthday party, and Diana was out of control. We flash back to that, and she says, it’s the holidays, and it’s a festive mood. Her gift to Diana is coming to the party and not bringing bad energy, which Diana didn’t do at her party. Garcelle tells Crystal that she looks good, and Crystal says her food issues are plaguing her. Garcelle says, there’s a lot of food during the holidays, and Erika asks if that’s triggering to Crystal. Crystal says, it is, and Erika asks if she eats and feels guilty or denies herself the food. Crystal says, she eats it, then feels bad, and Erika wonders why she just doesn’t take a laxative, and get rid of it. Garcelle – the audience in us all – looks floored, and in her interview, she says, Crystal has an eating disorder. Erika isn’t a doctor, and you don’t prescribe laxatives to someone with an eating disorder. It’s the most inappropriate thing at the most inappropriate time. Sheree says she’s never had covid, and Garcelle says, Sheree is too beautiful to have it. Meanwhile, Erika is still being inappropriate, asking, what happens when Crystal purges? and Crystal says, she feels relief. Erika asks if Crystal enjoys the food when it’s going in, and Crystal says, she does, but then the guilt comes. When she looks aloof, it’s because she’s thinking about it. Erika asks if she’d rather throw it up or poop it out, pushing the laxative idea again, and in Crystal’s interview, she says she doesn’t know if Erika’s trying to be helpful, or she’s had too many drinks. Erika asks if Crystal has sought treatment, and Crystal says, it’s time. She doesn’t know what will come out of it, and Erika says, what will come out of it is a better Crystal. An appetizer involving chicken tenders comes around, and Erika loudly says, Crystal can’t eat it. Crystal looks lost, and Erika says she needs a drink.
Too bad Bette Davis is gone. She could have played Erika in the movie.
To be continued…
🦵🏼 Doing the Hokey Pokey…
Come with me tomorrow to investigate some soap and what’s Charming in the South. Until then, stay safe, stay present in conversation, and not just waiting for your cue, and stay remembering, if you can’t see your own mistakes, you’re going to have trouble.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
TJ lets Willow into an exam room, and she says she assumed it was about work, but this is medical? She didn’t even know he was on an OB rotation. He says, this isn’t an OB visit, and she says, okay, then what? He says, after she fainted, he ran a series of tests. She says, that’s how they figured out she was pregnant, and he says, yes, but they have to go over the rest of the results. She has an elevated white blood cell count. She says, that’s it? She knows from nurse’s training that it’s normal to have an elevated white blood cell count during pregnancy. He says, that’s true, but from what he sees, he doesn’t think it’s related to her pregnancy, and she says, he thinks she’s sick while she’s pregnant.
Michael and Dante spar at the gym, and Dante says, Rocco can do better than that. Just because Michael’s having a baby, he’s taking it easy on him? Michael says, Dante couldn’t be more wrong. Willow’s good news makes him feel like he can take on the world. Even losing the ELQ merger with Aurora, seems way more manageable now. Face it, your brother is one happy guy. Cody walks in and says, I’ll have what he’s having.
Britt walks past the elevator as Brad comes out, and he says he knows he’s early, but he figured they have time to get a drink at Charlie’s before they head over to the Haunted Star. She says she’s sorry. She should have called him, but the day got away from her. She has one more appointment. He says, that’s okay. He guesses they’ll have to start drinking when they get to the Haunted Star. Now go tell her patient to take two aspirin and call her in the morning. She says, yeah… That’s the thing. She can’t join him tonight. Something’s come up. He asks if she forgot she had plans, and she says, not exactly. He asks if she double-booked herself, and she says, sort of. He says, and it’s not work related? and she shakes her head. He says, oh my God. Does she have a date?
Esme tells Spencer, even if she could guarantee Trina goes free, why in the world would she? Trina, Joss, and Cam have been badmouthing her all across town. Why would she do them any favors? He says, because if she ever wants to know who her birth mother is, she’ll make sure that the judge knows the truth. She’s the only person who can do that.
On the stand, Josslyn says, she knows Trina was in her bedroom the entire time before she and Cameron went to their bedroom, and Arden asks if she can prove that. Were there security cameras all over the cabin? The cabin belongs to Josslyn’s stepfather Sonny Corinthos, so she can see that as a real possibility. Josslyn says, there are no security cameras inside the cabin, and Arden says, which means what exactly. Josslyn says, which means she doesn’t have proof that Trina didn’t leave her bedroom, and Arden says, to be clear, she can’t account for the defendant’s movements from the moment she went into her room to the moment she and Mr. Webber went into theirs. Because of that, won’t she concede that there was plenty of time for her so-called friend, who has already been established to have been filled with jealousy and resentment, to make sure the phone was set up to record Josslyn’s most intimate moments without her knowing? Diane objects, saying, this is pure conjecture on the ADA’s part, and the judge sustains. He tells Arden to watch her step, and Arden says, no more questions. Rory walks into the courtroom.
TJ says, he was there the first time Willow fainted at GH, and that was months before she got pregnant. That’s what prompted him to run this battery of tests; just to be on the safe side. She says, so he thinks there’s a chance something’s wrong with her? but he tells her, all he’s saying is, they need more information. He knows she just finished nursing school, and she’s been under a lot of pressure. So they might be able to chalk this up to anxiety or stress, but there’s also a chance there’s another medical explanation. They have to explore all possibilities. She says, obviously, he thinks there’s a good chance something is wrong. What isn’t he telling her?
Dante starts to introduce Cody to Michael, but Cody says, Michael’s the one who gave him the tour of the Quartermaine stables; made him feel right at home. Michael says, it’s funny Cody calls himself a mere stable hand, because to Leo, he’s already a legend, and Cody says, Leo is a great kid. He’s positively fearless with that horse of his, unlike some people that he knows. Dante asks if Cody is talking about him. He was a city kid; he did great. Michael says, that’s enough for him. They can stay and beat each other’s brains in if they want. He has to meet Willow at GH. In case Cody can’t tell by the big grin on his face, he and Willow are having a baby. Cody congratulates him, and asks Michael to give his best to Willow. Michael says he has to hit the showers. If he’s late he could catch a hard time. Cody says, really? Willow seemed like such a sweetheart to him. Michael says he wasn’t talking about Willow. He was talking about her OB, Britt Westbourne. Cody says, no kidding; small world. Michael asks if he knows Britt.
Brad says, normally he would be upset about Britt blowing him off, but since she’s practically on the verge of spinsterhood, he’ll give her a pass – this time. She says, she’d love to argue his characterization of her love life, except he’s spot-on. He says, some friendly advice. All she needs to be is the charming, vivacious woman he knows she can be. She says, thanks for the pep talk. She feels so much better about her date tonight. He says, if she’s not excited about her date, why is she doing it? Is she jumping back into the dating pool because she’s looking for love, or is she just tired of holding on to all her secrets? She asks what that means, and he says, whatever’s weighing on her; what she can’t tell him about? Maybe it’s past time she did.
Diane reminds the court of the difference between a sex tape and revenge porn. A sex tape is made with consent; revenge porn is made without consent. She asks if Josslyn or Cameron ever consented to being recorded, and Josslyn says, no. Neither one of them knew anything about the video; not until it popped up on the screens at PCU. Diane says, yet despite the prosecution’s best efforts to put words in Josslyn’s mouth, Josslyn claims to know her best friend could never have done this. Josslyn says she knows Trina couldn’t, and Arden objects. She says, to use Diane’s words, it’s pure conjecture on the witness’s part. Josslyn says, it’s not conjecture, because she knows exactly the type of person Trina is. She’s known Trina since middle school. Trina is her best friend in the entire world. Josslyn tears up, and says, Trina is there for her on her good days, and more important, Trina is there for her on her bad days. Trina knows right from wrong, and Josslyn knows exactly the type of friend Trina is. She is the type of friend to stick by you when everybody else turns and runs. Diane says, so knowing her best friend, could Josslyn ever imagine that Trina would go to such extreme lengths to humiliate her and Cameron? Josslyn says, never. She doesn’t think Trina would even know how to get a black market phone, let alone use it against them. Diane asks how Josslyn knows it was a black market phone, and she says she doesn’t. All she knows is, a second phone that was a black market phone was found in Trina’s purse, identical to Trina’s real phone; same model, same case. Diane says, but it’s Josslyn’s belief – her conviction – that someone, anyone, could have purchased that phone, and Josslyn says, not anyone. One person did this, and she knows exactly who that person is.
Esme tells Spencer, once Trina recorded Joss and Cam having sex for the first time – which is mind bogglingly horrific– she made it go global. Those are facts; all the evidence says so. He says he agrees with her that the evidence is stacked against Trina, but there’s one catch. Esme asks, what’s that? and he says, they both know Trina didn’t record that revenge porn or distribute it, because Esme did.
Diane says, if Trina Robinson did not make that revenge porn, who did? and Josslyn says, it’s Esme Prince. When Esme’s boyfriend, Spencer Cassadine, wanted to break up his father’s marriage to Ava, Spencer began to stalk Ava, and asked for Esme’s help. Esme lit Ava’s car on fire, and left the hospital ID badge of Ava’s dead daughter Kiki beside the car. That seems like the kind of demented mind that would make revenge porn, don’t you think? Arden objects, and says, she’s aware of Spencer Cassadine getting convicted for stalking his stepmother, but his girlfriend was never charged with anything. Can the witness provide any shred of proof of her claims? Judge Young sustains, and tells Diane, no more speculation; he just wants facts. Diane says, absolutely. She just has a few more questions. She asks what Josslyn’s GPA was her freshman year of college, and Josslyn says, 4.0. Diane congratulates her, and asks who her dorm roommate was. Josslyn says, Trina, and Diane asks who if Trina will be Josslyn’s roommate her sophomore year. Josslyn says, absolutely, and she and Trina smile at each other. Diane has no further questions.
TJ says he’s not keeping Willow in the dark about anything. There are questions though, and that’s why he’s booked her for another series of tests tomorrow. She says, to be clear, this doesn’t concern the baby. This is about her health, correct? He says, correct. Her issue, if there is one, predates the pregnancy. It’s likely the two situations aren’t related. She has an appointment with Dr. Westbourne later. Keep that, and whatever it is, they’ll deal with it.
Cody tells Michael, you might say, he and Britt ran into each other the other day, and Dante says, what Cody means is, he parachuted into the MetroCourt pool, landed on Britt, and they both fell into the water. Michael says, that was all over social media, and Cody says, to be fair, she was standing in his landing zone. Michael says, skydiver, stable hand; is there anything Cody can’t do? Cody says, plenty. Pay a mortgage, ride sidesaddle blindfolded, make babies. He’s never been able to achieve any of those things, so don’t let him keep Michael from that appointment. Dante tells Michael, good luck, and tell Willow he said hi. He’s sure mom and baby are going to be fine. Michael leaves, and Cody says, Dante’s brother seems like a nice guy. Dante says, the best, and Cody asks if he’s chopped liver, but Dante says, no. Cody is the guy who dogged Britt after he told Cody not to.
Britt tells Brad, all she wants is to give this matchmaking thing a chance. If for no other reason than to get her mother off her back. He says, fair enough. So is her date someone he knows? Someone he doesn’t know? Is he hot? She says, he’s rough around the edges, and he says, on the right person that could be hot. Is he hot? She says, he doesn’t seem trustworthy, and Brad says, not to be redundant, but that could be hot on the right person too. She says, fine. He’s hot, in a rough, rustic, scruffy way. He bruises well, and by that she means, he’s one of those guys who actually looks good beaten up. Weird. And then there’s the fact they have nothing in common, and they don’t even like each other. Brad asks how she knows, if they haven’t even met… O.M.G. It’s him, isn’t it? It’s parachute guy.
Jordan is now on the stand, and Arden asks her how this illicit video came to the attention of the PCPD. Jordan says, they received a report from PCU, where the video was first distributed. Then in the course of their investigation, their office got an anonymous tip on their hotline as to the alleged perpetrator’s identity. Arden says, by alleged perpetrator, she’s referring to the defendant, correct? and Jordan says, yes. Arden asks, what happened when they brought Trina in for questioning? and Jordan says, Trina agreed without hesitation, and never asked for legal representation. She said she would do anything to find the person who humiliated her closest friends, Josslyn Jax and Cameron Webber. Arden asks what Jordan found in Trina’s possession, and Jordan says, she had two cell phones in her purse; one that was hers, and one that was nearly identical that she couldn’t account for. Arden holds up the phone in a plastic bag, and says, this is the unaccounted for cell phone, and this is the forensics report on this phone. She gives the report to Jordan, and asks if Jordan can tell them what it says. Jordan says, the digital footprint confirms this cell phone was used to upload and send the video, also known as the revenge porn, to the PCU community. Arden says, anything else? and Jordan says, after its final usage, this phone was never turned on again. Arden asks if there’s anything else that ties the phone to the defendant, and Jordan reads, Miss Robinson’s credit card information was encrypted and used to purchase images of the artist Richard Molineaux. Arden says, in other words, according to Jordan’s own forensics department, the only person tied to that revenge porn video is the defendant Trina Robinson, and Jordan says, the evidence seems to suggest that, yes.
Spencer tells Esme, at first, he didn’t want to believe it. There was a time when he had deeper feelings for her than he ever knew possible. When he brought her home to Port Charles… She says, he means when he asked for her help with his plot to destroy his father’s marriage, and he says, and when she agreed, she raised the stakes by a thousand. He never asked her to torch Ava’s car, and would have never suggested she put Ava’s dead daughter’s hospital ID beside it. That is just so incredibly cruel. But that’s who she really is, isn’t it? Cruel. Joss warned him about her; Trina warned him about her. Hell, even Cam, who gave her the benefit of the doubt, went out of his way to warn him that she was dangerous, and even still, he wanted to believe in her. But then when that video of Josslyn and Cam came out, she couldn’t wait to show it to him. She pretended to be horrified, but he could see it written all over her face how happy she was. Then she insisted it had to be Trina who made it. That’s when he started to wonder and waver, and when he decided to voice his fears that maybe she was the one behind the revenge porn, she instantly came up with a pregnancy scare. She says, he thinks she made that up? and he says, not then. He still wanted to believe in her. But when Trina was arrested, he couldn’t look the other way anymore. Everything Josslyn was saying, and that Trina had done her best not to say, it was all true. Esme was the one who made that video, and she was the one who distributed it to the world. He yells in her face, it was you all along.
Michael finds Willow at the hospital, and says he wondered if he had the wrong time. Is she okay?
Britt tells Brad, go on, say it. She’s going out with the bum who parachuted into her life, and couldn’t even apologize for almost drowning her. He says, honestly, he’s happy for her. She’s a smart woman. If she decided to give parachute guy a second chance, good for her. She thanks him for saying that, but they both know this will probably end in disaster, and he says, sure seems like it. So he has to ask again, why is she even doing it? and she tells him, he’s supposed to say, it’s going be great, but right now, she’s late to see a patient.
Cody and Dante go into the steam room, and Dante tells Cody to fess up now. He saw Cody all over Britt on the 4th. What’s going on with that? He warned Cody away from Britt, and first thing, his interest level goes through the roof. It’s classic. Cody says, about Dante’s warning about Britt. Given how Dante feels about Britt, his guess is, Dante isn’t going to feel too good about them going on a date.
Esme says, Spencer is right. When they first met, he was an angry, lost self-centered little boy, and thanks to her, he not only lost his virginity, he turned out to be an angry, lost, self-centered man. She can’t believe, after everything she’s done for him, standing by his side when even his own father turned his back on him, this is how he repays her. He says, all she ever did was work her own agenda, and she says, enough. He had his say, now it’s her turn. If he thinks he can just go riding back to Trina, he’s an even bigger fool than she thought. He’s even sadder and more pathetic than when she first met him. They were together at that cabin, remember? She couldn’t have planted that phone even if she wanted to, because when she’d had enough of Josslyn’s holier than thou attitude, they left – together. His precious sweet Trina could have planted that phone and did. There’s simply no way he can get around that. He says, of course (🍷) there is.
Diane says, so an anonymous tip claimed Trina Robinson filmed and distributed the revenge porn. Is there any way to identify the source of that anonymous tip? Jordan says, no. If people thought their identities could be made public, they wouldn’t get the number of tips they get. That’s why it’s anonymous. Diane says, of course (🍷). So anyone could leave a false tip and suffer no repercussions whatsoever. So how did Trina behave when Jordan hauled her into the PCPD for questioning? Jordan says, there was no hauling her in; she came in voluntarily. Diane says, voluntarily? That’s interesting. Jordan already testified that Trina asked for no counsel to be present, but when Jordan began to question her, was she defensive? Jordan says, no; she was very cooperative. She kept repeating that Josslyn and Cameron were her close friends, and she wanted to do whatever was possible to catch the person responsible for the revenge porn. Maybe it’s because her dad was a officer, but she was very eager to do the right thing. Diane says, so when Jordan opened Trina’s bag, and found the other phone… Jordan says she didn’t open Trina’s purse; Trina did. Diane says, Jordan is saying Trina herself opened her bag and produced the other phone? and Jordan says, that’s correct. Diane asks, in her many years of public service as Police Commissioner, in Jordan’s experience, is that the way a guilty person behaves? Arden objects, and says, they’re not doing a composite sketch of a common criminal. Jordan says, actually, she’d like to answer the question. She thinks it’s relevant. Judge Young says, she may answer the question, and Jordan says, Trina did not act anything at all like a guilty person. As she said, Trina’s main goal was to be helpful. Diane has no further questions, and Arden calls Rory to the stand.
Willow tells Michael, there’s nothing wrong with her. She’s just nervous about their first consultation with the OB. Britt comes around the corner, and congratulates them. She takes it from the way they’re smiling, this is welcome news. Willow says, they weren’t trying to get pregnant, but yes, it’s exciting, and Michael says, they can’t wait to welcome the newest member of their family. Britt says, in that case, she asks the expectant father to wait here while she does a brief exam. Willow hangs back, and Britt promises it won’t take long. And she hopes to give them both a very pleasant surprise. Willow goes follows her into the exam room.
Dante says, he should have known better. Warning Cody to stay away from Britt is like catnip; it’s like forbidden fruit. Cody says, it’s just one date. What’s the big deal? She’s Co-Chief of Staff at the hospital. She can’t be that bad. Dante asks if Cody remembers when the counselors took them hiking on Olsen’s Peak, and Cody says, of course (🍷) he does. Dante was always a few steps behind him. Dante says, there was a sign that said, in big red letters, do not veer off the path. And what did Cody do? He veered them off the path, and they almost got mauled by a bear. Cody laughs, and says, he’d never seen Dante run so fast. Lighten up. There isn’t any danger, there isn’t any fun.
Esme says, at least Ava tried to buy her off. All Spencer can do is try and bluff her. He says, the truth is, he thought to himself, how can I try to twist Esme’s arm? Then it hit him. What would Esme do? For weeks she’d been pretending to sympathize with Joss because she and Cameron hadn’t slept together yet. She even made a major production of insisting they get the master bedroom at the cabin. And when they got back from skiing, before she came in with the drinks, she was the only person not in the living room. He, Trina, Joss, and Cam were all there, but she was off by herself. He figures that would give her plenty of time to go into the master bedroom and set up that black market phone. Her back is to him, and she smiles. She says, that’s a clever theory, but he doesn’t have proof. She turns to him, and he says, but he’s not done. When they got back to town, he realized he’d forgotten something, and that gave her the very convenient excuse to go back to the cabin to pick up what he’d forgotten, as well as retrieve the phone that she’d recorded on. Once she retrieved it, she sent the video to the PCU server, and planted it in Trina’s purse. She says, okay, Agatha Christie. How could she have known Trina couldn’t handle her booze well and go to her room. Is he accusing her of being a psychic now too? He flashes back to finding the pills in Esme’s closet, and says, no, not psychic. He tries to touch her, but she backs up, and he says, she’s psycho for sure, but he doesn’t think she’s psychic. The reason she knew Trina would pass out is because Esme spiked her hot toddy with those pills of hers; the ones he found in her closet. He showed them to Britt Westbourne, and she told him what could happen if they’re mixed with alcohol. Esme drugged Trina to set her up, and Britt told him if the dosage had been off, even by a little, she could have injured Trina; maybe even killed her. He strokes Esme’s arm, and asks if she still thinks he’s bluffing.
Arden asks if, when Rory was on duty recently, he was called to a disturbance at a notorious biker bar, The Highsider. He says, that is correct. It was a fairly routine complaint; a fight had broken out. She asks what he found when he got there, and he says he’s not sure he understands the question. There was a bar fight. He arrived after another unit had broken it up. Arden tells the judge that she’s submitting an eyewitness statement from another member of the PCPD. They reported two underage girls who were caught up in this brawl. She asks Rory if they’re in the courtroom, and Diane objects, asking, what does any of this have to do with the charges against her client? Arden says, when Officer Cabrera answers the question the connection will be obvious, and Judge Young allows it. Arden repeats the question, and Rory says, yes, they’re in the courtroom. She asks him to state their names, and he says, Josslyn Jax and Trina Robinson. She thanks him, and says, there’s an even more important question she needs him to answer. Why were Josslyn and Trina in the bar that night? Um… won’t this ultimately hurt Arden’s case?
Britt lets Michael into the exam room, and says, Willow is a bit early, but there’s a good chance they can detect a fetal heartbeat. Willow asks Michael to hold her hand, and Britt puts the gel on her. They hear it, and Willow says, that’s the baby’s heartbeat. Britt says, sure is, and Michael says, she had him worried there, but it’s strong and steady. Everything’s okay now.
Cody asks Dante why he wouldn’t date Britt. She’s beautiful, she’s successful, and she scraped him up in an alley, and gave him a ride to Dante’s place. Why can’t Dante just be happy for him? Dante says he is happy for Cody, but he’s just looking out for him, since he seems to be incapable of doing it himself. Cody says, so he’s a charity case, and Dante says he’s Cody’s friend. He gave Cody a couch, kept him out of jail, Dante’s mom hooked him up with a job at the Quartermaine stables; what does that say? Cody says, that Dante put in a good word for him, and Dante says, he didn’t do it out of charity. He did it because they’re friends. They hadn’t seen each other in a long time, but he minute he saw Cody falling out of the sky, he knew Cody hadn’t changed a bit. Cody says, Dante has. Maybe it’s because he’s a dad, or maybe it’s the badge, but Dante is different from the kid from Bensonhurst he used to know. Dante says, yeah, he is; he grew up. Maybe Cody should try it sometime.
Spencer says, Esme set up an innocent woman who could potentially go to prison, not to mention what she did to Joss and Cam with the sex tape. He backs her up as he’s talking, and says, he’ll give her this much; she was thorough in her revenge. She found a way to take them all down. She pushes him back, and says, he thinks he’s got it all worked out. What does he expect her to do, walk into that courtroom and trade places with Trina? He says, no, he doesn’t expect her to do that. Doing that would require a conscience, something she clearly doesn’t have. But if she was smart enough to frame Trina, then she’s smart enough to clear Trina without incriminating herself. She says, Trina really means that much to him, and he says he thinks the more pertinent question is, how much does Esme’s mother mean to her? She throws the paper on the table, and says, oh my God, you ass. After all the lies he told her, he expects her to believe he found a match for her DNA. He picks up the paper, and says, he has the evidence. She can look for herself. He can tell her the name. Or she can walk out and let Trina take the fall. It’s up to her. What’s more important to her; ruining Trina’s life or finding her mother?
Rory says, Josslyn and Trina were carrying fake IDs. He confiscated them, and let them off with a stern warning never to try that again. Arden says, very understanding of him, but were they only at that bar that night to drink alcohol as minors? He says he’s not sure what she means, and she puts a folder on the stand, saying, that document is a rap sheet for a bartender, Oz Haggerty, who was working at that same bar. Can he read off the crimes that bartender was arrested for? He reads, petty theft, and he had a prior for trafficking in stolen electronics. She asks if he can be more specific. What kind of electronics? He says, mostly black market cell phones, and she says, he sells black market cell phones. The kind that Trina’s best friend Josslyn, according to her testimony, said the defendant would never know how to buy. Again, Arden might be enthusiastic, but she’s not real bright. Although, outcomes aren’t always logical in Port Charles.
Michael asks if Willow is okay, and Willow says, they just heard their baby’s heartbeat. She’s never been better, or happier. They hug.
Britt thanks TJ for referring a new patient to her. Willow’s pregnancy is progressing nicely. They just heard the baby’s heartbeat. He says, that’s great to hear, but he needs her to keep him in the loop about Willow. She asks why, and he suggests they go to her office, and he’ll fill her in.
Cody tells Dante, he doesn’t have a kid or a steady career, but he’s growing up in his own way. Believe it or not, he’s already making plans for his future. Dante says, by being a stable boy? Come on, man, it’s even got boy in the title. Um… Michael said hand, not boy. Cody tells him, make as many jokes as he wants. He’s going to prove Dante is wrong about a lot of things. Dante says, including Britt Westbourne? and Cody says, the matchmaker herself matched them up. Dante says, here’s hoping the match doesn’t turn into a dumpster fire. If it does, remember his old pal warned him otherwise.
Esme says, Spencer is doing all of this because he thinks he can win Trina over? She clears Trina’s name, and Trina’s all his? Who is delusional now? Even if Trina did have feelings for him, she’s moved on. Or hasn’t he seen her with the hot rookie cop? He asks if that’s her final answer, but she says, he’s given her a lot to think about. He tells her, don’t think long, because this deal isn’t going to be on the table indefinitely, and she says, as a reminder, she’s not the one on trial. And as for him, if she hears he tried to play hero on his own, and go to Trina with this conversation, he will never get what he wants. He holds up the paper, and says, neither will she. She says, if it comes to choosing finding out who her mother is, and hurting him the way he hurt her, don’t be so sure he’ll know what she’ll choose. She leaves, and Spencer drops the paper on the table. Esme paces in the foyer, then leans against the wall, looking sick.
Diane says she just has a few questions for Rory. When he confiscated Josslyn and Trina’s fake IDs, did he ask why they were there? He says, yes, and she asks what they told him. He says, they were looking for the bartender who sold Esme Prince a black market phone, and Diane asks if it was a referral deal. Esme Prince got a groovy phone (ha-ha) off this guy, and they wanted one too. Arden objects, saying, counsel is leading the witness, but Judge Young says he’ll allow it. He tells Diane to get where she’s going, and she asks Rory if Josslyn and Trina were in The Highsider to purchase a black market phone. He says, no. They were looking for the bartender to ID Esme Prince. Diane says, and did he? and Arden objects, saying, hearsay. Officer Cabrera wasn’t present when Miss Jax and Miss Robinson allegedly spoke to Mr. Haggerty. The officer has no idea what was said, if anything. The judge says, sustained, and Diane says she has no further questions. Judge Young calls for an adjournment, and the bailiff says, all rise, as he leaves the courtroom.
In the hallway, Curtis says he thinks there’s reasonable doubt for sure, and Josslyn says she hates the way the ADA twisted her words. Trina says she doesn’t blame Josslyn. She knows Josslyn is just trying to help her. Jordan comes out, and she and Curtis nod to each other. Rory follows, and he and Trina exchange a look. Portia tells Trina, just hang in there, and hugs her.
Tomorrow, Cody wants to get to know Britt better, if she’ll let him; Finn tells Chase that something is too good to be true; Brook tells Linc that she’s found something she wants more than fame; Sasha insists she’s not addicted; and Sonny tells Brando that he’ll take care of something.
👠 I Loved Her Too, But…
Lois was better than LisaR on her best day, but she wasn’t a cast member, nor is this The LisaR Show. I totally understand her grief, but this is going overboard with being demanding.
But Jill claims she’s not the source. They were on Watch What Happens Live together tonight, so they must have kissed and made up. I wasn’t really listening.
I think Erika is a little smarter than Teresa Giudice, who I believe signed things just because Juicy Joe told her too. I wouldn’t say she was in on it, but I think she turned a blind eye.
🦘 I’ve been watching Below Deck Down Under, and while it’s entertaining enough, I’m a little disappointed. Some of the crew could vie with Jax Taylor and the most recent Sailing Yacht cast for worst people ever. It looks like mostly the deckhands are d-bags, one being a very entitled bad sport. I haven’t absorbed enough of it to get a good handle on the interior, except that they flirt shamelessly with the captain. I can’t say I blame them, since he’s movie star handsome. I also love Aesha, originally from Below Deck Mediterranean. She’s the chief stew on this one, and I remember her as always being positive and fun. And of course there’s the Barrier Reef. I don’t think it gets much more beautiful.
Join me tomorrow for soap and those awful women from Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay not beating yourself up over the past, and stay being the type of friend who sticks around when everybody else turns and runs.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
There’s a knock at Carly’s office door, and she says, almost done. Drew says, then he’s right on time.
Olivia thanks her assistant Ashley for bringing something to her attention, and calls over to Nina. She wonders if she can have a word, and asks why Nina is pumping her staff for information. Nina says, she’s not pumping them for anything. She was just familiarizing herself with the operations around here. Olivia says, Nina has had her fun lording her half ownership of the hotel over Carly, but it’s got to stop. She and Ned are prepared to write Nina a check for every penny she paid, plus 3%. Nina says she’s not interested, and Olivia says, 5%, not a penny more. Nina says, Olivia doesn’t get it. Her half of the MetroCourt isn’t for sale. Sonny comes by and says, why not?
Curtis tells Marshall, Windymere is private property. If they take the launch the guards will tip off Esme that they’re coming. What they need is someone who lives there to help them out. Ava comes out onto the pier and says, hiya, gents. Going my way? Curtis says, they’re good, but maybe she can help Trina, and she says, done. Marshall says, she doesn’t even know what they’re asking, but she says, it doesn’t matter. If whatever it is, is for Trina, she’s in.
Josslyn says, Trina has to use this. This could be a real game changer. Portia walks in, and says, what’s a real game changer? and Josslyn says, new evidence that could help Trina’s case. Portia asks, what is it? Tell her; what’s the new evidence?
Oz (which we find out later is the bartender’s name) barges into Windymere, and Esme says, get out before she calls security. He says he remembers that high and mighty attitude, but he’d check himself before he called security. Because security may lead to the police, and something tells him, the PCPD will be more interested in what he has to say about her, than what she has to say about him.
At the hospital, Nikolas says he can have a plane fueled and ready by this afternoon, and Laura says she appreciates it. She can’t believe it. How much can one family take? (She’s asking that now?) Spencer comes along, and asks, what’s wrong? Laura says she just got a call from her mother in Italy, and Spencer asks if something happened to Great-grandmother Lesley. Nikolas says, the house she and Marcello lived in on Lake Como burned down. Fortunately, no one was there at the time, so one got hurt. Laura says, thank God, and Spencer says, still, that’s terrible. Is there anything he can do? Laura says, there is something he can do; actually, both of them. Spencer says, name it, and she says, put her mind at ease. They’ve both been through an awful lot in the past year. Promise her they’ll be okay with each other if she goes away.
Ava says, so Esme bought a black market phone from a bartender, and used it to record Josslyn and Cameron, and Marshall says, and incriminate Trina. Curtis says, they’ve tracked the bartender, Oz Haggarty, to Windymere. They may be conspiring to cover their tracks as they speak. She says, at Windymere… She’d love to stay and chat, but she has a witch to throw under a house
Esme says she has nothing to hide, from the police or anyone, and Oz says, impressive. She managed that with a straight face. They both know the phone he sold her is the same one she used to shoot her revenge porn. She says, he can’t prove that, but he says he doesn’t have to. That girl’s defense attorney will do it. Or at lease use the info. She asks what he wants, and he snaps his fingers, saying, what else? Cash. You. Owe. Me.
Trina tells Portia, it’s what she was saying before, that Marshall and Curtis are looking for the bartender who sold Esme the phone. Portia says she thought Trina had some new information, and Trina says, don’t worry. She has faith it will all work out. Stella comes in, and says, so does she. Faith is what we need when all of our efforts are challenged and exhausted. What else do we have?
Carly says, that’s a look, and Drew says he was going for friendly neighborhood mover. She says she can see it, although she’s out of a job, so she doesn’t know if she can afford him. He says he’s pretty affordable. In fact, he’ll move all these boxes for the cost of lunch. She says, that is affordable, although she hired actual movers; they’re going to be here any minute. He says, what? Outbid by the pros; that’s just wrong. He guesses that means lunch is off, but she says, not necessarily. But they can’t go to the restaurant because she doesn’t have a tab there anymore. What does he say to the hot dog vendor at Rice Plaza? He says, this is not a done deal, but she says, the MetroCourt has a new owner. You can’t get more done than that. He tells her, he’s just saying, Nina’s offer is still on the table. She says he knows she turned Nina down, and he knows why.
Sonny asks why Nina wouldn’t sell the hotel to Ned and Olivia. It sounds like the best solution for everyone. Olivia says, and whoever buys the hotel is going to be her new partner. She thinks she deserves some say in the matter. Nina says she thinks Olivia misunderstands her. She has no intention of selling her half of the MetroCourt to anyone. She’s Olivia’s new partner. Olivia says, not on your life, lady, and Nina says, there’s no reason this has to be hostile. She realized she needs to learn a lot about the hospitality business. She’d be really grateful if Olivia would show her the ropes. Olivia says, this is why Nina has been slithering around her hotel, questioning her staff? and Nina says, ourhotel. Olivia asks if Sonny is hearing this, and he says, every word. Olivia asks what he’s going to do about it, and Nina says, nothing. Sonny isn’t going to do anything about it, because her business dealings are her affair. Olivia says, emphasis on affair, and Nina says, running this hotel is between Olivia and her, but Olivia says, wrong. It’s between her, Nina, and their lawyers. And it’s going to be a cold day in hell before Nina fills Carly’s shoes; professionally and personally. She shoots Sonny a look, and tells Ashley that she’ll be in her office. Nina looks at Sonny, but he says, don’t look at him. She brought this on herself.
