Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Jul11

July 10, 2020 – When Valentin Was Theo, Jill’s Advice, Just Say No, Sit Stay, Dead Return, Join the Morgans, Shore Twinning, Big Idiots, Upcoming Union, a Dozen Grade A Quotes & Dream

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Round, and round, and round it goes. Where it stops is a GH Flashback from July 26th, 2016.

At the MetroCourt bar, Nina showed Carly the progress Crimson had made in finding Josslyn’s kidney donor, by using their website to reach out. Kristina asked Sonny if he could accept and deal with her being gay. Could he accept her? Sonny said it was a lot of information to take in. At Perks, Alexis was freaking out because Kristina hadn’t come home last night, and hadn’t called. She left a message for Kristina, saying she knew Kristina was an adult, but as long as she was under Alexis’s roof, she had to call and say she was all right. Paul showed up, and told Alexis that Julian was being arraigned, and she said she’d be watching while Julian was remanded without bail. Julian was in the hospital, griping about how all of this was driving him and Alexis apart. He said he wasn’t giving up or going to the arraignment, and ripped up his divorce papers. Julian’s henchman came in, and Julian asked about Ava, but the orderly said no one had heard from her. Julian told him to get a dose of the medication that would make him sick, since he needed to stall.

On Cassadine Island in Greece, a load of people – Ava, Laura, Doc (who’d been shot), Lulu, Dante, Sam, and Jason (really Drew who still thought he was Jason) – were being held prisoner by Valentin, who at the time called himself Theo. Nikolas had been with them, but Theo had already shot him and he’d fallen out a window and disappeared (he was later presumed dead until he showed up for Valentin and Nina’s wedding, two years later). Lulu had gotten away through a secret door which led to underground tunnels. Sam and Jason were in a separate room with a guard, and Jason was chained to a chair. They woke up the guard, who told them to be quiet or he’d shoot them. Sam got up to get some water, felt dizzy, and fainted. In another room, Theo told the rest of them that he’d like to let them go, but it was unlikely they’d keep their mouths shut. He asked who wanted to be the first to die, and Lulu showed up with a gun, saying she voted for him. She told him to drop his gun, and order his guard to do the same.

Paul told Alexis that she should concentrate on her own situation. The Bar Association was going to charge her with a violation, as she’d refused to take a deal for Carrrlos in exchange for him testifying against Julian. She hadn’t been acting in the best interest of her client. He suggested she do herself a favor, call Diane and work on a defense strategy. She was looking at disbarment. Kristina told Sonny about her attraction to Parker, but Sonny said he’d known gay guys from his club days in Brooklyn, and they’d all known they were gay early on. Nina read one of the responses to Josslyn’s story to Carly, who said they weren’t a match for Josslyn’s blood type. Even though it wasn’t Josslyn’s donor, Carly still wanted to contact the parents, and tell them how grateful she was for what they’d done.

Lulu said if Theo thought she couldn’t or wouldn’t pull the trigger, he’d be wrong. Theo said if she pulled the trigger, so would he, and asked if she thought she could kill him before he killed her mother. Would she bet Laura’s life on it? Jason told the guard to help Sam, and swore if something happened to her, he’d kill him. Like the Hulk, he broke the arms off the chair, and the chains holding him to it.

Carly told Nina it was a huge undertaking, and Nina volunteered to help her with the follow-ups. Carly said they had a bond, since they’d both made the mistake of dating Franco, but wondered why Nina wanted to help. Nina said it was good for business, and driving traffic to the website, but Carly didn’t buy it. Nina said her chance at being a mom came and went when she was asleep, so it made her feel good to help. It made her feel motherly. Paul went to Julian’s hospital room, and suggested he save the taxpayers some expense, but Julian wanted to prove he was innocent. Paul said he was going to personally oversee Julian’s hospital release, and escort him to the courthouse. Julian would be doing a perp walk, and Paul arranged for press photographers. Julian said his next show with the press would be an apology. Paul said this was just the preliminary round. The main event would be when he took Sonny down. Kristina told Sonny that she’d never felt this way before Parker, who’d helped her after her break-up. Sonny asked if Parker reciprocated, and Kristina said she thought so. Sonny said when Kristina propositioned Parker in exchange for a better grade, Parker had turned her into the administration. Kristina said she’d broken the rules. This was all new to her, and she wondered if they could talk about it. Sonny said if he hadn’t seen Kristina and Parker kissing, would she have told him the truth?

Alexis called Diane, and told her the Ethics Committee and the ABA was coming after her. Diane had to come up with a strategy. Julian was being arraigned, and she needed to be there. She told Diane to send her an email with the precedents on ethics violations. She saw Parker getting coffee at Perks. Sam opened her eyes, and Jason told her that she’d fainted, and gave her some water. She asked how he got free; what happened? He said the chair was old, it broke, and he got free, which didn’t exactly explain how he broke those chains. He told her to stay there, but she said they were in this together. He said she  was the most stubborn person he’d ever met in his life. Theo told Lulu, put the gun down, or watch her mommy die. Lulu lowered the gun, and the guard took it from her. Dante had gotten the guard’s gun, and Theo said that went for him as well. He told Dante and Lulu to hold hands so they could die together. It showed he was merciful.

Paul said he’d gotten Julian dead to rights, and was going to send him to prison. Julian said Paul had obtained his confession illegally, and he was going to get his attorney to suppress it. Paul said Julian was going to answer for his crimes. Julian’s thug, dressed as an orderly, said he needed to check Julian’s vitals. Paul said, it was time for Julian to face justice afterward. Paul left, and the orderly showed Julian a vial. Alexis asked Parker why she was at Perks, and Parker said she was attending a conference at PCU. Alexis said she was at Kristina’s workplace, but Parker said she didn’t know Kristina worked there; she was just there to get coffee. She had no idea why the hostility, and thought they’d found common ground. Alexis told Parker that she’d said she’d stay away from Kristina, yet here she was. Kristina didn’t come home last night, and hadn’t called home. Parker said Kristina was fine, and Alexis asked if Kristina had been with Parker. Parker said they’d spent the night together.

Kristina admitted that Alexis knew months ago, and Sonny asked why she didn’t tell him. Kristina said Alexis had encouraged her to be honest with him, but she didn’t think he’d understand. He was Sonny Corinthos; the real deal. She was his seriously messed up kid, and they couldn’t manage a relationship. She’d been suspended from school, and was constantly questioning who she was. She was scared. He said, of what? Did she think he wouldn’t love her or he would turn his back on her? She told him, yes. Nina told Carly that she had to get back to Crimson before their publisher went to jail. Carly said it would be great to have Julian behind bars, and Nina said she wasn’t going to miss him. Josslyn came in, and on her way out, Nina said Josslyn’s story was an inspiration to her readers – and to her. Carly told Josslyn that Nina was referring to the response to her transplant, and Josslyn said she knew they meant well, but she wanted them to stop the search for her donor.

The orderly told Julian that he could only get one dose, so make it count. Nina came in, and Julian said he couldn’t catch a break. He assumed she was there to gloat, but she said he assumed wrong. It was a document giving her full autonomy over Crimson, in exchange for her silence about acts of corporate sabotage. If he was convicted, she had to protect the magazine. He said he wasn’t going to prison, but she said he couldn’t be too sure. He signed, and she was almost out of the room, but turned around, saying he missed a spot. She bumped into the orderly, and he dropped the vial, spilling what was inside. She said good thing they were at the hospital, and he could get more medication. Kristina told Sonny that she loved him, but sometimes he could be intimidating. He told her, everyone said that, but it wasn’t about him; it was about her, and them together, trying to make it right. She could tell him anything. He might not understand, but they’d work together to figure out where to start. He’d been under the impression that she was more than friends with Aaron. But then she met Parker? Kristina said she liked Aaron, but their relationship was on the surface. She connected on another level with Parker, and never felt a deep connection like this. Sonny said Parker had been Kristina’s professor and mentor, which put Kristina at a disadvantage emotionally. If she wanted to go out with women, fine, but Parker wasn’t right for her. Alexis told Parker that she’d taken advantage of Kristina, but Parker said she hadn’t; Kristina had sought her out. Kristina wanted closure, they talked, and it led to something else. It was innocent. Alexis said, it wasn’t innocent. Parker was an adult in a position of power, and seduced a young, questioning girl. Parker said she and Kristina were both adults and willing participants, and Kristina couldn’t find her identity without exploration. Alexis said it was nice of Parker to take time away from her marriage to be Kristina’s guide. Parker said she was getting a divorce, and Alexis said now she didn’t know if Parker was rebounding, or had convinced herself she cared. Parker said she cared very much about Kristina, and Alexis said she cares about her intern, but doesn’t sleep with him. She wondered if Parker could see a future with Kristina, because Kristina did. She thought Parker should put an end to that fantasy.

Carly told Josslyn it was important to complete her medical records, and Josslyn said it was more important to protect her privacy. Carly was making her life story public. Carly said she didn’t know it was a problem, and Josslyn said it got worse every day. It was bad enough she had a scar, now everyone knows how she got it. Carly said the transplant saved Josslyn’s life, but Josslyn didn’t see why it had to be public knowledge. She hated that kids were talking about her behind her back. Carly said she was sorry people were so stupid and ignorant, and Josslyn said she wanted to go back to when it was normal. Carly said they needed the information, but Josslyn said the longer she went without a recurrence, the longer it was certain she’d be fine. She said if Carly didn’t stop the search, the next time she visited her dad, she was staying and never coming home again.

Sam and Jason came in, and overtook Theo and the guards. Theo took off, and Jason and Dante disarmed the guards, then Jason went off to find Theo. The guards were tied up, and locked in a room. Lulu hugged Dante, and said she’d gotten scared when the guard took him away. He asked where she’d gotten a gun, and she said she’d knocked out a guard, but he could be awake by now. She flashed back to going through the tunnel, and finding remains. Laura said Doc saved her life. Theo was going to shoot her, and Doc got in the way. Ava suggests they get the hell out of there, but Sam wanted to wait for Jason. Lulu said, he’d saved their lives, but Ava said they didn’t want to give that maniac a chance to do to them what he’d done to Doc and Nikolas. Jason tore through the house, looking for Theo, but he was gone.

Carly said she needed to safeguard Josslyn’s health, but Josslyn said her dad was on her side. Carly said there were no sides, and Josslyn said, her privacy versus Carly’s public quest. Carly said she almost lost Josslyn once, she wasn’t losing her again, but Josslyn asked if Carly every thought about how it affected her. Carly said she did, but she was the adult, and had to make decisions Josslyn might not like. That was a parent’s job. Josslyn said it wasn’t fair. Carly was so afraid of losing her that she was hurting her. Julian put the final signature on the document, and told Nina, go. Nina said he was rude, and not to expect her to visit him in Pentenville. Julian told the orderly that he needed to get another vial, but the orderly said he didn’t know where they were kept. It was too late, because Paul came in, and said Julian was cleared to leave the hospital. His arraignment awaited. Carly called Nina, and told her to call off the search, and remove it from the website. She couldn’t get into it; just do it. Parker told Alexis, she couldn’t break things off with Kristina just like that, and Alexis told her, do right thing and save Kristina hurt down the road. If she cared about Kristina, walk away. Parker said she didn’t want to hurt Kristina, and Alexis said she should have thought about that before she set this in motion. She needed to end it, and Alexis would help Kristina pick up the pieces. Kristina told Sonny that he didn’t have to worry, but he said he always would. She was his little girl, and he’d never give up on her – ever. She said he didn’t answer when she asked if he could accept a gay daughter, and Sonny said she was his daughter. There was no question – no matter what.

Carly apologized to Josslyn, and said her story would be removed from the website, and Josslyn thanked her. Josslyn went off to get some ice cream, and Sonny came in, followed by Nina. Nina said she’d concluded her business with Julian. She passed Paul on the way out; he was there to slap the cuffs on Julian personally, and roll him out the door. Sonny said that was good news. Nina told Carly that she’d thought some more about how they could zero in on the donor, but then Carly called off the search. Carly said Josslyn felt her privacy was being violated, so it would be removed from the website, while they discreetly continued. Nina left, and Sonny asked if Carly thought that was a good idea. Carly said she knew what was best, and Josslyn would come around when they found her donor.

Josslyn called Jax and said he was wrong. Her mom got why she was upset, and promised to drop the search. She handled it. Carly asked why Sonny was so blue. Kristina saw Alexis at Perks, and apologized for not calling; she’d gotten busy. Alexis said she was worried, but she knew Kristina had been with Parker. Kristina asked if Sonny told her, and Alexis was surprised that Sonny knew. Kristina said he saw her with Parker. Alexis asked how it went, and Kristina said, better than she thought it would. Sonny told Carly that he’d talked to Kristina, and she’d come out to him. Kristina told Alexis that she was glad she’d told Sonny the truth. It was a lot for him to process, but he still loved her. Alexis said, of course (🍷) he did, and Kristina asked how Alexis knew she was with Parker. Alexis said she ran into Parker at Perks, and Kristina said they made each other happy, and they were going to figure out what happened next together. Meanwhile Parker was writing a letter to Kristina saying, I’m sorry. I can’t.

Jason told the others that Theo was gone. He’d barricaded himself in a room, and by the time Jason broke in, Theo had disappeared. He said they were getting out, and they started to leave. Lulu didn’t want to leave Nikolas, but Laura said Doc needed help, and they had to get back to Spencer. In the tunnel, Theo made a call, and said the guests weren’t leaving alive.

🗽 So Says Jill…

Interesting how Jill thinks Kyle should leave a franchise she so desperately wants to go back to.

https://people.com/tv/kyle-richards-responds-to-jill-zarin-comments-about-her-marriage/

📍 Can’t Say I Blame Her…

Mo’Nique was smart enough to never go there in the first place.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/monique-addressed-rumors-she-might-replace-nene-leakes-on-the-real-housewives-of-atlanta/

💵 Positive Reinforcement…

It’s come to this. The same kind of training I use with my dogs.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/07/networks-offering-reality-tv-stars-good-behavior-bonuses-to-not-slur-feud/

⚰️ When There’s No More Room In Hell…

When will The Walking Dead return is still anybody’s guess, but Negan has a few thoughts.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-season-10-finale-showrunner-angela-kang/

👩🏽‍💻 This Might Be Old News…

I hadn’t heard about Friday Night In with the Morgans, but I’ve been a little busy. It looks like fun, and you can stream full episodes from AMC’s website.

https://www.tvinsider.com/936393/friday-night-in-with-the-morgans-jeffrey-dean-morgan-hilarie-burton/

🏖 Attack Of the Shore Clones…

I don’t know if it’s me or what, but all these meatballs girls look alike.

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/jersey-shores-angelina-slams-deena-over-wedding-and-baptism-drama/

🏡 Oh Happy Day…

That was sarcasm. I don’t know if bringing this show back is a good idea. And I don’t mean because of the pandemic.

https://tvdeets.com/full-production-on-big-brother-to-resume-this-august

💍 Where Reality Meets Talk…

Mazel Tov!

https://tvdeets.com/rich-kids-of-beverly-hills-morgan-stewart-engagement

And apparently, Jordan isn’t doing too badly.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6149800/morgan-stewart-engagement-ring-cost/

https://www.brides.com/story/rich-kids-of-beverly-hills-morgan-stewart-engagement-ring

Since they didn’t really give you a closer look.

MorganSRing

📡 Quotes of the Week

The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict—alternatives to passive or aggressive responses, alternatives to violence. – Dorothy Thompson

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. – Muhammad Ali

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. – Indira Gandhi

Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together. – Eugene Ionesco

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. – Maya Angelou

The bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep. – E. Cossman (Or sometimes a good stiff drink…)

You never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else. – Denzel Washington

I would put on my old uniform and go to war all over again to protect the right of Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump to say offensive things on TV and Twitter. – Sen. Tammy Duckworth, responding in The New York Times to Carlson and Trump’s attacks on her patriotism

There’s not enough wine for this show. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiance Happily Ever After

Those French fries are so old, they’ve had birthdays. – Robert Springs, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiance Happily Ever After

One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings. – Franklin Thomas

🤿 Here We Go Again…

Get your mask on and do something different, whether or not you call this a weekend. It’s been another long week for me, waiting on test results for one of the dogs, and hoping for a (technically) negative outcome. I have several who are the same age, and they all seem to be reaching that age. See you on Monday-really-Tuesday, and meanwhile, stay safe, stay hoping for the best, and stay holding your fluffballs close.

Jul9

July 8, 2020 – When Michael Got Sentenced, About Claire, a Bit of Shirley, A Night In Capri Turns Stormy, Pressured, Ramona’s Test, New Digs For Vicki, Caroline Speaks, Concert Redo, Tavern Survival, Phaedra Directs, a Puppy, a Career & Odd

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

As Ferris Bueller said, GH moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and flash back once in a while, you could miss it. Today, what we didn’t miss was May 7th, 2010.

Prosecutor Claire said Jax knew Michael was innocent, and if she went down, she was dragging him with her. She didn’t have much sympathy for the man who almost torpedoed her career. He asked if she didn’t think the judge would go easy on Michael, and she said she didn’t see why not. Judge Carroll was a lot angrier with them than with Michael. She thought it was realistic to expect a suspended sentence, but it was a felony conviction, and Michael would have it hanging over him for the rest of his life. Her phone rang, and she told Jax that the judge was ready to sentence Michael.

At Crimson, Maxie told Lulu that she didn’t know what it was like to be a pariah. Maxie did, and she didn’t recommend it. Lulu stuck by her boyfriend, and now Michael was in lock-up. Lulu thought he judge was just trying to scare Michael, and Maxie said she was sorry she hadn’t called Jason before Dante talked to Michael. Lulu said Dante was only doing the right thing; the secret had been killing Michael. Maxie said he could end up in Pentenville, but Lulu insisted that he would get a suspended sentence. Dante had said Michael would be able to start a new life away from the mob and Sonny. Maxie said the opposite of what Dante wanted could happen, but Lulu said Dante was saving Michael, and one day everyone would understand why she took his side, and be grateful to him. At the courthouse, Carly told Jason that Morgan wanted to have a party for Michael’s homecoming, but she’d told him that they’d have to wait and see. Morgan thought Michael was coming home right away, thanks to Dante. Jason said Dante shouldn’t have promised that Michael would come home. Dante arrived, and asked Carly to hear him out about Michael.

