Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

September 16, 2020 – Mike Begins His Transition, Butterflies, So Far, Good Riddance Season 10, a Little More, Jimmy Speaks & Gonna Swing

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jason asks Carly how Mike is. She says, his breathing is rough, and they’re giving him morphine. He asks if Sonny is with Mike, and she says, he won’t leave Mike’s side.

Michael sits outside at Turning Woods, and Willow comes by. She says she was on her way inside, and saw him sitting. She thought he could use some company, but if he’d rather be alone… He says that’s the last thing wants, and asks her to sit. She says, before he asks, Wiley is at home. She gave him his dinner and bath, and when she left, he was playing toy cars with the nanny. He didn’t even notice her leaving. He says she’s amazing, and she says so is he. He tells her, his mom and dad are looking after Mike, and she says she knows it’s not easy waiting. He says his dad is usually so strong, and now he’s losing his father. He honestly wishes… She says, what? but he says, nothing. She says, tell her. Nothing he could say would ever make her think less of him. He says he wishes this was over.

Sonny tells Mike that he wishes he knew how to make it easier. He knows Mike is ready. One of the last things he said to Sonny was that he’s ready. Stella comes to the door, and asks, how’s Mike? Sonny says, the same, and she says she just talked to Mike’s caregiver Dr. Knox. It’s good they’re giving Mike morphine; it’s the right thing to do. Sonny asks if she doesn’t think it’s extreme, but she says it’s standard. It will prevent Mike from gasping for air or feeling pain as his body shuts down. He asks if  that’s what’s causing Mike’s low blood pressure, and she says, it’s part of the process. She also saw that he was getting anti-anxiety medication. It will keep him from panicking. Believe her, his father is very comfortable right now. He thanks her, and says Mike seems to be holding on, waiting for something. Stella says, knowing Mike, she’s not surprised. She thinks the thing he’s waiting for is permission to let go. I’m not so sure, since Sonny already gave him that.

Michael tells Willow, he knows it’s terrible to want his grandfather gone, and for it to be over. She says he wants Mike to stop hurting; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. He says his dad hasn’t left Mike’s side, saying it’s all the time he’s going to get. Waiting and watching every breath. He wants his dad’s pain to be over too.

Jason hopes it’s helping Mike for Sonny to be with him, and Carly says she knows it’s helping Sonny to be there. Some people say it’s magical thinking, believing a loved one at the end of life can feel the presence and take comfort in those around them, but she thinks it’s think true. Josslyn arrives, and says, so does she. Carly asks why Josslyn didn’t tell her that she was coming back. Josslyn says she made Tony drive her. She feels like she should be close. She thinks her grandpa knows more than they realize. He heard everything she said this afternoon, and even gave her a thumbs up. Jason says, sounds like Mike, and Josslyn says, she feels even now some part of him is still the person they love. She and Carly hug.

Stella tells Sonny, at the end of life, patients often straddle this world and the next. Telling Mike how much they’ll miss him and the outpouring of love is a good thing. In his mind’s eye, he’s transitioning to what’s waiting for him after he takes his last breath. He’s torn between staying there with his loved ones and going to that magical place where he’ll see all the people he loved and lost, and where he’ll be whole again, and where something bigger than any of us could ever know waits. Sonny says she sounds convinced it’s true, and she says she’s heard too many stories and testimonies, and believes it’s God’s honest truth. Sonny wonders what the doctors think, and she says, it depends on the doctor. Some call it sensory changes and illusions, but that’s the practical side talking. Sonny says, science, and Stella says she likes to think from the spiritual perspective, which is that Mike is ready to take his journey to the other side. He needs Sonny to let him go, and make his peace. Has he done that yet?

Sonny says he appreciates everything Stella has done, and Stella says, but he needs time with his dad. He says he knew she’d understand. Before she leaves, she’ll give him some tips on how to make Mike more comfortable. She tells Mike that she’s there. She was there this morning, and talked about his sharp hat. They’re going to make him more comfortable. She lowers the lights, saying, he doesn’t need that bright light in his face. She tells him that Felix will be by to take the gear off him, and asks Sonny to put on some nice music, which he does. She says, this will help him feel better too, and picks up a cup. She tells Sonny when his lips get dry, dab some water on them. Sonny does that, and she says that should make Mike feel better. She asks Mike if he’s doing okay; is he cold? Sonny says Mike’s hands are freezing, and she says, that’s expected. Mike’s body is shutting down. The blood is all going to his heart to keep it beating, so his extremities get cold. She gives Sonny a blanket, saying, it will make Mike feel better. Sonny puts the blanket over Mike.

Willow tells Michael that she thinks his dad is lucky, or maybe the word is blessed. He has a chance to say goodbye, knowing Mike has all this love to take with him when he passes on to the other side. He asks if she really believes that, and she says, absolutely. She also believes those Mike loved who have passed on will be waiting. She can’t think of anything better. He says, that’s a good way to look at it, and thanks her. She says, for what? and he says, for being there and letting him vent. He knows it’s not what she signed up for. They got married for Wiley, not so she could take care of him. She says, if that’s what he thinks, forget it. That’s not how marriage works.

Stella tells Mike, Sonny is there, and going to stay with him. If he needs anything, let Sonny know. It’s been an honor knowing him, and calling him her friend. Do what he needs to do. It’s going to be one of those times that will stay in both their hearts forever. God bless him. She hugs Sonny, and he thanks her, going back to sit next to Mike’s bed. Sonny tells Mike, Stella is something else. She’s the most practical down to earth woman he’s known. She has  a woo-woo vibe about the afterlife, but who knows?

Josslyn asks how Mike is, and Carly says, he was peaceful when she was there. Jason asks if he should check on Sonny, and Carly says, he would love that, and it might help him. Josslyn asks what about Carly? and Carly says she’s okay. She’s sad – she’s going to miss Mike – but it’s hard watching Sonny go through this. It’s going to be hard on him, but she’s glad he and Mike are going through it together. There was a lot of anger between them a long time ago. If Mike had died while they were still estranged, it would have broken Sonny’s heart. Now he gets to be by Mike’s side, and tell Mike how much he loves him, and that’s a gift. Truly a gift.

Sonny tells Mike, Stella said he needs to know that Sonny has made peace with his passing, but they both know that’s not it. Mike needs to hear and know they’ve made peace with what went wrong when he was a kid. Mike couldn’t help himself, but Sonny’s mom and him couldn’t understand. Gambling is an addiction. Now he knows how much Mike struggled. He’s a good man, who fell victim to something he couldn’t help. There’s no need for regret anymore. He forgave Mike a long time ago. He just wants Mike to go in peace. He’ll also go with love.

Willow tells Michael, she needs to be clear. When they got married, taking care of each other was part of the deal. When one is hurting, the other tries to help. He’s already done that for her, so of course (🍷), she wants to do that for him. They got married for Wiley’s sake, but he was her friend before that. They agreed when they took their vows, to share their lives with Wiley, which means sharing a life together. Got it? He says he does. He tells her that he should get back and be with his family. Willow is part of that family now, and she’s coming with him.

Jason watches Sonny with Mike, but doesn’t go in the room. In the hallway, Carly asks if he went in, and he says, no. Sonny is with Mike, and he didn’t want to intrude. She feels the same way. She wants to help, but Sonny has to do it on his own, and find a way to let go of Mike. Jason says Sonny has the courage to face reality and accept it, no matter how bad it hurts. When the time comes, he’ll do the right thing. He always does.

Josslyn works at a jigsaw puzzle, when Michael comes in with Willow. She and Michael hug, and he asks when she got there. She says, a little while ago. Jason is there too. He says, they’re all together; good. She asks how he’s holding up, and he says, better, thanks to Willow. He was starting to brood, and she gave him a talking to. Josslyn says, good for her, and Willow says, he’s exaggerating. Michael says he’s not, and Josslyn asks what Willow said. Willow tells her, the people Mike loves are waiting and happy to be with him. That was her experience with her own father. She never said goodbye, but she knows he’s in a better place, watching over her. Josslyn asks how she can be sure.

Sonny says, it’s not like he wants Mike to die. He did drag Mike to New York City for a drug trial, which probably wouldn’t have worked anyway. That’s how desperate he wanted Mike back. When Mike stopped eating, he wanted to shove a feeding tube down Mike’s throat, and would have kept him on machines, but that wasn’t right. He tells Mike, Stella says there’s somewhere much better out there for him, and he believes Mike feels the same way. Mike clears his throat, and Sonny says, hey, dad. When he was a kid, mom forced him to confess, so he went to church, and Mike was coming out of the confessional. He sat down, and they saw him pray. Mike didn’t know they were in the back, and they saw the guilt and pain on his face, even though he’d just confessed and wiped his soul clean. Sonny suddenly says, why didn’t he think of that before?

Carly tells Jason, she had the best dream. She was talking to Mike, and he was kind and loving, like a father. She’s never going to know that man again because of this damn disease. Sonny comes out, and Jason asks if there’s something he can do. Sonny says he needs both their help to do something for his dad.

Willow says she never told anyone before, but when she was giving birth to her baby, she felt her father’s presence so strongly. She knew he was there with her, and he told her she’d be all right, to stay strong; she was strong. She felt it so strongly. It was real. Josslyn says she gets that. She felt that with Oscar. In the past year, she’s thought about it a lot, and now with her grandpa. They knew the end was coming. Willow says, Oscar had her and her love; it made it easier for him. Josslyn says, one time, she and Oscar were looking at the stars, and Oscar said he’d be a part of them; part of the universe. It’s how he’d live on. Willow says, amazing, and Josslyn says, she thinks about it when she sees the sky on a clear night. She waves, and says hi, and tells him how much she misses him. Michael takes Josslyn’s hand, but she says, she’s fine. She really wishes there was some more immediate way to know Oscar was around. Brando walks in, and asks if she sees butterflies. It’s a sign a loved one is near, and watching over you. He heard about Mike, and came to pay his respects. He hopes it’s okay. Michael says, he’s their cousin, which means he’s family. He asks Brando to join them.

Michael asks if Brando is okay, and Brando says he’s getting back to normal. Josslyn asks, what happened? He looks like he got hit by a bus. Brando says, working in a garage and not being careful, let’s just say bad things can happen. Josslyn asks if Dev knows, but Brando says he hasn’t told him. Mike is more important. Sonny sent him a text. He asks if it’s true Mike doesn’t have much longer. Michael says, yeah, and Brando says he’s sorry. In Bridgeport, Mike was always around and would stop by. One time he came by when Brando and his mom had been fighting about something stupid. She’d sent him to his room, which he’d thought was totally unfair at the time. Mike saw him stuffing clothes into a bag; he was determined to run away. Mike said he could take off from his mom, but he’d take his anger with him, and whatever problems he had. He’d never get rid of them until he tackled them head on. Mike had a sad smile on his face, and said he’d run away himself, and was still dealing with his problems. Brando says he thinks about Mike’s words all the time. That’s why he’s still there. He’s getting to know his family, and putting down roots. Josslyn asks if Mike is the one who told him about the butterflies, and what they mean. What does it have to do with the afterlife? Carly comes in, and Josslyn asks how her grandpa is. Carly says, the same, and thanks Brando for being there. He says he doesn’t want to intrude, but she says, it means a lot to Sonny and Mike. She tells Michael and Josslyn that their father has come up with the idea to hopefully make Mike more comfortable and peaceful, and she’d like them to be a part of it.

Sonny tells Mike, they’re bringing someone there to help him. There’s a knock at the door, and Father Reyes joins them. He tells Sonny that he conducts mass there on Saturdays, and Mike usually showed up, although sometimes Mike called him Father Quinn. Sonny says that was the name of their parish priest in Brooklyn, and Father Reyes says he figured it was something like that. Sonny says it’s near the end, and he’d love to get a blessing for Mike. Father Reyes says he’d be honored. He puts a crucifix on Mike’s chest, and anoints parts of Mike’s body with oil. He asks that Mike be pardoned for the sins he’d committed by sight… by hearing… by smelling… by tasting… by touching… and by walking. He puts his hand on the Bible, and asks that Mike be forgiven all sins, and that God set Mike above all, choosing to see him face to face, with no division between him and God forever. He puts Mike’s hand on the Bible, and asks that he may be wrapped up in God’s love, and found deep in his everlasting wings, carried and kept safe and cherished. May the healing power of Christ breathe across his being now. He prays the Lord’s Prayer, and Carly, Sonny, Josslyn, and Michael pray with him. He blesses Mike, and they all make the sign of the cross.

In the waiting area, Michael wonders if this is the last time he’ll see his grandfather alive. Josslyn asks if what Mike has done is really gone, and how they know the afterlife is true? Stella says they just have to seek faith, because if there was nothing after death… Willow says, the alternative is too grim to think about. Brando says he was messed up after he came back from Iraq. Seeing his buddies gone. It seemed pointless, and he became self-destructive. Josslyn asks, what changed? and he says, he realized he wanted to live.

Carly thanks Father Reyes. The priest tells her that Mike had said how proud he was of them. He’s sure it’s a comfort that they’re with him.

Sonny says he’s been thinking about Morgan, and Jason says, him too. Sonny says, too bad Mike never got a chance to know Morgan before he died. Maybe Morgan is waiting for him. Sonny laughs, and Jason says he thinks Morgan is. Sonny says he wants to believe it. It makes it a lot easier, but at least Mike had the chance to see Dante, and have a good time. Dante is gone too; another loss. He asks if Jason thinks that’s why Mike doesn’t want to leave. He doesn’t want Sonny to have another loss. Jason says, maybe. Or maybe it’s something else. Sonny says, like what? and Jason says, if Sonny wants to take a break, he can stay there, but Sonny wants to stay. Mike might need him. He wonders what Jason isn’t telling him, but Jason says, it’s nothing. Sonny will figure it out. Jason goes over to Mike, and tells him, just do what he needs to do, okay? He’s there for Sonny. He leaves, and Sonny sits down. He says, all right, dad. He doesn’t have to feel bad or be afraid. There are people who want to see him, and he needs to see them. He doesn’t have to worry about Sonny; he’s not a little boy anymore. He believes Mike knows what’s going on, and says, listen, dad. Remember when he was a little boy, and Mike and his mom were fighting? They thought he was asleep, but he wasn’t. He heard them fighting the night Mike left. Mike was walking out, and his mom said he couldn’t walk out unless he said goodbye to Sonny, and he didn’t. Sonny starts to cry, and says Mike left, and his mom didn’t give Mike another chance. She divorced him, but it’s okay. Sonny understands now. He knows Mike loved him. He thinks maybe too much.

Tomorrow, Olivia says Winston won’t know what hit his casino, Alexis asks if Diane thinks she’s going to relapse, and Mike says, I know you.

Oscar’s exit was good, but this is phenomenal. I have no idea how these actors got through this without bawling their eyes out every second. Anyone who thinks soaps don’t deserve the same respect any other programming does, is out of their damn mind.

🦋 About Those Butterflies…

I wish they’d finished that conversation.

https://butterflywebsite.com/DISCOVER/bfliesandrainbows.cfm

✨ IRL…

Soap roll call of the dead for the year so far.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/gallery/soap-opera-actors-passed-away-2020/

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

We jump right in. Andy asks, what’s the worst thing Denise has said about Teddi? and Denise says she told Teddi to her face; she’s a sh*t stirrer. Teddi says Denise told Brandi that she said worse things. Denise says, according to who? Brandi? and Erika says, according to Denise. We flash back to Denise’s interview, where she did say that. D’oh! Although I’m sure whatever it was, it was warranted. Teddi is a poser, follower, and sh*t stirrer. Denise says Teddi is the daughter of a famous father, and the fact that she’d bring up gossip at a group dinner is really sh*tty. We flash back to Teddi saying she won’t torture Denise anymore, when really, she was just getting started. LisaR says, Brandi brought it up on camera, and Denise tells her to be quiet. Like this has ever been an option for LisaR. LisaR says she won’t be quiet, and she won’t be sorry. Denise says, stop. Brandi wasn’t at the dinner, but Teddi was. LisaR says it was already out the in the world, which is like the 50th time she’s used that expression. Denise says Brandi talked about a lot of them, and Teddi says, if Denise had no relationship with Brandi, how does she know what Brandi said? Denise says when she and Brandi met through their mutual agent, Brandi had diarrhea of the mouth, but she never repeated any of it. There’s more babbling about this, and Denise says Brandi called and asked out of the blue if she could come with her and Aaron to Kyle’s event. Aaron said, no effing way, as we all would, and Denise says, Aaron doesn’t like Brandi. She’s a train wreck, and not stable; she drinks a lot. This actually does sound like Brandi, since she’s continually tried to worm her way into places she’s not wanted. I would feel bad for her if she wasn’t so detestable. Andy asks when was the last time Denise saw Brandi, and Denise says when Brandi asked her to do the podcast. Aaron was there, and met her. Andy says Brandi was so specific, even about the hotel room, and we flash back to Brandi saying, blah-blah-blah poor me. Denise says Brandi knocked on the door, and she let Brandi in while she was getting her stuff. Aaron was there the whole time, and they don’t have an open marriage. If they did, she would say so. Kyle says it would be easier and better if she said it was between her and Brandi, and she didn’t want to talk about it. She hasn’t been honest. That was a pattern, and then she stopped showing up. Denise says, it was between them based on what Brandi claimed. Everyone starts babbling at once, and Andy says, one at a time.

Making a new paragraph, and inserting my opinion. For argument’s sake, even if Denise had said what Kyle just suggested, there’s no way they would have left her alone. They would have said nothing is private since she’s on a reality show, and LisaR would have screeched about owning it. Denise says she had a fever and she was sick, when she FaceTimed with Dorit and Garcelle. Kyle says Denise said she was coming to her housewarming, but turned her phone off. Be honest. Like any one of them knows what that is. Denise says she owned up with Garcelle. What’s it to Kyle? <snort> Sutton says she didn’t know Denise at all 2018, heard a rumor one person removed from Brandi. Either Brandi is lying (hello? has she been paying attention?) or Denise is. LisaR talks, but all I hear is, wah-wah-wah, like Charlie Brown’s teacher. Dorit suggests she let Sutton finish, but apparently Sutton thinks better of it, and says she is finished. Andy asks if Denise didn’t say the texts were made up or engineered, and Denise says her text thread is very different. LisaR pulls out this humongous stack of papers, and says she has a print out. Garcelle says, wow, and LisaR asks if Denise wants to go through it. Denise tells her to be careful, although no one else seems to care a whole lot. They’re probably bored with this sh*t, and want to move on to talking about Fendi or Fenty or whatever. LisaR asks if Denise is threatening her, and Denise says she’s telling the truth. If LisaR wants to play this game, she’ll do it. LisaR asks again if Denise is threatening her, and Kyle says she thinks it’s a promise. Huh? I have no idea what that means, but I want to see these texts. Denise says she’s willing to show they don’t match up, but is LisaR willing to let her show texts between the two of them? At least she’s asking. LisaR suddenly refuses to own it, saying, those are private. Denise says it’s about her, and all of them. I WANT TO SEE!!! LisaR says she’s being muzzled. Something else I’d love to see. She says Denise sent a cease and desist letter. Her lawyer threatened Bravo, telling them to cease production. Denise says she sent one to Brandi, hoping to make her tell the truth. LisaR asks if a cease and desist (which I’m already tired of typing) is to make someone tell the truth or to silence them. Erika says it means, quit it. Kyle says she’s been there, and it was hurtful to her family. She says something about LVP that I don’t catch, and I’m sure was just bullsh*t anyway. Andy asks if LisaR doesn’t feel there are things that are off limits, and LisaR says she dealt with it. She certainly did, and we flash back to her going ballistic, smashing a wine glass on the table and screaming, don’t touch the husband, when Kim asked, what about the husband? in Amsterdam. (#WhatDidHarryDo) LisaR says she faced Kim then, and faced her at the reunion. Of course she did, it’s screen time. She’d never walk away with the camera rolling. Although she did get her bunny thrown back at her for her trouble. She says she didn’t run, and Garcelle says, not everyone deals with things the same way. Why does she care? LisaR says they’va been having to deal with it for the last six months. Um… Only because they insisted on dealing with it. Andy tells her, let’s say something did happen, and maybe Denise would be trying to protect her family and marriage. What would LisaR say? LisaR thinks if a good friend came to her and said they needed help, she’d do it. Garcelle says, all she did was attack Denise, when they’d been friends for 20 years. LisaR insists she wasn’t attacking, and Kyle says, moving forward means having honest relationships. She doesn’t care what someone did. Andy says, Kyle is saying the way to move forward is to be honest, but Denise is saying the truth is that she didn’t sleep with Brandi. Denise says they’re not accepting that, so she doesn’t know where they go from here. Kyle says she doesn’t want to see anyone feel bad, and I choke on the vanilla wafers I just shoved in my mouth. She says they’ve all gone through difficult times in their lives, but things like this have repercussions. Andy asks what it looks like for Denise moving forward, and she says, sometimes the women don’t accept honesty. They think she’s lying, and that’s what’s hurtful. Andy wants to take a break, and I want to knock LisaR’s chair out from under her.

Sutton says Garcelle’s boobs make hers look sad, and Garcelle says she like to keep it real. She uses tape. Andy welcomes us back, even though, once again, we’re not the ones who went anywhere. He says, from go-go cage to the Broadway stage, Erika pulled back the curtain to new layers in her life that we’ve never seen before. We flash back to her nostalgic trip to Shakers, and her getting Roxie in Chicago. Viewer Tabatha from Arkansas says it was great that Erika did what she needed to survive, and asks if she was ever propositioned. Erika says she was, but never took them up on it. Another viewer points out that LisaR said her daughters would never work in a strip club, but they pose half-nude. What’s the difference? LisaR guesses there is no difference, and Erika says, more money. Andy says he saw her in Chicago, and was amazed at how packed the house was, and they were there for her. Erika says it was a surreal moment she’ll take to her grave. Andy says Janet Jackson and Marc Jacobs were there, and asks what Tom thought. She says he wasn’t able to come. He was going to be there the last week, but Covid happened. I try like hell not to think, karma is a bitch. Andy says Garcelle called LisaR out for stealing Erika’s thunder, and Garcelle says, she felt it was Erika’s time to shine, and she it was repetitive (as is everything with Lisa Own It Rinna), and LisaR says she went to see Erika, but Garcelle didn’t. Garcelle says it had nothing to do with not supporting Erika; don’t even try it. Erika knows Garcelle was there for her. Just because she didn’t go to New York, doesn’t mean she wasn’t supportive.  Erika says she didn’t feel that LisaR was stealing her shine or butting in. She relied on LisaR, and asked questions. It was a big project for her, and she was glad to have someone at her fingertips who had done it. She thanks LisaR, and thanks everyone who showed up. They’d finished shooting, and left their lives and families, and traveled to NYC. Whoa. Wait. Why did we see it on camera if they weren’t shooting? Was that a mirage? She says the left their lives and families, and traveled. It made her cry. She thanks Sutton for chartering the plane. It might sound corny, but she thanks them for being on the journey (ugh) with her. Teddi says Garcelle and Denise kept saying they should lift each other up and not be petty, but they weren’t there when no cameras were rolling. Garcelle asks if Denise wants to go first, and Denise says she wasn’t invited until the night before when Sutton realized she wasn’t on the list for the plane. She didn’t even know they were going. Andy asks if at the time she was suing them, and she says she wasn’t suing anybody. She sent a cease and desist (gritting my teeth) to Brandi, and a letter to Bravo asking if they would remove the footage. She sent nothing to any cast member, and that’s the extent of it. Garcelle says she constantly texted Erika about how proud she was of her, and asking how rehearsals were going. She’s deathly afraid of small planes. When she was a model, a lot of scary things happened. LisaR says Teddi and Dorit flew commercial, and Garcelle says just because she couldn’t make it doesn’t mean she’s not supportive. Sutton says, good point, and LisaR demands to know why Garcelle wasn’t there, since the plane wasn’t small. Garcelle says she had to work, and she had the kids. Her husband wouldn’t change the schedule, and she had prior commitments to fulfill. Erika says so it wasn’t the plane, and Garcelle says, that’s the truth, and she’s sticking to it. I stuff another cookie in my mouth because I hate LisaR’s stupid effing face-making so much. She’s a disgusting human being – if I’d even call her human. She’s like a mean blow-up doll.

Speaking of which, Jane from Mississippi asks if it’s true that The Bold and the Beautiful is using blow-up dolls and spouses for love scenes. Denise says, if anything is closer than eight feet, they use a mannequin to step in, and the other actor is off-camera. We see a clip of her talking to a mannequin, and she says she’s doing her first love scene with her husband tomorrow. Andy bets the rehearsal process is intense, and she says, well, you know. He asks if Aaron was defending Denise or mansplaining at Kyle’s barbecue, and we revisit him telling Teddi there’s no issue and they’re being ridiculous. We flash back to Teddi’s interview where she asked if he thought it was sexy when he put women down, and called him an a-hole. We see clips from the shoe party where Denise made the mistake of leaving him alone with the women, and Erika accused him of talking down to them. We also see Denise apologizing for him, and also saying in her interview that, after what they did to her in Rome, fat chance they’d get an apology from him. Andy says they invited Aaron to the reunion, but he didn’t want to come, and Denise says no one else’s husband is there, and it would have been a no win situation. Andy says, when PK came, he and Erika talked through what happened, and their relationship is good now. Erika says they squashed their beef, and we flash back to that. Dorit says it didn’t happen overnight, but they were able to start from scratch. Andy asks how Denise feels about how Aaron spoke to the women, but she doesn’t think it was offensive. He liked the women, she thinks he was trying to diffuse the situation. She should have brought him to the bathroom with her. Erika says when Denise left, she thought, at least Denise wouldn’t whisk him away, and Denise says don’t ask her husband questions if they don’t want him involved. Erika says they did want him involved. I’m just confused. They’ve gone on and on about how he basically shouldn’t talk to women like he would a man, so they want everyone to behave honestly except him? And I could swear in Rome, they said he shouldn’t have gotten involved. These idiots need to make up their minds. Andy asks what their reaction is to Denise not wanting Aaron around them, and Erika says, he’s a grown man, which Kyle parrots. Erika says, they’re six women, not six Mike Tysons. Give her a break. Andy asks why Aaron hasn’t apologized, and she says he hasn’t even seen them. Teddi says he had the opportunity, but doubled down. She was uncomfortable with the way he spoke to them and to Denise. Viewer Rachel from Santa Monica says she rewound and watched Aaron and Denise leaving the barbecue four times to catch what Aaron said to Denise. We watch the clip with subtitles, and he says he’s going to crush her hand. At the time, I’d actually thought he said she was crushing his hand. Denise says he didn’t even know what he’d said either until she played it for him, and then he told her that he didn’t know why he said that since he’s afraid of her. Andy asks why he’s afraid of her, and she has to explain that he was joking. Sutton says she has zero tolerance for that, and Garcelle says she saw it on social media and was worried. Omg. I honestly don’t think it was a real threat. It’s like none of them has ever said something like, I’m going to kill you.

Andy says, with these women, glam isn’t a fashion statement, it’s a competition. Black rompers and ragamuffins need not apply. We flash back, and normally I enjoy the fashion stuff, but msot of them are disgusting me tonight, and I just want this to be over. Garcelle asks if Sutton knows who Fenty is now, and she says, hell yes. A new collection just came out. Andy asks if Sutton got a lot of crap for that, and Sutton says she didn’t want to leave the house. Dorit shows off the back of her head, which is a conglomeration of braids. Andy outs Kyle spending $10K in Rome when she was on probation, and she tells him, thanks for putting that on blast. She admits to being just as excited to shop at Home Goods as Fendi in Rome. Switching gears, Andy says LisaR and Denise have been friends for years, and this was the ultimate test. If they were giving grades, their friendship would get an FU. We flash back to Denise talking to LisaR about having been friends for 28-30 years, and in her interview saying she’s starting to feel betrayed; maybe they’re not as good of friends as she thought. We see LisaR saying, own it, own it, own it, and this fake bitch crying about how she should have warned Denise, and that Denise would have done that for her. Denise looks sad, and LisaR makes stupid-ass faces. Andy says they both claimed the other had changed, and asks Denise how LisaR has changed. She says she needs to eat something before she answers, and I completely identify, since I need to eat something before I hear it. Like my feelings. LisaR says she’d like to know the answer, but Denise disappears. LisaR makes a stupid face, and everyone babbles about Denise walking off, when she probably just went to get her bag of vanilla wafers.

Denise comes back, and says she has to go to work in the morning, and has 48 pages. LisaR says if she’s unhappy, don’t do the show. Just do B&B. Denise says she’s not unhappy. She enjoyed doing the show, and getting know the women. Andy says Denise had told them LisaR was someone she trusted to go to for advice, and asks how she feels now. Denise says, very different. LisaR turned on her while on the show. LisaR lies, saying she doesn’t turn on people, but Denise hasn’t been open and honest. Denise says she’s an open book, and of all people, LisaR should know that. LisaR gripes about all the times Denise has run, and Denise says, not cool. We see her leaving several events, but I don’t see any reason why anyone should stick around if they’re being abused. Viewer Maya from Spokane wonders why LisaR didn’t just pull Denise aside, instead of calling her a hypocrite about the kids. LisaR says Denise talked about hookers so many times, and Denise says, one time she talked about inviting one in for Thanksgiving. She was wearing sweats, and it’s not like she was dressed for the street. Her mother would have done the same thing. Shame on LisaR, when she was just telling the woman to come in for a square meal. Kyle says they were on a group trip together, so it was an open conversation in the group. They keep saying this is a reality show, but in reality, no one says everything to everybody in a group.

Andy wants to finish, and so do I. He says the turning point was not being honest, and LisaR says, when she sees a year and a half worth of text messages, and Denise says she’s only seen Brandi three times, she can’t reconcile it. Denise says, moving forward, she should remember those words, and LisaR asks if Denise is threatening her again, because she’s gone completely insane. Denise says, no, but LisaR has told her a lot of stuff about Brandi. LisaR says she doesn’t like Brandi, and Denise asks if Brandi knows that. LisaR says she’s been nice to Brandi lately because Brandi is just trying to get back on the show tell her side. Denise says so much has been said about her family, and her kids are at an age when they hear stuff. How would LisaR feel? LisaR says she would get on the phone and say, stop it, f***er. Denise says, Brandi isn’t a friend, or even a cast member. If it was one of them, she would have, but she barely knows her. Andy says if LisaR was allowed to do it over, would she have given Denise a heads up? LisaR says she wouldn’t have had Denise come on the show, like she does the hiring. Denise rolls her eyes, and Garcelle says, damn. Andy says they’d agreed to try and work on it, but has the stress of the show airing and social media come between them? LisaR says they haven’t spoken or texted in six months. He wonders if they can go back to being friends, and LisaR says, like Denise was friends with Heather Locklear. Denise says Heather wasn’t her friend; she was friends with Denise’s ex-husband. LisaR is grasping at straws. LisaR says, maybe, and Andy says he doesn’t understand the reference. LisaR says Denise is insinuating she’s a bad friend. Denise says she isn’t, and Andy what’s to know what’s up with the Heather Locklear thing. He’s kind of interested. Denise says LisaR is being low. Not owning it in the least, LisaR says, google it. So I do. See below. Andy says Dorit defended Denise, and Dorit says, everything that’s happening hurts her. She’s grown to have a friendship with LisaR and Denise. She respects Denise and doesn’t like to see them go at it. She doesn’t like to see a 20 year friendship gone like that. She cares about them, and it’s hard. She wonders if, with time, they can find their way past it. She cares about both of them. Andy talks about how LisaR was so excited about Denise coming on the show, and said everybody would love her. Denise asks, what changed? No one says anything, and Andy asks where they go from here. LisaR says she doesn’t know, and Denise shrugs. Andy says they’ll leave it there, and Denise dabs at her eyes.

It’s time for Sutton to say goodbye, and she thanks them for having her. Andy says, it’s an unforgettable way to end a momentous season, and asks what went through Denise’s mind. She laughs, saying she came there to resolve things, but feels like that some of them didn’t want to do that. He asks if she’s going to move forward, and be friends again. She says, with some of them, and he asks Garcelle what surprised her the most. She says that the show wasn’t scripted. She came in open-hearted; ready to play and make new friends. She’s optimistic about the future. He asks how it was for Teddi being pregnant, and she says it was like being the narrator, being really present. It was harder, but good things happened. He asks for Erika’s takeaway, and she says, it was a great year. She had a lifetime achievement in Chicago, and feels good. She hates discord and conflict, but sh*t happens. If you’re willing, you can have a friendship. Andy says there have been years that ended in a bad way, but amazing friendships developed. He asks LisaR what she’d change about the season, and she says, nothing. She’s a truth teller. If she needs to say it, she’s going to say it, whether she’s known someone two or twenty years. He asks about her friendship with Denise, and she says it’s not where she’d like it to be. She’s sad about that, and it’s too bad they’re where they are. In the six years she’s been on the show, she’s been through it. She and Dorit moved forward. Dorit gave her a chance, and she’s grateful. Andy says, Kyle has been on the show ten years; how does she think they can move forward? She says, being honest and open, maybe one on one conversations. You have to be honest and open (omg, is that tattooed on her?) enough to give it a chance. She doesn’t think anything is irreparable. If I were Denise, I would never be friends with LisaR again for sure. It’s one thing siding with what you know to be true, but this showing up with a stack of texts from someone who’s a known liar (sorry, dumbass Kyle, but Brandi is) is ridiculous. Kyle says she’s glad she and Garcelle got to know each other. Andy says Dorit has been in the middle of drama, and she says she’s had issues with some of the women, but they’re good friends now. As bad as it gets, she thinks you can truly move on from something if both parties want to.

Andy tells them to raise a glass to season 10. It’s the first time Teddi has been able to drink. Dorit tells us that she has Gucci ice cubes in a Gucci glass. Um… maybe she used a Gucci ice cube tray, but I think the actual ice is courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills or wherever her sink is. She toasts, may the only pain in your life be champagne, and Kyle says, to moving forward and healing, even though nobody asked her. Andy says he can’t wait to see them in person, but at least there will be no L.A. traffic waiting.

Next time, RHOBH Secrets Revealed. This is code for crap they either couldn’t squeeze into the show, or that wasn’t worth airing.

💎 Extra Diamond Drama…

What happened with Heather.

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-season-10-finale-what-happened-between-denise-richards-and-heather-locklear/

Teddi’s All In program sounds deeply disturbing.

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/09/10028744/all-in-by-teddi-mellencamp-diet-business-scam-twitter

📺 The New Emmy…

Jimmy Kimmel gives you the skinny.

https://abc.com/shows/emmy-awards/video/most-recent/vdka20111302?cid=email_ABC_20200913

🍸 One Two Three…

Another late night. Pretty soon, I won’t need to drink to swing from a chandelier. Hopefully, you’re soundly sleeping as I type this, but when you wake, stay safe, stay original, and stay looking for butterflies.

