Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

September 20, 2024 – Sidwell Extends an Invite, First Day, OC Tea, Iconically Salty, Big Apples, Expanding His Territory, Oh No They Didn’t, An Octuplet Of Quotes & Fair

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At The Savoy, Curtis says he’s glad they did this tonight, and Portia says, her too. She really needed it. N’neka brings their drinks and says, this is what she likes to see. Two beautiful people in love, and her favorite boss back where he belongs. Curtis say he appreciates it, but don’t get used to it, and N’neka says she’d hoped seeing him was a sign he’d be around more. He says, unfortunately, no. He does miss this place and he misses them all, but Aurora’s keeping him crazy busy. Portia says, maybe, but it is a Quartermaine business. They could be at each other’s throats any minute now. Drew walks in with Nina, and Portia says, unless Nina gets to Drew first.

In the nook, Michael says, let him deal with it, and Ned says, he told Michael, let him handle it. Willow says, maybe they should table the ELQ business for now, and Lois says, and discuss matters closer to home, like the fact the boathouse is still a crime scene. Michael says he’s concerned about that too, but right now, they need to get this situation squared away. Ned says he has it covered, and Michael says, nobody’s seen ELQ’s majority shareholder and it’s been weeks since he disappeared. Ned says he has their best people working on tracking him down, and Michael says, and yet, the FBI says his trail has gone cold and Ned is saying he can find him. Ned says he can, and Michael says, they can’t count on Valentin being caught. They need to lock ELQ down so Valentin can’t offload his shares to fund his new life. Ned says he doesn’t need Michael’s constant reminders about not locking down ELQ, and Michael says, maybe if Ned had sided with him and Drew instead of collaborating with Valentin, they wouldn’t be in this mess. Ned says, yes, and maybe if Michael hadn’t invited Sonny over to the house, John Cates might still be alive.

Looking very broken and beaten up, Lucky is thrown into a cell by two guards. One says, maybe that will teach him to keep his mouth shut. At least they’ll have peace and quiet until he wakes up. The other guard says, if he wakes up.

Holly says, Anna seems to have her hands on a phone that doesn’t belong to her, and Anna says, stay out of this, but Holly says she’s afraid she can’t do that. Anna is a thief, and she’s caught her red-handed. What choice does she have but to sound the alarm?

At the table, Sidwell throws down his cards and says, a straight flush. So what has Jason got? Don’t keep him in suspense. Jason folds, and Sidwell says, you fold, you lose. He’s going to collect his winnings and his woman and call it a night. Jason says, not yet. Their night isn’t over.

Portia says she loves Nina’s dress, and Nina thanks her and says she loves Portia’s dress too. 🥱 Drew says, Curtis looks okay, and Curtis says, just okay? He did his hair and everything. Portia says, they both look amazing, and Curtis says, before he forgets, he has a call for Monday. Their negotiators are closing the Tokyo deal, and he wants to run some things by Drew. Drew says he’ll make sure to be there. They’re going to get a table. Curtis tells them to enjoy their evening, and Nina and Drew go to sit down. Portia says, those two seem awfully close. She wonders what’s going on between them. Curtis says, who knows? and she says she guesses she’ll find out eventually. That stuff with the Tokyo deal sounds pretty positive. He says, she’s not disappointed, is she? and she says she wants him to succeed. She doesn’t begrudge him his success. He says, but she might wish he found it someplace else, and she says, it’s not that. It’s just that she has heard some stories at the hospital. Individually, the Quartermaines are lovely people, but as a group… He says, their family battles are legendary, but he’s noticed it’s usually confined to ELQ business. Drew and Michael get along great at Aurora. She says, still. Please have his exit plan in place. Just in case. He laughs and says, there’s no reason to leave Aurora. He has some plans for their family and it’s going to pay for it all. So stop worrying. Things are only going up from here.

Nina says, someone is in a good mood, and Drew says, why wouldn’t he be? The election’s coming up and he’s ahead in the polls. She says, don’t get cocky. He’s up by 7% with a 4% margin of error. This election is by no means a done deal. He needs to direct his full attention to the final push for votes. He says he will, but he really doesn’t want to talk about politics tonight, and she says, great. Then they’ll talk about business instead. He says, there are a lot of other things to talk about, and she says, it’s impossible for him to take that Monday call and do his debate prep at the same time. He can’t do everything. She thinks it’s time for him to turn over the reins at Aurora.

Lois says, everyone, time out. Take a few deep breaths. Willow says she thinks that’s a good idea, but Michael says, no. He thinks if Ned has evidence that his father wasn’t where he said he was when Cates got shot, he should turn that over to the police. Lois says, and if not, zip it, and Michael says, they need to focus on ELQ. They’re in a position to remove Valentin from the company and from their lives entirely. Ned says he’s instructed their ELQ lawyers to get in touch with the SEC and they’re moving to stop Valentin from making any ELQ stock transactions. Does that suffice? Michael says, all he wants is to keep ELQ growing long enough to provide for their families, and Lois says she thinks everyone can get behind that. Ned says, great. Then stay out of his way and let him do what he does best. Michael asks if that’s betraying their family, and Willow says she knows they planned to stay in tonight, but she could really use a night out. What does he say? Michael says, yeah. He’d love to take his beautiful wife out on the town. She says, great. Let’s go get ready. He says he’s right behind her, and she leaves. Michael follows, and Lois gives Ned a thumbs up and says, way to clear a room.

Sidwell says he’s had enough gambling for one night, and Jason asks if it really counts as gambling if he cheats. Sidwell says he doesn’t cheat, and Jason says he doesn’t lie. He grabs the wrist of the woman next to him, and she says, let go of me. He pulls an ace out of her sleeve, holds it up, and says, it’s a lot easier to win if you have help. Sidwell signals the guards to take the woman away, and says he doesn’t know that woman, much less be in cahoots with her. Jason says he’d like to believe that and he’s sure everyone else in the club would too. How can they be sure? Sidwell sits back down and says, deal. Jason says, he’ll take another 50,000, and a fresh deck.

Anna says, Holly doesn’t know what she’s doing, and Holly says she’s interrupting a crime. Anna say she thinks she’s doing exactly the same thing. Is Sidwell aware of Holly’s… what should they call it? Her colorful history? Maybe he would really appreciate an old friend’s perspective on her. Holly says, let’s not be hasty. Sidwell has more than enough to go around and she’s more than willing to share. She asks for Anna’s discretion, and Anna says, Holly can keep his money. She just needs help replacing his phone before he realizes she’s taken it. Holly says she wants no part in whatever WSB shenanigans Anna and Jason are cooking up right now, but Anna says, this isn’t for the WSB. This is for Luke.

Lucky groans and tries to get up, but he can’t. A woman smooths his hair back, and we see it’s Elizabeth.

Anna tells Holly, Lulu’s in trouble. She needs a transplant in order to survive and she doesn’t qualify for the national registry. Sidwell’s guard listens from outside the door, and Anna says, their best hope is to get a donation, and Lucky is their best chance. So she and Jason have come here to find him and bring him home. That’s assuming he’s still in one piece. Holly says, he was yesterday, and Anna says, she saw him? She saw him and didn’t do anything to help him? Holly says she didn’t have the opportunity, and Anna says, of course (🍷). She’s still lining up her latest score. Holly says, Sidwell surrounds himself with a small army, and he has redundancies in place of security apparatus. Anna says she’s trying to circumvent his security by getting the information off his phone, but Holly says, it won’t do her any good. He changes the passcode every day. It doesn’t matter how good she and Jason are. The chances of them getting in and out undetected are nil. Anna says, it’s going to have to be an inside job then.

Sidwell places a bet and Jason says, call, putting in more chips. Sidwell turns over his cards, then Jason turns over his. Sidwell sighs and says, damn it. Jason looks over at the bar and sees Holly.

Drew asks if he can borrow Curtis for a minute, and Portia says, go. Just don’t be too long. He says he’ll be back before Portia finishes her drink, and leaves with Drew. Nina says, Portia is a good sport. Talking business isn’t exactly how she wanted to spend her night either. Portia says she didn’t expect Nina to spend her night here with Drew, and Nina says she thinks it’s good for Drew to be seen out and about before the election, and she’s happy to help his campaign. Portia says she just doesn’t remember Nina being interested in politics before, and Nina says, she wasn’t… until Drew.

Drew thanks Curtis for getting Aurora Wellness up and running. He’s doing an amazing job. Curtis says he can’t take all the credit. He has a terrific team and great leadership from the top. Drew says, that’s what he wants to talk to Curtis about, and Curtis asks if he should be worried. Drew says, no. He’s just saying his campaign requires his full attention. So does Aurora, and neither can reach their full potential if his focus is split. Curtis says he knows Drew isn’t stepping away from the campaign trail, and Drew says he’s stepping away from Aurora effective immediately and leaving Curtis as acting CEO.

Ned tells Lois, Michael has the worst qualities of all of his parents. AJ’s self-importance, Carly’s bad faith, and Sonny’s hypocrisy. Lois says she wishes there was a way for Ned to get along with Michael. She wishes he was able to put his problems with Sonny behind him. He says, that’s not going to happen, and she says she’d be happy to sit down with him and Sonny and hash it out. He asks why she’d want to put herself in the middle of all this, and she says, the last thing she has time for is to be a peacemaker, but if it would help… He says, it won’t, and no one’s asking her to. She says, being part of a family is not waiting for an invitation. He and Michael and Sonny are a family. He says, that’s a bit of a stretch, and she says, Sonny is Michael’s father. They’re always going to be a part of Ned’s life. Why does he want to hold onto this hatred for Sonny? How does he benefit? He says he’s never going to change how he feels about Sonny Corinthos, and she says, he spent all last summer thinking he was Eddie Maine. He pushed everyone away except for one person – Sonny. He says, that was Eddie. Obviously, he was delusional. She says, it didn’t matter to Sonny. Sonny still looked out for him. Isn’t that something that family does for each other? Gio stands at the door, and Ned asks why it’s so important to Lois that he get along with Sonny. How does she benefit?

Portia says, so the man Nina sent to prison for insider trading enticed her to work on his campaign, and that kickstarted her interest in politics. Nina says, she and Drew both had to make amends for their past, but she thinks her opinion of him started to change when she saw how much Congressman McConkey respected him. It was the congressman who suggested Drew run for office. Portia says she was sorry to hear about Mr. McConkey. He was a good man. Nina says, a very rare, good man, and when she saw how much he liked Drew, she started to wonder if her combative relationship with Drew blinded her about all the good he could do. He saved the life of someone she loves more than anyone else in the world. Her daughter.

Michael and Willow come into the club, and N’neka says, it’s nice to see them both. She has a great table for them, unless they’d rather sit with their family. Willow looks over to see Drew talking to Curtis.

Drew says he knows it’s a lot to ask, and Curtis says he’s shocked. Being acting CEO wasn’t even on his radar. Drew says, Curtis is his righthand man and he knows he’s been clear about how happy he is with the work Curtis has been doing. So is he in? Curtis says, hell yeah, he’s in. He thanks Drew for believing in him and says he won’t let Drew down. Drew says, it never crossed his mind, and Curtis says, one question. How come he didn’t ask Michael to be acting CEO? He’s run Aurora. Drew says, Michael will be available if Curtis needs his help, but the better part of Michael’s attention is required elsewhere.

Lucky says he must be worse off than he thought, and Elizabeth says, contusions, bruising, and lacerations. They all need stitches. Probably internal injuries and a concussion. He says he thinks the concussion’s pretty obvious since he’s talking to someone who’s not here, and she says, let’s get you upright. He moans as she helps him sit up, and she asks, what happened? He says, she’s going to have to be a lot more specific, and she says, helping people is all well and good, but he’s right. This is as far as he can go. He’s run right up to the edge of his very own grave. Now what?

Jason says, luck must be on his side tonight, and Sidwell bangs his hands on the table. He gets up and goes to the bar, and Holly says, don’t worry. He’ll win it back. Anna goes to the table, slipping Sidwell’s phone back into his jacket pocket. Jason says, it took her long enough, and she says she knew he could handle it. He says he’d like to cash out please, but she says, so soon? Quietly, she tells him, change of plans. Keep winning. She has it on good authority that Sidwell really enjoys the competition, so if he plays his cards correctly, they’re going to get an invite to his camp. He says he can’t guarantee he’s going to keep winning, and she asks if he learned anything from his card shark ex. If he runs into a problem, just think, what would Sam do?

Gio says he’ll just grab this and get out of here, but Lois says, he doesn’t have to go, and tells Ned, if a truce between him and Sonny brings nothing more than a little peace and quiet, it would be worth it. Ned says he might actually believe that if he could trust a word she says, and she says she’s the most trustworthy person in this house. Gio says, she’s not wrong, and Ned says, she was, then she ditched her accent. She threw away something that made her unique like it was nothing. She says, words, consonants, vowels, and in her Brooklyn accent, she says, who cares? Ned says he does, because it’s her. He’s known her for years, and he loves her accent. This other person she sounds like, he doesn’t even know who she is. So does she blame him for wondering if he can trust a word that this new her says? Gio says, a little harsh, and Ned says, the truth often is, and leaves.

Sidwell tells Holly that he’s lost enough already, and he wants to be alone with her. She says she’s never known him to walk away from a table with so little to show for it, and he says he prefers to leave with something rather than leave with nothing. She says, that’s not very sporting of him. Does he really want to leave empty handed? Go back to their guest and tell him that he encountered another player as good as him and turned tail and ran?

Jason says, it’s risky, and Anna says she knows, but she thinks it’s better than breaking into Sidwell’s camp uninvited. Sidwell comes back and says, Jason has had quite a run lately. Congratulations. He puts on his jacket and says, it’s getting late. He’s done. Anna says, perhaps he can point them in the direction of the high rollers table then, and Holly says, this is the high rollers table. Anna says, oh, this is, and Sidwell sits down again. He says, maybe he has one more hand in him, and Anna and Holly exchange glances. The dealer gives out the cards and says, place your bets. Jason puts a bunch of chips into the pot, and Holly whispers to Sidwell that maybe he could draw on his credit… unless he’s reached his limit. Does he have any cash? He says he can do better than that, and takes a jewelry box out of his pocket. He opens it, displaying a diamond bracelet, and puts it on the table. Anna says, that’s beautiful, and asks Jason if he can win it for her. Jason says, done.

Portia says, Nina was just telling her about her political awakening. She said Willow had a lot to do with that. Willow says she doubts she had anything to do with it, but Michael says, she’s being too modest. Not only did she encourage Nina to get involved in the campaign, she’s Drew’s biggest cheerleader and she got the entire family together to support him. And they know how rare unity is for the Quartermaines. Portia says, here’s to hoping for unity… and victory, and Nina says, from her lips. Portia says she’s going to find her husband. Enjoy their night. Portia leaves, and Willow says, so Nina and Drew are here together. Nina says, Drew asked her to accompany him in public in the final stretch of his campaign, and Willow says, and she doesn’t mind? Nina says, no. It’s a small favor she can do for him, especially if it means helping him get to DC. Willow says, right, and looks over at Curtis and Drew. She says she needs to freshen up and asks them to excuse her.

In the hallway, Willow asks N’neka to do her a favor. She’s not feeling so well. N’neka asks if she can get Willow something, and Willow thanks her, but says she thinks she’s just going to get a car and go home. Would N’neka let her husband know she left? N’neka says, of course (🍷), and creeper Drew says, N’neka doesn’t have to worry about that. He can tell him. (Because even though he’s only about 50 feet away, Willow can’t do it. Didn’t N’Neka think this was in the least bit weird? Like, her ride is right there.)