Outside of Kelly’s, Morgan, Kristina, and Molly were conferring about Michael, and Molly asked if they thought he was getting out. Kristina thought it was unrealistic to think he would right away, but Morgan said, Dante promised. Olivia and Johnny came into Kelly’s, but Johnny’s phone rang as soon as they sat down. He said he’d be right there, and told Olivia that he would be allowed to speak before Michael was sentenced. Maxie told Lulu that she was being too optimistic. Maxie had ended up in Shadybrook because she went along with a cover-up, and let someone she loved take the fall. She had to own up to it, and Michael will have to also. Olivia phoned Lulu, and told her Dante could use her support. Dante told Carly, he hoped when this was over, they’d understand he was right. Carly said he gave snitch a whole new meaning, and had turned it into an art. He lied to her kids when he was working against their father. He lied when he said Sonny didn’t shoot him, and if he’d told the truth, they wouldn’t be there. Dante said the guilt had been tearing Michael apart, and Carly asked why Dante didn’t give him time to come forward himself. Dante said it was his job as a police officer to tell the truth, and Carly said, he told the truth when it was convenient or it made him look good. She said Michael would have turned himself in when he came back, but Dante couldn’t wait to grandstand. Dante said she could have saved Michael all this trouble, but he thought the judge would see Michael as a victim, and give him a chance to build his life again. It was the best thing that could have happened to him. Sonny told Dante, stop talking now. He asked Dante why he was lecturing Carly about what Michael needed; he didn’t know Michael, and had been too busy proving Sonny wrong to protect him. Maybe Sonny didn’t deserve a better son than Dante, but Michael deserved a better brother. Morgan, Molly, and Kristina snuck into the courthouse. Morgan wondered if they could get take-out pizza tonight, and Molly said she thought they were overlooking that everyone hated Dante. Morgan said they wouldn’t after today. Lulu joined Dante, and said she believed in what he was doing. He told her, when the judge gave Michael a suspended sentence, they’d see, and she said it was the right thing for her to be there to take his side, especially with Carly there. She wasn’t going to apologize for loving him. Everyone went into the courtroom, and Carly said it was so wrong. Sonny said, no matter what, they wanted Michael to know they were there to support him.

Elizabeth went to Shirley’s (Michael Learned) hospital room, and Shirley said Elizabeth was looking good. She thought it was the ex-husband. Elizabeth said she was glad Lucky came by and stopped Helena from harassing her; it was like old times. Shirley said, from what Elizabeth had told her, Lucky was a rescuer, and they all dream of someone swooping in to make it right. Elizabeth said sometimes it happened. Lucky had saved her when they were teenagers. They’d caused each other pain, but there had been good times, and she was glad he was still out there. She thought he still cared. Shirley said she always believed the bright side, but sometimes there was a case to be made for reality. Elizabeth said it was the first time she’d seen a glimpse of hope for her and Lucky, and it came from Helena of all people. At the MetroCourt bar, Helena told Tracy she felt sorry for Spencer. He was the son of a stripper, and the nephew of a professional criminal; hardly Cassadine material. Tracy said he was good enough for Helena to kidnap, and Helena said she didn’t expect Tracy to understand the traditions like honor and respect. She wanted to raise her grandchildren to be proper Cassadines. Morgan said he felt like a spy, as the kids snuck around, and listened in from a hallway near the courtroom. Sonny asked Diane how Michael was, and she said Michael wanted to make him proud. Sonny asked if she had any idea what sentence the judge would give Michael, and she said, none, but Judge Carroll had the reputation of being fair and thorough. She told him that Johnny was probably there to make a statement for Claudia, and Carly couldn’t believe Jax was there with Claire, and he was sitting on that side of the courtroom. Judge Carroll came to the bench, and reminded everyone that he was not going to tolerate any interruptions or outbursts. Michael was brought in, and the judge asked if the victim’s family cared to speak. Johnny said he would, and got on the stand.

Johnny said that he and Claudia were very close. She was the one person he could come to if he needed anything. Sonny had tried to have killed, and she sought retribution, but she hadn’t intended on hurting Michael. She’d had guilt and remorse over being responsible for Michael getting shot. That, and losing her baby were the worst things that ever happened to her. Sonny deliberately and relentlessly whittled away at Claudia’s sanity, and by the birthday party, she had gone over the edge. She could have killed Carly and the baby, and Michael had no choice but to stop her. The judge asked if he was aware that Michael killed his sister; he’d sworn Sonny had. Johnny said he’d testified that Sonny was responsible for her death, and he was. Sonny built her up, then humiliated her. If not for Sonny’s actions toward her, she never would have ended up at the cabin, and never would have kidnapped Carly. Michael should be considered a hero for saving his mother and baby sister’s life. Claudia wouldn’t want to see him punished. If she could, she would forgive Michael. He wasn’t responsible; Sonny was.

Helena told Tracy that her role as matriarch was to provide guidance and continuity to the next generation. She was looking out for her own, and Tracy might want to do the same – meaning our Luke. Tracy said he was her Luke, and Helena said she and Luke went to dark places Tracy wouldn’t understand. Luke was thrilling when properly stimulated. Tracy told Helena, stay away from her husband. She left, and Helena said Tracy was too smart. She couldn’t have Tracy figuring out that Elizabeth was really carrying Lucky’s child. Shirley said she was dying, so she might have memory lapses, but hadn’t Elizabeth said there was no hope for her and Lucky? Elizabeth said she didn’t see how Lucky could forgive her for sleeping with his brother. He was hurt and angry, and couldn’t see his way back. He’d looked at her differently, but what brought them together was still there. It was funny that Helena had spent so much time pulling them apart, and now might bring them back together. She wasn’t jumping to a happy ending, but if there was a chance, that was enough. Shirley asked, what about the baby’s father, Nikolas? Lucky showed up at Crimson with some flowers from a guy in the lobby, and Maxie said they were from a photographer who’d had to cancel at the last minute. Maybe she’d invite him back if a free portrait was in it; fashion publishing was her calling. She told him Lulu was at the courthouse, standing by her man.  On the stand, Johnny said Claudia wasn’t evil, and wouldn’t want Michael to suffer for what she or Sonny had done. He understood the judge was upset with all of them, but hoped he didn’t take it out on the kid, and was lenient. Michael was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and never meant to kill Claudia. He was acting on instinct, and saved two lives. Judge Carroll said Johnny was bright and articulate, and hoped Johnny turned his life around before they met there under different circumstances. He told Michael to stand.

The judge said Michael had pleaded guilty, and waived his right to trial. He had admitted killing Claudia, but there was no malice or premeditation, so was charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carried a sentence of five to twenty years. He’d also had brain damage, but the judge wanted him to understand the seriousness of his action without completely sacrificing his future. He gave Michael five years, with the opportunity for parole in two years. Everyone went nuts, and the judge banged his gavel, telling them to take their seats. There was still an uproar, with Dante and Carly yelling the loudest. Dante said Michael didn’t belong in prison, and Judge Carroll told him it was past the point of argument. Dante said he brought Michael there to save him, and get him away from the violence and corruption, but the judge said it was too late to negotiate a deal. Michael’s sentence would give him time to turn his life around. Dante argued that Sonny had a lot of enemies in prison, and Michael could be pulled further into it. He asked the judge to please reconsider, give Michael the help he needed, and give his brother a chance to build a better future. Maxie put Lucky to work, toting boxes for her. She said his sister was crazy in love with Dante, and asked what he thought. He said he never figured his sister for the law and order type. He didn’t agree with turning Michael in, and hoped it had nothing to do with him. Maxie said Dante thought the judge would be lenient, but she thought Dante should have given Michael the opportunity to turn himself in. She was afraid he’d end up with a harsher sentence because he hadn’t. Lulu had gone to be with Dante, since she was in the first stages of love, when you have no thought of hooking up anyone else.

Tracy sat in an examining room, waiting for Epiphany. She told Epiphany that she wanted to see the lab tech who did Elizabeth’s paternity test, but Epiphany said, not a chance. Tracy said her family’s money kept the hospital afloat, and Epiphany said it was Lawrence Bailey. Tracy wanted his number, but Epiphany told her that he used to swim laps before work, had slipped, hit his head, and drowned. In court, Judge Carroll said he didn’t tolerate an outburst, but Dante respected the law and his brother, so he’d allowed it. There was no worse crime anyone could commit than taking a human life. Michael had been part of the cover-up, although he’d had terrible guidance from the people who claimed to love him, and extreme emotional pressure. However, he hadn’t been restrained or threatened, and could have come forward. Michael said Mac hadn’t believed his confession, and the judge said it had been off the record. He asked if Michael had shown Mac the bloody shirt or if he’d made any other attempt at a confession. Diane said Michael had been following legal advice, and the judge said they’d go down that road later. Michael was surrounded by a group who flaunted the law the rest of them had to obey. He’d been systematically exposed to violence and mayhem. He’d awoke after being in a coma for a year, and the judge had reservations about how he was living the life he’d miraculously been given back. Dante said, prison wasn’t the goal; Michael should get counseling sessions and guidance. Judge Carroll said Michael was of legal age, and they were all treating him like a child, when in the eyes of the court, he was an adult. He hoped to teach Michael to respect the law, and that his actions had consequences, and he’d be getting Michael away from the adults in his life. He’d keep them away if he could. He said it was an extremely light sentence. He hoped Michael used the time to plan a better life, and that it left him with an aversion to being locked up, so he never broke the law again. Carly cried, and Dante looked like he had a headache.

Maxie said she wasn’t talking about Lucky, and he said he’d been in love with Elizabeth, but once he moved on, he was done rescuing her. Maxie asked how that was working for him, and he said he’d been known to backslide, especially when Helena was involved, but he wasn’t going to keep trying to make the fantasy work. Maxie was glad he’d outgrown Elizabeth. Those who’d had their hearts trampled, would live to love another day. Epiphany admitted that she’d seen Larry talking to Helena, and Tracy suggested Helena had paid Larry to change the test, then killed him. Epiphany said, or she just wanted to see the result early, and Larry slipped. Tracy wondered why Helena would want a Spencer baby appear to be a Cassadine. Michael was remanded to the PCPD to await transfer, and Sonny said it wasn’t justice. The cover-up was his idea. The judge said, it having a less than satisfying outcome wasn’t his problem. Sonny said he told Michael that he was proud he’d saved his mother and sister, and because of him, Michael had lost a year of his life. Because of him, Michael had been in the cabin. Michael had made a bad choice, but he didn’t mean kill Claudia. He was devastated, and had practically been in shock. The judge asked if they’d sought medical attention, but Sonny said he’d brought Michael home, the only place he thought was safe and they could take care of him. He didn’t want Michael punished anymore for saving Carly and Josslyn. Judge Carroll said Sonny had destroyed evidence that would have proved Michael didn’t want Claudia harmed. Sonny said Claudia wasn’t a tragic misguided soul, like Johnny had said. She was 100% evil, and poisoned everything she touched. The judge said, yet Sonny married her. Sonny said the fact was, he’d brought Claudia into Michael’s life, and he was responsible for her death. He begged the judge not to punish Michael, but to punish him. While the judge agreed that Sonny was indirectly responsible, he said Michael was of legal age. While he’d suffered emotional violence, it wasn’t against the law. Sonny was a selfish irresponsible father, and he was getting Michael out from under Sonny’s influence for two to five years.  Sonny was not a person to admire or emulate, and Michael could take this opportunity to turn his life around. The rest of them broke so many laws, he didn’t know where to start; including perjury, wasting his time, and the time and money of the taxpayers. He had a backup of real cases, so it would have to be punishment enough, knowing they’d helped put Michael in a jail cell. He hoped Michael would think about it tonight, and every night, until he was released. He said he was going to personally pray that Michael never came home. Carly hugged Michael. In the hallway, Molly said they were taking Michael to prison. Morgan said, but Dante promised, and she said, Dante was wrong. They watched as Michael was taken away. Court was adjourned, and Carly hugged Jason. Everyone was bummed.

👩🏻‍💼 She’ll Drag Jax Down With Her…

Meet DA Claire.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/claire-walsh

🏥 You Can Call Her Shirley…

The Waltons mom guest starred for a hot minute.

https://general-hospital.fandom.com/wiki/Shirley_Smith_(Michael_Learned)

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

When picked up where we left off, with Denise and Aaron jetting from Kyle’s barbecue, and Denise telling him not to say anything with the cameras on them. Kyle said Denise didn’t want to be honest, and LisaR said whenever there was an issue, Denise ran. Not allowing such a thing, LisaR flew after her, but Denise said they’d talk in private. In Denise’s interview, she said if all these women were coming for LisaR, she’d defend her because she’s her friend, but LisaR wasn’t going to bat for her. Kyle told the others that she didn’t like Aaron getting involved, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said, either Aaron was being chivalrous, defending his wife, or it was a bitch move, getting involved in a woman’s conversation. Or women business, and NeNe would say. In Erika’s interviewDenise told LisaR it was time to move on to something else. LisaR had hurt her feelings in Santa Barbara, and she didn’t want the others’ opinions. While walking back, LisaR said it was the effing Twilight Zone. LisaR joined Garcelle, Kyle, Erika, and Sutton in a large tent, and told them that Denise and Aaron were going to have a steak and go to a strip joint. I didn’t catch that part, so I don’t even know if they were being sarcastic or that was their real plan. Erika said that it was hypocritical because Denise was judgmental about the threesome business. Holy! When will these morons get that she just didn’t want to talk about it in front of the kids? In her interview, Garcelle said Denise wasn’t being hypocritical. If the kids weren’t there, they could be as free as they wanted. In Dorit’s interview, she said Denise should have stayed and worked through the situation, so they could move on. In the limo, Denise told Aaron that she wasn’t trying to make them look bad, they made themselves look bad. LisaR said she found it ironic, and Kyle swung around a pole in the middle of the tent, turned upside down, and said, namaste, MF’ers. They all acted like idiots, and honestly, I almost turned it off right there.

Teddi brought her kids along for her sonogram, so they could see their little sister.  LisaR went to Sutton’s store, which was called Sutton. So original. I wondered if her dog was named Spot. In Sutton’s interview, she said she was having a trunk show – A Night in Capri – and sent proper invitations, not some weenie text message. Dorit met with a closet specialist, and we found out she has 229 pairs shoes. At least she did when it was filmed. Who knows now? People have had a lot of time on their hands, and shopping on the internet never closed. Dorit said she needed something to fit all her clothes, but it sounded like she was still going to infringe on PK’s closet space. Kyle almost had a heart attack when she thought she was going to get pulled over while in the car with Kim. In Kyle’s interview, she said, when she and Kim were bad, they were really bad. We flashed back to several of those times, including the limo/alcoholic scene. She added, but when they were good, no one made her laugh harder. They went to see a plastic surgeon about Kim’s implants, since she’d noticed a change in one. Dr. Handel said they were like tires, and it had gone  flat. In her interview, Kyle said Kim already had a lumpectomy. The tumor was benign, but they’d lost their mom to cancer, and she was freaked. The doctor thought it would be enough to remove the implants and give her a lift.

While Aaron was driving, Sami asked if what he was doing wasn’t illegal, and he told her, don’t do what I do – ever. He took for a driving lesson, along with Denise, who said she was a nervous effing nelly. We learned that because of their shape, the break was the hamburger, and the hotdog meant go. Denise said Aaron had the patience she didn’t, and when she watched him, she was reminded of why she fell in love with him. She felt safe and protected with him, and had never been with a man who took care of her.

LisaR and Erika went to a place called EMsculpt, where they stick electric paddles on you to tighten you up. LisaR said she’d done everything, and this was great. In Erika’s interview, she said it wasn’t a replacement for exercise, but it was important. In her business, there was a line out the door to judge you. Erika said Dr. Kinney was her next husband. She was going for a plastic surgeon. In her interview, LisaR said he was Erika’s type; rich and bald. Erika had her stomach zapped, while LisaR did her butt. Erika asked LisaR about Chicago, since she’d also been in it. LisaR said her hardest moment was Roxie’s monologue about fame; it’s who she is. In her interview, she said, it was all about her. She told Erika that they all come from a place of need, and can relate. They’re tough bitches.

Kim checked in to the hospital, and Dr. Handel said the plan was to remove her implants, and remove any abnormal tissue for a biopsy. In Kyle’s interview, she said she hated doctors and hospitals – they made her whole body go numb. It terrified her, thinking something might be wrong, and all she could think about was her mom. Kim was worried that she hadn’t talked to her kids that morning, but the doctor said she’d be fine. In her interview, Kyle said she went back to hearing that her mom had breast cancer, and she was scared to die. She would tell Kyle that she was terrified, and still had so much to teach her. I’m not so sure that’s something you should tell your child, especially if they have anxiety. When the surgery was over, Dr. Handel told Kyle that Kim had done extremely well.

Garcelle was moving into her new home. In her interview, she said she’d been planning and building for close to a year. It was two stories, with a grand entrance; 3200 square feet, with five bedrooms and five baths. She said she didn’t realize she had so much sh*t. I know the feeling, and hate moving. After the divorce, building the house was huge for her. She had a date on Friday night, and said she didn’t introduce the kids to many guys. She didn’t want the kids to go through too many changes, and didn’t want them think mom was a ho. Some women have daddy issues, and she picked men who weren’t emotionally available. She never really had a relationship with her father. She thought he must have known he was dying, and wrote her a letter. He sent it to mom who never gave it to her, then it had been misplaced, so she never knew how he felt or what he thought of her; if he was proud of her. The boys walk on the outside of the banister on the grand staircase, giving Garcelle agita.

The women went to Sutton’s trunk show, where she had some dynamite jewelry. In Dorit’s interview, she said when she’d been offered a job in Italy, she stayed ten years. After a broken engagement, she returned to Manhattan, and met PK. Teddi rolled in, looking unkempt as usual. In Sutton’s interview, she said maybe she could help Teddi. Probably not. Kyle talked about how she and Mauricio were having a black and white party. In her interview, she said they threw a lot of parties, and thought it looked prettier in pictures than a white party. Sutton had a fabulous buffet spread that spanned a few tables. Kyle was uncomfortable when she heard Denise was coming with Aaron. Dorit said she’d learned from that experience, and we flashed back to PK butting into one of the arguments. In Dorit’s interview, she said she knew how Denise felt; thank God for my husband, but it backfires. In Denise’s interview, she said she kept hoping the ladies would put it to bed, and say, let’s have a great night. HA-HA-HA! Good luck with that. Dorit met Denise and Aaron in the reception area. Erika said it wasn’t that deep, but now it was a thing and uncomfortable. My sentiments exactly, but they’re the ones making it a thing and uncomfortable. Teddi said, awkward energy. Denise and Aaron approached their table, and Aaron asked if he was the only husband. Denise said they had a dinner, so he had to come, but in Kyle’s interview, she said she didn’t buy it. Denise dragged Aaron there because she didn’t want to get into anything. He’s her watchdog. Actually, I think if that was the case, he’d be the last one she’d bring. Kyle said she was sorry about what happened that they’d left. In Denise’s interview, she said it was okay for Kyle to leave, but she can’t, and we flashed back to Kyle leaving her own chem trail at a party. Denise said she had to use the bathroom, leaving Aaron to deal with the women. Kyle said she felt weird about how they left, and felt weird not acknowledging it. Aaron thought they should wait until Denise was back, but Erika couldn’t do that, telling Aaron that he’d said they were bad people, they should look in the mirror, and were they happy with themselves. He did tell them to look in the mirror, but he never said they were bad. Aaron said he never called people bad, and Erika said he’d talked down to them. He said if they can live with themselves, okay, and Erika said she could. He said, great. Then she solved that problem. Here’s where I realized I’m Aaron. He’s just not having their phoniness under the guise of honesty, or owning it, if you will. I have the feeling, were I around them for any great length of time, I’d be telling them to look in the mirror too. No. Scratch that. I’d be telling them that if I’d just met them. Denise doesn’t want to talk about some things, and I don’t see what the big deal is. I find it hard to believe all of them are open about everything, and despite what they say, no one has to on a reality show. It’s not a social experiment. They’re Housewives, not the Loud family.

