Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Orange County

Aug24

August 23, 2024 – A Meltdown At the Cemetery, So Lucky, Temp Sam, New Guy, Rejection, In the OC, Dead Book, Finishing Last, Behind the Dragon, Good Romance, Very Funny, Decagonal Quotes & Cake

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Kristina asks what Molly said, and Molly says, Kristina heard her. She had a choice. Protect her baby or Kristina’s father, and she chose Sonny. The truth is right here. Her sweet, innocent baby is buried right here because of Kristina.

Chase calls Brook from the station, and she says she only has a minute. He says, that’s fine. He just wanted to see how her mom’s segment is going. Caller Myrna says she thought Lois was supposed to entice viewers, not send them diving for the mute button. Lois’s accent is so distracting, she can’t focus on the products. Brook says she’s got to go, and Haven asks if Myrna perhaps had a bad experience with someone from the lovely borough of Brooklyn, or is she just having a bad day period? Dante walks in, and Maxie asks what he’s doing here. He says he’s looking for her. It’s Lulu. She’s been moved to General Hospital.

Elizabeth briefly takes Lulu’s hand, then sees Laura coming into the room. Laura asks, how’s Lulu?

We see a crude prison cell. A prisoner with leg irons is shoved into it.

Maxie asks what Dante means, and Dante says, the doctors are worried about Lulu, but she says she doesn’t know what that means. What did the doctors say exactly? He says he’s getting this information from Laura, but he guesses she’s had a setback, so the doctors want her moved to GH so they can handle her medical needs better. Maxie says she doesn’t like the way that sounds. It seems like there’s something wrong. He says he wishes he had more information, but he doesn’t. He just thought she’d like to know as soon as possible. She says, he was right, thanks him, and goes back to work.

Lois says she understands her accent takes a little getting used to, and Myrna says, a little? Haven says she was raised that it’s bad manners to critique the way someone speaks, and anyone with even a basic modicum of knowledge about etiquette would know it’s very rude to offer unsolicited advice on someone’s physical attributes. She’s sure Myrna has a lot of things to do today, and thanks her for calling. Lois says, the good news is, that Deception’s new Deceiver serum plumps and rejuvenates your skin no matter what your accent. Brook and Tracy watch, and Brook smiles. Haven says, exactly. And here at Home & Heart, we encourage everyone to use their voice and use Deception’s skin care products. Their skin will thank them.

Elizabeth suggests she and Laura talk outside, and they go to the waiting area. Laura asks if there’s been a change, and Elizabeth says, Lulu is stable, but her liver function is still declining. Laura says she doesn’t understand this. She has been on the same protocol for years. Why the sudden change? Elizabeth says, they don’t know why this is happening. They’ve already run additional tests. She knows it’s hard, but they just have to wait for them to come through. In the meantime, she’s doing everything she can to keep Lulu comfortable. Laura thanks her for doing that, and Elizabeth says, it was smart to bring her here. No offense to the long-term facility, but she can get better, more comprehensive testing and treatment here at GH. She’s in good hands. Laura says, especially hers, and Elizabeth says, Port Charles is Lulu’s home. Now she’s surrounded by people who love her. Laura starts to cry, and Elizabeth says, doctors and nurses included. They’re going to get her through this. Laura thanks her.

Molly says, Kristina is looking for absolution, for people to tell her this isn’t her fault. She wants to blame Ava, but this is on her. Nobody dragged her to Ava’s hotel room. She went there on her own and she picked a fight. (I can’t imagine talking like this to my sister, no matter what happened.) Kristina says she went there to protect her family, and Molly says, couldn’t she have waited, waited the few weeks her baby needed to be born? TJ tries to get her to stop, but Molly continues to yell. Molly says she knew she shouldn’t have trusted Kristina. She’s so selfish and self-absorbed. Alexis says, please stop it. Not now, please. Molly says, and there it is. Right on time. Mom swoops in to protect Kristina. You could basically set your watch by it. Alexis says, that’s not what it is, but Molly says, of course (🍷) it is. Because it’s impossible to imagine a world where Kristina has to take responsibility for her own actions without Alexis running in to defend her. Is that why she was so eager to get her law license back? So she could help Kristina steal thier baby? Alexis cries and covers her face with her hands.

Sam says, they know Molly is devastated, but this isn’t helping. Molly says she doesn’t care, and Ric says, let him and TJ take her home. Molly asks if they think she’s just making this up. That she’s just imagining mom was going to help Kristina steal her baby. Alexis says, that’s not what happened, and Molly takes a paper out of her bag. She says she found this in Alexis’s briefcase this morning, an affidavit written by Kristina saying she planned to file for custody of her baby. Alexis says, that’s not what happened, and Molly says, all those times she defended Kristina to TJ. She told him that he was wrong about her. It turns out she was wrong. Kristina was never going to give her the baby, and Alexis was just holding on to this for her, waiting to file it. Was she going to file this before her baby was born, or was she going to rip the baby from her hands and hand her to Kristina right in front of her? Alexis repeats, that’s not what happened, and Molly asks when she was planning to file this document. She did it for Kristina because Kristina was never going to give her the baby. Kristina says, no, she wasn’t.

Laura takes Elizabeth’s hand and says she’s never given up hope that Lulu would wake up. She knows that, right? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷), and Laura says she knows what people are thinking. She can see it in their eyes whenever Lulu is brought up. They know she’s been in a coma for three and a half years and they think that it’s hopeless. Elizabeth says, no one thinks that, but Laura says, yes, they do. They absolutely do. They think she should let Lulu go. That she’s being unfair, going through procedure after procedure, but they don’t know her daughter the way she does. And she knows Lulu is a fighter and she is in there and she’s trying to come back. They need to give her every opportunity to do that.

Dante comes into the station, and Chase asks, how was the funeral? (What a question. How does he think it was at a funeral?) Dante says, it was terrible. Kristina’s a mess. She’s completely devastated. Chase says he’s sorry. He knows how hard it is to see a sibling in that much pain. Dante says, you want to say or do something to help them, but there’s just nothing. He sits down, and Chase says, don’t take this the wrong way, but why did he come in today? He should be with his family. Dante says he got some unexpected news at the funeral and wanted to bury himself in some work and process it properly. He didn’t really want to talk to his family about it at the funeral. They’re dealing with enough as it is. Chase says he’s here. If Dante wants to talk about it, he’s happy to listen. Dante says, it’s Lulu. They moved her to GH. She’s taken a turn for the worse.

Going over to Elizabeth at the hospital, Maxie says Dante told her that Lulu had been transferred here. How’s she doing? Elizabeth says, they don’t know yet. The doctor is running labs and doing an MRI, hoping to get a clearer picture of what she’s dealing with. Maxie says, so she’s hanging in there? and Elizabeth says, she’s stable… for now. Maxie asks if the doctors are with her right now or Laura or anybody? She wants to see her, but she doesn’t want to get in the way. Elizabeth says, the doctor is finished, and Laura went to call the rest of the family. Maxie asks if it’s okay for her to see Lulu, and Elizabeth says, absolutely. They encourage friends and family to visit and talk to coma patients. Some people who come out of a coma actually remember what was said to them while they were under, and she suspects that’s exactly what Lulu needs. Her room is right over there. Maxie thanks her, and Elizabeth says, take all the time she needs. Maxie goes into Lulu’s room.

Back home, Curtis says, that was a lot harder than he thought it would be, and Marshall says, there’s always some sadness at a funeral, but there’s something about a funeral for a baby. Stella asks how Jordan is holding up, and Jordan says she’s okay. It’s difficult seeing TJ suffer this much. She just wants to wrap her arms around him and make it better. Stella thinks they could all use a pick-me-up. There’s plenty of food here. She’ll go heat some up. Marshall asks if she needs help, and she says, absolutely. They go to the kitchen, and Portia asks if any of them happen to know anything about Molly’s father. There certainly didn’t seem to be any love lost between him and Molly’s family. You could practically feel the chill in the air. Jordan says, Ric Lansing certainly won’t win any popularity contests in Port Charles. He operates in what she can call a grey area. But this isn’t the time or place to discuss his would-be transgressions, so let’s just say he’s not very well liked in this town. But Ric and Molly have a decent relationship. He does try to stay far from Port Charles for a reason. He’s estranged from his brother Sonny, and he and Alexis can’t be in the same room without butting heads. Ric’s made his fair share of enemies in Port Charles, so she’s sure he prefers to stay as far away as possible most of the time. Portia says she had no idea, but that explains a lot, and Curtis says, they all know how complicated family relationships can be. But no matter what he’s done, Ric is Molly’s father, and she clearly loves him. He’s really glad Ric showed up when Molly needed him, and it’s very important they do the same for TJ.

Molly says, Kristina was never going to honor their agreement. She was planning on keeping Molly’s baby. Kristina says, she was a part of me. I nurtured her. Molly says, Kristina killed her, and Kristina says she never would have put her intentionally in harm. Never. She was her mother for eight months and nothing Molly can say or do will ever erase that. Molly says, mothers look out for their children and protect them. They keep them safe at all costs. Kristina has zero maternal instinct. She’s selfish. She’s impulsive. She makes the same mistakes over and over. She’s a total trainwreck. Sam tries to get her to dial it down, but Molly says, Kristina got up in that church and presented herself as this grieving mother, all the while pretending she’s not to blame for her baby’s death. Kristina says she loved her. She loved her more than anything in this whole world. Molly says, love? Kristina doesn’t know the meaning of that word. Look at this grave. Her daughter is buried here. Kristina did not protect her. She did not keep her safe. She put her at risk, and she died. Say it. Admit that she killed Molly’s baby. Kristina falls to her knees and sobs.

Chase says, that’s not what he was expecting Dante to say. Lulu never occurred to him. Dante says, him either. It was a total shock. He got used to the status quo, as terrible as that sounds. He just wasn’t expecting this. Chase asks if Rocco knows, and Dante says, yeah. He told Rocco. Chase asks how he took it, and Dante says, how does he think? He’s a kid. They’re talking about his mom. Rocco had hope that she’s going to wake up soon and he’s telling Rocco that she’s getting worse. She might not make it. This is tough. Chase says, Rocco has Dante, he has Sam, and a huge family around him to lift him back up. Hopefully, that’s enough. Dante says he hopes Chase is right, and Chase says he feels for Rocco, but it’s got to be affecting Dante. How is he doing, knowing that Lulu could be slipping away?

Haven thanks the viewers for tuning in today to see what the amazing Deceiver serum can do. The results are indisputable. But don’t take her word for it. Try it for themselves. She promises they won’t be disappointed. Lois says, we can’t wait to hear how it changes your lives, and Tracy and Brook smile. Lois says, until then, stay beautiful, and Haven thanks her for coming. It’s great to see her. And now she’s proud to take this moment to introduce their newest addition to the Home & Heart family. Please meet their new program host, Pearl. Pearl thanks Haven and says, today, she has an incredible line of vegan handbags by Kay Carol. Whether it’s work or travel, fashion or function, we’ve got something that’s going to fit your life. Stay tuned for this exclusive deal. The director says, they’re clear. Let’s move to Stage 14. Nice going. Brook says, wow. These handbags are beautiful. Especially this one. She picks up a bag and says she just needs to have it. As soon as she’s done here, she’ll come see Pearl on Stage 14. Pearl says, don’t wait too long. These handbags are going to sell out fast. Haven tells Lois, that was great. She was fantastic. Not everybody is cut out for this kind of thing, but she’s a natural. Brook says, and a hit. These numbers are amazing. They just keep going up. Lois says, really? And Brook says, absolutely. (WOTD) This was Deception’s best segment yet. She sold the most units of Home & Heart’s entire quarter. Haven says she knows what she’s talking about. Lois is a natural. She knows greatness when she sees it. Lois says, wow. Who knew? Brook says she did, and Tracy says she’s got to hand it to Lois. She really pulled it off. She did a terrific job.

Kristina continues to weep and says, Molly’s wrong. She does know what love is. She loved her. She did. She loved her. She knows what love is. She loved her. She did… She did. TJ bends down and says something I can’t hear, and Molly flashes back to Kristina asking Molly to let her help. Let her carry that baby for her and TJ. Molly flashes back to Molly saying that she was disappointed and bitter to know Kristina could carry a child and she couldn’t, then asking Kristina to be their surrogate. She remembers telling Alexis that the bond between her and Kristina is stronger than all the legal protections in the world, and them being excited when Kristina finds out she’s pregnant. She remembers TJ saying, Kristina is more than a surrogate. She’s biologically and emotionally invested. Molly tells him that she’s still choosing to be hopeful. She flashes back to telling TJ that Kristina wants their baby to be her baby and thanks to the interview, the whole world thinks it is. She remembers trying to get Kristina to terminate her parental rights, and Kristina saying she wonders if she and Allie couldn’t provide a more stable home for this baby right now. She flashes back to TJ telling her about the accident, visiting Kristina afterward, and Kristina telling her that their precious little girl is gone. Ric says, they have to get her home, but Molly says she’s not leaving without TJ. TJ goes over to her and says, let’s get out of here. They walk out hand in hand. Kristina continues to sob and says, she did. She loved her. Sam glares at Ric, and Alexis holds Kristina.

Maxie paints Lulu’s nails and says she’s sorry she missed their visit last week. Lulu knows she considers it their standing date, but James was missing, and they were looking for him. Don’t worry. He turned up. A little worse for the wear, but boy, does she have a crazy story to tell Lulu when she wakes up about who he went to see. You know why she loves painting Lulu’s nails? She believes just because you’re stuck in a bed doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be pampered. And painting Lulu’s nails reminds her of their Crimson days. When they’d get so excited about any free samples they’d receive. Well, it was thrilling for her, and she loved Lulu so much for going along and pretending. Maxie misses her and knows it’s probably driving her crazy to be stuck in this bed being forced to listen to her ramble, so please wake up and tell her to be quiet. She promises she won’t even get offended. Does Lulu know how she knows she’s going to pull through this? There are so many people who still need her. Her mom, Charlotte and Rocco… her. And even though Lulu is stuck in this bed with perfect nails right now, none of them have given up on her. She promises.

The prisoner is pushed into a chair, and we see he has a sack over his head.

Outside the house, Molly tells TJ, this should have been their first step toward healing, and she turned it into something ugly. She’s sorry. She hopes he can forgive her. He says, there’s nothing to forgive. Irene was their daughter. They loved her so much from the moment they knew she was coming. As much as they like to think they can control their emotions, they’re bound to get away from them in certain situations. She says, that’s exactly how she felt. They were just spilling out of her. He says he completely understands. They never got the opportunity to meet Irene, but they’ll always be her parents. In all this messy, horrific, complicated grief, they’ll figure it out together. They hug.

Dante says he doesn’t know how he feels about Lulu. Does he even have a right to feel? Chase says, he’s entitled to have any feelings he has, but he should be honest with himself about that. Dante says he can tell Chase one thing for certain. He loves Sam. He loves the life they’ve created, the family they’ve built. She’s like a miracle for him. Chase says he knows how great Dante and Sam are together, and how much they adore each other, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have complicated feelings for Lulu. She was Dante’s wife. They have a kid together. Dante says, they were already divorced when she got hurt. They were over. She was starting a new life with someone else, and she was happy. But every time he takes Rocco in there to see her in that bed, does he love her? Does he care for her? Does he want her to wake up? Of course (🍷), all those things. But he knows Lulu put him behind her. She’s not lying in that bed dreaming about him.

Maxie says she’ll tell Lulu a secret. She thinks Dante still needs her too. He tracked her down today, at work, just to let her know Lulu had been moved here. After Lulu got hurt, she never told Dante that Lulu was planning on telling him that she still loved him. She did think about it, but it didn’t seem fair. She thought Lulu would want for him to move on, be happy, and he is happy. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need her too. So if that counts for anything, please fight her way back for him too, okay?

Stella says, almost ready, and Marshall asks if he can help her with anything else. She says, no. Everything’s taken care of, but thank you. He says he appreciated what she said at the church. He likes to think that both of their Irenes are up there in heaven, watching over them and taking care of each other. She says she always thought it was Irene who brought him back to them after they lost him for so long. And with both Irenes together, she’s sure they’ll be raining down blessings on them. He says he certainly hopes so.

TJ tells Jordan that Kristina was never going to give up their baby. She had an affidavit all prepared, saying she was the mother and wanted to retain custody. And the kicker is that Alexis was helping her.

Marshall says, TJ needs the blessing the most. He lost a child. That’s the kind of pain nobody can bear and he can’t shoulder that pain alone. He’s going to need them.

Brook asks Lois, what’s wrong? but Lois says, nothing. She’s fine. Brook says, she did a fantastic job. Everybody loves her, so why does she look like somebody just told her that she can only wear pale pink nail polish for the rest of her life? Lois takes Brook’s hands and says she needs Brook to be honest with her. Is her accent unbearable?

Portia tells Curtis that she’s sorry she can’t stay longer for TJ and Molly, but she’s needed at the hospital. He says, that’s okay. He’s sure they understand, and they’ll feel her love and support. Go save lives and they’ll take it from here. She says she loves him so much and he says he loves her too. She says she’ll see him tonight, and she’s about to leave, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Ric, and says, they haven’t officially met. She introduces herself, and he does the same. He says, it’s nice to meet her, and she says her too. She has to leave for the hospital, but she’s so sorry for his loss. He thanks her and says he was very much looking forward to meeting his first grandchild. She tells him, please make himself at home, and leaves. Curtis introduces himself, and they shake hands. Curtis says he’s really glad Ric is here to support Molly, and Ric says him too. Molly comes out and he hugs her. He asks how she’s feeling, and she says she and her dad are just going to step outside. Curtis says, let him know if they need anything, and they go out to the patio. Curtis tells TJ that he knows it’s been hard on him in a million different ways. Is he hanging in there? TJ says he doesn’t have a choice. He just keeps reminding himself that it’s not always going to hurt this much. Time heals all wounds, even the ones that seem like they’ll be raw forever. Curtis says, that’s what he and TJ’s mother are here to remind him of as well, and Jordan says, that goes for everyone else too. They’re all here to lift him and Molly up and get them through this as fast as they can. TJ says he knows. They’ve all been amazing and he’s incredibly grateful for his family right now. Curtis says, good. Because he’s stuck with them. TJ says he’s going to see if Aunt Stella and granddad need anything, and leaves. Curtis asks how Jordan is doing. It must be tough watching her son go through all this. She says her pain can wait. TJ is her primary concern right now. He just filled her in on what took place at Irene’s gravesite after they left the church. He asks what she means, and she says, Kristina and Alexis were planning on stealing her son’s child.

Molly thanks Ric for coming. She knows he doesn’t love being in Port Charles, but it means so much to have him here. He says, of course (🍷) he came. He’s always going to be there for her when she needs him. How is she doing? Honestly. She says she’s completely drained. She feels like she just fought a war. Alone. He says, if it’s any comfort, she won, but she says she doesn’t think there’s any victors today. Her relationship with Kristina is in pieces and it looks like mom is taking Kristina’s side. She’s honestly sick to her stomach about everything. He says he’s proud of her. She stood up for herself and she stood up for her child. (Is that what we’re calling it?) Not everybody would have that kind of strength, especially when you’re being pressured to kind of go along and play nice. She’s a complete marvel. (Ugh.)

Brook asks if Lois is crazy. They talk the way they talk. Lois says, but they don’t talk the same. Their accents and their speech patterns are different. Brook says, maybe a little bit, but who cares? She can’t believe Lois is worried about this. Numbers don’t lie and she was a huge hit. Haven says, yes, she was. She agrees. The people on social media can’t get enough of her, and neither can she. Lois says, that’s very nice of her to say. She knows it was dicey at first, and thanks Haven so much for helping push her through that rocky start. Haven says, once they got her over that hump, they were off to the races. And they won. She can’t wait to book Lois’s next appearance. They need to make this a regular thing. Tracy joins them and says, all right. They don’t need to inflate Lois’s ego more than it already is. They’ll be in touch to book their next segment on Home & Heart. Until then, shall they decamp for home? Brook says, absolutely. Lead the way. As they walk, Brook asks if Haven can believe these numbers. Lois tries to say, decamp for home, the way Tracy did, but then says, forget it, and follows them.

Jordan says, Alexis had a custody affidavit all drawn up and ready to file. Molly found it in Alexis’s briefcase. Curtis says, wow. He had no idea. She says, this is so infuriating. They all knew that Kristina had rights as the baby’s biological mother. TJ’s been worried about that for months. But this baby was conceived because TJ and Molly so desperately wanted to be parents. Kristina never would have even thought of having a baby if it wasn’t for them. So for Kristina to go back on her word and betray her sister and TJ by deciding to keep the baby, it’s unforgivable. And for Alexis to help Kristina, knowing what it would do to Molly and TJ… That baby was his biological child. Curtis says, and what should have been the happiest moments of Molly and TJ’s lives would have quickly devolved into a custody battle. She says she promises him, if that precious little baby had survived, Kristina and Alexis would have been in for the fight of their lives if they thought they could take that grandchild away from her. (Oh, so now it’s her baby.)

Alexis asks how Kristina’s stitches feel. Does she need another pain pill? Kristina says, who cares about her stitches? Her baby is dead, and her sister is blaming her. Alexis says, her sister is in pain too, and she’s lashing out. And as cliché as it sounds, sometimes the people we love the most are the most capable of hurting us. Kristina says, none of that excuses Molly’s behavior, and Alexis says she thinks this is an opportune time to remind Kristina that she’s named after Alexis’s sister Kristina, who she loved very much. They didn’t always get along, but she loved her fiercely and was devastated at her death. And she misses her and would give just about anything to be able to talk to her again. Kristina and Molly are still here and they’re at odds, and she gets how critical this is, but they’re going to have to find a way to repair their relationship. Kristina says, Molly is blaming her for her baby’s death. She will never forgive her.

Molly says, funny thing is, she knows how this is all going to end. Mom and Sam will plead Kristina’s case to her. They’ll say, she’s emotional and fragile right now, and they’ll say, you’re sisters. You’re Davis girls. That should always come first. They’ll probably encourage her to suck it up, be the bigger person, apologize to Kristina, say all the right things to make her feel better. And who knows? Maybe they’ll catch her at a weak moment, and she’ll even do it. Ric says, but she doesn’t want to, and she says, no. She will never forgive Kristina. Every time she visits her daughter’s grave or walks past the room that should have been her nursery, she’ll know it’s Kristina’s fault her baby is dead.

Maxie says she knows it’s a Spencer tradition to pull off a win at the eleventh hour, because Lulu used to love doing that. Then Lulu would give her this smug smile that drove her crazy. But she admired it. She admired Lulu. Anyway, they’re approaching the eleventh hour, so Lulu needs to pull out that win. Come back to them. For Rocco and Charlotte – Dante opens the door – for her, for Dante.

Elizabeth tells Laura that when she was first getting to know Lucky, he told her how Lulu had aplastic anemia when she was a toddler. And he told her how strong Laura was for her and that she never gave up on her. She needs that strength now and Elizabeth knows Laura is going to give it to her. Laura thanks her for saying that. Boy, does she miss Lucky. She wishes to God she knew where he was so she could bring him home.

The prisoner is shoved into the wall, and the guard turns him around. He takes the sack off the prisoner’s head and – big surprise, not – it’s Lucky.

On Monday, Chase tells Brook that he’s afraid it’s not good news; Carly wonders what Jack Brennan wants with Jason; and Laura asks Portia, how the doctors could miss this?

🍀 A Lucky Break…

Wow. Laura wishes and Lucky appears.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jonathan-jackson-previews-his-return-to-general-hospital

🧴 Just For a Minute…

But if they come up with a new character for her, who would play temp Sam?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/lindsay-hartley-on-playing-sam-on-gh-again

🛸 Beam Me Up To Port Charles…

This made me wonder what happened to Zeke. I liked him and he totally disappeared. Maybe he’s polishing his skis.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/sawandi-wilson-cast-as-isaiah-on-general-hospital

🚫 She Said No…

Can you blame her? And just curious. What is Dorinda doing in that photo?

Frank Catania’s Fiancée Brittany Mattessich Rejected RHONJ Role

🍊 Follow the Bouncing Orange…

In vino veritas and all that, but it’s not that she just speaks her truth. She screeches, rants and raves, gets two inches from people’s faces, and flails around while she’s doing it.

Tamra Judge Admits She Is ‘A Problem’ When She Drinks: ‘I Don’t Lie’ 

But maybe I can forgive.

Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp React to Caroline Stanbury’s ‘Apology Tour’

So was Alexis at liberty to tell Katie? I’m not saying it didn’t happen, but I’m confused.

Katie Ginella Claims She Was Told Shannon Beador Video Shows Her ‘Almost Running Over’ John Janssen’s Daughter

Well, just think how we feel.

Alexis Bellino Is ‘Annoyed’ at Herself Watching Some of Her RHOC Comeback

⚰️ Reading Carol…

Coming to a small screen near you September 29th.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/new-promo-for-twd-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-season-2-01j5x6s1mq33

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/amc-exclusive-content-for-season-2-of-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-in-september-01j5zkmxmeza

You need to be an AMC+ subscriber to actually watch the beginning of the premiere, but this has a pretty long trailer and it looks good. Real good.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/watch-the-first-11-minutes-of-the-season-2-premiere-of-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-01j41x8z1qsd

🌁 That’s a Wrap…

So can’t they edit any faster?

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/last-us-season-2-wrapped-095338207.html

https://winteriscoming.net/posts/the-last-of-us-season-2-held-a-wrap-party-end-of-filming-seems-imminent-01j5xeshf86a

Might be some spoilers here.

https://screenrant.com/alien-romulus-last-of-us-season-2-isabela-merced-dina-casting-perfect/

🐉 How To Make Your Dragon…

Don’t try this at home.

https://winteriscoming.net/posts/watch-how-house-of-the-dragon-s-gorgeous-dragons-were-made-in-new-visual-effects-reel-01j5tv9k3kjr

🐶 Gaga For Frenchies…

Those ears!

https://people.com/lady-gaga-new-french-bulldog-after-dognapping-case-8700159

🥊 More Than a Quote…

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

🏌️‍♂️ Quotes of the Week

Today stretches ahead of you waiting to be shaped. You are the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to you. – Steve Maraboli

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

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

Immature love says, I love you because I need you. Mature love says, I need you because I love you. – Erich Fromm

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

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. – Steve Maraboli

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

Sometimes we have to be the change we didn’t see coming. – Jacqueline Grace Lopez

Walmart dumped Paula Deen, but continued to sell AR-15 assault rifles after Sandy Hook—interesting ethical credo. – Piers Morgan

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

🍈 One In a Melon…

Come back on Monday for soap and a mess on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay putting things back where you found them, and stay never offering unsolicited advice on someone’s physical attributes.

⚠️Caution: Might contain bad words

Aug23

August 22, 2024 – Irene Marie’s Funeral Ends Badly, For Real, Cast List, Gloves Are Off In the OC, Disturbing Dance, Dark Reality, New Dead, Coming Soon, Tribute, Cutest & Lobster

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Cody tells James, no more riding without a helmet, but James says, Cody’s hat is cooler. Cody says, James can’t even see with it on, and gives him a smaller version of the hat. Excited, James runs off and Cody takes the helmet and follows him.

Maxie tells Natalia that Lois has been making the rounds as Deception spokesperson, but this will be her first time as an on-air presence on Home & Heart. Natalia says, Lois does have the gift of gab, and Lucy says, they’ll see if she can pull off selling on camera to the home audience.

Lois asks Brook if she looks too demure, but Brook says, she looks beautiful. Is she nervous? Lois says she’ll be talking to people already interested in the product. It’s in the bag. She goes to get her earrings from the makeup artist and overhears her saying that Lois’s Brooklyn accent gives her a headache.  

Molly puts a spray of flowers on the casket, and people begin to come into the church. Kristina comes in with Sam (played by Lindsay Hartley) and Alexis on either side. TJ asks if Molly is okay, and she says, yeah. Him? He says, yeah. Stella lights a candle, and hugs TJ. Molly runs out of the church. Outside, Ric arrives and hugs Molly.  