Lucky says he needs Elizabeth to know… and she says, save his strength, but he says he needs her to know, being away from her was the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. She says, that’s interesting, because he never looked back. He struggles to speak and says he thinks about her every day, and their family all the time. She says, Aiden is great by the way, and he thanks her for taking such good care of their son. She says, he misses Lucky, and Lucky says, really? He misses Aiden too… constantly. He winces in pain and says he couldn’t be the father Aiden deserves. That’s why he had to leave. She asks if he would do it again, and he says he doesn’t know, but he did do it. He has to live with that, and helping people here was the only way he knew to atone for everything. She says, great story, but she’s not buying it. She thinks the truth is, he’s too much of a coward to face his family as anything but a hero. Easier to dodge bullets in the desert than own up to being flawed. He says he messed up, but he’s flawed, and she says, he could have come to her. She would have helped him. He says, she wouldn’t if she’d known who he really was, but she says she would have helped him anyway. He says, of course (🍷) she would have, because she’s so much better than he is. He was torn. To see the disappointment in her eyes, he couldn’t live with that. He couldn’t take it. Not from her. She says, so he just decided for all of them. No one else gets a say. He says he’s sorry, and she says, if he’s so sorry, then come home. Not as a hero, but as a man who messed up and has the guts to admit it. He asks if she thinks he can, and she caresses his face. She says, you tell me. Are you brave enough to come back to your family?

Standing to the side, Holly says, so Anna and Jason, huh? Alan would be rolling in his grave. Anna shushes her, and Holly says, does Robert know? Robin? Anna says, oh, shut up. She looks at the table and says, that’s going to look good on her wrist.

Anna goes over to Jason, and Sidwell leaves the table. Anna says, remind her to send a thank you note to Sam, and Jason says, making Sidwell angry isn’t getting them any closer to Lucky. She says, just wait for it.

Holly says, Sidwell promised her those diamonds, and he says, there will be plenty of others. She says, not like those. Get her bracelet back. He says he has nothing more to play with, and she says, he has plenty of diamonds back at the compound. If he wants to get back in her good graces, invite them to the camp and win her bracelet back. She walks away, and the guard comes up to Sidwell. He says, a word? and Sidwell says, get lost. The guard says, Sidwell will want to hear what he has to say. It’s about his competitor’s girlfriend and a conversation she had with his. (Rut-roh.)

Nina asks how Michael and the kids are adjusting to Willow being back at the hospital, and he says, it’s taking a little time. Her schedule is kind of up in the air right now. She says she’s sure it will calm down once it becomes routine. Although that might change if Drew wins the election. He asks, why? and she says, because he’s going to have to hand Aurora off permanently. He asks what that has to do with him and Willow, and she says she already told Drew that he’s going to have to step aside and name an acting CEO until the election is over and he seems like the natural choice.

Willow says, Nina told her that Drew asked her to accompany him for the final push on the campaign trail, and he says he did. She says she’s glad Nina could help, and he asks if she’s okay. He saw her notice him and kind of bolt out. She says she convinced Michael to go out tonight to get away from their… troubles. She doesn’t want to cause any trouble so she’s going to leave. He says, wait. They can’t take turns leaving every time they run into each other. People are going to start to notice and it’s going to draw attention to a problem that doesn’t exist. She asks how he can say that, and he says, because nothing is going on between them and nothing ever will. Nothing at all.

Gio asks if Lois is okay, and Lois says she stopped letting Ned get to her a long time ago. He says, as far as he’s concerned, no matter what anyone says about her accent, she’ll always be the same person who took him to his first punk show. She laughs, and he says, but he kind of misses her sounding like the Aunt Lois he grew up with. She says, he’s got her. Always have, always will. He says, she doesn’t mind? and she says, is he kidding? It’s a relief. And she’s so glad that he remembered the first show she took him to. He says he loved it, and she says, everybody remembers their first down and dirty punk rock show. Sonny took her to hers. (Somehow, I can’t quite envision that. I see Sonny as listening to Italian opera or classic rock from the 50s.) He says, that doesn’t surprise him. They both have great taste in music. Somehow (he stole my word), he can’t see Ned going to see a punk rock show. She says, Ned is a good guy. He’s just stressed. He says, that does not make it okay the way he talked to her, and she says, he’s right. No one should take their issues out on anyone. Remember that. He says, what’s his problem with Uncle Sonny anyway? and she says, there is a lot of bad history there. It’s too much to get into. He says, it seems like everyone has bad history when it comes to Sonny. Sonny has always been so nice to him, it’s hard to believe. She says, believe it.

Michael asks if Drew has seen Willow, and he says he just bumped into her a few minutes ago. Sorry to leave him stranded with Nina. Michael says, no. They had a pretty interesting conversation. She said that Drew was stepping back from Aurora. Drew says he is. Michael was next on his list to tell. Michael says, that’s okay. He’s ready to step up if Drew needs him. Drew says he appreciates that, but he just talked to Curtis and he’s going to step up as acting CEO.

Curtis and Portia clink glasses, and she says she’s so proud of him. He says he’s pretty surprised, and she says she was worried that he was spending too much time at Aurora, but she was wrong. He’s more than proved himself, and now he’s being rewarded for it. He says, if Drew wins this election, chances are the CEO job could be his permanently.

Michael says, Curtis doesn’t have much C-suite experience, and Drew says, Aurora is in a really good place right now. This is just until the election is over. He thought Michael would agree with him that his focus is better spent on the situation at ELQ. Michael says, Drew is probably right. He got into it with Ned earlier about Valentin. Drew says, he wants to act quickly on this and get ELQ back under family control, his and Michael’s. Michael says, and Aurora? and Drew says, let’s just wait and see how the election plays out. (Like Michael needs another job. What’s wrong with him and why does everyone want one more thankless position?)

Willow comes back in the club, probably confusing the hell out of N’neka, and Nina asks if she’s okay. It’s Drew. Willow says, no. She looks over at Drew and says, it’s nothing at all.

Lois says, Gio is going to hear a lot of rumors about Sonny, and he says he’s heard a lot already. She says, a lot of those rumors are rooted in fact. Not all of them, but enough. He says, it’s just hard for him to put the Uncle Sonny that he knows square in his head with the Uncle Sonny people hate, and she says, that’s because, like everyone, you can’t be reduced to just one thing. For every one of the bad things Gio is going to hear about him, there are qualities about Sonny that are admirable. Sonny is the most loyal friend he will ever have. He’s also the most reliable and the most generous. Gio needs to remember that when he starts hearing all the bad stuff. He says he hopes she doesn’t mind him saying it, but he’s heard some bad things about Ned too. She laughs and says, Ned will deny it until he’s blue in the face, but he and Sonny share a lot of the same qualities. Those two are more alike than either one of them are wiling to admit.

Sidwell says he’s impressed. Jason is the second-best player he’s ever had the pleasure of losing to. Jason asks, who’s the first? and Sidwell says, a guest in his camp. Anna says, he has a camp? and Holly says, it’s a lovely spot just a short flight away. Please come and join them. Anna says, no. They couldn’t possibly impose. Sidwell says, nonsense. Please. They never get the chance to socialize. Holly says, they’ve got plenty of room. It’s a tad rustic, but very charming and they have all the necessary comforts. Sidwell says, and cards. Please come. It will give him a chance to repay them for such an entertaining evening. Holly says, and maybe Jason will give Jenz a chance to win back everything he lost, and Anna says, how can they possibly turn down such a lovely offer?

Alone again, Lucky struggles to get up. He takes a knife out of his pocket, and crawls over to the cell door. He pulls himself up and starts to pick the lock with the knife.

Sidwell says his driver will be waiting for them outside. He’ll take them to town, and they can grab their things. They’ll be right behind them. Anna says, great. They’ll see them later then. She and Jason leave, and Holly says she’s glad they’re coming back to the camp. She’s sure he’ll find a way to win back the diamonds he promised her. Jason’s luck can’t hold on forever. Sidwell says, it wasn’t luck, and she asks what he means. He says, there’s more to those two than they’re letting on. But don’t worry. Win or lose, she’ll get her bracelet back. And Jason and Anna will get what they deserve for lying to him. Holly looks worried, as we all would be.

On Monday, Brook says, if Gio repeats that, she’ll deny it and she will hurt him; Molly says, maybe the universe is trying to tell her something; Portia asks why Terry didn’t tell her Brad was back; and Jack tells Carly, things and people aren’t always what they seem.

🧴 Getting His Soap Legs…

It’s funny how he’s hooked on the show now.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/carlo-rota-opens-up-about-learning-to-love-daytime-on-gh

🍊 All That OC Jazz…

When did she become Switzerland?

Ugh. Jim  looks like that weird uncle who you don’t want to dance with at a wedding.

In related news. Also be sure to check out the video of Alexis’s Sorry-not-Sorry apology tour.

Does she tune up her photos much?

🧂 Just For the Salt Of It…

At least one meme included in every show!

🗽 Making It Here…

The new season premieres October 1st.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city-season-15-photos-spoilers

Love her hair. Her life ain’t bad neither. I heard her speak at a business seminar and she was great. Definitely one of the best speakers.

https://pagesix.com/2024/09/19/style/spend-a-day-with-new-rhony-star-rebecca-minkoff-during-nyfw/

🌏 Riding Wasn’t Enough…

This sounds like fun, but I’m geographically challenged, so I’d probably be the first one out.

https://people.com/jeffrey-dean-morgan-announced-as-host-of-new-travel-competition-series-destination-x-8715507

🐼 When Is a Panda Not a Panda…

Craig Conover is going to have a field day with this one.

https://people.com/zoo-china-reveals-its-pandas-are-painted-dogs-8716240

You can see the panda pups here, but yeah, no. They’re definitely cute, but they look more like dogs than anything else.

https://people.com/chinese-zoo-dyes-chow-chow-dogs-to-look-like-pandas-8646638

🦞 Quotes of the Week

I actually want to cry, but I can’t cry on TV. – Jamal Lake, contestant on Halloween Baking Championship, when his dessert was deemed a dud

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. – Joshua L. Liebman (Some of us mature faster than others.)

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself. – Harvey Fierstein

If you are clear where you are going and you take several steps in that direction every day, you eventually have to get there. If I head north out of Santa Barbara and take five steps a day, eventually I have to end up in San Francisco. So decide what you want, write it down, review it constantly, and each day do something that moves you toward those goals. – Jack Canfield

Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone. – Lady Bracknell, The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.Mae West

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

If you’d have a drink, I’d make a lot more sense. – Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), Boardwalk Empire

🤹‍♀️ A Mosaic Of the Seasons…

Enjoy your weekend of choice, be it in the great outdoors or the adequate indoors. Then meet me here on Monday for soap and a proposal on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not putting your summer clothes in storage yet, and stay never taking out your issues on anyone.

September 18, 2024 – Ric Gives Heather Bad News, Return From Nowhere, Salt This, A Saint, Not Allowed, Surprised, VanderFilming, Two To Watch, Runaway Capybara & Night

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Judge Otis says he’s made his decision. The defendant is to be held without bail and remanded to Pentenville to await trial. Alexis says, given the nature of the charges, it’s not unusual to deny bail, but there are other options for incarceration. Noah says, it’s not her first time in Pentenville, but she says she was transferred from Pentenville to a minimum-security facility. Noah says, the charge is the murder of an FBI agent, and it’s the only appropriate course of action. The US government asks that the judge stand by his decision. Alexis says, it’s cruel and extreme, and the judge says they can address the charges at trial, but his decision stands. Kirstina jumps up and says, he can’t do this.

On the phone, Sonny tells Brick that he doesn’t care. Just get him here. There’s a knock at the door, and Natalia asks if it’s a bad time. He says, it’s been a day, and she comes in carrying a bottle of champagne. She says she thought they should take a moment to celebrate.

At the hospital, Portia asks Elizabeth, why do they want to be in charge again? and Elizabeth says, she seems to be in a good mood. Portia says she’s having dinner with Trina after work, and Elizabeth tells her to give Trina a hug and enjoy their time together.  

Ric visits Heather, and she asks how her handsome attorney is today. He asks how it’s going, and she says, the sandwich sitch isn’t great, but it won’t be much longer, right? He says, sorry, but she’s never getting out of here.

Heather asks, why? and Ric says he received the results of her blood test and there need to be significant differences before and after surgery. According to the results, the difference is negligible. Heather asks how that’s possible. It’s not like she’s sucking cobalt lollipops all day. He says, she can ask the health experts there, and she says, they have one lame doctor and a couple of nurses. Maybe they’re feeding her cobalt rich food. Her bacon did look a little blue. He says, her previous hip didn’t poison her. She committed the crimes of her own accord.

Kristina says, this is a huge mistake, and Judge Otis tells Alexis to get her daughter under control. Alexis says she’s so sorry. Her daughter has been through a series of traumatic events. The judge says he’s sympathetic, but he won’t tolerate disruptions in the court. His ruling stands. Pentenville, no bail. Court is adjourned.

Sonny asks what they’re celebrating, and Natalia says she thought he’d like an update on his investment. She just closed a 3-year deal with Goddess Gleam Beauty that will generate more than 10 million dollars minimum. She wonders why he’s not more excited, and he says he’s got a lot on his mind. She says she knows Alexis’s arraignment is today, and honestly, she was trying to take his mind off of it. He says he can’t focus when he knows Alexis is facing time for a crime she didn’t commit, and she says, he seems sure. He says, she’s not capable of it. She will defend and protect her daughter, but that, no. She says, they need to just have some faith, and he says he’s not on good terms with the Almighty. She says she’s talking about the legal system. If Alexis is innocent, the authorities will figure it out and find the actual murderer. (She clearly hasn’t been in Port Charles very long.)

Sonny says, Alexis is Kristina’s mother, and they don’t always see eye to eye, but they’d both do anything for their daughter. Natalia is impressed that he’s still communicating with some of his exes, and he says, for better or worse. She says, Ava is the worst. She can’t stand to be in the same room with Ava for more than ten minutes. He says, sometimes two, and she says, they can drink to that, when Sonny’s phone rings.

Kristina hugs Alexis, and Sam joins her. Molly stands to the side, but Alexis brings her in for a three-way hug.  

Heather says, what she needs help with understanding is, her former lawyer was sure this was a solid case. He convinced her to pursue it. Ric says, they both should have managed her expectations better, but the case had a lot of potential. She says, it makes no sense. She’s been better since the hip replacement. Her dark thoughts have stopped, and she can make no sense of her actions before that. He says, maybe she anticipated feeling that way even if her condition had nothing to do with it, but she says, no. She doesn’t think she’s different, she is different. She’s never been an angel, but when she was consumed with hatred and revenge, something was off, and she’s so much better now. He says he can’t see a path forward with the case, and she says, that’s just it? He says he’s sorry, and she says, thanks for trying. It’s not his fault or what he wanted. It would have been a big payday. He says, that was the hope, and she says, for a lawyer, he’s honest. There’s value in that. It was never about the money for her, but it would have been great. It would have allowed her to be a better grandma to Ace. It would have allowed her to be a grandma at all… He just lost a grandchild, didn’t he? She takes his hand and says she’s so sorry. There’s nothing worse than losing someone who’s supposed to outlive you. After losing Esme and Franco, this was her last shot at having a family. He says he’s sorry, but he’s afraid he has to go.

Alexis is handcuffed and the guard leads her out. At the door, she smiles and nods at her girls.  

At the hospital, Sam tells Kristina to sit, and Kristina says, they should be helping. Sam wonders how, like breaking Alexis out? Kristina says, if she could, she would, and Sam says, they’re helping now. Kristina asks, how? and Sam says, Kristina is getting the help she needs. She fell out a window and nearly died. She lost a baby… Kristina says, and a sister, and Sam says, and everything Cates put her through. Kristina says she wishes she’d killed him, but Sam says, it’s not right to take a life out of revenge. Kristina says, Jason and her dad would agree, and Sam says she’s not a professional, but after everything Kristina has experienced, it had to cause PTSD. Kristina says she feels like she’ll never be the same. It’s like she’s… broken. Sam says, she’s not broken. She’s getting professional help because she can’t do it on her own. Kristina suggests they call her dad. He knows what to do in situations like this. He always has a good idea. Sam tells her, stay put and talk to the professional. She’ll be right back. Stay here. She leaves and Kristina takes out her phone.