September 11, 2020 – Josslyn Says Goodbye To Mike, Chief Britt, All About Alex, Returning Morgan, Kris Cross, Goodbye Mrs. Peel, Another Stand, Upcoming Story, So Ratched, It’s Over, Quotes Of Ten & Trixie’s Malibu

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

The doctor tells Sonny, Carly, and Josslyn, he’s seen a lot of patients in hospice. The oxygen should keep him comfortable, and they’ll monitor him for any discomfort or pain. Josslyn asks if they can see him, and the doctor says, absolutely. He encourages it

Ava and Franco kiss. Someone takes a picture. Ava says she’s sorry, and he says he’s sorry. They can’t do that. They did do that, but they shouldn’t. Ava says it brought her back to their time in the city, before their lives went haywire. He says, before they were married to other people, and she says, yeah, before that.

Nikolas kisses Elizabeth. Someone takes a picture. Elizabeth backs up, and he says he forgot how good this felt; how they just fit. Does she remember? She say she can’t do this to Franco, and he says, why not? She just told him that she thinks Franco is interested in Ava. She deserves better, and she knows it. She says she doesn’t know anything for sure, and he says he doesn’t believe that. He thinks she’s looking for a way out of her marriage.

Trina comes to the hospital, and Portia asks, to what does she owe this surprise visit? Trina says she wants to thank Portia for clearing the air with Ava, and also letting her work the extra hours. She’s excited. Portia says if it makes Trina happy, she’s all in.

Dev asks if Cameron’s problem is that he can’t choose between Josslyn and Trina? Cameron says he doesn’t know how he got in this mess, and Dev says, come on. He doesn’t want to pump Cameron’s ego, but Cameron is an athlete, he’s popular, and he’s kind of smart. He’s not surprised girls are into him. Cameron says he doesn’t know if Josslyn and Trina are into him. Maybe they just want to stay friends. Either way, the whole thing is a mess.

Sonny, Carly, and Josslyn go in to see Mike. Sonny says, all right, dad. The doctor says he’s ready to leave, so they just want him to know they’re here for him; all of them. He’s not doing this alone. Sonny smiles at his father.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, she’s not looking for a way out of her marriage. She loves Franco. She’s trying to save her relationship, not ruin it. He tells her, explain the kiss, and she says, it was a mistake. She was feeling insecure, and it was stupid and impulsive. It shouldn’t have happened. She apologizes if she gave him the wrong idea, and he says he’s sorry for giving in to temptation. He’s missed human contact. She’s right; it can’t happen. She asks if he’s being noble, and he says he wishes. She’s not the only one with a lot to lose. She says don’t tell her that he’s comparing their marriages. There’s no contest.

Ava tells Franco, she misses that kind closeness. If anyone finds out… Franco asks why she cares. Her marriage is a  sham, right? She says, true, but his isn’t. Despite their recent closeness, she knows he loves Elizabeth and the boys, and knows he would never want that for Elizabeth. She would never want that for Elizabeth. He asks if this is her version of altruism; her effort to preserve his marriage. She shrugs, and he asks if she has feelings for Nikolas.

Portia asks if going to homecoming as a group is a thing, and Trina says, it’s their thing. Portia asks if it’s like they’re each other’s dates, and Trina says, they’re each other’s friends, without the drama of who’s into who. Portia asks if she’s good with that, and Trina says, why not? Portia says Cameron took her last time, but Trina says, as a friend. Portia asks, if Cameron ends up with Josslyn at the end of the night, will she be okay with that?

Cameron tells Dev, the three of them, and now Dev, are a package deal. He doesn’t want to do anything to mess that up. They’re better off if it’s left the way things are. Dev tells Cameron, he said himself, it’s a confusing mess. Dev thinks it’s best if Cameron makes up his mind. Pick one, go for it, and set the other free. Cameron says, it’s that easy? and Dev says, kind of. Cameron asks what Dev would know, since he’s asexual.

Sonny tells Mike, they don’t know how long it will be – that’s between him and God – but Sonny will be right there with him. Carly says, her too, and Josslyn says, and her. Carly says they love him so much. She’s going to let Michael know, and promises she’ll be right back. Sonny asks if Josslyn is okay, and she says she should be asking him that. Sonny says she went through the same thing with Oscar, and she says now she sees how lucky she was. She was able to say everything she wanted to. Sonny says, it is lucky, and she says, if it’s all right with him, she’d like to be able to do that with Mike. He says, of course (🍷), and steps aside. He asks her to do him a favor, and let him know if anything changes. She says she will. She’ll be quick. He tells her, take her time, and he leaves. She says, hey, grandpa. First off, she wants to thank him for always treating her like his own. Technically she’s not, but he’s the only grandfather she’s ever known. She can’t picture a future without him, and doesn’t want to.

Epiphany asks Trina how she is, and Trina says, it’s still hard, but she’s moving forward day by day. Epiphany says she’s glad Trina has direction. She tells Portia the new Chief of Staff will be there today, and Portia says, Cyrus’s right hand. Trina looks at her phone, and says, Josslyn’s grandfather is in hospice, and it’s not looking too good.

Carly sees Sonny in the hallway, and asks why he’s out there. He says Josslyn wanted time with Mike, and she thanks him for giving it to her. He’s says he’s grateful Mike had time to know her. Alzheimer’s is difficult for anybody, but especially for a teenager whose not blood related… Carly says, it didn’t seem to matter to Mike or Josslyn, and Sonny says, it’s just… The fact that she loved him and welcomed him…  Carly puts her head on his shoulder, and says, the best part is, it went both ways.

Josslyn says she’s so thankful for the time she got with Mike; real time. All of them living under the same roof. She finally got to know what it was like to have a grandfather, and she loved it. Does he know what else she loved? She laughs, and says it might sound weird, but the one time he thought she was his childhood friend Mary, and asked her to come play stickball with him. Of course (🍷) part of her was sad that he didn’t know who she was, but the other part thought it was so cool she got meet him when he was a kid, and got to be his friend. She starts to cry, and says, it felt special to her. How many people get to do that? Know the person someone was when they were younger. Him living with them made her think about her future in a different way, and now she’ll make sure all the milestones she has, he’s right there with her.

Josslyn walks into the living room, wearing a formal gown. Mike sees her and says he always knew she was a stunner, but wow. She should be declared homecoming queen right now. She thanks him, but says she decided not put her name in. There are other girls who want it more. He says she’s the queen for him, and tells her to look around. There’s something there for her somewhere. She goes to the bookcase, and says, a corsage. He says, of course (🍷). That’s what grandfathers do. She says, it’s gorgeous, and thanks him. He puts it on her wrist, and she says, how beautiful, and thanks him again. She says he’s always watching out for her, and he says, he always will be.

Josslyn tells Mike, she was going to have a good time at homecoming. She still will, because she knows that’s what he’d want her to do, but she’s going to miss him so much. He looks at her, and smiles a little.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, there’s no comparison. She and Franco are in love. He says he and Ava are definitely not, and she says, the ridiculous post-nup trapped him in a marriage he doesn’t want to be in. All because he wants to hang on to his money. How can they be so mutually destructive? What’s wrong with him?

Ava tells Franco, she doesn’t have feelings for Nikolas. She despises the air he breathes. Franco says, so it’s a match made in heaven. She should find another outlet; somebody to take care of what she needs. She says, like a gigolo? and he says Nikolas would probably be grateful for something to keep her occupied. She says, he’d love it, but not because it kept her occupied. If she gets caught cheating, he gets everything; all the money, all the property, and she gets nothing. Franco asks how she signed off on something like that, and she says, it goes both ways. Whoever gets caught cheating loses it all. He tells her, that’s one crazy situation she got herself into, and she says, ain’t it though? He says so she can’t be with another human being; not at all? She says, until Nikolas screws up. Franco says, but what if he doesn’t?

Dev tells Cameron, what the hell’s with the asexual comment? and Cameron says Dev never talks about being interested in anyone. But now that they’re talking, is there a girl, or… someone he’s into? Dev says Cameron seems to have his hands pretty full with Josslyn and Trina. If he were Cameron, he’d stay focused on them. Dev walks away, and Cameron says he’s welcome for the soda. Dev yells back, thanks.

Finn asks if Epiphany is okay. He knows she’s tight with Sonny and his family. She says, Mike Corbin is a beautiful human being. Finn says he knows. It puts the fear of their new Chief of Staff in perspective. Britt appears, and says, she’s glad to hear it. Because she’s looking forward to working with him again.

Elizabeth says, wild guess, but she supposes Ava and Nikolas aren’t sleeping together. He says, God no, and she says, neither of them have had sex all this time? He asks if she thinks he wanted this. It was the only way to ensure Ava didn’t get his fortune. She says, it’s so twisted and dark. No sex or love until one of them cracks. She knows him, and he won’t be able to do it. He says he’s had practice. He was alone when he was recovering in Greece, and can do this. Ava will be first. She says, what if it doesn’t work? and he says, it has to. Do him a favor. Ava can never find out they kissed, and Elizabeth says Ava’s not going to hear it from her. She can’t risk Ava telling Franco. She says, Nikolas needs to fix this. He can’t keep living like this; he just can’t. She walks off, leaving him to ponder.

Ava tells Franco, she doesn’t know how she’s going to keep this up. Their kiss was a stark reminder of what she’s missing. She says, Nikolas can’t hear about it, and Franco says, Nikolas won’t hear it from him. She says, it will be their little secret, and Franco says she should reconsider the marriage. Find a way to fall in love with Nikolas, or make him fall in love with her. Franco leaves the gallery.

Carly tells Sonny how wonderful Josslyn has been with Mike, but it’s also been rewarding for her. To think back when Mike moved in, the man with the twinkle in his eye, and his amazing ability to enjoy life; Josslyn got to be around that. Even when Mike started to deteriorate. It was something else she had to go through with him, and learn from. Mike never disappointed Josslyn. She just got to enjoy and love him. Sonny says, what an incredible gift.

Josslyn tells Mike, after Oscar died, she let her grades slip. Everybody told her it was normal and she shouldn’t worry, but he knows her; she was worried. She’s been working at every extra credit project, and she’s almost at the top of her class again. If she continues – which she will – she’ll graduate with honors. If only he could be there to see it.

Josslyn walks into the living room wearing a cap and gown. Mike says, there’s their valedictorian. Is her speech ready? She says, of course (🍷), and he asks how he got such brave and brilliant granddaughter. She says he got lucky, and he says he sure did. He says there’s something for her somewhere in the room, and she sees a jewelry box in a bowl on the coffee table. She takes out a watch, and says, it’s beautiful; she loves it. He says, it belonged to Sonny’s mother. She says, Adela? Maybe he should give it to Donna or Avery. He asks, why? She’s every bit as much his as any of the grandkids. He doesn’t want her to ever think she’s different. He puts the watch on her wrist, and says he wants her to wear it to remember how fast time flies, and make the best of it, always.

Josslyn tells Mike that she wants to make him proud. She takes his hand and promises she will. She doesn’t know yet what she wants to do when she’s older, but she thinks that’s a good  thing. It weirds her out when kids her age have their whole careers planned out, when they haven’t even left the house yet. She does know this. Whatever work she ends up doing, she’ll always make room for love in her life, just like he did, even toward the end.

Mike waits in a lounge area of the MetroCourt, when Josslyn comes out in a wedding dress. She says, the party is in the ballroom, but he says, it’s too crowded. He wanted to have her all to himself for a minute. She says he can have more than a minute. He says she’s the most beautiful bride ever, and she’s sure he says that to all the ladies. He says, not today. Today he only has eyes for her. He had a talk with that husband of hers. She looks a little panicked, and he says, nothing bad. He just let him know how important she is to him, and told him to take care of her heart for the precious cargo it is. She asks what she’d do without him, and he says she’d be fine. Fortunately, they don’t have to find out for a long time. Give him a twirl. She does, and he says, that’s my girl.

She tells Mike, whatever she does, however life turns out, she’ll always be his girl.

Carly tells Sonny, in the time since Mike came to live with them, he’s experienced love and joy, and given it right back. He’s got to know in his soul that he made his family’s life better just by being there.

Finn says Britt is the new Chief of Staff? and she says, yes, indeed. She congratulates Portia on being new Chief of Internal Medicine; she knew Portia had what it takes when they worked together. Epiphany says, when she ghosted the hospital a few months back? and Britt suggests Epiphany might want to rethink her attitude. Epiphany says Britt sounds like her mother, but Britt says, she’s nothing like her mother. The only thing they have in common is that she too, runs a tight ship. It’s a whole new day at General Hospital. Finn says, is it? Elizabeth joins them, and says she didn’t know Britt was back. Britt says, Dr. Westbourne to her. Epiphany tells Elizabeth that Britt was about to tell them about this new day she has planned for the hospital. Elizabeth says, she has plans? and Britt says, as the new Chief of Staff, it’s her job is to get the hospital whipped into shape.

Trina comes into the gallery, and Ava says she wasn’t scheduled, but Trina says she could use a distraction. She thought it was also a good time to start her extra hours, if it’s okay with Ava. Ava says, of course (🍷), and asks if Trina wants to tell her why she needs a distraction. Trina says homecoming is coming up, and it’s hard not to think about the last dance she went to. Ava says she knows it’s not going to happen again, right? and Trina says, it’s going to be different. All four of them are going – her, Josslyn, Cameron, and Dev – as friends. Ava says, so she and Cameron never kissed again? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Franco sees Nikolas sitting on a bench in the park, and says it looks like he had a rough day. Nikolas says he could say that. What’s up with Franco? Franco says, not much. He was supposed to meet Elizabeth for lunch. Has Nikolas seen her?

Britt says, everyone seems shocked that she’s the new Chief of Staff. She’s almost offended. Epiphany says, let her guess. Cyrus appointed her. Britt says, yes. He reached out to her in person. Elizabeth says, Britt knows he’s an accused drug lord, right? and Britt says she does. She kept up with the news, and remembers reading that he was framed by the Commissioner’s former colleague. Some cop named… Portia says, Taggert, and Britt says, Cyrus lost years of his life, and now he’s trying to do good. Finn says, tell them how she’s going to whip GH into shape, and she says she’s been studying the state of affairs there, and was horrified at how mismanaged the hospital has been since she’s been gone. As a former employee, she takes it personally. Finn says their reputation was good until Cyrus bulldozed his way in. Britt says, the way she sees it, the unethical actions of Monica and Bobbie put the hospital at risk. Elizabeth says, the surgery was successful, and Finn says, not to mention necessary. Britt asks if they’re both willing to go on record to condone the circumventing of law and parental rights. Epiphany tells Britt to let them know when she’s ready. She and Elizabeth have patients to attend to. She tells Elizabeth, they should go before they say something they’ll regret, and Britt says they might want to check their schedules. There’s been some reassignment, and Epiphany says, by whom? Britt says, the new head nurse.

Elizabeth tells Britt, Epiphany has been head nurse since 2006, and Finn says, the hospital won’t last eight minutes without her. Portia says she’s really new there, but Epiphany is the heart of the hospital. Britt says she has no intention of stripping Epiphany of her unofficial title, and Epiphany says, just her official one. Britt says, the Chairman thought it was time to make some changes. Elizabeth wonders if it has anything to do with Britt’s past history with Epiphany, but Britt says she’s not as petty as some people. The Chairman makes the decisions. It’s not her place to intervene, unless she disagrees, which she doesn’t. Finn says he has a long history of substance abuse, and asks if it’s going to be a problem with the Chairman. Britt says she’s not interested in personal issues; she’s interested in how he runs his department. She’d like to set up a meeting, but he says he’s booked solid. She tells him to make an appointment, and come prepared. Portia asks if her job is on the line too. Epiphany and Elizabeth look at the bulletin board, and Elizabeth says Epiphany has been bumped to an administrative position. Epiphany says, no patients? and Elizabeth says, just paperwork. Epiphany says, not for long. She’ll fight it. Elizabeth says, she’s no longer full time. She’s on the satellite crew, and has a whopping two shifts a week.

Nikolas tells Franco, he hasn’t seen Elizabeth. Franco says they were supposed to have lunch. Weird, since Elizabeth texted him that she ran into Nikolas. Nikolas says, strange, and Franco says, it is. Nikolas suggests Franco call her and sort it out, and Franco says he’s embarrassed to say it, but it’s his bad. It’s later than he thought. They probably just missed each other. The time does seem to get away when he’s hanging out with Ava.

Trina tells Ava that she doesn’t want to mess up her friendship with Cameron, and Josslyn needs them now. Her grandfather is in hospice, and probably won’t be with them much longer. Ava asks if Trina can hold down the fort. There’s something she needs to do. Call if she needs anything. Ava runs out.

Carly tells Sonny, she knows it doesn’t feel like it right now, but all the memories they’ve made with Mike are there with him. Sonny says he knows. She says, his dad is thinking how lucky he is he got be a part of the family, and Sonny gave that to him. He says, they did it together, and they hug.

Josslyn says she knows it sounds silly, but she wanted Mike there for all of it.

Mike and Josslyn play checkers, and she says he should really take it easy on someone in her condition. He says, you don’t mean… and she says she had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Guess who’s going to be a great-grandfather again? He hugs her, and says she’s having a baby. Boy or girl? She says they don’t know yet. She doesn’t think they’re going to find out. He says, it’s the best surprise there is. He can’t wait. She says she can’t wait for Mike to meet him or her. He tells her, congratulations. She’s going to be a great mom. What a blessing. Josslyn says, it really is.

Josslyn tells Mike, he’s the blessing.

Portia asks Britt, so what’s her fate? Britt says she has no ill will toward Portia. She doesn’t believe Portia was involved in the Monica and Bobbie shenanigans. She has every faith that Portia will do right by General Hospital. So does Cyrus. Elizabeth tells Finn, she’s been demoted, and Epiphany says, two whole shifts a week. He says, that’s insane. Why? Elizabeth says Britt is carrying out Cyrus’s orders. He’s trying to marginalize anyone who’s been there a long time. Finn says, anyone who knows the history of the hospital. Epiphany says, what that indicates to her, is that Cyrus is going to be messing with stuff he shouldn’t be messing with, and putting everyone, especially their patients, at risk.

Nikolas says Franco is going to be late because he was hanging out with Ava? Franco says they had a little disagreement about the portrait, but they sorted it out. Franco starts to leave, and Nikolas says, good luck. Franco asks why he would need luck, and Nikolas says he just means he hopes Franco finds Elizabeth. Franco says he’ll find her.

Trina flashes back to telling Cameron that she researched PTSD, and that’s what happened. Things got scrambled. It’s fine, but what’s not fine is making the kiss something it’s not. Nothing has changed between them. She sits down.

Sonny tells Carly, he couldn’t have done it without her, and she says he’s always got her. She’s going to grab coffee, and asks if she can get him anything. He says he’s fine. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She leaves, and Ava comes along. She says she hopes she’s not intruding, and Sonny asks what she wants. She says she heard about Mike. Sonny wipes tears away, and she asks if there’s anything she can do to help.

Josslyn asks Mike if he wants to know a secret. She’s super competitive. She tells him, okay, it’s the opposite of a secret. It’s the challenge of making mistakes and trying to make up for them, like him trying to make up for leaving Sonny and his mom. She hopes she never has to do that, but if she does, she prays she can deal with it the way he showed her, and learn from the lessons he taught her. More than anything, she hopes he can hear her right now. She says, thank you, grandpa, for everything. I love you so much. His hands move, and he gives Josslyn two thumbs up.

We all cry like babies.

On Monday, Britt asks if she gets no welcome back from Felix, Olivia tells Robert that she’s going with him, Ava asks Sonny to trust her, and Jason says someone has his word.

🩺 Hail To the Chief…

The Britch is back in a big way.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/recaps/577812/britt-westbourne-named-chief-of-staff-general-hospital/

👭🏻 Two Times the Spy…

All about Anna’s twin.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-alex-devane-128961

🧩 If There’s No Body…

I never thought he was dead anyway.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bryan-craig-is-ready-to-return

👠 From Momager To Wife…

It remains to be seen if RHOBH will inherit a Kardashian.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/09/would-kris-jenner-ever-join-rhobh-andy-cohen-weighs-in/

🥀 Farewell Queen Of Thorns…

And the best Avenger ever.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/10/diana-rigg-of-the-avengers-game-of-thrones-dead-at-82/

🎡 Standing Again…

I wasn’t sure if we needed another one, but this looks like a great cast.

https://www.ihorror.com/premiere-date-is-set-for-the-stand-on-cbs-all-access/

https://www.ihorror.com/the-stand-receives-first-teaser-trailer/

🩸 New Horror Coming…

I don’t know if anything will top 1984 for me though.

https://www.ihorror.com/american-horror-story-shares-a-tease-and-begins-filming-season-10/

💉 Ratch This…

Speaking of Sarah Paulson.

https://www.ihorror.com/watch-final-lobotomy-filled-trailer-for-netflixs-ratched-is-epic/

📍 It’s Official…

And it was only a matter of time.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/02/teresa-and-joe-giudice-finalize-divorce-after-20-years-of-marriage/

📝 Quotes of the Week

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. – e.e. cummings

He got distracted by a clapping ass; it happens. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé

I’m gonna give you a prostate exam with this foot. – Medea (Tyler Perry), Boo! A Medea Halloween

Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well. – Mark Twain

A room without books is like a body without a soul. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.Mahatma Gandhi

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night. – Steve Martin

Make a pact with yourself today to not be defined by your past. Sometimes the greatest thing to come out of all your hard work isn’t what you get for it, but what you become for it. Shake things up today! Be You…Be Free…Share.Steve Maraboli

Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11. – Barack Obama

🗑 There Goes Another One…

Crossing another week off the calendar, and hoping we’re closer to a pandemical solution. Or even just some bars opening. Regardless, venture out into the world, but stay safe, stay observant, and stay making room for love in your life.

September 4, 2020 – Anna Teams Up With Valentin, a Pot Of RHOBH Tea, About Dorinda, Townhouse Not For Sale, Upstate Is Not a Cabaret, the Next Squad, Upcoming Fear, New Generation, More Beasts, The Rock Speaks, Out & In, Double the Horror, Two Treats, Triple Quint Quotes & Working

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Finn gives Alexis some water, and says, drink this. Doctor’s orders. She asks if he has some rubbing alcohol to chase it with, but he says, the bar’s closed. He tells her to talk to him about Neil, and she says when she went to sleep, he was alive, and when she woke up, he wasn’t. He asks how she found out, and she says she brought coffee to him in bed.

Molly goes to the hospital, and asks TJ if he’s all ready to go. He says he is; today was a train wreck. She says she sees beers with their name on them at The Floating Rib, and he asks if she’d be okay with take-out. He’s going to have batting practice before work, and see what Brando is made of.

Not much right now. Cyrus’s two thugs beat the snot out of him. They start to leave, and one grabs a wrench to finish Brando off, but the other one stops him, and they jet.

Jordan walks toward her office while on the phone with Taggert. She tells him, stay out of Port Charles until they’re done with Cyrus. It’s hard enough without him coming back from the dead. She’s handling it. She opens her office door, and Curtis is waiting by a beautifully set table, wearing a chef’s hat and glasses. He says her table awaits, and she sits. I have to add, he looks super cute.

On the phone with Trina, Portia says sorry she’s going to be late, and tells Trina to order out healthy. She asks who Trina is hanging out with, and says, of course (🍷) she trusts Trina. It’s other people she doesn’t trust.

At the MetroCourt, Anna looks at the sonogram picture, and Maxie says she can’t stop staring at it either. Peter tells her it was too early to tell the sex, and I wish they’d stop saying that, since it looks like it’s practically ready for kindergarten. Maxie says James is neutral on the subject, but she thinks he’s too young to understand. She wants a sister for Georgie though. Valentin comes by, and says, be careful what you wish for. Sisters can be a handful. Like Anna’s sister, right?   

Jason runs into the garage, gun drawn, and looks around. Sam and Spinelli come in, and Sam runs to Brando. Jason checks his pulse, and she asks if he’s alive. Jason says, for now. They worked him over pretty good. He tells Spinelli to call an ambulance, but Sam says they can take him themselves. Jason tells Spinelli to help get him to the car, then come back and get the camera. They take Brando out, and Sam closes the door.

Curtis lights the candles on the table, and Jordan says, what is all this? Did he think she’d be raiding the vending machine for dinner? He says they can’t have that, and welcomes her to Chez Cop, where they pride themselves on fine dining. Would she like sparkling water, or still water from the great state of New York? She says, sparkling, and he says, like her eyes. She laughs, and he says, tonight, the chef has insisted on picking out her entrée himself. She says, what a welcome surprise, and he says he just works there. She can take it up with her dinner companion. He excuses himself.

Molly asks if TJ and Brando are hanging out, and he says he thought he’d take a break and they could visit the batting cages. He can take out his obsession on someone else. She likes Brando, right? She flashes back to sleeping with Brando, and says she doesn’t know him well enough to like or dislike him; he seems like a good guy. TJ says she told him that he should widen his circle outside if the hospital. She thinks he should be a little careful, and he says, of who? Brando? Why? She tells him, Sam said he was recovering from an injury. He doesn’t want Brando to get hurt. She’s seen TJ transform into a relentless and dirty player as soon as he steps on the field. He says he’ll take it easy, but not too much. You never know when you’ll get blindsided. She says he should discuss it with Monica, but he says she’s no longer there. She and Bobbie were fired. Molly says, impossible, but he says the board fired them under orders from their new benefactor.

Curtis comes back in, after changing clothes, and tells Jordan, sorry he’s late. He hopes she hasn’t been waiting long. She says, no, but she might run off with the hot waiter. She’s going to give him a big tip. (I sit hard on a joke here.) He says he heard the cuisine is great, and lifts the cover on her plate. She says, lake trout, and he says, and sweet tea, straight from Baltimore. Like old times. She says, it’s not their anniversary or her birthday. What gives? He says he doesn’t need an excuse pamper his wife, but she says she was just wondering if he has one.

Finn tells Alexis that he’s sorry for her loss, and she says she is too. She’s sorry she doesn’t know what to say or how to feel. The worst part is… never mind. He says he’s calling a meeting here and now, but she says, that’s against the rules. You can’t have a meeting with two people. He says, it’s an exclusive club, and pulls out a chair. She sits, and he says she has a safe space. What’s the worst part? She says she and Neil finally decided to go forward together, and he died in her bed. She takes it very personally.

Valentin hopes he’s not interrupting, and Anna says she’s sure she’s held on to these lovely people way too long. Maxie says she has a meeting with Lucy, and Valentin asks if it’s about Deception. She says, it’s more of a concept meeting, but she’ll let him know what comes of it. Anna tells them, you two take care, or should she say three? They leave, and Valentin asks if he can join her. She says, please, and he says she’s happy to see him. She’s only happy to see him when she needs something. Does she need something? She says she’s going after Alex, and needs him as back-up.

Spinelli tries to reach camera, but can’t, so he gets a toolbox to stand on. He hears Peter and Maxie coming, and runs to sit in a chair. They walk in, and he says, Maxinista… and companion. Maxie asks why he’s there, and he says, car trouble. His van is increasingly temperamental. She says she thought he used his electric bike in warmer weather, but he says he didn’t want the van to suffer from lack of use. Peter says he needs a new crankshaft. The dealer said it would take two weeks to install, so he thought he’d try his luck with the local mechanic. Maxie sees the mess, and says, if this is the way he keeps his shop, she’s not sure Peter wants him working on the car. Peter says he can call the other company tomorrow, but Spinelli assures him, it’s worth the wait. He’s sure Brando just stepped out for a few minutes. In the meantime, they can chat; catch up, as it were. Peter looks like, huh?

Valentin says Anna is going after Alex? and she says she thought that would get his attention. He says Alex betrayed him. She exploited his infatuation with Anna, and performed a treasonous act, leaving him holding the bag. If not for her, he might have spent his career with the WSB. Anna says Alex wasn’t solely responsible for his fall from grace. He says she’ll never see him as a victim, and she says he may very well have been set up, but he crossed the line on his own. He says this is no way to ask him a favor, but she says she’ll be doing him a favor; he can bring Alex to justice. The waitress brings the drinks, and Anna wonders where to start. Valentin says he thought she lost Alex’s trail last year. She says she found it again, and he asks, why him? She says, it’s a two person job, but he says there are plenty of other agents. She says they would get in her way. She needs his talent. She needs his special brand of selective ethics. He asks how old the lead is, and she says, less than an hour old. Alex wants to meet her in Berlin. Alex claims she wants to stop running. He asks, why now? but Anna tells him, she didn’t say. Anna wants to find out, and she’s going to Berlin. She wasn’t sure about it, but then she saw him, and it all clicked. She wants him to come with her, and they can both bring Alex in together. Valentin doesn’t know who the greater fool is; her for going, or him, for going along with her.

Alexis tells Finn, before he met her, Neil had a career and a life. Now he has no career and no life. She can’t help but think she sent him to an early grave. Finn says she didn’t; she can’t bring on someone’s death by loving them. She says she cared about Neil. They had something. Finn tells her, then honor that.

Curtis wonders if all wives are this suspicious, or is it a hazard of the job? She says she should know better than to question a romantic gesture, and Curtis says he figured she was due for an interlude, given all the hours she’s been putting in, and the pressure. She says the main priority has been to find Nelle, and make sure she’s not out there plotting. Curtis says, and she has Cyrus to contend with. Does she have any idea what he’s up to? She says she knows he seized GH for the sole purpose of upping his PR, but she needs to uncover his plan, and put him away for good. He says, sounds obvious, but Cyrus is never far behind her – or him. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t let it go. Every time he sees Trina, he asks himself, if he had made a different call, would her father still be alive? She takes it Trina is still giving him a hard time, and he says, only when she sees him. She says she knows him, and he needs to stop tiptoeing around. He says he tried confronting Trina. He tried talking things through, and tried to apologize, but no matter what he does, he just makes it worse. She thinks Portia might be able to help. If anyone can bring him and Trina together, it’s her mother.

Portia sees Brando in the ER, and asks what they have. Sam says they found him like this, and brought him in. She asks if he’s spoken, and Jason says, he has, but he’s not making sense. Portia tells them to get out, and Sam says, but… Portia says now. Outside, Sam says, this is Cyrus. Cyrus had to have done it.

Cyrus messes with his phone, and Molly tells TJ, you’d think someone who was a benefactor for the hospital would have asked Monica and Bobbie for guidance instead of firing them. They’re pillars of the hospital. If her mom was still practicing, she’d file a wrongful termination suit. TJ says, there’s always Diane, and Molly says, if Monica and Bobbie want to fight, it’s their choice. She’s going to mind her business, and behave. TJ says, she can if she wants, but he won’t. Cyrus approaches and tries to introduce himself, holding out his hand. TJ says he knows who Cyrus is, and don’t offer his hand unless he wants TJ to spit on it.

Finn tells Alexis, if she needs anything, she can call anytime. She says she knows that, and thanks him. He suggests she go to a meeting. She doesn’t have to share. She says she is going to go to a meeting – later. He says, later is the first step toward never, but she says she’s not avoiding it. She’s meeting the medical examiner. They owe her a favor, and she’s getting the preliminary report on Neil’s autopsy. Finn asks if Neil ever mentioned an underlying condition or family history, but she says, nothing. He asks if she and Neil had regular contact, and she says they’d been actively avoiding each other. Finn says it would have given Neil time to develop something, and she says, something she would have picked up on if she’d acted on her feelings sooner.

Cyrus says he has no idea what he’s done to merit TJ’s hostility. TJ says Monica and Bobbie deserved better than what Cyrus gave them. Cyrus says they opened the hospital up to a massive lawsuit, and were fired for cause. TJ asks if he considered the lives they’ve saved, their work in the community, and inspiration to others to work in the medical profession, like him. Cyrus says he had no idea they’d had such an impact on TJ, using his name. TJ says, Cyrus knows him? and Cyrus says he would recognize his mother’s fire anywhere.

Jordan tells Curtis, it doesn’t do any good for Trina to misdirect her grief about what happened to Taggert. She thinks Portia can help. Curtis says he didn’t want to confuse things, and Jordan says she thought everything was in the past. He says, it is, but he ran into Portia at Kelly’s after the Nurses Ball. They had a good talk, and he’d rather leave it there. They have enough going on with Cyrus. Why add one more burden? Jordan flashes back to being with Jason on the pier, and telling him that Curtis doesn’t know about Taggert. So much time has passed, if she tells him now, it could destroy her marriage. She tells Curtis, she and Taggert worked together on a difficult assignment, and he trusted her to have his back. She wants the gift of peace for Trina, and Curtis. Her desk phone rings, and he says, might as well get it. It will drive her crazy if she doesn’t. She answers, and says she’s on her way. She tells Curtis, sorry, and he says, don’t tell him; Cyrus.

Sam asks if they should call Sonny, but Jason says, he’s focused on Mike, and it’s more important. Sam says, maybe they should get the footage, and Jason says, it’s got to be Cyrus. It’s his way of pushing the boundaries of the truce without openly breaking it. Portia comes out, and Sam asks how Brando is. Jason asks if he’s going to be all right.

Valentin tells Anna, he has a daughter now. He has to consider things differently. He also just acquired ELQ, and the Quartermaines have the resources to take it back. He has to be there. She says, what if Alex is a threat to Peter? Peter’s grasp on happiness is fragile at best. He remade himself into a good man; he’s expecting his first child. If Alex undermines that, it could hurt Peter, Maxie, and the baby. You’d think Valentin would want to help Peter, given the way he messed up Peter’s life.

On the phone, Maxie tells Lucy, don’t sign anything until she gets there. They’re not risking Deception’s reputation on an untested product. She’ll be right there. She tells Peter, sorry she has to go. Peter says he’ll wait. If Brando doesn’t show up, he’ll go the other route. Maxie leaves, and Peter hopes it’s worth the wait, and Spinelli says, Brando should be back imminently. He tells Peter, it’s too bad Maxie had to leave, and Peter says, is it? He got the distinct impression Spinelli wanted to talk to him. Spinelli says, at the Nurses Ball, a little birdie whispered something disconcerting in his ear about Peter. He and Shiloh apparently go way back and far away, overseas even.

Cyrus tells TJ, he’s privileged to meet Jordan’s son at last. He sees they share passion. He’s grateful for her keen sense of justice. She freed him when he was wrongly sent to prison. TJ says where’s the justice in him firing Monica and Bobbie? but Cyrus says they were a liability, and had to go to preserve the hospital’s integrity. He wants to see the hospital survive and thrive. He hopes someday TJ can appreciate that, even to the point of shaking his hand. TJ holds out his hand, but fakes Cyrus out, and says, don’t hold your breath. I wonder how many times they had to do that without laughing. TJ and Molly walk off, and Cyrus goes to the elevator. Curtis is there, and says, bad strategy, when Curtis knows what he knows. Cyrus says, TJ works for him now. Sooner all later, everyone does. Cyrus goes into the elevator, and when the doors close, Curtis says Cyrus is going to find out he’s wrong about that, and a whole lot more.

Finn says he thinks Alexis is trying to make sense of something that happened to someone important to her, someone she cared about. She asks if he has any suggestion on how not to do that. He says, breathe, talk to someone, practice self-care. The verbiage is obnoxious (thank you, Finn! I think so too), but the concept is good. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Jordan. She says she was told Alexis was with him, and asks if she can speak to Alexis alone. Alexis asks, what about? and Jordan says, Neil’s death.