Sonny says, Ava deserves to pay for what she’s done, and his face should be the last thing she sees, but he’s not here to take her life. He’s here to save her life. Let’s go. Ava says, he assumes she’s going to walk out with him no questions asked? Does he think she’s that gullible? He says, she’s not seeing the whole picture, and she tells him to give her the layout. He says, Jagger Cates wants to end her life, not him.

Molly says she didn’t know Ric was coming, and he says he and Alexis agreed he needed to be here. He’s so sorry. It’s a horrible loss. She says she’s glad he’s here. She feels so alone. He hugs her.

Kristina says, they shouldn’t have to make coffins so small, and Alexis gives the minister the baby’s name. She warns Sam that Ric is coming for Molly. Kristina says she called the baby Adela. She knew it was going to be a girl, but she didn’t tell anyone. When she was lying awake at night, thinking of the baby’s future, that’s what she called her. Dante says, Sonny’s mother’s name.

Tracy says, Maxie can’t be happy about Sonny being a part of Deception, but Maxie says, he’s just investing. Tracy says, he’s forcing them to take on Natalia as CFO, and Maxie asks how many meetings she sat in on where Natalia negotiated Blaze’s contract. She went over everything and was never satisfied. Isn’t that what they’re looking for in a CFO?  

Brook reminds Lois to hold up the product and asks, what’s wrong? She has weird energy. Lois says, last minute stage fright, and Brook asks, since when? Lois says, since she heard her accent gave someone a headache.

Sonny tells Ava that Jagger is going to try and frame him for her murder. The only thing Jagger wants is her dead.

Josslyn sees Trina at the church and keeps walking. Stella asks Trina if everything is okay.

Jordan says, TJ is bearing up well, and Curtis asks how she’s doing. She says, it’s hitting her harder than she thought it would. Portia says she’s sorry for their loss. If there’s anything she can do, she’s here.  

Sam asks, where’s Sonny? and Alexis says, Molly had a meltdown and blamed him for everything. Out of respect and to avoid a scene, he stayed away. Sam says she wishes he was here for Kristina’s sake, and the minister says they’re going to begin the service. Sam says, they have to wait for Molly, and the minister asks if Kristina isn’t the mother. Alexis says, she’s the surrogate. The parents are Molly and TJ. Ric brings Molly back in, and Alexis says, that’s Molly.  

Brook asks, who’s talking smack? She’ll make sure they’re transferred to late night. Lois says she doesn’t want trouble, but be honest. Is it that bad? Brook says, it’s part of her charm. Their different dialects are what makes them cool. Just focus on her and remember everyone in Bensonhurst is watching. She called them.

TJ thanks Ric, and Sam tells Alexis, it’s nice of him to come for Molly. She hopes they don’t regret it. She can’t remember a time when he didn’t make things worse. Alexis says, good thing Sonny’s not here.

TJ and Molly sit down, and Ric tells Alexis that he came as soon as he could. Good thing he was late, since he met their daughter outside.  

The minister says, they gather to celebrate a life and honor the memory. This life was too brief, but Irene Marie loved, gave love, and had an impact. They grieve not just for what was lost, but for what could have been. They mourn Irene Marie and the life she could have had.

The director (Debbie Matenopoulus) asks if Lois is ready, and Lois asks if she’s ever worked in the music business. Was she in music videos? The director says she’s been on TV for years, but prefers the view from behind the camera. Is Lois ready for her debut? Lois says, as ready as she’ll ever be, and Brook tells her, break a leg.

Sonny says he’ll take Ava where Jagger can’t find her. Doesn’t she want to be around for Avery? She says, that’s why she’s not going with him, but he says, if he wanted to take her out, would he be here today trying to convince her to go with him? She says, it’s the baby’s funeral, and he says he needs her alive to do the right thing when the time comes. She says, Scotty would never go for it, and he asks if she’s talked to Scotty lately. She says she and John are closer than he knows. John would never hurt her. He says, Jagger just put handcuffs on Kristina when she was in a wheelchair. Ava gave her statement and now she’s a liability. She says, John is protecting her, but Sonny says, he’s using her. She asks why she should believe him when she knows for a fact that he’d kill her if given half a chance.

The minister asks God to hold Irene Marie in His everlasting love and light. Amen. Now Irene’s grandmother will give a reading. Kristina says she has something to say and goes to the front.

Coming back into the stable with James, Cody says, he looks great. He’s a real natural. His grandparents are horse people and will be super proud. Is he okay? James says, yeah, and Cody says, James knows he can tell him anything, especially now that he’s James’s uncle. James wonders why Grandpa Mac was so mad at Cody, and Cody says he thinks Mac was more mad about the time they didn’t get to spend together when Cody was a kid. James says, that’s not Cody’s fault, but Cody says, Mac has a good reason to be mad at him. James asks what he did.

Haven meets Lois, and Tracy asks if Maxie is sure Lois can do this. Maxie says, if Tracy had seen any of Lois’s trunk shows, she wouldn’t ask. Lois is popular wherever she goes. Tracy says, success in one venue isn’t necessarily success in another. Maybe Lois is too much for TV, from her shoes to her fingernails. Television magnifies things, and she’s not sure if a magnified Lois wouldn’t overwhelm the audience. Maxie says she doesn’t agree, and if Tracy was concerned, she should have said something weeks ago, not just before Lois gets on camera.

Brook tells Lois to imagine she’s talking to the same people that she does at department stores, and Lois says she’ll try. Brook tells her that she’s got this, and looks at Lois’s hand. She says she told Lois to break a leg, not a nail, and Lois says she can’t go on. Her nails are her brand. Brook says, no one will notice, but Lois says she will. Brook says, take a breath. It will be okay.

Haven says, their favorite brand Deception Cosmetics is introducing an exciting new product. She welcomes Lois, and Lois says she’s so… happy to be here, but then just stares at the camera.

Sonny says, let’s go, but Ava says, no deal. She doesn’t need Sonny to save her. She’s a wealthy woman and can disappear on her own. He says, not really, because she’s damn sure not going to take Avery. Jagger’s got her cornered. He doesn’t care where she runs. She can’t hide unless she’s with him. He’s her way out.

Kristina tells everyone that the minister said something that resonated with her, and she wanted to share that. Even though Irene’s life ended just as it was starting, she had impact. He’s so right. She did, and even though none of them had a chance to meet Irene, they knew her. Anyone who felt her kick knew she was destined to be a US Women’s Olympic champion. She laughs, then starts to cry and says, for eight months they shared every second together. She felt her move and watched her grow. They breathed together and she learned about her, what she liked and didn’t like. She used to love walks in the park and was so peaceful after. She liked pastilles and peanut butter, not together, but liked when Kristina ate them. She liked being sung to. Now everyone is crying, and Kristina touches the casket. She says, even though Irene isn’t physically with them, her memory is. The feeling, the weight of her, her impact will stay with Kristina and she hopes with them forever.

Stella says, her wish is for TJ and Molly to find strength and comfort in each other, and she prays they have the family they so deserve. She tells Kristina that she knows Kristina doesn’t have the same connection, but she carried Irene in love and felt her loving spirit, and that makes them eternally grateful. They can’t know what Irene would have become, but with the support of her loving parents, it’s not hard to imagine she would have been a happy girl and gone far in life. She takes comfort in knowing Irene is in the hands of her namesake, Stella’s sister.

Cody says he didn’t tell Mac the truth about something important, and James says, he lied? What about? Cody says, something that wasn’t fair to Grandpa Mac and he regrets it. James says, you’re not supposed to lie, and Cody says he wishes he hadn’t. James says he’s lied before. He said he brushed his teeth when he hadn’t, and he got caught. His toothbrush was dry. Cody says, rookie mistake, and James tells Cody that he said he was sorry, but he’s lied about other dumb stuff. Sometimes it’s easier to lie, but he feels bad and regrets it. Cody says he knows exactly how James feels.

The minister says, they’re going to move to the gravesite, Irene’s final resting place. Kristina begins to sob, and TJ tells Molly, we can do this. Willow says she doesn’t think she can go, and Michael suggests they see Jonah instead. Josslyn sees Trina sitting alone, and Portia asks how Trina is doing. Does she want to ride with them? Trina says she’s okay, but she wants to sit for a while. Portia says, let her know if she needs anything, and leaves. Josslyn asks if she can sit with Trina.

Dante finishes with a phone call, and Sam asks if it’s the station, but Dante says, it’s Laura. He’s got to go. She says, Lulu? and he says he’ll let her know when he gets there, and leaves.

Haven says, the new serum used with the Deceptor is a game changer. She can’t believe all the money she’s wasted on serums that don’t do half of what this does. She asks Lois to tell them how to get firmer, younger looking skin, and Tracy says she guesses Lois isn’t going to overwhelm the viewers after all. Brook nods to Lois, and Lois says, everyone watching should take out their cellphones and credit cards before this product runs out – Deception’s newest serum, The Deceiver. Brook encourages her to smile, and she asks if the viewers have spent a small fortune on their neck, eyes, and lovely faces. Is their bathroom counter covered with half-used products they tried, but didn’t cut it? Haven asks if Lois has sneaked into her house and checked out her bathroom (same), and Lois says, clear that clutter because this product does it all. It plumps and rejuvenates the skin from below the surface. Deceive your skin one drop at a time with Deceiver serum. Haven says, they’re offering it at a special price which will be gone at the end of the day, but she has the feeling they’ll be sold out before then. Lucy tells Maxie, kind of a rocky start, but Lois is watchable. Lois explains how to use the product, and Lucy looks at her phone says, Scotty is out of town on a lucrative, promising new case. She has to call him. If he leaves them high and dry, they’ll need a new lawyer. She leaves, and Maxie says she heard an earful from Tracy about Natalia joining Deception. Now she’d like to hear from Natalia. Natalia says, ask her anything, and Maxie says, Sonny was willing to invest to secure her a position and she’s more than qualified, but what’s in it for her? What did he promise her?

Sonny says he’s glad Ava came to her senses, but she says she’s not going with him. Unless he’s planning to shoot her in the back, why doesn’t he go so she can lock up. She can find a place to hide herself. He says, she’s playing into Jagger’s hands, and she says, he needs to work on his sales pitch. She’s not buying. He tells her to do it for Kristina and the baby. She needs to recant her statement. They don’t have time. Ava tells her to leave him alone and pseudo hero John comes in and tells Sonny, get away from her.

Josslyn says she hates the way they left things, and Trina says, her too. She apologizes for being so defensive. Ava is her friend, but Josslyn is her best friend. She doesn’t know what she’d do without her. Josslyn says, her neither. She’s sorry too. She has no right to tell Trina who she can be friends with, even if she doesn’t like them. Trina says she understands why Josslyn feels the way she does, and why Spencer felt the same way. Ava is complicated, but they’ve always been honest with each other. Maybe she still has hope for Ava. Josslyn says, Ava is lucky to have a friend like Trina, and Trina says she wouldn’t ask Josslyn to change her mind, but don’t ask her to change hers. She puts her head on Josslyn’s shoulder.

Sonny says, Ava isn’t going anywhere with John, and John asks if he thinks she’s better off with a dangerous criminal. Sonny says, she’s safer with him than Jagger, and John says, let him guess. Sonny offered Ava his protection. Funny how the how the ones he claims to protect are the ones who end up suffering the most. Like Karen, like his brother, even Sonny’s own children. Sonny is toxic and radioactive to anyone he gets close to, and no one knows that better than Ava, right?

Natalia says, Sonny just gave her a chance, that’s it. After her incredibly regrettable words that ended up being run in The Invader, she wanted to run, but Sonny wanted to help her just because they’re friends. To be honest, she thinks it’s a convenient excuse for him to be able to back Brook because he really cares about her. Maxie says she appreciates Natalia’s candor, and Natalia says she’s spent some time going over the books and one thing is abundantly clear. Maxie is the beating heart of the company, the one constant that keeps this business going. She has no interest in challenging that. She’s here to help support Maxie and thank Sonny by giving him a good return on his investment. She looks forward to working with Maxie. Maxie smiles.

Michael says he’s glad they came to Jonah’s grave, and Willow says she feels terrible for Molly and TJ, but Kristina’s speech was touching. The little details rushed back and how she felt, even though she was giving Jonah up for adoption. It’s hard loving someone you know you can’t have. Michael says he understands because of the time he believed Wiley was Jonah, but now they have two healthy happy kids. Maybe Jonah brought them together. Willow leans on him, and he says, she can share anything with him. Her memories, fears, ideas, whatever it is, good or bad. They’re in this together. Willow looks troubled and says she wants Michael to know something… Jonah liked Mozart.  

Each person places a pink rose on the grave, and TJ puts a teddy bear that says for a special boy with them. He says, daddy loves you, and Molly says, mommy loves you too. She hugs Ric, and Kristina puts her rose last. She says, I love you my sweet Adela, and Molly says, what did you just call my daughter?

Haven answers a call from Myrna in Indiana, and Myrna says, she’s been using Deception for years and she’s been watching Home & Heart for even longer. She has some advice for Lois. Lose the accent. She had to mute her television. If Deception wants to sell their product, they need a spokeswoman who can speak properly. (I wonder if it’s Lucy on the phone.)

Kristina says she had to call the baby something, and TJ and Molly just named her this morning. Molly says, Kristina didn’t. It was her baby, and Kristina says, the baby was a part of her and she was part of the baby. She knows Molly can’t know what it feels like… Molly says she knows she’ll never feel what it’s like to carry a child, but she refuses to watch Kristina’s grieving Madonna act for the rest of her life. Kristina says she’s not playing anything. She’s devested. Molly says she hopes so. Kristina is the reason the baby is dead.

Ava tells John and Sonny, let’s keep a cool head. There’s expensive artwork to consider. John calls another agent to come in, and she introduces herself as Linda Boyle. John says he’s sure she recognizes Sonny and tells her to take Ava to the car. He’s bringing her into protective custody. Sonny tells Ava, don’t do it. She knows he’s right. Ava asks if John is sure this is necessary, and John says, trust him, it is. She goes with Agent Boyle, and John tells Sonny that he’ll take it from here, and follows them.

Kristina asks how Molly can say that, and Molly says, it’s true. Kristina never should have gone to that hotel room. Kristina says she had to talk to Ava. Ava was making her testify against her own father. Molly says, she had a choice. To protect her unborn child or her criminal father, but Kristina says, it’s not like that. Molly says, it’s exactly like that. In order to protect her father, Kristina sacrificed her baby’s life.  

Tomorrow, Lois says she needs Brook to be honest; Jordan tells Curtis that Kristina and Alexis were planning on stealing her son’s child; and when Maxie asks Dante what he’s doing here, he says, it’s Lulu.

🪞 Life Imitating Soap…

First a MetroCourt beach towel. Next, the Deceptor

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-deception-beauty-products-are-real-and-on-sale

🕵🏻‍♀️ Follow the Port Charles Road…

I’ve always wondered if the writers have one of those big bulletin boards like detectives do, with strings going all over the place.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-cast-list

🍊 Orange Is the New Blackmail…

Every week, I watch this again, and every week, I wonder why, since it just aggravates me. While there are some close seconds, the most aggravating thing is the return of Alexis. I barely remember her from the seasons she was on previously, although I remember Tamra picking on her ad nauseum and feeling badly for her, as well as her husband being no prize. This time around, she’s making up for it, coming fast and hard for Shannon from the jump. It’s no secret that I’m not a Shannon fan, but this is bordering on harassment. She keeps talking about how Shannon is doing Johnny J. wrong, but other than fighting the lawsuit, there’s no clarification as to what it is she’s doing. Yet Alexis is doing plenty and threatening more, kicking someone who is clearly down. Not exactly the Christian she claims to be.

Tamra follows closely behind, saying she’s coming from a place of love, yet her words about Shannon’s drinking are nothing but loving. Tough love doesn’t mean badgering and cruel words. I, too, think Shannon has a drinking problem. I’m not saying she’s an alcoholic – only Shannon can make that judgement – but her drinking has definitely been problematic. So has Tamra’s, but one thing Tamra is right about is that she hasn’t drove her car into a house. Shannon’s problem with alcohol mirrors her problems in general. She can’t seem to take responsibility for anything. Her issues are always because of someone else. That being said, apparently, Tamra is unaware that hassling a supposed alcoholic does nothing to lead them to help. She needs to put her time where her mouth is and attend a few Al-Anon meetings if she’s that concerned.

As for the videos Alexis is hanging over Shannon’s head, while Alexis has remained not at liberty to disclose their content, Katie claimed that Shannon had nearly run over Johnny J.’s daughter while drunk. Yeah, that’s bad, but why is he hanging onto this as a blackmail item? Hasn’t it been a while now? Shannon may have done something more than stupid in a blackout, but extortion is never a good look, and Johnny J. is looking more rotten by the minute, while he hides behind the jugs of Alexis.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 Episode 7 Recap: Shannon Melts Down – Again

If someone even has to ask why it’s wrong, there’s something wrong with them. Again, I’m no fan of Shannon’s, but I’m not liking what Alexis and Johnny J. are doing one bit. And maybe he should pay for her facelift since he took quite a few years away from her.

Why It’s Wrong for Alexis Bellino to Threaten Shannon Beador DUI Video Release

🩰 New Level Of Cringe…

Is she trying to top Abby Lee’s talent for being insensitive? Or is she that out of touch with human emotion? Even worse is the how the viewers didn’t even get the connection.

https://ew.com/dance-moms-a-new-era-disturbed-viewers-with-a-jonbenet-ramsey-routine-8699661

🌌 While We’re On the Subject…

The Dark Side series is excellent, and I can’t wait to see this one.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dark-side-reality-tv-trailer-174927225.html

While I was looking for that, I came across this related article.

https://www.cracked.com/image-pictofact-7747-29-reality-tv-shows-with-very-dark-downsides

⚰️ A Different Walk…

This sounds intriguing. One of the reasons I love zombie films/shows is because they’re never really about zombies. The zombies are nearly always an allegory for something else, and ultimately, they’re about us being our own worst enemy.

https://www.cbr.com/walking-dead-fans-will-love-handling-of-the-undead/

🎬 Posh, Becks, and Gordon Ride Again…

I’m very much looking forward to checking both of these out. I loved Victoria’s other reality shows and there’s no one more real than Gordon.

Victoria Beckham and Gordon Ramsay Land Docuseries Deals at Netflix

I’ve yet to see this one, but it’s on my short list.

https://ew.com/david-beckham-says-making-docuseries-helped-him-forgive-himself-8699550

🦸 Deadpool’s Softer Side…

Sad, but sweet.

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-explains-deadpool-and-wolverine-tribute-to-rob-delaney-s-late-son-8697791

🐶 Best In Rescue…

You can vote daily from August 21 to September 20.

https://people.com/worlds-cutest-rescue-dog-contest-2024-8661021

Mine isn’t entered because it wouldn’t be fair to the other contestants.

El Wray the Rescue Chi

🎣 Keeping It Reel…

Join me tomorrow for the usual soap and Friday mixed bag. Until then, stay safe, stay using what you’ve learned to help others going through similar struggles, and stay never making fun of someone’s accent. Our different dialects are what make us cool.

Aug16

August 15, 2024 – Felicia Calls Out Mac, Nepo Walk-Ons, Marathoning, Finally, Oh Say Can OC, VPs Vs NYCs, Tag Who You, He’s a Hot One, A Win Either Way, Good Cover Boy & Spill

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

James looks for Cody at the boathouse. He picks up a frisbee and flings it, but it goes into the water. He reaches for it, but hears Willow coming toward the boathouse on the phone and runs inside.

Mac calls the station to have them help look for James, and Felicia says she thinks he’s on his way to the Quartermaines.

At the stables, Maxie says, there’s no sign of James, and Cody says he and Sasha will search the stables. If they can’t find him, they’ll search the rest of the property. Sasha suggests they go in separate directions, then meet at the stables later. They’ll find him. Maxie says, the only one in more trouble than James is his grandfather.  

Tracy says she won’t allow Sonny to invest in Deception, and Brook says she can see the potential challenges. Tracy says, it will be exposing them to criminal liability and damage the brand, when Lucy comes in. She says she’s glad to see them all so hard at work. If Natalia hadn’t called her, she might have missed it. What’s the agenda? Brook says, they’re deciding on a multimillion dollar offer from Sonny, and Lucy says she loves Sonny. Tell her more.

Lois says she knows Sonny has the best intentions, but she won’t expose her daughter to RICO charges because he wants to impress a woman. Sonny says she sounds like she did when she was 12 years old, and she says, he can’t change the subject. He says he wouldn’t dream of it, when there’s a knock at the door. Sonny lets Jason in and says, if Lois can’t trust one of her oldest friends, does she think she can trust Jason?

John goes to the gallery and tells Ava that he thinks he’s got Sonny. He’s using Clement as bait. Sonny will come for him, and John will nail him in the act. It’s that simple. Ava says, Sonny is rarely simple, and he says, after all this time he’s finally got Sonny where he wants him and it’s all thanks to her. He hugs her.

Nina finds Willow at the boathouse, and says, the gardener told her that Willow was headed here. Willow says, she and the family are going to the beach, and she forgot her hat, and Nina says, it sounds like fun. Willow says, between chasing the kids and covering them in sunscreen, it will be, and Nina says she’s been thinking about Willow since seeing her outside the MetroCourt elevator. Willow says she’s so sorry she ran off. She must have looked ridiculous. Nina says, no. She imagines being stuck in an elevator is high on the list of things people want to avoid. Willow says, it wasn’t the most fun, but they both know not why she rushed out. She’s resigning from the New Tomorrow Institute and going back to GH. Nina says she’ll miss working with Willow, but Willow needs to do what she thinks is best for herself, and Willow says she has to get out of there. She starts to cry and says she’s feeling guilty for kissing Drew. James hears them from inside the boathouse, and Willow says she can’t risk that happening again.

Tracy says she won’t allow Sonny to invest, but Lucy says, an investor with deep pockets. How foolish is that? Tracy says, there’s no world where Sonny would be a silent partner. Otherwise, why bring in a stage mother who said horrible things about her daughter as his mouthpiece? Natalia says, so many insults in one sentence, and Tracy says she heard what Natalia said about her daughter and the LGBTQ community. Natalia tells her that she said things she regrets to someone she never should have confided in. It’s a lesson she won’t forget, but it has nothing to do with her navigating her daughter’s career. Tracy asks if outing Blaze was part of her master plan, and Natalia says she regrets outing Blaze, but that has zero to do with Blaze’s portfolio. Brook admits Tracy has a point. The things Natalia said are the antithesis of what Deception stands for. Natalia says she’s happy to do a public mea culpa campaign, but being CFO has nothing to do with their image. She’ll have no media presence. Lucy says she needs to go with her first reaction. She thinks it’s a great idea. Tracy says, of course (🍷). Because she’s opposed to it. Lucy says, in this case, she feels Tracy isn’t thinking it through. It’s about what’s best for Deception.

Sonny says, Natalia’s daughter left town, and she has no friends, but Lois says, she has one at least. Sonny says, it’s good for Natalia and will help Deception grow, and if it grows, it helps Brook. Lois says she appreciates that Sonny wants to do good, but donate money to an animal rescue or adopt a dog. He and Natalia would look cute with a puppy. Don’t use Deception money to park mob money. Sonny says, the money earmarked for Deception is absolutely legit and accounted for. If she wants to know where it’s coming from, Jason will tell her. Just ask him.

Ava says, John’s plan is great, and she loves it, but out of curiosity, what is his Plan B? He says he doesn’t need one this time. Someone made Clement mess with Sonny’s medication, and Sonny is going to want to know who that is, so he’ll look for Clement. John will be waiting when he does. She asks, what if Sonny kills Clement? but John says, he won’t. She says, if that happens, she’ll lose any leverage she has to protect herself, and he says, she has him.  Scotty walks in and says he wanted to talk to Ava about the case, and Ava says, Scotty is a brilliant strategist. John should tell Scotty his plan. He’s not friend of Sonny’s. Scotty says, that’s a polite way to put it, and Ava says, Scotty will give John an honest objective opinion. John can trust him.

Cody and Sasha come back, and Maxie says she thinks James is on the property. Felicia and Mac join them, and Mac asks if there’s been any sign, but Maxie says, not yet. Sasha says, they should split up, and Felicia says, they’ll stay here in case James comes back. They leave, and Mac says, she can stay. He’ll go look. She says, the others have that covered. She wants to have a chat. This nonsense with Cody ends now.

Cody tells Sasha that he feels like garbage. James ran away because of him. Sasha says, James is a little kid. Running away is how they solve their problems. Cody isn’t the problem. Cody says he created the problem, but Sasha asks if he saw how frosty Maxie was with Mac. It doesn’t matter. They’ll find James together. He says, she has a nose like a bloodhound, and he has a voice that carries for miles. Together, they’ve got this. If she was a tiny cowboy, where would she go?

Willow tells Nina that after their kiss on the 4th of July, she doesn’t trust herself to be around Drew. She never thought something like this would happen. She loves her family. They’re her everything. Nina says, Willow never thought part of her could have feelings for anyone else, but she did, and Willow says she hates the feeling and it’s not going away. Nina says she’s in no position to be giving relationship advice, but she thinks the feeling will pass with time. Willow says, that’s what she thought, but this doesn’t feel like a crush, and Nina suggests they talk it through. What about Drew gets to her? Willow tells her that she wishes she could say one thing. She could get over one thing. But she’s attracted to all of him. Nina asks for an example, and Willow says she knows it sounds cliché, but part of her is attracted to him because he’s not her husband. She doesn’t have to ask him to do things around the house. She feels horrible saying it, and in the grand scheme of things, it’s nothing. Nina says, the feeling is normal, but Willow says, Drew doesn’t seem like every day normal. He risked life to save hers. His kind of courage and strength are pretty rare. Nina says she’ll be forever grateful, and Willow says, her too. Drew fought to put himself back together after Pentenville, and all he wants to do is give back and be a good dad. Sometimes she feels like there’s a part of Michael’s life that he keeps from her. It’s not like that with Drew. He gives his whole self to things… She just made a list about the man she’s attracted to who’s not her husband. Nina says, Willow can talk to her. She knows Willow loves Michael, and Michael loves her. Willow says, Michael has withheld things from her, but Nina says, the things he was withholding aren’t necessarily bad. Willow says she knows when Michael keeps things from her, he’s trying to protect her, but Drew treats her like she’s strong enough to know the truth. She knows he’d never lie to her.

Lucy says, Deception’s leadership is heavily weighted with Creatives, which isn’t a bad thing, but they’ve never had a CFO, and they need one. Tracy says she agrees. She’ll contact some people and get suggestions and set up interviews. Lucy says she needs to remember to let the candidates know they need to be ready, willing, and able to invest a large amount of cash. The last report she saw had a lot of sad arrows pointing down and she doesn’t want to see that again. Natalia says, that’s what she’d be solely focused on. It would be totally about the numbers. Brook says, it will free them up to explore the expansion initiatives they’ve been talking about, and Lucy says, they could use a large infusion of cash. Tracy says, once they accept Sonny’s offer, why stay legitimate? and Lucy asks if any of them know anything about smuggling, being a bookie, or counterfeiting. She understands that Tracy isn’t comfortable working with Sonny, so she needs to pick up the phone and call people who can come up with millions to match Sonny’s offer.

Jason says, the money set aside comes from Corinthos Coffee, and Sonny says, it’s a legitimate business, in good standing with the IRS. Jason says, the Feds audit them all the time, but they’ve always passed, and Lois says she appreciates Jason being honest. He’s also selective with what he says, and it’s nice to talk to someone who doesn’t just like to hear the sound of their own voice. She’ll tell Brook about what they discussed. Sonny says he looks forward to doing business with her, and she says, we’ll see. She leaves, and Sonny asks what Jason found out about the pharmacist.