Sonny’s phone rings again, and Natalia says, Mr. Popular. He asks, what’s going on? and Kristina says, the arraignment is over. Her mom was denied bail and sent to Pentenville to await trial. Sonny says, she’s no danger to the community, and Kristina says, it was the murder of an FBI agent, and they sent a Fed to prosecute her. There’s no death penalty in the state of New York, but there is in a federal case. He tells her, just breathe. Where is she at? She says, GH. Sam took her here. Sam thinks she needs help. He says, Sam did the right thing. She can’t handle this herself, none of them can. Let him take care of her mom’s situation. The best thing she can do is help herself. She tells him that Sam said the same thing, and he says, when she’s right, she’s right. They exchange I love yous, and Natalia says, that didn’t sound like it went well. He says, no bail and Alexis was remanded to Pentenville. She says she’s sorry. It’s crazy. Is there a trial date set? Sonny says he’s going to do everything he can so that Alexis doesn’t spend one more second than she has to in Pentenville.

Alexis’s mug shot is taken. She puts her jewelry in a bag and has her fingerprints taken. (No ink needed anymore!) The guard searches her and gives her a uniform. (Do they not get underwear?) She hands her clothes to the guard and changes.

Elizabeth asks Ric what he’s doing at the hospital, and he says, saying hi to his favorite ex-wife. She says she’s probably the only one who doesn’t want to kill him, and he says, and she’s probably the one who should want to the most. She says, that almost sounds like an apology. What’s the real reason he’s here? He says, to confirm test results. It was going good for a while, but now it’s all over for Heather.

Felicia says she’s glad Kristina is here. She’s amazed Kristina is still standing. Kristina says, so is she, and Felicia says, they have a wide array of support resources and services, and suggests they go to the conference room where it’s more private. Sam promises to stay, and Kristina leaves with Felicia. Dante comes by and Sam hugs him.

In the conference room, Felicia says she’s here solely on Kristina’s behalf. She can speak openly and honestly. Kristina says she doesn’t usually hold back, but lately she doesn’t know where to start. Felicia asks how she’s doing right now, and Kristina says she’s upset and angry. She feels sad and guilty and feels like a failure. She feels empty. She cries and Felicia says, what she’s feeling is normal after going through what she experienced. Kristina tells her that Sam said she had PTSD, but Felicia says she’ll let the professionals decide. Losing a child is devastating. Kristina says, when she was pregnant, she had all the fears of what could happen to her child, but she never imagined they actually would. Even when she was in the hospital, she never let herself think Adela could… She’s sorry. Felicia says, don’t apologize, and Kristina says she guesses it’s true that grief comes in waves. Lately, it’s been tsunami after tsunami. Felicia says, she’s been through a number of traumas. She just fell out a window. Kristina says she keeps replaying it in her mind, and Felicia says, to add to her injury and loss is her relationship with her sister. Krisina says, it’s a lot to process, and Felicia says, most women in her situation have postpartum depression, hormonal changes, and PTSD. As her advocate, she’ll walk Kristina through the mental health resources, but as a mother, one who lost her own child, she wants to help Kristina get through it. She’s not alone. She knows what it feels like. Kristina asks, what’s next? and Felicia says, that’s up to her. She can connect Kristina with the hospital’s psychiatrist who’s a specialist in postpartum depression, and there are grief support groups that meet weekly. Kristina says, no offense, but she hates that idea, and Felicia says, bereft mothers find connecting with each other to be invaluable. Kristina says, okay, but she has to tell Sam. She knows if someone doesn’t hold her accountable, she’ll never go. Felicia says, it may not feel like it right now, but if she does the work, the pain will be significantly less.

Elizabeth asks if Ric will still be staying in Port Charles, and he asks if she wants him to. She says, idle curiosity, and he says he’ll be staying for a while. Molly needs him since Alexis was remanded to Pentenville. They were all blindsided. Ric’s phone rings and he steps away.

Sam tells Dante that she wonders how things got this bad. Kristina being Molly’s surrogate was a terrible idea, but no one could have predicted this insanity. Dante says, it’s tragic, and Sam says, even before that, Kristina was thinking about keeping the baby and Molly felt betrayed. She understands both sides. Dante says, Kristina made a promise that was impossible to keep, and Sam says, it’s all anger and blaming, and they haven’t even begun to grieve. Dante says, then Cates openly went after Kristina, and Sam says she’s glad he’s gone. He says he doesn’t think many people are going to miss him, but he’s like a roadblock to her family grieving. Where’s Molly? Sam says, probably somewhere being upset because the focus is still on Kristina, and he says, Kristina is needier? Sam says she thinks Kristina doesn’t remember that Molly also lost a child, and he wonders how neither one of them cannot understand the other’s grief and loss. She says, they’re not dealing with it head on and making it about each other. She’s terrified about what’s going to happen to her family.

Sonny opens the door to Martin, who says, Sonny’s communications director is very persuasive… Mr. Brick. Sonny says, just Brick, and Martin says, of course (🍷). Sonny asks if Brick explained why he needed to see Martin, and Martin says he’s got the gist. If Sonny wants him to step in for Diane, he’ll be more than happy to act as Sonny’s counsel. Sonny says, Diane is his attorney, and with all due respect, she’s the best. Martin isn’t here to represent him. He wants Martin to represent Alexis Davis.

Alexis is walked to her cell.

Kristina thanks Felicia, who tells her to reach out with any questions. She hopes she didn’t overwhelm her with information. Kristina says, it’s not that. She feels behind in her grief. There are already so many things she should have been doing. Felicia tells her, you know what they say about planting trees, and Kristina says she’s not exactly a gardener. Felicia says, the best time to plant is 20 years ago. The second-best time to plant is right now. There’s no timetable for life. She’s here getting help right now. Kristina says, what if it’s not enough? She knows she won’t get over it, but she thinks she can learn to carry it. Felicia says, it’s possible. Believe her. She knows. Kristina says, what she thinks she doesn’t know is how. How does she carry her guilt? Felicia says, for what? and Kristina says her baby died because of a fall that happened because she was somewhere she shouldn’t have been. Felicia says, one thing she’s learned about guilt is, it does no good and doesn’t help, and Kristina says, it could have been different if she never went to Ava’s hotel room. Her sister Molly blames her for what happened to the baby and her biggest fear… is that Molly is right. She is responsible. Felicia says, Kristina didn’t jump out the window, but Kristina says she created the circumstances for the accident to happen. Felicia says, the accident. Sometimes terrible things happen and it’s nobody’s fault. Kristina says, even if it’s nobody’s fault, there’s always someone accountable, right? Losing the baby, the rift with her sister, and everything that’s happening with her mom is all because of her. Felicia says, what if it is? What is she going to do with it? What if it isn’t? How is she going to deal with that? Kristina says she guesses that’s what she’s here to figure out, and Felicia says, the best thing for her to do for her mom is to work on herself and her mental health. That’s what she’s doing and it’s a great first step. Kristina cries and Felicia holds her.  

Sonny tells Martin that Diane can’t handle Alexis’s case because she’s representing him in the same case. Martin asks how Sonny is involved, and Sonny says he was a person of interest before Alexis. Martin asks who her current attorney is, and Sonny says, she’s representing herself. Martin says, she’s making a mistake. It’s a fool’s errand. Scotty would be better. Sonny says, Alexis likes doing things her way, but Martin says, she can’t. She should know that. Sonny says, that’s why Martin is here. He needs somebody to represent Alexis who can beat these charges. Martin says he’d be a fool to not be interested. The murder of a federal agent? That is huge. You can’t buy that publicity. Sonny says he needs somebody who’s doing it for the right reason and would do anything to win, and Martin says he certainly has no intention of losing. Sonny holds out his hand and asks if they have a deal. Martin shakes it, and says, they have a deal.

Sam tells Dante, no one is thinking clearly. All the sanity is up to her. He says, that’s a scary thought. They have to focus to help her mom. Sam says she did have a chat with Michael about that. He said they should focus less on who killed Cates, and more on finding the evidence to clear her mom. Dante says, it makes sense. The only thing involved is the gun. She says, it’s not the gun that killed Cates, and he says, ballistics will prove it, but it’s still in the river. The police divers can’t find it. She says she wishes they knew an expert diver… She is. He says, the water is choppy, but she says she can handle an undercurrent. (so does everyone who drowns here due to one every summer.) He says he’s not loving the sound of this, but assumes there’s no talking her out of it. She says, waste of breath, and he says, so what’s next? She says she’s going to find the gun her mom tossed off the bridge and end this nightmare for her family.

Elizabeth says she sees Ric is still here, and he says he was wondering if he could ask her a question involving a medical issue. She says, as long as it’s not violating a patient’s privacy, and he shows her some paperwork. He says, the results from both labs are from the same blood same taken at the same time. Shouldn’t they be redundant? She says, the test results are wrong. They’re not even close. The level from the outside lab is much lower. The tests should be done again. Something is seriously wrong.

Alexis sighs, and a guard comes by. She says she was told she has a cellmate, but she’d like to lie down and doesn’t know which bunk… The guard keeps walking, and another guard arrives. She unlocks the cell, and Heather walks in. Alexis sighs again. (I’m dying laughing.)

Cyrus sats, somehow, he will help someone; Ric says, Elizabeth is the one person he’d do anything for; Dante says he wants Rocco to be prepared; and Jason guesses he and Anna caught a break.

🧴 Blink and You Missed It…

I’m not sure if you can return if you’re not really gone, but okay. I’m also not sure if Drew and Nina posing as a power couple is going to help his campaign, but double okay because I’d rather he be with Nina than creeping on Willow.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/cameron-mathison-returns-to-general-hospital

🧂 Salt On the Snowflakes…

My bad yesterday. I forgot Million Dollar Listing LA was over and has no Reunion. So on to Salt Lake.

During the gorgeous opening shots, I was immediately reminded of how much I love and miss snow. While it’s not like I live in the south, near the ocean, the winters are often mild, and nowadays, we’re lucky if we get one good blast during the entire winter. But I digress.

After Mary told her that she looked thin, Heather made the disturbing comment in her interview that she finally cracked the code. She lost 25 pounds, and Mary loves her. She does look great, but it’s sad how much being liked is tied to appearance, whether it’s a real thing or just perception. Although Mary did get Angie an invite to Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party, so maybe it’s wise to be on her good side, no matter what that entails.

New Housewife Bronwyn (no, not that one) has six dogs, so she’s okay by me. They all look like Boxers too, so I doff my cap. Those dogs can be a handful. What I didn’t like about Bronwyn was her anecdote about meeting Lisa (whose coattails she rode in on). She and Lisa first met at an upscale department store and when Lisa complimented her on what she was buying, Bronwyn brushed her off because she was wearing sweats. Bronwyn said she didn’t remember it – it was what Lisa had told her – but it sounded like something she would do. As the Countess would say, don’t be all uncool.

And what’s up with Angie and Mary in the Burger King crowns?

🍊 And In a Shocking Twist…

Maybe he should have stayed with the devil he knew.

🚫 No Friends For You…

Gina stuck herself in the middle with Fancy Pants and Katie. And who said she’s not allowed to be friends with Katie? Bowling for Soup was right, high school never ends.

🃏 Maybe She Is Just Stupid…

Has she watched herself? Was shutting up about Johnny J. and his blackmail Ring tapes not an option?

🍸 Only Andy Knows For Sure…

Is it a spinoff? Is it a reboot? Is it something completely different? Does anybody really care? Okay, I might if LVP is involved.

💻 What Else To Watch…

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this film, other than the enjoyment of seeing Jason Momoa shirtless through most of it, but had I known it was a meditative art film wrapped in a bloody genre blanket, buried deep in a scorching sci-fi desert, I might have put more thought into it. While I didn’t pick up all the nuances this reviewer did, no one enjoys an apocalypse more than I do (okay, maybe Murphy from Z Nation), and I still appreciated the hell out of it. This review is years old (from when the movie actually came out), but the film remains the same and is now on Netflix. Warning: Major spoilers ahead.  

https://www.rogerebert.com/features/why-the-bad-batch-is-one-of-the-best-films-of-2017

I’d been waiting a while for this one to stream, since I love an animal/human hybrid theme. This is no Sweet Tooth, but it still contains the element of people fearing what they don’t understand and ridding the world of those who are different. I would have liked to see more of the animal/human hybrids, but it was a fascinating watch all the same. I also would have preferred a different ending, but that doesn’t make it bad. Actual animal, the main character’s dog Albert, added a touch of realism since he was no Lassie, and ran off in the face of danger as my dogs would. You can stream this on Hulu or Disney+ – in French with subtitles. Minor warning: A few small spoilers, but they don’t give the whole film away.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-animal-kingdom-film-review-2024

🦔 Where In the World Is Cinnamon…

Capybaras are one of my favorite animals. They’re kept as pets in some places and seem pretty chill, so I’m wondering why she’s so hellbent on not going back, especially since her capybara family is there. I hope it’s just because she has an adventurous soul.

https://people.com/cinnamon-capybara-runs-away-from-zoo-found-in-nearby-field-8714849

🦥 Dreaming Through September…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the OC for sure. Until then, stay safe, stay not sacrificing comfort (or safety) for style, and stay not carrying guilt. It does no good and doesn’t help.

September 13, 2024 – Mac Makes an Arrest, No Return (Yet), Explanation, Salty Talk, A Share, Along Soon, Grotesque Premiere, New Lot, First Treats, A Joke, Newsworthy Faunae, VIII Quotes & Early

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Mac and Felicia kiss outside the boathouse, and Felicia looks at Mac. He asks if there’s something on his face, and she says, on his face and all around him. He’s glowing. Everything about him radiates happiness. He asks if that’s what this feeling is, and she says, yes, and he’d better get used to it because it’s all smooth sailing from here. He says he’s not sure about that, and she asks if that’s pessimism she hears. He says, it’s hard not to feel that way with everything that just happened, and she asks what he’s talking about. He asks if she didn’t catch the stink lines radiating from Tracy Quartermaine a few minutes ago.

Brook brings Lois some water and asks if she’s all right. Lois asks if she’s serious. She and Chase are going to make her a Nona? Tracy walks in and says, this house is going completely downhill. Entitled cooks, babies that cry all night, interloping hoi polio that move in and never leave, and now we can add liar to the list. Brook says, someone lied to her? and Lois says, let her guess. Michael… Drew… Ned. Tracy says, no. Of course (🍷) it wouldn’t be surprising if any of them were lying, but this time the person is Violet.

On the phone, Carly asks what Jack has got for her, and he says he loves a woman who skips the small talk and gets right down to business. She says, Lulu’s life is on the line, so there’s no time to waste, and he hangs up the phone. Carly tells Jason, he hung up on her.

Anna walks into Jack’s office, and he says he’s going to need a new assistant if this one keeps letting her in here. She says, if he thinks any assistant is going to stop her, then he’s woefully underqualified for this job. Who chooses her town, or is he just passing through?

Kristina goes to Michael’s office, and he asks how she’s doing. She says her mom is being targeted for murder, so not great, and he says he knows it’s not easy, but it’s important she let the investigation run its course. She says, if he’s asking her to trust that the police are going to clear her mom as a suspect, she can’t do that, and he says, if she’s thinking of going to the cops… She says she has to. She’s the one who got her mom into this mess. He says, if she tells the police the truth about the night Cates was murdered, it’s just going to put her in their crosshairs, and she says, if it gets her mother out of their crosshairs, it’s worth it. He says, it could make things worse. Chase could think she and her mother were both involved in this. She says, but that’s not true, and he says, if they think it is, she could get charged with murder and her mother as an accessory. She asks what she’s supposed to do, and he says, there’s a way to keep her out of trouble and her mom from getting in any more of it.

Alexis lets Sonny in and he says he would have come sooner, but it’s been a busy couple of days. She says she’s been busy herself, trying to keep their daughter out of jail, while being treated like a criminal herself. He says he’s sorry she’s in that position, and she says she can handle herself. Right now, they have a much bigger problem. He says, Kristina, and she says, how are they going to keep their daughter from being charged with a murder they both know she didn’t commit?

Kristina asks what Michael is thinking, and he says, her mother has an uphill battle. Kristina says, because of her criminal history? and he says, and all the evidence against her. And she threatened Cates in a room full of cops. She was in possession of a weapon which she got caught disposing of and she doesn’t have an alibi. Kristina says she already knows how bad it is, and he says, more important, Cates is a federal agent, so there’s going to be a lot of pressure to make an arrest and convict the killer. She says, it really doesn’t sound like he has a plan, and he says, they may not be able to detract from the case with Alexis, but they may be able to deliver them a stronger one against someone else. She asks if he has someone in mind.