Portia says Brando has multiple contusions and lacerations, and possibly fractured ribs. He’s going to get x-rays and a CT scan. Jason asks if he’s speaking, and Portia says he’s alert, and gave her permission to talk to them. Jason asks what the prognosis is, and she says, he has some healing to do, but he’ll recover. They’re keeping him for a few days for observation. Sam asks when they can speak to him, and Portia says, as soon as the nurse is finished. She leaves, and Sam says, that was convincing. Jason asks if she thinks it was staged, and Sam says, if Brando has thrown in with Cyrus, it’s what he’d want Sonny to see. Jason says no one knew Brando was being watched. His guess is that Brando is collateral damage, and they’re sending a message to Sonny. Sam says, or maybe Brando was going to come clean, and it was a way of discouraging him. Oh, come on. Brando could kill Cyrus and all of his associates, and burn down all of Cyrus’s warehouses, and Sam would still be like, I don’t know…  Jason says, Brando’s story hasn’t changed. Jason believes him. Sam says, Brando admitted to Cyrus being in the garage, and Jason asks how hard would it be to tamper with his bike while Brando was distracted? Cyrus approaches, and asks how the patient is.

Molly tells TJ, that just now, was a thing of beauty. Cyrus isn’t used to someone speaking truth to power. TJ says he had no idea how Cyrus would respond. He didn’t know Cyrus would bring up his mom; it threw him off. Molly says, it didn’t work. He just kept hammering at Cyrus. Curtis joins them, and says he hopes they’re hungry. He doesn’t want the lake trout to go to waste. Molly says Curtis should have been there. TJ handed Cyrus’s ass to him, metaphorically speaking. TJ says, he doesn’t want to brag, but he was stoked. Curtis should have been there. Curtis says, yeah – to stop him.

Cyrus tells Jason and Sam, he heard Brando was in the ER. Jason asks where he heard that, and Cyrus says he takes an interest in every patient who comes through the doors of GH. He’s particularly interested with anyone who has ties to Sonny. Which reminds him. He understands Jason checked out against doctor’s orders. Jason says he’s fine, and Cyrus says, that’s more than can be said about Sonny’s father. Such a shame. So many tragedies on so many fronts. It’s all Sonny can do to keep his head above water. Jason says, that’s why Sonny has him.

Sam goes in to see Brando and asks how he feels. He says, like he should have gone back to Chicago. She tells him, the doctor says he’ll recover, which is good news. Does he remember anything? He says, besides waking up there, he remembers he got jumped. She asks if he knew the guys and if they said anything. He says, it’s fuzzy. One minute, he was fighting for his life, and the next thing he knew, he was there, with a doctor shining a light in his eyes. She says, if it makes him feel any better. She and Jason found him and brought him in. He says, great timing.

Alexis says she doesn’t know what she can tell Jordan that she didn’t tell Detective Spencer. Jordan asks if they can use Finn’s office, but he’s hesitant, so she says they can talk outside.

Valentin says Anna knows Alex is setting her up, and Anna says, of course (🍷), but she’ll never suspect Anna being with him. He asks what she’s going to do when she finds Alex. The WSB won’t prosecute; they’d rather pretend Alex doesn’t exist. They’re happier with her on the lam. Is Anna willing to arrange an untimely accident? He says Anna is hesitant and desperate; he notices her voice wavering. Alex will be waiting for her to make a mistake, and she can’t slip. Professional rule number one, objectively access the situation. Two, find the subject’s weaknesses, and three… She says, seize the initiative, and finish them. She’s going to play Alex’s game. She wants to set a trap, and wants Valentin to help her.

Peter tells Spinelli, unfounded rumors, and Spinelli says, as Georgie’s father, it’s his duty to make sure Georgie and Maxie are protected. Peter says his constant intrusion reads more like jealousy. Spinelli assures Peter that he’s content with Ellie. Peter wonders if Ellie would say the same. Spinelli says his personal life is none of Peter’s business, and Peter says Spinelli isn’t endearing himself to Maxie or him. He’s tried to get along, but Spinelli is making it hard, like he wants Peter as an enemy rather than a friend. Spinelli asks if Peter didn’t arrange for Drew’s kidnapping. Then, Shiloh used the information to make Peter help him escape. Peter asks, who’s spreading these lies? and Drew says Shiloh’s widow confided in him. Nelle is a known liar, but perhaps Peter will shed more light on it. In the meantime, sorry to trouble him. Spinelli says, good luck with his crankshaft, and leaves.

Alexis says she’s been through this with the detective, but Jordan says she wants to hear it directly. Alexis says, Neil came over, Sam was there, and Sam left. They talked. Jordan says, about anything in particular? and Alexis says they talked about their love for each other, and how they were looking forward to a happy future together. They went upstairs, made love, and went to sleep. Jordan says, Neil was happy, and asks if there was anything unusual about his behavior. Alexis says, he wasn’t hopping and skipping around. He was his usual self. Intelligent, articulate, and with a dry wit. What is this about? Jordan says she got the preliminary autopsy results, and Alexis asks how Neil died.

Jordan tells Alexis, the preliminary report says Neil died from respiratory failure of the heart and lungs. Alexis wonders what would make him stop breathing, and Jordan says, drugs. He died from an OD.

Molly tells Curtis, he doesn’t understand. Cyrus just fired Monica and Bobbie. TJ was standing up for them. Curtis says he applauds TJ’s integrity, but not his instinct. Do not pick a fight with Cyrus. TJ asks, what’s the worst Cyrus can do? Drop him from the medical program? Cyrus was exonerated. Curtis says, he’s still dangerous to a lot of people, but TJ says he refuses to be silenced. Curtis says, let it go. Nothing TJ says is going to affect Cyrus. TJ says, maybe he should take action, but Curtis says it could cost him a lot. TJ says, so he’ll be thrown out and not get a reference. He’ll transfer to Mercy Hospital.

Brando tells Sam, he had a run in with Cyrus’s lieutenant. He stopped by to ask if Brando needed help, and his implication had been clear. Sam asks what he said, and Brando tells her that he said no thank you. She can draw her own conclusions. Jason says he already has, and knows Brando had nothing to do with his accident. It was all Cyrus.

Anna comes into the hospital, and sees Finn. He says he wasn’t sure when he’d hear from her again. She says she wanted to let him know that she’s made the decision not to go to Berlin. She’ll figure out another way to deal with her sister. I’m guessing this is Alex, who is sending Anna on another wild goose chase while she wreaks havoc in Port Charles. Again.

Maxie calls Peter, who says he’s still at the garage. She asks if the mechanic ever showed, and he says, not yet. What happened with Lucy? Maxie says she got there just in time, before Lucy put them in dept to a Korean conglomerate for the next 13 years. She asks when he’s coming home, and he says he’s going to wait a little while for the mythical mechanic. He’ll let her know when he’s on his way. He hangs up, and calls Valentin. He says, Nelle Benson Jerome. He’s dealing with her. Valentin says, can he ask why? and Peter says, because she’s been running her mouth, and it could blow up his life. Spinelli watches on the laptop, and says, gotcha.

On Monday, GH will be a repeat. On Tuesday, Valentin talks to Julian, Brando thinks there’s something else behind Jason’s change of heart, and Olivia arrives at he WSB facility.

💎 More RHOBH Than You Can Handle…

Garcelle isn’t having it.

https://theblast.com/141556/rhobh-star-garcelle-beauvais-claps-back-at-claims-of-stiffing-ky

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/04/rhobh-garcelle-beauvais-says-kyle-richards-is-full-of-s-t-after-kyle-claims-she-reached-out-to-garcelle-multiple-times-to-collect-charity-donation-and-suggests-she-ma/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/28/garcelle-beauvais-implies-lisa-rinna-vilified-her-after-deleted-rhobh-scene-sheds-a-new-light-on-her-comments-about-amelia-see-the-deleted-scene-which-she-wishes-had-been-aired/

Denise 10, LisaR minus 100.

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-season-10-why-everyone-is-mad-at-denise-richards-explained/

https://www.inquisitr.com/6251019/brandi-glanville-denise-richards-fake-text-messages/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/03/rhobh-fans-upset-over-denise-richards-being-attacked-at-reunion-by-lisa-rinna-and-costars-as-denise-says-she-was-a-punching-bag-for-the-cast-plus-she-claims-producers-didnt-show-how-daughter-sa/

It’s sad that the best Brandi can do is talk about Denise, since she has nothing going on in her own life. No one ever said Denise was an angel. Brandi also needs to make up her mind about why she blabbed.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/26/brandi-glanville-admits-she-first-told-a-rhobh-costar-off-camera-about-affair-claim-before-sharing-allegation-on-camera-brings-up-denise-richards-relationship-with-her-ex-bff-heather-locklea/

Even Kate is Team Denise.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/04/below-decks-kate-chastain-dishes-on-bad-experiences-with-luann-de-lesseps-and-stassi-schroeder-as-she-disses-pump-rules-plus-she-talks-dorindas-exit-from-rhony-and-shades-brandi-for-wantin/

🗽 Making It Not So Nice…

How things ended.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-dorinda-medley-calls-out-tinsley-mortimer-for-breaking-her-contract-in-explosive-season-finale/

Leah spills the tea, and loves Dorinda anyway.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/03/leah-mcsweeney-says-dorinda-medley-wasnt-thrilled-about-rhony-exit-and-reacts-to-her-departure-shares-how-sonja-is-most-difficult-costar-dating-rhony-live-viewing/

💧 But What About That Leak…?

The listing for Sonja’s townhouse, albeit late, since she ended up taking it off the market.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/rhony-star-sonja-morgans-upper-east-side-townhouse-wants-10-75m/

🎉 I Was At a Party Here…

Oh wait. That was on TV.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/rhony-star-luann-de-lesseps-just-listed-her-waterfront-hudson-valley-home/

🦈 King Shark Do-Do-Do-Do-Do-Do…

A new Suicide Squad is coming.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/suicide-squad-fans-freaking-out-dc-fandome-reveals/#10

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-cast-michael-rooker-character-fandome/

⚰️ Fear This…

Scott Gimple has teased that the series will be playing around with time in Fear the Walking Dead’s new season. Why, Lord? Why?

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-photos-group-divided-anthology/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-promo-spoilers-morgan-jones-is-dead/#2

🎸 Most Excellent…

A great offset for the heaviness of real life.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/bill-ted-face-the-music-is-exactly-the-summer-movie-2020-needs/#4

🐉 More Fantastic…

I can’t wait. I’m a real sucker for CGI animals.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/fantastic-beasts-3-resuming-production-in-september/

🥘 Smell What the Rock Is Cookin’…

Duane Johnson has some words of wisdom.

https://people.com/movies/dwayne-johnson-family-test-positive-covid-19/

📺 Endings & Beginnings…

Shows we’ll say goodbye to this year.

https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/shows-ending-in-2020/

And shows to say hello to.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-best-new-tv-shows-to-watch-this-fall/

🛤 My Kind Of Country…

A double-layer of horror.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/lovecraft-country-review-hbo-horror-jordan-peele/

🎏 Two Amusing Things…

A look back on Miss America and controversy.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/22/the-biggest-controversies-from-the-miss-america-pageant/

The inspiration for one of my favorite comedies.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/22/drew-barrymore-confirms-weekend-at-bernies-rumor-about-grandfather/

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Do you think that’s a cultural thing?  ** It’s a bullsh*t thing. – Alexi and Loren Brovarnik, respectively, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé

We shall not be here forever. One day the kind old nurse will come and rock us all to sleep. Let us help one another while we may.Unknown

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

You are beautiful. Your beauty, just like your capacity for life, happiness, and success, is immeasurable.Steve Maraboli

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

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

If this bitch was any dumber, you’d have to water her. – Joan (Regina Hall), About Last Night

There is so much wealth and so much misery at the same time, that it seems incredible that people can endure such class difference, and accept such a form of hunger while on the other hand, the millionaires throw away millions on stupidities. Frida Kahlo

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. – Ida B. Wells

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Dennis P. Kimbro

Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face. – Carol Moseley-Braun

Well-behaved women seldom make history. – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

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

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. – Beverly Sills

🥁 In Conclusion…

It’s here. A three-day weekend. Otherwise known as three consecutive days, if you work all the time or not at all. Whatever it is to you, stay safe, stay composed, and stay making hay while the sun shines. Or even when it rains.

September 2, 2020 – Olivia Leaves For Geneva, the Virtual Reunion Begins, RHOBH BS, Kyle In Court, Dorinda Is Offended, Dolores Is Thirsty, Death By Alexis & Night

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Anna tells Maxie and Peter that she wants to have a dinner party at her house to celebrate the happy news. It is happy news, right? Maxie says, it was a surprise, but they’re happy. Anna still can’t believe they’re having a baby, and Maxie says neither can she.

On the phone, Robert tells Spinelli that he’ll be out of town for a couple of days. Keep him in the loop about Peter. Nine months will go by in a flash. Before the kid pops out, he wants Maxie to know the truth about its father.

Olivia rushes around, and Ned says, she’s still determined to leave? She says she has to, but he says she doesn’t. She says she does if she wants to see her son again. Robert’s friend is only temporarily in charge, and doing him a huge favor. A month from now, there might be someone in charge who won’t let Dante have visitors. She has to go now. He asks where that leaves Brook.

Brook touches her throat. Lulu and Dustin come by, and Dustin asks if she’s up for visitors. She just looks at them, and Lulu says she doesn’t know how Brook is feeling, but she looks great. Dustin agrees, and asks how she is. Brook writes, Fantastic. You can go now.

Sasha meets Chase at the café, and apologizes for being late. He thanks her for meeting him, and she says his text made it sound important. He says he wants her to know that he’s prepared to tell Willow the truth about their affair, or non-affair. She says he’s out of his mind.

In the park, Michael spreads out a blanket, and Willow asks if they’re hovering. It’s the nanny’s job to watch Wiley. Michael says, it’s not personal; Wiley was just kidnapped. Willow says they can’t use that as a reason to turn into helicopter parents; it’s not fair to Wiley. He says that’s why they’re all the way over here. She says he makes it sound reasonable, and he says hovering time is only a temporary thing. They’ll be back to normal at some point. They’ve got to go back to work. Willow says, but not today, and he says, not today. Today they can hang out and watch Wiley on the swings, and appreciate that he’s home safe. She says she couldn’t ask for anything more, and he says, he could.

Carly and Sonny enter the stables, followed by Felix, pushing Mike in a wheelchair. Sonny points out a horse, and says, looks like a winner. Felix says Mike wants to see what the other options are before they bet. Sonny says, sounds like a plan, and Felix takes Mike over to the horses. Carly asks if Sonny is okay, and he says, it’s near the end. He can feel it, and just wanted to spend as much time as he can with his father; every day, every hour. Carly says, a wise man once said, sounds like a plan, and she kisses his forehead.

Carly says there’s something she has to tell Sonny. He knows how much she hates being wrong. That’s why they get along. He’s the only person who hates being wrong more than she does. He says, fair enough, and she says when he told her that he was taking Mike there, she got scared. She thought he was hiding from reality, and pushing Mike to do something he didn’t want to. She thought it was denial or magical thinking, that he was trying to make it better, but she was wrong. It was the best gift he could have given Mike. How wonderful is it to watch Mike enjoying himself. He says, absolutely wonderful.

Michael says he spoke to Diane. It will be tricky. He has full custody, but Nelle is still Wiley’s biological mother. They can go the abandonment route. Willow says she has no idea where he’s going with this, and he admits he’s all over the place. What he was trying to say is, once Diane can legally put the question of Nelle to rest, he wants Willow to adopt Wiley.

Chase tells Sasha, every reason Michael and Willow had to get married is gone. Nelle was banished, she literally slashed Brook’s throat, and kidnapped Wiley. That’s kidnapping and assault with intent to kill. There’s no way Nelle will be allowed near Wiley again. It’s over, and Wiley is safe for the rest of his life. He can tell Willow what happened, and why. Sasha asks what he thinks will happen then. Willow will say, great news, return Michael’s ring, kiss Wiley goodbye, and run into his arms? He says, she’ll be angry at first, but eventually she’ll understand. She loves him. She says, Willow loves Wiley more, the way a mother should love a child. In Willow’s heart, that’s what she is to Wiley. That’s why they did this. He can’t put something in motion, and think he can control the outcome. You can’t un-ring a bell, and no matter how bad he wants to, you can’t ungive up someone’s love.

Lulu tells Brook, they have something in common. She’s also known the terror of being stabbed and left to die. She’s sure Brook must have followed the Ryan Chamberlain nightmare. When she came to, she was terrified. It took a long time to get over the trauma. It felt like someone had stolen something so deeply personal, she’d never get it back. She gets it, and she’s around if Brook wants to commiserate. Dustin suggests they let Brook get some rest, and says he’ll check in soon.

Ned tells Olivia, Brook is in ICU, and refusing to see him. Olivia is the one – and he thanks her for it – who reached out, and put Brook up in the MetroCourt after he threw her out. Olivia asks why he’s saying this like she wasn’t there, and he says he wants to make her understand that she’s the only one Brook will allow to help her. She thinks he’s mistaken. She’d allow Sonny to help her, and Michael. Michael is probably dicey right now, since he’s technically a Quartermaine, and she wants to keep them out of her life. She gets how much he wants to make it work, and he says she can make help make that happen. She can be the bridge, and get Brook to accept his help. She says, it’s not about Brook accepting help, but accepting help from him. He says, because he’s her father, he needs Olivia’s help to help his daughter. And whether she wants to admit it or not, Brook needs him.

Anna says, it will be a small dinner party; them, her and Finn, Mac and Felicia. They can just sit back and be celebrated. Maxie says, sounds great, and Peter agrees. He says he couldn’t have imagined coming to Port Charles and falling in love. Anna says, and being a family man. Maxie says, before he knows it, he’ll be driving a minivan, but she still wants an edge. She says they have to meet Dustin and Lulu before their appointment at the hospital, and Peter asks if Anna is sure. Anna says, this is what you do when you celebrate family. Peter says, family. He likes the sound of that. Anna says, don’t mess it up, and Maxie says she won’t let him. Anna watches them leave, and Robert startles her. He asks if something’s wrong.

Sonny says, when he was a kid, his dad took him to the track; it was something fun to do. His dad was always so happy; he loved being there. He knew everybody, and everybody knew him. Carly says, it must have been so cool, and Sonny says, he thinks before gambling became an addiction, his dad was at his best at the track. He loved horses, and the people who handled the horses. He loved the whole experience. She says she understands what he’s saying, to a point. She thinks Mike is his best self when he’s with Sonny. She thinks that’s why it was so hard for so long, because Mike left parts of himself behind when he left Sonny. Now that he’s at the end, Mike is his best self all over again. Thanks to Sonny.

Willow says, Michael… and he asks if it’s too much too soon. She says, no. She wanted this. He doesn’t have to pay her back. He says, it’s not about that, and she asks if he’s sure. He’s conscientious to a fault, and trips over himself thanking her and giving her credit. It wasn’t the sacrifice he thinks. She was happy to testify, and loves being married to his family, and being Wiley’s stepmom. He says, it’s not about thanking her. He wants her to adopt Wiley for him, so legally, she has claim on Wiley, but also so Wiley has claim on her.

Sasha tells Chase, Michael and Willow are adults with feelings. They love Wiley, and are committed to making him happy. He can’t show up just because Wiley was kidnapped. Doesn’t that mean he’s playing God again? He’s counting on Willow choosing him, but why would she? He lied, and deliberately broke her heart. She won’t forgive him any more than Michael would forgive her. There’s no going back. Their only option is to move on. He says maybe that works for her, throwing herself into her career, but he’s in love with Willow. He can’t and won’t give her up.

Robert tells Anna that he’s going to Holly’s memorial; his flight is tonight. Anna is glad he’s out of his strange denial, and facing things head on. He says he thought he’d take one more crack at hers, but she says, it’s not about Peter. He says, when isn’t it? and she says, for him, never.

Carly says, such beautiful animals, and Felix comes back with Mike. Sonny asks how it went, and Felix says his father can be mayor if Laura ever decides to step down. Sonny says, it’s good to be with friends, and Mike nods. Carly says she saw a concession stand. She and Felix can go while Sonny has a chat with his dad. They leave, and Sonny starts to bring a horse over to Mike, but Mike gets up. Sonny helps him, and asks if he’s okay. Mike nods, and Sonny says, Carly was saying, they’re beautiful animals. Mike says, uh-huh, and Sonny asks if Mike’s sure he’s got it. Mike says, uh-huh, and takes the horses head in his hands. He runs his face along the horse’s nose and kisses it, and I’m going to burst out crying any second. Mike looks at Sonny, and Sonny asks, what is it? Mike puts his hand on his heart, and says, thank you, son, and kisses Sonny’s cheek. That squishing sound is Mike stepping all over my heart.

Anna says she knows what Robert is going to say, word for word. She’s playing a game, and he thinks she’s ignoring the warnings everyone has given her. She’s cleared the way for Maxie to allow the relationship to be serious, and now she and Peter are having a child together. Robert says, he murdered Drew, and she says, according to you. He says, according to a lot of people. She says, what if she finds out Peter is the evil mastermind Robert claims he is? Maxie will be devastated, more so than when she lost Nathan. Even worse, Anna allowed it to happen because she ignored the proof and her instincts to believe what she wanted, instead of going where the facts led her. Is she close? He says, wow. Clearly he doesn’t need to be having this fight with her. She’s having it with herself.

Ned says, please, and Olivia says he’s telling her that his daughter is more important than her son. He’s asking her to choose between their children. He says, Dante’s situation is terrible, but static. Nothing has changed in over a year. Brook is recovering, and rejected him. She needs him right now. She says she understands. It’s a horrible situation for him, but Brook is getting better. It’s not like Brook won’t be there, and can’t reach out. If he truly needs her to build a bridge, wait a couple of days. Ned says, so she’s flying to Geneva to break her own heart.

Sasha comes by Brook’s room, and asks if it’s a bad time. Brook writes, They’re all bad times, so… Sasha says she brought Brook something, and gives her a gift bag. Brook takes out a small box, and Sasha says, it’s Deception’s new moisturizer. Of all the things she hated when she was in the hospital, dry skin was at the top of the list. It’s amazing, and all natural. Brook writes, Thank you, and Sasha says, you’re welcome. She’s going to totally take advantage of the fact that Brook can’t talk. She can type all she wants, but Sasha will ignore her. Chase is not a dirtbag.  

Willow tells Michael, of course (🍷) she wants to adopt Wiley. She wants Wiley to have claim on her forever. He says, but…? and she says, no buts. She’ll happily, wholeheartedly adopt Wiley, as soon as she’s legally able to, but – he says, there it is – since that hasn’t happened yet, and there’s a legal pause… He tells her, just say it, and she says she wants to make sure he’s not doing this because he felt like it was wrong to kiss her. Chase approaches, but stays behind some bushes. Willow says she doesn’t want him to do it because he feels it shouldn’t have happened or whatever. He says they promised to be honest, and not try to protect each other with lies, which is where Chase and Sasha ended up. He doesn’t regret the kiss. He regrets the timing, because he knows she’s still in love with Chase. He wants her to know that he completely respects that. She thanks him, and says, since they’re being honest, she doesn’t regret the kiss either. He and Wiley are too important to her, and she can’t mess this up. They can’t rush into things and make assumptions. He’s Wiley’s father, and there’s nothing more important than giving Wiley a stable, loving family. Chase listens.

Michael tells Willow, this is weird to say, but as horrible as Nelle is, he considers it a gift, waiting to see what happens. They can get to know each other and be a family. See where they are, and find their comfort level. Willow says she doesn’t want to rush, and he says they’ll take it day by day. She says, day by day is great with her. Remember how she told him Nina stopped by? He asks how it went, and she says, surprisingly well. Nina was really kind, which she’s never have believed would happen, since Nina tried to have her fired over Charlotte. He says, maybe Nina learned to appreciate her, and she says she’s learned to appreciate Nina too. Nina taught her how to play backgammon. He says, it’s a fun game, and she asks if he plays. He says, a little, and she asks how much a little is. He suggests they play, and she can find out, but she has the feeling she’s being set up. Behind that innocent face is the heart of a shark.

Sasha tells Brook, Chase is the opposite of a dirtbag. He’s the greatest guy. What happened with them, she was feeling overwhelmed with no way to solve Wiley’s problem. The only person who could keep Willow in Wiley’s life was Michael, if he married her. Chase wanted be the hero, but only Michael could. As for her, she was feeling alone and scared, and completely over her head. There was no way she was ready to be married, let alone be an insta-mom. She kissed Chase first, so don’t hold him responsible.

Ned says Dante has told Olivia that he doesn’t want to see her. It’s not a choice between kids; she can help Brook. This is just going to be another futile attempt at reaching out to Dante. She asks if he’s telling her that she’s wasting  her time helping her own son, and he says he thinks she’s better off honoring Dante’s wishes, and leaving him alone. Olivia says she doesn’t understand how it’s possible for him to give her advice, considering he threw his daughter out of the family home like a common criminal. She would never abandon her children. She goes upstairs.

Anna says Robert can’t accept that Peter and Maxie are happy. It’s over. Does he want to accept that a beautiful, innocent baby is on the way, and represents a whole new chapter, or does he want to continue dredging up misery in his endless quest to be right? What sounds better? He says she has two choices. Keep avoiding the truth, or step up and face it. She says he’s going to be late for his flight, and he leaves.

Maxie and Peter get to the café, and Maxie says, sorry they’re late, but Lulu says they just got there. Maxie says they met up with Anna, and Peter says, she’s excited to be a grandma again. Maxie asks how Lulu and Dustin are doing, and Lulu says they just came from seeing Brook. Maxie says, was it horrible? and Lulu says, in a word, yes.

Mike says, sure is a beauty, and Sonny says, sure is. He’s been thinking a lot about the equestrian park. He asks if Mike remembers the night he spent there with Avery. He asks if Mike wants to sit, but Mike says, no. Sonny says, Mike and Avery got lost, and they were worried, but Dante found them. Does he know who Dante is; his grandson? Mike says, yeah, and Sonny says, Dante brought them home safe and sound. A lot has happened since then; a lot of loss, but a lot gain. He’s happy he was able to bring Mike there, a place where Mike just loves to be. They hug, and Sonny says he wants to play the ponies. He’s going to bet on the long shot, and asks Mike how much he should bet. Mike says, shoot the moon, son, and Sonny says, yeah. They’re going to shoot the moon. My heart is completely squashed flat.

Robert goes to pick up Olivia, who says he’s right on time.

Sasha says she knows Brook has to put up with her because they work together, and Chase also arrested Brook twice. Brook holds up three fingers, and Sasha says she doesn’t want Brook to think Chase is a hypocritical jerk. Believe her, if Brook was drowning, Chase is the person she’d want to jump in to save her. He’s a good guy. Brook makes a gesture, asking if they’re together, but Sasha says, who is not the guy for her. When they’ve blown their lives apart that bad, they can’t revisit that avenue. The only saving grace is that Michael got custody. That counts for something, right?

Michael looks at his phone, and Willow asks if everything is okay. He says his sole focus has been Wiley lately, as it should be, but his family is going through some stuff. His grandfather stopped eating, and his dad decided against a feeding tube. He completely agrees, but it means they don’t have much time. She says she’s so sorry, and he says his mom texted. Apparently they brought Mike to the track; he loves betting. Willow says she thought he meant a running track. That’s no place for his grandfather. He tells her that his mom says it’s going well, and he’s happy for his dad. They get to spend time together. Willow says Michael doesn’t have to stay if he doesn’t want to. His dad is losing his father, and that’s a really sad thing, but he’s losing someone too. How is he doing?

Carly and Felix come back, and Carly asks what they’ve been up to while she and Felix were eating junk food? Sonny says they’re making plans to come back, so his dad can pick the right horse. Felix brought carrots, and asks if he can meet Mike’s friend. While they feed the horse, Carly says Mike looks great. Sonny wonders how he’ll say goodbye to his father, when Mike doesn’t know it’s goodbye. They watch Mike and Felix give the horse carrots

Chase shows up at Brook’s room, but says he can come back. Sasha says she was just heading out. She’s already bored Brook to tears. She leaves, and Chase says he just wanted to check and see if Brook was okay. She writes, Is that it? He says, one more thing. He messed up pretty bad with Nelle, and she did a lot of damage as a result. Wiley is safe because of her, so he thanks her. She writes, So does that mean I get a free pass the next time you want to arrest me? He tells her, just feel better.

Robert says he’ll put Olivia’s bag in the car. Ned says, so this is it, and she says, this is it. He tells her, good luck. He hopes it works out for her. She says she wishes he meant that. He says, please don’t leave angry, and she says she’ll call when she gets to Geneva, and leaves.

Sasha heads for the hospital elevator, and sees Chase. She says, well? Did he talk to Willow? He says, she was right. It’s too late to take it back. What’s done is done. She says she’s sorry. The worst part about accepting reality, is that it doesn’t make it hurt any less. She gets in elevator, but he doesn’t.

Michael tells Willow, when he was little, he never understood the undercurrent between Mike and his dad. Willow asks, what undercurrent? and Michael says, Mike screwed up, and it took Sonny a lifetime to forgive him. Willow says she’d always thought Michael was named for his grandfather, but he says Michael is his dad’s name too. She says she learns something new every day, and Michael says, as wonderful as his grandfather was to him, the main thing he remembers is all the regret Mike had. He had a wife and son he loved very much. Life gives us endless chances, but we don’t always get those chances back. He enjoyed fishing with Mike, and they had fun at the track, but the biggest thing Mike taught him was what not to do. He won’t make the same mistakes Mike did, and squander Wiley’s childhood, leaving him hurting. He won’t put his career or ambition before his promise to himself, just to make up down the line. He’s committed to give Wiley the best life possible, and he wants her in it. He takes her hand, and she says, sounds like a plan. The phrase of the day.

Mike sits, and we hear that bugle that says, they’re off. Sonny asks if Mike is ready, and Mike gives both thumbs up. Sonny says, let’s go.

Lulu says she never thought she’d say this, but she feels bad for Brook. Maxie says, her too, and Lulu tells her, because of Brook’s bravery her nephew is safe, but Maxie says, what if Brook is never able to sing again? Peter says, it’s a possibility, and Lulu hopes it doesn’t come to pass. She suggests for one moment they stop talking about depressing things, and  talk about the perfect, amazing, wonderful baby that’s coming. Maxie says she thinks Peter will be an incredible dad.

Anna receives a call from an unknown caller. She answers, Anna Devane.

Tomorrow, Anna says she’s going to Berlin to meet Alex, Sam tells Alexis that she traded favors with Valentin, Spinelli tells Jason it worked, and Sonny says he could consider it an act of war.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – The Reunion – Part One

I see Denise is already eating her feelings during the logistics set up. I’ll be joining her shortly.

Andy welcomes us to the reunion – virtual edition. No surprise, they’re still all dressed like they’re going to the opera, and Dorit says, it’s the reunion, and they have to bring it. The early 2000s called, and wants bring it back. Garcelle wearing a dress by Asa (Shahs of Sunset), and it’s beautiful; a yellow wrap-around with marabou feathers on the sleeve cuffs. Andy asks, who’s wearing shoes? Garcelle admits hers are off, but several others shove their adorned feet in our faces. Andy says, newest Housewife Garcelle isn’t afraid to let her unfiltered opinion fly, and we flash back on all things Garcelle. He says there was a lot response to her saying Kyle was the least welcoming when she was on Watch What Happens Live. We flash back to that, and Kyle says she was blindsided, and insists she was welcoming. Garcelle isn’t buying it, and neither is Denise. Garcelle says she really couldn’t remember anyone else’s name, and Kyle interrupts, prompting Garcelle to say Kyle is doing it already; let her finish. Dorit says she’s had issues with Kyle’s listening skills. It’s not nice to make someone feel their point isn’t valuable, and that they have a better point to make. Ha! If Dorit wants nice, boy, is she on the wrong show. We see clips of Kyle interrupting just about everyone. Kyle says, it happens, which sounds like something my husband would say. When he talks over me, which I despise, he says it’s how you have a conversation. Um… no. It’s called interrupting. Denise says Kyle talks at them, doesn’t listen, and the conversation comes back to her. Kyle claims she has respect for all of them. Frankly I think Kyle just has the attention span of a gnat. She accuses Garcelle of not paying on her bid in a charity event, which ticks Garcelle off. Garcelle says Kyle had better watch what she’s saying, because that’s not true. Denise and I laugh. Garcelle says Kyle waits until the show is aired, then gets on Twitter. Which is what I do. Garcelle says she was warned about Kyle, and Andy wonders who warned her, but Garcelle isn’t talking, and no one raises their hand. Garcelle says she told Andy how she was feeling, and how Kyle took it, is on her.

Andy asks how Garcelle feels to be the first Black Beverly Hills Housewife, and Garcelle says, it’s great to be the first anything. He asks if she felt any pressure, and she says, Black women are often labeled angry because they’re outspoken and strong. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have pain. Andy says she told Wendy Williams that she was hesitant, since Black social media might come at her co-stars. Garcelle says, it’s a fine line, since it can be perceived as racial if it’s directed at her. He asks if anyone wants speak to that, but apparently they’re afraid to, since it’s the first time they’ve all been quiet in… ever. Garcelle talks about being pulled over, and how she was glad one of her sons was in the car to see her reaction, which was respectful and calm. She feels hopeful of change, and says, it’s been a long time coming. Kyle says, people are scared to say something, and don’t know what to ask. Garcelle says she wants her friends to call her, and ask questions. They can all grow and move forward from it. Erika’s son being a policeman is touched on, but not much. At least she didn’t freak out like when it was brought up in her first season.

We see pictures of Lil Bit Blanche, Sutton’s new Ragamuffin cat. Andy calls her the queen of couture, and once again I’m confused as to why she doesn’t hold a diamond, since her air time is equal to that of the others. Did she fund the show? Did they run out of diamonds? I love her dress with a silver lace overlay, and she tells us she’s wearing Pamela Roland. Andy says people are surprised she’s on Match rather than a millionaire dating site, and she says the worst date she had was with a millionaire. Andy says she’s one of a kind, like the Dolce in her closet. I agree. She can be snarky, but I like Sutton; I think she’s got a good heart. Laura from Rochester asks why Dorit blew what Sutton said about freaking out, out of proportion. We flash back to Sutton quietly telling Dorit she might freak out, and Dorit claiming at dinner that Sutton loudly proclaimed she was going to freak the f*** out. The viewer asks, why lie and exaggerate? Dorit apologizes, saying she made it a bigger issue than it was. When she watched it back, she felt bad. Sutton says, if Dorit was concerned about how she feeling, Dorit would have pulled her aside, but instead, she shared it with the table. She didn’t ask about it privately, but wanted to announce it, and freaked everyone else out. This goes back and forth for a while, with Dorit apologizing, and Sutton finally saying they’re good. Andy asks what was in Sutton’s gift bag, and Kyle says, good sh*t. Garcelle says, Sutton is very generous. Not only did she give them the giftbags, she’d gotten rainboots for everyone when they were in Rome, and was nice enough to haul them to Italy for a surprise. Sutton jokes that she’s trying to buy friendships, and Erika says she has the best social graces. She’s a well-bred Southern woman. Andy says when they played the first impression game, it went from zero to sixty, when Sutton said she’d thought Teddi would be boring, and Teddi ended up in tears. Oh please. Andy says Teddi claims she wants her friends to be direct and honest, but was Sutton too honest? Teddi says, it wasn’t the boring thing. It was Sutton saying, ugh, even worse, she’s pregnant. Sutton says she was joking around, and Andy says viewers find Sutton’s unflinching honesty refreshing. Sutton says, they all have insecurities, but she thought she looked like a snotty a-hole, and that’s not who she is.

