Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Orange County

Dec27

December 26, 2019 – Anna Makes a Connection, Vicki Screeches To the End, Soap Holidays, Behind GH’s Carol, No Joes Here, Unreal Reality, Social Media Moments, Roll Calls Begin & Abba New Year

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At Turning Woods, Sonny sees Mike in his coat, and asks where he’s going. Mike says, out; he has to get out. Sonny tells him, it’s cold outside, and suggests they stay in. He asks if Mike wants a cookie, but Mike says he has to go. Sonny asks, where? and Gladys comes in, saying she’s got Mike’s hat and they should hit the road. Sonny asks what she’s doing there, and she says she was about to take Mike out.

Franco tells Elizabeth, it’s not possible. She says he had no control over his body, but he says he’d remember if he slept with Kim. He wouldn’t… He couldn’t… She says he thought he was Drew, and had no control over what was happening. He says in his right mind, he would never, and Elizabeth says she had the utmost faith in their love. He didn’t sleep with Kim; Drew did.

At Rice Plaza, Cameron and Aiden bring coats for the coat drive. Cameron tells Maxie and Peter that they just got new coats, and Peter says their old ones will go to kids who need them and will love them. Aiden says they feel blessed because they have Franco back. Maxie says they have Peter to thank for that.

Anna looks at Peter’s resumé, and says, Eurotech. She picks up another folder, and says, Peter was there at the same time; the same DVX front company when the gunman was there. She looks at some pictures, and throws up her hands. Finn comes in, and tells her, Violet said the cutest thing. She says, what’s that? and he says when they were cleaning up, Violet noticed all the gingerbread cookies were all men, and said… Is she okay? He asks if she found something out about Peter.

Brad asks Michael where Wiley is, and Michael says, he’s with Willow. They’re waiting for Brad, but if now isn’t the time… Brad says, it’s totally fine.

Nelle tells Willow that the baby is adorable. He’s so cute; what’s his name? Willow says, Wiley, and Nelle asks if Wiley is hers. Willow says, no, but Nelle says she doesn’t seem so sure. Willow says, it’s a long story, but Nelle says she’s got time. Willow says, probably not that much, and starts to leave. Nelle says she doesn’t mean to be intrusive, but she lost her baby. Does Willow think she could possible see Wiley for a moment longer?

Gladys gives Mike his hat. Sonny asks if she’s taking his dad out, and Gladys says they’re cousins. She was told by the staff that she’s allowed. Sonny says they’re not the ones she should be asking, but Gladys says Mike was asking for her, and she thought it was a good way to reconnect with family. She asks Mike, they’re cousins, right? Mike says, right, and she says, and Dev, who lives with Sonny, is her grandchild. Sonny says this isn’t part of the agreement, and she says she’s been getting the payments on time. Sonny asks Mike what they’re planning on doing, and Mike says, go to the track, and play the ponies. Does Sonny want to come? Sonny says Gladys is taking Mike to the track? Gladys says, he wanted to see his wife, but he can’t. She needed to distract him, and remembered he liked playing the ponies. Problem solved. Sonny says, not really. He asks where Yvonne is, and Mike says they took his wife.

Finn asks what Anna found, and Anna says she was cross-checking the histories of Drew, Faison, Shiloh, Brice, and the would-be assassin David Black.  It was right there, staring her in the face on Peter’s resumé. She cross-checked the bank records on David Black, and discovered they were at Eurotech at the same time. Finn says, it can’t be a coincidence, and Anna says, it would be next to impossible. He says, for what it’s worth, he was hoping she’d find proof of Peter’s innocence. She says, so was she, and he says, now that she knows, what is she going to do about it?

Cameron doesn’t think they need to go into details, but Aiden says he likes details. Cameron says, there was some crazy stuff going on at the hospital, and Peter saved the doctor who saved Franco. Aiden asks what Peter did, and Cameron says it’s too long to go into, and they have to get home. They leave, and Maxie tells Peter, sorry it was awkward. She can’t help that she wants to shout that her boyfriend is a hero. Peter says he’s not proud of taking a man’s life, but Maxie says the man was going to kill Andre, and possibly Franco. Peter says he was probably just doing his job, and she says no doubt his boss is someone worse and bigger. The guy should be ratted out and sent to prison for the rest of his life.

Elizabeth tells Franco that Kim kept trying to convince her to let him go. If she said, Franco is gone, once, she said it a thousand times. He says they need to confront her, but she says they can’t. Kim left town. He asks if Julian had anything to say about this, and she says, they broke up. He says, because of him.

Brook sees Julian at Rice Plaza, and asks how Lucas is. He says Lucas hasn’t woken up, and is being transferred to long term care. Brook says, that doesn’t mean he’s not going to get better. Lucas is tough, and they can’t give up hope. Sometimes it helps to focus on the good things. It’s Christmas, and Julian’s got Wiley and Leo. He says that’s why he’s there; he’s getting presents. Brook says she can’t figure it out. Leo looks like a Falconari. The family resemblance can be seen a mile away. Their DNA is powerful, but how did he and Olivia happen?

Michael tells Brad, no rush. He and Willow have Wiley covered if he needs time. Brad says it might help for him to see his son. He needs that little guy. A nurse tells Brad that he needs to finish signing Lucas’s transfer to Turning Woods. Brad asks if it can’t wait, and Michael says he’ll bring Wiley to Brad.

Willow tells Nelle that she’s sorry about Nelle’s baby. Nelle thanks her, and says it almost would been easier if he’d been stillborn, but he passed away in her arms. As much as it hurt to lose him, she doesn’t think she’d give those few minutes back for anything. She held him, and felt his heartbeat against her chest; saw him looking up at her. She doesn’t suppose Willow would let her hold Wiley for a moment? Willow looks skeptical.

Willow asks if it’s safe for Nelle. She’s injured, and babies are heavier than they look. She doesn’t want to make anything worse. Nelle doesn’t think that’s possible, and tells Willow, just place him in her lap. It’s super easy. Just as Willow is about to hand Wiley over, Michael stops her. He says, that’s Nelle, and Nelle shows them that she’s handcuffed to the chair.

Julian tells Brook that they were having a bad night, and Brook says she’s been there. He says they got Leo out of it, and Brook says Olivia didn’t want Leo to know he existed. He says they worked it out, but she says, not until he missed out on the first few precious months of Leo’s life. She has a gazillion pictures and videos from back then. Does he want to see them? She wasn’t such a screw up when her family wanted to hide Leo from his gangster father.

Maxie is sure that Helena was somehow involved, and Peter asks if all roads lead back to Helena. She says, and Faison. They’ve both been dead a while, but it’s possible they have a henchman out there who tried to kill Drew and Andre. He won’t get away with it though. Jason is Drew’s brother, and he won’t rest until he finds out who the bad guy is.

Anna tells Finn that she has to figure it out. He says she has evidence, but she says it’s a hazy theory. She doesn’t even know the whole story yet. Finn thinks she should tell Robert, and the police need to know. She says they can connect David Black to the second attempt on Andre’s life, but what about the plane crash? Andre ID’d Brice in the first attempt on his life, but there’s no connection so far between Peter and Brice. Finn says Andre was targeted twice, and Peter has one connection to that. Is she looking for a smoking gun? She says, it would help, and he says, help Robert’s case or help her make up her mind? She says, both, and he says, what if someone else gets hurt in the meantime? Violet comes in, and asks if her mommy is going to be back in time for Christmas.

Marcus walks in, and Mike yells that Marcus took his wife. Sonny says, it’s Marcus, and he’s their friend, but Mike says Marcus is no friend of his. Marcus says he and Mike talked about this, but Mike yells, liar! Marcus stole his wife. Sonny tells him to sit, and guides Mike to a chair, saying, just wait for him. Marcus says he would have called Sonny, but the last time he was there, Mike must have been having a good day. He thought Mike would fill Sonny in. He hadn’t realized Mike had gotten so bad. Sonny says, it hit Mike hard, and Marcus says, it was no different with Yvonne. It’s been a month since she could feed herself. It happens to a lot of people like her and Mike. Sonny says he’s got to ask. Did Marcus put her in a hospice? Marcus says, she’s not nearly ready for that. She’s in the hospital, and he’s having a feeding tube put in. Gladys tells him to please listen to her. He’s making a terrible mistake.

Mike asks if Sonny found out where Yvonne is, and Sonny says, she’s a little sick, and she’s in the hospital. Mike asks if she’s coming back, and Sonny says she is. Marcus says he doesn’t know who Gladys is, but this is none of her business. Gladys says he must love Yvonne, and needs to talk to the doctors. They’ll tell him that Yvonne stopped eating for a reason. It’s called de-set, voluntarily giving up eating and drinking. Also known as death with dignity. Marcus insists it’s not voluntary, and says he doesn’t need this woman’s opinion; he needs to get Yvonne’s things. Sonny asks what Gladys is doing, lecturing Marcus about something she doesn’t know anything about. She says she does.

Anna tells Violet that Finn was about to tell her what Violet said about the gingerbread men. Violet says, there should be gingergirls too. Anna agrees, and shows Violet her Christmas stocking, pointing out that Violet’s name is on it. She tells Violet, if she hangs it, Santa will come and fill it. Violet asks if there’s one for mommy too.

Maxie has something to show Peter. She brings out a stocking with his name on it, and says now that he’s moved in, he’s officially family, and they love him. He says he never had one, which kind of breaks my heart. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, funny how the smallest things can get you. She says, like a stocking? He says he loves it, and loves her and James.

Julian looks through Brook’s phone, and she says she’ll put the pictures in an album and send it to him. He thanks her, and says next to Lucas waking up, it’s the best present he can get. She says she can’t figure him out. He’s sappy and sentimental when it comes to Leo, but he was dark, brooding, and pissed off when they met.

Nelle tells Michael that he didn’t have to send Willow and Wiley away. What does he think she was going to do? He says he has no intention of finding out. She thanks him for being concerned about her health. Ryan almost nicked her good kidney. He says she seems all right, and asks when they’re taking her back. The guard approaches, and he asks why Nelle was left unsupervised. The guard says she could see Nelle from where she was, and he says he assumes they’re taking her back. She says there was engine trouble, but the guy will be there in twenty minutes. Nelle wishes Michael a merry Christmas. She’s sure he’ll be surrounded by loved ones while she’s rotting in her cell, thinking about Jonah. How much does he think Jonah would have loved Christmas? He walks away, and Willow tells him that she’s sorry. He tells her, it’s okay. Nelle is going back to Pentenville where she can’t hurt anyone.

Elizabeth says Franco knows she’s not the kind of wife who would look the other way if her husband cheated. Franco says, under normal circumstances… and she says, they weren’t normal circumstances. He’s not to blame. The fault lies with Cabot and Shiloh. He can’t beat himself up. Cameron and Aiden come in, saying, ho-ho-ho! and carrying a tree. Aiden hugs Franco, who says he’s bigger. His shoulders are big enough to hold the weight of the whole Port Charles art scene. Aiden says he missed Franco, and Franco says he missed Aiden too. Franco goes over to Cameron, and asks how he is. Cameron says he’s good, and asks if Franco likes the tree. Franco says he loves it. It’s the best tree in the whole world ever. Aiden says he made Franco a picture every day while he was gone. Franco says, that’s a lot of art. Aiden shows him some pictures, and says, it was more like therapy; it made him feel better. Franco looks through the pictures, and Aiden says, it’s just some of them. He’s giving Franco the rest on Christmas. Cameron says they didn’t want Christmas unless Franco came home, and Franco says he single-handedly saved the entire holiday. He hugs them.

Anna tells Violet that mommy asked them to look after her for Christmas, and she let Santa know Violet was there. Violet says she misses mommy, and doesn’t know why she’s gone so long. Anna knows it’s hard, but says Violet has to be brave. It’s what mommy would want. Violet doesn’t care what Mommy wants. She wants mommy back now. Finn says mommy loves her more than anything. He sits on the couch with Violet in his lap, and says, mommy had to go away for a good reason. Violet asks, what reason? but he says he doesn’t know. She didn’t tell him. For mommy to keep that kind of secret from her, it must be an important secret. So when mommy comes home, Violet will be happy and mommy will tell her why she went away. Violet asks when she’ll be back, and he says, really soon. Anna says they love having her, and don’t want her to be sad. Finn says he knows mommy misses Violet. He knows that because mommy sent this for her. He gives her a wrapped package. He looks at Anna over Violet’s head, and Anna smiles.

Sonny asks if Gladys knows Marcus’s wife, and she says, of course (🍷) not. He tells her, then keep her mouth shut. She says it might surprise him, but she does have friends in Bridgeport. Her best friend died, and she had Alzheimer’s too. They don’t cure it, do they? Sonny says he’s sorry. She says her friend stopped eating, and her husband and kids were beside themselves, but she could tell something more was happening. When they were alone, she asked, why are you doing this, Dot? and Dottie said clear as day, because I’m done. She could barely sit up anymore, had no privacy, no life, and no dignity. Funny thing about dignity, you might not know where or who you are, but you know when your dignity has been stolen. As gone as Dot was, deep down, she knew she couldn’t live that way. Sonny says he’s sure she wasn’t shy about telling them, and she says she fought with Dot’s kids, and begged their father to take Dot to hospice, so she could die with a tiny shred of dignity, but no. They got the feeding tube. She sits down, and says, it was a miserable death. Nobody should have to leave this world that way. When Dot finally died, Gladys was relieved. She was at peace, and Gladys misses her so damn much.

Willow tells Michael that she can’t believe she almost fell into Nelle’s trap. She thought after Shiloh, she could recognize a manipulator. Michael says, Nelle is good at what she does. Willow says Nelle totally played her; she felt sorry for Nelle. Now she knows what he and Chase were up against. Brad joins them, and says, there’s his boy. He knows Wiley misses Daddy Lucas, and is sure Lucas misses him too. Michael asks if Brad knew Nelle was there.

Brad tells Michael, Ryan attacked Nelle. He didn’t mention it because he knows how Michael and his family feel about his friendship with her. Michael says his mom knew. Brad says he can’t think about Nelle at the moment. He has to figure out how he’s going to take care of Wiley without Lucas. He can’t wrap his head around it. Michael says he and Willow can take care of Wiley if he’s not ready, but Brad says, it’s okay. He’s taking Wiley home.

Brook says Julian thought she was a hooker. He had no way to realize that she took care of his baby, and hung out with his other son in high school. He says now that he knows, he’s grateful for the role she played in his children’s lives. She says he thought she was someone he could pay to go away and shut up. He thought wrong. She goes over to the coat table, and Maxie says Brook’s still in town? She thought Brook would be at the recording studio. Brook makes up something about the studio people taking the month off to go to the latest hot spot. Maxie says she’s glad she ran into Brook, and introduces her to Peter. She says Peter just moved in with her and her son. Peter flashes his Christmas stocking, and Maxie says, Georgie is also coming in from Portland. Things at Crimson have been so busy, she’s happy to have the holidays off. They’re gearing up for February’s fashion week. Brook says she gets it. Maxie’s life is perfect. Maxie says, of course (🍷) not. Except wait… it is perfect. It’s amazing how you can have a great relationship if you grow up and stop making stupid mistakes. Brook tells her, merry Christmas, and tells Peter, God help him. When she’s gone, Peter says, what was that about?

Violet opens the gift. It’s a bead crafting set, and Finn tells her that she can make necklaces with it. He puts her in Anna’s desk chair with her gift, and tells her that he needs to talk to Anna for a moment. Anna asks how he knew what to get, and he says, Hayden mentioned Violet loves to make things. Anna says they’ll have to figure out what to tell Violet if Hayden isn’t back before New Year’s. Finn says he has no idea where Hayden is or when she’s coming back.

Franco says he’s happy he came back before Christmas. If he’d come back after Christmas, they wouldn’t get anything and that would make him sad. He’s truly sorry he went away. Aiden says he didn’t mean to. He did it so they could keep Cameron. Cameron thanks him, and Aiden says, it was so weird. Franco looked like himself, but he wasn’t him. Franco says he’s still trying to get used to the idea himself. Elizabeth says they’re running out of time, and the boys have to make their Christmas lists. Franco says if they don’t, then Santa has to improvise, and it will be socks for everyone. Aiden says they got what they wanted, and Cameron tells Franco, that means him coming home. The day is perfect, except for one little thing. He couldn’t get out of community service tonight.

Mike asks Marcus where Yvonne is, and Marcus says, she’s still in the hospital. Mike asks if he can visit, but Marcus says, she can’t see anyone right now and promises to bring her back soon. Mike asks him to tell Yvonne that he loves her, and Marcus says he will. Marcus leaves, and Mike asks Sonny to take him to the hospital. Sonny doesn’t think the doctors would like that, but Yvonne would love to hear about the Christmas festivities there. He suggests Mike rest up so he can sing carols later. Mike says, that would be good to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Cameron comes downstairs in a suit and tie. Elizabeth likes it, and says she could get used to it. Cameron says he’s only wearing it because of community service. Franco says he’s filled with the holiday spirit, and Elizabeth takes a picture of Cameron. Cameron is like, thanks a lot. Franco tells Elizabeth that he’ll see his father tomorrow. Cameron takes a picture of them kissing, and Franco thinks they should put the top on their Tannenbaum.

Gladys tells Mike, she’s sorry they didn’t make it to the track. Mike says, in this cold? Is she crazy? She tells Sonny that she didn’t know how bad Mike was, and he says she should have called him. She says it’s good for her to get out. Dot just died a few weeks ago. Sonny says he’s sorry, and she says, ever since Brando died, she celebrated Christmas with Dot and her family, but they’re not up to it this year. What’s the big deal? It’s just a holiday. Mike says, no one should be alone on Christmas, and asks if Sonny isn’t going to invite her. Gladys says, it’s all right, but Mike says, for him? Sonny asks if she wants to come over.

Michael tells Brad, if he needs anything, give him a call. Willow says, either one of them, and Michael says, they’ll do in a pinch. They adore Wiley. Willow tells Wiley, merry Christmas, and says they’re here if Brad needs anything.

Finn asks Anna how he’s supposed to explain Hayden’s absence when he doesn’t understand it himself? Anna says he needs to assure Violet that he loves her, and he’s not going anywhere. He says, that part is absolutely true. Anna says he’s luckier than he knows. He can be honest with Violet. Their situations aren’t remotely the same. Finn says the difference is, him telling the truth saves Violet from feeling abandoned. Anna telling the truth might save lives. Anna asks him to give her a day or so to think it through. He says he would if he thought that’s what she was really going to do. Is she thinking, or holding onto information? She says he sounds like Robert. It’s her son. What is she supposed to do? Just turn him in? Finn says she has evidence that suggests he shot a hitman he might have hired. She can’t keep it to herself. Anna says she thought he was on her side when comes to Peter, and he says he’s always on her side. She says, okay, and he asks what she’s going to do.

Maxie tells Peter that Brook is a troublemaker from way back. She tried to break up Lulu and Dante. It didn’t work, but she never apologized. Peter says it doesn’t sound like Maxie is letting bygones be bygones, and she says, Brook isn’t really sorry. If she was, it might take Maxie a while to forgive her, but look at them. When she forgives, she forgives all the way. They kiss.

Tracy brings her suitcase into the Quartermain mansion. She looks around, and says, you didn’t… You couldn’t… No, no, no. She calls out for Ned, Olivia, and Monica. Brook comes downstairs and asks, what’s the racket? Is something on fire? Tracy says, Brooklyn? Brook says, granny, and Tracy says, call her Tracy. What happened to this house? Brook says, it’s great, isn’t it? but by the look on her face, I don’t think Tracy agrees.

Tomorrow, Trina asks if Josslyn is going to make Dev’s Christmas wish come true, Jason says everything he’s doing is for the kids, Gladys tells Carly that Sonny invited her for Christmas, and Sam tells Nelle to shut her mouth before Sam does it for her.

The Real Housewives of Orange County – The Reunion: Part Three

Sorry. I missed Part Two. It was on Christmas Eve, so no. Although I doubt I missed anything really, since it’s all flashbacks, and rehashing of old arguments. Here are the highlights.

Vicki got all over Braunwyn for being nakey… with Tamra. After Vicki insisted that somehow Braunwyn ruined the show (i.e. took her place), Andy informed her that nothing had changed on the show. Vicki announced she’s a grandmother now, and wanted to be respected, but I think that ship sailed a long time ago. Andy was happy to prove that point by showing us flashbacks of Vicki, including her involvement in getting Gretchen naked wasted. Everyone else thought this was a laugh riot. For once, Tamra made sense, saying she didn’t think any of them were on the show to be role models. When it was time for Vicki to make her exist, she kvetched all the way back to the dressing room, and beyond. She said she didn’t think she was just a friend, stated several times that she hated Braunwyn, and told the camera man to eff off. The funniest thing was, it never seemed like her role on the show had changed any, and I’m guessing her paycheck just got smaller.

Threesomes and rumors about Kelly were discussed, as well as Kelly’s relationship with Brian, which is no more, and her new engagement. Shane joined the ladies for a while, and I had to laugh when Andy asked how it felt to be a hated househusband, and he said at least he’d accomplished something. Gina talked about Matt getting hauled in for domestic abuse, and IMO, it sounded like she was making excuses for him. He apologized and sent her flowers. Get rid of him.

At the end, Andy asked what each of the women wanted to let go from their lives, and what they wanted to bring in. Kelly wanted to let go of negativity, and bring in Rick Leventhal, her new fiancé. After only three months. Emily wanted to let go of the hurt and the things she’s felt toward Gina, and let in a new beginning for them. Gina told Emily that she felt the same way, and loved her. Braunwyn said she was letting go of always caring what everyone thinks, and trying to please everyone. She was letting in badass Braunwyn. Gina thought she’d let go of a lot already, but was adding risky beauty choices. She would continue to welcome in a new positive brave future. Whatever that means. Tamra claimed she was going to let go of loose lips – highly doubtful – and bring in health and wellness for her family. I’m not sure what that means either. Does she have a new product line coming out? Shannon decided to let go of her past, and let in continued happiness and growth for her family and the new person in her life. Andy said it was all awesome, and the reunion had been fairly therapeutic.

He told the women that he thought they’d toast with wheatgrass. The reaction was swift and negative, and then he added they brought in tequila instead. Braunwyn toasted to sisterhood, and Tamra said, to season 14. May they never relive it.

🎄 A Soapy Christmas…

Spend the holidays in Soapland.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc-daytime-soap-family-holidays-146865?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8097&recip_id=5057&list_id=9

🎭 Breaking Scrooge’s Fourth Wall…

It looks like they had a blast. I’ll bet they were all excited, like how you feel before performing in your high school play.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-christmas-carol-behind-the-scenes-174293?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8097

⛅ At Least His Name’s Not Joe…

Good for her. She’s got a life to live too.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1105238/teresa-giudice-looks-cozy-with-ex-tony-after-joe-giudice-split?source=email&medium=emn-content-1&cmpid=evening&content=emn-news

https://extratv.com/2019/12/26/rekindled-romance-teresa-giudice-celebrates-christmas-eve-with-ex-bf/?adid=extra_eme_27324_2019-12-26_rightnow2

🙇 What Is Real Really…?

A few moments that reality TV had.

https://www.eonline.com/shows/daily_pop/videos/300072/3-most-unreal-reality-tv-moments-of-2019?source=email&medium=emn-content-5&cmpid=evening&content=emn-video

🏃 Gangnam Style This…

Lots of fun stuff on this list.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1103804/the-best-social-media-moments-of-the-decade?source=email&medium=emn-content-5&cmpid=morning-a&content=emn-news#photo-1056560

😥 To All the Stars We’ve Loved Before…

Roll calls of the dead. I always think, poor Ric Ocasek got lost in the shuffle.

https://pagesix.com/video/in-memoriam-all-the-celebrities-we-lost-this-year/

https://www.aol.com/article/entertainment/2019/12/16/celebrity-deaths-of-2019-all-of-the-stars-who-died-this-year/23879780/

🎉 Switching Holiday Gears…

Hoping your Christmas was merry and bright, and Santa brought you everything you wanted. Moving on to 2020. It seems like only yesterday, everyone was talking about Y2K and planes falling out of the air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec24

December 23, 2019 – Finn Becomes Scrooge, Vegas Meets Spring Break, Upcoming, OC Rehashing, Tinsley Opts Out, Wasted Trips, Cynthia Shares, Non-News, Real News & Christmas Wish

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Monica reads to the kids in the hospital, finishing The Night Before Christmas. Finn tells Anna that he doesn’t want to get stuck on the road, but Anna says, the party isn’t over. She’d like to say hello to some of their friends, and spend time with Maxie and Peter. Violet is also enjoying herself. Violet runs up and says she’s loving this party, and asks if she can play with her friends. Finn tells her to stay where he can see her. Chase comes by, and tells Finn, it’s once a year. Can’t he get into the spirit?

Tracy (yay!) says they’ve made their contribution, and Monica has read the story. It’s time to eat turkey and open presents. Monica says it’s about Edward and Lila’s legacy. Maxie tells Peter that James loved the story, but he’s getting tired, and they still have to go to grandma and grandpa’s.

Anna tells Finn that Violet is happy playing with the children, and Felicia’s party is still going on. Finn thinks the party will be a distraction. He’s all for good will and cheer, but not for shrugging off telling kids the lie about a chubby stranger coming down the chimney to give them presents. Anna hopes he didn’t tell that to Violet, and suddenly Violet is there. Anna tells her that Finn is in poor spirits, since he got coal in his stocking last year because he was naughty. She takes Violet with her, and Robert says Finn is a real Scrooge, hooking a candy cane on Finn’s pocket and walking on.

Curtis announces that the storm has taken a turn for the worse. The roads are closed, except for emergency vehicles. Tracy wonders if they can hijack a snowplow. Monica says there are plenty of activities, and treats, and  tells the kids to have fun. She gathers them for another story. Anna tells Finn that she hopes Violet didn’t hear what he said. She took the precaution of reinforcing that Santa only comes to children who believe in him and love him, but Finn has to open his heart to the Christmas season.

Michael tells Monica that he found a classic. Monica takes the book from him, and says, A Christmas Carol. Some of it is a little scary. Are the kids okay with that? They all yell, yeah, and she begins to read. Marley was dead to begin with. There was no doubt whatsoever about that.

A clock strikes midnight. Finn as Scrooge sits up.

Monica reads, Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Anna asks Finn if it sounds familiar, and he says, subtle. He gets it. He’s not brimming with Christmas cheer. Tracy says he’s a man after her own heart. He says that’s why she’s his favorite patient, and they hug. He asks what brings her back to town? and she asks if it can’t just be family. Anna says, see? She’s not all bad, but Tracy says, the true meaning of Christmas is long gone. It’s turned into a retail bonanza. Anna tells them that they deserve each other. Finn says they could do worse. Tracy asks, which one is his? and he points out Violet. She says Violet is beautiful, like her mother, and Finn says, she is.

Monica continues to read how Scrooge liked to edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance, was what the knowing ones call “nuts” to Scrooge. liked to edge his way along the path of life. Once upon a time—of all the good days in the year, on Christmas Eve—old Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house…

Scrooge hands Bob Cratchit (Franco) some paperwork. Scrooge’s nephew Fred (Peter) comes in, and tells Scrooge, merry Christmas. Scrooge says, humbug, and Fred says he doesn’t mean that. Scrooge says, he does. What reason does Fred have to be merry? Fred asks him to dine with them tomorrow, and Scrooge says, ugh. Fred asks, why? and Scrooge asks why he got married. Fred says he fell in love. Scrooge makes fun of him, and says, good day. Fred is sorry Scrooge is so resolute, but he’s going to keep his Christmas cheer to the last. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. He tells Cratchit, Merry Christmas, and Cratchit returns the sentiment. Fred leaves, and Scrooge tells Cratchit, another sound from him, and he’ll celebrate by losing his situation.

A man asking for a charitable contribution (Curtis) comes by the office. He tells Scrooge, At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts. Scrooge asks if there are no prisons, and if the work houses are still in order. The man says they are; he wishes he could say they were not. Scrooge is happy to hear it. He supports those establishments, and they cost more than enough. The man says, many can’t go there, and many would rather die. Scrooge says, if they would rather die, than they’d better do it, and decrease the surplus population. He bids the man good day. The clock strikes, and Scrooge says the man wasted what was left of the workday. It’s time to close. He supposes Cratchit is hoping for tomorrow off. Cratchit says, it is customary, and Scrooge says he supposes Cratchit will want the whole day, but be here all the earlier the following morning. Cratchit thanks him, and tells him, merry Christmas.

Scrooge heads home. A couple of children ask for a penny, but he tells them, to the poorhouse with you. Go! At home, Scrooge has a dinner of what looks like wine and ribs, not the usual Dickens fare. His housekeeper Mrs. Dilber (Monica) says he’s eating in bed again. Perhaps the house is too big and empty for him. He tells her, that will be all, and she takes his tray.

The clock strikes midnight. Scrooge wakes. Marley’s ghost (Tracy) floats through the door and glides in. Scrooge quakes, pulling up the covers

At the hospital, Anna asks Chase if Finn has always been wound up so tight. He had a family, and she wonders what’s to blame for his lack of Christmas cheer. Chase says their father went overboard. They had actual sleigh bells that chimed throughout the season. She says, that might be it, and Finn says, you think? Violet finds Finn, and says, the story is getting scary. She asks if he’ll sit with her, and they go back together. Monica reads that Scrooge fought against his senses.

Scrooge asks who the ghost is, and the ghost tells Scrooge to ask who he was. In life, the ghost was his partner in business, Marley. Scrooge doesn’t believe it, thinking it’s just a dream brought on by indigestion. Marley tells him, hear me. His time is nearly gone. Marley explains that he wore the chain he forged in life, link by link and yard by yard, having made it of his own free will. He’s there to warn Scrooge; Scrooge has yet a chance and hope of escaping the same fate. Scrooge asks, how? and Marley says he will be visited by three spirits, each arriving at the stroke of midnight. Without them, he has no hope of escaping the same fate. Marley starts to fade, and Scrooge calls for him to come back, as he fades away. Scrooge wakes up, and laughs, saying, it was just a dream.

The clock strikes midnight, and The Ghost of Christmas Past (Josslyn) arrives. He asks if she’s the spirit whose coming was foretold to him, and she says she is. He asks who or what she is, and she explains she’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. He says, long past? and she says, no. Your past. She tells him to rise and walk with her. He puts on his robe, and she tells him to take her hand. Reluctantly, he does.

The ghost and Scrooge appear at an outdoor party in the park. Fezziwig (Ned) tells everyone a holiday party couldn’t be more welcome. He tells them to eat, drink, and be merry. Scrooge says, it’s old Fezziwig alive again. He was Fezziwig’s apprentice; Fezziwig taught him everything. Young Scrooge (Chase) is approached by another man (Michael), and Scrooge says, it’s him with Dick Wilkins. They were in business together. Fezziwig says, no more work tonight. It’s Christmas Eve. Time to enjoy themselves. Wilkins asks young Scrooge, what’s wrong? and young Scrooge says he has no interest in a celebration. Wilkins tells him to suit himself. Scrooge tells the ghost that Fezziwig threw the grandest parties. The ghost says, a small matter, to make these silly folks so full of gratitude. He’s merely spent a few pounds of their mortal money. Is that so much that he deserves praise? Scrooge says, it’s not about money. He has the power to render them happy or unhappy; to make their service light or burdensome. The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune. Belle (Willow) kisses young Scrooge’s cheek. Scrooge tells the ghost, it’s Belle, the love of his life

At GH, Violet asks Finn, what next? and he says they’ll find out together. Monica reads, he was not alone, but sat by the side of a fair young girl in a mourning-dress: in whose eyes there were tears, which sparkled in the light that shone out of the Ghost of Christmas Past.

The ghost says Scrooge and Belle were engaged. What happened? Belle asks if young Scrooge can’t stop working for one night and dance. He says, Christmas Eve is not a holiday in and of itself. Wilkins says Scrooge isn’t interested in having fun, since he’s just standing there. Can he steal Scrooge’s lady for a dance? Belle says she’d be delighted, and they dance. Young Scrooge starts to leave, and Fezziwig asks where he’s going. He says he has figures to review, but Fezziwig says, it can wait. Take a moment and enjoy life. Otherwise, it will pass by him. Young Scrooge leaves anyway.

Now in Scrooge’s office, Belle tells young Scrooge that he’ll never stop loving anything more than money. It’s not a marriage she wishes to be part of. He asks what she means, and she says she’s sorry, but she cannot marry him. She leaves, and Scrooge tells the ghost, show him no more. Let him home now. But the ghost says she has one more thing to show him.

An older Belle (Anna) and an older Dick Wilkins (Robert) are on a stroll. Scrooge says, Belle. Wilkins says he ran into an old friend; Scrooge. He went by the office. Belle says, he was working on Christmas? and Wilkins asks if it surprises her. She supposes not. She says, poor Scrooge. He’s all alone in the world. Scrooge tells the ghost, please take him back. She takes his hand, and they disappear. Scrooge wakes, and says, it was but a dream. The clock strikes, and he says, no. It can’t be twelve again. Surely the clock is broken. He hears laughter, and a voice says, hello, Scrooge. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Obrecht), reclines on his couch. She says, just in time. Look upon me.

Reading to the children, Monica says, I am the Ghost of Christmas Present, said the Spirit. Look upon me! Scrooge reverently did so. It was clothed in one simple green robe, or mantle, bordered with white fur.

Scrooge says, I learnt a lesson which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it. The ghost tells him to touch her gown, and when he does, they disappear. Scrooge asks where they are, and she says, it’s Christmas day, this very year. Doesn’t he recognize his own nephew’s home? He says he’s never been there. Fred and his wife Clara (Maxie) are entertaining the charity man and his wife (Jordan). Fred tells them, then his uncle called Christmas a humbug. They laugh, and the man says he’ll spare them what Scrooge said when he asked him to give. His wife says Scrooge is rich, but it does him little good, and the man suggests they don’t bother with Scrooge anymore, and carry on with the game. Fred does a pantomime, and the man’s wife says, an animal. Fred says she’s correct. The man asks if he roams the streets, and Fred says he does. The man asks if he travels alone or in a pack, and Clara says, Scrooge! Fred says, right you are, and they toast to Scrooge. The ghost holds out her arm, and Scrooge touches her robe.

Scrooge and the ghost look into a window. The Cratchit’s eldest son, Peter (Cameron) tells his mother (Elizabeth), Tiny Tim (Aiden) sang the sweetest of all. Cratchit says she should have been there, but Emily wonders who would cook dinner then. Scrooge says he knows these people. It’s Bob Cratchit’s house. They look so happy with so little. Cratchit toasts to Scrooge, the founder of their feast. Emily says, Scrooge is a hard, silly man, and Cratchit says, it’s Christmas day. She says she’ll drink for the sake of her husband and the day, but not for Scrooge. They toast, and Cratchit suggests they say grace. Merry Christmas and may God bless them. Tiny Tim says, God bless us, every one, and starts to cough. The ghost turns away, and Scrooge asks if Tiny Tim will live. She says she sees a vacant seat at the chimney corner, and a crutch without an owner. Scrooge says, tell him Tiny Tim is not going to die, but she says, if these shadows remain unaltered by the future, he will die, but if he has to die, he’d better do it, and decrease the surplus population. She holds out her arm.

Back at his house, Scrooge asks if the ghost is okay, and she says she exists only for a brief time. The present is waiting. He’d do well to remember that. She fades away leaving only her holly crown. The clock strikes midnight again, and Scrooge holds his head. The wind blows through the house, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come stands before him.

In the real world, Monica says, for in the very air through which this Spirit moved, it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery. Ned asks if it’s not too scary, but Anna says, they’re loving it. Monica continues, it was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. But for this it would have been difficult to detach its figure from the night, and separate it from the darkness by which it was surrounded.

The ghost reveals its face, and it’s Ava. Scrooge asks if she’s the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, and she nods. He says she is about to show him shadows of the things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us. He fears her more than all the others, but knows her purpose is to go him good, and he’s prepared. He goes with her.

They appear in a graveyard. Fred says he doesn’t know what he expected, and Clara says, the people who showed up, did so for a free lunch. He says, some might yet arrive, but she says, he was a miser, poor soul. Good riddance. Fred repeats, good riddance, and they leave. Scrooge wonders why they’d says such a thing, and the ghost pounds the ground with her cycle. Mrs. Dilber and another servant (Brook) go through some belongings. The servant says, if wanted to keep them after he was dead, he would have been more natural in life. He would have had someone there instead of gasping his last alone by himself. Scrooge says he sees the case of this unhappy man might be his own cycle.

At the Cratchit’s house, Peter says, cheer up mother. The man to whom they were in debt to has passed. He saw the man’s servants gathering his possessions. It will give them time to get back on their feet. It’s the one piece of good news they’ve had this Christmas season. Cratchit comes in, and Emily asks where he was. He says he was at Tiny Tim’s grave. He wanted to make sure to wish him a merry Christmas. He holds his wife, and his son comes along the other side. Scrooge sees the crutch next to the fireplace, and says, no. It can’t be. Tiny Tim dead? Surely the future can be changed; can it not? The ghost looks at him, and turns away.

Scrooge and the spirit stand in the graveyard once more. Scrooge asks why bring him back to show him this man’s grave again? The ghost points, and he sees his own grave stone.

Scrooge says the spirit’s nature has interceded for him, and taken pity on him. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. The ghost walks toward him, and he falls into the grave.

Mrs. Dilber draws back the drapes, and Scrooge asks, what day is it? She says, Christmas day, sir. He asks her to say it again, and she does. He says he hasn’t missed it. The spirits did it all in one night. Surprising the hell out of her, he kisses her, and runs out. Outside, he sees the same kids who asked him for a penny. He says, sweet children, do you know the poulter on the next corner; the one with the prize turkey in the window? Buy it. He gives them each a crown, and tells them, run like the wind.

His next stop is Fred’s house. He bursts in, and says, merry Christmas to his nephew, his nephew’s wife, and guests. Clara says they weren’t expecting him, but he says he can’t stay. However, he would be remiss not to wish them a merry Christmas. It’s high time they settle the question of Fred’s inheritance. He’s family, and should be regarded as such by the court. He asks Fred to pardon his previous unkindness, and to stop by after the holidays. They’ll make arrangements. He says he must go, and jets. They’re all like, wha-a-at?

Scrooge goes to the Cratchit house, and Peter answers the door. Scrooge gives him the turkey, and tells him to take it to the kitchen. He asks Cratchit to accept it as a sincere apology. It’s come to his attention that Cratchit is long overdue for a significant raise, and his salary is going to be doubled. He doesn’t want to keep them from their Christmas feast, and says he doesn’t expect to see Cratchit in the office until after the New Year. Tiny Tim says he doesn’t have to leave. They’d be honored if he joined them. Scrooge says he’d like that very much.

They hold hands around the table, and Tiny Tim says, God bless us every one.

Monica reads, Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. Ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One! Everyone applauds.

Curtis tells everyone, the roads are cleared. They’re good to go. Brook bets Tracy can’t wait to get back to her house, and away from the riff-raff. Tracy says she thinks she’ll stay and help out. Ned shrugs at Michael and Brook, and follows her. Anna tells Finn, it worked out. They’ll be on their way soon. Finn suggests they go by Felicia’s Christmas party, and Anna asks, why the change of heart? He says it’s the first time he’s experienced Christmas as a father, and for a moment, he saw it through Violet’s eyes. Violet tells Finn, it was the best story ever. He says he thought so. And it was a nice reminder that Christmas isn’t just about the presents. It teaches us to love, be charitable, share the joy, and all that good stuff. Anna thinks it’s not a bad idea to keep it in their hearts all year.

Violet says, God bless us, every one. Snow falls, and the camera pans out to show the scene is inside a snow globe.

On Christmas Eve, there will be a repeat encore episode, GH is preempted on Christmas for football, and on Thursday, Nelle asks to hold Wiley, and Mike says someone took his wife.

Below Deck

Smoke inundates the galley. In her interview, Kate knows it’s not Kevin’s fault the exhaust fan is broken, but why is he using the grill? If she didn’t have a blender, she wouldn’t push margaritas. She tells Courtney, some of the signs of the apocalypse are smoke, children, in-laws, and diarrhea. The deckhands bring in the water toys. In Ashton’s interview, he compares Rhylee’s knots to a child learning to tie their shoe laces for the first time. The way she’s doing it is dangerous and frustrating. He needs everyone to rush and get everything done, and they’re wasting time trying to untie her knots. Kevin prepares lunch, and Kate asks for all available deck crew. Kevin thinks the grandparents will be happy with his Greek style lunch. As lunch is served, Albert says there must be two of Kevin. There’s no way one person cranked all this out. Everyone is happy. Kate says it’s the first time family style has worked out.

Captain Lee calls engineer Darrian to the bridge – a rarity! Darrian says the exhaust fan is a mystery, and the captain says, the hits just keep coming. Still at lunch, Albert says they nailed it, except for the beach excursion. Scott – who seems to be the whiner of the group – says he’s not sure it was really treacherous, and thinks they would have been fine. Because he’s a boat captain? An engineer? A map reader? He’s an asshat for sure. In Brian’s interview, he says he always has fun with Courtney until someone else arrives. Then she puts her guard up. He likes her, and wants to spend more time with her.

Master Pearson is hesitant about the slide, and Rhylee says, you know what they say about the slide?. When in Thailand… I don’t think anyone says that, but it works, and Pearson goes down the slide, giving his dad a high-five afterward. Captain Lee tells Kate that the ride back for the grandparents is going to be there in fifteen minutes. Kate says it’s a genius way to deal with the in-laws; just have them for lunch. Kate tells him the primary wants him to join them for dinner; it’s a roaring 20s theme. The captain asks if there’s going to be bathtub gin. The boat comes, and the grandparents leave. Ashton doesn’t want Rhylee doing anything, and she says, nice team work. He tells her to take a break.

The captain puts on his tux, admiring his reflection, and saying, looking GQ. In his interview, he says, when things don’t go as planned, they have to pull out all the stops. Tonight, he’s going to dress up, and help get the guests in a good mood. A gentleman doesn’t leave home without his tux. It’s just good taste. The guests get ready for dinner. Kate says the deckhands are going to hate them, since there will be feathers everywhere. In Kate’s interview, she says she used to love theme parties, and was good at costume parties in her 20s. Darrian gets the fan going, and creates a record of us seeing an off camera crew member twice in one show. Kate says she loves him, calling him a superhero and a legend.