Sonny says he gets why Alexis is worked up, and she says she has every reason to be worked up. He may be used to being interrogated… He says, and she’s not? and she says, he’s the career criminal. He says, and she’s only an incidental one? and she says, them swiping at each other isn’t going to do them any good. He says, do him one favor. Hold her judgement for their daughter’s sake until he’s gone. She says, okay. Maybe he could do her a favor than and own up to his role in all of this. He asks if she doesn’t think he knows this is all because of him, Jagger holding a grudge for over 30 years, using their daughter to try and get his revenge. She says she was referring to more recent events at the Quartermaines, and he says, Jagger is dead. So is Jagger’s vendetta against him and his family. He wants to put all of this behind them. Does Alexis know what she was doing that night? Alexis says, Kristina was here with her until she left to steal a gun from him.

Brook tells Tracy that she’s never known Violet to lie. But if she’s telling a fib here and there, it’s completely understandable. Especially after everything she’s been through. Tracy says, if they let her get away with this, who knows what’s next? Brook says she hardly thinks Violet telling a fib here and there is going to set her on a path to a life of crime, and Lois says, no, but maybe they want to think about getting her a therapist. Brook says, of course (🍷) she’s happy to get Violet whatever she needs, but first, she’d like to hear the whole story. What did Violet lie about that’s got Tracy so upset? Tracy says, she’s going around telling everybody that Brook and Chase are having a baby, and Brook looks at Lois. Tracy says, oh my God. Tell her that it’s a lie. Or at least a misunderstanding. Brook says she and Chase aren’t having a baby, but she is thinking about it.

Felicia says, Tracy was in a bad mood today, and Mac says, Tracy’s been condescending to her employees for decades now, but today was ridiculous. Sasha’s not allowed to have friends here? She lives here. Felicia says, so does Cody, but she didn’t go after him, and Mac says, it’s only a matter of time. She says, Tracy generally applies the same amount of spite to everyone. Cody just seems to get off easy. Maybe there’s a reason Tracy doesn’t go after Cody. He asks if she’s saying she thinks Tracy is interested in Cody.

On the phone, Carly says she doesn’t care. She needs to talk to him… Okay. Please tell him to call her. She tells Jason that his assistant keeps telling her that Jack can’t come to the phone right now, and he says, Brennan will call her when he has something to tell her. They walk out of the elevator, and she says, why should they wait for him when they can tap into the resource they have right here? She leads Jason into Isaiah’s room and says, Isaiah Gannon, this is Jason Morgan. She believes they already met on the shoulder of Route 41.

Jack says he thought Port Charles would be big enough for both of them, and Anna says, it can be. On her terms. He says, which are? and she says, when she requires something from him, he delivers. He laughs and says he doesn’t work for her, and she says, he does know the WSB rents this building from the City of Port Charles. If he makes things difficult for her, maybe these premises just won’t be up to code. He says he sees they’ve moved on to the threats portion of this conversation. Just curious. How does it feel to be a big fish in a little pond? She says she likes it. How is it going to feel for him when he has to inform his boss that he’s been run out of town? He asks what she wants, and she says she wants Lucky’s location, and he’s had plenty of time since last night to find it. He asks what makes her think he even kept looking, much less found anything? and she says, because she’s learned that if she does actually require something from him, her best chance is to request it from Carly Spencer, because he seems to be very eager to do whatever it takes to make her happy. He tells her, Sidwell was headed northeast, the Puntland, and holds up a paper. He has a secondary operation there. She reaches for the paper, but he snatches it away and says, does she know he could report her for going rogue?

Isaiah says he hears he should be grateful to Jason for helping him. Is he a cop or something? Jason says, just a coffee importer, and Isaiah says, interesting career choice. Jason says, and a friend to Lucky, and Isaiah says, they have that in common. He just wishes he could have helped his buddy. If he hadn’t gotten hit by that car, someone could have gotten to him sooner. Carly says, they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to find Lucky’s location. Jason says, once they have that, he’s going there to bring Lucky home. Isaiah says, by himself? Jason nods, and Isaiah says, Sidwell’s surrounded by guards. It’ll take more than just some coffee importer to get him out. He’s coming with Jason.

Anna asks if Jack is threatening her. She actually might like that. He says, not threatening, warning. She’s no longer a WSB agent. She says, this isn’t a Bureau operation. This is off the books. She’s acting independently of any agency. He says, which also means she doesn’t have any support or backup, and she says she can handle this herself. He says, Jenz Sidwell is more dangerous than she realizes. He doesn’t care who he hurts or kills in the process of getting what he wants. She asks if he’s pretending that he cares about her, and he says he mostly cares about the potential of her little quest to blow back on him. She’s going into danger with Bureau intelligence, alone. She says, then give her a team that she can take with her, but he says, she knows he can’t do that. She says, then give her the one thing he can, which is give her Lucky’s location, and he says, only if she tells him why this Lucky character is worth risking her neck. Even worse, she owes him a favor.

Felicia says she wasn’t implying Tracy is interested in Cody romantically, and Mac says, good. He didn’t gain a son only to watch Cruella de Quartermaine turn him in to a saddle. She says, Tracy considers Cody a friend, one that she cares about very deeply. Tracy has lost so many people over the years. Her parents, Luke, and now recently Gregory. Tracy must be very lonely. He says, she lives in a house full of people, and she says, but Cody’s different. He’s nice to her. He’s sweet and he’s uncomplicated. He says, she makes him sound like a Golden Retriever, and she says, put himself in Tracy’s shoes. She comes to the stables to talk to Cody, a man who may be her only real friend, only to find his attention is completely taken up by his new family and a beautiful young woman who is just as smitten with him as he is with her. He asks if she’s saying she thinks Tracy is jealous, and she says, absolutely. Don’t let Tracy get to him. He says he won’t. Because he’s going to find Cody a new job and a new place to live far away from Tracy. (I’m thinking he might want to consult with Cody first.)

Alexis tells Sonny that she was absolutely frantic when she came out and saw Kristina had left with her car. And when she came back, Kristina was all wet. Sonny says, where did she say she’d been? and Alexis tells him, she said she’d been to his house and then to the baby’s grave. He says, she told him about the gun. She didn’t say anything about the grave. Alexis says, he knows their daughter is suffering right now from severe postpartum trauma, along with everything else that has happened. He says, she needs help. Does Alexis think they should admit her to a facility? She says she doesn’t know what she thinks or what’s best for Kristina right now. All she could think of were the implications of Kristina being in possession of a loaded weapon. He says, she was right to worry, and she says, it’s a violation of bail, and if it weren’t enough that she was afraid Kristina might shoot somebody, she was worried Kristina might hurt herself. He says, Kristina assured him she wouldn’t do that, and she says, given Kristina’s state of mind, she had no choice but to get rid of the gun, did she? He says, Kristina told him. Diane told him. Unfortunately, there’s witnesses. She says she knows. Ric and Elizabeth just happened to be strolling by just in time to watch her toss the gun off the bridge into the river. What she didn’t know at the time was John Cates had just been murdered and the police were off looking for the 9 millimeter gun that killed him, which is the same kind of gun they witnessed her getting rid of.

Michael says he did some digging into Cates’s past, and he made a lot of enemies when he was a Fed. Criminals who might be willing to place themselves at the scene of the crime for the right incentive. Kristina says, he wants to pay someone to take the fall for this? and he says he wants to ensure that she doesn’t take responsibility for a crime she didn’t commit. She says she’s surprised he’s telling her all this, and he says, she should know. It’s her life and her decision, but more importantly, she should know that this plan is pointless if she speaks up in Alexis’s defense. She says, oddly comforting how well he knows her, and he says, she’s his sister. Her phone rings, and it’s Chase. He asks if it would be possible for her to meet him at the station. She asks if this is about the federal charges, and he says he has a few questions he needs to ask her. She says she’s in the middle of something right now and isn’t able to get down there, but he says, this isn’t a request.

Sonny wonders why Alexis wouldn’t want Kristina admitted to a facility, and she says, because she asked Kristina, and she seemed shocked. So she genuinely thinks it didn’t occur to her. He says he feels the same way, but that means she wanted to use the gun on someone else. She says, what a comforting thought, and he says, the good thing is, now they don’t have to think she’s going to harm herself. She says, so now what do they have? Kristina took the gun from his place, she got rid of it, and now the police have come looking for her. He asks what she told them, and she says, why? What is he worried about? Is he worried she’s going to incriminate Kristina or him?

Kristina and Michael go into the interrogation room, and Chase tells Kristina to have a seat. He’s not sure why Michael is here. Michael says, they couldn’t get in touch with Diane. He’s sure his presence here won’t be a problem. Right, friend? Chase says he’s just doing his job, and Michael says he’s just a brother looking out for his sibling. He’s sure Chase can relate. Chase says, they need to discuss Kristina’s whereabouts the night Agent Cates was murdered. Michael asks if she’s a suspect, and Chase says he’s letting Michael stay while he questions Kristina. In return, he expects Michael’s silence. Kristina says, it’s fine. She was at her mom’s house that night. Chase says, the whole night? and she says, from the time her mom and Sam picked her up from the station until the next morning. He says, she never left at all? and she says she did leave for about half an hour. He asks where she went, and she says, to her daughter’s grave. He asks if she was alone, and she says, yes. He asks if there was anyone there who can corroborate that, and Michael says, in the cemetery in the middle of the night? Chase says, let Kristina answer, and Michael says, Kristina’s done talking. He tells Kristina, come on, and tells Chase, if he has to ask Kristina anything else, call her lawyer. Chase says he will, and they leave.

Felicia says she knows this is hard for Mac, but sometimes doing nothing is the best way to handle things. His phone rings and he says, it’s the station. He answers, then says, yeah, okay. Thanks for letting him know. He’ll take care of it himself. Felicia asks if something is wrong, and he says, some new evidence came in about John Cates murder. Enough to make an arrest.

Brook says she knows what’s going on here. Violet brought up the subject of having kids to her and Chase, and they told her that they definitely want them. Tracy says, great. They’re going to be perfect parents in ten years. Lois says, Tracy… and Tracy says, well, definitely not now. Their marriage is only months old, and Chase isn’t going to give up his dangerous and grossly underpaid line of work, and they have Violet to take care of. Their hands are full. Brook says, true, but they’re not waiting ten years, and Tracy asks if she’s crazy. She’s too young to have children. Brook says she’s not that young and the longer they wait, the harder it could be. Tracy says, she has access to the best fertility treatments there are, so she can definitely put breeding on hold for a while. Lois says, breeding? and Tracy says, Deception can’t take Brook’s absence. They have a snake for a CFO, a mobster for an investor, and a fool for a founder. The company needs her. She needs her. Lois says, news flash. Not everything is about her, especially Brook’s family planning.

Anna asks why her interest in Lucky even matters to Jack, and he says, because she’s asking for his help. And she’s as determined as he’s ever seen her to get. If she doesn’t want to share, there’s the door. She says, he knows who Lucky’s father was, and he says, Luke Spencer. She says, then he must know how much Luke did for the WSB over the years, and he asks if she’s rescuing Lucky to pay off some imaginary debt the WSB owes his father. She says, no. She’s doing this for Luke. They were friends for many years. He says, special friends, and she says, if Robin had ever been in any kind of trouble, there’s nothing Luke wouldn’t have done to bring her home safely. He looked out for her. So she doesn’t know about Jack, but she pays her debts. (Is she a Lannister?) He says he’ll remember that when it comes time for him to collect, she takes the paper out of his hand, and leaves.

Isaiah tries to get up and groans. Jason says, he’s not going anywhere, and Isaiah says, neither should Jason. Jenz Sidwell is a dangerous man. Carly says, Jason can take care of himself, but Isaiah says, it’s Lucky he’s worried about. Sidwell is smart. He’s always got guards around him. Jason says he figured, but thanks Isaiah for the heads up. Isaiah says, it’s going to take more than a lone wolf. It’s going to take a government agency. Carly says, the WSB seems to be dragging their heels. They’re not sure if the WSB is even going to get involved in this. Jason says, either way, he’s going, and Isaiah is in no condition to join him. Does he have any insights he can share? Are there any weaknesses in Sidwell’s security? Isaiah says, none that he knows of, and Jason says, all he needs is a single vulnerability, something that will give him a tactical advantage. Isaiah says, there’s only one. Sidwell’s girlfriend.

Back at Michael’s office, Kristina says she guesses it’s official. She’s a suspect in John Cates’s murder. Michael says, she’s a person of interest, and she says, Chase wanted her exact timeline (receipts, proof, and screenshots!) for the entire night. He says, it’s a good thing she told him the truth, so it can’t come back to hurt her. She can’t afford to be caught in any lies right now. She says she doesn’t understand how he knew she left the house, and he asks if she’s sure no one saw her at the cemetery. She says, it was dark and deserted. She thinks if someone were there, she would have seen them. He says, there must have been some other way. Who knew she went out that night? She says, just her mom and Sam, but they never would have told Chase, and he says, maybe someone overheard them talking about her going out, but she says, no. That’s impossible. They never even left the house. When she walked in, they were still calling around. He says, they called him and presumably dad. Who else did they call? She says, Molly. They called Molly.

Sonny tells Alexis, you know what? She can say anything she wants about him. She can tell anybody who will listen her theory on what happened to Jagger that night. Bring it on. She says, then step forward and tell the truth that he killed Cates, and he says he doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She says, he hated Cates. He was at the Quartermaines at the time Cates was killed. He had motive and opportunity. He says he was there, but he wasn’t alone, and she says, he means to tell her that Lois is covering for him? He dragged her into it? Or even worse, he dragged Michael into his mess. He says, Carly was with him, and she says, really. Carly is his alibi? He says, they were at the Quartermaines. They all saw him and Carly together, in particular, Tracy Quartermaine. She says, just weeks ago, Carly nearly went to prison for him, yet she’ll cover for him murdering an FBI agent. Talk about symbiotic. He says, they’ve always had a special bond and they’ve always been close. Then they got together… She says, stop. It’s horrible enough that Carly would be an alibi for him, but the fact that they would do it again after everything Sonny’s done to her… He says his time was accounted for. Why is that so hard for her to accept? She says, because if he’s telling the truth and he’s innocent, he wouldn’t need Diane and Diane would be free to defend her, which she isn’t because she’s busy defending him.

Anna lets Felicia into her apartment and thanks her for coming so quickly. Felicia says, it sounded like it was urgent, and Anna says, it is. She’ll fill Felicia in on all that in a minute. She wanted to find out how Mac is doing. Felicia says, he and Cody are getting along really well. He and Tracy Quartermaine, that’s a different story. She’ll fill Anna in later on that, but here’s her anti-malaria tablets that she requested. She hands Anna a bottle, and Anna thanks her. She says she didn’t have time to put in for a prescription, and takes one. Felicia says she can thank Frisco. If he hadn’t asked Mac for help last year, then she and Mac would have gone to Africa, and she would have taken the pills herself. She just hopes they’re still affective. Anna says she’s sure they’re fine. They have a very long shelf life. Felicia says, and Anna is hoping to get this through TSA? and picks up a machete. Anna says, no. She’ll check that. Felicia asks why she’d need that for a safari, and Anna says, it’s not really a safari. It’s more of a hunt. Felicia says she loves animals too much to help Anna… Anna says, not that kind of a hunt. She’s looking for someone. Felicia says, someone she knows? and Anna says, Lucky Spencer. Lulu’s in so much trouble and Lucky’s in trouble too. She’s hoping that she’s going to track him down and bring him home. Felicia says, not alone she’s not. She’s coming with Anna.