Andy asks if Garcelle is annoyed or just listening, and Garcelle says, both. She says, it’s tough to be in a place where people are judging and questioning you. Kyle says they’ve all had moments like that. That might be true, but both LVP and Denise had entire seasons; you can’t compare it. Andy says, last season Denise casually talked about her husband’s penis and a happy ending, but this year, she flinched. We see the clip where LisaR trotted after Denise and Aaron when they left Kyle’s barbecue, and Denise saying they were headed to a strip club for a steak. Denise said she even tweeted that she was kidding. She knew LisaR would run back to them and repeat it. Andy says he was confused about the quality of steaks at strip clubs, and asks Erika if the steaks at Shakers were top-notch. Erika doesn’t answer, and Denise says it was her experience that when the husbands were around, they didn’t really talk sex. LisaR brings up (no pun intended) Denise talking about Aaron’s penis, and Erika says Denise brought it up in every conversation and set the tone. Huh? I  think she brought it up twice, and once was at a private dinner with just a few people. Teddi (zzzz…. I’m sorry, what?) says, it’s frustrating, and Erika says Denise tried to make them look like a-holes. I’d say they don’t need any help with that. Dorit disagrees, but Erika says Denise thought she’d malign them as a group, and make them look bad. Again, they need no assistance in that department. Denise says she wasn’t upset about it, and Erika says she was upset enough to go with her to have coffee and discuss it. Denise says that wasn’t the reason she asked Erika out for coffee, but Erika is too busy concentrating on what she’s already decided to say to hear it. Erika says she took on the chin and apologized, but then Denise took it to Teddi and Sutton. She says, blah-blah-blah, mofo; she’s out. I have no idea what her problem is, except maybe she just feels like starting the yelling early. She says, it’s bullsh*t, and Denise insists she’s not upset. She said she couldn’t believe they’d said that, and Erika wonders why Denise picked on her. Denise asks if Erika took it as her being upset with her personally, and LisaR says Erika is being gaslit. Denise says, it’s not a big deal, but they kept it going on. She didn’t say, shame on everyone. She talked to them mom to mom. It was awkward. LisaR says, it wasn’t awkward, and Denise asks how she knows. I hate when someone tells me how I feel. LisaR says she saw it on film, and asks why Denise wouldn’t tell her what she and Sami talked about. Denise says, because it was between her and Sami, but LisaR says she made it more about them as parents. Kyle admits that she’d never want her children to hear that; she would have died. Andy needs to do some pot stirring, so he says, perhaps Denise was upset about Erika saying teens already knew about threesomes, and were doing it. Erika said she was speaking about teens in general, not Denise’s kids in particular, forgetting about something called context. LisaR says the fans came at them, and Erika says Denise liked a comment that suggested LisaR was a racist and should be fired. Denise says she only saw the part about Erika, and when she realized, deleted it. We see the tweet, which is as long as tweets get, and part of it mentioned what Erika had said about Denise’s daughters. LisaR says, in liking the tweet, that said everything. They all talk at once, the thing I hate most about reunions, and LisaR says, it was in a public forum. It was vile and nasty, and Denise knew what she was doing. Don’t lie. (Ooh. She’s so angry.) Denise asks why she would have taken it down if she felt that way, and LisaR says because she was called out, and Bravo called her, which I actually find that hard to believe. If anything, they want drama. Andy asks Denise, when she said all the fun stuff (i.e. the penis and happy ending comments), did she sit the kids down and tell them? Denise says, it’s walking a fine line, but her kids don’t watch the show… Without letting her finish, LisaR says, that’s bullsh*t, and Denise continues that they’ve heard things from their friends. Erika says, blah-blah-blah happy ending, and demands to know if Denise thinks it’s just the group who says bad things. Denise says she doesn’t tell her kids about that, and LisaR says, the whole world knows that Aaron got a happy ending from a hundred year old woman. Since I’ve been waiting for this opportunity through the entire show, I say, YOUR NECK LOOKS A HUNDRED YEARS OLD. Ba-dum-chh! Erika wonders how much it cost, which is actually the only interesting question so far. Andy asks if Denise is consciously trying to change her image, but Denise says she was uncomfortable early on, since she was on the receiving end of being a target. Andy asks if she sees why people might be confused, but Denise says they should have agreed to disagree, and moved on. She wasn’t the one who kept bringing it up. LisaR starts to singsong, gaslighting, gaslighting, gaslighting. She claps and tells Denise, good job. Denise rolls her eyes, and Garcelle says, wow.

Next time, same sh*t, different week.

🪔 Perhaps LisaR should look up the definition of gaslighting.

💎 All About Them Wives…

The tweet heard round the reunion.

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-reunion-lisa-rinna-accuses-denise-richards-liking-nasty-tweets/

Denise claps back.

https://theblast.com/141329/denise-richards-slams-drama-loving-real-housewives-of-beverly-hi?amp=1

Erika whines. There are some good Wives articles on this site. Check out the column on the right for more.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/01/video-rhobhs-erika-jayne-slams-denise-richards-for-singling-her-out-and-trying-to-make-the-cast-look-bad-in-drama-filled-reunion-preview

⚖️ An Attorney Weighs In…

I found this on Reddit. Not only does she explain why Denise might be reticent to discuss the Brandi situation, but fantasizes about having Kyle on the stand. It’s pretty funny.

https://www.reddit.com/r/BravoRealHousewives/comments/ihph18/slander_defined_and_fantasies_of_justice/

🗽 On the Offense…

Dorinda drags Andy into the fray.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/01/report-dorinda-medley-offended-andy-cohen-and-sealed-her-fate-on-rhony-with-turkey-baster-diss-plus-insider-addresses-rumors-of-a-return/

👠 Dolores Wants To Move Up…

Teresa is the center of attention on the show because, ratings. And it’s highly doubtful she’s still in love with Juicy Joe.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/01/report-dolores-catania-is-feuding-with-teresa-giudice-and-feels-shes-overstayed-her-welcome-on-rhonj-does-she-want-teresa-off-the-show-source-speaks-out-on-drama-and-teresas-feelings/

💔 Why, GH, Why…?

Alexis’s alter ego weighs in on Neil’s death.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/news/576821/general-hospital-nancy-lee-grahn-reaction-neil-death/

🛌🏽 Someday My Sleep Will Come…

I’m not sure how it happens, but even when I have extra time, it turns into running late. I’m looking forward to the long weekend – or another three days, depending on your viewpoint – so I can squeeze in some more work. No matter how you look at it, stay safe, stay cordial, and stay knowing the meaning of words before you use them.

August 28, 2020 – Wiley Comes Home, a Trophy Price For a Trophy House, 4 Soap Teabags, Four For the Wives, In Agreement, Binge This, MTV Looks Back, Just Past 10 Quotes & Delivery

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Clinging to the side of a cliff, Nelle calls to Carly, and says, please. She’s going to fall. Carly tells Nelle to take her hand, and Nelle does, but her grip isn’t strong enough, and she falls. I’m thinking, the police will never believe Carly didn’t push her.

Jordan meets Jason at the pier, and he asks if this location is better. She says, what’s so important that he’d risk her reputation and career by barging into her office? He says, this, and shows her a shell casing. She asks where he found it, and he says, the pier. The same place he just found Taggert.

Jax finds Carly, and asks, what happened? She says she was trying to save Nelle, but she fell. He looks over the edge, and then holds Carly, who’s freaking out. He says he’s got her.

At Kelly’s, Portia says she hopes the coffee is hot after the icy blast her daughter sent Curtis’s way. He says he doesn’t blame Trina. She’s grieving her father, and has to put her anger somewhere. She appreciates him understanding, and he says, it’s good Trina has friends to help her through it. She says, Josslyn and Cameron are terrific. It was Cameron’s idea for them to perform at the Nurses Ball. It was a gift. It took Trina out of herself for a while. She asks if he ever performed at the Nurses Ball, and he says, more than once. A few years ago, he did a magic act. She asks if he pulled a rabbit out of his hat, and he says he did dazzling illusions. It was his way of asking Jordan to marry him. She says, so the Nurses Ball is a kind of anniversary. She apologizes, saying it was the worst possible time to bring up the past, and she wishes she hadn’t said anything.

Dante tosses and turns. He dreams, and hears, complete the mission. He flashes back on loading his gun, and saying goodbye to Lulu. He sees Lulu come into the room, and he raises his gun. Complete the mission. Dr, Kirk comes in, and stands next to his bed. Dante jumps up, and grabs him, but the doctor says he’s in no danger; he’s safe. Stand down. Dante lets go.

Lulu goes to the Quartermaine mansion, and asks Willow where everybody is. She thought this would be the command center. Willow says Olivia and Ned are with Brook at the hospital. Monica is at the hospital, and Michael is searching for Wiley. Nina was there, and insisted on trying to teach her to play backgammon, but she finally convinced Nina to head home. Lulu says, Brook is through the worst of it, and she can stick around to keep Willow company.

Sonny tells Michael, the place is crawling with police searching for Nelle. Michael says, Wiley is sleeping, but as soon as he talks to the cops, he’s taking Wiley home. Sonny asks if he’s all right, and he says they still don’t know where Nelle is.

Jax asks Carly, what happened? and she says she went after Nelle. She caught up with Nelle, and tried to stop her. They fought, and Nelle got away. She heard a scream, and when she got there, Nelle was begging for her help; she said she’d fallen. Carly hesitated for a moment, thinking Nelle was trying to trick her, and Jax says, of course (🍷). She could have taken Carly with her. Carly says, Nelle was barely hanging on. She had Nelle’s hand, but she slipped and fell. Jax tells Carly to look at him and listen. They need to decide what to do next. She asks what he’s talking about. Nelle fell, and she tried to save her. She only hesitated for a second. Jax says he believes her, but the police might not.

Sam visits Alexis, and asks if Alexis is still having trouble with her wrist. Alexis says, hello to her too. It’s nothing that a little ice and aspirin won’t help. If she was working, she wouldn’t bother, but she has nothing to do, so she’s coddling it. Sam thinks maybe she should see a doctor, and Alexis says, then what would Sam have to nag her about? Sam asks if Alexis thinks she’s nagging, and Alexis says she thinks Sam cares, and she appreciates it. Sam asks if she’s seen the missing child alert. She’s worried, but also angry with Jason.

Jordan says, Taggert was shot? What happened? Jason says she’s not surprised Taggert is alive, just that he was shot. He was chasing a lead, and found Taggert slumped over on the pier along with the bullet. He said he’d stopped a man from shooting a woman, but didn’t know who they were. He took Taggert to a safe place, and called Epiphany. She wasn’t surprised either. Jordan asks where Taggert is now, and Jason says he left Port Charles. He said it was what Jordan would want. He answered her questions; now it’s her turn. How did she help Taggert fake his death?

Portia tells Curtis that she shouldn’t have dredged up ancient history. Even if it sounds like it, that’s not what ended her marriage. She and Taggert had many other problems. His job for one. He was away all the time when he was undercover with the DEA. She loves being a doctor, but it’s not her entire life. Getting involved with Curtis took away the loneliness. He asks why she eventually told him, and she said she could imagine a life with him. He wonders if she thought he’d ask her to leave, and she says he made it clear it was deal breaker, so that was the end of that.

Sonny asks Michael where his mother is, but Valerie shows up (remember her?), and tells Sonny and Michael that they have all hands on deck. Wiley is VIP status. She’ll need their statements while they’re still fresh. Michael asks if there’s any news about Nelle, and she says they have roadblocks in place. Nelle’s car is still there; she won’t get far on foot. Michael says he walked in the door, and it was dark. Nelle was waiting, and hit him in the head with something; he thinks it was a vase. He grabbed her, and they argued. She wouldn’t tell him where Wiley was, but he heard Wiley crying, and left to check on him. Valerie asks if he’s sure Wiley was unharmed, and he says, just worn out. He tried to call Willow, but there’s no cell reception. Valerie says she’ll do it from the car, and leaves.

Willow tells Lulu, the last time Michael checked in was hours ago. He was at the PCPD. Lulu understands what it’s like to wait, and be worried about a child you love. Willows phone rings, and she says, it’s the police. Valerie tells her, Wiley is safe, and Willow says, thank God. She asks where he is, and Valerie says, with Michael at a place in the mountains. There’s no cell reception, but they’re safe. Willow thanks her for calling. Thanks for finding Wiley.

Dante tells Dr. Kirk, he had a nightmare, and the doctor asks if it was the same one. Dante says, it’s always the same. He overreacted; sorry. Dr. Kirk says, if Dante is concerned, he can up the dosage of his medication, but Dante says, it’s like living in a fog; everything is dull and far away, except his dreams. They’re just as bad. Dr. Kirk says Dante refuses to participate in therapy, so there aren’t many options to treat him. Dante says, maybe he can’t be treated, but Dr. Kirk says, the trick is getting Dante to believe him. Dante’s lack of progress is a blow to his professional ego, but now the situation has changed. He’s getting pressure from his superiors. Dante says, about him? and the doctor says, yes. They want him to go home immediately.

Jax tells Carly, when he got there, Nelle was gone, and he saw her reaching over the edge. He doesn’t know what happened. She says he told her that he believed her, and he says, he does, but he’d be lying if he said the worst didn’t cross his mind. Carly says she didn’t push Nelle, and he asks if she thinks the cops would take her word for that. She’s Sonny’s wife. Every DA dreams of prosecuting and convicting him, and she’s the next best thing. Wiley is safe, but she went after Nelle anyway, and a DA would spin it for the jury. She and Nelle have had years of fighting in public, and Nelle falls off a cliff. Carly’s hair is a mess, her clothes are ripped, and she has scratches. Don’t think they won’t say Nelle defended herself. She says he can back her up, but he says, they’re exes, and on good terms. No one will believe him. Does she want to go to prison? She asks what he’s saying, and he says he wants her to volunteer as little information as possible. There’s evidence of a struggle. She can say Nelle knocked her down, and by the time she came to her sense, Nelle was gone. That’s it. That’s all she has to say.

Alexis asks why Sam is mad at Jason, and Sam says she has a new parole officer who has a heart. Alexis says, that’s great, and asks when and how it happened. Sam says she’s sorry she hasn’t kept Alexis in the loop, but she’s been under a lot of stress. Alexis says she understands, and asks how Jason is. Sam says, he was fine, but isn’t now. He checked himself out of the hospital against doctor’s orders to help Michael find Wiley. Aside from one phone call, she has no idea where he is or what he’s doing.

Jordan says she doesn’t owe Jason any explanations. He says he could have called 911, and she’d be explaining to someone else. The DA for starters. She says she let everyone believe Taggert was dead to protect him and Trina from Cyrus. He says, she knew Cyrus would still punish Taggert by using Trina, like he’s doing with her and TJ. He and Sonny could have helped. She says they have a truce with Cyrus. How does she know they didn’t give Taggert up to Cyrus, or that they’re not divvying up Port Charles? He says she doesn’t believe that, and she says, tell her what she believes. Enlighten her about herself.

Alexis asks how Sam got a sympathetic parole officer, but Sam wants to talk about anything else. Alexis asks how the Nurses Ball went; she heard there were a lot of volunteers. Sam says, Sonny and Carly were there. Maxie had a hot mic, and told the world she was pregnant. Alexis says, any other volunteers? and Sam says, Mac, Anna, Robert… She knows there’s only one name Alexis wants to hear. Why doesn’t she just ask if Neil was there?

Sonny asks Michael when Carly got there, and where she is now. Michael says, it was shortly after Nelle took off. Carly went after her. Valerie comes back, and says they have officers searching every inch of the woods; they’ll  find his mother. Michael says Jax is searching for her too. Sonny looks at Michael.

Carly asks if Jax wants her to say Nelle disappeared, and she doesn’t know where Nelle went? He says, let the police find her, and Carly asks if he wants her to lie. He says, no be truthful… to a point. Nelle slashed Brook’s throat. They know she’s dangerous. He says, Nelle is dead under questionable circumstances, and she can either tell the whole truth, or take his advice, and save herself.

Curtis tells Portia, before he knew she was married, it was early in his recovery, and he couldn’t let it be serious. There’s a rule for every recovering addict. She says, don’t get in a relationship, and Curtis says he had a long way to go. He’d tanked his career as a cop. When she told him that she was married, it brought up a lot of stuff. He never wanted to be that guy who wrecks a marriage. He let himself get involved, and needed to take a closer look at what he was doing in his life. She says she knew it was wrong to deceive him; she’s so sorry. He apologizes for being harsh when she admitted the truth. It touched on personal issues for him, but one thing he couldn’t ignore was dishonesty in a relationship.

Jason says Jordan is in deep. She can’t make a move unless and until Cyrus incriminates himself. In the meantime, she’s stuck, and has to take out her anger and frustration on someone. And here he is. Jordan tells him that she’s said he should have been a cop, but maybe he should have been a shrink. He’s right; she’s pretty damn stuck. Jason says, Taggert didn’t kill Cyrus for two reasons. One, he’s hoping to get back to his daughter one day, and two, he owes Jordan, and knows she’s against it. She says, Taggert was quite chatty, and Jason says, he was. Taggert cares about her. That’s why he decided to get out of Port Charles and let her handle it her way. He asks how it went with Cyrus. He went looking for her and wound up in the hospital. Cyrus wants to get rid of him to clear a path to Sonny.

Alexis says Sam brought up Neil, not her, and Sam says, no. Neil wasn’t at the Nurses Ball Telethon. Not that Alexis would care what he does with his time. Not that it’s any of her business, but Neil came over with an opera DVD and wanted to hang out, but she sent him away. Alexis says she did, but he wasn’t supposed to listen to her.

Dante says he’s not safe to be around. He was put in there because of his PTSD. The doctor says the Bureau is willing to suspend treatment because they want him for a priority operative. Dante says, they’re going to ignore that he’s a danger to himself and others? What kind of operative is that? The doctor says he was to be given no details, unless Dante accepts the assignment. Dante wonders why they’re asking for him, and the doctor says the operative concerns someone close to him.

Willow thanks Lulu for waiting with her, and Lulu says, thanks for letting her. Now that it’s over, she can tell Willow, based on personal experience with Sonny as her father-in-law, he would have never let Nelle disappear with Wiley.

Valerie tells Michael and Sonny, they haven’t located Nelle, Carly, or Jax. Are any of them familiar with the area? Michael says Carly has been there before. Jax hasn’t, but he’s an experienced hiker. To his knowledge, Nelle doesn’t know the woods and trails at all. Jax calls Michael, and says he’s found Carly; they’re together. Michael asks if they found Nelle, but Jax says he’s having a hard time hearing. The reception is bad. He hangs up, and I laugh, since we’ve all done something like that. Michael tells Valerie and Sonny, there’s bad service even with a satellite phone. He doesn’t know if they found Nelle.   

Carly tells Jax, Michael has to know Nelle is dead. He can’t spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder. Jax says, if the truth comes out, Michael could get in trouble too. She says her DNA will be all over Nelle, but Jax says, that’s okay; they fought. She’s overthinking it. She says from her experience, cover-ups never turn out the way you want. Look at Michael and Claudia Zacchara. It was justifiable homicide, and they should have turned him in. He went to prison. Jax says they wouldn’t be punishing her for killing Nelle, but to get to Sonny. She can’t let that happen. They hear the police coming, and Jax says the police can’t find them there. They have to get to the clearing where she found Nelle.

Valerie finds the fake passports Nelle had that disappeared from the evidence locker. Michael says they might never have found his son. Valerie says, Nelle has no more options, and must still be in the woods. Michael says he wants to bring Wiley back home; Willow won’t believe it until Wiley is in her arms. Sonny says Michael isn’t driving alone; he’ll go too. Valerie says, in the meantime, she’ll send a squad car to follow them home just in case.

Curtis tells Portia, to be honest, if he could go back in time, he would have ended it before it began. She tells him, she can’t say she regrets the time they spent together, and Curtis says he liked her a lot. He was lonely, and being with her gave him a sense of peace and focus he hadn’t felt in a while. When she told him that she was married, he really couldn’t trust her. She says, the truth is, she didn’t trust herself. She married Taggert, and didn’t keep her vows. Instead of addressing it with her husband, she turned to Curtis for comfort. She built a huge wall between herself and Taggert, and he died without knowing it was there.

Jordan asks if Jason is angry because she didn’t tell them Taggert was alive. He says they’ve been cooperating with each other, but that doesn’t mean she owes them full disclosure. She says, almost no one knows, not even her husband. She didn’t want to implicate him if things went south. Jason says, it’s his risk, and she says that’s what Curtis would say. She’s sure he would have supported her, but she didn’t want to put him in a compromising position. If she tells him now, it could destroy her marriage.

Alexis tells Sam, her mommy is a hypocrite. Sam says her mommy sounds like she’s arguing with herself. Alexis says she always wins that way. Guys always either tell her what she wants to hear or don’t listen to her. Neil actually listened when she told him to keep his distance, but she wished he hadn’t. The doorbell rings, and surprise, it’s Neil, who looks very cute in his new beard. Unlike Michael with his new hair-do, that looks like he’s auditioning for a Flock of Seagulls cover band.

Portia tells Curtis, here she is talking honesty and she insists Trina tells the truth. She thinks it’s the most important lesson she has to teach her daughter, and Trina gets it. Curtis says, Trina has a good, strong, moral center. He knows that’s what Jordan wants for TJ too, and Portia says, from what she’s seen, TJ has those qualities. That’s what she wants for Trina; to be honest, and have integrity. She wants Trina to be a better woman than she is. She wants Trina to be more like her father.

Jordan tells Jason, Curtis will never accept that she was protecting him. She helped frame Cyrus, and everything that happened after that was her fault. Curtis is a good man, and she doesn’t want him tainted with her failures.  Jason says she’s making a lot of assumptions for Curtis. If she’d just give him a chance to support her… Jordan says this is on no one but her, and she has to figure it out the only way she knows how. He doesn’t need to understand.

Neil asks if it’s a bad  time, but Alexis says, not at all, and invites him in. He sees her wrist, and asks if everything is okay. She says, it’s just a gym mishap. Sam asks if Neil is just dropping by, or is there a reason for his visit? Alexis says, Sam… but Neil says, it’s okay. Sam’s phone dings, and she says, the missing child alert has been canceled. That’s good news. She should go. Does Alexis need her to stay? Alexis says they’re fine. Sam leaves, and Neil says he doesn’t want to pressure Alexis, but thinks it’s important that they talk. She says so does she.

Carly and Jax get back to the cabin. Valerie asks how Carly is doing, and Jax says he didn’t want to worry Michael, but she might need some medical attention. Carly asks where Michael and Wiley are, and Valerie says Michael was anxious to bring Wiley home to Willow. Sonny gave them a ride. She sent officers to protect the house, in case Nelle sneaks back. They’ve pulled out all the stops searching for her. Carly sits, and just shakes her head.

Dr. Kirk tells Dante, he wasn’t full briefed, but it might involve family. They want someone with access. Dante asks if it’s about his father. Is the Bureau suddenly interested in racketeering and organized crime? Dr. Kirk says he doesn’t have the details, and Dante says, give the director a message from him – go to hell.

Neil says, Sam is protective, and Alexis says her injury happened at the gym Sam forced her to go to. She feels guilty. At least Alexis doesn’t need to write a brief since she has no job. Neil says he tells himself the same thing. He’s going to read those books he’s been meaning to, and fix his boat. She says, it’s like a forced retirement, and he says they could take up knitting together. She says, that won’t work; what about bird watching? He says they’re dancing around the issue, so he’s going to come straight out and say it. She told him they couldn’t be friends. He wants to know if she still feels that way.

Portia tells Curtis, maybe Taggert wasn’t the man of integrity she’s held him up to be. He fabricated evidence to put Cyrus in prison. Curtis says, he deserves to be in prison, and she says she doesn’t disagree, but she’s the one who has to explain to Trina her father’s… mistake? Curtis says it doesn’t seem to have knocked Taggert off the pedestal Trina has him on, and Portia says, that’s the other thing. She’s glad Trina loves her father, but she can’t be civil to Curtis. He says he can handle her anger. She has to grieve in her own way. Portia says, as does she. Curtis says he has to get going. Just so she knows, he told Jordan about the conversation they had at the Nurses Ball.

Jason gets that Jordan doesn’t want anyone else to be burdened, and she asks if that means he and Sonny will let Taggert stay dead, until she can figure out how to reveal his existence. Jason says she doesn’t have to do it by herself. She says, Jason Morgan working with a cop? He says he’ll be working with her. He can handle that. He starts walking away, and she calls to him, and says, thank you.

Dante tells Dr. Kirk, even if it’s not about his father, he’ll have to betray someone he cares about. He did enough of that when he was undercover. Dr. Kirk says, all right. In that case, he has one of two choices. Sit and rot, or do the work to address his PTSD, and get back to his life. Dante says he’s spent enough time locked up for his own good. He’s ready to do the treatment. Dr. Kirk says, it’s a decision Dante had to make, but he’s glad he did. He’ll look around and see if he can find a medication to help with Dante’s nightmares without the fog. He’ll check in tomorrow. Dante asks, now that he’s willing to do  the work, how long will it take? He’s been gone more than a year, and he doesn’t know how much longer his family will wait for him.

Outside Kelly’s, Lulu looks at her phone. She sees a text from Dustin: Kids in bed. Wine uncorked. How soon can you get home? She texts back, on my way.

Willow sleeps on the couch, but wakes when she hears Michael on the monitor. He says he loves Wiley so much. Willow loves him too; he’ll see her in the morning. He’ll see both of them. They’re never losing him again. He promises.

Carly says she’s fine, but Jax says she isn’t. Valerie tells the paramedic they’ll still need him in case they find Nelle. She’d like to ask Carly some questions if she’s up for it, and Carly says, go ahead. Valerie says, Carly tore out after Nelle. Did she find her?

Willow goes into Wiley’s room, and says, he’s home. Michael smiles, and says, home, and they hug.

On Monday, Sam asks Jason what’s more important than finding Wiley, Neil missed Alexis and hopes she missed him, Sonny tells Mike not to stick around for him, and Valerie asks if Carly hurt Nelle when they fought.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

Tracy went to look at house in West Hollywood, but a few blocks east. Tracy explained that West Hollywood was the liveliest place to live, but further east was less desirable and more affordable. She met with Michele who lived in Vegas, bought the house the year before at $3.850 million, but never lived there. It was a boxy white modern, which Tracy said was the type of house to sit on the market because it was flooded with them. The Fuller house was 4,440 square feet, with tons of skylights, a chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances, and four-sided infinity pool and spa. Michele said what had attracted them was the openness and high ceilings. It had 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and the coup de gras was a boutique style walk-in closet, Tracy saying, nothing comes between a girl and her closet. There was an open air atrium, and a 1,200 square foot rooftop deck. Tracy thought it was the quintessential (a word they use a lot) West Hollywood new construction, and felt the skylights set it apart from its competitors. Michele said the plan had been to stay there while they were building a house in Vegas, but within three weeks, discovered nine leaks. Luckily, nothing was in the closet. In Tracy’s interview, she said a lot of newer constructions had sacrificed quality for speed. Michele said they had nowhere to go, since they had renters in their old home – like someone who can pay $4 million for a house can’t afford a hotel – and were already $200K out of pocket. All of the balconies had been redone, and she was hoping to recoup at $4.3 million. Tracy thought $4.1 million was more realistic; it was competitive, but the under $4 million buyers would consider it. That would be me, but I’m about $3.95 under $4 million. Tracy’s potential commission was $102,500.

James and David headed for their Tigertail property, which had been in the Getty fires. All of the roads were closed and David James said it was like doomsday. We saw horrifying clips of the L.A. fires, and the incredible devastation. They were going to see how bad the damage was, so they knew what they were dealing with. The first word out of James’s David’s James’s mouth was, f***, which about summed it up. The property was burned to the ground. In James’s interview, he said living through fires was becoming a normality. It wasn’t a question of if, but when, and you didn’t know where they’d come from, where they’d go, or how quickly they’d be put out.

Josh Altman went to meet developer Ilan at a Laurel Way property he’d been waiting five years to list. In Josh’s interview, he said the business was about relationships. Ilan was a big developer, and one of his most important relationships – a VIP client, but also a good friend. He explained that everyone knew the cachet of the 90210 zip code, but there were amazing pockets where you could find the best real estate. Laurel Way was a trophy property, nestled at the top of a hill, and super exclusive. Ilan said he’d been stressed enough trying to finish, but had the added stress of Josh calling him every day and asking when he could put it on the market. At 15,473 square feet, it had 7 bedrooms and – wait for it – 22 toilets housed in 15 bathrooms. There was an open floor plan, entertainer kitchen with Miele appliances, a 65’ infinity pool, a view to die for, a million dollar outdoor kitchen featuring a pizza oven and six beers on tap. But wait, there’s more. Altogether there were 4 kitchens – Ilan said he’d built it for convenience – a four-story glass elevator, a wine cellar and tasting room, and a custom gym with a marble sauna that had radiant heating and massaging water jets. When I saw it, I cried, and ate a cookie to swallow my feelings. There was an indoor hot tub with a gorgeous blue agate wall, which the wine cellar also had. Josh’s favorite spot was the garage, which had three turntables for cars and one for a motorcycle. He was also impressed with the uplit stairs, and Ilan said, at night, this place is unreal. There was also a $75K smart shower, and a private staircase that went to a rooftop infinity pool. Ilan wanted $55 million, but Josh thought it should be more like $45 million. He knew Ilan had poured his heart and soul into it for five years, but the price still needed to reflect the neighborhood, which had nothing over $38 million. Josh suggested they wait, and test the market first, and get feedback. He thought they should have an event with a soft launch, pricing it at $48 million, and see what people who could afford it would say.

Tracy wanted to use a different approach with the Fuller house, since there were so many like it. Since the area typically attracted young professionals in their 30s, who enjoyed the nightlife, Tracy went to a trivia night to see if she could attract buyers. She hoped a traditional marketing plan, plus her outreach worked. She and team member Erika planned an open house from 11-2 pm, but at noon, no one was there. Eventually, people trickled in – local agents, as well as those from New York and Miami. As well as pointing out the panoramic view that included the Hollywood sign, Tracy said that a 3 bedroom condo, three blocks away, was the same price.

JoshA told his team that the Laurel Way house would get white glove service. Ilan was one of his best friends, and they’d been in business together for a decade. There was no room for error. He wanted to do something that was able to create a buzz without actually listing the property. In his interview, he said when he started in real estate, you listed a property in the paper, and it was still a limited audience. Today, with social media, you could reach 5 million people for free. It’s how he got his buyer for Beverly Ridge (that phenomenal castle from last week). Millennials were the largest group buying now, and were involved with social media – Instagram, Twitter, TikTok. He said he was going to boomerang that sh*t, but a producer said, that’s not how it works.

James and/or David said Tigertail was a burned mess. In his interview, James said a few weeks ago, they didn’t even know what strategy they’d be using, but how were they going to bring a buyer to a burned down structure with a hillside covered in ash. He said, for once, he was bloody speechless. They met with developer Phillip, who said in his ten years in the business, he’d never seen something like this. He literally saw his big investment go up in smoke when he was just about to sell, and might never make his money back. We saw before and after shots, and it was pretty sad. James and/or David asked how long before Phillip could clean it up, haul things out, and make it presentable? and David estimated it to be up to six months. James David said that wasn’t a bad thing, since the stigma would be more in the past. Phillip said he was fighting with the insurance company, and boy, did I understand. We were flooded during Sandy, and first it was like pulling teeth to extract what we’d paid premiums for, just to get some furniture, and then came the fight with the mortgage company who doled it out like methadone. Until they decided I was more of a pain in the ass to them than they wanted to be to me. But I digress. James said, as is, a buyer would try to lowball Phillip, and insurance companies had declared a moratorium. In James’s interview, he said it could take months to process claims. Investment comes with risk, and sometimes you were lucky to come out with your shirt. He thought in six months, it might be viable. He told Phillip, it had to be delivered and packaged correctly. The text told us that Phillip was going to demolish it, and build again with his own plans.

JoshA said he needed to up his game for the Fuller house. He needed a unique way to show a special house, so they were doing a soft launch, inviting tons of influencers. When people saw celebrities partying in a house, they wanted to own it. They partnered with Vital Proteins, which Josh said had an unbelievable social reach. He stuck to his story that a trophy property deserved a trophy price. Ilan was right; the place was absolutely unreal at night. I ate more cookies. There was a DJ and tremendous catered spread, including Vital Proteins juices. Josh gave a personal tour to Camille, a Sports Illustrated cover model, and domestic partner of Rob The Gronk Gronkowski, tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL. Many selfies were taken, and Camille pointed out that, being a model, she knew good lighting when she saw it. They took a photo in the master bath, and damn if she wasn’t right. Josh said he knew they were aggressive with the price, but it would be trending so hard when it hit the market, it would need its own social media account.

Tracy met with agent Tony about the Fuller house. Tony said his client was a powerful executive in the entertainment industry. He offered $3.75 million, and in her interview, Tracy said her client had moved back to Vegas, and she had no other offers. She thought it was priced too high, but Michelle said, anything below $3.8 million would be disappointing. I’m guessing she’d about break even. Tracy countered with $3.9 million, and better contingencies, and they settled at $3.8 million, all cash, 10 day close, and no contingencies. Lesson for this week: This is called an ACR – all contingencies removed. They decided to have a drink on it, and Tracy told Tony that he was buying.

Next time, a house designed by John Barrymore in 1920, complete with opium den, and sketches left behind. I knew someone who lived in a Barrymore house here on the beach, and had sketches. He must have left a trail.

🏀 Enjoy the Ball…

Behind-the-scenes and video performances from the 2020 GH Nurses Ball.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/backstage-at-the-2020-general-hospital-nurses-ball

👶🏼 WileyGram…

Wiley’s real mom tells us about his brief scene in the nursery, filmed at home. Be sure to check out his mad counting skills as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEIRZwZDc1I/?utm_source=ig_embed

🩺 The Britch Is Back…

Can Brad be far behind?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-thiebaud-returns-to-general-hospital

🕶 Holly Ain’t Dead Yet…

But poor Emma Samms can’t catch a break.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/emma-samms-opens-up-about-her-ongoing-struggle-with-coronavirus

🛌🏻 Jeff’s Pain In the Neck…

Looks like he won’t have to wear that burial tux after all.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/28/jeff-lewis-undergoes-neck-surgery/

🤐 She Knows Nothing…

For once, Ramona ain’t talkin’.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/27/ramona-singer-reacts-to-dorinda-medley-leaving-rhony/

👠 Steppin’ Out…

Could Teresa be dating again?