Drew says he wouldn’t expect Carly to let Nina gift her with the hotel, and she says she’s glad he’s listening. Drew says, but she can accept it from him, and she says, she got herself into this mess, and has to get herself out… or not, but either way, she doesn’t want to owe anyone. He says he knew she was going to be stubborn about this, but he had to give it a shot, and she thanks him. She says, and if there is a silver lining in all this, she knows she’s not in this alone, and he says, not by a long shot. So if she won’t let him buy her half the hotel, will she let him carry a box? She says, that she will, and puts one in his hands.
Stella says, she’ll be watching to see if any of those jurors looks at Trina sideways, but Portia says, no, she won’t. She won’t be stepping anywhere near that courtroom.
Outside, Trina asks Josslyn to promise her not to say anything about Spencer being in the cemetery. Not to anyone. Not yet. Josslyn says, sorry. She can’t.
Nikolas says he emailed his attorney in Como, and he’ll put Laura in touch with a good real estate agent. Laura can help Marcello and Lesley figure out where they want to move; if they want an apartment, or want to be out in the country. For whathis vote is worth (🍷 it still counts), it might not be a bad idea for them to be in town. Laura says, he’s absolutely right, and she’ll pass that along. What was it he was going to tell her earlier, something about Doc and Esme? He says, it can wait, when Doc joins them, and says, it’s handled; the Deputy Mayor will take a meeting. Laura thanks him, and asks if she can have a word with him. He says, of course (🍷), and she pulls him down the hall. Spencer says, Doc and Esme, what’s that about? and Nikolas says, Esme’s application to the psyche program at PCU. He takes it she didn’t tell Spencer. Spencer says, there’s a lot Esme doesn’t tell him, but that changes today.
Esme brings Oz into the living room, and he says he’s always wondered about this place. She closes the door, and says, people can’t connect them, but he says, too late; they already have. Did she really think he wouldn’t have an insurance policy? Ava comes into the foyer, and Esme says she doesn’t have any money on her, but she can get it to him. He says, don’t try to play him. Meet him tonight; he’ll text the location. He starts to leave, and she says, wait. Who followed him to the motel, and what did they look like? In the worst timing ever, Ava’s phone rings in the foyer. She says, hi to Avery… Yes, tonight… She’s looking forward to it too… Yes, cupcakes, any flavor she likes… Ava loves her. Ava hangs up, and walks into the living room. I’m loving Ava’s new haircut. She needs a better picture in the opening credits though.
Trina tells Josslyn, if the authorities find out Spencer left Spring Ridge, that could mean real prison; Pentenville. Admitting she was with Spencer at the cemetery the day the video dropped probably won’t even help her, but it will definitely hurt him. Josslyn says, but while Trina is tying herself in knots, deciding whether to save herself by outing Spencer as her alibi, consider this. Spencer already knows that he’s her alibi. He has decided to stay silent, so where is his compassion for her?
Laura tells Doc that she’s having major second thoughts about leaving. Now is not the best time to be leaving Port Charles. Doc says, but the recall was defeated; it’s over. She says, but is it really? There are still a large group of people out there who aren’t happy with her job performance. He says, yes, but fortunately Cyrus lost his voting privileges, and she says, but the detractors who remain still have theirs. Even though she’ll be working remotely, they could easily spin her absence as a dereliction of duty. Trina’s trial starts today, Elizabeth’s state of mind, not to mention Victor. He asks if she’s trying to talk herself out of leaving, and she says, no. She knows her mother needs her. He says, exactly. That’s why a pillar of strength like herself can carry the weight of the world on her own. So they just have to be practical. The first thing they do is go home and pack. Then they reschedule all their appointments for next week. Then he’ll call the bank and convert some currency, and she can call Lesley and make sure they don’t need them to bring anything. She says, he has everything under control, and he says, that’s what he does. She says, he’s amazing, and hugs him. She says, it amazes her how he can keep everyone’s needs in his mind. She’s so lucky to have his love and support. Which is why she hopes he understands… He says, that she needs him to stay here.
Stella says, of course (🍷) she’s attending Trina’s trial, but Portia says, think about it. The courtroom, the trial; it’s a very high pressure situation, and it’s not good for someone with Stella’s medical history. Stella says, Portia knows she loves Trina. She’s such an amazing young woman, and she feels like Trina is family now. Portia says, they love her too, and they love her support and appreciate it. That’s why they’d never forgive themselves if anything ever happened to her. Stella says, meaning she’s supposed to sit back and do nothing? and Portia says, she can pray, but she doesn’t want Stella to worry. Because Curtis, Taggert, and Marshall? They’re on it.
Marshall says, the trial is nerve-wracking, and Curtis says, that it is. They really need these leads to pay off. Marshall says he can see that, and Curtis says, he just doesn’t feel like he’s doing enough. Even if the bartender ID’s Esme buying the phone, that’s no guarantee it will secure Trina’s freedom. Marshall says, there are no guarantees in life. He should know that better than anyone.
Ava sees Esme, by herself, painting her toenails on the white couch. Esme says, something the matter? and Ava asks if Esme is alone; she thought she heard voices. Esme says she was listening to a podcast, and Ava asks if no one has told Esme that she shouldn’t paint her nails on the furniture. Esme says, nope, and Ava says, it doesn’t surprise her. Someone callous enough to destroy lives certainly doesn’t care about safeguarding fabric. Esme says, how wrong Ava is. She does appreciate what’s Ava’s. In fact, she’s so careful when she uses Ava’s things, Ava would never know. Ava asks, what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Drew asks, what are those? and Carly says, they’re pictures. She has a box of personal things she doesn’t trust with the movers. It’s mostly pictures of her kids over the years at the MetroCourt. She flips through them, and says, at the Nurses Ball and stuff. There’s Josslyn and Cam. Drew says, they’re all so young, and Carly says, there’s Morgan. His face… She tells Drew that she’s okay. There’s just a lot of memories here. Drew asks if she remembers when she hired him. New Year’s Eve, many years ago? She says she forgot about that, and laughs. He says, bartender. He made a mean martini; he still does. She says, he makes a terrible martini, and he asks what she means; he’s so talented. She says, their lives have changed so much since then. Drew says, lots of ups and downs, but they’re still here. That doesn’t mean change isn’t hard. She says she’s still working on that letting go thing, especially here. She was good at this. No matter what was going on in her life, the MetroCourt was her constant. He hugs her.
Nina asks if that’s Sonny’s way of telling her that she deserved the way Olivia spoke to her, and he says, she has to be realistic. She had to know there would be strong reactions to her keeping Carly’s half of the MetroCourt. She says, her half, and yes, she knew there was going to be resistance. He says, then why go through the hassle? Why not just give it to Olivia, and walk away? She says, power is the great equalizer, isn’t it? And she intends to keep hers. Not just for herself, but for Wiley. One day, all of this is going to be his. He asks if that’s all, and she says, isn’t that enough? He says, it’s just all this talk about power and Wiley’s inheritance. Is this just a business decision for her, or is this a way to… stick it to Carly. She asks if he thinks all she wants is revenge against his ex-wife. He really believes she’s that petty? He says, after everything she and Carly have been through, she’s going to tell him that she doesn’t want just little bit of revenge? She says, that’s not what this is about, and he says, let’s drop it then, but she says, he just accused her of being spiteful. He says, he didn’t accuse her of anything, and she says, let her remind him of something. She bought half of the hotel to give it back to Carly. So instead of standing here, scolding her, he should be lecturing his ex-wife for turning it down.
Carly looks at a photo, when Olivia comes in, carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She says, she knows Carly said she didn’t want them to make a fuss, but the staff insisted. They all wanted her to know how much she’ll be missed. Carly says, if Olivia makes her cry… and Olivia says, don’t cry; she can take them back. Carly says, don’t you dare take them back; they’re so beautiful. Thank the staff for her. Olivia says, it’s not too late for a proper send-off, but Carly says, no fanfare. The last box is almost packed, and Drew is bringing the car around. This office is no longer hers. Olivia says, it will never be Nina’s. She doesn’t know if Carly knows, but Nina has decided to remain co-owner of the MetroCourt. Carly says, of course (🍷) she has, and Olivia says, Nina may have half the hotel, but Nina will never have her loyalty. It belongs to Carly, first, last, and always. Carly says, even after she ruined their partnership? but Olivia tells her, she’d say that honor goes to her ever-lovin’ husband. If Carly thinks Olivia doesn’t appreciate everything they’ve been through here… Carly trusted Olivia as her operations manager, and backed Olivia as her partner, and loved Olivia as her friend. Carly says she’s always going to love Olivia as her friend; that’s never going to change. And Olivia is making her cry when she told Olivia not to. They hug.
Curtis says, an arrest at a demonstration shouldn’t have resulted in Marshall being held against will at an institution. Don’t worry. He’s not going to push Marshall to talk about it. Marshall fans himself with his hat, and says, in the old neighborhood, there was this guy, Bud the barber. He gave haircuts to anyone who couldn’t afford one; kids from poor families, guys with job interviews, the homeless. Curtis says, sounds like a good guy, and Marshall says, he was. He was respected. Then suddenly people started describing Bud as touched. Every now and again you’d see him wandering around, babbling to himself about some secret mission, or aliens. When the bad days started to outnumber the good, nobody wanted to get a haircut from Bud, even for free. Curtis asks, whatever happened to ol’ Bud? and Marshall says, he’ll tell Curtis what didn’t happen. Bud never got the help he needed. Being institutionalized… Maybe it wasn’t ideal. Maybe it wasn’t even fair, but he got a diagnosis out of it. Some of us wasn’t even that lucky.
Portia says, hopefully they can get the bartender to admit to selling Esme the phone, and Stella tell her to keep telling herself the truth is on Trina’s side. Portia says, but they both know, sometimes the truth isn’t enough.
Trina says she wants Josslyn to help her, but this is her trial, her future. Can Josslyn promise to let her make the decision when and if she tells Diane about Spencer? Please? Josslyn says she’ll stay silent about Spencer for now, but if it looks like Trina is going to be convicted, she’ll stand up in her seat, and tell everybody in that courtroom exactly where Trina was when that email hit those inboxes at PCU. Even if it means Trina never speaks to her again.
Esme tells Ava, she’s sorry. That came out all wrong. Of course (🍷) she respects what’s Ava’s. Ava says, Esme respects nothing. Now let’s get to it, shall we? Esme shrugs, and says, something on Ava’s mind? Ava says, yeah, Trina, and Esme says, it is incredible how many heads that girl lives in rent free. Ava says she’s glad Esme mentioned free rent. How would Esme like to go the rest of her life never worrying about a roof over her head? Esme says, in exchange for? and Ava says, her admission that she filmed the video and framed Trina. Esme says, but she didn’t, and Ava says, okay, but if Esme agreed she did, she wouldn’t have to spend a single day behind bars. She just has to sign a confession, and get herself a ticket anywhere; anywhere but here. Esme asks, what’s the catch? There’s no way Ava would be content with letting her evade justice – if she said she did it. Ava says, she’d be willing to forego justice in this instance. She cares about the greater good, and make no mistake, Trina is greater than Esme, in every way. So what’s the magic number that will make Esme do the right thing?
Laura tells Doc that she’s still worried that Nikolas and Spencer are vulnerable to Victor’s influence. Elizabeth needs him, and he’s one of the few people who can actually keep Esme in check. He tells her, say no more. If it gives her peace of mind, he’ll stay put. She says she adores him, and he says he adores her back. She says, it’s a good deal, and they hug. Nikolas says, they’re heading back to Windymere. He’ll send Laura the flight details when she’s ready. She hugs him, thanking him for coming through for her, and hugs Spencer, saying, remember his promise. He says he hasn’t forgotten. Safe travels. Spencer and Nikolas leave, and Laura asks why she has the feeling she shouldn’t go. Doc says, she’s getting on that plane, and they’ll all be here when she comes back.
Trina asks if Josslyn really thinks she’d stop talking to her bestie, just because she’s trying to save Trina’s life. Josslyn says, she’d better not, because Trina’s her bestie too, and they hug.
Stella tells Portia that she’s not naïve. She’s lived long enough in this world to know how elusive justice can be for people who look like Trina. It’s two steps forward, and one step back, but she still chooses to have hope, because not to, is to fall into despair, and she doesn’t want to live there. There’s still a fight, but she has seen some forward motion, and she has to believe that today, in 2022, that arc will bend the right way toward their girl. Portia says she prays Stella is right. Stella doesn’t know how hard she prays. Not only for her daughter to be vindicated, but to take away this anger… No, this hatred she has for that girl who did this to her baby. She doesn’t want to walk around with this bitterness, but she’s been sitting on it because Trina has so much to handle. But she knows in her bones this is more than jealousy about Trina and Spencer’s friendship. Stella asks if Portia is saying that girl targeted Trina because she’s Black, but Portia says, she was intimidated by Spencer and Trina’s relationship, but she felt the same way about Josslyn. Trina told her that Esme went after Josslyn harder than she ever did her. But who did Esme ultimately target? Stella says, that video was of Joss and Cam though, and Portia says, yes, they were the victims. And Trina was framed as the criminal, to face the criminal justice system in the midst of everything going on in this world, in this country, everywhere. Esme had to know the ramifications of that kind of action; that Trina would have a harder time with it. People pretend it’s not real, but that’s exactly what they’re doing – pretending. Stella says she knows, but there are good people with good hearts out there, and she’s clinging to the hope eyes are opening, and the world is wising up. Portia says, but not everyone wants to wise up with it, and she’s praying to God they didn’t past Diane Miller, and aren’t sitting in that jury and passing judgement on her daughter; her innocent baby girl who didn’t do any of this. She didn’t do anything wrong – Portia starts to cry – and she feels like she didn’t prepare Trina for any of this. She just feels like she failed Trina. Stella hugs her, and she cries.
Curtis leaves a message for Ava, saying, he just saw Spencer and Nikolas get on the launch. Just giving her a heads up. Call him. Marshall says, relax, and Curtis asks how Marshall can be so calm. Marshall smiles, and says, antipsychotics? I laugh, and Curtis says, he’s glad Marshall didn’t fall through the cracks like Bud. Were Marshall’s symptoms as severe as his? Marshall says, no. He didn’t have delusions or hallucinations, or problems thinking. He was prescribed treatment and meds, and if he hadn’t been, who knows? Curtis asks if Marshall is saying his arrest saved his life, and Marshall says, he’s not saying it brought doom upon him, but he’s had a long time to come to peace with it. Besides, nothing he can do now about it anyway. Curtis thanks him for talking about it, and Marshall says, there’s something about this pier. This is where they had their last breakthrough, isn’t it? Curtis says, pier or no pier, he appreciates Marshall, and he’s glad for the progress. They bro hug, and Marshall says, now they just need to make some more progress and help Trina. Curtis says, he hears that, and wonders why he hasn’t heard from Ava.
Esme says, what a hypocrite Ava is. Here she stands, trying to get Esme to admit to something she didn’t do… Ava says, come on. Don’t play a player. Esme says, Ava is unreal. Why risk everything for an employee? (I think Esme is more elitist than racist.) Ava says, Esme knows very well Trina is much more than an employee to her, and Esme says, Little Miss Perfect inspires such unwavering loyalty. Ava says she’s counting on Esme being as opportunistic as she is bitter. Tick tock; the trial’s about to start. What’s her number? Or should Ava throw one out there to get the ball rolling? Esme says, as someone who has lost their fair share of family, allow her to extend her condolences. Ava is about to lose Trina for five to ten years. Ava says, you insufferable little bitch, and Esme says, she’s finally found her family here, and all the money in the world won’t make her give that up. There is nothing Ava could offer to make her. Nikolas and Spencer come in, and Nikolas asks, just what is Ava offering?
Sonny says he doesn’t think Nina is spiteful, but when word reaches Carly… She’s going through a tough time right now. Nina asks if he hears himself. He’s more concerned about Carly than her. He says, that’s not true; he’s here with Nina right now. She says, but who’s on his mind? Before he got a divorce, he said Carly complained there were three of them in the relationship. Nina’s not so sure Carly was wrong.
Drew tells Carly, the flowers are so beautiful. Her staff really loves her. She says, the feeling’s mutual. It’s crazy. She did not set out to own a hotel, but she came to love the daily challenges; the strategizing, putting out the fires – real ones sometimes. The weddings, the Nurses Ball; she made so many incredible memories here. And she loved every minute. She’s going to miss it, a lot. He asks if she’s ready, but she says she needs a minute. He tells her to take as long as she needs. He picks up the last box and the flowers, and she says she’ll be right down. He tells her, take her time, and leaves. Alone, she says, oh wow. She looks at her name plate on the door, touches it, and slides her name out. She leaves, closing the door behind her. Geez. We don’t even get a MetroCourt Memory Lane?
Alone with Esme, Spencer asks what he and Nikolas walked in on, and she says, more of Ava’s wild accusations. She offered Esme money to admit to filming Joss and Cam. Spencer says, really? How much? She says, not enough to get her to lie; she’s innocent. He says, it’s too bad for Ava. She may have had a chance if she knew what Esme truly wanted… like him. She says, and that is…? and he says, it’s something she wants more than anything else in the world. And only he can give it to her.
Nikolas says he knows Ava wants to help Trina, but is it worth it getting into it with Esme? She says, yes, and he says, let him act as a buffer. Try to avoid being alone with her. She says, not to worry. Esme will be out of their lives pretty soon. Nikolas leaves, and Ava takes out her phone. She calls Curtis, and he asks if she caught the bartender making a deal with Esme, and she says she knows it happened. Unfortunately, she missed it. He was gone before she arrived. Curtis asks, how he could be gone? and Marshall says, the launch never returned. Ava says, there’s another way off the island. Obviously, Esme knows about it. Curtis thanks her for trying, and Marshall says, good Lord, they lost him? All right. Now what?
Stella says, Portia did a wonderful job with Trina. Why does Portia think she failed her? Portia says, all she ever wanted was to give Trina the best life she possibly could. Being a doctor, and her father in law enforcement, they were able to do that. She was proud, so proud she was able to give Trina a comfortable life. Trina grew up with a sense of security, but she lived a sheltered life. The friends she’s made, the schools she’s went to, maybe it was a little bit too sheltered. Maybe in her quest to give Trina this ideal life, she failed to inoculate Trina against the reality of being a woman of color. Stella says, Trina knows who she is, and she’s pretty savvy about the world. She knows they want what’s best for her children, but it’s impossible to completely shield them from pain and injustice. Stop torturing herself. Knowing Trina, Stella can already see Portia taught her what’s important. Portia asks, what’s that? and Stella says, to keep her head to the sky. The world’s gonna knock you down, but what matters is that you get back up, and don’t stay down. Trina’s a fighter, and whatever life throws at their girl, she’ll get back up on her feet.
Carly sighs, and looks around the lobby. Sonny walks over, and asks if she’s okay. She flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s biological mother, and says, she’s okay. She has her family. She leaves with Drew.
On Monday (I think), Portia asks if Curtis found the evidence they need to exonerate Trina; Spencer says he has the only proof Esme needs, if she wants it; Carly says, Esme is going to regret the day she messed with their kid; and Sonny says he’s done with talking. It’s time for action.
🏃🏻♀️ Skipping Town…
Laura and Alexis are taking a break from Port Charles.
Every time I drink, I break out in handcuffs. – guest on Dr. Phil
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. – Og Mandino
Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth. – Henry David Thoreau (Boy, was he off.)
You are not called to be a canary in a cage. You are called to be an eagle, and to fly sun to sun, over continents. – Henry Ward Beecher, American Clergyman and Author
To be nobody but yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e. e. cummings
I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou
He’s the smartest non-smart looking person I know. – Christine Alexandra Chiu, Bling Empire
But that’s what happens. Once the human tragedy has been completed, it gets turned over to the journalists to banalize into entertainment. – Philip Roth
Ask for help. Not because you’re weak, but because you want to remain strong. – Les Brown
Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson
The only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. – Miss J
Disability is what we perceive. Ability is everything we believe! – Tamela D’Amico
The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for. – Bob Marley
Common sense is not so common. – Voltaire
🏂 Sliding Into My Own DMs Like…
Enjoy the next few days, be they a break or the same old. Meet me on Monday for soap and the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay checking yourself before you read others, and stay keeping your head to the sky. The world’s gonna knock you down, but what matters is that you get back up, and don’t stay down.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sasha opens her eyes, and Brando says, hi, beautiful. She asks if she missed the fireworks, and he says she sure did. She says, that means he did too, but he says, being here with her, he ain’t missing nothing. She asks if she’s told him that he’s the best husband in the entire universe, and he says, no, but he just wants her to get better so they have decades of 4th of Julys ahead of them. She says, now that they’re past the worst of it, be straight with her, how bad is the fallout?
On the phone at the hospital, Portia says she called weeks ago to make an appointment with a genetic specialist. It was rescheduled and she wants to see if she can be fit in as soon as possible. It’s urgent. Curtis comes in with Marshall, and says, urgent? What’s going on?
Rory asks if he can make a confession, and Trina says, he’s the cop, not her. He says he’s been wanting to do that for a long time.
Sonny asks who bought Carly’s half of the hotel, but Olivia tells him, the real estate agent woudn’t say. She should have just gone with her gut. She offered to buy Carly’s half of the hotel, but Carly turned her down flat. She should have ignored Carly and done it anyway, and they wouldn’t be in this situation right now. He tells her not to blame herself, because Carly’s independent to a fault. Olivia says she knows that, but why couldn’t Carly have just said yes to her or to him. Now they’re stuck with some buyer who’s clearly not going to let Carly keep it. They see Drew, and Sonny says, unless she has a guardian angel.
Nina tells Carly that she just bought Carly’s half of the MetroCourt; she just closed the deal. Carly says, Nina is unbelievable. Her petition to visit Wiley didn’t go her way, so she’s going to stick it to Carly and her family, and take away something else she loves? Nina says, just the opposite. She didn’t buy the hotel for herself; she bought it for Carly.
Portia says, this was a consult for a patient, and Curtis says, an urgent consult. She says she may have overstated just a bit, and Marshall says he bets that gets a quicker result. She says, it certainly does, and asks, what brings them by GH? Certainly not a fireworks mishap she hopes. Curtis says, nothing like that. He just wanted to give her an update. She asks if he found evidence that Trina was set up, and he says, no, but thanks to Marshall, they have a lead.
Trina says, Rory’s been waiting a long time to kiss her? She’s glad he finally did. Unless… He says, what? and she says she told him that she wanted a distraction. Was that all that was? He says, definitely not… actually, maybe… He doesn’t know. They should probably check and make sure, doesn’t she think? She says, it’s the responsible thing to do, and he says, exactly, kissing her again.
Brando says, the only thing Sasha needs to worry about is resting and recovering, and she says, so it’s that bad, but he says, no, it’s… She says she’s so embarrassed, and he asks, why? She says she had a breakdown on live television. Doc is holding her here. Maxie and Lucy must be fielding all kinds of questions. He says, they’ve got it covered, but she says she feels awful. This is the second time she majorly messed up; it’s not fair. Gladys comes in, and says, can they believe the cafeteria ran out of hot dogs on the 4th of July? and Brando says, that has to be illegal. Gladys says, Sasha is awake. How is she feeling? Brando says, she’s stressed, so please tell her, everything at Deception is fine, that Lucy and Maxie are handling PR, and everything will be back to normal in no time. Sasha says, it’s her mess. She should be there to clean it up. Gladys says, it’s being handled, and everyone is far more concerned about Sasha. Sasha says, this time out was much needed. She feels much better now. Tomorrow, she goes home, and it’s back to business as usual. Brando and Gladys exchange glances, and Sasha asks, what’s that look? Brando says, they’ll talk about it tomorrow, but Sasha says she wants to talk about it now. Is something wrong? What aren’t they telling her?
Olivia asks how the kids liked the fair, and Drew says, they loved it. They’re back at her place now, safe and sound. She thanks him for taking them, and he says, it was fun. He asks if Carly is around, and Olivia says she hasn’t seen Carly for a minute, but she’s sure Carly is around somewhere. Sonny says, they heard someone bought Carly’s share of the MetroCourt, and Drew asks if they think it was him. Sonny says, was it? and Drew says, he kind of wishes it was. He thought they had more time to strategize. Sonny says, Drew’s been doing a lot of that lately, strategizing on Carly’s behalf, and Drew says, but it hasn’t been doing anybody any good, has it? Olivia asks if they’re going to clue her in, or keep speaking in code, and Drew says, he tried to sell Nina Crimson, so he could reimburse Carly so she could keep the hotel. Olivia says, that’s a great idea, and Drew says, unfortunately not great enough to work though. Sonny says, but Drew had to try, and Drew says he did. Carly woudn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for him.
Carly says, Nina bought her half of the hotel, and Nina says she did, to give it back to Carly, no strings attached. Carly tells her, she doesn’t know what to say, and Nina says she doesn’t have to say anything. Nina doesn’t think it’s right that Carly lost everything just because she was trying to help her son. That’s not fair. Believe it or not, she just wanted to do this for Carly. Carly says, if Nina is sincere… Nina says she is, and Carly says, then something’s in it for her. What is it? Good PR? Does Nina want to reinvent herself being her financial savior?… Oh, Nina is just praying Wiley finds out about this one day. Nina says, no. She understands what she did to Carly’s family is unforgiveable, and Carly says, so Nina is going to give her back her hotel, and it’s going to make up for everything? but Nina says, no. Nothing she could ever do will fully repair the damage she caused Carly. Carly says, Nina means ripping her family apart, and turning Sonny into a man his kids don’t even recognize? She can never repair that. Nina says, okay. So Carly agrees she owes her. Carly says, hell yeah, Nina owes her, and Nina says, then let her do this
Portia asks, what’s the new lead? and Curtis says, one of Marshall’s band members, Jack, got the name and address of the bartender that Trina and Josslyn found. He’s the same man who sold Esme that burner phone. Portia says, the one that was planted in Trina’s bag; that’s wonderful. Curtis says, but when they went back to the bar and his apartment, he was nowhere to be found. Marshall says, they figure he’s lying low because the cops were called to The Highsider. Portia says, he hasn’t been back to work since then? and Curtis says, no. Shady, right? She says, very shady. But what if they don’t find him? It’s just another dead end. Marshall tells her, don’t lose faith. He and Curtis are nowhere close to giving up on exonerating Trina. Curtis says, there’s already another plan in motion.
Brando says, they need to discuss treatment options for when Sasha is released, and Sasha says, treatment options? She already told them, she’s feeling so much better. She was stressed out. Under normal circumstances, she would have been fine, but putting a baby carrier that soon after Liam’s death was not normal. He says he gets that, but she hadn’t seen the baby carrier yet when she took those pills. She says, the pills; he found them on her after he brought her in here. That was just a one-time thing to help her deal, she swears. He says, that wasn’t just a one-time thing, and Gladys says she told him the truth, that Sasha used uppers to get through the IPO. Sasha says, because she was stressed, and Gladys says, she told him that too. Sasha asks if Gladys also told him that she stopped, and Gladys says she’ll let them talk. She leaves, and Sasha tells Brando, listen to her; she’s okay. She doesn’t need any more treatment. He says he loves her and he’s worried about her, but she says, he doesn’t have to be. She’s done with the pills. He has to believe her. He says he wants to, more than anything in the world, but he can’t.
Olivia tells Drew that he can’t blame himself, but he says he set the whole thing in motion. He met with an executive consultant, who pitched him the idea of merging ELQ and Aurora. He thought it was a great idea. He got on board; he got Michael on board. Pitched it to Ned, which turns out was a big miscalculation. Olivia tells him, she thinks the less said about Ned switching sides, the better, and he says, in order for the strategy to work, he had to inflate the stock value of Aurora, which is a legitimate tactic. Had the merger gone through, the stock would have helped it’s value. With that said, he never should have let Carly get involved. Sonny says, as if Drew could stop her, and Olivia says, once Carly sets her mind on something, that’s it; they all know that. All they can do is support her and she’s going to need a lot of that right now. She’s got some tough times ahead of her. Dex walks in, and tells Sonny, the car’s ready; visiting hours are going to be over soon. Sonny thanks him, and says he’s going to check in on Sasha and Brando. Olivia asks him to give Sasha her best, and Drew says he heard what happened; it’s so awful. Sonny says, Carly isn’t going to take his help, but if she needs anything, he’s here. He leaves, and on his way out, his phone rings. Sonny thanks Brick for calling him back, and says he needs Brick to check some information for him… Yeah, right away.
Carly says, now, after months posturing, Nina wants to do what’s right now? and Nina says, that’s not fair. Carly says, Nina wants to talk fair? and Nina says, ever since she… we got back from Nixon Falls, she’s been trying make up for her mistakes. Carly asks if that’s what Nina calls sleeping with her husband, and dragging them all to court just so she can force herself on Wiley? Nina says, he’s her grandson, then composes herself, and says, can they try to think about this practically? She knows there’s nothing she can do to balance the scales, but maybe this will top it a little bit more toward the middle, and that’s all she wants. Carly says she’s sure Nina believes that. She’s sure Nina has convinced herself that she’s trying to make amends, because the truth is far less flattering. Nina bought her half of the hotel, so Sonny couldn’t. Um… wait a minute. Sonny tried, and Carly said no, so what the what? Carly says, Nina and Sonny have been inseparable lately. She’s sure Sonny told Nina that he was going to offer to help her. Nina says, he did, and Carly says, and that just kills Nina, doesn’t it, knowing Sonny ran to her rescue? but Nina says, it didn’t kill her. She expected it actually. She knows Carly and Sonny will always be connected. That’s what happens when you share children. Carly says, funny Nina mentions that, because Michael is Sonny’s son, and yet Sonny sat in that courtroom and listened to Nina’s lawyer attack Michael, and he did nothing. That is why she’s turning down Sonny’s offer to help her, and she’s turning down Nina’s. Nina had her attorney accuse Michael of being violent towards women, and nothing could be further from the truth. Thank God the judge could see through Scotty’s lies, and thank God Michael kept his cool and defended himself, but the fact that it happened at all is on Nina. What Nina did to her family, sleeping with her husband, that’s nothing compared to what she did to Michael. Carly will never forgive her for what she did to Michael in that courtroom. She’d rather crawl on broken glass than take anything from Nina. Nina says, Carly is such a saint, and Carly’s attorney attacked her for all the things she’s done in her past. She had to do what she did; Carly backed her into a corner. Carly puts her finger in Nina’s face, and says she doesn’t care. She doesn’t care if Nina believes her own lies, and doesn’t care if Sonny believes every single word. Nina can’t come in here, and cry a little, and say pretty things, and give her back her hotel, and expect everything to be okay. She opens the door, and says, this place is Nina’s. She’ll be out by the end of the week. Nina leaves, and Carly slams the door behind her.
Drew says he’s really sorry he cost Olivia her business partner, but she asks if he heard her; it’s not his fault. He says, she honestly doesn’t blame him, not even a little bit? and she says, things might have gone a little different, had Michael not tried to drive Ned out of the company… He says, the intention was never to ice out Ned, but she says, by the time they told Ned about the Aurora merger, it was done deal, with no place for him in the family business. Drew says, that’s not true, and she says, no place he wanted. Drew says, so Ned, the guy who led the charge to reclaim ELQ for the Quartermaines, sided with Valentin? She can’t be okay with that. She says she stands by her husband, and he says, fair enough. She says she just wishes the members of this family weren’t always at odds with one another, and he says, it seems to be the Quartermaine way, even before the vote. He told Michael the merger would be the thing to cement his place in the family. She says, he got that right; he’s a Quartermaine through and through. He says he was trying to protect the family from Valentin, and she asks how that worked out for him. He says, not great, but it’s nobody’s fault but Ned’s. What Ned did was incredibly selfish, and it burned a lot of people in the process. She says, Drew got burned by the Quartermaines for the first time. Don’t worry, it won’t be the last. Welcome to the family.
Curtis says, he was able to use one of his P.I. connections to access the known associates of the bartender. They should have the names and addresses any minute. Portia says, and he thinks that’s where the bartender is? and Curtis says, that’s the hope. She says, but why? and Curtis says, because he knows he’s connected to the crimes Trina is accused of. He’s sure the bartender is scared if he gets drawn in, it will be trouble for him. Marshall says, and who knows what else might be unearthed from his past? and Curtis says, so if they can get this bartender guy to admit he sold the phone to Esme, it could blow this case wide open. Portia says, the trial starts tomorrow, and shakes her head. Curtis’s phone rings and he says, here he is, right here. He steps away, asking, what’s he got? Portia thanks Marshall for trying to help Trina, and he says, she raised a wonderful young woman. The fact that she’s got all these people willing to go to bat for her is a testament to that. She says she prays it’s enough, and they can end this finally once and for all. He pats her arm, and says, of course (🍷).