John says, as long as he’s got the pharmacist, he can get to Sonny. Sonny has gotten away too long without paying. It’s their chance to get justice. Scotty asks if John thinks he can pull this off, and John says he does. Scotty asks how he can help.

Jason says, Ava admitted she knew about the tampering, but wouldn’t say who was behind it, and Sonny says, assuming it’s not Ava. His judgement became cloudy after she moved in. Her story is convenient. Jason says, she wants them to think she has something of value to trade, but the only way to know is to question the pharmacist.

Scotty says, Sonny is a two-bit criminal and he’ll shed no tears, but John says, he’s more than that. He’s involved in money laundering and extortion, and he’s got to be honest. There’s something personal to this piece – Karen. Scotty says he’s glad John said it. Karen deserves justice for what Sonny did to her and it’s about time she gets it. Ava clears her throat to get their attention and says, she thought they wanted Sonny to pay, but it seems to be more than that. It’s a little risky. Scotty says, they’re throwing in with the Feds. Is John going to give him a gun? John says, no, and Ava says, if this works, Clement is eventually going to disclose to the Feds that she knew he was tampering with Sonny’s medication. John says he can’t see why that would come up, and Scotty says, they’ll make a deal in exchange for giving them Sonny. John says, they need to get Clement in a secure location first. That part will be tricky. Scotty says he can handle that.

Nina says she supports any decision Willow makes. She just wants Willow to do what’s best for herself. But do her a favor and not be so hard on herself. No one is perfect and she’s trying to do what’s best for her family. Willow says, if she was trying to do that, she wouldn’t have kissed Drew, but Nina says, one tiny kiss doesn’t have to change anything. James continues to listen, and Willow thanks Nina and takes her hands. She says she doesn’t know how Nina knew the exact words she wanted to hear, and Nina says, because Willow is her daughter. Willow says, they should go back to the house, and Nina grabs Willow’s hat and says, she has a beach to get to. They leave, and James comes out. He says, huh.

Mac asks why Felicia is looking at him like he’s responsible, and she says, James adores Cody. He ran away because Mac wouldn’t let him see Cody. Mac says he just told Maxie that James could go back, but she says, Maxie should have been allowed to make her own decision about James’s association with Cody. By the time Mac issued his decree, it was too late. James is just a child. He doesn’t understand what happened in the first place. He says, it’s not something you discuss with a child, and she says, and apparently an adult. It seems like he’s deliberately punishing Cody. Mac knew Cody adored James. His ego was bruised, and he decided to get between them. It’s true and he knows it and look where got him.

James reaches for the frisbee, then thinks for a moment. He balances himself on the wall, but when he reaches out, he falls in the water. He yells for help and calls to Cody.

Maxie calls to James and says, he’s making her nervous. He’s not in trouble. Come out. Her phone rings, and she says she hopes it’s someone with their hands on James. She looks at the phone and says, sorry, Tracy. For once, you’ll have to handle the decision on your own. Spinelli joins her and she asks why he’s not talking. He says he overextended his larynx while yelling for James, and she says she should have known what would happen. She knows how James’s mind works. He says, no one could have predicted this, but she says, James was sad because he and Cody were being kept apart. Like his dad Nathan, James is loyal to the core. Mac is upset that Cody worked his way into James’s heart, but Cody’s not going anywhere.

Mac asks if he’s the only one who thinks James shouldn’t be spending time with some grifter, and Felicia says, Mac isn’t the patron saint of honesty. He came to Port Charles with his own agenda and was always working an angle. Sound like someone else? Has he conveniently forgotten the missteps he took with Robert? Robert rescued him from the water only to push him back in. He says, that was a long time ago, and she says, Mac changed. He grew up and matured, and he’s the most trustworthy person she knows. A lot of people gave him a second chance. She’s disappointed that he won’t he extend the same grace to his own son. She walks out.

Natalia is talking finance, when Lois comes in. She asks if she missed anything good, and Brook says she doesn’t know if it’s good, but Natalia is holding her own. Tracy says, the offer looks good, but it’s supposed to. It seduces you into thinking there’s a brighter future ahead. Lucy says, it’s business, not one of Tracy’s many marriage proposals she accepted from fortune hunters. Tracy says, Lucy knows all about fortune hunting. Maxie isn’t here, so it falls on her to be the voice of reason. They need to think about the company and its employees. Lois says, from in the cheap seats, she thinks Tracy is making an excellent point, and Tracy says, finally someone besides her is willing to engage in rational thinking.

Jason says, Clement worked a shift the other day at GH and hasn’t been seen since. He’s not at home, and Brick is going through GH’s security tapes to see what time he was last seen. Sonny says, he has no other talents or identities? and Jason says, no. Sonny says, he’s going to want protection, and Jason says, or a ticket out of town. Sonny says, he’ll lead them to whoever he’s working for, when Jason’s phone rings. Jason asks if Brick has something… Is it a positive ID?… Okay. Call when he finds him. He tells Sonny that Brick looked at the hospital footage, and Clement was last seen being escorted out of GH by John Cates.

Jason wonders why the FBI would take the pharmacist into custody. Why get involved? Sonny says, Ava’s been spending time with Jagger, and Jason says, maybe Cates ordered Clement to switch Sonny’s medication. Sonny says, Jagger is capable of doing a lot of things he didn’t think he was. Jason looks at his phone and says, Cates is with Ava at the gallery. Scotty is there too. Sonny says he wants eyes on all of them.

John says, Scotty thinks he can scoop up Clement and take him to a secure site? and Scotty says he knows he can. John asks, where? and Scotty says, Windymere. Ava doesn’t live there anymore, and nobody has moved in. John says, it’s perfect. It can only be accessed by boat and there are no nosy neighbors to give them up to Sonny. Okay. They’ll meet there once Scotty gets his hands on Clement. Scotty says, he’ll see them soon with the package, and leaves. Ava asks if the FBI isn’t supposed to protect the public, and John says, Clement will be fine. She says she’s not worried about the pharmacist. She’s worried about herself.

Tracy suggests they table the conversation until they calm down and Maxie is available, and Brook asks if she’s saying they’re the ones who are too emotional. Tracy tells her that she’s saying, upon further reflection, letting Sonny in is like inviting in a vampire. He’s a duplicitous crook who would sell his mother to make a deal. Lois says, whatever faults Sonny has – and he has many – Sonny is a man of his word. Lucy says, it’s his bond, and Lois says, if he claims the money is clean, she believes him. Brook says, Sonny would never invest tainted money in Deception, and Natalia says, she’ll do the forensic accounting, and if it doesn’t seem legit, she’ll kill the deal herself. Lucy says, it looks like they have themselves a brand-new CFO.

Nina and Willow find Michael back at the house, and Nina tells Michael that she was hoping to talk to Willow about the PSAs, but Willow told her that she’s going back to nursing. She thinks it’s wonderful, and Elizabeth will be so happy to have her back. She knows that GH and every patient of Willow’s will be thrilled.

Cody looks for James at the boathouse, and says he needs James to come out. He needs help with the horses. James yells, help me, and Cody takes off his shoes. He says he’s coming, and dives in.

Maxie tells Spinelli, the first thing she’s going to tell James is that he can take all the riding lessons he wants. Then she’s going to strangle him. Spinelli says, she should walk him through the consequences of his actions, and she says she wants him to learn from this and feel bad. He says, that’s reasonable. He’s a lucky kid to have so many people worried about him. She says, there could be a thousand people out looking for him, but nobody will find him unless he wants them to.

Cody grabs James and brings him back to shore. He asks if James is okay, and James says, Cody saved him. They hug, and Mac sees.

Nina says she’ll miss working with Willow, but she’s proud that Willow is choosing what makes her happy. Willow thanks her for everything. And on that note, she’s putting her hat in her bag along with all the sunblock she can find, and she’ll join them on the beach. She leaves, and Michael thanks Nina for keeping their conversation between them. Nina says, Willow didn’t need to know about it the way things are going. She hopes he has a great time at the beach with his family. He deserves it. She starts to leave, and he asks if she’s busy on Friday the 30th. The Quartermaines are having a dinner for extended family. Willow and the kids would love to see her. Drew will there too, of course (🍷). Nina says she’d love that, and she’ll be there.

Tracy says, they’ve thrown rational thinking out the window over misplaced loyalty to Sonny. What about those of them who didn’t grow up with him? Lois says she trusts Sonny and he wouldn’t put Deception in jeopardy, and Brook says she knows Tracy is nervous. Tracy says, everybody should be nervous. If they let Sonny in, it will be the end of Deception, and they’ll be lucky not to be escorted out in handcuffs.

Clement paces in a basement, when Scotty comes in. Clement asks, who’s he? and he says, Scott Baldwin. He’s here to rescue him.

Ava says, John is placing everybody at risk except himself. He’s using Clement and it’s dangerous. Now John wants to hide him at Windymere, putting her in more danger. John says, it’s ideal, and she says, if it doesn’t go the way he wants, it’s also an ideal place to dump her body. Even if she survives, she’s being charged with attempted murder. There are photos of the incident with Kristina, one of the many things that keep her up at night. He says he’s seen them. Hold on… It’s possible they don’t prove what everybody thinks. If you look at the photos another way, they could tell a different story about what happened in the hotel room. (Ugh. He’s such a jerk.)

Jason wonders how much the FBI knows about what Cates is doing. His assignment was about Pikeman. How would he explain what he’s been doing all along? Sonny says he doesn’t care. It’s personal. Jagger hates him and crossed lines to get to him. Sooner or later, Sonny is going to cross lines too.

Tomorrow, Laura tells Jack that she thinks they have a unique opportunity; Mac admits to James that it’s his fault; Ava tells John that it’s a stretch to make her the victim; and Sonny tells Jason that if Jagger forces his hand, he won’t have a choice.

👯‍♂️ New Faces of Rice Park…

It’s cute when the actors bring their family members into the fold.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bradford-andersons-daughters-make-their-gh-debut

🏃🏻‍♀️ Run, Kelly, Run…

She’s a better woman than I am. I ran for two years and I hated it. I could always tell how well it was going by how quickly I started thinking about the cup of coffee I was going to have when the run was over.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-thiebaud-tackles-a-new-challenge

⚖️ Justice For Johnny…

It’s good news we never should have needed in the first place. They’re practically children, but I hope they rot.

https://ew.com/johnny-wactor-killing-arrests-8696211

🍊 A Split Of Oranges…

I must be a masochist on some level. Otherwise, why would I keep watching these Housewives? Nearly everyone is equally awful, but in different ways. I still kinda like Emily. I don’t believe she’s become meaner since she’s become friends with Tamra, as Gina said, but I have to admit, the friendship puzzles me. Why anyone would be friends with Tamra puzzles me. The women split into two groups to take girls’ trips. Tamra, Jen, Katie, and Alexis – who could only talk about Johnny J. and it’s getting seriously old – went to Tamra’s house in Big Bear; while Gina, Emily, Shannon, and Heather went to La Quinta to stay in a house that Gina was going to be showing. It’s beyond me why Gina would have a party in a house she doesn’t own and is the broker for. No surprise, every time someone committed a housekeeping sin, she nearly had a heart attack. Shannon told Emily about Gina’s mean girl comment, which didn’t sit well with Emily, but when she tried discussing it with Gina, Heather quickly made it about herself, and we were in the middle of the paparazzi thing again. There was some discrepancy about the time frame between Katie telling Gina what she allegedly knew and Gina telling Katie to keep her mouth shut, and Gina asked if she’d ever lied to Heather before. Heather said she didn’t know, which should probably always be the answer to that question, since if they’re a good liar, no one would. Heather decided to give Gina the benefit of the doubt, but this will only last until she doesn’t. You know it will come up again. Heather is never letting this paparazzi stuff go even if she’s the one who has to bring it up. It’s now joined the ranks of Munchausen, Pantygate, and Lucy, Lucy Apple Juicy. While I was a little jealous of them riding saucers down a snowy hill in Big Bear, I can’t even talk about Jen putting her foot in an apple pie and then… No. I can’t. Let it suffice to say she’ll be making money on OnlyFans.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 6 Recap: Loose Lips Sink Ships

I wouldn’t use the word traitor, but IMO, you can speak hard truths without being an a-hole.

Is Tamra Judge ‘A Traitor’ or Just Speaking Hard Truths to RHOC’s Shannon Beador?

🗽 Hard Choices…

Oh no. What will we do?

Vice-Presidential Debate Clashes With RHONY Season 15 Premiere

🪪 Wearing Humility Well…

I love how down to earth she is. This is a great idea too. I wish everyone would wear nametags all the time. I can remember what somebody said 20 years ago and memorized the entire score of Hamilton in a few weeks, but I’m terrible with names, zip codes, and phone numbers.

https://ew.com/jamie-lee-curtis-asks-crew-wear-name-tags-on-set-8692789

🔥 Avoiding the Heat…

Sean Evans was on Watch What Happens Live last night and told this story.

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-joked-about-avoiding-hot-ones-for-years-says-host-sean-evans-8695795

🎬 Battling For Bucks…

So do you think things are frosty at home? Or are they too busy counting their money?

https://ew.com/blake-lively-ryan-reynolds-battle-for-box-office-supremacy-8693731

🐕 You Dogue You…

Another precious nugget gracing the cover. I totally get his desperate need for Brisket. I saw my rescue chihuahua El Wray’s picture and had to have him.

https://people.com/glen-powell-reveals-how-desperate-he-was-to-adopt-his-pup-brisket-8695639

🌇 On Manhattan Island Time…

Start your downtime here tomorrow with soap, a spot of tea, a few wise (or not) words, and a little music. Until then, stay safe, stay being thoughtful about how your actions affect those around you, and stay being selective about what you say. Don’t talk just because you like to hear the sound of your own voice.

Aug9

August 8, 2024 – Ava Has More Visitors, Other Side, First Look, New Team, In the OC, Go Already, A Return, House Finale, Next Knight, Furry Influencers & Day

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Kristina holds her baby, and says, so perfect. Ready to take on the world. She’s a Davis girl through and through. She knew it was going to be a girl, and she’s glad she’s finally here. She kisses the baby’s head, then wakes up. She feels her stomach and cries. She says, my baby.

Portia says she’s glad Trina came to see her. They’ll finish their conversation later. Trina heads for the elevator, and Heather is wheeled out. Heather says, she’s so… when Portia runs in between them, and says, no. Stay away from her daughter.

In Donna’s hospital room, Carly asks if she’s feeling okay, and Donna says her throat hurts. Sonny asks if she knows what helps a sore throat, and Donna says, popsicles. She wonders if she’s in trouble for eating daddy’s vitamins.

Ava yells that she needs to make a phone call to the FBI. She knows the guard can hear her. She needs to speak to Agent John Cates immediately.

John goes to Anna’s office and says he doesn’t appreciate being summoned. She says, the sooner they do this, the better, and he asks what she wants. She says, the truth would be nice. What is the nature of his relationship with Ava Jerome?

Heather says she just wanted to apologize, but Portia says, her daughter is completely off limits. Heather says she’s just here for a follow-up, and Portia says, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s a killer, and Portia will do whatever she has to in order to protect her daughter and keep Heather off the streets. She tells the guard to get Heather out of her sight, and he wheels Heather away. Trina asks, what the hell was that?

Sonny says, Donna isn’t in trouble. They’re just happy she’s okay. Carly says, but she needs to know she can’t take other people’s medicine. Don’t take a pill or swallow anything unless there’s an adult there. Sonny says, medication is good for you, but it’s dangerous unless a doctor gives it to you, and Donna asks if she can go home. Carly says, as soon as the doctor says it’s okay. Daddy will stay here with her. Sonny says he’s going to check in on Kristina, and Donna says, tell Kristina that she hopes she feels better. Maybe get her two popsicles, one for her and one for the baby. (Ouch. Another knife to the heart of the viewers.)

Kristina struggles to sit up, but Alexis says, she can’t get up. Is she in pain? Kristina says she was holding the baby in her arms. She was so beautiful, and she was gone. Alexis says, she was dreaming. She has to try and relax. Her body has been through a lot. Kristina cries and says she was holding her and when she woke up, she was gone. In real life, that’s how it’s always going to be. She was pregnant for eight and a half months and will never get to hold or see the baby except in her dreams, forever. Alexis takes her hand, kisses it, and smooths her hair.

John says, Ava is a friend, and Anna says, just a friend? He says his personal life is his business, and she says, unless it connects him to a crime. His luggage was found in Ava’s room. Does he care to explain? He says, absolutely not, and she says, Ava is in custody. She pushed Kristina Corinthos-Davis, and she fell from a third story window. Ava is being charged with assault, attempted murder, and manslaughter. Kristina was eight and a half months pregnant, and the baby didn’t make it. Would he like to shed some light regarding his and Ava’s relationship? John tells her that he has nothing more to say, and she asks if he doesn’t care that an innocent life was lost before it had a chance to be born. Or doesn’t it matter because it’s Sonny’s grandchild? He says, of course (🍷) it matters. It’s a tragedy. She asks him again to shed light on his relationship with Ava, and he says, one last time, no. Anna says, then she can only speculate. He thinks Ava is an ally against Sonny or maybe a vehicle to bring Sonny down, but that’s a mistake. He’s spent his life dedicated to law enforcement. Don’t let his hatred destroy his career and him. He needs to distance himself from Ava. He says, like she distanced herself from Valentin? and she says, it’s a slippery slope and the bottom is ugly. He accuses her of being an apologist for Sonny. It’s the only way Sonny has lasted this long. She asks if he knows how many professionals wrecked themselves to get Sonny. It’s a long list, and he’s about to add his name. John tells her to stay out of his way. Nothing is going to stop him from taking Sonny down. He leaves.

Portia asks if Trina is worried that she embarrassed herself. She doesn’t care. Her only concern is to protect her daughter. Trina says, Heather is handcuffed and has a guard with her, but Portia says, she’s escaped from the hospital before. Trina says, Portia is Co-Chief of Staff. She can’t afford to lose it on a patient even if it’s Heather.

Scotty goes to Heather’s room and shows the guard his ID. He says he needs to speak to his client, but the guard says, she’s here for a check-up, not a legal conference. Scotty says he has every right to see her, and if he doesn’t, he’ll sue the guard, the hospital, Pentenville, and everybody. The guard steps aside, and he goes in. Heather says, it’s always a treat to see him, but they both know he’s not her attorney. He says, not yet.

Felicia goes to Kristina’s room and says she wanted to check in. She’s so sorry about what happened and for Kristina’s loss. Her entire family has her in their thoughts and will do whatever they can to help. Kristina stays turned away and silent, but Alexis thanks her. Felicia says, on a professional note, she’s a patient advocate, and one of the things she does is ensure that patients take full advantage of the hospital resources, including counseling, therapy, and grief support. Whatever she needs. Alexis says, they’ll take that into consideration, and Felicia says, feel free to reach out with any questions or anything. She knows from experience there’s no timeline or standard of how to handle grief, but she knows it helps to lean on family. If Kristina needs the support of a friend, she’s here. She leaves, and Alexis spoons Kristina in the bed. She asks what she can do, and Kristina asks why this happened.  

John goes to Ava’s cell, and Ava says she told them that she wanted to call him, but they wouldn’t let her. How did he find her? He says, the Police Commissioner said she was arrested. He asks if she’s responsible for Kristina going through the window, but she says, absolutely not. It was an accident. She tripped and fell, but it won’t matter. It’s her word against Kristina’s. If Kristina doesn’t make it, Sonny is going to blame her. John says, Kristina is expected to recover, but the baby died, and she says, they’re blaming her and charging her with manslaughter. She’s not likely to live long enough to go to trial. Sonny is coming after her and probably him. Kristina tripped over his duffel bag and she hid it, but the police found it. He asks what she told them, and she says, nothing, but Sonny will find out. It’s only going to get worse when he realizes his pills are placebos.  

Jason comes into the hospital and sees Donna with Sonny and Carly. He asks if everything is okay, and Donna says, she’s going home – and she gets two popsicles. Jason says he took Josslyn to her Ride Share, so he can take Carly and Donna home, but Carly says she wants him to stay with Sonny. Keep her posted about Kristina and what’s going on with the meds. She and Donna leave, and Jason says he’s glad Donna is okay. Sonny says, it was too close for comfort. For Donna’s sake, he’s glad they were placebos, but it took him a long time to recognize it. He was all over the place. Jason and Carly knew, and he should have listened. Jason says, they can’t go back and change anything, but ultimately, Sonny did the right thing seeing Doc. His instincts kicked in and he’s glad Sonny trusted them. Sonny says he feels better knowing what’s going on. Now he wants to know who switched his medication for placebos in the first place.

Scotty says he did some research after the article in The Invader, and Heather says, it upset a lot of people. He says he’s intrigued, and she asks, why? He says, cobalt poisoning is a real thing, and she got a bum sentence. She’s done wild things, but she’s not movie slasher crazy. She says, they all were a little wild back in the day if she recalls, and he says, those were different times with different standards. They’re dealing with right now. She left a wake of death and terror, but it’s not her fault. She didn’t give herself cobalt poisoning like she gave herself LSD. She wasn’t in her right mind, but it’s not her fault her judgment was gaflute. Let him help her. She asks why he wants to, and he says, they’re family a little bit. They share Franco. She says, he did not just use the dead son card. What’s in this for him?

Portia tells Trina that she’s aware of her position, but she’s not apologizing for protecting her child. She’ll tell the board if they have a problem with it. Trina says she understands, but Portia says, she doesn’t. It’s nice that Laura backed off, but the damage was done. She won’t have a lawyer make a name for themselves putting Heather back on the street. Trina says she’s not worried about Heather; she’s worried about Portia. Don’t let her hatred consume her. She’s got to let this go. Portia says, if Trina wants to put her mind at ease, stay away from Heather.

John asks what makes Ava think Sonny is going to find out, and she says, he’s getting treatment. Doc came to see her, and she heard him on a phone call. John asks if Doc noticed there was a problem, and she says, of course (🍷) he would. Sonny was undermedicated for months. She’s terrified about the fallout. John asks if she’ll be blamed, and she says, of course (🍷), but she didn’t do it. It was the GH pharmacist, Clement. Somebody paid or coerced him into switching the meds. John says, it’s only a matter of time before Sonny confronts him unless he can get to him first. Ava tells him, go to GH and find Clement. Tell him to run. Do whatever he can to keep alive. John says, he’s hardly innocent, but she says she went to Clement’s office. Sonny is going to think she put him up to it. At the very least, he’ll know that she knew. John says he won’t let that happen, and she asks how he’s going to stop it. He says, don’t worry. Sonny’s days of trampling over people are about to come to an end.

Jason shows Sonny the photos on the phone and says, Brick had a guy posted opposite Ava’s room. Sonny says, Ava had her hands on Kristina and pushed her? and Jason says, looks that way. Sonny says, it all leads to Ava. The baby’s death, Kristina falling, and his medication. She did it to Morgan. She switched his lithium with a placebo and made him think he was losing his mind when he was fine. If she could do that to his son, she could do it to him. Jason asks what Sonny wants him to do, and Sonny says he wants her to pay. He thinks for a moment, and says, do him a favor and pay Ava a visit. See if she has anything to say. Jason says, copy that, and leaves.

Kristina asks Alexis how she’s supposed to do this. How can she be here when her baby is gone? My baby. She’s said those words so many times, but it’s the first time she let herself feel them. She was Kristina’s baby. She was a part of Kristina, and Kristina was a part of her. Now that she’s gone, Kristina is acknowledging that she was her mother. Alexis says, sometimes questions don’t have answers. Sometimes terrible things happen for no reason. Kristina says, she was her baby and grew in her body. She’s the only one who truly knew her. She knew what every kick meant. She knew when the baby was happy, excited, or hungry, when she liked or didn’t like something. Every day for the last eight and a half months, it was just the two of them. She felt her and knew she was real. She was hers. She cries and says, she was my baby.  

Scotty tells Heather that the company that manufactured the defective implant has deep pockets, and they can sue the pants off them. Heather says, even if she wins, what good is it to her in prison? and he tells her, who said she was going to stay in prison if they appeal and get a new trial? She says, it’s a big if, and he says, they can use the cobalt poisoning as a defense. She says, people are still dead, and he says, it’s tragic, but she’s not responsible for killing them. She was literally not in her right mind. If she’s acquitted, she’ll be free and have big fat cat bank account. She has life left in her, right? She says she hopes so, and he asks if she wants to spend it with her grandchild or punching out license plates. The manufacturer stole her life. They don’t care about the little people, only profit. They went after her. She’s the victim. She asks if he isn’t laying it on a little thick, and he says he’s practicing his opening statement. He sees she’s interested. Let him get her out of here and they’ll go after a piece of the big corporate pie.

Alexis comes out and Sonny asks if Kristina is all right, but she says, no. Kristina is shattered and devastated, and she has no idea how they’ll get her through. He says, whatever she needs, they’ll give it to her, and she says, they have to be at their best. He says he’s getting help and she says she’s glad to hear it. He says he’s not going to go in and scare Kristina, and she says, they have to keep it together. She needs them more than ever. Sonny says, they’re in this together. He has to tell her something. Ava is responsible for everything that happened, and he has proof.

Portia tells the desk nurse that she wants to get Heather discharged as quickly as possible. No coddling or special treatment. It’s not a day spa for her. Felicia says she doesn’t want to overstep, but she’s not sure rushing a patient is giving them the best care possible.

The guard tells Heather that someone insists on speaking with her, and she says, tell her attorney that she’ll get back to him, but Trina walks in.

Carly calls Anna and asks her to come over. She needs to report a crime.  

Ava hears footsteps, and Jason walks in. She asks what he wants.

Heather says she didn’t expect it to be Trina, especially considering the warm reception she got from Trina’s mother. Trina says, her mother doesn’t speak for her. She’s an adult and wants to hear Heather say whatever she has to say. Heather thanks Trina for letting her and says she’s so sorry. She realizes that changes nothing, that people are dead and there’s no replacing them. It was like waking up from a nightmare to find herself in a worse one. Now she knows what she did, and she’ll regret it for the rest of her life.  

Portia tells Felicia that she’s maintained to her staff and law enforcement that they don’t have to like every patient, but have to provide everyone with the best medical care. Heather is receiving the same care as every other patient, and yes, Felicia is overstepping. Felicia says she’s a patient advocate and her job is to ensure all patients receive the full scope of the hospital’s resources, including those who are criminals and in jail. Portia says, like Ryan Chamberlain? She doesn’t recall Felicia advocating for him. (Felicia wasn’t a patient advocate then. Ugh, Portia.) She does appreciate Felicia’s passion for patient care, but reminds Felicia that she’s Co-Chief of Staff. She walks away.

Sonny tells Alexis that Ava intentionally pushed their daughter out a window, and she asks how he knows. He says he has surveillance pictures of her putting her hands on Kristina. It was no accident. She says, that hateful, evil, obscene woman, and he says he’s sorry to tell her. She says, take care of Kristina. She needs some air. She leaves and he looks at Kristina through the window.

Carly thanks Anna for coming by. She just settled Donna in after she’d been in the hospital. She had her stomach pumped. Anna asks if she’s all right, and Carly says, she’s got a popsicle. Anna asks, what happened? and Carly says, she swallowed some of Sonny’s lithium. She thought they were vitamins. But it turns out they went through all that for nothing. The pills were placebos. Anna asks if Sonny knows, and Carly says, he was there. Anna asks how long Carly thinks that’s been going on, and Carly says she’s guessing since New Year’s Eve. They did a blood test on Sonny and there was no medication in his bloodstream. Anna says, that explains his reckless behavior. It’s not an excuse, but it gives some perspective. Carly says she’s more concerned about who tampered with the medication, and Anna asks if she has any idea. Carly says she does. Ava Jerome. (Ava is still the answer to every question.)