Captain Lee joins the guests, telling them it’s his best Titanic Halloween costume. Kevin is making steak and broccoli soup, with crème brulee for dessert. He says the guests haven’t had the best experience, so he’s knocking it out of the park. Pearson says the soup is laaaaame. Kate tells Kevin the three words she heard were delicious, wonderful, and really good, which is really four words. Ashton radios Rhylee to meet him and Tanner on the bow. He gives them lines, and asks them to practice the bowline knot. In Ashton’s interview, he says it’s a knot that’s easily loosened. Even if they only gain an extra five seconds, he knows from personal experience that five seconds can cost a lot. Ashton says Rhylee seems to have an issue, and she says it’s not something she’s used a lot. She doesn’t know what to say, Ashton says the less she says, the better. In this situation, he’s her superior. Geez. While I can understand that Rhylee should learn the way things are done on that particular boat, that was a little aggressive. In Rhylee’s interview, she says Ashton doesn’t respect her as a co-worker or a person. Ashton tells her not to come there with her attitude again. Rhylee says she’ll just keep taking his. They’re her issue now.

Kevin sings that his steak is the best steak in world. Albert thanks Captain Lee for bringing out all the water toys, and the captain asks if Pearson wore the slide out. Pearson says he did. Aston says he’s watched Tanner struggle with knots, and Rhylee needs to learn. Tanner ties one satisfactorily, and Ashton says Rhylee takes everything he asks as a personal attack. Elsewhere, Rhylee says she’ll stick to polishing. In her interview, she says, it’s not the only kind of knot. Ashton is being a classic child, and she thinks it’s BS. It’s not fair to her. She helps serve dinner. Pearson whines, and mom Torrie thinks it’s bedtime. She tells Pearson that he’s making a scene. Kate tells Kevin, Master Pearson is having a tantrum. Torrie comes into the galley, and tells them no dessert for Pearson since he’s not behaving. She tells Pearson, next time, listen to mommy, and takes him off to bed. Kevin gives Kate some crème brulee, which she appreciates. The captain tells the guests that he has to finish some work, and they thank him for joining them. Ashton tells Kate that Rhylee is up if she’s needed. Kate goes to bed, and Simone tells Courtney that Tanner keeps coming to her, saying he just wants to make sure they’re one the same page, and that it’s casual. It’s making her uncomfortable. Courtney says, it’s awkward, and Simone says she’s not acting like she’s in love. That’s not the case.

Rhylee tells Kate that she’s tired of Ashton acting like she’s not there or does poorly. Kate says, as long as things are safe. In Kate’s interview, she says she commiserates. Ashton isn’t easy to deal with, but at the same time, Rhylee has to learn to take direction. She doesn’t feel like she’s dealing with mature individuals. She tells Rhylee that Ashton is an a-hole.

Final day of charter. Tanner tells Brian about Ashton taking a power stance with Rhylee. You don’t talk to your superior that way. Brian is glad Ashton is finally standing up. It gets hectic. Tanner says, Rhylee is never wrong, and Brian says, you should just do your job. Tanner says, it’s all you can do. The guests are up, and coffee is made. Albert is surprised that Kate remembered he likes honey. Kevin asks Tanner, what’s going on? and Tanner says he was telling Simone about keeping it casual. In her interview, Kate says Tanner wants it done, but this must be his first boatmance. Boatmances don’t end. You have to ship out

Ashton tells Brian that Tanner filled him in on their conversation about Rhylee. Brian says he’s just putting it out there, but he’s in for the last two charters. In Ashton’s interview, he says he thought maybe it was just him, but if another crew member is saying the same thing, it’s probably not going to change.

Kevin makes pancakes, and tells them, rise, baby, rise. He checks out how the guests are doing, and Albert says, the experience has been great. The captain calls Kate to the wheelhouse. He explains that a tender is going to pick up the guests, since they have to take on fuel from a barge. He says he’ll knock out the tip meeting while they’re fueling, then tie up, and knock over their flip. In his interview, he says every country has different rules and regulations. Instead of going straight to the dock, they have to tie to a barge for fuel. Kate tells Albert that they’ll be departing on the tender.

Brian asks Courtney if she wants to go for a drink before the crew goes out, and she says okay. It’s time for the crew to change into their whites, and Captain Lee calls everyone to the aft deck, where there are hugs and goodbyes. Pearson says his favorite part was the slide. Albert says, it was a wonderful vacation, and Kevin knocked it out of the park. Torrie says they were great with the kids. Her only bummer was that they couldn’t go to the beach. Other than that, they had a great time, and they were happy they were able to come. She’s an idiot. Pearson wants to be a captain when he grows up.

The crew gets excited about a dog riding on the fuel barge. The captain calls the crew to the crew mess. He says he thought it went well. The interior was great, and the guests were happy, and Kevin nailed it. The tip is $16,500; $1500 and change each. In her interview, Kate says it’s not the tip she was expecting or hoping for. There were children and several itinerary requests. She admits there was a day filled with smoke, and Ashton canceled the beach party. They were probably docked a grand for that. They’re living and working together, and being stressed out for one reason; to make as much money as possible. She’s tired of doing all the work there. The captain says they’re heading to the dock, where they’re going to get as much done as they can. The boat docks.

Brian asks if Ashton minds if he leaves early to take Courtney for a drink. Courtney tells Kate that she’s grumpy because she has to leave at 5. In her interview, she says she needs at least two business days’ notice for a date, but she likes Brian, so she’ll suck it up and go. She complains that she has nothing to wear, and Kate says she’s never seen this side of Courtney. Tanner says he’s going to have a heat stroke. Tanner wants to go out, but he’s afraid if he talks to another girl, he’ll be hearing about how Simone is jealous. I’m like, wtf? She just said she wanted him to be respectful. I don’t think she was jealous at all. Ashton calls his mom, and says it’s different being in the leadership role. She’s just glad he had no accidents. In Ashton’s interview, he says he’s had issues in the past with his parents. They divorced when he was five years old, but in the last few years, they’ve become extremely close. His mom asks if the other lady is okay, and he says, Kate is Kate. You never know what you’re going to get. She tells him to laugh or make a joke. In his interview, he says it was hard to let his mom know when he went into yachting. He knew she’d be sad not to see him. It effects all of them in that way; they’re not with their families as much as they want to be.

In her interview, Courtney says she’s anxious. She hasn’t been on that many dates, and dates are weird. You want to be emotionally prepared. Emotionally prepared? What kind of dates has she been on? Tanner asks Simone if she wants to have a drink on the sundeck, and Courtney and Brian leave. At the restaurant, they sit outside, and Brian asks if Courtney wants champagne. She says she doesn’t think it exists in Thailand. She tells him that she’s super grumpy, and he says he’s trying to cheer her up. In Brian’s interview, he says, Courtney is hard to please, but hopefully, she’ll come around eventually. He wishes he had a puppy. He suggests he and Courtney have a drink, go back to the boat and relax, and have a good time tonight.

Tanner says Simone kept asking about them, and he wants to be honest. He wonders if they’re on different mindwaves, but Simone thinks they’re on the same one. He says they have two weeks left, and it would be unfair of him to lead her on. He doesn’t want to be an a-hole. She says when he said he just wanted to have fun, she knew what he was saying. He says he doesn’t want to hurt her, and she laughs. He says she’s a cool chick, and in her interview, she says, what the hell? He’s the definition of a f***boy. She’ll just smile and leave. She tells him that she appreciates it, and thinks he’s great. They’re good.

Courtney tells Brian she’s slowly getting lower in her chair. She doesn’t really want to go out tonight either. In Brian’s interview, he says, it’s disappointing. All the time and effort he put into arranging the date, and it feels like he’s taking her to the dentist. It was supposed to be fun. She should have just said she didn’t want to go. They go back to the boat, and Courtney says, tonight is going to seriously suck. I think Courtney seriously sucks. She’s acting like a brat.

The crew gets ready go out. In Simone’s interview, she says she’s not that girl who wants to make a guy upset by looking good, but she does want to try to punish Tanner a little. When she looks sufficiently hot, they leave for shore. Ashton says, Smashton is coming out, and tells Brian that Courtney is a keeper. Kate asks if Courtney is playing it aloof. Courtney says she’s not. She just doesn’t know him well. She’s never going to either, if she keeps behaving the way she is.

Bangla Road, Phuket. It’s like some kind of circus. Almost like the end of the original mini-series of The Stand when they’re in Vegas. Ashton says, this place is alive. In Kate’s interview, she says, Bangla Road is the most wild place on the planet. It’s like Vegas meets spring break. You can see a ping pong show, get a piercing, a tattoo, and an STD all at the same time. Where else is there a Starbuck’s next to a donkey show? They go to a club, where they get bottle service. No surprise, Courtney doesn’t want to be there. Ashton yells at Courtney to wake up. She tells Brian that she feels sweating and gross, but he says she looks amazing and wonderful. In Courtney’s interview, she says she wants to go, but the thought of being alone in a taxi in Thailand for an hour is unbearable. The club might be scary, but outside, it might be scarier. Brian says, Smashton is out of his cage. In Ashton’s interview, he says, it’s been a hard few days’ work, and this is the perfect playground for Smashton. He can feel Smashton wanting to come out and have fun. Kate asks Tanner about his talk with Simone, and he says, she was cool about it. Kate says, Simone is the hottest girl on the dance floor; she’s looking good. Tanner says he’s always wanted to hook up with Kate, and she says he’s twenty-five; he’s a kid. She tells him, calm down. He says, this is his song, and goes out on the dance floor. He ends up dancing, along with Smashton, on some kind of stage thing. Courtney looks sick. Kate tries get her up, but she won’t budge. Courtney and Brian leave, and Courtney gives him a kiss in the taxi. Rhylee and Simone get in with them, and the others get in another one.

Ashton kisses Kate, who wipes her mouth. In her interview, she says she hasn’t given any signs that she would want this opportunity. She doesn’t care how drunk she is – even blackout drunk – she doesn’t make out with someone accidentally twice. She moves to the back seat next to Tanner. Ashton keeps trying to reach back and touch her, and she tells him to stop. He says if she gets drunk, maybe she’ll get lucky, and she says she’s never been that drunk, and he’ll never get that lucky. In the other taxi, Brian gives Rhylee and Simone roses out of a bouquet he bought, and gives the rest to Courtney. Courtney says he’s cute.

Ashton says Tanner’s mom is cool, and Kate asks what’s going on with Ashton’s mom. For whatever drunk reason, Ashton takes offense to this, and says, that was a weak blow. She says they were just talking about Tanner’s mom, and she asked how his mom is. He asks if she thinks she’s a better person for calling his mom out, He turns around in his seat, and tells her to get TF over herself. He tells Kevin, that’s his family, and Kevin tells him, it’s all right. Kevin wisely asks the driver to pull the van over. Ashton gets stupid, and Kevin tells him, calm down. Ashton punches the car door. Seriously, wtf?

Kevin tells Ashton, calm down, bro. Ashton says she has no right to bring his family into it. What gives her the right? In her interview, Kate says, this is not okay. It’s like Ashton morphed into the Incredible Hulk, but it’s not incredible being stuck in a small space with him, and being the target of his anger. Brian kisses Courtney, and Rhylee and Simone tell each other how beautiful they are, and talk about how much fun they had dancing. Tanner tells Ashton, they’re heading back; let’s chill. It doesn’t matter. Ashton quiets down, and Tanner leans back in his seat. Kate says he did very good, and she gives him a peck. He clearly wants more, and knocks over a bunch of beer cans, saying, Jiminy Cricket.

Brian tells Courtney that she looks beautiful, and she thanks him. Tanner says he’s effed up. Kate wonders where Rhylee is. When she finds Rhylee, she says, Ashton is a psycho. He showed it. Ashton and Tanner go to the galley. They make toasties and get the galley full of smoke. Kate says smoke is the least of her concerns. She’s concerned about Ashton’s behavior. Simone asks Courtney if she wants to eavesdrop. Ashton says, it’s his crew, and he’ll manage them as he sees fit. He’ll tell her when he needs advice. She says she didn’t know making fun of Tanner’s mother was a management issue. He says she needs to be put in her place. She’s disrespected his deck crew. Kate says they were talking about Tanner’s mother, and she complimented Ashton’s mother. Ashton says Kate knows less than she thinks. She thinks she knows everything, and he’s sick of her and her attitude. She thinks she’s better than the rest of the crew. He asks Tanner what he thinks, and Tanner says Kate gets away with more than other people do. Ashton is like, ah-ha! and says Tanner is supporting his viewpoint, although not quite. Courtney tells Simone, this is going to be awkward tomorrow. Kate says they can find another chief stew. She quits.

Rhylee follows Kate to her bunk, Ashton says, Kate attacked his family, and he got emotional. Where is he even getting this? Kate says she’d like to gracefully get off the boat. Rhylee says, right now? and Kate says she can’t stay in this environment. Rhylee gets that, and Kate says, then don’t argue with her. She has enough money; she can get a hotel room and a plane ticket. She wants to gather her things, and looks for her phone and passport. She tells the cameraman to tell his friends in the control room that she’d like to go. They can figure it out. Just get her off this boat.

Next time, Rhylee asks if Kate wants to talk to Captain Lee, a producer asks where Kate is going, and Kate says don’t follow her.

📺 Project Runway will be back on January 2nd, 2020, at 9 pm, and Laverne Cox will be guest judge.. This Thursday, December 26th, Part Three of The Real Housewives of Orange County: Reunion will air at 10 pm. The Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Real Housewives of Dallas will be back on January 1st at 8 pm and 9 pm, respectively. Sure. I’ll be spending my holiday evening watching that. Like I’ll tear myself away from my personal annual Downton Abbey marathon. American Idol will premiere its new season on February 16th, at 8 PM.

🍊 A real quickie on The Real Housewives of Orange County: Reunion, Part Two. If you think about it, they should really just call it what it is, a rehash. Not much happens, except a stroll down the show’s Memory Lane with tons of clips, and the women yelling at each other over issues they’ve finally managed to forget about. So basically, same sh*t, different day. Which was exactly what we saw tonight. One of my personal highlights was finding out that Braunwyn spends $4000 to $5000 a month on groceries. She said this included, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, like it would make a huge difference at that price point. I also enjoyed the misuse of words, like when Tamra mistook free range for free reign. There was a big discussion on accountability, or as Housewives lingo would put it, owning it. Kelly and Vicki hugged it out, with Vicki saying she was over the pig thing, and Kelly sort of apologizing, but adding that she’d felt backed into a corner. We’ll see how long that lasts. The show ended with Vicki screeching at Braunwyn for her display of nakedness, yelling that they don’t do that on her show, and totally ignoring Kelly, who suggested she tell Tamra the same thing. Vicki also made sure that we again knew She. Started. The. Show. Next time, we can look forward to Vicki telling the show to eff off.

🗽 Now That She’s Free From Egg Pressure…

And she’ll never have to swing on a trapeze again either. At least not in public.

https://betches.com/why-tinsley-mortimer-has-stopped-filming-rhony/

✈ Who Could Forget…?

She cooked, she cleaned, she made it nice.

https://betches.com/ranking-the-10-most-iconic-real-housewives-trips/

🎄 Thanks For Sharing…

Cynthia proves she’s just like us.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1105161/real-housewives-cynthia-bailey-shares-her-go-to-holiday-recipe-and-traditions

🔜 Really a Whole Lot Of Nothing…

A feud possibly ends…

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/12/teresa-giudice-ends-feud-with-caroline-manzo-amid-joe-split/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

…as another possibly begins.

https://pagesix.com/2019/12/18/joe-giudice-posts-cryptic-message-after-teresa-giudice-split/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20191219&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-8472404-711673032

🔥 News You Can Use…

And I’d feel guilty if I didn’t include it.

https://www.inverse.com/article/61848-why-do-christmas-trees-burn-so-quickly?link_uid=26&utm_campaign=sunday-edition-2019-12-22&utm_medium=sunday-edition&utm_source=newsletter

DSCN7029 (3)

MerryChristmasHat (2)

🎁 Wishing You a Merry…

Hoping all your Christmas wishes and dreams come true.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec19

December 18, 2019 – Early GH For You, Kameron Comes Clean, the OC Reunites, Easter in Jersey & North Pole Catch

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

⚠ SPOILER ALERT: This show was not on today in the US, and will be shown tomorrow. So if you don’t want to know yet, skip down to all the Wives.

General Hospital

Jason tells Sonny, they got everything out, and Sonny tells him to check the routes again. He wants everything covered. Jason asks if Sonny is being pressured, but Sonny says, people get sloppy, and he just wants to double-check. One more thing. What the hell is going on with Carly?

At the hospital, Jax gives Carly a blueberry smoothie. She asks if there’s kelp in it, and he says, of course (🍷) not. She tastes it, and admits it’s pretty good. Jax says, when this is over, he has a bottle of Bordeaux with her name on it. She says she thought it was going to be over tonight.

Obrecht asks how Charlotte is, and Valentin says, warm, dry and safe. Nina says Charlotte wanted to read another chapter of Little Women, but her eyes were closed by the time they started. Obrecht tells them, hypothermia can be exhausting, but Nina says Charlotte wouldn’t be home if she had hypothermia. The doctors say she’s fine. Obrecht no thanks to that poor excuse of a mother. What was Lulu thinking, letting Charlotte fall into the harbor? Valentin says, she didn’t fall; she jumped.

Curtis meets Laura, Doc, and Lulu at Charlie’s. He asks how Lulu is holding up, and she says she’s still in shock. All of a sudden, Charlotte took a running jump off the pier. She was sure her bodyguard was going to save her. Curtis says, what about a bodyguard? Doc says, imaginary. Apparently, Charlotte was willing to risk her life to prove he was real.

Alone at the gallery, Ava pours herself a martini. She says, here’s to you, Helena Cassadine. You made one hell of an exit. What more can a gal ask? She hears footsteps behind her, and says she knew he’d show up. He’s awful predictable – she picks up her gun and turns around – for a dead man. It’s Nikolas, and she says she’d offer to fix him a martini, but her hands are full. He says she doesn’t need the gun. She says she needed the last time he broke in, when she asked him to take off his mask. He was so real, she could have touched him. So real, she could have pulled the trigger, if she hadn’t fainted dead away. Fortunately, she’s feeling much steadier tonight.

At the MetroCourt, Lucy explains to potential investor Alyssa that the relaunch of Deception is going to include spas and the whole wellness movement, but they also have a new signature line of cosmetics; strictly organic. Alyssa says let her stop Lucy there, but Lucy says at least let her show the power point presentation. Alyssa says she loved Deception in the early 90s, but can’t make a serious investment in nostalgia, unless she has… Lucy sees Sasha walk in with Michael, and says, she does. Hold that thought. She goes over to Sasha, and asks her to please go along with whatever she does. She brings Sasha to the table, and tells Alyssa that Sasha is a dear friend who is going to help make her vision happen. May she present the new face of Deception, Sasha Gilmore.

Valentin says he’s going to check on Charlotte. He wants to be there if she wakes up. Obrecht tells Nina, for such a cold-blooded manipulator, he certainly loves that child. Nina says, Obrecht is telling her Valentin is a manipulator? Obrecht says, a leopard doesn’t change its spots, and Nina says, neither does a leopardess. She knows Obrecht helped Valentin pass Sasha off as her daughter, and she’s giving Obrecht one last chance to tell her how and why.

Curtis says he’s there to help any way he can, but he’s not sure why he’s there. Laura says they may need him to dig up some dirt on Valentin. Something they could use against him in a custody battle. Curtis thought the custody was already settled, but Lulu says, not anymore. He says it’s her fault since she wasn’t watching Charlotte closely enough. Laura says, of course (🍷) she was, and Doc says, no one could doubt that. Lulu says, Valentin does. He wants to go back to family court, and amend the custody order. Laura says, he’s going to fail. She’s sure there are enough witnesses who will testify for Lulu. Curtis says he’s sure he can dig up something they can use. Curtis wants to hear more about the bodyguard, and Lulu says she thought it was part of a game. Charlotte has been talking about him non-stop. Doc thinks it’s important they figure out why Charlotte invented him in the first place.

Ava asks why Nikolas is there. He says she must know, but she says tell her anyway. He says, when the painting burned, did the codicil burn with it? She says he’ll have to do better than that, and he asks what she wants. She says, an apology to start. On second thought, anything he says would be a lie. Just like his supposed death. His second supposed death. Not the first one he staged in Port Charles; the one she witnessed in Greece. He says he almost died that day, and she says, but he didn’t. He just let her believe he did. That’s a pattern with him, isn’t it? His mother, his sister, his son. Nikolas let them all grieve for him, twice. Why should she be the exception? Because they had a few nice chats, an unexpected connection, and shared a kiss? She’d never kissed a prince. Sounds like a fairytale, but in her case, the prince turned out to be a liar and a user. Now she gets to decide how the fairytale ends.

Jax tells Carly, just as the gavel came down, the painting burst into flames. Now Helena’s portrait is just a pile of ashes. Carly says, Ava rigged the painting to burn? Jax says, Ava claimed she didn’t, and that it was either Helena or the artist, playing a practical joke from beyond the grave. Carly hopes he’s not on the hook for the money, but he says, the painting was never delivered, so the sale is null and void. That’s the good news. The bad news is, the codicil either burned with the painting, or Ava has it.

Sonny tells Jason, Carly is hiding something. Does he know what? Jason says, no, and Sonny asks if she said she was worried about anything or asked for his help. Jason says she didn’t, and Sonny says, then she’s doing this alone, which makes it worse. Jason asks when it started, and Sonny says, it was after Halloween, when Josslyn wanted to move in with Jax part time. He thought Jax would be all over that, but he turned it down. Sonny asked Carly why, and she picked a fight with him. She’s trying to distract him, and when he asks why, she picks another fight with him. He thinks Jax is into something he shouldn’t be, and Carly is protecting him.

Nikolas tells Ava, it doesn’t have to be this way, but she says, it does. Start at the beginning. Nikolas and Valentin were fighting. The gun went off… He says, Valentin shot him, and Ava says she hasn’t told anyone this, but she saw him and Valentin struggling over the gun. From Valentin’s perspective, he was acting in self-defense. He says she told Spencer that Valentin murdered him. Ava says, which clearly, he did not. He says she told Spencer that she’d help him prove it was wrongful death, and she sold out to Valentin. She says she was horribly scarred and wanted her face back. All she had to do was betray his memory, but it turns out there was nothing to betray because he’s been alive the whole time. He says she makes it sound like he was on vacation, and she says, where has he been? And what payoff justified the hell he’s put them all through?

Carly tells Jax, none of this is going to turn out the way Nikolas wants. He’s not going to reclaim the Cassadine fortune or sell Jax the shipping company. Spencer is away at boarding school, and well taken care of. On the other hand, Josslyn will be devastated if he gets deported again. Make sure that doesn’t happen. Call the cops and turn Nikolas in.

Jason asks if Sonny and Carly have been fighting about anything real, and Sonny says, his dad. Sonny still thinks there’s a way to help him, but Carly doesn’t agree. He did have a bad spell on Thanksgiving, and Griff was in town, so Sonny had him look at Mike’s chart. He said Mike’s Alzheimer’s is progressing. Jason says he’s sorry, but Sonny says, it’s not over. Griff is checking into something in Sweden and maybe even the US. He asks what Jason thinks, but Jason says it’s not his call. Sonny wants to know anyway, and Jason tells him to put himself in Mike’s place. If it was Sonny’s kids making the decisions, what would he want? Sonny says he’d want them to make a choice they can live with. He’s already lived his life. He’d want them to be at peace. Jason thinks Mike would want that for him.

Doc says, recently, Charlotte’s life has been filled with uncertainty. Dante’s absence, his brief tumultuous return, Nina and Valentin’s aborted wedding. She’s a little girl, whose world has been in constant upheaval. Laura says, and that was before she was kidnapped by Cassandra. Lulu says, Charlotte knows Cassandra has a grudge against her father. Some part of her must know it’s Valentin’s fault, and she doesn’t want to blame him. Doc says, the bodyguard is a manifestation of Charlotte’s need to feel secure and safe. Laura says, and jumping into the harbor when she knows he’s not real? and Doc says, a cry for help. Lulu says she has to speak with Valentin now; tonight. She gets up, and Laura says, Valentin might not be receptive right now, but Lulu doesn’t care. Right now, Charlotte needs stability, not another tug-of-war custody battle. Curtis says he’s going with her, for moral support and back-up. Laura thinks it’s a good idea, and Lulu says she appreciates the offer, but Charlotte is her daughter. It’s on her to settle this.

Nina tells Obrecht that she’s lost so many people she loves; she can’t lose Obrecht too. Tell her the truth. Obrecht asks if she’s sure she wants to know. Ignorance really can be bliss. She has a man who loves her, and a stepdaughter who adores her. Is the truth really more important than the family she’s always wanted? Nina says she wants the truth, and then she’ll decide for herself. Did Obrecht help Valentin fake the original DNA test? Obrecht says, no, but she knows how he did it.

Lucy says it’s lovely for Michael to join them, and asks if Alyssa has met him. Alyssa says, not personally, but Chad Bailey speaks highly of him. Michael says Chad swears Alyssa has the uncanny ability to spot the next big thing. Alyssa doesn’t know if she’d go that far, but she’s curious as to why he’s there. Is ELQ in the beauty market? and he says they’re in a lot of markets. He sees Sonny come in, and excuses himself, saying his father doesn’t like to be kept waiting. When he’s gone, Alyssa asks if that’s the Sonny Corinthos, the… and Sasha says, coffee importer and noted philanthropist; that’s him.

At the bar, Michael asks if Sonny was looking for him. Sonny says if Michael was in his place, and he had Alzheimer’s that had progressed to the point where he didn’t recognize Michael, would he still look for a cure, even if it was a long shot? Or would he just let Sonny go?

Obrecht says she attended Nina’s mother’s funeral. She was a fugitive at the time, but disguised herself as a homeless woman, and kept to the back of the church. When the service was over, and everyone was gone, Valentin returned with a DNA kit. She watched him take a swab from her mother’s body. Nina says, so from the moment she found Sasha, Obrecht knew she was fake. Obrecht says, she was reasonably certain Sasha was working for Valentin. Nina says she thought Obrecht loved her. Why wouldn’t she say something?

Lulu goes to Windymere, and Valentin asks what she’s doing there. She says she’s there to see him. Charlotte almost drowned tonight, and they have to do better for her.

Curtis says, if Valentin is going to compromise, it would definitely be for Charlotte’s sake, but if he opts for a custody fight, Curtis promises to bring them all the dirt he can find. Laura says they’re lucky to have him on their side. Curtis heads to the bar for a real drink. Laura tells Doc, there’s something else she didn’t want Lulu to know right away, but it might mean something. He says, lucky for her, she’s married to a highly-skilled psychiatrist who knows how to keep a secret. She says, Charlotte showed her a picture of her secret bodyguard. It was picture of Nikolas.

Nikolas tells Ava, he was in shock and bleeding. It was a miracle someone found him and pulled him out. It was a yacht crew who’d just dropped off their owner, and were en route home to Athens. He was able to get medical attention. She says, so while they were there grieving his watery death, he was warm and dry and recuperating in Athens. He says he was still considered a fugitive, and she says, criminal charges from faking his death the first time. The story isn’t doing him any favors. He says he was waiting for Valentin to stake his claim, using the papers he forced Nikolas to sign, while she was being held at gunpoint. He guesses they’ve come full circle, and she says, yes. He was very chivalrous – then. Not so much when he was telling her Kiki was damned. He says he’s not proud of that, and she says either he’s truly ashamed or good at faking it. Either way, it’s of no consequence. So he was waiting for Valentin to use the papers… Nikolas says, he never did. He didn’t need to. Mikkos left him everything. But Mikkos had one last surprise; a codicil disinheriting Valentin and returning everything to him, and it was hidden in Helena’s portrait. The one she destroyed.

Jax tells Carly, they have to let this play out until New Year’s. He has reason to believe Valentin is going to be suffering a reversal of fortune very soon, and it will give Nikolas an opening. She asks, what kind of opening? And what’s going on with Valentin? He says, sorry, but she doesn’t want him sorry. She wants him to answer her questions. Jason shows up, and asks if everything is okay.

Ava tells Nikolas, if he didn’t want the painting destroyed, he should have told her it was important instead of gaslighting her. How long was he having her watched? He says, less than a month, and it was his mother who he was having watched. She says, so he never thought about her at all, but he says he did. He thought of everything there. The wife he missed, the people he loved; he thought about coming forward, but knew if he did, he’d be handing everything to Valentin. She asks if the codicil was supposed to fix all that, and he says, it would have fixed everything. It would have given back everything that was rightfully his. She says, too bad it’s nothing but ashes, and he says, is it? which is exactly what I’ve been thinking.

Laura tells Doc, Charlotte was disappointed that her bodyguard didn’t rescue her. He says, in her mind, her bodyguard is real, and Laura says, absolutely. She offered to show Laura a picture of him, then showed her the picture of Nikolas on Lulu’s phone. Doc asks how much Charlotte knows about Nikolas, and Laura says, she doesn’t know. She’s sure Charlotte has heard her and Lulu talking about him, but could that be enough for her to make him her secret bodyguard? Doc says, it’s possible. He thinks it’s more likely she recognized Nikolas, and chose him for a reason.

Lulu tells Valentin that Doc said Charlotte jumping in the harbor was a cry for help. She’s had so much turmoil. She must have made up the bodyguard because she doesn’t trust them to make her world safe. He says it sounds like she’s admitting she’s part of the problem.

Obrecht tells Nina, she needed leverage over Valentin. She told him what she’d witnessed, and blackmailed him. Nina asks if Obrecht didn’t care that she was falling in love with her daughter, and Obrecht says, it was already too late. Nina was already in love with her daughter, and to Valentin’s credit, the more time she spent with Sasha, the more she was convinced that Sasha was a good daughter to her. Sasha wasn’t trying to take advantage, and Nina was happy. If that little snoop Lulu hadn’t eavesdropped, and made it her business to interrupt the wedding, Nina could still be happy. Nina asks if Obrecht isn’t the least bit sorry, and Obrecht says, sorrier than she can say, but she might have a way to make amends.

Sasha tells Alyssa, classic isn’t the same as old. They’re going to use the history of Deception’s glamour and style to target the current generation. Alyssa says, tell her more.

Michael tells Sonny that he’d have to weigh his need to keep Sonny against his quality of life. Would it be worth putting him through treatment that might cause him to suffer or get worse, or refuse the treatment, and later find out it could have saved him? Sonny says he asked himself that, but he’s not getting an answer. Michael asks what Carly thinks, and Sonny says, they’re having problems right now. She probably thinks part of it is his dad; part of it is, they just don’t agree. Michael says, talk to her anyway. Even if she thinks he’s dead wrong, she’ll always have his back.

Jax tells Jason that he was just trying to convince Carly to drink her smoothie. Carly says, he swears there’s no kelp in it. She’s choosing to trust him. Jax says she won’t be disappointed, and leaves. Jason says, what happened? and Carly says, Jax is in trouble.

Ava laughs, saying Nikolas went through all that trouble, breaking and entering, only to find out Valentin beat him to it, but neither of them found the painting. He asks where it was, and she says, hiding in plain sight. She left it in the original frame, and covered it with a rather pedestrian abstract. He asks if she found the codicil, and she says she has to thank him. For a while, she was concerned that Valentin would find the portrait, but then he showed up, and created the perfect diversion. From then on, all she had to worry about was checking herself out of a mental hospital, and searching the painting. Once she knew what she was looking for, it wasn’t difficult to find. He says she has the codicil, and she says, of course (🍷) she does.

Obrecht gives Nina an envelope, and tells her to see for herself. After Valentin left the church, she took a few strands of her sister’s hair. Nina can run her own test. It should yield the same results as the one Valentin ran; mother and daughter.

Lulu tells Valentin, she’s not the one who got Charlotte kidnapped. Cassandra went after Charlotte because of him. He says Charlotte was with Lulu when Cassandra took her, and was with Lulu when she jumped into the harbor. It sounds like Lulu is the one not keeping their daughter safe. She asks him to please not drag their daughter into a custody fight, and he says he was just hoping she’d be a good mother. She says she loves Charlotte. He’s the one who’s selfish. He spoils Charlotte, and indulges her worst impulses. He says he treats Charlotte like she’s Charlotte. Lulu treats Charlotte like she’s an extension of herself, proving she’s perfect. She calls him a bastard, and he says she despises him and he despises her back. Why don’t they let the family court decide? She says, let’s do that, and she’s going to prove he’s unfit to be anywhere near Charlotte. She walks out, and Valentin joins Nina and Obrecht. Nina says, Lulu sounded upset, and he says, it’s been an upsetting evening. Obrecht says, it’s been quite stressful, and excuses herself to go to bed. Valentin asks if Nina is all right. She says, no, and he says, him neither, and they hug.

Alyssa says her COO will contact Lucy directly about financial arrangements. Lucy says they’ll talk soon. Ta! Alyssa goes down in the elevator, and Lucy squeals, saying, Deception is back, baby!

Jax sees Curtis at Charlie’s, and Curtis asks if there’s a next step in Jax’s plan against Valentin. Or is he cutting his losses now that the painting has been destroyed? Jax says, the plan is still in place, but he thinks it’s time for a change in tactics.

Jason tells Carly, the getaway van was a rental, and it was charged to Jax’s credit card. The same night, he went to question Jax, and it was obvious he was covering something up. He’ll tell her what he told Jax. He’ll do anything for her and Josslyn, even if it means helping Jax, but she has to tell him what’s gong on. Carly says, Jax is into something illegal, and if Sonny finds out, he’ll have Jax deported. So Sonny can’t find out. Her family could be ripped apart before Donna is six months old. She won’t do that to her kids or Sonny. He’s grieving over Mike, and he’ll lash out in anger. Before he realizes what he’s done, it will be too late. Jason says, let him fix it. Sonny comes out of the elevator, sees them talking, and walks the other way. Carly says she can’t ask Jason to get involved, but he says he’s offering. She says she loves him for it, but Jax said he’d have everything handled by New Year’s Eve. If he doesn’t, she’ll tell Jason everything. She promises.

On the phone, Sonny says he needs help. Carly’s in trouble.

Lucy says they did it. They locked down Alyssa, and it’s all due to Sasha. Sasha says Lucy wants her to be the face of Deception, but it doesn’t appeal to her unless she has a stake in the company; an equity partnership. Lucy says, no, but Sasha says it’s going to be her face out there. She wants a say in the product. Lucy says she has a point, so she’ll generously give Sasha point five percent. Sasha asks Michael to be her agent, and he says, fifty percent. Lucy laughs, and says, no, no, no, no, no. Two. Michael says she clearly doesn’t want Sasha as much as she claims. Lucy says she does. Can they just make it a realistic, reasonable number? Michael says, thirty percent; take it or leave it. Lucy says, that’s grand larceny, and Michael says she started the day with a business plan, and thanks to Sasha, she has an investor and a face of the brand. She deserves her fair share. Lucy says, it’s not fair. It’s highway robbery. Michael says Lucy will still be the controlling partner, and Sasha will be very motivated to see that Deception succeeds. Lucy says, fine. Thirty percent. Michael says he’ll have his attorney draw up the papers, and Lucy says he’s nothing but a baby-faced shark. He says Lucy is the owner of a viable company, and Lucy tells Sasha, welcome to Deception. They shake hands, and Sasha says they’re going to do great things together.

Doc tells Laura, Charlotte could think of Nikolas as some kind of hero; a flawed prince. Who better to imagine as her rescuer? If Nikolas were still alive, the source of tension between Lulu and Valentin would be gone. It’s possible Charlotte just wants her parents to stop hating each other. Who better to conjure up than the person Charlotte believes could make that happen?

Curtis tells Jax, there’s a custody battle brewing between Valentin and Lulu. If the change in tactics digs up dirt they can use, he’d like to tell Laura. Jax is fine with that. The more trouble for Valentin, the better. Curtis asks what he’s got, and Jax says, at this point, just a name. Charlotte was carried by a surrogate, Claudette Beaulieu. He gives Curtis a picture of Claudette, and says he wants Curtis to find her.

Ava says she doesn’t really need the gun. She knows he’s not going to hurt her. Not as long as she knows where the codicil is. He asks what she wants, and she says he can start by thanking her for not burning the codicil along with the portrait, or handing it over to Valentin. She says, Valentin is a bit of a bastard, but then, so is Nikolas. Spencer is a different story. Since he has a right to the Cassadine fortune, she’d like him to get it. Nikolas asks if the codicil is there, and can she give it to him now? She asks if he really thinks she’s going to make it that easy.

Valentin tells Nina there’s one thing he’s not getting. Charlotte insists this bodyguard is real. He doesn’t know why. All he knows is that Charlotte needs Nina now more than ever, just as he does. Nina suggests he check on Charlotte, to make sure she didn’t overhear anything. He asks her to come with him, and she says she has a phone call to make, and she’ll be right up. He kisses her and goes upstairs.

Nina takes out the plastic bag with Madeline’s hair in it, and scrunches it a little.

ℹ This is where the video ended abruptly, but I think it was the actual end. If there’s anything extra, like if she tosses it in the fire, I’ll let you know tomorrow. There were no previews, so you’ll get those tomorrow too. Unless there’s some other earth shattering news.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

Sadly, we’re back in Dallas, where nobody gets a baby elephant.

LeeAnne visits Stephanie, and asks how Viet Nam was. Stephanie says they got massages every day, since they were so reasonable. She tells LeeAnne that Travis’s dad is weak, but he’s been that way for a while. In her interview, she says they got him into the hospital where he got his medicine. Then Travis’s sister took him back to the US. She asks how LeeAnne is; she seems sad. LeeAnne says she doesn’t want to be the person who’s targeted all the time. It’s not fair or fun. She had an incident with Kameron in private, and now everyone is in on it. Stephanie says LeeAnne has every reason to feel how she does, but she has to watch how she reacts after she’s hurt. In her interview, Stephanie says LeeAnne can be mad without making insensitive comments. She doesn’t want LeeAnne to get into trouble when she has reason to feel the way she does.

Kameron and Kary go out to eat. Kary tells Kameron that they were all upset when Kameron kind of defended LeeAnne at the table. We flash back to that, and Kameron says everyone was destroying LeeAnne. She can’t let LeeAnne get attacked like that. Kary says she was mad that LeeAnne made Kameron cry.

Leeanne tells Stephanie that Kameron was upset when she realized how bad the district was; not about her yelling. Stephanie says D’Andra expressed to her that Kameron was hurt and upset about LeeAnne screaming and manipulating her. LeeAnne says D’Andra wasn’t there, and Stephanie says if LeeAnne hadn’t felt so protective of Kameron, it wouldn’t have been as heated.

Kameron tells Kary that she thinks LeeAnne had had so much anxiety because she was losing control, since Kameron has been hanging out with Kary. Kary thinks LeeAnne is trying to make Kameron feel guilty, and Kameron agrees 100%. She feels horrible about it. Kary wants to move forward in their friendship and doesn’t want LeeAnne in Kameron’s ear. In Kameron’s interview, she says she wants to tell Kary what LeeAnne said, but part of her is holding back. Kary says Kameron loves her, and she’s Kary’s friend, but she also loves LeeAnne, and Kary wants to respect that.

LeeAnne tells Stephanie, has she been wrong about people? Look at her and D’Andra.

Brandi asks if Brooklyn is nervous about tryouts. Brooklyn says, no, and Brandi thinks she’s more nervous than Brooklyn. In Brandi’s interview, she says each girl makes a team, but there are different teams for different skill sets. The team Brooklyn is looking at were national champion for several years. The tryouts are important, and Brooklyn has been working her little bootie off. Brandi has been slipping over the furniture, and it’s exhausting. She’s also been kicked a few times. Brandi watches as the coaches put Brooklyn through all the moves. In her interview, Brandi says they’re having struggles with Brooklyn going into her preteen years, and it’s hard. Cheerleading is an opportunity for them to pull together. One of the coaches films Brooklyn, and Brooklyn messes up a back flip. In Brandi’s interview, she says she’s not a perfect parent, but her children are loved beyond words. She chooses her battles, and she still has two more to go.

While out for dinner, Kary shows Eduardo her website. He likes it, and she says it’s important to her to have her own independence. In her interview, she says Eduardo can’t appreciate her situation because he’s never had to be vulnerable, and always been in control of the money situation. He’s not an empathetic person, and it makes her feel frustrated. They speak in Spanish about speaking Spanish at home, so the kids will learn. Kary wants Eduardo to hear her out. She’s frustrated, and wants financial independence and security. He gets her concern, and says he’s supportive, asks if she’s doing it because she wants independence, or to be fulfilled. She thinks it’s a combination. She doesn’t want to feel so vulnerable; it’s a bad place to be when you don’t have security. He says it bothers him because he thinks he’s been generous. When they got married, he went from zero to four kids in one year. Kary says he’s great with the kids, but when there are issues, he makes it clear that it’s his house and his money. How would he feel if she had it all, and they had a fight, and divorced? He wouldn’t want to be in that position either. They want to move, and she asks if he’d consider putting the house in both their names for her peace of mind. He says it’s in the trust, so he can’t. In Kary’s interview, she says he always says it’s in the trust, and claims it’s out of his hands, but she thinks that’s BS. He suggests getting a different investment property. He’d wants to feel like they’re working together, not against each other. Kary agrees, and they kiss. In her interview, the producer asks Kary if she believes she and Eduardo will spend the rest of their lives together. She hopes so, but has no idea. If he doesn’t give her some security, she’ll have to move on. Eduardo asks if she wants to pick up the check.