Teddi said Aaron had been belittling, and he said, okay; if that’s how she felt. She said he knew what he was doing, and he asked her to spell it out. Erika said he’d been mansplaining and got heated. He told her that he speaks directly, and she said, so did they. He asked why they were nitpicking people then, and Teddi accused him of being the moral high ground. He asked if she wanted to go there, and Erika said she did; did he? Aaron said he’d go anywhere; he’d go up, down, and all around. Denise came back, and in her interview, she said she’d stupidly left him there with those women. Aaron said if they wanted to talk negatively, they could. He was done with the conversation, but they kept poking the bear. Kyle said he was the one who made it negative. Denise told them she’d said all she had to say about it. Teddi said Denise had called her a sh*t effing stirrer while daughter Phoenix was there. Denise said she hadn’t known Phoenix was there, and this was the dumbest thing ever. Find something else to fight about. She and Aaron walked away, but Dorit couldn’t let that happen. She walked alongside them, yammering. Denise said it was toxic. Dorit told Denise not to say she wasn’t upset when they were storming out. Denise said they weren’t storming out; they were walking away. Back at the table, Kyle suggested Denise just say how she felt. She did. She said she was done. That’s pretty direct. Dorit said Denise was obviously upset, and Denise said it was Sutton’s event, and she didn’t want to cause a scene. In Dorit’s interview, she said Denise was clearly upset and storming out, and that was causing a scene. These people are insane. Storming off is creating a scene, as they’ve all done many times, but Denise and Aaron just said goodnight to Sutton, and walked toward the exit. With Dorit bouncing alongside them, babbling. Causing the scene. Dorit asked why Denise shut it down, and Denise said she had nothing else to say. Erika told the other women that she didn’t give a f***. Dorit said Aaron was being protective, but it wasn’t helpful. In her interview, Dorit said she felt bad for Denise. Now she’d have to blindly defend her husband. Dorit did, and it had sucked for her. Sutton’s boyfriend had the right idea, standing at the buffet and chowing down.

Denise told Dorit that she was past it, but they weren’t. There were paparazzi and people taking pictures; it wasn’t her thing. In Dorit’s interview, she said she didn’t see anyone. Obviously, Denise and Aaron weren’t listening; they were just looking for an excuse to leave. Kyle said she’d felt bad when they left her house, and wanted to talk about it, but they didn’t. They didn’t want to talk about anything when it involved them. She wondered if they’d have to pretend, and Teddi said that wasn’t healthy. Erika said maybe they shouldn’t have any conversations with Denise.

Next time, Garcelle sells a script, Kyle throws the black and white party, Denise and LisaR go to lunch, and Camille, Brandi, and Adrienne show up.

👠 Under Pressure…

Garcelle might have felt the pressure, but she’s kept her cool, and IMO, outshines the veterans.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/01/garcelle-beauvais-felt-pressure-to-be-the-first-black-rhobh-star/

💉 Queen of Corona…

We will never hear the end of this, since Ramona loves talking about herself.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/01/rhonys-ramona-singer-says-she-and-daughter-tested-positive-for-covid-19-antibodies/

🧉 Adios, Uno Amiga…

I love how pensive Vicki looks in the photo. Like I think that’s a candid snap.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/04/rhoc-star-vicki-gunvalson-moves-into-puerto-vallarta-condo/

🎤 A Sister Speaks…

Although she really didn’t say a whole lot.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/02/caroline-manzo-speaks-out-after-arrest-of-sister-dinas-ex-husband/

🎼 Thinking Ahead…

Rescheduling is the new optimism.

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386776/concerts-rescheduled-coronavirus-list

🥂 Looks Like They Made It…

Even before the pandemic, it was sad how so many landmarks had closed their doors in NYC. Not only is Neirs Tavern a Black-owned business, it’s one of the oldest bars in the United States. And it’s survived.

https://nypost.com/2020/07/08/190-year-old-nyc-bar-neirs-tavern-survives-covid-19/

😥  A Wife Does the Honors…

I’d forgotten Phaedra was also a funeral director.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/02/phaedra-parks-talks-about-directing-rayshard-brooks-funeral/

🐶 Something Sweet…

Who doesn’t love a puppy?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bradford-anderson-new-puppy

🧹 A Brush With Celebrity…

Years ago, I did a reality show about fantasy camps, and met Ilene Kristen at a soap opera workshop. She was the best! She was very honest about getting into soap operas, how difficult the work was, and how you could get taken advantage of. Her basic advice was: Don’t. I have a picture of us somewhere…

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/ilene-kristen-amazing-career

🛸 Phasing On…

Don’t worry. We’ll be at Phase 475 before you know it. Meanwhile, stay safe, stay keeping it together, and stay ready for anything.

Jul2

July 1, 2020 – When Nina Stole Ava’s Baby, a Refresh, Now We’re Talking, NJ Hired Hit, Proud Mom, Another Carrot, What’s Coming Up & Hooray

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Getting into the Wayback Machine, we open the door at November 7th, 2014.

Anna arrested Duke at The Floating Rib. Sonny was about to shoot Ava, but Michael intervened. Sonny said he didn’t know what Kiki had told Michael, but Michael said Kiki told him nothing; Franco did. Old Nina was at an apartment, rocking a baby like it was hers, and Madeline came in with baby supplies. Nina asked if Madeline had intentionally wrecked her marriage to Silas. Silas (Michael Easton before he was Finn) asked Nathan if there was any word on Nina, but Nathan said no, and Dante told Nathan that he had to arrest Sonny. Morgan told Kiki (who used to be Starr) not to worry; Sonny wouldn’t lay a finger on Ava until after the baby was born, but Kiki couldn’t believe Morgan left her mother alone with Sonny. She’d thought Morgan loved Ava, and now she was at Sonny’s mercy thanks to him. Sonny got a text saying Franco was dead, but Franco was at the pier.

Michael told Sonny that Franco had shown him something eye opening – Sonny admitting to killing AJ (Michael’s father). The necklace they’d found had a camera in it, and Franco had recorded Sonny and Carly’s tryst, where Sonny confessed to killing AJ, and Carly helped him cover it up. Ava said she saw it happen, and encouraged Michael to shoot Sonny. Sonny kept yelling at her to shut up, and Ava told Michael that she had to find her baby. Nina got a call from Franco, and she asked him how the wedding went. Dante told Nathan that Sonny got caught covering up the murder, and he had to do his job. Nathan offered to arrest Sonny, but Dante said, no. He knew this day was coming, and it was his job to handle it. Nathan said he was going to find himself in the same situation with his own mother – not Obrecht, but Madeline. Nina had an emotional breakdown and assaulted her husband, and he thought Madeline was helping her. Kiki wondered where Ava was, and Silas said he’d gotten a text from Ava, saying she was with Morgan. Kiki said that wasn’t possible, since Morgan was at the hospital. Anna told Duke that she saw the recording of Sonny confessing to AJ’s murder. Duke had lied to the police and her, and she was arresting him for perjury, obstruction of justice, and being an accessory after the fact in AJ’s murder. Ava told Michael that Nina had taken her daughter, and Sonny had stood in the way of her stopping it. Michael kept his gun on Sonny, and Ava said Michael should kill Sonny for what he did to Michael’s father.

Lucy babbled to Bobbie about Anna arresting Duke, and said Bobbie seemed blasé about it. Bobbie said she had other things on her mind, but Lucy couldn’t figure out what would be more horrible; Duke looked humiliated. Bobbie said she was worried about her daughter. Franco told Nina, the wedding was eventful, and she said her day was eventful too. She had someone new in her life, and couldn’t wait for Franco to meet her, but he wasn’t sure when he could get away. He told her it was corny, but he could use a friend, and she said she could too. Kiki told Silas that Morgan had been in the ER all night, and she didn’t think her mom sent the text. Dante told Morgan that he was looking for Sonny; it was about AJ getting shot. Ava told Michael to shoot Sonny, but Michael told her, shut the hell up. It wasn’t enough that Sonny had killed AJ; she and Sonny had desecrated his grave. He said they were both disgusting, but this was between him and Sonny. He told Ava to go, and she gave them a wide berth and ran. Nina asked Madeline if she’d hired Ava to wreck her marriage, and Madeline said they shouldn’t have this conversation in front of the baby. Nina suggested they speak in French, but then realized the baby hadn’t even mastered English yet. She gave Madeline a friendly reminder that she controlled the money, and said she wanted the truth or Madeline wouldn’t see a dime. Madeline admitted that she’d hired Ava. Silas asked Kiki if she thought the text was from Nina. He’d had a patient who tested positive for something, but then was fine. Kiki said they needed to get to Ava before it was too late.

On the pier, Franco tucked a gun into his waistband, while Ava stumbled through a tunnel, and came out at the pier. She saw Franco, and called to him, but he didn’t hear her. Lucy told Bobbie that if Carly had considered the consequences, she wouldn’t have covered up AJ’s murder. Bobbie asked since when was Lucy a fan of AJ’s? and Lucy said no one liked AJ, but Carly should be punished. Bobbie said the same could be said for Lucy’s boyfriend Duke. Nathan told Anna that Dante was about to arrest his father, and he had to arrest his mother. Anna said she could handle things with Duke. Dante told Morgan that Ava didn’t kill AJ; Sonny did. He remembered the gun was missing when the cops looked for evidence at Sonny’s house, and realized Michael might have it. Michael told Sonny, Jason saw him at the Quartermaine crypt, and asked if Sonny had gone to there to brag to AJ that he’d gotten away with murder. He said Sonny had desecrated AJ’s grave by sleeping with Ava there (hint: sleeping was the last thing they were doing). Then Sonny let the blame fall on an innocent woman for AJ’s murder. Sonny said Ava wasn’t innocent; she’d shot Olivia and killed Connie, then let AJ take the fall. Michael said Sonny knew AJ was innocent, and killed him anyway. Although if I remember correctly, AJ had tried to kill Connie, and Ava just finished the job. Sonny told Michael it wasn’t like that, and Michael asked how it was. Sonny said AJ found out that Ava had killed Connie, and went to confront her. Ava was going to shoot AJ, but AJ grabbed the gun. He’d had his hands around Ava’s neck. Michael asked if Sonny was claiming he saved Ava’s life, and Sonny said AJ took his hands off of her, and was about to tell him something – that Ava had killed Connie – but he shot him anyway. Michael said Sonny hated AJ, so he’d killed him. Sonny admitted he did, but swore he wouldn’t have pulled trigger if he’d known AJ hadn’t killed Connie. He found out later after hearing a recording AJ made of Ava confessing. Michael said he believed Sonny, but it didn’t change anything; it made it worse.

Anna said she’d warned Duke since he’d decided to work for Sonny. She’d told him that if Sonny was found guilty, he’d go down too, and Duke lied to her face. Duke said he regretted that, and Anna asked why he’d chosen Sonny over her. Bobbie said Lucy had been hanging all over Duke since Scotty had chosen her over Lucy. Lucy said she’d needed a shoulder to cry on and a good friend, but Bobbie’s brain was too small to understand the complexities of their platonic relationship. She told Bobbie to have fun sifting through the rubble of Carly’s latest disaster, and left. Franco came in, and asked if he could buy Bobbie a drink. Madeline said she had Nina’s best interests at heart, and Nina said, Silas was a good man, but Madeline sicced Ava on him. Madeline said Silas had chosen to cheat, and she’d done Nina a favor. Nina insisted Silas wouldn’t have touched Ava if Madeline hadn’t put her in his path. Their marriage would have been fine if Madeline hadn’t intervened, but it didn’t matter anymore; she had Silas’s baby now. Kiki and Silas found Ava on the pier, and Silas checked her out, saying she would be all right. Ava wondered where her baby was, and Kiki asked who’d done this to her. Ava said Nina and her mother took the baby. Silas called Nathan, and said he knew where Nina had been. Nina and Madeline fawned over the baby, and Nina said they’d never have to think of Ava again, and neither would Silas. It was like it never happened, and she had something Ava could never give him. Bobbie said she didn’t want anything from Franco after what he’d done to her daughter and grandson. Franco said he’d shown them the truth, and Carly got what she deserved. Bobbie said Carly made a mistake, and he asked, which time? Bobbie said so Carly cheated on him, but she didn’t deserve an ambush. Carly was right not to be with him, and he’d cost Michael his relationship with both of his parents. Franco said he fully expected Michael to thank him someday, and Bobbie said she was getting Carly a lawyer. Franco said it would be a waste of time and money. Duke admitted to Anna that he lied to protect Sonny, but he didn’t choose Sonny over her. It was the opposite. Anna said he risked his freedom and their relationship for a casual business acquaintance, but he said Sonny had offered him friendship and a job, and made him feel useful. Anna asked if Duke repaid Sonny by covering up the murder, and he said Sonny understood the depth of his hatred for Julian, and how much Julian had damaged their lives. He was desperate to rid the town of that scumbag, and Sonny had the means to do it. Anna said Julian was still walking the streets, and AJ was in a crypt. Duke said Sonny needed his help, and together they would bring Julian down. Sonny would have paid the price, but he hadn’t sacrificed his own freedom for Sonny’s; he’d kept his word. Anna hoped he was prepared to deal with the consequences, and not just with the justice system.

Michael asked if it was supposed to make it okay that Sonny didn’t know AJ was innocent. Sonny had sworn he wouldn’t hurt AJ, and Michael thought he could believe that. If he’d loved Michael, he wouldn’t have pulled the trigger. When Michael mourned the loss of his father, Sonny comforted him, knowing what he’d done. He was no longer Sonny’s son, and Sonny wasn’t his father; AJ was his father. Sonny said Michael had a right to be angry, but he’d raised Michael. Michael said Sonny poisoned him against AJ, but it wasn’t for his sake. He’d been a pawn that Sonny used against AJ, and it cost Michael his whole life with his real father. Now he was going to make Sonny pay. He told Sonny to put his gun down. Morgan and Dante kept talking and talking and talking. They talked so long, Dante could have intervened ten times. Ava was brought into the hospital, and Silas said Nina had done something terrible. Madeline asked if Nina realized the baby wasn’t hers and Silas’s, but Nina said, of course (🍷) it was. Who else’s baby would it be? Bobbie asked Franco why getting Carly a lawyer would be a waste of time and money, and he said Sonny had confessed, and he already gave the video to his father (Scotty). Duke was taken away, and Lucy told him she’d take care of everything. Sonny put his gun on the floor, and Michael said now he was defenseless like AJ had been when Sonny killed him. He wasn’t like Sonny, and kept his promises, and he’d promised AJ that he’d make his killer pay.

Serving Some Refreshments…

Michael’s biological dad.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/aj-quartermaine

The scoop on Silas.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-silas-clay-168064

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (in a way)

Tonight, Erika Jayne/Girardi and Reza Farahan gave commentary on episode 618, and Bravo seems to be getting the hang of it. They not only got the right pair – a gay man and a gay icon – but they talked to each other. Reza told us, a bitch did his own hair, while showing off his freshly colored locks. He addressed Erika as Mrs. Girardi, and admitted, besides being a Bravolebrity, he was a Bravoholic. The show was from Erika’s first season, when the women went to Dubai, and included a cast member named Kathryn, who I don’t remember. Apparently, she wasn’t very memorable to a lot of people, since that must have been her only season. It was their second day at Atlantis; The Palm Dubai, and LVP and Kyle went swimming with the sealions; Eileen and Erika went to the aquarium; and LisaR went to the spa with Kathryn. Kyle was angry about some picture my memory was fuzzy on – the word enraged kept coming up. Erika said going to Dubai was glamorous, and they had the best trips. Reza said, nine times out of ten, LisaR will be packing leopard.

Eileen talked to LisaR about the picture situation, and we flashed back to LisaR telling Eileen about LVP and Kyle talking smack about Yolanda. Then I realized the picture must be from Yolanda’s Instagram. There had been a big kerfuffle about Yolanda having been sick, but she’d hung out with Brandi or something. God knows, wherever Brandi is, there’s some kind of problem. Eileen said her relationships with the other women had changed because LisaR was telling her stuff, but not owning it with the others, and it made Eileen look bad. Reza asked Erika if the men had been staring at them. She said, yes and no, without really clarifying, and he said that he was a gay man, and knowing how he reacts to seeing her blonde hair, he could only imagine. In Dubai, the women went for a ride through the desert, and Reza told Erika, the smokey eye was a big hit with Middle Easterners. Erika said she was mad about having to put on a turban for the ride, because it messed up her hair. I guarantee she would have been twice as mad if she’d let the wind whip through it. We had a convertible for a while, and I hated dealing with that. Erika said the ride was intense, and she was worried they were going to fall. Reza pointed out that a vintage Range Rover Defender (what they were riding in) was a big deal. The episode was making him homesick.

The women were brought to an outside dinner table, where camels hung out in the periphery. Erika told Reza, camels spit, and there were snakes in the desert grass. The women were given tea with camel milk, which they loved until they found out it was camel milk. Frankly, I don’t see what difference it makes, since conventional milk comes from a cow. Erika told Reza that she died when the waiter said that, and the tea suddenly tasted different. When the waiter said they were going to be served camel meat, the only ones game enough to try it were LisaR and Kathryn, who got on a high horse in her interview, saying they should eat what the natives did. I get that, but I don’t eat a hamburger surrounded by cows sweetly chewing cud. We’ve gone to a restaurant that has fish tanks for walls, and I feel weird ordering seafood there. Erika asked if Reza had ever had camel, and he said he couldn’t eat dark meat chicken.

LVP had a conversation on the side with LisaR, and the dreaded Munchausen topic came up. I remember that well, because they must have said Munchausen 5000 times throughout the course of a few episodes. We flashed back to LisaR being at LVP’s house, and saying when someone had mentioned Munchausen’s in regard to Yolanda, she’d engaged, and now felt sh*tty about it. LVP asked her why she wasn’t bringing up Kyle, who’d questioned Yolanda’s illness, and in LisaR’s interview, she said Kyle and LVP had both been questioning it. She told LVP, everyone felt same; it wasn’t just her. Erika told Reza, the market in Dubai wasn’t really like Sex in the City, and the women acted like tourists. We watched as they haggled, but Kathryn’s reaction to a cockroach being in a caftan she was trying on, was one of the funniest things ever. Reza said, Kathryn was the one who ate gamey camel meat, and she’s afraid of a roach? I assume it was like the ones in Florida, which you can saddle, and I’d have the same reaction. I’ll bet Reza would too. Erika said, imagine being new, and trying to put the pieces together. On the show, Erika gave Kathryn a replica of the Burj Khalifaa, a famous Dubai skyscraper, and she told Reza that they had followed her on social media after that.