Ava asks why Jason is here. Did Sonny send him? Is he back working for Sonny? Jason says nothing, and she calls for the guard. She says, they’ll be making their rounds soon, but Jason shakes his head and says, no one is coming for her. She says, whatever he was told or whatever he thinks he knows about what happened, it was an accident. It’s an accusation Sonny cooked up. He’s too volatile. Not that long ago, he wanted Jason dead. Jason says, the baby died, and she says, it was an accident. Why would she do anything to intentionally harm Kristina, let alone push her out a window? Jason says he’s given up thinking about why people do what they do. They have proof. She says, photos can be manipulated. Sonny would do anything to get rid of her. He’s violent and erratic. He says, now they know why. She switched his medication for placebos like she did with Morgan.

Scotty sees Alexis in the hallway and says he heard about Kristina. How is she doing? She asks, who wants to know? Him or his murderous client? Scotty says he heard there was an accident, and Alexis says, Kristina had an abrupted placenta after being pitched three stories down. The baby died, so she is not okay. Scotty says he doesn’t want to upset Alexis. Can he get her some coffee? She says she just needs some air, and he asks if she’s got a minute so they can put their heads together. She says, no, and he says he understands she had a theory about how Heather’s case could be overturned. He’s taken her on as a client and thought Alexis might want to be second chair. Alexis says, he’s insane to ask right now. No. No way in hell will she ever help Heather.

Trina says she heard Heather’s apology and she’s glad Heather’s not homicidal. She hopes it sticks. She starts to leave, but Heather says, wait. She’s truly sorry for everything she did to Trina and the people around her. And one more thing. She’s sorry for what Esme did to Trina too. She was manipulated by her father. Trina knows how evil Ryan was and how jealous Esme was about how much Spencer loved Trina. Ryan exploited that because he knew the worst thing about being in love… Trina says, Esme was not in love with Spencer. She used Spencer. Don’t apologize for her. She won’t forgive Heather or Esme. Heather says, okay. She understands. Why did Trina come to see her? Trina says she’s not going to be trapped by her fear and hatred. She’s not going to let Heather or Esme have that power over her, but she wants Heather to have her day in court. She prays justice is served in the end, whatever that means. She prays no one is hurt by Heather again. Heather says, and she prays she never hurts anyone again, ever, and Trina says, good, a tear running down her cheek. They all deserve some peace. She leaves, and Heather cries.

Anna asks if Carly is accusing Ava of tampering with Sonny’s medication, and Carly says, she did the same to Morgan. She pushed him to a manic episode that led to his death. Anna says, the legal record doesn’t reflect that, and it’s not proof she did the same to Sonny. Carly says, Ava has motive and opportunity. She was living in the penthouse and Sonny turned her into his watchdog. She was there when Dante got shot. Anna says, Ava did seem protective of Sonny, and Carly says, she was trying to control him. She isolated him and kept him unmedicated. It worked for a while. He pushed everyone away. Anna says, it’s not easy to prove, and Carly asks if she isn’t Police Commissioner. Isn’t it a crime? Anna says, it is. How much does Sonny know? Right now, the only life at stake could be Ava’s.

Jason wonders who else could have done it, since Ava was living at the penthouse, but Ava says she didn’t switch the medication. She found out by accident and made it her business to follow up. Sonny has a dangerous enemy. He tells her to give him a name, but she says, they both know how this works. If she tells him, she’s expendable. The only thing keeping her alive is what she knows that Sonny doesn’t.

John goes to Clement’s office and shows his ID. He says he’s going to need Clement to come with him.

Sonny kisses Kristina’s forehead, and she turns to him. He says he didn’t mean to wake her. When she was a little girl, he would kiss her booboo to make it better. She says she’s glad he’s here and takes his hand. He asks if he can get her anything, and she says, he needs make Ava pay for what she did to her baby.

I’m in.

Tomorrow, Drew says he’s got good news for someone; Doc tells Alexis that she can’t do it alone; Michael wants to show his appreciation to Nina for everything she’s done for Willow; and Kristina asks Sonny when Ava is finally going to pay for everything she’s done.

🔦 What They Do In the Shadows…

I visited the One Life To Live set once, and the rooms are side by side, almost like in a good furniture store. And the lights are hot. So hot. There’s also a lot of hurry up and wait. I was so impressed by both the actors and production in how they’re able to make it seem so real.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/steve-burton-shows-fans-a-side-of-gh-never-seen-before

🍀 We’re All Lucky…

Laura is going to go out of her mind with joy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-shares-a-first-look-at-jonathan-jacksons-return

📝 Flipping the Script…

It always seems to go the same way. There are casualties – Finn – and the story gets amped up, along with a few big twists – the whole baby/Ava/Sonny’s meds storylines.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-names-new-headwriting-team

🍊 Meanwhile, In the County Of Oranges…

We saw that clearly, Gina had encouraged Katie to call Heather out on the old paparazzi thing, then later, told Katie that she shouldn’t have said anything. I guess she thought better about stirring Heather’s pot, but it was too late. Heather was annoyed and confused, but I’m not sure why she gives a flying. She’s already won by having the most toys. The worst, most cringeworthy thing was Tamra berating Shannon – no surprise, in public at a brunch – about drinking and calling her an alcoholic. I’m not a Shannon fan, but I felt badly for her once again. It’s not bad enough she has to share the stage with Johnny’s new squeeze, now she has to endure the wrath of Tamra for something that Tamra obviously knows nothing about. I don’t know if Shannon is an alcoholic, or her drinking is just problematic – there’s a difference – but only Shannon can make that call. On Watch What Happens Live, Andy read a post from a viewer who called it tough love, but I don’t think it’s that at all. I think it’s just Tamra being her screechy, bitchy self, and not being helpful at all. Shannon left the table and Alexis brought up the lawsuit, producing actual receipts for Shannon’s facelift. There was a side conversation about how good Shannon looked, so there’s always an upside. In keeping with the immaturity of the situation, Alexis said, liar face better shush it. What are we? Ten? Sadly, Vicki was the voice of reason, but Tamra called her an enabler, which made me wonder. If Tamra is so concerned about Shannon’s drinking, why doesn’t she not drink in comradery? TBH, neither one of them should be drinking since it always leads to screaming and yelling. There were some amusing flashbacks of Vicki screaming at various people, although some of them were actually warranted.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18, Episode 5 Recap: Tres Amigas Turmoil

👠 Bye, Jersey, Bye…

I’m actually watching this right now and agreed. The episode itself comes across as final.

https://ew.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-andy-cohen-think-cast-is-done-8691427

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405670/why-rhonjs-season-14-last-supper-proves-the-current-cast-is-done-for-good

Yeah Delores, we all wish we could go back in time.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1405670/why-rhonjs-season-14-last-supper-proves-the-current-cast-is-done-for-good

Too bad. All that plastic surgery for nothing.

Fans Think There’s No Way 1 RHONJ Cast Member Will Be Back After Season 14 Finale

🍑 Just Peachy…

Like Colleen Hoover said on Watch What Happens Live, she’s good TV.

https://people.com/phaedra-parks-joins-real-housewives-of-atlanta-season-16-8685417

🐉 Here There Be Dragons…

Warning: probably a million spoilers if you haven’t watched the finale.

https://ew.com/daeron-house-of-the-dragon-explained-season-2-finale-teaser-8687123

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-ending-explained-where-war-goes-from-here-8687671

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-battle-of-rooks-rest-rhaenys-death-cast-interviews-exclusive-8674281

My takeaway point: Aww! Baby dragon!

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-why-jon-snow-not-in-season-2-finale-creator-ryan-condal-8690570

⚔️ What Comes Next…

But will they know something? I’m unfamiliar with these books, but they sound intriguing. I loved the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It’s not even my jam to read, but I was hooked immediately.

https://ew.com/game-of-thrones-spinoff-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-first-footage-8690112

https://ew.com/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-casts-its-own-daeron-targaryen-8692527

Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Spinoff Announces New Cast Members

🐕 Will Work For Treats…

Feeling influenced by cuteness already.

https://influencers.feedspot.com/pet_instagram_influencers

☔️ Checking Ark Blueprints…

Join me tomorrow for soap, insights into entertainment, words to think about, and a song to set the mood by. Until then, stay safe, stay donating those clothes you haven’t worn in eons, and stay never being trapped by fear and hatred.

Aug3

August 2, 2024 – Dante Questions Ava, Exclusive, Happy Anniversary, She’s Got Texts, Future Plans, Done, VanderDish, New Reality, Big Baby, Excellent, Pool Noodles, Stripes X 4, Pickle, Quote Tenner & Take

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Ava says she’s so looking forward to sitting in that courtroom while Kristina testifies that her father is a violent brutal thug who doesn’t belong anywhere near their daughter. Kristina says, if Ava forces her to get on that stand, she’ll tell them that Ava messed with Morgan’s bipolar meds. She replaced them with placebos and caused him to have a mental breakdown. She won’t stop there either. She’ll also share that Ava murdered Connie Falconari. If Ava forces her to tell the truth about her father, she can be damn sure Kristina will tell the truth about her too. Ava grabs Kristina’s arm, and Kristina says, don’t you touch me. She takes a step back and trips over John’s bag, stumbling backward and crashing through the window. She falls down several stories into the pool, screaming all the way. Everyone is horrified. (The looks on their faces makes me want to burst into tears.)

Sonny says, Lois is one of his dearest friends and he loves her, but his is not a good time. Can they table this conversation for another time? She says, no. They cannot table it when it affects her daughter’s future.

TJ tells Alexis that he and Molly have done the research. When the biological parents aren’t married to each other, courts tend to favor the mother in terms of physical custody which gives Kristina a definite advantage. Alexis says, he’s getting way ahead of himself, but he says he disagrees. Their baby is almost here. It’s time to know where they all stand. Alexis says she doesn’t know what Kristina is going to do. She doesn’t have control over her. She’s an adult. He says, this is his child they’re talking about. He wants to know if he’s going to spend the first few months or years of their life in family court. She says, again, he’s asking her to respond to a hypothetical situation that they don’t know will happen, and he asks if that isn’t what lawyers do. Weigh every possible angle so they can prepare their client for every possible contingency. She says, he’s not her client, and he says, no, he’s not. He’s her daughter’s partner. He’s family. She says, he is family, and so are her three daughters, two of which are in an impossible situation right now. He tells her, she just said it. She’s Molly and Kristina’s mom, and they’re both going to look to her. What is she going to do when Kristina tries to take their baby?

Kristina floats face down in the pool, threads of blood coming from her nose and mouth, and Josslyn tells everyone to stay back. She tells Brook to call 911, and Brook says she’s on it. Gio asks what he can do, and she tells him to get the backboard. Ava looks down from the smashed-out window, and Josslyn turns Kristina over. Blaze yells, Kristina! and now, everyone is doubly freaked out.

Blaze tries to run toward the pool, but Natalia holds her back and tells her to let Josslyn do her job. Help is on the way. Trina looks up and says, Ava? and Ava quickly closes the curtains. On the phone, Brook says, they need help. She fell from one of the upper windows into the pool. She’s unconscious… She doesn’t know. Just tell the paramedics to hurry. She’s pregnant.

In her room, Ava tells herself to think and picks up her phone.

Josslyn tells Kristina, hang in there. Help is on the way.

Ava leaves a message for Scotty. She needs him like she’s never needed him before.

Lois asks, is the money Sonny is going to invest in this record company legit? Yes or no? Sonny says, yes, and she says, fine. Then she wants to see proof. She wants to see the financials. She wants to see where the money originated and the taxes he paid on it. She’s not trying to offend him, but as much as she loves him, she’s a mother first, and has to make sure Brook is protected. He says he’ll call his accountant, and Lois can talk to him. She can ask him anything she wants. She says, don’t push her off on his accountant, but he says, it’s not a good time. She asks if he’s mad at her, but he says he’s not. He just has a lot going on. She says, fine, but Brook’s involvement in this record company depends on her seeing the proof, and he says, fine. She says she’s sorry. She hates leaving things like this between them, but she guesses for now this is how it’s got to be. He gives her the number, and she leaves.

Natalia continues to hold Blaze back, when Gio returns with the board. Josslyn says she’s going to need his help to get Kristina out of the water, and he asks what she needs him to do. She says, he has to get the backboard under her, but he has to be very careful. She doesn’t know if Kristina injured her back or her spine. He’s going to turn the board on its side and turn it back very swiftly when it’s in the water. Then get it under Kristina as it floats back up…. Very good. Now they have to get her head stable, so she can get Kristina to the stairs. Place one hand firmly under her chin… Very good. Now place his other hand under the backboard. Now they have to get her strapped in.

Alexis tells TJ that she hopes to God it doesn’t happen, but she can’t be put in the middle. She can’t be put in a position where she has to choose between her daughters. He says he wishes she didn’t have to. He knows what a terrible position this is for her to be in, but it’s time. She says, her girls have done without a lot, but they’ve never done without her, and they count on that. Again, she can’t be put in a position where she has to choose one daughter at the expense of another. He says, that’s just where they are now, but she says, not if he and Molly don’t force the issue. He says, Kristina says she and Blaze, who she’s known less than a year, would make better parents than him and Molly. She’s testing the water. Alexis is the one who told them about the law surrounding this before they ever agreed to the surrogacy. Who has the strongest claim to the baby? She says, Kristina, and he says, if Kristina decides to exercise that claim and keep the baby, then he and Molly have already lost. Is she going to say, the law is the law? She says, the law is the law and there’s nothing she can do about it, and he says, so in other words, she’s a coward. He walks away.

Josslyn asks if Kristina can hear her. Can she open her eyes? She listens for a heartbeat, and Trina brings over towels. Trina asks if anyone has called Kristina’s parents, but Gio says he doesn’t know. She says, shouldn’t they? when the paramedics come in. Josslyn tells them that Kristina fell out of that window and into the pool. She’s been unconscious since they got to her. They tried to be careful. She doesn’t know what injuries Kristina has. A paramedic says, they’ll take it from here, and they get to work.

Dante and Chase arrive at the scene with some officers, and Dante tells an officer to clear everyone away from the pool and clear this whole area. Brook goes over to them, and Chase asks, what’s wrong? Brook says, it’s Kristina, and Dante goes over to Kristina and says, it’s me. He’s here, okay? She’s going to be all right. They’re taking her to the hospital and they’re going to take care of her. She’s just got to hang in there. Chase tells the officers that the entire place needs to be locked down immediately. He doesn’t want anyone leaving here without his okay. They have no idea what they’re dealing with. He asks if Brook saw what happened, but she says, not really. She was here meeting with Blaze and Natalia. Everything was completely normal, and literally out of the clear blue sky, this. The paramedic says, they’re ready to go, and Dante tells Kristina that he loves her. She’s going to be fine. Blaze says, she’s coming with them, and the paramedic asks if she’s family. Josslyn says she’s Kristina’s sister. She’ll go and they’ll meet Blaze there. Crying, Blaze asks her to hold Kristina’s hand for her. She just doesn’t want Kristina to feel like she’s alone. Josslyn says she will, and they leave. Natalia tells Blaze that she’ll drive and they follow. Chase asks if Brook is okay, but she says, not really. Such an awful thing to see. Her hands are still shaking. Would it be okay if she just went to the ladies room to splash some cold water on her face? He says, sure, and she leaves. Dante calls Sonny.

Ava leaves another message for Scotty asking, where the hell is he? She needs him and she needs him right now. She looks at John’s bag and flashes back to Kristina threatening to tell the truth about her and Kristina’s subsequent fall. She says, everything is falling apart, and peeks out through the curtains. Please. She needs him. Come to her room at the MetroCourt as soon as he can. She flashes back to Kristina tripping over the bag and out the window, and says, everything’s going to be all right. She didn’t mean for that to happen. It was an accident. She remembers touching Kristina, and Kristina backing away before she tripped. She says, but no one’s going to believe it… unless she helps them believe it.

Alexis says she knows TJ is under a lot of stress. She just doesn’t know what he wants her to do. She doesn’t know what she can do. He says, so she’ll say nothing and do nothing, and doing nothing about the situation is the exact same thing as choosing Kristina. If she does nothing, Molly is going to interpret that as her supporting what Kristina is doing and that’s going to devastate her. Alexis says, and if she supports Molly and doesn’t support Kristina, Kristina will be devastated. She warned everyone from the very beginning. This was her biggest fear. It’s an unwinnable situation. He says, the only reason Kristina is even pregnant is because he and Molly wanted to have a baby. If she changes her mind, that’s wrong. It’s theft. That’s something Sonny would do, so he guesses she’s her father’s daughter, right? Alexis says she told everyone from the beginning that the law is on Kristina’s side, and he says, she’s not powerless. Her hands are not tied. She asks what he’d have her do. Seriously, tell her what she’s supposed to do. He says, talk to Kristina. He thinks Kristina will listen to her. Explain to her that if she decides to keep their baby, that will destroy her relationship with Molly. It will decimate it. Talk to her. Kristina will listen to her. She can get through to Kristina and might be the only one who can.

In the ambulance, the paramedic reads Kristina’s vitals, and Josslyn says, oh God. Her blood pressure’s dropping. He asks, how far along is her pregnancy? and Josslyn says, eight months. Why? Kristina’s eyes flutter open, and Josslyn says, it’s her. They’re on their way to GH. Kristina asks if the baby will be okay.

Sonny’s phone rings, and he says, what? Gio says, Uncle Sonny? and Sonny asks, what’s up? Gio says, Dante’s been trying to call him, and Sonny says he’s been busy. What does he need? Gio says, it’s not… He’s at work at the pool at the MetroCourt. Something’s happened. Sonny asks, what’s wrong? and Gio says, there was an accident. At least he thinks it was an accident. She fell out of a window and into the pool. She’s hurt. Sonny says, who? and Gio says, Kristina.

Chase asks how Dante is doing, and he says he’s fine. Seeing his sister on that gurney… She looked pretty terrible. Chase says, Kristina’s a fighter, just like Dante. She’s going to be okay. He can take it from here. Dante should go to the hospital. Dante asks if he’s sure. They don’t even know what this is. Chase says he can handle it. It’s more important for Dante to be there for his sister and his family right now. Gio says, sorry to interrupt. He got through to Sonny. Dante thanks him for doing that, and Gio says, of course (🍷). He steps away, and Dante says, his dad can make sure Kristina is taken care of. He needs to figure out what happened to Kristina, if she fell out of that window. If she didn’t fall out, that means a crime was committed. He has to find out what it was either way. Chase says, okay. Let’s get to work. Dante asks how many witnesses they have, and Chase says, they’re still collecting them, but from the people he’s talked to, they don’t know much. They were focused on the pool and only saw Kristina after she fell. Dante says, they’ve got to talk to security. They have footage and they have to get their hands on that. They have to get inside that room. Kristina fell out of the window with the curtains closed. Wouldn’t she have grabbed onto them and wouldn’t a curtain be following her down to the pool? Chase says, he’s right. Someone must have closed them after she fell. Kristina wasn’t alone in that room. Trina walks over to them, and Dante says, what is it? Does she know something?

TJ tells Alexis, Sonny is going to back Kristina no matter what. They can’t count on him to be the voice of reason, but Kristina knows Alexis will say the truth to her even if it’s hard to hear. Please help guide her to doing the right thing. Be her parent. Alexis says, being a parent is a lot harder than he thinks. He’s going to find that out soon enough. He says he may never get that chance if Kristina gets her way. He may not have the years of parenting experience Alexis does, but if he gets that chance, he’ll make sure his child knows family is to be cherished above all else and is the only thing that can be counted on, which he’s sure Kristina knows, given that she’s had Molly’s unwavering support for her whole life. Alexis says, it’s true, she has, and he says he’ll make sure his child understands the ramifications of taking family for granted. She says, understood, and he asks if she understands if she takes Kristina’s side over Molly’s, that will not just cause a rift between the sister, she could lose Molly, and that could shatter her entire family. She says she did try to prevent this. She warned everyone that this could happen. He says, so that’s the best she’s got; I told you so.

Brook takes a breather in the ladies’ room and flashes back to seeing Kristina crash through the window and into the pool. Lois comes in and runs to Brook and hugs her. She says, Chase told her that Brook was in here. He didn’t have time to tell her what was going on, so she asked an attendant. They said, someone fell out of a window and into the pool, and that Brook saw everything. Is she okay? Brook says, not just someone. It’s Kristina.

Kristina looks around, and Josslyn says she’s right here. Kristina asks where she is, and Josslyn says, she’s in the ambulance on the way to GH. Kristina asks, why? What happened? Josslyn says, she fell through a window and into the pool, but she’s going to be okay. Kristina says she’s scared, and Josslyn says she knows, but the paramedics already alerted the doctors at GH. They know what’s happened and they’re ready to treat her and the baby. She’s in the best possible hands. Kristina says she wants her dad and mom, and Josslyn says she thinks they’re already on their way. She’s going to see them soon. Just try to hang on, for her and for the baby. Kristina says she’s so scared, and slips into unconsciousness again.

TJ thanks Alexis for clarifying, but she says, instead of blaming her, sit down with Molly and talk. They’ll get through it. He says, they’ve already talked. Actually, they’re in perfect agreement. The baby is theirs. That’s been the expectation and the agreement for the last eight months until Kristina decided it wasn’t. So now it’s all on her. She has all the power. She thinks it’s her kid to do whatever she wants with; him and Molly be damned. Kristina is wheeled in, and the paramedic tells Dr. Park that she’s pregnant and fell through a glass window. She’s been in and out of consciousness. He gives the doctor her vitals and says, her abdomen is very firm. She may be abrupting. TJ and Alexis realize it’s Kristina.

Trina sits with Gio and says, he should be proud of himself. He says, for what? and she says, he doesn’t have any medical training, does he? He says, not really, and she says, but he still jumped up and helped Joss. He says he was kind of just going on autopilot. He just did what she told him to. He should have known to go straight for the backboard without her having to say it. She says, he can’t beat himself up. He didn’t have any training. He says, still, and she says, if it’s on him, then it’s on all of them. None of them knew what to do. They just froze, so thank God for Joss. He says, she was amazing. He just doesn’t get it. How could something like this happen? How can you just fall out of a window? Did she see the fall? She says, no. She just looked up after. It’s Ava’s room. She saw Ava standing at the window. He says, Ava her boss? and Trina says, Ava’s not just her boss. Ava’s her friend. He asks how well she really knows Ava, and she says she’s not sure. Maybe she doesn’t really know her at all.

Kristina is wheeled into one of the rooms, and Dr. Park says, they’re going to do everything they can. She’s in great hands. TJ says, Kristina is carrying his child. He can help. Where is he needed? Dr. Park says, don’t worry. They’ve got this. Just stay here with the family. Alexis asks, what happened? and Josslyn says, she fell out of a window in the MetroCourt and into the pool. Alexis says, what? and Josslyn says she doesn’t know what happened. She gave Kristina first aid until the paramedics got there. That’s all she knows. TJ says, the paramedics said the placenta is separating from the uterus, and Alexis says she doesn’t know what that means. How is the baby? He says, Kristina’s hanging in there. The baby has to be hanging in there, right? Alexis says, how the hell did it happen?

Ava ditches John’s bags in the bedroom, then takes an ice bucket full of ice out of the credenza. She dumps it all over the floor, throws down a water pitcher, and drops her shoes in front of the window. She says, Kristina did this to herself, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it and Dante is there.

Josslyn says she doesn’t know how it happened. All she knows is, Kristina fell from the window and into the pool. It happened very quickly. TJ wonders what she was even doing at the MetroCourt, and Josslyn says she doesn’t know, but she’s going to give them a minute. Blaze comes in with Natalia, and Blaze says she’s so glad Alexis is here. Where is Kristina? Alexis says, they’re working on her, and Natalia says, any word on her condition or the baby? TJ says, they don’t know anything yet, and Blaze asks, where’s Molly? TJ says, in court. He hasn’t called her yet. Everything happened so fast. He doesn’t know how to tell her. Blaze says, that’s okay. She’ll help him. They leave, and Natalia asks if she can get Alexis coffee or water or something, but Alexis shakes her head, trying not to cry. Sonny comes in and they hug.

Ava says, thank God Dante is here. She knew the police would show up eventually, so she didn’t dare leave. How is Kristina? He says he’s not here to answer questions; he’s here to ask them. He takes out his notebook and says, why doesn’t she tell him what happened? She says, Kristina showed up here about forty-five minutes ago. She wasn’t expecting her, but thought Kristina was here to help with her custody case. He says, she thought Kristina was going to help her take Avery away from her father? and she says she was under the impression Kristina had witnessed enough of Sonny’s irrational behavior to know he’s unstable right now. She’d hoped Kristina knew that Avery isn’t safe with him. He says, that’s what she believed? and she says, yes, but she was wrong. He says, why doesn’t she tell him why Kristina was really here, and checks out the curtains. She says, because she thought Kristina was willing to help her. Her attorney, Scott Baldwin, subpoenaed Kristina to get her deposition. She thought Kristina would be willing to talk to him, but she wasn’t. She was irate about the subpoena. He says, so she didn’t ask Kristina to testify first. She just served her with the subpoena? She says she misjudged Kristina, and he says, clearly. She says, Kristina demanded that she recall the subpoena. She told Kristina that she didn’t think she could do that, that things had already been set in motion, and that just made her angrier. He says, she’s eight and a half months pregnant. Ava is trying to turn her against her father. Of course (🍷) she’s going to be angry. She says, this was not about being pregnant. This was a lot more. Kristina lost it. Kristina was trying to attack her. She went for Ava’s throat. He says, that just doesn’t sound like Kristina, and Ava says she knows. That’s why she was so shocked. She didn’t want Kristina to hurt her, but she didn’t want Kristina to hurt herself. She moved away. She was trying to get some distance between them, but Kristina kept coming at her. He says, why doesn’t she tell him how Kristina went out the window, and she says, Kristina lunged at her. She moved out of the way and Kristina tripped over her shoes. She fell into the glass, then to Ava’s horror, she fell through it. He says, let him get this straight. Kristina showed up here so irate that Ava was trying to turn her against Sonny, that she came at Ava physically. Ava evaded her and she trips, flies through the curtains, and into the window and down to the pool below. Ava says, that’s right, and he says, the curtains were open. A witness saw her standing at the window after Kristina fell through. They saw her close the curtains. Does she want to revise that part of her story? She says, now that he mentions it, yes. She did close the curtains. She was so horrified by what happened, she was afraid to look down. He says, so she closed the curtains, then she opened them, then she closed them again? and she says she thinks that’s correct. He says, and there’s no sign that Kristina went through the curtains or tried to grab at them to stop herself from falling, and she says she doesn’t know. It was such a blur. He says, or she’s lying through her damn teeth about the entire thing.

Lois says, Kristina? Sonny’s daughter? That’s who fell? Brook says, it was horrible. At first, everything was completely normal, and all of a sudden, there was this loud noise of glass breaking and a woman screaming and then Kristina in the pool just not moving. Lois says, but she’s pregnant. She’s in her last trimester. Brook says she knows. And yeah, the fall was horrible and shocking, but she didn’t know who it was until Josslyn turned her over. It’s not just Kristina. It’s the baby too. They fell at least three stories. Lois asks if they know how badly she’s hurt, and Brook says, there was no way to tell. Josslyn was terrific and Gio helped her. Josslyn was holding Kristina up in the pool, when Gio went to get the backboard. Then they maneuvered her out of the pool. She wanted to help, but all she could do was call 911. Lois says, that was the best thing she could have done, and Brook says, Blaze was going out of her mind. Her mother had to hold her back. Then the paramedics came, and they were preparing Kristina for transport. Josslyn rode with her in the ambulance. Kristina was still unconscious when they left. Lois says, poor Sonny. He said he wasn’t in a good place. When he gets this news, he’ll be out of his mind. Brook asks, what happened with her and Sonny? but Lois says, that doesn’t matter now. Brook says, Lois just told her that Sonny said he wasn’t in a good place, which implies, A, she was with him, and B, they were having a relatively serious conversation. Lois says, they were, and Brook says, about? Lois tells her that she and Sonny are old friends. They talk about all kinds of things. Brook says, Lois is doing backflips not to give her a straight answer, which leads her to believe that Lois and Uncle Sonny were talking about her, weren’t they?