Rory says, it’s official; not a distraction. Her? Trina says, definitely not a distraction. She really likes him. He says he likes her too, a lot, and she says, he’s obviously a great guy. He says, oh no, here comes the but, and she says she really wanted him to kiss her. She enjoyed it and doesn’t regret it, but… He says, see? and she says, this can’t happen again. He says, does she mind if he asks why? and she says, it’s complicated. He’s so awesome to her and her friends… except for the time he arrested Spencer and Cameron… He asks if she’s backing off them because she’s still hung up on Spencer.
Sonny asks Gladys, how’s Sasha? and she says, thank God he’s here. She messed everything up. He asks what she means, and she says she knew Sasha was struggling. Sasha asked her not to tell Brando, so she didn’t. If she’d been up front with him, it wouldn’t have gotten this bad. He says, she thought she was helping her daughter-in-law, but she says she only made everything worse. He says, they can only do what’s best in the moment. If you ask him, all she’s done is step up for Sasha. She asks, then why does she feel like she’s failing Sasha? but he says, she’s not failing; she’s trying. That’s not failing. Does she know who would be proud? Mike. She says, he thinks so? and he says, he knows so, hugging her. Aww. He’s being the other Mike.
Brando says, Sasha told him that his mom was overreacting about her using again, and Sasha says, she was. Like Gladys said, she just needed some help to get through the IPO. By the time Gladys found out, she’d already stopped using. He says, the point is, she lied to him. He doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do with that. She says, she lied to him because why worry him over nothing? She didn’t want to start their life together that way. He says, which brings him to the next question. Was she using drugs when they got married? She says she was not high during their ceremony. She did take some pills the morning she proposed, but that doesn’t change anything. He asks how she can say that, and she says, pills or not, she wanted to marry him, more than anything. Being his wife makes her so happy. He makes her so happy. He says, she makes him happy too, and she says, those drugs have nothing to do with her feelings for him. She just needed a little something extra to help with the stress and the pressure, but it’s over now. Brando takes her hand, and says, he’s an addict too, remember? The road to sobriety isn’t a straight line. She had a set-back. She says, that’s all it was, a set-back, and he says, he’ll be there to help her get through it, and make sure she’s fully comfortable with the rehab plan. She says, rehab? and he says, she can’t snap her fingers, and think she can get herself back on track. She says, she was stressed, and he asks if she thinks this is the last time she’s going to feel that way. There are therapists who can help her deal with those triggers. She says, okay, she’ll go to therapy, and he says, rehab therapists. She says, she just wants to go home with him, and he says, she needs more than he knows how to give. He cares about her too much to pretend otherwise. He’d ask her to do it for him, but they both know it’s something she has to do for herself. Gladys pops in, and says, Sonny is here, but she can tell him Sasha isn’t ready for visitors. Sasha says, Brando should go talk to him. Thank him for coming, but tell him she’s not ready. Brando asks her to think about what he said, and leaves.
Sonny asks how Brando is holding up, and Brando says, he appreciates Sonny coming by, but now is not a good time. Sonny says he understands, and asks if there’s anything he can do. Brando says he wishes Sonny knew how to get through to Sasha, and Sonny says, Brando will figure it out. Just keep showing her that he loves her, and he’s going to be by her side. Eventually, she will start listening.
Trina tells Rory, she and Spencer were never together. Spencer has absolutely nothing to do with what’s going on between them. Rory asks what that is exactly? and Trina says, let’s be real. Her trial starts tomorrow, and she’s no closer to proving Esme set her up. If she’s convicted… He says, that’s a huge if, and she says, if she is, what future can they possibly have?
Drew says, Olivia definitely loves her husband, and she says, damn right she does. He says he just hopes she sees he was trying to do what was right by the family. He didn’t deserve what Ned did. She says, that’s the thing. It’s not about who deserves what. These are Quartermaines. He says, for better or worse, and she says, a lot of times it’s for the worse. Do they love each other? Yes, they do, but they just can’t help giving in to their worst impulses. He says, he thought they could come together against Valentin. Instead, Ned turned against them. She says, that kind of thing is going to happen again and again. And when it does, Drew has a choice to make. He can either hang on to his bitterness and drive the family further apart, or choose to forgive. You bring together the people you love. He says, until the next time someone stabs you in the back, and Olivia says, that will happen. That’s just the way it is. She wishes that wasn’t the case, but she can accept it. So can he. Carly comes in, and Olivia asks how she’s doing, hugging her. Carly says she doesn’t know. The most surreal, twisted thing just happened.
Sonny tells Brando that he’s got go; he’s sorry. Is Brando going to be all right? Brando says, he thinks so, and they hug. He thanks Sonny again for coming, and Sonny goes to the elevator just as Nina is coming out.
Nina says she’s here to check on Sasha. She’s guessing that’s why he’s here too. He says he wants to talk to her in private, and tells Dex to give them a minute. She asks if something is wrong, and Sonny says, come on, taking her hand and walking her down the hall. Dex sits next to Brando, and says he’s sorry about Brando’s wife. Brando thanks him, and Dex says, she’s going to be okay. Brando says, no offense, but Dex doesn’t know that, and Dex says, the odds look good with the support system she’s got. Between Brando and Sonny, they’ll get her through whatever’s going on. Brando says he wishes he had Dex’s confidence, and Dex says, Brando’s a vet, right? Brando says, Marines; he fought in Iraq. Dex says, so Brando’s seen and experienced some rough stuff, and he’s still here. Brando says he heard Dex is a vet too, and Dex says, Army; Afghanistan. Brando says, whereabouts? He had a buddy who was stationed in Bagram for a while. Dex says, they were there too, which isn’t that big a coincidence, since most of them got sent there. Then they sent them to Kandahar. Brando asks how many tours Dex did, and Dex says, just the one.
Sasha says she needs Gladys to have her back on this. Gladys saw how she stopped taking the pills the first time. Gladys says, she didn’t stop for long, but Sasha says she’s learned her lesson. She can’t push herself at work anymore. Going forward, she’s going to make a point to take more downtime. Gladys says, Sasha is acting like it’s no big deal, and Sasha says, it isn’t. Gladys says, Sasha had a break in reality on national television, and Sasha says, that part was a big deal, but that was an isolated incident. They forced her to model a baby carrier. Gladys says, all right. So Sasha is just going to go through the rest of her life being triggered by infants and anything related to them? It’s clear Sasha hasn’t processed losing Liam, not to mention everything she’s been through since. Why is she fighting this? Get the help she so obviously needs.
Marshall and Portia sit down, and Marshall says he’s been meaning to thank her. She says, for what? and he says, for allowing him to stay with her and Curtis. He’ll be out of their hair as soon as he’s able. She says, there’s no rush, and he says, it’s a hell of a time. With Trina’s trial, and now all this… She says, it’s fine. They love having him. He thanks her, and she says, there’s something she wants to tell him too. She’s well aware of the stigma of mental illness, even to this day, and it took a lot of courage to open up to them about his diagnosis. He says, better late than never, and she says, she thinks so. Doesn’t he? He says he’s grateful things are finally okay with him and his son, and she says, schizophrenia usually presents itself in the early 20s, so he must have been living with symptoms for a while before he realized what they were. He says, mainly paranoid, thinking the government was watching him. And actually, that wasn’t going on that long before his arrest. She says, paranoia was his only symptom? and he says, it’s possible he wrote off some other things, but he doesn’t think anything abnormal. Curtis comes back, and Portia says, please tell her that his contact found something that can help Trina.
Olivia says, Nina bought Carly’s half of the hotel? and Carly says, as a gift for her. Isn’t that sweet? Drew asks, what’s the angle? and Carly says, there are tons. Mainly she wants to ease her conscience for the hell she unleashed on Carly and her family, but as always, all roads lead to Wiley, so she’s sure Nina is just doing this to ingratiate herself with him. Olivia asks what Carly said, and Carly tells her that she said hell no. Olivia says she figured, and Carly asks if she’s surprised. Olivia says, no, but part of her wishes Carly had taken Nina up on it. Carly says she’s sorry. They were partners, and she made a decision that left Olivia twisting, but no matter how bad she feels, she can’t accept Nina’s offer; she won’t accept Nina’s offer. Olivia says she sympathizes; she gets it. It’s just the thought of running this place with her… She’s got to go. She promised to tuck Leo in. Carly tells Olivia to kiss him for her, and Olivia says, of course (🍷). They’ll talk tomorrow. She leaves, and Drew says, Carly is committed, he’ll give her that. She said she was going to dig herself out by herself, and look at her; offer number three turned down flat. Carly says, Nina accused Michael of being violent towards women in open court. She could be starving and destitute, and she wouldn’t accept a damn dime from that woman. He says he gets that. So what’s the plan now?
Nina tells Sonny, stop freaking her out, and he finally stops walking. He asks if she bought Carly’s half of the MetroCourt, and she says, yes, and she’s actually surprised he didn’t beat her to it. He says, Carly doesn’t want his help. Why? She says, why did she buy Carly’s half of the hotel? She wanted to give it back to Carly. He says, and? and she says, Carly accused her of being self-serving. Sonny asks, can Nina blame her?
Curtis says his guy emailed him a list of all the known associates of the bartender, and the addresses. Taggert is going to help him check them out. Portia says, that’s wonderful, and Curtis says, by tomorrow morning, they should have all the evidence they need to fight these charges against Trina and end this ridiculous nightmare. Marshall says they should get started, and Curtis says, it’s late. He suggests he take Marshall home and he’ll get started on the leads himself, but Marshall says, not happening, and Portia says, really? Marshall says he’s lost enough time with his family. He doesn’t intend to waste anymore, and she and Trina are part of that family now. Curtis says, how do you argue with that? Marshall says, you don’t, and they leave.
Rory says, everything will work out, and Trina asks how he knows. He says, because he has faith they’ll get the answers they need to exonerate her, and she says, that means more to her than he knows. But until the trial is behind her… He says, she’s going to take life one day at a time? and she says, it’s more like hours at this point. He says, so how about for the next couple of hours they just enjoy the here and now. No worrying about the future or what tomorrow will bring. Her, him, and the pleasure of each other’s company. What does she say? She tells him, she says yes. They hold hands, and look up at the sky. He asks if she knows anything about the stars or constellations, and she says, just that they’re beautiful. He says, they really are, and they gaze at the stars.
Sasha asks if Gladys knows how frustrating it is to keep telling people you’re fine and no one believes you. She doesn’t need to be shipped off to rehab. Gladys says, they just want what’s best for her, and both Brando and Doc think she would benefit from more specialized treatment. Sasha says, and it doesn’t matter what she thinks? and Gladys says, of course (🍷) it does, but maybe it’s a good idea to get some outside opinions; not to mention, professional ones. Sasha says she appreciates them trying to help, but they’re wrong. She does not need to go to rehab, and in 24 hours, it won’t be anyone else’s decision but her own.
Dex tells Brando, he enlisted right after high school. He doesn’t regret serving, but he almost died so many times, he lost count. Brando says he knows what Dex means. A guy near you that dies, and you didn’t; is there a reason, or was it just random? Either way, what are you supposed to do with the life you got to keep? Dex says he decided not to tempt fate. When his tour was up, he got out. He’s going to grab some coffee. Does Brando want anything? Brando says, no, and Dex leaves.
Carly says she doesn’t have a plan, but hell will freeze over before it involves Nina Reeves, and Drew says, copy that. She decided what was important to her, and she stuck to it. That takes guts. She says, or a serious stubborn streak, and he says, that too. She says, it’s just that her family is really all she has right now. She’s not going to risk losing them for anything or anyone. He asks if they need to do another toast to rising again, and she says she’d settle for just finding her way. Right now she’s feeling really lost, and she doesn’t like the feeling because it’s foreign, and it’s scary, and it’s not her. He says he knows, and holds her.
Nina says, she expects Carly to think the worst of her, but not Sonny, and he says, that’s not what he meant. She and Carly have been going at each other’s throats; that’s their history. Why wouldn’t Carly think she’s self-serving? Nina says, he has a point, but Carly’s not 100% wrong. She bought Carly’s half of the MetroCourt because she was trying to repair some of the damage she caused. He asks if she’s being serious, and she says, yes. Which would not only make her feel better, but she wanted to maybe make things easier for them to move forward. All that pain. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was behind them? He says, it is better she bought it than someone else. They can’t undo the past; they can only make peace with it. She says, has he? and he says, he hasn’t been clear with her lately; things have been up in the air. But he does want to be with her. Whatever it takes; wherever it leads them. He’s all in. She touches his face, and he kisses her.
Tomorrow, Ava says, it’s time Trina told them what the evidence is; Laura asks if she has reason for concern; Victor says, since Valentin failed, he’s taken matters into his own hands; and Spencer tells Esme that something is going to rock her world.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
When we last left, LisaR was demanding if Sutton called Diana an MF’er and soulless. Sutton says, Diana was mocking her miscarriages, and we flash back to Diana saying, here we go with the big blue. Teary at the end, blah-blah-blah. LisaR says, all she heard about was the MF’er and soulless. Garcelle says, LisaR wasn’t at the party, and Erika says, LisaR talked to Diana. Sutton says, she and Diana had started to connect, but LisaR says she doesn’t think Diana got the same takeaway. Sutton says, for her, it felt real, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, they left the conversation in a good place, she thought. We flash back to that, and Sutton says, she was trying to relate to Diana. Kyle says, Diana thought her apology was phony, and that’s where she stepped in. Garcelle says, Kyle jumped ship pretty quick, and we flash back to the party, and Garcelle saying, Diana has a chip on her shoulder that has nothing to do with her, followed by Kyle saying, Diana does not have a chip on her shoulder. Kyle says she’s not jumping ship; they’re all on the same ship. Garcelle insists it felt like Kyle jumped ship, and in Kyle’s interview, she says she makes her own decisions based on how she feels. She doesn’t know where this is coming from. Maybe from the last 11 seasons, where Kyle’s feelings jumped ship every five minutes? They go inside, and mess with Sutton’s phone, finding her a match on Bumble. Sutton says she’s not looking to find a date on Bumble, and in her interview, she says, she’s not here to chat. She wants to see them face-to-face, in a crowded room, with Josh stalking her so it doesn’t get rapey. It happens. Someone says, they have a taker, and Sanjit appears on Sutton’s phone. They all say hi, passing the phone around, then put the phone in Sutton’s face. In her interview, Kyle says, it’s a recipe for disaster, but a fun disaster, and one she wants to be part of. Sutton says she likes Sanjit; he’s normal and smart. She tells the women, don’t scare him. Not until they’ve had at least one date. She apologizes to Sanjit, who seems to be a good sport, and they plan to talk later. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, not that she’s watching Erika, but she said she was going to have one drink. We flash back to Erika drinking, and Garcelle holds up three fingers. She asks if she and Erika can have a conversation, and Erika says, sure. Garcelle says, they were having a good time at her birthday, and Erika’s liquor level was beyond, but under no circumstances should she curse out, not just a kid, but her kid. In Crystal’s interview, she says, as a mother, she completely understands. Erika owes Garcelle a genuine apology. We flash back to Crystal hustling Jax away from Erika at the party. Erika says she agrees and takes full responsibility. She was sh*t talking, and treating the teenagers like adults. It was wrong, but it didn’t come from a bad place. It wasn’t vicious, but it was wrong. Garcelle says, seeing her on the boat in Mexico, then seeing her at the party, Erika needs to balance her meds and her cocktails. Erika says she’s on a new med that makes her sleepy, and Kyle jumps in, saying she’s never seen Erika lose her composure, so she should be cut some slack. Garcelle says, this is what she means by jumping ship. She’s having this conversation with Erika; she’s not talking to Kyle. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Garcelle isn’t 100% wrong, but is she happy Erika is letting her hair down, and not being as guarded? Absolutely. I guess it doesn’t occur to this dimbulb that Erika’s reasons for drinking like that might not be good. Sheree (not that one) says, in this moment, Garcelle needs Kyle to be neutral, and Erika admits to having a few too many sneaky margaritas. And before she insulted Garcelle’s twins, she’d complemented them, saying how well-spoken they were, and not acting like teenagers absorbed in their phones. Sutton says, they were raised right, and Erika says, it’s a testament to Garcelle, and I think, nice move. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s great when a stranger compliments you on your parenting, but even better when it’s a mom who knows what it’s like doing it alone. She’s still annoyed, but Erika scored a point. I’m actually surprised Garcelle isn’t thinking like me. Not only did Erika know she’d score a point, she steered the conversation in a different direction. Erika says she’d still do Oliver, and Sheree says, her too. Garcelle says she’ll have to watch both you heifers, and she’s not bringing him around anymore.
I miss what store it is, but it’s like athletic shoe world, a massive wall of shoes, and shelves upon shelves of shoes. Garcelle is there with Jax and Jaid, and in her interview, she says, labels are important, more to some than others. We flash back to a Dorit head-to-toe designer moment, and Garcelle says, Jaid is all about fashion, but Jax couldn’t care less. She sees a pair that are $2200, and tells Jaid, move away from the Diors. She sees a pair for $9800, and in her interview, she wonders, what does it do? Does it do the dishes? The laundry? She tells Jaid that he can’t go over $500, and in her interview, she says, she never in her life thought she’d pay $500 for a pair of shoes. When Jaid was 11 and asked for Gucci, she told him, absolutely not. We flash back to 2019, and Garcelle tells her sons, get a job, and Jaid says, but we’re 11. She says she can’t address her life now; it’s too big. She would never have thought of it. We flash back to some Garcelle moments, and she says, coming from where she does and now having money, she’s proud of what she’s able to do. Jaid picks out a pair for a conservative $300, and in her interview, Garcelle says, when she and Mike broke up, the odds were against her; an older mother with two babies, who didn’t have much. People thought she wouldn’t be able do it. Jaid keeps looking and finds a Yeezy pair for $650. In Garcelle’s interview, she tells us, she’s proud to say she raised three solid young men, who are sweet and compassionate. They deserve a splurge now and then.
It’s Christmastime in Beverly Hills, and we see all the lights. It’s also Hannukah at Kyle’s house. Mauricio dances in, and you know he’s high. Dorit and her kids join them, sans PK, who’s working in London. In Dorit’s interview, she says, it brings back scary thoughts. PK was in London when the home invasion happened, but it’s very important that she keep things normal for her kids, She’s grateful for Kyle being around the corner. It’s a safe environment, and keeps her anxiety at bay. Mauricio’s parents, sister, and brother-in-law arrive, and in her interview, Dorit says, Hanukkah is probably her favorite holiday. She grew up with the Jewish traditions, and now she wants her kids to experience them. One of the boys tells the Hanukkah story before they light the candles, and it’s very cute. In Kyle’s interview, she says, growing up, she didn’t know what the Jewish traditions were, but when she made a commitment to the faith, she wanted to bring them into her home, and celebrate the holidays. Seeing Dorit happy, relaxed, and enjoying Hanukkah makes it mean a lot more now to have these special moments with friends and family. Mauricio tells Dorit that they’re her second family, and Dorit says she’s grateful.
Diana’s son Innis comes by with his girlfriend Ava. Innis says, Diana’s dream is to have him live across the street, and in Diana’s interview, she says she loves having a full house. Her father was an orphan, and had no family. He talked about his loneliness, and how special family is. Losing her brother, she understood that time with her kids is irreplaceable. Ascher (her fiancé? Her husband? I forget) wonders if it’s a culture thing that Diana doesn’t want her kids to go anywhere. Diana says, growing up, there were a bunch of cousins, and everybody had a plot of land. Innis says, it’s an American thing for kids to move away, and in her interview, Diana says she’s glad her kids have seen how the rest of the world lives. They’re lucky to be able to visit her parents in Bosnia. They taught her kids the language and culture. Her daughter Eneya lives in England, where she does horseback riding. Eneya is different from her; she’s allergic to horses. They call Eneya, who says she’ll be riding for Bosnia in March. Her dad is with her, and Diana says, she has a good dad, and in her interview, she says, she selfishly loves having her family with her. She’s hoping Eneya rides in California, so they can spend time together. Her home is important; she likes it to be warm and welcoming. Despite some people thinking she’s rude and cold, her family wouldn’t agree she’s cold. Rude is questionable. See? I want to like her, but…
Kyle meets Garcelle and Sheree for lunch. Sheree talks about going to Sutton’s boutique, and says, they sat and had some girl talk. She’s trying to understand, and Garcelle says, she’ll catch on. Garcelle tells Kyle that she was having a one-on-one with Erika, and wanted a moment with her. It’s not about not wanting Erika to have fun. Erika’s drinking is becoming a lot. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Erika suggested a threesome to her older son, told her younger son to f*** off, and almost fell off the boat. We flash back to all those things, and Garcelle says, that’s not just, she’s a little tipsy, get her an Uber. What more does Kyle want it to be? Kyle says, Erika was being free and letting her hair down, but Garcelle asks if Kyle doesn’t think it could lead to alcoholism. Doesn’t she think it’s a problem? Kyle looks at her like Garcelle has two heads with her mouth hanging open, then says she thinks that’s dramatic. Garcelle asks if she doesn’t think Erika drinking when she takes meds is a problem, and in Kyle’s interview, she says she does have past experience on this topic. We flash back to the infamous limo scene, and LisaR saying, Kim is close to death. Kyle says she’s learned from those experiences, and those kinds of words hurt people. Apparently she can’t tell the difference between dramatics and actual concern. Garcelle says, Erika said she was on new meds, and Kyle says she takes Lexapro, but it’s a small dosage. It’s not a big thing. Since she doesn’t add something like, Erika’s on the same meds, I don’t know if this applies, or she’s just talking out of her ass. Sheree says, someone saying what Erika did to someone’s sons is a person not in control, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she dealt with Oliver’s addiction, and watching someone going down a dark path is hard, especially someone you love. Erika’s not at that point, but she thinks they need to do something before it gets bad. Sheree says she sees both sides. Erika’s been through a lot and she’s bringing the wall down, but Garcelle’s point is valid too. Garcelle says, it could be dangerous. If they see a problem, she thinks they should nip it in the bud.
Diana and assistant Lia are on a mission to get rid of Diana’s storage. Lia says it seems overwhelming, but it’s not that bad. We see pictures of Diana with Elton John and Lady Gaga, and in her interview, she says she lives a big life. She goes to a lot of parties, and has a lot of friends. A producer asks, what’s the craziest thing that’s happened at one of her parties? and she says she had a rock star beat up a prince. But she’s not going into names. Lia suggests, except for what she wants to save for her daughters, she donate the rest, and in Diana’s interview, she says, to help others is a huge honor. When she was a refugee, she was on the receiving end. Her parents were at the mercy of charities for years. She gets involved in things she doesn’t even understand, but as long as it helps someone, she’s in. That’s nice, but if she doesn’t understand it, how does she know it’s really helping someone? Erika comes over, and they give each other not-a-fake hug. Erika drools over the clothes and accessories, and in her interview, she says, there’s easily a million bucks in this room. She had things like this her entire adult life, and right now life has changed for her. She doesn’t feel jealous or bad. Life can’t be solely pinned on the value of material things. If she wants something, she can get it. She’s not broke broke. She sold a lot of her collection, but it’s fine. I dunno. It sure sounds like it’s really not. Erika says, Diana missed Sutton’s party, and Diana says she woke up feeling like her head was going to explode. Erika says, it was a topic, and they have champagne. She says, Sutton told them at the table what happened at the party, leaving out the part where LisaR brought the topic up. Diana says, she thought she’d seen it all, then met Sutton. Why does Sutton want to not like her? Erika says she got in trouble last year. Garcelle and Sutton were her biggest critics, but Sutton pulled the worst out of her. Diana says, in the first five minutes she was in the group, Sutton had a fight with nearly everyone; it can’t be her. In Erika’s interview, she says, Sutton poked a major f***ing bear. Sutton might think things are good, but they ain’t with Diana. She doesn’t think Sutton can survive that confrontation. She says she told Sutton that she thought she and Diana got off on the wrong foot, but she can fix it. We see a clip of Erika telling Sutton to give Diana the benefit of the doubt. Sutton says, she doesn’t tell a lot of people about her miscarriages, and Diana made fun of her. Erika tells her, try again. Erika tells Diane that Sutton was sh*tty to her, and she didn’t swipe it under the rug, but she can live with it. Diana asks how she learns to forgive and forget, but Erika says she doesn’t.
In Kyle’s interview, she says, when you’re born and raised in L.A., and it’s 90 degrees on Christmas, you get desperate for snow. She doesn’t have it, so she’s going to create it. We see a snow machine pumping snow into her yard. She calls Erika, and says she had snow brought to the house. She wishes Erika could be here tomorrow for the Children’ Hospital benefit with Jamie Lee Curtis. Erika says, Diana’s on her way to lunch with Sutton, and Kyle says, that’s interesting, twirling her mustache. In Sutton’s interview, she says, she’d thought she and Diana ended on a good note, but LisaR inserted herself, so now she’s going straight to Diana. She calls Garcelle from the car, and says she thinks Diana will be tricky. Garcelle says, you can’t be in this group and hold a grudge because someone yelled at you. Sutton says she can come across as harsh, but she’s complex, funny, witty, and a good friend. She promises to give Garcelle a full report.
Sutton and Diana hug, and I don’t know about fake, but it seems halfhearted. Diana asks what they do, and Sutton says, have some lunch and talk about what they need to talk about. She wonders where to start, and Diana suggests the beginning. Sutton says, they can Sound of Music this, but since she wants to go back, Diana had said her words were clumsy before she even knew Sutton. We flash back to Diana saying that, and Diana says she was trying to give Sutton the benefit of the doubt, thinking she doesn’t mean to hurt with her words. But she’s changed her mind. She thinks Sutton means what she says. Sutton says she’s there to make peace, and come to an understanding. She doesn’t want Diana to be mean and shoot daggers. She wants to be civilized. Diana says, the way Sutton provoked her at the party was inappropriate, and Sutton says, it was wrong of her to be sarcastic. Diana says, some things aren’t up for sarcastic remarks. Sutton says, what she did wasn’t right, and she’s willing to say that, but she needs Diana to say that what she did wasn’t right; mocking Sutton’s miscarriages. Diana says, it’s how Sutton said it, but Sutton says she was sincerely trying to bond, and Diana is rolling her eyes. Diana says, Sutton isn’t genuine, and she feels like she needs professional help to communicate with Sutton. Sutton says, if Diana doesn’t think she’s sincere, Diana has a problem. She doesn’t share her miscarriages with many people. Diana says, Sutton threw it in there like she was raising Diana two. It’s too heavy of a subject. Sutton says, how dare Diana? and Diana says, everything goes back to Sutton. Sutton says she was speaking on behalf of all women who have miscarried, and Diana asks if she’s the world’s miscarriage spokeswoman. Sutton says, Diana is delusional, and Diana says she gave Sutton the fakest hug in her life, and Sutton thought it was sincere. She couldn’t wait to shake Sutton off. Sutton asks, who’s fake now? and Diana says she is. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Diana has a problem with herself. She’d choose dealing with Erika over Diana, Sutton says she had no idea, and it was sh*tty of Diana. Diana shrugs, and Sutton says, shame on her. Diana says, for what? Not letting Sutton walk on her and abuse her? Huh? Diana asks if Sutton thinks she can provoke someone, and yell and say mean things, then hug it out 10 minutes later. She cut Diana deep, and if Diana said it was all good, it would be fake. Sutton asks if Diana wants to move on or not, and Diana says, tell her how to move on in a way that’s not fake. Who is Sutton? Sutton says, she’s reactionary. She’s a hot head, but she’s a good friend, and loyal to the end. Diana says, so you say, and Sutton says, so I know. They go back and forth for a few rounds with that, and Sutton finally says she doesn’t know what to do. They’re playing ping-pong. She gets up and says she’s going to go. She has lots of Christmas cards to do. They can be pleasant at Kyle’s thing. Diana agrees, saying, it’s a charity event, and Sutton leaves.
I swear, I’m starting to need Tums or something during this show.
Next time, Jamie Lee Curtis; Crystal struggles with her eating disorder; Kathy returns; and Erika drinks… and drinks… and drinks.
🍝 On Top of Spaghetti…
Come on by tomorrow for soap (she says with trepidation) and something to Charm you. Until then, stay safe, stay doing your part for the environment, even if it’s just carrying a candy wrapper around in your pocket forever rather than littering, and stay knowing we can’t undo the past; we can only make peace with it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Chase calls Brook just as she’s walking into the pool area. He says, don’t hang up. He thinks they need to talk. She says, no time like the present, and he realizes she’s right there. She comes over to where he’s sitting, and he wonders why it feels like déjà vu. She says, maybe because they apologize to each other two or three times a day. You’d think they’d be used to it by now. He says, maybe that’s it, and she says, since they’ve played this scene before, could they just fast forward to the part where they’re friends again? He says, they could, but he doesn’t know if they should.
Alexis says, Gregory’s op ed is less of an opinion and more of a hit piece. The Invader’sinterjection of opinion into the reporting of facts is not only lamentable, but an ethical slippery slope? He says, she issued a challenge; he accepted. Now the question is, can she set her ego aside and accept his? She says, his ego? and he says, his challenge.
Finn says, what does Doc mean, Elizabeth is gone? and Doc says, Finn just missed her; she checked herself out. Finn asks if that’s a good idea, but Doc says, she came of her own volition. She had the power to leave any time. Finn asks if Doc is saying Elizabeth left against his recommendation. Then Doc knows as well as he does that’s a mistake.
Terry asks if Britt can look at this, holding out her tablet, and Britt asks if it’s boring. Terry says, yes, and Britt says, then she lives for it. She takes the tablet, and Terry says, Epiphany made some last minute changes to the nurse’s rotation. Also, she wanted ask Britt about that Society Set-Ups mixer. Britt says, oh God, what now? A new GIF from another angle? Terry says, nothing like that. She was so impressed with the clientele, she signed up. Britt hopes Terry has better luck than she did, and asks if they have enough coverage for tonight. Elizabeth joins them, and says, problem solved. She’s back and reporting for duty. Where do they need her?
Olivia comes into the stables, and Cody says, Mama Falconari. She says, it’s Quartermaine now, and he says he knows, but he’s thought of her as Mama Falconari for all these years, so he hates to break tradition. She says, then don’t; she answers to both. He asks, what can he do for her? and she says, he already has. He’s made a forever friend in her son Leo. He says, Leo’s a great kid, and she says, he can’t stop raving about Cowboy Cody, and how he can answer any question about horses. He says, it’s nice to have an appreciative audience, and she says, it’s funny. He grew up making trouble with her one son, now he’s showing the ropes to her other one. He says, handling horses is a lot like getting to know people… Sometimes it’s a lot easier. She says, in regard to her son Leo, horses are a lot smarter than the men in her life, and Ned walks in.
Valentin comes into the MetroCourt Garden, and sees Laura texting. He says he’s glad he found her. Does she mind if he joins her? She says, not at all, and he sits. She asks if Charlotte is all right, and he says he believes so; why wouldn’t she be? She asks why else he’d be seeking her out, and he says, Charlotte is healthy and safe, and he promises there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make sure she remains so.
On the phone, Anna says, C-A-S-S-A-D-I-N-E, first name Valentin, as Victor lurks around behind her. She says, he was recuperating at their clinic several weeks ago. She knows they wouldn’t normally release that kind of patient information, but this is an ongoing official investigation with the WSB… Yeah, she can send over her credentials immediately. Could they please have the director call her back at this number… She thanks them, saying, she appreciates it. Victor says, good morning, Agent Devane, and she asks if he’s stalking or lurking. He says, out for a morning constitutional is all, and she says, an agenda-free stroll. Why doesn’t she believe him? He says he would have announced himself, but he saw she was preoccupied investigating his son.
Brook says, Chase doesn’t want to be friends? but he says, of course (🍷) he does, and they are. She says, okay, then what? and he says he just thinks they don’t bring out the best in each other; that maybe their friendship, as much as it means to both of them, isn’t healthy. She says, he may have a point. The pattern they’ve fallen into with all the fighting and apologizing. Not to mention it made him punch someone. You could say it’s… He says, childish? Co-dependent? She tells him, she was going to say tricky. Forget about being a cop; he could work for Webster’s. He asks how she’d benefit from that, and she says, ouch. He says he’s sorry, but she says, don’t be; she deserves it.
Gregory says he realizes Alexis hasn’t had time to do more than skim the op ed, and she says she can’t wait to sit down and take it all in. He says, the gist of it is, The Invader coverage blurs the lines between objecting reporting and editorializing. He challenged her staff to commit to objectivity at all costs. She says, first of all, The Invader is a newspaper, not a wire service, and he asks if she’s saying only wire services can be objective. She says, secondly, the newspaper has to have a point of view, and he says, still, The Invader is miles ahead of where it was when Peter August was at the helm. She asks if he’s damning her with faint praise, but he says, not at all. The Invader can become a journal not unworthy of respect, and she says, as an editor, she needs to point out the double negative, but he says he used it for effect. She says, sure he did, and he says, still, as far as The Invader has come, there’s still room for improvement – for both of them. She says, he’s just chock full of suggestions – she points to her phone – thousands of words of them, most of them scathing. He says, listening to her now, he’s reminded of a criticism he omitted, and she says, there’s more? He says, her penchant for hyperbole, and she says, you know what she thinks? He says he’s eager to hear, and she says she thinks the good professor is so accustomed to dusty dry tomes, and just isn’t used to contemporary journalism. He says, and if he may? and she says, by all means. He says he concludes, the humble –that’s irony, by the way… She says she recognizes it, and he says, the humble editrix is unused to being challenged.