LisaR, Kathryn, and Kyle had drinks and appetizers at a hotel restaurant, and Reza said it was the best going to a restaurant you’re familiar with in a foreign country. He said LisaR looked locked and loaded, and watched as she told Kyle about her conversation with LVP. Kyle said LVP told her that she’d thought LisaR might bring Kyle into it, and LisaR said everyone let LVP get away with manipulating situations. LVP wanted other people to get involved, so she had clean hands. Reza wondered why there was no footage of LVP talking to Kyle, and Erika said because she did it when there were no cameras around. Reza said that was exactly what he’d wanted her to say. In Eileen’s interview, she said Kyle knew LVP was manipulating her, and it was nuts. Reza asked Erika a question about what was happening, and I got the feeling she didn’t really remember, which would be understandable. Reza pointed out that Erika wore a lot of yellow gold in Dubai, and that’s the way they do it in the Middle East.

When the women were at dinner, they discussed the next day’s trip to the mall, and Kyle went over the rules; no swearing or talking about s-e-x. Reza said he was sitting on the edge of his chair, waiting for LisaR to pop off, when she said she had to get something off her chest. LisaR asked LVP why she suggested bringing Kyle’s name into the conversation about Yolanda. Reza and Erika discussed LVP’s body language; Erika saying it conveyed she was in charge, and Reza saying LVP was gangster. Kyle said LVP told her that she was afraid LisaR would bring her into it. LisaR said they’d all talked about it, but she seemed to be the only one going down for it. One of the reasons I’ve soured on the Housewives is because some of this stuff is just so petty, and they make it sound like a mob war. In her interview, Kyle said she’d made some comments about Yolanda’s Instagram (I guess that’s what enraged her), but never said anything about Munchausen’s (see what I mean?). Reza said if he hadn’t seen Kyle’s teeth looking so fly when he saw the episode the first time, he wouldn’t have found his dentist. He’ll always be grateful to Kyle.

Eileen brought up LVP making her uncomfortable in the Hamptons when she’d asked about the affair that led to Eileen’s current marriage. Erika said she thought LVP never liked Eileen, and Reza said, on a side note, Eileen should have gone with a dramatic lip. Erika started laughing because she’d thought he was going to say something more profound. So did I. Kathryn said Eileen wasn’t feeling the sincerity in LVP’s apology, and in her interview, said she thought the problem was cultural differences. In LisaR’s interview, she said she was disappointed in LVP. She had respect for her, and LVP let her down. Reza said LVP looked irritated, and Erika agreed. LisaR told LVP, she’d tried to rewrite it, and it was not okay. The episode ended there, and Reza asked Erika, looking back, what grade did she give herself on the episode? Erika said she scored okay, which isn’t a grade, but okay. Watching it years later, she thinks she called it how she saw it from the beginning. Reza said she didn’t have a Denise Richards type situation going on either. She didn’t show up in shorts and a tank top. She was slaying it from day one. They both thought it would be fun to get together, told each other to stay safe, and blew a kiss.

Much, much better.

🚓 And They Say LVP Is Gangster…

I have to admit, I’m always relieved when a horrible crime turns out to be a personal vendetta.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/nj-real-housewives-stars-ex-husband-hired-mobster-hit-feds

It was just a coincidence, I tell ya.

https://extratv.com/2020/07/01/dina-manzos-ex-husband-thomas-manzo-pleads-not-guilty-in-attack-on-her-current-husband-dave-cantin/

🌈 Fly Your Flag High…

Heather is proud of her daughter’s pride.

https://people.com/tv/heather-dubrow-daughter-max-comes-out-as-bisexual/

🐉 Just Keep Writing, George…

More teasing from the man who holds the key to Westeros.

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/george-r-r-martin-winds-of-winter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Books&utm_campaign=42636&utm_content=Books_editorial

📽 Colorful Choices…

Coming soon for your entertainment pleasure in July.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/7-tv-shows-and-movies-were-watching-in-july/

🐫 Hey Mike…

We’re officially past the week’s hump, so I suppose camel milk was fitting. It’s always confusing when Independence Day falls on the weekend – is it Friday or Monday when things are closed? But since for many, it’s still a perpetual weekend, and lots of things are still closed, it’s even more muddled. While you’re figuring it out, stay safe, stay being your unique self, and stay away from crowded house parties.

Jul1

June 30, 2020 – Revisiting Michael In Prison, Who Are They, Almost There, a Loving Reunion, Selling Mid-Century, RHOBH News, Another Goodbye, Jameela Is Done & Believe

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

GH Flashback from June 4th, 2010, come on down!

At the MetroCourt, Carly told Spinelli that she wanted to give Dante a taste of what he gave Michael, who’d been put in prison for Claudia’s murder. She wanted criminal charges brought against Dante, and for him to sit in Pentenville until he rots. She asked if Spinelli could handle that. Olivia and Brook made dinner for Dante and Lulu at Dante’s place. Lulu wanted to contribute some flowers, but had brought goldenrod, and they told her Dante was allergic, recalling a funny story about how he wreaked havoc at a wedding with a sneezing fit. Seriously though, who brings goldenrod to anyone if they don’t know that information? Dante wanted to talk to Michael, but instead got Jason, who’d gotten himself put in prison to protect Michael. Jason said Michael had nothing to say to Dante, and if Dante wanted to see Michael, he could bring the paperwork to get Michael released. He told Dante to stay away until then. Sonny picked up Kristina for therapy with Dr. Spaulding, and told Alexis that he was attending the session with her. He didn’t want to be held responsible for Kristina’s issues, but Alexis told him to keep the focus on Kristina, and not make it about him. She warned him not to be angry and defensive, and he said he’d never abused women. Alexis suggested that he was guilty of verbal abuse.

Spinelli told Carly that setting Dante up with a criminal offense had to be carefully timed. The Jackal’s case had to be airtight, and it could be a red flag if it was too close to Michael’s conviction. Carly said, stage one, they’d get Brook to seduce Dante; and stage two, they’d take their time and leave a trail of breadcrumbs. Spinelli wondered who should follow the trail, and Carly said, maybe Lucky. Spinelli said his cyber-skills would get justice for Michael and Jason, and Dante would pay. Brook talked about dancing with Dante at the wedding where he caused a commotion, and Olivia said they were sweet.

Dante said Jason had gotten himself sent to prison to protect Michael, but didn’t need to protect Michael from him. He already blamed himself, and was doing his damnedest to get Michael released. Jason said Dante just wanted Sonny to think he cared, and wondered if Dante was still building a case against Sonny. He told Dante that he’d never trust him again. Meanwhile, Luke and Tracy were in a medieval looking cell. Tracy wasn’t well, and Luke hollered for the guards. Tracy told Luke that he was doing a good impersonation of a caring husband. He called for a doctor, or even an aspirin handed through the bars; anything. Tracy said this was the price they were paying for Luke’s obsession with dragon lady Helena, and asked if he had any more bright ideas.

Ethan (Luke and Holly’s son) told Lucky that he’d heard Luke had been gone for a week, and the last time he was seen, he’d been worried about Tracy. He thought Tracy was probably in Fiji, and asked if Lucky didn’t think Luke had joined her. Lucky asked how Ethan’s second job with Johnny was going, and said Johnny’s vendetta against Sonny wasn’t a good idea. He said it was like poking a stick in a hornet’s nest, and if they weren’t careful, they’d start a mob war. Ethan said he was a lover, not a fighter, but had no reason to like Sonny. He wondered if Luke had left because of his affiliation with Johnny, but Lucky didn’t think so. At the hospital, Steven (Webber) talked about an up and coming drug a friend of his had invented that would provide restoration of tendons and cartilage, and said he wanted to invest in it. He thought it would be an exciting opportunity, and if it performed as expected, he could become financially independent. Elizabeth said she didn’t want to remain dependent, especially on Nikolas. Back at Dante’s, Lulu told Olivia that if a man’s heart was through his stomach, she was screwed, but Olivia said Dante loved her, and she’d been a rock for him, even when he went undercover. She didn’t think he would have gotten through it without Lulu. Lulu said Dante did what was right, and she admired that.  Olivia said Dante would still be blaming himself for what happened to Michael if not for Lulu’s love and support.

Sonny told Dr. Spaulding that he wanted Kristina to heal, and figure out why she felt the need to protect Kiefer for so long. Kristina wondered how her relationship with her dad might have affected her relationship with Kiefer, and was glad he came with her. Sonny didn’t see a connection, and said any man who hit a woman was a monster. Kristina said she knew he felt that way, but maybe it wasn’t that simple. The doctor asked Sonny to define abuse, and Sonny talked about physical abuse, saying he and his mother went through many years of it. It helped him to understand, but it made him sick. Kristina said Sonny had been abusive to Claudia, and had screamed in the courtroom that she’d gotten what she deserved. She said Sonny had also provoked Johnny, and Sonny said Johnny lied, saying he was an abuser, and he wondered why Kristina believed Johnny over him. Lucky told Ethan that Luke loved his children, but loathed giving them advice and counsel. Ethan thought Luke was probably off risking his life, and Lucky was concerned he might get killed. Lulu had been caught in the fallout from Michael’s conviction, and Helena was lurking in the shadows, drawing Luke like a moth to a flame. Maya (Edward Quartermaine and Mary Mae Ward’s great-granddaughter) joined them, and said she’d checked with the Quartermaines, and Tracy wasn’t in Fiji; it was a false trail, and no one had heard from her. She’d disappeared, and hadn’t even called ELQ. Lucky said it had Helena’s fingerprints all over it. Brook tried to teach Lulu some cooking skills, and Dante came home early. Dante tasted the sauce, and said Brook was an angel sent from heaven.

Carly told Spinelli that she was thinking drug money, and asked if he could access a drug cartel and do a fund transfer. He said nothing was beyond the reach of the assassin of cyberspace, and she said once it was realized that Dante was sitting on cash, and it led back to drugs, his career would be destroyed, and he’d get a taste of his own medicine. Spinelli said it would be a stain on Dante’s reputation that would follow him for the rest of his days, and Carly said she loved it. Spinelli said it would shine a harsher light on Dante’s betrayal, which was the true crime. Carly told Spinelli, once he was involved, there was no backing out, but Spinelli said it was fitting justice. The Jackal wouldn’t rest until the deceitful one had paid for what he’d done. Olivia overheard, and asked who the deceitful one was. At Pentenville, Jason told Michael that there had been no progress as far as his release went. Michael said Dante claimed he was working on it, but he’d told Dante to save his breath; his father would get him out. Jason said he told Dante not to come back without the paperwork, and Michael said Dante just wanted to score points with Sonny. Jason said Sonny had given Dante the benefit of the doubt because Dante was his son. At her session, Kristina said Johnny told her that Sonny had been abusive to Claudia, but Sonny said he’d never hit her. Kristina said abuse was more than hitting, and Sonny said Claudia was a terrible person; she hurt everyone. Kristina said Sonny hated her, so he’d abused her. She said when Sonny gets into fixing mode, he goes off the hook, and flies into a rage. He’s scary, and makes them think it’s the other person’s fault. She’d stayed with Kiefer because it felt familiar. Then when he put her in the hospital, she apologized for him, like everyone did for Sonny. Sonny said Kiefer was twisted and sick, and he was nothing like him.

Ethan told Lucky it would be like Tracy to run off and have Luke chase her; it was their idea of foreplay. Lucky said Helena was in Port Charles, but Ethan said she was there to see her grandson. Maya said Lucky was bias, and so furious at Nikolas, he was blaming the Cassadines. Sonny accused Dr. Spaulding of brainwashing his daughter. He said, it wasn’t right, and he was out of there. Kristina didn’t want to go, but followed him out. Michael wondered if Sonny somehow knew Dante was his son before he was told, and that’s why he believed a stranger. Jason said Dante was a great liar; even he didn’t suspect Dante was undercover. Now that he knew the truth, he was never going to trust Dante again. Michael said Sonny wanted to trust Dante, and Jason said a father feels a connection to their kids, no matter what; it was unconditional love. Spinelli told Olivia that he’d been referring to an online gamer who cheated, and Olivia asked if he was sure he wasn’t talking about Dante. Spinelli said, most assuredly not. Olivia suggested they blamed Dante for Michael going to prison, but Carly said blaming Dante was a convenient way to avoid what was staring her in the face. She was responsible for Michael going to prison. It was her fault and no one else’s. Olivia told her not to beat herself up about it. Carly had always done the best for her son, and it was all anyone could do or expect. They’d focus on getting Michael out of prison, and no one would be happier than Dante. When she left, Spinelli told Carly that she was a most impressive liar, and she said it was a gift she was going to use to defeat Dante and make him pay. Dante asked Brook to stay for dinner, but she said it was a thank you to him and Lulu for getting her a job at the MetroCourt. Dinner was supposed to be waiting when he got home, but he came home early. Lulu said her only contribution would have made the night a disaster; she’d brought goldenrod. Dante insisted Brook eat with them.

Luke suggested he and Tracy go to the Amalfi coast, and get a private villa; price was no object. Tracy said that’s because it was her dime, and he said, on his dime, all they’d get was a shack on the beach, which was not her style. Tracy started coughing, and Luke yelled again for the guard, who told him Helena was on her way. Ethan said Helena had no reason to kidnap Tracy, but Lucky said she had plenty of reasons. Ethan was assuming Helena thought like a normal rational person, and she’s a psychopath. Ethan said maybe she’d mellowed after spending time with her grandson, and Lucky said she’d only use it to cause mayhem. Maya thought Lucky’s imagination was running amok. Lucky got a text from Luke, saying he and Tracy were escaping the madness by casino hopping in the Caribbean, and wanted to be left alone. He still wasn’t buying it, and Maya said if he was looking this hard for a sinister plot, that meant something wasn’t right closer to home. Steven told Elizabeth that the company was looking for a $100K minimum investment, but she said she didn’t have that kind of money. Sonny apologized to Kristina for losing his temper, and said he loved her. He was trying to help, and didn’t understand why she always believed the worst of him. She said she didn’t blame him for what happened with Kiefer; it was her choice to stay. Sonny said she still believed Johnny over him, and she said, no matter how bad Claudia was, she didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. Sonny said this wasn’t helping, and he’d check in tomorrow. Kristina made a call, saying she wanted to meet with someone. Dante and Brook reminisced, much to Lulu’s dismay.

Spinelli went to see Jason, who said Sam was worried about him. He said it looked like Spinelli hadn’t seen the light of day in a long time. Spinelli said he was involved in meaningful enterprises, and Jason wondered if he meant gaming. Spinelli said gaming helped him to accept missions others wouldn’t undertake. Jason asked what mission he was on, but Spinelli said it was hypothetical. Jason asked if Carly came see him, and dragged him into one of her crazy plans. Alone in his cell, Michael practiced some boxing, while another inmate (Carter) watched and then applauded. He said Michael had some fast moves, but it wasn’t going to do him any good. Ethan went to see Kristina, and she told him that she was seeing a therapist to find out why she stayed with Kiefer. He asked what she came up with, and she said it might be linked to her relationship with her dad. He and Kiefer were alike. Kiefer was in charge, would get mad, then apologize, saying how much he cared, and it would make her feel special. That’s how it was with her dad. Ethan said she was making progress, and Kristina said she’d invited Sonny to her therapy session, but it was like they were speaking two different languages. Then Sonny announced he was leaving. Ethan told her that she was brave to try, but she said she didn’t feel brave. She’d been a doormat for Kiefer, and felt pathetic. Ethan said she was a survivor, and he admired that. Kristina said that’s why she’d chosen to have a crush on Ethan. He’d told her to have respect for herself and not put up anything less. Even though she messed up and was too young for him, liking him was a positive step.

Sonny went to see Carly, who told him that he couldn’t be there. He said he’d gone to therapy with Kristina, and the shrink did what shrinks do; blame the parents. He thought the therapist was filling Kristina’s head with lies, but he began second guessing himself, and thought maybe everything wasn’t so black and white. Carly said that was a first for him, and Sonny said he never fought with anyone or was as angry with anyone like he was with her. He asked her if he’d been abusive, and she told him not to ask questions he didn’t want the answers to.

🤷‍♀️ If You’re Clueless Like Me…

Again I didn’t know from some of these characters, the flashback being during a time when I wasn’t watching. So for those who are in that boat, or need a refresher course…

All about Maya.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/maya-ward

And Ethan.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ethan-lovett

And Carter. Not much on this guy, which is understandable.

https://general-hospital.fandom.com/wiki/Carter_(Josh_Wingate)

🎥 Are We There Yet…?

It kinda sorta looks like GH will be taping new episodes again soon.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/could-resume-taping-in-july

https://tvline.com/2020/06/26/general-hospital-new-episodes-coronavirus-production-schedule/

💗 If Loving You Is Wrong – Oh So Right

Edwina Findley (Kelly) hosted a special cast reunion done remotely. Included were Heather Hemmens (Marcie), April Parker Jones (Natalie), Zulay Henao (Esperanza), and Amanda Clayton (Alex).

Edwina said she’d asked for everyone’s OMG moment, and we saw clips of those. Hers was saying goodbye to Travis. She said it was the point where Kelly was stepping into her own power. Amanda said she never knew where Alex stood; every year she’d find out she’d been lying the year before. Her moment was at the Cowboy Bar, getting on the mechanical bull, and yelling, yehaw, bitches! She said Alex was a train-wreck, but it was fun. A viewer asked who Alex’s baby daddy was, and Alex said they knew it wasn’t Brad, Randal, or Lushion, and she felt choosing Ian would be a cop-out. She’d decided Alex had so many relationships, it was a Maury Povich situation, and thought it was one of Alex’s many one-night stands. When asked what she thought happened to Alex – at the end of the show, she’d been arrested for Randal’s murder, even though Marcie had killed him – she said with any luck, Alex made her way to a psyche ward, and got the help she needed. She told us that she’d quit waitressing to take the job, and felt there was a divine purpose in them coming together. They became a family, and she was also married with a baby now.

Heather’s OMG moment was when Marcie had found out Randal was having an affair with Alex, and leapt over his desk to attack him. She said that’s when she figured out what the show was going to be; it was everything combined in that moment, and defined Marcie’s emotional ride.

Cynthia and Thomasina – co-workers who lived in different states, but watched the show together via the phone – asked what happened that Marcie went nuts. Heather said she thought Marcie had snapped; that Randal had gotten to her one too many times. She hadn’t meant to kill him, but to show him not to touch her, once and for all. Well, she definitely succeeded. Heather said Marcie had taken it a little too far, but in a perfect world, she got away with it. She hoped Marcie got some peace in her life, and distanced herself from Maxine, along with Brad and the kids.