Sonny says, Gio called him and said Kristina was in some kind of accident. What happened? Alexis says, Josslyn was there, and Natalia says, Josslyn saved her life. Kristina fell out of a window from several stories up. She fell into the pool and Josslyn jumped in right after her and put her on a backboard to stabilize her spine in case she had injuries, then stayed with her until the paramedics came. (I wonder why Natalia is answering for Josslyn.) Alexis thanks Josslyn and says, they’re very grateful. Josslyn says she’s just happy she was able to help in any way. But she rode in the ambulance with Kristina. She woke up for a second and asked about the baby and asked for them. She just told Kristina that they were on their way to the hospital, and that the doctors would help her and the baby, and that they’d be here. She just tried to ease Kristina’s mind as best she could. Dr. Park comes out, and Sonny asks, how’s our daughter?

Trina tells Gio that Ava’s always been a good friend to her. Ava is her mentor. Working at her gallery is the reason she got the invitation to study at the Sorbonne. (And we all know how that turned out.) He says, that’s a big deal, and she says she knows Ava isn’t a saint. Ava can be pretty tough, and she’s done some bad things, and she’s not excusing any of that. He says, but she sees a different side to her, and Trina says, yeah. They’ve been through some pretty difficult things and Ava’s always had her back. Ava’s always been there for her. She’s had her doubts about Ava, but sticks up for her because she feels that Ava is more than the mistakes she’s made in the past. He says, but now… and she says, but now – she looks up at the window – maybe she was right to doubt Ava. Maybe she’s everything everybody says she is… or worse.

Ava says, this is preposterous. What does it matter if the curtains were open or closed? Dantes says, it means she’s lying about something. It means she’s trying to hide something. She asks what exactly he’s accusing her of, and he says, she can figure it out, can’t she? She says, everything happened just the way she said it did. This is her hotel suite. Kristina showed up here to confront her. She was angry. She was out of control. He says, that’s one of the parts where she loses him. She’s talking about someone who doesn’t have a violent bone in her body coming at her and attacking her, putting herself and her unborn child in jeopardy. She tells him that she didn’t say it was rational. Kristina was unhinged. Just like her father. He goes over to the shoes and says, this is what she tripped over, huh? and Ava says, yeah. He says, she’s telling him that Kristina flew out this window with such force, breaking a hotel window, from a pair of shoes? He’s not buying it. She says she doesn’t know what to tell him. Like he said, Kristina is very pregnant. Maybe she’s not so light on her feet. Kristina came rushing at her and she tripped. She did not touch Kristina. In fact, everything that happened here is of Kristina’s own doing. He says he guesses that’s one possibility. The other is that she assaulted Kristina. He takes out his handcuffs and says, now she’s lying about it. She says she did no such thing. He’s arresting her? He puts the cuffs on her and asks what it looks like. She says, this is ridiculous. She’s innocent. He says, she’d better hope Kristina and her baby make it alive or she’s going to be facing two murder charges. That’s if she makes it that far. She’s under arrest. She has the right to remain silent… etc., etc., etc.

Lois says she had questions about the origin of the money Sonny plans to invest in the record company, and Brook says, questions. Lois says, more like concerns. She’s not privy to the details, nor does she want to be, but suffice it to say not all of Sonny’s income comes from legitimate sources. Brook says, she actually thinks Uncle Sonny would use mob money to invest in the record label he wants her to run? Lois says she doesn’t know, but she had to be sure, and Brook says, excuse her, but that’s not Lois’s call to make. She’s an adult. She’s a businesswoman and if she has questions about the source of the money Uncle Sonny gives to her or any other investment, she will ask those questions. Lois says, okay, but Brook has a blind spot where Sonny is concerned, and that is her fault. She adores Sonny and raised Brook to adore her Uncle Sonny, and they give him all the benefits of every single doubt. But when it comes to his finances and the compliance with federal law, as much as she wants to trust, she’s got to verify. Brook says, then bring those concerns to her instead of going behind her back to Uncle Sonny, but Lois says she doesn’t see it as going behind Brook’s back. Brook says, be honest. Put herself in Brook’s place. If Grandma Gloria did to her when Lois just did, how would she feel? Lois says she would feel like Gloria went behind her back, but she’d know she did it with love. Brook says, no question, but then she would set appropriate boundaries, would she not? Lois says, yes, and Brook thanks her and says, that’s all she’s asking, for Lois to respect her and her judgment as a businesswoman. Lois says, understood, but as much as Brook is an adult, she wants Brook to respect the fact that she’s always going to be her little girl and she’s always going to look out for Brook’s best interests. Brooks says she knows Lois will. She knows Kristina is probably feeling… If anything happens to Kristina and that baby… Lois suggests they not jump to any conclusions. Kristina is a very strong woman and she’s sure the baby is strong as well. Brook says, she didn’t see how pale and still Kristina was. She’s been carrying that baby for nearly nine months. It would be cruel for something to go wrong now. Lois says, let’s pray that it doesn’t, okay? and they hug.

Dr. Park tells Sonny that his daughter suffered multiple internal injuries from the fall, causing severe hemorrhaging. Kristina has gone into hypovolemic shock. The baby is in fetal distress and the placenta is separating from the uterus, which is the baby’s lifeline. We see them prepping Kristina, and Dr. Park says, they’re going to take her to the OR for an emergency C-section. We see Kristina hooked up to machines and wearing an oxygen mask.

On Monday, TJ tells Jordan, whatever happens, it’s her fault; Josslyn tells Dex, that second could have made all the difference; Anna asks if Trina noticed anything after Kristina fell; and Sonny says, they will pay.

🏨 Showdown At the MetroCourt…

Excellent scene and spectacular fall.

Exclusive: General Hospital’s Kate Mansi On The Ava/Kristina Showdown

💐 And Many More…

I love Scotty, and he’s so funny IRL too. I only wish GH would recognize what a gem of a couple they have in him and Obrecht.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kin-shriners-special-anniversary-message-to-fans

🍊 Shannon’s Shade Is Leaking…

I wonder who the disgusting friend is. There are so many choices.

RHOC Star Tamra Judge Leaks Text Messages After Shannon Shaded Her for Quitting ‘Tres Amigas’ Show, Calls Shannon and Vicki “Dumb and Dumber” and Addresses Another Reason She Quit

💰 Jumping On Josh’s Coattails…

She could do worse. I’d actually love to see this.

Does Gina Kirschenheiter Plan To Work in Real Estate With Josh Altman?

⚔️ A House Divided Must Reboot…

Now On Display is going to be stuck in my head for God only knows how long.

Melissa Gorga Says She’s Done “Tip-Toeing” With Teresa Giudice, “Relieved” RHONJ Season 14 is Over Amid Cast Divide, and Admits Reboot Would Be “Bittersweet”

🦄 And a Black Swan In a Rosé Tree…

Of course she’s nice. Was there ever any question?

Vanderpump Rules Star Scheana Shay Dishes on Unseen Fight, Reveals Closest Friends, and What Lisa Vanderpump is Really Like

🐦‍🔥 Complicated Things…

Loved her first reality show and I’m hoping this one has the same outlook. It left you feeling good instead of like you wanted to punch someone.

Denise Richards Unites With Fellow Charlie Sheen Ex Brooke Mueller While Filming New Reality Show

🦌 Reindeer Games Continue…

This is just stupid. And like she’s really making her case for being a sane person who’s done no wrong. She’s literally scary.

https://ew.com/baby-reindeer-richard-gadd-responds-fiona-harvey-lawsuit-8686363

https://ew.com/netflix-concedes-alleged-baby-reindeer-real-life-martha-not-convicted-stalker-8687694

🎭 Next Stop For the Telephone Booth…

I’d love to see this. I saw John Glover in Waiting for Godot years ago. Too bad Broadway is so damn expensive. And don’t get me started on the cost of transportation.

https://ew.com/bill-and-ted-stars-keanu-reeves-and-alex-winter-reunite-broadway-8687596

🦸🏻‍♂️ Blowing Collective Minds…

I’m going to see it this weekend. I can’t wait!

https://ew.com/deadpool-wolverine-elektra-blade-gambit-x-23-action-scene-breakdown-exclusive-8687405

If you’re a superhero supernerd and need all the background.

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-x-men-movies-in-order-8683590

Best variants ever.

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/dogpool-catpool-mousepool-infinity-comics-marvel-unlimited

🦓 Quadruple the Stripes…

A precious quartet.

https://people.com/disney-world-welcomes-4-baby-zebras-animal-kingdom-park-8683181

🥒 And If He Plays Ball…

Love, love, love the name. It goes without saying he’s cute.

https://people.com/demi-lovato-new-dog-pickle-with-fiance-jutes-instagram-photos-8685696

🥁 Quotes of the Week

Darth Vader polling higher than all potential 2016 candidates. – The Washington Post, analyzing polls on what Americans thought of their options for the next president in 2016.

Take your camera and your selfie stick and your dog and get the f*** out of here. – Rita, Neighborhood Wars

Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so intensely. – Percy Colson

A lifetime isn’t forever, so take the first chance, don’t wait for the second one! Because sometimes, there aren’t second chances! And if it turns out to be a mistake? So what! This is life! A whole bunch of mistakes! But if you never get a second chance at something you didn’t take a first chance at? That’s true failure. – C. JoyBell C.

To handle yourself use your head; to handle others, use your heart. – Eleanor Roosevelt

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it. – George Washington Carver

I’ve learned to never say never because when you say never, it happens. – Olivia Plath, Welcome to Plathville (Truth! This has happened to me more than once.)

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty. – Thomas S. Monson

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

Sh*t doesn’t get real until it’s real, and it’s real. – Gina Kirschenheiter, Real Housewives of Orange County

⛺️ Sing Around the Campfire…

Enjoy what life holds for you over the weekend – be it rowing down the stream or streaming – and join me on Monday for soap and Med antics. Until then, stay safe, stay practicing wildfire prevention, and stay not going behind someone’s back, even if it’s with love.

Aug2

August 1, 2024 – Kristina Confronts Ava, First Look, Milestone, Teed Off In the OC, VanderItems, Perfection, New Dance, Instagrammable & First

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

At the pool, Lois tells Brook that it was very generous of Sonny to bankroll a new label for Blaze and put Brook in charge. Has she spoken to him about how many employees he’s willing to pay for? Brook says she’s sure he’ll be open to whatever. It just happened and it will all come together. She’s just grateful for the amazing opportunity to prove herself and for Blaze to make the music she believes in. Lois says, true, but managing a label is like night and day from managing an artist. Is Brook 100% sure she’s willing to take this on?

Ava goes over gallery stuff with Trina in her room, when John walks out wearing nothing but a towel. (You’d think he’d have learned from the last time.)

Jordan finds TJ at the hospital, and says, her favorite son. He says he’s her only son, and she says, a minor detail. She’s sorry she had to cancel dinner the other night, but she has the feeling something is bothering him and thought she’d check in. He says, the situation with Kristina has gone from bad to worse.

On the phone with DeWitt, Alexis tells him that Kristina made her statement. If she sees any inflammatory words about her daughter in print, he’ll answer to her.

Molly meets Sam at the Port Charles Surf Lodge and says she’s guessing Sam is as shocked as she is about the interview. Sam says, it was unexpected, and Molly says, it was a sucker punch. Everyone is buying that Kristina claims the baby is hers and Blaze’s.

On the phone with Brick, Sonny says he wants to know what Ava and Jagger are doing and who else Ava is seeing. 24-hour surveillance with photos. Kristina comes in and says, he won’t believe what happened. He asks if she’s okay, but she says, no. She was served with a subpoena by Ava. She’s being forced to testify. He says he knew Ava fought dirty, but didn’t know she was that dirty, and Kristina says, Molly told her that if she doesn’t show up, she’ll be held in contempt. He says, she can’t ignore it, and she says she’s afraid if they question her, she’ll have to tell them about him beating Dex at the wedding. He’s going to lose custody of Avery and get arrested. He says, she doesn’t have to worry. It won’t get that far.

Brook says she knows she’s got a lot to learn, but she’s excited. She thinks it’s a great move for her, but Lois doesn’t seem convinced. Is she worried Brook can’t do it? Lois says, absolutely not. Her daughter can do anything she puts her mind to. Brook says she thinks they’re getting ahead of themselves. She hasn’t told Blaze yet, and if Blaze doesn’t want to take this leap of faith with her, they’re dead in the water. Lois says, it’s a great opportunity. What artist would turn down this kind of comeback after being dropped by their label? Brook says, Blaze has been through a lot, and this could rebuild her career and take her to the next level, and Lois says she’s always rooting for Brook. That being said, she has some questions about Sonny’s involvement. Brook says, other than the money, she doesn’t think he wants to be involved. She’ll make all the decision. It’s perfect, right?

Trina says she’s so sorry, and Ava says, John was just using her shower. The place he’s staying at has terrible water pressure, and he needs to be shipshape for important FBI business. Trina says, showers are important. She has to go to work. She’ll see Ava at the gallery. She leaves, and Ava says, discreet goes a long way, so heads up, but he says he didn’t realize she had a visitor. If she doesn’t want him to get caught, tell him someone is here. She says she didn’t expect him to come out undressed, and he says she didn’t mind him staying undressed last night. (Thank God I didn’t have to see that.) She says, they had fun, but he can’t stay here. She’s going through a custody battle. If it had been anybody other than Trina, it would have made her look bad.

Sonny tells Kristina, don’t worry. She won’t have to testify. It’s going to be over before the court date. She says she hopes so, and he tells her to sit down and relax. Tell him what else is going on. Scotty walks in and says, the court ruled against Sonny’s attempt to block Ava’s visitation. She’s spending the weekend with her kid. He shows Sonny a paper, and Sonny says, we’ll see. Scotty says, it’s not up for negotiation. The court has spoken, and when he’s through, the only way Sonny will see his kid is through binoculars. Sonny asks if Scotty is threatening him, and Kristina says, Scotty is riling him up. It’s not worth it. Sonny tells him, get out, and Scotty says he’ll see Kristina tomorrow at 10 am on the nose. She says she doesn’t have an appointment with him, but he says, she hasn’t read the subpoena very well.

Sam asks if Molly thinks it’s possible that she misinterpreted Kristina, and Molly says, it sounds like Sam talked to Kristina. Is that why she wanted to meet? Sam says she hasn’t seen Kristina, and they haven’t talked, but maybe Kristina didn’t mean to imply the baby was hers and Blaze’s. Molly says, obviously, they interpreted it the same way. Saying it was private implied they’re going to be new parents, and social media is thinking the same thing. Sam tells her, stop scrolling, and Molly says she talked to Kristina. She said that she was protecting Molly and TJ’s privacy. Sam says, that’s plausible. Does Molly believe her? Molly says she doesn’t know. She wants to trust Kristina will honor her promise, but in trying to force her hand, she might have pushed Kristina to do the opposite.  

TJ says, it sounded like Kristina was going back on her word and was going to keep the baby, and Jordan asks what Molly thinks. TJ says, she thought the same thing and took documents to Kristina to sign. She refused, and now he’s even more worried. She always knew she’d have to sign them. It’s the only way Molly can adopt the baby and legally become its mother. What message is Kristina sending? Jordan says she’s sorry to hear that. This should be a happy and exciting time for them. He says he doesn’t know where to go from here, and she says, at least the law recognizes him as the baby’s biological father. That gives him a lot of rights. He says, but what about Molly’s rights? Kristina is the egg donor and the biological mother. What if she refuses to sign? She says she wishes she had an answer, but she’s not knowledgeable on the subject. Maybe it’s time they consulted a lawyer. He says, that’s what he was afraid of. He doesn’t want the baby to start life in the middle of a custody battle and he’s worried that’s where they’re headed.

Brook says she’s grateful that Sonny displayed how much he believes in her, but it’s a lot of pressure. She doesn’t want to let him down. Lois says, that will never happen, and Brook says she thinks something else is going on besides supporting Blaze. Lois says she sees how much Sonny loves Kristina, and it’s clear he wants to provide support. Just put her head down and do her work. Blaze comes in, and Lois says she’ll leave them to it. She hugs Blaze and leaves. Blaze says, Brook sounded excited. Don’t keep her in suspense. Brook says, she’s about to take Blaze to the next level. She knows Blaze has been up in the air since her label dropped her, but now she’s not tied down. She’s free to use this moment as an opportunity to take herself independent and release an album on her own label. This could be the biggest move of her career. All she has to do is say yes.

Sonny says, get to the point, and Scotty says, Kristina has to give a deposition. She can’t lie or it will be perjury. Talk to her mother about that, since she’s familiar with it. Kristina asks why he’s doing this, and he says he’s doing his job. If Kristina has to testify, so be it. Kristina says, go to hell, and he says he thinks she’s just nervous. She knows what’s going to happen. Ava is going to win, so Sonny should probably get used to saying adios to Avery. Sonny says, don’t be too sure, Scotty, and Scotty laughs. He leaves, and Sonny crumples up the paper.

At the pool, Trina says, Josslyn will never guess what she saw that she wasn’t supposed to see. Josslyn says, something criminal? and Trina says, criminally embarrassing. She’ll never believe it. John Cates came out half-naked from the bedroom in Ava’s suite. Josslyn says she doesn’t know if she wants to know, and Trina says, he definitely spent the night. She doesn’t know what Ava was thinking. Josslyn says, Ava never does anything without an agenda. She thinks Cates must be helpful somehow.

Ava says, good. John put on pants. If only he’d thought to do that before Trina got there. He says, she acts like he wants to get caught. She’s beautiful and intelligent, but he’s not looking to parade her around town. She says, he could do worse, and he says he’s already in hot water. His bosses don’t need to find out he’s getting to know a member of the Jerome crime family, former, alleged, or whatever. She asks if he’s worried that she’ll tarnish his stellar reputation. He managed to do that without her help.  She thinks it’s time for him to go and take his bags with him, but he says he’s going to work and can’t be dragging his bags with him. What would people think? He’ll come grab them tonight and they can see each other again. He gives her a smarmy look and leaves. (When did he turn into such a creeper? I’m so disappointed in this character.)

Jordan says, it must be hard on Molly. Not only is Kristina her sister, she has no biological or legal rights. She must feel like she has no control. How is she doing? TJ says, she’s all over the place. At first, after they saw the interview, she was as worried as him, but now she’s backing off and giving Kristina space. Jordan says, that’s smart. Molly has good instincts and knows her sister. TJ says he thinks she’s blinded be her love for Kristina and not seeing clear. She wants to trust Kristina, but he doesn’t think they can. Jordan asks if that’s put them at odds, and he says he feels like they’re pulling in opposite directions. That scares him most of all. She says she knows the situation seems unfixable, but everyone involved is a good person and she thinks they’ll come to a compromise. But if it comes down to going to court to fight for his rights, she’ll be right there, fighting beside him.  

Molly says, it was the wrong move and of course (🍷) it didn’t go well, and Sam says, Kristina defines contrary. When someone forces her to do something, she digs in her heels and does the opposite just to prove them wrong. Molly says she knew that and did it anyway. They got in a fight, and it got ugly. She said things she regrets, and Kristina said terrible things too. Kristina said she and TJ could break up, and it would be better for her to keep the baby. It would be a more stable home. Sam says, that’s very harsh, and Molly says she doesn’t know if Kristina believes they’re going to break up – which they aren’t – or she’s using it as an excuse to keep the baby.

Brook says she thinks this is an amazing opportunity, but if Blaze isn’t on board, they won’t move forward. Blaze says she thinks it’s amazing, and Brook says, the offer was presented to her before the interview. Blaze asks why Brook didn’t tell her then, and Brook says, Blaze was reintroducing herself to the public on her own terms and was answering for what her mom said. It was a lot of pressure, and she didn’t want to add to it. Blaze says, it was the right call, and Brook says she thinks it’s the perfect moment for Blaze to reintroduce her music. Blaze says she’s impressed. She knew Brook was great, but her putting so much effort into Blaze’s career is making her feel good just when she can use it.  Brook says she believes in Blaze 100%. She’s one of the most talented people Brook has worked with. It was her mother’s idea. She knows Natalia feels terrible about what her words have done to Blaze’s career and believes Natalia thinks this one way she can make almonds amends. Obviously, she wants to be involved in Blaze’s success, but if Blaze doesn’t want to continue working with her, it’s up to her. Blaze says she needs to think about it, and Brook says, Natalia is coming to discuss the new label with them, but if Blaze isn’t ready, she can cancel. Natalia approaches their table and says, it looks like they’re in a serious conversation. What did she miss?

Alexis finds TJ at the reception desk and asks if they can talk a minute. He says, sure, and she says she’s not going to pretend it’s not awkward, but she’ll just start from a place of honesty. She knows things are tense between him, Molly, and Kristina. He says, that’s an understatement, and she says, he knows she loves her girls, but she loves him too. He’s an important part of the family. It’s her sincere hope that they can put their differences aside and love each other again like they did prior to all this. He says he wants that too, as long as Kristina follows through with her word and gives them the baby, and Alexis says she knows Molly brought Kristina the termination papers and Kristina refused to sign. Then Molly backed off to make things calmer. TJ says, Kristina threatened to keep the baby. He doesn’t know about calm. She says, just give it time and do what he can to keep the peace, and he asks if that applies to Kristina, or is she just warning him and Molly?

Molly says, this is the last thing she wants, to think the worst of Kristina. She’s always trusted Kristina, but this time… Sam says, she’s not sure what to believe, and Molly says she’s the only one not biologically related to the baby and has no legal standpoint. She can’t control it and is at the mercy of everyone else. Even the implication that Kristina was going to back out triggered her into being geared up for a fight. Kristina talked to mom and mom talked to her. She said Molly has to be the one to keep the peace and give Kristina the space to calm down. So she apologized to Kristina for bringing the papers. Sam says she’s proud of her and admires Molly’s ability to be the bigger person, and Molly says, good thing she was there. Ava subpoenaed Kristina to testify at Avery’s custody hearing. Kristina was upset and confused on how it worked, and she helped her with the best way to handle it. Sam says, that’s insane. She’s glad Molly was there to advise Kristina. Molly says she’s glad they can be on the same side of something again. As crazy as Kristina makes her, Kristina is her sister and not the enemy. The reason Kristina is pregnant in the first place is, she’s carrying Molly’s baby.  

Natalia says she’s sorry. She assumed she was expected. She’ll let them finish. Brook says, she was expected. She told Blaze about their plans and how it was Natalia’s idea. Natalia says, a lesser woman would have taken credit, but Brook says, that’s not how she does business. Maybe Natalia can share the details of her inspired idea. She’ll give them a minute. She leaves the table and goes over to the bar.  

Brook tells Gio that she’s having a great day. How should she celebrate? He suggests the guac trio, but she says, it’s not lunchtime yet. He says he knows people and can hook her up, and she says she knows he loves working here, but would he be interested in local session work? He says, absolutely, and she says she may have a new label that has use for his talents.

On the phone, Sonny says he wants Ava’s visitation blocked. He doesn’t want her anywhere near his daughter. Lois comes to the door and asks if she’s interrupting, but he says, never. They hug and she says she misses his face. How has he been? He says, busy. He saw Gio at the pool and he seems to be settling in well. She says, Gio is a charmer, and he asks how the Quartermaines are treating him. She says, they all love him. Even Tracy is cordial. It’s going well. She’d love to chitchat, but this actually isn’t a social call. She wants to talk to him about the record company he generously offered to fund for her daughter. He says, it’s not just for Brook. He’s investing in Blaze and Kristina, and Brook will be running the label. He had this discussion with Brook. She says she’d like him to have this discussion with her, especially regarding the financing.

Natalia tells Blaze that she can’t say how genuinely sorry she is. She never wanted to cause Blaze any hurt. They may not see eye to eye on everything, but Blaze is her baby, and she doesn’t ever want to cause her pain. Blaze says she appreciates that, and Natalia says she’s especially sorry for the things she said that caused Blaze to be dropped from her label. What the hell were they thinking letting go of her talent? Blaze says she assumes they were scared of the bad publicity, and Natalia says she wants Blaze to know how deeply she regrets the things she said that cost Blaze her hard-earned success. It never should have happened. She’s proud of the artist Blaze is and thinks the world should know and hear her talent. The new label is her way of trying to make things right. It’s an opportunity for Blaze to take back control of her career and put out the music she loves. Sonny is backing it financially and Brook will run it. She’d love to be involved, but it’s Blaze’s call. She’ll respect whatever Blaze decides.

Sonny asks if Lois is accusing him or needs to ask him something, and she says, speaking her mind has never been an issue. Funding a recording company feels like déjà vu, but this time it’s not L&B and she’s not involved. It’s her daughter. He says, she sounds like she’s worried, and she says, should she be? He says he’d never do anything to hurt Brook. He doesn’t know why she’d think that. She says she knows that and don’t try to guilt trip her about looking out for her kid. He says, she doesn’t have to defend her daughter with him, but she says, if anyone else swooped in out of nowhere and made the same offer, she’d say, walk away. She loves him and Brook loves her Uncle Dimples. It’s an amazing opportunity for her and Lois wants to trust him. He asks, why not? and she says, because she knows one thing. History will repeat itself if ignored. That’s why she’s here. She’s asking him to tell the truth. Is the record label going to be clean or not?

TJ says, everyone is coddling Kristina and walking on eggshells, while she’s giving an interview on a major platform, implying that the baby is hers and Blaze’s. Alexis says she doesn’t know if that’s fair, but TJ says, none of this is fair. Alexis keeps defending Kristina, which raises a question. He knows she loves her daughters. She says, fiercely and equally, and he says, what happens if Kristina tries to keep this baby?

There’s a knock at Ava’s door, and Kristina strides in. She tells Ava to withdraw the subpoena, but Ava says she’ll do no such thing. Kristina asks why she’s doing this, and Ava says she’s a concerned mother protecting her child. She’d think Kristina would understand. The maternal instincts must have kicked in by now. Kristina says, she and Ava have nothing in common. Not now or ever. Scotty is supposed to take her deposition tomorrow, but she won’t be there, and she won’t show up to testify at the hearing. Ava says, do what she wants. She’s a grown-up. She’s sure Kristina’s lawyer explained that she’ll be cited for contempt, and it will only bolster Ava’s case. What exactly is she hiding that’s making her afraid to testify?

Natalia says, Blaze hasn’t answered if it’s okay for her to be involved with the new label, and Blaze says she’s grateful for everything Natalia has done for her career. Natalia always supported her and pushed her to success. She doesn’t know where she’d have been without her. She couldn’t have been lucky enough to accomplish a fraction of what she has. But she’s moving into a new, authentic phase of her career and her personal life and she can’t see Natalia’s involvement in either based on Natalia not accepting who she is and has always been. Natalia says she knows she hasn’t been on board with Blaze’s lifestyle, but Blaze says, it’s not a lifestyle. It’s her. Natalia can’t accept who she is or who she’s in a relationship with. Kristina is amazing. She knows it bothers Natalia that she’s in a relationship with another woman, but if she can’t accept how much she loves Kristina and embrace it and them, she doesn’t know where they go from here.

Lois says she doesn’t know the inner workings of Sonny’s business, so she’s asking. She’ll be damned if she lets anyone – old friends included – stop her from protecting her daughter. If the situations were reversed, Sonny would do anything to protect his children, and she wouldn’t want to be the person he found using them. She’s trying to protect her little girl and the career she’s worked so hard for. Sonny says, it’s one thing for Ava to turn on him. Now his great friend of all time is turning on him. Everybody is turning on him. That’s just the way it is. She can leave. She folds her arms and doesn’t move.

Sam says, it’s been nice catching up, and Molly thanks her for hanging out and talking. She feels better. Hopeful even. Sam says she’s glad she hasn’t lost her touch, and Molly says, it’s a bumpy ride, but they’re at the homestretch. When the baby comes and they’re all looking at its cute, little face, everything will work out.