D’Andra meets Mama Dee for lunch. Dee asks if Thailand was good, and D’Andra says she had fun, but she and LeeAnne didn’t end on a good note. Dee doesn’t think they’re going to rekindle their relationship. It’s like a bad marriage. In D’Andra’s interview, she doesn’t think any apology or action will help. Like her father would say, it’s time to fish or cut bait. She tells Dee that she showed Travis the new website. We see clip of that, and she shows it to Dee. Dee says, it’s much more updated. In her interview, D’Andra says Travis is a great mentor. As much as she could, she took his advice to heart, and made changes. The improvements have been because she took his advice. Dee thinks the company is moving in the right direction, and D’Andra says it will probably take a turn for the better, but she’s not there yet. She says she was angry, and it was hard to get over. She was hurt, wondering why her mother set her up to fail. Dee says D’Andra knows how she feels, and why she won’t give her a loan from the trust. We flash back to that conversation, and Dee saying D’Andra spends whatever she makes. Dee tells D’Andra that she’s almost 79, and might need care eventually. It’s expensive, especially care at home. D’Andra says there’s plenty of money for Dee’s care and a loan. In D’Andra’s interview, she wonders what Dee is talking about. She pivots, and there’s a new excuse, but she really just doesn’t want to give D’Andra the money. D’Andra says she wants Dee to be proud, and not come back saying I told you so. Dee swears she would never do that, and I choke on my coffee. She says they’ve been through a lot, and she’s proud of D’Andra. She’s gone above and beyond what Dee expected. She wouldn’t change anything about her. Well, maybe not eating so many doughnuts. In her interview, D’Andra says her mother doesn’t want to say made a mistake or she’s sorry. What’s important is salvaging their mother/daughter relationship. She hasn’t gotten where she wants to yet, but when she’s a self-made millionaire, and Dee comes to her for a loan, enjoy social security, bitch. Dee says she wants to travel; she has the assets to do it. D’Andra says, then she has the assets to give her daughter a loan. Maybe she’d better reconsider the travel. She might need the assets for future care.

Court asks if Kameron is excited about tonight, but she says she’s nervous. They haven’t been together since Thailand. She thinks LeeAnne got anxious about not having control, and it got the best of her. That’s why she ended up freaking out. Court asks where LeeAnne’s anxiety is coming from, and Kameron thinks LeeAnne is afraid she’ll lose Kameron as a friend. She’s never liked Kary and when LeeAnne comments on Kary, she pretends not to hear. LeeAnne called Kary the c-word once, and when she got worked up, she called Kary a chirpy Mexican. It borders on racism. Kameron doesn’t want to blurt something out without thinking. In Kameron’s interview, she says she wants to tell Kary, but she’ll be hurt. At same time, if she doesn’t tell Kary, she’ll be the worst friend on the planet. She tells Court that she has years of history with LeeAnne, but she loves Kary. Court says she needs to be honest. If she thinks a wrong has been done, she needs to come clean.

Brandi gets ready for Bruin’s party. The venue is a beautiful rooftop, and all of the decorations are blue. Bryan says he hadn’t realized they were supposed to wear blue, and Brandi says she sent him an invitation and it was on there. In Brandi’s interview, she says she thinks it’s important to celebrate Bruin’s adoption day, since they’re his forever family. Whether he likes it or not, he’s stuck with them. She tears up, and says it makes her sad that she wasn’t there for his actual birthday, but she can be there for this day. Bringing in Bruin’s sibling would be double the trouble, but also double the love. The guests start to arrive. LeeAnne, Stephanie, and Brandi toast to one year. There’s a band, and an excellent family-style spread. At the bar, Jeremy asks if Brooklyn is getting vodka, and D’Andra tells him, don’t encourage bad things.

Kameron and Court pick Kary and Eduardo up in a limo. Kary asks how Kameron is, and Kameron says she’s good, but she has something hanging over her head. She hasn’t been completely honest, and needs to be. When Kary asked if LeeAnne had talked bad about her, she didn’t want Kary to get hurt, but LeeAnne called her the c-word. Kameron isn’t okay with that word, and didn’t want to repeat it. She’s turning herself in because they’re good friends, and she owes it to Kary. Kary thanks her, but Court butts in where it’s none of his business, and says, that’s not the whole story. Kameron says LeeAnne did say something else; she called Kary a chirpy Mexican. She also did an impression of Kary, saying she was a big powerful Mexican. In Kary’s interview, she says she doesn’t like or connect with LeeAnne, but that’s being racist. If LeeAnne had a big heart, she wouldn’t be prejudiced. Eduardo says he has one comment – remember the Alamo. Kameron asks, what’s the Alamo? and Kary says when you mess with one Mexican, you mess with them all. Court says Kameron can’t be a pushover, and Kameron says she doesn’t know what’s gotten into LeeAnne, but it’s out of control.

The bandleader asks everyone to gather around the stage. Brandi has a few words to say. She thanks everyone for coming, and says it’s been an incredible journey. They’re blessed to have Bruin, and family and friends who support and love them. They went through a year of tears and laughter, and having Bruin is really a miracle. In her interview, she says Bruin is one of the biggest blessings in the family. He’s brought love and joy, and was a piece of the family they never knew was missing until he became a part of it. We flash back to when Brandi first held Bruin. She wants tonight to be special, and tells everyone to party. In Brandi’s interview, she says, you never know what’s out there in life until you open yourself up to it. It’s the biggest blessing that Bruin has given them. LeeAnne looks for Kameron, and suggests they sit and talk.

Kary tells Stephanie and Brandi about what LeeAnne said. She says LeeAnne is showing her true colors. She clearly feels strongly about Kary being Mexican. Stephanie says LeeAnne also said something to her about Kary being Mexican, but she thought it was in the heat of the moment.

Kameron tells LeeAnne that sometimes she doesn’t always talk about Kary in a positive way. She asks LeeAnne to explain why she said Kary was a chirpy Mexican. LeeAnne says she doesn’t remember calling her chirpy, but Kary does talk a lot. Kameron says she also referred to Kary as a big powerful Mexican, but LeeAnne says she doesn’t remember that either. If she used the word Mexican, she didn’t mean it to be offensive. LeeAnne asks Kameron what Kary has said about her, and Kameron tells her, Kary said she’s controlling and manipulating. Kameron thinks LeeAnne is uneasy, knowing she’s close with Kary, but LeeAnne says it genuinely doesn’t bother her, which I find doubtful. We flash back to LeeAnne saying that Kary has muted Kameron’s empathy button toward her, and it’s a lonely place to be.

D’Andra asks Stephanie and Kary if Kameron had LeeAnne’s back, but they say she didn’t. Stephanie says, they’re talking right now. LeeAnne asks if Kameron thinks she manipulates her, but Kameron doesn’t think so. She’s not afraid of LeeAnne. If anything, LeeAnne should be afraid of her. LeeAnne wonders what’s happening to Kameron. In her interview, LeeAnne says she doesn’t know who this Kameron is. Does someone have their hand up her ass moving her mouth? She doesn’t sound like herself. Kameron tells LeeAnne that she felt horrible keeping it to herself, and had to get it off her chest. She didn’t want to be fake. She wanted to be a good friend, like she’s being to LeeAnne.

Kary joins them, and says she thinks she’s heard enough tonight. LeeAnne says she heard Kary said she was controlling, and Kary says she’s said that to LeeAnne’s face. LeeAnne didn’t call her the c-word or call her Mexican to her face. LeeAnne says she grew up with a Mexican family, and Kary says LeeAnne is again making it about herself. In LeeAnne’s interview, she says she doesn’t care if someone is Mexican. She’s slept with plenty of Mexicans. It’s not a negative. She’s been there. She sat in Julio Iglesias’s lap. Alrighty then. By now, the others have sidled over, and Kary says LeeAnne isn’t owning it. LeeAnne says, she just did. Kary says she said it to Stephanie too. D’Andra says LeeAnne always preaches equal rights, and LeeAnne tells her, Kary said she has super powers because she’s Mexican. Kary says there’s always a reason or excuse for everything. Brandi asks if anyone wants a shot. Kameron says Kary can say it, but LeeAnne can’t. D’Andra tells LeeAnne, in today’s climate, you can’t say stuff like that. LeeAnne says, in today’s climate, you shouldn’t say a husband is cheating without evidence. Kary says she’s going to get a drink. It’s not worth it.

Brandi asks if Kary is okay, and Kary says she is. D’Andra tells LeeAnne that she thought it was derogatory, but LeeAnne insists it wasn’t. It’s not bad; that’s D’Andra’s opinion. D’Andra says, it’s everyone in the country’s opinion. Kary says LeeAnne didn’t even apologize. D’Andra joins the others, saying she got sucked in the rabbit hole again. LeeAnne Tells Kameron that she didn’t mean it in a derogatory way. In Brandi’s interview, the producer asks if Brandi thinks LeeAnne is racist. Brandi is like, hmm… In their interviews, Stephanie says, no. She thinks LeeAnne just does really dumb sh*t. Brandi doesn’t know if she wants to answer that question. Kary says, LeeAnne isn’t that ignorant. She has to be racist. D’Andra says, what we say is who we are. Kameron says, no. LeeAnne isn’t racist, but she didn’t use her words properly, and she has to fix that. LeeAnne says it’s ridiculous to say she’s racist. Court comes over to Kameron, and says Rachel wants to talk to her about something. LeeAnne says she’s going to apologize to Kary. Court tells Kameron to stay away from LeeAnne because of the racist sh*t she said. Kameron asks where Rachel is, and Court says he was just trying to get Kameron away. In Kameron’s interview, she says instead of being concerned about her reputation, LeeAnne should be concerned about her own.

LeeAnne tells Kary, if that word offends her, she won’t use it again. She didn’t mean it in a derogatory way, and apologizes if she hurt Kary. Kary thanks her for the apology, but says it feels forced. LeeAnne tells her, she wouldn’t have said it if she didn’t mean it. She didn’t think it was offensive. Kary says she’s not going in circles about this with LeeAnne. LeeAnne says she and Kary aren’t close, and she’s good with that, but she’s saying she’s sorry. It’s Kary’s choice to accept it or not. In her interview, Kary doesn’t see how she can get over LeeAnne being racist. Kameron says she’s not afraid of LeeAnne, and if she hears anyone says that, she’ll call them out. LeeAnne says she wants to be clear that she apologized, and Kary says, actions speak louder. LeeAnne says, actions can’t happen tonight. She’s going to go home. Kary says, an apology doesn’t cure everything.

In LeeAnne’s interview, she says she’s not racist. She never has been. She does bad things, but she’s not a bad person. There is a difference. The finale text says, LeeAnne hasn’t seen her mother since the wedding. She and Rich finally went on a honeymoon, but it wasn’t in Mexico.

D’Andra tells the others, her friendship with LeeAnne has been very one-sided. We read that she’s signed a contract with HSN, and paid the remainder of her office lease. God spoke to Mama Dee, and told her to give D’Andra the money.

In her interview, Kameron says people assume she’s a Highland Park blonde who married for money, but when they actually get to know her, they realize she’s more than that. I, for one, never thought Kameron was stupid, and I think Sparkle Dog Food was a stroke of genius. Her postscript says Kameron is struggling to maintain with her friendship with LeeAnne, but her friendship with Kary is going strong. They’re more than surface friends.

D’Andra says Kary is her favorite Mexican, and Kary says she’s excited to share more memories with the women. In parting, it says that Kary is still waiting for a house with both her and Eduardo’s name on it. She’s been selling her jewelry at trunk shows, and has yet to get LeeAnne a wedding gift. Hmm… I wonder what Kameron would say about that.

Brandi’s goodbye words say that she and Bryan still haven’t made a decision about adopting Bruin’s sibling, Brooklyn made the cheer team (which one, it doesn’t say), and Brandi is missing her glory days. She’s considering joining an adult cheer squad.

In Stephanie’s interview, she says, it’s been a hard year emotionally, but she’s stronger, and she knows who she is. For the first time, she’s okay with who she sees in the mirror. Her season ending says she’s continuing therapy, and still taking medication for her depression. There’s also been a new addition to the family – a dog named Teddy.

Court takes a group photo, minus LeeAnne. Is that prophetic?

She might be a lot of things, but I don’t think LeeAnne is racist. I think she latched on the Mexican adjective because Kary keeps harping on Mexico this and Mexican that, and how it applies in whatever situation she’s in, as though being Mexican makes her smarter, better, faster, whatever. It’s actually kind of annoying, and I think that’s why LeeAnne started focusing on it. Just my two cents.

Next time – The Reunion: Part One.

The Real Housewives of Orange County – The Reunion: Part One

This wasn’t the world’s most interesting reunion, but they’re just warming up. There was still enough screeching to last a lifetime. Andy said the OC Wives were still bringing the drama freshly squeezed, but I don’t know how fresh it is at this point.

Shannon started off well, with forgetting her Spanx, and having to go back home to get them.

It was established, now that the divorce has been finalized, Shannon is fun, single, and free, and Fun Shannon was discussed. Andy asked if it was true Shannon got $1.4 million in the settlement, as well as $10K a month. Shannon feigned ignorance about the final figure, only saying that seemed to high, but she did admit she was getting $10K a month. However, she’d expected more based on the lifestyle they’d had. They moved on to Shannon’s new boyfriend, and she said she met someone when she wasn’t looking, and he’s everything she’s looking for. They haven’t talked about the marriage question, but they have talked about the future.

In the dressing room, Vicki was annoyed that she’d been kept waiting. Drama queen told the producer, if they didn’t want her, just let her go.

Gina got stupid with Emily, saying she needed to be selfish this year, and needed Emily to be there for her. Emily said she could say the same thing. Gina wasn’t there for her, and was judgmental behind her back. When Gina came to talk to Emily about her DUI, her judgement level was zero. Gina says she thought Emily was disappointed, and had asked if Gina was drinking more than usual. Emily asked if she should have said, great job, or good for you? What was really annoying was Tamra and Kelly sniping at each other throughout the whole thing, so no one could be clearly understood.

Still not on stage yet, Vicki whined that the show had gone down since she’s not the leader anymore. She felt like a bottom feeder. She finally shut up when Steve suggested they go home. Vicki did look the best I’ve ever seen her, in a mustard-colored gown with sparkly trim. Andy asked Emily if there had been a change in Gina since hanging out with the tres amigas, and Emily said she felt a distance between them. Gina didn’t want to talk as much, although they did lots of talking among themselves. Andy says Tamra insisted Emily knew that Shane’s cousin had a girlfriend, when Emily swore she didn’t. Tamra said someone told her. Emily said she told Tamra different, and Tamra said maybe she didn’t believe Emily. Gina and Emily eventually declared themselves like sisters, and hugged it out. Gina being the one to get up, since Emily is still recovering from hip surgery.

At last, Vicki was brought out, Andy introducing her as Jane Row, before her actual name. She immediately started bitching about him making her wait, and he explained that the OG of the OC is also Jane Row, using the name in a lawsuit against Bravo, and the producers of a show called Evolution, the crux of which is the lawsuit Kelly brought up. Vicki said she’s had her own business for 31 years, and anyone who insinuates she’s a con-woman is getting sued. Apparently she had also filed for a restraining order against Kelly, but it was denied.

This led to the next screaming match, between Vicki and Kelly, about who is a real businesswoman. Vicki ended up shrieking, get off my show! and when Braunwyn pointed out it’s not her show, Vicki said none of them would be there if it hadn’t been for her starting it all years ago.

If she says so, but I had no idea it had started as a one-woman show. 😕 Next time – The Reunion: Part Two.

🍝 On The Real Housewives of New Jersey, it was Easter, so there was a lot of family stuff. Jennifer had her gay brother over for a visit, and explained that she was raised in a family that didn’t talk about things, but doesn’t want the same for her kids. While watching this show, I almost liked Jennifer, but I’m sure she’ll change my opinion back in no time.

Danielle met with Teresa, who said she’d had too much cabernet. When Danielle asked about Jailbird Joe, Teresa gave us the quote of the night: Do you think I don’t feel like drinking a bottle of tequila every night? That pretty much said it all. For us too.

At Easter dinner, David was bugged by Dolores’s entire family about making a commitment to Dolores, embarrassing them both. It was bittersweet at Teresa’s house. While the family was all together, the girls were missing Joe #1, and there was some concern over Papa Gorga’s health. He wasn’t looking too good. Joe #1 called, and everyone ended up crying. At the end, Joe #2 told everyone they had to eat the sprinkle cookies, because they were symbolic of never letting the little things affect them again.

🎅 I’m Wived Out…

But Santa is on his way soon, so it’s all good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec18

December 17, 2019 – Franco Wakes Up, Vicki’s Formal Western Farmhouse Chic Engagement, OC Reunion, Matt’s Arrest, Justification & Plastic Jingle

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

So sorry. I missed the beginning. I don’t know why I think I’ll have time later to watch and fill it in, since that almost never happens. I’m still not done Christmas shopping, so every spare moment is going toward that at the moment. And when that’s done, decorations. Then cards. But I digress. I had the usual small dog distraction. You’ll figure it out, as I did. Shh… Franco is waking up…

Finn says he thinks Peter’s mother is proud of him. He went toward the danger, and because of that, Franco is going to return to his family. Peter tells him, please stop.

Elizabeth asks Franco to say something. Does he remember her? He says, Elizabeth.

Lulu calls 911, and says her ten-year-old jumped in the water. Her friend jumped in after her, but they need to send paramedics, and possibly rescue divers. Dustin says he’s got Charlotte, and pulls her out onto the pier. Lulu tells the dispatcher, they’re out of the water, but they still need paramedics. Dustin says Charlotte is conscious and breathing, but has possible shock and hypothermia. Lulu repeats what he said to the dispatcher.

Ava says, that concludes the auction, and thanks everyone for coming to the gallery. The gallery will contact the winners, and insure secure transport of their item. She tells Mr. Keys that he’s always professional, and went above and beyond. He says, it’s one for the record books. Laura asks if Ava knew the painting was rigged to self-destruct, and Ava says, of course (🍷) not. Would she hold an auction, and have Laura and Valentin outbid each other if she knew? Laura says, absolutely yes. Jax says, maybe she didn’t. Ava thanks him, and he adds, do it on her own. Maybe she had help. Curtis says they can rule out the artist; he’s been dead for years. Ava says she had to notify the estate about selling the painting. Maybe they sent an emissary at his request. Jax says, since the gallery failed to deliver, the bid is null and void. Ava agrees, and says she got it for next to nothing, but just the thought of making Valentin buy back his own garbage was too delicious.

Behind the gallery, Nikolas says he’s going to make Ava wish she’d stayed in Shadybrook. Trina comes to the gate, and asks who is he, and what is he doing there?

Valentin enjoys some champagne, and scarfs down appetizers. Jax asks if Valentin isn’t upset that he lost the painting that he almost paid a half million dollars for. Valentin says, prepare for a shock. He didn’t want it. He just didn’t want Jax to have it. Laura asks, why is that? and Valentin says he knew Jax was working for her, and she lied about getting it for Spencer. They agree on one thing; one portrait of Helena is one too many. He tells Ava that he tips his hat to her. Getting him to pay half a million dollars for his own garbage to teach him a lesson? Salute. She did him a favor. Now the portrait is gone, along with its many secrets.    

Nikolas has his back to Trina, and says he’s a collector. She says she didn’t see him bidding. He holds up the tablet, and says, that’s what this is for. He watches behind-the-scenes, and has a proxy bid for him. She says, a secret art collector? More like a thief. That’s why he has his back turned, so she can’t see his face. Oddly enough, they just had a break-in. The cops should hear his story. She suggests they find out, and he jets. She says, like she thought.

Valentin says, the portrait was cursed. It’s what Helena wanted, but no longer; no more. They can move on to happier things. Laura asks if he’s dying or just moving, and Valentin says he’s getting married. He hopes they can all make it. Nina says she delivered the invitations personally. Trina comes in, and tells Ava that she caught someone lurking out back, but he took off. Ava says, maybe he was the art arsonist, or more likely a disappointed art lover.

Dustin tells the paramedics that Charlotte wasn’t in the water long, and Lulu says, thanks to him. Rocco says he’s sorry, but Lulu says, Charlotte will be okay. She just wishes she knew why Charlotte would do something like this.

Nina says, thrilling as it’s been, she thinks it’s time to leave. Valentin says Charlotte’s mother should be bringing her back any minute. They leave, and Ava guesses the party is over. She thanks Trina, saying she couldn’t have done it without her. Trina says she can stay. Maybe if they put their heads together, they can figure out what happened. Ava knows if anyone could figure it out, it would be Trina, but art happens sometimes. She hands Trina a stack of cash, telling her, here’s a nice bonus. Trina thanks her, and Ava says, do spend it all in one place. She’ll be glad she did. Jax tells Laura that he’s heading out. She looks at what’s left of the torched painting, and goes with him.

Lulu calls Valentin, obviously upset. He asks if Charlotte is all right, and she says, something happened. She can’t explain now. He tells her, put Charlotte on the phone, and Nina asks if Charlotte is okay. Lulu tells him, the paramedics said Charlotte was okay, but they’re taking her to GH. She’ll explain there. Laura asks, what happened? but Valentin doesn’t know. He has to get to the hospital.

Peter knows Finn means well, but he’s no hero. Anna says he saved two lives, and Peter says, he took another. She says Franco’s family will have him back, and Peter says he was just in the right place at the right time. Finn says, if Franco comes out okay, he doesn’t think Elizabeth and the boys will ever leave Peter alone.

Elizabeth tells Franco, she’s right there; so is Cameron. Franco looks at Cameron, and says, hey. Is he okay? Did they hurt him? Cameron says, he’s okay. Franco saved him, and he wouldn’t be asking if he didn’t remember. Elizabeth says, oh my God, you’re you. Franco. Franco says who else would he be?

Andre tells Franco, don’t force it. Allow the memories to come back on their own. Franco says he remembers being strapped to the chair, and them injecting him with a needle. How long has it been? Elizabeth says he was gone a while, and he asks if it’s still summer. She says, no, and he says, fall? Cameron says, it’s December. Franco says Andre doesn’t live in Port Charles anymore. What’s he doing there? Andre says, it’s a long story, better absorbed later. Franco says, now would be great, and Andre tells him to think of a deep sea diver who’s been down too long. If he surfaces too quickly, he can get the bends. He’s sure they have better things talk about, and he’s going to leave them to it. He leaves, and Elizabeth smiles at Franco. Franco asks if that guy is gone. He has to ask something important. Do they think the cafeteria is still open? Elizabeth laughs.

Andre tells Peter, Finn, and Anna that Franco is awake. Finn tells them that he’s always said Andre was a genius. Anna asks if Franco is okay. Peter says he’s just glad it worked out. It’s going to be a great story. He’s going to put Lulu on it. Finn says he might want to bring in another reporter. Charlotte was just brought into the hospital. Valentin, Nina, and Laura run in, and Valentin asks, where is she? Lulu says, she’s sleeping, and he goes into Charlotte’s room. He kneels by the bed and kisses her forehead. He says, whatever happened, he’ll fix it. He swears he’ll fix everything. Laura asks, what happened? and Lulu says they were on the pier, and Charlotte jumped in. Nina asks, why? but Lulu has no idea. Dustin jumped in after her. Dustin doesn’t think Charlotte breathed in any water, and Laura thanks him. Dustin is glad he was there. Valentin wonders how Charlotte fell in, but Lulu says, she jumped. He asks why Charlotte would plunge herself in ice cold water, and Rocco says, it’s his fault. He didn’t believe her about her bodyguard.

Ava looks at the frame and the burned fragments of the painting. Curtis is still there, and she says, perhaps he didn’t hear her announcement; the auction is over. Curtis says he was hoping for a minute, so she can expand his knowledge of fine art. She asks if he has a specific artist or piece in mind, and he says, the portrait; the one that burst into flames. She says, what about it? and he says, all he knows is, she had it destroyed. She asks why she’d do a thing like that? He says Valentin had the most to gain in getting rid of it, and she asks if Curtis thinks she’d lift a finger help Valentin, much less destroy a work of art. Curtis says, if she didn’t do for him, and it damn sure wasn’t Jax, then who? Ava says it’s been wonderful catching up, but she has an early day tomorrow.

Jax meets Nikolas, and says now Nikolas knows why he didn’t want him there. Nikolas says he got away, and Jax says it’s lucky Trina didn’t get a good look at him, although she probably wouldn’t recognize him. Nikolas says, see? No problem. They can regroup. The portrait literally went up in smoke, along with any chance to overturn the will. Jax says, to be honest, he’s relieved. When you play with high stakes, you learn to cut your losses. He lost; Valentin won. Game over. Nikolas says he’s going to finish what he started, but Jax says, the only thing left is what Nikolas should have done a long time ago. Let his family know he’s alive. Go back to them, and live his life. Nikolas says that’s not going to happen until he’s destroyed Valentin. Until it’s over, they’re allies. Jax says, until New Year’s Eve. After that, he’ll deal with Valentin in his own way on his own time. He walks away.

Curtis finds Trina at the café, where she’s counting her money, and says, look at her. Be careful. Money doesn’t buy what it used to, but she can still put it to good use. He sits with her, and introduces himself. He thinks they met at Franco and Elizabeth’s wedding reception. She says she knows who he is. His wife is the police commissioner, but she wasn’t at the auction. Curtis says, she’s out catching bad guys. It turns out, they’re everywhere, even in the back room at an art gallery. She says she noticed, and he asks if she’s sure she didn’t recognize the intruder, and the money wasn’t payment to say she didn’t. She asks if he’s curious, or did his wife make him a deputy? Can she see his badge? He says she can’t blame him for being curious. Another question; who destroyed the painting? She says he could try asking Ava, but he says he’s asking her. If she’s as smart as he thinks she is, she’ll tell him.

Lulu tells Rocco, nothing is his fault. Rocco says, Charlotte told him that she had a secret bodyguard, and wanted to prove it. Dustin says, she jumped in so the bodyguard would save her? and Rocco says he’s sorry. Lulu says he has nothing to be sorry for, and Laura agrees. His sister can be headstrong, and likes to prove she’s right. Valentin asks if she’s blaming Charlotte, and Lulu says, all that matters is that Charlotte will be okay. Rocco thanks Dustin for saving his sister. Finn comes out of the elevator, and says he just got a page that Charlotte was there. Is she okay? Valentin asks why an infectious disease specialist was called, and Finn imagines it’s to check to see if Charlotte picked up an infection, and goes into Charlotte’s room. Laura says Charlotte told her that her father hired a bodyguard, and Valentin says he didn’t, and he would have told Lulu if he had. Lulu says, because full disclosure is his thing. Laura says she thought it must be a secret imaginary friend Charlotte conjured up after Cassandra abducted her. Lulu says Charlotte was made a target for Valentin’s enemies, and Valentin asks if she’s saying it’s his fault. Finn comes out, and says, Charlotte is asking for her grandmother. Laura goes in.

Franco asks if Cameron took good care of his mom, and Elizabeth says, he certainly has. Cameron says Franco was wrong, and Franco says he’s wrong all the time. About what? Cameron says, about what Franco said when he took his place; that the world would be better off without him in it. Franco says he was just saying that. It’s what families do, and they’re family. He asks where Aiden and Jake are, and Elizabeth says they didn’t know when he’d wake up, or if he’d remember them, so they’re with Audrey. Franco says they can fill him in on what happened; all of it. Elizabeth says there’s so much to explain. They need to take it slowly. Cameron says the most important thing is that his mom didn’t give up. She wouldn’t quit or let them quit. Elizabeth says, neither did Franco’s dad. He went to bat for Franco. Franco says there’s something they’re not telling him, but it doesn’t matter. He thanks them for not giving up. It’s the first time anybody refused to give up on him, much less everybody. Cameron says he’ll leave them to it. Elizabeth hugs Franco, and he says, not so fast. Is there anyone else he needs to thank?

Anna tells Peter, what a night. it had a kind of balance. The gunman died, but Franco came back to his family. The good guys won. Peter says he wants to make sure it The Invader’s lead story before someone else gets the scoop. Cameron says Franco wants to see Peter, and Anna says, an exclusive.

Franco tells Elizabeth, they have a few minutes, and she asks what he has in mind. He says, a couple of things; their vows. She asks if he wants to renew them, but he says he has a new one. Just him; she doesn’t have to do any. He takes her hand, and says, Elizabeth Imogene Webber, he vows to spend the rest of his life making it up to her for fighting for him. She says she loves it. Peter comes in, and says Franco asked to see him. Is there something Peter can do for him? Franco thinks Peter knows what he’s done, and so does he.

Finn says Charlotte has no infection, and there’s no need to keep her overnight. She needs to rest a while, then she can go home. Valentin says there’s no reason she can’t have more than one visitor, but Nina says she doesn’t want to overwhelm Charlotte. Just tell Charlotte that she loves her, and she’s there. Laura tells Charlotte that she’ll be just outside, but Charlotte wants her to stay.

Jax sees Nina, who says it’s sweet of him to come. Charlotte is fine; she’s resilient. He says he knows what Charlotte means to her. She says, and Valentin.

Valentin tells Charlotte, when he was a kid, they went swimming in the summer. Is she trying to start a chapter of the polar bear club? She says, sorry, but he says she doesn’t have to be. Just be okay. She says she doesn’t know why her bodyguard didn’t save her.

Trina messes with her phone, and Curtis says sometimes he wonders if her generation lives on their devices so they don’t have to deal with real questions. She says she’s not a generation; she’s her. And it’s not her fault he doesn’t like the answers. He says, maybe Ava isn’t the best role model, and she says she didn’t need a role model. She needed an internship, which Ava was kind enough to give her. She tells him to excuse her. A friend needs her.

Franco says Peter saved his life. Word on the street is, a guy tried to kill either him, Andre, or both of them, and Peter stopped him. Peter says, it was nothing, and Elizabeth says he’s being modest. Peter says, a man died, and he doesn’t know what to do with that. Franco thanks him again, and says if there’s anything he can do to repay Peter… Peter says Franco doesn’t owe him anything, but Elizabeth says, they all do. He’s family, and family pulls together.

Anna asks Finn how Charlotte is, and he says, well. She says, Valentin must have been terrified. He loves Charlotte. Finn thinks they can all relate. Peter is her son, and nothing is going to change that.

Jax asks Nina why she told him to stop bidding, and she asks if it matters now. The portrait literally went up in smoke. He asks if that’s why she told him to stop bidding or he’d regret it. Did she know what was going to happen? Valentin comes out, and asks why Jax is there. Nina says, he was checking on Charlotte, and Jax says he’s glad to hear she’ll be okay. He leaves, and Nina tells Valentin, Jax was being nice. Valentin says, was he? He can’t deal with Jax right now. Lulu joins them, and asks how Charlotte is. Valentin says, overwhelmed, but who wouldn’t be? She backed up Lulu’s version of the events. She told him that she jumped into the water – while Lulu was supposed to be taking care of her.

Peter tells Franco, there is something, and Franco says, name it. As long as it’s legal, and his wife doesn’t mind. Peter says he’d like an exclusive for The Invader. Franco says he has to check with Elizabeth. Elizabeth says she knows how Franco hates attention, and Franco says, an exclusive?

Anna tells Finn that Jason thinks Peter orchestrated Shiloh’s escape, and the killing of the guard. He also believes Peter is behind the original attempt on Andre’s life, and the crash that killed Drew. All of it. Finn asks what Peter’s incentive would be, but Anna doesn’t know. To stop Andre from doing the memory procedure, and prevent Franco from remembering something that would incriminate him. Finn says, if Peter hired the gunman, why would he kill his own henchman? He can’t believe he just said the word henchman in a normal conversation. What’s happening to him? Anna says, covering his tracks, a flash of conscience, maybe both. What if Jason is right? What if Peter…? Peter comes out, but he’s on the phone and doesn’t notice them. He says he’ll be there. It’s just in time. The answer to a prayer. He goes into the elevator.

Trina arrives at the hospital, and says she got Cameron’s text that Franco is back. Cameron says he just woke up. It’s amazing. They claimed they were all staying hopeful, but they were all terrified. Trina says, of course (🍷). This isn’t a thing that happens ever. He says he would have missed if she hadn’t dragged him there. He thanks her, and she says, that’s what friends are for. They hug.

Andre looks in on Elizabeth and Franco, who are in the bed together. Franco says he’s looking forward to her telling him what happened, but guesses it can wait. Elizabeth says, good. All she wants to do is look into his eyes and see her husband staring back. She can’t tell him how much missed this. He asks, how is it? and she says, good; not weird. How is it for him? He says, the most natural thing in the world. He’s not sure how much longer… He knows it’s her workplace. She kisses him, and says, there’s a lot to talk about. She’s so glad he’s back. It’s just… He says, about that. He’s a little offended. The last thing he remembers with absolute clarity is telling Cameron to tell her that he’d be back. Did Cameron forget? She says Cameron told her. That’s what kept them going. He’s glad to hear it, because nothing – he means, nothing – can keep him away from her. They kiss.

Nina says, time out. Everyone is upset, and it’s no time to be pointing fingers. Lulu says they’ll talk tomorrow. Right now, she wants to take her son and daughter home. Valentin says she’s not taking Charlotte. They were walking home, and Lulu allowed Charlotte to be put in a life threatening situation. The court order says it’s his week, and he’s going to stick to that until it’s amended. Don’t think he won’t tell the judge. Dustin says, emotions are high. Why don’t they sleep on it? Valentin says, twice Charlottes life was threatened, and Lulu asks if that includes Charlotte being kidnapped by one of his many enemies. Valentin says it wouldn’t have happened if not for her neglect. Dustin says, it happened too quickly for anyone to stop it. Valentin asks what they were doing when it happened. He can make a guess. Lulu says if Valentin had been there, the outcome would have been the same. Valentin says he’s taking Charlotte home, according to the court order, and tomorrow, he’s applying for full custody.

Laura tells Charlotte that she shouldn’t have jumped in the water. Charlotte says she thought he’d save her. Laura says, her secret bodyguard? and Charlotte says, that’s why papa hired him. Laura says her secret bodyguard is just pretend, right? but Charlotte says, no; he’s not. Her mom has a picture of him on her phone. Laura says, here’s her mom’s purse. Does Charlotte think she can find it? She gives Charlotte Lulu’s phone, and Charlotte scrolls through the pictures. She says, there he is. Her bodyguard. She shows Laura a picture of Nikolas.

Alone at the gallery, Ava says, here’s to you, Helena Cassadine. You made one hell of an exit. What more could a gal ask for? She sips her martini, and hears footsteps. She says she knew he’d show up. He’s so predictable – she turns around with a gun in her hand – for a dead man.

Tomorrow, Lucy introduces Sasha as the new face of Deception, Sonny asks Jason what the hell is going on with Carly, and Carly tells Jax to call the cops and turn Nikolas in.

I have to add, no matter what is going on, Ava always looks amazing. Frosted hair, frosted lipstick, and frosted jacket; she looked like a scrumptious Christmas ornament at the auction.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Shannon goes out to eat with new guy Duff. He asks about her day, and she says she’s been getting the engagement party decorations. We see clips of Shannon dealing with the party. Unfortunately, she won’t be getting those life-size horse decorations she wanted. She tells Duff the theme is formal Western farmhouse chic. In her interview, Shannon explains that she doesn’t know Duff well. They met through mutual friends, and she spent time with him, so they’re going on a date. She vowed she would date, and put herself out there until she meets someone. She’s not really looking, but she’s having fun. She tells Duff it’s crazy that he and Vicki worked together. We flash back to 2007, and a brief scene with Vicki and Duff that I don’t remember even remotely. Duff says she just got out of a marriage; has she been dating? Shannon says she’s dated a few times, but she’d been married for twenty years, and isn’t looking to jump back in. Although she would like to grow old with someone, she doesn’t want to just grab the first opportunity. Duff says he doesn’t want to set the bar so high that she won’t find anyone. In Shannon’s interview, she says never been on a date with someone so forward. She’s not making any commitments. He asks if she’s a furnace, clarifying by adding, is she hot in bed? She’s like, um…

Emily visits Gina, and her garage full of stuff. She has a buyer for the Coto house, and it’s time to get everything out. The buyer wants measurements of a few things, and Emily helps as they talk. Emily asks what’s going on with Matt? and Gina says she’s never seen him so committed. He’s like a different person. He has feelings and he’s super sensitive and complimentary. In Gina’s interview, she says she and Matt have decided to reconcile, but it was hard getting over the anger. She tells Emily that he loves her and they’re a family, so she’d be crazy not to see it through. She says, you don’t forget, but you move past it, and it makes you stronger. He’s made her feel secure, and it’s like they have a new relationship. In Emily’s interview, she says Matt sends up a lot of red flags. How much has he really changed? Gina thinks it’s cool that they can come back and salvage things, and the kids are so happy. Emily says, no need to dwell on it; just move forward. Gina says she’s getting a new life, and Emily says, she’s getting a new marriage. Gina says, it’s all good.

Braunwyn is doing Bhakti yoga in her backyard with Dr. Deb. It’s some kind of yoga backed by a few instruments and chanting. In her interview, Braunwyn says if it keeps her mom happy, she’ll spare no expense. They’ve become a little bit separated, and if it helps their relationship, it’s priceless. When they’re finished, Braunwyn tells Deb that she needed this. Deb says they all need this. Braunwyn says she didn’t realize how quickly her new friend group was going to form. She has an amazing village, and needs someone outside of the kids. Deb says a lot of mothers try to make you feel guilty for wanting something outside of your children. She sent them to boarding school to get someone else’s perspective. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she felt abandoned when her mom went to medical school. In Deb’s interview, she says, it’s not like she went to the Bahamas. She tells Braunwyn that you get a lot of diminishment, and she would get asked how she could send her children away. In her interview, Deb says she doesn’t know if Braunwyn suffered because she didn’t get an Ozzy and Harriet background while growing up, but Braunwyn thinks she did. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says of all her relationships, the one with her mother is the most complicated. We flash back to her altercations with Deb, and she says, if her mom thinks they’re in a good place, then they are. They hug.

Emily goes to an RA clinic. The doctor examines her. In her interview, Emily says her mom always talked about how much pain she was in, and that it made her depressed, but she didn’t get it. She never felt that way, and now that she has chronic arthritic pain, she understands. There’s no relief ever, and it makes her irritable and ruins everything. The doctor explains that her sockets are hollow, and as a result, the cartilage is wearing out in one of her hips. He shows her the x-ray on a screen, and says she needs a hip replacement. He’s surprised she’s made it this far without it, and tells her, it will be a life changer. She’ll be able to walk and exercise. She thanks him, and calls Shane, who tells her that she’s let it go for too long. Emily says she’s just telling him how severe the pain is. There’s no cartilage in her joint. In her interview, she says he’s her husband, and supposed to support her. Just tell her, sorry, it will be okay, don’t worry. It’s all she wants to hear. Annabelle cries, and Emily tells her not to worry. Mommy will be better.

While Tamra is getting her hair done, she says Kelly decided to come at the last minute. She took anger management, and was hypnotized. Now it’s all good, but Tamra is a little worried.

Braunwyn tells Sean that she thinks Kelly is going. Sean says he’s not line dancing… unless there’s tequila.

Emily tells makeup person Danielle that they’ll know tonight if Shane passed the bar. Danielle asks what Emily did when she passed, but Emily doesn’t remember.

Kelly tells makeup person Julie that Mike told her to come at them with acts of love. Julie asks what if someone says something Kelly doesn’t like? What will she do? Kelly says, tell them, F-U, bitch. She laughs, saying that’s the old Kelly. In her interview, Kelly says mantras help people, but she doesn’t think it will help this. She tells Julie that Vicki is ominous. It’s like going into the lion’s den.

The party is set up. In Tamra’s interview, she says they’re exited. Vicki is in a good relationship and getting married. She thinks the third time is the charm. It worked for her. Tamra greets Vicki’s brother Billy. Gina arrives, and Tamra admires her new haircut. In Gina’s interview, she says she made a lot of bad choices regarding her hair. She doesn’t know who she thought she was. The only choice was to chop it off and start over. Steve and Vicki pull up, and Steve asks, who’s the lady with the colorful hair? Vicki says it’s Braunwyn’s mom; she’s a doctor. Steve asks if she’s a witch doctor. They join the party, and Vicki asks Deb if it’s a wig or really her hair. Deb says she has dreadlocks, and the colors are woven in. Shannon explains that Duff had a child with Tammy Knickerbocker, and knows a lot of people there. We see another ancient clip of Duff with someone woman I’m not sure if I’m supposed to remember, but I don’t. Billy says he thought he recognized Duff. Vicki tells Eddie, they’re finally doing it. A friend of Steve’s says she’s an attorney, and Tamra says she doesn’t like attorneys right now. In her interview, she says she just had to write another big check to defend herself. It made her think about Kelly and her involvement. She’s tried to let it go, but she can’t. Emily says, Kelly is coming. It’s her way of implementing what she’s learned. Braunwyn thinks that’s a good thing. Steam comes out of Tamra’s ears.

Brian and Kelly go over what she’s going to say in the car. Brian says she’s there to wish Vicki happiness and health. Kelly says she’s not looking forward to celebrating.

Tamra takes Vicki inside, where it looks like a fancy barn dance. In Vicki’s interview, she says, it’s exactly what she and Steve love. Other than when she was dating a-hole Brooks, she loves Tamra and Shannon. Vicki changes her clothes, putting on a white lace dress, and the line dancing starts. Tamra asks Billy if he has any last words for his future brother-in-law. Billy says he’s curious if Steve is all in, and wants to get married again. They’ll see what happens. In Tamra’s interview, she’s not sure if Billy is being a protective brother or is he onto something? Billy says he asked Steve’s mother how his and Vicki’s personalities mesh, and she said, they don’t. Tamra says, opposites attract?

Kelly tells Brian the last thing she wants is to go to the engagement party. Emily announces Kelly has arrived, and in Kelly’s interview, she says, may you be happy, may you be peaceful, may you be… She doesn’t think this is working. She tells Vicki, happy engagement, and introduces Brian, who congratulates Vicki. Kelly tells Vicki that she wrote her a note with the gift. Emily tells them to hug, like they’re five. Kelly wishes Vicki happiness and health. Tamra tells Billy, Kelly is here. In Tamra’s interview, she says she’s trying to be the bigger person, but looking at that effing bitch, acting like they’re good friends, who does she think she is? Everyone sits for dinner.