April’s moment was when Randal had invited himself into Natalie’s house. With her hand on a knife the entire time, she said he thought she was an ignorant-ass fool, but she was from the hood, and it wasn’t that way. Then she told him to get his ass out of her house right now. April said, often Natalie and Randal were the comic relief, but in that monologue she explained who Natalie was – she loved you, but understand that if she had to, she’d cut you. Natalie was her alter-ego. Tyler Perry saw through her, and told her that she knew she could allow herself to go there; it was the reason she’d gotten into acting. She said acting has been her freedom and therapy, and Tyler saw that. Marcie said she loved group prayer with Tyler in the morning, and loved how they held hands, connecting spiritually before a tough day. She also loved making Tyler laugh; it was always a big win. Edwina talked about how she found out her mother had cancer during the first season. When her mother had to go to hospice, she shared it with Tyler, and said she wanted to do something special for her mom. He’d arranged for a set visit, but unfortunately, her mother didn’t make it. She called Tyler when her mother died, and he shared his beautiful spirit, telling her about his own mom. Everyone agreed that Tyler is authentic and caring, even when no one is watching. Edwina said their sisterhood also meant a lot to her.

A viewer, who friends knew not call when the show was on, wondered what happened to Natalie and Lushion. April said they moved the hell out of Maxine, and had the wedding of their dreams – the wedding they deserved – and possibly one more baby.

Zulay’s moment was Esperanza’s final scene with Eddie when she shot him. Edwina said it was the moment fans had been waiting five seasons for, and Zulay said people had been on her since the beginning, but she wanted to handle it with empathy and love. Esperanza’s sole purpose was to be a good mom. Edwina said her sensitivity and honesty came through in her work. Viewer Renee from Houston asked what happened to Esperanza’s daughter, even though I thought it had been pretty clear she was dead. Zulay said Eddie had taken away everything Esperanza lived for. Edwina said the fans loved to hate Eddie, and asked Zulay what it was like working with Joel Rush. Zulay said there was never a dull day, and we saw clips of them behind-the-scenes, having fun. She said he was professional and awesome to work with.

Edwina said she had a surprise, and introduced the men. Besides Joel, there was Aiden Turner (Brad), Eltony Williams (Randal), and Charles Malik Whitfield (Lushion). Aiden said he missed everyone’s sense of humor, and their dinners on Friday night after work. They were a family unit, but now were spread out over the United States. Nothing he’d done before or since gave him the same connection. Joel said the show gave him a purpose, and he was a different man because of them and Tyler seeing something in him. Tyler gave him a shot, and he felt surrounded in love. He’s the man and father he is today because of the show. Charles said they weren’t just a team on the show, but a family. Tyler, Oprah, and OWN always included them in everything, and he said they were true friends. Eltony said there was great chemistry, and Tyler had pulled good work out of him.

The men departed, and Edwina said the ladies would have the last word. Amanda said she was still shocked that so many people watched diligently, including her own family and friends. Heather thanked the fans for letting them tell the stories. They were wild and inconceivable, but things happen in Maxinevilles all around the country. It being a female driven show was a moment of pride for her, and she thanked Tyler for putting women’s stories in the forefront. April was thankful for being a part of history with the rest of the cast, and thanked viewers for investing in the characters and their journeys. Zulay said she was grateful for the loyal fans, and especially for Tyler. He told her something that sounded simple, but changed the way she lived, not just professionally, but personally and spiritually. He told her, sometimes you have to live knowing. You need to live knowing you deserve your dream, and go get it. Edwina said she believe in the manifestation of dreams. She’d dreamt of working with Tyler and Oprah, and had stood under the OWN studio sign. She’d asked someone to take a picture of her, and the picture had been taken on September 9th, 2011. The show debuted on September 9th, 2014. She said there was no dream too big that God couldn’t manifest, although you might not know how or when it would happen. Zulay said Tyler continued to be good to them, and invited them to his studio opening in Atlanta. He surprised them by giving them stars on the Walk of Fame there. Edwina thanked Tyler for saying yes, and choosing them; thanked Oprah for the network (me too!), and allowing them to express their gifts and talents; and thanked the viewers at home for allowing them to be part of the family and being part of theirs.

I’m not sure if this answered any questions, but it was nice of Tyler and the network to give us one last hurrah. I have to admit though, it made me sadder than the finale did. It was like a final farewell.

💵 Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

JoshA went to look at a mid-century modern house in Trousdale, an area where the blocks are tiered and houses are restricted to one-story, so everyone has a view. The house had 4 bedrooms and 4½ baths, a sunken living room, and was rumored to have been designed for Howard Hughes, who supposedly partied there, and also let his girlfriends live there. Josh said he felt Howard’s personality reflected there, and could feel the swanky mid-century vibes flowing through it. It was another one of those houses that didn’t look like much on the outside, but had all kinds of things going on indoors. Built in 1960, the owners had maintained the original look, but spent money behind the walls on things like electric and plumbing, as well as new appliances. Owner Scott showed Josh his music studio, and gave a lengthy explanation of the kind of music he wrote, telling Josh the earth was increasing in frequency. Josh and I both had the same reaction to that – huh? He played Josh some of his stuff, which I call music to fall asleep to, and chihuahua Chloe brought Josh a toy, but wouldn’t hand it over. I thought the house was really cool, but I love 60s and 70s interior design. It also had a rooftop deck, which Scott said was the only one in Trousdale. Josh thought they’d be lucky to break even, since what had once been $3000 a square foot was now $2300.

JoshF got a cold call from a woman named Heather, who was looking for a house that was kid-friendly. She wanted an area not populated by coyotes, since she wasn’t a diligent dog owner, and was afraid her dogs would get munched and her kids would end up in therapy. Josh said his job was to find his client the perfect house, even if they didn’t know what they wanted. He said when you didn’t know a client, it was like going on a first date.

David and James wanted to get in the Pasadena market, and were given the listing for the house that Tracy had trash talked about them to the owner. James David said they’d have to sell it, and show Tracy up, and David James said, exactamundo, which made my skin crawl. Unless you’re in a Quentin Tarantino movie or Bart Simpson, please, stay away from that word. It was another mid-century from the 1950s, which they thought looked like the Brady Bunch house, but I begged to differ, actually wondering if they’d ever seen the show. I don’t think the Brady Bunch dad could have afforded that house. They decided they needed to convey the potential of the house, without the buyer thinking it would be a humongous project.

James and David had a private showing with brokers and agents to get feedback. There were also a few potential buyers, and it was interesting to watch how the two of them played up the older features with people who loved the era, but pointed out the potential to those who didn’t. Just about everyone commented on the carpeting in the bathrooms (yeah, no), and one guy just kept saying, terrible about everything he saw. I thought he’d had too much work done, and his face was terrible.

Scott suggested to JoshA that he and his band play at the buyer’s open. Josh loved the live music idea, but was concerned Scott’s music might be too mellow. After the open house, where Scott played on the rooftop patio, Josh admitted it had been a great help even though he’d been skeptical. He even took the mic, and made up some clever lyrics about the property. He hoped the good vibe would entice someone to make an offer. He’d channeled his inner Steve Perry – who he clarified was from Journey, for the young ones.

David James got an architect to do renderings, so buyers could see potential of the house. James David said he’d probably spent his commission already. Since Tracy had said they wouldn’t put in the effort for a house priced so low, they wished she had been there. An offer was made, but in the meantime a counter offer came in. David James David encouraged the first broker to get his client to come up. The broker thought his client would feel it was too much risk, but they ended up making a deal. James told David to call Tracy, but not rub it in her face too much. He left a voicemail asking if she’d like to join them for lunch, which they’d pay for out of their commission. I’ll bet she felt like a big a-hole when she heard that.

Next time, JoshF’s client finds something she likes; Tracy is a wreck; Heather tells Josh that when she saw Frederik, he came for her; and JoshA and Frederik argue.

💎 This week’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will feature commentary of a classic episode (classic being their word, not mine) by Erika Jayne and Reza Farahan, Maybe Reza will tell us where the Shahs reunion went. Wednesday, July 1st, at 9 pm. There will be a new episode next week on July 8th.

😥 Another Legend Gone…

He was one of the greats. It would be hard to pick a favorite project, but I do love The Jerk.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1166326/carl-reiner-dick-van-dyke-show-creator-dead-at-98

🎉 Her Job Is Done…

A celebrity who is actually doing it right.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/27/jameela-jamil-is-done-calling-out-deluded-kim-kardashian/

🚗 Don’t Make Me Turn This Car Around…

A holiday weekend is coming up (I think…), and while some doors have opened, others got slammed shut again. Will we ever get back to normal, new or otherwise? Who knows, but stressing about it won’t make it better. Stay safe, stay constructive, and stay leaving fireworks to the professionals.

Jun25

June 24, 2020 – Stalker Flashback, NYC Watches BH, Tops In TV, Important Awards, Finishing Thrones, More Tours, a Collab, a First, Doing Something & the Best

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Click, click, click… and the Wheel of GH Flashbacks lands on October 12th, 2005. Or as I’ve come to call it, unknown territory.

Maxie thought that Jesse (who?) was over-invested in a case. Old Brook asked Diego (who?) why he had a roofie in his pocket, and accused him of being the stalker lurking in Port Charles. He said there was a guy on campus who was a walking pharmacy, and if the dealer wasn’t the stalker, he’d been supplying the stalker. If the police could nail the dealer, he might give up who the stalker is. Diego claimed he was going to give the roofie to the police, to see if they could tie it to the stalker. Brook wondered how he’d known about the dealer in the first place, but he assured her that he just wanted to get to the bottom of things because she’d been the victim of a crime. He invited her back to his dorm to check out his cameras. When old-Mike-not-Max–Gail brought them some sodas, Diego slipped the roofie into Brook’s drink. Emily told Nikolas that she wanted to throw Lucky and Elizabeth a fairytale wedding; they deserved more than a tiny ceremony in Audrey’s living room. Nikolas said Lucky had asked him to be best man, and Emily thought Elizabeth would probably ask her to be maid of honor. Which is not too awkward since Nikolas and Emily are the middle of getting divorced. Nikolas was concerned that Lucky and Elizabeth might try to use the wedding to get him and Emily back together, since Lucky had told him not to bring Courtney.

Sam and Jason were relaxing on an island somewhere. Sam found a super soaker, and Jason threw her in the ocean when she went after him with it. Manny Ruiz (not to be confused with Father Ruiz, his non-evil twin) said trouble in paradise was a go, as he burned a photo of Jason and Sam. Sam said she was happy, and it was the most relaxed she’d ever seen Jason, so we knew trouble was right around the corner. At the hospital, Jax and Courtney talked about a program they wanted to develop for unwed mothers in the name of the baby they’d lost. Emily told Nikolas that she didn’t think it was fair to leave Courtney out, and Nikolas asked if she’d be okay with Courtney showing up, adding he didn’t think Courtney would do anything to upset the wedding. While Sam went out to do who-knows-what, Manny showed up with some thugs. He wanted to kill Jason, but since Jason had saved the padre’s life, family honor dictated he couldn’t – unless Jason tried to kill him. Jason wasn’t about to do that, and ended up being tied to a chair.

Maxie asked Jesse if his over-investment had to do with his brother, but he said, no; his sister. A pregnant Alexis assured Jax that although she’d misplaced his divorce papers temporarily, they’d been mailed out. Nikolas showed up, saying he received Jax’s divorce papers instead of his own, and wondered if Alexis had done it on purpose, so he’d reconsider. Alex said she didn’t care what went on, as long as it was mutually agreed upon, and she was an overworked attorney with a pain in the ass husband. She told both Jax and Nikolas to take the opportunity to appreciate the ones they loved. She said she was busy, tired, and hormonal, and told them to get out. Emily told Courtney that she’d heard Courtney tell Sonny that she was pregnant. Even though Emily and Nikolas were getting a divorce, she was still in shock. Courtney said Jax might be the father, and she wasn’t saying anything until she knew for sure, adding that it was none of Emily’s business anyway. Emily threatened to tell Nikolas, and Courtney said Emily had eavesdropped on a private conversation, and now Emily was blackmailing her. Emily said Nikolas deserved to know the truth, and Courtney told her that she had no idea what it was like to lose a baby. The new baby was a miracle, she’d decide what was best, and tell the father when she was ready. Emily said Nikolas was still her husband on paper, and she’d tell him whatever she wanted. She’d lost him by keeping secrets, and she wasn’t keeping anything from him again. Although why that mattered if she’d lost him already, I don’t know. She said if Courtney had half a brain, she wouldn’t keep anything from him either. Courtney said she was getting a paternity test in a few weeks, and Emily said maybe she’d give Courtney that long. I don’t really know Emily’s character very well, but everyone always acts like she was a saint. I’m not getting that from this episode.

Manny had his thugs beat up Jason, and suggested Jason not dishonor Sonny again, and shoot him. Jason refused, and got beat up some more, Manny saying, no wasn’t a word he settled for. Mac told Jesse that he blew the case, and the last thing he needed was a loose cannon on the force. Jesse asked if Alcazar owned the PCPD, and Mac said Jesse was off the case. The next time, he’d be out of a job. Diego took a woozy Brook to a walk-in freezer in the Quartermaine’s basement. He pulled out a diary that had belonged to his cousin Sage (dim memory of that one), and told Brook how much pain she’d caused Sage, saying he’d brought her back to the scene of the crime.

Jesse told Maxie about how his sister had gotten involved with a gang member who beat her. She’d make excuses about her trips to the ER, and laugh it off. She begged Jesse to stay out of it, but he didn’t listen, joined a rival gang, and started a war. He’d planned to take the gang member out, and set his sister free, but instead their brother ended up dead. Jesse then became a cop to set things right, but told Maxie, sometimes bad guys still get away with murder. Brook realized Diego was the stalker, and he’d taken pictures of her and harassed her with menacing calls. He said it was nothing compared to what she did to his cousin. All Sage wanted was to be part of the crowd, and even her boyfriend Dillon had used her before dumping her. Brook stood by while Maxie stuck Sage in the freezer, and Sage had been murdered, so he brought her there, where she’d left his cousin to die.

Jax brought the papers back to Alexis, who noticed they weren’t notarized, and Jax asked if she could misplace them for a while longer. Courtney saw Emily with Nikolas in Kelly’s, and he told her it might not be a good time. In France, a woman showed up at a hospital who had an R on her bracelet, but we didn’t see her face. One of the doctors asked if she wanted to join him for lunch, but she said she was waiting for a call. When she was in her room, she put a candle in a cupcake, and lit it. A call came in, and she thanked her Uncle Ric for sending the cupcake, promising she’d make a wish. When she blew out the candle, we saw that it was Robin. Sam came back, and saw Manny and his thugs surrounding Jason, but they didn’t know she was there.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?

LuAnn and Sonja (The Real Housewives of New York City) watched a throwback episode of RHOBH, where the women went to NYC to celebrate Dorit being on the cover of Bella magazine for Fashion Week. Giggy! This was somewhat better than Garcelle and Dorit watching for a couple of reasons. A friend and I had just been discussing how the commentary shows were falling flat, and agreed that besides the commentary being sparse and not very engaging, the POV wasn’t balanced. Both Pillow Talk and the defunct People’s Couch are huge favorites of mine, but both are focused more on the people talking about the show than the show itself. We’ve already seen the show, and don’t need to see so much of it again. We’re there to hear what these viewers have to say. From our mouths to Bravo’s ear, tonight was a definite improvement. Either the New Yorkers had more to say, or more was edited in. One stumbling block is that the observers can’t be together because of pandemic restrictions still being in place, but regardless, IMO there was still a little too much focus on the episode.

Sonja babbled incessantly, realizing halfway through that she was being extra loud because she was wearing an earpiece, and consistently checked herself out. We also got the scoop that she and Teddi sat next to each other at Josh Flagg’s (Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles) wedding. On RHOBH, Dorit had alluded to Kyle that LVP was jealous of their friendship, so she spilled the beans to LVP herself in Union Square Park, which LuAnn mistook for Central Park, and tried to make about herself. I wondered why LVP and Dorit had such cheap umbrellas, which I hadn’t noticed the first time around. Sonja thought Dorit should be put with Ramona, so they could dig a hole together. If that ever happened, I have no doubt they’d make it all the way to China. LuAnn and Sonja both praised Erika for the way she took a meeting with Simon & Schuster, and when LisaR talked about how the delivery guy was robbed before daughter Delilah got a delivery for her new place, LuAnn made a point of saying that didn’t always happen in NYC. As Sonja watched the women get their hair and makeup done, she started messing with her own hair. She wondered who hadn’t been on the cover of Bella, and said they’d asked her. She mentioned this twice; once saying she didn’t have time, and then saying she thought it was overrated and declined. When the BH women greeted designer Marc Bouwer, Sonja let us know he was one of her best friends. They went back a long way; they were the old bitches.

Both Sonja and LuAnn seemed a little lost, not knowing the background of any ongoing issues, and since I didn’t remember some of it, I was lost too. Kyle had been upset about Erika slipping away from Teddi’s beach house for the night, and LuAnn said at least she didn’t have to sleep in the basement. She also interjected that Teddi had a voice like a cabaret singer, just to get the word cabaret in there somewhere. There were probably another twenty-three references that were edited out. What was most amusing was how LuAnn and Sonja were acting like this nonsensical arguing was foreign territory to them. A lot of the episode revolved around Kyle having heard Dorit say that LVP was needy, and perhaps jealous of Kyle’s other relationships. Since Dorit knew someone else would end up telling LVP, she told LVP herself. LuAnn wondered why Kyle was more upset about the whole thing than LVP, and proclaimed that people had said worse about her. She figured there were only two options of how the night would end; getting sick or crying. Crying it was. Sonya said she’d been happy to share the limelight with Beverly Hills, but the women were emotional vampires, and she was going to have to light a candle and do some yoga to recover. LuAnn thought Kyle was more of a pot stirrer than Dorit, and when Sonja had to get up, she said she was walking like Ramona after a night in Palm Beach. I’m not sure what that meant, and don’t think I want to know.

📺 Perfect For a Pandemic…

There are a lot of good shows on the list, ideal for binge watching.

https://www.businessinsider.com/50-best-tv-show-seasons-all-time-critics-2016-9

🏆 And the Award Goes To…

And don’t call me Shirley… I mean, Karen…

https://www.tvguide.com/news/why-this-years-bet-awards-will-be-the-most-important-and-surprising-ever/

✍🏼 He’s Not Getting Any Younger…

Write faster, George.

https://www.denofgeek.com/books/the-winds-of-winter-george-r-r-martin-book-is-finished-by-2021/

https://news.avclub.com/george-r-r-martin-hopes-the-winds-of-winter-and-the-c-1844142139

🥃 Cheers…

See how liquor is made from your couch.

https://www.liquor.com/virtual-distillery-tours-5069138

🎶 What They’re Doing…

These literal buddies came together to make a joyful noise.

https://floodmagazine.com/78919/new-snoop-dogg-willie-nelson-song/

👑 What She’s Doing…

Vanessa Williams, then and now. I’ve always admired her for not only bucking the system, but for not letting anything get in her way.

https://extratv.com/2020/06/23/vanessa-williams-reflects-on-being-first-black-miss-america-plus-how-shes-taking-action-against-racism/

👣 What You Can Do…

Everybody knows how to do something. Or you can learn.

https://www.upworthy.com/10-practical-and-meaningful-ways-you-can-take-part-in-this-historic-moment

🎤 Bringing It On Home…

Here we are again, in the middle of a work week, if you’re working. If you’re not, just look at where the X’s on your calendar are. Except for Sunday night TV – which, between 90 Day Fiancé and sMothered, is like a John Waters movie – things are slowing down a bit, but there’s always something to fill in the gap until the party starts again. So for now, stay safe (Billy Eilish agrees!), stay enthusiastic, and stay using whatever privilege you have for the greater good.