Doc says, Finn knows he can’t discuss specifics of Elizabeth’s treatment, and Finn says, he doesn’t need to explain doctor/patient confidentiality to him. He doesn’t want the details; he just wants Doc’s honest determination. Did Elizabeth discharge herself prematurely? Doc tells him, look, all he can say is, if a patient no longer wants intensive therapy, it’s their call. As for Elizabeth, he takes heart in knowing she has a good support system at home. Finn says, as long as she doesn’t push everyone away, and Doc says, then he’s afraid it’s going to take time and patience. Finn says, he’ll hang back. He’ll give her time. It seems like that’s all he’s doing these days, but how does he know if he’s giving her the space to heal or the room to relapse? Doc says, he doesn’t.
Terry says, Elizabeth didn’t tell her that she was coming in today, and Elizabeth says, it’s time; she’s ready. Britt says, it’s good to see her, and Elizabeth thanks her, saying, it’s good to be seen. So how about it? Put me in, coach. Britt says she’d be happy too, as soon as she hears from HR that Elizabeth is cleared, and Elizabeth suggests they skip the red tape. It sounds like they’re shorthanded. Britt says, while she loves the enthusiasm, the hospital has policies, protocol where… Elizabeth says she knows what protocol is. She’s worked here longer than Britt. Terry says, hang on, Biz, and Elizabeth says, Britt was probably hoping she got rid of her for good. Britt says, actually she was hoping Elizabeth had a speedy recovery and returned to work soon. She’s an excellent nurse, and yes, they are short-staffed. Elizabeth says, then what’s the problem? and Britt asks if she needs flash cards. If Elizabeth wants to come back, then she needs to be cleared by HR. So go to HR and get cleared. Elizabeth says, this is so like Britt. She’s sure Britt has convinced everyone else that she’s turned over a new leaf, but she can see pretty clearly, the Britch is back, and bitchier than ever.
Victor asks what possible reason Anna could have for looking into Valentin’s private medical records, and Anna asks if he’s ever heard the quote, we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are. He asks her point? and she says, given his villainy, it makes sense he would ascribe nefarious intent to others. He says, cynicism is an ugly look on such an attractive woman, and she says, so is misogyny on such a dapper man. Yet here we are. He laughs, and says, she’s such a joy, and she says she tries. He says, always a quick rebut, and the appropriate literary reference. The question, however, remains, does Valentin know she’s a spy, in and out of the bedroom? She says, yes; why? He says he’s asking as a concerned parent. What exactly is the nature of her relationship with his son? She asks, what exactly is his?
Laura tells Valentin, she doesn’t say this often enough, but she’s actually grateful that Charlotte has him to watch out for her. He says, that’s nothing he’d expect to hear her say, and she says, they’ve had their difficulties in the past, but she can’t deny he’s an excellent parent. He thanks her, and says, coming from her, that means more to him than he can express. She says, if this little visit isn’t about Charlotte, to what does she owe the pleasure? and he says, just a drink between friends. He tells the waiter that he’ll have a bloody Mary, and Laura says she’ll have an iced tea. The waiter says, coming right up, and Valentin says, just an iced tea? She says, day drinking is not a good look for the mayor, especially after an attempted recall, and he says he’s glad that ridiculous attempt to oust her failed. She was a wonderful mayor, and Port Charles thrived under her leadership. She asks, why does he talk about her tenure in the past tense?
Brook says, when she offered to manage Chase’s singing career, she really did it to help him, and he asks, what percentage was to help him? She says, 90, and he looks at her. She says, 85, hand to heart, and he says he believes her. She says she hates that he’s out a paycheck, for defending her honor – again. He says, his actions were his own, and she says, but she put him in the middle of her mistakes… and two guys anyone would want to punch. He says, that is true, and she says, so even though it wasn’t her main goal when she was pitching the idea to him, the revenge part kind of slipped in. He says, so it wasn’t always there in the back of her mind? and she says, of course (🍷) it was. He says, then why not come out and say it; tell him the plan from the get-go. She says, because she didn’t want him to think she was using him, and he says, was she? She says she’s a Quartermaine. Self-interest is kind of in her DNA. She puts her hand on his knee, and says, on her word, nothing is more important than helping him.
Ned says, Olivia? and Olivia tells Cody, and here’s one of those men right now. Ned says he’s been looking for her. Can he speak to her about something? Cody says he’ll leave them alone, but Olivia says, they wouldn’t dream of interrupting his work, and tells Ned, she was just thanking Cody for being such a good friend to Leo. Ned says, Leo seems to think Cowboy Cody stepped straight out of a John Ford Western, and Cody says he’s lived a lot of places. Home is wherever you hang your hat. Ned says, about that. Since Cody will be interacting with his son, he took the liberty of going over Cody’s employment history. Seems like he doesn’t stay in one place for long. Should they already be looking for a replacement? Olivia says, Ned… and Cody says, no worries, Mama Q. He has been bouncing around for a while, that’s true, but their kind employment has gotten him doing exactly what he wants to do, exactly where he wants to do it. Don’t worry. He’s not going anywhere.
Britt tells Elizabeth, that’s enough, Nurse Baldwin. Clearly she’s still under duress. So leave now, while she still has a job. Elizabeth says, Britt can’t fire her; she’s union. Britt says she doubts Elizabeth’s union rep will come running to her defense, and as Chief of Staff… Elizabeth says, Co-Chief, and asks Terry if she’s going to let Britt threaten her like this. Terry says she’s sorry, but she has to agree with Britt. Elizabeth’s out of line.
Victor says, if Anna is curious about the deepening bond he has with his son, why ask him? Ask Valentin. Anna says she knows what Valentin’s intentions are when it comes to Victor; now she wants to know Victor’s. What does he want with Valentin? He says, what any parent wants. To see their child excel; to uplift and exalt the family. Most of all, to make him proud. Anna says, okay, and he says, she seems confused. She says, the relationship Victor is describing doesn’t sound reciprocal. It sounds like he’s using Valentin. And knowing what Victor is capable of, compels her to ask, to what end?
Valentin tells Laura that he’s sorry; he misspoke. He meant say, she is a great mayor, and Port Charles continues to thrive… With all the machinations of ELQ, he’s not sleeping. She says, she’s not going anywhere, and he says he hears the all-stars gathered at Charlie’s to celebrate her. She’s much loved and very respected. Her phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, the waiter brings the drinks, and Valentin puts something powdered in her iced tea that’s probably not Splenda. After he’s done, with convenient timing, she comes back, telling him, it was Doc. A patient canceled, so he’s on his way over. Valentin says, he certainly won’t be a third wheel, so until Doc arrives, they should make the most of their time. They clink glasses, and as Laura is about to take a sip, her phone dings. She says, what a coincidence; it’s Charlotte. He asks if everything is all right, and she says, everything’s fine. Charlotte was just thanking her for the care package she sent. He says, he wasn’t aware Charlotte needed anything, and she says, it was hardly disaster relief. It was just the new book by her favorite author, and a couple little other fun things she thought Charlotte might enjoy. He says she’s sure she appreciates it, and Laura says, Charlotte’s mother is still not able to be present, so she tries to fill the void when she can. He says, Charlotte’s lucky to have her, and she says, and him. And Charlotte’s not the only lady in his life that feels that way. Anna seems to have grown very fond of him.
Victor says he’ll tell Anna what his plans are for Valentin, provided she tells him why the furtive call to check up on him. She says she’ll never explain herself to him. They can remain mysteries wrapped in riddles inside enigmas forever. He says, it’s obvious to him that she and Valentin don’t know each other nearly as well as they claim to. Nor do they trust each other, which is a pity. Because without trust, she’s nothing more to Valentin than a comely diversion.
Gregory says, for someone who takes issue with his subjective opinion, Alexis certainly prints a lot of them, and calls it hard news. She says, her paper takes stances on vital issues alongside fact-based articles, like the fact-based articles they did on city hall. He says, so will The Invader next be printing an interview with the exculpated mayor? and she says, she doesn’t see why not; they printed the petition against her. He says, she’s still relatively new to journalism. It’s a subject he teaches at university level. She says she’s sure it’s easy for him to sit on his high horse behind ivy walls, but while he’s talking about journalism theory, some of them are out in the field doing actual reporting.
Brook says she’d hoped Chase would see that his intentions were sincere, and when he didn’t… He says, she thought he was overreacting, and she says she did, until she talked with her dad. He helped her see that she probably should have run the whole plan by him, including the revenge plot. He says he also talked to his father. His father and brother urged him to give her the benefit of the doubt. She says, they did? and he says, they saw she was just trying to help him, and… She says, and what? and he says, they don’t seem to think her proposition is as crazy as he does. She gets up, and says, great. Then it’s settled. They move forward with her plan. He says, whoa. Pump the brakes, Quartermaine.
Elizabeth says she can’t believe Terry is taking Britt’s side, and Terry says, Elizabeth knows if she’s on anyone’s side, it’s hers. Elizabeth says, then let her come back to work, but Terry says, no; she’s not ready. Elizabeth says she’s fine. She just can’t stand the way Britt acts like she’s queen of this place. She’s Co-Chief of Staff, not God. Terry says, she is, and Britt asked Elizabeth to go to HR, the same as she would have. Elizabeth says, she was at that clinic voluntary. Why does she need to go to HR? Terry says, for liability purposes, she still needs medical clearance. Did her doctor at Shadybrook sign off? Elizabeth says, she signed herself out, which is her right, and Terry says, it is her right, but was it right for her? Elizabeth says she appreciates Terry’s concern caring for her doesn’t give Terry the right to question her decisions. She shouldn’t have to justify herself to anyone. She turns around and sees Finn.
Chase says he hasn’t agreed to Brook’s pop star scheme, and she says, but he will. It’s inevitable, so why waste time? He says, it’s doubtful it’s going to do either of the things she wants; get him paid or give Linc what he deserves. She says, maybe not, but they don’t know until they’ve tried, and he says, he’s not the pop star she’s envisioning. She says she’s not suggesting they put him in a Spandex onesie and throw glitter all over him, and he says, he doesn’t think the PCPD will value a singing detective as much as she does. She says, if after his suspension, he wants to go back to being a detective, she’ll totally support that. But while he’s in limbo, why not take the road not traveled? Maybe this setback will lead to a new passion. He says, a new passion can be a risky proposition, and she says, but the rewards could be greater than they ever dreamed.
Gregory says he didn’t write the op ed to insult Alexis. In fact, he admires what she’s done in such a short time. She thanks him for that, and says, she’s sure he understands that in the era where news is a click away, she has to distinguish the paper. He says, when she reads what he wrote, she’ll see he doesn’t fault her for that. He merely offers constructive ideas to help maintain integrity in reporting. She says she’ll read the whole op ed piece, put her wrath aside, and let him know if there’s a place for it. She starts to leave, and he says, if she stands by her vision for The Invader, she won’t have a problem printing every word.
Olivia says she’s glad Cody is sticking around. She’d hate for Leo to lose him. Cody says he’d hate to leave behind a brand new friend. Leo is stuck with him. Ned says, that’s good to hear. They’ll let him get back to work. Cody goes in the back, and Olivia asks if Ned is planning on alienating every single person in this house this week. He says he guesses he could have been a little more tactful, and she says, he couldn’t have been less. He says he was just looking out for Leo, and she says she knows that. He says, it looks like he’s been inconsiderate and self-centered all around, and she says, if that’s the road he wants to go down, she’s not going to stop him. He says, and because she deserves to hear this as often as possible, he should have looped her in on his decision making process about his ELQ vote. She says, yes he should have. It’s not like she’s asking for veto power over all his business decisions, but she does expect communication in the marriage. And she’s just going to pray for peace in this family. He says he let her down and he know that; he’s sorry. Now he needs to know they’re okay. She puts her arms around his neck, and says, they’re a team. If they stick with that, they’ll be fine. She kisses him, and he asks if there’s something else bothering her. She says, he picked up on that, and he asks if it’s anything he should know about. She says, things may be fine at home, but at work… it’s all falling apart.
Britt thanks Terry for the back-up, and says she knows Elizabeth is Terry’s friend. Terry says, Elizabeth is her best friend, and Britt says, great. Maybe Terry can tell her what the hell is going on with her BFF.
Elizabeth walks with Finn, and he says, she looks good. She thanks him, and says she feels good. The pills are out of her system, so no more sleepwalking. He says, that’s a great start, and she says, start? She was at that clinic for weeks. She did the work, and she’s better. Believe her, if she felt like she was a danger to herself, her boys or her patients, she’d still be at Shadybrook. He says, he knows how committed she is to the people in her life. He thinks they’d just like to return the favor. She says she knows, and he asks, then why didn’t she tell anyone when she discharged herself? Or was he the only one who didn’t know?
Anna says, Victor doesn’t know the first thing about her and Valentin. They go back decades, and unlike Victor, his concerned father, she’s been there for him. He says, this isn’t a competition, and she says, if it were, he’d lose. He says, the difference is, unlike her, he trusts Valentin. He relies on Valentin to do what’s expected of him. She says she trusts Valentin too. She just doesn’t trust the people around him. He says, that makes two of us.
Valentin says, Anna spoke to Laura about him? and Laura says, she did. He says, anything she can repeat? and she says, it seems Anna has found a kindred spirit in him. He asks if that’s what she said, and Laura says, it’s not so much what she said, but how she said it, or how she didn’t say it, as the case may be. She does seem to have found the good in him. He says he told Laura it was there, and she says, he did. He seems to get Anna in a way most people don’t; kindred spirits. She just hopes Anna’s faith in him isn’t misplaced. She’s about to take a sip of her tea, and Valentin reaches for the pepper mill, practically shoving it in her face, so she spills her drink. She gets up, brushing herself off, as Doc comes in.
Alexis says, as she told Gregory, The Invader welcomes all viewpoints, even his. She’s sure after it’s proof read, it will be submitted into the next issue. He says, good to hear. Print and digital? She asks, exactly how many platforms does he need? and he says, it’s easier to read the commentary online; he likes the readers chiming in. She says, so he’s pretty sure the feedback will all be in his favor? and he says he suspects many will agree, with tweaks, The Invader is on its way to being a great source of information. She says she suspects the readers will already attest to what they’re doing right, and he says he looks forward to reading their reactions… providing the feedback is uncensored. She asks, what the hell is that supposed to mean?
Anna’s phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, and Director Gibson says they received her credentials, and he can confirm Valentin Cassadine was a patient there. Anna thanks him, and says, that’s what she needed to know, but he says, however, his convalescence didn’t occur on the dates she provided. According to their records, he discharged himself after a week. The end date she provided… She says, exceeds that by a lot, and he says, exactly. He’s sure she can’t divulge the nature of the investigation, and that’s fine, but his priority is that the clinic not be held liable for any health implications caused by his early departure. She says, that won’t be a n issue, and he says, great, and asks if there’s anything else he can help her with. She says, no. He’s helped her more than he knows. Victor approaches her, and says, problem? but she just walks away.
Valentin says he’s so sorry, and tells Laura to send him her dry cleaning bill. She says she will, and Doc asks, what happened here? Valentin says he’s afraid Doc arrived to witness a rather inelegant lunch with the pepper. He tells the passing waiter, another iced tea, and says, as he was telling Doc’s wife, he hasn’t been sleeping well, and it’s made him clumsy. Doc says he’s never known Valentin to be clumsy before, but Valentin says, it happens. He apologizes. He looks at Laura, and says he’s so very sorry, and she says, just when things were going so well. Valentin jets, and Doc asks, what’s all this about? She says she wishes she knew. She’s just as confused as he is. Valentin asked to join her, and they had a surprisingly civil conversation. Doc says, he’s about as social as he is clumsy, and she says, today he was both. Doc asks why he doesn’t believe any of it, and she says, because he’s keenly perceptive and smart. He thanks her and kisses her hello, and she asks how things are with him. He says, today could have gone better, and she says, it’s not even lunchtime yet. (I know the feeling.) Is it Elizabeth? He says, she left Shadybrook, and Laura asks if she was his patient cancelation. He says, yeah, and she asks if she should be worried. He says he wishes he could say no.
Terry tells Britt that she’s sorry; Elizabeth’s not like that. Britt says, Elizabeth has been downright hostile to her since they met, and Terry says she knows they never liked each other. Britt says she was terrible to Elizabeth; to everybody. She earned all of her lovely nicknames, but now…? Today, this? Terry says, she’s been going through a lot, and Britt says, she understands, but her time away didn’t seem to have helped at all. Elizabeth seems to be the same… Terry says, again, best friend, and Britt says, challenging personality she always was. Whatever Elizabeth has going on, she can’t bring it to work like that. Terry says, agreed. She just hopes Elizabeth is okay. Britt says, oh,she’s in fine form.
Elizabeth says she’s sorry she didn’t tell Finn, but he says, it’s okay. He was just trying to figure out why she left him out of the loop. He knows he had a little trouble giving her the space she needed to heal, and for that he’s sorry, but he thinks he’s gotten better with that. She says, he has, and he asks if this is the way she wants things going forward; she doesn’t need him around? She says, no. She asked for distance when she was at Shadybrook because she had a lot to work through. She knows he wanted to be there for her and help her, and he did, by allowing her to have the space she needed to take this journey and figure things out on her own. He asks, how’d that go? and she says she learned a lot. The most important thing she realized is, her life is just better with him in it.
Brook and Chase almost kiss, and Brook says, so for what it’s worth (🍷), she thinks he’s the It Factor, and she knows Linc agrees. He says, two people; that’s quite the niche fan base. She asks him to give her his phone, and he does. She says, check this out, and she shows him the video of him singing. She says, whether or not he wants to be a recognized performer, he’s well on his way.
Ned says, if he’d known Carly had invested so heavily in Aurora… and Olivia says she didn’t even know until the morning of the vote. He says, anyway, it’s not going to be a problem, but she says she might end up owning he hotel with some oligarch who’s laundering his money; it’s a problem. He says, not if they buy Carly’s half of the hotel and give it to her, but she says she already floated that idea; it’s not going to happen. Carly said, no dice. He says, not even if they sell it to her at the same price she purchased it? and Olivia says, the history between Carly and the Quartermaines is too much; forget about it. He says, it’s going to be okay. The best partnerships cannot be torn apart. They’re proof of that. He kisses her, and they leave.
Elizabeth says she knows she kept Finn at arm’s length, but it was never meant to hurt him. He says he knows. He can be thick sometimes, and wanted to help. It took time for him to realize she needed some distance, and that’s on him. She asks, what if she told him what she really needs is him? and he says he’d probably tell her that he’s the luckiest guy on the face of the earth. Is she sure? Because everything that was wrong with him before is still there. He’s working on himself, but he has a long way to go. Is she sure she wants all that? She says, all of it, and they kiss. She says she’s sorry about everything she put him through. She promises it’s all behind them, and he holds her.
Cody puts away a saddle, and his phone chirps. A message from Society Set-Ups says they’ve found a match for him.
Britt looks at Elizabeth and Finn, and tells Terry, apparently, there is a lid for every pot, even the cracked ones. Terry says, if that’s true, maybe there’s hope for Britt yet (BA-DUM-CHH!) and walks away. Britt’s phone dings, she looks at it, and says, okay Society Set-Ups. Let’s see what unpromising loser you insist is my perfect match. She sees Cody’s name and photo, and sighs.
Alexis says, first Gregory maligns her leadership of the paper, and now he’s questioning her integrity? He says, he’s merely pointing out how tempting it is to confirm our own biases, and she says, she’s convinced the readers will reject his narrow suppositions. He says, care to make it interesting? and she says, like a bet? He says, unless she’s not as confident as she’s pretending to be, and she says, now his strategy is to call her chicken? She didn’t know they had playgrounds at universities, because that’s clearly where he picked up his tactics. He asks if his tactics are working, and she says, no, but she’ll take his idiotic wager. She’s in. He says, great. What are the stakes? She says, besides the massive hit to his ego? If the readers support him, then she’ll entertain his archaic notions. He says, is that all? and she says, he’s got her time and attention; take it or leave it. He says, done. And on the off-chance the readers side with her? She says, he’ll promise to pipe down, and stick to enlightening young minds. He says, it’s a bet, holding out his hand, and they shake.
Chase looks at the video and says, he can’t believe this. She says, they have to credit Leo. He’s the first one who liked the performance, and it sort of blew up from there. Chase asks how it has so many views, and she says she has an intern at Deception watching it on repeat, and he says, she does? She says, no. The numbers are all him. Face it. There’s an audience who wants him. All they have to do is cultivate it, and monetize it of course (🍷). He asks where they start, and she says, is that a yes? He says, it’s not a no, it’s a how. She says, don’t stress the details. By the time she’s finished these numbers will look quant in comparison. Leave it to her. She’s going to make him a household name.
Anna walks into the MetroCourt Garden, and Laura asks if she forgot something. Anna says she was looking for Valentin. He’s not in his room, so she thought she’d try here. Doc says, her instincts are good, but she just missed him. Laura says she doesn’t know where he went, and Anna says she was going to ask him something, but now that she’s here, she’s changed her mind. Laura asks if everything is okay, and Anna says she’s not sure, but she intends to find out.
Back in the park, Victor asks Valentin, is it done? but Valentin says, no. Laura remains in perfect health. Victor asks, why, pray tell, is that? and Valentin says, because he failed. Victor says, that’s a pity. He’s sure by now Valentin is aware, failure is not an option.
On Monday, Cody asks Britt why he’d leave, now that he’s met his match; Maxie asks why Spinelli would say something like that; and Carly says, it’s her only option.
🗽 Moving It Nice…
I’m not sure what her selling the apartment has to do with RHUGT. Doing it for an extra tag?
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.
Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar
Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change. – Thomas Hardy
The four hardest tasks on earth are neither physical nor intellectual feats, but spiritual ones: To return love for hate; to include the excluded; to forgive without apology, and to be able to say, ‘I was wrong.’ – Unknown
Faith is daring to put your dream to the test. It is better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed. – Robert H. Schuller
Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies, and the character of his friends. – K@$H
Above all else, go with a sense of humor. It is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lip is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. – Hugh Sidey
You can roll manure in powder sugar, but that still doesn’t make it a jelly donut. – Berta (Conchata Ferrell), Two and a Half Men
👡 Shuffling Off This Internet Coil…
Enjoy formerly known as the weekend, but come back for soap and some Deck when it’s over. Until then, stay safe, stay giving without expecting a return, and stay keeping in mind, we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Drew says he did something, and Carly’s not going to like it. She says that’s her favorite opener to any conversation, and he says he wishes he had a different one. She says, lay it on her, and he says he had an idea to mitigate the financial hit she took on Aurora stock, and generate enough capital for her to hold on to the hotel. She says, that doesn’t sound too bad. What part is she not going to like? He says, the whole plan is contingent on Nina.
Sonny asks what Carly did, and Nina says she’s sorry; she just assumed he already knew. He says, knew what? and she says, Carly invested heavily in Aurora, and when the merger didn’t happen with ELQ, she lost quite a bit of money. He asks, what’s quite a bit? and Nina says, she lost her half of the MetroCourt.
At the stables, Willow tells Michael that she loves horses. When she was a little girl, she had one. Technically, he wasn’t hers, but she loved him like he was. He says, she’s been holding out on him; he didn’t know that. Just say the word and he’ll get her a horse of her own. She thanks him, but says, they should probably wait a little bit. She’s pretty sure horseback riding isn’t a recommended prenatal activity. He says, right, she’s pregnant, and she says she is. He says, with their baby, and she says, that’s correct. He says he doesn’t think he’s ever felt so grateful in his life, and she says, her either. They kiss, and Cody comes to the door, clearing his throat. He apologizes, saying, he’s never been known for his timing. He’s the new stable hand, Cody Bell.
At the hospital, Doc says he appreciates Britt’s help with this, and she says, it’s the least she can do after his clutch play at the all-star game. He says, it was pretty clutch, wasn’t it? It was fun. She says, probably because they were there for a good cause. No cynical ulterior motive behind it. He says, as opposed to… and she says, that nightmare – air quotes – charity mixer – end air quotes – Society Set-Ups put on. He says he hadn’t heard about that, and she says, he might literally be the only person. He asks what he missed, and she says, just the lowest moment of her life that now resides on the internet for all of eternity.
Flora holds up her papoose, and says, it keeps the baby secure, promotes mother/child bonding – Felty snaps more pictures – and it’s so easy to use, which many of you moms know, isn’t always the case. She asks Sasha to help her demonstrate, and Brando says he has to stop this, but Lucy says he can’t. This is live TV; he’ll only humiliate Sasha. Haven suggests Flora demonstrate it herself, but Flora tells Sasha, don’t be intimidated. It goes on in three easy steps. Haven says, it sounds amazing, doesn’t it Sasha? and Sasha says, it sure does. Please show her how it’s done. Flora puts the papoose on Sasha, and tells the viewers that she can’t say enough about the benefits of carrying your child close to your body; it actually soothes them. Maxie tells Lucy, this is more than Sasha can or should handle, and Lucy asks what they’re supposed to do. Maxie walks in view of Haven and waves her arms, but no one pays attention, and Haven asks, what inspired Flora to create this baby carrier? Flora says she just couldn’t abide some of the contraptions she saw well-meaning parents toting their babies around in. She knew she could come up with something better. Haven says, and she did. She asks if it’s Sasha’s first time wearing a baby carrier, and Flora says, she put it on like an old pro. Sasha says she might have practiced with another product, but this one is much simpler, and Flora says, now they’re going to show everyone how securely it holds the baby. She takes a doll out of the box, and asks if Sasha is ready for her little bundle of joy. Haven asks if Sasha is ready for the baby.
Britt tells Doc, she might have had a few too many cocktails; they were free. He says, understood, and she says, there she was, holding court about the romance industrial complex, when out of nowhere, a skydiver came down and knocked her into the pool. She could have drowned under that stupid parachute. He says she seems no worse for wear, and she says, maybe, but it was ugly, and now it’s a GIF; a never-ending reminder. He says, hardly ideal, and she says, no, it’s not. He says he takes it she’s cut all ties with that particular dating service, and she says, you would think, wouldn’t you? But no, she’s decided to give Society Set-Ups another try. It’s not their fault they hired a shoddy skydiver with lousy aim. He says, actually, that’s exactly what they did, when an orderly comes out, and tells Britt that a patient left this behind after an exam. He shows her Cody’s belt, and says, Britt was listed as a contact on his paperwork. She says, he’s got to be kidding.
Michael introduces himself and Willow, and Cody says, Olivia told him that they were going to show him around. Willow says she thinks the term Olivia used was, get him settled; make him feel at home. Michael says, always a mother hen, and Cody says, it’s a nice set-up. Michael says, Cody’s room and bathroom are upstairs. There’s a boathouse and a pool on the premises, so Cody can use either for his leisure. Cody says he appreciates the hospitality, and Willow tells him, Olivia said he and Dante went to summer camp together. Cody says, glory days. He thinks he’s actually the first person to get Dante up on a horse, and Michael says, and the last. Cody says, probably. He can’t even picture it. He asks if Michael and Dante are close, and Michael says, yeah. They’re half-brothers through adoption; it’s complicated. But since Cody and Dante are old friends, it’s no surprise Olivia trusted him with the family horses.
Nina tells Sonny, she guesses Drew feels guilty because Carly lost all that money investing in the success of Aurora. He’s trying to raise capital, and even asked her if she wanted to buy Crimson outright. Sonny says, and? and Nina says, she turned him down. She doesn’t feel it’s right to take advantage of Drew’s sudden reversal of fortune. She knows what he’s going to say. He says, doubtful, and she says she didn’t say no because the outcome would have benefited Carly, but he says, that’s not what he was going to say. She tells him, she said no because if she pays what Crimson is truly worth, she’d have overinvested in herself. He asks what that means, and she says, he knows she loves her magazine, but investing in print media right now is really risky, and there’s no guaranteed long-term return. Plus, on top of that, she doesn’t want to be editor-in-chief and owner. She wants Crimson to be taken seriously; not viewed as some vanity project for a real estate heiress with nothing better to do. Those are her reasons for saying no. He says, very astute, and she thanks him. He says, she clearly has a head for business. Carly used to as well. It looks like something has clouded her judgement.
Carly says, Drew is right. If Nina’s involved, she doesn’t like it. Drew says, don’t worry; it didn’t happen. Nina wasn’t interested. She says, in what exactly? and he says he offered to sell her Crimson. Carly asks, why? and he says, so he could use the proceeds to reimburse Carly for her losses. She asks if Crimson isn’t the most profitable title in their print division, and he says, yeah. She says, and Aurora’s stocks have flatlined, and he says he’s aware. She says he’s going to need every asset to stay in business, so why on earth would he try to sell his best one? He says, because he got her into this and it’s on him to get her out.
Willow introduces Cody to horse Comet, and Cody tells the horse, nice to meet you. She says, Comet belongs to Leo Quartermaine, and Cody says, Olivia told him that her son’s on the spectrum. He can’t imagine anything better than horses to help with a kid. Help anyone for that matter. Horses are a lot like people They have individual personalities, and when you gain their trust, it’s a bond like no other. Sorry. He gets sentimental when he talks about these things. Willow says she doesn’t blame him, and Michael says, his understanding of horses will be great for Leo. They’re glad to have him. Cody says, not half as glad as he is.
Carly wonders if she asked Drew to come to her rescue, and he says, is that what she heard? She says, yeah, and he says, the failed merger is on him. When the executive consult suggested it, he jumped at the idea. He pitched the idea to Michael, and they developed a strategy around it. She says, and Ned betrayed them, but he says, he should have seen that coming. Because in-fighting is what the Quartermaines do best. He should have at least factored in the possibility that Ned would turn. He and Michael probably wouldn’t have mentioned the merger to Ned in the first place. She says she doesn’t believe that because it would make him like Ned, who’s exactly like Edward, and they had this discussion. He’s Lila. He’s Lila’s side of the family. He says, maybe he needs to lean more to Edward’s example; look where his high ideals have gotten him. She tells him, don’t do that. Don’t take responsibility for her choices.
Nina tells Sonny that she’s surprised too, that Carly would risk her stake in the hotel. He knows as well as she does, that Carly and Olivia made the MetroCourt a five-star destination; it’s a huge success. He says, it’s definitely a bad business move, which makes him think Carly’s investment move isn’t just about business. Michael’s lashing out at him, and Carly wants to back Michael, so she overinvested. She asks how he feels about that, and he says, that Carly’s been drawn into Michael’s vendetta? Not good. He’s just trying to live his life, but he’s not going to let her twist. Nina says, of course (🍷) not, and he says, Carly is the mother of his children. She says she gets it, and knowing him, she’d expect nothing less. He thanks her for understanding, and says he’ll catch up with her later. She says, sounds great, and he leaves.
The stage manager holds Maxie back, as Flora says the doll (now in the carrier on Sasha) weighs 15 pounds, but the carrier can hold 8 to 33 pounds; ideally covering infancy to age 3. Flora (who I consistently want to call Luna) asks Sasha to move a little bit, and Haven (who I consistently want to call Morgan) says, it looks secure. The stage manager keeps Maxie, Brando, and Lucy at bay, while Flora and Haven go on about the benefits of the carrier, and Sasha moves very slowly across the stage. Haven asks Sasha how it feels, and Sasha suddenly sees a real baby in the carrier. She says, she knew it couldn’t be true. Sweetheart, you’re alive.
Carly says, she knows Drew doesn’t mean to sound condescending, and he says, but he does. She says, it’s not his fault she bought all that Aurora stock. In fact, he went out of his way to discourage her, and she didn’t listen. In true Carly fashion, she went all in. He says, but this place… and she says, she knows. It’s heartbreaking, the thought of losing it, but it’s her loss, and it’s her fault; certainly not his. Sonny walks in and asks if she’s got a second, but she says she’s in the middle of something. Drew says, it’s okay; they’ll talk later. He leaves, but forgets his phone, and lingers outside. Sonny says, he heard she could lose her half of the MetroCourt, and she asks, who told him? Olivia? Nina? It doesn’t matter; the public will know soon enough. He says, they don’t have to. That’s why he’s here. Let him help.
Michael asks what Willow thinks of Cody, and she says she thinks he’s charming, and he knows it. Michael says, not more than him, but she says, never. He says, he likes Cody, and she says, her too. She doesn’t think you can fake how you feel about horses. It’s clear to her that Cody’s care and concern are real, and what he said about gaining their trust… She remembers how special that felt; that bond she shared with Hector. He says, Hector? and she says, he was an old cow pony, and he’d been through God knows how many riders, but she was 12, and fell in love with him. She gave him so much attention, it was ridiculous. And he came to the fence when she whistled for him. Other people would try, but he would only amble over for her. He asks, what happened to Hector? but she says she doesn’t know. When her mother became disenchanted with that community, they moved on. She got to say goodbye to him and give him one last apple, but that was it. She never saw him again. He asks how many times they moved, and she says, too many to count. He says he’s sorry. It’s not going to be that way with their kids; not Wiley or their new baby.