Isaiah says, Sidwell’s girlfriend is the one person he trusts, so she’s Jason’s best bet in trying to get to him. Jason asks what he knows about her, and Isaiah says, she’s beautiful, classy, and she’s got Sidwell wrapped around her little finger. She’s the one person he trusts. Jason says, so she’s his way into the camp, and Isaiah says, assuming she’ll help him. Sidwell provides her with a great life. She looks the other way from his crimes. Carly says, what’s her name? Maybe they can do a little research. Isaiah says, Sidwell calls her English, when there’s a knock at the door. Carly sees Jack through the window, and Jason thanks Isaiah and says, he’s been very helpful. Isaiah says, tell Lucky, he cheats at cards, and Carly says, he can tell Lucky himself when Jason brings him home. They leave and Isaiah smiles.

Tracy tells Lois, careful. Her Bensonhurst is showing. Her accent back, Lois says she doesn’t care. If Brook and Chase want to have a baby, they can have as many as they want, whenever they want. It’s not up to Tracy. It’s none of her business. Tracy asks Brook if this is about Deception. She knows things have been strained since they brought Sonny in, but she and Brook have been working really well together. Brook says, no. She loves her job, and she loves working with Tracy. But she can work and have a family. Back to her new accent, Lois says, of course (🍷) she can. Because it’s 2024 and women can do anything. Tracy tells Brook, that’s easy to say now, but things change when you have a child to take care of. Lois says, that’s for Brook to decide. Come on. Despite all her griping, Tracy is excited. She’s going to go bananas over her own great grandbaby. Chase walks in and says, what? Is Brook pregnant? Lois tells Tracy, let’s let the newlyweds talk, and leads her out of the room. Brook says she’s sorry Chase walked in on that. She didn’t want to start this conversation like that. He says he’s fine. Just tell him. Is she pregnant? She says, no, but maybe she’d like to be.

Sonny says, Alexis hasn’t been arrested or charged with anything. If that day comes, he’ll get her the best possible defense team. She says awesome. Because now she doesn’t have anything to worry about. He says, it’s the only thing they can do right now, and she says she wants to know what he’s going to do for Kristina because she doesn’t want to believe Kristina killed Cates. She wants to believe they raised their daughter better than either of them. He says, they have, and she says she guesses it doesn’t matter much what they think. What matters is what the police think. And if they find out she was gone that night and had a gun, Kristina will be as much of a suspect as she is. He says, that’s not going to happen because Kristina didn’t kill Jagger, and Alexis says, neither did she. He asks if she honestly thinks Anna isn’t going to have an airtight case. They’re talking about the death of an FBI agent. She doesn’t want to screw that up. Alexis says, they both know there are miscarriages of justice all the time. Kristina could very well be arrested for this, and if that happens, how far is he willing to go to save their daughter? He says he will not let Kristina take the fall for Jagger’s death, when there’s a knock at the door. She says, they’re not done with this discussion, and opens the door to Mac.

Kristina says she can’t believe Molly would do something like this, but Michael says, they don’t know Molly is to blame. She says, Molly is the only one who would have told Chase that she was out, and he says, she really thinks Molly would go this far. She tells him that he said it himself. She’s an ADA. She’s the best at her job. Molly hates her right now and blames her for Adela’s death. Molly is trying to get revenge on her for turning her in for something she didn’t even do. (Um… then she’s not the best at her job, is she?) He says, whether or not Molly talked to the police, it doesn’t matter. Because if that’s the only evidence she or anyone else has, it’s not much… Unless there’s something else she’s not telling him.  

Brook says she knows she and Chase have talked about having kids and that they both want them, and he says, absolutely. She’d be a great mom. Their future kids are so lucky. She says, and he’s going to be a great dad, but one thing they haven’t talked about is when they want to start trying. He says he just assumed she wanted to wait with Deception taking up so much of her time, and she says she assumed he wanted to wait because they’re taking care of Violet. He says, if she’s factoring in Violet, he’s pretty sure she’s all in about them having a baby. She can’t wait to be an older cousin. It sounds like Tracy’s the only one who’s going to be having a problem with this. She says, don’t worry about her grandmother. She can handle her, but she’s worried they won’t be able to handle a growing family while they’re taking care of Violet. He says he doesn’t think that will be a factor. Finn gets out of rehab in one month and the first thing he’s going to want to do is to take Violet home with him. The important question is will there be a recast, is she ready to start a family? She says she was going to ask him the same thing, and he says he loves her. He adores Violet and spending all this time with her, but he wants a child of their own. He was just waiting on her.

Jack tells Carly, Sidwell is running another wildcat mine. He’s probably holed up there, and it’s likely he’s holding Lucky there too. He’s sent Carly the coordinates. Carly says she’ll forward everything to Jason, and Jason says he’ll leave right away. She says, please be careful. If something happened to him, she’d never forgive herself. He says he’ll be fine. The important thing is to bring Lucky back to save Lulu. She thanks him and asks Jack if there’s anything else he can do to help Jason. He says, the political situation in Somali prevents the WSB from intervening in any way, but Jason says, it’s fine. He’ll do it on his own. Jack says, not necessarily.

Felicia says she doesn’t like the idea of Anna taking off on her own on some risky mission without any backup, and Anna says, the urgency of the matter demands immediate attention. If she has any hope in finding Lucky, she has to cut some corners. Felicia says, she doesn’t. She can come with Anna. Anna doesn’t know how good she is with a machete. Anna says she’s sure and thanks her for the offer. At any other time, she’d jump at the chance, but she’s hoping to hook up with Laura and Doc. She thinks more people are just going to attract attention, and Felicia knows as well as she does, that if she comes, Mac isn’t going to be far behind. Felicia says she wants to help Anna. Luke was her friend too. Anna says, that’s why she wants Felicia and Mac waiting for her in the wings just in case something goes wrong… which it won’t. She has everything under control. Anna picks up her gun, and Felicia looks alarmed. Anna says, Felicia knows what a cautious woman she is.

Lois and Tracy walk to the boathouse, and Lois says she can’t wait to be a grandmother. She was going to claim the title of Nona, but if it makes Tracy feel any better being a great grandmother, then it’s all hers. Tracy says, nothing is going to make her feel better about Brook having a baby so rapidly… Come on. Brook and Chase having a baby might be a done deal, but Lois doesn’t have to have that smug smile on her face. Lois says she’s not smiling because of a potential baby. She’s smiling because she spent years worrying about Tracy’s relationship with Brook. She really believed Tracy would treat her daughter like dirt, resent Brook because she’s hers. They all know how Tracy feels about her, but she was wrong. She can see how much Tracy adores Brook and how much Brook looks up to her. The two of them have a very special relationship. Tracy says, they disagree about everything, and Lois says, that’s because they care about each other, because they want the other person to be better. She knows Tracy has had a rough couple of years and she’s really grown to depend on Brook. She thinks Tracy is afraid if Brook starts a family, she’s going to lose that. But she won’t lose Lois’s daughter if she has a baby. It will only bring the two of them closer together. She promises. Tracy says she doesn’t do diapers, but Lois says she does.

Chase says he’s really glad he overheard Tracy throwing a fit. Otherwise, he doesn’t know how long it would have taken them to have this conversation. She says, at least they’re on the same page. When does he have to be back at the station? He says, about forty-five minutes, and she says, that’s plenty of time. They start kissing. (Hopefully, they move to their own room or Tracy will have another fit.)

On the phone, Carly leaves a message for Laura. She says she knows phone service is spotty, but when Laura gets this, please call her. They may have found a location on Lucky. Jason is on his way to find him. Please call her, day or night. Jack joins her and says, it’s an awful feeling, isn’t it? She says, what? and he says, sending someone off to risk their life while you stay behind. Don’t get him wrong. Watching and waiting from afar is safer physically, but it’s a special kind of hell. She says she wouldn’t have guessed he felt that way. Nothing seems to bother him. He says, now she knows better.

Anna is on the plane, and hears, the cabin doors are now closed. Their flight time to Nairobi will be eighteen hours and fifty-two minutes. She takes off her jacket and buckles her seatbelt. She closes her eyes, and Jason says, excuse me. She looks at him, and he says, she’s in his seat. She smiles.

Kristina says she’s not hiding anything, and Michael says, she blinked a lot. Whenever she’s lying, she blinks more than usual. She says she did make one other stop the night of John Cates’s murder, but she doesn’t even know how that’s relevant. It really can’t hurt her or her mom, because she’s positive nobody saw her. She just pulled into the end of the driveway, thought about it for like a second, and then she left. He says, pulled into whose driveway and what was she thinking about doing? and she says, the Quartermaines. She knew John Cates was there. She went to kill him.

Alexis says, nice to see Mac. What brings him by? He says he’s sorry, but he’s here to make an arrest, and Sonny asks how Mac knew where to find him. Mac says he’s not here for Sonny, and Alexis says, Kristina’s not here. Mac says he’s not here for Kristina either. He came himself because he wanted to make this as painless as possible. Alexis is under arrest for the murder of John Cates. He puts the handcuffs on her and recites her rights. Sonny says, come on, but Mac walks Alexis out the door.

On Monday, Tracy says, Sasha is going to want more out of life than trying to make Cody happy; Kristina says she can’t believe Molly would do something like this; and Ava asks if she can trust Ric.

🧴 Before You Get Excited…

This is a bit of a clickbait headline. You’d think she’s coming back, but she talks about when she came back last time. Although there’s still hope for both her and Finn to return. And I’m just going to say it. Why is it the non-heterosexual couples never pan out? These two were the worst blow, since they had more chemistry than any of the other couples on the show. Yes, I’m bitter about it.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacqueline-grace-lopez-opens-up-about-returning-to-gh

🍊 Johnny J. Just Says No…

I thought he was the one who wanted a non-disparagement clause. I’m confused.

🧂 Needs More Salt…

Premieres September 18th, 9 pm. As inappropriate as she is, Mary is a lot of fun to watch.

🍼 Giving You Sosa…

She does know Beyoncé’s birthday isn’t a national holiday, right?

https://people.com/lala-kent-reveals-name-of-her-second-daughter-and-shares-first-photo-8709130

🧹 Flying In Soon…

Agatha arrives September 18th on Disney+.

https://ew.com/agatha-all-along-vision-quest-expanding-wandavision-corner-of-marvel-universe-8705558

🪓 Murphy’s Murder Mystery…

Premieres September 25th on FX or you can Hulu it the next day.

https://ew.com/travis-kelce-ryan-murphy-grotesquerie-niecy-nash-set-videos-8645637

https://deadline.com/2024/09/ryan-murphy-grotesquerie-premiere-date-fx-trailer-1236039050/

⚰️ Because We Needed Another One…

I wonder how many times they can film the same King book? How about doing one that hasn’t been done? I’d love to see The Regulators on film, but it’s doubtful that will ever happen, since it’s so weird. Possible, but not probable. The Talisman (written with Peter Straub) is another one that would be great.

https://ew.com/salems-lot-lewis-pullman-makenzie-leigh-book-changes-pressures-adapting-stephen-king-exclusive-8706884

🎃 Never Too Early…

Why can’t it be both? Or maybe it’s a dog movie. I love Zero.

https://ew.com/movies/nightmare-before-christmas-halloween-or-holiday-movie-debate/

And what’s Halloween without drag queens?

🦙 They’re All a Bunch Of Animals…

It’s all fun and games until they spit on you.

https://people.com/portland-airport-offers-emotional-support-llamas-photos-8707772

🐠 I would have liked to see a little more of the aquarium. How this turned into another Taylor/Travis article, I don’t know, but it did.

https://people.com/brittany-mahomes-welcomes-new-addition-home-aquarium-8710807

🦛 Do not harass the hippo. Although this raises the question, do people just walk around with shellfish in their hands in Thailand?

https://people.com/baby-hippo-doubles-zoo-visitors-and-prompts-safety-warnings-8712177

🐕 You didn’t think there wouldn’t be something about a dog, did you?

https://people.com/my-golden-retriever-dog-model-for-cone-of-shame-book-exclusive-8710225

😄 A Joke:  Q: What does a dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac do? A: Stays up all night wondering if there’s a dog.

💈 Quotes of the Week

The Apocalypse means never having to say you’re sorry. – Murphy (Keith Allan), Z Nation

Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost. – Robert H. Schuller

There are no regrets in life. Just lessons. – Jennifer Aniston

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power. – Clint Eastwood (before he started talking to empty chairs)

To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness. – Lady Bracknell, The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde

If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. – Bruce Lee

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. – Potter Stewart

If you fall, make it part of the dance. – LuAnn de Lessops

🍁 Every Leaf Is a Flower…

Enjoy the last of summer, the first of fall, or both, and come back on Monday to enjoy some soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay stopping to admire the changing landscape, and stay remembering that sometimes doing nothing is the best way to handle things.

September 11, 2024 – Molly Makes a Bad Choice, Back To School, Finale In LA, VanderTroth, Ring-a-Ding Gone, About Those Moonmen, Sad Remembrance, Vote For Sally Jo & Out

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow tells Elizabeth that she’s officially back at GH, and Elizabeth says she’s excited to have her best nurse back. She’ll feel better now that Willow is on Lulu’s rotation. Willow asks how Lulu is doing, but Elizabeth says, not well. But she’s hopeful it’s just a matter of time before Lucky comes home to save his sister.

Ava finds Trina at the gallery, and Trina asks how she is. Ava hasn’t returned her calls. She heard what John did. It must have been terrifying. Ava says, thank God for Jason. He saved her. Trina hugs her and says she’s happy Ava is safe. She doesn’t know what she’d do if anything happened to her.

Ric is working while having coffee at the MetroCourt, and Nina asks if he needs refill. Or can she tempt him with something stronger?

Anna goes into Isaiah’s room, and he asks if there’s any word on Lucky. She says, unfortunately not, but she has some questions she’d like to ask him. He says he’s told them everything, but she says she thinks there’s probably more than what he told them. What has he done to make someone want to kill him?

Jack tells Carly that they’ll inform him if the satellite finds anything on Lucky. For now, they wait, which allows them to enjoy this fine whiskey. He pours, and she says, he comes prepared. He says, always. He understands John Cates was murdered, and she’s not crying any tears over his untimely demise. She says, he made her life hell, and he says, with Cates gone, her life just got less complicated, but she says, yes and no. Her ex-husband is a person of interest in his murder.

Molly finds Alexis in the interrogation room and hugs her. Alexis says she didn’t want Molly to worry. Diane is taking care of it. It’s a misunderstanding, but none of this would have happened if Molly’s father hadn’t gone out of his way to make her look as suspicious as possible.

Ava says, at least she has an airtight alibi. It’s the only decent thing John did. She can’t believe she was so wrong. He got her to lie to the cops, saying Kristina attacked her, but afterward, he wanted her dead so she couldn’t recant. Trina says, she was brave to admit she was lying. It could be used against her in Avery’s custody case. Ava says she couldn’t let Kristina be prosecuted for the death of her baby. It was truly an accident. Trina says she hopes Ava fond a good lawyer, and Ava says, not yet, but Nina is working on it.

Ric says he’ll stick to coffee, and Nina sits down. He asks if she’d like to join him. He’s actually working. She says she’s here to discuss business – Ava – and he reminds her that he declined. She says she’s surprised, and he says, she’s accused of causing the death of his granddaughter. Why should he help her? Nina says, it was a tragic accident. And they both know he’d do anything for buck, even trick someone into marrying him.

Isaiah says he told Anna everything. He escaped and Sidwell tracked him. Anna asks if he has any other enemies, and he says, none that he knows of. She says, so dumb luck. He’s a doctor? He says he’s the best at what he does, and she says, there are a lot of great doctors out there, but Sidwell picked him to kidnap? He says, not greater than him, and she says, his God complex aside, why would Sidwell go to the trouble of sending someone after him to Port Charles? He says, she’ll have to ask him, and she says, maybe he saw something he shouldn’t have. He says, there were a lot of guys with guns, and she says, could anything else in his life have precipitated this attack? What was he doing before Sidwell kidnapped him?

Jack says he assumes Carly is talking about Sonny. The murder of a federal agent is a capital crime. He hopes Sonny has a good alibi. She says, ironclad. They were together, just the two of them. He knows how it is with exes. Sometimes you fall back into old habits. He says, so he’s heard. He only knows Sonny from his reputation. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but if she’s willing to reconnect with him, it speaks well of Sonny… and of her.