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/rhonjs-teresa-giudice-spotted-out-with-ex-anthony-delorenzo/

👜 All I Got Was a Bag Of Rocks…

It pays to have friends in high-end purse places.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/27/tinsley-mortimer-gifts-leah-mcsweeney-a-chanel-purse-for-her-birthday/

🐍 She’s a Cold-Hearted Snake…

You’re welcome, Denise.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/27/rhobhs-denise-richards-responds-after-lisa-rinna-is-slammed-as-a-snake-as-she-thanks-fans-for-their-support-plus-she-reacts-to-being-called-out-for-forgetting-she-admitted-to-trash-talking/

🗽 Me Three…

Alert the media. Leah, Ramona, and I agree.

https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/08/leah-mcsweeney-rhony-nyc-mayor/

📺 For Your Bingeing Pleasure…

I saw Lovecraft Country last week, and it was terrific. Scary on several levels.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/the-best-new-tv-shows-of-2020-to-watch-right-now/

🎧 Down MTVemory Lane…

VJs then and now.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/22069/mtv-vjs-then-and-now?source=email&medium=daily

🥂 Quotes of the Week

Make the choice to embrace this day. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow! It’s inspiring to see all the wonderfully amazing things that can happen in a day in which you participate. – Steve Maraboli

Our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if the other person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We must practice this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable. – Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Author and Peace Activist (It’s that pesky loving the unlovable thing that trips me up every time.)

We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing and inclusion. – Max de Pree

We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. – Cesare Pavese

I think the only answer is to live life to the fullest while you can and collect memories like fools collect money. Because in the end, that’s all you have – happy memories. – Sarah Strohmeyer

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.Paulo Coelho

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.Buckminster Fuller

We’re all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding. – Rudyard Kipling

History is much more the product of chaos than of conspiracy. – Zbigniew Brzeziński

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men. – Lyndon B. Johnson

It’s not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache. – Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), The Rocky Horror Picture Show

📦 Delivered As Promised…

It might be late/early, but I finally got in those million dollar houses. And wept enough tears for an infinity pool watching them. Do something different in the next two days, whether you still call them the weekend or not. Until the next yacht sails, stay safe, stay breathing deep, and stay not pretending your dead.

August 27, 2020 – Michael Finds Wiley, Two Parties For the Price Of One, Was She Or Wasn’t She, Take Cover & Soon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

On the phone, Jordan says to keep her posted. Curtis comes by, and asks if it’s about Wiley’s kidnapping. Is there any news? She says, not yet, but she’s got all her resources on finding him. She asks if Curtis has something on his mind, and he says he does – Taggert.

Sonny asks how the hell Taggert is alive in the first place? Taggert says, long story, and Sonny says he’s got other things going on, so make it brief. Why is he back? Taggert says it was the only way he could protect his family, and make sure he’s the only one who has to die.

At Kelly’s, Josslyn tells Trina that it was a fun performance. She’s not bragging, but she thinks they nailed it. Trina says, totally. She wonders why Cameron didn’t come with them, and Josslyn says maybe he’s tired. Is she… Trina says, what? and Josslyn asks if she thinks Cameron acts weird around her.

Ned sits by Brook’s bedside. Brook dreams about Nelle slashing her, and wakes with a start. Ned tells her that she was dreaming, but it’s okay. He’s right there. The doctors are working on a treatment plan for her, and everything is going to be okay.

Michael calls Carly, and she asks where he is. He says he had a lead on Nelle. She’s in the mountain cabin. Call the police, and let them know. He hangs up, and Carly tells Jax, Michael found Nelle.

Nelle rants, asking herself, why did she tell Julian to bring the kangaroo? Why did she tell him to bring the stupid tracker? It’s all falling apart. She tells Wiley, Mommy will not let that happen.

Curtis tells Jordan, objectively, he did everything he could to save Trina. He went along like Taggert asked him to, and got her out. Jordan says, he saved her life, but he says he can’t help thinking, what if he’d called for backup? What if he’d pushed Trina out the door, and stayed behind? It might have played out a million different ways. He knows what she’s going to say, and he gets it. It’s no good to play the what-if game, but Trina is a teenager grieving her dad. He can say over and over that Trina’s anger and irritation is just her looking for a place to put her grief – and it is – but part of him feels like she’s not entirely wrong. One different decision, and Taggert would be alive.

Sonny says Taggert’s daughter is grieving him, and Taggert says, doesn’t Sonny think he knows that? What the hell was he supposed to do? As long as he was around, Cyrus could take revenge on his daughter. Jason says, like he’s using TJ to get to Jordan, and Taggert says, at least she gets to be alive and be with her son. Sonny asks if Taggert understands how dangerous Cyrus is, and Taggert says, more than anyone. Sonny says, but he’s dead. He’s the last person they’d suspect. Why not take Cyrus out and save everyone the trouble?

Portia says Brook’s vitals are strong. She’s suffered a major trauma, but her prognosis is excellent. It’s just a matter of taking the time to heal. They don’t know the extent of her vocal chord damage (yes, you can spell chord that way in this case). There’s no way to tell. Ned asks what they need to do, and Portia tells Brook not to strain herself. Don’t try to talk under any circumstances. Brook remembers telling Michael about the tracker. This time, she sounded clearer, and said there was a tracker on Wiley, when I thought she’d said, a tracker in the wallaby. But on Wiley, in the wallaby, same thing. I actually like wallaby better.

Michael gets to the cabin, and opens the door. It’s dark inside, and Nelle is waiting. She hits him over the head, and he drops.

But after the commercial, he’s back up. They struggle, and he asks where his son is.

Taggert says, if Cyrus dies, Sonny and Jason will be blamed. Sonny says, and they’re innocent. Taggert says, for once, and Jason says, Sonny is right. Cyrus is a threat to Taggert’s daughter, and the only way to keep her safe is to eliminate him. Cyrus thinks he’s dead; he’ll never see it coming. Taggert says, it would work if he hadn’t gone to Jordan. Sonny asks why the hell he did that, and Taggert says Jordan was the only reason he could fake his death. His daughter is still alive; it was a trade-off. He lives his life underground for Trina. He knows he and Sonny disagree on a lot, but they’re on the same page about the people they love. Sonny says, family first, always. Taggert says Jordan is already drowning. He doesn’t want to add to her burden. He’s not doing it.

Jordan says Curtis is blaming himself for something he had no control over. Taggert knew how dangerous Cyrus was, and Trina was in jeopardy. She wishes she could have called in a SWAT team, but in Taggert’s professional opinion, that would have gotten his daughter killed. Taggert thought the best course of action was to invite Curtis in. The bottom line is – his daughter, his decision. She knows Trina doesn’t understand, and given time, she has reason to believe Trina will, and hopefully Portia will get her there. Curtis says, that might be tough. Portia is dealing with guilt over the way her and Taggert’s marriage ended. They were talking, and she said it was because of him. Like he told Jordan, as soon as he found out she was married, he broke it off. Portia never told Taggert, but the marriage crumbled anyway. Jordan asks how Curtis feels about that, and he says, blindsided, but Portia made it clear that it was ancient history. It’s done and over with. He’s telling Jordan because he doesn’t want any secrets between them.

Josslyn says, it’s not even Cameron. Dev brought it up that Cameron liked her. Trina asks if she means like like, and Josslyn says she doesn’t think so. He didn’t act weird during rehearsal, or their water fight backstage. Trina says she thinks Lucy is still mad about that, and Josslyn says Cameron is still giving her a hard time like usual. Everything is the same. She looks at Trina, and says, huh. Trina asks what that means, and Josslyn says, now that she thinks about it, the only person Cameron acts different around is Trina.

Michael asks Nelle where their son is. She says now he’s their son? He wasn’t their son in the courtroom, or when Michael brought out that ridiculous Willow. Nelle says she’s a strong capable mother, and Michael asks if she hears herself. She says, Willow doesn’t deserve their son, and neither does he after taking her side. Michael says, Nelle thinks she’s a good mother? He’ll give her a chance to prove it. Tell him where Wiley is, and he gives her his word that he’ll find a way to keep her in Wiley’s life.

Brook flashes back to Ned telling her, when he needed her most, she chose Valentin over him. He tried to buy out her contract. She says, Valentin was successful. Ned told her to grow up, and stop asking him to come to her rescue. Well, guess what? She’s all grown up, and came to her own rescue, like any good Quartermaine. How does he like her now? He tells her, get out. She’s no longer welcome.

Ned tells Olivia, when he was young, he had a front row seat to the battles between his mother and grandfather. Olivia says, they were epic. He says he witnessed Tracy withhold Edward’s heart medication, which set the standard. Tracy messed up worse than Brook, and he’s never forgotten how his grandfather spoke to her; so harsh and unforgiving. It just made her act worse. He was young at the time, but he remembers thinking it didn’t have to be this way. They could just get along. Deep down, they loved each other. He looks into Brook’s room, and says, if someone had told him he would ever make the mistake his grandfather made, he would have sworn there was no way.

Trina asks, since when does Josslyn pay attention to what Dev says? Josslyn says she doesn’t know that he’s wrong. Trina tells Josslyn this is a conversation she should be having with Cameron, and Josslyn asks what she’s supposed to say? Word on the street is that he likes her? Trina tells Josslyn that she would never say word on the street, and Josslyn says, true, but what if she asks, and he doesn’t? What if he’s shocked she’d even mention it? How humiliating would that be? They couldn’t be friends anymore. It would be super awkward. Can she imagine? Trina says, actually, she can.

Sonny says he respects Taggert looking out for Jordan, and Taggert says, if he kills Cyrus, he’s a murderer. He’ll have to stay dead; no coming back. Sonny asks if Taggert expects him to eliminate Cyrus, and Taggert says, not personally. That’s the challenging part. The law is always around, Sonny is in public, and there are witnesses when his enemies go down, but Jason is another story. He tells Jason, disappear Cyrus. No one deserves it more. Taggert knows Sonny. He takes his time, and makes sure there’s nothing to trace it back. Do all that, but remember he’s waiting. If it works, maybe he’ll get the chance to see his daughter again. Hold her again. Protect her, and talk to her. He’s given up a lot, but he’s not giving that up.

Nelle says she wants to believe Michael. He says she can, but she says even if he means it, be honest. He can’t let her in Wiley’s life; his mom won’t let him. Carly runs his life, and that’s a fact. Carly never wanted him to love her. She didn’t want him to be happy with her, and certainly didn’t want her to have his child. And at every single turn, Michael gave in to her. Their relationship, or lack thereof, is on Carly, but it’s his fault too. He said he loved her, then never stood up for her. If he’d believed in her, and fought for her, just think where they’d be. He says he can’t change how she sees it in her head, but lead him to Wiley, or he’ll let his father handle it. She says, it must be nice. He gets to be Mr. Wonderful, and his hands stay nice and clean. She’s done the dirty work, getting her hands dirty, while his gangster father takes care of everything. He says maybe she’s right. He’s had everything done for him, and he’s the world’s biggest hypocrite, but he has resources, both inside and outside the law. She tried to kill Brook, and kidnapped Wiley. It’s serious, and there’s no way she’s spinning it. She’ll go back to Pentenville, and where she’ll be within his father’s reach. She’s done, unless he intervenes. So tell him… He hears Wiley, and says, it’s okay; he’s there. He goes into the bedroom, and she says, screw him. By the time the cops get there… She runs out the door.

Michael goes to Wiley, and says, it’s okay. She’s gone. He tricked her into running away. Wiley is safe, and she’ll never touch him again.

Brook flashes back to Ned slamming the door behind her. Ned tells Olivia, don’t get him wrong – he loved them – but he promised never to put business before family like his grandfather did. He was so focused on the damage at ELQ, he lashed out at Brook. He can see that clearly now. Life is funny like that. Brook did something stupid, and Valentin took advantage. It’s what businessmen do. Of course (🍷) he outmaneuvered her; it’s his specialty. Why is it that we only understand our unbelievably stupid behavior when it’s too late? Olivia says, it’s not too late. His daughter is getting better now. It was a terrible thing, but the silver lining is, he got his priorities straight. He says, it took long enough. The hard reality is, he’s no better than Edward. She says, but he can do what Edward never did with Tracy. He can actually learn from his mistakes. It’s awesome and spectacular, and all that really matters. He says he’s so grateful to have that chance, and looks in on Brook again.

Trina tells Josslyn, when she and Cameron were kidnapped, it was a crazy, scary, emotional thing. Afterwards, it felt like they understood each other in a way other people couldn’t. Josslyn says, it makes sense. They went through a trauma together. Trina says, it bonds people. So when they came over to study, and they were out on the terrace and Josslyn went back in… Josslyn says, yeah? Trina says, she and Cameron kissed.

Taggert tells Sonny, he has to disappear. He doesn’t have any option. He’s asking one more time. He needs Sonny to look after his daughter; protect her and take care of her. Sonny says, for the record, he admires Taggert for taking a stand against Cyrus. He’ll protect Trina as much as he can.

Michael tells Wiley, tomorrow, when he wakes up. he’ll be in his own bed, and this will feel like a bad dream. He’s so sorry. He let it go too far. He knew who Nelle was, and should have stopped it sooner. Carly and Jax run in, and Carly calls to Michael. Michael comes out, and she asks where Wiley is, and he says, Wiley is okay. He’s sleeping. They hug, and Jax asks, what about Nelle? Michael says they were arguing, and he heard Wiley crying. He went to Wiley, and assumes Nelle ran. The police will track her down. Carly says she needs to let Sonny know he’s okay, but her phone is getting no reception. Jax says he has a satellite phone in the car, and leaves. Carly asks if Michael is sure Wiley is okay. Michael says, he woke Wiley up for a minute. He smiled and went back to sleep. Carly says, this can’t happen again. Nelle has to be stopped.

Jax calls Jordan, and explains where they are. He says, Wiley and Michael are safe, but Nelle is still at large.

Carly tells Michael to look after Wiley. He asks where she’s going, and she says she’s going after Nelle. The police won’t be there in time. If she thought Nelle would leave, and start a new life, she’d let Nelle go. But she’s obsessed and won’t let go. For Wiley’s sake, Nelle has to be locked up. She’s going after her.

Nelle is walking through the woods, and stops. Carly comes up behind her, and asks if she’s having trouble finding the road. Nelle isn’t surprised mommy came to Michael’s rescue, but Carly said she didn’t. He found her on his own, but this is between them. Nelle is done. It ends right here.

Jordan says she’s relieved to know that little boy is safe. Curtis says he is too. He knows she has work to do, so he’s going to get out of her hair. She’s glad he came to check in, and he says he is too. He says she knows he loves her, and she says she loves him more.

Sonny says he has more to deal with than Cyrus. He’s thinking Cyrus should have been taken out when he got out. Jason says it takes planning, but even if Cyrus has an accident that’s no accident, they’ll be suspected. Sonny’s phone rings, and it’s Jordan. She says she wanted him to know that Wiley was rescued. Sonny asks where he is, and Jordan says, apparently, Michael chased him and Nelle to their cabin in the mountains. Jax called to tell her. Sonny asks, where’s Nelle? and she says, still missing. She has a dragnet in place. Sonny thanks her, and tells Jason, Wiley is safe. Jason says, that’s great news, and Sonny says, it’s one less reason to wait. His dad doesn’t have much time… Taggert says, and he doesn’t want to waste it. Sonny says, even though they want him gone, Cyrus deals with heavy hitters. If they take him out, there will be someone to replace him. He has to fail, so his associates lose money, cut their losses, and leave Port Charles. Taggert says, makes sense, and Sonny says, no more surprises. He wants answers. Jason says he’ll get them, and leaves.

Josslyn tells Trina, okay. That was not what she expected. So she and Cameron… Trina says, back up. There is no her and Cameron. She flipped out. Her dad had just died, and there was nothing she could do. Josslyn says, so what it was, was a mistake, but Trina says, that makes it sound bigger than it was. They were scared, and comforted each other. Josslyn says, makes sense. She guesses after what happened, it was  reaction to trauma. Trina says, totally, but she thinks sometimes Cameron feels like he did something wrong. Like he crossed a line. She doesn’t see it that way. Josslyn says, but if Trina liked Cameron, she’d tell her, right?

Jax tells Michael that he spoke to Jordan. The police are no more than ten minutes away. He asks where Carly is, and Michael says, she went after Nelle. Jax says, what?! Why didn’t he stop her? Carly should have waited. Michael says, Nelle had too much of a head start.

Carly tells Nelle, attempted murder and kidnapping. Brook ID’d her, and she’s going to prison for the rest of her life. Nelle says Carly must be happy to be right about her. She’s trash, crazy, a psycho. It must be like Christmas for Carly, but Carly pushed her. She was supposed to be Nelle’s sister. She was supposed to love her, and be there for her, and teach her, but she did none of those things. Instead, she screwed Nelle over, and drove to the only option she had to be with her son. She didn’t set out to attack Brook, or any of it. She just wanted a piece of what Carly had. Carly says, Nelle had that. She tried over and over. When Nelle first got there, Carly opened her life to her. She would have given Nelle everything. She kept trying to find reasons to believe Nelle. She didn’t want this, but Nelle kept testing and pushing her, until anything good was destroyed, because Nelle can’t let herself be happy. She won’t accept kindness or love. She pushes anything good away. Carly wants to believe that somewhere inside, Nelle loves Wiley, and wants him to have the best life; the life she never had. So take responsibility, and turn herself in. Let this be over. For once in her life, do the right thing for herself.

Sonny calls Olivia to tell her that Wiley is safe, and Olivia tells him, give that baby a hug. Olivia tells Ned and Brook that Wiley was found, and will be okay. Ned tells Brook, he doesn’t know how, but she did it. Brook smiles.

Trina tells Josslyn, they’ve wasted enough time talking about Cameron. They had a blast, and will never let a stupid boy come between them. They pinky swear, and Portia comes in with Curtis. She says, it must be serious, and asks if they’re celebrating their performance. Trina says they are, and Curtis says, the telethon was a huge success. The two of them and Cameron made it possible. Josslyn thanks him, and says, it was a lot of fun. Trina and Josslyn’s phones ding, and Trina says, Cameron is joking, right? He was the lead, and they were his back-up? Josslyn says, if they’re being honest, Cameron is talented. Trina says, the best part is, he has no idea. Josslyn says, don’t tell him, and Trina says, are you kidding? He already has an ego the size of New York. Curtis tells Portia, it’s good to see Trina smile. Portia asks, what’s so funny? and Trina tells her, Cameron is saying they were his back-up, and they should take their gig on the road. Taggert looks in the window, hiding his face with his hood. Which isn’t too obvious.

On the phone, Jordan says, they found the child. She’s informed the local law enforcement. Let her know when they arrive. Jason walks into her office, and she tells him that he can’t just barge in. He says he saw a friend of hers, and she has a lot of explaining to do.

Nelle says, give herself up for Wiley? Carly is a hypocritical bitch. It would make it easier on her. If Carly wants her to give up, come and get her. She runs, but Carly tackles her. They struggle, but Nelle gets the better of Carly, and takes off. Carly hears a scream.

Michael tells Wiley, they’ll get home, but first they have to wait for the police. He can’t believe how Wiley can sleep through all this. He says, sometimes thing happen in life that we don’t understand; that we can’t fathom. People make bad choices, and do wrong things, but few people are actually evil. Wiley’s mom isn’t evil.

Nelle begs Carly to help her. She says, please. She can’t hold on much longer. Oh my God, please. She’s going to fall. Carly finds Nelle hanging from the side of a cliff, and says, grab her hand. Nelle does, but doesn’t get a good enough grip, and falls.

Tomorrow, Curtis tells Portia that he can’t ignore dishonesty, Jason tells Jordan that Cyrus wants to get rid of him to clear a path to Sonny, and Dante attacks the doctor.

The Real Housewives of New York City

I’m sure you’ve heard the news about Dorinda. We’ll get to that afterwards.

Sarah calla Leah, who says she’s getting ready for her party. There’s a lot of pressure. She’s celebrating her brand, and their mom is coming. She’s going to be staring at her and Sarah with binoculars. Maybe they should slip something in her drink.

Dorinda calls LuAnn, and asks if she got the invite to Dorinda’s birthday party. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, the party is at the Russian Samovar (a place I have always wanted to go). She tells LuAnn to bring her happy birthday voice. She settles on to the couch, and says, nothing is better than a nap under the Christmas tree.

Sonja confers with her assistant Destiny. She says she needs to text her old assistant Raquel. She needs help with the townhouse, and flew Raquel in. All the packages for the townhouse were going there, and it was a schlep. In her interview, she says, Sonja By Sonja Morgan is a success story, but redoing her home simultaneously has been a lot. She tells Destiny she needs a sample for the staircase she’s redoing, and needs to check with the broker. Where are the renters? She’s put the house on the market as well. In her interview, she says it’s a daily drain on her emotions and time, and will be one less thing to worry about. It would be great for her. She puts down wee-wee pads for Marley, tucking one under the table for when he poops, because he gets embarrassed. I believe this, since I actually have a dog that likes privacy too. She tells Destiny, it’s an effort for him, like Elvis.

Ramona gets her outfit together while conferring with her dog Coco. LuAnn comes by, and in Ramona’s interview, she says she wants to support Leah. After Mexico, they were in a  good place .She even bought some of Leah’s items and paid retail, so she’s definitely supportive. She tells LuAnn she got sushi for them. The Mexico trip knocked her for a loop. She thought LuAnn was talking to Dorinda about them as a group, and LuAnn says she couldn’t, since the text Ramona sent got her going. Ramona says, she blows up, and LuAnn says Dorinda barely gave her a hug. it feels unsettled. It was a great trip, but nothing was resolved. We flash back to LuAnn trying to talk to Dorinda, and LuAnn says, it’s like a bad taste in her mouth. She feels like she was sucker punched. She tells Ramona, Dorinda said she was sorry, but there was no warmth or compassion, nothing. Ramona says, something deep inside is bothering Dorinda, but if Dorinda doesn’t get to the root of it, she can’t be around it. They can’t fix it for her. LuAnn wants to give Ramona a heads up, and says, Leah invited Elyse to her party. We see a clip where Leah tells Dorinda that Ramona said she’s not allowed to invite Elyse. That’s crazy. LuAnn asks what happened between Ramona and Elyse, and Ramona says she has to go to the bathroom. In her interview, LuAnn says she hasn’t seen Ramona get up that fast to go to the bathroom since Mexico. And she didn’t make it. Ramona says, Elyse isn’t a girl’s girl, and LuAnn says she’s had Elyse’s number from the beginning, and it’s not 212 (the area code for Manhattan). In Ramona’s interview, she says the trouble started when she brought Elyse into their friend group. She was always about the other girls. She’s like a friend jumper. Ramona tells LuAnn that she thinks Elyse is manipulative, not genuine, and disgusts her. LuAnn says, there you go. It’s a list.

It’s the 15th anniversary party for Married to the Mob, and Leah arrives with Sarah. Leah complains about not having palm trees, but Sarah thinks it’s a great space. Leah is excited to have her friends and family in one place to celebrate, but she’s nervous about Ramona, Dorinda, and the rest of the group coming. Her brand is streetwear, and her friends in the community know what they’re getting, but she thinks the Housewives will want caviar served, and that’s not happening. In Dorinda’s interview, she says it was like going down into a dungeon. It was some kind of hip-hop thing, with everyone dressed in what looked like pajamas. She tells Leah she must have missed the dress code. They look like they’re going to work out class. Once you start dressing up, it’s hard to wear sweats. In Leah’s interview, she says, maybe Dorinda never saw the website, but she’s in business because of sweat pants and T-shirts. Dorinda insists she’s really gangster despite what she’s wearing. Elyse comes in, and Dorinda says they look like they came from the office.

Elyse says she hasn’t heard from Ramona. She doesn’t think they’re friends anymore. Dorinda says, for some reason something turned, and Ramona doesn’t trust Elyse. Leah says Ramona said she shouldn’t invite her, and Elyse says, that’s definitely not friend if Ramona is trying to neutralize her. Leah says she would never tell Ramona who to invite to her party. In her interview, Leah says Ramona told her that she was not allowed to invite Elyse, which obviously is complete bullsh*t. Elyse says, if there’s a problem, friends talk about it. Bunny comes in, and in Leah’s interview, she says Dorinda’s mom is like her mom. They both go to church. She introduces Dorinda, and says Dorinda said Bunny was like her mom. We see a clip of Leah meeting Dorinda’s mom, and in her interview, Dorinda says their moms love them for who they are, and let them be. That creates confident women. She thinks they should go to church together. Leah tells her friends, if Bunny asks, she’s drinking Pellegrino. Hint: It’s not Pellegrino.

LuAnn comes in, and Leah hollers, viva la diva! LuAnn says, very cool, and Dorinda says they’re the only ones dressed up. Leah says, what about her? and Dorinda says she looks hot, but these people need to go home and get dressed. Leah tells her, quiet; these people are her friends. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, it’s streetwear. She doesn’t know what Dorinda expected. Sonja comes down the stairs, telling a guy, don’t be scared; she doesn’t bite. She yells, where does she start? Hot guys! She plops in the middle of a bunch of dudes, and Leah says she’s got to say hi to Sonja. Sonja tells a random guy that she never gets invited to parties with hot guys. In Sonja’s interview, she says she loves this group. The men look like they’re over twenty… four? She tells Leah that she just landed there. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s not engaging in BS. She’s lived her life, and knows how she is. At this stage of her life, she wants to surround herself with people she enjoys, who respect her and who she respects. She tells Leah that she wore sparkly for her, and Leah introduces Ramona to her mom. Ramona says she feels like she knows Bunny. She feels like Leah is her daughter too; she gets frustrated. Bunny says they need to have a conversation. Ramona says she loves Bunny. Elyse joins them, and Ramona pretends like she’s not there. Elyse asks if Ramona isn’t talking to her, and Ramona says she doesn’t know who Elyse is. She walks away, and Elyse tries to grab her arm. Ramona shakes her off, and Elyse says she’s duplicitous. Ramona calls Elyse sick and evil, and trots back up the stairs to the street. Leah calls to her not to leave.

Leah tells Ramona, please stay; it’s just her. Ramona won’t even turn around and keeps going. In Leah’s interview, she says Romana didn’t even look back, and just prances out. She wonders wtf happened, and says, Ramona is off to an Upper East Side bar to pick up men, which is where she really wants to be. Elyse says she’s so done with Ramona, and in her interview, she says she never thought she’d resent or be as angry with Ramona as she is. She doesn’t know where go from here. She asks Dorinda, who’s had Ramona’s back the most? and Dorinda says she accused Elyse of having Stockholm disease. Stockhouse syndrome. Balloons pop, and LuAnn say she loves this party. A guy tells Sonja that he had Captain Morgan last night, and she says he has Lady Morgan right now. Sonja tells Leah that she likes Leah’s friends more than her own. In her interview, she says, there’s a good mix of people; fashion, artists, rappers. This party is real. LuAnn thinks Bunny looks like Mother Earth. She’s right.

Leah takes the mic, and thanks everyone for coming. All of the people in the room. They mean so much. Married to the Mob is her brand – everyone cheers – that she started 22 years ago. Rob saved her life in so many ways. If they hadn’t met, she wouldn’t have started the brand. He also gave her their daughter Kiki. She wants to acknowledge Sarah, whose life coach asked her why she didn’t buy stock in Leah’s company. She’s giving Sarah 15 % of her brand. She says, thanks, bitch. I love you. Sonja says she’s going marry Sarah. Leah says her mom wants to say a couple of words. She’d be nothing without Bunny. Bunny says her husband couldn’t be there because he’s not feeling well. She’s never seen anyone work as hard as Leah. She marches to her own drum, and was reading Vogue at nine years old. Bunny has never read Vogue in her life. If Leah had asked if she should start a business, Bunny would have said, get a job. Thank God Leah followed her dream. She loves her. She tells Leah, congratulations, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s relishing this moment, knowing her parents are proud. Hopefully Bunny will give a toast in front of the family at dinner on Sunday.

Dorinda toasts to a badass bitch. Leah is a great mom, and a great friend. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Leah was so young when she started her company. She was a baby 15 years ago. Leah says her heart is bursting. These are great people she’s known for a long time, and her new friends, who are genuinely proud of her.

LuAnn calls Ramona from a restaurant, and asks, what happened? Why did she leave? Ramona says she doesn’t like negative energy. She doesn’t want to be around negative people. She had a lovely talk with Bunny. She wasn’t what Ramona expected. LuAnn says, she was very granola looking. Obviously, Ramona didn’t bond with Elyse. Ramona says Elyse asked if she wasn’t going to talk to her; very aggressive. Elyse went nuts, and grabbed her arm. LuAnn says Ramona should have stayed, and Ramona says, whatever. She’s not doing that. In her interview, Ramona says Elise is manipulative, and doesn’t make her feel good. Luann says she’s having coffee while she’s waiting for the writer who’s doing her book. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been through so much – horses, therapy, rehab, being arrested – she wants to write a book, and needs some help. Writer Sheryl comes in, and LuAnn introduces her to Ramona on the phone. Ramona tells Sheryl to write a bestseller. Sheryl says she’s on it. LuAnn says, she has a lot of story. Her life hasn’t been easy. She wasn’t privileged. Sheryl says she was surprised that boys said she was pretty, but chubby. LuAnn says, and taller than them. She used to saw the heels off her shoes. Sheryl says she shopped at Payless, and LuAnn says, there were seven children; life wasn’t easy. Sheryl says, the stuff about her dad, and LuAnn says he was important to her. Going through what she went through, she understands his struggle. Ramona is still on the phone because she can’t figure out how to hang up. LuAnn suggests she power off the phone. Ramona says LuAnn is an inspiration. Sheryl says, when LuAnn described being in the jail cell, and it was the first moment. When she was connecting with her dad for the first time, and understood what he went through; it was a shame. LuAnn says, it was ten years of craziness. He was a drinker, and when she got arrested, she looked at her ankles and thought, oh my God. Now she could start to understand his pain and struggle. In her interview, she says her father was her everything; he was her rock. He struggled with alcohol, eventually stopped, and AA saved his life. Now she understands so much more than she did as a young adult. His struggles were real. She’s had the same struggles. He’s not there today, but she is. She’s coming full circle, and if everything hadn’t happened, she’d never be doing this. She had to figure out how to believe in herself again, and get back in the driver’s seat. She repaired herself in a certain way, and there’s plenty to be done, but this will fix something. She thanks Sheryl, who says, it’s a New York Times best seller in the making.

Dorinda calls her sister Melissa from her bed, and says she’s so high up, it looks like she’s in no man’s land because of the fog outside. Does Melissa have something to say to her? Melissa says, happy birthday, and Dorinda says she’s calling about the party tonight. In her interview, she says she’s looking forward to it. It’s all people she’s known for ten or twenty years, not someone she met at CVS a few days ago. Ramona collects friends the way people collect leaves in the fall. She tells Melissa that she’s having the party at the Russian Samovar. It’s really Russian, and an old-fashioned fun bar. In her interview, she says, it’s one of the best places; old New York. You start off at the supper table, and end up drinking with the chef at 2 am. She tells Melissa that she invited John, and Melissa asks what she last talked to him. Dorinda says he stopped by church when she was there. It was sad, but things are better now. She asks if she doesn’t seem calmer, and Melissa says she’s more peaceful. Dorinda says she and John are friends now; he’s part of the family, and that’s how she wants it to be. Melissa says they’ve been through a lot together, and Dorinda says, they have fun. She loves him on some level, and always will. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it would be mean, cruel, and unkind to cut him out. Just because their relationship is in a different place, doesn’t mean she should dispose of a person who’s been part of her life for seven years. Melissa says, be careful tonight, and Dorinda says she’s not being careful, and tells Melissa to call tomorrow, and see who she ended up with. Just kidding.

Sonja picks up LuAnn, and LuAnn asks what she thought of Leah’s party. Sonja says she had a blast. Those people are real. LuAnn asks what she thought about Ramona with Elyse, and Sonja asks, what happened? LuAnn says Ramona went on about how Elyse had done this and that, and how she was going to tell Elyse about everything. Sonja says, and Ramona hightailed out of there. LuAnn says, Ramona came in guns blazing, but didn’t say a word. Like she didn’t say anything to Dorinda in Mexico. Ramona does that; she retreats. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s not a retreater. She sticks around and confronts the issue head on. When the going gets tough, Ramona runs.

The Russian Samovar is the coolest place. Hannah mentions she’s been there once before. Sonja says, the vodka is flavored and so good. In Sonja’s interview, she says LuAnn is drinking again. Let’s get this train going again. Leah comes in, and Sonja says Leah’s party was real. Leah asks, for Sonja’s drag queen party, does she have to bring a drag queen or dress like one? Sonja says, whatever she wants to do, and Leah says she’s wearing big hair. In her interview, Sonja says she’s has drag queen Bingo nights to raise money for the LGBTQ community. There’s something about drag queens; they’re more theatrical. More guests arrive, and they toast to 2020, LuAnn asking, how crazy is that? Dorinda comes in, and tells everyone, happy birthday. They’re like, wait a minute… In Dorinda’s interview, She says she’s looking forward to tonight; a table filled with people she loves, who she knows will love each other. John joins the party, and in her interview, Dorinda says, it’s not about the food; it’s about the music, the people, and the atmosphere. It’s a great place to let all things go. It’s her birthday. She announces that she loves a dinner party in honor of her. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s shocked to see John. It doesn’t make sense. Dorinda is sending him the wrong messages. He didn’t want it to end. Is she giving him a carrot? Ramona doesn’t like it. Oh, well, by all means, banish him then. What the hell? Leah approaches Ramona. In Leah’s interview, she says, Ramona called to apologize. Little does Ramona know, she doesn’t care. We see a clip of Ramona saying she’s proud of Leah – congratulations. She was happy she met Leah’s mom. She was much smarter; not like Ramona thought she was. In her interview, Leah says, Ramona doesn’t mean to be one of the rudest people in the world. She has no awareness of how socially awkward she is. Even when she tries to compliment you, she disses you.

Dorinda says she’s 55, she can’t wait too long, and LuAnn says, 55 never looked so beautiful. Dorinda says, every face there means so much to her. They’ve laughed and cried with her, and she’s blessed to call all of them friends. The best present is in front of her. LuAnn says she loves Dorinda, and Sonja tells Dorinda to stop worrying about them, and enjoy herself. Dorinda says Sonja has too many apps open on her phone; her phone is dying. LuAnn tells them to get off their phones, reminding Dorinda of how she got on their cases about that in Mexico. We flash back to that, and LuAnn tells Dorinda, it’s not her problem. Dorinda says she’s closing the apps for Sonja, and Ramona tells Dorinda, don’t raise her voice because – wait for it – it’s her birthday. Nothing has ever made less sense coming from Ramona, and that’s saying a lot. LuAnn says Dorinda is yelling at her. In Dorinda’s interview, she says LuAnn rides her hard. LuAnn watches her closely, but it’s her party. She’ll phone if she wants to. She tells LuAnn to stay out of it.

Dorinda says her phone is turned off, and in her bag, which is what you do at a dinner party. Ramona babbles, and tells Dorinda to chill. In Ramona’s interview, she says, even at Dorinda’s own party, she’s snapping at someone. Ramona tells a random guy, it’s not healthy emotionally. They’ve been trying to figure out how to help, but Dorinda doesn’t want to recognize the problem. This is beyond socially awkward, and not what you do at someone’s birthday party. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Ramona has nothing going on in her life, so this is what Ramona is stuck on. It’s kind of sad. John wants to make a toast, and Dorinda tells him to keep it short. He says everyone there are all dear friends, family, and loved ones, and they’re fortunate to be so close for so many years. They’ll have a special bond for a lifetime. Dorinda says he’ll always have a seat at her table, no matter what. He’s in her family. In her interview, Dorinda says she’s proud that John had the confidence to give a toast, and it was sincere. It shows she did it. It’s what she wanted to achieve tonight, and she feels positive.