Kristina says, Ava isn’t going to like what happens next, and Ava asks if that was a threat. Kristina says, take it how she likes, and Ava says, Kristina is her father’s daughter. Kristina says, better than being like Ava with no moral compass, and Ava asks if she’s going to perjure herself like her mother. Kristina saw what that got her. Or is she going to tell the truth, that she witnessed her father brutally beating Dex and threatening to kill him. Kristina says she feels sorry for Avery being stuck with Ava as a mother. She deserves better. Ava says, and Kristina hit the parent lottery? Her mother is a pathetic, lying drunk, who destroys the men she claims to love. Her father is a volatile headcase who’s going to prison. Someone takes pictures through the window, and Kristina says, if she testifies, she’s going to tell the court that Ava is the reason Morgan died. That she messed with his meds and caused a mental breakdown. She’s going to tell them how Ava murdered Connie Falconari too. If she’s forced to tell the truth about her father, she’s going to tell the truth about Ava too. Ava reaches for her, and Kristina says, don’t touch me, stepping back. She trips over one of John’s bags and stumbles backward, crashing through the window and down into the pool. We all stare, open-mouthed, as she floats in the pool motionless, blood on her face.

Holy! That was some fall. Wow, wow, wow.

Tomorrow, TJ asks Alexis what she’s going to do when Kristina tries to take their baby; Chase says he doesn’t want anyone leaving without his okay; and Ava tells someone that she needs them like she’s never needed them before.

🎿 Maybe He Was Polishing His Skis…

Kind of weird how Ric never had a real exit.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/rick-hearst-shares-a-first-look-at-his-gh-return

📸 She’s Got Cred…

This kid makes me want kids. She’s such a bundle of cute.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/scarlett-spears-reaches-a-general-hospital-milestone

🍊 Situation Heather…

I just can’t imagine being their age and exhibiting what amounts to frat boy behavior. Heather mistakenly tagging Katie in an Instagram post – or what Gina called this Heather situation – was completely plausible. Also that she wouldn’t be doing her own posting. Anyone who’s dealt with the annoying autocorrect knows a word can be missed. Usually to the amusement of the recipient. Same with clicking the wrong suggestion that Google comes up with. So, yeah, I can see her assistant clicking on the first thing she saw – Katie’s name. But these women have nothing better to do than speculate as to why/if/how Heather is being shady and lying to them. When my friends and I hang out, we do not spend hours on topics like this, and if we could afford the good times these girls can, I guarantee we wouldn’t even care if Heather was lying her ass off. I just don’t get it, and it’s what puts me off these Housewives shows. Although the worst is the toddler-like behavior they sometimes exhibit, physically assaulting one another. Let me think… Nope. Not once have any of my friends had a fistfight or thrown anything at each other. However, I can’t confirm or deny that a drink has never been thrown in a man’s face. The best thing about this episode was a golf game Katie had set up. Emily won, but unfortunately, Tamra made sure the topic was Katie claiming Heather called the paparazzi on herself. Déjà vu, anyone?

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 Episode 4 Recap: Drinking and Driving

About the Tres Amigas going Dos.

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-vicki-gunvalson-says-tamra-judge-has-black-heart-after-ditching-tres-amigas-8687807

She has receipts! Proof! Timelines! Screenshots!

https://www.etonline.com/rhocs-katie-ginella-responds-to-heather-dubrows-noella-15-dig-amid-paparazzi-feud-exclusive-229943

🍸 It’s a VanderWorld…

It’s about time, but will he really follow through? Maybe a drug rehab would be a good idea first. I don’t have receipts, proof, timelines, or screenshots, but he acts like he’s on something.

Jax Taylor Enters Rehab For ‘Mental Health Struggles’ Rep Confirms
Why Jax Taylor Seeking Mental Health Treatment Is for the Best

And in a crossover no one saw coming.

Katie Maloney Spotted Out for Dinner With Love Island USA’s Connor Newsum

👠 How Could She Not Be…

I never had any doubts. Even if I had, seeing them together on Watch What Happens Live would have squelched them.

Lisa Vanderpump Was the Perfect Addition to Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, Here’s Why

🩰 Dancing Like Everyone’s Watching…

Meet the new cast.

https://ew.com/meet-the-cast-of-dance-moms-a-new-era-8682610

I don’t think Abby Lee invented everyone’s replaceable.

JoJo Siwa on Abby Lee Miller Being Replaced in Dance Moms Reboot: ‘Sick to My Stomach’

🐾 All Ears and Smiles…

I would love to have this kitty.

https://people.com/abandoned-kitten-born-with-4-ears-at-tennessee-rescue-8687715

This is one happy pup!

https://people.com/smiley-dog-hikes-across-the-county-in-rv-adventure-with-family-8680913

☀️ Feeling the Heat…

Before starting your weekend, boomerang back tomorrow for soap and both trash and treasure. Until then, stay safe, stay going for your personal gold, and stay accepting who people are and who they’re in a relationship with.

Aug1

July 31, 2024 – Sonny Wants To Teach Jagger a Lesson, Her Mom, In LA, Fab Noel, She’s Sued, New City, Revealed Dragons, More Pool, Game To Come, Nope & Dear

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Molly knocks on Kristina’s door, and Kristina says she still didn’t sign the papers Molly left there. Molly tells her to trash them. Even better, she’ll tear them up herself.

Scotty says, Laura is a compelling witness, but Ava wonders about that, considering the negative press Laura’s gotten lately. Scotty says, Laura was her mother-in-law, and she’s lucky Laura is going to bat for her at all, since she and Nikolas are divorced. It’s weighty, but they need more. Sonny will call Carly, who will lie about what he had for breakfast with conviction. Ava says she’s not worried. Carly won’t be as convincing after she’s convicted of RICO charges. (She’s clearly out of the loop.)

Carly and Michael show up at the pool, where Wiley’s birthday party is still going on. Donna runs to Carly and hugs her.

Dante finds Anna in the interrogation room and says, the arraignment is happening as they speak. Michael and Sonny are there. She says, at least Sonny hasn’t been brought in in handcuffs. They’re ahead of the game. Dante says, it was a close call. Sonny took a swing at Cates, but it didn’t connect, and Molly saw the whole thing. She asks if charges were filed, but he says, not as of yet. She says, that’s a relief, and he says he followed up on Brennan at the hospital. Same deal as Pentenville. There was no record of him. Anna says, he’s at the WSB station in DC. He’s been reinstated, but she doesn’t think he ever lost his status in the first place. John walks in and says he and Anna need to talk in private, and Anna tells Dante that they’ll pick this up later. John tells Dante, a word of advice. Put a leash on his father or his father is going to find himself locked up. Dante leaves.

In his office on the phone, Sonny tells Brick that he needs a location on Jagger… Let him know when he does. Sonny opens a drawer and reaches for a locked box, but there’s a knock at the door. Jason comes in, and Sonny says he has nothing to say to him. Jason says, that’s fine. This time he’ll do all the talking.

Molly asks how Kristina is feeling, and Kristina says, the baby is fine, but Molly says, how is Kristina feeling? Kristina says, her feet and back hurt and she’s sleeping sitting up, but other than that, she’s great. It’s totally worth it. Molly says she doesn’t want Kristina too stressed, but Kristina says, Molly could have fooled her. Molly says she never should have come by with that document, and Kristina wonders if Molly really expected her to sign it. Molly says she got scared when she heard the interview. She was blindsided that Kristina and Blaze looked like the happy expectant couple, and Kristina didn’t say otherwise. Kristina says she explained that, and Molly says she and TJ are the expectant couple. They’re preparing the nursey and she’s working hard so she can get maternity leave. TJ is taking a leave of absence so they can watch the baby Kristina claims is hers. Kristina says she didn’t do that and would never… Molly admits she leapt to conclusions. It’s not a court of law, and she shouldn’t do that with her sister. She shouldn’t assume the worst and sincerely apologizes. Can Kristina forgive her?

Carly says she’s happy to see Donna, and Donna asks where she was. She missed most of the party. Wiley runs over and hugs Carly, and Carly says she’s sorry she’s late. She was trying to explain to Donna that she had a problem, but it’s solved now, and everything is fine. She’s glad to be here. The kids bring her over to the cake, and Carly asks Josslyn to watch the kids for a moment. Josslyn takes the kids, and Willow says, so? Michael says, the charges were dropped, and Maxie asks how that happened. Michael says, lack of evidence. It disappeared. Maxie says, amazing, and Carly says, isn’t it though?  

John says, Anna erased something from the database of the most secure system in the world. The prosecution agreed to the defense motion to dismiss the case and Carly skated. Three years of time and effort handling Jason is down the drain. Anna says she thinks he’s conflating the two situations. Pikeman might not have had a resolution to his liking, but the FBI has enough evidence to shut the company down. The case against Carly had nothing to do with Pikeman. John says, Carly dared him to charge her, and he had enough evidence to convict her. How miraculously convenient that it’s gone, and Anna doesn’t seem surprised or bothered. She made a deal with Jason, didn’t she? He let her boyfriend Valentin get away in return for the disappeared evidence against Carly.

Jason explains what happened after he went to Greece and tells Sonny that he wasn’t offered a phone call or representation. Cates started playing the recording that incriminated Carly and said they had her dead to rights. He made it clear that Jason had to work for him, or Carly would go to prison. Sonny says, so they sat on the evidence for over a year, and Jason says, maybe they were waiting for an opportune moment. Sonny wonders if Jason was asked to give him up, and Jason says, he was, but he refused. That’s when Cates brought up Pikeman. The FBI wanted proof of their illegal arms sales and who was in charge. In exchange for that, they wouldn’t charge Carly. Sonny asks if it’s his fault now, but Jason says he’s just explaining his decision. Sonny asks why Jason didn’t come to him when they asked him to spy on Pikeman. He knows all about Jagger. He’s Jagger’s number one target. He always has been. Jason says, Sonny is right, but Cates didn’t make it obvious until now, and Sonny says, Jason didn’t trust him and went behind his back. Jagger played him, and now he’s got to protect himself. He’s got nobody else to protect him.

Michael tells Willow that he still can’t believe it, and she says, the evidence disappeared? He says he doesn’t know how or who, but he’s grateful. They watch the kids, and he says his mom is the heart of the family. She says, too bad Sonny can’t see this. It’s the perfect opportunity to set aside their differences. He says he tries not to take it personally, but he thinks there are other things going on, and she says, like what? He says, Sonny attacked Dex, and yesterday he had to stop Sonny from punching Cates outside the courtroom. He barely managed to grab Sonny’s arm. Donna is lucky both of her parents are free today.

Anna says, John gives her too much credit. He thinks she disappeared the evidence, but she doesn’t have access to that database and wouldn’t even attempt a breach of that magnitude. He says, the WSB are the only ones with that kind of tech, but she says she’s not WSB. She’s the Police Commissioner of Port Charles. She’s watched him trash her jurisdiction and harass the citizens. Maybe if he was more focused, he could have better handled the evidence. He says, whoever did it tried to frame him by using his credentials, and Anna says, he’s going to have to answer to his superiors for that. He asks, what happened to her? He wants to know. Why did she turn from her promise to protect and serve? She says, that’s what she’s doing, and he says, by literally climbing into bed with the enemy? Valentin escaped and Sonny is going free because of her. Well done. She’s protecting and serving… them. He stomps out. (He’s been doing a lot of that lately.)

Kristina says she rewatched the interview and saw how Molly interpreted her response as coy and suggesting it was her and Blaze having a baby. But just to be clear, that’s not what she meant. Molly says she understands that now. Emotions were raw. Kristina says she just wants it to work out and for the baby to be healthy and grow up safe, happy, and loved. Molly says, she wants that too, but she also wants them as sisters to be okay, and Kristina says she wants that too. The whole reason she agreed to this is because she loves Molly so much. She hates that it’s coming between them. Molly says, it doesn’t have to, when there’s a knock at the door. A guy asks if Kristina is Kristina Corinthos-Davis, and she says she is. He hands her an envelope and says, you’ve been served.

Scotty’s phone rings, and he tells Ava, it was a notification that Kristina has been served. Ava says, Kristina has always been so entitled like her high and mighty mother. She’s going to come crashing down to earth when she has to admit what a brutal lunatic her father is. Scotty says he’s going to enjoy it. It’s the least Sonny deserves after everything he’s done. She says, Kristina might not realize it now, but this is the kindest thing she can do for her little sister, and he says, she’ll fight on the stand. She’s very loyal to her father. Ava says she’s not worried. The odds are when Sonny sees his beloved Kristina take the stand, he’ll have a meltdown.

Sonny says, Jagger is obsessed with him and will keep coming at him unless he puts Jagger down, but Jason says, Cates was damaged in court. He overreached and there are going to be repercussions from the FBI. They can watch him go down in flames. Sonny says, it’s his problem and he’ll deal with it. He doesn’t want Jason involved. End of conversation. Dante comes in and says, sorry to interrupt, but maybe it’s good he did. Jason says he was just leaving. He tells Sonny that last night, Cates offered to let Carly go if he testified against Sonny, but he refused… again, and he leaves.  

Michael tells Willow that his dad’s attitude toward him has been more volatile lately. His mom thinks Sonny is off his meds, but Sonny insists he’s not. Maybe this is how he is now. He’s sorry. He doesn’t want to get her down. They should go back to the celebration. What did he miss? She says, Wiley was hanging with the kids and having a great time. She’s so blessed that she gets to watch him grow up. Thanks to Michael. Michael says, they’re lucky because they have her in their lives.

Josslyn tells Carly that Donna is having a blast, and Carly says, Donna adores Josslyn. Josslyn says, the feeling is mutual, and Carly says she’s glad they have each other. When she thought she might go to prison, she was making a mental list of things to tell her about Donna in case she wasn’t here. Josslyn says, she doesn’t have to worry about that now, and Carly says she couldn’t bring herself to tell Donna that she was trying to one-up a rogue FBI agent. Josslyn says, she’s too young to understand, and Carly says she’s sorry she put Josslyn through this.

Molly says, whatever that is, she has nothing to do with it, and Kristina takes papers out of the envelope. She says, it’s a subpoena for family court. She’s being summoned to appear at Avery’s custody hearing. Molly asks if it’s for Sonny, but Kristina says, no, Ava. Molly looks at the papers, and Kristina says she can’t testify against her father. Molly says, she has no choice, and Kristina asks what she says. Molly says, tell the truth. Diane will mitigate the damage in her cross examination. Kristina says, Diane can’t spin this. Ava knows she saw her father beat up Dex and knows Kristina can’t stand her. Molly says, Diane will rehearse with her. Keep her answers as brief as possible. Kristina says she can’t be the reason dad loses custody of Avery.

John goes to Ava’s hotel room, and she says, John doesn’t look happy. He says he’s not. Carly walked. The charges were dropped. The audio file mysteriously disappeared from the FBI database. She asks if they don’t have a backup, and he says, of course (🍷), but a copy is inadmissible. They have to prove it’s not faked or tampered with. The chain of custody is essential. Now he has no leverage against Jason and he’s no closer to putting Sonny behind bars where he belongs.

Dante asks what he walked in on, and Sonny says, Jason was explaining how Jagger was forcing him to infiltrate Pikeman, but that’s not what this is about. He’s the target for Jagger. He always has been. Jagger wants to take him down, and everybody says he’s paranoid. Dante says he believes Sonny. Cates crossed the line. The problem is, Sonny can’t cross the line with him. He’s got to stand down.

Ava says, maybe John overreached. Counting on Jason and Carly to give up Sonny was never going to be a reality. They’ll be loyal to the bitter end. John says, no. He had them. He knew they would flip to save each other. Whoever erased the file screwed him. She says, he’ll find another angle to get Sonny, and he says he’s sorry. He knows she’s worried about her case too. He thought if Sonny was locked up, she wouldn’t have to go through with the custody case. She says, there’s still a way for her to get what she wants.  

Molly says, short of a medical emergency, Kristina will have to testify or be held in contempt. Kristina says, what if she doesn’t answer the questions? and Molly says, she’ll get a contempt citation, and perjuring herself is an actual crime. Kristina says, only if they can prove it, and wonders who else was subpoenaed. Molly says, maybe Dex, and he’s a cop now, and Kristina says, there has to be some way out. How can she avoid testifying? Molly says, she doesn’t. She’s sorry. No matter how much Kristina hates getting on the stand, she has to swear to tell the truth about what she saw her father do.

Maxie says, Carly must have been going out of her mind worrying about the kids, and Spinelli says, the evidence was like a dagger over Jason and now he’s finally free. Maxie says, good news all around, and Spinelli says, and a reminder of what can be lost in an instant. She says, he’s usually an optimist, but he says, seeing how this played out made him assess certain priorities and recommit to them. That’s her and the kids, their family.

Carly says, if the evidence hadn’t disappeared, she’d have been sent to prison just because she lost her temper, but Josslyn says, it’s okay. Carly says she literally taunted an FBI agent into arresting her. How stupid. Josslyn says she loves how Carly didn’t let John walk on her, but Carly says she had more to lose than gain. She wants to learn from her mistake. There’s a time to stand up and a time to stand down. She should have thought more about Josslyn and Donna. Josslyn says, Carly might have been impulsive and reckless, but she loves her and she’s happy Carly is free.  

Jason goes to see and Anna, and says, she heard. She says, it’s a good day. The charges against Carly were dropped and the FBI no longer has leverage over him, and it happened in one fell swoop. Jason says he was wondering who to thank. He has it on good authority that even the best hacker couldn’t delete the file. Anna says she wanted to talk to him about that. She owes him. Valentin wouldn’t have gotten away if he hadn’t cooperated. She has a debt to repay. He asks if that’s what happened, but she says she had nothing to do with the audio file disappearing. He says, who did?

Maxie says she knows she and the kids are a priority. Spinelli shows her that every day. But that doesn’t mean she wants him to stop doing what he does, as long as he’s careful. He says he took every precaution, and she says, he hacked the FBI. She realizes how loud she’s talking and lowers her voice, saying, he’s amazing. He says he wants to assure her that before he does anything else impressive, he’ll talk to her first and they’ll weigh the risk. He won’t do it if she doesn’t like it. She says, deal, and Carly says she’s sorry to interrupt, but can she ask Spinelli for a minute? Maxie says she has to check in with the office and leaves. Carly sits down and thanks Spinelli, but he says he didn’t do anything to delete the file.

Anna tells Jason that she found Jack at the WSB in DB. It’s as if the last few months never happened. Jason asks why he did that, and she says, he didn’t confirm it, but her theory is that the WSB wanted to get out from Pikeman. Jack set himself up to get arrested and the WSB laid a trail of breadcrumbs to control the pace, giving them time to sever ties. Jason says, leaving Brennan and the WSB to walk free. What about Valentin? Does she think he was in on this? She says, probably. She doesn’t know to what extent. She thinks they bankrolled his disappearance and hopes he and Charlotte are somewhere safe with new IDs. He says, it makes sense, and she says, except for one thing. Why did Jack help Carly?  

Ava tells John that Kristina was just served with a subpoena to testify against her father. She can try to avoid Scotty’s questions, but she’s going to have to testify that she was a witness to her father’s attack on Dex. John says, that’s good news, and Ava says she predicts a spectacular meltdown in front of everyone. Everyone can see with their own eyes that Sonny isn’t a suitable parent for Avery. He says, assuming Sonny doesn’t have a meltdown before that. He provoked Sonny, and Sonny nearly assaulted him. He’s a ticking time bomb and it’s just a matter of time before he goes off.

Sonny asks why he should sit back and let Jagger come after him. That son of a bitch needs to be taught a lesson. Dante says, if he goes after Cates, he’ll give Cates what he wants. He’s smarter than that, so do the smart thing and step back. Sonny asks if he thinks Jagger will go away. He’s got a lot to prove. Dante says, his case was thrown out. Let his bosses deal with him. Maybe they’ll put him out to pasture, but not yet. If Sonny doesn’t back off, he could open himself up to federal charges.   Sonny says he’s heard this before. The law comes first. Dante’s a cop first and his son second. Why should he listen to what Dante is saying? Dante says, Sonny can only push everybody so far, even him.

Jason asks if Anna thinks Brennan intervened, and she says she does. A while back, he talked about how he enjoyed Carly visiting him. She thinks he meant it. And when she was in Washington, he commented that he wasn’t in the business of ruining good people’s lives. It’s a huge risk to break into the FBI database, which begs the question, why would Jack go to the trouble of saving Carly?

Carly says, Spinelli didn’t get rid of the evidence? and he says, not for lack of trying. He was able to gain access to the account, but couldn’t delete or corrupt the file. She says, if not him, then who? and he says, maybe someone on the inside, but she says, the only person who knows about the file is John, and he didn’t do it. Spinelli says, someone invested in her freedom. She must have a guardian angel.

Molly suggests Kristina sit down and take deep breaths. She’ll make tea and coach Kristina. They’ll prep together. Kristina asks if Molly wants to or does she feel obligated, but Molly says, of course (🍷) she wants to help Kristina. Aside from the incident at the wedding, is there any other reason Ava would want her to testify? Is there something she knows about Sonny that she’s sitting on? Kristina says, the only reason Ava called her was to get her to talk about the wedding, and Molly says she’ll make some calls. She’ll find out what else has been filed. Kristina says, what if she never has to take the stand? What if Ava changes her mind? Molly says, that would be unusual. It can happen, but it’s not going to. Ava has no reason to withdraw the subpoena. Kristina says she supposes not, and Molly goes to the kitchen. Kristina says, unless she gives Ava a reason.

Ava says she thought of something. That little ruckus between John and Sonny. Would John be willing to testify? John says, it would be his pleasure. Don’t forget Michael was there too. Ava says, Kristina and Michael both witnessed their father’s out of control behavior, and he says he just wants one person to rat on that bastard. Ava says she’ll do her best with a little help from her friend, he says, anytime, and they kiss. (Blech.)

Dante asks if Sonny is doing this again. If he’s not with Sonny, he’s against him. He’s not Jagger Cates. He’s trying to help. If Sonny wants to go after Cates, he’ll fall into his trap. Sonny’s phone rings, and Sonny says, sorry. He’s got to get this. It’s private. Dante says he doesn’t want to hear it anyway, and leaves. Sonny asks Brick, where’s Jagger?… With Ava, in the suite. Good. Take a lot of pictures.

Tomorrow, Blaze doesn’t know where she and Natalia go from here; Lois asks if Brook is willing to take on Sonny; and Sonny tells Kristina not to worry. She’s not going to have to testify.

🧴 Adding Soap To Content…

This is actually pretty funny.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nancy-lee-grahn-and-daughter-kates-hilarious-soap-star-tiktok

💰 Listing Those Millions…

Tracy was still trying to unload the house in the path of an apartment building and a flight pattern. JoshF was given a week to sell a house he thought was overpriced, the seller insisting Josh wasn’t showing it to the right clientele. Although when his assistant found a dead rat in a pool considered a selling feature and he refused to remove it, I thought, maybe it is him. JoshA checked out a property with developer Max that he thought could be listed at $120 to $150 million after being rebuilt – in its own stratosphere. We learned from JoshA, the only thing worse than not finding a property for a client is finding them a property and not being able to put a deal together.

Next time, JoshA finds JoshF a house that he says is just like JoshF- annoying and over the top.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Season 15, Episode 4 Recap: Know When To Walk Away

🎄 Needing a Fabulous Little Christmas…

The best I could find was a recap in video form, but it’s not bad. Kind of like a condensed version of the show.

https://www.accessonline.com/videos/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-whitney-glenn-thore-crash-hunter-karens-date

💸 Brooks Taught Her Nothing… Or Everything…

This isn’t exactly surprising. Vicki has always been about making the buck.

Vicki Gunvalson Sued for Financial Elder Abuse by 74-Year-Old Woman

No surprise either that Teddi jumped in.

Teddi Mellencamp Throws Shade at Vicki Gunvalson Amid Financial Elder Abuse Lawsuit

⚰️ The City That Never Dies…

The latest on Dead City’s Season 2.

https://people.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-unveils-season-2-teaser-comic-con-2024-8683308

🐉 Leak In the House…

Welcome to the internet.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-finale-leaks-tiktok-hbo-responds-8686991

🦸🏻 Pool Floaties…

Their original plan. Which would have been kinda mean.

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-almost-showed-bad-fake-movie-in-theaters-as-joke-8683653

He won’t dance. Don’t ask him.

https://people.com/ryan-reynolds-not-dancing-nsync-deadpool-wolverine-8685672

Be sure to check out Hugh Jackman’s reaction to the final battle.

https://comicbookmovie.com/deadpool/deadpool-wolverine/deadpool-and-wolverine-star-ryan-reynolds-shares-video-of-audience-reaction-to-spoiler-a212419#gs.cf621z

The box office.

https://deadline.com/2024/07/deadpool-wolverine-tuesday-box-office-record-1236027253/

🐙 Squid On the Menu…

What’s coming and when it’s ending.

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/squid-game-season-2-release-date-netflix/

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/squid-game-season-3-2025-netflix-final-season/

🐶 TikTok Fail…

Yep. They don’t care who you are. They will embarrass you every time.

https://people.com/courteney-cox-posts-hilarious-video-of-her-dog-failing-hands-in-challenge-8685113

🍦 Follow That Ice Cream Truck…

Join me tomorrow for soap and talk of oranges. Until then, stay safe, stay never diving into the shallow end, and stay knowing that there’s a time to stand up and a time to stand down. 

Jul26

July 25, 2024 – Carly Tells John To Come & Get Her, Ric’s Return, Her Experience, Sutton Stops By the OC, They’re Here, InstaNepo & Soak

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Anna goes to visit Jack at Pentenville, but the warden tells her, there’s no prisoner here by that name.

Carly tells desk clerk Rick that she doesn’t want John’s luggage cluttering up the lobby. If he doesn’t them within the hour, put them in the street.  

Diane meets Sonny at the MetroCourt, and she says she wishes she had better news. Ava has a court order for visitation. As soon as Sonny filed for custody, she filed a counter motion, which allows her visitation. He says, so Ava can see Avery anytime and they can’t stop it? and she says, that’s it.

Ava tells John, it’s not that she doesn’t want to see Sonny brought to justice, but others have tried and failed. What makes him think he’d win? He says he has what he needs, a linchpin witness, someone who knows everything. They’re refusing to testify, but they’re about to change their mind because he’s sending them as far away from Port Charles as possible.

At the bus station, an announcement comes over the loudspeaker that the bus to Alexandria leaves in a half hour. (Which is funny, since yesterday, it was 15 minutes.) Jason looks at his ticket, when Danny walks in. (Told you.)

TJ finds Molly in an empty courtroom, and she asks if they have plans that she forgot about, but he says, no. They need to talk. She asks, what’s wrong with Kristina? and he says, Kristina and the baby are fine, physically at least. Did she know Kristina and Blaze were doing an interview with Perez Hilton? She asks, when? and he says, this morning. It’s already happened. She asks what Kristina did, and he tells her, see for herself.  

Sonny asks if they can stall and get supervised visits, but Diane says she recommends against it. Her advice is to cooperate with the court, lest Sonny appear to be punishing Ava by keeping her away from her child. He says his objective is to keep Avery safe, but she says, the court takes a dim view of using a child for leverage. He asks if she doesn’t think Ava is going to use Avery. She’s going to fill Avery’s head with lies about him. She says, they have to take the high road or Ava will play the victim, and he says, Ava is playing the damsel in distress for John Cates.

Ava asks how John sending his witness away is good news, and he says, they don’t want to leave Port Charles, and he’s giving them a compelling reason to stay. With the leverage he has, odds are, the witness is going to break and give him what he needs. Just sending him away will knock Sonny off-kilter and make him more unstable. (Apparently, John is a stupid, stupid man who doesn’t do his homework.) Ava says she likes the sound of that, and he says, Sonny won’t be able to control himself and will show the court that he’s unfit as a human and a parent. She says she can’t thank him enough. Who would have thought they’d go from their first meeting to this? He says, a lot has changed, and she laughs. She says she’s remembering him bursting in, all self-righteous, barking orders, and giving her the third degree. He says, she was quite the stonewall and lied to his face. Unless she does like Texas Hold ‘Em. She says, like she told him, she plays every chance she can get, and they kiss. (My stomach literally turns over.)