Jun19

June 18, 2020 – A Best Of Flashback, Top Chef Crowned, Fan Fave, Juneteenth Ideas, Is She Or Not, Thirsty, Watching Stars, Coming Up, a Mansion, Gordon’s Back, Say It Three Times & Dad

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

And the GH Flashback roulette wheel says… October 15th, 2015. I heard on an ad that this week is the best of Sonny and Carly, which brings cohesion to the randomness. Sonny surprised Carly with a wedding in the hospital chapel, that Maxie jumped through hoops to put together in record time. Josslyn and Kristina looked like babies, Sabrina attended with Michael, and Josslyn played the Wedding March on the flute. I assumed it was actually her playing, and was impressed, since the flute is very difficult to master.

Paul showed up at the gallery, while trying to set up Anna via text using the name Sloane. Paul told Ava to be prepared for the dismantling of the Corinthos organization. His plan was about to come to fruition. He told Ava that Carrrlos’s fate and Anna’s were going to dovetail (who uses that word, except in reference to carpentry?). Ava asked if it was a coincidence, but Paul said it was careful planning. He wanted Ava to launder some money via art collectors he was going to send, but Ava wasn’t keen on the idea. Paul asked if she wanted to go to prison for Connie’s murder, since he had her confession on tape. Ava said she was afraid of losing Avery, and Paul relented, saying he wasn’t heartless, and Ava would be of no use to him if her mind was elsewhere. He told her to deal with the custody case first.

Old Jordan wanted to talk to Anna about Carrrlos’s disappearance, since Anna was the last one to see him. Jordan said her leads had gone cold, and Mayor Lomax was breathing down her neck.

While talking to Dillon at the pier, Maxie saw a body in the water, and Dillon called the police. Jordan determined it was Carrrlos, which wasn’t hard since he’d had his wallet on him. When Paul showed up, she said Carrrlos had been shot at close range. That explained why he avoided detection for so long – he was dead. Yep. That will do it. Paul suggested Sonny had gotten his revenge.

Sonny and Carly said their vows. Sonny told Carly that she saved his life every day, and he was blessed that she chose him. Carly said she’d had a taste of life without him, and promised that neither one of them was going anywhere without the other. Dante’s phone rang during the vows, and he stepped aside to take it. Bobbie suggested Sonny make a change, so no one else would get hurt. Dante told them that Carrrlos had been pulled from the harbor, and he was dead. Sabrina freaked, and Dante went to the station. Morgan told Sonny and Carly that Carrrlos had gotten what he deserved, and Sonny said he didn’t ask for retaliation. Morgan said they were looking at him like they thought he did it, and told them they could think what they wanted to; it was his wedding gift to them, and enjoy it while it lasted. When he left, Sonny told Carly that he thought Morgan wished he had shot Carrrlos, but he would have heard about it if Morgan had done it. He explained that Ava had let the Five Families (not a restaurant) that Carrrlos had shot Sonny and acted alone. The only one who could dispute it was Carrrlos, and he wasn’t talking. Carly said that was convenient for Ava, and Sonny said she was up to her lying neck in it. Sabrina told Michael that she’d known Carrrlos most of his life, and Carrrlos had done awful things, but didn’t deserve to get shot.

Anna went to the gallery, and told Ava that she knew it wasn’t Carrrlos who shot Sonny, since he was on the run for killing Duke. Why would he escape Port Charles, then come back to shoot Sonny? She said Ava claiming that’s what happened implied she had something to hide, and asked who Ava was covering for. Paul called Anna, and told her to meet him at Pier 54.

Nathan assumed that Valerie was pregnant after Maxie found a positive pregnancy test in the trash, and Valerie gave him the business about jumping to conclusions. Valerie saw Maxie in the interrogation room after she gave her statement, and Maxie told her it was like a scene from a scary movie, and kept playing in her head. She told Valerie that she knew Valerie and Dillon were having sex, and Valerie said Dillon was a great guy, but that was a no, and had never happened.  Maxie asked whose baby Valerie was worried about carrying. Valerie said she didn’t know what Maxie was  talking about, and didn’t think Maxie did either. Maxie said Valerie had thrown a positive pregnancy test in the trash, and Valerie said Maxie had assumed because she was near the trash can, it must be hers. She suggested the next time Maxie decided to go snooping, get her facts straight. In the meantime, Dante told Dillon to stay the hell away from his wife.

Sonny joked that he and Carly were going to Iowa for their honeymoon, and Lulu told Bobbie that she and Dante were in discussion about expanding their family.

Ava told Paul that Sonny knew she’d lied about Carrrlos, and was asking inconvenient questions, but Paul said he had everything under control.

Carly cuddled with Sonny in his hospital room, and Sonny said it wasn’t the way he’d pictured their honeymoon, but it did feel like Des Moines. She thought it was more like Cedar Rapids.

Top Chef – Finale

The chefs were challenged with cooking the meal of their lives. The final three were Bryan, who the crown had eluded for more than a decade; Melissa, who had more wins than anyone; and Stephanie, the private chef underdog, who had proven she had skills to be feared. The prize was a feature in Food and Wine magazine, an appearance at the Food and Wine festival in Aspen, and $250K. Not bad. I love that magazine, and that’s a nice chunk of change. Bryan said he’d slap them in the face with heart and soul, and we flashed back to the Italian chefs saying there was no soul in his food. Padma tasked them with making the best progressive four-course meal of their lives – no twists. They would be serving it to the best chefs from all over world. Kevin, Lee Anne, and Brian full of Malarkey came out to give their support as sous chefs. Gregory would have been there instead of Brian, but he was still battling back issues. The chefs drew knives for picking order, and Stephanie was first, choosing Brian full of Malarkey, for his enthusiasm and skills. Stephanie also admitted that during Restaurant Wars she fell in love with him. Not literally. Brian chose Kevin, who said, let’s get the band back together, which left Melissa with Lee Anne. Melissa said they’d never worked together, but Lee Ann knew Asian flavors, and was a beast in the kitchen. She thought they’d do well. Padma told them they’d be shopping in the food hub of Florence, and would have five hours to prep and cook back at the Renaissance Tuscany. They were to make the meal as cohesive as possible, and Tom said the judges expected nothing but the best.

Melissa said her mission was to marry Asian flavor with what she’d learned in Italy, bringing Italy to her heritage, so it would portray her adventure. While this isn’t Project Runway, I have to mention that Lee Anne was wearing the coolest fried-egg-and-bacon crocheted scarf. If I was crafty that way, I’d be making one starting tonight. Bryan said he and Stephanie were yin and yang; their minds were one. In the evening, the judges turned the tables, and Tom, Padma, and Gail did the cooking. The chefs were met outside by Tom, who was doing some rustic farmhouse cooking on the grill, which gave Melissa an idea for her main course. They all sat down to eat together, and Padma wished them luck, telling them to cook their hearts out. After dinner, Stephanie called best friend Kristen, who was also the Season 10 winner. Stephanie said she thought her chances of winning were one in three. Melissa called her mom, and Bryan called his brother Michael.

After three hours in the kitchen, the judges were served the first two courses. You knew it was good by the way they were shoveling it in, especially one guy who reminded me of the drive-in guy Joe Bob Briggs and was wearing a shirt with steer on it. Later, I found out he was an Italian butcher named Dario. Gail said Bryan was a great technician, but this time showed soul and love in his food as well. Drive-in Bob Dario said, mama mia! and the main course came out. Melissa made grilled squab; Bryan went with blackened monkfish; and Stephanie made a veal dish. Padma said the food was universally wonderful, and food editor Nilou Motamed said she didn’t like squab, but was now a convert. At this point, I was pretty sure Melissa was going to win. Then, OMG THE DESSERTS CAME OUT. They were all to die for, and I’m not sure which one I wanted more; Bryan’s dark chocolate and ice cream thing, to which Dario responded, mmm… cardamom; Stephanie’s sticky toffee pudding (I don’t know what the hell that is, but give me two servings); or Melissa’s tea-infused tiramisu with a crunchy topping. When the dinner was done, the chefs applauded themselves, and then the judges applauded them when they were called back out. During the final discussion, Dario teared up over how Melissa respected the Italian traditions with her dessert. He said, a butcher who cries, how embarrassing, prompting one of the other guest judges to come over and give him a hug.

When the chefs were brought out to meet with the usual judges, plus Nilou, for the final time, Tom said he thought they all cooked the best meal of their lives, and Padma said she saw the story of their lives on the plates. She relayed that Hunter Lewis from Food and Wine found Bryan’s beets beguiling. Say that three times real fast. Tom said Bryan had erased the impression that he couldn’t cook with soul and heart. Gail said that Melissa had joined the Asian and Italian cultures, and told her about Dario getting emo over her tiramisu. Melissa said they were all artists who loved hearing that their journeys were understood. Stephanie joked that she was going for fan favorite. She had done damage to people who loved her by being sad, and this showed them that she was okay. Tom said, sometimes the voyage is more important than the destination, because you find out what you’re made of. You have to go deeper, and what comes out is who you are. They all made that journey, but there could only be one Top Chef. Arriving for the announcement were Melissa’s mom, Bryan’s brother, and Stephanie’s husband.

With that, Padma told Melissa, she was Top Chef. In Melissa’s interview, she said it had been a wild adventure, but this time she’d done it for herself, and wasn’t trying to earn her father’s approval. She wanted to prove to herself that she could achieve a goal that she’d set. In Stephanie’s interview, she said she accomplished what she’d wanted to do. She hadn’t felt good about the mental space she was in since her brother died. This would give everyone something else to talk about for a while. In Bryan’s interview, he said he’d learned a lot about himself. There were sixteen Top Chefs, but he was the only one who’d done what he did. He’d been runner-up three times, but was never doing this again. Melissa said, once you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you. She knew it sounded cliché, but the world was her oyster. She could do anything now.

👓 On Watch What Happens Live (@home in the Hamptons – @must be nice), Padma and Tom were guests, and Melissa made an appearance. Padma announced Melissa was also the fan favorite, netting her another $10K. Melissa donated that win to Black Visions Collective, the Trevor Project, and Asian Americans for Equality. And for that, Andy gave the night’s mazel.

🥧 Baking For the Teenth…

An idea to celebrate Juneteenth.

https://thechalkboardmag.com/juneteenth-bake-sale

📺 Watchlist…

Some Juneteenth suggestions for your viewing pleasure.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/shows-and-movies-to-watch-for-juneteenth/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

📚 For the Bookworm In You…

A Juneteenth reading list.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/juneteenth-books/#546891

🍑 Pour the Nene Tea…

A Twitter user suggested her ego has become bigger than her entertainment value. I think they might be right.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/nene-leakes-fired-real-housewives-atlanta/

https://people.com/tv/nene-leakes-denies-shes-not-returning-to-rhoa/

🥃 Give That Lady a Drink…

Like not every single one of them is thirsty. It’s not like they’re on the show to educate people about… anything.

https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/06/17/kelly-dodd-slams-tamra-judge-thirsty-firing-comments-rhoc-feud/

🛸 Where No Man Has Gone…

But you can go for free.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/star-trek-movies-streaming-free-imdb-tv/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

📑 Head Start…

A list of what’s coming to the small screen, and not.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/abc-2020-2021-fall-tv-lineup/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

👠 Sometimes She’s All Of Us…

While probably none of us will ever have her closet, or will even be able to afford one of her shoes, Sutton sometimes reminds me of how the audience feels. Kind of horrified.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1162587/rhobh-s-sutton-stracke-lists-bel-air-mansion-for-almost-9-million-tour-inside-the-estate?source=email&medium=daily

🛶 Unchart This…

You can catch Gordon in Uncharted on the National Geographic (NatGeo) channel on Sundays at 10 pm. It’s also free on YouTube.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1162499/watch-jason-kennedy-go-crawfishing-with-gordon-ramsay-try-not-to-laugh

📽 Who Can Take a Sunrise…

Candyman returns in a spiritual sequel. Tony Todd and Vanessa Williams will be making return appearances, and Jordan Peele wrote the screenplay, so that’s enough for me.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/candyman-nia-dacosta-new-teaser/

🤸‍♀️ Is It Friday Again Yet…?

Father’s Day is coming up this weekend, and here’s hoping you have/had a good relationship with yours. My dad was the best. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was ahead of his time, and the fairest person I’ve ever known. Stay safe, stay celebratory, and stay in touch with your family, be they blood relatives or chosen.

Jun18

June 17, 2020 – Charges Announced, Would-Be Flashback, Reliving S7, New Listing, NYC Update, the Girls Now, Tyler Talks, a Director’s Influence, Bye-Bye Wacha, Posha Reborn & Fight

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Today’s GH Flashback would have been from September 14th, 2015 (see below), but was preempted early on to inform us about charges being brought against the officers in the killing of Rayshard Brooks.

What happened:

https://heavy.com/news/2020/06/watch-garrett-rolfe-kicking-rayshard-brooks/

The charges:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/17/us/rayshard-brooks-atlanta-shooting-wednesday/index.html

📜  Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

General Hospital

What happened on September 14th, 2015 was… Sonny and Carly were about to get married (again), when one of Sonny’s enemies kidnapped TJ, who at the time was working for Sonny, and lured Sonny into an ambush. Jake Doe saved the day, but Sonny ended up with a bullet lodged near his spine, and Patrick was waiting for him to improve before doing surgery. Everything pointed to Julian having set Sonny up, and even though he was in county, Morgan vowed to kill him.

Elizabeth came close to telling Jake Doe that he was really Jason, even though he eventually ended up being Drew. She was interrupted by son Jake having a bad dream, but did tell Jake/Jason/Drew that she’d done something terrible to Sam. Ric had conspired with Madeline to get Nina’s money, and tricked old Nina into marrying him. She and Franco tricked Ric back, threatening to expose him, and made him sign annulment papers, giving up the rights to Nina’s money. Nina also ditched Madeline, which probably wasn’t hard, since she was in prison.

Sonny was unconscious, hooked up to machines, and a pre-PTSD Dante paid him a visit. Dante wondered if Sonny’s lifestyle was worth it, and suggested he try living and being a dad. The machines went kooky, and Dante ran out, interrupting an argument between Morgan and Michael in the hallway. Michael ran to get Carly, who was in the chapel, reminiscing about her life with Sonny, and reading Sonny’s wedding vows.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Seeing that tonight’s episode was going to be Dorit and Garcelle commentating on the Season 7 finale (Season 7 was also Dorit’s first season), I was immediately disappointed, but willing to give them another chance. We revisited Lisa’s Diamonds and Rosé party, where Dorit wore liquid gold on her head. Or as LisaR said, it looked like a big golden goose took a big golden sh*t on her head. Erika showed up with pink hair, and Garcelle wondered (as did LVP in the episode) if the carpet matched the drapes. PK showed up with Jagger in Dorit’s square, although why anyone would allow a child to watch this show is beyond me. Garcelle said, swans, ponies, no underwear, and champagne; that’s a perfect party. I wasn’t sure if she should get out more, or just reassess the parties she’s going to. I’d forgotten Eden Sassoon was on Season 7, so I refreshed my memory with this:

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-beverly-hills-eden-sassoon-not-returning/

As Eden, got more wound up during the party, I was like, oh yeah… Kim Richards was also still on the fringes of the show, and seemed to be okay with everyone except LisaR.

Garcelle noted that PK loves being in the mix, and yes he does. He should be granted honorary Wife status, along with Peter from RHOA. There was some bad blood between Dorit and LisaR because of Dorit inferring to Eden that LisaR had a substance problem. Dorit and Eden had been discussing LisaR, when Dorit wondered if LisaR’s personality issues were induced. This led Eden to tell LisaR that Dorit had questioned whether she had a Xanax problem. LisaR got all in Dorit’s face, but my advice to her is, don’t make jokes about all the pills you carry around with you. There. Problem solved. PK told Erika that she was inherently cold, to which she coldly told him, she was not. Eileen Davidson was still on the show, and defended Erika. From her square, Dorit wondered why she subjected herself to this. Um… the publicity? Garcelle felt like she was on the playground, or middle school, which is what I say every week

This was before Puppygate, but the group was still feeling the aftereffects of Pantygate. In case you weren’t there for Pantygate, Erika went to a group dinner sans underwear, and PK caught a glimpse. Dorit said something to Erika, who couldn’t see what the big deal was. I might not either, unless it makes someone uncomfortable, which it obviously did. I’ve said it before. I’m no prude by any stretch of the imagination. I’m pretty broad-minded, but I still don’t say the f-word in front of my in-laws or in front of children. This is one of the things I don’t like about Erika. I’m all for expressing yourself and being who you are, but it’s common courtesy not to deliberately make people uncomfortable, and she just does not care. And if she finds out, she’ll do it on purpose. Talk about middle school. Okay, rant over. As a joke, sort of, Dorit had gotten Erika a pair of underwear. Erika was all kinds of offended for ages about this, which I found very hard to believe. From her square, Dorit said, in looking for a silver lining, she and LisaR had come a long way. Back at the party, LisaR told Eden that when she’d talked to LVP – I have no clue about what, and assume it’s the induced personality issue, but it really doesn’t matter – she shut herself off to Eden. Eden had it with LisaR, calling her a bitch, and saying she was sick of LisaR walking all over her and using her as a scapegoat. I barely remember the deal with those two, but I’ve grown to dislike LisaR with a passion, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. It’s a shame too, because I’d always liked her, but by her second season, I could tell she’d say and do just about anything for attention and camera time. But she owns it.

After Eden’s outburst, LisaR said she didn’t give two f***s what people thought about her, and when she said she wished Eden well, Garcelle commented that those words are the death knell. Dorit said it felt like a lifetime ago, but it was just four years. Garcelle said it was more fun than she thought it would be, and I’m sure had 100% more fun than I did. While the Eden thing was interesting, it’s hard jumping into an old season without prefacing it with some backstory. On top of it, Dorit and Garcelle either aren’t being compelling enough, or it’s being edited badly, because the commentary is boring as hell. Bravo can do better than this.