Cody says he’ll tell Comet a secret, if Comet will keep it between them. He’s a hustler. He’s in it for the money, but what he really wants is a place of his own, where no one can steal what he loves… assuming he ever lets himself love anything again. Britt walks in with his belt, and says, lose something?
On the phone, Nina says, just call her when it’s done… Thanks. She hangs up, and says, Sasha. She turns on the TV, as Sasha is saying, my baby boy, I’ve missed you so much… Liam.
Flora asks if Sasha is okay, and Sasha says, she’s perfect. Her sweet Liam. She almost forgot how beautiful he is. Brando says, that’s it. Stop the show. He walks onto the set, and Sasha says, it’s Liam. It’s okay; their son is here with her. He says he sees, and Felty tries to take pictures, but Lucy gives him the bum’s rush, saying, get out! Get out! Brando asks if Sasha knows where she’s at, and she suddenly freaks out, and says, where’s Liam? He tells her to look at him, and she cries as he holds her. Lucy and Maxie cling to each other.
Okay I just have to say it do you mean no one knew about the loss of Sasha’s baby? She was also the Face of Conception. Where do they think the baby went? This is pissing me off big time. I also doubt some big-time host would be so unprofessional.
Sonny tells Carly, it’s not a time to be proud; use her head. She asks what her head is telling her, and he says, she waived her claim to any community property, and walked away with just the house when she had every right to those assets. He’s going to have his accountant valuate them, and she’ll get what she should have gotten in the beginning, 50%. She says, no. They’re divorced. She got exactly what she wanted; what they agreed on in the settlement. She wanted the house and nothing more. He says, nothing more from him? Is she going to be that stubborn, and let her anger keep her from what she’s owed when she needs it? This is the MetroCourt; it’s her baby. She says, it’ll be fine, and he asks, how? She says she doesn’t know; she’ll figure it out. She doesn’t want to talk about this anymore. He says, okay, if that’s how she wants it, and she says, it is. Drew listens, and Sonny says, he just wants to say one thing. There’s going to come time a when she’ll have to come here and pay to sit at the pool she used to own. He offered; she turned him down. He walks away.
Flora tells Lucy, she’s so terribly sorry. She had no idea Sasha lost a child, and so recently. Haven strides over, and tells Flora, don’t apologize. Any responsible representative should have been able to improvise when Flora dropped in. Lucy assured her that Sasha was camera ready, that those problems with emotional instability and drugs were behind her. Lucy says, excuse me? It was never stated anywhere that Sasha was required to promote a baby carrier. They would never have agreed to it in a million years. Flora says, of course (🍷) not. She can’t imagine how much pain Sasha’s in, and Haven says she doesn’t have to imagine; Sasha just showed their entire viewership. Lucy says, Haven really has no heart, and Haven says, their fans tune in to enjoy themselves, to be cheered up; to escape from the hum and drum of the mundane and maybe acquire some beautiful and useful things. Right now, they’re showing reruns. This is a nightmare. People are calling in for items that were sold out months ago. This is a disaster, and it’s all Lucy’s fault. So buckle up, sweetheart, because Home & Heart is going to sue. Selina appears, and says, she’d strongly advise against that.
Michael says, while they have their flaw, and they are many, the Quartermaines are a settled family. She asks what he means, and he says, when Alan bought this property and built the house and gave it to Monica… Willow says, he did? She’s kidding. He laughs and says, Port Charles has been the Quartermaines’ home, and it’s going to be their children’s home… If she wants it to be; they’re not mandated to live here. She says she knows, and he says, their hearts aren’t going to break like hers did. They’re not going to have to leave what they love behind. She says she never dreamed in a million years that she’d get to live somewhere so beautiful. The lake, the homes, the gardens; it’s all so breathtaking. But the buildings and property mean nothing without the people in them. Her home is with him, Wiley, and Wiley’s little brother or sister. They could live in a bunker for all she cares. He says, this is better, she says, much better, and he kisses her.
Cody thanks Britt for bringing his belt back. It’s one of his prized possessions. He got it at a rodeo in Cheyenne. She says she can see how much it means to him, seeing he left it behind in an exam room, and he says, so sorry for being a tad distracted. Not knowing where you’re going to live, or where your next meal is coming from can do that to a guy. She says he seems to have solved that problem, and he says, sure did; room and board included. Comet whinnies, and he says, and he gets to work with the horses; it’s a win-win. He pets Comet, and says, right, bud? She asks, is it’s just her, or are horses fonder of him than humans? and he says, only certain humans. She says, like the ones who left him beat up in that alley? and he says, that was all a misunderstanding. She says, a misunderstanding that cracked his ribs? and he says, and look at him now; gainfully employed and doing what he loves. There’s a pool here, and a boathouse, and apparently, he’s allowed to use both. She says, living the good life. She’s out. That belt was her last goodwill gesture. For future reference, she’s not his emergency contact. He says, who else was he supposed to put down? (Um… Dante?) and she says, she barely knows him, and wishes she didn’t know him at all. She starts to leave, and he says, no wonder she has to rely on a matchmaking service. She comes back, and says, what was that? He says, her interpersonal skills could use some work, and she says, don’t put her name on his paperwork again. He says he’s sorry, and she says, which part? He says, all of it. He owes her big time for helping him in that alley, and now returning his belt. He just… actually, he thinks he has the perfect way to repay her.
Willow says, it’s amazing how different it feels this time, and Michael says, being pregnant? She says, the love is just as strong, but when she realized Shiloh had gotten her pregnant, she was so scared and so desperate to save her baby, every decision was about making sure Shiloh didn’t find him. Michael says, so she gave him up. It’s the bravest thing she could have done. She says, and the hardest, but now she gets to experience the good parts; the excitement and the dreams for his or her future. Because this time, she gets to be a part of that future. Their baby, conceived in love. He says, losing Jonah will be a heaviness they’ll always carry, but it’s also a reminder of how blessed they are. She says, with Wiley, and now this little one on the way, how lucky are they? He says, the luckiest.
Brando brings Sasha into the hospital, while Maxie follows, and Sasha says she swears, Liam was right there in her arms. Brando thanks Doc for meeting them, and Doc says, of course (🍷). He asks Sasha how she’s doing, and Maxie says, she was asked to demonstrate a baby carrier on live TV. Brando says, it was just too much for her after losing their son, and Doc asks if there were any indications before the broadcast that Sasha was struggling. Brando says, nothing that stands out to him, but his mom has been concerned Sasha was using again. Maxie says she doesn’t know if this is protocol, but here’s her purse. She hands it to Doc, and Doc says, he’d need the spouse’s permission to open it. Sasha says, no, please, just give it to her, but Brando tells her, it’s okay. He tells Doc that it’s okay to open it, and Doc takes out the pills. Sasha cries.
Sonny goes back to Nina’s Crimson office, and finds her crying. He asks, what happened? and she says, Sasha was doing an appearance on live television and had a complete meltdown. It was awful. Sonny holds her as she cries.
Carly looks at the pool and gets weepy. She sits at the edge, puts her feet in, and cries. Drew comes in, and holds out a beer. She takes it.
Cody asks if Britt likes to ride, but she says, no. He asks if she’d like to think about it for a minute, and she says, sure… yeah… no. He asks if she’s ever tried, and she says, when she was a kid. She ended up on her butt, and realized it’s one of those things that looks better in the movies than it does in real life. He says he can’t even begin to tell her how wrong she is about that, and she says, yet he just did. He says he can teach her to ride so she’ll love it, but she says she’s all set, thanks. He says, it will change her world, and she asks if he didn’t hear her say she didn’t want to. He says, what he heard was that she’s afraid to. Those are two very different things. Does she know the expression, get back on the horse? She says, everybody knows that expression, and he says, the only way to conquer your fears is try again. Lucky for her, he’s an experienced teacher. She says, he’s had this job all of 10 minutes, and he’s already offering lessons on a property and horse he doesn’t own. He says, excuses, excuses. If she’s ever willing to push past her cowardice and rise to the challenge, she knows where to find him. She says she’ll do that, and leaves. He tells Comet, she likes me. I can tell.
Selina says she admires Haven’s commitment to simplicity and sustainability, and apologizes for this unfortunate accident. Flora says she’s the one who should be apologizing. Had she known that poor woman had lost a child… Selina says, but she didn’t, through no fault of her own. Flora says she thinks she might take a break from Home & Heart altogether, and walks away. Haven asks who Selina is, and what she’s doing here, and Selina says, she’s a shareholder in Deception. Haven asks how she got access to the studio, and Selina says she was watching the broadcast and saw how Haven mangled the situation. Haven says, please. She did everything possible to stave off this disaster; one that Deception created. Flora is their biggest seller. Her appearances are always best sellers. She’s sure Selina realizes that’s a little more revenue her company has just cost them. Selina says, that’s nothing compared to the negative publicity Haven will receive when Deception calls her out for the callous treatment of a grieving mother. The way she sees it, Haven has two option. One; Deception can thank her for her support, and laud Home & Heart for its kindness. Or they can file suit for damages because Haven didn’t do her homework and subjected Sasha to emotional duress. Which works better for her? Haven says, please give Sasha her best wishes for a very swift recovery, and Lucy tells her, don’t you worry. I sure will. Haven leaves, and Lucy tells Selina that she’s actually speechless. Selina just saved their bacon. Selina says she was dismayed when she saw Sasha’s meltdown. She paid good money for her Deception stock. She expects an equally good return. Keep better control on her talent, or there will be consequences.
Brando asks how long Sasha’s been taking the pills, and she says, it was just to help her through; just a few. She’s sorry. He says, don’t be sorry, but she says she shouldn’t have lied to him. She’s just so tired. Can they go home? He asks what Doc thinks, and Doc says he recommends keeping Sasha for observation. Brando asks, for how long? and Doc says, they could start with a 72 hour hold. Brando tells Sasha, Doc thinks she should stay at the hospital for now, but she says, no. She wants to go home. She’ll be better; she promises. Doc says, as her husband, Brando can authorize the hold, and Brando asks if Doc thinks she needs it. Doc says, he does. It’s the best first step to starting to heal. Maxie says, they can trust Doc; he’s the best there is. Does Brando really think it’s safe for Sasha to go home? Brando says, okay, and Doc says he’ll take Sasha to her room. An administrator will walk Brando through the paperwork. Sasha reaches for him, and says, no, don’t leave her. She wants to go home with him. She doesn’t want to be here. She wails, please, as Doc wheels her away.
Nina tells Sonny, Sasha was demonstrating a baby carrier. The carrier had a doll in it, and when Sasha looked down, she started talking to Liam. She insisted that her little boy had come back to her. Heartbreak is not strong enough a word. Sonny says he’ll call Brando, but she says, Brando was there; he came from behind the camera to help her. Nina talked to Maxie, and Sasha’s at GH right now. He says, that’s good; they’ll know what to do, right? She says she’s just grateful Brando is there to support Sasha. She knows what that grief is like, waking up and finding out that your baby is gone. And she felt that feeling again when she found out Nelle was her daughter, and it was too late to help her. She cries, and Sonny says, Nina didn’t have anybody to help her her grieve. It’s okay. She doesn’t have to be alone anymore. He’ll be there for her every step of the way. He holds her while she cries.
Drew puts his feet in the water, and Carly says, he wasn’t supposed to see that. He says, nothing wrong with a good cry. He would even venture to say it helps. She asks if he cries a lot, and he says, all the time; every chance he gets. She says she put so much of herself in the MetroCourt, it’s hard to say goodbye. He says, but she didn’t have to. He forgot his phone earlier, and when he came back for it… She says, he heard her talking to Sonny. He asks why she turned Sonny down, and she says, does he really have to ask that? He says he guesses he doesn’t, and she says, it’s her problem. It’s her responsibility, and she’s certainly not going to let Sonny bail her out. Drew says, it wouldn’t be a bailout; she’s entitled to those assets. She says she doesn’t want them. Not after what Sonny did at the hearing. He comforted Nina after her attorney attacked his own son. That’s not a man she knows, and certainly not a man she wants to be indebted to. She’ll figure something out… He thinks she’s an idiot, doesn’t he? He says, that is literally the last thing he thinks. Carly Corinthos may be down, but she’s never out. She says, some people might say the same thing about him. he raises his bottle and says, to her. She says, to us, rising again. He says, hear, hear, and they clink bottles.
Brook asks Ned if she’s just supposed to just give up; Laura tells Anna, she’s got to start eliminating a clear and present danger; Gregory says, Alexis hasn’t seen his best yet; and Victor says he’s counting on Valentin.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Garcelle’s party is still going on, and Erika wants to know where her drink is, while Kyle horns in on… whatever is going on with Sutton and Diana. Kyle tells Sutton that she can’t say Diana is soulless; she just lost a baby. Like one of those things must cancel out the other. Sutton says she’s sorry Diana lost her baby. She understands because she’s lost two. Kyle says, she’s never heard that before, and Sutton says she had two miscarriages. It’s a personal thing. Kyle says, she loves Sutton, but that feels like bullsh*t. Sutton says, Kyle is being strange (as compared to what?), and Kyle says, Sutton’s not being honest. She lost two babies out of the blue? Sutton says she was trying to reach Diana on a human level. Does Kyle want her to have compassion or not? Diana says, Sutton called her soulless, and Sutton says she was reaching out to say she was sorry, and Diana blew her off. Diana says, I see you, like she’s some kind of wicked witch, and Sutton says she’s being real. Kyle literally grabs Sutton, and comes short of shaking her. My mouth literally falls open. Kyle tells Sutton not to talk to Diana like that, and Diana laughs. This is apparently a thing with Diana. She laughs to show her superiority, but IMO, it’s creepy. In Diana’s interview, she tells us, like the Americans say, Sutton has hit a new low. I tell her, the only new low here is this entire show and it’s only five minutes in. Sutton says, Kyle is saying she didn’t know about her miscarriages, and Kyle says – wait for it – Diana lost a baby. Sutton didn’t. Maybe years ago. We don’t know. WTF??? In Sutton’s interview, she says, Kyle is insinuating she’s lying. It’s breaking her heart, and disappointing her about the friendship. Sutton says, Diana was looking at her like she was the devil, and Diana says, is she? Sutton says she’s so sorry, and Diana says, it’s all good. It takes time to know people. In Diana’s interview, she says, with her understanding of human nature, she feel something is off with Sutton. Until she figures out what it is, it’s best not to poke her. She does that weird laughing thing, and says, it’s all good. Sutton hugs her, but she just makes a snoring noise and doesn’t hug back. In her interview, Diana says, a fake hug. Bleh. Kyle says she can’t with these two, and leaves. I can tell Diana, who has less understanding of human nature than she thinks, what’s off with Sutton. One, her father committed suicide, and this has affected her a lot more than she lets on, because two, she’s a Southern belle, and approaches things differently. The same way say, someone from another country like Bosnia might look at things differently. And three, probably the most important, these idiot women are making her a nervous wreck.
Kyle goes back to where the others are sitting, and says, Sutton and Diana are fighting. Garcelle asks if Sutton is crying, and Kyle says, always. Diana and Sutton both try to escape in different directions, but Crystal intercepts Diana, who insists she’s great, and jets. Sutton tells assistant Joshua, get the f***ing car. Erika calls Garcelle’s son Oliver over, and says he’s hot. Garcelle says, they’re going to eat him up, and Erika throws her leg in the air. Dorit says, Erika is trying to hit on Garcelle’s son, and Erika asks if he’s married. Dorit says, he has four children, and Erika suggests he have his baby momma contact her in her DMs. They can have a threesome. Alrighty then. She tells him, be a man, and sit down. He comes over to them, and she says she just wanted to bullsh*t with him. Garcelle says, let’s go, rounding up her crew, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she gets it. Erika is letting her hair down and having a good time, but it doesn’t feel like it. It’s more like time to reassess her life. It doesn’t feel okay. Everyone is picking up the flowers, like they sometimes do at a reception, and Garcelle tells her son Jax to get them. He comes over to the table, and Erika tells him, get the f*** out of here. In Dorit’s interview, she says she knows Erika drunk and joking around, but Garcelle’s son is 14. Jax tells Garcelle that he just got violated (would Crystal agree?), and tells Garcelle what Erika said to him. Garcelle is like, she said what? but he says he’s okay. She tells him, hold on, and goes back to the table. She says Erika hurt her son’s feelings, and it’s not okay to talk to him like that. In her interview, Garcelle wonders how many of her family members Erika is going to go after tonight; first Oliver, now Jax. She’s done. She tells Jax, that’s not okay, and he says, it’s fine, but she says, it’s not fine.
Garcelle has two more shows of The Real left, and meets with her hair stylist Robear. He says, her birthday party was lit. Kyle was mopping the floor. We see a clip of Kyle doing the splits, and Garcelle says, it was so much fun. On the way home, Olivier said his brothers had aged years in one night. One corner was the good corner; then there was the Erika Jayne corner. Erika’s got to figure out her meds and cocktails. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, on the way home, she explained that Erika was drunk, and not paying attention to what she was saying. She’d like for Erika to apologize. She was wasted in Mexico, and wasted at Garcelle’s party, and Garcelle is sick of her. Robear says he loved seeing Erika lit, and Garcelle says, maybe he did…
Crystal brings Dorit to a session with her self-defense trainer Rashad. In Crystal’s interview, she says she’s never been in a situation like Dorit, and Dorit is holding it together incredibly well, but trouble always catches up. She introduces Dorit to Rashad, and Dorit says, she’s a big believer in having the tools to defend herself. Rashad says he’s going to go through some simple self-defense moves, and they do some stretching first. Dorit tells Crystal that PK is leaving for London, and he was in London when the home invasion happened. Crystal says, it must be triggering, and Dorit says she has to get used to it. It’s still very raw, but for her kids, it’s a normal day. In her interview, Dorit says she doesn’t know if it makes any sense, but she can feel the trauma in her blood. Fear, anxiety, rage, hurt, and sadness. Rashad tells them to go for the eyes, and use their nails, but in her interview, Dorit says, even though she’s visualizing her attackers, she doesn’t think she’d hurt anyone. Rashad says, her inner strength is there.
Kyle and Sutton meet for dinner. I can tell you something else about Sutton; she’s more forgiving than I am. I’d be telling Kyle… take a hike. Sutton says her house is driving her insane. She hasn’t passed inspection yet. She will, but she’s waiting on a stove hood. Kyle says she wants to talk about the party, and Sutton says, Kyle came in halfway through a strange conversation she was having with Diana. Kyle asks how it was going, and Sutton says, not well, but it was just the two of them, and she wasn’t at the part she wanted to discuss with Diana. Kyle swooped in and was harsh with her. Kyle says, Sutton was talking about her miscarriages, and Sutton says, Kyle didn’t understand what they were talking about. She’d apologized first. Kyle says, she doesn’t think Sutton made it up, and Sutton says, and don’t push her. Kyle says, it was a knee-jerk reaction. She was just coming off some odd behavior on Sutton’s part, and she’d thought it was convenient timing. Sutton says, she was relating to Diana on a visceral level, and Kyle says she apologizes. Sutton tries to interject, but Kyle says she’s sorry she was insensitive; she’s apologizing. Sutton says, that means a lot to her. She’s a loyal friend. Kyle says, she doesn’t know, she’s seen moments, and Sutton says she told Diana that she was right. Kyle says, it’s hard to apologize to Sutton, since she doesn’t shut up, and Sutton tells Kyle to give her some love, hugging her. WTF? over and over.
The day before Thanksgiving. Kyle tells Mauricio that she needs to buy another small turkey, since Alex and his mom are coming. Their family is expanding. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Farrah and Alex had been dating a few years, and it was definitely time they got engaged. What are they waiting for? Kyle tells Mauricio that she’s going to make the top floor a playroom for the baby, but the baby will sleep with them. In her interview, she says, they were fortunate to have their grandmother living with them. She helped with transport when she and Kim had to be on film sets, and she grew up close with her grandmother. She’s not going to live with her grandchildren, but she wants a close relationship. She’s really going to be annoying. Is she kidding? She’s already annoying
We see some quick clips of everyone’s Thanksgiving. Garcelle and sons are dishing out Thanksgiving dinner at the Los Angeles Mission. Dorit’s father joins them for dinner, and Crystal also celebrates at home with her family. At Kyle’s, there’s also an anniversary for Kathy and Rick, and unaccountable Teddi is there.
LisaR visits Diana. It’s no surprise they’re friends since they’re both fake as hell. LisaR asks about Thanksgiving, and Diana says, it was Eli’s birthday. We see clips of that, and I have to admit, as much as I’m disliking Diana, that baby is very cute. She tells LisaR, when the party was over, she wanted everyone back, and in her interview, she says, Eli is a party animal. She loves ABBA, Dancing Queen in particular. Diana asks if LisaR hears the hummingbird; you hear them before seeing them. LisaR says, that’s Lois. She’s been invoking Lois a lot, even as an excuse to be nauseating (see below). She tells Diana that the holidays are hard. You don’t think about that when a death happens. Every day is different, and she’s processing differently every moment. She was in NYC for Harry’s show, but she only did it for him. She asks how Garcelle’s party was, and Diana laughs. She says, the party itself was good fun, but then Sutton caught her, and did her Sutton thing. She makes faces, and made one when she asked if Diana wasn’t on bedrest. In LisaR’s interview, she says, she knows that look. We flash back to Sutton saying she’d never something or other, and giving LisaR a pointed look. Diana says, Sutton called her soulless and a mother***er. If a foreigner literally translated that, it would seem stupid. Kyle was trying to tell Sutton that Diana had lost her baby, and Sutton said she’d had two miscarriages. It wasn’t like she was saying she understands, but like they were at a gambling table, and Sutton was raising her two miscarriages. LisaR says, narcissistic, and Diana says, Sutton is a grade up from that. In her interview, Diana says, how can someone behave like that and not understand they’re hurting others? It’s not empathetic. She tells LisaR that Sutton brings her down to her level. The next trip, they can go commercial. See? This is like a little I-have-lotsa-money dig, as well as obviously not knowing Sutton has enough money to get a PJ.
PK and Dorit go to Kyle and Mauricio’s for dinner. Kyle and Dorit discuss house décor, and Dorit says she wants to move, but Kyle says she doesn’t want Dorit to move, since they live close by. She was almost ready to move after the burglary, even though it wasn’t as bad as what happened to Dorit. We flash back to Kyle talking about it at the Reunion, and she tells Dorit, that she feels comfortable and happy now, and Dorit will too, in time. Dorit says, Kyle is the biggest reason she wants to stay, and in Dorit’s interview, she says she’s sure she’ll feel better eventually, but as for still feeling like she wants to move, she doesn’t know. Kyle tells them about Erika telling Jax to f*** off, and Mauricio thinks it’s great. He likes seeing Erika more relaxed. Dorit says, she agrees 100%. She gives Erika a major pass, but then again, it wasn’t her child. What’s wrong with these people??? Dorit says she doesn’t remember a time she saw Erika that loose. In Kyle’s interview, she says, the first few years, she wished Erika would loosen up. We flash back to a million years ago, when Kyle was questioning whether or not Erika was having fun. She says, clearly, Erika has been holding a lot in. Seeing this side, even if it’s not her best side, at least it’s genuine. PK says, Erika is entitled to a blow up.
Sutton gets ready for her party, and in her interview, she says she thought it would be fun to have everyone over to see her new house, even though it’s not anywhere near done. It’s been two years and a lot of money, and she’s proud of what she’s doing. Garcelle’s friend Sheree (not that one) meet before the party at Garcelle’s house, and Garcelle asks if Sheree is ready for a luncheon with the ladies. Sheree says, as much as she can be, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s known Sheree for so long, it’s easy. They have a great time, and there’s no judgement, although Sheree will call you out if she needs to. She tells Sheree that Erika was crushing on Oliver, and talking threesomes, She asked Jax to pick up some flowers, and Erika told him to f*** off. She told Erika that she can’t talk to her son like that, but she wants to discuss it when Erika is sober and can hear her. It’s happening today. Sheree asks how old Jax is, and Garcelle says, he just turned 14. Sheree is like, oh no, and in her interview, Garcelle says, Erika was drunk, but it’s not an excuse. She doesn’t know if Erika is used to talking to people like that, but Erika’s not talking to her kid like that.
Sutton says, her yard is a mucky mess, and in her interview, she says, contrary to popular belief, it does rain in southern California. She’s trying embrace that not everything has to be perfect, but why does it have to rain on her party? Joshua says, someone’s here, and she says, let the fun begin. LisaR says she’s always the first one, and tells Sutton that her house has great energy. She loves the vibe. The others trickle in, and we get a semi-tour of Sutton’s house, which has Christmas decorations up, and of course everything is beautiful. Property manager Avi plays waiter, and Garcelle postpones having alcohol, saying, she wants to be clear before she talks to Erika. In Erika’s interview, she says she’s not worried about Sutton’s house; she’s worried about the Haitian mom she offended. We see a clip of Erika and Crystal on a hike, and Erika telling Crystal that she was sh*t talking, and treating the teenagers like adults, but Jax is 16, and no baby. Crystal says, he’s 14, and Erika says, that’s a new perspective. Back at Sutton’s party, Sutton is explaining her house was built in 1930. Erika arrives, and everyone is loving her leopard coat. I don’t think it’s real leopard, but who knows? Erika says, they’ll have to fight her for it. Erika says she’s only having one drink; one and done. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, they’ve all had many a drink. How you behave is really who you are. Erika sidles up, and Garcelle asks if they’re waiting for Kyle; Diana is sick and not coming. Sutton gives them the kitchen tour, where they have caviar and oysters, and I’m jealous. Kyle arrives last, and they head outside for lunch, Sutton apologizing for the muck. LisaR makes a huge fuss about her ridiculously expensive shoes, and Kyle tells Joshua, it’s like a swamp. In LisaR’s interview, she says, it’s a symbol for Sutton. A beautiful table that gorgeously set, sitting in the muck; that’s Sutton.
LisaR asks Joshua for flip-flops. They’re dealing with a swamp, and she doesn’t want to ruin her shoes. Joshua passes out heel covers and flip-flops to those who want them, but Kyle says she’ll walk on toes. In her interview, she says, she’s not about change into flip-flops with her look. She’ll deal with the mud later. LisaR calls to Joshua that she might need a coat with the flip-flops; something chic. Joshua brings out an armful of furs, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, that’s luxury. You get a fur coat, and you get a fur coat, a la Oprah. LisaR asks how Dorit has been, and Dorit says, there have been certain challenges can’t seem to overcome. She can’t drive. Garcelle asks how Dorit correlates that, and Dorit says she can’t be alone. She used to value her alone time in the car, but she’s not comfortable. In Dorit’s interview, she says, you know when you’re not in control of your own emotions, and when you’re vulnerable like that, you don’t put yourself in situations where you can hurt yourself or someone else. Dorit says she hasn’t taken her kids to the park, and won’t let them go. Sheree says, it’s a small moment in time, but worth it to take care of herself. In her interview, Dorit says, she hopes this mama bear can continue to allow her kids to live normal lives, despite what mom went through. Garcelle asks if Sutton knew Diana wasn’t coming, and Sutton says, no. LisaR says she spoke with Diana, and we see a clip of Diana telling LisaR, it’s one thing when your doctor tells you bedrest, but another when your body tells you to lie down. Garcelle says she calls that rude not to tell the hostess you’re not coming, and Kyle says she texted that she’d be late. Gold star for her. Sutton says she appreciated that. She doesn’t like passive/aggressive behavior. LisaR asks if that’s not the pot calling the kettle black, and Sutton says she doesn’t act passive/aggressively. LisaR asks if she called Diana a motherf***er and soulless.
Yep, new low.
Next time, a $9800 pair of sneakers; Garcelle says, Erika’s drinking is becoming a lot; Sutton explains the conversation with Diana, and LisaR says, Diana didn’t get the same takeaway; and Sutton meets with Diana.
👠 Can’t Help Herself…
Then after the apology that was nothing but an excuse, she called the naysayers hoes. Is this really how she’d like Lois to live on?
Come by tomorrow for soap and some Charmers. Until then, stay safe, stay never saying it’s not that bad to anyone, and stay remembering that buildings and property mean nothing without the people in them.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Carly asks Drew to just tell her; did the Quartermaines get rid of Valentin as CEO of ELQ?
At Kelly’s, Anna checks her phone, and Felicia asks if there are any messages from Valentin. Anna says, sorry? and Felicia says, Anna hasn’t heard a word she’s said in the last fifteen minutes. Anna says, Felicia confronted Ryan Chamberlain. Felicia told her three times. Felicia says, message received. She guesses she’s still running on adrenaline from the experience. Anna’s turn now. Tell her everything about her date with Valentin; spare no details. Victor comes over to their table, and says, what’s this about Anna and his son? Outside, Valentin looks through the window, and sees Victor talking to Anna.
TJ asks Epiphany how her Juneteenth was, and she says she spent most of it studying, but she did manage to come up for air, and go to a prayer service and a barbecue. He says he admires her time management skills, and she says, between her and him, she’s beat, but she can’t let on, or her nurses won’t fear her anymore. He says, her secret is safe with him, and she sees the stack of books in his hands, and says, doing a little light reading? He says, they’re for her, to assure her nurses fear her for years to come… Dr. Johnson.
Ned follows Olivia into the living room, and tells her, allow him to explain. She asks if it’s going to sound any better in here, and he says he’s trying to avoid Brook with another tirade. Olivia says, from what she can hear, Brook is totally justified, and he tells her, but she said… She tells him, she said they shouldn’t make any judgements until they have all the facts. Now what facts caused him to throw away his family’s legacy?
On the phone, Michael asks how soon Dex can meet. He has another idea, but they’ll have to get creative… He’ll meet Dex there. Sonny won’t see this coming. Leo asks what he’s doing to Uncle Sonny.
Sonny asks, what happened with ELQ today? but Willow says she doesn’t really want to be the go-between. She suggests he reach out to Michael himself, and if Michael doesn’t respond, it means he doesn’t want to discuss ELQ with him. Nina says she doesn’t think now is the time to pressure Willow; she isn’t feeling very well. Maybe they should get an ice tea or something. Sonny says he understands, but if something happened, he needs to know, and Nina says she’ll reach out to Valentin. He’ll tell her what happened. Sasha says, if Willow won’t go to GH, she’ll take Willow home, but Willow insists she’s fine. Willow looks a little spacy, turns, and keels over, Sonny catching her. Obrecht says, lie her down and elevate her legs, and Sonny says, call 9-1-1. They put Willow on a chaise, and Obrecht asks if Willow can hear her.
Drew says, some of the Quartermaines voted to remove Valentin, and Carly says, some? Not all? He says, everyone except Ned, and she says, Ned sided with Valentin against his own family? That doesn’t make any sense. Ned was leading the charge to force Valentin out. Drew says, ultimately, he wasn’t happy with the plan to merge ELQ and Aurora. Ned felt that the role he and Michael offered him was beneath him. She says, but Drew and Michael worked so hard to ensure ELQ was back under Quartermaine control. Doesn’t Ned think the merger was good for the company? Drew says, they thought he’d come around. It was bad judgement on their part. She says, so Ned betrayed his family to serve his own ego, but that doesn’t mean Valentin had enough votes to stay in control. Who turned?
Michael tells Leo that he was just discussing a surprise for his Uncle Sonny with someone, and Leo says, Brook is mad at his dad, and he heard her talking to Granny Tracy. Michael isn’t sure Tracy likes being called that, and Leo asks, why not? Michael says he guesses it makes her feel old, and Leo says he has to talk to his mom. Michael suggests Leo give his mom and dad a minute, and he asks if his mom is mad at his dad too. Michael sits down and says, sometimes Quartermaines get mad at each other, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. Leo says, then why do they fight? and Michael says he guesses it’s in their nature. Leo says, like an instinct, and Michael says, they were born to be mad at each other, but still love each other. Leo says, okay, and tells Michael that he’d like to cut up some apples, but can’t do it on his own. Michael offers to help him, and they go inside.
Ned says, Olivia knows Michael and Drew were trying to put him out to pasture. Siding with Valentin was the only way he could stay in a position of power at the company. She says, his family’s company, and he says, yes, his family’s company, where Michael and Drew would have sidelined him if this merger had gone through. So what was he supposed to do? Just stand back and let it happen? She says, he was supposed to make a deal, and asks if he’s ever heard the word compromise, but he says, there was no compromising with Drew and Michael. They wanted him to do all the sacrificing, while they got everything they wanted. She tells him, she’s not saying they were right; she’s saying he has to look at the bigger picture. He says, which is? and she says, is it really worth alienating himself from all his loved ones?
Anna says, they’re having a private conversation, and Victor apologizes, saying, he didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Felicia says, didn’t he? but he says, no. He just heard his son’s name, and it caught his attention. Valentin comes in, and says, this is a surprise. Anna says, for everyone, and Valentin says, well, there are plenty of tables outside. It’s nice to see them. He starts to leave, but Victor suggests they make it a foursome.