Molly asks if Alexis is blaming her dad, and Alexis says, he told the police she disposed of a possible murder weapon. Molly says, Elizabeth backed him up, but Alexis is sure Ric influenced her. He messed with her and the investigation, and now it will take more time for the police to find out who killed John Cates. Molly says she doesn’t think that wasn’t his intention. She knows Alexis would never kill someone. Alexis says she knows Molly loves her dad, but frankly dragging her into this investigation is beyond malicious. Molly says she’s not happy with him either, but they both know it’s Kristina’s fault she’s in this mess, not her dad’s.

Elizabeth says, it’s been 12 years since Lucky lived in Port Charles, and Willow says, it must be tough on her and Aiden. Elizabeth says, it’s not ideal, and Willow asks if she’s worried Lucky might not come back. Elizabeth says, Lucky loves his family, and he’ll do what he can to help.

Isaiah asks if Anna is accusing him of something, but she says she’s trying to understand why a renowned transplant surgeon would leave to do humanitarian service in Africa. He says, it’s no big mystery. He has a specific skill and goes where he’s most needed. She asks if he and Sidwell had crossed paths before, but he says, no. She tells him that he said he felt someone was following him, and he says, working in a war zone made him hyper-aware of his surroundings. She says she thinks he knows more than he’s saying, but he says, she thinks he’s lying. She says she hopes not. If it wasn’t for the well-timed Jordan… He says, the guy who stopped it, the Deputy Mayor. He’d love to meet him and say thank you. Jordan walks in, and Anna says, he’s in luck. Here she is. He says, the hit parade continues.

Jack says, it’s admirable that Carly and Sonny reconnected, but they’re definitely in the minority. She’s smart and knows what she’s doing. He trusts her judgement. Does that mean a reconciliation is in the works? She says, absolutely not, and he says he understands they’ve gotten back together before. She says, he’s been checking on her, and he says he asked a few questions. She says, facing federal charges for Sonny’s business was a one-time thing, and he says, she has nothing to worry about. The charges were dropped. She says, it was lucky there was a break in the FBI’s chain of evidence. Someone out there must like her. He smiles. (Writing Mrs. Jack Brennan on my notebook.)

Alexis tells Molly that Ric sent the police, not her sister, and Molly asks if she’s saying Ric is lying, that she didn’t dispose of a gun. She needs to tell the police everything and quit protecting Kristina from the consequences of her actions. Alexis says she loves Molly and Molly doesn’t need to be involved. They can’t have this conversation. Molly says, Alexis needs to tell the police why she had a gun and where she got it. Stop sacrificing herself for Kristina. Alexis says, Molly needs to take care of herself, not her. She hasn’t been charged. Molly says, not yet, and Alexis says, it’s important she keep her mouth shut and not incriminate herself. Diane will handle it and she won’t be charged. There are far more likely suspects. Molly says, far more likely suspects that would cover their tracks.

Ava thanks Trina for stepping up. She did an amazing job, but it’s late and she should go. Trina says she has no plans, and Ava asks how things are with her and Joss. Trina says, they’ve agreed to disagree, and Ava says, about her. She appreciates Trina standing up for her even when it put her at odds with her best friend. Trina says, Ava was supportive of her relationship with Spencer even when her mom wasn’t, and Ava says she hopes Trina never feels she paid a price for their friendship.

Ric says he’s sorry he married Nina for her money, but he can’t defend someone who hurt his daughter. Nina says she’s sorry for Molly’s loss. She lost a child too and wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone. But how does it help to blame an innocent woman? He says, Ava hasn’t been innocent since she found out she was a Jerome, and Nina says, Ava did horrible things, but she didn’t do this. She and Kristina did argue, but Kristina lost her balance and fell. Does he think if anyone else was there that they’d be brought up on manslaughter charges? They both know what it’s like to be despised and the first person accused. From one black sheep to another, she’s asking him to fight to prevent Ava from being persecuted for her past rather than the supposed crime she’s been charged with.

Trina says, Ava hasn’t cost her anything. Ava didn’t ask her to choose between her and her family. She’s grateful to have Ava in her life. Ava says she’s sure most of the people in this town think the worst of her, and Trina asks how she can help. Ava says, unless she has a defense attorney, there isn’t much she can do. She wishes people would believe it was an accident. Trina reminds Ava that she said, when something horrible happens, it’s easier to have someone to blame. For a while, she felt blaming Esme for Spencer’s death helped her. Now she thinks hating Esme made her grief worse. She thanks Aunt Stella for her family being able to move on without being angry, but they’re still looking for someone to pay for the baby’s death. Ava says, her, and Trina says, it’s a terrible loss, but Ava going to prison won’t lessen the grief, and she’s innocent.

Ric says, he had a personal history with Nina’s father and has done a lot of counterproductive things by holding onto his anger, and Nina says, it’s a no brainer how much better life would be if he let go of his grudge against Sonny. He says, it’s not a grudge. His brother purposely tried to ruin his life and never suffers the consequences for the bad things he does. She asks, what better way to get back at his brother than getting Ava out of the charges? and he says, she makes a tempting argument, but his daughter means the world to him. She’s the best thing in his life, the only thing he’s proud of. He’s afraid his answer is still no. She says she had to try. Her daughter is a better person than she’ll ever hope to be, so she understands him wanting to protect Molly. She thanks him for listening and leaves.

Willow introduces herself to Lulu and says, they’re all rooting for her, especially her family. Like Willow’s family did when she needed a stem cell transplant. Her husband never gave up hope and Michael’s uncle risked his life to bring her donor back. Don’t give up hope. There’s always something that can be done.

Anna says, Deputy Mayor Jordan Ashford, and Isaiah laughs. Jordan says she feels like she’s missing something, and Isaiah says, him making a fool of himself assuming she was a man. He introduces himself and thanks her for saving his life. He stares at her, and she asks if there’s something on her face. He says he’s sorry. Staring is rude. He’s not used to bureaucrats looking so… It doesn’t look like she spends her time in committee meetings. She says she promises her job is more challenging than that, and he says he believes it. She single-handedly saved his life. Why? She says, it seemed like a good idea at the time, and he asks, why visit a random John Doe? She says she wanted to help. She figured his family is wondering where he is. Someone is out there who’s missing him.  

Jack says he’s glad Carly’s legal troubles are over, and toasts to freedom. They clink glasses, and she says, just so there’s no confusion, she hasn’t involved herself in Sonny’s business. She wants to focus on her family. He says, finding Lucky for Lulu, and she says, he’s her best chance for a donor, so she’s going to do what she can to bring him home. He says he admires her determination, and she says, he hasn’t seen anything yet. Is life in Port Charles what he hoped? He says, and then some, and she says, she has a feeling a few people have issues with him being here. He says he’s not sure the Police Commissioner is happy with his presence, when Anna walks in and says, cooperating? Jack says, drink?

Molly says, the animosity between Alexis and Cates is public knowledge, but Alexis says, a lot of people hated him. Molly says, how many of them were caught with a gun? and Alexis says, circumstantial. She didn’t kill Cates. Molly says, what about Kristina? and Alexis says she hopes Kristina is home and resting. Molly tells her to start thinking like a lawyer. If she doesn’t come up with an alternative explanation, she might find herself charged with capital murder. Molly slams out of the room.

Willow tells Lulu that she’s lucky to be alive. She’s not about to screw up the chance, and she came back to GH so she could go back to the life she had before the things with Drew happened. She can’t have feelings for Drew. She loves Michael and the kids and everything they’ve built. She’s going to get Drew out of her head once and for all. Elizabeth is in the doorway and says, Willow? (Rut-roh.)

Diane walks into the interrogation room, and Alexis asks if she’s free to go. Diane wonders if Alexis is doubting her skill, but Alexis says, never. Diane says, yes, she’s free to go. Of course (🍷) it’s a temporary reprieve. Alexis has no alibi and won’t tell the police where she was when John was killed. Now she’s digging a hole with the gun. Alexis says she panicked when she saw the gun. When they find it, they’ll see it wasn’t the murder weapon. Diane says, if they find it, and Alexis says, Diane doesn’t think she did it, does she? Diane says, of course (🍷) not, but Alexis threatened Cates just hours before the murder and two trustworthy witnesses saw her getting rid of a gun. Alexis says, Ric is hardly trustworthy, and Diane tells her to focus. They both know it’s not about what she did or didn’t do. It’s what she can prove in a court of law.

Isaiah says he appreciates Jordan’s intentions. He wouldn’t be breathing if not for her. She says, he didn’t answer her question. Does he have family? He says, it’s more like an interrogation. Is she sure she’s not a cop? She says, she was, and that’s another question. She answered. When someone dodges a question, it usually means they’re hiding something. He says he has nothing to hide, but there are things he’d rather not revisit. He doesn’t expect her to understand. She says, he’d be surprised.

Nina goes to the gallery and asks how Ava is doing. Ava says, she’s hopeful. She just spoke to Trina, and she was reminded that she’s lucky to have someone on her side who believes her. It makes the ordeal easier. Nina says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she believes Ava too, and Ava says she’s surprised Nina is being supportive. Nina asks if it’s hard to imagine her doing the right thing, and Ava says she’s glad to have Nina in her corner. She’s grateful. Nina says she’s been down, as Ava knows, and remembers how badly she needed a friend. Ava asks how it’s going with Ric, and Nina says she’s sorry, but Ric still refuses to take the case.

Molly finds Ric at the MetroCourt and says, he told the police that mom disposed of a gun? He says, she did, and Molly asks if he’s trying to set Alexis up. He says he and Elizabeth saw her the night John Cates was murdered. He’s an officer of the court and obligated to report it. And he wants them to catch the killer. She says, mom didn’t kill Cates, and whatever she’s going through is Kristina’s fault. He asks if she has more information about the case, and she says, not for sure yet. He asks if Kristina owns a gun, and she says, Kristina could have gotten one from Sonny. Michael is covering for her too. Kristina is desperate not to go to prison and maybe she finally snapped. Ric says, Ava changed her story. She said Cates pressured her into making a false statement. Knowing that, does Molly still believe Kristina was the aggressor and responsible for her own fall?

Elizabeth says she’s glad Willow was talking to Lulu. Sometimes even the nurses forget there’s an actual person in the bed and not just a body. Willow says she thinks Lulu can hear on some level. She was filling Lulu in on the things happening in Port Charles. Elizabeth says she thinks it’s great and apologizes for snapping when they were talking about Lucky. Willow says she didn’t mean imply he was avoiding his family, but Elizabeth says she thinks that’s exactly what he’s doing. He’s been running from something for a long time, but she doesn’t know what it is. Sometimes she thinks it’s her. Willow asks, why? and Elizabeth says, it’s a long story. She is a big reason why he left, but she didn’t realize he’d be gone so long. His son barely knows him. Aiden is excited about his dad coming back, but her biggest fear is that Lucky will come back, save Lulu, and leave. What happens when Aiden loses his dad again?

Anna says, this is cozy, and Carly says, Jack is helping them find Lucky. Anna wonders how having a drink helps, and Jack says, they’re waiting for the satellite photos from where they think Lucky is being held. Anna asks what he can tell her about Jenz Sidwell, but he says, nothing he hasn’t read in the papers. His phone rings, and he asks if they’re sure… Send him the link. He tells Carly and Anna that they found Sidwell’s compound, and Carly asks if Lucky is there, but he says, it appears to be abandoned.

Nina says she’s sorry, but Ric isn’t budging, and Ava thanks her for trying. There are a lot of good lawyers in this town, and she can afford the best. Nina says, Ava is taking it better than she expected, and Ava says, Trina reminded her that she’s not alone. She has Trina and now she has Nina. She spent so much time scheming and manipulating situations, she knows she’s lucky to have any friends left. Nina says she knows the feeling.

Molly tells Ric, it doesn’t matter. If Kristina hadn’t gone to Ava’s room, her baby would still be alive. Ric says, they should stop talking about it. It’s making her upset. Molly says, of course (🍷) she’s upset. She lost her baby and her sister that day. He says, isn’t it possible that it was just a terrible accident? but she says, the evidence says otherwise. Ava was arrested. Ric wonders what happened to innocent until proven guilty, and Molly says she needs to know who’s responsible for her baby’s death and they need to pay.  

Elizabeth says she doesn’t know what to say to Aiden. He saw Jake having a relationship with Jason, and he might be hoping that it will be the same with him and his dad. Lucky loves his son, but he doesn’t love living in one place for long.

Jack says, the satellite photos show signs of recent activity. It looks like they missed Sidwell by a few hours. Anna wonders if they can find him and tells Jack to gather all the satellite photos from the area. Maybe they caught Sidwell leaving. Jack says he doesn’t work for her, and he can’t dedicate a satellite to finding one man. Anna says, Lucky’s family helped the WSB for years, and Jack says he knows, but even if he locates Lucky, getting him out can be extremely difficult. Anna tells him to ignore what she said. She’ll find Lucky with or without his help. She leaves, and Carly says, please. She’ll pay for whatever resources they need to have to bring Lucky home. Lulu needs her family. They can’t lose her. Jack asks if they haven’t already lost her. (Apparently not, according to GH casting.)

Diane asks if Alexis thinks Kristina killed Cates, but Alexis says, absolutely not. Diane says, then she has to get Kristina to come in and talk to the police and tell them what happened. Alexis says, she can’t. She’s not in her right mind. She doesn’t know what she’s saying. She’s glad Cates is dead. What if she says that to the police? Diane says, that would be bad, and Alexis says she can handle the scrutiny with the police. Kristina can’t. It’s not an option. Diane says, Alexis doesn’t have the luxury of protecting Kristina anymore. When she disposed of the gun and got caught, it made her suspect number one.

Nina says she’ll have her assistant compile a list of the best criminal attorneys, when Ric walks in. He says, good. They’re both here. Ava says she hopes he didn’t come by to gloat, but he says he’s changed his mind. He’ll take the case. They both ask, why? and he says he’s doing it for his daughter. Molly needs to know what happened. They’ll start in the morning, but if he finds out Ava is lying, he’ll bury her. Does she still want him as her attorney? She says, yeah, because she’s innocent.  

Alexis says, if she’s charged, Diane will convince the jury that she’s innocent, and Diane says, yeah… Alexis knows she’ll always do what she can, but if Alexis is charged, she can’t be her lawyer.

Molly comes into the station and says she needs to make a statement. She has information about the murder of John Cates.

Jack says, Lulu has been in a coma for 4 years and with a transplant, her odds aren’t good. Carly says, as long as Lulu is still breathing, she won’t give up, and he says he won’t take her money. He’ll continue without it, but don’t thank him yet. What he said to Anna was correct. The territory is extremely unstable. Even if she finds Lucky, what’s the plan? She doesn’t have a SEAL team, and the area is too dangerous for civilians. Who is she going to send in to rescue him?

Molly says, the night John Cates was murdered, nobody knows where her sister was. She has no alibi and had a motive to kill him.

Jordan says she lives in Port Charles, but she’ll always root for the Baltimore team. Go Orioles. Isaiah says, what about the Ravens? and she says she told him where she’s from. Now it’s his turn. Anna comes in, and Isaiah asks if they found Lucky. Anna says, after Isaiah escaped, Sidwell made his getaway and the compound was abandoned. Does he have any idea where Sidwell might have gone? He says, Sidwell was always careful about what he said. How are they going to find Lucky now?  

Tomorrow, Sasha asks if Cody is ready for something fun and exciting; Jason tells Carly not to get involved with Jack; and Diane wants to know what Sonny is going to do about this.

📚 School’s In For Autumn…

Celebrities. They’re just like us.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/soap-stars-celebrate-back-to-school-time-see-the-photos

💰 Listings Goals Hit…

Once again, I drooled over JoshF’s 30,000 square foot, 2 and a half acre, $36 million (in Pasadena!) mansion with the elevator going to the museum and bar in the basement. It’s truly an amazing piece of property. If I had a spare $36 million, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Tracy felt it was a small buyer pool for the price point, and it would have to be some kind of collector. She took an embarrassing photo of JoshA, posing as a statue in the museum, and even he laughed his ass off. He begged her not to post it, but no surprise, she did. She told him it was payback for setting her up on last week’s date with the splooge. I bet it got a billion reactions.