Emily tells Shane the results come in at 6 pm, and it’s 5:40. In her interview, Emily says the sacrifices she went through are worth it, assuming Shane passes the bar. We flash back to Emily going out of her mind while he was gone. She says, if he passes, she’ll run down the street naked, screaming and doing cartwheels, and knock on everyone’s door. She’s taking the dog with her. Shannon introduces the bride and groom to be, and Vicki wonders where her fiancé is. News flash: he’s at the bar. Shannon tells everyone to help themselves to the buffet. IMO, it’s a seriously nice spread. Gina says Kelly is doing good; she’s proud of her. Emily asks Brian when he and Kelly are getting married. In a dual interview, Brian says he’d be the luckiest guy to marry Kelly, but not right now. Kelly says, same with her. Vicki gets up, and says on 12/31, 2016, her vision board had what she wanted for her future. We flash back to her saying she put George Clooney in the center of her vision board, and he appeared three months later. Just in case you’re slumming, and have never seen Steve, George Clooney he’s not. Vicki says, she’s gotten every single thing on the board. She’s met her soulmate, and loves and respects him and his family. In her interview, she thinks they’ve gotten it right this time. Steve is quality, and her soulmate. She wants to grow old with him. They’ve both gone through marriages, and know what they want. Vicki hands someone pads from bra, takes a shot, and joins the dancing.

Tamra gyrates all the way to the floor, and Vicki tells her to cover her who-ha. Tamra thinks it’s ironic that they’re all dressed as cowboys, and Kelly is an Indian. She can eff off. Tamra raises two middle fingers, and Vicki says, she’s not doing that. Tamra says she could have put her kids through college with the kind of money she has to pay for the lawsuit. Kelly knew it was devastating, but she reached out to help him. Shannon says she won hers, but it was two years of litigation. In Shannon’s interview, she says Kelly keeps saying she just intended to hurt Tamra, but what she needs to understand is that it’s hurting her too. Kelly crossed the line, and she can’t get past it. Tamra says Kelly is aware of the hours they cried, and how she’s suffered financially. Shannon says, Kelly is an effing a-hole, and Tamra says she wants to believe Kelly has a good heart. Shannon says, Kelly has no good intentions. Shannon leans forward to talk, and her hair catches fire from the candle. Vicki tosses tequila on it, and they scramble to put it out. Shane says, something is burning, and Shannon says, are you kidding me? Billy asks, what happened? and Shannon tells him. Tamra is annoyed that Kelly is laughing with some people, and says, everybody is buying the Kelly juice right now. Tamra heads toward them, and Shannon tells Vicki that Tamra has had a lot to drink.

Tamra stomps over to where Kelly is, and asks what they’re laughing about. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she has no idea what’s gotten into Tamra. It’s like a light switch flipped, and probably involves a lot of tequila. We see clips of how much Tamra was drinking, ending with her saying she needs one more shot, when no, she doesn’t. Gina thought they had talked it out. In Emily’s interview, she says, it’s the stupidest thing ever. No one is deposing Kelly or using her for a witness. Keep paying you bills for the defamation suit. It has nothing to do with Kelly. Gina thinks she might overreacting, and Tamra asks if Gina wants $300K taken from her. Gina says they can go ahead; she doesn’t have it. In her interview, Braunwyn says she thinks Tamra is picking a fight with Gina because it’s easier. She’s already spoken to Kelly, and it got nowhere. Tamra tells Gina, F-U, pushes Shannon aside, and runs off. In Shannon’s interview, she says Tamra’s anger is justified anger. The nuke Kelly threw went too far. Kelly says Tamra is the one who opened her mouth, and when you lie, you get sued. In her interview, Kelly says, they need to take responsibility for their own sh*t. Shannon says she’s disappointed in Kelly, and Kelly says she’s sorry Shannon feels that way about her. She was backed against a wall. Shannon says she didn’t back Kelly against any wall, and Kelly says she’s not the one who caused it. In Kelly’s interview, she says, did they not just solve this issue in Florida? We flash back to her and Tamra hugging it out. She says, doesn’t Tamra have a husband to tend to? Doesn’t Shannon have a date at this party? Why are they concentrating on her?

Outside, Tamra asks if Gina knows what she’s going through. Gina says, it’s effed up. She’s not saying it’s right. Tamra – who’s lost all sense of reason at this point – says, so Gina is okay with it. Gina says, it’s not wonderful. Inside, Braunwyn tells Kelly that going after Tamra and Shannon wasn’t nice. Kelly says she’s not involved. Is Braunwyn that dumb? In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she’s seeing a side of Kelly that everyone warned her about. When she lashes out, she lashes out hard and deep. She’s not stupid; she just doesn’t agree with Kelly. Well, maybe she’s not stupid, but no one seems to understand that while what Kelly did was nasty, it had no bearing on the lawsuit itself. Shannon asks where Tamra is. She’s outside, screeching at Gina that she would protect her in the same situation. Gina asks what Tamra wants her to do, which causes Tamra’s ever-shrinking brain to implode, and she yells, F-U, and runs across the lawn. She stands by a tree, weeping, and tells Gina – who has made the mistake of thinking you can reason with a drunk – to go away. Gina says she’s acting crazy. An understatement. This is Stassi on her birthday to the nth power.

Kelly says she didn’t get on the stand. Gina finds Tamra – wait for it – standing in the middle of some hedges, like Homer Simpson. Shannon decides to look for Tamra, and Kelly says she’s leaving. She tells Braunwyn that she’s out. Tamra wails that Gina doesn’t understand, and in her interview, Gina says, no, she doesn’t, while laughing her head off. She says she loves Tamra, but she doesn’t love pulling her ass out of the bushes. I wonder if Tamra is trying to give the Countess a run for her money. Or cocktail.  Gina tells Tamra, come on, but Tamra keeps screaming, you don’t know. In her interview, Gina says she’s at an engagement party, and trying to have fun, line dancing and sh*t, and Tamra is being weird and aggressive. She asks if Tamra wants to talk about, but Tamra says, no.

Tamra wants to know why Gina is taking Kelly’s side, and Gina says she’s not taking sides, and tells Tamra to come out. Gina finally pulls her out of the bushes, and now I’m laughing my head off. And Tamra’s hair! She is the definition of a hot mess. Shannon and Vicki join them, and Shannon says she’s dry heaving. Shannon screeches that Gina doesn’t know, and how Gina is just taking this all in stride, I’ll never know. I guess it’s dealing with those unruly kids of hers. In Gina’s interview, she says, they were just line dancing, and now they’re having a meltdown on the curb in the street. Vicki gets all animated, and tell Gina, you should support the people who are hurting, and not the ones who are getting involved. Gina thinks everyone is hurting, and Vicki says, Kelly is a bully. Shannon and Tamra are hurting financially because of what Kelly is getting herself involved in. Kelly tells Shane and Emily that they turn on you, and make it look like you’re turning on them. They did it to themselves. Brian asks what her mantra is. In Kelly’s interview, she says she’s learned there’s a lot of jealousy, and a lot of women like trying to poke the bear. Kelly tells Emily, it was hard to come to this, and Emily says she did a great job. In Kelly’s interview, she says there are people who just want to see a reaction from her, and she has to be above it, and just keep chugging along. She just pities people like that. She tells Emily that when she makes peace, she’s done. She’s like a dude; she’s cool.

In the text, it tells us that Brian and Kelly broke up, but Kelly’s love life is chugging along. She’s engaged to Rick Leventhal after dating for three months.

In her interview, Emily says the past year has been the worst of her life. She’s had a lot to deal with. There were marriage difficulties, and Shane taking the bar exam added stress, but she’s a fighter. Dammit! They’re going to make this work. Shane is going to be a good husband. She hugs Kelly.

The text tells us, Emily is putting her naked cartwheels on hold while she recovers from hip surgery… and until Shane passes the bar. He’s failed three times. (Ah-hah, in Nelson voice.)

Eddie helps Tamra to the car. In her interview, she says she learned maybe she needs to have a filter on her mouth, and keep her opinions to herself. (What a concept!) She’s fortunate that she has an amazing husband and children, love, and a roof over her head. Whatever happens, she knows she’ll get through it.

The text says that Tamra is still involved in the lawsuit, but her sons are getting along. And Tamra has learned that you can’t hide from you’re problems in a bush.

In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she’s grown a lot this year. She knows how strong she is, and how strong her children are. Her relationship with her children has changed; they’re much more open and honest. It’s not so much that way with her mother. They haven’t gotten to that place yet.

We read that Braunwyn had a 42nd milestone birthday party (because no one told her that 42 isn’t a milestone year). All of the Housewives were invited… Her mother wasn’t.

Braunwyn tells Gina, maybe they’ll finally get to meet Matt. In Gina’s interview, she says this year showed her that she has strength and can persevere. She can get through a lot of stuff, and it feels good. She’s excited to see what the future holds for her and Matt.

We see that Matt moved in, but then was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence. His case is being heard in January of 2020, and he’s pleading not guilty. W.T.F.?

In Shannon’s interview, she says her divorce is final. She’s not jumping into a relationship again. She has one more shot to do it right, and she’s going to find someone, grow old, and be happy.

We’re told that Shannon’s hair was the only spark she felt that night. She hasn’t seen Duff since, but things have been heating up with her new boyfriend John.

Vicki puts on a cowboy hat, and asks Steve if she looks country. He thinks she could do better. She takes the hat off, and throws it in the trunk. They drive off.

🍊 Next time – starting Wednesday – today – The Finale: Part One. There was no preview, but I do have this. And just give Vicki an orange, or whatever it is they hold, already. She was in the same amount of the show.

https://toofab.com/2019/12/17/rhoc-reunion-trailer-vicki-goes-off-on-producer-gina-breaks-down-matt-arrest/

🚓 Inquiring Minds Had To Know…

This happened a while ago.

https://people.com/tv/rhoc-gina-kirschenheiter-called-off-divorce-husband-matt-before-domestic-violence-charges/

🏡 For the House…

I don’t normally pay much attention to TV commercials – unless there’s an animal involved – but I could appreciate this one. Who hasn’t used the excuse, it’s for the house, to buy something? And it really is for the house, it’s just that no one else but you would give a flying if you bought it or not. They got this one right.

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/ZnXD/bed-bath-and-beyond-black-friday-the-house

❄ For Your Slam Book…

‘Tis the season to be fetch.

Dec17

December 16, 2019 – An Auction Sets Fire To the PC Art World, Master Pearson Returns, a New Deck, Wives Alert, Hair In the OC, Cynthia’s Take, Meghan’s Stress & Some Nonsense

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Cocktail hour before the auction at the gallery commences. Trina tells Ava, anyone who is anyone in Port Charles is there. Ava says, not everyone. Not yet. She thinks it’s going to be a lucrative evening. It will be interesting to see what happens when Helena’s portrait is put up for auction. 

Cameron finds Elizabeth asleep on one of the couches in the hospital waiting area. She says she didn’t mean to fall asleep, but she wanted to be there the second Franco wakes up.

Andre tends to Franco, while Peter watches through the window. Andre sees Peter, and beckons him to come in. Peter says he’s sorry he’s hovering. How’s Franco? Andre says, his vitals are strong. He’s just waiting for Franco to regain consciousness; then they’ll know more. He thanks Peter again for saving his life. Peter says he’s just glad Andre and Franco are okay. Andre says, it’s the second time someone tried to prevent the procedure from being performed. Someone has gone through a lot of effort to interfere with his work

In the hallway, Anna is on the phone with Finn. She wants to let him know things have calmed down at the hospital. Finn says her friend Andre has more lives than a cat. He asks if she wants to join him and Violet for dinner at Kelly’s. She says, she’d like to, but she can’t. He asks, why not? and she says there’s something more pressing she needs to take care of.

At Kelly’s, Chase asks if Willow is okay. She says she is, but he tells her, It’s okay if she’s not. Most people wouldn’t be; she’s had a rough couple of days. He asks what she’s thinking about. Lucas? Nelle? Her mother? She says, all of the above.

Charlotte and Rocco run into Kelly’s, arguing about Charlotte doing a triple-axel. Charlotte says Rocco is just jealous because he can’t do it, and he says he’ll race her to the table. Dustin asks if Lulu wants to race, but she says she got her cardio in with ice skating. He says she’s pretty good, and she says he’s a saint, spending his day off with her and the kids. He says, the kids are good, and she says, what about her? He says she’s not so bad. He wouldn’t turn down some alone time. She kisses him, and tells the kids they’re just getting ice cream. She has to get Charlotte home, and Rocco is having a sleepover. Charlotte asks if Lulu is having a sleepover with Dustin.

Laura and Curtis arrive at the gallery. She tells Jax, sorry they’re late, but he says they didn’t miss anything. She sees Helena’s portrait on display, and says, there it is in front of them. Jax says Ava is nothing if not shrewd. She’s giving all of them a chance to buy it, fair and square. Laura asks if he thinks Ava knows the codicil is in the painting, but he tells her that couldn’t say. Jax’s phone dings, and he steps out to the hallway. Curtis is glad Jax and his deep pockets are on their on side, and Laura says, it can’t hurt. She looks around, and Curtis says he knows she’s not worried. There’s no way in hell anyone else is leaving with the portrait. Laura says she wouldn’t be so sure. Nina and Valentin walk in.

Jax meets Nikolas in the alleyway behind the gallery. He’d hoped Nikolas was joking, and had the good sense not to be there. Nikolas asks where else he would be? and Jax says, hiding at his house. He and Nikolas’s mother have it covered. Nikolas says not until they have the portrait, and Jax says, then stop interrupting him so he can make it happen.

Willow tells Chase that she’s trying to focus on what she can control. There’s nothing she can do about Lucas or Nelle. He says, that leaves her mother. Willow says she wants to rebuild their relationship. She misses her mother, but it got complicated with Shiloh. Her mother regrets what she did, and Willow can forgive her, but doesn’t change what Shiloh did, and what Willow had to give up. Chase says, being Wiley’s mother. Willow sees Finn coming in with Violet, and says they’ll talk later. Finn asks if Violet remembers Willow and her Uncle Chase, and Violet says, of course (🍷) she does. Chase asks if her dad has been boring her, and Finn says Chase is a bad influence. Chase says it’s an uncle’s prerogative, and he’s the luckiest uncle in the world. Violet asks, why? and he says he has the coolest niece. Violet might know her; her name is Violet. Violet says, that’s her, and Chase takes her into his lap. Willow says she has to get going. She wants to see Brad and Lucas before visiting hours are over. She tells Chase to stay; she’ll see him at home. When she’s gone, Finn asks if it was something he said.

Willow leans on the wall outside. Maxie comes along with James, and asks if she’s okay.

Elizabeth tells Cameron, Franco knew the risks of the procedure not working, but he said he’d come back. She’s choosing to believe him.

Andre and Peter come out, and Andre thanks Peter again. Peter says he only did what anyone would have done. Anna says, not everyone would put themselves in the line of fire, but he did. Andre says he and Franco owe Peter big time. He tells them that he should give Elizabeth an update, and goes to the waiting area. Anna asks how Peter is feeling, and Peter says, fine; why? She says it’s normal to feel uneasy after shooting a man in the OR, and Peter admits it was a first. Anna says, hopefully, the gunman will pull through, and they’ll be able to question him about who sent him.

Elizabeth asks Andre if there’s any news. He says, Franco’s vitals are excellent. He’s just waiting for Franco to wake up, to see how the procedure affected him; then see where they go from there. Elizabeth asks if Andre is confident that he’ll wake up, and Andre says everyone who has gone through the procedure has regained consciousness, so he has no reason to believe Franco will be any different. He tells Elizabeth and Cameron that Franco did understand the risks beforehand, and signed a DNR order.

Ava tells Curtis and Laura, J. Garrin is considered divisive, and Curtis says, not the appreciation for his work. Didn’t one of his abstracts sell for $100K at Christie’s? Nina asks if anyone wants a drink, and Ava says she’ll show Nina to the bar. Laura asks Curtis to give her a moment alone with Valentin. Valentin asks if he should prepare for one of her signature tongue lashings, and she says, always. But this time she doesn’t want to talk about him. She wants to talk about Charlotte.

Lulu asks why Charlotte would think she was having a sleepover with Dustin, and Rocco says grown-ups have them too. She asks how they know this, and Charlotte says, Nina slept over when she and papa were boyfriend and girlfriend. Are Lulu and Dustin boyfriend and girlfriend? Lulu says, um… and Dustin give the kids money to get ice cream, saying he’ll save their seats. Dustin tells Lulu that he doesn’t think Charlotte fell for it, but Lulu says, Charlotte will be back to trying to convince Rocco that she pulled off a triple axel in no time. She’s sorry they embarrassed him, but he says, they didn’t. She says she keeps forgetting he works with teenagers. He says, it’s natural for them to be curious. He and Lulu have been seeing each other a while. Lulu says it sounds like they’re getting serious, and Dustin says, aren’t they?

Valentin says if Laura has a legitimate concern about Charlotte, he’ll listen. But if she’s just going to parrot Lulu… She says Valentin can’t make a decision about Charlotte’s safety without sharing it with Lulu. He should have told Lulu about Charlotte’s bodyguard. He says, what bodyguard?

Jax tells Nikolas that he has no reason to be there; he’s a liability. Nikolas disagrees, and Jax asks what can he do, besides lurk? Nikolas says he’s streaming the security footage on his tablet. There’s room filled with prospective buyers, including his wealthy and murderous uncle, who want the portrait. He wonders what Valentin and Laura are talking about. They don’t seem to be enjoying the conversation. Jax says, someone has to deal with Valentin, and he’d rather it be him than Nikolas’s mother.

Dustin asks if he brought up serious too soon. Lulu says, no, but he says the panic in her eyes suggests otherwise. She says she likes that things are getting more serious, but they skipped some of the bases on their way to home plate. He asks if she means having sex on the first date, and being walked in on. She says she’ll send him her therapy bill. He says it’s been three months, and she asks if he’s counting. He says, a little, but it’s okay if they take it slow. She asks if he’s sure. What if Charlotte is on to something? Does he want to sleep over? She kisses him. At the counter, Charlotte tells Rocco that she’ll do a triple axel next time. She needs more practice, so she’s going to be on the ice every day. He says she’s going to crack her head, but she says her bodyguard will make sure nothing happens to her. Rocco laughs, and says, what?

Valentin tells Laura that he didn’t hire a bodyguard. She says, not even after Charlotte was abducted? He says he has private security, but no one is watching Charlotte, and if they were, he’d tell Lulu, so she would realize Charlotte is being watched, not stalked. Laura believes him, and says, Charlotte is convinced she has a secret bodyguard. Is it possible that she has an imaginary friend? He says, absolutely not. That doesn’t sound like Charlotte at all.

Nikolas tells Jax that he’s taking the portrait home, and he’s prepared to do it by any means necessary. Jax asks, how? Does he plan to sneak in and grab it? Nikolas says, of course (🍷) not, and Jax says, then what? Oh, wait. He’s going to wait for the winner’s driver to load the painting, and then whack them in the head and steal the car? Better yet, is he going to threaten the driver’s family if they don’t leave town, and tell them they’ll never see their daughter again? That’s his M.O. Nikolas hopes it doesn’t come to that. It’s on Jax to win the portrait, but he has a contingency plan if Jax fails. Jax says, that’s not happening, and Nikolas says, prove it. Jax goes back inside, and Nikolas goes back to his tablet.

Nina asks Ava if it’s all set, and Ava says, trust her. None of these fools will know what hit them. Nina says, cheers to that, and Curtis says, cheers to what?

Finn tells Chase, Willow took off after he showed up. He didn’t shower. Is Chase sure it wasn’t him? He’s been told by some that he can be an acquired taste. Chase says they told Finn the truth, but Willow leaving had nothing to do with him. She has a lot going on. Finn says, by looks of it, he’s not the only one who heard Nelle was admitted to GH. Chase says, thankfully, Willow doesn’t  even know what Nelle looks like. Finn asks if Chase is going to tell him what’s going on or keep him guessing. Chase looks at Violet, who’s coloring, and Finn says, she’s in her own world. Chase says, for a minute, Willow thought she was pregnant. She’s not, but she didn’t tell him until after the fact. It’s like Pandora’s box. Once you start thinking about parenthood, it’s nearly impossible to stop.

Willow tells Maxie, she’s just overwhelmed. Willow asks James how he is, and Maxie says, he had too much fun at the park. Willow asks how Maxie is, and Maxie says, it’s been a bittersweet couple of days. Lucas hasn’t woken up. Willow says she’s headed there now, and Maxie says she’s been keeping her mind elsewhere, so she doesn’t not lose her mind. Willow asks if she’s had any luck, and Maxie says she started with the Kon Mari program. She needs to get rid of the clutter in her apartment. It’s been chaotic since Peter moved in. She’s been boxing up Georgie and James’s old clothes, so someone else can use them. James has grown a lot since last year.

Peter tells Anna that he doesn’t want the man’s blood on his hands. Anna says, don’t. Even when forced to kill for the greater good, it says with you. It was fortunate he didn’t want to send a reporter, and he says it was out of consideration for the family. She says Elizabeth should know the lengths he went to in order to spare them. Did he always do his own reporting? He asks what’s up with the third degree? Does she think he’s lying? She says, of course (🍷) not.

Andre tells Elizabeth and Cameron, if Franco ends up without brain function, he didn’t want to be on life support. He didn’t want to live that way. Cameron tells him, Drew decided that, but Elizabeth says, he won the right to determine his own medical care. Cameron asks how long they have to wait before the DNR kicks in, but Andre suggests they not get ahead of themselves. He has every reason to believe Franco will regain consciousness. They have to be patient. He’ll give them some privacy. Cameron flashes back to Franco giving him his phone.

Laura asks if Trina is a fan of art, and Trina says she is, but she’s interning at the gallery. She’s studying fine art, and not so fine art. Laura says if she’s referring to Helena’s portrait; she couldn’t agree more. If it was up to her, every image of that horrible woman would be wiped off the face of the planet. Trina asks if she knew Helena, and Laura says Helena was her son’s grandmother. Trina asks if Laura is bidding for him, and Laura says, in a way. Her son died a few years ago, but his legacy and family are important to her. In a strange twisted way, the portrait embodies that legacy. Trina hopes Laura wins, for her son. Laura says, her too. It would mean a lot to his son, and the rest of the family. Trina says she’s rooting for Laura, and Laura thanks her.

Valentin says, let him guess, Jax is bidding on the piece that’s a collision of technology and nature. Jax tells him, save the pretense, but Valentin says, that’s no fun. Jax says he’s glad Valentin came. He’s going to enjoy watching him fail. Valentin says, may the best man win, and Jax says, he always does.

Curtis approaches Nina, but she says, now is not a good time. Ava says they’re almost ready, and Curtis steers Nina into the hallway. She asks, what is it? and he says she’s been dodging him. She says she’s been busy, and he tells her that he has important information about Valentin. It’s clear Valentin has been lying about Sasha, and he has proof.

Ava says, ladies and gentlemen. She can’t  tell them how thrilled she is at how quickly some pieces have moved, but she believes she knows why some of them are there. The auction centerpiece, a rescued J. Garrin original portrait of Helena Cassadine, matriarch of the Cassadine family. They’re ready to start the bidding. She introduces the auctioneer, Mr. Key, and says he’ll take it from there. Mr. Key says he’s starting the bidding at $10K. Valentin bids $50K.

At the pier, Lulu says the launch isn’t there yet, and Rocco asks if he and Charlotte can watch the boats. She says, of course (🍷), but stay away from the edge. Dustin suggests he grab some things from home, and meet her later. She kisses him, while Charlotte and Rocco skip rocks. Charlotte pulls Rocco back, and says if he falls, she’s not going to save him. He says maybe her imaginary secret bodyguard will. She says she’s not making it up. Her bodyguard is real, and she’ll prove it to him.

Nina asks Curtis, what proof? and he says he followed up on the DNA test that was supposed to indicate Sasha was her daughter. As it turns out, the sample is from a mother and daughter, just not them. She asks what that means, and he says, all he’s saying is, he didn’t watch Sasha use the swab. He gave it to her, and returned for the sample. Valentin could have given Sasha another swab, and she had help from someone who knew their way around the lab. Nina says, Obrecht, and Curtis says, call him crazy, but she doesn’t seem surprised about Valentin lying to her. She says she’s not, and goes back into the auction.

Valentin bids $100K, and Jax bids $150K. Mr. Key says, going once… Going twice, and Valentin says, $300K. Nina tells Jax, whatever he thinks he’s doing, stop it now.

Anna says she doesn’t think Peter is lying. She just asking because there’s going be an extensive follow-up. The police are going to want to know everything that happened in detail, and she doesn’t think he’s prepared to tell them what they want to know. Andre goes by, and Peter says maybe Andre has an update, and they follow him. Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? Is Franco waking up? Andre says, there’s been no change yet, but he’s gotten an update on the man who tried to kill him.

Elizabeth asks if the gunman is out of surgery, and Andre says, yes; he didn’t make it. Peter asks if he’s dead, and Andre says, yeah, and with him any chance to find out who hired him to kill himself and Franco. A sound from one of Franco’s machines is heard, and Andre does an about-face. Anna asks if he’s okay, and Cameron and Elizabeth follow Andre. Andre says, there’s been a spike in Franco’s heart rate. Cameron asks if that’s bad, and Franco’s eyelids flutter.

Finn asks Chase, what’s the matter? Didn’t anyone ever talk to him about using protection? Chase says he and Willow were responsible. Besides, it was a false alarm. Finn says, good. Kids are amazing, but he’s barely ready to be a father, and he has a few years on Chase. Chase says, a few? and Finn says, hilarious. What would Chase have done if it hadn’t been the preferred outcome? Chase says he’s not ready to be a father just yet, but he’s committed to a future with Willow. He loves her, so he’d be all in; the stroller, the minivan, the whole thing, but he’s not going to lie. He’s not ready. Finn says Chase will be a good dad when the time comes. Everything will work out, so what’s the problem? Chase says he just thought it brought back feelings about Wiley for Willow.

Maxie tells Willow, it’s amzing how fast kids grow from week to week. In a couple of months, you forget what they used to look like. She apologizes for rambling. She realizes James isn’t much older than Wiley. Willow says, it’s fine. Maxie doesn’t have to walk on eggshells around her. Maxie says she does have some understanding about how Willow feels. She went through a messy custody situation with Georgie, that she created herself. She thought she could give Georgie up, but she couldn’t. Willow says she’s sorry. It was different with her. She gave Wiley up to protect him from Shiloh, and she can never regret that.

Mr. Key says, $300K. Going once… Going twice… Nina tells Jax that she said stop, and drags him out. She tells him that if he keeps bidding, he’ll regret it.

Nikolas watches on his tablet. Valentin bids $400K, and Mr. Key says, going once… Going twice… Laura says, $450K. Ava is thrilled. Me too. This is fun.

Mr. Key says, a bid for $450K from the mayor. Ava says, that was quite a bid. Is Laura sure? Laura says, Ava heard her, and Mr. Key says, $450. Going once… Going twice… A waitress slams into Valentin, distracting him, and Mr. Key says, sold! Curtis and Laura fist bump, and Valentin looks furious. Suddenly, the painting is ablaze. Nikolas says, dammit! No! Everyone watches in shock as the portrait burns. Nina smiles, and Ava looks satisfied.

Dustin and Lulu kiss. Charlotte asks Rocco if he wants proof, and jumps into the water.

Willow tells Maxie that she doesn’t regret it. She protected Wiley from Shiloh. She’s so grateful he has two parents who love him. Maxie says, that doesn’t make it hurt any less, and Willow says, not really. She says, she’d better run before visiting hours are over.

Chase tells Finn that he knows Wiley is in Willow’s heart. He overestimated how well Willow was coping with giving him up and still seeing him. Finn says, it’s got to be hard. Anna still grapples with her decision to give up Peter.

Anna asks if Peter is okay, and he says, yeah. It’s a lot to process. She’s sure he can take comfort in having saved Franco and Andre’s lives.

Andre says, a rising heartrate means Franco is closer to consciousness. He tells Elizabeth and Cameron, talk to him. Help him find his way. Elizabeth touches Franco’s face, and says they’re here for him. They love him so much, and he said he’d come back to them. They’re here waiting. Cameron has no idea what to say, and Elizabeth says they just love him so much. Franco’s eyes start to open.

Tomorrow, Trina asks who Nikolas is and what he’s doing there, Valentin says the portrait is gone along with its many secrets, and Dustin tells Lulu to call 911.

Below Deck

Ashton tells the deckhands that the captain was in the crew mess, and Kate had the audacity to throw their clothing all over the place. He doesn’t care what Brian said; it doesn’t effing matter. Who TF does Kate think she is? Kate goes to her bunk, crying. Brian is upset that Courtney took Kate’s side, and she says she tried to talk to him about it, but he shut the car door in her face, dismissing her. In Brian’s interview, he says Kate is the issue, and is starting sh*t to get a reaction. It’s disappointing and frustrating that Courtney is taking her side. Kate tells Rhylee, the entire crew hates her. In Kate’s interview, she says she’s not feeling so great. Everywhere she turns, she’s being attacked. We flash back to incidents with Simone, Kevin, and Brian. She doesn’t know what she did to these people. She doesn’t feel it should be her job to point out that they need to respect her stripes, but she wishes somebody would.

Tanner texts, U up? to Simone. She texts that she can’t sleep, and Tanner tells Brian that they’re pulling the old switcheroo. Simone goes to Tanner’s bunk, and Brian apologizes to Courtney. In Simone’s interview, she says, she’s weak. Brian tells Courtney, he misses her, and gets in her bunk. In her interview, she says, he’s like a lost puppy.

Courtney helps Kevin, while the deckhands finish up getting the boat ready. Rhylee says, it’s hot already, and Ashton says that’s why he likes being on deck early. And he’s still drunk. The captain calls Kate to join him for a cup of coffee. Rhylee asks how Ashton feels about the elephant in her room, now that he’s sober. In her interview, Rhylee says, Kate is used to the captain jumping to her defense. She doesn’t want to betray Kate, but she does get favored, and runs the ship however she wants. Ashton says she’s taking advantage. Maybe the previous crews allowed her to get away with it, but he doesn’t think this crew is going to.

Captain Lee tells Kate he’s not going to tolerate someone blowing up. She says if she hadn’t been drinking 10 am, she probably wouldn’t have thrown the clothes on the floor. He says she’s got to be above that. In Kate’s interview, she says it’s never great to have a talk with Captain Lee about behavior he’s witnessed the night before. She’s so hungover, and there’s make up on her face from crying. The captain tells her that they have a good crew their responsible, and Ashton has to make sure it stays that way. In his interview, Captain Lee says he’s worked with Kate for five years, and she’s earned preferential treatment, but her behavior is inappropriate, and he’s disappointed. It can never happen again. She says she’s sorry she threw the uniforms on the ground. The captain hopes it’s the worst thing she ever does. She promises it won’t happen again.

Courtney tells Kate that everyone washed their clothes, and left hers in a pile. In Kate’s interview, she says, thank God Courtney is good at her job. It feels like Courtney is the only person who respects her at all. The captain calls Ashton, Kate, and Kevin in for the preference sheet meeting.

He says he wasn’t pleased about last night, and going forward, he expects them to act like adults. This shouldn’t be a difficult charter, and he suggests they not screw it up. He passes out the sheets, and Kate says, Master Pearson. It’s repeat guests, Torrie and Albert. Kate says the kids have grown up so much. Captain Lee says, one of the guests who’s coming back, is the one Chandler dropped on her ass. We flash back to that, and he says he wants to send her back with less bruises this time. In Ashton’s interview, he says, it was a sh*t show. We flash back to Chandler dropping the guest, the guests getting stranded with no supplies, and Pearson wailing when he stepped on broken glass. Ashton says as much as he and Kate are at each other throats, they need to put their personal differences aside. They can’t mess this up. The captain says they want to see a traditional Thai dance performance, and Torrie wants to surprise husband and children with Albert’s parents, who live there. He tells Kevin  that he’ll have two more guests for lunch that day. They also want a roaring 20s party. Kate asks if there won’t be any alcohol, since there was Prohibition, and the captain suggests bathtub gin.

Ashton calls Kate, and asks if she has a minute. Kate says she hates today so much. In his interview, he says, at this point, it’s obvious Kate has no respect for his position or the rest of the crew. They should be setting the example, and Kate thinks she’s better than everyone. It’s frustrating that she gets away with murder. She asks. what’s up? and he says, obviously there was a bit of a scene in the crew mess last night. She says Brian called her a bitch, and she got mad at Brian. Ashton says, it’s important for him to find out why something brings him to that level, and I’m surprised Kate shows so much restraint in not slapping him for acting like her elementary school teacher. Or A therapist. He says, when they’re told a time to be ready before an excursion, he feels like she and Rhylee don’t care. That’s where his frustration is coming from. In her interview, Kate wonders who Ashton thinks he is. Has he lost his mind? She thought he was going to apologize, not bitch about something else. Kate says, sorry he got frustrated.

Kevin tells the captain that the exhaust fan in the galley isn’t working, and the engineer has no clue what’s wrong. In his interview, Kevin says, this is going to be a problem. If there’s a smoke smell, nothing will go up. Captain Lee suggests getting another fan, and they’ll try and work with it that way. Kevin goes back to the galley, and the captain says, what else? Ashton tells Brian that Kate didn’t apologize. She said she’s sorry he feels that way. Kate gives Courtney an extra stripe. In Kate’s interview, she says it’s a reward for Courtney, and a punishment for Simone. Between Simone’s bratty behavior, and Courtney being good at her job, Courtney deserves the extra stripe. She tells Courtney that it comes with extra responsibility, and Courtney says, yeah. What she’s doing already. In Courtney’s interview, she says, it’s awkward, but not unwarranted.

Tanner tells Ashton that he got sh*t for dancing with the girl by the pool. He doesn’t want to be with someone who gets jealous this easy. In his interview, he says he likes Simone, but he loves being single. How many people say, thank God I got married? (No comment.) Courtney says it’s hot in the galley already, and Kevin says, it’s just going to get hotter. Simone calls her mom, and explains what happened last night, saying, apparently, Kate threw stuff on the floor. Then she gave the other stew a new position. Her grandmother says, no one is indispensable, and Simone says, she’s evil. In Simone’s interview, she says Kate’s got the wrong person if she wants to get a reaction. She’s not that basic bitch. The provisions come in.

Captain Lee calls a staff meeting, and Tanner says, it’s like being called to the principal’s office. The captain isn’t happy about something. He has two rules; don’t embarrass yourself or the boat. It seems all of them aren’t getting that message. He got an email from the beach club about the behavior of the crew. Cannon balls into the pool resulted in damaging the DJ equipment. We see a clip of Ashton jumping in, and water going all over the boards. In his interview, Ashton says, f***. The captain says they want to be compensated, and it’s justifiable, so the crew will iron it out and pay for it. In Kate’s interview, she says, hilarious. Ashton’s not so perfect. In Ashton’s interview, he says he’s ashamed of it. He’s not perfect. He apologizes to Captain Lee, who appreciates it. Ashton says he’ll cover the cost and apologize to the club. The captain says they’ve been working together for years, and Ashton knows what he expects. In the captain’s interview, he says, Ashton got a pass this time, but the pond Ashton is skating on has thin ice. He gives Ashton the printout of the damage, and says he hopes they get a good tip.

The captain says, fifteen minutes until the guests arrive. Ashton apologizes to Kate for his behavior at the beach club. She’s sure he built up frustration waiting for her and Rhylee, but he says they’re separate issues. In his interview, Ashton says he’s going around with his tail between his legs, and the queen bee bitch needs to have the last say, and drive a knife in his side. He tells Kevin that he doesn’t think it’s cool. Rhylee tells Kate not to make her late. Kate hopes she’s using deodorant and not hair spray on her armpits.

The guests arrive. In Kate’s interview, she says she likes returning guests. It takes away some of the stress of not knowing. But these guests had miserable experience last time, so there’s more pressure to make sure it’s perfect. The captain tells them that Kate will give the tour, and they’ll get out of there and have some fun. I guess he can’t get this party started because, little kids. Torrie says it’s a different vibe on the Valor, and they ship out. Albert thinks it’s more beautiful than Tahiti. After the guests settle in, Courtney asks Albert if he’d like another drink, and he says, the answer will almost always be yes.

Kevin wants to avoid making anything hot, and says, a caprese salad is refreshing on a hot day. Lunch is ready, and the toys are put in the water. Tanner points out all the jellyfish, and Ashton tells the guests that they have a pool they can put in the water. In his interview, he says the pool has a protective net to prevent sea creatures from coming in. He’s definitely been avoiding it, since he’s heard it’s a massive pita to put together, but this is the charter they need to redeem themselves with, so… A guest finds hair on her cheese. In Kate’s interview, she says, it’s disgusting. It’s one of the worst things anyone can experience, and not a good way to start the charter. She shows Kevin. In his interview, he says he can’t believe they’re starting this way. It’s a nightmare. Albert says, strike one, first meal.

In his interview, Kevin says, the first meal sets the tone, but it’s not his fault; it’s not his hair. I’ve noticed nothing is ever Kevin’s fault, but it is his fault. He should have noticed. He sends out a new hair-free plate. Ashton tries to figure out the pool, and he, Brian, and Rhylee set it up, and lower it into the water. Kate calls for a Thai dancer and some décor to go with the performance. In her interview, she says she loves local culture, whatever their location. The guests and crew like it, and while everyone is distracted, it gives her a break. The pool is brought back, and Ashton says, all that work for 40 minutes of play.

Kate says, even the limes are sweating. She’s going to get the fans. In Kate’s interview, she says, it’s just effing hot. If an oscillating fan is blowing on you, you’re somewhere depressing, like the DMV. Packing up the pool is taking forever, and Ashton says, this thing is a sh*t show. Brian tells Rhylee to calm down, although for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. She says she is calm, and tells him, don’t start with her. He says he’s not, and tells her not to get excited. She walks away, saying , he’s an effing moron. She’s not saying anything, and he’s telling her to calm down. She’s effing irritated. The dancer arrives. Kate asks if Rhylee wants some stripes, and Rhylee tells her to give them to the boys. She thinks they know all about stripes. She’s pissed off at Brian, and wonders how somebody so good looking could get under her skin. Ashton tells Brian that if he has an issue with Rhylee, and needs to speak to her, pull her aside. In Ashton’s interview, he says it’s like walking on eggshells dealing with Rhylee. He needs to be careful how he says or explains things. Fighting fire with fire is not going to work, and he doesn’t want to deal with more drama. Kate tells Rhylee, they’re a bit of a bitch, huh?

Lanterns are hung and decorations are put up. Ashton tells Kevin that they can smell smoke on the deck, and Kevin says he’ll just make salads from now on In Kevin’s interview, he says, lunch wasn’t perfect, and he wants to step it up for dinner. He’s making pineapple fried rice, and serving it in baby pineapples, along with meat on a lemongrass skewer. It’s fun for the kids, and looks cool. Kate tells them that they have a surprise before dessert. The dancer comes out, and does her thing. It’s pretty cool, and I love her costume, but she’s wearing… tube socks? In Kate’s interview, she says, the dancer is so festive. Kate respects her; she has commitment to her craft. Everyone takes pictures, and dessert is brought out. No one except Albert is into the dessert. Guest Scott bitches that he expected Michelin star quality food. Ground pork on a stick? He hopes they can do better tomorrow. Kate tells Kevin, and in his interview, Kevin says, obviously, Scott wasn’t looking for meat on a stick tonight, but he thinks there’s no pleasing these guys. Sorry.

Tanner tells Simone, the deck crew has lost seven pounds sweating. He asks if she’s cool with keeping their relationship casual, and she says as long as there’s respect. In Simone’s interview, she says she doesn’t get what’s in his mind. She likes being with him, she likes making out with him, and waking up next to him, but maybe she shouldn’t. Maybe she should be like, stop – she slaps her own wrist – leave the hot man alone. Tanner says as long as they’re on the same page.

The captain tells Ashton and Brian that the water taxi is bringing Albert’s parents out. In Ashton’s interview, he says it’s a surprise arrival of the kids’ grandparents. They already have two kids on board, which is a safety hazard, and now they’ll have two elderly people. Everything they do needs to be calculated. The water taxi heads for the yacht, and on deck, Torrie tells the kids she wonders why the boat is coming so close. The kids see who it is, and get all excited. In her interview, Kate asks if it gets cuter than this. Has this yacht turn into a Hallmark movie? She loves old people. They’re cute and have wisdom. Kevin asks how long the guests will be on the beach, and Kate says, as long as they want. He suggests they put the food on table. In his interview, he says family style is a fairy tale for him. Growing up, he had a small family. He likes how you can sit back and look at the food, and get into it.

On deck, Pearson feels rain, and Torrie says, the wind is getting strong. Driving the first boat to the beach, Ashton isn’t comfortable with the waves, and says he’s sorry he teased them with a beach excursion, but they can’t do it. He doesn’t want the boat to be smashing them. In his interview, he says they’ve dealt with injuries already. The narrow approach, and crashing waves are a bad combination. They can’t have injuries or the guests will pack their bags. Ashton radios Captain Lee, and says he’s not comfortable. The captain says if he can’t do it safely, don’t do it at all. In Kate’s interview, she says they had it on their preference sheet, and the guests were excited. Canceling is a big deal. They’re all screwed. Torrie says, they can’t go? but she’s told, it’s rough, and they can’t risk it.

In Kate’s interview, she says she and Kevin were going to have lunch set up for when the guests came back from the beach, but thanks to Ashton, there’s no beach, they have disappointed guests, and they wasted their time. The captain tells the deckhands to break out the toys; all of them. In Ashton’s interview, he says he avoided one problem, but created another problem. Now they have to rush to make sure the guests aren’t bored and mommy is happy. Captain Lee tells Ashton to put out the pool, and they’ll give the guests as much fun as they can. Kate tells the guests, they’re going to proceed with lunch; it’s one large feast. Tanner tells Ashton, it was the right call. Pearson wants the toys, and Torrie says, they’re setting them up. Kate says, we took circulated air for granted. It’s getting smoky. Tanner says the current is working against them, and asks Rhylee to tie off the line on the pool. She says he just asked her to untie it. Ashton complains about Rhylee’s fishing knots.

It’s really smoky in the galley, and the fire alarm goes off. Torrie says they can go to the island to eat. Rhylee and Tanner continue to bicker over the line. Kate holds up the fan, and tells Kevin that she’s his biggest fan. BA-DUM-CHH! In Kate’s interview, she says the guests are disappointed, and she’s frustrated. It’s hard to think when you’re just trying to survive. It’s chaos. The most wild experience of her life.