Obrecht says, Willow’s breathing is steady and seems normal. Did she hit her head or sustain any injuries before she fell? Sonny says, no, at least not in his presence. Obrecht tell Nina to ask the bartender for a glass of juice, and Nina leaves. Willow opens her eyes, and asks, what happened? Obrecht tells her, lean back and rest. Does she remember what happened? Nina comes back with the juice (that was fast), and Willow says, no. Obrecht takes the juice, gives it to Willow, and says, drink up. She asks if Willow feels dizzy or lightheaded, but Willow says, no; she’s fine. Obrecht tells Sasha, Willow doesn’t need emergency care, but she should be examined at the hospital. Sasha asks if she needs an ambulance, but Willow says, no, and Obrecht agrees it’s not necessary. Sasha says she’s going to take Willow to GH, but Willow says, there’s really no need. She starts to get up, but sits back down, and Sonny tells her that she has to listen to the doctor unless she wants to stay here while Sasha calls for the ambulance. Willow says, fine, and Sonny helps her up and out of the MetroCourt.
Michael’s phone rings, and he asks Sasha if everything is okay. She tells him, Willow fainted at the MetroCourt pool. They’re taking her to GH. He says he’s on his way.
Valentin says, Anna and Felicia don’t want him and Victor intruding on their lunch, but Victor says, why not? Valentin and Anna are friends. Very close friends as he understands it. Felicia says, but he knows the old saying; two’s company, and four’s a nightmare. Victor suggests he and Valentin take a raincheck. He’s sure Valentin would rather catch up with his friends anyway. Valentin asks if he’s sure, and Victor says, of course (🍷). They can catch up later. Business can wait. He tells Anna and Felicia, ladies, always a pleasure, and leaves. Valentin says, that’s his father; can’t stop making decisions for other people. Do they want him to leave? Felicia says, no, join them… if it’s all right with Anna. Anna says, of course (🍷). She’d love to hear about this business Valentin has with his father.
Drew tells Carly, once Ned sided with Valentin, the votes were split right down the middle, and they had a tie-breaker. She says, Lucy, of course (🍷), and he says, she voted with Valentin. He remains CEO, and Ned is Chairman of the Board. She says, so Valentin promised Ned a more important role in the company in exchange for his vote. What about the merger? He says, the merger’s dead, and she says she’s sorry. She knows how badly he and Michael wanted this to happen. It can only strengthen ELQ. She can’t believe Ned is so blind. Drew says he’s not blameless here. He just assumed Ned would always side with the Quartermaines. He should have done more to assure that. She says, come on, no one saw this coming, but he says, Valentin did. He outmaneuvered them – again. He’d almost admire the guy if it wasn’t his family company. She asks what this means for Aurora.
Nina says she hopes Willow’s okay, and Obrecht says, it’s me, Liebchen. She doesn’t have to pretend she cares about that woman. Nina says she’s not a monster; that woman is Wiley’s mother. Obrecht says, adoptive mother who’s denying Nina visitation with her grandson. Nina says, it’s torture being kept from Wiley, but Sonny did remind her that one day Wiley will be able to make his own decisions about who he spends time with. Hopefully, Michael and Willow won’t totally brainwash him into hating her. Obrecht asks what she’ll do until that day comes, and Nina says she has a whole life to throw herself into. She doesn’t lack for distractions. Obrecht asks if one of those distractions is a certain mafioso? and Nina says, she’s so silly, and it almost sounds like Obrecht approves of her and Sonny. Obrecht says she approves of Nina being happy, and if Nina’s happiness means being with the man who hates her Scotty, she won’t make a fuss. Nina says, at least not much of one. Obrecht knows Nina wants her happiness too, right? Nina holds out her hand, and Obrecht takes it, saying, she knows. Nina says, then why did she turn down Scotty’s proposal?
TJ tells Epiphany, he took an MCAT prep course at PCU, and the instructor did a really good job at breaking down the hard subjects. She says, like physics? and he says, especially like physics. So he dug out the textbooks; he thought she could use them. She thanks him, and he says, the entire GH staff is pulling for her. He knows Portia is helping her, but if she needs anything, say the word. Sonny and Sasha come in with Willow between them, and Sasha says, they need help. Sonny tells them, Willow collapsed, and TJ sets up the wheelchair. Willow says, it’s not necessary, but he says, she collapsed a few months ago. Epiphany says, because she wasn’t eating, and Willow insists she’s eaten today; it’s not that. TJ says he’ll get her to an exam room and find out, and wheels her away. Sasha tells Sonny, Willow was out cold; what does he think it is? He says, TJ and Epiphany will find out. She’s going to be okay. Sasha says, he doesn’t know that. Bad things happen here. He says he knows she’s worried about Willow, but that seems like an overreaction. She says, every time she comes here, something terrible happens. Willow’s mom dying, losing her baby… He says he knows she’s going through a rough time, and he’s sorry, but maybe she should put her energy into supporting Willow. Thinking about what happened in the past isn’t going to… Michael walks in, and asks Sasha, where’s Willow? How is she?
Epiphany says, Willow’s blood pressure is 80 over 150, and Willow says, that’s pretty low, but she feels better. TJ asks if there have been any more fainting spells between now and three months ago, but Willow says, none. He says, any spells of weakness or dizziness? and she says, not really. He asks if she wants to be a bad patient or a good nurse. Come on. She says, four times in the past few months. Some lightheadedness, but it quickly passed. She figured it was stress. Between nursing school, being a good mom, and everything else she has going on in her personal life, it’s like she’s juggling hundreds of balls in the air, and she’s afraid to drop any of them. He says, that makes total sense, but this is her second time collapsing. He’s going to run some tests. He thinks stress might be a trigger, but doesn’t think it’s the cause.
Obrecht asks how Nina knew she’d turned down Scotty’s proposal, and Nina says, maybe Obrecht shouldn’t have said no in the middle of a busy nail salon with Lucy Coe present, and Obrecht says, the blabbermouth must have told Nina why she turned down Scotty’s proposal. Nina says, she did. She said Obrecht didn’t want to be staid or settled. Just explain how marrying Scotty would make her feel tied down. Obrecht says she’s an independent woman. She doesn’t need a man to make her feel complete. Nina says, of course (🍷) she doesn’t, but she thought Scotty made Obrecht’s life better, and Obrecht says, in many ways. Nina asks why Obrecht doesn’t make him a permanent part of it, and Obrecht says, he proposed on a whim, as a way to make up for upsetting her. She deserves more. Nina asks, what if Scotty proposed to her under the right circumstances? Would she say yes?
Valentin tells Anna, it’s not really business. His father has resumed his mission to keep family close. Anna says, Valentin was never interested in family bonding before, and he says he’s not; he’s pretending, to keep an eye on Victor. That was her suggestion. She says, it was. Good luck with that. He thanks her, and suggests they change the subject. Felicia says she’ll drink to that. Isn’t he glad he ran into them? They’re an upgrade from Victor, doesn’t he think? He says, he certainly does, and Felicia says, that’s her cue to get a refill. She goes to the counter, and Valentin asks how Anna has been. She says, since he saw her two nights ago? and he says he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Does she think of him? She says, once or twice, and he asks if she wants to elaborate, but she tells him that she doesn’t think there’s anything else to say.
Ned tells Olivia, he’s thought this through, and yes, he’s part of the Quartermaine family, but she, Brook, and Leo are also part of his family, and he has to think about what’s best for their future. She says she doesn’t care about this company, but she cares about him and his relationships with his family. All the other Quartermaines voted to keep Valentin out. Does he know how rare it is for the Quartermaines to come together for a common purpose? He’s going to be the enemy that everyone is rallying together against. Is he really okay with that? He says, Michael and Drew left him no choice, but she says, he had a choice, and he made the wrong one. She doesn’t think he realizes how bad this is going to get for him. He says he can handle whatever Michael and Drew throw at him, and she says, they’re not his enemies, but his choices have made them his opponents. One day, he’s going to need his family, and they might not be there for him. He asks why he needs them when he has her, Brook, and Leo, and she asks if he doesn’t think his standing in this family affects Leo. Did he think about that, or does he just not care?
Drew tells Carly, news of the ELQ vote got out almost as soon as it happened, as well as news of an angel investor trying to inflate the stock value, so the shareholders left in droves. She says, so Aurora stock took a hit, and he says, a pretty big hit, yeah. She says, and the shares she bought? and he says he’s sorry. She likely took a pretty big hit as well. She says, he has no idea, and he says, she took a risk helping him and Michael. He’s going to help her. She says she thinks it’s a little late for that, and he says he’s not going to let her lose her house. She says, her house? and he says he’s assuming it’s one of the assets, but she says, it’s bigger than that. She sold her half of the MetroCourt.
Michael asks if Willow hurt herself, and Sasha says, she’s conscious, and being examined by Dr. Ashford. Sonny says, Willow walked in under her own power, and Michael asks why Sonny is involved. Did he say something to upset her? He doesn’t have time for this; he needs to see Willow. Sasha points the way, and he goes to the exam room.
Michael asks if Willow is okay, and she says she’s perfectly fine. Epiphany and TJ are being overly cautious because it’s the second time she’s fainted in the past several months. TJ says he’s running tests to find out the underlying cause. He tells Willow to rest, and he’ll let her know when the test results are back. He and Epiphany leave, and Michael asks who he’s going to believe; the doctor, or the woman he loves downplaying her health concerns? She says, he knows how doctors are, all doom and gloom. She should just record, I’m fine, into her phone, and hold it up when someone asks. He hugs her.
Sasha asks Epiphany, how’s Willow? and Epiphany tells her, all she can say is, she’s alert and being treated. Sasha says, promising, right? and Epiphany says, keep thinking good thoughts. She leaves, and Sonny asks if he can get Sasha anything, but she tells him, she’s good. She thanks him for his help, and says, sorry about Michael. She knows things have been rocky between them. He says, family’s family, and Willow is the mother of his grandson. She says, he always takes good care of his family; he’s been really good to Brando. It means a lot to him, to both of them, that Sonny was there for them when they lost Liam. He says, there’s nothing worse than losing a child, and she says she never realized you can lose what you love in an instant, but now she’s trying to focus on being grateful for what she does have. He says, that’s what you’ve got to do, and tells her that he has to go. She asks if he’s avoiding a confrontation with Michael, and he says, his son has enough to worry about right now. She says she hopes he knows, even though he and Michael aren’t getting along, Michael knows Willow is in good hands with Sonny, and Sonny says he hopes so, and leaves.
Valentin says, how about that second date? and Anna says, sure, but they didn’t make plans. He says, they can fix that, when Felicia returns, and asks what she missed. Anna says, Valentin was about to tell her about his ELQ shareholders meeting this morning, and he says, he’s still CEO of ELQ. Anna says, congratulations, and Felicia says, she can only imagine how the Quartermaines feel. He says, Ned knows he’s good for business, and the others will come around or they won’t, and Anna says, now that his tenure has been renewed, she supposes his schedule will be full. He says, he’ll always make time for her, and his phone rings. He says he’ll have to call her. This is business he can’t ignore. He leaves, and Felicia asks, what the hell was that about?
Obrecht tells Nina, her relationship with Scotty is a new experience for her. He’s very different from Cesar and Victor. Nina says, because he’s not deranged? and Obrecht says, love was always a war of wills with those two. Nina says, Obrecht was obsessed with Faison, and Victor was obsessed with her. Obsession is not love. Obrecht says, with mein Scott it’s fun, and Nina says, it’s a first for Obrecht. Obrecht says, just like Sonny is a first for Nina. She’s never seen Nina lose her heart so completely before. Nina says, she’s not with Sonny; they’re taking it slow. Obrecht says, any slower, and they’ll be standing still. Nina says, falling in love with Mike… or just falling for Mike in Nixon Falls was unexpected. It was easy. They just hit it off. It hasn’t been quite the same thing with Sonny. Obrecht says, he came with baggage, which he has since shed. Don’t make the relationship more complicated than it has to be. Nina says, her history with romance hasn’t been very smooth, and Obrecht says, and her relationships with Cesar and Victor have been positively tortured. She thought all relationships were supposed to be difficult. Nina says, it’s easy with Scott, isn’t it? and Obrecht says, just like with Nina and Sonny. If she’d run from her feelings for Scotty, she’d still be with a narcissistic megalomaniac. Nina subtly points, and Obrecht turns around to see Victor.
Michael asks if Willow needs anything, and she says, what she needs is for him to stop worrying. He says, don’t think he hasn’t noticed how low energy she’s been lately, and she says she wonders why. He says, she was busy and preoccupied, but so are thousands of people who don’t pass out twice in a few months. She looks down, and he says, don’t tell him that she passed out more than twice, but she says, no, it’s not that. She kind of lied to TJ. She doesn’t remember eating breakfast. Michael says, and she told TJ she did? and she says, she had been taking better care of herself since the last time, but she had so many things on her mind. It’s possible she just forgot a meal, or two. He says she has to tell TJ, but she says he’ll just tell her to get some more rest; there’s nothing to worry about. So what’s the point? He tells her, okay. Whatever you say.
Carly says, her financial advisor is coming over to discuss her options, and Drew says, she sold half the hotel to invest in Aurora? She says, she has a contract to buy her half back, plus 3%, which would not have been a problem if the merger had happened, but it didn’t, so she doesn’t know what she’s looking at. He says, they’ll figure this out. We just need regroup, assess the situation, and find a solution. She says, there’s no we. She made the investment, and she’s the one on the hook for the losses. He says, she doesn’t have to be in this alone, he wants to help her, but she says, what if there’s nothing he can do? He puts his hand on her shoulder, and says, if there is anything he can do, he’s here to help her, even if it’s just someone to lean on; at least that’s something. Can she let him do that? She puts her hand on his, and says, she can.
Ned tells Olivia, of course (🍷) he cares. He would never do anything to hurt Leo, or her. She says, guess what? He did. He says, she just told him that she doesn’t care about the company, and she says she doesn’t. She cares about their marriage, and he kept her out of the loop. When she ran into him and Valentin at the stable, were the two of them plotting about this? He says, no. Valentin was there to try to convince Ned to vote with him, but he hadn’t made up his mind yet. She says, it didn’t occur to him to confide in her? How does he think that makes her feel? She’s his wife. Even when they disagree about things, she’s still on his side. He didn’t think he could trust her? He says, it wasn’t about trust, and she says, then what was it about? He made a promise; he said he was going to keep her in the loop. After everything that led to their separation… He promised they were going to be a team, and he kept her in the dark, and that’s not what a teammate does. They renewed their marriage vows because she really thought he’d changed for the better. He says if he’d realized how this would make her feel, he would have told her everything, and she says, you know what scares her? That he didn’t realize it. Leo comes in, and Olivia asks, what’s the matter? Is he okay? Ned asks if Leo hurt himself, and Leo says he messed up.
Anna tells Felicia, that was so abrupt. Valentin’s usually smoother than that. Felicia says she can’t figure out what was weirder; the part where he took off without making plans with Anna, or the part where he’s having lunch with Victor. Anna says, they’re equally weird, and Felicia says, Anna never did tell her about their date. Anna says, they had a lovely time, and Felicia says, details please. Anna says, he took her to a double-feature at a drive-in. They saw Notorious and Casablanca. Felicia says, espionage and intrigue. They must have felt right at home. Anna says, they kind of did, and Felicia says, please tell her they made out in the front seat and missed half the movie, but Anna says she’d never tell Felicia that. Felicia says she’ll take that as a yes, and they did agree to make plans, right? Anna says, yeah, but as Felicia witnessed, they didn’t firm up those plans. Felicia says, Valentin did just solidify his position as CEO of ELQ, and that company is never without its drama. Anna says, that’s true, but her gut tells her, something else besides ELQ is going on.
Obrecht asks what Victor is doing there. She thought vampires burst into flame when touched by daylight. Victor chuckles, and asks her to promise never to lose her wonderful sense of humor. As for why he’s here, he’s here for a business meeting, so he thought he’d come by the pool and relax for a while. In a suit? Sonny has come in, and Obrecht tells Nina that she can handle Victor; enjoy herself. Nina tells Victor, if he harms a hair on her Aunt Liesl’s head… He says he promises to leave Aunt Liesl as pristine as he found her, and Nina joins Sonny. Victor relaxes on the chaise next to Obrecht, and she says she didn’t invite him to join her. He says he heard a rumor that her ambulance chaser proposed to her, and she turned him down, and she says, this is his business because…? He says, because it signals to him that he wasn’t not wrong hold out hope all this time. There’s still a chance for them to be together.
Sonny tells Nina that Willow is resting comfortably, and TJ ran some tests and is waiting for the results. She says she’ll keep her fingers crossed that Willow’s okay. Did he see Michael? He says, can they… Yeah. Michael wasn’t too happy to see him. She says, if he hadn’t been there to catch Willow, she could have been injured. Michael should be grateful he was there. Sonny says, can they not talk about Michael, just for one second? and she says, okay. What does he want to talk about? He says, can we just talk about us? and smiles, working those dimples.
Carly tells financial advisor Reggie to cut to the chase; what are her options? Drew says he’ll give them some privacy, but Carly tells him to stay. She wants him to hear this. Reggie tells her, Stillwater Venture Group is exercising their option to sell her half of the hotel. She says she has 30 days to pay the loan, but Reggie says, she could sell off all her investments, and it still wouldn’t be enough.
Willow asks, what happened when she left the house? and Michael says, things got ugly. She asks if Ned tried to justify voting with Valentin, and he says, Ned just came up with the same old excuses. She says, it was good for business, it’s what’s best for his family… and Michael says, don’t worry. He and Drew are going to come up with a strategy to turn things around. He tells her that she looks cold, and goes to get her a blanket. She leans back and closes her eyes, when TJ comes in. He asks if she’s feeling dizzy, but she says she was just resting her eyes. Any news from the lab? He says he got the results of one of her tests
Drew says, there has to be something Carly can do to hang on to the MetroCourt, but Reggie says, she doesn’t have the capital to buy the hotel back. Drew says, so they raise the money, and Carly says, they have 30 days. Reggie says, Stillwater doesn’t have to wait the full 30 days. If Carly can’t demonstrate solvency – and she can’t – they have the option to sell as soon as they find a buyer. Carly says, so she’s going to lose the MetroCourt?
Olivia cleans Leo up, and Leo says he wanted to feed Comet. Michael helped him cut the apples up. She asks if Michael helped him feed Comet, but he shakes his head, and says, Comet looked like he wanted to be brushed, but no one was around to help. He got a stool, and he fell. Ned says, they obviously need to hire a new stable manager as soon as possible, and Olivia asks, why didn’t Leo come and get her and Ned? Leo says, she was mad at dad, and he didn’t want to bother them. She hugs him and says, he would never bother them. He can always come get her or Ned. Ned says, it doesn’t matter what Leo thinks is going on between him and Leo’s mother; Leo comes first. They’ll always make time to help him. Olivia says, they’re a family. They’re Quartermaines, and Quartermaines stick together. Leo says, even when you’re mad? and Ned says, even when we’re mad.
Obrecht asks Victor, how many stars are in the universe? and he says, billions. She says, those are the odds of them getting back together, but he says, come now. In her heart of hearts, she knows that blathering Mr. Baldwin could never satisfy her. She says, but he does, and Victor says, she believes he makes her happy now, but she’s a woman of the world. She has degrees in academic fields that courtroom clown can’t even pronounce. That’s why she turned him down. She’s leagues ahead of him. She tells him, leave, before she makes him exit from the roof. He says, she can deny it all she wants, but she know she’ll always carry a torch for him… as he for her. They belong together. He leaves, and she looks a little wistful.
Nina tells Sonny, all right. Why does he want to talk about them? He says, maybe talk isn’t the right word, and she says, okay. What does he have in mind? He says, her, and kisses her.
Anna tells Felicia, Valentin got a text the other night while they were on their date, and he reacted exactly the same way; he was so flustered. Felicia says, interesting, but Anna says, maybe it’s nothing. Felicia says, don’t downplay her. Anna has good instincts. She knows it’s probably something. Anna asks if that’s a pep talk, and Felicia says, she’s just validating Anna’s instincts. And whatever Valentin is up to, it has nothing to do with his feelings for Anna. Anna asks, what makes her say that? and Felicia says she could see it in his face just now; he’s crazy about her. Anna says, she’s crazy about him too, but she can’t ignore the fact he brings a lot of complications with him. Felicia says, Victor? and Anna says, yeah. And as long as Valentin’s in her life, so is his father, and that’s the man she thinks is responsible for murdering Luke. Felicia says, you and me both, but Valentin is not his father. Anna says, but family ties are hard to break.
Victor knocks at Valentin’s hotel room door, and Valentin says, long time, no see. Victor apologizes for the change in location, but they couldn’t very well discuss their business in front of Anna and Felicia. Valentin says, it wouldn’t do for them to catch on to their plans, and invites Victor in.
Sasha sees Michael at the hospital, and asks, how’s Willow? He says, she knows Willow. She says she’s fine, but can Sasha tell him anything more about her collapse? Sasha says, she didn’t look well at the pool. She was upset about what happened at the Quartermaines? Next thing Sasha knew, she passed out. He thanks her for being there for Willow, but she says, actually, it was Sonny who caught Willow before she hit the ground. He brought her into the hospital; he was very worried about her. Michael asks if Willow told Sasha anything about how she’s been feeling, and Sasha says, she insists that she ate. He says, well, she lied. Willow told him that she didn’t remember if she ate or not. Sasha says, that’s not good, and when Willow tries not to worry him, the more worried he gets. He says, exactly, and this is the second time she collapsed. He’s trying not to get too dark about it… Sasha says, it’s hard, and he says, what if something is really wrong with her?
Willow tells TJ, don’t make her wait. What do the test results say? He says he can’t make a definitive diagnosis until all of her results are back, but this could explain why she fainted. She says, is it serious? and he says, in a good way. She’s pregnant.
I’d actually thought that was a possibility, but she looked so God-awful, I figured it must be some horrible illness.
Tomorrow, Trina tells Curtis that she has to do something now; Sam tells Spinelli that he’s not going anywhere; and Britt says, if Spencer doesn’t leave in 20 seconds, she’s throwing him out.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Garcelle meets up with friend Sheree (not of the She by), who was married to Will Smith, and has a son with him. We see a clip of Sheree and son Trey, and Sheree tells Garcelle that she and Will have no relationship outside of that with Trey. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, she and Will dated after the divorce, but she didn’t know Sheree then. She tells Sheree that she and Will set the t one for co-parenting; even though they’re not together, they’re still family. She wanted to mirror that with her own situation. We see a clip of Garcelle with Mike and the kids, and in her interview, she says, she raised the boys with Mike, and feels they’re in a good place. That’s all she wants. She tells Sheree that she’s excited about her birthday. She wants to go all out, dance, and have her friends there. Son Oliver is flying in. Sheree thinks it’s going to be a fabulous time, and Garcelle thinks there won’t be any drama. Did she forget which show she was on?
Crystal makes a cooking video for Instagram. Her brother Jeff is visiting, and Rob gets home after being away for a while. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Jeff was in China releasing an album. It’s great he’s home. Rob tells them about meeting with the publisher of a children’s book, How Winston Delivered Christmas, that they’re turning into a film. He jokes around, pronouncing Norfolk like Norf***, and insisting that’s the correct way to say it. In her interview, Crystal tells us, she always says she has four kids, including Rob. Rob wants to hear about Mexico, and Crystal says, it was challenging, but everything worked out. Rob asks how Diana did, and Crystal says, it was like her first trip. We flash back to her perceived violation, and she says, Diana just went through a miscarriage, and it was hard on her; she wanted to leave a few times. She learned that when you jab at Diana, it turns nuclear.
Kyle bastes a turkey, so I assume it’s around Thanksgiving. Or they have one hell of a spread on Sundays. Kyle tells Mauricio that it’s going to be Garcelle’s birthday, and the guys are coming. He asks, who else is going? and Kyle says she guesses Diana isn’t coming. She sent Diana text on Sunday, telling her to rest up for Garcelle’s party. She wrote back in a group text, saying it’s not something she would normally talk about this way, but her doctor has her on bed rest. She had continued bleeding after her miscarriage and four major surgeries to save her uterus. This isn’t a thing she’d normally do in a group text, but… In Garcelle’s interview, she reads, Garcelle – misspelled – might think I’m rude. So there it is. Kyle tells Mauricio, it’s super awkward.
Erika is doing a photo shoot, and in her interview, she says, she’s proud to be back in business with Pretty Mess. It’s a great distraction from the heavy stuff. There were moments when she wondered how she’d pull herself out. There were a lot of people she did business with, but the phone wasn’t ringing. No one was going to magically save her. She had a special connection to her grandmother; she was tough, but big hearted. She tells her crew that it used to embarrass her how her grandmother would pull over to take a chair from the side of the road. But then she would reupholster it, and it would be stunning. She was beyond creative, and also loved the garden. In Erika’s interview, she says, her grandmother helped her move to L.A.; they drove cross country together. She digs out a letter she’d written to her grandmother: Hi. I love you. I’m never coming back. She knows if she could talk to her grandmother, she’d say not to give up the fight. She’d be whooping Erika’s ass.
Sutton visits Dorit, and says she needs a vacation from the vacation. I know the feeling, but that’s because I had too much fun, not because I was having a screaming match. Dorit introduces mom Rachel to Sutton, and in Dorit’s interview, she says, after the break-in, she knew she had to call her family. She grew up with a strong sense of family, and they’ve stayed close. We see a clip of Rachel giving Dorit a piece of her grandmother’s jewelry, and Dorit says, her mother worries about everything, yet when her grandmother had a heart attack in a plane, Rachel looked after her. Dorit thought she would have crumbled under the pressure, but she took full control. Dorit asks how Sutton is feeling about Diana, and Sutton says she’s not happy. On the plane back, it was like trying to sit at the cool kids’ table, when she was told, no, go to her original seat. She thinks it was punishment. Diana got in the crossfire – we flash back to that – and Sutton apologized immediately. Diana seemed fine with it. Dorit says, Diana hurt Sutton’s feelings, and Sutton says, she thought everything was okay. In her interview, Dorit says, Diana told her to wherever she wanted. Sutton refers to Diana’s text, where she said it was so Garcelle doesn’t think she’s rude, and Dorit says, Garcelle’s birthday party is coming up. She wonders if Diana is going to be there. Sutton says, she was watching Diana, and thought she was gentle, but now she wonders if Diana is a sniper. Thanks for the plane. Next time she’ll get her own.
Garcelle tells the family about the cast of The Real bringing out balloons and a video, and Oliver surprising her by coming out with flowers. We see a clip of that, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, seeing where Oliver is now, is everything. She’s seen him struggle over the years, and to see happy and thriving now, she’s proud of him. She goes upstairs with her tailor Eliseo to get her dress fitted for the party.
Sutton calls Kyle, who says, Denise is coming, but she’s guessing Diana’s not coming. Sutton said she’d sent Diana a text to be nice, and Diana said see you tonight, but she doesn’t want to make a mountain out of molehill.
Garcelle’s cake looks like a Birkin bag, and I want to eat the handles. In Kyle’s interview, she says, it’s adorable, but she’d rather wear one than eat one. Garcelle arrives, looking spectacular in a white off-the-shoulder dress, and Diana comes in shortly after. In Diana’s interview, she says, she think Garcelle believes she’s a diva, but she wants to honor Garcelle’s birthday, so no one can call her rude. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, she thinks there’s a language barrier. Maybe her doctor didn’t say bed rest, but take a nap. She’s happy the bitch has rallied. Diana presents Garcelle with a copy of her Room 23 book, surrounded by flowers, and tells Garcelle that she even signed it. In her interview, Diana says, the book is sold out; it’s a very limited edition. She gave Garcelle one of her copies. It’s very special. In her interview, Garcelle says, it would be nicer to get a bag, but she’ll take the book. On Sutton’s interview, she says, Diana is on her deathbed, and two days later, she’s ready to party. Maybe Jesus came. He still heals. Erika tells Crystal that her legal problems are far from over, but she’s feeling better. Garcelle tells Kyle that Kathy sent her a cake, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, she doesn’t have a Birkin. She can’t wrap her head around paying that much for a bag. Mama needs a Birkin. She tells Erika, if she can’t have the bag, she’ll have the cake, and we find out the cake is $500, which is more than I’d pay for a bag. Crystal says, Garcelle is manifesting, and Garcelle introduces Sheree around. Diana points out that her Birkin was $250K, and in her interview, she says, when there were fires in Malibu, she had a trunk of Birkins, Banksys, and diamonds. Sheree says she thinks 2020 was bad for everyone, but there was also a spiritual awakening. She made peace with her vagina. Crystal (I think) asks if she was at war with it. Erika brings up Pantygate of all things. Just when you think you won’t hear about something again… PK arrives on cue, but wisely leaves pretty quickly.
Diana tells Kyle and Mauricio that she doesn’t do jabs; she brings the bazookas. Kyle mentions Diana telling Sutton to sit in her assigned seat on the plane, and Diana says, in her phone, Sutton is Bacon Eating Vegetarian. She’s learned it’s better to take a breath, since she wants to come on like destruction. Mauricio suggests she take it slower, and Diana says, understand where they’re coming from… then you kill. It’s cake cutting time, and afterward everyone dances and acts stupid, and Diana tells everyone what her bag is worth again. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Rob loves to dance. Their friends call him Hip-Hop Rob. Kyle does the splits, and in her interview, she tells us, every time she says she’s never going to do the splits again, something happens. She has other tricks up her sleeve; she just hasn’t pulled them out yet. She can wrap her leg around the back of her neck, but that costs money.
Sutton asks to talk to Diana, and they sit on a loveseat. Sutton says she wanted to check on Diana, since she was on bed rest. Diana says she still is, and in her interview, she says, obviously, Sutton thinks highly of herself to think Diana owes her something. Does she want to see a doctor’s note? Um… I think she’s reading way too much into this. Diana says she lost a baby 12 weeks ago, and Sutton says she’s had two miscarriages, but Diana says, it’s more than that. Fake doesn’t work with her. Bring it on. In Diana’s interview, she says she’s done being nice. Get ready to meet a different person. It’s a new game. Sutton says, this isn’t a conversation, and Diana says she’s Bosnian, and doesn’t respond to yelling. Sutton tells her, she said she was sorry, but Diana says, she’s not sorry. Sutton is the fakest person she’s ever met, and she’s boring. She’ll forgive everything but boring. She regrets talking to Sutton and Garcelle on the boat, and talking about a painful memory. We flash back to Diana talking about her brother being killed, and in her interview, she says, she tried to open up on the boat. Sutton talks a lot, but Diana doesn’t think she listens; she doesn’t have empathy. Sutton says, Diana talking about her brother resonated with her, and in Sutton’s interview, she says she’s not fake. She doesn’t have fake anything. Diana’s fake, so okay, projection. Kyle plops down on another loveseat, and Sutton says she wants to talk to Diana one-on-one. Garcelle joins them, and asks, what’s happening? Diana says she told Sutton that she was boring. Rude, isn’t she? Garcelle tells her, she said that because Dorit was trying to engage, and Diana shut her down. Diana has a chip on her shoulder that they have nothing do with it. Sutton says, this is a different Diana. Bed rest did her good. I laugh. I have sympathy for Diana, if all that did happen to her, but it’s no excuse for her acting like some bizarre queen. When they come in swinging, I always wonder if they want screen time. And the way she talks about being Bosnian is the way Sophie talks about being Polish on 2 Broke Girls. All roads lead there.
Diana calls Sutton a bacon eating vegetarian for the 452nd time, and Garcelle asks what that has to do with it; it’s stupid. Does Sutton show a lack of integrity because she likes bacon? Kyle suggests they reassess the situation, and Sutton says, she was having a calm conversation. She said she was sorry about Diana being on bed rest. Diana says, Sutton should apologize for being fake, and Garcelle says, that’s a sh*tty thing to say. Diana just met Sutton. Sutton puts her hand on Diana’s knee, and Diana says, don’t touch her. Garcelle says, wow, which prompts Diana to ask if Garcelle is Sutton’s bodyguard. She knows Sutton is frail… Garcelle says, Diana is being mean, and Diana says she is. Garcelle says, she’s not doing this, and gets up. She says, this is her birthday, and her kids are here. She leaves, and in her interview, she says, Diana seemed sophisticated and worldly. This is not a good look. As she walks away, she says, what a bitch.
Sutton says, she’s done here. Diana is an a-hole, and she’s got Diana’s number. Diana says she gave it to Sutton. Garcelle goes to sit with Erika and the others, and Erika orders another margarita. Garcelle asks if they noticed anyone missing… Denise. Erika says, she told Garcelle, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says she stood up for Denise, and her not showing up hurt her feelings. Erika tells Garcelle that she said Denise would never show. Denise isn’t a friend to her. Garcelle says she’s good, and Erika says, if she’s not, she’s a punk ass. F*** her ass. In her interview, Garcelle says, calm down. Where did I told you so come from? She doesn’t think Erika ever said that. Sutton and Diana go back and forth with some really stupid nyah-nyah, no, you stuff, and Diana says she gave birth to a dead baby. She asks Sutton if it’s too much information, and Sutton says she has empathy. How dare Diana question that? Diana says, Sutton has no empathy, and Sutton says, Diana is soulless. For whatever reason, this freaks Kyle out, and she tells Sutton that she can’t say that. Diana says, they need a new villain? Here she is. What did I say about screen time?
To be continued…
🙃 Alrighty Then…
It’s been a long night, but come back tomorrow for some fresh-as-a-daisy soap and some Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay sociable outside of social media, and stay knowing being mad at someone doesn’t mean you don’t love them. (Just don’t get mad on the Quartermaine scale.)