LuAnn takes the mic, and says she and Dorinda met on the dance floor of a bar mitzvah. Huh? What? Really? In Leah’s interview, she says, LuAnn will always find a mic, no matter where they are. LuAnn says they had a connection, and danced the night away. They never lost the embrace, and they’ve been friends ever since. She relates to Dorinda, and supports and loves her. In Ramona’s interview, she says, LuAnn is going on forever. I tell Ramona, STFU. In Sonja’s interview, she wonders if they’re going down Memory Lane with LuAnn at Dorinda’s party. Ramona, who can never contain herself, tells LuAnn that she’s ruining the party; it’s about Dorinda, not her. This is not a cabaret show. LuAnn says if it makes Ramona feel better, she’s winding it up. I wonder how everyone allows Ramona to dictate what should happen at their parties. LuAnn sings Happy Birthday, and in Leah’s interview, she says, it’s a sh*t show. LuAnn gets up, and in Dorinda’s interview, she says, it never fails. LuAnn is so on cue. Dorinda thinks she pops out at birthday parties all over NYC, at clambakes, car washes… It’s like something out of a Saturday Night Live skit. I’m sure all of them are right, but Dorinda did tell LuAnn to bring her happy birthday voice, so… They all sing and I’m sad. In her interview, Dorinda says a little bit of vodka, a red room, great music, her girls from New York. They all like each other. It’s the ultimate reason they’ve been together for so long . She and John dance, and John complains about having to sit hear Ramona. He says he needs a shot.

Next time, LuAnn goes to the recording studio, drag queen Bingo happens, and LuAnn says happy-effing-holidays.

🏯 Goodbye, Bluestone Manor…

And all holidays Dorinda. Since sources conflict as to whether she was fired or she decided to go, maybe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If she was fired, especially for drinking, it would be pretty hypocritical, since Bravo keeps the booze free and always available. For sure Dorinda has issues, and they aren’t excuses, but everyone deserves a chance. I had to fire someone as a friend for being a mean drunk, so I can get it, but I hadn’t exploited displayed her issues on TV for all to see. Or give her free liquor. Take your pick of sides.

https://people.com/tv/dorinda-medley-leaving-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/

https://www.realitytea.com/2020/08/26/dorinda-medley-fired/

https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2020/08/dorinda-medley-fired-from-real-housewives-for-being-a-mean-drunk/

https://www.realitytea.com/2020/08/26/carole-radziwill-dorinda-medley-real/

😱 Hold Your Nose & Close Your Eyes…

Everything you wanted to know about the RHOBH upcoming Reunion. Or not. And while I’m on the subject, what’s up with Kyle’s hair? No, just no.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-10-reunion-preview

https://decider.com/2020/08/27/rhobh-reunion-preview-denise-richards-storms-out/

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-10-reunion-trailer/

🚵🏾‍♀️ It’s Coming…

More tea and big houses tomorrow, but for now, stay safe, stay passionate about something, and stay away from the edges of cliffs.

August 21, 2020 – Julian Pushes Back, 3rd Time’s the Charm, Volunteer Carpet, Sam Returns, Parker’s Lifetime, Snake Talk, Bryan’s Next Move, Peeking At Charlie, Teddi’s Mansion, Virally Filmed, 29th Dance, Lilly’s Latest, Dead News, Three For the Show, 12+1 Quotes & Roll

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

😳 Oops. My bad. After the insane week I’ve had, I had a hard time reading my own shorthand yesterday and attributed Nelle and Brook’s final words backward. Sorry about that. I did question myself at the time, and should have known Brook would never back down to Nelle. The correct version is in today’s post. Moving forward…

Lucy welcomes us back, and says, once again, the 2020 General Hospital Nurses Ball telethon, a spectacular event to raise money for frontline workers’ special safety equipment. It’s a great honor to introduce everyone’s favorite nurse at GH, Epiphany Johnson. Epiphany comes out, and explains that hospitals are a collaboration. They aren’t made up of just doctors and nurses, but orderlies, lab technicians, cleaners and other workers. Together they provide essential services. These are incredibly stressful jobs, and take their toll on service providers and their families. The viewer donations let them know that the community they support, supports them back. Lucy says the telethon is a way to say thank you to all the medical personnel and first responders, who are heroes, along with their families, and who do so much for them. While the viewers are making donations, they’ll be entertained with amazing acts still to come.

In the bathroom, Ava tells Nina, the Cassadine men do have a way of getting under their skin. Nina says, which brings her back to Nikolas. Is he trying to make Ava jealous by making a fuss over Elizabeth? Even if they’re married in name only, flirting, especially with a married woman, is just tacky. Ava says, and also profitable. If Nikolas sleeps with another woman, he’ll break the infidelity clause, and she’ll wind up with 90% of the Cassadine estate. Nikolas can shower tributes on Elizabeth to his heart’s content, and if he woos her into bed, Ava gets the payoff she deserves. Inside one of the stalls, Elizabeth listens.

Carly tells Jax that Josslyn called. He wonders if there’s something wrong, but she says she thinks Josslyn was just checking in. She might be looking for a congratulatory present. Jax asks if Carly knows Josslyn has been angling for a car, and Carly says she does. She’ll let him handle that. Before he leaves, Jax tells Nikolas, the scholarship for the nursing students in Elizabeth’s name was generous, but maybe he should have thought about it a little more. Franco says, Jax has a point. Next time a wave of generosity washes over him, he may want to shower it onto his wife.

Michael explains the Quartermaine relationships to Willow, telling her, Tracy married Luke. Michael thought it was a fraudulent marriage, but he can’t keep track. They definitely turned out to be life partners though. She asks if unconventional marriages are a thing for the Quartermaines, and he says they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monica sits back down on the couch, and says, still sleeping; disaster averted. Julian comes up behind her, and chloroforms her, knocking her out. Wiley sleeps peacefully with Mr. Hopsicle.

Brook tells Nelle that she can’t wait until Nelle is hauled off in handcuffs in front of everyone there, and all the people viewing at home. Nelle says the police won’t believe Brook; they’ll say she’s harassing Nelle. Brook says, she’ll call Michael, and he can call the police, but Nelle smacks the phone out of Brook’s hand. Brook says, no worries. Mac is there; he can arrest her himself. Brook heads for the door, and Nelle says she’s sorry. She picks up the shears, and asks Brook to pretend that she didn’t see or hear anything. Brook turns around, and stupidly walks back to Nelle, and says she messed with her last Quartermaine. Nelle slashes at Brook, and we see blood on the shears. Why? Why do they always do that? Like Tuco said in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, if you’re going to shoot, shoot; don’t talk.

Michael sees that Brook called, but didn’t leave a message. Willow says maybe Brook wanted to make peace with him, but he say she doesn’t need to. He didn’t like the idea that she sold her shares, but so did other members of his family. At least she didn’t know she sold them to Valentin. She says he’s less worried than Ned seems to be, and he says he hates the idea of Valentin being in charge, and intends to force him out eventually, but in the short term, Valentin is a smart businessman. He doesn’t think ELQ will suffer. Willow says he doesn’t think of it as a betrayal, so maybe he should tell Brook. He tries calling.

Nelle stands over an unconscious Brook, and says she should have been nicer, more sympathetic. Her mistake. Now Nelle’s plan to have Wiley vanish has gone south. She needs to go. Brook lies on the floor in a pool of blood, next to her ringing phone. Nelle slips out.

Monica is knocked out, and Julian says, sorry. He turns off the TV, and his phone dings. He sees a text from Nelle that says, the timetable has been moved up. We need to move now. Is it done? He closes the doors to the living room, and trots up the stairs.

Michael gives Willow a bottle of water, and raises his own, saying, to Wiley, and his amazing new life. He’s safe from Nelle because of her. Willow says, because of us, and Diane. He says, to Wiley and Diane. Carly watches, and smiles. Michael smiles at Willow, and little hearts start to pop out of his eyes.

Lucy asks Amy if she’s found Jordan. Maybe she’s warming up, since she’s the next act. Amy says she couldn’t find Jordan, so she asked Curtis, who said she was called away on a case. Lucy says, no; that doesn’t work. Jordan is the Police Commissioner. She doesn’t have to solve every case. She can delegate to other police people. Lucy can’t delegate an act. Amy says she called the PCPD and the hospital, but no one has seen her. Lucy will have to cut her number. Lucy says it can’t just be her out there; she needs acts. Acts and asking for money. They need alternate activities. It’s like the NFL draft, but she doesn’t have an act to draft. Amy tells Lucy not to panic; she can panic later. She asks if Lucy wants to shut the Ball down, and Lucy asks if Amy is losing her mind. She tells Amy to find Epiphany and Deanna, and warm up. She’ll stall. She’ll do a tap dance. She doesn’t know how to tap dance. She hates tap dancing. She’ll just stall.

Anna tells Valentin that his song was beautiful, and he says, at least someone appreciates it. She says false modesty doesn’t look good on him. It was wonderful, and he knows it, as was his pledge. He asks if she’s going to chastise him for burnishing his public image. She says, isn’t he? and he says, that’s part of it. He hears congratulations are in order. She must be thrilled for Peter and Maxie. Being a parent changes everything. It makes you better. It did with him and Charlotte, and her and Robin. Maybe it will with Peter. She says, of course (🍷) it will. He hopes so, and says, some mistakes are impossible to fix.

Nina tells Ava, Franco is her friend. She hopes Ava isn’t playing with his marriage. Ava says she’s doing no such thing. She’s heard rumors that under that angelic façade, Elizabeth is chronically unfaithful. If she chooses to break her vows to her husband, Franco should know the truth. Nina sees one flaw in Ava’s big plan. The way she and Nikolas were looking at each other, either she’s getting good at pretending to love him, or something changed in the last few days. Ava says Nina is projecting her issues with Valentin onto her. They leave, and Elizabeth comes out.

Michael tells Willow, they’re supposed to take a tally, and give Lucy the paperwork. What if after that, they sneak out? She says, abandon their post? He says they’ve done more than enough. They can go home, and check on Wiley. She says he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse. She glances at Sonny, and says, did she really just say that? They leave to finish up.

Lucy says hello to all their gorgeous, generous, amazing donors. They’re doing a great job, and she hopes they realize how important it is to the frontline workers who help them every day. When they work together, they do something more than raising money. They’re building a community, and showing the medical personnel and first responders that they support them. Any amount is great. Keep pitching in, and they’ll keep entertaining. They’re in for a special treat.

Nelle dashes through the corridors in the MetroCourt, and around runs outside. Julian sends a text that says, it’s done.

As Monica sleeps, Julian comes downstairs with Wiley, and leaves with him.

Michael and Willow arrive home, and Michael says, sorry the evening crashed and burned. She says, it didn’t. She had a good time. He says, until Chase and Sasha. She says, they were fantastic (I guess we don’t get to see that), and he says, someday it won’t hurt so much. Until then, they can make some popcorn, and watch the funniest movie ever made. She says he doesn’t have to cheer her up, and he says he’s cheering himself up. They sit on the stairs.

Sonny says, Michael and Willow aren’t coming back? and Carly says, they probably went to check on Wiley; they’re such good parents. Sonny says he’s glad it wasn’t her idea; Chase and Sasha pretending to be involved so Michael and Willow would get married. Face it. It’s exactly the kind of plan that’s up her alley. She says, back in the day, 100%. She’d be seeing all of their hearts breaking and feel guilty. Instead, she’s grateful Michael and Willow got custody of Wiley, and Wiley got the best stepmother on the planet. Sonny says he knows there’s too much going on, and Carly asks if he wants to check in with Turning Woods, but he says, no. They’ll call if there’s any change. The best thing he can do for his dad is to stay and support the people who have given him such amazing care.

Olivia tells Ned, she’s trying to call Brook, but there’s no answer. He says, his problem daughter? No surprise. He tells Olivia to save the lecture for now, but she says she’s just expressing her opinion. He says, on this topic, they’re one and the same, and she says he’s scaring the hell of her. She’s heard stories about his grandfather, and his intentions were good, but his methods were toxic. She says this with love, but he’s turning more into Edward every day. He says, that’s not true, and she says, prove it. Find his daughter, and talk to her.

We see Brook lying on the floor, unconscious.

Ned asks if Dustin and Lulu have seen Brook, but Dusting says, not for a while. She might be warming up. They’ll go check. Ned thanks them.

Robert asks Olivia if she’s got a minute, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he has good news. The commissioner at the Bureau said he can get her in to see Dante. Olivia gets super excited, and asks, when? Where is he? Robert says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. No civilians are allowed, so he’ll go with her. The supervisor is waiting for his boss to return, and there’s a narrow window. They have to hurry. He’d like to leave now if they could. She throws her arms around him, and thanks him. Ned watches.

Willow says, popcorn and the funniest movie ever? and Michael says, if only to cheer him up. Feel free not be cheered, since it’s only about him. He asks what she’d like to see, and she asks him, promise not to laugh, but he says, that’s the point. She says it’s a kid movie, with silly humor, and he tells her, cue it up, and he’ll check on Wiley. They go into the living room, and see Monica asleep. Michael tries to wake her, but she stays out.

Julian waits at the pier, and says, sorry, Wiley; you deserve better than this. Unfortunately, your crazy birth mother has other plans. Why is he going along with it? He’s the world’s biggest coward. He should have told Sonny that he knew all along, but Sonny can kill someone. He’s run out of options. He flashes back to telling Ava, go ahead. Tell him what an idiot he is for getting mixed up with Nelle. Ava asks what on earth was he thinking, and why hasn’t he killed her yet? He says he wouldn’t be there if she didn’t have him over a barrel. Ava says if he thinks Nelle will release him when it’s over, he’s a damn fool. On the pier, Julian says, maybe not.

Lulu says, if she’s not backstage, Brook probably bailed, but Dustin says, she might have stage fright, but she wouldn’t run away. They go into the makeshift dressing room, and see Brook on the floor. Dustin runs to check her pulse, and Lulu says, oh my God. Dustin tells her, call 911, and tells Brook to wake up.

Lucy tells the viewers that the Nurses Ball is still so passionately committed to HIV and AIDS. Sonny and Nikolas’s generous donations will be going to those charities. She wants to introduce a woman committed to both causes, and welcomes Anna. Anna thanks the viewers for their donations. She’s been answering the phones, and got to speak to some of them; they’ve been lovely. She’s grateful for their generosity. The Nurses Ball has a special place in her heart, and not just because she received a lovely marriage proposal on this very stage a year ago from Dr. Hamilton Finn (I always forget he has a first name). She says, it’s special because so many lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. She’s the mother of an HIV survivor. She was diagnosed at a time when the prognosis wasn’t as optimistic; a time when prejudice and fear were more rampant. Her daughter Robin, and countless others, are alive today because of medical research. Perhaps that’s why Robin became a doctor herself. This leads her to tell them how important the telethon is. She served as Police Commissioner, and saw how closely first responders and medical staff work together. Their work is vitally important. The police, doctors, the ambulance crew, the hospital cleaners; no one does their job alone. They need each other, and we desperately need them. So give what you can. Any donation, whatever size. I have a friend who was diagnosed with HIV many years ago, like Robin, and he’s doing fine today.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Nikolas isn’t the problem, Ava is. She’s playing emotional chess with Nikolas, and they’re the pawns.

Robert tells Olivia he has to go back inside. Anna is going to have a fit because he wasn’t there during her speech. Olivia says, tell her the truth. He found a way for her to see her son; Anna will understand. He says he’ll be waiting, and she says she doesn’t know how  to thank him. He leaves, and Ned comes out. He says, amazing. They have a fight and she runs to Robert because he says the right things. Olivia says it has nothing to do with their marriage. Robert found a way for her to see Dante. Ned says, that’s great news, and Olivia says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. Robert knows the guy in charge. Ned says he’ll change his schedule, and they’ll go, but Olivia says Robert has to sneak her in as it is. Only one person can go. Ned says, okay, and Lulu comes running in. She says, Brook has been attacked.  

Michael begs Monica to please wake up. Monica opens her eyes, and asks if everything is all right. He says she scared him half to death. Is she okay? She says she must have dozed off, and Michael says she was sleeping pretty heavily. Where’s Wiley? She says she doesn’t remember. The phone rang, and she’d left it in the foyer. She came back in, and heard Wiley. Michael asks if Wiley was downstairs or did she hear him on the monitor? Willow says she’ll check the nursery.

Nelle goes to meet Julian, and asks where Wiley is. He says Wiley is safe in his car, and she asks if he’s saying he’s giving her a set of wheels. That’s totally nice, but unnecessary. Just put Wiley in her car, and they can get going.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Ava is encouraging Nikolas to cheat, so she can get the Cassadine fortune. Franco says she has it backward. Nikolas is the one who’s playing them.

Lucy thanks everyone, saying the Nurses Ball was a resounding success; just amazing. She’d like to thank the volunteers who jumped in at the last minute, and gave generously of their time, and  the amazing performers backstage who pitched in and made this happen. She thanks her rack of gowns on stage with her, and goes behind the rack, coming out in a volunteer T-shirt and jeans. She says the most deserving of all is their amazing audience. It’s her great pleasure to introduce the intrepid nurses of GH. Epiphany, Amy, Deanna, and an unidentified flying nurse sing. I’ve had zero luck with finding the titles of songs I don’t recognize, but if I can find a list, I’ll post them. They sing in front of a grid with candles everywhere on it, and I think, that’s impressive for something done on the fly.

Backstage, Lucy smiles at her success.

Brook is taken out on a stretcher, while Mac gathers evidence. He asks if Dustin and Lulu saw anybody. Did anyone look like they were fleeing the scene? Lulu says, they didn’t see anyone. Ned tells Brook to hang in there. He won’t leave her side. He’ll be right there. They leave, and Finn goes with them. Mac tells Lulu and Dustin, if they remember any detail, no matter how small, call him.

Michael asks what Monica was doing before she fell sleep. Was Wiley downstairs, or in the nursery? She says she doesn’t remember, and Willow runs down the stairs. She tells them, Wiley’s not in his room, and Monica says, what?

Nelle says, all right, hubby; it’s been fun, but it’s time go. Julian says, sorry, but she’s not going anywhere. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says she pushed him too far. Now he’s pushing back. He takes out a gun.

To be continued…

On Monday, Portia has an update on Brook, Nina tells Jax not to hate her for what she’s going to say, Julian tells Nelle that someone has to stop her, and Sonny says someone is going to tell him right now.

🚔 Even He Was Surprised…

The skinny on Taggert’s return from the dead.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/real-andrews-reveals-secrets-of-taggert-return

👕 Hey, You’re Wearing My Shirt…

Not too much diversity in Nurses Ball fashion this year.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/nurses-ball-2020-red-carpet-photos

👢 Back and Badass As Ever…

That was quick. I barely noticed she was gone.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-opens-up-about-her-return-to-general-hospital

📺 Gig Of a Lifetime…

GH’s Parker returns to the small screen.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ashley-jones-alicia-leigh-willis-star-in-double-kidnapped

🛥 The Deck You Say…

Hannah has the final word. And a prescription.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-med-hannah-ferrier-speaks-out-fired-over-valium/

🦍 Breaking Ivan…

Bryan Cranston does it all.

https://film.avclub.com/bryan-cranston-on-working-with-a-cgi-gorilla-and-20-yea-1844756037

🧛🏻 Chrismasland Be Damned…

A sneak peek at what’s next for Charlie Manx.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-finale-sneak-peek-christmasland-is-crumbling

🛕 Stepping Out From Daddy’s Shadow…

Apparently cushy jobs accountability coaching pays off.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/17/photos-rhobhs-teddi-mellencamp-buys-6-49-million-home-in-encino-see-inside-the-massive-mansion-plus-its-over-the-top-movie-theater-and-backyard-oasis/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/20/photos-teddi-mellencamp-enlists-mauricio-umansky-to-sell-her-5-9-million-hollywood-hills-home-see-inside-the-rhobh-stars-modern-estate/

🖥 Pandemically Filming…

Andy talks about the new Housewife normal.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1179839/andy-cohen-reveals-what-its-like-filming-real-housewives-amid-coronavirus

💃🏾 Dancing Into Season 29…

All you need to know about DWTS.

https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-reveals-season-29-premiere-date-and-competing-pro-dancers/

💋 Remember Her…?

I tried to forget.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/11/lilly-ghalichi-and-dara-mir-headed-for-divorce-again-after-reconciliation/

⚰️ Beyond Dead…

Sunday August 30th, starting at 6 pm, AMC will also be showing the first episode of each season of The Walking Dead. I still think the very first episode was the best one. Rick’s WTF? face can’t be topped.

https://www.nme.com/blogs/tv-blogs/walking-dead-world-beyond-release-date-cast-everything-know-far-2540839

🏩 Throupling…

I’ll bet she talked through the whole thing.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/21/scheana-shay-says-she-was-in-a-throuple-with-john-mayer-and-another-reality-star/

📯 Quotes of the Week

I didn’t know you could scream that loud after smoking cigarettes. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, referring to Angela screaming at Michael

Tough times never last. Tough people do. – Robert Schuller

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun.Kent Nerburn

How to sell books in 2020: Put them near the toilet paper. – NY Times

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life – the golden ones and the coarse ones – and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life.Unknown

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt

The noisiest thing in the world is someone trying to be quiet. – me

People tend to be generous when sharing their nonsense, fear, and ignorance. And while they seem quite eager to feed you their negativity, please remember that sometimes the diet we need to be on is a spiritual and emotional one. Be cautious with what you feed your mind and soul. Fuel yourself with positivity and let that fuel propel you into positive action. – Steve Maraboli

Luckily for me, I have all my best ideas drunk. – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Birds of Prey

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.Confucius

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’Erich Fromm

Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying. – Roy T. Bennett

🏍 Moving Forward…

Next week has to be better, right? Right? Enjoy your weekend, or pretend it’s the weekend, depending. Until Monday, stay safe, stay supportive of the front line, and stay away from psychopaths with fabric shears.

August 19, 2020 – Maxie Makes an Announcement, Buca di Shower, Text Wars, Brandi Is a Huge Selfish Baby, Stew Overboard & Machines

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Lucy welcomes us back to the Nurses Ball Telethon. She’s proud to be the mistress of ceremonies, and says the audience may have noticed that things are different. They wanted to make sure frontline workers get what they need. When those who usually attend the Ball were asked to pitch in, they didn’t hesitate, because it’s a way to thank the essential workers and their families. She tells us not to think too much has changed. It’s still all about entertainment, and the most talented Port Charles residents are waiting to entertain us. Don’t go away.

Brook tells herself, she can do this, and then says, she can’t do this. Dustin comes in, and asks if she has stage fright.

Franco thanks Elizabeth for coming, and she says since they’re raising money for the frontline workers, she’d feel selfish staying away. He asks if she’s mad at him, and she says, should she be? Ava joins them, and says she didn’t realize Elizabeth was coming. Elizabeth says, clearly not, and Ava says she’s glad Elizabeth decided to pitch in, but the phones aren’t going to answer themselves. She tells them to get back to it, and Elizabeth shoots Franco a look.

Lucy finds Maxie backstage talking to Lulu, and says, there she is. She needs to put on her mic. Lulu says she’ll help, and Lucy says, the plan is for Maxie to make a short speech. Hit the stage, be warm and winsome, and pitch her heart out. Be adorable, and introduce Brook. Lucy adds, throw in some humor. Make them laugh, and they’ll throw money at her. Brook’s song will be over-the-top. When Lucy is gone, Maxie says, no pressure or anything.

Anna asks if Peter is okay, and he says he’s proud of Maxie, and wants the night to go right. Anna is sure Maxie will be her spectacular, charming, effervescent self. Anna knows Peter truly cares for Maxie, and when she looks out, he’ll be there cheering her on.

Spinelli tells Robert, tonight, Peter’s castle of lies will crash around him. Robert says, Nelle’s baseless information is interesting, but there’s no proof, and Spinelli shouldn’t be talking about it. Spinelli says, it’s imperative that Maxie know the truth tonight.

Curtis asks Portia what she thinks about the Ball, and Portia wonders why Jordan held a press conference, singing the praises of the man responsible for her husband’s death.

A man approaches Jordan on the pier, and she says he’s looking pretty good for a dead man. She thought they’d agreed he’d stay far away from Port Charles. We see it’s Taggert, and he says it turns out he has unfinished business.

Trina, Josslyn, and Cameron run backstage, and Trina says sorry she wasn’t on time. Cameron says, they’re not late. They have plenty of time. Portia says they’re cutting it close, and Curtis tells them, break a leg. He tells Trina that she’ll make her father proud, but she says she doesn’t need him to tell her that. She tells her friends, come on guys; the show must go on.

Jordan says Taggert is taking a risk. If Cyrus or his men see him, he’ll really be dead, and if her men see him, he’ll be arrested for fabricating his death. He says, there’s no warrant out for his arrest. He’s a dead man.

Lucy introduces Epiphany, Felix, and Amy, and Felix says, it’s because of people like the viewers that they’ve raised funds for HIV/AIDS over the years. Now they’re extending that to the frontline workers. Amy says they can’t do their jobs alone, and Epiphany says, there are also firefighters, police, EMTs, and ambulance crews. They all take risks on the frontline, and are there when they’re needed. The telethon is a chance to do something in return. Lucy asks everyone to please call or donate online. It’s up to the viewers to thank them.

Brook asks Dustin why this always happens; she loves performing. He says she’ll be fine once she gets in front of the lights, but she says, what if nothing comes out? He reminds her of a performance at the bar, where he had to block the door to keep her from running away, and asks, what happened next? She says she blew the roof off, and did seven encores. He says, the same thing will happen tonight.

Sam tells TJ and Molly, Jason is going to make a full recovery, but the bad news is, he could bolt the hospital at any time. Molly says she doesn’t believe he’d do that. TJ sees Brando, and calls him over. TJ says he guesses when Brando heard about the Nurses Ball, he was never told he’d be picking up phones. Brando says if he has a choice between the phones or sitting around in a tux, he’ll go with the phones.

Jax comes into the phone bank, and tells Nina, sorry he’s late. She asks if he knows what to say, and he says, Nurses Ball Telethon; thank you for calling.

Sasha’s picture is on a big screen on stage, and Lucy says if everyone is wondering who the absolutely gorgeous woman is behind her, it’s Sasha Gilmore, the face of Deception Cosmetics. She’s proud of the image, but prouder that Deception will match every single donation given to this wonderful cause. They can do that because of the generosity of one of their partners, Valentin Cassadine. Full disclosure, she’s also a partner, but tonight isn’t about one person or a company. It’s about coming together to honor others. Lulu puts the microphone on Maxie backstage, and Lucy continues. She says she wants to welcome Deception’s own Maxie Jones. Maxie tells Lulu, that’s her cue. Lucy is going to kill her. Lulu continues hooking Maxie’s microphone up, and Maxie says, at least she’s not in a ball gown. She won’t be wearing one of those anytime soon. Lulu asks if she’s had a chance to talk to Peter, and doesn’t realize the mic is on. Everyone can hear what Maxie is saying. She says, it’s delicate and she has to find the right moment to tell Peter that she’s pregnant. Since everyone in the place hears, including Peter, I say, not anymore

Maxie says, it’s not like they planned it. On stage, Lucy says, no, no, no. Technical difficulties. Excusez-moi. Maxie says she doesn’t know how Peter feels. They’ve never even tiptoed around the subject. Lucy flies backstage, and says, Maxie… and Maxie says she knows; she missed her cue. Maxie runs out, and says she’s sorry she’s a little late. Hi, Port Charles. She tells everyone that she’s the VP and creative director of Deception, and it’s a privilege to be there. Lucy comes back out, and tells her that her mic pack is on. Maxie says, yes, it is. So everyone can hear her. Lucy says, they can, they did, and they have heard every word. Maxie says, oh no, and Lucy says, oh yeah. Her whole conversation with Lulu was broadcast through the MetroCourt and all the viewers in town. Maxie walks quickly off the stage.

Anna looks at Peter, and he dashes out. Lulu asks if Maxie is okay, and Maxie says she can handle it, but keeps walking.

Dustin says Brook is a great singer, a potential legend. If he didn’t know the first night he heard her, he definitely knew in the bar. She says whenever she got knocked down or discouraged, he was the first to pick her up, and he’s doing it again, like no time has passed. As corny as it sounds, he’s a knight in shining armor. She’s an idiot for letting him get away. She kisses him, as Lulu walks in.

Lulu says, excuse me. Would anybody care to explain? Brook says, this is awkward, and Lulu says that’s not the word she’d use. Brook suggests she not be there next time, and Dustin says, there’s not going to be a next time. He’s sorry if he gave Brook the wrong idea, but she can’t avoid her problems by using him as a crutch. It was a long time ago, and she ended it. He’s glad they’re writing together again, but he’s moved on. She says, got it; no problem, and she leaves.

Lucy says, in keeping with tradition, there are always surprises. Maxie’s was a doozy. She stole the spotlight, but they’ll hear more about Deception soon. Felix comes out, and tells Lucy, Cyrus would like to say a few words. She says, absolutely not. Tonight is about heroes, and he’s not a hero. Felix says, he’s waiting in the wings, and Lucy says, first, a bit of an announcement. She’s sure everyone is aware of the upheaval at GH lately. They’re fine, and stronger than ever, thanks to the new Chairman of the Board. She introduces Cyrus, and he thanks her. He thanks Port Charles for the warm welcome, and says he’s not much for speeches, so he’ll be brief. He came to the city with a bad rap, and a worse reputation. The community understands the importance of overcoming adversity, and has given him the opportunity to show who he really is. He’s deeply moved and grateful, and hopes it’s just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with the city of Port Charles.

Epiphany tells Felix and Amy, this is the start of a dire time at the hospital. Mark my words.

Alone in one of the offices, Maxie asks, why did this have to happen at the Nurses Ball? Peter finds her, and says, is it true? She says this isn’t how she wanted him to find out. On a list of all the ways, it’s all the way at the bottom. He asks if she’s really pregnant, and she nods. He asks why she didn’t tell him, and she says she’s not sure what to make of all of this. Having a baby with him is a dream she always wanted to happen… someday. But Deception is a dream she’s making happen now, and the thing about dreams is, you have to sacrifice. She’s scared she can’t sacrifice enough to do right by both dreams. He asks, who said she’s the only one who has to sacrifice? Say the word, and he’ll sell the paper tomorrow. She doesn’t have to sacrifice any dream. He’ll be there 24/7. They’re in this together 1000%. If that’s what she wants. She says, it’s their baby; of course (🍷) it’s what she wants. He says he loves her, and they hug.

Portia tells Curtis, Jordan must be working, since she’s not performing with Chase. Cyrus approaches, and says, the Commissioner performing is something he’d pay good money to see. He congratulates Portia on her new position as Chief of Internal Medicine, and says, funny how things turn out in a way that works for him. She says, lucky her, and he says, the luck is all his, and the hospital’s. He’ll see her around. She leaves, and he smiles at Curtis, who follows her.

Jordan tells Taggert that she called in every favor to get him a new ID, and had to convince Epiphany to go along with it. Evidently, they slowed his heart rate so much, even his daughter thought he died. He says he hates that Trina is grieving, and Jordan says, it was the only way to keep her safe. If Cyrus finds out he’s alive, Trina will be a target again. Is that what he wants? He says, of course (🍷) not, and she tells him, explain why he’s showing his face in Port Charles.

Lucy says, tonight, we’re seeing the best and brightest in Port Charles. What they lack in years, they make up for in talent. The kids get ready to go on, and Trina looks at a picture of Taggert on her phone. She says, this one is for you, dad. Lucy introduces Josslyn, Trina, and Cameron. Cameron plays guitar, and they sing. I have no idea what the name of the song was, but it was good, about being able to go anywhere if they just believed it.

Taggert says Jordan is acting high and mighty, after dragging his name through the mud. She says, with his blessing, and he says, that’s a strong word, She says, the only way to bring TJ home and eventually expose Cyrus, was to sacrifice Taggert’s reputation. He says she was supposed to be gathering evidence to put Cyrus away for real, and she says, that’s still the plan. He says, the last time he heard her, she was praising Cyrus in a press conference, and she says she had to convince Cyrus that she’s under his thumb. Taggert says, from where he’s sitting, Cyrus isn’t the only one convinced. She asks if he has a better plan, and he says he does. The reason he’s there is so he can kill Cyrus himself.

Jax tells the kids, they were fantastic – all of them – and they thank him.

Brook swipes everything off a desk, and says, screw you, Dustin. She doesn’t need him. She doesn’t need anyone. She looks in the mirror, and says she’s BLQ.

Portia tells Curtis, Cyrus makes her skin crawl, and Curtis says, Taggert is the reason Cyrus spent time in prison. Taggert is gone, so he’s taunting her instead. She says, son of a bitch, and he says she’s putting it kindly, She says, more than that, he made her miss Trina’s performance. He says she can catch it online; Trina will never know. Portia says, she’ll know. Trina can smell a lie just like her father. She wishes Taggert could be there to see Trina on stage. He deserved better than what she did to him.

Jax finds Nina, and says he was put to work so fast, he barely had a chance to say hello. How is she feeling about Maxie’s big moment? She says she’s happy for Maxie. Peter too. She guesses she can’t help wondering about her own child. Is she a doctor? A paramedic? In prison, or dead? Jax says his jeweler thought she had a lead, and he’ll follow up. Valentin joins them, and asks how Nina is holding up. Jax says Nina is no longer Valentin’s business, and Valentin asks if that’s how Nina feels. Nina says she has to get ready, and she and Jax leave.

Anna and Mac find Maxie with Peter. Anna says she was just checking, and Maxie says she can come in. Anna says she doesn’t mean to pry, and Maxie says, she’s a spy; all she does is pry. Mac asks if it’s true, and Maxie says it is. Anna asks if it’s good news, and she says, the best. Mac says, just when he thought he was through with dirty diapers… but he loves grandkids and dirty diapers. He leaves to call Maxie’s mom, and Anna tells Peter that she’s happy. He says, thanks, grandma. She leaves to catch up with Mac, and flashes back to Robert asking if it’s ever occurred to her that Peter is Alex’s son, not hers.

TJ asks if Brando boxes, and Brando says he started in the service. It’s a great way to stay in shape. TJ suggests they get in the ring sometime, but Molly says TJ is a doctor. He shouldn’t even be hitting the heavy bag. Sam says, working out is one thing, but sparring is a bit much. And Brando had that baseball injury. TJ says, he plays baseball? and Brando says, yes. Sam says they’re going to be late; they’d better get back. She steers Brando away, and he asks, what’s the problem? He was just making conversation. TJ is a friendly dude. She says, act unfriendly, and he says he’s not trying to bring trouble. How many times does he have to say it? She tells him that he can say it as many times as he wants to. She still won’t believe it.

Portia tells Curtis that she goes back and forth. Loving Taggert for saving Trina, and cursing him for making her a target. But she misses him. It’s been years, but she misses him every day. Curtis says he’s learned that you don’t stop caring just because you grow apart. She says the marriage didn’t end because they grew apart. Something came between them. Curtis asks, what? and she says, him. He says he thought she’d said she never told Taggert. She says she didn’t, but she might as well have. After Taggert came back, there was a distance between them; something unspoken. She thought she couldn’t get past the months Taggert had been gone while he was undercover, but what she couldn’t get over was Curtis.