Next time, Captain Lee says they have to pull out all the stops, Ashton tells Rhylee not to come at him with that attitude again, Smashton’s out of his cage, and Kate walks.

⛵ A new member of the franchise, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, will premiere on Monday, February 3rd. You can check out a nugget about it here. No sign of Abbi though.

https://www.bravotv.com/below-deck/bravocon/below-deck-sailing-yacht-sneak-peek-of-new-show-bravocon-2019

❗ FYI – The finale of The Real Housewives of Orange County is tomorrow (okay, today really), Tuesday, December 17th,  but Part One of the Reunion will be the following day, Wednesday, December 18th, at 10 pm. That makes the line-up, New Jersey, Dallas, and Orange County, starting at 8 pm. That’s just too many Wives in one night, so I’ll see what I can conjure up.

👧 Maybe It’s Me…

It sure looks like they both have the same hairline in the pictures.

https://pagesix.com/2019/12/13/rhoc-star-kelly-dodd-trashes-tamra-judge-over-receding-hairline-joke/

Just in case that wasn’t enough.

https://celebrityinsider.org/kelly-dodd-responds-to-tamra-judge-making-fun-of-her-hairline-350949/

🍑 Cynthia Sets It Straight…

Because we’ve all been waiting with bated breath.

https://pagesix.com/video/cynthia-bailey-on-where-she-stands-with-the-ladies-of-rhoa/

🍔 I Suppose It Could Be Worse…

Hopefully, the internet is being kind, but I’m guessing if she’d gained fifty pounds, the haters would be all over that.

https://pagesix.com/2019/12/14/meghan-king-edmonds-believes-shes-too-thin-im-a-stress-non-eater/

💫 Now For Something Completely Different…

While ’tis the season and all that, I recently read this article:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/deep-roots-italian-song-sounds-like-english-american-medieval-comedy-nonsense

and it led me to this song. I love foreign language pop, but this is unique in that it’s nonsense. It’s also pretty catchy, and sounds like it could have been written a lot more recently than 1972.

Dec11

December 10, 2019 – Andre Is Attacked, The OC Leaves Miami, Shriner Birthday, Kim’s Goodbye, Griff’s Hello, NeNe’s Shade, NeNe Shaded, Annoying Jennifer, Brandi Gets Lit, Feuds & Wrap This

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

So here’s what happened, I’m guessing just on the east coast. When I turned on GH, it was breaking news, but actually relevant to my area – a shooting in Jersey City. Okay. I get them breaking in for that, especially since it was ongoing and they hadn’t apprehended or killed the suspects at that point in time. Nevertheless, because it’s my job – albeit a volunteer one that I created for myself – I went on the hunt. Here you go.

Scotty asks Elizabeth if Andre said how long it’s going to take, but she says, no. He wonders if they’re just going to sit around, staring at the clock, and asks Cameron how long it took Shiloh and Cabot to scramble Franco’s brain. Cameron says he guesses he was too scared to notice.

Andre tells Franco/Drew that he’s an incredibly brave man. If this works, it’s the last time he’ll know himself. Andre will do his best to make sure the sacrifice isn’t in vain. The program is almost ready.

Peter runs into the hospital. Laura says she needs a word with him, and he asks if it can wait. She says it can’t. It’s city business, and it’s urgent.

At the MetroCourt, Anna hugs Griff. She’s glad to see him, but sorry for the circumstances. She knows he and Lucas were friends. They sit, and she asks how he is. He says, glad to have her back in town. She says she was gone too long, and he says he bets Finn is thrilled. She says Finn had a bit of a surprise for her. It turns out he has a daughter with Hayden. He says, what?! and she says she reacted that way too. He just found out about her; her name’s Violet. He asks how Finn is taking it, and she says, it’s hard being thrust into the role of a father. Griff says he remembers, and she says, that’s right. The same thing happened to him with Charlotte.

Nina holds out her hand to Ava, and asks if Ava will take down the Cassadine boys with her. Ava says, no thanks. She has zero interest in partnering with Nina. Nina asks, why not? and Ava says Nina visited her at Shadybrook because she wanted to get her hands on the portrait. She’s no better than Valentin or Nikolas. Nina says she’s wrong. She’s on Ava’s side, and wants Ava on hers.

Valentin continues to ring Jax’s doorbell, and Jax tells Nikolas to get out of there. He invites Valentin in, and ask what he wants. Valentin says, closure. Things got heated between them at the MetroCourt. Jax admits he wasn’t very gentlemanly, but thinks he got his message across. Valentin says, partly, but if Jax is trying to take his inheritance, he’ll fight back hard. Or they can pool their resources, and they both win.

Nina says when she saw Ava at Shadybrook, Ava was shattered. It broke her heart. Ava asks what she expected after Nikolas said those cruel things to her. Kiki is in hell because of her. Nina asks if Ava wants to let him get away with that, and Ava says, of course (🍷) not. Nina says Nikolas preyed on her vulnerabilities; let’s make him pay. Ava asks why she should trust Nina. How does she know Nina isn’t Valentin’s emissary, and going to prey on her vulnerable state? Nina says she has no interest in helping Valentin. Ava says Nina is in love with Valentin. She probably sprinted home to tell him about the ring, and how Nikolas is alive and well. Nina says Valentin has no idea that the man who broke into Ava’s gallery is Nikolas. Ava tells her to warn him, so he can swoon over her more than he already does. Nina says Ava is right. Valentin loves her and would do anything for her; even fabricate a daughter that didn’t exist. He was behind Sasha’s lies and orchestrated the whole thing. She’s known for months, and it’s her chance to turn the tables.

Valentin tells Jax, the more they fight each other, the more they stand to lose. They’d be better off joining forces to find Helena’s portrait. Isn’t it what they both want? Jax says, so Valentin wants a truce and a collaborator, and Valentin says he does. Jax laughs and says, that’s never going to happen. Valentin says he knows Jax had someone break into Ava’s gallery. Jax feigns ignorance, and Valentin sees the garbage bags full of Nikolas’s clothes. He asks if Jax has a new roommate, and Jax says his daughter is coming to stay with him. Valentin says, daughters are the best; he has one of those. He compliments Jax on his home, and asks if Jax minds if he looks at the sunset. Nina has been raving about the view. Valentin goes out on the terrace, and Jax follows, saying, he’s surprised Nina noticed. She was pretty upset after that debacle of a wedding. Valentin says they’re fixing that soon, and Jax asks if Valentin thinks he’ll make it through the ceremony this time.

Griff tells Anna not to worry. The Charlotte thing isn’t a trigger for him anymore, but he can still remember the feeling of surprise fatherhood; how full you feel in your heart. He asks how Finn is handling it, and Anna says, it’s day by day, but they’re starting a lovely connection. He says, speaking of which, have she and Peter grown closer? She says they’re getting there. He and Maxie came for Thanksgiving. They’re together. Griff says a lot has changed since he left. She says especially Peter, but she thinks he still struggles with being Faison’s son. As much as she tells him that he’s not his father, he can’t allow himself to be happy. She asks how Griff is getting on, and he says work keeps him busy. He still has his faith. The other parts will fall into place when the time is right. Maxie asks if she’s interrupting, and Anna says, of course (🍷) not. Maxie thanks Griff for coming for Lucas. He says he wishes he could have done more in the short time he’s there; he’s leaving Port Charles tonight.

Elizabeth tells Scotty, the last time Franco did the memory transfer, it seemed like forever before he opened his eyes, and when he did, he had no idea who she was. He called her ma’am. Scotty says, that must have been brutal, and she says, this whole ordeal has been brutal. The good news is, it’s about to end. Cameron understands she’s trying to be hopeful for Franco, but he also knows she’s scared. Scotty says they’re all scared. Elizabeth thinks it’s possible to be both at the same time.

Peter tells Laura that he doesn’t have time. He’s there on important Invader business. She says, it’s about The Invader. She sent him an email, and he never replied. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, prisoner overcrowding at Pentenville. They’re considering early release of several prisoners. Her constituents are worried, and there’s been no coverage in The Invader. She expected better from him.

Andre tells Franco, the procedure is mostly out of his hands, but he’s going to work like hell to make sure he comes back as he really is. Suspicious dude comes in, and points a gun at Andre.

Ava says she thought the Valentin/Nina love story was one for the ages, but Nina says, not all love stories end in hearts and flowers. She’s hoping Ava keeps the information she’s giving her between them. Ava asks why should she? and Nina says she’s putting a lot on the line trying to prove herself to Ava. Ava says she wouldn’t worry. Even if she told Valentin, he wouldn’t believe her. Nina says if Ava gives Valentin even a little reason to distrust her, he’ll figure out her plan. Ava asks, who else knows?and Nina says, Jax. Ava says, and he wants the portrait. If Nina wants her help, she’ll have to enlighten Ava. Why do Jax, Valentin, and Nikolas want the portrait? And is Laura next? Maybe she’s just pretending to be Ava’s friend; Nikolas is her son. Nina is sure Laura doesn’t know Nikolas is alive, and if she’s looking for the portrait, it’s for Spencer’s sake. Ava asks why Nina is looking for the portrait.

Jax asks if Valentin is surprised he was invited to the wedding, and Valentin says, no. He’s Nina’s boss, and was invited to the first one. Why wouldn’t he be invited to the second one? Jax says he’s looking forward to it. Almost as much as he’s looking forward to Valentin getting to the point of why he’s there. Valentin says, Spencer. He’s in the dark, right? He’s unaware of the whole mad dash for Helena’s portrait and the codicil. He’s just living the life of the American teenager abroad. Jax says, lucky him, and Valentin wonders how Jax got dragged in. Why is he so desperate to get his hands on Helena’s portrait?  If it’s not for Spencer’s sake, then whose?

Maxie tells Griff, that’s so soon. Anna asks Maxie if she and Griff can finish their conversation, and Maxie asks Griff to check in with her before he goes, leaving them to talk. Anna says she was hoping Griff would have a chance to meet Violet, but he says he’s sorry. The losses in Port Charles are still too fresh. She understands, and he hopes he can at least take her to dinner tonight. She says she’ll have to cancel her phlebotomy, and he says her health is more important. He promises to do better at staying in touch. She says getting emails from him is the highlight of her day. He’s doing such great work; for others, and for himself. Duke would be proud of Griff. She is. She tells him keep it up, and he tells her to take care of herself. They exchange I love yous and hug. Anna tells him not to be a stranger.

When Anna leaves, Maxie asks Griff if everything is okay with her, but Griff says they were just catching up. She says she wouldn’t mind some catching up herself, and he says he’d like that. He asks if she and Peter are official, and she says, that’s one way to put it. As of today, they’re officially living in sin.

Peter gives Laura his full assurance that the overcrowding issue will get full coverage in The Invader. She says she’s meeting with community groups and prison officials tonight and tomorrow. He tells her to email the details to him, and text him with updates. He gets in the elevator, and she tells him to at least get it in tomorrow’s website.

Elizabeth reminds Cameron of his playoff game against Sawyer. Their team was down by five goals. She asks if he was scared he was going to lose, and he says, for a while, it looked really bad, but they got more intense and focused, and in the end, they won. She says because they banded together, and turned the game around. She says that’s what they’re doing there. She has faith that between their hope, and Andre’s talents, this procedure will work. Cameron says, what about Scotty? He’s a lawyer. He sees things the way they are, not the way he wants them to be. What does he think is going to happen to Franco once he gets in the operating room?

Andre struggles with suspicious dude, who is now a gunman. The gunman drops his gun, and Andre jumps on him. Andre lands some good punches, and they continue to struggle as the procedure keeps going.

Jax asks if Valentin doesn’t think he has his own reason to want him to fall, and Valentin says, sure, but he also knows Jax isn’t acting alone. Who’s in Jax’s corner? Valentin thinks it’s Laura, acting on Spencer’s behalf. Jax asks if Valentin’s fishing expedition is going to take much longer, and Valentin says whatever they’re paying, he can top it. Jax says, it’s not about the money, and Valentin asks if there’s anything he can do to make peace between them. Jax says, no, and Valentin says he can only assume Jax is moving him out of the way so he can have Nina all to himself.

Nina tells Ava that she’s not interested in that Godforsaken portrait. They’re after the codicil that Helena hid inside. Ava says they’re finally getting somewhere. What codicil? Nina says Valentin’s father left a codicil to his will. It’s supposed to disinherit Valentin, and leave everything to Spencer and Nikolas, and it’s supposed to be hidden in Helena’s portrait. Ava says, that explains a lot, and Nina says, Valentin and Nikolas really want it, but if she and Ava get it, they’ll have a lot of leverage. Ava asks what Nina means by we; she hasn’t agreed to work with Nina. Nina is in love with Valentin, which clouds her judgement. Nina says she’s clear on this; Valentin and Nikolas don’t deserve it. If anyone deserves it, it’s Spencer. Or doesn’t Ava want to help Spencer anymore? She withdrew her statement, so Spencer’s wrongful death suit fell apart. She’s sorry, but Ava didn’t step up. Ava says it’s a mistake she deeply regrets. Spencer should have had peace after losing his father. Nina says, but he didn’t lose his father. Nikolas is alive and wants the portrait. Does Ava want to give it to him? Does she want to give it to Valentin, or does she want what’s behind door number three?

Maxie tells Griff that she and Peter are living together. He congratulates her, saying, they’ve made quite a U-turn. She says, a little of Griff rubbed off on her. All that talk about forgiveness, redemption, not judging, and not casting the first stone. It turns out he was right. He asks how she and Peter got together, and she says they found a connection; first friendship, then more. And it’s not because Peter is Nathan’s half-brother or James’s uncle. They connected on a level she didn’t think she could still reach after Nathan died. He says he’s happy for her, and she says, it took a while. They messed up for a couple of months. They’d get close, then one of them would chicken out and take a step back, but they were finally able to admit their feelings for each other. He says she deserves it, and she appreciates that. She wants Griff to trust he’ll find love again. It won’t replace Kiki or what they had, but they’ll make something new. Laura comes in, and says she’s sorry to interrupt. Maxie says she just said the same thing to Anna; everyone is happy to see Griff. He’s there to help Lucas. Laura says it’s kind of him, and she’s sure it’s a comfort to Bobbie. He says they’re praying for the best; it’s all they can do really. Maxie suggests calling Peter; maybe they can all have dinner. Laura says she just ran into Peter at the hospital, and he barely had time to talk to her.

The gunman gets the better of Andre, and knocks him out. I say, sh*t! He goes over to Franco. Peter walks in, and picks up the gun. The gunman asks what he’s doing, and Peter takes the silencer off of the gun.

Scotty tells Cameron that he has to be honest; he’s scared too, like Elizabeth, but they have to hope. They have to have faith, and believe this is going to work.

Anna comes in, and goes to the reception desk to check in for her phlebotomy appointment. A gunshot is heard, startling everyone. Anna tells the reception nurse to call 911, and tell them there’s an officer on the scene, but to send back up. Elizabeth tells Anna, it sounded like it came from the OR. Anna takes out her gun, and jets. Elizabeth tells Scotty to take care of Cameron, and Scotty pulls Cameron away, despite his protests. Elizabeth follows Anna, and Scotty shoves Cameron into an examining room. Cameron says he has to be with his mom, but Scotty says, they have an active shooter out there. Cameron doesn’t care, but Scotty says he’s not letting Cameron put himself in danger.

Anna busts into the OR, and says, don’t move. Peter says, don’t shoot; he’s unarmed. He tells her the gunman is right there. She sees him lying on the floor, kicks the gun away, and asks, who fired? Peter says, he was just walking by… Elizabeth runs in, and goes to Franco. Anna asks Peter, what happened? but he says he doesn’t know. He came in, and Andre was unconscious. Anna asks if Andre is okay, and Andre says he will be. Elizabeth checks the gunman, and says, he’s still alive.

Jax opens the door, and Valentin says Jax has always been after Nina. He doesn’t blame Jax. She’s brilliant and beautiful, but she’s taken. Jax says Nina is his associate, and he respects her. Valentin says he just happened to be outside the church that day to whisk her away after the wedding, and he just happened to be available to bring her to Windymere the next morning. Jax says, they’re done here, and Valentin says whatever happened between them that night, that’s the last time. Make sure he’s at the wedding. He wants Jax to see who she’s chosen.

Jax closes the door, and Nikolas comes out. He asks if Jax still wants to call it quits, or help him out. Jax tells him, just find his damn ring, and walks out. Nikolas slams the door.

Ava tells Nina, aside from righting the wrong she did to Spencer, she doesn’t see what teaming up with Nina gets her. Nina asks if she doesn’t want to see Valentin lose, and Ava says, who wouldn’t? But as Nina pointed out, the painting is leverage against Valentin and Nikolas, and she has the painting. Nina says, for this reason. Ava forgot she has this. She takes out the ring, and says Ava checked herself into Shadybrook, claiming she saw dead people. What’s going to keep Sonny from taking away her one remaining daughter?

Maxie apologizes for Peter being short with Laura, saying, sometimes he’s so focused on work, he doesn’t realize he’s being rude. Laura says she didn’t take it personally. She just wanted The Invader to be aware that she’s having a meeting tonight about criminal justice reform, and it’s important to get that out to the public. Maxie says she’ll make sure Peter follows up. Laura asks if she can count on them to join her, but Griff says he’s leaving tonight. Laura says, that’s too bad, and Griff says he would have liked to see Lulu. He asks how she is, and Laura asks how much time he has. A lot has changed in Lulu’s life since he left town. Dante volunteered for an undercover assignment with the WSB, and it was rough. He came home with a terrible case of PTSD. He’s in a facility, receiving treatment, but he and Lulu are divorced now. Griff is sorry to hear that, and asks about the kids. Laura says, Rocco is taking it pretty rough; Charlotte, not so much. She misses Dante, but still has Valentin, for better or worse. Jax walks in, as Griff says, Charlotte still has her father. Laura says, loving Charlotte is about the only good thing Valentin does. Jax says, hello, and Griff introduces himself. Jax asks if he heard them mention Charlotte, and Griff asks if he’s a friend of Valentin’s. Maxie says, hardly, and Griff asks how he knows Charlotte. Maxie asks if anyone told Jax how Lulu came to have a child with Valentin, and Jax says he thought it was probably more tactful not to ask. Griff says, for a time, he thought he was Charlotte’s father, and Jax asks if he and Lulu were involved. Maxie says, it’s way more convoluted than that. Laura says, Charlotte was carried by a surrogate, and Maxie adds, a shady lady named Claudette. Jax asks where Valentin fits in, and Maxie says she’s getting to that.

Nina says Ava has been trying to tell people Nikolas is alive, but without the ring as proof, nobody is going to believe her. Ava asks if she’s really lost that much credibility, and Nina says she’s been on a long, downward spiral since Kiki was killed, and she was poised to follow. She gets it. The anger, the hate, the sadness; they have that in common. She’s sorry for everything she did to Ava, but they can change this. They can turn it around. They have Nikolas’s and Valentin’s fate in their hands. Doesn’t it feel good. Ava says follow her. She shows Nina a painting, and removes a layer. Underneath is Helena’s portrait. Nina smiles.

Cameron asks how long they’re supposed to wait, and Scotty says Elizabeth will come get him. Cameron says they haven’t heard anything for a while, but Scotty won’t let him leave. He says Cameron’s mother would have his head, and Franco would kill him if he put Cameron in harm’s way. He knows Cameron is upset, and he’s the horrible step-granddad, but come soccer season, he’ll be the granddad on the sidelines, cheering Cameron on. He wants to be out there too, but they can’t. Not until everything has been neutralized. Cameron asks what do they do in the meantime? Think happy thoughts until the shooter goes away? Scotty says, why not? He’ll think about how he felt when he found out Franco was his son. Cameron says, what was that like? and Scotty says, it was kind of a nightmare.

Elizabeth asks how Andre feels, and Andre says, a little hazy. She asks if he knows what happened, and he says he started the program, and heard the OR doors open. He turned around, and a man was standing there with a gun in his hand. He rushed the guy, they struggled, and the gun fell to the ground. Andre lunged for it, and it must have been when the guy knocked him out. That’s the last thing he remembers until seeing them. Anna asks how Peter knew something was going on, and Peter says he wanted the story for The Invader. Out of respect for the family, and to make sure no boundaries were crossed, he decided to come there and do the story himself. He was headed for the waiting room, and saw a guy in scrubs. Something seemed off about him. He was lurking, and it seemed like he didn’t want anybody to notice he was there, so Peter waited and watched. Andre says, good intuition, and Peter says he knew Andre had been attacked once before, so when he saw the guy come in, he followed to make sure everything was okay. When he came in, Andre was unconscious, and the guy was standing over him with a gun. They fought, but the guy kept coming at him. He just reacted, and shot him. He didn’t know what else to do. Andre says Peter saved his life, and thanks him. Elizabeth says, what about Franco? His vitals are good, but is the program still running? What’s happening to him?

Nikolas flashes back to being with Ava at Shadybrook, and pulling his hands away from hers. He says, she grabbed his hand. The ring is in her room at Shadybrook.

Nina says, it’s been here the whole time, and Ava says, hiding in plain sight. Nina says she’s brilliant, and Ava agrees. Nina says she’s always hated this picture. It seems benevolent, but the more you look at her, the more vicious she becomes. Ava says, because she’s got a secret, and Nina says, she’s got the codicil inside. Maybe they should cover it until they plan their next move. Ava says she already has. She says she knows exactly what they’re going to do next, and calls Nina partner.

Valentin arrives at the MetroCourt, but sees Jax with everyone, and walks back out. Jax says, so Valentin hired a surrogate who gave birth to Charlotte, then posed as her mother and took off with her. Griff says, Claudette was complicated, and Maxie says, she was a pathological liar. First she tried breaking up Maxie and Nathan, then told Griff that he was Charlotte’s father. Griff says imagine his surprise when Valentin came in, and Charlotte ran to him, calling him papa. Jax says that must have been hard for Griff, and Laura says, it still is. Imagine how Lulu felt, finding out she had a daughter and she’d missed the first years of her life. Jax asks, what happened to Claudette? and Laura says, sadly, she committed suicide. Griff says he doesn’t believe it. He accepts Claudette is dead, but doesn’t believe it was suicide. She had her share of problems, but loved life too much to have killed herself.

Scotty says he doesn’t have to tell Cameron about Franco’s reputation, does he? and Cameron says, it’s all over the internet, and Franco kidnapped Aiden when he was little, so… Scotty says, that was before the tumor was removed. He was worried about his own reputation, so he distanced himself from Franco. Cameron says he did a lot of that himself when Franco started seeing his mother. Scotty says, this whole thing stinks right now. They’re waiting on the procedure, and there’s a lunatic out there with a gun. Cameron tells him not to jump to the worst case scenario before they know what’s going on. Anna knocks at the door, and tells them, the gunman has been subdued. Scotty asks if he’s alive, and she says, he’s in surgery. Franco is unharmed, and Elizabeth is with Andre. They’re trying to figure out what’s going on with Franco and this whole procedure. Scotty asks what went on? and Anna says, someone tried to kill Andre, and Peter saved him. Scotty tells Cameron, let’s get out of here.

Peter wipes the silencer clean of prints, and ditches it in a trashcan. He joins Anna, Scotty, and Cameron, and Scotty says Anna told them that they owe him some thanks for intervening. Cameron asks if anyone knows why the gunman tried to kill Andre, but Anna says, not yet. Scotty says, someone tried to kill Andre when he came to town, the same day Drew died. Anna says, and someone tried to kill Andre today. Cameron thanks Peter for all their family, and Peter says he’s glad he could help, but it all happened so fast; he really didn’t do much. Anna asks if she can talk to Peter for a second, and they go around the corner.

Peter asks if there are any updates on the guy who tried to kill Andre. She says, he’s in surgery. He’s in critical condition.

Elizabeth asks Andre how it’s looking. Andre says, the gunman came in just as the program was starting to run. He wasn’t able to supervise or control any of it. She asks if there’s anything he can do to adjust it, but he says, no. The program just finished running. The screen says, program complete, and she asks if it worked. He says they won’t know until Franco wakes up. She asks Franco to wake up and come back to her.

Tomorrow, Julian says it’s all his fault, Nelle tells Martin that she has to get out of Pentenville immediately, and Sonny says he’s not going to sit around and watch his father die.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

You can dress them up, but you can’t take them out. And some, you can’t even dress up. <sigh>

The women get ready to go to a museum. The three amoebas amigas hang out in Vicki’s room. Tamra says they’re supposed to be going to someone’s house, and Shannon says, he better have good coffee.

Emily tells Gina and Kelly that Tamra sent a video of Vicki going in an ambulance. Kelly guarantees Vicki isn’t hurt. Vicki tried to bully her, and picked on her. Braunwyn says she’s tired of picking sides. Emily says she’s not doing that, but Kelly says, they make you feel like you have to. In her interview, Emily says it’s like high school, but instead of the senior girls hating her, it’s the senior citizens. In Braunwyn’s interview, she’s excited about going to Earnest Hemingway’s house. says she loves the time he lived in; they lacked moderation. She identifies. Tamra wonders who Hemingway is, and if he’s still alive. Vicki checks on her phone, and says he died in 1961, before Tamra was born. Vicki wonders why he still has a house. I don’t even know what to say. Even Max on 2 Broke Girls would know who Hemingway was. Tour guide Rusty greets them at the house. Kelly asks if that’s a lighthouse right next door, and Rusty tells her it was so Hemingway could find his way home from the bars. There are all kinds of unique artifacts in the house, including an original Picasso tchotchke. In her interview, the producer asks Kelly what her favorite Hemingway book is, and she says For Whom the Bells Toll [sic], so points for that, close enough. There are some cats hanging around, and Rusty says Hemingway loved six-toed cats. I actually knew that, so I give myself some points. Emily tries to pet one, but kitteh is not having it. They go outside to the pool. Rusty says there’s an insane story behind it, and Emily says, whatever the story is, Kelly has done worse. I’m pissed when we don’t hear the story. It’s probably going to be in some lost footage extra episode at some point. <another sigh>

Tamra checks Vicki’s leg, and asks if she can walk. Vicki says she can, and picks up a pair of crutches. She insists they must be two different heights, and doesn’t navigate them well. Eventually, she falls, but manages to stumble back to the bed. She slides to the floor, and laugh-cries. Shannon tries to demonstrate how crutches are used, and steps on Vicki’s foot.

After changing clothes, the women meet to do some water sports. Gina is wearing the same surfing top as Kelly, but doesn’t fill it out like Kelly. In Kelly’s interview, she says, Gina went platinum, but she shouldn’t stop at the hair. She needs to get herself some tatas. If she wants to fit in, she can’t have pancakes. She, Gina, and Emily are doing some jet skiing, while Tamra, Shannon, Braunwyn and Vicki go parasailing.

In her interview, Braunwyn says she thought the trip would be the perfect opportunity for them to all work through their issues, but the camp is divided. They’re separated by where they’re staying, separated at dinner, and in the cars. She misses Shannon and Tamra, although I can’t figure out why. It feels like she still doesn’t know Tamra.

Gina wails about fish being in the water. News flash, they were here first. And she’s from Long Island. She’s never seen the ocean or been to the beach? She doesn’t understand why there aren’t more people in the water. In her interview, she says, sharks and whales eat people. It seems inappropriate. Clearly, she’s a genius when it comes to marine life too. Shannon tells the boat captain that Vicki hurt herself running from the popo. On the jet ski, Gina says she’s nervous, and Emily says, mama’s got it. In Emily’s interview, she says she used to date a drug dealer, and he had a boat and lots of jet skis. The instructor, and brother to Captain Obvious, says it must be Gina’s first time. Kelly picks up a starfish, and freaks Gina out with it. I do remember dropping the first one I picked up, since I didn’t realize it would start walking around in my hand.

The instructor gives life jackets to Tamra and Shannon. We flash back to Shannon having a meltdown over the rope climbing course they did in a previous season. In her interview, she says, maybe the string will break. She and Tamra are lifted out, and Shannon repeats, be zen, to herself. She doesn’t know if she can look. Mind you, this is passive parasailing, where she and Tamra are seated, and it’s more like an amusement park ride. The instructor tells them, once they get up, relax. On the way back down, Shannon screams, no touching the water, but she’s not the boss of this, and they glide through it. She says she hates Tamra. Still on the jet skis, Kelly sees stingrays, and Gina sees a shark. In her interview, she says, this is how I die. Kelly still has the starfish, and I get pissed, since if you don’t put them back, they die.

Jet ski guy tells Gina, no one ever died from a hammerhead, but she doesn’t want to go near it. She’s never getting in water again. In her interview, Kelly imitates her and laughs. Tamra lets go of the handlebar, as the parasailing thing goes through the water, and Shannon continues to scream. Kelly gives Gina the starfish for support, and Gina feels better now that she has a weapon. I shake my head. Shannon checks parasailing off her bucket list, never to be done again.

Emily, Gina, and Kelly sit down for lunch. Gina says, shark and jail. Her top two terrible experiences in life. Kelly says Vicki is in a wheelchair. Maybe she should be in a convalescent home. Emily has to explain what that is to Gina, and I start to wonder if anyone even graduated high school. The other women go somewhere else for lunch, and Braunwyn tells them, Kelly admits that she has anger issues. She knows she has a problem, and thinks she should go to therapy. Tamra says, or shock treatment, once again proving her high level of sensitivity toward others.

Kelly wonders why Vicki hates her so much. She doesn’t know how Vicki can have so much hate. She doesn’t know what she did. Gina says the dinner cruise is going to be great. Vicki tells the others that she doesn’t get the girl code thing. Kelly’s ex wanted to date a friend of hers; so what? We flash back to Kelly saying that Vicki is the one who should have told her. Vicki says she thinks Kelly is still in love with Michael, and reinforcing her ignorance about what Kelly was actually angry about. Braunwyn asks if Tamra thinks they can still have a boat ride and have fun tonight, and Tamra says, doesn’t it sound like it?

The women meet at the dock, and have a drink. Tamra asks if everyone had fun, and Gina says, it was like shock therapy. Braunwyn thanks them for coming. In her interview, she says it didn’t go at all as she’d hoped. We flash back to all the screeching, and then more screeching. Tamra has gotten AF hates for everyone, and they put them on. Gina’s says, Single AF, but she thinks it should be Confused AF. Kelly’s says Krazy AF, and in her interview, she says, they want to poke the bear, and thrive on getting her angry. She’s tired of it. Emily tells Kelly, all she can do is handle her own reaction, and admits to flying off the handle too. She says she found herself being reactionary, and yelling in front of her daughter. Then she saw Annabelle yelling at her little brother the same way. She has to get it under control. Kelly suggests they go to anger management together. In Kelly’s interview, she says she gets defensive and reacts. She goes for the jugular, and doesn’t want to live life like that. She needs to learn how to walk away. She says she and Tamra have been in many fights, but Tamra is there to forgive when she screws up. Sure. So Tamra can pat herself on the back and gossip about it later. Kelly says she didn’t know how the Jim thing would affect Tamra, and should have called her. Tamra says she really had Kelly’s back, and Kelly says she knows. Tamra promises to never repeat anything they talk about, and Braunwyn says, a fresh start. She wonders if Vicki and Kelly can have a fresh start. Vicki says Kelly called her a pig, and Gina says, it will take time to heal. Vicki wonders how it’s going low when she does nothing back, but Tamra says, she did, and we flash back to Vicki consistently talking about Kelly and talking to the girl from the bar fight. Braunwyn tells everyone, don’t engage; take a step back. She’s going to get so drunk, they can blame her for everything

Back home, Braunwyn tells Sean there was a lot of drama and fights, but they had fun. They keep rolling. Get in a huge fight, just jump in a convertible, and puke out the side.

Shannon meets a party planner to talk about decorations for Vicki’s engagement party. Tamra gets impatient.

Gina and Sienna get their ceramic on at a pottery place. Sienna wants to be Batgirl when she grows up.

Eddie, Tamra, Braunwyn, Sean, Shannon, and Ken meet for dinner. Tamra tells Braunwyn that they don’t have many couple friends. In her interview, Shannon explains that Ken doesn’t live in California, but they’ve kept in touch. He’s in town, and they’re having fun. Eddie asks why the girls keep calling him babe, and Shannon says when they first went out, she called him that without thinking. Tamra says they had a lot of fun on the trip, and it makes her sad. Kelly and Vicki have known each other a long time. She hopes they can come to an understanding, and bury the hatchet. They’ve both gone dirty. It’s not like one is worse than the other. Shannon says going low causes long term damage. She went through that with Vicki. Tamra says Vicki did it to her and Eddie, and Shannon says she did it to David too. Tamra says, when she feels backed into a corner, she attacks. Shannon says Vicki and Kelly are alike that way. Tamra tells Shannon that Kelly and Emily are going to anger management together. Acknowledging anger is the first step. Maybe they can agree to disagree. In Shannon’s interview, she says she’s been in therapy a long time, and seen an improvement. One session isn’t going to change anything. In Tamra’s interview, she says, if Kelly doesn’t go to Vicki’s engagement party, she might regret it. If she can get back on track with Vicki, she knows Kelly can. Tamra says she invited Kelly to Vicki’s engagement party, but she might not go.

Kelly and Brian hit balls at the batting cages. Kelly gets four to Brian’s zero. She tells him that she talked to Tamra, who invited her to go to Vicki’s engagement party. Vicki keeps going after her, and these people are like Jekyll and Hyde. Brian asks if she thinks they can save the friendship. Is there anything left? Kelly says, no, and he says, then stop trying. Kelly says she’s done. In her interview, she says, why go? Vicki will be nice to her, then cut her, and then pour salt in the wound. Vicki wants to take her down. It doesn’t make sense. Brian tells her to think about priorities. Kelly asks what’s next for them, and he says they need to start looking for a place. She says she’s not moving in with him without being engaged. In Kelly’s interview, she says, Brian clearly has commitment issues, but she wants to do things the right way. If he can’t meet her criteria, bye Phillipe. Brian says they’re not getting tired of each other – yet.

In Gina’s interview, she says they’ve sold the Codo house. She looks around and sees happy memories, but there are also bad memories. She calls Susan, who compliments Gina on her shorter hair – which does look a million times better – and Gina says she took the extensions out, and is letting her hair get healthy. Good call. She tells Susan that they’re packing; the deal is going through. Both she and Matt are excited, and it will be a done deal in two weeks. Susan asks how it affected the relationship, and Gina says they’re not getting divorced. Susan says, wow, and I second that. Gina says, it’s the first time Matt has been in a fight for his family. They both get it now, and they’re more connected. In her interview, Gina says, they’ve been through a lot – we flash back to the main points in their relationship throughout Gina’s two seasons. She says she’s going to embrace this. Susan says she didn’t know Matt well. She knew the Matt that he wanted to present, but she knows him better now. He had a genuine moment when he found out Sienna needed to go to therapy. She could see in his face that he understood. Gina says, it was a wake-up call, and Susan says, marriage is hard work. If you hang in, you get to a special place where you know the person in a more complete way. In Gina’s interview, she says she’d be naïve to trust Matt 100%, but she’s doing her best to let go of the anger, and let her guard down. That’s the only way it’s going to work.

In her interview, Tamra says, Spencer broke up with his girlfriend, and he’s never had this kind of pain. Since then, he’s gotten four tattoos, and a septum ring, and he’s dyed his hair three different colors. Who is he? Ryan comes in, and Spencer says he looks like a struggling alcoholic with his shades on. Ryan says he’s struggling, but Spencer is already there. Tamra says they had their last conversation on social media. In Tamra’s interview, she says she wants her sons to sit down and talk it out. She wants everything normal again. Ryan says he didn’t anticipate some of the things Spencer said. Spencer has to be more understanding about how their upbringings and lives are different. Spencer says he’s grateful for what he’s gotten, and doesn’t try to take advantage of it. Tamra says, sounds good, and Ryan says, Spencer has done it in the past, but Spencer says he’s over it. He points out that Tamra has been pissed about work, and taking it out on others. In her interview, Tamra says someone is trying to rip everything away from her – we see media coverage of the lawsuit with Jim – and she’s been taking it out on Eddie and the kids. Spencer says they don’t talk that often, and Tamra says she’s been up until four the last few nights talking to him. Spencer says she just told him, get over it. In Tamra’s interview, she says she was on the phone with Spencer when she was in Florida, trying to help him with the break up. She doesn’t know where this is coming from. Spencer has a broken heart. He’s upset, and taking it out on her. Spencer thinks they should address it, and Ryan says the whole family is like that, and Tamra is no different than anyone else in the family. Tamra gets up, and says this is his family too, and it’s difficult on everybody. In her interview, she says Ryan isn’t speaking to his father. Spencer isn’t speaking to his father, and Sidney doesn’t speak to her. It’s the most dysfunctional functional family ever. Spencer says they crack jokes to deal with things.

Kelly and Emily meet with therapist Mike at the beach, and they sit. Kelly says she needs to learn how to walk away, and not let herself get angry. He asks what goals they have. If he waved a magic wand, what would they want changed? Emily says when her husband rubs her the wrong way, it makes her mad. She gets defensive, and she’s quick to snap at him. Sometimes, he deserves it, but not all the time. He asks where she thinks it comes from a hard childhood. Her dad left when she was young, and her mom was a single mother. Emily was angry as a kid. In Emily’s interview, she says she wondered why she had to put herself on the bus, why there was no lunch money, and why there was no food. Kelly says she had a good childhood, but her mom was combative, and had a sharp tongue. If you’re going to fight with her, game on. Emily says she noticed her six-year-old yelling at her brother, who’s four. She was really going at him, and it crushed Emily’s soul. She realized a change was needed, and she had to dig deeper and choose loving kindness. Mike tells them to close their eyes. Who do they see as the person who’s always easy to love? Kelly says, her daughter Jolie, and Emily says her three kids. He tells them to move on to the person or people who are most difficult to love. Emily says, her parents, and Kell says Vicki, Eric, and Michael. Mike tells them to say, may you be happy; may you be healthy; may you be peaceful. Kelly flashes back to Vicki giving her the finger, and says she wants to punch Vicki in the face. Ha-ha-ha! He says if they react, they’re letting them win. The ultimate winning is to cultivate calm. Emily says she realizes she’s hard on herself. She wants her kids to be perfect, her house to be perfect, and her husband to be perfect. She grew up in chaos. He says she has to learn to loosen her grip, with herself too, in order to learn how to be kind to other people. Kelly says it takes everything in her not to lose her sh*t with Vicki. She doesn’t want to hate Vicki, and wants to act with love and kindness. She wants her daughter to be a better form of her, and she’s an example. He tells her that when she Vicki says something, see her daughter in her mind’s eye, and do it for her. Kelly says, it’s brilliant. He asks what they can do differently, and Emily says she’s going to take what she learned home, and focus on a visualization of her kids. She wants to think of them being happy and healthy, and tell herself that she’s better than this. Mike wants to talk about Vicki. What are they doing at present; using avoidance? Kelly says she does try to avoid Vicki, and he says, change happens through experience. When people have a phobia, it’s not the idea of a snake, but the experience of seeing one, and the person realizing they’re not going to die, that cures it. Experiences profoundly change us. Emily says when she sees Vicki, she’s not going to let Vicki get her goat. She can deal with her. She can go with the tools she’s cultivated today. Kelly says she feels like Emily is at level 400, and she’s regressed to the GED level.

In Kelly’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to succumb to being vicious and angry. She wants to be more kind and loving, and hopes this works. Emily thinks it’s an opportunity for Kelly to prove Vicki wrong, and be classy. Mike says it’s the ultimate test, and Kelly has what it takes.

Next time – the finale – Emily wonders how much Matt has really changed, Vicki’s engagement party, Shannon is disappointed in Kelly, and Tamra yells eff you and runs off.

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dear Scotty…

Does anyone remember Kin’s brother Wil, who had a talk show for five minutes?

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/gh-general-hospital-kin-shriner-birthday-120558?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7363

👋 Surprise Exit…

I can’t say I saw it coming either.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/icymi-tamara-braun-speaks-out-about-her-gh-exit/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

😧 He’s Been Refining His Worried Look…

I admit it. I actually got confused when I saw Griff, since I’d thought he was dead. Then I remembered, it was only an attempt.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/matt-cohen-checks-back-in-to-gh/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

💰 She Appreciates the Money Though…

And Andy probably loves it.

https://radaronline.com/photos/rhoa-nene-leakes-lashes-out-andy-cohen-shady-dress-criticism-watch-what-happens-live-video/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🔊 Can’t Say I Blame Them…

Oh, the horror. I doubt it’s the first time.

https://radaronline.com/photos/rhoa-cynthia-bailey-kenya-moore-caught-trash-talking-nene-leakes/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🚿 Get This Girl a Filter…

I guess having all those bathrooms has caused a full of it situation.

https://starmagazine.com/photos/rhonj-jennifer-aydin-bethenny-frankel-feud-crypt-wwhl/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🍹 She Was Holding It For Someone Else…

Sure it was spiked. The part she left out is that she spiked it herself.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/12/brandi-glanville-tweets-drink-drug-spiked-molly/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

👑 There Can Only Be One…

The feud that pretty much ended Beverly Hills for me.

https://starmagazine.com/photos/real-housewives-top-feuds-2019-new-york-beverly-hills/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🎁 My Least Favorite Christmas Task…

But another one of my favorite Christmas songs. Seriously, I’m all for just smushing tin foil around the gift.

Dec7

December 6, 2019 – Brook Hides Something Big, Charming Holidays, a Change in Dorinda, Brian Scores, Alexis Slammed, Matt Is Charged, Marlo Blasts Bags, Old Ways, Joe Shoulda, a Dozen Minus One Quotes & Hollis Holiday

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Yep, it’s been that kind of week. I missed the very beginning, but nothing you can’t figure out.

Maxie tells James they need to have a talk about Peter. He’s moving in. She wants to tell James a secret. She loves Peter with all her heart.

Ned sees Franco on the terrace, and asks if he’s starting the treehouse. Franco says, there’s not a lot of time left. This morning might be all he has.

On the phone, Brook leaves a message, asking someone to call back already. She tells them not to get offended. Monica comes in, and asks if there’s something Brook wants to say. Brook says, yeah. She’s thought about it, and she didn’t steal the dinner, but who else would be motivated to do it? The kids are too young; her dad didn’t do it; Lulu was too busy fighting with her; and Olivia wouldn’t have done it. The only person unaccounted for is Monica, and Brook wants to know why.