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the hospital, Brad holds out a bag to Britt, saying, croissants from Eckerd’s. She says, almond or chocolate? and he says, one of each. Whichever one she doesn’t want, he’ll take. She snatches the bag from him, and he says, or she can have them both. So is he forgiven… even a little bit? She says she knows he didn’t intentionally set out to make an ass of her, and he says, never. She says, fine. She forgives him. He says, and he promises to never, ever… wait a second. That was way too easy. She says she has ulterior motives, and he says, great. By all means, use him. What does he have to do? She says, all he has to do is listen. She has a little mystery she’s dying to talk to someone about. He says he’s dying; spill. She says, the parachute guy? and he says, Cody. She says, whatever. She found him in an alley the other night; someone had beat the spit out of him. Brad asks if he said who, but she says, no. She’s been going through possible scenarios, and… He says, she can stop. He knows exactly what happened.
Cody sees Dante having breakfast at Kelly’s, and asks why Dante didn’t invite him. Dante asks why Cody is talking about. Cody spent the day on the couch, barely forming any words. Why would Dante think today would be any different? Cody says, it would be nice to be invited, and Dante asks if Cody is sure he should be up and about. Cody says, it’s hard to leave town if he’s just going to be laying on Dante’s couch the whole time, and Dante says, so he’s feeling better? Cody says, stellar, and Dante says, excellent. Maybe now Cody can answer some questions he’s been avoiding.
Linc sits in Jordan’s office, and says he’s honored the Commissioner herself wants to speak with him. She says, any incident involving a civilian and one of her officers warrants her attention. She understands he’s pressing charges against Detective Chase. Linc says, he’s got a mean right hook, that one. He was under the impression Chase is already on suspension for punching a guy, just like Chase did to him. Jordan says, that’s correct, and he says, obviously, the detective hasn’t learned his lesson.
Outside Kelly’s, Brook asks when Chase is meeting with the Commissioner, and he says he’s just waiting for a call. Just like he was five minutes ago. She says she’s sorry, and he says, that’s okay. She says, he’s going to be okay, right? Especially since he’s still on suspension, it’s not like the Commissioner can punish him, right? He says, it doesn’t work that way, and she says, so he’s had two strikes, so to speak? He says, yeah, and she asks if he gets a third strike. Or is he already out?
Olivia and Carly sit by the pool, and Carly looks through a binder, saying, they have a full house. Between wedding receptions, seminars, and conventions, they’re booked through the fall. Business is good. Olivia says, meanwhile, her hair is falling out by the fistful, and Carly asks what she’s talking about. She’s handled busy seasons before; what makes this time any different? Olivia tells her, let’s just say, the energy at the crazy house is up to eleven this morning. With the ELQ shareholder meeting this morning, everyone is just wired. She’ll be so happy when this whole thing is over. Drew and Michael have bent over backwards to get Valentin out of ELQ finally, once and for all. Carly says she thinks it’s exciting, and Olivia says, she must be so proud of Michael for pulling this off. Carly says, she is, but she has a personal stake in this as well. They see a casually dressed Valentin come in and set up a chaise lounge. Martin walks in, and asks Valentin if they’re here for a morning business meeting or some poolside R & R? Valentin says, maybe a little bit of both. How’s the day going? Martin says his day is going just fine so far; how about Valentin’s? Is he ready for his day of reckoning?
Michael asks if Willow wants coffee, but she says, no thanks. Is he sure he needs one? He’s literally bouncing. He says, it seems like he’s been waiting for the shareholder’s meeting forever. He can’t wait to see Valentin ousted as CEO. She yawns, and he says, not everybody is as excited about the family business. She says, sorry. Wiley had her up early this morning. Michael says he didn’t hear Wiley, and Willow says, that’s because their son knows she’s a light touch, and she’ll get up to make him pancakes, even if it’s at the crack of dawn. Drew comes in, saying, good morning. It’s a beautiful day. Michael says, it certainly is, and gives Drew a cup of coffee. He says, to today, and Drew says, the day everything changes.
Britt leads Brad into her office, and says, is this better? He says he doesn’t mean to seem paranoid, but she says, that’s fine. You never know what judgy eavesdropper is lurking in the halls. Now tell her, how does he know what happened to parachute boy? He says, Cody, and she says, whatever. Who beat him up, and why? Brad says, he really only knows some of it, and she says, and that would be…? He says, Cody was at his Aunt Selina’s poker game, and she says, of course (🍷) he was. Let her guess. He made bets he couldn’t cover, and now… Brad says, Cody won big, and his aunt was furious. She asks if he’s saying his aunt ordered Cody’s beating.
Cody says he’s an open book. If Dante has questions, fire away. Dante says, how about if they start with how Cody ended up on his doorstep, beat up, with Britt Westbourne? Cody says he saw a way to make some fast cash, and it didn’t exactly work out. Dante says, so Cody still plays cards, and Cody says he’s better than he was when they were in summer camp. He had an off night. Dante asks if Cody knows who did this to him, and Cody says, they didn’t exactly introduce themselves. Dante asks if Cody can identify them, and Cody says he’d love to. Dante suggests Cody come down to the station, and they’ll get some photos out, but Cody says, it was really dark. Dante wonders how he knew Cody was going to say that, and Cody says, Dante is an excellent detective, clearly. Dante asks if Cody thinks they’re still after him, and Cody says, maybe. He’s not going to stick around and find out. Dante asks if they let Cody keep any of his winnings, and Cody says, they did. Dante asks, how much? and Cody says, fifty dollars. Dante takes out his wallet, and says he’ll spot Cody some cash until he gets back on his feet, but Cody asks if they didn’t already have this conversation. He’s not letting Dante pay his way. Dante asks if Cody wants to get his ass kicked again, and Cody says, yes, he would, taking a piece of bacon from Dante’s plate. Dante says, stubborn idiot, and Cody suggests that’s why they get along so well. He laughs, then grabs his side, and Dante says, they worked him over pretty good. Cody says, Doc Westbourne said he should be fine, and Dante says he still can’t believe Britt stopped to help Cody. Cody asks if that isn’t what doctors do, and Dante says, typically, yes, but Britt usually does whatever’s best for Britt. Cody says, it sounds like there’s some history there, and Dante says, there is, and none of it good.
Drew says, the market has already reacted to the potential merger; Aurora’s stock just keeps going up. Their first priority should be to talk to the VPs, and confirm the merger. Just get everybody up to speed. Ned walks in, and Willow tells him, good morning. He says, good morning, all. He sees the two of them are already making plans, and Michael says, they are. In fact, now is a perfect time to loop Ned in. Lucy joins them, and says, Quartermaines; what a sight to behold. Michael says, it’s good to see her too, and Drew thanks her for coming. She says, it’s her pleasure. She always loves revisiting the Quartermaine manse; she loved living here. And it’s so lovely to see all the heads of the family together. Look at them. My how times have changed.
Valentin tells Martin, they’ll be a reckoning all right. He just doesn’t think it will take all day. Martin sits down, and says, Valentin looks really calm. Does this mean he’s heard from Ned?
Olivia asks Carly, what’s Valentin doing? The meeting is in less than an hour, and he’s lounging by the pool. Carly says, he’s bluffing, to give the impression he knows the vote is going his way. Olivia says, he looks pretty convincing; like he knows something they don’t.
Chase tells Brook, cops don’t usually get a third strike when it comes to altercations with civilians, and she says, he could be fired? He says, maybe. He’d probably fire him. She say, absolutely not. How can a good guy like Chase get in trouble for slugging a sleaze like… She gets up, and says, maybe not. He says he knows that face; that is her plotting face. she says, this is the face that’s going to fix everything. Problem solved. She knows exactly what to do. She starts to leave, but he grabs her arm, and says, whoa. What? She says she can’t tell him because he’ll try to stop her. He says, only if it’s a bad plan, and she says, just trust her this time, but he says, tell him. And then he can poke holes in it. She says, another reason she can’t tell him, and he says, but if he pokes holes in it, she’ll know where the flaws are, and she can cover them up, and exonerate him in the process. She says, all right; here it is. She goes to the PCPD and amends her original statement. She’ll make sure all of his colleagues know he saved her from a violent criminal. He says he can’t let her lie to the police for him, but she says she’s not lying. It’s just that now that the initial shock is wearing off, she realized that her original statement didn’t covey how terrified she really was when Linc attacked her. He says, terrified? Really? She says, if she’s lying, she’s dying, and he says, but to him, and presumably Rory, she just seemed mad. She says, which is how she copes with extreme fear. She puts on a façade of extreme rage. The bottom line is, if Chase hadn’t stepped in to save her, she could have been abducted by Linc. He says, Brook Lynn… and she says, okay, abducted is a strong word, but the point is, it was Chase’s civic duty to defend her from a predator. Case closed.
Jordan says, throwing a punch in a club doesn’t usually rate criminal prosecution, and Linc says, it’s still battery though, isn’t it? She says, it is, and he says, and shouldn’t police be held to a higher standard? She says, of course (🍷). She doesn’t condone what Detective Chase did, but she’s also not convinced it’s worth pressing charges. He says, why not, may he ask? and she says, judges are cracking down on nuisance lawsuits. He won’t be doing himself any favors if the court feels he’s wasting its time. He says he only wants to see justice be served. So if he drops the charges, what are his options?
Cody says, how is this even possible? and Dante says, Britt is a fertility expert, and her mother is a scientist. So they stole his and Lulu’s embryo, and implanted it. Cody says, then she carried the baby, Dante’s baby – Dante says, Rocco – to term. Then tried to pass the kid off as her own child. Dante says, mm-hmm, and Cody says, how is she still a doctor? Dante says he doesn’t know, but she had her license taken away when she went to prison, and when she got out, they gave it back to her. Cody says, prison? He thought Britt was this morally upstanding outraged citizen. Dante laughs, and says, the only person who would probably think that’s funnier than him is Britt. Britt’s been involved with some shady stuff, and that’s not even talking about her being on the run with her father. Cody says, back it up. On the run like a fugitive from justice? Okay, who’s her father? Dante asks if Cesar Faison rings a bell, and Cody says, Britt’s father is Cesar Faison? Dante says, was. He died about four years ago. Cody says, it’s a lot to take in; the whole embryo stealing thing, and to top it off, she’s Faison’s daughter. Dante says, it kind of explains things, doesn’t it? He tells Cody that he has to go, and Cody says he’ll come with Dante. He starts to get up, and sits back down, saying, that hurt. Dante asks if he’s sure he’s all right, and Cody says, Britt told him these are just ribs that are bruised, but he’s wondering. Dante says, they’re going to GH, but Cody says, Dante knows he doesn’t like hospitals. On second thought, yeah. The hospital sounds like a great idea.
Britt says, if Aunt Selina had Cody beaten up over a poker game, what will she do to Brad if he screws up? Brad says, the beating wasn’t her doing, and Britt says, she didn’t think Selina did it herself. Then again, what does she know? He says, she just had Cody thrown out of the game, but he’s totally fine. She says, right, and he says, now that he’s solved the Cody mystery, maybe she can answer a question for him. What was that look between Britt and her mother? The look that passed between them right before Obrecht kicked him out of Britt’s room. Clearly he said something that upset her, but he has no idea what. Does it have anything to do with what’s been bothering her? Britt says, yes.
Valentin says he hasn’t spoken to Ned, and Martin asks how Valentin can be sure Ned will throw over his family, and vote with him. Valentin says, because if he remains CEO, Ned maintains a shot at keeping some influence, so Ned will vote to keep him. Martin says, far be it from him to question a sure thing, but as long as they’re on the subject of family, he has an important update on Valentin’s. Valentin says, the Cassadines? and Martin says, as far as he knows, that’s the only family Valentin has.
Carly tells Olivia to stop staring, but Olivia says, don’t interrupt her; she’s in the middle of a curse. Carly tells her not to let Valentin get in her head. Drew, Michael, and Ned know what’s at stake. They’re all going to come together and oppose Valentin. Everyone’s doing their part, including her. Olivia asks, what’s going on? This is the second time Carly mentioned herself. Carly says, she didn’t have a chance to tell Olivia. The merger isn’t just going to be good for ELQ; it’s going to be good for her. She’s now a major shareholder in Aurora.
Ned gives Lucy some coffee, and she thanks him. She says she takes this to mean that Valentin is on his way out, and Ned says, yes. If they all vote against him, there’s absolutely nothing he can do. She says, from her perspective, she thinks the Quartermaines owe Valentin a great big huge thank you, and Ned chokes on his coffee.
Drew tells Michael, he knows this family loves him as much as he loves them, but he and Sam created Aurora to have something of their own. The merger between ELQ and Aurora kind of feels like two separate parts of himself coming together. Michael says he gets it. It’s like a union of sorts, between Drew’s past and the present he fought to get back to. And now there is no escape. Settle in, because he’s not going anywhere.
Brad says he’s been waiting for Britt to open up about this, whatever it is, and she says she knows. She just hasn’t been ready to talk about it; not a lot of people know. He says, not a lot of people know, and one of them isn’t him. It must be pretty heavy. What’s going on? Britt’s phone rings, and she tells them, she’ll be right there. She tells Brad that she has to go, and he says, come on, but she says, she has a patient, and this isn’t a conversation she wants to rush, and she leaves.
Valentin sits up, and says, what does Martin know about the Cassadines? Martin tells him, relax; it’s a good thing. Valentin says, let him be the judge of that, and Martin says, Valentine’s Victor problem will soon be over. His sister thought of a brilliant, but simple way of getting rid of him. She’s pulling strings to have Victor deported. Valentin asks if that isn’t a little outside of her reach, but Martin says, not at all. Laura is both well-connected and determined, and it makes perfect sense.Victor has a criminal record that goes back decades, which is ample reason to deport him for – wait for it – moral turpitude. Valentin’s phone beeps, and he says he has to go. The Quartermaines await. He jets, going past Carly and Olivia’s table. Olivia says, Aurora’s stock price is climbing, and Carly says, on the rumors of a merger. Once the merger is officially announced, they’re going to skyrocket. Olivia says, and the Q’s will once again be in charge of ELQ. She has to say, Drew’s idea to merge companies was brilliant. Carly says, which is why she sold her half of the MetroCourt to raise the capital to help Michael and Drew, and Olivia says, I’m sorry. You did what now?
Lucy asks if Ned is okay, and he says, he’s fine, but what in God’s name would this family possibly have to thank Valentin for? She says, ELQ has thrived under Valentin’s… tenure. Not to mention the fact, he’s united them together against a common foe. Ned says, yes, and that unity deserves to be fought for and protected. She says, the Quartermaines are nothing if not excellent fighters. Just think what they could do if they all worked together for once.
Willow tells Michael that she’s going to check on Wiley, and she’ll be right back. She starts to go upstairs, but has to stop and sit down.
Britt comes out of the elevator, and Cody says, Dr. Westbourne. She says, oh God, you? and he says, there’s that bedside manner she must be famous for. She says, all the doctors in this hospital, and he asks for her? and he says, she’s the one most familiar with his case. She says, he has bruised ribs. It’s not like he’s a case study the medical world is going to marvel at. He says, turns out he might be more banged up than she thought, and she says, the ER is right down the hall. She’ll call an orderly to wheel him over. He says, come on. Can’t she just check him out? She says, she’s an OB/GYN, and he says he’s heard. She says she’s sure he has, and looks at Dante. He says, here’s the problem. As he told her the other night when she was kindly taking him to her car, a trip to the ER isn’t in the budget right now. She says, right, and he doesn’t have insurance, and whoever beat him up, took his money. She can’t treat him off the books. Dante says he’ll cover Cody’s bill. They can’t put him on a bus out of here if he’s got broken ribs, right? She says, he’s leaving town? and he says, that’s the plan. She says, right this way, and leads him to an exam room, as Brad watches.
Chase says he can’t let Brook lie to the police, and she says, it’s a valid interpretation of the events of that night, but he says, it’s not. She asks, who’s going to contradict her? and he says, a club full of witnesses? She says, please. A bunch of hipsters who were three sheets to the wind? She’s not worried; it will totally work. He takes her hands, and thanks her. It means the world that she would do this for him. She says, he pretended to be Bailey’s dad; it’s the least she can do. He says, the bottom line is, he got himself into this mess, and he’s ready to face whatever happens next. His phone rings, and he says, he’ll be right there. He tells Brook, it was Jordan’s assistant. The Commissioner is ready to see him.
Lucy tells Ned, the Quartermaines united to run ELQ. That would be so incredibly formidable. That’s never going to happen though. He asks what she means, and she says, when Valentin leaves, all that infighting that Edward so successfully cultivated, is going to resurface, which is really a shame. Her phone rings, and she tells Ned that she has to take it. He says, of course (🍷), and she steps away. She pauses, seeing Willow on the stairs, but Willow continues on up. Lucy says, okay; she’s alone. Martin says, now she knows how he feels. He missed waking up to her this morning. She says she misses him too, so much, but with this slot coming up on the Home and Heart Shopping Channel, she has so much work to do for Deception, and she had to come to the shareholders meeting, which is going to be a total waste of time. Martin says, you never know, but she says, Michael, Drew, and Ned are all united on this crazy Valentin front. She doesn’t get to vote unless there’s a tie, which there’s not going to be, which means she’ll just sit around, twiddling her thumbs. She’s going to feel totally superfluous. He says, that is nonsense. She’s definitely the center of his world. She thanks him, and tells him that he says the sweetest things. He says, she’s more important than she knows. Far more.
Carly tells Olivia that she sold her half of the MetroCourt to Stillwater Venture Group to get the money to help Michael and Drew. Olivia says, so now she’s partners with Stillwater Venture Group? but Carly says, no. She would never do that to Olivia. She has 30 days to buy back her half of the hotel. The price has already been set, and she’s going to have more than enough money. Aurora’s stock is gaining value by the hour. Olivia says, sounds risky, but Carly says, no way. She has faith in Drew, and she’ll always bet on Michael.
Brook goes into Kelly’s to get a refill on her coffee, when Linc walks in. She wonders if they don’t make an ointment to get rid him, and he says he doesn’t like the tension between them. She says, this isn’t tension; this is hatred. He says he sold another one of her songs, and she asks, which one? He says, Morning Rain, and she says she wrote that when her cousin died. He says, that’s very touching. Sof-T paper towels thinks it’s perfect for their new commercial. She says, her song is going to be used in a paper towel commercial? and he says, a national paper towel commercial.So when anyone in the entire country hears it, they’ll think absorbent. He’ll be making a nice chunk of change from it too. He bets if she tried, she could come up with some catchy jingles. Then they could make money together. She says, she’d rather never write another song… Does he really want to work with her again? He says, he does. Why? She says, fine. She’ll do it, if he recants his accusation against Chase.
Chase goes to Jordan’s office, and she tells him to close the door and have a seat. She hopes he realizes how disappointed she is to find him in this position again, and so close to the end of his suspension. He says he’s sorry; he acted in haste. He was provoked, but it’s still no excuse. She says, if there’s no excuse, why say he was provoked? and he says, accuracy. Of course (🍷) now that he’s facing assault charges, she can’t bring him back to the force. She says she spoke with Linc, and he’s agreed to drop the criminal charges. Chase won’t be facing prison time. He thanks her for going to bat for him, but she tells him, he can save his thanks. Linc still wants him to lose his job.
Dante says he hears Brad is working for his Aunt Selina now. What is he doing for her? Brad says, this and that; entry level stuff. Errands and whatnot. It’s super boring. Dante says, Brad has no idea what he’s getting himself into, does he?
Britt walks into the exam room, and sees a shirtless, bruised Cody. She says, colorful, and he asks if it’s okay that it hurts to breathe. She says, that would be a sign a rib punctured his lung, and he says, it doesn’t hurt that bad. She puts on gloves, and says, we shall see. She puts the stethoscope on his back, and tells him to breathe. She listens, and he says, it hurts. She says she should send him for an x-ray, but he says, if she just wraps him up, he’ll be fine. She says, a moment ago, it hurt to breathe, and now he’s fine? He says, she must have the healing touch.
Drew says, they’re all set. The proxies are here; they’re good to go. Willow comes in, and Michael asks if everything is all right. She says, Wiley is fine, and he says, what about her? Is she okay? Before she can answer, Ned walks in with another man, and says he thinks they all know Pascal. Pascal shakes Drew’s hand, saying, they spoke several times on the phone; it’s a pleasure to meet him in person. Drew says, it’s good to be seen, and Pascal says hello to Michael. Michael says, they’re just waiting for… There he is. Valentin walks in, and tells them, what say they begin? He doesn’t think it will take too long. Michael says, it certainly will not.
Britt finishes wrapping Cody, and he says, he and Dante were talking about her earlier. She says she’s sure Dante had a lot to say, and he says, Dante’s definitely not a fan. To him, it sounds like she got a raw deal. She asks how he figures that, and he says, her mom and dad weren’t the easiest role models to live up to. She says he can get dressed, and he says, he just meant, it must be hard to live up to her dad’s legacy. She says, meaning what?
Linc says, let him get this straight. He drops the assault charges, and Brook will write songs for him again. Brook says, no charges, no civil suit, no complaints or demand for an apology. No comment to any reporter that Chase attacked him. This never happened. He goes to the DA and the Commissioner, and tells them that he lied. He makes this go away forever, and she’s all his. He says, it’s a tempting offer, but no deal. All he cares about is that her detective friend loses his job for good. But look on the bright side of things. He’s come around to her way of thinking. Some things truly are priceless. He gets his takeout order, and leaves.
Cody tells Britt, he just means, it must be tough to live down Faison’s reputation. He was one of the WSB’s most wanted, wasn’t he? She says, continue with the ice packs. If the pain persists for more than two days, see a doctor. Have a nice trip. He asks, what just happened here? and she tells him, Dante said he was getting on a bus. Bon voyage. She walks out.
Jordan tells Chase that Linc is filing a complaint with the Civilian Review Board. As he knows, the outcome of the Board’s investigation could be censure, or even dismissal. He says he knows he was in the wrong. In the heat of the moment… She says, this wasn’t a life threatening situation. No one was in eminent danger, except Mr. Brown. Once again Chase has proved he can’t keep his head in a situation, especially when Brook is involved. So answer her this. Why shouldn’t she fire him right now?
Carly tells Olivia that she’s planning a deluxe family vacation in a few months. She feels like they deserve it. So, should they go to the beach or some foreign city? Olivia says, that depends on who all is going, and Carly says, her and Donna of course (🍷). She’s hoping Michael, Willow, and Wiley, and she was going to ask Ava if she could take Avery. Olivia says she wouldn’t hold her breath on a yes for that question, and Carly says, she and Ava… Olivia says, hate each other, and Carly says, but they will move heaven and earth for Avery, so maybe there’s a possibility. Olivia says, listen to the optimist, and Carly says, after the year she’s had, things are finally going her way.
Valentin says, as CEO, he’s calling this meeting to order. Everyone sits down, and he says, any new business? Drew makes a motion to remove Valentin as CEO of ELQ, and Michael seconds it. Valentin asks if anyone wants to make a statement supporting his removal, but Michael says, he thinks they should just get this over with. Valentin says he’ll take that as a no, but he wants to make a statement on his own behalf. ELQ has grown significantly during his time as CEO. It’s no secret, the rumored merger between Aurora and ELQ, but it’s also no secret it has nothing to do with the strength of their company, and everything to do with making Drew a majority shareholder. And that’s a dangerous reason to make this decision. Anyone else want to say something? No one does, and Valentin says, then he’ll entertain a motion to put this to a vote. Ned says, so moved, and Drew says, seconded. Valentin says, then they’ll vote on the motion, and turns the procedure over to their chief counsel Pascal. Pascal says, a motion to remove Valentin as Chair. Before they get to those present, are there shareholders represented by proxy? Drew says, there are, and hands the proxies to Pascal, saying, these are the family members who couldn’t attend in person, authorizing him to vote on their behalf. Pascal asks how they vote, and Drew says, they all vote yes on the motion. Pascal says, very well. Then to those present. Chairman Cassadine? Valentin votes no, and Pascal says, Mr. Drew Cain. Drew says, yes, and Pascal says, Mr. Michael Corinthos III. Michael says, yes, and Pascal says, Mr. Ned Quartermaine.
Britt comes out, and says, Brad is still here? Brad says, they weren’t done, and she says, about that… He says, it’s okay. He knows now is not the right time for whatever this conversation is, and she thanks him. He says he does want her to know he’s here for her. Whatever’s going on, she can count on him. They hug, and she says she knows, but she had a chance to think about it, and she’s fine. If anything changes, she’ll let him know, but for now, he should focus on his fabulous new job. Brad looks like he’s not really buying this.
Brook waits for Chase outside of Jordan’s office. He comes out looking grim.
Cody comes out and tells Dante, bad news. Dante says, broken ribs? and Cody says, just badly bruised, but the doc ordered him to take it easy, so no hours on a bus right now. Dante says, so he’s sticking around? and Cody says, if that’s okay. Dante gives him a key, and says, he’s got to go, but he’ll call Cody a Ride Share. Cody says, he’ll take the bus. It’s just a ten minute ride to Dante’s; he thinks he can gut it out. Dante says he’s in awe of Cody’s courage. Seriously, he’s happy Cody is sticking around. he leaves, and Cody thanks Britt for the TLC. She says, he’d better hurry. She doesn’t want him to miss his bus again. He says he is taking a bus, but it’s local, to Dante’s. She says she doesn’t care where he’s going, as long as he leaves her hospital. He says he found a reason to stick around Port Charles, so see her around, and leaves.
Olivia says, Carly is going to be sitting pretty when this merger goes through. Her whole life is going to be a vacation. Carly says she’d be bored in a month, maybe two, and Olivia says, maybe a business trip. World domination. Carly says, Olivia is right. She’s going to build a hotel empire. The MetroCourt will become an international brand. They clink mimosa glasses.
Pascal reminds Ned that the motion on the floor is to remove Valentin as CEO of ELQ. Does he vote yes or no? They wait, and Ned finally says he votes no. Pascal says, very well. Between Mr. Corinthos, Mr. Cain, and the proxy votes voting yay, and Mr. Cassadine and Mr. Quartermaine voting nay, we have a 50/50 split. Michael tells Ned, what the hell? It was his idea. He’s the one who started this. He wanted to force Valentin out. Valentin says, the meeting will come to order. They have not finished voting. Pascal says, Miss Coe, as bequeathed by your late ex-husband, Alan Quartermaine, you have the tie-breaking vote. Lucy laughs, and says, would you look at that. The last time she had a vote, she felt a wee bit of pressure, but this time, she gets to vote her conscience. She votes a no-no. Pascal says, the motion fails. Valentin Cassadine remains the Chief Executive Officer of ELQ. Valentin says, excellent, and thanks Pascal for his time and service. Pascal says, always a pleasure, and leaves. Valentin says, on to the next order of business, namely the rumored merger between Aurora Media and ElQ. It is not happening.
On Monday, Brook says she’ll do whatever it takes to get Chase out of it; Valentin asks for a show of hands; Carly says, her family’s future is brighter than ever; and Brando asks Sonny if he’s sure someone got the message.
🏥 Touching Down…
Soon to be visiting Port Charles. I love Morgan Fairchild.
All of them should just have I’m Sorry tattooed on their foreheads. On another topic, I can totally see the resemblance in Diana’s photos. I don’t think she’s had any serious work done.
Each of us must decide whether it is more important to be proved right or to provoke righteousness. – Bernice King
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. – Ovid
No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important. – Marie Kondo
You can’t get rich in politics unless you’re a crook. – Harry Truman
Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them… well, I have others. – Groucho Marx
As I get older, I am becoming more selective of who I consider a friend. I find that I would rather have 4 quarters then 100 pennies. – Steve Maraboli
The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke
It takes two to tango, and he doesn’t want to dance. – Dr. Phil
👠 Don’t Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen…
Give your all to the next two days, and when you’re done, come by for some soap and a Deck Reunion. I almost wrote D*ck, which might actually be more accurate. Until then, stay safe, stay expanding your vocabulary, and stay knowing, no matter how well you plan, the motion still might fail.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Laura gets out of her car and looks at the hospital. Her voiceover says, all my life, this place has been a sanctuary. A place where I felt safe and welcome; almost a second home. And today will be no different, no matter what trouble I’m facing.
Portia quizzes Epiphany, and gives her a gold star. Britt says, this stuff is like algebra; you’ll never use it in real medicine. Laura walks in, and says, the MCATs are coming up soon, right? and Epiphany says, yep, and she’s ready. Laura says she’s rooting for her, and Epiphany says, it means a lot. Laura heads for the elevator, and Portia asks if they’re going to see her at the softball game. Laura says, it’s a Port Charles tradition; she woudn’t miss it. Laura gets in the elevator, and Britt says, that is amazing. Portia asks, what is? and Britt says, how calm Laura is. You’d never know that was a dead woman walking.
Sonny sits next to Violet in the waiting area, and she asks what happened to him. He says he overdid it in boxing, and notices her scratching her arm. He asks, what about her? Did she run into some poison ivy? She says, poison oak, and Finn tells her, he knows it itches, but what did he tell her about scratching? She says, not to, but she saw Uncle Chase do it, and he asks, what would happen if they lived their lives according to Uncle Chase? They both say, we’d only have half a jar of pickles in the fridge, and Finn says, exactly. Sonny says, she has to listen to her dad because he’s a smart guy, and Finn asks what he told Sonny about boxing. Sonny says, not to overdo it, but Uncle Chase overdid it. Laura joins them, and asks, what’s with the walking wounded? Finn tells Violet, if the mayor told her something, she’d have to do it, right? and Laura asks how she can help. Finn says, they sort of ran into some poison oak, and Violet says, it itches. Laura says she bets Violet’s dad told her not to scratch it, and he is absolutely right. You can’t scratch it because it might leave scars. Next time she wants to scratch it, does she think she can remember not to? Violet says she can, and Laura says, good girl. Sonny gets up, hobbles over to Laura, and says, he saw that piece in The Invader, but she says she’s fine; like water off a duck’s back. Finn says he knows she’s got a lot on her plate right now. Why doesn’t he drive the boys over to see Elizabeth? He won’t go inside; he’ll just wait in the car. She thanks him, but says she’s got it. She does need Finn to work his magic on Sonny, because he’s batting clean-up today. She moves along, and Finn tells Sonny, it doesn’t look like she’s feeling any pressure. She’s got this, right? Sonny says, she usually does, but it doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan.
Doc comes out of his office, and sees Laura. He says he was just coming to get her. How’s she holding up? She says, sometimes she feels sick, and he tells her that she doesn’t need a tidal wave of votes to know she’s loved. She’s surrounded by people who love her. One of them is looking her in the eye right now. She says, don’t make her cry. It’s a bad look for the mayor. He says, no such thing, and asks if she’s ready. She says she is, and he tells her, she’s got this.
Laura and Doc walk into one of the conference rooms, and Scotty tells her, welcome to the first meeting of the committee to save her hide. Carly says, why don’t they get down to business? and Laura says, the first thing they must do is say goodbye to Mac, but Mac says, he’s not going anywhere, not while their mayor is under attack. She says she’s flattered, but the city pays his salary, and this isn’t a criminal matter; it’s a political one. She can’t afford to have any sense of impropriety, even the appearance thereof, so thank you and goodbye. He says he wants to stay, but Sam says, that’s why she and Curtis are here. Curtis says, they’ll pick up the slack, and Mac tells Laura that he’s pulling for her. She says she knows, and he leaves. They all sit down, and Scotty says he’s calling this meeting to order. Robert says he thinks they need to ascertain how this circus got started, and asks Alexis, what’s happening with that rag of hers? Alexis says she had to run the story. Like it or not, it was legitimate news. Robert says, it’s not news; it’s a crime. Scotty says, there’s no way these yahoos have collected enough signatures to put a recall on the ballot, but Doc says, it would appear otherwise. Robert says, they get that, but this letter is so clearly biased and it’s in the op-ed section. Scotty picks up the paper, and says, this jerk blames Laura for the serge in crime, a lackluster police department, strife at our port. It’s past time for ordinary citizens to take our city back. Today we announce we’ve collected enough signatures to have a recall on the election for the mayor. Join our movement. Mayor Collins must go. Signed, the Friends of Port Charles. Carly says, it doesn’t sound very friendly to her, and Alexis says she wishes there had been another way, but it had the required amount of signatures, so what could she do? Laura says, it’s okay. The writer had a legitimate point of view, and the right to express it. This is free speech, and no one has the right to silence it. Curtis says, but it’s not the only voice. As a fairly new business owner, the mayor’s office has been a huge help to him. Carly says, and the writer of that op ed clearly wants Laura out of a job. She thinks they can all agree they don’t want that outcome. Sam says, Laura is an excellent mayor; exactly the kind of mayor they need. Alexis says, unfortunately, not everyone feels that way, and Doc says, which is why they need to strategize. How do they respond? Scotty says he has a four-point plan. He tells Alexis, first of all, save room in her paper for Laura’s rebuttal, and Alexis says, consider it done. He says, number two, he and Robert will devise a legal strategy before this even gets on the ballot, but Laura says she’s not comfortable with that, and she doesn’t think their DA should be risking his political capital on her behalf. Robert says, he’s in. What’s the point of political capital if you can’t use it in an emergency? Scotty says, they need to police the moral and financial support for their mayor. He would do this, but they have to win the hearts and minds of townsfolk over, and it takes a bit of a delicate touch. It’s not exactly his strong suit. Doc says he thinks Scotty means they need someone with tact, and Alexis says, humility. Sam says, grace, and Scotty says, all right. They made their point. Carly says she’s not one for a soft touch, but she can do it on special occasions, and Doc says he can help with that. and Scotty says, first, they need to find out who the Friends of Port Charles are. Curtis says, he and Sam are all over it; they’ll divide up their leads. Scotty says, they all have their assignments, so disassemble.