Jason asks how Danny found him, and Danny says he heard the announcement about the bus departure, and thought it was his best bet. Jason says, he’s a good detective, and asks if Dante drove him. Danny says, Yuri did. He’s outside. Is Jason mad that he’s here? Jason says he’d never be mad at Danny. He’s glad to see him, but he can’t tell Danny where he’s going. Danny asks if Jason can tell him how long he’ll be gone.  

Anna asks where Brannan was transferred to, but the warden says, there’s no record of him ever being here, but she says, that’s impossible. She has the dates. She checks her phone and says, December 9th, 2023, Brennan was sent to Pentenville. That’s here. He says he knows where he is, and she says, January 30th was her first visit. On April 5th, there was an altercation, and Brennan was transferred to GH because he was injured. On May 17th, she saw him there, and on June 11th, he was transferred from GH back to here. The warden says, his apologies, but their records don’t match. She says, this is insane. What if she subpoenas the guards and the inmate who stabbed Jack? Are they going to say she’s fighting a ghost? He says, she’s free to ask, but they may or may not remember. She says she’s going out on a limb here and saying, probably not, and he says, there are no supporting documents. According to their records, the guy was never here.

Sasha gives Violet a dish of Ants on a Log, and Violet says she doesn’t eat ants. Sasha explains that it’s celery, peanut butter, and raisins, and tells her to try it. Violet takes a bite and says, delicious. Maybe she does like ants. Sasha says, it was one of her favorite after school snacks, and Violet asks if her mom made it for her. Sasha says she lived with her grandmother. She was an amazing cook who taught her a lot. Violet says she doesn’t have a grandma. Sasha says, lots of people don’t, and Violet says, or a grandpa anymore. Sasha says she’s so sorry. She must miss him. Violet says, and her dad. Why does everybody have to leave?

Drew sees Willow with Wiley at the boathouse and says he didn’t mean to sneak up on them. He went in for a quick dip before he goes to Sawyer for a town hall event. Willow says, it’s really happening, and he says he’s nervous no one will show up. She asks, what’s the topic? And he says, an increase in funding for the libraries. She says, that’s important, and Wiley says he and his friends love the library. Drew says he wants to highlight that libraries foster communities and there’s more that unites us than divides us. Michael arrives, and I feel awkwardness in the air.

Ava says, this is a celebration that calls for a real cocktail. Martini? John says he’s a scotch guy, but she says she only has vodka. She offers to call downstairs, but he says he has a bottle in his room, and leaves. Ava sips her martini and says, really? An FBI agent? At least she keeps things interesting.

Jason says he doesn’t know when he’ll be back, and Danny says he believes Jason. He doesn’t just say things to say them. Jason says he wishes he could tell Danny everything. Remember when Danny found him in the boathouse and he said he needed help, but didn’t want Danny to tell anyone? Since then, they’ve gotten closer and spent time together. He’s grateful for that, but doesn’t want Danny involved in that part of his life. Danny asks if Jason is still in trouble, and Jason says he is. He made choices before Danny was born that are still affecting his life. Danny asks if he regrets them, and Jason says, in some ways, yes, in some ways, no. He regrets that he was taken away from Danny and wishes he could stay and be the father Danny deserves, but he can’t and that’s on him. He sighs.

John’s keycard doesn’t work. He tries it a bunch of times, then stomps off.

In the MetroCourt lobby, Josslyn thanks Gio for the ride. He sees Sonny with Diane and asks if she knows the woman Uncle Sonny is with. She says, that’s his lawyer Diane Miller. He says, they look serious, and she says, under normal circumstances, she’d tell him to go say hi, and he says, but not today. Got it.

Diane says she doesn’t like the sound of that, an FBI agent on Ava’s side who’s willing to testify against Sonny. Sonny says, John would love nothing more than to tear his family apart.

Josslyn tells Carly that she’s about to head out. Is she okay? Carly says, no. Physically, she’s fine, but she got bad news and she’s having a hard time dealing with it. They’ll talk at home. Josslyn says, now please, and they sit down. Carly says, Jason has to leave again. He doesn’t want to and she’s having a hard time. She’s sad and angry, but there’s nothing she can do. She has to deal with it.

Diane says, if the agent is willing to testify, he can tip the scales in Ava’s favor, and Sonny says, they can’t let that happen. She says she has no intention of it, and he says, speak of the devil. (I don’t get how John could testify on Ava’s behalf when he’s known her all of five minutes and hasn’t seen Sonny in 30 years.)

John tells Rick that his key card stopped working, and Rick says he’ll issue John a new one. Carly tells Josslyn to stay there, and goes over to the desk. She tells Rick that she’ll take care of it and to take a break. She tells John that his key doesn’t need reprogramming. He’s no longer a guest at the hotel. Take his luggage and get the hell out.

Michael says he got their note, and Wiley says he drew the pictures. Michael says, they’re almost professional, and Willow says, Amelia is asleep in her stroller. He sees the table is set, and asks, what is this? Willow says, a surprise picnic, and he says he loves it. Wiley asks if Drew wants to stay, but Drew says he’s got to get to Sawyer. Enjoy it, but save him a cookie. Wiley says he makes no promises. Willow tells Drew good luck, and Drew leaves. Michael asks, what’s in Sawyer? and Willow says, a campaign event. He says, so it begins, and she says she feels bad for Drew. He’s worried no one will show up. Wiley drags her over to the lake to look at minnows, and Michael gets on the phone. He says he’s going to need a favor.  

Molly tells TJ, when Perez mentioned Kristina’s bump and said, congratulations, she didn’t say the baby wasn’t hers. She said, thank you, and that it was a part of her, and Blaze’s lives that they wanted to keep private. The perfect couple committed to each other and the baby. TJ says, she just claimed their child on live TV. (I must accept this show is just going to annoy the hell out of me today. In addition to John and Ava, now these two, who overreact to pretty much everything and fill in the blanks with their own fantasy scenarios.)

Danny asks if Jason can call him once in a while, but Jason says he can’t. He’s sorry. But he’ll think about Danny and do his best to get back as soon as he can. Danny says, okay, and Jason says he hates this too. Danny says, they already did this, and he doesn’t want to again, and Jason says he knows. At least they can say goodbye this time. Even though Danny won’t know where he is, Danny knows he’ll be out there. Danny says, it’s better than nothing, and Jason says, this isn’t his choice. Danny asks, whose choice is it?

John asks if Carly is kicking him out, and she says she’s evicting him. He asks if someone complained, and she says, no. He asks, on what grounds she’s evicting him, and she says she’s co-owner of the hotel. She has the right to refuse service to anyone she likes… or hates. He says he thought they were friends, but she says, not so much. Sonny asks Diane if Carly is kicking John out, and she says, she sure is. John suggests Carly call her buddy Jason. He’s sure Jason will tell her to be accommodating. She says he doesn’t speak for Jason, and he says, she’d be surprised. She says, at this moment he has zero leverage over her. Does he think he can charge her with RICO violations because she’s a big bad mob boss? Here she is. Come and get her.

Sasha says, it must be a very confusing time for Violet, and probably scary and lonely. Violet says, it doesn’t make sense. So many people live here. Sasha says, but not the one person she’s missing the most. Violet says she can’t wait to see her dad, and Sasha asks if she’s keeping track of what she’s doing so she can tell him. Violet says she’s been writing in her diary every day, and Sasha says she lived for her diary when she was Violet’s age. Violet says she can’t let him read it because there are secrets there too, and Sasha says, as it should be. Does she feel lighter after she writes? Violet says, sometimes, but sometimes she’s more sad. Sasha says, it’s normal to have ups and downs, good days and bad days, and Violet says, Brook and Chase tell her the same thing. They told her that she can talk to them about anything. Sasha says, she can, and can talk to her too. The house is filled with people who love her and want the best for her. Violet says, that makes her pretty lucky, and Sasha says, the luckiest.

Willow says, rose and thorn, and Michael explains to Wiley that it’s the worst and best part of the day. Willow says, her rose was planning and setting up the picnic with Wiley. Her thorn was stepping in goose poop on their hunt for minnows. Wiley says, his thorn was a bug bite, and his rose was coming here. What about Michael? Michael says he has no thorn today, and Wiley says, boring. Michael says, waking up to his alarm was rough. His rose is this. Being with family is the best most important thing always. He takes Willow’s hand, and they kiss. Drew walks past.  

Molly says, Kristina led the public to believe the baby is hers and Blaze’s. She didn’t come out and say it, but she didn’t say it wasn’t. It’s out there now and as public as ever. TJ says, that was the goal, right? and she says she’s sorry. It’s what he’s been afraid of. She was afraid too, but didn’t want to admit it. Now it’s actually happening. She never believed her sister could actually do this. TJ says he didn’t want to believe it either. It’s not Molly’s fault. This is on Kristina. Molly says, she wants their baby to be hers, and now the whole world thinks it is.

Jason says he can’t tell Danny who’s calling the shots, and Danny says, but if not for this person, he wouldn’t be leaving. If he knew who it was, at least he’d have someone to be mad at. Jason says he doesn’t want Danny to be mad be. He wants him to be a kid, go to school, hang out with his friends. Danny says, Jason wants him to be distracted from missing him, and Jason asks if he’s wrong. Danny says, no, but it might be impossible. Jason says he’ll miss Danny too – he puts his hand on Danny’s shoulder – more than Danny knows.

John says, Carly doesn’t want to do this, and she asks if he’s speaking for her now. She’s not a mobster, isn’t involved in criminal conspiracy, and has nothing to do with RICO violations. She’ll be happy to prove it. Diane tells Sonny that she should intervene, but he says they should see what Carly has up her sleeve. Gio asks Josslyn if everything is okay, but Josslyn says, definitely not. John tells Carly, stand down, and she says she’s been standing down. She’s been biting her tongue, but she’s done. He’s a vindictive bastard with an ax to grind. He says, tell him how she really feels. If she wants it, he’s placing her under arrest. She holds out her wrists, and he reads her rights.

Drew says he’s sorry to interrupt. He hopes he left his watch here. Otherwise, it’s lost for good. Willow finds it, and their hands touch as she hands it to him. He thanks her and she says, of course (🍷). Michael says, Willow told him about town hall, and Drew says he’s hoping people show up. Michael says he wouldn’t worry. ELQ has manufacturing plants in Sawyer. Drew says, so? and Michael says he may have talked to the plant supervisors, asked them to spread the word, and instruct everyone to bring friends. Drew says, Michael has gone above and beyond. He appreciates it. Michael says he may have brought people to fill the seats, but Drew has to win them over. Drew thanks him again and leaves. Willow says, that was kind of him, but Michael says he didn’t do it for Drew.  

Molly says she knows her sister better than anyone. She has a flair for the dramatic. She loves the idea of being a mom, but has no appreciation for how to be one. She was asked a question about expecting, and she leaned in. She can’t resist the attention. If she’s not joining a cult, she’s having a baby. It’s not a trophy or an important cause. It’s a lifelong commitment. Kristina has gone too far. (Maybe it’s the water and everyone has gone insane.)

Carly says, go ahead and make sure he puts the cuffs on tight. John handcuffs her, and Sonny says, someone’s got to stop this. Diane says, let her handle it, and Josslyn says, what the hell? Carly says, it’s fine, and Diane asks, what’s going on? John says he thought it was obvious. Carly is under arrest for running a criminal enterprise. Josslyn says, she can’t go to prison. What about Donna? Carly says, Josslyn needs to find Jason. He’s at the bus station. Don’t let him leave. Josslyn asks Gio how fast he can drive, and he says, they’ll find out. They leave, and Anna walks in. She asks, what happened? and Sonny says he should have known she was in with Jagger. She says, just the opposite, and he says, coming at him is fine, but don’t come at him through his ex-wife. Anna says she’s not on board with that, and he says, then stop it.

Jason says he knows Danny is too young to ride his bike, but the key is in his room and Carly can give it to him. Danny says, the last time, his mom took care of the bike, and Jason says, it’s going to be Danny’s someday. Does Danny think he can maintain it while he’s away? Danny says he’s on it, and Jason says, maybe mom will take him out for a ride. Wear a helmet. Danny says, like mom would let him ride without one. Jason never wears one. Is this a do as I say, not as I do thing? Jason says, always, no matter what, and Danny promises, but says he thinks he’ll wait until Jason gets back to ride. He’d rather ride with him. The loudspeaker says, the bus to Alexandria leaves in five minutes and is now boarding. Danny asks if that’s Jason, and Jason nods and sighs.

Violet thanks Sasha, who says, next time, she’ll make Fish in a Stream with hummus and goldfish crackers. Maybe Violet could help her in the kitchen some. Violet says she could be Sasha’s apprentice, and Sasha says she can teach Violet some simple snacks and maybe a few meals. They can make a recipe book and leave some blank pages for Violet to fill in when she’s older. Violet says, Sasha can be like the cool grandma and teach her everything, but Sasha asks if she can’t be the cool aunt instead. Violet says, deal

Michael says he called in a favor for Willow. He knows how much Drew’s candidacy means to her, and she says, of course (🍷) she wants Drew to be successful. He says, a happy, lit up Willow is his favorite kind of Willow, and she says she lights up for him too. She loves him so much and family means everything to her too. Wiley says, Amelia is awake, and Michael asks if it’s a happy or grumpy awake. Wiley says he thinks happy. He gave her a cookie. Michael suggests they head back to the gatehouse, and Willow says she takes it back. This is her rose, the four of them heading home together. It’s everything she cherishes under one roof.

TJ says, Molly’s not going to talk to Kristina? but Molly says she knows what will happen. Kristina will get defensive and tell them that their assumption is way off. There’s only one way to handle this, through the law. (Wonderful. Open that can of worms and see where you land.)

Diane says, the time to drop this is now before it blows up in John’s face, and she assures him it will. Anna says, Carly isn’t a mobster, and it’s ridiculous to suggest otherwise. Diane asks if John was always this smug, and Carly and Anna say, yes, in unison. He says, Carly’s jail cell awaits, and Diane says she’ll see Carly there. It won’t stick. John says, want a bet? and on their way out, he locks eyes with Sonny. He says, let’s go, and he and Carly leave.  

Jason tells Danny to take care of himself, and Danny says, if Jason does too. Jason says he will, and Danny hugs him, trying not to cry. Jason tells him that he said it before, but he’s proud of him. The way he conducts himself is going to serve him. Danny says, he did it again, and Jason says, what? Danny says, he’s acting like it’s the last time they’re going to see each other. There will be a next time. Say it. Jason says, there will be a next time, and Danny tells Jason, you don’t just say things to say them. Jason picks up his bag, and Josslyn runs in. She says he can’t go, and he asks what she’s doing here. She says, Agent Cates just arrested mom.

Tomorrow, Dante asks Anna why the PCPD cares about Brennan; Sonny says, there’s no way in hell they’re sending his little girl’s mother to prison; and Jason asks Diane if they can undercut Carly’s case.

⚖️ Daddy’s Home…

My guess is that he’s going to be Molly’s counsel regarding the surrogacy.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/rick-hearst-returns-to-general-hospital

A refresher course, or just a course if you’re new to Ric.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ric-lansing

💔 Haters Gonna Hate…

It’s disgusting that a gorgeous, talented young woman has to deal with this kind of lunacy. I don’t know if she’ll be successful in turning minds around, but not engaging is wise.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-tabyana-ali-opens-up-about-the-online-racism-she-experienced

🍊 Single Orange Female…

The best part was Sutton meeting with new Housewife Katie and Gina. Katie was on the fence about Heather, and Sutton said she wouldn’t go up against Heather. She’d hide under the table. Well, if Sutton feels that way about someone, I’d listen. In her interview, Gina also pointed out that Sutton did way better in her divorce than she did. Sutton did better in her divorce than all of them put together, and maybe even Heather if she got divorced. We should all have such generous exes.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 Episode 3 Recap: There’s No Crying in Flag Football

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-shannon-beador-calls-out-alexis-bellino-eerily-similar-relationship-with-john-janssen-8684059

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Futurepool Is Now…

No surprise, it’s already a box office smash.

https://deadline.com/2024/07/box-office-deadpool-wolverine-1236022761/

It’s always nice to have supportive friends, and it doesn’t hurt if they’re Taylor Swift either.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/taylor-swift-praises-ryan-reynolds-deadpool-wolverine-blake-lively-1235958388/

All the extra stuff.

https://www.ign.com/articles/deadpool-wolverine-every-marvel-easter-egg-cameo-reference-mcu

What to watch in preparation. The first two Deadpool films should go without saying.

https://www.thewrap.com/deadpool-3-what-to-watch-before-deadpool-and-wolverine-movies-shows/

🐕 It’s Not What They Know…

Ha-ha! Nepo pets. Claudia Schiffer’s cat carrier is everything.

https://nypost.com/2024/01/25/lifestyle/meet-the-nepo-pets-who-reached-celeb-status-thanks-to-their-famous-owners/

This never gets old.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/19657/celebrity-pets-on-instagram

🎣 Watching the Tide Roll Away…

Come and unwind from the week tomorrow with soap, what’s watchable (or not), quotable quotes, and a tune. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping the peace on social media, and stay not just saying things to say them.

Jul19

July 18, 2024 – Sonny Offers Brook a Deal, Happy Birthday, Jen Is a Deadbeat, Mystery Kiss, VanderMuddle, Yuck, DeadFlix, Driven By Fête & Candy

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Jason and Carly go to the footbridge, Jason carrying a six-pack (beer, not his abs), and Carly says she loves this place. He cracks open two beers and hands her one, and she says, now that everything is done, she feels like all of him is here with her. From now on, they’re not holding back and not keeping anything from one another. Jason says, until or unless something more important is in play. He doesn’t like lying, especially to her.

Tracy shows up at the stables and tells Cody that she saw the light on. He asks if she needs him to kill a bug or something… He’s assuming a big, giant, scary bug. She says, there’s no bug, but it’s good to know he’s available should one appear. She was wondering if he’d mind company. He says, if she doesn’t mind his company, but fair warning. Comet is asleep if she’d rather hang out with him. She says, wouldn’t anybody? and he says he’s getting used to it. She says she couldn’t sleep, and he says he was going to grab a beer. Does she want one? She says, beer me, and he says, coming right up.

Dex brings Chase some dinner at the station, and Chase asks what he’s doing today. Dex says, non-lethal weapons drills and taser practice, and Chase says, he’d be surprised how many people taser themselves. Dex is also about to go on a five second ride that consists of people hitting him with bats. It will be the longest five seconds of his life, and like his entire body is having the worst Charley horse ever. The good news is, he’ll fall down, but won’t lose consciousness. And don’t forget the rule of three: don’t go hungry, don’t get wet, and get home safe.  

Brook arrives at the penthouse and sees Natalia is there. She says she thought it would just be her and Sonny, and Sonny says he knows she has issues with Natalia. Brook says she has nothing to say about Natalia, but a lot to say about Blaze’s career. She’s assuming the reason she’s here is to make a plan to salvage it. Blaze’s career might be over because of Natalia’s idiotic words, so spare her Natalia’s childhood woes and let’s get to work.

Kristina knocks at Nina’s office door and asks if she can bug Nina for a minute. Nina says, of course (🍷). What’s up? Blaze walks in and stands next to Kristina.  

Cody asks if he heard Tracy right. Beer me? She says she heard it on a commercial and it sounded apt. He laughs and she says, experts say if you drink alone there’s a problem, and she doesn’t want to contribute to anybody’s problem. He says, since when? and she says, if somebody she cares about has a problem, she wants to fix it. If somebody she doesn’t like has a problem, she doesn’t just want to contribute to it, she wants to be the sole cause. He says, makes sense, and they clink bottles.

Chase says he owes Dante everything, and Dex asks, what’s different here from where Chase worked before? Chase says, personalities. You need to study the community and get a feel for it. But that wasn’t his biggest challenge. Dex asks, what was? and Chase says, not being able to talk about his beloved Red Sox. There are nothing but Yankees fans here. Dex says he’s a Dodgers guy, and Chase suggests he keep it to himself. That’s something you don’t come back from. He knows Dex having Sonny on his resumé isn’t easy. He has to earn respect and it may take time. There’s nothing but admiration for Dante. His integrity was never questioned. Dex wonders if it’s better to be Sonny’s son than work for him, but Chase says, it doesn’t matter. Dex is here now and needs to prove himself every day. Dex says, that’s the plan, and Chase says he just heard himself. He sounds exactly like his dad.

Carly tells Jason that since they’re putting it out there, ever since she found out about the FBI recording and that she could be arrested, it’s been weighing on her. Jason says, that’s why he didn’t tell her, and she says she hates it, but she gets it. Now that the terms of the deal have been met, they’re off the hook. The weight has been lifted and she feels freer. He says, that’s how it should be, and she says, he’s free too. What’s going on? What is she missing? He says he just spent almost three years being pressured. Now the pressure is gone, but he’s just not sure he remembers how to be free or just live his life. She says, here’s to remembering, and they clink bottles.

Brook says, her first thought was to sue the record label for breach of contract, but Scotty says, they’ll just invoke the morals clause. Sonny says, there’s nothing immoral about Kristina and Blaze loving each other, but Brook says, they’ll just change language, and it won’t end well. If they’re provoked, they’ll say Blaze breached by having a negative impact on their reputation. Sonny says, that’s why they came up with a plan, but it all depends on Brook. Brook says she’s listening, and Natalia says, they want Blaze to be able to put out her own music on her own indie label. Sonny is going to finance it. Sonny says, on one condition. That Brook run the label. Natalia says, Brook is already fighting on Blaze’s behalf. So are they going into business? Brook says, yeah… no.  

Nina says she’s glad Kristina and Blaze are here. She wants to apologize for the deplorable role The Invader played in their misery. Nothing like that should ever happen to anyone. She picks up her desk phone and says she wants someone down in her office now… She doesn’t care. Just get here. She tells Blaze and Kristina that she had no idea her new Editor-in-Chief transcribed and posted the recording. The only thing he cares about is clicks, no matter what was said or who got hurt. Kristina says she knows that’s not true about Nina, and Nina says, she can’t deny her part in it. There are no words to describe how terrible she feels, but she’s going to make it right.

Cody asks, what’s going on up at the house that got Tracy awake? and she says, the incessant humming of the air conditioning. She can feel it in her molars. Is she wrong for thinking a fan is more civilized? He says he thinks the horses would agree. Air conditioning would drive them buts, but they’ll stand in front of a fan all day. She says, not to mention the thousands of children running in and out who leave the door open. They’re cooling the outdoors. He asks, which parent is she channeling? (I’m dying laughing because I used to hear that as a kid too) and she says, her father. Her mother was too nice. If he yelled that they were cooling the outdoors, she’d think if there was one bug made more comfortable, they should do it. He says, she sounds special, and Tracy says, she was. Much to the chagrin of most people, including herself, she takes after her father. He asks how her father slept, and she says, upside down with his arms crossed across his chest in a rafter. They had their differences, but she loved him. Maybe her not sleeping well will just be how it is. He says, maybe she needs to wear herself out. She can take a ride anytime or he could put her to work. She says, thanks, but her insomnia isn’t so bad that she’s willing to start shoveling. It used to be, when her head hit the pillow, she was out. Or she would ruminate about how to get even with the people who wronged her, and within minutes, dreamland. Cody says, those were the days.

Chase says he wanted to play pro ball and was on a traveling team, but they shut him out. They’d all played together before, and he’s surprised they didn’t try to sabotage him. His dad was sympathetic, but wouldn’t let him quit. His dad said they couldn’t take something away from him that he wanted. He needed to practice hard and out hustle them, and they’d have to accept him. Once they did, then they would like him. He can hear his dad saying, you can do this. I know you can. Dex says, he sounds like a great dad. He did an amazing job at Chase’s wedding. Dex was choked up, and he could tell how much Chase’s dad loved him and Brook. Chase says, he had principles and lived them. What did Dex’s dad think about him becoming a cop?

Brook asks what kind of involvement she’d have, and Sonny says, she’ll have all the financing she needs creatively. Natalia says, within reason, but Brook says she’s not sure if they have the same definition of that. All the print and media management will be hers alone. Natalia will have no press presence or influence and will do no interviews unless she authorizes it. She’ll say where Blaze performs and how she’s presented. Natalia says she wants to talk to Blaze, and Brook says, that makes one of you. Natalia can agree or the label will never get off the ground, and when she leaves, her offer goes away.

Blaze says she appreciates Nina’s apology, but it was Ava that caused the problems. Nina says, Ava edited the conversation with the intent to cause as much harm as possible. All her reasons are self-serving and unbelievable to anyone who isn’t a sociopathic narcissist. Kristina says she’s happy Ava is away from her dad, and Nina says her too. Her hateful, spiteful editor decided to give a boost to the paper and himself and comes in second to Ava in awfulness. Adrian comes in, and she says, here’s the second runner-up now. She introduces Blaze and Kristina and says she thought he’d want to face the women whose careers and reputations he treated with such callousness. She also thinks it’s a good time to apologize and suggests he start at grovel and when he hits rock bottom, keep going.

Cody asks if Tracy thinks she can’t sleep because no one has wronged her and she can’t plot, but she says she doesn’t plot. She makes lists. He asks if plots aren’t lists gone to the dark side, and she says she never thought of it that way. She likes itemizing things that have to get done, won’t get done, are already done and need a follow-up. (Same.) It’s soothing. She makes lists of her lists. He says, it sounds stressful, but she says, a list is a gift you give yourself. Anyone can eat an elephant if it’s made into bite sized pieces. He says, she paints a disgusting picture, but maybe she’s right. He wouldn’t be able to eat an elephant if it was broken down to atoms. He wouldn’t see the elephant to begin with, even if it was charging at him. He ignores any disaster coming at him. He used to brag that he was a guy who doesn’t worry. Tracy asks when he realized that wasn’t something to brag about, and he says, recently. He pretends things aren’t happening and before he knows it, the gas fire has turned into an inferno. The elephant gets mad and rampages, and the countryside is wiped out.

Adrian says he’s truly sorry. He had no idea how big it would be. Kristina asks if they didn’t deserve their feelings and just living their lives, and he says, some – not him – believe that keeping their relationship under wraps was hypocritical. Kristina asks if they can’t live their lives in private, and he says, of course (🍷) they can. He didn’t think this would happen. She asks what he thought would happen. He yelled fire and now he’s shocked that people got trampled. Does he even believe his own apology? Nina says she thought he liked the hard-hitting questions. She’s curious about his answer too. Adrian says he hasn’t been in his position long and wanted to prove he could deliver a big scoop. He didn’t think past that, and he should have. He’s truly sorry. Kristina says she doesn’t forgive him, and Adrian says he doesn’t blame her. He’s under orders from Nina and his conscience to turn this around and they have his unqualified support. Nina says, he’s gone now. Go. He leaves, and she says she’s sorry. They came for a reason, and she put her own agenda ahead of it. What can she do for them? Blaze says, Nina actually brought it up. The reason they’re here… Kristina says, they’re planning a response and would love her help.

Natalia says she can’t be cut out completely. She’s the reason Blaze got this far. Brook says, she’s the reason Blaze has to start over, and Natalia says she made one mistake. Brook says, it was a hell of a mistake. She’s sorry. She’s not trying to punish Natalia. She was a good manager, but the maternal authority is over. No more guilt trips or coercion. The only one who didn’t see her sabotage was her.

Carly says, now that Jason is done, Cates can go back to Virginia or whatever circle of hell he’s from, and Jason gets to do what he wants. What is it? Jason says he hasn’t thought that far ahead, and Carly says she knows a great hotel where the co-owner will give him free towels all day. He says, she wants him to lounge around the pool all day? and she says, nothing would make her happier, but he says he’s not good at lounging. His boys are his priority. Jake is leaving. He got accepted to an art academy in Barcelona. Carly says, Jake is leaving just as Jason is free to spend time with him, and Jason says, he’ll miss Jake, but he’s happy for him. She says, he can visit Jake, but until then, they can go hiking and camping, and he and Danny can spend tons of time together. She wants him to promise her something. Wherever he goes and whatever he does, don’t disappear again.