At the hospital, Carly thanks someone for coming. Her brother’s doctor is great, but her mom doesn’t trust anyone like she does him, and it means a lot. We see she’s talking to Griff.

At home, Willow tells Chase that she forgot the dry cleaning, and forgot to tell him the wine guy called. He says the dry cleaning is in the closet, and he spoke to the wine guy. She says, then what? He says he could tell something was weighing on her. If it’s over, great. He’s not trying to get in her business, but if there’s a problem, he needs to know. She says, it is over, but she doesn’t know if it would have been a problem. It’s something they need to figure out.

Elizabeth tells Finn, whatever trouble Hayden is in, it was bad enough to leave Violet. Finn says there was a time when Hayden swore Elizabeth to secrecy. He gets that they’re sisters, but this isn’t about him; it’s about Violet. She says, if she’d heard anything, she would tell him. If Hayden reaches out to her, he’ll be the first to know. He thanks her, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he doesn’t want to mess this up. She says she knows Hayden loves Violet, and loves being a mom. The only way she would have left Violet is if she had absolute faith in him as a dad. He’s got this.

Sonny tells Jason that he knows Jason wants Sam home. Jason says the kids miss her. Danny is being brave for his sister, but it’s not fair to either one of them. Sonny gets it, but tells Jason that he has to wait. This has to be done clean. Jason says he’s doing everything he can to keep himself in check. He made a crucial mistake with Shiloh; more than once. He hoped Sam’s plan would work, and things would land the right way, but he can’t do that anymore. He has to take action. Sonny tells him, be careful.

There’s a knock at Maxie’s door, and she suggests she and James see who it is. It’s Peter, and Maxie tells him now that he lives there, he doesn’t have to knock. He tells her, old habits die hard, taking James from her and cuddling him.

Sonny says he didn’t know Carly called Griff, and she says, it was a last minute decision. Sonny tells Griff it’s good to see him, and asks how life is going. Griff says, it’s going. He’s with a group that travels to rural communities that are lacking medical care. He’s doing something he’s passionate about, and it’s helping him find his way. Sonny appreciates him coming when Carly called, and he says, Lucas was more than a colleague; he was a friend. Sonny says it’s good to have someone they trust. Griff says he’d like see the scans they’ve taken of Lucas.

Ned tells Franco that he’s kind to do this. Franco says, Oscar wanted it, and asked him and Jason to finish it. It’s one of the last things he can do as Drew for Drew.

Monica tells Brook that she wanted Drew to experience his one and only Quartermaine Thanksgiving, and see what his family would have been like if things were different. Brook knows well that they never serve turkey or get along. She had to insure that there was pizza and conflict. Brook says, so Monica stole the dinner and framed her, as a gift to someone who probably won’t remember it in a couple hours? Monica says she did. Olivia comes in, and says she owes Brook an apology. She ran into Epiphany who thanked her for the delicious turkey dinner the staff got on Thanksgiving. It occurred to her it probably wasn’t Brook who donated the food to the hospital. Monica says she can explain, but Brook says, Olivia’s apology is cool and all, but she did it.

Brook says she’s been gone a long time; she missed the family. Olivia says, so she swiped everything from Thanksgiving dinner. Brook says, it’s a Quartermaine tradition to have pizza. The turkey had to go, and she thought the staff at the hospital could use some real food. It felt like a way to kill two birds with one stone, literally. Olivia says, and it caused a family fight, and Brook says, also a Quartermaine tradition. She admits she did it, and she won’t apologize. She has no regrets. Olivia appreciates the sentiment, but thinks there was a better way to handle it. She could have asked Olivia to donate some food, instead of blindsiding her. Brook says, then they wouldn’t have had the huge epic family free-for-all. Olivia enjoyed it as much as she did. Olivia says Brook hasn’t seen the half of it. She leaves, and Monica tells Brook, very noble. What’s it going to cost her?

Ned’s phone rings. It’s Lois, and he says he has to take it. Franco picks up some boards, and says, see you later. Ned thanks Lois for calling back. He was hoping she could tell him what’s going on with their daughter.

At the MetroCourt, Robert tells Anna, something is off about Peter. Anna says, aside from Peter being Faison’s son? and Robert says if she wants to deny what’s in front of her face about Finn, that’s up to her, but if she denies what’s in her heart, it might come back to bite her.

Peter goes to the hospital, and finds Elizabeth. He says he wanted to check in with her. He knows Franco’s procedure is today. Elizabeth asks if he’s looking for a story, but he says, no. He and Maxie saw Andre, and he told them about it. Andre didn’t give details, but said one personality will cease to exist, so he felt compelled apologize for his part in starting the whole thing. She says Drew had no memory of the original procedure; what part could he have possibly played in it? None of it is his fault. He says he was there when Andre created the memory map of Drew. If he’d made different choices, Elizabeth wouldn’t be in the position she is. She says she’s been thinking about that, and she has no one else she can say this to…

Willow tells Chase, first, everything is fine, and there’s nothing to worry about, but for a few days, she thought she might be pregnant. He says, oh wow, and she says, oh wow good or oh wow bad? He says, oh wow, why wouldn’t she tell him?

Sonny is surprised Carly reached out to Griff. She says if Griff hadn’t been available, she would have been begging Patrick. Lucas’s doctor is great, but they don’t know him. They have no history with him, and they don’t know if he’ll be honest with them, and she needs that. Sonny says, until you know the truth of what you’re facing, it’s impossible to know the next step you need to take. Griff comes out, and says he saw Lucas, and went over all the tests. Carly says, it’s bad, isn’t it? and Griff says her brother’s condition is extremely serious.

Griff says the accident severely injured Lucas’s brain function. He’s responding to pain stimuli, and Griff likes that there’s activity, but the damage is severe. They’re really at the wait and see stage. He says, if it’s any reassurance, he went through every step, and there’s nothing he would change. Lucas has the best possible care. Carly says, it is reassuring. She’ll give her mom the update. She leaves, and Sonny says he appreciates Griff coming back. Griff says he thinks about Sonny all the time, and Sonny’s father. He asks how Mike is, and Sonny says he’s doing all right, but recently he slipped again. Griff is sorry to hear that, and Sonny says he knows Griff has a lot on his plate, but is there any way he can look at Mike’s labs? Sonny would feel more comfortable to hear what’s going on from Griff. Geez, never mind the mule, just load the wagon.

Anna tells Robert, they had this conversation before she left. She’ll always love him; they share a bond that can’t be broken, but don’t run her life. He says that’s not what he’s doing, and she says, it’s exactly what he’s doing. If he doesn’t like Peter’s father, he can’t be objective. Robert says, it’s more than Faison, and she says, if you dig deep enough, you can find the flaws in anyone. He needs to look at the positive. Peter is building a wonderful life, and Maxie loves him. He says, Maxie’s taste in men is suspect. Remember Spinelli? Anna says they’ll have to agree to disagree. For the sake of all the things they share, don’t push her on this. He says he won’t have to. She’s too smart not see the truth, especially when it’s staring her in the face. Violet runs up to them, and Finn and Anna smile at each other.

Lulu says she’s brought a housewarming present, since Peter is moving in. Maxie says Peter isn’t there, so they’ll open it when he gets back. She almost sets it down, then says she promises to rewrap it. She tells Lulu that both she and Peter put James down for a nap together. It was sweet. Peter read James a story, and it was so domestic. Then Chase walked in with his boxers on fire, and they put it out with a juice box. Lulu says, that’s nice, and Maxie asks, what’s up? Lulu says, Brook Lynn Ashton is back in town.

Brook says it’s not going to cost Monica anything. She’s happy to be home. Monica asks if anyone has told Brook how much she reminds them of her grandmother. Tracy was never nicer than when she was trying to cover up a disaster of her own making. She can’t wait to find out what Brook is up to. Brook asks if Monica doesn’t trust her, and Monica says, she’s a Quartermaine through and through. Of course, she doesn’t trust her.

Willow says she and Chase haven’t talked about having kids, and they’re using birth control, which must be working. She was late, so she took a pregnancy test. It was negative, so it turned into a non-situation. She realizes they’re in a relationship… Chase says, a serious relationship. Willow says, maybe it’s time to figure out how they feel about kids. He says, okay, and asks if she wants him to go first. She does, and he says what he can tell her is, when she said she thought she was pregnant, and found out she wasn’t, he felt two things at the same time – relief and disappointment.

Ned finds Jason inside, and asks if he’s looking for Monica. Jason says he’s looking for Ned. He needs a favor. He shows Jason a paper, and asks if he recognizes any of the names. Ned says he recognizes all three, but he’s had the most contact with Chip Jones; he’s an associate. Jason says he was hoping Ned could help him out with them. Ned assumes they’re a parole board, and Jason says, Sam’s hearing is tomorrow. Does Ned think they’ll be fair? Ned knows Jason doesn’t have faith in the justice system, but for what it’s worth, they’re decent, discerning guys. If Sam deals fairly with them, they’ll deal fairly with her. But having said that, he makes no guarantees. Jason appreciates the information. Ned says, if Jason isn’t busy, Franco is out back, finishing the treehouse. Maybe he could help.

Violet says she’s there for a treat, Robert suggests they go to the bar, and see what trouble they can get into. Violet asks if she can go, and Finn says he guesses they can trust this guy. He tells her, have fun, but not too much fun. He sits with Anna, and she says Robert is being a huge pain about Peter, when Peter is just trying to live his life. It’s so frustrating, and the worst part is, she lets it get to her. He’s been like this since the beginning of time. Why is it so difficult? She asks if Finn is listening, and he says, sorry; what? She asks if he’s all right, and he says he’s just looking at Violet having the time of her life.

Chase says he’s seen Willow with Wiley and the kids in her class, and knows she’d make an amazing mother. He can’t imagine anything more incredible than being parents together someday. But they’re not in the place – at least he’s not – where he’s ready to start a family. In some ways though, they’d be lucky if it just happened, and the decision was taken out of their hands. All they could do is love the kid. She smiles, and says she was thinking the same thing. They hug.

Lulu says Maxie can’t imagine how bitchy Brook was. Brook tried to seduce her husband, then called her out for not being supportive of Dante, and moving on with Dustin. Lulu told Brook, Dante abandoned her, and guess who walked in? Maxie says, not Olivia? and Lulu says the last thing she wanted was open warfare with Rocco’s grandmother, but that’s what Brook is going to cause.

Carly tells Sonny, when the best neurosurgeon says everything is being done right, that’s something. Sonny says he asked if Griff would look at his dad’s labs. Does she think that’s bad? She says she thinks it’s great.

Chase says, Willow’s turn, and Willow says, when she realized she was late, she thought about being pregnant. She felt mostly like him, that it’s not exactly the right time. In this period of their lives, they’re young, in love, and free, but at the same time, if it happens, it happens. If it’s not a decision they made, then it’s a happy accident. They would love the baby. She’s both sad and relieved, but what it made her realize is how much she really does want to be a mom, and she might be more ready than she thought she was.

Jason finds Franco on the terrace, and says he was just talking to Ned. Franco says, Oscar didn’t like leaving anything unfished, and Jason says he can finish it. Franco has his word. Franco says, if everything goes according to plan, he wants to thank Jason for saying it should be up to him. Jason says what he’s doing is a big deal. Franco means a lot to Elizabeth and the boys. Franco says he thought Jason couldn’t stand Franco, and Jason says, but Jake is different. He loves his son, and if Franco important to him, that’s just how it is. They wish each other good luck.

Lulu tells Maxie, the next time Brook launches a verbal grenade, she’s going to brush it off. Maxie suggests Lulu find out why Brook is throwing it; figure out what she’s covering up. Then she’ll have all the ammunition she needs. Maxie gets a call from her mom, and says, oh my God, is he okay? She asks if she can bring James over, and says she’ll drop him off on her way. Lulu says on her way where? and Maxie says, Lucas was in a car accident.

Elizabeth tells Peter that her head is all over the place. She’s scared, nervous, and hopeful. It’s what she wanted and pushed for; to get Franco back. Peter says Franco is her husband. She says, from the beginning, she knew there were one in four chances of the outcome she wants. Out of the other three, one is unthinkable, and the other two, he stays Drew. The odds aren’t good, and she’s preparing herself in case Franco doesn’t come back. She’ll need to find the courage to let him go.

On the phone again, Brook tells someone to stop calling. She’s sick of their harassment. Ned asks who’s harassing her, and she says, it’s nothing. He says, it didn’t sound like it; let him help. She tells him to leave her alone. Olivia comes in, and says, apparently, Lucas was in a serious car accident. Brook asks if he’s okay, but Olivia doesn’t know. He’s in a medically induced coma. (I might hazard a guess that that’s definitely not okay.) Brook jets, and Ned tells Olivia, Lucas and Brook were good friends in high school. He hopes Lucas is all right. Olivia agrees, and says it looked like she walked in on something kind of big. Ned says, not kind of; she did.

Griff tells Sonny, he went over Mike’s tests. It’s impossible to predict what will happen, but Mike is experiencing significant deterioration in his cognitive function. His condition is extremely complicated, but he doesn’t think Mike will recognize them or his current situation much longer. Carly says they’re approaching the end. Griff wishes that wasn’t the case, and Sonny says he’d give anything for more time. Whatever it costs, he’ll do it.

Griff says there’s a study on enzymes in Sweden. He can write a recommendation, but he’s not sure it will do Mike any good. His condition is too far along. Sonny asks, what’s money for? All the sacrifices he’s made, the long shots he’s been paid for. If he has the means, he’ll spend the money. Get Mike in, and Sonny will find out how to get him there.

Chase says, things just got real, and Willow asks if it scared him. He says, no. He’s happy they’re being honest. Willow says, if she’s honest with herself. She can’t say how much of her wants a baby, and how much is longing for Wiley. Knowing he’s in a happy home with two dads who love him; she did the right thing giving him up. Chase says it doesn’t mean she loves Wiley any less, and Willow says she doesn’t want to make the mistake of filling the void Wiley left. Any future child is theirs, and she wants to get it clear in her head before she thinks of getting pregnant. He takes her hands in his, and says he loves her. She’s beautiful and kind, courageous, and her nose crinkles in a cute way when she tastes something she doesn’t like. He knows what a great person she is, and what a great mom she’ll be. He’d like to have kids with her. Someday, when they’re more settled in their lives. He kisses her, and says, not to mention, the stage they’re in is not a bad place to be. They should enjoy it. They kiss.

Brook is already at the hospital when Maxie and Lulu arrive. She says now they show up. They wasted a trip, since it’s just immediate family. Lulu says Brook isn’t family; they’re his cousins. Brook says, like some people, she doesn’t jump ship when her loved ones are in trouble.

Olivia tells Ned, there’s no denying Brook is more like her mother now. He says that’s what he called Lois to find out. Olivia asks, what’s going on? and Ned says, it turns out, Brook is hiding something big.

Monica comes out on the terrace, where Jason is looking at the treehouse. She says, looks great, and  Jason says he added the door; Franco did the rest. She wishes they could have spent more time together. When Drew finally grasped the fact that he was living at the expense of Franco and the people who love him, he knew he couldn’t do it. It just wasn’t in him. He reminds her of Jason. Jason says, he did the right thing, and she says she’s going to miss him. Jason says, he knows, and puts his arm around her.

Franco comes out of the elevator at the hospital. He looks at Elizabeth.

Anna says, for all Robert’s faults – and he has many – he’s wonderful with children. He thinks he is one. When Robin was a little girl, it was like magic; shocking given what a curmudgeon he is. Finn goes over to where Robert and Violet are at the bar, and asks, what’s that? Violet says, a milkshake, and Finn says, before lunch? Robert says, milk is great for the bones. Finn says Robert is good with her, and Robert says, having a daughter is the greatest experience in his life. Plus, he’s pretty good with the women.

Peter blows through the MetroCourt, phone to his ear. Anna sees him, but he doesn’t see her. He goes into an adjacent hallway, and says they know what needs to be done. Kill Andre, kill Franco, eliminate them both. As long as the procedure doesn’t happen. He turns around, and Anna is there.

On Monday, Anna thinks there’s something on Peter’s mind, Valentin asks if Ava gave Nina anything useful, and Ava says, oh my God.

🎄 Traditional Charm…

Kathryn is incredibly stylish. I’m sure she’ll come up with something great.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/27/kathryn-dennis-plans-to-make-new-holiday-traditions-this-year/

👩 Out Of Context…

Dorinda looks like a totally different person.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/lookbook/dorinda-medley-brunette-hair-color-for-jez-magazine?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_RHONY_Lookbook

🚤 Unlike Ashton…

It looks like Brian doesn’t have to work so hard.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/is-brian-de-saint-pern-dating-below-deck-charter-guest-kimberley-kirk?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_BelowDeck_WWHL_Dish 

🚮 But Isn’t It Their Job…?

If you can now shame your boss for making you work, I should go back to 9 to 5.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/29/ex-rhoc-star-alexis-bellino-slammed-for-calling-out-maids/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20191130&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-8427704-711673032

👎 He’s Gone With the Wind…

And not so fabulous.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/29/kenya-moores-ex-matt-jordan-charged-for-assaulting-current-girlfriend/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20191130&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-8427704-711673032

🍑 Is She Even a Cast Member…?

As far as I know, she doesn’t hold a peach.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/28/rhoa-star-marlo-hampton-blasts-castmates-fake-purses/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20191129&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-8425251-711673032

🏂 Cold School…

I’ll just say it. Dolores is annoying as hell.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/28/dolores-catania-doesnt-ask-teresa-giudice-about-husband-joe-because-shes-old-school/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20191129&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-8425251-711673032

😠 Dad Has Her Back…

I don’t blame him. Juicy Joe should have known better.

https://people.com/tv/rhonj-teresa-giudice-dad-slams-joe-for-not-becoming-us-citizen/

🎐 Quotes of the Week

We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours. – Dag Hammarskjold

It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday. – John Guare

That was a nightmare. – son of a hoarder, Hoarding: Buried Alive

If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you. – A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

My boy, one small breeze doesn’t make a wind storm. – John McGraw

Principals have principles. – Stewart (Taran Killiam), Night School

You know it’s bad when New Yorkers are looking at you like you’re weird. – Dean Hashim, 90 Day Fiancé: Pillow Talk

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. – Helen Keller

If you don’t want me to open my mouth, don’t give me those five shots of tequila. – Jennifer Aydin, Real Housewives of New Jersey

True beauty, the kind that doesn’t fade or wash off, takes time. – Amy Harmon

My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice. – J.K. Rowling

🎁 It’s Seriously On…

Oh how I dread even thinking of Christmas shopping, but unless you want to be one of those (mostly men) people who look like deer in headlights on Christmas Eve, it’s time to start getting on it. Since the dead aren’t walking anywhere, except to the mall, to see you off on your weekend, is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

Dec4

December 3, 2019 – Alexis Is Found, Two Kinds of a Drag In Key West, Emily Works On Her Life, SopranoCon, Celebs Give Thanks & Light That Tree

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Lucas tells Brad, the car won’t stop. There’s something wrong with the brakes. Kendra starts moving forward, and Brad yells, look out! The cars collide.

Julian tells Neil, no doubt Kendra is the one who poisoned Alexis. She blames Alexis for her brother’s death. Neil says he’ll call the police, but Julian says, not so fast.

Curtis tells Jordan that he can’t believe it’s Thanksgiving already. I can’t believe it’s not over already. Jordan says she’s going to have to get the Christmas decorations put out. She apologizes for not making dinner, or even ordering one. They’ve been so busy, it crept up on her. He says, after the year they had, all that matters is her being in his arms. Jordan says they still have to celebrate their anniversary, but Curtis says they’re not done celebrating yet. She asks if he has a surprise, and he brings out an envelope, telling her, tradition says paper is for the first anniversary. She says she knows he didn’t put cash in an envelope. She wonders if it’s concert tickets or a love letter. She opens it, and says it’s their wedding vows. She says she loves it, and kisses him, saying, happy anniversary. He says, the first of many, and they kiss some more.

At the hospital, Willow looks at a brochure for classes for a first time mother; caring for a newborn. She flashes back to talking to Sasha in The Floating Rib. Sasha says she knows it’s not her place to ask, but… and Willow tells her, don’t say it out loud. She doesn’t know, but she is late. Back to the present, Chase comes in, and says he got Willow a turkey sandwich. She hugs him, and then F-U George, as we’ve come to call him, breaks in with news that can’t possibly wait another almost hour.

But I got this. Chase says he should have brought her a slice of pumpkin pie too. He looks at her, and asks if she’s okay.

Carly tells Sonny, this babies are asleep, and Dev and Josslyn are out with their friends. He asks if they have the place to themselves, and she says, here come the dimples. He asks if they’re working, and she says, maybe. The doorbell rings. She thinks it might be Brad and Lucas, but it’s Jax, who says, happy holidays.

Alexis can finally move around, and looks at Kendra’s wrecked car, and the mess around her. Lucas and Brad’s car is up further, and not in plain view. Everyone is unconscious. Or dead.

Neil asks why Julian is hesitant. Alexis could be with Kendra right now. Julian says they don’t want to tip their hand. They need to know where Alexis went after she left the hospital. It’s not unusual for her not to answer her phone, especially if she’s absorbed in her work. Neil says Julian doesn’t think she’s working, but Julian says they’re talking about Alexis. Kristina sees them, and asks where her mom is. Neil says they have it handled. She asks, what’s going on? and Neil says they think they know who poisoned her mom, and why. He shows her a picture of Kendra, and she says, that makes no sense. She seems totally normal. Julian says, except they know her as Kendra Lennon. Her real name is Kendra Bower. Kristina says, Kiefer’s sister. Oh my God. She knew Kendra looked familiar. She was away at college when Kristina and Kiefer were dating, but she saw pictures. They think Kiefer’s sister tried to kill her mom?

Alexis calls to Kendra, and struggles to get up. She pulls herself up on the car, and looks inside. She leans on the car.

Jax says he came by to wish Josslyn a happy Thanksgiving, but Carly says he just missed her. She and Dev went to meet Trina and Cameron. Does he want some pie? He says he just had dinner. Sonny says they’ll tell Josslyn he stopped by, and Jax says, on second thought, he will have some pie. Sonny suggests giving him some Corinthos coffee to compliment his dessert. Carly goes to the kitchen, and Sonny tells Jax, have a seat. He’s surprised Jax is there. He usually has more important things to do. Jax wonders where Sonny is going with this, and Sonny tells him it’s just them. He doesn’t have to pretend. Carly told him the whole story.

Neil tells Kristina they can’t say for certain if her mom is with Kendra. She signed herself out. Kristina says Kendra could have followed her, and Neil says the thing that’s concerning is, they can’t reach her mom. She’s not answering her phone. Julian asks if Alexis still has the app on her phone that she used to track Kristina and Molly. Kristina thinks so, even though she tried to get Alexis to delete it. Neil asks if she could track Alexis through it. She says she’s never tried, and Julian tells her, try right now.

Alexis gets the car open, and leans Kendra back in her seat and feels her neck for a pulse. Kendra’s eyes pop open, and she turns to Alexis, grabbing Alexis’s wrist, and freaking me and Alexis the hell out. Alexis says Kendra needs medical attention, but Kendra says, it’s too late for her. She says, this isn’t over, but death won’t find Alexis like it did her brother. She falls back against the seat again.

Kristina says she found Alexis, but the signal isn’t moving. Julian tells Neil to call the cops now. He’s going to find Alexis. Neil says he’ll call from the car; he’s coming too. Kristina wants to come, but Neil tells her to stay there, and promises to bring her mother back.

Sonny says Jax’s secret is safe with him, just like his secret about Dev is safe with Jax. Jax asks what it is Sonny thinks he knows. Sonny says he understands the reason Jax doesn’t want Josslyn moving in is that he has a houseguest. What’s her name? Carly comes back with pie and coffee, and says she told Sonny that she thought Jax was seeing someone, which would explain why he’s so reluctant to have Josslyn move in. Sonny says if Jax found someone who makes him happy, good for him, but he doesn’t understand how anyone could keep Jax away from Josslyn. It must be serious.

Curtis doesn’t want to dredge up any of the challenges he and Jordan have faced in the past year. They made it through, and that’s all that matters. Jordan tells him, as Aunt Stella would say, without darkness, there is no light. He says, another testament to how far they’ve come. She’s quoting Aunt Stella. She says they can still take Stella up on a London honeymoon, but he says he thought their honeymoon would just involve the two of them, but promises they’ll have one. A bungalow on the beach, with no one around for miles, and they can make love wherever they please. They kiss, and the phone rings. Jordan says she’s on her way.

Willow tells Chase that she’s just a little emotional. Thanksgiving in the pediatric ward was fun, but sometimes it gets to her. Some of the kids are so sick, and they’re giving thanks. That’s what she needs to do. Give thanks that Wiley is healthy and happy. He says that has a lot to do with her, and the sacrifices she made. She gave Wiley an amazing life, and someday, she’s going to be a terrific mom. He saw how she was with Wiley. It was instant love. He thanks her for the tip on the Aquamat; she made him look good in front of his niece. She says she saw how he was with Violet, and he’ll make a great dad. He says, being an uncle is kind of like being a grandparent. You get to have all the fun with the kid, then send them on their way. No muss, no fuss, and best of all, no discipline. He deeply fears he’s going to be a pushover, and his kid will turn into a hopeless brat. My advice, try babysitting full-time. I was a mother’s helper for years and got all that, plus I got paid. His phone rings, and he says, it’s the station. He says he’ll meet them there, and tells Willow, sorry, but she says don’t apologize for doing his job. Just be careful. He says he’ll see her at home. She takes her phone out, and calls Sasha. She says she needs to take a test, but she’s a chicken. She can’t bring herself to buy one from the pharmacy. She tells Sasha where she is, and looks at the brochure again.

Alexis makes her way around the car, and flags down Julian and Neil. Neil sits with her, while Julian investigates the car. She tells Neil that she followed Kendra. She went to the cemetery. She was visiting a grave, and talking to her brother. She left, and Alexis went to look at the headstone, and saw Kendra’s brother was Kiefer Bower, the guy she ran over by accident. She hit Alexis with something, and next thing she knew, she was in a car. Kendra had injected her with something, and she couldn’t move. She wanted Alexis to know what was happening, and said she knew Alexis had killed her brother on purpose. Alexis had made their family suffer, and she wanted to make Alexis’s family suffer the same way. She dragged Alexis out of the car, left her in the street, and backed up. Kendra was going to run her over. Julian says, Kendra is still in the car, and Neil goes to check. He says he’s not getting a pulse; he’s going to call 911. Julian tells Alexis, it’s over. Kendra’s not going to hurt anybody ever again. He asks, what happened? Did Kendra lose control of the car? Alexis says Kendra backed up and revved the engine; she wanted Alexis to hear it. She started moving, and a car came out of nowhere. Julian notices there’s another car.

Neil says he’s calling for an ambulance. Alexis needs to get to GH right away. Julian tells Neil to stay with her; he’ll see about the other people. Alexis tells Neil, it was horrible. Kendra was going to run her over, and another car broadsided her. Neil tells her, that’s enough for now, and they hear sirens. He tells her the ambulance is coming, and she wonders how he and Julian found her.

Carly tells Sonny, Jax’s private life is none of their business, but Sonny says they’re supposed to be on the same page. That’s what Jax said when he found out the truth about Dev. Sonny’s phone rings, and he says, it’s Kristina. Sonny answers, saying, happy Thanksgiving. What’s going on? Kristina says she’s at the hospital by the main entrance. She’s not hurt, but she needs to see him. Carly asks, what’s wrong? and Sonny says, Kristina is at the hospital, and she sounds frightened. As he leaves, he tells Carly to give Jax the extra pie. When he’s gone, Carly tells Jax, this has to stop.

Sasha sees Willow at the hospital, and asks how she’s doing. Willow says she’s trying to make peace with being a hopeless coward. Sasha tells her, says the woman who went to jail rather than give up the whereabouts of her child. Sasha asks what’s the source of her cowardice, and Willow says, partly, she doesn’t want know what a pregnancy means for her and Chase; and partly because she’ll be disappointed if she’s not pregnant. It’s crazy. Having a baby would be a disaster right now. Sasha says,  temporary emotional paralysis. She can’t tell Willow how many times she resolved to tell the truth, but chickened out because someone said something that made her rethink the whole thing. Willow says that Chase told her that he’d rather be an uncle than father; all of the fun, with none of the responsibilities. Sasha isn’t surprised. Chase isn’t around kids, and a lot guys don’t really dream of being a dad until they know they’re about to become one. Willow says, it’s just so different for her this time. Last time, she was so afraid and alone, and this time, she could keep the baby. Sasha says Willow’s not alone. She has more support than she knows. She has Chase, Michael, and her. And while the two guys are good, it takes a girlfriend to bring in the practical. There’s only one way to know for sure. She hands Willow a pregnancy test.

Neil talks to EMTs about Alexis. Chase asks, what happened? and Neil says, Kendra drugged and assaulted Alexis, and was prepared to run her over, when her car was struck by a second vehicle. He asks if they can do their statements later. He needs to get Alexis to the hospital right away. She might have a concussion, and she’s still in shock. He believes the woman who attacked Alexis is dead. Neil helps Alexis to her feet.

Chase goes with an EMT to check Kendra. The EMT says, there’s no pulse or respiration. Chase makes a call, while Julian gets to the other car. He says, sorry, Brad. You forced my hand. At least he was able to save Alexis. He looks inside, and says, no, no, no, no!

Jax tells Carly, Sonny is right; the pie is delicious. She tells Jax, it’s not a good idea to antagonize Sonny under normal circumstances, but this is blatant stupidity. She gets that it’s half the fun; she sticks it to Ava whenever she can. But Ava doesn’t have the potential to blow her life apart and hurt the people she loves. Sonny can do that, and more.

Sonny gets to the hospital, and Kristina thanks him for coming. She tells him, some things she knows, and some she’s just guessing. He says she’s not in a courtroom; just tell him. She says, it started with Kiefer. The night he died, Alexis was taking her home from the hospital, and Kristina was out of it. She doesn’t remember anything, but Alexis swears it was an accident. Kristina believes her, but Kiefer’s family didn’t. They knew about his father, but he had an older sister, Kendra. Sonny says, the name sounds familiar, and Kristina says that’s the name of Alexis’s life coach. It turns out, they’re the same person. Neil and Julian had reason to believe Kendra poisoned Alexis. She gave Alexis a supplement laced with something. Sonny asks where Alexis is now, and Kristina says Kendra came to visit Alexis, and then Alexis checked out of the hospital. No one has seen either one of them since. She tracked Alexis down with a locator app, but the signal’s not moving. Neil and Julian went to find her. Sonny says he’ll call his people, but she says, the police already know. She thinks she knows why Kendra did it, and Sonny says, to avenge her brother. Kristina says she thinks she knows why Kendra suddenly decided to do this now, and thinks it’s because of her.

Julian yells to Lucas to wake up. He’s not supposed to be in the car. Julian gets a huge tree branch, and tries to bust a window open, but it just bounces off the safety glass.

Jordan asks Chase what they have so far. He says, so far, it’s sketchy. Apparently Kendra was preparing to run Alexis down when a second vehicle collided with her. Julian comes running up, and says his son is trapped in the other car, and they have to get him out.

Sonny asks how this is Kristina’s fault, and she says she lied in the Pledge she gave Shiloh. She said she was awake, and saw Alexis hit Kiefer on purpose. Shiloh hated her, and hated Sam even more. What better way to hurt them than hurt their mother. He probably reached out to Kendra, who then thought she had proof, and went to avenge her brother. Sonny asks what Kristina’s part is. That she lied about her mother? Kristina says, the lie set everything in motion. Sonny says Kristina is responsible for her own actions, like Shiloh and Kendra are responsible for theirs. She can regret the lie, but everything else was out of her control. Neil wheels Alexis in, and Kristina runs to hug her.

Alexis says she’s all right, and Sonny asks, what happened? What did Kendra do to her? Alexis says she thought she’d play detective, and followed Kendra to the cemetery, but it was a trap. Kendra knocked her out, and threw her in the car. She injected Alexis with something so she couldn’t move, then left her in the road, and started to back up. Kristina says Kendra was going to run Alexis over like what happened to Kiefer. Alexis says, but she couldn’t. Another car crashed into Kendra first, and she’s dead. Thank God, Neil and Julian managed to find her. Neil says, Kristina deserves the credit; she tracked Alexis on an app. He wants to get Alexis checked in, but Kristina asks if Kendra mentioned Shiloh or her Pledge. Alexis says Kendra was a very disturbed woman, but Kristina tells her, just say it. Alexis says, yes. Shiloh told Kendra about the Pledge, and told her Alexis ran over Kiefer on purpose. Kristina says she’s sorry, but Alexis says it’s not her fault. She’s not to blame. Shiloh manipulated Kendra, and Kendra targeted her. They’re responsible for their own actions. Kristina says that’s the same thing Sonny said, and Alexis says, for once, they agree. Sonny says, it’s a miracle. Alexis says, Kendra is gone, and Neil insists they get her checked in. He wants a CT scan and a full blood panel. Kristina says she’s going with them. She hugs Sonny, and says she loves him.

Curtis sees Sonny when he comes out of the elevator, and asks how Alexis is. Sonny says, it looks like she’ll be okay, and Curtis says he’ll let Jordan know; she’s at the crime scene. Sonny says, some Thanksgiving, but Curtis says they all have something to be thankful for. He’s thankful for his first anniversary. Sonny shakes his hand, and congratulates him, saying, time flies. Curtis says, it does, and adds that Sonny knows all about anniversaries. If Sonny doesn’t mind, he’d like to ask a question. It’s more like advice. Sonny says he’ll do his best, and Curtis asks how Sonny and Carly do it. How do they make it work so well?

Carly tells Jax, if Sonny finds out that Nikolas is alive, and they’ve been hiding him, he’s going to expose Jax. He doesn’t like Nikolas, and it would hurt Jax. Jax says, Nikolas is Spencer’s father. He thinks Sonny would refrain for Spencer’s sake, but Carly says he’s delusional. If Sonny could deport Jax, he’d do it in a heartbeat. And if he can avoid the blame, it will make his day. She gets that taking a risk is part of the fun, but if it falls apart, it won’t be fun for Josslyn. Josslyn needs him, and not on the phone or on SKYPE. She needs him every day, there, in Port Charles, and he needs to get along with Sonny. If Sonny deports Jax, Josslyn will hate him, but this time, it will be worse. It will tear Josslyn’s life and family apart. Don’t do that to Josslyn. Don’t do that to her.

Sasha asks Willow, aside from this, does she feel good about her and Chase? Willow says she does. She’s so lucky to have him in her life. He’s so solid and thoughtful; an all-around great guy. They love each other, and just moved in together. Things are better than Willow could have imagined possible. Sasha says, then talk to him, but Willow says, they’re good, and it’s so soon to get this real. She doesn’t want to mess it up. Sasha says she’s talking to the queen of mess. She can’t believe Michael stood by her. She constantly has to remind herself that she deserves the second chance he’s giving her. She’s glad for herself, and Willow. If Willow is pregnant, the father is a good man who loves her, and will love their child. They’ll make it work, because that’s what parents do, but the first step is finding out. She tells Willow, just get it done, and Willow says, okay. Don’t go anywhere.

At the hospital, Julian tells Chase that they won’t let him see his son. Chase says Lucas is in surgery, and Brad is in the trauma center. He’s going to question Brad as soon as he’s able. Julian asks why Lucas is in surgery. What’s wrong? Chase says Julian saw the car. The driver’s side sustained the most damage.

Willow comes back out, and Sasha says, well? What do the results say?

Jax tells Carly that she’s right. Maybe it wasn’t so smart to ask for a slice of pie. She thanks him, and he says he really wanted to see Josslyn. She tells him, text next time, and make sure Josslyn is there. he ask if he’s welcome there when she’s home, and Carly says he’s welcome anytime, for Josslyn’s sake. And for Josslyn’s sake, wrap things up with Nikolas. Turn him in or out, but get it over with.

Sonny is flattered that Curtis thinks he has it figured out, but after all these years, he and Carly are still a work in progress. Curtis says they’re still together; they’re doing something right. Sonny says they always have each other’s backs, and Curtis says he and Jordan have that covered. Sonny says it’s important to communicate. Hear each other; not just what’s said, but what isn’t said. Curtis says, secrets, and Sonny says, not good. He doesn’t care what it is or who you’re trying to protect. It always creates distance.

Alexis tells Neil that she thought they were done with hospitals. Kristina is sorry this happened, and Alexis says, they’re done with this. She’s okay, and they’re all together. That’s all that matters. Kristina thinks they’re due a vacation, as long as it’s not a road trip. Alexis asks, what about the car that saved her life? She wants to know who was in it, and are they okay?

Chase tells Julian to have a seat, but Julian says he’s waiting for word on his son. Chase says, and his son’s husband, but Julian says, Brad sounds like he’s in better shape. He wants word the surgery went okay. Chase says the one upside is, it’s the only thing that saved Alexis. Don’t worry. He’ll get to the bottom of all this.

Jordan walks around the crash site. An officer tells her that the casualties from the second car are at GH, and she says, from the angle of impact, they were going fast. He asks what she’s looking for, and she says she’s wondering why she’s not finding anything.

Tomorrow (hopefully), Willow tells Sasha if she’s pregnant, Carly asks what the hell happened, Ava asks how Nikolas can be there if he’s dead, and Jax wonders what Valentin did with Hayden.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

We backtrack a wee bit, where Tamra told Kelly to perform a sexual act money, because that’s what Kelly does best. Way to be a Christian, Tamra! Kelly tells Gina that she went low because she wanted Tamra to stop talking. We flash back to Shannon telling Kelly that Tamra was just repeating something she’d heard. Gina tells Kelly that Tamra has had her back. Kelly agrees that Tamra does, but then she does underhanded  things to put stuff out there. In Kelly’s interview, she says her heart is broken. She thought Tamra was her friend, and now Tamra has become her foe. Where am I? King Arthur’s court? Braunwyn thinks if Kelly sits down with Tamra, one on one, they can talk it out, but right now Kelly should let it sit. Tamra comes back, and Kelly says she owes Tamra an apology, but she felt pushed.  She hugs Tamra, and Tamra says she doesn’t know what she did. She was sticking up for Kelly, and felt betrayed. Kelly says she wanted Tamra to shut up. Tamra says when she was sitting with Shannon, she’d told Shannon that the others had been bashing Kelly. Shannon and Vicki repeated things they’d heard, and it made sound like Kelly was being abusive. We flash back to the tea party where Shannon suggested Kelly had been in a bar fight, and Vicki saying she’d heard Kelly pushed her mom down the stairs. Tamra says, then Braunwyn said Kelly and Brian had a fight in front of his son. She walked away from the conversation; she said it was bullsh*t. Kelly wishes Tamra could understand her point-of-view, and Tamra says she wishes Kelly had called and asked her about it. In Tamra’s interview, she says, Kelly doesn’t understand the damage that was done. It’s a stress on her household, and it’s draining her bank account. It’s going to affect them for years. Ever on top of things, Vicki asks, what’s going on? and if they’re going to Key West.

Braunwyn and Vicki decide to drive. In Shannon’s interview, she says Kelly needs to stay away from her. it’s insane. Braunwyn tells Kelly, that was good.

Vicki drives one car, with Shannon, Tamra, and Braunwyn drives the other, with Emily, Gina, and Kelly. Tamra passes out cat sunglasses – the white framed, black lensed ones like Barbie wears – and scarves to her car. In her interview, she says, convertibles aren’t practical, and they don’t want tragic hair. Emily looks at them, and says, it’s the geriatric version of Thelma and Louise. They all say, bye, Miami, and head out.

Vicki tells the others that the woman Kelly fought in the bar has been sending her pictures. In Vicki’s interview, she says she saw Instagram photos of the woman’s hand, and was mortified. In Tamra’s interview, she says, nothing good is going to come out of trying to make another person look bad. Stop digging for dirt. Kelly gets car sick, and Braunwyn has to pull over. It starts to rain, and she puts the top up. I recognize the road they’re on, having been to Miami several times.

Braunwyn gets to their waterfront villa first, and they’re met with welcome (I think) piña coladas, and the manager gives them a tour. Vicki pulls up, and they’re told the other ladies have arrived. Braunwyn tells them that they’re going to a drag club tonight. In her interview, she says she’s always wanted to go to a drag show in Key West. Her drag name would be Bosoms Galore, and they all know what her talent would be. Everyone gets changed for the evening. Tamra asks if the villas connect, and the manager says their friends are next door. Tamra wonders if the others are still their friends.

Gina and Emily do their makeup. Emily says Vicki started talking to the chick Kelly was fighting with. Gina wonders why, since she thought they were cool. They need to tell Vicki that’s effed up, and they should tell Kelly. Emily says Kelly will tell them to go screw themselves. Gina says Kelly is going to murder Vicki.

Kelly calls Jolie, and tells her that Vicki is there. Jolie says she hates Vicki, and Kelly says she does too, but she has to be nice to her. In Kelly’s interview, she says she wants to make it easy and be the better person. She doesn’t want to be enemies or friends with Vicki; she just wants to be neutral. Vicki asks Shannon if she’s sure she wants to do the drag thing, and suggests they put on face masks and stay home. Shannon says she doesn’t want to miss anything. In Shannon’s interview, she says, Kelly crossed the line. She has no interest in connecting with her. Let Kelly have her fun, and she’ll have her own. Vicki says she’s tired, and she hates being the oldest.

Kelly, Gina, and Emily wait. In Kelly’s interview, she says the most annoying thing is waiting for Tamra, Shannon, and Vicki to get themselves together. It’s not that hard. Gina suggests they leave, and let the others catch up, and they get in a taxi. In her interview, Gina says she’s expecting a lot of sequins, a lot of makeup, and big hair. Basically, everything she sees at home on Long Island. Mama is coming home. At Drag Asylum, the first thing we see is a chandelier of heels, and I’m in. It looks like a blast. They watch the shows and make it rain.