Ned picks up a bloody Mary, and says, it’s time for the family meeting. They need to strategize. Michael says, they take their summer softball seriously, and Ned says, today, they restore their family honor. Sam and Carly walk in, and Carly says, what honor? They never had any to begin with. Olivia asks what they’re doing here, and Sam says, they’re on a mission. Ned says, which is? and Carly says, calling out the snake in the grass. As the former mayor of Port Charles, they all know Ned is the one behind the Friends of Port Charles, isn’t he?
Laura says, Scotty really pulled out all the stops, and thanks him. He says, she’s the mayor, and she’s his friend. Actually, she’s a lot of things to him. We flash back to the dinosaur age, when Laura and Scotty got married. Laura says she’s touched by his loyalty to her, but hopes it doesn’t get him in any hot water with Obrecht. He says, don’t worry. He has Obrecht right where he wants her. He opens his briefcase, saying, Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gotten this. He takes out a folder, and Laura says, what is this?
Last night. At a bar, a woman is seated at a table near the front, and Obrecht asks if that’s the petition to unseat the mayor. The woman says, it is, and Obrecht says, the state of the city is pathetic. Just now, she saw someone feeding pigeons outside. They’re nothing more than rats with wings; so unsanitary. She drags the woman outside to see, and Scotty takes pictures of the petition. Laura says she doesn’t want to know how Scotty got his hands on those signature papers, and he says, he knows, protect her deniability, but look at the signature he circled. She says, oh my God, and he says he thought she’d feel that way. So now it’s not what they’re up against, but who they’re up against.
Laura goes to one of the offices in the hospital, and asks how long Bobbie has been waiting to even the score. Bobbie says, of course (🍷) she wants payback, and Laura says, really? For what? Bobbies says, last year, Lucy allegedly struck her out with a wonky spitball, so today she plans on slamming a line drive way out of left field. Laura says, Bobbie is talking about softball? and Bobbie asks what Laura is talking about. Laura shows her the petition and asks if it’s her signature, and Bobbie asks if it’s for saving the whales. Laura says, it’s to get her removed from the office of mayor, and Bobbie says she read about that in today’s Invader. What’s that group called? Laura says, Friends of Port Charles; they want her recalled. Bobbie says, she signed a petition to save the whales. Does Laura think they’d do a bait and switch? She’d never sign a petition to recall Laura. Is that what Laura thought, after everything they’ve been through? Laura says she didn’t want to think it, and Bobbie says she can see how Laura would have thought the worst of her – forty plus years ago, and Laura asks if that’s how long it’s been since they fought over Scotty. We flash back to Bobbie answering Scotty’s door when we were all in diapers. She tells Laura that she’d invite her in, but three’s a crowd. In the present, Bobbie says, they were so young, and they thought the world revolved around Scotty Baldwin. Laura laughs, and says, they were all just kids. Bobbie says, look at her now, the Port Charles mayor, and Laura says, not if the Friends of Port Charles have anything to say about it. Bobbie says, they’re a minority; a loud obnoxious minority, but the average citizen doesn’t believe that. Laura says she’s not so sure about that. She put her whole heart and soul into this job. Maybe her love for her town isn’t enough; maybe the job requires more. There’s a lot of unhappy people here, and they got enough signatures to recall the ballot. Bobbie says, but how many of those signatures really want her out? How many of those people thought they were signing a petition to save the whales, like she did? Laura says, that op ed was such a personal attack, wasn’t it? and Bobbie says, they’ve both dealt with a lot of dirty dogs in their day, and this is politics. Laura says she just wants to know who would do this to her, and Bobbie says, Laura’s real friends are on her side, and she is one. They have her back. Laura says she appreciates that so much. She feels terrible now, being suspicious of seeing Bobbie’s name. She feels ashamed. Bobbie says, well don’t. There are a few crazy people out there who aren’t on Laura’s side. The hell with them; she’s with Laura. Laura thanks her and they hug.
There’s a knock at Sonny’s office door, and he lets Selena in. She says she got his message to meet. What precipitated this command performance? Sonny says, they need information, and Curtis asks if Selena was aware her nephew was aiding and abetting the Friends of Port Charles’ efforts to remove Laura as mayor? She says, of course (🍷). She volunteered him for the job.
At the MetroCourt pool, Victor raises a glass of champagne, and says, to the Cassadines. May we own the plate and dominate the pitch. Ava says, actually, it’s a field, not a pitch, and Alexis says, even she knew that. Laura walks in, and says, so the Cassadines are going to dominate the softball field, are they? Like they tried to dominate the world once? Not while she draws breath.
Sonny tells Selena, Laura is a good friend of his. Laura’s got enough problems, so get her people to back off. Next time Selena needs a favor, he’ll remember this. Selena says, very well, and Curtis says he’s seen the Friends of Port Charles public filings. He would have noticed a donation from her, or any of her friends. She says she prefers a more direct approach, to make sure her money is used in the way she wants. Curtis says, they need the names of her contacts. That way, they can figure out who’s pulling the strings. Sonny says, okay, two favors.
Ned says he has no desire to remove Laura from office. He’s moved on from politics; his interests lie solely in his family. Michael says, and the family company, and Olivia says she can confirm Ned hasn’t talked about politics in a long time. Michael says, it’s understandable they’d suspect Ned, and Brook tells him, come on, be fair, but Michael says, it’s not an insult to Ned. It’s just that the Quartermaines aren’t known for being true blue. Olivia says, the Quartermaines may be a little bit backstabby, and occasionally money grubbing, and once in blue moon, a little bit blood thirsty. Nobody ever said this family didn’t have… Brook says, foibles? and Michael says, faults? Brook says, fatal flaws, and Olivia tells them, she was going to say moments. But show her what family doesn’t. Because what this family does have, and it has it in droves, is heart. And when one of their family members stumbles and falls, sure, the first thing they all do is crack a joke, but then they help that family member get back up on their feet. Ned says, and then go right back to sniping at each other. Brook says, it’s the Quartermaine way, and Michael says, and it’s better than most.
Victor says he has no idea what’s curdled Laura’s cream this time; she always suspects him of something. Alexis asks if he wrote that anonymous op ed Friends of Port Charles piece, and he asks if that’s what Laura thinks. She’s the mother of his nephew and Spencer’s grandmother; that means she’s family. Laura says, he still didn’t answer the question, and Ava says she can see him wielding a poison pen. Alexis says, most of the time, he just uses plain poison, and Victor says, if he ever did launch some screed against Laura’s leadership, trust him, he’d never do it anonymously. He thinks they all know by now, he’d be happy to put his name to it. Nikolas says, Uncle Victor knows better than to make a threat against his mother, because it would unite the family against him. Laura’s phone rings, and Victor says, there it is. The family united for the first time, and it’s all in service to Laura. Laura says hello to Curtis, and he says he’s got good news and bad news. She tells him to give her the good news first, and he says, he and Sonny picked up the money trail, and it led to the mastermind of the Friends of Port Charles. She says, what’s the bad news? and he says, she’s not going to like where it led them.
Laura goes into the visitor’s room at Pentenville, and sits behind the glass. Cyrus sits opposite her, and picks up the phone. He says, sister. So you read my letter.
Curtis brings Portia a baseball cap, and she says she loves it, but she thought she was supposed to meet him at the ballfield. He says, something came up, and he wanted to tell her about it in person. Cyrus Renault has been transferred from Flatland Federal Prison back to Pentenville. Jordan has promised him that she’ll be working closely with the warden at Pentenville, and make sure he’s locked down tight. She says, it’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, they’re going to kick Northside’s butt. There’s no way she’s letting the mention of that evil man ruin their beautiful day.
Laura says, so Cyrus is the one who wrote the anonymous op ed for The Invader, and he says, people tend to take your opinion less seriously if they know you’re behind bars. That’s why he didn’t sign it. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for self-examination, revisit all the enemies she’s made over the years. She says, so he’s the mastermind of the Friends of Port Charles? and he says he can hardly run a grass roots campaign from prison; he’s merely an advisor. She says, then who’s in charge? and he says, Friends of Port Charles is a group of like-minded, ordinary citizens, who long to make their city a better place. She says, by recalling her, and he says, by finding someone more suited to the task. Is it really that hard for her ego to accept people are disillusioned by her performance? Crime is on the rise. Sonny Corinthos and Selena Wu run roughshod over a police department of her cronies. They have major corporations like ELQ and Cassadine Industries fleecing taxpayers, while everyday people pay too much in taxes to prop up aging institutions like General Hospital. Immorality is rampant, and the families of Port Charles yearn for a North Star to show them the way. Tell him. When was the last time she went to church? She says, her religious preference aren’t a problem for the people of Port Charles, and he says, he’s sorry; then what is? Her failed leadership? She’s presided over far more conflict and bloodshed than prosperity. She says, she thinks there’s been quite a bit less since he’s been in here. Tell her. If these Friends of Port Charles members have such high moral standards, why have they chosen a convicted felon advice? He asks if she even hears herself. It is God’s place to judge – he taps the window, startling her – not hers. She takes far too much pleasure in condemning him here, while she continues to sin freely out there. Turn back to the path of righteousness, sister. She says she hears him talking a lot about God, but she has a question for him. When he wrote that scathing and embarrassing op ed, an attack on her, where was God in that? He says he’s spent his life hating. He can’t change his nature on a dime. At least he’s trying, but her… She tells him, Cyrus, I forgive you. He lets the phone slip from his hand, and she thanks him for watching out for the people of Port Charles. She hangs up, and he looks like he might cry. She leaves, and outside, she leans on the wall, lets out a breath, and shakes her head.
Sonny thanks Selena for coming through for him, and she says, she never would have given her support to the Friends of Port Charles if she’d known Cyrus Renault was behind it. He says he’s glad to hear her say that. Mayor Collins is the best thing to happen to Port Charles in a long time.
At Kelly’s, Robert tells Scotty that on their website, the Friends of Port Charles doesn’t even mention Cyrus. Without that official connection, his hands are tied. Scotty says, that’s because he’s the DA, and Robert says, back in the day, he and Luke would ride in cowboy style, and round up a couple of Cassadines, never mind the rule book. Mac approaches, and says he’ll pretend he didn’t hear that. Scotty says he’s with Robert; break out the zip ties. Doc joins them, and says, he thinks Laura is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. It doesn’t need to go to DEFCON-1 just yet. Mac says, and to Scotty’s ex to boot, and Robert says he was kind of wondering what Obrecht would have to say about this. Scotty says, first of all, no girl tells him what to do. He can still have Obrecht as his girlfriend and help Laura. Doc and Mac both say, can you? Scotty asks what they’re driving at and stomps out. They all laugh.
Anna, Felicia, Sam, and Bobbie are at the salon, and Anna asks if they shouldn’t do this after the game. Obrecht and Lucy walk in, and Obrecht says she knew this was a bad idea. She starts to leave, but Lucy grabs her arm, saying, oh no she doesn’t; she’s stronger than that. She pulls Obrecht inside, and Felicia says, it looks like they all had the same idea; getting pedis. Anna says, which she doesn’t think is a good idea if they’re going to be chasing down flyballs. Lucy says, she’s not going to be chasing flyballs when she pitches. It’ll be strikeout city. Bobbie says, only if she brings the pine tar, and Lucy says she doesn’t cheat. Bobbie says, not at softball, and Lucy says she thinks Bobbie is still mad about being struck out twice last year. Bobbie says she thinks it helped Lucy that Scotty was calling the balls and the strikes. Scotty was always soft on her. Lucy says, Bobbie is just mad because she’s stayed very, very, very close to her exes, and Bobbie says, if she was Obrecht, she wouldn’t turn her back. You never know when Lucy might try to steal another man. Obrecht says, she’s not worried about Lucy or even Laura. She’s a proud, capable, ravishing woman, and any man would be lucky to have her. If Scotty can’t see that, he can something-or-other-in-German. Scotty rushes in, and says, sorry for interrupting their beautifications. He needs them to witness something. Obrecht asks, what? and he gets down on one knee and says he’s laying his heart at her feet. It was wrong of him to come to Laura’s aid without keeping Obrecht on the same page. She’s everything to him. He’d been running wild, then he met her. When he wakes up with her, his heart skips a beat. She’s just everything to him. She puts the pep in his step. She puts the leder in his hosen. So what does she say? Will she make him the happiest guy on the planet? Felicia asks Anna, is it just her, or is this the most romantic thing she’s ever heard? Anna says, it’s pretty good for Scotty Baldwin, and Scotty says, what does she say? Obrecht says, with all her heart, she says… no. Doesn’t he see? She’s already his. He struggles to get up, and Lucy helps him. He says, let’s make it official. Come on, marry him. She says, they can’t get tied down now. Leave marriage to these other fools. They have each other. What more do they need? He says she’s right about that, and kisses her.
Finn comes out with Violet, and Chase asks, what’s the diagnosis? Violet says, the doctor gave her medicine, so she won’t be itchy anymore. What about him? He says, his is clearing up on its own, and she asks if he’s been practicing his swings like she told him to. She wants two home runs in this game. Finn asks how someone as cynical as him have daughter that’s pure joy, and Violet asks Chase, what’s a cynical? Chase says, her dad is a great example. Finn puts Violet on Chase’s back for a piggyback ride, and says, they’re out of here. Britt tells Epiphany that she’d better bring her A-game to softball. She and Terry agreed, slackers will be on bedpan duty. Epiphany laughs, and says, she always brings her A-game, and she’s serious about her softball, especially when the proceeds go to Stone Cates’ AIDS wing. Britt says, on a day to day basis, it’s easy to get caught up in the red tape, but at the end of the day, here at General Hospital, they’re doing lot of great work for the community. Epiphany says, doesn’t she know it.
In the visitor’s room at Shadybrook, Maxie takes things out of her bag, and tells Laura, she’s not even sure why she’s here. It’s not like she and Elizabeth are close. Laura says, Maxie told her that she wanted to come because Lulu couldn’t be here, and Maxie tells Laura, she did say that, and she does want to, but does Elizabeth even want to see her? Laura says, just let her know you care. Maxie can start with all the beautiful products she brought Elizabeth. Maxie says she likes that, when Elizabeth comes in. She hugs Laura, and thanks her for coming. Laura says, of course (🍷), and Elizabeth says hello to Maxie. Maxie says, Elizabeth is probably wondering why she’s here. All of them at Deception wish her a speedy recovery, so they sent these products to keep Elizabeth beautiful while she’s recovering. Not that she’s not already gorgeous, but institutional lighting and everything. Elizabeth thanks her, and says she hopes her boys aren’t running rings around Laura. Laura says, they’ve been swimming at the MetroCourt pool a lot. Carly gave them an open tab at the snack bar. They’re keeping busy, but they miss her. Elizabeth says she misses them too, and Laura says, they made her promise to deliver a message. They want Elizabeth to know that they’re okay. They don’t want her worry about them, and want her to concentrate on getting better. Elizabeth tells Laura to thank them, and tell them she’s thinking about them all the time. Maxie asks if Elizabeth’s doctors ever wonder if she’d recover quicker if she was around her kids. She’s only asking because she feels better around hers. Elizabeth says she does worry about the boys not having her around, but then she reminds herself that they’re surrounded by friends and family, starting with Laura and Doc. Laura says, it’s not just them. Of course (🍷) there’s Violet and Finn. Scotty checks in on them on a regular basis.As do Nikolas and Spencer, and everyone at General Hospital. Elizabeth is so loved; everybody wanted to step up. Elizabeth says, she’s relieved; it’s nice to hear. It’s hard to remember on the dark days, but she’ll try to focus on that. Maxie says, she will get better soon, and Elizabeth says, she’s right, because this place is full of people who care. Right now her family needs a hand, and one day, it will be another family. Laura says, and then it will be Elizabeth’s turn to step up. That’s what makes their town special.
Laura walks into an empty Charlie’s, but she’s not alone for long. Everyone from the softball game pours in, each one hugging her. Bobbie tell her, hang in there, and Laura says she’s fine. Everyone is eating and drinking and having a good time, when Sonny comes in. He says, Laura was late for the game, and she says she had an errand to run. He asks if it was about the Friends of Port Charles thing, but she says, no. Something much more important than that; tending to a loved one. He says, it must have worked out; she seems happy. She says, how could she not be? Look at all these smiling faces. These people are her community; they’re her people. Alexis walks up, and says she’s sorry about the op ed ruining her day, but Laura says, honestly, it’s fine, and it might end up being one of her best days. She’s ready to publish her rebuttal. Alexis says, awesome.
While everyone celebrates, Laura’s voiceover says, the people of the Friends of Port Charles are not entirely wrong. Their town is not perfect. We have our problems, and always will, but we have always faced them together. In their haste to point out what’s wrong with Port Charles, they left out what was right. It’s our police, who not only make us feel safe, but make us feel welcomed with a tip of the hat. It’s the doctors and nurses at our fine medical institutions, like General Hospital and Mercy. It’s our small businesses, and our charming and historic downtown. Mom and pop establishments, like Charlie’s and Kelly’s, where I hung out after school as a kid, and decades later, my kids did, and now my grandchildren do. We are a strong community. Our soup kitchen has never run out of supplies, including firewood, so no one gets too cold in the winter. I am proud to be a citizen of Port Charles, as are many of you. We’re not just a town, we’re a family. We take care of each other… Doc says he’d like to propose a toast. To his wife, a beacon of light if there ever was one. Everyone says, hear, hear, and Sonny says, and the best damn mayor this town has ever seen. Curtis says, and a great friend, and Nikolas says, and the greatest mother. Spencer says, a terrific grandmother, and an even better role model. Bobbie says, and Laura will always be her sister-in-law – always. They hug, and Laura thanks her. Violet says, and to Mayor Collins, and everyone cheers. Laura’s voiceover continues. And if I lose this recall, so be it. And if the person who replaces me is another son or daughter of Port Charles, a lifer like me, I know we will continue to grow. In new ways perhaps, but hopefully always to our betterment.
Tomorrow, Jordan isn’t convinced something is worth pressing charges; Britt tells Brad that she has ulterior motives; Dante says, maybe now Cody can answer some questions he’s been avoiding; and Drew tells Michael, today, everything changes.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Still burdening Mexico with themselves, the women gather in Diana’s presidential suite for a nightcap. Diana breaks out the tequila, and in her interview, she says she wants to escape everything, and needs something stronger than champagne. Maybe tequila will help. We flash back to her getting weepy at dinner. Kyle and Sutton arrive after the others, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, we will come to your room, and we will drink your alcohol, even if we’re mad at you. They talk about their exes, and if the exes remarried. In Diana’s interview, she says, it was a simple divorce. She trusted her ex-husband to give her half. Both their marriage and divorce weren’t about money. Kyle says, her ex never remarried, and he’s a great guy. In Kyle’s interview, she says, they had a daughter, and cared about each other; that never went away. For both of them, Farrah comes first. Sutton says her ex was a good person, but she had wanted out from underneath his thumb. Erika identifies, and in her interview, she says she was concerned about sharing Tom’s burden, but at the end of the day, she didn’t do anything wrong. Sutton asks if Erika feels responsible, but Erika asks if a doctor’s wife is responsible for his patients, and Sutton says she hadn’t thought of it that way. In Erika’s interview, she says she wishes she had more times like this with Sutton. There are times they’re almost there, then poof! they’re not. They cut the evening short, since they have an early day tomorrow, and we see a clip of Dorit saying, a yacht trip has been planned. They can go swimming or stay on the boat and drink. Sutton promises not to yell, and if anyone is stung by a jellyfish, she’ll pee on them (an old wives tale – it won’t help – see below). Erika says, this could be the beginning of something.
It’s morning, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, no one knows what you need or what you should do when your mom dies. Her mom would say, get off your ass, get on the plane, and go with your girlfriends. She says hi to Lois, looking up as she stands on the balcony. Sutton tells her makeup person that she yelled at Diana, and all she does is apologize to people. Kyle, LisaR, and Dorit gather for a tapas breakfast, while Garcelle, Sutton, and Crystal meet separately for more traditional bacon and eggs. Dorit says, last night was strange, and Kyle says, Erika and Sutton were talking. Garcelle asks Sutton how her night was, and Captain Obvious Crystal points out that Sutton was very talkative with Erika. There was an air of nothing happened. Garcelle says, nothing is settled with Erika, and in her interview, she says she thinks Erika is tired of talking about Erica. She’s being distracting so no one asks questions. No one is discussing it, and they seem happy to drop it. Crystal is on a roll, and says, Sutton is a vegetarian who eats bacon, and Sutton says she has one piece a day when she’s on vacation. Sutton brings up Erika attacking her, and calling her the c-word, and Garcelle reminds Sutton that she called Erika a liar. Crystal says, Sutton called her a liar, but she would never attack. At the other breakfast, Dorit thinks Crystal should move past it, and LisaR wonders if Crystal knows she’s playing the victim. Dorit says she thinks it’s second nature, and in her interview, she says, Crystal got married young, and didn’t have too many experiences to learn and grow. Garcelle asks Crystal if she holds stuff in a lot, and Sutton says, that’s why people think she’s manipulative. Crystal says, she holds on to things internally until she can resolve them, and it comes out when she’s not expecting it. Garcelle says she understands, but it throws people off. In Sutton’s interview, she says, this is the Fancy Drew novel, The Case of Crystal, chapter three. There’s so much more, but she thinks they’re getting somewhere. Garcelle says, so to them it’s manipulation, but Crystal is really processing, and Crystal says she’s going to challenge herself to hold on to things for a shorter time, and open her mouth more.
Already drinking in the car, Erika announces that she took an extended release Xanax. Dorinda says she loves a drunk Erika, but Erika says she’s a medicated Erika. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s known Erika for seven years, and never seen her tipsy like this. (Is that what we’re calling it?) She says, they have to be good friends and make sure Erika doesn’t go overboard. When they get to the dock, Erika says she’s so lit. She’s going to walk beautifully like Diana Ross. Kyle thinks Erika’s shoes and cocktails are a bad combo, and sure enough, Erika stumbles going up the steps to the boat. She teeters to the lounge, says, this is her and she’s found her landing spot, and plops on a couch. In Diana’s interview, she says she loves being on the water; it’s the ultimate luxury. This is a day boat though, not a luxury yacht, and size matters when it comes to boats. I want to like Diana, especially because of her background, and I have nothing against her enjoying her wealth, but those kinds of statements are annoying. The mine is better than yours stuff. Dorinda says, there are drinks and food, and Erika says, she doesn’t need another drink; she’s lit beyond belief. In Sutton’s interview, she says they have a great southern dessert called mud pie, and Erika is mud pie messy. And she’s melted all over the plate. They ship out, and wave to the other boats. A guy moons them for their trouble. An amazing food spread is brought out, but Erika lies down to sleep. She drunkenly babbles that they had a boat called The Illeagle. It was a yacht fisher, and they kept it in La Paz and went fishing. She says she’s done, but when Kyle checks on her, she says she’s fine. Kyle encourages her to drink her Coke for the caffeine, and Erika says she just needs five minutes. Sutton, Garcelle, and Diana are sunbathing, and Garcelle asks how Diana how she grew up; did she have any brothers and sisters? Diana says she had a brother who was killed in the war when he was 21. In Diana’s interview, she says, he was with the peace keeping police, and was killed during an ethnic cleansing. It took her a long time to process. She tells Garcelle and Sutton that they thought her brother might have been kidnapped, but he was found in a ditch. Her dad had to identify the body. Sutton says, her father committed suicide, and you don’t get to say goodbye. In her interview, Diana says, all roads lead to Sutton. She doesn’t feel like it’s a conversation. Sutton wants to talk about Sutton, and she doesn’t need Diana for that. Diana goes inside the boat, and Garcelle proclaims her and Sutton sun sisters. Again with Diana. I don’t view Sutton that way. I think she’s trying to identify since Diana didn’t get to say goodbye to her brother either. I also think Diana just plain doesn’t like Sutton, and Sutton is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t at this point.
Erika babbles about the meals she would be served when she was living the high life, and wonders if there’s food on this Gilligan’s Island three-hour tour. Clueless Kyle tells the others that Erika seems to be having fun. She’s lighter, like a different person. Erika finally comes back to life, and joins them. Kyle says, she lives, and Erika says, she’s fine, just drunk. She drank liquor and took medication, and now she needs food. Kyle says she’s looking for a song to dance to, which somehow leads to Erika asking, if Crystal had a choice for a threesome, who would it be? and if she and Garcelle pulled up one night, would she and Rob do it? In Crystal’s interview, she says, they’re beautiful women, but that’s not her jam. XXpen$ive plays, and the women sing along and dance, but Sutton tells Garcelle, she can’t celebrate this song. Diana jumps off the boat to go swimming, and immediately gets stung by a jellyfish. The steward, or whatever he is, puts antiseptic ointment on it, and Erika tells Garcelle to pee on the new girl. Garcelle says, you do it, and Erika says, she might get fetishy over it. Kyle says she’s not going in now, and Sutton says she’s not being Natalie Wood today. Erika goes back to sleep, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, Erika is knocked out cold, and Diana was stung by a jellyfish, but it’s still one of their better boat rides. We flash back to some unsettling ones, and Diana gets back in the water, along with LisaR. Erika suddenly says she’s sorry Diana got stung. It wasn’t her intention, and Garcelle says, for someone who’s so tired, Erika sure is talking a lot. They all start talking about their moms, and Erika says, she and Sutton were brought up in the south. Her mother wasn’t cuddly; she was a steel magnolia. Sutton says, her mom was like that, and we flash back to Sutton’s mom telling her that she didn’t miss Sutton’s dad. Erika says, they don’t f*** around, and Sutton says, and don’t mess with the people they love. Kyle says, they’re gangster, and Erika says, they’re a people of agriculture. Agriculture is their thing because they didn’t have textiles or something. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she has no idea what Erika is talking about, and Erika says, if you didn’t work, you didn’t get paid. She’s putting her hat on and going to sleep.
Erika sleeps while everyone parties. The boat docks, and Erika says, we here? and gets up. LisaR tells everyone to get their purses and shoes, and Erika thanks the whoever for a lovely afternoon. Someone points out that Erika ruined the couch, and wonders what it’s going to cost. In Sutton’s interview, she says, maybe try not wearing so much body makeup. That happened on Below Deck once too.
Dorit calls PK, and makes sure he’s not watching anything they watch together. He swears he’s not, but I wonder. Everyone gets ready for dinner, and Garcelle calls Sutton. She says, WTF with Erika? and Sutton says she thinks Erika is tired. Garcelle says she’s nervous about Erika mixing medication and alcohol. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Erika lost everything. Maybe it’s a cry for help. All she knows is, Xanax and alcohol are not a good combination. While Erika is having an impromptu photoshoot, Sutton tells Garcelle that she thinks Erika will be buttoned up tonight. Garcelle says, until she has a cocktail.
They have a drink at the hotel before going to dinner, and Erika says, she’s already had three espressos. Garcelle drinks to health, and Erika says, to being awake. We see a clip of Kyle throwing bread at a passed out Erika, and in Erika’s interview, she tells us, what can she say? It was not that great of a day. At the restaurant, Garcelle invites everyone to her birthday party, and says, no gifts. She just wants everyone to have fun and dance. Kyle says, gifts not necessary, but welcome, and Erika says, and if you don’t bring one, we’ll notice. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Garcelle is a can opener, and she’s going to give her a fancy one for her birthday. LisaR says she’s meeting Harry in NYC, where he’s filming The Hot Zone: Anthrax; he’s playing Tom Brokaw. Garcelle says, Denise will be coming, and she can’t believe LisaR won’t be there. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she thought both of them would show, and they could fix things on mutual ground. In LisaR’s interview, she says, she and Denise have a whole lot of history, and we flash back to the whole Brandi debacle. She wonders if Garcelle would have told her ahead of time if she was going, but they’ll never know. LisaR says she reached out to Denise about a month ago. She sent Denise a text, apologizing for how she’d behaved. We flash back to the Reunion, where LisaR was a complete a-hole, and LisaR says, Denise texted back. She thinks they had nice moment. In her interview, LisaR says, Garcelle was adamant about wanting her to reach out, but it’s not about Garcelle; it’s about her and Denise. Dorit asks if Denise received it well, and LisaR says, Denise thanked her, and said she appreciated it. It wasn’t a long exchange. In her interview, Garcelle says she’s texting Denise to see if she heard from LisaR. She’s not saying LisaR is lying… She laughs, and says, Denise just texted back, when? They order, and Diana says, she’d never been on a girls trip. They’ve been good to her and she felt love. Garcelle says, some more than others, and Diana says, there was a moon eclipse and she had a meltdown, but she thinks all of them are spectacular. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s more BS. Diana would rather be stung by a jellyfish than talk to them. Garcelle says, at their other dinner, it felt like Diana didn’t want to talk about her book, and we flash back to that. Garcelle says, it felt rude, and Dorit says, they were trying to find out about Diana, and she shut it down. Diana says she gets uncomfortable tooting her own horn, which is clearly not what she said in her interview at the time, but okay. In her interview this time, Diana says, Garcelle was the most unwelcoming. It’s her loss. They have calamari, and Erika says, she told her son it was chicken with holes. Garcelle asks if they ever got the leg pieces, and mixes up the word tentacles with testicles. Sutton says she has a date when they get back, and Erika gets all interested. They look at his photo on Sutton’s phone, and Crystal tells LisaR, can you believe it? LisaR says, they’re still talking, and Sutton says she doesn’t want a boyfriend. Erika says she doesn’t either; she just wants a lot of d*ck. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Erika acts so tough, but sometimes Erika is funny, and she likes funny people. Dorit starts to comment on them talking, and Sutton says, small steps. Erika says, she’s not putting expectations on anything. It was a nice moment, and nice moments work out to steps in the right direction. In her interview, Erika says she doesn’t do well when people force sh*t on her. Why does it have to be a big deal? Can’t she just be herself? Sutton tells Erika that she hopes Erika has been real this weekend, and Erika says she thinks Sutton would have felt it; she’s not dumb. In her interview, Sutton says, they’ve walked this walk before, and we flash back to Erika apologizing to Sutton, and then saying she hates Sutton in her interview. Sutton says, it’s not easy, and Erika says, that’s why it doesn’t need commentary. In Sutton’s interview, she says, she’s not scared of Erika, and that scares Erika. She’ll take one for the team and be a friend. She’ll be the bigger person; she’s the adult this time. She and Erika clink glasses, and Sutton asks if they shouldn’t raise a glass to Lois one last time. LisaR says, there will never be a last time, and they thank Dorit for the trip. LisaR gets up, and says she got apprehensive to leave her bubble after Lois transitioned, but she felt safe and okay. She appreciates them being here, and Lois does too. She thanks them, and Dorit says she loves LisaR’s zest for life, and thinks she got it from Lois. Everyone agrees it was a nice trip, and they thank Dorit again. Dorit says, learning about one another, growing, having conflicts… She rambles and they just listen. In Kyle’s interview, she pretends to nod out. At the end, Dorit says, all I can say… and Kyle finally bursts out laughing. Erika says, the bitch is dying, and Dorit thanks them. They clink glasses.
Back at the hotel, LisaR tells them to be quiet in the lobby. People go to bed at a decent hour. Kyle, Diana, and Dorit go to the bar, and in Kyle’s interview, she wonders why she’s the only one who knows how to have fun. Dorit says, Erika and Sutton were walking arm-in-arm, and Kyle says, there’s no grey area with Sutton. She threw Diana off, because Diana wasn’t used to it. She asks why Diana got so emotional, and Diana says, because she was trying to help. Sutton contradicts herself all the time. Dorit brings up the bacon, and in her interview, Kyle says, Diana isn’t fragile, but when she’s quiet, something is brewing. Diana says, when she and Sutton had lunch, Sutton said she didn’t like screaming, so she was surprised at how Sutton came at her. At the same lunch, she’d told Sutton she only gives one chance. In Dorit’s interview, she says, Diana is a sweetheart, but she’s not letting anyone push her around. She admires that. Diana says she’s worked hard on herself. Sutton could have gotten headbutted. Diana is Bosnian.
They head back to the private jet, and Diana tells them to sit anywhere. Until Sutton asks if she can sit with them, and Diana tells her to sit where she was. In Sutton’s interview, she says, okay, meanie pants. She sits with Garcelle, and relays what just happened. Garcelle says, it’s rude, and Sutton says, it’s retaliation. They see how it works. In her interview, she tells us, Diana says she doesn’t hold a grudge, but she clearly does. Sutton tells Garcelle, she doesn’t tell people where to sit on her plane, and Garcelle says, if she sends Diana thank you flowers, don’t add her name. Sutton says, she’s not sending any.
Next time, Erika does a photoshoot; Crystal says, if you jab at Diana, she goes nuclear; Garcelle wants to go all out for her birthday; and Diana says, they need a new villain? Here she is. Alrighty then.
Stop by tomorrow for soap (I think) and the latest in Southern Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay evolving, and stay remembering, nice moments can work out to steps in the right direction.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 