The Altman Brothers’ Orange County office was hardly finished, and Heather was having a panic attack, since the ribbon cutting had already been set with the Chamber of Commerce, et al. It was 15 days away, but the magician contractor promised it would be ready. And it was. The outside of the front anyway, which is all they needed. At the ceremony, Tracy sympathized with Heather, whose calendar was way too full, and suggested Heather say no once in a while.

It was the finale, so in wrapping it up, JoshA said the business had surpassed its goal of 500 million in listings. Tracy said, while it had been a slow start, she was excited to move forward, but she wasn’t letting JoshA set her up again. JoshF said he’d done well in a bad market and was a month into the process of reconstructing his dreamhouse. He’d also started seeing Andrew again. The Joshes toasted to high sales, low sales, and no sales.

I don’t think they have a Reunion, but if they do, I’ll be there for it. I enjoy this show more every season, and I’ll miss it. Maybe it’s just as well there’s a break though, since it makes me long for houses I could never afford, and even if I could, I’d probably regret buying something so mammoth. It was tough moving from an apartment to the house I’m in now. It seemed like a mile to the bathroom after having to walk 15 feet.

Flagg spills the tea on the BFFs. Okay, it’s like a couple of drops.

💍 Hope It Sticks This Time…

I always have hope that VanderPeople have changed and matured as they’ve gotten older. So Mazel Tov to Kristen for achieving one of her goals, even though I’m a wee bit skeptical that she’s matured.

https://people.com/vanderpump-rules-alum-kristen-doute-is-engaged-to-luke-broderick-8707625

🪡 Needed, One Ring On a String…

What is wrong with this woman that she keeps losing jewelry worth tens of thousands of dollars?

🏆 Giving Them the Moon…

The best way to get the CliffsNotes version.

https://people.com/mtv-vmas-2024-live-updates-8710617

And of course, the best part. I don’t know what Miranda Lambert has going on there, but no. Just no. As always, Taylor Swift is perfection.

https://people.com/red-carpet-arrivals-2024-mtv-vmas-8710673

🥀 A Day To Remember…

I remember not being able to get all the channels when I got up and thinking it was the cable. Then I found a news station that was on and saw that a plane had flown into the WTC. My first thought was, well, it finally happened. Some idiot crashed into it. Then as the newscasters talked, behind them on the screen, the second plane hit. That’s when I knew it was no accident.

https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/9-11-attacks

🐶 Bringing Joy To the People…

Meet the latest addition to my pack, Sally Jo Buck. I’ve had her a few months, and like her sister Hannah, she brings happiness wherever she goes. I’ve entered her in the Daily Kibble Summer Lovin’ Fun Contest, so click on the link (or copy and paste), scroll down, and give a like to the pictures below.

Sally Jo sez: Vote Fur Me!

🍂 Season Of the Soul…

Join me tomorrow for soap and OC in the shade. Until then, stay safe, stay reestablishing lost or taken for granted relationships, and stay not giving up hope. There’s always something that can be done.

September 6, 2024 – There For a Payday Not Romance, Last Dream, New Series, Fancy Move, For Lease, Heavy Edit, Mob Slam, WWDD Et Al, Be Quiet, Chinchilla Rock, Just Past 10 Quotes & Song

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brook listens at the living room door and says, nothing. Olivia says, no rains in Spains falling down the plains or whatever? and Ned says, falling mainly on the plain. Olivia says she doesn’t care. This whole thing is ridiculous. Brook says she can’t believe granny would hire some elitist drill instructor to fix ma’s speech, and Olivia says she’s going to kick that fancy pants nutjob out on her butt. Ned says, Lois ultimately agreed to a lesson, and Olivia says, she was coerced. Tracy comes by and asks if they’ve been lurking here this whole time. She’s getting a speech lesson, not being debriefed after an alien abduction. Robin opens the door and says, they can hear them. Come in. They’re finished for today. Brook asks Lois, how’d it go?

Jordan asks a CSI guy what he thinks, and he says, she’s right. Something to do with that tattoo might identify their John Doe. She says, that’s great news. Can he forward the photos to her too? With Commissioner Devane’s permission of course (🍷). He says, will do, and leaves. She goes into Isaiah’s room, and Sidwell’s thug peeks out from around the corner.

Dante joins Jordan, and she tells him, the photographer was just here taking photos of the tattoo. Dante says he saw. Maybe that will get them something. Did she reach the WSB? She says she’s waiting to hear from Brennan. What’s he doing back here? Shouldn’t he be upstairs with Lulu? He says, if he sits around, he’s going to lose his mind. He knows she’d want him to keep her in the loop. She asks if that means he found something. Is he closer to identifying this man?

A guard brings Holly to where Lucky is, and Lucky says, Sidwell’s not here. Holly tells the guard that she’ll be fine with this one, and the guard leaves, closing the door. She asks if Lucky is all right. She heard he was stabbed. He says he’s fine. What is she doing here? She says, don’t worry. Jenz is out inspecting the mine. He won’t find them here together. He asks why she’s at this compound. Does she need help escaping? She says she’s perfectly safe, and he says, so she’s here with Sidwell? What the hell is she doing? She says she couldn’t resist. The heart wants what it wants.

Josslyn slams into her apartment, and two seconds later, Carly says, let her in. She bangs on the door and tells Josslyn to open it. Josslyn knows she’s not going to leave. Open this door now. She’s not going anywhere. Josslyn opens the door and asks if Carly spent the night with Sonny last night. Carly says, yes, and Josslyn tells her, then there’s nothing more to say. She starts to close the door, but Carly stops her. She says, don’t shut her out. She’s not going to let her.

Elizabeth takes Ric to her office and says, they’ll have some privacy in here. He tells her, there’s not much to say. When John Cates was shot and killed last night, they saw Alexis drop a gun off the bridge into the water off of Blackstone Canyon. She was obviously trying to destroy evidence. It’s pretty simple. They need to tell the police what they saw. She says, they don’t know what they saw because it was dark, and they were kind of far away. She’s not even sure it was a gun. Alexis said it was her phone. He says, she didn’t believe that then, and she doesn’t believe it now. She even said it was a gun. She says, because that was her first impression, but right now, she’s not so sure. He says he doesn’t believe it. He never thought he’d see the day when Elizabeth Webber refused to do the right thing.

Chase asks Dex how it feels to be part of Port Charles’s finest, and Dex says, pumped, proud, nervous. Chase says, he’s got this, and Dex says, during graduation, he thought about how good it felt to be a part of something bigger, something important. Just like it felt when he joined the service. Anna comes in and asks if it’s Dex’s first shift, and he says, yes, ma’am. He’ll leave them both to it. Anna says, why doesn’t he stick around? She might need him. Chase asks, what’s up? and she says, a development in the homicide of Agent Cates.

At the penthouse, Jason says, so Sonny is missing a gun, and Sonny asks if Jason took one of his 9 millimeters. Jason says, no. Who has the combination to the lockbox? Sonny says, no one that he knows of, and Jason asks, when was the last time it was opened? Sonny says, a couple of weeks ago. He was off his medication, and he was making sure the guns were safely locked. Jason asks why he opened it now, and Sonny says, because the door where he keeps the lockbox was ajar. That’s not a priority. This is. Sonny unwraps a gun in a bandana, and Jason says, he heard about Jagger. Sonny says, that bastard isn’t going to mess with his family again. This is the only thing tying him to the murder. Get rid of it.

Tracy says, would you repeat that please? and using standard American speech, Lois says, the lesson went very well. It was really quite enlightening. Robin says she’s never had such a diligent student, and tells Lois, it was a pleasure. Lois says, the pleasure was all mine, and Tracy says, amazing. Olivia says, put her back, and Robin says, I beg your pardon? Olivia tells her to wave her wand and do her little magic voodoo witchcraft and do whatever she does. This is not the Lois Cerullo that she loves. Change her back. Lois says she’s fine. Doesn’t she sound like everyone who’s on the news? She really didn’t think she could do it, but she must have a knack or something. Olivia tells Tracy, this time you‘ve gone too far.

Carly says she knows Josslyn is upset, and Josslyn says, upset doesn’t even begin to cover it. How can Carly be so stupid and clueless? What happened to her self-respect? Is she really that desperate? Carly says, knock it off. Josslyn gets to be angry and disappointed, but doesn’t get to disrespect her. Josslyn (who can’t buy a clue) says she has to respect Carly when Carly clearly doesn’t respect herself?  Maybe just go. Carly says she’s not going anywhere. She might remind Josslyn that she’s a grown woman and makes her own choices, like she’s allowed Josslyn to do. Josslyn says, right. Like Carly would have allowed her to go back and forth with an abusive, toxic man, and she’d just sit back and watch that happen. Carly says, she’s right, but they’d talk about it. Not yell, scream, and slam doors. Josslyn says she can see Carly yelling and slamming the door or ten. Carly says, maybe, but then she would hear Josslyn out. Is Josslyn going to let her do the same?

Elizabeth says, first of all, it’s Elizabeth Baldwin, not Webber, and Ric says, slip of the tongue. She says, no. Just a sign of how long it’s been since he actually lived in Port Charles. He thinks he knows her, but he doesn’t. He asks if she’s turned to a life of crime now, and she says she’s been through a lot. She made some questionable choices that she’s had to own. She’s also learned that everything is not black and white. She’s pretty sure Ric knows that too. He says he went into some areas of grey, and she says, maybe it’s just been too long for him to know her or Alexis. Maybe he’s making assumptions off of past grievances. Alexis would never kill anyone. That much she knows. So she can’t swear that Alexis was destroying evidence. He says, maybe she doesn’t know Alexis as well as she thinks she does or maybe he knows sides of Alexis that others don’t. She says, that’s exactly her point. He hasn’t seen sides of her or Alexis in over a decade. He says, they’ll agree to disagree, and she says, what about Molly? How’s Molly going to feel when her mother gets arrested based on something her father said? He says, Molly would want to know the truth, no matter what it was, and she says, agree to disagree. He says, bottom line, a federal agent is dead and he’s an officer of the court. And he’s obligated to report any pertinent information whatsoever in regard to any kind of murder… She laughs and says, give her a break.

Dante tells Jordan that he found a cellphone on the side of the road near the site of the hit and run. It was smashed up, but the fingerprints pulled match the John Doe. It leads him to believe it’s his phone. She asks if he thinks IT can access any of the phone’s data, but he says he doesn’t know. It was pretty smashed up, so he’s not holding out much hope. She says, it would be easier if this guy would just wake up and tell us who he is.

Lucky says, Holly expects him to believe she’s actually attracted to Sidwell, and she says, why not? She’s always had a thing for bad boys. As he well knows. He says his father never strip mined the resources of a war-torn country, and she says, true. Luke was never in the same league as the darling Mr. Sidwell. But his father was a scoundrel. One of a kind. Lucky was missed at the memorial Tracy held in Amsterdam. He says he was on his way, but help was needed in the Sudan… She says, he’s so like his father, and he says, and like him, he can smell a con a mile away. Dad always said she was the best con artist he ever knew. She says, such a flatterer, and he asks her to be straight with him. This is about a payday, not a romance. It must be a pretty big score, huh? She says, yes. So it would be a pity if he blew her cover before the goods were in her pocket.

Anna says she checked the firearms registry and there are 178 nine millimeters registered to Port Charles residents, and Chase says, that’s quite a list. and Dex says, that doesn’t include the unregistered ones, and Anna says, very good point, but one of those registered ones just so happens to belong to Sonny Corinthos. Chase asks if it’s enough for a search warrant, and Anna says she’s going to try and convince Judge Windsor that it is. Dex says, if she doesn’t mind him saying, the sooner she does that, the better. If Sonny hasn’t gotten rid of the gun already, it’s only a matter of time until he does.

Jason asks if it’s unregistered, and Sonny says, there’s no way to trace it back to him, but he wants it destroyed just in case. Jason puts the gun in the back of his waistband, and Sonny says, and these too, handing him the bullet casings. Jason says, consider it done, and puts them in his pocket. Any other problems he should be aware of? Is Sonny sure nobody saw him going to the boathouse? Sonny says, no one saw him going, but there was a witness. Michael. Right after he killed Jagger, Michael was there. He’s not going to say anything. Michael let Sonny get to the main house, then he found the body. Jason says, Michael covered for him. Okay, so what’s his alibi? Sonny says, Carly. She swore she was with him. Jason says, Carly, and Sonny says, yeah. Jason asks why they didn’t call him last night, and Sonny says, it was at the Quartermaines. They needed an alibi. She didn’t know why she needed it at the time. Jason says, he didn’t tell her about Cates? and Sonny says, there was a lot going on, but she gets it. Jason says, okay. So their immediate problem is the missing gun. Sonny says, fully registered, completely legit, waiting to implicate him if it’s in the wrong hands. They’ve go to find it and they’ve got to find it fast.

Elizabeth says, Ric’s feeble excuse and shocked expression doesn’t play with her, and he says, she hasn’t lost her directness. She says, the main reason for him doing his civic duty is to stick it to Alexis. And the only reason he needs her to back him is because his take on things is a little suspect, considering how toxic his relationship is with her. He says, she’s right. He doesn’t like Alexis. Maybe they even hate each other, but you know who else Alexis hated? John Cates. Elizabeth as a mother would do nearly anything to protect her child. She says, nearly. He’s accusing Alexis of murder. He says he’s merely suggesting they go to the police and tell them what they saw, and she says, they don’t know what they saw. He says, fine. Let’s say you’re right. Alexis didn’t kill Cates. What’s the harm in coming forward and putting it on the record? She says, maybe implicating an innocent woman in a crime she had nothing to do with? and he says, if she’s so positive Alexis is innocent, why doesn’t she put her money where her mouth is. Tell the truth and let that be that.

Carly asks what Josslyn was doing at Sonny’s this morning, and Josslyn says she’d just heard Carly and Sonny had sex in Tracy’s bed. And of course (🍷) she never believed that Carly… Anyway, Carly wasn’t answering her phone and Pilar said she didn’t come home last night. Carly says, so she’s done some checking around, and Josslyn says she went to Sonny’s to prove to herself that Carly wouldn’t be there. It was like a punch in the stomach when she saw Carly coming out of that apartment. After everything Sonny did to her and their family, and the horrible ways he treated Carly, how does she go back to him?

Jason says, let’s go over it again. It had to be somebody who has access to the penthouse. Who’s been in the penthouse lately? Sonny says, Dante, Lois, Brook Lynn… There was Natalia, Pilar with Avery, but they don’t know where the lockbox is, much less the combination. Jason says, what about Ava? and Sonny says, she might have seen him use the combination once when she was living with him. As a matter of fact, Diane told him that Ava recanted her statement that Kristina tried to kill her. Does Jason know anything about that? Jason says he’ll give Sonny the short version. He saved Ava’s life last night.

Lucky says, Isaiah’s returning with back-up, and he’d advise Holly not to be here when that happens. She thanks him and says, but she’s going to finish what she started. It’s just taking her a bit longer than she’d hoped to get the combination to Jenz’s safe. Lucky asks, what’s in it? and she says, nothing he needs to concern himself with. He says, doesn’t sound sketchy at all, and she says, her plans for tonight should give Jenz the incentive that he needs. He says, but the clock’s ticking. Isaiah has probably contacted the WSB by now.

Dante looks at his phone and says, nothing on the tattoo, and Jordan says, these are his clothes, right? She takes the bag of Isaiah’s things and says, what about the labels? Can they pin down where he got them? He says, look at this. Working together again, huh? Is she getting tired of sitting on the sidelines? She says, at first. Then she gets caught up in the projects. Right now, it just feels good to be able to help somebody. He says, with everything happening with Molly, TJ, Kristina, and now Lulu, he doesn’t feel like he’s doing a whole lot to help anybody. He feels especially helpless when he’s sitting with Lulu. She says, still no change? and he says, nope. It’s not looking good either. Laura is looking for Lucky. He’s the best chance they have at a donor match. She says, knowing Laura, she will move heaven and earth, and he says, but what she has to move is in Africa and she’s got to find Lucky fast or they’re not going to be able to save Lulu.