Jordan says Taggert must be joking. She’s not going to let him commit murder. He says, it’s not murder, it’s justice. He’ll get away with it, since no one will suspect a dead man.

Portia tells Curtis, it was years ago; ancient history at this point. She should probably get back. She walks away, and he ponders.

Jordan tells Taggert, not cold-blooded murder. That’s not the man she knows. He says, the man she knew didn’t have someone trying to kill his daughter. She says, his daughter wasn’t in danger until he came back, and backed Cyrus into a corner. She has a plan. She’s going to let Cyrus get complacent, and do a legitimate bust. He says that’s not a plan; it’s an idea. She says, if he takes Cyrus’s life now, that’s it. He’ll lose all hope of coming home. When Cyrus begins to trust her, she’ll bring Curtis on board. He laughs, and says she hasn’t told Curtis he’s alive, has she?

Lucy says, the next couple has wowed the Nurses Ball crowd before, but with other people. She introduces a dashing corporate raider, and the stylish editor-in-chief of Crimson. If there was ever a couple totally in sync, it’s these two, a duo with scintillating and soulful moves, Jax and Nina. Nina dances to She by herself for a few measures, then Jax joins her.

Valentin broods. Peter comes by, and Valentin says he gathers congratulations are in order. Peter thanks him, and Valentin says he was a bad mentor. He failed Peter in a lot of ways, and hopes Peter allows him opportunity to make it up with his hard won advice. Whatever Peter is keeping from Maxie, tell her now. A child changes everything, so if there’s something he’s keeping to himself, tell her. Before he knows what happened, it will be too late.

Jordan tells Taggert not to make it worse. Go back to where he was relocated before someone sees him. He says he’ll stay gone for now, but don’t think he’s going to stop checking up on her. She says she wouldn’t have it any other way. He tells her, be safe, and take care of his daughter. She promises to finish this soon, and leaves.

Dustin congratulates Peter, and Peter says, they intended on staying, but this has tired them out. Lulu says, goodbye, but Maxie is hesitant, saying she doesn’t know if Lucy will appreciate it. Lulu says she’ll handle Lucy. Go home and put her feet up.

Robert tells Spinelli, he’s still going to keep his trap shut, and Spinelli says, it’s not the night Maxie will learn the inconvenient truth. Robert says, they agree on something, but Spinelli can’t tell anyone until there’s proof. Spinelli says, then find it they must, before Maxie and Peter start raising a baby. He goes over to Maxie and Peter, and says, congratulations to them both. Whatever their endeavors, he’ll embrace them without hesitation. Maxie says that means the world to her, and to Peter. They leave, and Spinelli tells Robert, they must act in haste. The child will tie Maxie to Peter more than ever.

To be continued…

Tomorrow, Anna tells Finn it’s the best possible news, Nina tells Jax to stay out of it, and Nelle tells Julian tonight will be her greatest performance yet.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

After the day I’ve had, I so wish I could slap one of these self-righteous nitwits into next week.

Back in Beverly Hills, Denise visits Garcelle, whose house is all done up for Christmas. In Denise’s interview, she says, the day she got back from Rome, she was literally in the airport the next day, going to Montana  for Thanksgiving. After Rome, she needed to decompress, and she could bring as many pairs of sweatpants as she wanted. They have some tequila, and Denise tells Garcelle that she couldn’t have done it without her. Just being her friend says everything. In her interview, Denise says she loves Garcelle. At least she felt like she had a friend there who had her back. Garcelle asks if Denise told Aaron, and Denise says, yeah. Garcelle asks what he said, and Denise tells her that he couldn’t believe how the women are – and he’s seen it. He feels bad about some of the things that were said. In her interview, Denise says she and Aaron don’t have secrets. If she told him that she slept with Brandi, he’d ask how come he wasn’t invited. Garcelle asks if Aaron is going to address it with the women, and Denise says, when he sees them, he probably will. She admits to not liking Teddi. In her interview, Garcelle says she’s known LisaR for 20 years, but in the last few months, she’s seemed harsher and relentless. Garcelle doesn’t know who this person is. Denise says something is different between her and LisaR. She feels like it will take a lot for them to get back to the way they were. In Garcelle’s interview, she says LisaR is aggressive, and wants everyone to own it. She doesn’t want to own it all the time. It’s exhausting to own it all the time. Garcelle tells Denise, girl, you were fierce that last night. She came out and had sh*t to say. She stood up for herself. Denise says she can handle that.

Dorit goes over the shower logistics at Buca di Beppo with Kyle. In her interview, Dorit says she loves baby showers, pregnant women, and babies. It’s the perfect opportunity for her to have control over the room and throw a nice party. In Kyle’s interview, she says she was planning the shower, but when they were in Italy, Dorit said she wanted to join in. We flash back to Dorit saying the restaurant room is ready, and she’s thinking about having a shower there. Dorit tells Kyle that Teddi thinks she’s coming for the room reveal. Kyle asks if Teddi knows it’s a party, so she doesn’t show up in sweats, and Dorit says she told Teddi that she’s hosting a nice dinner, and showing them what she designed. In Dorit’s interview, she says it’s the first time she’s designed a room in a restaurant; it’s a big deal. She says it like all rich people do this. We see clips from two weeks earlier, where Dorit shows the room to PK and the kids, and says, it’s a work in progress. We see before and after pictures, and Kyle says it has beauty and allure. The colors make her feel like she’s stepping into a restaurant in Capri. I’d describe it as, there’s lots of yellow and lemons everywhere. Kyle says she feels like she’s been transported, and they go over seating. Dorit puts Denise next to herself and Garcelle. In her interview, Kyle says, they tried to patch things up and have fun the last night in Rome, but she hasn’t spoken to Denise since. She asks if Dorit thinks Denise will come, and Dorit says, Denise didn’t say she’s not coming. In Dorit’s interview, she says she’s found Denise to be a stand-up girl. She’s a tough cookie, and there’s no way she wouldn’t show up to avoid a conversation. Kyle says, Kim and Brandi are coming, and Dorit asks if she thinks that’s a good idea. Kyle says she’d been planning something already, and they were invited. We flash back to Kim asking Teddi if she’s invited, and Teddi inviting her and Brandi. Dorit says she thinks everyone is an adult. Apparently, she’s on a different show than the one we’re watching. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Denise doesn’t care; she knows Denise isn’t coming. Dorit asks what she’s supposed to do. She doesn’t want to get involved.

LisaR rifles through daughter Amelia’s night table drawer. In her interview, she says Amelia is moving in a week. She’ll be in L.A., but not under LisaR’s roof. We see a clip of LisaR telling Amelia that she’ll help her out a little bit. In LisaR’s interview, she says her work is to not be a helicopter parent, and let it go. She asks Amelia about her therapist, and Amelia says she’s on anti-depressants, and feels that her mood is more balanced. LisaR says she’s noticed. In her interview, LisaR says, a lot has happened in the last few months, and we flash back to Amelia telling LisaR about her anxiety, and saying she was in a bad place, but she’s been serious about getting her mental health on the right track. Amelia says it’s the one year anniversary of her being recovered 100%, and LisaR says Garcelle was wondering if her posting on Instagram had anything to do with Amelia’s eating disorder. We flash back to Garcelle asking if LisaR thinks there’s any correlation. Amelia tells LisaR that she’d tell Garcelle as nicely as possibly to f*** off. Um… I don’t think there’s a nice way to say that, and I can’t imagine it doesn’t affect the kids in some way. It also wasn’t like Garcelle was being mean. She was genuinely concerned. Amelia says she talked to her therapist, and it seems like women get shamed no matter what size they are. At one point she did blame LisaR because she was thin, but that wasn’t fair. She did everything on her own; sitting there crying, and looking up diets. She did it herself, and LisaR isn’t a part of her stuff. LisaR says, it’s easier to lay blame. In her interview, LisaR says she pushed a button in Garcelle. She says Amelia is smarter than anyone she knows. No comment, since she knows some really stupid people.

Guests start coming, and Dorit introduces herself to Teddi’s friends. LisaR brings a gift basket, and Kim asks if Teddi gets a bunny. LisaR says, of course, and in her interview, she says, not in a million years did she think she and Kim would be laughing and talking about a bunny. We flash back to Kim bringing the stuffed bunny LisaR gave to her to the reunion, and giving it back, saying that she didn’t give it to her grandson since it had bad energy. Then the single tear rolling down LisaR’s cheek. Breaking out my violin. LisaR says Kim spent Thanksgiving with her daughter, and she didn’t. In her interview, LisaR explains that Amelia is dating a guy whose brother is married to Kim’s daughter. Maybe they’ll be related by marriage. It could happen. She tells us to picture her and Kim in the kitchen basting a turkey together. LisaR asks if everyone is coming, and in her interview, she says she vowed to be a better friend to Denise before they left Rome. She’s looking to keep the good will moving forward.

Garcelle arrives with a massive stuffed pink flamingo. Denise calls Dorit, and Garcelle asks if she’s calling to say she can’t make it. Denise says she’s been sick all night and all day. She’s sure Teddi and Erika wouldn’t appreciate it if she showed up sick. In her interview, Denise says she’s not sad about it. She didn’t want to show up anyway, so it was a blessing in disguise. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s not sure if Denise is really sick, or sick of these women. Actually, she does seem sick, but I’m sure she’s also sick of this group. I know I am. Dorit tells everyone to scream, surprise! when Teddi walks in. Again, I don’t know how wise it is to scare a pregnant woman. Kyle and Teddi arrive, everyone yells, surprise! and Dorit tells Teddi, welcome to her baby shower. It’s from her and Kyle. Teddi thanks them, and Dorit leads them to the Capri room. In Dorit’s interview, she says she and Teddi have come a long way. Before, they couldn’t go ten minutes without an argument. Sutton says, the room is beautiful; lemons everywhere. In her interview, she says, so far, the shower has been about Dorit. Dorit says, Denise called, and she’s not feeling well, so she’s not coming. In Kyle’s interview, she says, Denise isn’t sick, because she’s a doctor who saw Denise that afternoon. She wishes Denise would be honest and says she doesn’t feel like coming around now. That’s what creates distrust. I wonder who the blip cares. Even if she wasn’t sick, it’s called being polite. Oh that’s right, this group doesn’t know how to be that.

Erika shows up with pink hair, and says she’s wearing the baby gender on her head. Kyle says she can’t wait for the Buca di baby. She thinks Teddi is an amazing mom, and loves her. I gag, and Teddi thanks them for coming. LisaR says she and Kyle always have a good time at baby showers, and we see photos of them at Andy’s baby shower. LisaR says, the next time they see Erika will be on stage, and Erika says it’s the last time she’ll see them before she sees them in New York. They toast to that, and LisaR says she’s so excited that Erika is doing something she loved so much. In her interview, Garcelle says, let Erika have the spotlight. She tells LisaR that she’s been supportive, but at the same time, whenever Erika’s debut was brought up, she chimed in that she’d done it 18 years ago.

Dorit acts all shocked, and LisaR says if that’s what she believed Garcelle thought about her, she’d be sad. Garcelle says that’s not how she meant it, and LisaR knows her better than that. LisaR swears she hasn’t tried to take Erika’s thunder. In her interview, she wonders why Garcelle needs to be sh*tting on her. It’s almost like a backhand. I know I’d like give LisaR a backhand. LisaR says it’s not about her, and that’s on Garcelle, implying Garcelle needs to own it. Garcelle and Sutton decide it’s time for them to go, and Garcelle says she’s always been there for LisaR. LisaR says she appreciates it. Kim says Brandi just texted that she’s in the neighborhood, and wonders if she can come by, and Teddi says she was invited anyway. Erika wonders where Denise is, and Dorit tells her that Denise said she was sick. Teddi says she’d have more respect if Denise just said it was awkward being around her right now. She’s also a doctor who diagnosis people by telepathy. It looks like they’re going to gang up on Denise without Denise being there, which isn’t too much of a surprise. Kyle says, it’s not honest, and Dorit asks how she knows Denise isn’t sick. Teddi says Kim was sitting there when Brandi spilled her guts. Kyle says she’s never known Brandi to be a liar, and in Dorit’s interview, she says Kyle is quick to believe Brandi, but she’s had an issue with Denise. If it was someone else, would she believe it so quickly? Dorit doesn’t think so.

Bitch Brandi arrives, wearing a dress way too youthful for her, and a face so squinty and tight, you could bounce a quarter off her forehead. Brandi says she almost wasn’t coming, and Dorit says, if Brandi plays her cards right, she can come more often. Brandi says she used to bring her boys there to eat in the kitchen because she was screwing the chef, and Kyle says Brandi is an amazing mom. Brandi says their dad said they could come for desert on Thanksgiving. Dorit asks if honesty is important to Brandi, and Brandi says, 100%. Dorit asks if she prides herself on honesty, and Brandi says, 1000%. Dorit asks if Brandi is always honest, and Brandi says, 99% of the time. What’s happening? Kyla says they had a conversation regarding what Brandi said about her friendship with Denise. We flash back to that, and Teddi says she had major anxiety about it, but when she asked Denise about what she’d said, she couldn’t make eye contact. LisaR says she’s uncomfortable because Denise isn’t there, and they’re talking about it. She had a breakdown in Rome, because Denise said she didn’t have her back. She also points out there are strangers at the table, and if it’s true, it’s a side of Denise she doesn’t know. Brandi says she doesn’t know 95% of the people at the table, and Dorit thinks it’s not fair. Teddi says maybe it’s time for her friends to go, so they can talk smack about Denise, since the conversation is about to be not baby shower friendly. Her friends wisely leave while they still have their sanity.

Teddi says the first night at dinner, they confronted Denise about the things she said about her and Erika. She immediately distanced herself from Brandi and said they were never that close. Dorit tells Brandi, Denise said none of it is true. LisaR says she told them Brandi was a liar, and never to be believed. Erika says she asked point blank if Brandi was a liar, and Denise said she was. Brandi says she’s not trying to hurt Denise in any way, she just wants back on the show. In April, Denise did her podcast, and invited her to a movie set. Keep in mind, Denise said Brandi really wanted her on the podcast, and asked to come out there. Teddi asks if Aaron was there, and Brandi says Denise told her they had an open thing, but just with girls. Brandi says, they were making out, then Brandi bit Denise, leaving marks. There’s a lot of chatter at the table about this biting thing, and Brandi says, the next day Brandi told her Aaron could never know; he’d kill her. She was going to tell him it was from the corset she’d been wearing on set. Brandi thought, now she’ll have to keep a secret. In Brandi’s interview, she says she hates cheaters, and would never be one. Dorit says, it’s confusing. Teddi says that Denise claimed she and Brandi didn’t have a relationship, and Erika says, even then Denise was distancing herself from Brandi. Teddi says, until Brandi came back in the group, then she fed Brandi information to make it seem like they were close, so Brandi wouldn’t out her. Erika asks if Denise said things about them, and Brandi says she only mentioned two things. In her interview, she says, Denise went to Rome knowing she’d said things about them, and hoped Brandi would back her up. Dorit says, sorry, she believes Denise. In her interview, Dorit says her exchanges with Brandi haven’t been pleasant. Brandi behaves a certain way, and isn’t easy to believe. Brandi hands over her phone, and Erika scrolls through the texts supposedly from Denise. In her interview, she says, it’s pages. Brandi says she’s not an effing liar, and in Teddi’s interview, she says it clearly shows there was a relationship. Dorit is still skeptical, saying she doesn’t know Brandi, but knows Denise. Teddi says if Denise wasn’t distancing herself, she wouldn’t have said there was no relationship. Another thing, when Denise and Brandi met that time on camera for drinks, it sounded like they hadn’t seen each other too many times before that. Dorit says she’s not saying that, and Brandi says she had her bleepity-bleep-bleep in Denise’s bleepity-bleep. She’s not an effing liar. Everyone looks shocked at Brandi’s sailor mouth, except for Erika, who never changes her expression anyway. In Kyle’s interview, she says she hates when Brandi talks like that. LisaR reads a text from a year ago that says, even if they went a year without speaking, they could pick up where they left off. Loyalty doesn’t change, and Denise loves her. I also have to mention, besides the fact that Brandi has definitely been known to be a liar (although maybe with all the drinking and drugs she does, she believes her own stories), the texts don’t sound like how Denise talks. In LisaR’s interview, she says, you don’t say that you love someone; this is an intimate friendship. Again, is she kidding me? While I don’t think these are really texts from Denise, I always end conversations with friends by telling them I love them, and I don’t bleepity-bleep with any of them. It can always be the last time you talk to someone, and I don’t want that regret. LisaR says, it’s personal; a relationship. Brandi says she thought Denise was her friend, until she wasn’t. She thinks Denise is a people pleasure, and more of a master manipulator (I hate that phrase) than LVP. In her interview, LisaR says, why lie about a friendship – unless you’re hiding something. She tells Brandi, she thinks the two of them need to get together and figure this out. Why, when they have this whole group to figure it out for them? LisaR says, now they’re all involved, whether they want to be or not. Omg, I can’t. But I will. They involved their effing selves, so they wanted to be.

Erika and her assistant Laia load up the car with luggage. Tom tells Laia to take care of his buddy. In her interview, Erika says she’s excited and nervous, but you only get this opportunity once in a lifetime, and dammit, she’s taking it. She left once before to go to New York, 30 years ago, and was go-go dancing. She watched private jets go by, but never envisioned herself on one. Now she’s the girl on the private jet, starring in a Broadway musical. She’s using one of those halo lights in her interview, and it makes her look really odd. I know people like them, but it doesn’t always look attractive.

LisaR visits Kyle, and says her Christmas decorations are cute. She asks how Kyle is, but Kyle doesn’t know. It was a lot last night. She says Teddi’s friends probably think they’re crazy. LisaR says, it was a fun baby shower, until wasn’t. In Kyle’s interview, she says, at her baby shower, no one talked about anyone sucking anyone’s anything. LisaR says she really believed Denise when she said Brandi was a liar. Brandi was convincing, and her heart sunk. In her interview, she says there’s sadness in Denise not telling the truth. What else has she lied about over the years? She tells Kyle, she wants to stick up for her friend, but she can’t do that. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s been in that position, when you want to believe so badly, but the information makes it impossible. We flash back to LVP telling her to show herself out. If Denise and Brandi did sleep together, it’s none of their business, but Brandi told them, so regardless, Denise has to deal with it now. She feels bad that LisaR is upset, and LisaR says she had a breakdown in Rome about not being a good friend. She’s said this like five times now. We flash back to Denise saying she was hurt, and LisaR displaying some crocodile tears, since apparently she doesn’t know what the word breakdown means. She wonders if it was part of Denise’s plan, and says she sounds like a conspiracy theorist. In her interview, she says she feels like Denise weaponized their friendship. (Huh?) She used everything to make LisaR feel bad. What if she’s being manipulated too? She doesn’t know, and feels duped. Maybe she’s a big, fat fool, and doesn’t like the feeling. Well, she’s not fat.

Next time, the Finale (thank God), the women go to NYC, Denise talks to Camille and blocks Garcelle, Brandi shows up in NYC, Denise tells LisaR that she didn’t go because she thought Brandi would create a Jerry Springer moment, and LisaR says it was a lie that there was a family emergency.

I am so over this bunch.

📱 She Says They’re Fake…

It’s possible, since it can be done. And considering Brandi’s face, among other body parts, is fake, why not?

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/18/denise-richards-reacts-to-brandi-glanvilles-supposedly-incriminating-text-messages-plus-where-andy-cohen-and-rhobh-stars-stand-on-the-drama/

https://www.inquisitr.com/6230508/denise-richards-brandi-glanville-leaked-text-messages/

🎭 I’d Laugh If It Wasn’t Tragic…

I was trying to find out what the deal is with Brandi’s ex in regard to the kids, and found this gem. Brandi got pissed because it wasn’t her week to have them when the pandemic hit, and this poor big baby was all alone. Maybe there’s a reason for that. She also whined that her ex and his wife wouldn’t let her stay in their guest house. Really?

https://www.tvshowsace.com/2020/03/23/rhobh-star-brandi-glanville-calls-out-ex-husband-and-leann-rimes-for-not-letting-her-see-children-during-coronavirus-quarantine/

🛥 Goodbye Med…

Hannah has the feels about leaving the Deck. I still say it was handled badly.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/18/hannah-ferrier-opens-up-about-really-disappointing-departure-from-below-deck-mediterranean-plus-sneak-preview-of-whats-still-to-come-on-season-5/

🚪 Closing Remarks…

Ugh, ugh, and more ugh. Windows decided it was time for an update, and it wreaked havoc with my computer. It took all day to deal with, and I still didn’t get back to a semblance of normalcy until HP (never again) had to update because of the update. As usual, it was no improvement. Until next time, stay safe, stay proficient in what you do, and stay not fixing what ain’t broke.

August 18, 2020 – Changing Up the Ball, Selling a Castle, Josh’s Loss, Quoting Ali, Winning & Highway

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

On the Nurses Ball red carpet, Carly tells us that they have a spectacular show, and they’ve planned on doing something different this year. Nina says, in addition to the usual donation for HIV/AIDS research, the money they usually use for food, drink, and promotional materials is going to the protection and safety of our frontline workers. Carly says, this year, viewers can call in or go online, and give to those who selflessly and heroically give to us. The usual attendees will be manning the phones. Lucy arrives, and Carly introduces her as queen of the Nurses Ball, the incomparable, unstoppable, Lucy Coe. Carly asks Lucy to explain how the Ball is different tonight, and Lucy says they’re changing things up. The Nurses Ball will still be the spectacular, fabulous, amazing, and wonderful event, but this year, it’s also a telethon.

At the hospital, Sam twirls around, showing Jason her volunteer shirt. He says he thinks she looks beautiful, and she tells him that he always says that. He says, because it’s true. It’s not her usual look for the Ball, but she’s still beautiful. She says she’s glad to be helping out, but wanted to check in, and make sure he’s still there. He wonders where else he’d be, and she says he might make a great escape, and the Nurses Ball is a good distraction for him to do it. She asks him to promise he won’t.

Michael is cleaning up Wiley’s toys, when Willow comes downstairs. She says she was going to do that, and he says, it’s the least he could do. Willow says, by the time Wiley closes his eyes, she’s more worn out than he is. He asks if she thinks she can rally for the Nurses Ball, and she says she lost track of time. Give her five minutes. He says she can go, or she can stay there.

On the pier, Nelle looks at the tracking device on her phone. She says, this will be a night Michael and his family will never forget.  

Nina says, as mistress of the Nurses Ball, Lucy is tireless in working to organize it. She asks Lucy, why a telethon this year? Lucy says, the Nurses Ball has always been about celebrating the hard-working and amazing nurses, but this year, they wanted to help out the essential frontline workers by raising money for equipment to keep them safe. Carly came to them with the idea, and they loved it, got behind it, and here they are. Nina asks if Carly has anything to add, and Carly says, it’s a small way to say thank you to the frontline workers and their families for their courage and compassion, and being there during the hardest times. Tonight is about giving something back.

Nina says they’re going to meet some of the generous people who have donated their time and talent to support the frontline workers. Valentin comes in first (everyone is wearing the same T-shirt that said Volunteer), and Nina says he’s the newly appointed CEO of ELQ. He tells Nina and Carly, they both look spectacular, and Carly says, him too. Nina says, the T-shirt is a must have wardrobe piece for tonight. Carly asks him to talk about Deception. Word on the street is that he’s sponsoring the relaunch of the company. He says Deception is going to match donations, and Nina says, it’s generous of him to rise to the occasion. He says, everyone wants to do their part.

Michael tells Willow, it was his mom’s idea to turn the Ball into a telethon. He definitely has to be there. He knows Willow was there last year, and Chase pulled her on stage. It’s understandable if she wants to skip this year. There will be plenty of volunteers. She asks if he’s kidding, and says, it’s doubly important. She’s excited to make her debut as Mrs. Michael Corinthos, and thinks it will be pretty fun. He asks if she’s just saying that, and she asks if she strikes him as a person who just says things. He says, not really, and she says she’ll get changed. He says Wiley is lucky to have her as a mom. He hit the jackpot.

Nina introduces Sonny, mob boss CEO of Corinthos Coffee, and Carly’s handsome husband. Carly says, welcome, Mr. Corinthos, and he says, thanks, Mrs. Corinthos. Nina says they know the charity is near and dear to his heart, and he says it’s in memory of his Stone Cates, and his friend Robin. They’ve made progress in the area of HIV and Aids, but there’s more work to be done. Nina says, because of him, they have a chance to do it, and tells him, have a wonderful time.

Sam tells Jason not to look at her like she’s crazy. It would be like him to make a break for it. He promises he won’t go anywhere… unless it’s a big emergency. She asks what a big emergency is, and he says, if the people he loves are in trouble. Jason and Sam’s theme music plays, and he tells her, good luck. He’s sorry he’s missing it. She hugs him.

Nina introduces Franco, saying, he just had a major unveiling. He says, it didn’t go exactly as planned, and she says, what Franco painting is without controversy? Carly says she has a point, and Nina says there’s been a resurgence in his old work. He says he hopes his new work sells as well, but they’re not there to talk about his work. She says, what’s the telethon without one of GH’s star nurses? and asks where his wife is. He flashes back to telling Elizabeth that he gets to be the guy married to her, and that’s all that matters; and Elizabeth saying, tonight is about everything except the man she loves. Nikolas comes in with Ava, and asks, where’s Elizabeth?

Nina thanks Nikolas for coming, and he says, it supports two worthy causes. Carly asks Ava how being Franco’s patron is working out. Was the portrait worth what she paid? She says, absolutely. Being Franco’s subject was an honor, and it came out beautifully, if she says so herself. Nina asks what Nikolas thinks, and he says, if his wife is happy, he’s happy. Nikolas goes on ahead, and Franco says, it was an honor to have Ava sit for him. She knows more about the art world than anyone. She’s beautiful, witty, and charming, and there’s no stopping her. He dares anyone to try. Nina says, this night is getting more and more interesting.

Maxie sits backstage, and Lucy runs in, saying, hand me the scissors. Maxie says, they’re called fabric shears, but okay, and gives them to Lucy. Lucy says she thinks she should show more leg, and is about to attack her dress, when Maxie says she’s not letting Lucy destroy couture. Not on her watch. Hand them over. Lucy gives the shears back, and Maxie says if she wants to show more leg, check out her other twenty dresses. Lucy asks what Maxie is doing in there, and Maxie says, getting ready for the Deception launch. Lucy says she should be out there, making an entrance, and getting people excited with anticipation. Maxie says, what if she’s not in the mood? She’s not feeling bright and bubbly. Lucy says she still has to make an entrance. They’re thanking those who go above and beyond by going above and beyond. Think bubbles. She pushes Maxie out the door, and goes through her dresses, saying, leg… leg… leg… She grabs one, but says, too leggy.

Brook enters, and Nina asks her to tell the audience about her performance. Brook says she’s debuting a song for the Deception promo campaign tonight, and to support the telethon. Carly asks how she likes being back in Port Charles, and Brook says, the city hasn’t always been home, but has a special place in her heart. Nina tells her, break a leg, and Brook blows a kiss to the camera.

Curtis tells Jordan, let’s go, and she comes out in a robe, her hair still wrapped in a towel. He says, the show is starting soon, and she’s not dressed. She says she will be. Her phone rings, and he says, unknown caller. She tells him not to answer; it’s probably a telemarketer. He answers anyway, but there’s no response. She asks who it was, and he says he has no clue. They hung up.

Michael asks Monica if she’s sure she doesn’t want to come; the nanny will be there. She says she gave the nanny the night off. She’s responsible for Nelle’s malpractice suit, and the best way for her to serve the hospital’s interests is to keep her distance. Michael says, it’s not fair, but she says she has no regrets. She’d do it again in a heartbeat. Willow comes down, and says she’s ready. She asks Monica to look in on Wiley, and Monica says she will. Michael says, a perk of staying home, and she tells them to go and have fun. It’s not often parents get a night out.

Olivia tells Ned, when he sees Brook, remember she’s his daughter and he loves her very much. He says, of course (🍷) he’ll be nice, and he does love her. The Quartermaines don’t air their dirty laundry in public. She says, that’s not the answer she was looking for. Carly says she was wondering where the rest of the Quartermaines were, and Ned says they have to be fashionably late. Carly welcomes the former first couple, and Ned says it’s an honor and a privilege to be there. Carly thanks Olivia, saying, as co-owner of the MetroCourt, Olivia was he first to get behind the idea of the telethon, and worked like crazy to make it happen. Olivia says she knew it was a spectacular (WOTD) idea, and what’s more important than supporting the frontline workers? Robert joins them, and says he couldn’t agree more. Carly introduces Robert, and Ned says he looks radiant. Robert says, Ned too, and Nina says, no date? Robert says he’s keeping his options open. Carly says, hear that, ladies? He’ll be answering the phones tonight. She asks what the Ball means to him, and he says, the medical community went a long way in helping his daughter lead a productive life. So much so, she’s become a part of the community. Nina says, she’s a doctor; he must be proud. He says, they spoke not ten minutes ago, and Robin thinks it’s a great idea to help the first responders and their families. After everything they’ve done, it’s time to give back to them.

Sam and Spinelli come in, and Carly welcomes them to the Nurses Ball. She says Spinelli has given them invaluable technical support for their phone bank. Nina says, it’s nice to have him back in the Port Charles area. He says it’s wonderful to be there, and she asks if he misses Oregon. He says the landscape is beautiful, but nothing compares to being around friends and family. She asks if he’s solved any mysteries lately, and he says he’s hot on the trail of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. In fact… Sam stomps on his foot, and says, sorry. Did she get him? He says, just a tad, obviously in pain, and she says, she’s nervous. She can’t wait to get inside. Nina tells him, good luck with his wolf, and they go in.

Franco calls Elizabeth, saying he was just checking in. He misses her. She says, according to some people who saw him on the red carpet, he has plenty of admirers to keep him company. He says, oh come on, and she says she’s on duty. She has to go. Elizabeth is working my last nerve.

Nina introduces Lulu as a journalist, and says Dustin is a teacher. She says, Dustin must be excited, and Lulu says Dustin co-wrote the song for Deception. Nina says Brook was just talking about it, and Lulu says, I’ll bet.

Elizabeth babbles to Jason about Franco and Ava, and says, Franco can’t be reminded of his genius, and not be reminded of his past. Jason asks if she’s saying Franco is going back to who he was.

Carly welcomes Michael and his lovely bride. Willow says they wouldn’t miss it, and Nina asks what it’s like to be married into the Corinthos/Quartermaine clan. Carly tells her, be kind, and Willow says, everyone has been kind and welcoming; she’s lucky. Michael says, they’re the lucky ones.

Nina says they’re in for a treat. It’s her favorite Port Charles couple, the Police Commissioner and her P.I. husband. Nina thanks them for volunteering, and Jordan says she loves the opportunity to support the frontline workers who do so much. Carly asks if it’s also a nice night out, and Curtis says he’s with a beautiful woman. You know it is. Backstage, Sam tells Sonny that she’s been thinking about Sasha, and asks how Michael is doing. She didn’t think Chase was the cheater type, and Sonny says he thinks they’re faking it. He doesn’t know the details, but doesn’t think they should take it at face value.

Willow tells Michael that she made a crucial mistake. She started with Goodnight Moon. Michael says, that’s just the warm up, and she says, tonight felt like the War and Peace of children’s books.

Backstage, Nelle looks at the tracking device, and Spinelli asks if he’s interrupting. She says, yes. She was texting her husband with instructions to go over for tonight. He asks, for what? and she says, her number. She’s performing. He says, what a treat, and she asks what he’s doing back there. He says, setting up something, and she asks if that’s code for sniffing out Maxie. It must make his skin crawl that she’s with Peter. She doesn’t blame him. He says, why, pray tell? and she says Shiloh told her some sketchy stuff about that guy.

Maxie makes an entrance with Peter, and Nina introduces Maxie as a newly-minted partner in Deception, and Peter as the owner of The Invader. She thanks them for volunteering, and Peter says he’s working the phones, while Maxie will be on stage introducing the songs. Maxie says, they need to keep the frontline workers safe, and need to donate, giving back to those who gave to them. Nina says she’s amazing. Who could resist her?

Jason tells Elizabeth, that’s a lot coming from her. Elizabeth says she wants Franco to feel good about who he is now. No, he’s not regressing, but he’s nostalgic for the fame he had when he was, and Ava is using it. She has to go, and Jason asks if she’s going to the telethon. She says she wasn’t going, but she needs to for Franco, and in solidarity with the frontline workers, to support their families.

Michael tells Sonny, he and Willow made their big deal debut as Mr. and Mrs. Sonny asks how Willow feels, and she says, good, actually. He asks how Wiley is and Willow says, asleep. Michael says they can thank their expert story reader. Willow says she doesn’t want to brag, but she’s got it down.

Lulu tells Nikolas they have to talk about this game he’s playing with Spencer. Nikolas says, it’s over, and she says, thank God he came to his senses. He says he didn’t. Ava overheard them talking about his plan, and busted him.

Jordan asks if Curtis is ready to turn on the charm and work the phones to get generous donations. He says he’s a fan of frontline workers; he’s married to the Commissioner. Jordan’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go; work emergency. He says he’ll drive her, but she tells him, stay and work the phones; get donations. They’ll meet up tonight.

Franco and Ava go into the phone room, and he wonders where everyone is. Ava is sure they’ll be there soon. She sees Julian in the hallway, and says she didn’t know he was coming. He says he’d give anything not to be there, but Nelle gave him no choice. She asks, where is his poisonous bride? and he says, lurking around planning something. God knows what.

Nelle tells Spinelli that she was married to Shiloh, and he says, who could forget her true love? She says, Peter orchestrated Drew’s kidnapping, and Shiloh used it as leverage. Spinelli says, to break him out of prison? and she says, no, summer camp. He would have given up anyone to get out. Spinelli asks why he should believe her, and she says she doesn’t care; there’s nothing in it for her. Shiloh was overseas with Peter, and she learned an awful lot about Peter during that time. Spinelli runs upstairs.

Sam sees Brando come into the phone room, and asks if she can help him with something. He says she’s pissed because of something that happened with him and her sister, but it’s their business not hers. He can’t make her like him, but he can try to stay out of her way. Sam says, that would be great. She closes her laptop, and walks out. Franco says he appreciates Ava’s support. He doesn’t know what’s going on with her and Nikolas, but after watching Nikolas go after her using Kiki’s memory, she should give him hell. Ava flashes back to telling Nikolas that she considered letting it go, but he doesn’t deserve the money; not a single penny. Even though she hates him, she’s not going anywhere. Nikolas asks how long she’s going to torture him. Ava tells Franco, she intends to, and Elizabeth overhears.

Michael asks Willow if she’s okay, and she says she’s great. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, they’re here together, and at the end of the night, they’ll go home to Wiley. What could be better?

Monica sees Mr. Hopsicle on the floor, and says he shouldn’t be down there. What if Wiley wakes up and misses him? She takes the stuffed kangaroo upstairs. At the Nurses Ball, Nelle looks at the tracking device.