🌴 Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles began its new season this week. Joshes Altman and Flagg are back, along with Tracy Tutor, James Harris, and David Parnes. While my preference is for the New York branch of the franchise, I still love seeing the West Coast houses, which are always massive. The premiere episode focused on mountainside properties, and while I’m not so sure I could live in a place where vertigo is king, they were breathtaking. The Joshes joined forces again to co-list, even though they vowed never again the last time. My favorite house was the one Tracy looked at, with the most amazing vertical landscaping, but the house the Joshes checked out was also fabulous. As Josh Altman put it, hidden doors, the fake books, and underground lairs; I’m trying not to geek out right now. There was a lot of cracking up (dare I say joshing around?) during their dual interviews, leading me to believe what I’ve thought before. Much of the feuding between the brokers is for the camera.

🗽 New York Tease…

Tomorrow, Bravo has scrapped The Real Housewives of New York altogether to run a marathon of Top Chef, capping it with their finale. So in the meantime, here’s a mid-season teaser.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-new-york-city-mid-season-12-teaser/

🐇 Not Next Door Anymore…

I actually watched this show. I think I was more fascinated with the house and clothes than anything else. They made Hef look like a benevolent, hapless father with a harem from who he required little but their company. But then I read Holly Madison’s book, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny. Um… ew.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/31016/the-girls-next-door-then-and-now?source=email&medium=daily

💔 Tyler’s Heart…

The hardest working man in Hollywood preaches it.

https://people.com/movies/tyler-perry-speaks-from-the-heart-about-racial-injustice-and-the-world-he-wants-for-his-son/

🎥 Influencers…

I’m proud to say The Rocky Horror Picture Show made this list. Hey, it might be my only fifteen minutes.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/lgbtq-first-queer-directors-movies_n_5ec826b6c5b6d29cf2d21d2e

🐶 Learning From Dorit’s Mistakes…

It looked like Andy talked to most of the world before deciding to rehome his dog. While he doesn’t give particulars, it sounds like it was the best decision. And I’m sure a hard one.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1159419/andy-cohen-gives-an-update-on-beloved-dog-wacha-following-rehoming

👊🏽 She’s Come a Long Way Baby…

From thinking the Underground Railroad was a real train to leading the call. My headband is off to Porsha. (I don’t wear hats.)

https://www.eonline.com/news/1159377/porsha-williams-calls-on-white-allies-to-quot-be-specific-for-real-change-quot-in-wwhl-sneak-peek

🏜 Before Sunrise…

In the past few months, we’ve certainly been given a lot to think about and the time to think it. We’re sliding into the world opening back up, and with it, hopefully, our hearts and minds. So stay safe, stay centered, and stay doing the right thing.

Jun11

June 10, 2020 – GH Continues With 2018, Real Boredom of Beverly Hills, Ramona’s Prize, My Year & Tomorrow

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback episode was from May 20th (according to the digital guide), at the 2019 Nurse’s Ball. The nurses opened with The Best of My Love. Mike had given Yvonne the engagement ring Finn had intended to give Anna, that Robert was supposed to be holding. Backstage, Cameron made friends Budgie the llama, until Felix came to fetch him (the llama, not Cameron). Shiloh was Sam’s date, while Spinelli and Jason set up surveillance at the Dawn of Day house. Lucy was supposed to get Doc (who was really Ryan) in a compromising position, so she and Scotty could uncouple Doc/Ryan and Ava, but it didn’t work out. Josslyn and Kristina stayed home watching movies, until they looked at photos from the Ball, and Kristina saw Sam with Shiloh. At the Ball with Maxie, Peter suggested Lulu mentor Molly, and questioned Shiloh about leading DoD. Maxie pointed out that Shiloh’s self-given name meant he who has been sent, and thought it was the perfect name for the leader of a cult. Kristina called Jason about Sam, and he told her it would all work out, but she wasn’t having it, and headed for the Ball.

Chase told Willow not to let Shiloh and Nina get to her. Still pretending to be Nina’s daughter, Sasha attended with Michael, and Willow told them that she’d been fired. Confused as to why Robert was toting an engagement ring, Anna confronted him in the dressing room, saying she’d always love him, but she was in love with Finn. What they had was in the past. Sonny told Mike that the ring he’d given Yvonne was a fake, so he could get it back, and Finn gave Mike a replacement that Yvonne ended up liking even more. Chase performed Something Just Like This, and brought Willow up on stage. She miraculously became part of the performance even though she hadn’t rehearsed with them. Although now that I think about it, none of them really rehearse. Finn said despite Robert’s best efforts, he was still proposing to Anna. Robert wanted the replacement ring back, but Finn said that was a no. Robert figured Finn had lost it out of spite, but Finn said it had gone to a good cause. Mike reminisced about Summer Wind with Sonny, which pissed me off, since they skipped right over that episode. Willow told Chase groupies would be coming out of the woodwork, but he said she was the only fangirl he was interested in.

Lucy thanked Cameron for saving her llama, and Cameron left the Ball to see Josslyn. He told Josslyn that he had an Uber waiting if she wanted to go, but she said she couldn’t sing without Oscar. Cameron told her that he’d brought her a message from Oscar. Kristina showed up at the Ball, and told Shiloh to get the hell away from Sam, and Jason told Spinelli, this ends tonight. Anna made a speech about the importance of the event, and said passion, fight, and healing was what the Ball was about. She said when Robin had been diagnosed in 1995, it was considered a death sentence, but where there is life, there is hope, which was the true meaning of the night. Standing in the wings, Robert jostled Finn’s arm, and the ring rolled out to Anna’s feet.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

While I love watching people watch TV even more than watching TV, this was incredibly boring. I get that the networks want to stretch the seasons out because of the pandemic causing delays, but I would have rather seen a rerun of a show from Bravo’s infancy, or how about rerunning Odd Mom Out or Girlfriends Guide to Divorce? Or Real Housewives of Wherever-the-hell-it-was in England that I never saw? During the day, Bravo has been airing early Housewives and Below Deck episodes, an enjoyable trip down Reality Memory Lane. Tonight, it was mostly just Garcelle and Dorit literally staring at the show (they were not physically together, and I don’t think could hear one another). Bravo had the right vibe when Kate did commentary on Below Deck a while back. Between her acerbic wit, and being in quarantine at her parents’ house, where mom made guest appearances, it totally worked. This was mostly a nothing. Garcelle and Dorit watched episode six (with the astrologer; not that long ago), which Garcelle said she hadn’t seen yet. While I’d been looking forward to Garcelle entertaining me with droll bon mots, there was little commentary. I’m not sure why Dorit was chosen, since she’s not all that charismatic, so I didn’t expect much from her. Her comments were fluctuated between the generic, and talking to the TV itself. You know. Like how you tell that girl in the slasher film to look behind her. Or how I rail at the cast members of 90 Day Fiancé for the entire two hours. I don’t know if Garcelle was holding back, or just genuinely more interested in watching, but it wasn’t what I’d expected from her. She did immediately say nothing good was going to come out of this when she saw herself gathered with her girlfriends, and said she talks way too much when she heard herself mention she’d dated Will Smith, but after that, it was a let-down. Garcelle said she had Denise’s back as far as adult talk in front of the kids, but that wasn’t new information, and Dorit said she saw both sides. No surprise there, since she’s often a non-committal fence rider because she wants to be liked.

Erika’s Chicago dance rehearsal was revisited; LisaR and Harry discussed the kids; and Dorit and PK talked restaurant business with PK’s buddy. At Erika’s astrology get together, I once again had to suffer through LisaR’s screeching about her and Erika wearing the same thing. Although Tom’s bravery at sitting with this group for even an hour was commendable. As LisaR said in her interview, the night could be fun or an epic disaster, but I found it to be neither the first time around. The letters zzzz come to mind. Garcelle laughed at her own reactions, which was funny, and Dorit agreed that Kyle had to be the center of attention, saying, Kyle is a one-way street, which surprised me. They both overreacted when Kyle asked if Erika didn’t have any good friends, gasping as though she’d said Erika had ax murderers as friends. It wasn’t a nice thing to say, but I didn’t think it was that awful. I’ve certainly heard a lot worse on this show. At the end, Garcelle said she wouldn’t call it fun, but didn’t say what she would call it, and Dorit said she needed a drink. It might have been a lot more fun if she’d had one beforehand.

🗽 Remember Him…?

You should. He was hard to miss, and it was only last week. He’s the dude who Ramona targeted flirted with at the bar in Newport. The one with the fiancé. Or as Leah called him, the prize.

https://tvdeets.com/courtland-sykes-real-housewives-of-new-york-city

Read all about him.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/27/politics/missouri-gop-candidate-feminists-she-devils/index.html

🎸 This Is the Year I Win…

I’m always entering contests for a free trip to Lallapalooza (with VIP passes), so this clinches it. 2020 will be the year I win.

https://news.avclub.com/lollapaloozas-canceled-too-1843968520?utm_source=AV_Club_Daily_RSS&utm_medium=email

🏵 A Better Tomorrow…

I have a lot to say about the recent heads on the Bravo chopping block, but I want to be thoughtful, so I’m taking a little time with that. My sweet pup Trinket also has surgery scheduled for today, so it’s been a little hectic. Please send her your good thoughts and prayers. And in the meantime, stay safe, stay fair, and stay looking for teachable moments.

Jun6

June 5, 2020 – When Sam Found the Lighter, Looking Back, Soap Hop, Twice the Brothers, Your Vote, Deck Tea, Brandi Is the Worst, Cast Reading, Missed, BFFs, 9+2 Quotes & Chase Feels It

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Nurse’s Ball flashback moved ahead to May 17th, 2018. The nurses opened with Everyday People, a happy coincidence, since it’s what everyone needs to hear today. Olay got the plugs, and Carly was in jail for pushing Nelle down the stairs. Chase did one of my favorite Ball numbers ever with Feel It Still, channeling Dick Tracy. Even better, he’d been fooled into thinking it was a group number, and found himself to be a solo act. Curtis did a magic act, with Nina as his assistant. Old Jordan was his audience volunteer, and he turned a silver dollar into an engagement ring, proposing on stage, and asking her to believe in their magic. She said yes.

Maxie was still pregnant, and was concerned about the baby’s activity, but Kim said he or she probably just wanted to party. Valentin told Peter to calm down about Anna, and Anna got a message to come to Pier 55 at midnight, and come alone. Sam got caught sneaking around Peter’s office, but told the janitor (or whoever he was) that she was there doing work. Maxie told Peter the loss of Nathan was hitting her hard after the proposal, and Sonny thanked Robin for recognizing what was going on with Mike. Dante was still normal and there with Lulu, and said the joke was on him for telling Chase it was a group act. Lulu said it was karmic justice that Chase was super talented, but Dante didn’t want to go that far. Much to everyone’s relief, Mac and Mr. Marbles were stranded out of town, and Lucy moved up the presentation of the first annual Port Charles Pioneer Award. Molly took the mic, and said the first recipient was her hero, role model, and mom, but Alexis was too busy listening in on Finn and Anna backstage to realize it was her cue. Because he mistakenly thought Anna was dying, Finn told her that he still cared for her, and didn’t want anything to happen to her without knowing that. Valentin tried to get Nina out of town for the vacation of a lifetime, really an escape, and Sam found Faison’s lighter on Peter’s desk. I’m hoping they show the episode where Mike and Sonny sing Summer Wind. I could use a good cry.

🌌 Getting Into the Wayback Machine…

A look at the performances in the 2014 Nurse’s Ball, which had some of my favorites.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nurses-ball-2014-performances

🏃🏽 At the Hop…

It always confuses me when an actor jumps soap. It takes a while to put them in a new context.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/daytime-s-biggest-soap-hoppers-109042

👬 Brothers Who Play Brothers…

I wish these guys had more storyline, especially since it would mean more storyline for Diane and Epiphany.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/max-milo-general-hospital-derk-drew-cheetwood-157831

🏆 Cast Your Vote…

I ask again, where the blip is Max Gail? The only excuse is if he opted out.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/daytime-emmys/vote-emmy-poll

🛥 Hannah Hannah Kate…

So, Hannah quit.

https://tvdeets.com/hannah-ferrier-leaving-below-deck-mediterranean/

But maybe she got fired.

https://tvdeets.com/hannah-ferrier-fired-below-deck-mediterranean/

Kate is also leaving, definitely not fired, and will appear in an episode of Ghosted. I watched a couple episodes of it, but thought it was anticlimactic.

https://tvdeets.com/below-deck-star-kate-chastain-bravo-ghosted/

🐷 Oink, Oink…

Brandi is a pig. Not to insult pigs.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/04/rhobh-brandi-glanville-details-alleged-denise-richards-affair/

https://people.com/tv/brandi-glanville-reveals-alleged-affair-with-denise-richards-in-explosive-rhobh-supertease/

🔮 I See Having 15 Minutes Of Fame In Your Future…

Why bother with Jax? The cast has been reading him all season.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/02/celebrity-psychic-chris-medina-reads-stassi-schroeder-and-vanderpump-rules-cast/

🏞 I Think He Did…

Dude has a lot to be filled in on.

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/06/04/did-i-miss-anything-a-man-emerges-from-a-75-day-silent-retreat-in-vermont

🐕 A Boy and His Dog…

It doesn’t get much more precious than this little boy and his chihuahua.

https://www.inspiremore.com/marcelo-and-mini-brookhouser/

🦉 Quotes of the Week 

Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes. – Roy T. Bennett

There’s a great power in words, if you don’t hitch too many of them together. – Josh Billings

I never argue. I explain. – The Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), Downton Abbey

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe. – Albert Einstein

The past has no power over the present moment. – Eckhart Tolle

Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. – Will Rogers

When people don’t express themselves, they die one piece at a time. – Laurie Halse Anderson

May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house. – George Carlin

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

Let me say as I’ve always said, and I will always continue to say, that riots are socially destructive and self-defeating. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the Negro poor has worsened over the last few years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice, equality, and humanity. And so in a real sense, our nation’s summers of riots are caused by our nation’s winters of delay. And as long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. – Martin Luther King

I have decided to stick to love… Hate is too great a burden to bear. – Martin Luther King

🌳 Moving Toward Green…

Here we are, at that point in the week which became muddled for many over the past few months. Along with summer bringing green to our lives again, here’s hoping your county/town/wherever-you-live is beginning to give a green light to more normalcy – i.e. being able to get a haircut. Let this time of weirdness and reflection have made you a better person. Don’t be an idiot. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay being a rebel just for kicks.

Jun5

June 4, 2020 – Memorial Preempt, GH Gets Involved, Jake’s History, Newport Cougars, Chefs In Tuscany, BH Special, Heather’s Wise Words, Secret Wives, a Dad’s Review & Roar

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback would have been from May 25th, 2017, a continuation of the 2017 Nurse’s Ball. However, GH was preempted for the George Floyd’s Memorial Service, which even I have to admit, is important for everyone to see. You can easily find it on YouTube, but here are some highlights:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/us/gallery/george-floyd-memorial-services/index.html

🙌🏽 Soap Rep…

How some GH cast members got involved.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/stars-join-peaceful-protests

🚴🏾‍♂️ Catching You Up…

If you missed it, or like me, just plain forgot, find out how Jake got involved with Helena in the first place.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/jake-general-hospital-history-131708

The Real Housewives of New York City

Leah asks if anyone is freaking out over her behavior, and LuAnn says they didn’t like the Tasmanian Devil. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, they’re not perfect. They all do crazy things, but this is a new crazy. They need to get used to it. Elyse says she wasn’t freaking out, but to be honest, she’s never seen someone so off the rails. Leah says she needed to get it out. She’s been with her kid, holding it together. Tinsley hugs Leah, who adds, it was totally cathartic. In Leah’s interview, she says she’s not in the best place mentally. She had a huge falling out with the guy she was dating. She drank to forget, and drank too much. Elyse says she’s never been with a woman, but if she did, it would be Leah. We flash back to Elyse saying she wanted to sleep with Ramona, after Ramona bragged about a three-condom night. Elyse says after seeing Leah so crazy, she wants that experience in bed. Sarah arrives, and Leah introduces her around. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s glad Leah’s sister is there to keep her company. They’ll see how it goes. Sarah says it’s her first 24-hours away from the baby. Sarah misses her, but she doesn’t have to wake up suddenly, and do something for someone. Dorinda says she and Leah look like each other (they do), and asks where Sarah lives. Sarah says, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Dorinda tells her about seeing a special about Williamsburg, and how they have the best macaroons. She was ready to pack her bags and go there.

They go back to where they’re staying, and Tinsley, Leah, and Sarah take a selfie on the terrace. The women get ready for dinner. Sonja tells Ramona that she’s not doing her hair and makeup; she’s just changing her clothes and underwear. Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and says she started without them. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but when she says she’s been drinking all day, and they’re going out to dinner, it’s all kinds of red flags. Dorinda says she talked to John, and LuAnn asks if she’s okay. Dorinda tears up, and LuAnn says, talk to her. Dorinda says she just wants to be left alone for a little while, and LuAnn says just tell John that she needs time. He’ll  understand. She feels like Dorinda is feeling bad for John, and that’s not the way to make a decision. Dorinda says she doesn’t want to be a downer, but she’s sad. LuAnn says, of course; they were together a long time. In Dorinda’s interview, she says when she’s not talking to John, she can get through it, but when she talks to him, she realizes they’ve broken up, and he’s not part of her life anymore. She’s sad and emotional. She’s alone again. LuAnn says, let him go, and see what happens. Dorinda says, let the birdcage free, which doesn’t seem quite right, but okay. LuAnn tells her not to worry. She always lands on her feet. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been there, and it’s not easy. Dorinda and John have been together a long time. If you don’t deal with your emotions, it creates negative energy. Dorinda thinks she’s not in a good place, and they drink some wine. LuAnn says now they have to go out with these crazy chicks.