On the way there, Shannon asks where the parade is. Vicki says, that’s New Orleans, but Shannon says David said there was a parade when he was there, and she needs to know where. In Shannon’s interview, Shannon says, when David called, he told her there were parades in the streets, and clearly this was a crazy town. Tamra asks if it’s bothering Shannon. In her interview, Shannon says she doesn’t need to emerge saying she conquered Key West. Her divorce is final, she’s happier than she’s been, and she’s thankful it’s over. Tamra tells Shannon that she’s a divorced rich bitch now, and Shannon says she’s going to get there on her own.

The MC asks, who’s celebrating something? and the women offer up Gina, who just got out of jail and divorced. Gina says it’s rock bottom, and all up from there. The MC tells everyone to make some noise. In Gina’s interview, she says if she was a drag queen, she’d be something fancy and over-the-top, like Georgina la Croix. In Vicki’s interview, she says she doesn’t understand it; boys dressing like girls, girls dressing like boys. Sorry, drags. What? In Shannon’s interview, she says, the vibe seems to be okay between Kelly and Vicki. Let’s learn from this. If you sit in a line, you don’t have to sit next to people you don’t want to.

They move on to a bar with a pool table. Gina talks to Tamra about Vicki being in communication with that girl. Kelly asks Vicki about long term insurance. In her interview, Kelly says she wants to come at Vicki with love and kindness, instead of being combative.  Shannon approaches Tamra, and says she doesn’t think it’s cool that Vicki is talking to that girl. Gina thinks Kelly should know about it. In Gina’s interview, she says you can’t know information like that and not say anything. It’s like how if you know a crime is about to be committed, and don’t say anything, you’re guilty too. Not quite, but I get the point she’s trying to make. Gina says she’s going to tell Vicki that she loves her, but it’s bad for her to be talking to that girl. Tamra says, just tell her, and Gina does, and Vicki asks why Gina is getting involved. Shannon decides to enlighten Kelly about what’s going on behind her back. In Shannon’s interview, she says this is going to emerge into a fight. She wants to let Kelly know now, before a bomb turns into a nuke. She’s going to be the a-hole. She tells Kelly what’s going on, and in Kelly’s interview, she says, this has nothing to do with Vicki. Get a life.

Vicki says Gina and Emily aren’t involved, and Emily suggests Vicki and Kelly take it outside if they’re going to flip out. Braunwyn says, it’s nobody’s business. In Vicki’s interview, she says she’s physically scared of Kelly. Kelly has a track record. She’s heard – she doesn’t want to repeat rumors – that Kelly’s had altercations with a lot of people. Kelly says Vicki hurts people, and Vicki says she’s the one who got hurt. Kelly says she’s getting sued. She’s a con woman. Kelly says, it’s all in public domain, and proof that Vicki is a bad woman. Vicki tells Kelly not to get involved in her business. In Vicki’s interview, she says, it’s all over the news that she committed fraud, but she didn’t. The insurance company went out of business. She couldn’t pay a claim, and an 82-year-old’s daughter is suing her. Kelly asks why Vicki wants to hurt her, and Vicki says she doesn’t. They trade insults, and Vicki calls Kelly a slut. Tamra says, that is not okay. In Gina’s interview, she says Vicki wants to call out someone for being single and living their life. She doesn’t care how many trains are coming to town. Vicki starts screeching – one of the things I hate most about this show – that she never conned anyone. She was conned. Kelly calls Vicki a liar. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she imagined laying out, and maybe flirting with the cabana boy, but she probably should have known better. Vicki decides to leave.

Walking with Vicki and Tamra, Shannon says, that was a disaster, and she started it. Inside, Kelly admits to being a bitch. She tried being cool, but.. Gina says she effed up, and Kelly starts to cry. She wonders why she’s being attacked. It’s making matters worse. Emily says she’s done with Vicki, and Gina says it’s a horrifying violation of their truce. Tamra asks what Gina’s motivation was, and Shannon says it was her. She volunteered because she wanted to say it in a nicer way. Vicki tells them not to put Kelly near her, and Tamra asks what happened at the end. Vicki says she called Kelly a slut, but Kelly called her a con woman. She’s not a con woman – she starts the screeching – or a liar  She’s never conned anyone. She was conned. In Tamra’s interview, she says she hasn’t seen Vicki scream like this since the Brooks days. We flash back to Vicki screeching at the Bunko party and the ski trip.

Gina thinks it’s going to be a hat day, and asks Emily if they’re going on the tiki thing. It’s a floating bar, and Emily is hoping they have more than one, or she might have to jump ship. Shannon uses some kind of electric neti-pot, and it’s disgusting. Tamra watches her, then says she’ll never be able to erase that from her head. Neither will I, but it was on my TV. Tamra could have walked out of the room at any time.

Kelly says it’s copacetic when it’s just the four of them. Who calls someone a slut at forty years old? In  her interview, Kelly wonders why they’re after her, and Emily says Vicki thought she had the situation under wraps. She had no idea Tamra told them. Shannon just said something because they brought it up. If they hadn’t said it was wrong, Shannon never would have told Kelly. Kelly says, calculated.

Tamra tells Vicki the tiki bar looks like fun, and asks if VIcki can stay on a different side than Kelly. Vicki says she has no desire to hurt Kelly, and we flash back to Vicki crying and apologizing to Kelly. Tamra tells her, stay away from Kelly. Let it resolve itself. Vicki asks if she should apologize, but Tamra thinks says, let it run it’s course. Let it be.

They get in jeep, and a driver takes them to the floating tiki bars. Shannon, Gina, and Vicki get on one, and Tamra (in a surprise move), Emily, Braunwyn, and Kelly get in another. The Squeaky Tiki, driven by Gary, who tells them that they’ll be going to a sandbar. The water will be knee to waist deep. They mix their own drinks, which seems more dangerous than being on a floating bar. Vicki asks what they do to whoop it up there, and the bartender is clueless as to what whoop it up is. He’s never heard of it. In Gina’s interview, she says she’s put in the worst water situation every trip. We flash back to Gina not getting along with water. She says, there are so many good bars that are perfectly adequate on land. Vicki talks about having a destination wedding

Kelly asks, what’s wrong with Vicki? Kelly is suing her; she has all the evidence. Tamra says she’ll apologize, and they stop for a swim break. Braunwyn thinks she was stung by a jellyfish, and yells for them to get out of the water. Shannon says it’s not a jellyfish, but Kelly is already pushing Emily up the ladder, and back on the boat.

Tamra tells Vicki that she talked to Kelly, and told her that Vicki would say she’s sorry  Kelly asks why everyone is talking about her. She just wants them to stop. Kelly says, loud enough for all to hear, Michael just wrote that he’s got a lot of dirt on Vicki, and her engagement is going to implode in about two seconds. Vicki says Kelly is a terrible person, and asks why Kelly can’t be happy for her. Kelly yells that she’s talking to Michael, and calls Vicki an effing pig, and causing everyone to go, whoa. In Emily’s interview, she says it’s mean to attack Vicki’s looks. Attack her character. It sucks. Vicki gives Kelly the finger, and says, eff you. In Gina’s interview, she says some people have no respect for other people on vacation who just want to have a good time. Play nice in the sandbox, bitches. Shannon apologizes for the drama on their way out.

Vicki asks if she looks like a pig. Tamra says, no, and Shannon tells her to stop it. They find a cake and champagne waiting in their villa, compliments of the hotel. The cake says, congratulations, Vicki. Tamra thinks they should sing, and they fumble through happy engagement to you. They toast, and Tamra suggests they let things die down. It was a perfect example of how Kelly can’t control her anger.

Kelly tells Braunwyn, she lost her cool. Braunwyn says she doesn’t have to fight this fight. She doesn’t have to get upset. Her character is going to come through. She’s a good friend.

Gina asks Emily what they’re going to do, and Emily says they should go to dinner, but it can’t be a group dinner. Kelly and Vicki can’t be in the  same room. Gina thinks no matter what group they go with, it will cause more problems. Gina calls Tamra, and say she’s going out with Braunwyn, Emily, and Kelly, and then she’ll see them.

The four go to a restaurant, and Braunwyn orders loaded fries. Emily says, make it two. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she’s sick of talking about feelings and each other. She wants to drown her sorrows in processed cheese. Braunwyn says she’s a nice person, and gives lot of leeway, and Kelly says she doesn’t. She tried to be on her best behavior. Her plan was to not engage. Emily says she gets a C minus. Kelly says she goes low, and Braunwyn asks, why? Kelly thinks it’s when she gets ganged up on. She had a lot of cousins, and they fought to win. She has an anger problem. Emily says Kelly gets wounded, and feels vulnerable. Kelly says she learned to be vindictive from her family. She thought going low was winning. In her interview, Kelly remembers getting a present for a friend, and her mom getting in a fight with the lady behind the counter when she didn’t wrap it right. We’re products of our environment. Kelly says she needs to be stronger. She feels stupid, taking the bait. Emily says she was hurt, and Kelly says, at least she can recognize her shortcomings. Braunwyn says they’re all a work in progress, and growing.

Gina joins the Tres Blonde Amigas at another restaurant. In Gina’s interview, she says she likes hanging out with them because they make her laugh. Their antics are always fun and adventurous. Vicki asks if Gina would ever move back to New York, and Gina says no, but her heart is there. She moved across the country for Matt. Tamra asks how that worked for her, but thinks Gina should give it another chance. Shannon says, but… and Tamra says she’s seen pictures of Gina with him, and there’s a light in her eyes. Gina says she knows something happened, and if she committed to him again, he’d never cheat again. Shannon’s head whips around, and Gina says, he gets it. Tamra asks why Shannon is rolling her eyes – clearly not being able to read body language. Shannon says she didn’t. In Shannon’s interview, she says she knows the devastation she went through when she thought she and David were back together, and they weren’t. That’s when she spiraled, with her weight and emotions. She doesn’t want Gina to go through the same pain. Shannon says she knew that too, but David still checked out. Gina says she doesn’t think Matt will check out. Vicki says he won’t if it’s a happy home, and Shannon says she takes offense to that. She was willing to do whatever, and it wasn’t that she didn’t have a happy home. Vicki says she checked out with Don. Gina says she always gives in to Matt, and Shannon tells her, wait it out. If he’s serious, he’ll make a move back home. Vicki says, time will tell. Her mom told her that she’d always end up where she’s supposed to end up. Tamra says, as soon as the arguments affect the children, it’s time to go. Shannon says, the bottom line is, if you’re fighting at home, they know what’s happening. Their kids wrote texts to them saying don’t think they’re not screwed up because they heard them screaming at each other, and Sophie is writing a book about a kid’s perspective on divorce. In Shannon’s interview, she thinks her kids have witnessed things they shouldn’t have – we flash back to the kids basically pointing out how unhappy things are – and they’ll probably knock on her door one day, telling her how screwed up they are. She’s been trying to give them a normal life without all the chaos. Shannon announces that it’s 11 pm. They haven’t been out until then since they got to Florida. They all make toasts, and screech together.

At the villa, Kelly suggests she and Braunwyn put on their PJs, and watch a movie.

Tamra wants dance at the bar. They order tequila shots, and Vicki says, let’s whoop it up, into the bar microphone. Shannon says her biggest goal tonight is to keep the smile on her face, and keep having fun.

Emily goes to bed.

Vicki drinks directly from the beer tap at the bar.

The other girls go to bed.

Back at the villa, Tamra does a cannonball into the pool. In her interview, Shannon rates the trip a good nine to ten. In her villa. They all jump around in the pool, until they hear security coming, and they jet. Tamra scrambles around for her clothes, and some random dude runs through the scene. On the walkway, Vicki slips in her heels, and the mood suddenly changes when they realize she’s really hurt. In Tamra’s interview, she says Vicki is the clumsiest person she’s ever met. We flash back, and it looks like Tamra is right. I’d forgotten that Vicki ended up in the hospital a couple of times on vacation too. Shannon says they need to go to the hospital, and the ambulance comes. Tamra and Shannon quickly get dressed, and come along.

In the ambulance, Vicki screeches.

Next time, a shark, Vicki is just as clumsy on crutches, and Kelly and Emily have a consult with a guru or something.

💋 A Little Less Emily…

Not that she wasn’t stunning to begin with.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/11/rhoc-star-emily-simpson-loses-15-pounds/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

I have a way for her to lose even more weight. Get rid of Shane.

https://radaronline.com/photos/rhoc-emily-simpson-shane-save-troubled-marriage/

🎪 I Love a Good Con…

Not the Vicki kind either. This is a great summation of what a fan festival is like.

https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/sopranoscon-2019-sopranos-fan-festival?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

🍗 And If You Don’t Want To Let Go Either…

Or perhaps live in Port Charles, where it’s still Thanksgiving.

https://pagesix.com/2019/11/29/how-celebs-celebrated-thanksgiving/

🎄 And So It Begins…

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will be on NBC at 7 pm, Wednesday, December 4th. Another thing you’re better off watching on TV. It’s too crowded to breathe there. In the meantime, enjoy some lights of a Christmas season gone by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov27

November 26, 2019 – Hayden Meets With Nikolas, the OC Takes On Miami, Kelly Sets Things Straight, Finally It’s Happened To Her & Almost T-Day

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Alexis appreciates Neil’s concern, but she’s concerned. She was poisoned by something banned in the 60s. Does he really think Kendra did it? Neil says he doesn’t know Kendra, but assessing the information he does know rationally, everything points in one direction. Her life coach poisoned her.

Lulu finds Dustin and asks if he’ll sign her hall pass. He asks when she started attending the school, and she says she’s not officially enrolled, but she heard there’s an amazing English teacher, and she wants to audit the class. He says students can tell when a teacher is distracted, and she’s nothing if not distracting. He kisses her, and she says she’s not really there for class. She has a Thanksgiving card from Rocco for him. He says maybe he can wish Rocco a happy Thanksgiving in person. What are they doing on the holiday?

Cameron tells Dev, come on, dude. Just tell us. If he’s not Sonny’s cousin, who is he? Trina says, no secrets; house rules. Josslyn says, maybe some secrets are secrets for a reason. Cameron asks if she knew about this.

At the pier, Hayden flashes back to Valentin offering her a quarter million dollars to tell him what’s so important about the portrait. If she doesn’t want payment, he can exert influence in other ways. He has a skill set that he’s experienced in using, and once the money is off the table, it will get unpleasant. He’s asking her one more time if they have a deal. Her phone rings, and she asks what they want.

Valentin tells Hayden that he’s ready to wire the money, but she says she’s still setting up the account. He asks what the delay is, and she says she’s juggling a million things. He says breaking a deal with him causes substantial penalties, and she says she’ll call him. Charlotte comes in, and Valentin asks if she’s ready. She asks when she can go back to school; she misses her friends. He says he thought they weren’t taking any chances after what happened. Charlotte flashes back to Nikolas telling her that he works for her father, but the next time, he’ll be faster to save her. He wants to stay on as her bodyguard. Charlotte tells Valentin that she doesn’t have to worry. She knows she’ll be safe.

Nikolas comes downstairs, and Jax asks where he’s off to. He says he has an appointment, and Jax asks if he realizes that every time he leaves, he risks their operation. Jax wonders if Nikolas has a secret desire to be found out. Nikolas says Jax gave him a deadline for wrapping things up before New Year’s Eve. Laura comes to the door, and Jax says Nikolas is welcome to get that. Nikolas jets, and Jax says he didn’t think so. Laura says, it’s important. The situation is heating up.

Jax answers the door, and asks what brings Laura by. She says she’s assuming he got one of these, and shows him the invitation to Valentin and Nina’s wedding. Jax tells her that Nina and Valentin are going to try to get married again. She says she wasn’t invited to the first one. Does he have any idea why they requested the pleasure of her presence this time? Jax says she’s Charlotte’s grandmother, but she says, something is up. Maybe Valentin is rubbing her nose in the fact that what he has belongs to her son.

Alexis asks if Neil is giving up psychology for detective work. He wonders if she’s doubting his amateur sleuthing, and she says, emphasis on amateur. He says there was no question that thallium was in her bloodstream; the questions is, where did it come from? He asks if Julian told her about the dead rats in the alley, and she says he did. Neil asks if Julian told her that he ran into Kendra there the day before.

Lulu tells Dustin that Charlotte will be spending Thanksgiving with her father and Nina, so she and Rocco are going to the Quartermaine’s for Thanksgiving dinner. She hopes being there might keep Rocco from feeling sad about missing his dad. He asks what time dinner starts, and she says, between three and four. He says that means she has the morning free. Can he interest her in going to the Port Charles parade with him?

Dev tells them to leave Josslyn out of it. It’s his secret to tell – or not. Trina asks if Josslyn is covering for him, and Cameron asks if she’s covering, or is Dev pressuring her. Josslyn tells them, calm down. They’re all friends. Dev says he thought so. Josslyn tells Dev, they have to tell them or they’ll keep digging. Cameron asks, what’s going on? and Trina asks if there’s something wrong. Josslyn says everything is okay, but Dev isn’t exactly Sonny’s cousin.

Valentin says, after the horrible experience with Cassandra, he thought Charlotte didn’t want to rush back to school. What changed? She flashes back to telling Nikolas that she doesn’t want to lie to her papa. He says it’s not a lie if she just doesn’t tell. Please. He just wants to prove himself, and that he can keep her safe. Charlotte tells Valentin that she was afraid at first, but she knows he’ll make sure she’s safe. He says he always will; she’s his whole world. Charlotte hopes he and Nina get married this time. She wants Nina to be in the family forever. Valentin calls her his princess, and says once they make Nina the queen, they can guard the castle and make sure no dragons harm their family. He hugs her.

Nikolas shows up at the pier, and Hayden tells him, two more minutes, and he would have been there by himself. She could be spending time with her little girl and her father. What was the urgency? He says, her first. Anything to disclose? She asks what he’s talking about, and he says he got impatient yesterday. He decided to take advantage of the fact that he’s dead, and eliminate Valentin. He’s known, one way or the other, it would come down to Valentin or him, so he went to Spoon Island, and let himself in through the secret passage. But Valentin wasn’t alone; she was there. He heard every word. She should learn to negotiate. A quarter of a million dollars is nothing. She says he might think otherwise if he’d heard everything else, but he says he doesn’t know why anyone would be fool enough to trust Valentin. They could meet the same fate as Cassandra. She says she had no choice. Valentin knows that she knows something, and he won’t back off. Why did he drag her into this? He says he got her into it; let him get her out.

Jax says he assumes Laura isn’t there to discuss the invitation, and she says, no. As mayor, it was brought to her attention that for a brief time, he was a person of interest in Cassandra’s escape. He says his credit card was used to rent the van she escaped in. It was dismissed, since it was a case of identity theft. She says what she has to ask is, why his identity? He asks what her point is, and she says whoever helped Cassandra escape might have wanted to implicate Jax when she died. Then he’d be an accessory, and they’d get rid of two enemies at once. Does he think Valentin would frame him? Valentin might have figured out the potential value of the portrait. He says, all the more reason to step up their game, and find out what Ava knows. The doorbell rings, and she asks if he was expecting someone else. He says he wasn’t expecting her. It’s Colonel Sanders Martin, who introduces himself, and walks right in. He’s glad to see Laura there too, and asks if there’s any chance they could discuss a matter of mutual interest. Laura asks what that would be, and he says, a work of art. More specifically, a portrait of a lady.

Dustin tells Lulu than the band and cheer squad have been practicing for weeks, but she says he doesn’t have to go for the hard sell. Rocco loves parades. He says, what about Rocco’s mom? and she says she loves them. He asks if he can pick her up or should they meet, and she suggests he come over early. She can make pumpkin spice pancakes. He says he’ll be there, and asks how Charlotte is. She says, it’s amazing how well she’s doing, and he says, she has a strong family around her. Lulu says he’s perceptive, and he tells her, it’s the company he keeps. He knows a hotshot journalist. He’s looking forward to getting together.

Dev tells Josslyn, Sonny isn’t going to like this. Trina asks if this is a godfather situation. Is that the kind of family Dev comes from? Josslyn tells Dev that if  they don’t say anything, Trina and Cameron will think it’s worse than it actually is. Cameron says, just say it. Who is he? Dev says he’s not Dev Corbin. He’s Dev Cerci. It’s a Turkish name. Trina asks why it’s a secret, and Josslyn says, Dev is from Turkey, and he met Sonny when Sonny was searching for Dante. There was trouble, and Dev put himself on the line, so Sonny owes him. Trina asks if Sonny brought him back, but Dev says he got there on his own. Josslyn says Dev is in the country illegally, and has a fake passport. Sonny arranged for him to have a US ID, but if anyone looks too close, there could be serious trouble. Dev could get deported.

Alexis tells Neil that murder needs a motive and opportunity. He asks if Kendra didn’t supply the supplement, but Alexis says she had it tested. He says, when she first started taking it. She says she had her doctor check on the ingredients, and he says, from the first batch. She says she liked it, and it made her feel good, so she had Kendra refill it. He asks why she didn’t just order it herself, but she says it’s from Italy and she doesn’t think it’s distributed here. He wonders if Kendra told her that, and she says she didn’t see it anywhere. He asks if she saw Kendra take it, and she says she saw Kendra mix it herself from her container. He asks if she saw Kendra drink it, or could she have substituted something? She tells him, hang on, Sherlock. He’s forgetting motive. Why would Kendra want to poison her? They met randomly at a fitness boot camp for charity. He says he has to see a patient, but while he’s gone, think of the day she first felt ill, and the day she last saw Kendra. Maybe she can remember what’s wrong or right. He leaves, and Alexis ponders.

Kendra shows up, and says she’s glad to hear Alexis is on the mend. She felt inadequate, just sending her a smiley emoji. She’s been worried about Alexis, and thought she’d come and see for herself if Alexis is feeling better. Alexis says, much better. And don’t worry about the emoji. She’s used to it; she has three daughters. Kendra asks if there’s anything she can do, but Alexis says, no. Everything is good. People have been kind; her doctors, her family, Neil, even Julian. Kendra says, obviously, he still cares about Alexis. Alexis says Julian came by to talk about… She wants to change the subject. Does Kendra go to Charlie’s sometimes? Kendra says, it’s true. She does enjoy the occasional Manhattan. She hopes that doesn’t make Alexis doubt her commitment to a healthy lifestyle. She says Alexis should elongate her spine, and starts messing with the pillows.

Trina asks what about Dev’s family? Don’t they miss him? Dev says it was better for him to come there. Sonny said he’d help him, and give him a shot at a better life. Josslyn says, they can’t mess up with Dev’s story, even for a second. Cameron says Dev hasn’t perfected it yet. What about political asylum? Josslyn says, it’s too late for that. Dev got in with a fake passport. To apply legally, he’d have to leave, and then apply under his real name. It could take years. Cameron says he’s stuck with being Dev Corbin forever. Josslyn says, only a few people know. Her mom, Sonny, her dad, Jason, and now them. They have to be together. No one says anything; no one makes a mistake. Dustin comes to the door, and Dev blocks it. They scramble into their seats, and Dev jumps into his, leaving the door. Dustin comes in, and says, okay. What’s going on?   

Lulu goes to Windymere to get Charlotte, and asks how Charlotte is feeling. Charlotte says she’s fine, and Valentin say,s she’s nothing if not resilient. Charlotte says she wants to go back to school, and Lulu doesn’t see why not, but Valentin says he’ll send Lulu a text about it later. Lulu says Spencer girls are fierce. Valentin tells Charlotte to stick close to her mother, and they leave. Valentin looks at his phone, and says, the clock is ticking, Hayden.

Martin says he represents a client who prefers to remain anonymous. They’re an art lover with eclectic taste, and acquired a portrait by J. Garran, purchased from the Jerome gallery. He’s heard they share an interest in the artist, and his client is open to hearing their best offer. Jax says he’s not making an offer sight unseen. How does he even know they’re in possession of it? Martin opens his briefcase, and says, seeing is believing. He shows them a picture of the portrait. I’m wondering why this should be enough to prove it.

Nikolas gives Hayden his jacket, and she asks why he’s being so nice to her. He says there was a genuine connection between them once. That’s why he contacted her. He needed allies in Port Charles, so he could roam freely, but he also wanted to make amends, and give her a cut of what he stands to get from Valentin. It’s significantly more than $250,000. She appreciates his good intentions, but says that’s not going to protect her from Valentin. He says he can protect her. She can leave before Valentin knows she’s gone. He can have her identity scrubbed clean, and she can have a fresh start where Valentin will never find her. How soon can she leave? She says, never.

Hayden says she’s come too far and sacrificed too much. Her daughter has finally met her father, and their future is there. Nikolas says, it’s a fantasy. The only way to keep her daughter safe is to disappear. She says he brought her there knowing the risk. Now he says it’s too great? Why should she trust him? She still has the scar from when he tried to kill her. He says, it cuts both ways. That’s the past, and they need to look at what’s happening now. Her best, her only option, is to leave, and he can make that happen. She says, thanks, but no thanks. She has too many reasons to stay. She starts to walk away.

Martin says, J. Garran isn’t known for his brushstrokes or lighting. It’s the puzzles he puts in his paintings; the riddles his devotees love to solve. Jax asks how he knows it’s even intact. Laura asks if the canvas and frame are in pristine condition, and Martin says, authentication will be provided when an offer is made. Laura asks the name of his client, and Martin says, as he explained, they want to remain anonymous. Laura says she has a problem with that. She holds public office, and needs to know who she’s doing business with. Martin says she’ll be doing business with him. Think about it, but don’t wait too long. The painting is in great demand. He tells them that he’ll see himself out. He leaves, and Jax and Laura look at each other.

At the café, Lulu shows Charlotte pictures of Donna, Wiley, and Rocco. She tells Charlotte that Olivia claims she’s cooking a turkey dinner, but she doesn’t believe it. Charlotte asks why she thinks Olivia can’t cook turkey, and Lulu says, the Quartermaines have a terrible track record when it comes to Thanksgiving. When Charlotte is eating dinner with her papa and Nina, they’ll be eating pizza. (One of the things I look forward to every year, along with how Lucy will lose her clothes at the Nurses Ball.) Charlotte says, Leo loves pizza. Lulu says she and Rocco have a busy day planned, and asks if Charlotte wants to join them at the parade. Charlotte says she and her papa have a whole day planned too. She asks if Dustin will be at the parade, and Lulu asks how she knows about Dustin. Charlotte says he’s Lulu’s special friend, isn’t he? Lulu says, he’s a friend, and he’s special, but they’re still getting to know each other. Is Charlotte okay with that? Charlotte says, she likes Dustin, and Lulu says she’s glad to hear it. She likes Dustin too.

Dustin asks if Mr. Rosenberg is on a break, and Train says he is. He asks for how long, and she says, a while. He ask if they’re planning on taking over the lunchroom, and staging a walk-out because there’s no sushi, and Josslyn says, that’s it. Dustin says they broke the rules, and they’re here to learn to take responsibility for the consequences when they make bad choices. The choices they make could cause harm to them or someone else. Have they thought about that? Cameron says they have, and Dustin says Cameron was already on probation, and stands to lose the most. Does he have anything else to say? If there are any other choices they’re wrestling with, now’s the time to say so.

Kendra says, now that Alexis is on the mend, she’ll be out soon, and back on her feet in no time. Alexis says she’s not rushing back into working out without doctor’s orders. Kendra asks if it was a bug, and Alexis says she was poisoned by thallium. It’s been banned for decades, but was used as rat poison. The police believe that it was deliberate. Someone is trying to kill her.

Nikolas tells Hayden, some people have been blown to bits. That’s how far Valentin is willing to go to protect himself. Once she tells him what he wants to know, she’s expendable. She says she can’t leave. Violet has never had a real home, or known her family. Now that she’s been introduced to her father, Hayden isn’t taking that away. It’s not fair. Nikolas says, it isn’t, but it’s temporary. Once he’s found the codicil, and reclaimed the estate, Valentin will be powerless. He won’t be able to touch her. Right now, the closer Violet is, the more danger she’s in. 

On the phone, Valentin says he’s a patient man. He wants them to move on this. They know what to do. Do it.

Jax tells Laura, something’s not right. They were just talking about what Ava did with the painting, and Martin shows up wanting to sell it. Laura says, it’s convenient. An anonymous client bought it to sell it to them? Jax says he should act quickly. Martin said there was a lot of interest. It has to be Valentin. He could know the codicil is in the portrait. Laura says he didn’t know when he had it thrown out. He did ask about it a couple of times, so he must have realized it’s important. Jax doubts he realizes the codicil strips him of the estate. Martin rings the bell again. He apologizes, saying he was in such a hurry to report back, he left the picture. He picks it up off the coffee table, and I’m betting there’s a mic in the frame. He says he hopes he hears from them soon. He leaves, and Laura wonders what they was about. I say, what that was about is, you stupid.

Cameron tells Dustin that he thinks he can speak for everyone in saying they’re totally committed to making the right choices, even if those choices are unpopular. Trina adds, and even if their friends don’t understand the cost. Josslyn says, that’s what real friends do. Dustin is glad they’re willing to hold themselves accountable. They seem to have gotten something out of it. He tells them if Mr. Rosenberg isn’t back by the end of the period, they’re free to go. He leaves, and Dev thanks Cameron. Cameron says, not so fast. Dev might not like what he has to say next.

Kendra wonders who would do such a thing, and Alexis says she keeps wondering that herself. Kendra says it’s going to cause stress, and it’s the last thing Alexis needs while she’s recovering. She suggests doing cleansing breaths, but Alexis says she’s feeling tired. Kendra says, before she goes, she has something that will help Alexis relax, and give her a sense of well-being. She hands Alexis a capsule, but Alexis doesn’t think it’s a good idea to mix it with the medication. Kendra says, it’s totally holistic, like this makes a difference. She tells Alexis, just swallow, and she’ll start to feel more alive. Neil comes back, and asks what Kendra is doing there. Kendra says she was just checking in, and Neil says, the doctors were pretty clear that Alexis needs rest. Kendra says she was just on her way out, and tells Alexis, get better soon. She can’t wait for them to get back to work. She leaves, and Neil asks if Alexis is okay. She says, she didn’t swallow it, and Neil says, what? She shows him the capsule, and says Kendra gave her something to relax. He’s glad she didn’t take it, and she says his suspicion is contagious  That doesn’t make Kendra guilty though – yet. She asks him to take it to the lab and have it analyzed. See if he’s right.

Cameron is sorry he pressured Dev to tell his secret. Obviously, it would be better if they didn’t know, but there’s no turning back. Trina says, if Dev goes down, they all do. Josslyn says they have to make sure he’s not caught. Cameron says they have each other’s backs, and need to trust each other not to tell another living soul – no matter what. They touch hands, and they swear.

Lulu tells Charlotte that she’s grabbing their order, and to stay there. She’s going to be two feet away, and make sure Charlotte is safe. Charlotte says, she’s perfectly safe, and Lulu says, she’s a Spencer girl after all. Charlotte looks at Lulu’s pictures, and sees one of Nikolas. She flashes back to him saying there are bad people out there, and he promises to get rid of every last one of them.

Hayden throws Nikolas’s jacket back at him. She says it’s her life and her child. Get out. He says he’ll go, but know that the more she drags it out, the more danger she’s in. In spite of their rocky past, he doesn’t want to see her or her daughter in harm’s way. He leaves her alone on the pier.

Jax tells Laura, they can’t look too eager. He’ll have to offer below market value. Laura says when Valentin finds out, what’s to stop him from making a counter-offer? She looks at Martin’s card.

Martin arrives at Windymere, and Valentin asks if he was successful. Martin says, tell him, and plays a recording of Jax saying, the codicil to Valentin’s father’s will is hidden in Helena’s portrait. Told you.

Hayden stands on the pier, and flashes back to telling Finn about Violet being born, and how she was named after his favorite flower. Every smile, every expression reminded her of him. She takes out her phone, and says, Finn, pick up. He’s the only one she trusts. Someone grabs her from behind.

Tomorrow, Lucas tells Brad to come clean, Sasha talks to Willow, Valentin has no intention of losing anything, and Nikolas tells Hayden that she has to leave now.

The Real Housewives of Orange County

Kelly meets Braunwyn who said woke up 6 am, and was already running late. The only time I see 6 am is when it’s because I’ve stayed up until then. Braunwyn says she and Sean are going to Miami on Sunday, and she’s not prepared. Kelly says she doesn’t want go. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says Kelly is her friend, and she wants Kelly to go. She tells Kelly that she doesn’t have to hang out with Tamra, Vicki, or Shannon. In Kelly’s interview, she says, that’s not a vacation; it’s Game of Thrones. She tells Braunwyn, they’re like The Witches of Eastwick. In her interview, she says they have all the characteristics of witches. They have the cackle – we flash back to each of them… well, yeah, they’re cackling – and they plot and plan. She tells Braunwyn, these bitches better stay in their lane and stop picking on her. Braunwyn knows they won’t, and Kelly says, Tamra is so two-faced, it’s ridiculous.

Tamra and Gina go shopping for bathing suits. I’m going to be the first to say it tonight. Gina needs to lose that blonde hair. The shade is bad for her, and it looks over-processed. I don’t know if she didn’t spend enough on a hairdresser, did it herself, or what, but it’s a huge no. Tamra says her competition days are over, and we flash back to her strutting her stuff. Gina asks how long they’re staying, and Tamra says, it’s only one night in Miami. Gina asks if she’s talked to Kelly, and Tamra says she hasn’t. It’s been three weeks since Kelly trash talked her to everybody. The first time she sees Kelly, it’s going to be totally awkward.

Kelly tells Braunwyn, they have a gang mentality. Tamra’s been talking about Kelly’s mom and repeating rumors. She yelled at Vicki, saying repeating a rumor is the same as telling one, and then does it herself. Braunwyn says something about these women as a group brings this out. She thinks if Kelly dealt with them individually, they can get through it. Kelly says they’re obviously not her friends. Braunwyn tells her, stop engaging with them, and just hang with her. Kelly says it doesn’t work, and she doesn’t like it. They say she fights dirty. They should shut up first, then she will.

Tamra tells Gina, something flips in Kelly. When she thinks someone has done something to her, if it’s true or not, she goes ballistic. In Gina’s interview, she says, Kelly gets mad, and tries to destroy people. She involved herself in Jim Bellino’s lawsuit. Kelly has been reaching out to Jim. We see tweets from Kelly with hashtags to Jim. Tamra says she’s not stooping to that level, and I laugh so hard, I almost fall out of my chair. In my head. Gina says, step away, have some shots, and some hot Miami men. Tamra says Gina can do the last one; she can’t.

Braunwyn says she knows Tamra loves Kelly. You only get that angry at people you love. Kelly says Tamra doesn’t love her.

Tamra says, Kelly doesn’t think. She’s only as smart as the last person she’s talked to. She feels Kelly has crossed the line.

Braunwyn says if Kelly is done after the trip, she won’t talk her out of it, but she wants Kelly to give it one more shot. At least then she tried. Is she in? Kelly says she is. In her interview, Kelly says, she’s not letting the three amoebas (ha-ha-ha!) get in the way of her fun.

Shannon calls lawyer Ben from the car, and tells him that she’ll be there in ten minutes. In her interview, she says the divorce was filed two years ago. It’s such a shame they had to fight. It should have been easier to move on. The first few days, you try to settle, and today is the last day. Either they settle or go to trial. The process has been so nasty and emotional, she can’t wait to clean her hands of the marriage and move on with her life. We flash back to David being a jerk, moving on to being fake, and then being a jerk again. We see Shannon at the reunion, saying they’re not together anymore, and they’re getting a divorce. She says it makes her want to pull her hair and cry her eyes out, knowing there are people who want her to get nothing. It frightens her to death.

In another car, Tamra tells Gina that Vicki has a surprise for them. Gina says Vicki invited everyone over, except Kelly. Tamra says, and Braunwyn. She nearly said something, and Braunwyn didn’t know about it.

Emily arrives at Vicki’s first, and Tamra and Gina follow. In Gina’s interview, she says she had no idea what Vicki’s surprise is. It could be an I’m taking you on vacation surprise, or a COTO insurance education class surprise, where they have to buy insurance at the end. Vicki says Shannon is going to be late, and makes a big deal of fanning herself because it’s hot. Gina grabs Vicki’s hand, saying, is she serious? Vicki says she got engaged. In her interview, Vicki says, this happened, and shows us her ring. In Tamra’s interview, she says, Vicki’s love tank is full. In Emily’s interview, she says Vicki sold a lot of insurance to buy that ring. Vicki tells them, two nights ago, Steve suggested they just have a quiet dinner. In her interview, she says that Steve told her that he just wanted to be with her, and they both started crying. She tells the women that Steve said he loves her, and his family loves her, and he wants her to be his wife. Shannon joins them. Tamra tells Vicki the pictures don’t do the ring justice. In Shannon’s interview, she says she’s over the moon for Vicki. She believes in love and romance, and knows she’ll get married again, and has a happy life ahead. Shannon says, it’s done; she signed the papers. Things were contentious, but today, David was being nice. In her interview, she says the final settlement was about in the middle of the high and low points she thought she’d be. Today, she was coming from a place where she might get nothing. She tells them, before she got there, she got an email from David. He said he’s proud of what she’s done, and hopes they can move forward. He wants the best for her. She says it’s what she wanted him to say when they were married. Emily says, validation, and they toast. Vicki says they’re going to have fun, eat, and then celebrate. They go inside to eat. Tamra says Shannon is going to piss all over Key West. In Shannon’s interview, she says it’s going to be Shannon Storms time there, and she’s not thinking about David’s affair. Gina tells them about Matt bringing her breakfast in bed and flowers. In Gina’s interview, she says Matt is bringing his A-game. He’s trying to woo her. Emily asks if she feels the change is permanent, and Gina says he’ll never sh*t on her again. In Emily’s interview, she says, Gina and Matt are the worst divorcing couple ever. They want a divorce, and want to get back together. As a former divorce attorney, she hasn’t seen this. People who come for a divorce, usually want a divorce. Shannon tells Vicki that she forgot about Braunwyn, even though Braunwyn invited her to Miami. Vicki says she doesn’t know Braunwyn, and Tamra says, you really get to know people when you travel together. Vicki asks about Kelly, and Tamra says she doesn’t know. Legally, she and Shannon can’t talk to her. In Tamra’s interview, she says their attorneys advised them not to talk to Kelly, which isn’t the same thing, so as usual, Tamra is making it up as she goes along. Shannon says, anything they say can be used against them, and Tamra says she’ll never be Kelly’s friend again.

Braunwyn asks Sean for Miami outfit advice. They’re going early, and she’s looking forward to a few stress-free days with her husband. She doesn’t wear a lot in Miami. Everything she has is Vegas stripper. She says Sean learned about fashion with her careful tutoring. When she met him, he was wearing overalls, with one side unbuttoned. Sean asks if she thinks Kelly is coming, and she says she’s hoping they work through it. Vicki just got engaged. She invited everyone over but her and Kelly. Vicki is mad at Kelly, and to quote her, Braunwyn doesn’t exist. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says she and Vicki don’t have a relationship, but they have mutual friends. Braunwyn wants Vicki to be nice and pleasant, and maybe learn her name. Sean says, the trip will help. They can laugh and have fun. Braunwyn doesn’t understand how they can be so intense with each other, but still close. It’s almost like they’re married. She and Sean fight, but then have sex, and it disappears. Because of Tamra, Braunwyn can’t make out with the others.

Tamra bikes to Vicki’s. Briana, Ryan, Michael, Owen, and Walter the pug are there. In vicki’s interview, she says Briana moving away was her worst nightmare. In Briana’s interview, she says her life in North Carolina is amazing. It’s been her best year healthwise in ten or twelve years. She’s getting good medical care from the best lupus practice in the nation. She’s been on the keto diet, and lost sixty pounds, and there’s less stress. Vicki tells Steve, they went from a quiet house to dogs and kids. Vicki asks when Steve thinks they should get married, and he says, next year. Briana asks if Vicki is changing her name, and Vicki says, absolutely. Tamra jogs in, and hugs Briana. In her interview, Tamra says Briana is like a daughter to her. They met when Briana was young. She ask if Briana thinks they’ll ever move back, and Briana says, f*** no. Tamra asks when they’re having another kid, and Ryan says, last night. Vicki says, they consummated their marriage downstairs? and Briana says, they’ve been married eight years. Vicki leaves to get her camera. In her interview, Tamra says, she and Briana came together when Vicki was dating Brooks; they knew he wasn’t good for her. We flash back to them discussing him. She’s happy Vicki is with such a good guy. She tells Briana that Vicki has changed since she’s been with Brooks. She’s said before that Vicki is a chameleon dater. In Briana’s interview, she says Vicki’s relationship with Don was good. They got married when she and her brother were still little, and Vicki and Don raised them. But she doesn’t feel they were ever truly in love. Brooks was all passion (ew! thanks for the visual), but there was nothing else. No respect; nothing else that makes a true relationship. Vicki comes back out with the camera, and Tamra takes a family picture. Steve wonders if he should stand where he could be cut out of the photo later if something happens.

Braunwyn and Sean are already in Miami. Sean says, it’s so cool. It’s like group therapy for the women. Braunwyn says if they can’t have fun in Miami, they can’t have fun. In Braunwyn’s interview, she says when she and Sean lived in Miami as a couple, they always wanted to be fun, and have crazy nights and days. The city was made for her. She says, it’s the right environment, and there’s tons of alcohol. Sean says it’s awesome there. Braunwyn seriously lives in a dream world. Maybe she has to, with all those kids. With tons of alcohol, it’s never going to be the right environment for these women.

Tamra calls Braunwyn while she’s packing, and asks what she needs other than a bathing suit. Braunwyn says, a sexy dress. It’s humid, so no matter what, she’ll be sweating. Bleh.

Vicki dumps sand out of her suitcase from wherever she went last time.

Sophie suggests Shannon bring lingerie, and a T-shirt with a motorcycle that says, put something exciting between your legs. Shannon says, honest to God.

In the car, Emily says she knows Kelly doesn’t want to go. Kelly says she’s not scared of Tamra or Shannon. Braunwyn was her friend first.

Tamra tells Shannon, she doesn’t know how to predict Kelly will act. She’s not even having any eye contact with her. In Shannon’s interview, she says, it should be an interesting trip, with no talking. Shannon says Kelly is afraid of them, but Tamra says she doesn’t think Kelly is afraid of anything.

Everyone gets to the airport. Shannon says, come on. Florida, we’re coming for you.