Julian asks Nelle why she made him come back there. Why the hell are they there? Nelle says he’s there to support her. Robert tells Olivia that Robin gave her seal of approval, when Spinelli runs up to him, and says, excuse the interruption, but he needs to talk to Robert, post haste. Robert says he’s in mid-conversation, and Spinelli apologizes, but says it can’t wait. Robert excuses himself, and asks if the phone lines are working. Spinelli says they’re in perfect working order, and Robert asks, what’s going on? Spinelli says they’ve got him – Peter. Nelle spilled the tea and connected Shiloh to Peter. Robert says, with what? and Spinelli tells him, according to Nelle, Peter was behind Drew’s original abduction. Peter helped Shiloh escape. That’s why he was on the docks with the money. They can finally take him down.

Maxie tells Lulu, it’s embarrassing for a fashionista, but she’s loving the casual look. Lulu says, Maxie is glowing. Has she told Peter? Maxie says, told him what? That she’s pregnant and having his child, when they haven’t even discussed having children? Lulu says she might want to figure that out. Dustin walks up with Peter, and asks why he has the feeling he’s always walking in on something with the two of them. What’s the big secret?

Carly says they’re wrapping up the red carpet. They hope the audience has had as much fun as they’ve had. Don’t go anywhere. The General Hospital Nurses Ball is about to begin.   

At the pier, Jordan says, she knows she’s not supposed to call, but she wouldn’t if it wasn’t important. Of course (🍷) she’s on the burner phone. She needs to do something. She’s not sure if she can go through with it. A man approaches, and she says he’s looking pretty good for a dead man. (Drew, perhaps?)

The director says, quiet on the set; they’re live. Nina introduces Curtis to Brook, and everyone sits down to man the phones. Valentin walks in, and puts his headset on, and everyone gets ready. Spinelli sits across from Robert, and gives a sidelong glance to Peter. Peter and Maxie smile at each other. (I thought Maxie was introducing songs.) Franco smiles at Elizabeth, but she gives no smile back. Carly and Sonny join the group.

The director says, in 5… 4… 3… 2… Lucy says, good evening, and welcome to the 2020 General Hospital Nurses Ball telethon. Some of them may have heard they’re changing things up just a little bit. In addition to donations given to HIV/AIDS, they’re raising money for new tools for frontline workers. They’ll take any amount. They’re thanking those workers and their much appreciated families, who sacrifice so much – all of them – each and every day. While volunteers will be taking donations, it’s their job to entertain. There will be a lot of surprises, so stay where you are, and get ready to donate. They’re just getting started. The phones start ringing.

To be continued…

Tomorrow, Trina and Cameron join the volunteers, Jordan tells someone to trust her to take care of it, Dustin says there’s not going to be a next time, and Maxie tells Peter that she’s not sure what to make of all of this.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

Josh Altman was glad the Altman Brothers office was finally finished. He and brother Matt drove to Beverly Ridge, a gated community that has the most coveted properties in Beverly Hills. There are only eleven mansions within it, and Josh said it had the feel of luxury. They met with the sellers, another pair of brothers, David and Rich Gebbia. David had been married to Carlton, who had spent a season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where she freaked Kyle out because she’s Wiccan, and we flashed back to her showing off her burlesque room. She called it, mommy and daddy’s playroom, and said it was still a work in progress. In her interview, she’d said, when she was little, she imagined she would live in a castle, and brought it to life. Purchased at $1.8 million, David had put $8 million of construction into it. My mouth literally fell open during the tour. The five bedroom, six bathroom house castle was 15,200 square feet, with 36 foot cathedral ceilings in some rooms, and gilded ceilings in others. Along with gothic mosaic work, there were a lot of custom wood carved extras, like a bar, and a 200 year old fireplace that had cost $10,000. The master bedroom was so big, they’d had two king beds put together in it, plus it had his and hers bathrooms. Josh said it was gothic/medieval cool, but still technologically advanced. David also showed him the bonus room, which had been Carlton’s burlesque room. Sitting on a 74,523 square foot lot, the property also had a cross pool with a Baja shelf. In his interview, Josh said he knew it would be a tough sell, but thought when clients saw the acreage, it would put itself in escrow. It had already been on the market, the last price being $19.995 million. David didn’t want to give it away, but wanted it to sell. Matt thought it should be staged, but the Gebbia brothers weren’t keen on that. Josh also said he thought there should be a significant price drop to $16.5 million, and believed it would move within two months.

James and David were still trying to find a buyer for Sunset View, which was developer Zach’s personal home. Priced at $15.495 million, their showings had gone well, but there was still no offer. They discussed Fredrik showing up, and David James said he’d had an effing attitude. In James’s interview, he said Fredrik had done his share of selling on the east coast, which gave them more pressure to get Sunset View sold, since Zach would offer it to Fredrik if they didn’t get an offer soon. Broker Justin had a buyer who offered $13.5 million. David and James balked, but Justin said the buyer had a business manager who was an influence. He told them that he’d try to do his magic and make it happen.

Josh Flagg was working to sell the Thrush house for Lana, who had known his grandmother Edith. The drawback was the 1990 décor, and to make things worse, there had been a power outage before the broker’s open house. James had tipped him off that Fredrik had a buyer on the east coast interested in an L. A. property. Josh thought Fredrik could bring fresh, new eyes to the situation. Fredrik met him at the property, and said he was getting emotionally and spiritually acclimated to Los Angeles, even speaking and walking slower. He saw the price of the house had been reduced to $3.995 million, and Josh explained the seller had another property already, and wanted to downsize. He still thought it was a lot of bang for the buck. He told Fredrik, the nearby construction would raise the comps over time. In Josh’s interview, he said Fredrik was like the love child of a Labrador Retriever and a peacock. He was excitable, and had a lot of flair. Fredrik was downplaying the house, which was counter to his personality, and Josh said he saw through it. It might be good sign.

JoshA cut the ribbon, and the brothers had their grand opening celebration. While they’d already been open for a few weeks, they were rolling out the red carpet to let the neighborhood know they were here to stay. Tracy showed up; I’d been wondering what happened to her. Josh told the guests about the huge brokers open he was having in Beverly Ridge. Tracy said he never stopped working, and he said even though it was a party, he was going to pitch his latest and greatest property. In his interview, Josh said, since the house had a medieval vibe, it lent itself to them dressing medieval. He couldn’t throw a middle-of-the-road brokers open with a charcuterie board. A giant cake with sparklers on it was brought out for the celebration, and there was much applause.

David and James met with Justin about Sunset View, even though he’d given them what they deemed a sh*t offer, $13.9 million, including furniture. In his interview, James said, $14.5 million was Zach’s bottom line. If they couldn’t get that price, Zach was going to put Fredrik on it. Justin said the business manager had done the comps in depth, but James and David gave a counter of $15.2, James saying the business manager had no emotional investment or understanding. In James’s interview, he said, while Zach wasn’t willing to give it away, at least he came down to show he was serious. James pointed out that it was the only house in that location with a view. He told Justin $14.9, and said they were willing to risk the buyer pulling the plug. In His interview, he said if they couldn’t get the deal done, the bottom line was that they would not only lose this deal, but ran the risk of future business with Zach. It was a fight they couldn’t lose. They had a deal at $14.750 million, and I got excited along with them. I’m not sure why, since I won’t be seeing a dime of their $361,250 commission. In his interview, James said, it was effing fantastic. Sorry, Fredrik. They were still the kings of L.A.

Since the Gebbias didn’t want to stage the Beverly Ridge property, JoshA said he was embracing the vibe, and having a medieval castle themed brokers open, fit for a king and queen. In his interview, he says he went all out, and hired professionally trained sword fighters (I love sword fighting!), went to a Hollywood prop shop for decorations, and got an awesome costume Heather said he’d better never wear again, unless it was his birthday. The spread was amazing, and included a roasted pig with an apple in its mouth, which is kind of disgusting, yet appropriate. He was bringing the medieval castle into this century, blasting the event everywhere. Heather dressed up as well, and he introduced them as Sir Josh and Lady Heather. In his interview, he said the goal was getting buyers to see potential. If he got a buyer, it would be like getting his Holy Grail.

JoshF met Fredrik at a coffee shop/juice bar to talk about the Thrush house. In his interview, he said Fredrik was loud, boisterous, and emotional, the kiss of death in negotiations. He wanted to get into Fredrik’s head, since Fredrik didn’t understand Josh’s subdued approach. It went against everything in his body. Fredrik brought Josh an offer of $3.3 million, due to the house being tired and the surrounding construction, but Josh wasn’t having it, repeating that the construction would only increase the value of the comps. In his interview, Josh said the more negative Fredrik was, the better he realized how much Fredrik’s buyer wanted the house. He countered at $3.8 million, even though Lana’s best and final offer was at $3.5 million. Fredrik countered at $3.6 million, and Josh asked Fredrik to meet him in the middle at $3.7 million. In Josh’s interview, he said he knew Lana was willing to take less, but Fredrik didn’t need to know. They had a deal at $3.65 million.

JoshA met with agent Sam, whose client saw the castle on social media. He loved dragons, and was a legit buyer. Sam started at $13.1 million, and Josh countered with $14.5 million. In Josh’s interview, he said he was training Sam the Altman way, which meant he’d become one of the best agents in the city. Sam went to $13.5 million, emphasizing that not many people were looking for a castle. He asked if Josh could get it under $14 million, and see if the seller would take $13.8 million. In his interview, Josh said he’d explain that the only other offer the Gebbias might get would be less, and come from a developer who would bulldoze the property, when it was a piece art that could be preserved. After discussing it with the sellers, Josh told Sam they’d go down to $14.1 million. When Sam came back with $13.9 million, Josh told him that if he could get it up to $14 million, he’d close on the biggest deal of his career. They had a deal, and although Josh’s commission came out to $347,500, he told Sam to pay for the coffee.

Next time, a glass elevator that goes to the rooftop, wildfires hit California, and James and David’s client’s home burns down.

👵🏻 His Other Grandmother…

While Edith died in 2014, sadly, Josh Flagg’s other grandmother passed away recently of the coronavirus.

https://people.com/home/josh-flagg-grandmother-margie-dead-coronavirus/

💓 I Saw Him Once…

My first job in NYC was on the office floor of the Statler Hilton. Mohammad Ali was staying there, and I saw him getting in the elevator. Our eyes locked, and he smiled at me. A small moment in time, but I’ll never forget it.

Muhammad Ali: I’m defeating America’s so-called threats and enemies. And the flag is going dun-dun-dun-dun. I’m standing so proud. And I’d have whooped the world for America. I took my gold medal, thought I’d invented something. I said, “Man, I know I’m going to get my people freedom. I’m the champion of the whole world. Olympic champion. I know I can eat downtown now.” And I went downtown that day, had my big gold medal on, and went in a restaurant. And at that time, things weren’t integrated. Black folks couldn’t eat downtown. And I went downtown, I sat down, and I said, “A cup of coffee, a hotdog.” The lady said, “We don’t serve Negroes.” I was so mad, I said, “I don’t eat them either, just give me a cup of coffee and a hamburger.”

🏆 How To Win An Emmy…

Everything you wanted to know.

https://www.emmys.com/news/awards-news/infographic-how-emmy-won

🕷 Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite…

Although you’re probably safely tucked in by now, don’t forget to stay safe, stay charitable, and stay focused on getting the best price on the castle you were born to live in.

August 14, 2020 – Ava’s Portrait Unveiled, Ball Rolling Soon, Lotsa GH News, Clare’s Roses, Quit It, Lu’s Hopes, Whining Again, Still Sad, Not Now, Dark Return, Bad Endings, All About the Dead, Catch Up, Learn Something New, Almost 10 Quotes & Hooray

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ava calls to Nikolas, telling him, the guests are starting to arrive. She’s wearing a black sequined number and he says, quite the outfit. He’s only wearing a towel, and she says, him too, trying not to look. She tells him, you should probably get chest… dressed. He says, don’t worry, and she says they need to sizzle tonight. If he ruins the night for her, he’ll regret it for a looooong time.

Franco thinks about Elizabeth saying he’s about money like everyone else. He took Ava’s commission for it, and he’s playing into her hands. Scotty comes in and says, the man of the hour, and Franco thanks him for coming. Scotty says he wouldn’t take the ferry if not for Franco. He’s sure Franco would like to see some nice friendly faces for his big comeback. Franco says, Ava calls it a revival, and Scotty says, a lucrative reboot. Franco’s got to get work, make money, and pay the bills. Where’s his wife?

At the hospital, Terry sees Elizabeth, and says, just the person she needs. Enlighten her; rumors are flying. Elizabeth says, the rumors are true. Unfortunately, Cyrus is on the board. Terry asks why it’s unfortunate. Now they have enough money to run the hospital. Elizabeth says, money is all they care about. Cyrus is involved in the drug trade, and now he’s right in the heart of the hospital.

Lucy walks up to the door at Windymere with Maxie and Peter, but says she’s afraid she’s not up for a party. The Nurses Ball is tomorrow, and she has a million things to do. Maxie says she thought Lucy would want to  be there for Deception. They need to see and be seen, and talk up the company. Lucy says Maxie is more than capable of doing that by herself. Go schmooze. She’ll see Maxie later. Ta-ta! Maxie grabs her arm, and says she’s staying. They go inside, and Lucy says she’ll be right there, and pretends to look at the artwork in another room. Maxie tells Peter that she thinks Lucy is hiding something, and Peter thinks she’s right. Maxie hopes it’s not too terrible.

Lulu thanks Dustin for letting her drag him there, and he tells her to stop acting like he’s doing her a favor. Talent is talent, despite the subject matter.

Franco tells Scotty that Elizabeth isn’t coming. She’s upset that Ava is dredging up his past. It’s the ten year anniversary of Francophenia. Scotty says he can see why she’d be upset, but there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Franco says he tried to explain that, and Scotty says, but she’s not buying it? Franco says, not at all. Even worse, he thinks Elizabeth would prefer to pretend his past never happened at all.

Anna and Finn go over their wedding list at The Floating Rib. Anna says, Chase and Sasha? but Finn isn’t sure of their status. Anna says, just Chase then. He suggests she add Robin and Patrick, but she says they’re not finished with his family yet. He says, Violet? and she asks if he isn’t going to invite his father.

Peter goes to get drinks, and Lulu says, Maxie didn’t tell him she was pregnant? Maxie says, shhh. Nina comes in with Jax, and he says, it can’t be easy, being back. She says this big, drafty house is part of the gloomy past that she’s glad to forget. She’d rather focus on her bright, handsome future.

Ava says, shall we, darling? And tells Nikolas to smile. It’s going to be a night to remember. I think, so was the sinking of the Titanic.

Lucy tells Ava, some people would think it was tasteless to have a private function just before the biggest, brightest charity event of the year. Ava says, you’d think Lucy would be at home before the one night of the year when she’s actually socially relevant.

Nina tells Franco that she’s glad he’s painting again. She’ll make sure he and Ava are in their Out and About page. He thanks her for her support. Lulu tells Maxie, she hates to point out the obvious, but Peter is the dad, and the longer she keeps the secret, the worse it will be. Maxie says, it’s not a secret. She just hasn’t found the time to tell him. Lulu says, really? and Maxie amends that to, the right time. Lulu asks what time will be right, but Maxie says she doesn’t know. Like she said, she and Peter have never even discussed having a child; not once. She’s not sure how Peter feels about it. Lulu says she knows how to find out, and Maxie says, how? Lulu says, by telling him.

Terry tells Elizabeth that Lucy almost single-handedly organizes the Nurses Ball. You’d think she’d vote with the Quartermaines. Elizabeth says, apparently Valentin backed the relaunch of Deception, and Lucy couldn’t jeopardize it. Terry asks if there was no one except the Quartermaines who could help, and Elizabeth tells her, Nikolas stepped up, but it was too late. At least he was willing to do it. It’s too bad he won’t get rid of Ava. He’s going to be at her side when her portrait is unveiled. Ava made tonight about resurrecting the old Franco, who couldn’t tell the difference between good and evil, because he had a brain tumor. He became famous for the wrong reasons, and that’s not her husband. She’s not supporting or celebrating him.

Ava tells Franco, sorry. He deserves better, especially from his wife. Nikolas says Ava is all about being a supportive spouse, and she tells him, not now. Nikolas says, sorry. He’s out of sorts since Spencer said he wants nothing to do with him unless he has the Cassadine money. Franco says, it’s got to be rough, being rejected by a kid he lied to for three years. Ava says she’s sorry Spencer took a hard line with Nikolas, and Nikolas says, they both lost a child. As much as they’d love to be celebrating with Kiki and Spencer, it’s not meant to be. Ava says they’ve all made their choices, haven’t they? She says she needs some air, and leaves. Franco says, what the hell? Spencer thinks Nikolas is an ass, but Kiki is dead. There’s no comparison. Nikolas says, Ava barely bated an eyelash, but Franco says, she finds any mention of Kiki devastating. Anyone who cares about her knows that.  

Lulu and Maxie go outside, and Lulu asks if that’s the only reason Maxie hasn’t told Peter. Or is she on the fence about having a baby? Maxie says, the timing is all wrong. She thinks about how incredible it would be, having a child with Peter, but she’s not sure Peter feels the same way. Lulu asks if they don’t get along, and Maxie says, growing up with Faison caused Peter to doubt himself. What if he’s made the choice not to be a father? Well, I’m guessing Peter knows how babies are made, so wouldn’t he have thought about that before?

Finn says he hasn’t seen his father since he diagnosed him with Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, and Anna asks if Finn isn’t happy about that. He says, he is, but they mostly communicate through Chase. She says, what about Violet? Doesn’t she deserve to have a relationship with her grandfather?

Nina asks how well Jax knows Lucy, and he says, not that well, but he’s known her forever. She asks if he has any idea why she voted for Valentin  to be in charge of ELQ. He says, of course (🍷) he does, and so does she. He bought into Lucy’s company to have leverage. He has no respect for Valentin, but admits it was a good business move. Elizabeth shows up, and Nikolas says he thought she wasn’t coming. She says she changed her mind, and needs to find Franco. He thinks Franco is out on the parapet, and says he’ll take her.

Franco finds Ava in the stables, and tells her that Nikolas is out of line, but she says he can’t get to her. He asks what she’s doing out there then, and she tells him, like she said, she just needed some air. Franco says, if she was looking for fresh air, it’s probably better in the stables, and she laughs. She sits, and wonders if she’ll ever be able to hear Kiki’s name without it breaking her heart. Franco says Nikolas was deliberately trying to wound her, and she says, maybe with cause. She thinks she’s gone too far.

Lulu says Maxie has to figure out what to do. Peter is a father, and needs to know. Nikolas and Elizabeth come out, looking for Franco, and Maxie grabs Lulu, saying they’re going to start their own search party. Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry. He thought Franco was there, but since they are, they might as well enjoy the view. He can have a nice moment where he can pretend his life is fantastic. She says, Spencer will come around, and he says he hopes so. He tells him that he did the right thing, offering to help the hospital financially. He says, if only Cyrus hadn’t gotten there first. He can’t believe the hospital is taking money from him. She says, it gets better. Cyrus is the new chairman.

Dustin shows Peter a little toy car that Rocco gave him as a present. He wanted to come, but Dustin asked if he really wanted to listen to grown-up conversation while looking at a painting, and Rocco decided video games and pizza were better. Peter says, kids never stop surprising you. James and Georgie keep him on his toes. Dustin asks if Peter didn’t ever want kids, and Peter says he’d never thought about it until Maxie came into his life. Maxie and Lulu come out, and he says, there she is; the love of his life.

Scotty tells Lucy, with all the problems Monica has caused, maybe the family can finally earn some money now. Lucy says, the most important thing is that GH was saved, no matter where the money came from. He says, that’s crazy talk. They don’t want a new benefactor coming in, and changing the policies and the staff. They could change what makes the hospital special. Lucy says, no more hospital talk, and suggests they focus on Deception. It was no walk in the park, reviving a company from the 90s, but she did it. She had help, but it was her vision and inspiration that made it happen. Finances don’t fall from the sky. Entrepreneurs make compromises sometimes. He says, Lucy… What have you done?

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry he was too late, but she says, at least he was willing to provide the funding. That’s the Nikolas she remembers. He says he’s trying to get back to who he was. She tells him, hurry up; she misses him. He says he misses her too. He hates the distance between them. She says she needs to find Franco. There are some things between them she needs to clear up.

Lucy tells Scotty, Valentin was adamant about ELQ not bailing out the hospital, and she voted with him. Scotty says, what? She repeats that she voted with Valentin. She knew there was someone else who was going to help. He says, that Cyrus guy. He’s a threat to the community. Lucy tells him, the Commissioner said he’d been framed, wrongly jailed, and was focused on doing good for the community. So she voted with Valentin. Scotty says, she owed him, and knew the day would come when he’d need her tie-breaking vote. She says, it’s not her fault he got controlling interest. It’s on the shoulders of the family members who sold him their shares. The hospital will be fine. ELQ couldn’t do it, so Cyrus did. He says, you can’t trust him; especially since he’s a guy with a ponytail, for cryin’ out loud. She says she doesn’t know anything about that, and Maxie asks for a word with her. Scotty leaves, and Lucy says she knew this would happen, and one day she’d be the town pariah again. Maxie asks if that’s why she didn’t want to come, and Lucy wonders why no one can understand why she did it. She had no choice. She knew if she didn’t, Valentin would pull his money out. There would be no Deception, no launch; they’d have nothing. Jax asks if Lucy minds if he talks to her for a second. She says, that depends. Is he going to harp on her betraying the Quartermaines too?

Anna says she knows for a fact Chase told Finn’s father about Violet. He asks if his father has made any effort to get to know Violet, and Anna says he’s respecting Finn’s boundaries, and waiting for an invitation. Finn says he’s uncomfortable with his father and his father’s wife, and thinks Violet will pick up on it. Say he does let his father in, they don’t get past it, and it gets more uncomfortable. It’s the last thing Violet needs; someone being there, and suddenly gone. Anna thinks there’s another obstacle, and it’s not just because his father remarried.

Ava tells Franco that she’s ashamed to admit it, but she turned Spencer against his father. He says, if there’s anyone to blame, it’s Nikolas, but she says Spencer sees her as a traitor, and gave Nikolas an ultimatum. He’ll be in Nikolas’s life if she’s out. He says, then why not walk away? and she says, money. According to their post-nup, if Nikolas divorces her, she gets 90% of everything. Franco asks if she’s serious, and she says, the remaining 10% would be put in a trust for Spencer, but the kid wants to inherit the entire estate. So if she stays married to Nikolas, Spencer stays on the other side of the world. Franco says, it’s not her responsibility. The person to blame is Nikolas. Ava says she contributed to the problem and can solve it. If she ends the marriage, and doesn’t take the money, Spencer will take his father back. He asks if she can do it, and she says, just imagine if Kiki was still out there. If there was a possibility of Ava seeing her face again, it would be worth anything. What if she could do that? Give Spencer and Nikolas the healing and closure she and Kiki never had. Elizabeth listens in.

Elizabeth says hi to Ava, who says they weren’t expecting her. Elizabeth says, surprise, surprise, and Ava says, it’s good to see her. She has to get back to her guests, but she’s glad Elizabeth made it. She goes inside, and Franco thanks Elizabeth for changing her mind. She says she came to stand by her man and see his masterpiece unveiled. He says she’s made him happy. She’s made his whole night.

Anna says Finn’s father has been married for a decade. She understands, but thinks Finn’s estrangement from his father is going to affect Violet. Finn disagrees. He thinks Violet should know her grandfather, but he lives in California. It’s not like he has a presence in her life. Anna says she lives the same distance from Robin, but they stay in touch. Kids live half their lives on a screen, and it’s made long distance relationships easier. Although she does wish she lived closer. There’s nothing she loves more than giving her grandchildren a hug.

Maxie stumbles, and Peter asks if she’s okay. She says she just slipped on her heel.

Lucy thanks Jax for being a gentleman, and not berating her. He says he’s a businessman, and understands the deal she made, but Cyrus is another story. She says, that’s not her fault, and he says, that may be true, but she defended him earlier. She needs to understand, Jax’s daughter was almost caught in the crossfire when Cyrus went after Sonny’s family. She could have been killed; Laura too. She says, that was Cyrus? and he says, there’s no official proof, but Sonny is convinced, and on this subject, he trusts Sonny. Lucy tells him, but Jordan said… and he says he doesn’t pretend to understand why Jordan did that, but technically, it’s true. Cyrus was wrongfully imprisoned, but he’s still a dangerous criminal. If he were her, he’d be careful.

Ava sees Nina on the parapet, and asks if Nina was looking for her. Nina says she wondered where Ava disappeared to, but came out for a breath of fresh air. She loved coming out there when she lived at Windymere. Ava asks if she misses it, and Nina says, parts of it. She misses family time with Charlotte, but she’s accepted the fact that a relationship based on lies and secrets can’t last. Ava says she’s starting to think a relationship based on extortion can’t last. They laugh, and Ava says, trapping Nikolas into a loveless marriage seemed like a good idea at the time, but now she sees it’s not only hurting Nikolas, but Spencer too.

Lulu tells Nikolas, she wanted to check in with him about Spencer. Nikolas hopes their relationship is improving, and Lulu asks, how? He says Spencer told him that he wanted to be his son again if he divorced Ava. She says, clearly, that’s not happening, and he says he’d rather not go into detail. She asks, why? He’s her brother, and she knows he loves his son. It makes zero sense, accepting what’s going on. He says he’s not accepting it, and she asks if keeping one secret is more important than their relationship. Is it more important than regaining her trust? He says, no; it isn’t.

Maxie says she takes full responsibility for dragging Lucy there, but she neglected to inform Maxie that she totally sold out the Quartermaines. Lucy says she did it to save Deception, their bread and butter. Maxie says, no judgement, but Lucy needs to leave. She’s not the best brand ambassador right now. Lucy says, sorry, and Maxie says, this too shall pass. Go rest, so she can be her dazzling self at the Nurses Ball. Lucy suggests Maxie also call it an early night; she’s looking peaked. They need to knock them dead, and be on point tomorrow. Scotty says he got a new convertible; let’s go. Lucy leaves with Scotty, and Peter says, Lucy is right. Maxie looks pale. Is she sure she’s okay? Maxie says she just wants to schmooze the artist, and get it over with. She asks Franco, how long until the great unveiling? How much did Ava pay him to glorify her, and make himself relevant again? Franco says, hostile, and she says she remembers him, but he proved he’s a changed man. He convinced a judge he was a changed man, and now he’s free to be living his best life. Instead, he’s reliving his bad boy genius. The whole thing makes her nauseous. Elizabeth says Maxie has a point. He says the only important thing is, he’s the guy who gets to be married to her, but she wonders where that guy is. The only important things seem to be about everything except the man she loves.

Lulu says Nikolas recruited Spencer to be involved in his power struggle with Ava, but Nikolas says, Spencer jumped at the chance. She says he’s not understanding. He needs to have faith in Spencer that he’ll choose his father over money, not recruit him to be his accomplice. Nikolas says, Spencer is fighting for his inheritance, but Lulu says he’s bonding with Spencer by making his son his partner in crime.

Ava tells Nina, she never had the opportunity to see Spencer and Nikolas together, but she did see how Spencer mourned his father. They had a special bond, and seeing how upset Spencer was when he found out Nikolas was alive spoke volumes. She sees how Nikolas is taking their estrangement. Nina says, it’s one thing to help them reconcile, but the question is, can Ava give up her revenge? Ava doesn’t know. Nikolas made her think she was crazy, and that she saw his ghost. He used Kiki against her, and said they were in hell together. Although she wasn’t much better. The only thing stopping a reconciliation is the stupid post-nup she forced Nikolas to sign. Nina says, revenge is not all it’s cracked up to be. At least for her it wasn’t. Even if you hurt the person, it just ties you more closely to them. She exposed Valentin’s lies at the altar, and got zero satisfaction. It was only when she turned away from the bitterness and ugliness that she found peace. Ava knows what she has to do.

Franco says he thought Elizabeth was there to support him. She says she was, but she’s not comfortable with any of it. She can’t stay. He says he’ll try not to be late, then wonders if she wants him to come with her.

Maxie tells Peter, Franco and Ava are in there all smug and satisfied. She couldn’t help herself. Franco was dishonest. Elizabeth married him and brought him in as a stepfather, but he’s loving his first chance in the spotlight. Franco isn’t like Peter. Peter put in hard work to turn his life around. He says he hopes he never disappoints her, and she says he won’t, as long as he’s honest. She thinks her water smells weird, and he asks, what’s going on with her? She says this is working her last nerve, and he says she’s been dizzy and lightheaded recently. He’s seen her navigate a playground in stilettos. Is she okay?

Jax asks if Nina found Ava. She says she did, and dared to give Ava advice. He says, giving advice can be tricky, but she says she was willing to risk it. It was because of him. He’s proof she can make smart life decisions. Ava comes out wondering where her husband disappeared to.

Lulu says, so Nikolas and Spencer are working together, and he says he has his son back. She asks if she should be happy about him dragging Spencer into the game he’s playing with Ava. He asks, what’s the alternative? Let Ava walk away with 90%? It’s unacceptable to Spencer and him. She asks if it ever occurred to him that Spencer just wants to please him. Spencer isn’t going along for the money, but for his father. Nikolas is missing his moment to turn this around, and stop manipulating. Choose his son, and let Ava decide if she’s going to keep the money. He says he can’t take that risk. Ava has to give up before the marriage ends. She says, he’s pulling Spencer into a lie, and he says, Ava forced his hand. He has to get back out by manipulating the situation. Lulu says, wow. He’s as set on revenge as much as he was when he first came back, and refuses to see what it’s costing.

Anna says she and Finn have been telling Violet that the wedding is about family. Having his father there will show her that he’s part of the family. Finn says maybe he would like them to get to know each other, but that’s not the only problem. He’ll leave it at that. She says, she’s not leaving it at that; it’s about his stepmother. He says he can’t imagine her at their wedding. It will take away from the day – for him anyway. If he invites his father, he can’t exclude her. It’s too complicated. She says she hates to break it to him, but families are complicated. His father is still family, so can’t he put their differences aside for one day? For Violet’s sake?

Dustin says Lulu looks pissed, and she says, once again, her brother has gone below her worst expectations. Ava tells Nikolas, it’s showtime. Franco tells Elizabeth that Ava can take over after the unveiling, but she says she has to leave. Is he coming or not?

Ava tells her guests, on behalf of herself and Nikolas, she thanks them for coming to this celebration of revival and redemption. She teased the return of a talented artist for some time, and would like him to come join her next to her portrait. Franco looks at Elizabeth, but she doesn’t look at him. He goes up front, and Ava says she was going to make a speech, but she realized what she had planned doesn’t seem important anymore. So she’s just going to say she was so happy when Franco agreed to paint her portrait. She’s proud to share it with them tonight. So without further ado… Franco unveils the portrait, and everyone looks shocked. Elizabeth shakes her head, and Franco and Ava look at each other.

Is she naked maybe?

On Monday, Maxie says she has something to tell Peter, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that Ava will destroy what good is left in him if he’s not careful, and Ava says she plans to remedy the situation perfectly.

💝 Coming Soon To a TV Near You…

Welcome to the Nurses Ball.

https://www.tvinsider.com/945286/general-hospital-nurses-ball-2020-preview/

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/2020-general-hospital-nurses-ball-will-air-august

🕵🏽 Dante Tells All…

Get the skinny on Lulu’s absent ex.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dominic-zamprogna-reveals-why-he-left-and-returned

🔌 Can’t Say I Blame Her…

Some people give Trolls a bad name.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-young-the-restless/michelle-stafford-is-taking-a-break-from-social-media

👯 Will the Real Sam Please Stand Up…?

Hopefully, Brook isn’t far behind.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-is-back-at-general-hospital

⚖️ From Cop To Corporate…

The original Jordan finds success as a lawyer.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/vanessa-antoines-series-diggstown-renewed

🌹 If You Must…

Every time I hear Clare Crawley, I think they’re talking about Downton Abbey. I’m not a huge fan of The Bachelor franchise, only because I can smell the desperation, and become embarrassed for the contestants, but no judgement.

MEN: Can she steal you for a sec? According to Glamour, Bachelorette Clare Crawley “will have extra men on hand, just in case” anyone gets coronavirus during taping. Meanwhile, we will have extra men on hand, just in case we can’t reach the Tate’s cookies we forgot were on the top shelf of the pantry…Newsette

https://www.glamour.com/story/the-bachelorette-2020-everything-we-know-about-clare-crawleys-season

😭 Leave Denise Alone…

Denise and Garcelle should have their own spin-off. With a little Sutton on the side.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6186250/garcelle-beauvais-denise-richards-rhobh-reunion/?platform=hootsuite

🎤 The Countess Has All the Feels…

LuAnn’s hopes and dreams for the reunion.

https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/07/31/luann-de-lesseps-rhony-reunion-secrets-bethenny-frankel-interview/

🧀 Like Some Cheese With That Whine…?

NeNe comes up with a new reason she should be rewarded for bad behavior.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/01/nene-leakes-alludes-to-mistreatment-from-bravo-amid-contract-negotiations/

👨🏽‍🍳 Poor Kiko…

He’s so sweet, but those nachos…

https://www.inquisitr.com/6197289/below-deck-mediterranean-chef-kiko-apologizes/

🐣 Not Yet…

For now, the unfreezing of Scheana’s eggs is on hold.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6199574/scheana-shay-pregnant-plans-miscarriage/?platform=hootsuite

🔮 Back In the Dark…

I loved this show. Except for that monkey. I hated the monkey.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/his-dark-materials-season-2-trailer-spoilers-hbo-comic-con-2020/

📺 Up For Debate…

Is it Lost? Game of Thrones? Dexter? A new time waster brought to you by social media.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/twitter-reacts-worst-ending-ever-television-debate/

⚰️ Spoiling the Dead…

Teases about the season 10 finale.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-finale-spoilers-father-gabriel-doomed-dies-seth-gilliam/

🚶🏼‍♂️ Keep Walking…

All you need to know about season 11.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-season-11-delayed-2021-1304283

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-maggie-negan-relationship-showrunner-angela-kang-comic-con-2020/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-negan-hershel-maggie-glenn-son-jeffrey-dean-morgan/

🧛🏻 Get Your Full Episodes Here…

On Sunday night, it seems to be either feast or famine. If you’ve missed any of season 2 of NOS4A2, you can catch it here.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-season-2-comic-con-teaser

🦖 Just In Case…

You never know when you might need a prehistoric life skill.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-outrun-dinosaur/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

Quote-Kindness

🦪 Quotes of the Week

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. – Lewis Carroll

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.Dennis P. Kimbro

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. – Mark Twain

If you can’t laugh at yourself, at least let me do it. – Charlie (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

People will always have opinions about your decision because they’re not courageous enough to take action on their opinion.Steve Maraboli

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. – Lucille Ball

🌃 Hey, It’s Still Dark Out…

Long story short, the new site editor causes difficulty for some links. So until I have a minute to figure out a way around it, I switched back to the classic version, an upscale word for the way it was done before. Thank God it’s Friday. We still call it that, right? Keep that weekend sacred, and change your environment for a moment. But while you’re doing that, stay safe, stay authentic, and stay like Bill Murray in Meatballs, telling yourself, it just doesn’t matter.