Tracy asks what part of the gas fire Cody is avoiding, or is it already an inferno? Cody says, it’s not out of control, but the countryside will never be the same. She asks, what happened? and he says, remember how he told her that he found his father, but didn’t know how his father would take it? Now he knows and it’s out in the open. Tracy asks who the proud papa is, and he says, Mac Scorpio. She says, wow, and he says he wouldn’t call Mac proud. She says, he didn’t take it well? and he says he’s glad he told Mac on Independence Day since it looks like he’s going to be independent forever.

Kristina says, Nina is the most media savvy person they know, and they’d like her to coach them and give them advice. Blaze says, they need to get it right, and Kristina says, they have so much riding on it, but Brook thinks it will make a big difference. Blaze says, one mistake, and the revival of her career is gone.

Brook says, Natalia made the calls. Now let her and Blaze forge a new path that lets Blaze be seen and heard. Sonny says he trusts her, and Natalia says, Linc Brown taught her one hell of a lesson. She made a promise never to let a third-party control Blaze’s career again. It didn’t matter how great the were. The business is cutthroat and there’s only one person you can trust – yourself.

Jason tells Carly that when he first came back, it wasn’t like he was coming home. He was a military contractor in town to do a job under orders. She says, now he gets to be himself and pick up the life he had, but he says he made that mistake before. Not again. When he was gone before and came back, he couldn’t see it at the time. He couldn’t go back to his old life any more than he could go back in time. He got back together with Sam, and it wasn’t fair to her, Scout, and Danny. All he did was put them through a breakup. Sam had changed and so had he.

Chase tells Dex that his dad was an academic. He liked the law as a concept, but had zero interest in enforcing it. Dex asks how he felt about Chase becoming a cop, and Chase says, he was all for it and told Chase that he’d be a good cop. Dex says, he was right, and Chase says, his dad encouraged him to figure out what he wanted, and he was supportive and comforting, not smothering. Now that he doesn’t have his dad… Sorry. Dex says, he has nothing to be sorry for, and Chase says he knew he’d be sad, but not like this. Dex says, Chase’s father hasn’t been gone that long. Grieving takes time. Give himself some. Chase says, he had nothing but respect for his dad, and Dex says he wishes he felt that way about anyone in his family. Chase asks why he doesn’t.

Tracy says she’s sorry it didn’t go as Cody had hoped. What happens now that he ignored the gas fire and the inferno swept through the countryside and is smoldering? He says, normally, he’d pull up stakes, move on, and not look back, but he promised Maxie and Sasha that he wouldn’t. They’ve been good to him. So has she. She says, she’s not just his friend. She’s his employer and she’s going to share one of her famous lists with him. No severance, no health insurance, and no recommendation if he dares leave without giving her a 30-day notice.

Nina says she’d be happy to help, and Kristina says, Blaze has done interviews before, but not like this. They were micromanaged by her mother. Nina suggests they take some deep breaths. All they have to do is be themselves. They’re wonderful, and need to show the public, like they did Adrian, that they’re human beings. Blaze says, it’s not that simple, and Nina says, nothing is, especially family. They’re imperfect and difficult. This is a chance to show everyone that they’re doing the best they can, just like everyone else.

Natalia says she trusted her own instincts and created a media disaster. She doesn’t completely trust Brook, but she and Sonny have done more to earn her respect than anyone else in this town. It’s time she trusted her daughter, so if Allison agrees to the terms, they have a deal.

Carly says, Sam’s been hard on Jason, but he says he doesn’t blame her. He’s disappeared twice. They have a son together, and nothing has worked out the way Sam expected. That’s why it was so easy with Britt; she had no expectations. Carly says she was so jealous of Britt. She knew Jason was falling in love with her and didn’t want him to love anyone but her. (Ugh. The part of Carly that I hate.) He says, it was different, but she says she still didn’t like it. Then Britt died saving Josslyn’s life. He says he heard that, and she says, now when she thinks of Britt Westbourne, she’s forever grateful.

Dex tells Chase that he wasn’t close with his family. If his father had a dream for him, he had no intention of fulfilling it. Not having a close family, he had no one to look up to or emulate, and no one to rebel against. He wanted to get away and create a life opposite of what he had growing up. He went into the military, and it felt right, like he was finally doing what he was supposed to. Chase asks if he’s sorry he left the army, and Dex says, not anymore. Since joining the force, it feels right again. It feels like home. Chase says, he’s going to be a good cop, and they leave together.

Nina tells Blaze and Kristina, you can be a superstar, but no one has the right to treat you like an object. She won’t let them be a casualty of that kind of thinking. Their media training starts tomorrow… She sees their faces, and says, or she can offer them tea and coffee from room service, and they can start now.  

Tracy says, it never occurred to her to run, although she should have numerous times at the altar. Cody tells her that she should try it sometime. It’s freeing. She says, it’s avoiding, and he should break the habit. He doesn’t look like he’s excited about being free. Every time something calamitous happens in her life, she comes home, and as soon as she gets here, she starts complaining. It just makes her feel that family is more comfortable. He says, maybe he’ll give it a shot, and she asks if his answer is yes. He says he’ll definitely try it her way… if he ever has a family and home to come back to. She asks, what makes him think he doesn’t? and he says, on paper he has one, but Mac doesn’t want anything to do with him. Tracy looks toward the door and says, oh no. Cody says, what are you doing here?

Sonny says, it’s going to be great. While they deal with the music, he’ll make sure Ava gets what’s coming to her. Brook, Sonny, and Natalia clink glasses, but Brook looks worried.

Carly says, if Jason isn’t going back to his old life, what does his new life look like? and he says he doesn’t know. She says he could run security for her hotel, but he says he doesn’t need a job. He has the coffee business. She says, Sonny owns other half and turned his back on Jason. Jason says, because he doesn’t know what happened. Now he can tell Sonny. She asks, what if he won’t listen? and he says, there’s got to be a way to get through to Sonny. He’s in more trouble than he knows.

Tomorrow, James tells Maxie that something weird is going on; Sasha tells Cody not to overreact; and Jason tells Carly that he has to get Sonny to let him back in.

🌻 Opening Up…

She’s a trail blazer and definitely deserves to have her birthday wishes come true.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cassandra-james-opens-up-on-her-birthday

🍊 Orange You Glad They’re Back…

Gina put on her realtor hat and vouched for Jen so Jen could rent a place, but oops, bad idea. Jen skated on the rent and got evicted. Worse still, Jen couldn’t see why this was an issue for Gina. WTF? over and over.

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 Episode 2 Recap: The Ladies’ Reputations Are at Stake

A focus on dos amigas.

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-tamra-judge-says-shannon-beador-not-a-good-person-after-dui-arrest-8680557

💎 Because He Got High…

So I guess this means it’s really over? I feel badly for the kids, but this is what can happen if you get married when you’re a kid. I don’t think it had anything to do with the show. I’m not sure he even knew they were on one.

Report: Mystery Woman Caught Kissing Mauricio Umansky Revealed

🍸 VanderBoot…

Looks like Sandoval has put the final nail in the VanderCoffin. There’s no going back now.

Only a Vanderpump Rules Reboot Can Work After Tom Sandoval’s Lawsuit Against Ariana Madix

Speaking of lawsuits. Their no good very bad day.

Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney Sued Over Something About Her Sandwich Shop

🎈 VanderFringes…

All I can say is, ewwwwww!

Lala Kent Suggests Jax Taylor and Ramona Singer Hooked Up

⚰️ Coming To a Stream Near You…

Netflix will be absorbing a lot of Dead.

https://www.msn.com/en-my/tv/news/interview-with-the-vampire-the-walking-dead-spinoffs-head-to-netflix-in-branded-amc-deal/ar-BB1q6iE9

🐩 Inspired By Fame…

This might be a bit of old news, but it’s not every day you see a Chinese Crested dressed as Colman Domingo.

The Best Celebrity-Inspired Looks From the 2024 Pet Gala

👖 Traveling With My Pants…

Start your weekend tomorrow with some soap, both useless and useful knowledge, and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay coloring inside and outside the lines, and stay having principles and living them.

Jul18

July 17, 2024 – Jason Gives the FBI What It Wants, Dubai In the House, Selling LA, You’re It, Still VanderMessy, Horrible People, Are They Done Yet, Sanctuary Please & Hold ‘Em

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Sonny says, if Nina can bury the hatchet with Drew, maybe she can do the same with him. She says, absolutely not… There’s no hatchet to bury. Everything that went wrong is on her. He says, not everything, and she says, almost everything. When she finally told him the truth, it was too late. Their relationship was founded on a mirage named Mike. Mike never really existed. Sonny says, he did and he cared, and Nina says, she can’t forgive and forget because there’s nothing to forgive and she doesn’t want to forget. He says, there are a few things he can forget, and they laugh. She says she wants him to be happy and he says he wants the same for her. She says, he’s happy being a father, and if Ava and Scotty are stupid enough to approach her, she’ll tell them that she’ll testify against him, then blindside them with examples of how great a father he is. He asks if she’s trying to make him fall in love with her again, and she tells him, good luck with Ava. She hopes he gets custody for Avery’s sake.

At the pool, Josslyn finds Gio daydreaming and tells him that people are waiting for towels. He runs to assist them, while Carly brings a pina colada to Lois. Lois says, Carly and Sonny… she can pretend nothing is going on and it’s none of her business… Carly says, she could accept it’s none of her business, but it’s good to see her. She thanks Lois for bringing Gio to Port Charles, and Lois says she asks him to play one wedding and he falls in love with the entire town. Carly says, Olivia hired him, but she thinks he’s a great kid, and Lois says she wants to make sure his future is bright. Gio comes back and tells Josslyn that it won’t happen again, but she says, her mom doesn’t care. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, it’s fine, except he may have overstayed his welcome.

Valentin asks Anna to come with him. They belong together. She says, they have no time to talk. He needs to take Charlotte and disappear. He says he’s ready to go except for her. He knows she wants to. She just put her life on the line to warn him. She says, for Charlotte. She needs her father in her life. If it was just him, she’d let Cates take him. He says, she wouldn’t. She’d face charges too, but she’s here because she loves him almost as much as he loves her. She can disappear as easily as he can. Come with him and they’ll start a new life together.

John yells, open up or he’s coming in, and Jason opens the door. John asks, what took so long? and Jason says, this is where he lives. They should talk at the warehouse. John (who’s becoming more of an a-hole every time he opens his mouth, which is a shame since he’s sooo good looking) says, they’ll talk where and when he wants on whatever subject he chooses. Jason forgets he holds all the cards. Jason says, how can he when John reminds him every ten minutes? and John says, Jason will do what he says, or Carly pays the price.

Nina says, she was warned about Ava over and over again. She should have listened. Sonny says he should have taken his own advice. Why did he think he could rely on Ava and let her in? Nina says she wonders why too, but he doesn’t owe her any explanation. He says, because of Avery. He’s very protective of his children’s mothers, even Ava. She says, it’s a very Mike thing to do, and he says, Mike is a great guy. She says, Mike has great taste in women, and Sonny says, the other reason was because he was so messed up over losing her. She says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she was messed up too. She’s better now. He says he’s glad to hear it. He’ll see her later. She says, what about him? How’s he feeling? He says he’s ready for anything, and she says, such as? He says, not letting anyone take advantage of him, and she says, there he is. She wants all the best for him. He says he wants all the best for her too, and leaves.

Josslyn asks if someone said something unwelcoming, but Gio says, it’s nothing like that. Don’t look. His Aunt Lois… She says, Lois is always going on and on about how great he is, and he says, she’s always been his biggest fan, but she suggested he go back home. She says, that makes no sense. Lois brought him to Port Charles.

Anna says, Valentin wants her to leave her life and be a fugitive, but she doesn’t want to live like that. He says, but it’s okay for Charlotte, and she says, it’s not ideal, but she’ll have her father. He’s her entire family. She left Robin once and won’t again. She’s not sacrificing her time with Noah and Emma for – she tears up – any reason. So unless he’s planning on turning her in… He says he’d never do that. When the FBI comes, he’ll be long gone, but they’re going to connect the dots. She says, dots aren’t proof, and there won’t be any proof, but he says, prison is no place for a cop, especially an ex-WSB agent. Don’t throw her life away. Come with him. She kisses him and says she’s sorry. She loves him, but can’t go with him.

Natalia is waiting for Sonny at the penthouse and says she’s sorry. His housekeeper said she could wait. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says she knows he’s upset with her and has every reason to be. Her comments did nothing but cause trouble for Allison and Kristina. Sonny says he doesn’t like what she said, but Ava was the one who used it and made it national news to get back at him. She, Allison, and Kristina are collateral damage. She says, that’s why she’s here. For Allison… Blaze rather.  

Geo tells Josslyn that Lois lined up a gig for him as a session musician in Manhattan. He knows. First world problems. She says, what a monster. Maybe she just wants to get him back to New York. She was a music manager and knows what she’s talking about. Maybe she thinks it’s a nice opportunity. Gio says, that has to be it. Why else would she want him to leave?

Lois tells Carly that there’s nothing Gio can’t play. He once played a slow version of AC/DC’s Back In Black for her and had her sobbing. Carly says she heard Sonny paid for Gio’s music education, and Lois says, he did. Camilla was a cousin of the Cerullos from Italy. She was a violinist like Gio and came to America to play with the New York Philharmonic. She was there 6 months and fell in love with Francis Palmieri. He was as handsome as Gio, but was already scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan. They had a whirlwind romance and eloped. It wasn’t until after he left, she found out she was pregnant with Gio. But before she was able to tell Francis about the baby, she found out he was killed in action.

Valentin asks if there’s nothing he can say, and Anna says, don’t even try. He asks if she’s afraid he’ll convince her, but she says, no. It was just hard to say no once. What’s Charlotte’s ETA? He says, she’ll be here soon, and Anna says she has to ask. Does he have contingencies in place? Money, cash, new IDs? He says, they’ll be fine, and they both wipe tears away. She says, he was always going to be fine. He was set financially with ELQ and enjoyed the work. Charlotte was happy in school, and he built a good life. Why risk it all for Pikeman? What happened? He says, she did.

John says he needs Jason to turn over any and all information about Sonny, but Jason says, that wasn’t the deal. The deal was to get information about Pikeman, not Sonny. John says, Sonny is in the purview of the investigation because he was involved with Pikeman, and Jason says, let him make this clear. He’s not answering any questions about Sonny. John sighs (because it’s catching) and asks how Jason can be loyal when Sonny tried to kill him. When Jason came back and didn’t fall in line and assume his place in Sonny’s organization, Sonny tried to take him out. Jason asks, then why is he still here? and John says, because the guys Sonny hired aren’t as good as him. Sonny is only about Sonny. He uses people and discards them. He used Jason and discarded him. He literally destroyed Jason’s life. Jason says, Sonny didn’t destroy his life. John did. (Truth!)

Maxie goes to Nina’s office wanting to discuss the timetable for Deception’s ad campaign. She wonders if they should continue with No One Cancels Love campaign or put it behind them and move forward. Thoughts? Nina says, Sonny was just here, and they had a good conversation. He was like his old self. Maxie asks what he wanted, and Nina says, to bury the hatchet. Maxie says, in who? (ha-ha! that’s actually what I’d say) and Nina says she told him there was no hatchet to bury. It’s not like they want to fight anymore. Maxie says, not to open old wounds, but does Nina want Sonny back? and Nina says, she’ll always have feelings for Sonny and always love him, but she’s not hopelessly, desperately in love with him. She’s stronger now and she’s finally ready to move on.

Carly says, it’s so sad. Gio’s parents had such little time and Francis never got to know his son. Lois says, the family was heartbroken and rallied around Camilla. Sonny was in town and wanted to make sure Camilla was okay. She went back to playing after she had Gio, but just when they thought Gio and Camilla would finally get their happy ever after, Camilla died. Gio was ten at the time and had already started his musical education. It was expensive, so Lois reached out to Sonny. Of course (🍷) he agreed, and paid for everything, even Gio’s two years at Fordham. Then Gio got a scholarship at PCU. Carly says she gets that Sonny is generous, but she doesn’t understand why he never mentioned Gio to her.

Anna asks how long Valentin has been involved with Pikeman, and he says he’s always been aware of them, even in the planning stages, which included the head of the WSB. They wanted her on the ops team so they could look legit. Anna says she had questions, but wasn’t in a position to know, and Valentin says, they just wanted to get the ten million to form a money funnel for the weapons. He resigned as a traitor, but kept in touch with Pikeman. They liked his expertise, and he liked the money. When Anna busted Brennan, it created a vacuum. She says she knows why he couldn’t, but she wishes he’d told her, and he says he does too. She asks when he was going to that, and he says, maybe during the brief window when they were openly in love and said they trusted one another.  

Jason says he’s been risking his life. He lived in hell when the people he loved thought he was dead. John says, he could have let Carly take her chances, but Jason chose to be an informant the way Carly chose to present herself as mob leadership. The only one who never had to pay was Sonny. He destroys lives and right now, he’s using his money and power to take Avery away from her mother. The woman is terrified. Jason says, Ava Jerome? He’d think twice about believing anything that woman has to say.

Natalie says, they worked so hard on Blaze’s career, and she trashed it in an instant by saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Sonny says, it’s what she meant, and she says she’s painfully aware of the effect of her words on their daughters. Kristina made her thoughts on the subject spectacularly clear. She can see both Kristina’s mom and Sonny in her, and she had it coming. Even though she may not join a parade anytime soon, it’s clear Blaze and Kristina love each other. He says he’s happy she’s seeing clearly, but she says, too little too late. The damage is done, and she can’t say she blames them if they never speak to her again. He asks if she wants him to be a go-between, but she says, there’s not much she can do about her relationship with her daughter, but she can save her career.

Maxie asks, what happened? Nina was hellbent on getting Sonny back. Nina says she hates to say it, but Ava was right about her and Sonny. She was so desperate to hold on to their relationship, but their lives don’t fit. They never did. Maxie says, wow. Forgive her, but it’s about time Nina realized. She wanted to be wrong. It’s been known to happen. Nina says, the worst part is, Carly was right. They’re not special, and she feels like an idiot. The worst part was that she was turning herself into the perfect woman for Sonny, instead of holding onto who she is. Although a lot of people consider her the worst. Maxie says she’s not one of them.

Sonny asks if that’s why Natalia is here. She wants him to help save Blaze’s career. She says, Sonny was in the music business and owned L&B records in the 90’s, and he says he invested. The founder was an old friend, someone he was in love with. Natalia says, so for personal reasons, not unlike now for Kristina. If he invests in Blaze’s career, they’ll put the money toward releasing a new album and new material on a private label. There are so many indie labels now, it will take money to get noticed. She’d put every dime she has into it, but it’s not enough. That’s why she’s here. He says, she wants him to bankroll a brand-new record label?

Valentin looks out the window, and says, it crossed his mind to tell Anna, and she says, before or after he took over? He says, before, when they were in love and claiming to trust each other. She asks why he didn’t, and he says he didn’t want to force her into a position to arrest him. She says, yet here we are, and he says, she’s not arresting him and she’s letting him go. She says, before he does that, Cates got ahold of five years’ worth of correspondence between her and Brennan, all fabricated. Valentin says, that was him, but he was careful. So careful not to say anything that would hold up as evidence. Just red herrings to make John believe they were talking about Pikeman. Just a diversion. He’d never incriminate her. She says, he loves her, but still couldn’t resist using her.

John asks if Jason is so far gone that anyone who speaks out against Sonny is lying, but Jason says, trust him. Ava can take care of herself. John says, he sounds like Sonny. Jason got his and the hell with the rest of the world. Jason tells him, that’s not what he said at all, and John says, the Jason he knew was a good guy. Do the right thing and give him something he can use to bust Sonny so Ava can keep her kid. Jason asks, since when does the FBI concern itself with custody battles? And John says, Sonny has to be stopped before he wrecks his daughter’s life like he’s wrecked other lives. Admit Sonny tried to kill him. Jason says he has nothing on Sonny, and he looks at the clock. He gets the phone from the fire escape, and says, but he does have this. It’s Valentin’s phone and proof he’s the one running Pikeman. John asks if he’s sure it’s Valentin and not Anna, and he says, it’s Valentin. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of recordings, including the facilitation of illegal arms transports. John asks where he got it, and Jason asks if he really wants to know. John asks how long he’s had it, and Jason says, a few hours. John asks why Jason didn’t tell him sooner, and Jason says, John was so busy trying to get him to flip on Sonny, he couldn’t talk. John makes a call and says he wants all units at 2100 Belleforest Drive now.

Gio tells Josslyn that maybe he should go home and take the gig. Lois went through a lot of trouble and it would be rude to turn her down. Josslyn asks what he wants to do. The people who love them and want what’s best for them can still be wrong. He says, what if they’re the ones who are right? but she says, nobody learns from the right decisions. It’s up to them to figure out their own lives and what makes them happy.

Sonny says he doesn’t know anything about the music business, but Natalia says she does. He says, it’s risky, but she says, his investment will make a hundredfold when Blaze is touring. He says, if she’s successful, and Natalia says, she will be. She knows she can run a new label. He asks what Blaze thinks, but she says, Blaze doesn’t know yet. Even if Blaze never forgives her, she believes in Blaze’s talent and knows she’s a star. If Sonny says, no, don’t worry. She’ll accept it and no one will ever know he turned her down. He says he’s in.

Maxie says she’s proud of Nina. She wanted a relationship with Sonny, but realized there was no future in pretending she was the Nina that Sonny wanted. Nina says, she couldn’t swing it. It’s all on her. Maxie says, so much for girl power. Even though she’s sorry it happened, Nina got some wisdom. Nina says she’s not sure about that, and Maxie asks if she’s talking about the Drew situation. Nina says, they’ve gone through so many stages. From loathing to not exactly mutual respect, but they’re able to help each other now.

Valentin says he’s sorry he used her, and Anna says, he’d do it again. He says, that doesn’t mean he’s not sorry. The problem is, any good in him is because of her. She says, that’s not true. He has a good heart. She’s been here too long. As soon as Charlotte gets back, he has to take her and leave. He takes her hand and says, she can’t go with him, he knows that, but tell him that she wants to even if it’s not true. She says, if she could, she would go with him in a heartbeat. She cries a little, and he asks if she means that. She says, he’ll never know, when the door opens. Charlotte says she came as soon as she could… What’s wrong?

Natalia asks if Sonny just said yes, and he says, absolutely. They laugh, and she says she can’t thank him enough. He says, one condition. No one is to know he’s doing this. She says, okay, but she’s used to working with people who want credit, and he says he wants Brook to have credit. Brook is in charge. That’s his offer. Take it or leave it.

Nina says, being a good citizen, she’s giving it her all to make sure Drew is elected, and Maxie says, how civic minded. Nina says she does believe in Drew, and he’s helping her with Willow. Willow reached out and wanted to talk to her, mother and daughter, for the first time. Maxie says, that’s amazing. She’s happy for Nina. Nina says, there’s a chance Willow might let her be a part of her life. She can’t mess it up. If Willow is convinced Drew needs to be elected, she’ll support him for her.

Jason goes to the pool and asks if Gio is the one who played the violin at Brook’s wedding. Gio says he did, and he’s Jason Morgan. Is he looking for Miss Spencer? She was just here. Can he get Jason something while he looks for her? Jason asks how Gio would know, and Gio says, Josslyn said to treat him like a VIP, but Jason says, only Joss and her mom do that. He enjoyed Gio’s playing. Gio thanks him and says he’ll find Carly, but Jason says, it’s okay. He sees her right now. It was nice to meet him. Jason goes over to Carly, who asks, what brings him here? He says, it’s done, and she says, what? He says he gave the FBI what they wanted. If Cates keeps his word, they’re freed.

John shows up at Valentin’s house with some men. They draw their guns, and he says, 3… 2… 1… mark! They bust in, and John yells, FBI! Down on the ground! One of the men says, the bedrooms are clear, and John says, fan out and search. (I say, wah-wah.)

Outside in her car, Anna smiles.

This kinda, sorta brought tears to my eyes. I rarely invest in the couples, since most of the time there’s zero chemistry, but I love Anna and Valentin together.

Tomorrow, Blaze says, any hope of reviving her music career is gone; Carly asks Jason to promise her something; and Sonny tells Brook that his and Natalia’s plan depends on her.

🐪 There’s a Camel In My Soup…

What happened in Dubai. It was pointed out in an interview that you could get arrested for arguing in public, but it didn’t stop Taleen.

Real Housewives of Dubai Season 2, Episode 7 Recap: Beggars and Badass B*tches

https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-real-housewives-of-dubai-episode-7-recap-everything-you-missed-1328945

As NeNe once said, stay out of women’s business. At least when you’re the husband of one of the Housewives.

Taleen Marie Defends Husband After RHODubai Drama: ‘He Walked Away’

💰 Spiraling LA…

Tracy says, the market is sh*t, and JoshA says, in this market, you don’t sleep. Closets to die for, bigger than my first apartment. JoshF dressed as a shark. Read on for this week’s Listings.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Season 15, Episode 2 Recap: Hate To Say I Told You So

🍊 Tag This Line…

Tamra works being rude like it’s a second job.

RHOC Season 18 Taglines Revealed: Stormy Weather, Terrible Form and a Middle Finger

🍸 VanderWTF…

What is wrong with this guy? The average sociopath has better social skills.

How Tom Sandoval Ruined Any Chance of Redemption After Suing Ariana Madix

To make it even creepier.

Tom Sandoval’s Attorney for Ariana Madix Lawsuit Is Rachel Leviss’ Lawyer’s Brother

Not surprising that he backpedaled. Dude. Cut Sandoval loose already.

Tom Schwartz Deletes Tom Sandoval Birthday Post After Ariana Madix Lawsuit

👿 The Internet Is Evil…

This is exactly what I hate about the internet. I can’t fathom what’s in people’s heads to justify this sort of behavior. I don’t care if she’s the freaking Elephant Man. There’s just no reason for it. The only conclusion I can come to is that they hate themselves and are taking it out on someone who is making the most of what they have and doing well with it.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1404738/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-star-whitney-way-thore-reveals-the-cruel-insults-that-led-to-panic-attacks

💒 Cringing In Plathville…

This was just so uncomfortable. As usual, he whined and she was stone cold, her big blue eyes filled with tears.

Welcome to Plathville’s Season 6 Trailer Teases Ethan and Olivia Plath Reunion Following Split

Seriously, I was shifting around in my chair.

https://people.com/welcome-to-plathville-recap-ethan-plath-pleads-with-olivia-to-make-it-work-8679099

🦍 Furred and Feathered Fringes Of Fame…

All I can think of when I see things like this is the woman who got her face ripped off by the pet chimp. By no means does this make the chimp bad. He’s just being the animal he is and proving he is not a pet, but belongs in the wild or a sanctuary. Tiger King was eye-opening, as well as trainwreck entertaining, so I’ll be watching this for sure.

https://people.com/tonia-haddix-subject-of-tiger-king-director-new-series-chimp-crazy-8678996

An interesting tributary.

https://people.com/pets/alan-cumming-missing-chimpanzee-costar-found-moved-to-rescue/

🦜 Hottest new couple.

https://people.com/zoo-tries-to-save-endangered-macaw-species-with-love-match-8679024

🤷🏽‍♀️ Summer Of Ambiguity…

Stop in tomorrow for soap and less than nine oranges in a bowl. Until then, stay safe, stay steering away from political discussion at get togethers of all kinds (my neighbor recently had a near fistfight at a family party), and stay knowing that the people who love you and want what’s best for you can still be wrong. Even if they’re right, nobody learns from the right decisions.