Braunwyn gets champagne and flowers for Vicki. In her interview, she says, Vicki has found love, and it’s a peace offering. Question mark over my head, since Braunwyn didn’t do anything to Vicki.

Shannon is not excited to see Kelly. Braunwyn meets them in Miami, with two convertibles to take them to the hotel. In Gina’s interview, she says she’s not surprised about the two Maseratis. Braunwyn tends to be bougie, but she’s not upset about it. Kelly says Gina had better hold on to her hair, but everyone’s hair is whipping. This is why I hate convertibles.

They get to the hotel, and are met with welcome mojitos. Braunwyn says everyone has their own room. They can freshen up, and then she’s taking them to her favorite club. Vicki sees the flowers and champagne, and says, fancy. She opens the card, and it says, congratulations on your engagement – welcome to Miami. She calls Steve, and tells him about the card. She pops the champagne, scaring herself. Sean tells Braunwyn, so far, so good. There’s magic in the Miami air. Tamra and Shannon check out the terrace, and Tamra says, don’t let Kelly out on the balcony, or stand too close. You never know who could get pushed off. Kelly calls Brian, and says they’re clubbing it up tonight. Emily tells Gina the room is very Miami, and wonders if she should move there. Vicki goes to Braunwyn’s room to thank her, saying it was super cool. Braunwyn hopes they get it right this time. In Vicki’s interview, she says she’d like to start fresh. She and Braunwyn have nothing in common, but if she gets presents, she’ll take it.

They women meet in the lobby. In Kelly’s interview, she refers to Shannon, saying, women over fifty don’t need to be wearing extensions. It looks ridiculous. They go to the Club Eleven, which Braunwyn says is a strip club. Well, there are strippers, but I wouldn’t consider this a strip club. They drink, take selfies, and dance. Gina is liking Miami. They make it rain for the strippers, and in Emily’s interview, she says she likes to further education for women. You make that money. You pay that tuition. Tamra dances on a ledge, and Vicki says, it’s Tequila Tamra, telling her to get down. In Kelly’s interview, she says Tamra still thinks she’s twenty. Have some decorum, at least for your grandchildren. Kelly asks Shannon why she’s mad at her, and Shannon says she can’t hear over the music. In Shannon’s interview, she says, it’s classic Kelly. She starts sh*t, then wonders what’s going on. She’s not having this conversation right now. On the way to the taxi, Shannon says she doesn’t go to the club, but tonight she went to the club. Some of them put on hats from the club. Kelly says she’s all about change, but Gina should get rid of the blonde. She tells Shannon that she needs to cut her hair; it looks like sh*t. Shannon asks if she can’t be nice for a second. She was trying to be different because they’re in Miami, but she’s glad Kelly told her that she looks like sh*t. Kelly says sorry if Shannon is offended. She was just trying to make her look better. She’s like sixty, and has to cut it short. Geez. I wasn’t crazy about it either, but that’s a pretty ageist and across-the-board remark.

The next morning, Braunwyn is saying goodbye to Sean. Gina calls, and says she and the others are by the pool, talking sh*t about them. Get down there. Sean tells Braunwyn, she’s on her own, and she’ll be fine. She says she misses him already. She’s going over to Shannon’s room once he leaves.

Shannon tells Braunwyn that Kelly said her hair looked like sh*t. Braunwyn says she thinks Kelly meant it as constructive criticism. Shannon says a lot people thought she looked cute. She doesn’t give a f*** what Kelly thinks. At the pool, Gina say she had fun with Kelly, and thinks she has a good heart. Tamra says, Kelly is mean. Gina says she thinks it has something to do with Kelly’s childhood, and Tamra says that’s why she kept sticking up for Kelly, but when it doesn’t stop and you’re in your forties, you can’t fix it. There need to be boundaries. Braunwyn joins them, and says Shannon isn’t happy about Kelly’s comment that her hair looked like sh*t.

Gina goes to the bar, where Kelly is sitting, and asks what she’s doing. Kelly says, working, and Gina sits down. The bartender asks what she’d like, and she says, a good time. Braunwyn tells Kelly that she wants her to be included. She feels bad, since she begged Kelly to come on the trip. In her interview, Braunwyn says she wants everyone to get along. She wants miracles. Braunwyn tells Shannon that she and Kelly have a friendship; they should talk. Shannon says she didn’t do anything, and Braunwyn tells Kelly that her talking to Jim hurt Shannon. We see a clip of Shannon saying that what Kelly did is financially devastating to her and Tamra. I wish they’d explain this better. I doubt anything Kelly said caused Jim to appeal. He seems like a sore loser, and if he’s using her tweets as the basis, he would have just found something else. Kelly says she didn’t do anything wrong. In Kelly’s interview, she says the case against Shannon was dismissed. She’s just looking for a way to be mad at Kelly because Tamra is mad at her. Braunwyn calls Shannon over, and says she’s upset because of the Jim thing. Kelly says she didn’t say anything, and Shannon says Kelly immersed herself in the case. Kelly says she was backed against a wall. People need to shut up. Shannon says it has nothing to do with her. Tamra says it has to do with her, and Kelly repeats that she was backed against a wall. Tamra brought up the train, and said she’d broke someone’s hand. She said it to Shannon. Tamra also said she threw her mom down the stairs. Tamra says, Vicki said that, and screeches that she was sticking up for Kelly. What doesn’t she get? Kelly says, Tamra was repeating what was said. Shannon says they have real live sh*t going on, and Kelly says, don’t talk about her. People who tell lies, get sued. Tamra walks away, and Braunwyn sits down. Tamra says, Kelly is dirty AF. Shannon says this is why they don’t want to talk to Kelly. Tamra tells Kelly to s*ck d*ck for money, since that’s what she does best. Because Tamra wants another lawsuit on her hands. These women are getting so tiresome. They’re making Beverly Hills look good.

Next time, Key West, Kelly feels stupid for taking the bait again, and Gina finds out Vicki contacted the woman Kelly got in a fight with. Kelly says Michael has a lot of dirt that could implode Vicki’s engagement.

👂 Repeating a Rumor Is Just As Bad…

But how about listening to it in the first place?

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/kelly-dodd-says-she-never-pushed-her-mom-down-the-stairs?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_RHOC_Dish

💍 She Finally Did It…

Congratulations, Tinsley! I hope it sticks this time.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1086435/real-housewives-of-new-york-s-tinsley-mortimer-is-engaged-to-scott-kluth

🍗 Almost Here…

The four-day weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov26

November 25, 2019 – The Port Charles Breakfast Club, the Return Of Rhylee, Meghan’s Misery Drags On, a Queen & Her Pups, VanderTrailer, Utah Wives & a Birthday

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Neil visits Alexis, who’s with Monica. He says he’s sorry to interrupt, but Monica says she was just leaving. Alexis asks how he is, and he says he was about to ask her the same thing. She says other than recovering from rat poisoning, being in this bed, and her daughter in prison for manslaughter, she’s just fine. He says, hold up. Rat poison?

Cameron, Trina, Josslyn, and Dev sit in detention. Cameron asks if Dustin is coming back, and Trina says, that’s the scam. He leaves for coffee, and comes back in time to collect their essays. Josslyn asks if Trina has been there before, but Trina says it’s her first time – thanks. Dev makes a paper airplane out of his essay, and launches it at Cameron, saying he shouldn’t even be there. Cameron says he’s sorry he got drunk and dragged Dev into it. How many times does he have to apologize? Dev asks how many apologies he has left, and Cameron says he’s fresh out. Trina says, it’s going to be a very long day.

At the hospital, Julian sees Elizabeth at the reception desk. He says he’s putting together a surprise for Brad and Lucas, and asks if he can see their schedules. He wants to know when they’re off at the same time. She says, absolutely not, but she’ll check for him. She looks on the computer, and says, Lucas is a sweetheart. He volunteered to work on Thanksgiving. Julian says, all day? Without Brad?

Franco goes to Monica’s office. She says she thought he already moved with Kim, and he says, about that. They need to talk.

At Turning Woods, Stella asks Mike how he’s feeling. He’s fiddling with some shoe laces, and doesn’t look up. She asks if he needs help. Sonny and Carly come in, and Sonny says Stella is there bright and early. Carly asks how Mike is doing, and Stella says, it’s not a good day. Sonny says he’s used to seeing Mike live in the past, but Stella says, it’s worse than that. They go over to Mike, and Sonny says, hey, dad. Look who he brought. Carly says, long time, no see, but he looks at them blankly.

Alexis tells Neil that TJ put the symptoms together, and found out it was thallium poisoning. It was banned in 1965, but they did a lab test, and he was right. Neil says she looks better, and she says, the cure is blue paint; Prussian blue to be exact. It’s pretty, and she’s alive. Neil says if it was banned, it’s not because of a careless exterminator, and Alexis says they believe it was deliberate. Neil asks, who would do that? and she says she’s a lawyer. They’re not known for making friends. TJ comes in, and Alexis says she was just singing his praises. Neil tells him, well done. TJ says he’s glad his guess was the right one, and Alexis asks what brings him by. He says he was hoping she might have a minute, and Neil says he’ll go get some coffee. He leaves, and Alexis says, before TJ tells her what he’s got to say, she saw the look between them. It wasn’t subtle. What’s up? He wants to talk about Molly.

Julian thanks Elizabeth, and she asks if he’s heard from Kim. He says, no, and he doesn’t expect to. They’re definitely over. She says there are some things he doesn’t know about Franco that affect Kim, but he says it’s not in him to talk about Kim. There’s just scorched earth between them.

Dev and Trina play basketball with crumpled paper balls and the trash can. Josslyn says Dev is being a jerk; it’s his default setting. Cameron says that’s not why he’s worked up. He tells Josslyn that he’s sorry. He should have never talked her into drinking. She points to the board with the essay topic, and says, how your actions affect those around you, and how you can do better. He didn’t pour it down her throat though. Cameron says he was stupid, and Trina says, they were all stupid. Dev says, except him. He was downright heroic, but he got punished anyway. He  doesn’t know how he could do any better. He was selfless. Josslyn tells him to write that down, and Dustin might give him the answer. Trina asks how Dev intends to do better.

Franco tells Monica, when they met, she was looking to know Drew. He says, if there’s anything he can tell her, or any questions he can answer to help ease the pain of her loss, he’ll be glad to. She says she’d like that very much.

Carly asks Mike if he needs help with the laces. He asks where they go, and she says she can show him. Sonny says Mike is having a bad day; worse than the last time. Stella says the nurse told her it varies significantly from day to day. Sonny says she told him that too. Carly tells Mike, he’s all set, and he smiles. Stella tells Sonny when she saw him yesterday, Mike thought he was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. Does Sonny remember when they started this journey, what she told him about forgiveness? Sonny says she told him that he needed to forgive his dad for leaving him. Stella says, and to forgive himself for letting him leave.

Elizabeth tries to tell Julian about Franco, but he tells her, don’t. He can’t tear himself apart about those two, and she shouldn’t either. She should close that chapter of her life, move on, and survive. That’s what he’s doing.

TJ tells Alexis, this is very traditional; old school. He has the deepest respect for her and Molly. He loves Molly more every day, and wants to cement… She says, cement? He amends it to, secure their future. He wants to ask Alexis’s permission to ask Molly for her hand in marriage. So what does she say? Alexis says he doesn’t want to do that.

They kids lie in a circle on the floor, their heads pointed toward the middle, eating potato chips. I guess we’re going Breakfast Club here. Cameron says, sour cream and onion; the least imaginative flavor. What about barbecue sauce? Josslyn says she likes it on French fries. Which brings her to the question, which flavor is their favorite? Cameron says, original, and Josslyn asks, how can that be less boring? He says, it’s pure and honest. Just potato with a dash of salt. Trina says her favorite is sea salt and vinegar. Josslyn says her mom likes those, but they taste sour. Trina says if she has them on a sandwich, it will change her life. (My favorite is dill pickle, but I make a mental note to try Trina’s suggestion.) Josslyn asks what about Dev? and Dev says it’s going to be a shock, but he agrees with Cameron. The best ones are the original. Josslyn says all varieties are going to be at her Lady and the Tramp viewing party (and she makes a plug for Disney+). Trina says they need to have spaghetti and meatballs too. Cameron says, it’s a cartoon, but Trina says, it’s live action. Cameron says, dogs eating spaghetti, and Josslyn tells him not to question how they do it. It will also be their post-detention consolation party.

Monica tells Franco that traditionally the Quartermaines get together on Thanksgiving, and she’d like him to join them. He asks if she’s sure it’s a good idea. She says it’s a chance to be with the family, and if circumstances were different, they’d be his family. She’d love for him to be there. He’s not sure everyone else feels the same way, but she says, who cares? It’s her house. He thanks her, and says, there’s one other thing. The Navy put his personal effects in a storage locker in San Diego. Maybe she’d like to pass them along to Drew’s daughter. Monica is sure Scout would love to have them. She knows she would too.

Mike works on a jigsaw puzzle. Sonny tries to help, and Mike yells, no! It’s his puzzle. He calls Sonny Anthony, and tells him to find his own. Sonny sits, and Mike puts his head in his hands. Carly tells Stella, this is more than just a bad day. Stella says the staff told her that Mike has suffered significant cognitive decline. Carly says, it’s weird. It’s taking forever, yet it’s happening all at once. Stella says, the disease progresses at an uneven pace. Carly asks if he’ll have good days again, and Stella says, it depends on how you define good. Days when he’s living in the past, but in happy memories, are a different good, but it only gets harder from there. Mike tells Sonny, that’s how you do it. He’s too young. When he’s older, Mike will teach him how to do it. Stella tells Mike that it’s time for her to say goodbye now. She wants to tell him how much she enjoyed his friendship. He gets up, and asks if she can take Anthony with her. Anthony is getting in his way. Stella tells him, Anthony’s mom is coming in a little bit, and asks if Mike can keep him a little longer. Mike says, okay, fine, but he’s not letting Anthony have his ice cream. Sonny says he doesn’t want any, and Mike says he’s a liar. He’ll try to take some, but Mike won’t let him. Carly says she thinks there’s enough for everyone. Stella tells Mike it was good seeing him, and Mike takes her hand, saying he’ll see her around the neighborhood. She kisses his forehead, and he smiles. Sonny and Carly walk Stella to the door, and Sonny says they can’t begin to thank her for everything she’s done. She says, it was an honor to know him. She’s crying, and a sob bursts out of me. Carly says Mike loves her; she knows that. Stella says she promised Mike a long time ago, when this time came she’d speak for him, and tell them both that he loves them, and how much he needs them to do what’s important for him, and help him say goodbye. As hard as it is, they’ll be able to do that for him because Sonny is a good son. Sonny and Carly hug her, and Carly says they’re so grateful. She’s always welcome in their family. Stella tells them to take good care of the children.

TJ says he doesn’t want to what? and Alexis says he doesn’t want to ask permission to marry Molly. He loves her, but they’re talking Molly. She tells him to sit, and says, when Molly was eight years old, they watched Fiddler on the Roof together. By the time it was over, Molly said she was going to take down the patriarchy. He says, at eight years old? and she says, yes. Molly used that word. The three daughters were her heroes because they defied family, faith, and tradition to make their own choices. So no permission. She loves the old school approach, but if he asked Molly about Alexis giving permission for her hand, she’d say it wasn’t Alexis’s to give. TJ says she’s so right. He doesn’t know why he didn’t see it. She says he was caught up in the romance. For the record. Molly is romantic too. She loves the knights and damsels, as long as they rescue each other equally. Now he has to figure out a way for Molly to say yes. TJ thanks her for helping him. She says, that’s what future mothers-in-law do. He doesn’t need her blessing, but should they decide to get married, they have it. He says he’ll take it, and she tells him, good luck. He hugs her, and leaves.

The kids are now playing volleyball, using overturned chairs as a net. Trina wonders, which is worse; telling your greatest secret or telling someone who doesn’t like you that you like them? Cameron says, for some people, it’s the same thing. Trina says, not for her. Cameron says tell them her great secret, and she says, last year she took a DNA test as part of a project, and it said she had a direct relative there in Port Charles. It’s crazy, since her mother is the only relative she’s ever had there. Josslyn asks if she’s met them, but Trina says, what if they’re a crazy freak? Dev says, what if they’re a gazillionaire looking for a long, lost heir? She says, that doesn’t happen, and it’s not worth the risk. She shut it down. Cameron says, that’s not a secret; it’s something she hasn’t told them. She says, it’s all she’s got. What about Cameron? Josslyn asks, what’s his secret?

Julian sees Neil with two coffees, and asks if one of those is for Alexis. Neil says it is, and Julian says, she must be feeling better. Neil says, let it suffice to say they’ve figured out what’s wrong and she’s expected to fully recover. Julian says, she must be relieved, and Neil says, to a point. She got sick because she ingested rat poison, and there’s almost no way it could be by accident. Julian says there were dead rats in the alley behind Charlie’s, and he thinks they were poisoned as well.

Carly wonders why Sonny didn’t tell her about Mike sooner, and he says he just thought it was a run of bad days. Some days were good, and Mike was his normal self, flirting with the nurses, and tending to Yvonne. He just hoped Mike would get better. Carly understands wanting that, but it’s not going to happen. They’ve discussed how the disease is progressing. Now there will be bad days or worse days. Sonny thought they could hold it off a little longer. Mike stares into space, breaking my heart into a million pieces.

Julian tells Neil, the only time anyone is out in the alley is to dump garbage. A couple of days before the dead rats showed up, he ran into Kendra. He was making a call, and saw her dumping something in the trash. He didn’t think anything of it, but then the rats were dead. Neil asks how long it was happening, but Julian says, just once. He scrubbed the place down, and he called in the exterminator, and it never happened again. Alexis started to get sick around the same time the rats were killed. Neil thanks him, and says, that was helpful. He tells Julian that he wants to get the coffee upstairs before it gets cold, and takes the next elevator.

What Cameron wants to know is what Josslyn is writing every day, ten times a day. She says, treasure maps and nuclear launch codes. It’s private. He says, that’s a secret, but she says she has others. Trina says, it’s still Cameron’s turn. He says, it’s hard to think of something Josslyn doesn’t know. They’ve known each other their whole lives. He says, but there’s Dev, the mysterious Corbin cousin from Connecticut. Why is he really there?

Franco and Elizabeth see each other on the stairs, and she asks how he is. He says he just saw Monica. He thought he should give her the news in person. She asks how Monica took it, and he says, she’s great. She’s a very understanding person. When he first saw the newspaper with Jason’s picture, and found out he had a twin and was a Quartermaine, he didn’t think they’d ever want him or accept him. Not only was he wrong, in the end, he thinks Monica would have been a good mom. She’s been a good friend. Elizabeth says, that’s the kind of person she is. He says he should probably go work out, and she says it was nice seeing him. He says, her too.

Stella meets TJ at the café. She says she missed him, and he says he missed her too. And apparently, he’s going to miss her again. He heard she’s not staying. She says it’s just a quick stop to extend her visa, then she’s flying back to London. It’s the adventure of her life. She tells him that he can visit her when he can. He says he’d love to someday. In meantime, he’s going ask Molly marry him. Stella thought that might be what he had to tell her. She takes his hand, and says she knows how much he loves Molly. What’s not to love? She’s a brilliant, remarkable young woman. And fiery. Her fight for Charles Street was a sight. TJ says he was proud of her. Stella says the thing is, if he does this, it will be a hard road for them. TJ says he knows. They still have to finish school, and get their careers and lives in gear. She says they do, but she’s not talking about that. She’s talking about the fact Molly is white.

TJ says, it doesn’t matter to him, and he can’t believe it matters to her. Stella says, let her finish. She loves Molly, and will welcome her into the family. He asks what the problem is then, and she says, they only see through their hearts to each other. The idea that we live in a color blind world is a fantasy. He says she doesn’t have to tell him. She’s glad he’s proud of his culture, and how it defines his place in the world, but he doesn’t have to look far to know not a lot of people feel that way. As hard as it is now, it’s been worse. The right for a man like him to be with a woman like Molly, has only been protected for fifty-two years. There are people out there who want to turn back the clock. Not just stop them, but punish them for loving each other in the first place. TJ asks if she wants to let them win, and she says, far from it. She wants him to be safe. The world has changed, but there’s still plenty to be afraid of.

Dev says he got in trouble at his old school; that’s why he’s there. He cheated on all of his tests. His father was furious, and sent him away. Now they know everything. Trina says, he was sent away after his father was dead? Dev says, before he died, he told Dev’s grandmother that he wanted Dev to go to Uncle Sonny’s. Trina asks if he doesn’t mean cousin, and he says, of course (🍷). He meant cousin. Cameron says, didn’t his father die a long time ago? Trina says Dev is a terrible liar, and Cameron says, the worst. It’s surprising. When Dev first got to Port Charles, he was smoother. Trina asks, is Sonny his cousin or not?

Neil tells Alexis that he ran into Julian, who sends his best. She asks what else he said, and Neil says her life coach came up. She asks what Julian said about her, and he says, not much. Just that they all seem to have their own approach to work. What exactly are they working on?

Sonny says it’s hard to see his dad like that. Carly kisses him, and says she knows. She loves Mike too. Whatever time they have left, they’ll make the most of it. Embrace the good days, and help each other through the bad ones. Mike asks if the ice cream will be there soon. She says she’d like some too, and Mike says, the kid would love some, meaning Sonny. She says she’ll see what she can do.

Julian says he thought Franco and Kim left town. Franco says they were going to, and Julian tells him not to stay too long. He’s ruined enough lives already. Julian starts to leave, and Franco says, this town ain’t big enough for both of them? Is that what Julian is saying? Julian says Franco is a human wrecking ball. They’ll all be better off when he clears out. Franco says, there’s been a change of plans. He’s staying there. Kim is gone, but he didn’t go with her. Julian says he thought Franco said there isn’t anything keeping him there. Franco says, there isn’t, but there are things keeping Franco there. He volunteered for the procedure to restore Franco’s memory. Julian says, what about Kim? He made all these promises to her, and now he’s backing out? Franco looks confused, as we all do.

Dev asks, why are they ganging up on him? It’s Cameron’s turn. Cameron tells him to answer the question. Trina says, is he or is he not Sonny’s cousin? and Cameron says, and if he isn’t, who is he?

Stella tells TJ just being a Black man alone puts him at risk. He says he remembers being detained by security for shopping while Black. She says, a lot worse has happened to a lot more people. It doesn’t matter if they’re poor or rich, or what they’ve done with their lives. He could be on a drive minding his own business. TJ says he doesn’t want to live in fear, and doesn’t want that for her either. She says, when you’re in danger, fear can save you. She tells him to walk through the world with his eyes open, but don’t let it diminish one ounce of the love in his heart. He says he won’t. Do they have her blessing? She says they do, and asks him to promise to be true to himself – all parts of himself – so the rest of them can learn from that truth. He promises, and she says she has faith that all of them will be better off for it. As for the wedding, she intends on sitting in the front row. They hug, and she says she loves him so much.

Elizabeth asks if Monica has a minute, and Monica says she was kind of expecting her. Elizabeth says she ran into Franco, and he told her that he let Monica know he was going through with the procedure. Monica says, Drew believes it’s the best thing to do. She’s sure Elizabeth does too. Elizabeth says she just wants her husband back. Monica tells her, as she knows, there are no guarantees she’ll get Franco back. Elizabeth asks if letting Drew live his life is okay, and Monica says she thinks so. Elizabeth says Franco knows the what’s at stake, and what he stands to lose. She wishes it had never come to this. Monica says, so does she, but here they are, and whatever the resolution, there will always be heartache. He’s a brave man putting his life on the line. She hopes his bravery isn’t for nothing.

Julian calls Franco a selfish, self-centered SOB. Was he using Kim’s love for him for nostalgic sex? Franco says he loves Kim, and Julian says he has a funny way of showing it. He’s shredding her life; all that pain and hurt for nothing. Franco says the procedure is going to kill him, and Julian says he hopes it does. Franco says he’s not sure where Kim will wind up, but wherever she lands, she’s going to need a friend. Julian says it sure as hell won’t be him.

Mike, Sonny, and Carly sit on the couch, eating ice cream, and the three of them look happy.

Alexis tells Neil, Kendra is great. She got Alexis to mediate for ten seconds, which is better than thinking about it, then binge watching. She’s been exploring her life goals as well. Neil asks if Kendra’s main concentration isn’t fitness, and Alexis says, and nutrition. Out with the bad foods, and in with the supplements. Neil says she got sick around the time she started taking the supplements, but she says she took it to her doctor, who checked the ingredients. It was all fine. Does he think Kendra is poisoning her?

Tomorrow, Dustin asks Lulu what she’s doing for Thanksgiving, Neil tells Alexis that her life coach poisoned her, Valentin tells someone they have to move on this, and Nikolas says he got Hayden into this, let him get her out.

Below Deck

Arghhh! It’s pirate day. Captain Lee tells Ashton that he ordered a new deckhand. He wants to get her on board as soon as possible. Ashton asks if he can look at a copy of their CD, and the captain says he already knows it. It’s Rhylee. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says he knows Rhylee is a hard worker. It’s his choice; his call. He’s bringing her back. He tells Ashton that he knows she had issues with Ross and Chandler, but he thinks Chandler was over-the-top (agreed), and Ross didn’t set boundaries (also agreed). Maybe this will be like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and he’ll be just right. He thinks Rhylee just needs to be channeled properly. In his interview, Ashton says he’s not happy. She’s emotional and reactive.

In Kate’s interview, she says, pirate day, how basic of them. Get an eye patch, get a parrot, get a sword, get a hat. Doesn’t it get old after childhood? Brian’s says his leg is worse than yesterday, but he took some painkillers, so he’ll be okay.

Drunken idiot primary Michael toasts to getting booty. In the galley, Ashton tells Tanner and Brian that he’s not sure what’s happening with Brian’s leg, so the captain is bringing in a deckhand. It’s someone who was with him last season – Rhylee. She likes to stay informed, and be part of the team. She’s someone he has a lot of history with. Brian says, like Kate, and Tanner asks what kind of painkillers is he taking? He won’t stop. Kate says they need more Jell-O shots. The captain calls Kate to the bridge, and tells her about Rhylee joining the crew. She says, how perfect, and he says he thinks so. She says, it’s pirate day, and Rhylee is coming back. In her interview, Kate says they had a rough start in Tahiti, and we flash back to that. By the end of the season, she loved Rhylee. She says she has to clean her room.

Kevin asks where Simone is, and Kate says she was up late; she’s just getting up. Kevin tells Courtney to get the deckhands to serve, and Courtney radios for someone to come. In his interview, Kevin says, Kate is used to serving food through a Burger King window. She doesn’t realize the work that goes into this, so he has to take over. Says the guy who forgot to order seafood for the seafood extravaganza. We flash back to times he’s thought Kate was lacking. He says he shouldn’t have to do this. He should just worry about the food. Kate gets to the galley, and Kevin is giving out the bowls. In Kate’s interview, she says, now the deckhands are serving breakfast. That’s a new one. He’s a control freak. Kevin tells them not to forget their pirate accents. Whatever it is he served, it must be spicy, because there’s a lot of reaction by the guests. Not in a bad way; just surprised. Anchor is dropped and locked.

Kevin asks if Ashton has any pirate flare, and Ashton says he has a big sword. Guest Shani flirts with him, and in Ashton’s interview, he says he often enjoys the game more than getting something out of it. She says he’s like forbidden fruit. She doesn’t look like his type though. Simone is straightening up the lounge, and Michael harasses her, saying she’s from South Africa, and he’s from North America; opposites attract. He asks if she’s wearing a garter, and does she want him to take it off?  Brian leaves in the tender to pick up Rhylee.

When Rhylee arrives, Kate tells her that they’re going to be roommates. In her interview, Rhylee says, since Tahiti, she’s been on a fishing charter. She wants to learn more about the lay of the land for a yacht. She goes up to say hello to Captain Lee, who thanks her for coming on short notice. She says she couldn’t not help out when they’re in a tight spot. He tells her that Ashton is her bosun. Respect the rank, and do her job, and everything will be fine. In his interview, Captain Lee says he hopes Rhylee doesn’t let her dump truck mouth overload her wheelbarrow ass. I’m not quite sure what that means, but it sounds good. Rhylee asks if Ashton is pleasantly surprised. In Ashton’s interview, he says he’s definitely not ready for this.

The captain tells Ashton that he’s explained to Rhylee how things go on the boat. Treat her like one of the guys, and they’ll get through the season. In Ashton’s interview, he says he already has anxiety. We flash back to an altercation between the two of them. He says then, he could deal with her at arm’s length, but he’s the bosun now, so she’s his problem. He’s not looking forward to it. Captain Lee tells her, welcome aboard. In Rhylee’s interview, she says it makes her nervous with Ashton in a leadership role, but she’s not going to let it deter her from doing her job and being her.

The guests play in the water. Ashton tells Brian to stay off his leg for as long as he can. In his interview, Brian says he’s not a person who can stay still, and he feels guilty. Courtney says they have Rhylee now. Rhylee joins them, and asks Brian, how’s it going? Why is she there? He tells her, Abbi left, and she says, thanks, Abbi. In her interview, she says she’s happy to be there. Everything about Brian screams sexy to her. She’s looking forward to seeing more of him. Michael pops into the galley, and says he and Simone are going shark diving. Simone says she doesn’t think so. In Kevin’s interview, he says he’s feeling awkward. Michael is being inappropriate to Simone, and he’s standing six feet away. Michael tells Simone she’s good at what she does, and she thanks him while escaping up the stairs. He says they’re going to break some rules. Kate says the guests are way too comfortable.

Ashton tells Rhylee, they’re starting fresh. In Rhylee’s interview, she says, last season, she was left out deck meetings and the heavy lifting. She hopes Ashton makes her feel part of the team. Ashton says he wants open communication, and Rhylee says she has no problem expressing any issues. He says they’ll do a quick walk around. Brian asks Courtney about following her on Instagram. She says she followed him, and he didn’t follow her back, but he says he’s looking for her. Simone is confused about the process of making ice coffee, and Courtney volunteers to make it. In Kate’s interview, she says Simone is training herself in service on this charter, and she’s training herself in patience.

Ashton shows Rhylee the boat, and where everything is. They run into Michael, and Ashton literally picks him up and carries him, depositing him in Rhylee’s arms. She plops him on a chair. Kevin sings in the galley, and says he’s going to take a food photo for Instagram. Normally, Kate does it, but she’s not there. That’s because she’s decorating the pirate day table with gold coins. Courtney takes the picture. In Kevin’s interview, he says the heat and humidity make Thailand’s produce beautiful. He loves how quick and simple it is to work with. Kate asks if he wants to go out there, and he says he likes making her job easier. She says, same. Michael dumps water on Shani, who isn’t too happy about that, and throws some back on him. Or maybe it’s a drink. I have no clue. The captain asks Kate, what’s for dinner? and she says, big steaks. She’s going with a country/western theme, and giving everyone bandanas. Michael bugs Simone about going shark diving, saying he’ll be the shark, and she can be the diver. Simon says, o-m-g., and he says, once you go white… Kate asks Simone to meet her in the galley. She tells Simone that she’s getting weird vibes from the primary, and it’s past point of being appropriate. She tells Simone to help with laundry, and says she’ll call when they need her. She thanks Kate, saying, the primary is drunk and creepy. In Kate’s interview, she says, it happens sometimes. The guests think they can do whatever they want, but that doesn’t make it okay. As Simone’s boss, it’s her job remove Simone from the situation. Michael makes rude gestures, and says, it’s the last day. Let’s get as drunk and disrespectful as we can. And these people are like, forty???

I have to interject that I’m astounded, and just a little sick, watching this moronic beast be abusive to Simone.

Kate talks over the menu with Kevin, saying she wants to do a country/western theme. Kevin says he’s doing a steakhouse menu, simple and classic. He lived in Denver, and experienced American cuisine; it’s all about meat. Ashton takes the guests out on the tender to watch the sunset. Shani says it’s pirate day, and he can tie her up, as she runs her foot up his leg. In Ashton’s interview, he says he hasn’t had much luck with the ladies this season. It’s hard not be tempted be a woman constantly hitting on him, but he can’t do that. If he took up with a guest he’d be fired.

Kate shows Rhylee their room, and says she’s as sloppy as a man. Ashton tells Rhylee to get over her jet lag, and rest. Kate wants to country it up tonight. Tanner asks how Simone is feeling, and she says she’s ready for the guy to go. Tanner thinks Simone has a crush on him, and he says they’ll see what happens tomorrow night. Michael asks Simone where her garter is, and if she left it in his room. Captain Lee joins them for dinner, and says Michael is the epitome of lit. Kevin says, the girls will take out the sides, and the boys will take out the steaks. Kate says, it’s very sister wife. In Kate’s interview, she says it’s a blow to her ego that only Kevin gets to decide how the meal is served. She’s head of service, but she’s been made into a side piece. Kate tells Kevin, it’s nice to have all the active crew members in the galley. In her interview, she says she can’t live like this. She knows Kevin has control issues, but the least he can do is not overstep his boundaries. It’s bullsh*t. She knows it, and he knows it.

Kevin says he’s glad it’s over. Kate asks how the guests are doing, and Michael says they like seeing her smile. He’s just saying what the captain is thinking. Captain Lee says, with that, he’s bidding them adieu. Kevin asks Kate if it’s been a rough day, and Kate says she’s pissed off at him about dinner. He took her job without consulting her, and made her and girls side bitches. It made her feel like sh*t. Kevin says he thought they’d all go out together, and Kate says she understands the concept, but it’s never been done that way. In Kevin’s interview, he says, everything is always different. If Kate doesn’t take charge, that makes him have to take charge. Kate says they take the  time to plan, then at the last minute, he pulls the rug out. In her interview, Kate says she’s doing her best to make Kevin’s job as easy as possible. If he continues to disrespect her position, his job can become more difficult.

Michael hunts down Simone. BTW, every time he sees her, he goes, Simone, Simone, like he thinks he’s slick. It’s stomach turning. He broaches the subject of shark diving again, and gets a negative. He asks if she’ll just sit on the boat, but she says she doesn’t agree with the concept of shark diving. In her interview, she asks if this day can’t end and these people just go. She tells Courtney, it’s unnerving. If it was a normal environment, she’d say something; it’s so inappropriate. Courtney says she could tell by his picture he was going to be a sleazebag, but Simone says she thought he’d be a nice geek. It’s a huge contrast from yesterday. We flash back to her talking to Tanner. She tells Courtney that she and Tanner were chit-chatting, and thinking about it makes her feel better. Kate says she doesn’t want either one of them up with the primary. She bets he does this to every waitress. Everyone goes to bed.

It’s the final day of charter. Tanner asks if Rhylee wants to help deflate the slide. He jokes about a double pump, and she says, it’s too early for sexual innuendo. It’s her first slide experience. In her interview, she says the most appealing thing about working on a yacht is getting to travel the world. She’s always wanted to visit Thailand. She tells Tanner that she has a trucker’s mouth. Captain Lee sees Michael wandering around, and says, don’t let him come in here. He radios Kate and tells her the primary is up, but it’s too late. Michael is in the wheelhouse. Kate says, hide your wives; the primary is up. Rhylee hooks up the slide, and Tanner says she’s a helluva hooker. Nice job. Brian tries to get out of bed, but can’t. Ashton goes to his cabin, and Brian says he can’t walk on his leg. Ashton says, it’s hot; that’s not good. In Ashton’s interview, he says, Brian’s leg is worse, and he might end up losing him. In Brian’s interview, he says his leg feels excruciating. He needs to see a doctor asap.

Michael wanders into the galley next, and asks for chicken stir fry. Kevin says, sure, but in his interview, he says, go eff yourself. Ashton tells the captain that Brian is worse. His calf is swollen. Whenever Brian or Ashton say, calf, I think they’re saying, cough, and wonder why Brian has a cough. In his interview, Captain Lee says, there’s no way Brian can finish the charter. They’ll have to replace him. How can he get by with a one-legged deckhand? Breakfast service begins, and Kevin pounds the chicken. Ashton shows Rhylee how to deal with the anchor. Ashton says he’d rather have Rhylee on deck, working hard and willing to learn, and being part of the team. The captain announces the final approach.

Tanner says Rhylee is on her A-game, and she says, more like her age game. The captain hopes the goodbyes are brief and to the point. Michael asks if Simone is glad she met him, and in her interview, she’s like, just go already. When they’re gone, Captain Lee heaves a huge sigh, and tells the crew to get the boat cleaned up. Courtney gets Brian coffee, and the doctor arrives. He tells Brian that he has an infection, and he’ll give Brian an antibiotic injection. The captain says an infection never entered his mind, which surprises me, since Brian cut his knee when he fell. Brian says he’ll take anything he can get. The doctor gives him a shot in the butt, and says it will take about three days. Ashton asks if the doctor can do anything about Brian’s face, and they all laugh.

Tip meeting this charter wow rather have someone pull through knot hole in fence by dick than have these guys back. When Michael handed him the tip money, he said the captain was going to be speechless, and he was, but not in good way. The tip is $15K, which sounds like a lot, but isn’t, especially for these messy guests. In Kate’s interview, she says, eff you, Michael. Eff you. Captain Lee says he appreciates them. He knows gratitude can’t replace cold, hard cash, but they have his. He tells them to go out tonight, but work as long as they feel they need to first to get the boat flipped.

Kev makes martinis, and sings as he uses the shaker. In his interview, he says, what a d*ck. Obviously, the helicopter business is not going well, but he’s not letting it ruin his night. The girls get in one taxi, and the guys in another. Rhylee asks how Courtney feels about Brian, and she says she doesn’t know him well, but thinks he’s cute. They go to a restaurant with a huge outdoor area. Rhylee says she hasn’t had a chance to get to know the crew yet, and everyone does a shot. Kate asks Kevin to order starters, and Rhylee asks if he can include something paleo. Kevin jokes about restrictive diets, but she says she’s not on the diet. She wants to drink her weight in calories, but eat better food. Here’s where it gets weird. Kevin gets stuck on saying if she’s on a certain diet, she should order herself; he’s not her chef. She keeps saying she’s not on any special diet; she just wanted him to order something like that. It starts to get loud, and Kate is embarrassed. Well, it isn’t the first time. Rhylee asks wtf is Kevin’s problem?

Rhylee says Kevin was ordering for the table, and she just wanted him to add a paleo dish. If he doesn’t want the responsibility, don’t take it on. In Ashton’s interview, he wonders, what the hell is going on? Rhylee’s just been there a few hours, and she’s going full-on at one of the crew members. He was hoping she’d changed, but a leopard doesn’t change its spots. Actually, they do, but that’s a conversation for another time. He says, here we go – boom! Tanner and Kevin sit on the beach.

Kevin is still stuck in the loop in his head that Rhylee is on a special diet, and says she should have looked at the menu. They had a sh*t charter, topped off by this sh*t. Kate is pissed at him, and now Rhylee is on his back as well. I think I’m getting it. Kevin was mad already about what Kate said, and I’m guessing he doesn’t know what’s in a paleo diet and got flustered. It wouldn’t surprise me, since he doesn’t even know a seafood extravaganza requires seafood. I’m never letting that go. Ever.

At the table, leis are given out. Rhylee says she’s not trying to start a fight; chef was rude, and it pissed her off. The guys come back, and Kevin says he can’t be bothered. Rhylee calls him chef, and he tells her not to call him that; it’s annoying. Tanner calls for shots. Kevin asks if Rhylee is going to want something paleo, like potato vodka. She says, that’s not paleo. She thought he would know that. Ha-ha! I was right. He says it was a joke, and she says she didn’t get it. He tells her to bring a baseball glove next time. In Kate’s interview, she says, it’s like what would happen if a pet store broke the rules and put two beta fish in the same tank. It’s a recipe for disaster. In Simone’s interview, she says Kevin has been super condescending since day one, and has met his match. She thanks the universe, and says, show him, Rhylee. Rhylee asks Kevin what his problem is, and he says she’s not the special superstar she thinks she is.

Having a smoke on the sidelines, Kate tells Courtney that they’re fighting over nothing, and Kevin is obnoxious. In Tanner’s interview, he says, it’s only Rhylee’s second day, and she’s creating drama. The guys go back to the beach, and Rhylee says she thought Kevin was the cool one of the group. Ashton tells the guys that he’s not letting her rock the boat of their happy, existing family. Don’t get sucked into her bullsh*t. Rhylee goes over to him, and asks if she made them uncomfortable. Ashton says he’s embarrassed by the way his crew members are acting.. Rhylee says, members, not member, and he tells her he said plural. She’s been on the boat for two days, and it’s déjà vu already. She asks, why? and he says she’s creating drama. She asks if he thinks it was her fault, and he says, yes. She asks, why? and he says, she raised her voice. Courtney thinks this is getting carried away. Ashton says, the one who acts out most and reacts, is the person who’s an idiot. Unfortunately, it’s her. He starts to walk away, and says, she’s a joke. She says he never wants to talk about problems. Tanner tries to interject, and she asks, who is he? STFU. Ashton says she doesn’t belong there. She belongs on a fishing boat in Alaska. She says, buy her an effing ticket, and she’ll go back.

Tanner wants to hook up with Simone, an all moms charter, the captain is dubbed the silver fox, Kate says Simone made their department look bad, and Captain Lee doesn’t think Brian can finish the season.

⚾ Because It’s Never-Ending…

Kind of like a Mets game I went to once. Their kids will be in college by the time we stop hearing about it.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1096216/jim-edmonds-daughter-hangs-out-with-nanny-following-meghan-king-edmonds-drama

😭 I Have So Much FOMO…

And I want a Giggy jacket too.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/lisa-vanderpump-out-with-camille-grammer-kim-richards-photos?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_RHOBH_Dish

🍸 In Case You Haven’t Seen It…

The trailer for the next season of Vanderpump Rules.

https://radaronline.com/videos/vanderpump-rules-trailer-fights-hookups-drama-stassi-katie-kristen-jax-tom-brawl/

🌅 New Wives On the Horizon…

What happens in Utah stays on Bravo.

https://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live-with-andy-cohen/season-16/videos/introducing-the-real-housewives-of-salt?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_WWHL_RHOSL_Show

🎂 They Say It’s My Birthday…

And while this isn’t what I really, really want, it’s still fun. Warning: Bad words ahead.