The women meet at restaurant. I wonder what the hell Sonja is wearing; sparkly silver leggings with sneakers or some kind of flats. It’s not a good look. For anyone. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn immediately gravitate to the bar, even though their table is ready. In Tinsley’s interview, when the table isn’t ready, you go to the bar, but if it’s ready, you sit at the table. Ramona flirts with some guys, while Elyse sits alone, waiting. In her interview, Tinsley says Ramona is always getting up to talk to men to show she can get attention. She acts like she’s a goddess, but she’s not. She blows off one on one personal time with friends just to prove she’s still got it. It’s not right. In Elyse’s interview, she says, hi, I’m Ramona. Can I feel your muscles? Ramona finds out that the guy she’s been chatting up is engaged, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says, he’s spoken for. Can we now get to the table? She sits, and says, she’s embarrassed. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn are still at the bar, when waiter Sean comes by, and Dorinda tells him to come back. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Leah is out of sight, out of mind. The seat at the bar is better than the seat at the table. Tinsley says, they’re cougaring out, and it’s rude. Leah suggests she tell them that their behavior is embarrassing. In her interview, she says she loves Tinsley, but doesn’t think her delivery and communication skills with these women is productive. They need to be communicated with in a special way. She says this like she’s been a real winner in that department. Tinsley goes to the bar, and tells Sonja there’s a nice spot at the table, but Sonja ignores her and talks to another guy. Tinsley tries to get the women to sit, and engaged guy looks annoyed, although I’m not sure who he’s annoyed with, Tinsley, the others, or both. In Sonja’s interview, she says she can’t believe Tinsley is trying to drag them back to the table. She thinks checking the hot guys out is a great alternative. I might think so too, if there were any hot guys there. Tinsley tells the engaged guy to quit talking to them, then decides she’d rather have dinner without them. Sonja and LuAnn eat something Lady and the Tramp spaghetti style. Bleh. Tinsley tells Ramona that she’s rude; Ramona isn’t even looking at her. She asks them to please come to the table. LuAnn goes to the table, and tells Dorinda that Ramona isn’t a good wingwoman. Tinsley sits down, and says they’re rude; they look like cougars. Dorinda babbles to Elyse, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s thinking the guy will take one look at her and her sister and forget the others. She and Sarah go to the bar, and she tells the guy that they’re trying to get their friends over to the table. He says they’re talking, and Sarah says she doesn’t think his fiancé would like it. Not-so-hot guy says the situation is their effing problem, and walks away. In her interview, Leah says, this is the prize. That tells her everything she needs to know, but mission accomplished. He’s gone. In Ramona’s interview, she says the last thing Tinsley should do is take her away from the man she’s talking to. Man, is this woman some kind of insecure.

Dorinda babbles about having a Black Card to Elyse. In Elyse’s interview, she says Dorinda is over-the-top drunk. Tinsley is escalating, and the ones at the bar are a geriatric version of Girls Gone Wild. Ramona and Sonja join them, and LuAnn suggests bringing it down a notch. Tinsley tells Ramona that if she’d set up the dinner, she’d want them to be respectful. Dorinda wonders what’s going on, and LuAnn says they need to find kindness. Sonja starts yelling, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s flabbergasted. She knows she was acting like a maniac yesterday, but at least she’s a fun maniac. LuAnn thinks it’s nasty, and Ramona says talk to Leah’s sister, who’s guilty by association. Dorinda gets up, and Leah says Ramona should take a note from her sister, and learn how to behave. Dorinda says she’s going home, and in her interview, she says she should have stayed home. She had Ghost Hunters geared up, and room service, and was going to sleep at 6:30. Sonja burps, Ramona acts like she’s being choked by the decorative flint corn on the table, and Sonja trumps that with using some squash from the same centerpiece to block her ears. LuAnn asks if anybody would like a shrimp, and Leah says she can’t. Ramona and Sonja trash Leah’s sister; Ramona calling her a demon, and Sonja saying she’s a weirdo. LuAnn says she’s made an executive decision; they’re going back to the hotel. In Leah’s interview, she says, go ahead and f*** with her, but not with her family. She sits across from Ramona, throws a ravioli at Ramona’s face, and leaves. In Elyse’s interview, she says Ramona didn’t even flinch. She tells Ramona that it’s all over her face. Outside, Leah tells Tinsley what she did, and Tinsley says, sometimes you just have to throw a ravioli. Truth! Ramona says she doesn’t need people like this in her life. They’re not invited to her birthday party. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s disappointed in Leah. Disappointment is worse than anger because… it just is. LuAnn comes back in, and says this was upsetting. Tinsley, Sarah, and Leah head back, and Leah says she’s done. She’s over it. LuAnn sets the stalk end of the corn on fire, for the energy. In her interview, Leah says she feels bad, but not bad enough to change who she is. She kisses Tinsley, and they both fall on the ground.

What’s sad is, I’m wondering if I’ll end up hating this show as much as Beverly Hills just because of Ramona. NYC was always my jam, but she’s become an embarrassing snake, who will toss aside her friends for any man or friends higher on the social ladder. She’s always been an embarrassment of some sort, and occasionally the voice of reason, but she’s so worried about dying alone, she’s become the worst kind of friend ever. Some of the others, like Leah, exhibit bad behavior, but Ramona is beyond self-centered.

Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and LuAnn asks if she had breakfast. Dorinda says she had a hamburger from room service; she likes lunch for breakfast. Sarah tells Leah that she’s annoyed. She came so far to have a relaxing 24-hours, but it’s not relaxing; it’s upsetting. Leah says the women treating Sarah like that because of her. It’s not okay, and she feels bad that she invited Sarah and this sh*t happened. In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel happy. She’s not proud losing her temper to the point where she threw food. She’s also feeling bad that her sister had a sh*tty time. She’s not sure how to move forward with this group, and doesn’t even know if that can happen.

Dorinda tells LuAnn that she likes Leah. She thinks Leah is young and lost. LuAnn says, it’s sad, but it’s one thing to upset someone, and another to be all out aggressive. She threw ravioli at Ramona. (It’s not about the pasta.) Dorinda wishes she’d stayed for that one. LuAnn says, when you push that far, it’s hard to go back. In Ramona’s interview, she says it’s not that Leah can’t be who she is, but if that’s who she is, it’s unacceptable. She needs to act nutty around her other girlfriends. Elyse says, not that it’s justified, but she’s known Ramona a long time, and when they’re in a group, even she finds it hard to break in sometimes. Leah takes things to heart, like what Sonja said about people with tattoos being dirty and diseased. Sonja says Leah is a loose cannon (which is rich, coming from the biggest cannon there). She was arrested, and thrown out of school. Sonja adds that she’s trying to be sensitive.

Sarah tells Leah, all of these women have had a night where they threw ravioli in someone’s face. They’re passive, and it’s hard to get an apology from someone who’s passive/aggressive. They’ll just say they didn’t mean it. Leah says her problem isn’t being passive/aggressive; she’s just in your face. It makes her crazy when she’s told to act in a different way. Sarah says Leah doesn’t understand the game of dealing with people. LuAnn asks Dorinda how they’re going to fix this. Dorinda says they can’t, and LuAnn says, no, the girls have to fix it, but how can they help facilitate it? They can’t let this continue; it’s a nightmare. She thinks, if it can swing that far to the right, it can swing back that far to the left. Elyse asks Ramona and Sonja how can they move forward from this. She promises if they give Leah a chance… Sonja says they don’t know when she’s going to go off; she’s like a timebomb. Ramona says there’s a certain demeanor and caliber; a way of acting with the group. Would that be selfishly? Egotistically? She’s not being specific. In Ramona’s interview, she says, it puts a damper in their dynamic. If Leah can’t act properly, no way Jose. Sarah tells Leah, it’s a pit in the ocean. Dorinda tells LuAnn, they’ll hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.

Back in the city, LuAnn meets with cabaret producer Ben for lunch. He thinks it would be a good idea for her to open with Life is a Cabaret, by which I assume he means Cabaret. He tells her that she put cabaret on the map, and made it popular. I nearly choke on my coffee. Ben is a real ass kisser, and the Countess is just lapping it up. In her interview, LuAnn says, it’s an all new Lu. She wants to do an expansion on Marry-Eff-Kill. Who doesn’t love sex, and who doesn’t want to see her being naughty? Ben says she should include the audience, build on the theme, but include traditional songs. Barbara Streisand always has to sing People. I have no words. LuAnn says they need to include Sonja. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Sonja loves to be on stage, and was in her original shows. We flash back to when Sonja had a wardrobe malfunction, and her dress pretty much came off of her. LuAnn says Sonja needs to get on stage with her – now. She suggests Sonja sing Jovani with her. Ben wonders if they could get a breakaway outfit for Sonja, and LuAnn says, Sonja loves to lose her skirt. They could reveal one fabulous dress after another.

Leah’s meets her parents, Bryan and Bunny, for lunch. These two could pass for Billy Crystal and Carol Kane in The Princess Bride, albeit better looking. I kid you not. In Leah’s interview, she says things are not resolved with her mother since she’s been trying moderate drinking. Wow. If that’s moderate, I’d hate to see her on a real bender. She wants to get to the point where her mom accepts things, and wants Leah to be happy with the decisions she makes, but she’ll never get that. Bryan orders an old fashioned, and tells Leah that he needs to stay away from anything acidic. The lining between his esophagus and stomach is wearing out. In her interview, Leah says she has the qualities of both of her parents, but she’s more her father’s daughter. Leah asks if Sarah said anything about Newport, and Bully says Leah spills her guts, but Sarah is quieter. Leah says she thought she could blow off some steam with the women. She didn’t do anything different from them – they’re not the ladies who lunch; they’re wild – but then they turned it around, saying they were scared of her. Bunny asks if she got nasty, and Leah says not until the next day, when she was pushed. Bunny thinks alcohol is a slippery slope. In her interview, Leah says she can agree, but she thinks when her mom hears about her drinking, it’s a trigger. It’s like she has PTSD from Leah’s early years. Leah tells Bunny, she likes an escape once in a while, but Bunny says if she has the addiction genes, it’s a slippery slope. Bryan makes a joke about genes/jeans, and Bunny says Leah shouldn’t trade her health and sobriety for stupid reasons.

In the swank space on the rooftop of Dorinda’s building, she wonders where her co-host LuAnn is. We see a clip of LuAnn asking what they’re going to do about the situation. Dorinda suggests a tea party where they can relax and relate, and says the rooftop of her building is perfect. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she came out of the Newport weekend feeling exhausted. They’re gathering, but not connecting. They can have tea, but no alcohol will be involved, which is always a good thing with this group. Dorinda tells Leah to think before she speaks, and Leah says she’ll feel it out. In Leah’s interview, she says she knows if she doesn’t take the high road, there will be no reconciliation, and she was wrong to throw ravioli at Ramona. Everyone is dressed up, with hats or fascinators. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, she doesn’t know what co-host means to LuAnn. Dorinda seats everyone, and in Ramona’s interview, she says, it’s ironic that Dorinda and LuAnn are throwing a tea party with crumpets and scones. Maybe they’re trying to teach Leah a few things. Maybe someone should teach Ramona the meaning of the word ironic. Sonja and Tinsley are (no surprise) late, and LuAnn asks if they should start without them. Ramona says, if you have three or more, it’s allowed. I immediately make a mental note of this, just in case I need to know. Leah says she owes Ramona an apology. She didn’t want it to get to that point. Ramona says Leah disrupted the weekend, but she’s sorry, so it’s okay. She walked away from the weekend emotionally upset, but if Leah is willing, they can put it behind them and reset. Leah says she’s not apologizing for who she is, but for what she did. Ramona says if that’s Leah’s normal behavior, it scares her. Leah asks if Ramona has ever seen her act like that before, and LuAnn says, at Ramona’s house in the Hamptons. Leah says she won’t turn up any more. Ramona says she was exhausted, and Dorinda tells her, don’t get carried away. They’ve all had moments. We flash back to Dorinda in loud drunk mode, Sonja falling on the floor after saying she’d knock Bethenny out, LuAnn in custody, and Ramona throwing a glass at Kristen’s face. I met Kristen once. She was a very nice person, which explains why she’s no longer on the show. Ramona and Leah hug, and Leah says she feels bad, and Ramona says she’s a good girl. They’ve had some great moments, and they can have more. In Ramona’s interview, she says the apology isn’t what she wanted, but has a soft spot for Leah. She doesn’t know why. They both get weepy, and Leah says she’s a cry baby. Dorinda says Ramona is a big softie. In her interview, Leah says she doesn’t know why she’s so emotional. She’s projecting her mommy issues onto this relationship. It’s really weird. Ramona says they’ll get through this; it will be okay. Sonja comes in, with Tinsley not far behind. Dorinda wishes they had clotted cream, and Ramona says they don’t need potted cream. Leah says Tinsley literally looks like Barbie. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, going to a tea party, dressed up, in puffy sleeves. It’s the most exciting thing ever. She loves it. Dorinda has everyone change seats, and Ramona hugs Leah again. She says Leah touches a special place in her. I sit on any and all jokes. Dorinda says she wants to talk to Tinsley privately.

Dorinda tells Tinsley that she doesn’t want to be aggressive in her approach. She knows for a fact that Tinsley was in Niagara Falls with Scott, and Tinsley needs to tell them that she’s seeing him. I just don’t get why this is such a huge issue for Dorinda, especially since no one else seems to care. Tinsley says she’s not seeing him. She ran into him in Toronto, and they flew to Niagara Falls. It was a two day thing. Dorinda says she doesn’t care; it’s deceptive. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she knows someone who knows someone who sent her a picture, and said Tinsley and Scott were spending the weekend together. Why is Tinsley lying about it? Tinsley asks if Dorinda wants every detail of her life, and Dorinda says she’s not after details, but Tinsley claims they’re not together. Tinsley says, they’re not, but she’s hopeful it will turn into something. Dorinda says Tinsley needs to tell them. She tells Tinsley, she’ll leave it to her, and goes back to the table. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s a person, and has a life. She doesn’t share every detail; neither does Dorinda. Don’t put her on blast for not being open. She’s very open and honest. She doesn’t think she needs to say it.

Tinsley goes back to the table, and says she didn’t think she needed to tell anybody if she happened to see her ex on the weekend. Ramona asks if she’s back with Scott. It’s a huge move, and Tinsley needs to share it. Elyse says she understands why Tinsley didn’t want to say anything. She doesn’t need their comments. In Ramona’s interview, she says, she understands it’s Tinsley’s private business. She saw Scott for the first time in a long time, and she didn’t want to share it. She doesn’t want to hear their opinions, especially Dorinda. Dorinda acts like she’s a detective, finding out things about Tinsley. Is she really so concerned about what Tinsley does? LuAnn asks if they can know how it went, and Tinsley says, it went well. Dorinda asks why she’s crying then, and Tinsley says she thinks it won’t end up well. Like always. In her interview, Tinsley says she and Scott always break up, but you need to do what you need to do to get what you want. And she wants to be with Scott. She tells the women that she loves him. She tried being away from him, but she can’t. Leah says, just be with him, and Sonja – who wakes up for a second – agrees. LuAnn says Tinsley needs to call the shots, and Leah says, tell him, put a ring on it, impregnate me right TF now, or it’s a wrap. Ramona says Dorinda and LuAnn know how to throw a tea party.

Next time, Ramona whines about her birthday, Dale tells Tinsley that everything is changing, a Haunted House, Dorinda finds the man of her dreams, and Leah makes a toast.

🍜 Top Chef began with Tom talking about Italy, and how Covid-19 had affected things since they’d been there. He sent his good wishes, and hoped things would be back to normal soon, and they could return.

The Quickfire challenge had the chefs making an aperitivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca; something that paired with Peroni beer. The station they picked would determine the region their ingredients came from, and the winner would receive $10K courtesy of Peroni.

The chefs flew business class to Italy, and it looked beyond fabulous. I would love to be able to fly first class before I die. It just looks like the epitome of luxury. Business class would be okay too. In his interview, Kevin said learned to fight every day like it’s his last, and he was ready. Bryan said he’d studied the Russian language, which was not going to help him here. Padma introduced guest chef Filippo Saporito, who tasted the dishes along with the locals. He told Padma that Melissa’s mussel offering opened your heart and your stomach, which I assume is fairly high praise. Melissa was close, but Kevin won with his polenta.

For the elimination challenge, the chefs would be hunting white truffles for use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival. In Stephanie’s interview, she said it was a chef’s dream to go truffle hunting in Tuscany. They would be guided by employees of the Savini family, who are apparently top-of-the-line procurers of truffles. The only requirement of the dish was that it showcase the truffle. The chefs would have three hours to prep and cook, and be serving 100 diners, including million Michelin star chef Cristiano Tomei. The chefs got together with two guys and two dogs, and the hunt was on. They were surprised to find tons of truffles, and it reminded me of the day it seemed like a truckload of beach glass was dumped on our nearby beach. One of food’s most precious treasures, the white truffle goes for nearly $3K per pound, so I won’t be cooking with that any time soon. The chefs had 45 minutes and 400 euros to shop in Italy’s version of Whole Foods. Gregory was having back problems, and it was seriously interfering with his concentration. I felt badly for him, and totally identified.

Stephanie, whose first anniversary fell on the day of the challenge, was surprised to find Italian radicchio had a stronger flavor than that in the U.S., and thought it was too much for her dish. Rather than take it off the menu, which she’d already established, she did her best to tone it down. When it came time for the judging, Tom said, for the most part, the dishes were good, but not every dish was good with truffles. Melissa had wanted to do some Asian/Italian fusion, and her congee was a unanimous hit. Gail said she might start a congee revolution, and Chef Tomei said she had the courage to do the necessary thing. Whatever that meant. She was the winner, with her dish being declared intelligent, fresh, and harmonious. Bryan was in as well, Gail saying his veal and potato dish was a beautiful way to use a truffle. It was simple and let the truffle do its job.

On the downside, Gregory’s wild boar hid the truffle flavor. Tom said Gregory made a great stew, but it wasn’t good for truffles. Chef Tomei said black truffles would have made a difference, but the white truffles had too delicate a flavor. Kevin also had too much going on with his meatball effort, and the truffles were overwhelmed. Padma said it was courageous of Stephanie to make pasta, but the radicchio obliterated the taste of the truffle filling. Stephanie admitted she had been afraid to take it off the menu when she’d already chosen to include it. Padma said they might have thought the radicchio should have been included, but would have respected her decision.

In the end, Padma said they bottom three had good dishes, but didn’t use the truffle properly, and Gail said they all essentially made the same mistake. Tom said that chefs understand traditions so they can break them, but one dish went to far. Gregory had to pack his knives and go. In his exit interview, he said he’d really wanted to win, but the life lesson he learned was that he can’t always control what happens. It was the wrong dish to serve with truffles. He gave the competition 110%, and had a few regrets, but knew he’d done everything physically and mentally that he could. It was a great start for his next chapter.

Next time, the chefs go to Parma, the home of Parmesan cheese. The chefs will be making their own interpretation of traditional dishes for sixteen Michelin star chefs.

⏰ On Wednesday, June 10th, at 9 pm, Bravo will be airing a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where Garcelle and Dorit will be giving commentary on one of the recent episodes. While I might have picked someone other than Dorit, count me in. The only thing better than watching TV, is watching other people watch TV.

🐱 Lord Tubbington’s Mom Speaks Out…

Fondue For Two was my favorite thing on Glee, and it sounds like Heather Morris has the same good heart that her character did.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/03/heather-morris-agrees-glee-co-star-lea-michele-was-unpleasant-on-set/

👠 Real Housewives Of What…?

Apparently, like the cat of the same name, they’re invisible.

https://tvdeets.com/itvbe-real-housewives-of-cheshire-virtual-reunion/

👩🏾‍🍳 Sweet Review…

We could all use some positive news, and it doesn’t get much better than this.

https://people.com/food/dads-review-of-daughters-play-restaurant-provides-candid-message-about-advocating-for-black-businesses/

🪂 Sliding Into the Weekend Like…

You made it to another Friday, which hopefully is gaining more meaning again. See you for tea and words of wisdom tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay current, and stay open to learning something new, while respecting the old.