Olivia says, Robin broke her best friend, and Lois says she’s fine, but please continue. Olivia says, Lois lives in a house with this sanctimonious snob. She’s going to tell Monica to kick Tracy out on her bloomin’ arse. Tracy says she’ll triple Robin’s fee if she can fix that one too.

Holly asks, when was the last time Lucky was back in Port Charles and saw Laura and Aiden? and he says, it’s been a while. There’s no shortage of places that need the help. She says, and only he can solve their problems, and he asks if his mother sent her here to guilt trip him. She laughs, and says, no. She just figured it must be hard for him, being away from his family for so long. He says he’s sure they’re getting along just fine without him, when they hear footsteps. Holly says, someone’s coming.

Carly says, first of all, she’s not back with Sonny. Last night was a one-time thing and she’s annoyed with herself because she let it get as far as she did. But she and Sonny understand what it was and they’re able to move on because ultimately, they mutually respect and understand each other. Josslyn says, all Sonny has done is hurt Carly over and over again, and Carly says she knows that. She and Sonny have been through a lot. They’ve survived things she prays Josslyn never has to experience. They have children together. They’re a family. It’s an unbreakable bond. Josslyn says, so she’s getting back with him, but Carly says she’s not. She just told Josslyn. She’s not getting back together with Sonny. It was a one-time thing. And she’s trying to make Josslyn understand because she wants Josslyn to know that she knows what she’s doing. She’s not trying to justify her actions, and she certainly doesn’t need Josslyn’s approval here. (No, she doesn’t, and Josslyn needs to keep her opinion to herself.) Josslyn says, Carly knows who he is and what he does, and she was finally free of all of that. She doesn’t understand. Carly says she knows, and Josslyn says, he’s a dangerous man. Carly says she knows, and Josslyn says, with a dangerous lifestyle. He attacked Dex. He would have killed Dex if Jason hadn’t stopped it. And Jagger Cates was killed here last night at the boathouse. Carly says she’s aware, and Josslyn asks if she was there when it happened. Carly says, yes. She was with Sonny. Josslyn says, oh my God, and Carly says, whatever she’s thinking, stop. Josslyn asks, did she sleep with Sonny last night or did she give him an alibi for murder?

Jason says, so once they got Ava to the police station, she admitted that Cates forced her to sign a false statement against Kristina. Sonny says he warned her not to go with him, and Jason says, Boyle came clean too. She said that Cates blackmailed her and made a deal with her to kill Ava. Sonny says, slimy piece of work. Thank God Kristina is free of him. He tried to break her. He tried to end Sonny’s family. And he failed. I won. He thanks Jason for everything, and Jason nod and says he’ll get rid of the gun and casings. Then they’re done with Jagger. There’s a knock at the door, and Jason opens it. Anna is there with Dex and another officer, and Sonny asks what brings her by. She says, warrant to search the premises, and Sonny says, for what? She says, among other things, she needs to see Sonny’s weapons.

On the phone, Sidwell’s thug says, not yet… He’ll take care of Gannon. No problem… He just needs to wait until no one is in his room. (Well, yeah. You’d think that would be a given.)

Dante says, all right. They made the serial number of John Doe’s phone. That means if they can figure out where it was purchased, they can figure out where he comes from. Jordan says, or at least where he’s been.

Josslyn says, no. She doesn’t want to know. And she doesn’t know what’s worse. Carly falling for Sonny again, or her helping him get away with murder. Carly says, she has to know… but Josslyn says she doesn’t want to hear it. Because a week ago, Carly was telling her how horrible she felt facing prison because she made a terrible choice, and how that risky last-minute decision almost cost her kids, her job, her freedom. And if that evidence against her hadn’t miraculously disappeared… Carly says she knows, but Josslyn says, she doesn’t know. Because here she is again, a few weeks later, doing it again. So whatever this is, however she’s let Sonny back in her life, she’s back to risking everything for him.

Anna says, they’ll start with the main bedroom, then go to the office. She asks if Kristina or Avery are here, and Sonny asks if they can make sure not to mess up Avery’s room because she’s just a kid. Anna tells them, go easy on the kid’s room. She doubts Sonny would stash a smoking gun in her room. Sonny asks what smoking gun she’s talking about, and she says, the one used to kill Agent Cates. Sonny says, she’s wasting her time, and Anna asks why he doesn’t make it easier for everyone and produce his registered 9-millimeter gun. Just for laughs. He says, because he doesn’t want to make it easier, and Dex says he knows where Sonny keeps his lockbox. Sonny laughs, and Anna thanks Dex. Dex walks over to the credenza, and Sonny suggests Jason go. He doesn’t want to see this play out. They’ll keep in touch. Anna says, just a minute.

At the station, Ric introduces himself to Chase, and says, we were told you’re in charge of the John Cates murder investigation. Chase says, we? when Elizabeth joins Ric and says, hi. Chase asks what this is about, and Ric says, good. They know one another. He forgot what a small community Port Charles is. Chase asks if he has information regarding the Cates investigation, and Ric says, yes, but Elizabeth says, maybe. She’s not sure… Ric says he and Elizabeth were walking in Blackstone Canyon last night and they saw something suspicious. Elizabeth says, more like odd, and Ric says, semantics. Chase asks what they saw, and Ric says, when they got to the bridge, they noticed a woman at the railing, and she had a gun, and she dropped it into the water. Chase asks if they can describe the woman, and Ric looks at Elizabeth. She says, it was Alexis Davis.

Brook asks if Lois is really into this. Does she like the way she sounds? Lois says she’s still getting used to it. It’s fun. It’s like she’s pretending to be somebody else. Now she understands why Meryl Streep always picks the roles where she has to learn accents. Robin says, yes. Meryl Streep is a wonderful role model. Emulate her by all means. Brook says, they’re talking here, and tells Lois that she doesn’t want her to feel like this is something she has to do just because of some hateful comments on Home & Heart. Lois says, that’s not the only reason, and Brook says, there are a lot of idiots who hide behind the anonymity of social media and their presumed superiority. (Truth!) She loves Lois just the way she is, and so does everybody else. Lois thanks her and they hug. Tracy tells Robin that she’s stunned by Lois’s transformation after just one lesson. Does she have a magic wand or is she just that good? Robin says, the latter. Lois is an exceptional student. She has a virtuosic ear and an aptitude for linguistic convergence. She thanks Tracy for bringing Lois to her. Tracy says, what about the other one? Bensonhurst to the bone. Robin says, anyone can overcome their beginnings. Take Tracy for example. Tracy says, come again? and Robin says, she lived abroad for many years, did she not? In Amsterdam? Tracy says, amazing. She really knows her stuff. Robin says, Tracy’s upstate New York accent has almost been completely replaced by a mid-Atlantic or transatlantic one. She can still hear traces of… New Jersey. Hoboken perhaps. Tracy says, get out, and Robin says her work here is done. She tells Lois that they’ll be in touch, and flounces out.

Sidwell comes in and Holly says she was bored without him. He says, so she came here to amuse herself while he was away, and she says, he piqued her curiosity about this one’s poker skills, so she thought she’d test them out for herself. He says, and? and she says, lost every hand, which is worse than being bored, but now he’s back. She gets up and says she’s going to get ready for their special night. Is he coming? She might need some help with her zipper. He says he’ll be there soon. He and Lucky have yet to play a hand today. He has to win his rights to keep breathing.

As Chase records the statements, he says, so when they encountered Alexis Davis, she was out for a walk? Ric says, yes, at night, and Elizabeth says, so were they. Chase says, and she told them that she just dropped her phone, and Elizabeth tells him, she said her phone had been acting up. It wasn’t taking or receiving calls, and she got frustrated, so she just dropped it in the river. Ric says, as anyone would with a phone if they can’t make phone calls, and Chase says, but they believe it was a gun? Ric says, yes, most definitely, and Chase looks at Elizabeth. He asks if she’d like to speak somewhere privately, but she says, no. Last night, she got the impression that Alexis was holding a gun. But she’d like to go on record and say that she doesn’t believe for a second that Alexis had anything to do with the death of John Cates.

Carly sits next to Josslyn on the sofa and says she’s sorry to worry her. About what happened between her and Sonny, at the time, she wasn’t thinking about long term ramifications. She just truly thought she was doing what was best for her and Sonny. Josslyn says, no, she didn’t. She put Sonny ahead of herself, again, and ahead of everybody else. Carly says, what happened was consensual. Two consenting adults. Josslyn says, right, adults. Not two teens in the back of a movie theater. She knows Carly and knows what she’s doing. Carly says, and Josslyn knows there are people in her life that she won’t give up on. People she loves, and Sonny’s one of them. With that love comes loyalty. Josslyn says, nobody who truly loves Carly would ever ask her to sacrifice herself for them. Carly says she’s not sacrificing herself for Sonny, but Josslyn says, yes, she is. If she is his alibi and he did kill Jagger Cates, then she’s an accessory to murder. Murder. She can’t lose Carly. She’s scared. She just faced this. She can’t keep doing this with Carly. She can’t keep picturing living her life without her again. Carly says, she doesn’t have to do that. She’s going to be okay. She promises. She reaches to hug Josslyn, but Josslyn pulls away. She says, Carly can’t promise her that.

Anna says she assumes Jason’s presence here means he’s back working for Sonny, and he says he and Sonny are partners in Corinthos Coffee. That’s never changed. She says she enjoyed working with him. She can see that’s over now. He says he’s the same person he always was, and she says, he needs to stay out of her way from now on. She has a job to do. He says he was actually on his way out, and she says she would think as Sonny’s righthand man, he’d want to stay. Dex brings out the lockbox and puts it on the table. Anna thanks him and asks if Sonny wants to open this or give her the combination. He says he’ll open it, and she thanks him for his cooperation. He opens the box, and she says, he appears to be missing a gun.

Tracy says, that’s done. Good riddance. Lois says, good riddance, changing Tracy’s pronunciation. Riddance. Shall they decamp to the dining room? Brook says, excellent idea, and Olivia says, indubitably. They leave, and Ned and Tracy are left alone. Ned says, hoisted by her own petard springs to mind, and follows. (I love that phrase.)

Ric and Elizabeth sign their statements, and Chase says he appreciates them both for coming down. Elizabeth says she’s sure there’s a perfectly innocent explanation for Alexis’s actions, and Ric says, they’ve done their civic duty. Now whatever happens is up to the PCPD. They leave, and in the squad room, Ric says, that wasn’t too painful. She says, then why does she feel nauseous? and he says, sorry. He thinks he left his pen in the room. It’s expensive. She says she has to get back to the hospital, and he says he’ll catch up with her later. She leaves, and Chase comes out holding Ric’s pen. He says, looking for this? and Ric says, yes. Thank you. He takes the pen and says he just… never mind. Chase asks if there’s something he wants to add, and Ric says, it’s been bothering him. Alexis was so angry about Agent Cates trying to railroad Kristina. Chase says, and? and Ric says he knows Alexis would do anything to protect her daughters. Chase says, that’s right. He’s Molly’s father. Ric says he and Alexis go way back. That’s why this is so upsetting, considering that she’s killed before… He’s sorry. He thought Chase knew. It’s in her record. Chase asks if there’s anything else he’d like to add, and Ric says, no. It’s just such a shame, especially since she just put her life back together. She got her law license back. Chase says nothing, and Ric leaves. (Oh ho, so Ric is afraid of competition too. I’m wondering if Chase is already onto Ric really wanting to stick it to Alexis.)

Carly says her actions aren’t going to affect Josslyn. She’ll make sure of that. She promises. She needs Josslyn to trust her. Josslyn says, she’s making that very hard, and Carly says she knows. There’s one more thing. She would appreciate if Josslyn didn’t share this with Dex. The last thing they need is him getting the wrong idea and bringing Josslyn in for questioning. That would not be good for either one of them. Josslyn says she’s not going to tell Dex anything. She doesn’t want him involved. He just got on the force. Carly says, good. The bottom line is, it’s her personal choice. It’s not his business or anybody else’s. Josslyn says, the sleeping with Sonny part, and Carly says, yes. She loves Josslyn and she’s going to be okay. Josslyn says she loves Carly too. It’s Carly’s loyalty to Sonny that she doesn’t love. Carly says she knows, and Josslyn says she’s scared that one day Sonny is going to ask Carly for a favor and it’s going to cost her life. Carly says, that’s not going to happen, and Josslyn says, what if it already has happened? What if this is that favor?

Anna says, they understand Sonny has a registered 9-millimeter, and Sonny says, it should be right there. She says, he hasn’t reported it missing? and he says he didn’t know it was gone until right now. She says, that’s very interesting. Agent Cates was killed with a 9-millimeter last night. Sonny says, and now it’s missing. Should he call his lawyer? She says, it’s up to him really. Everyone knows he had reason to want Cates dead. He says, it’s a good thing he has an alibi, and she says she heard. Some kind of tryst with Carly. It’s really a coincidence that he’d reconnect with her just around the time of the murder even though she insisted the two of them were over. He says, she’s going to have to talk to Carly about that, and she asks if anyone other than his ex-wife saw him around the time Cates was killed, but he says he doesn’t think there was an audience. She says, that’s a shame, because unless he can produce this registered 9-millimeter of his and they can run tests on it, there’s no way to prove that it wasn’t involved in the homicide of Agent Cates.

Back at the station, Dante comes out with a folder, and Jordan says, anything? He says, IT traced the serial number of the damaged phone. It was purchased at the airport in Nairobi. She says, that’s where Laura and Doc went to look for Lucky, and he says, that’s correct. She says, this can’t be a coincidence, and he says he agrees. That’s why they have to figure out how their John Doe is connected to Lucky.  

Sidwell shuffles the cards and says, Holly is quite the woman, isn’t she? Lucky says, she is. A poker player, she ain’t. Sidwell says he’ll try and give Lucky a bit more of a challenge, and Lucky says, bring it. Sidwell says he knows Lucky has been biding his time, waiting for his friend to arrive with help. He hates to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s not going to happen.

Sidwell’s thug quietly goes into Isaiah’s room. He walks to the bed and takes a syringe out of his pocket.

On Monday, TJ tells Ric that if he lets his anger out at Kristina right now, he’s afraid of what he’s going to do; Curtis asks if Portia is sure she wants to put her life on hold for that woman; Jordan asks what someone is doing (probably Sidwell’s thug); and Anna tells Jason that he has to come with her.

💼 Gone But Hardly Forgotten…

Sounds like he had a tough last few days. I remember Ilene Kristen talking about what a pain out of sync filming is when I went to a soap workshop.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-j-harrington-opens-up-about-his-last-days-at-gh

🎬 Living His Dream…

The best Nikolas of all the Nikolases has a new gig.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-adam-huss-to-begin-work-on-a-new-dream-series

🍊 Please Don’t Go…

I wouldn’t put it past Fancy Pants to have a house in both places just so she could do both shows. And I hate to admit it, but I’d be interested in seeing that.

💎 It’s Avi’s Fault…

If it’s by appointment, that means you can’t afford it.

🧂 Tuning Up…

She looks like she could be related to Beyoncé. Sign me up.

👠 Fuggedaboud Those Housewives…

No receipts, proof, timelines, or screenshots for Renee. Another confession, I loved Mob Wives.

⚰️ Dead and Company…

The latest on the Daryl Dixon front.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-changes-location-and-adds-new-cast-members-01j6yeyfw9yf

This time, the focus is not on GH’s ex-Spencer.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/walking-dead-s-dallas-roberts-jason-butler-harner-in-monsters-the-lyle-and-erik-menendez-story-01j6dn2xsgqt

The busiest man in Dead business.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/colman-domingo-shares-first-look-photos-of-his-new-series-the-madness-01j6kbadbrrf

🛸 Yeah, There Will Be Spoilers…

I watched this last weekend, and it wasn’t what I expected, but that wasn’t a bad thing. I love films that take place in NYC because it’s familiar territory, and you also get to see a lot of the creatures this time around. Definitely one to watch.

https://screenrant.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-leave-new-york-time/

🐹 Bringing Joy To the People…

Who doesn’t love a chinchilla wearing a crown?

https://people.com/hilarious-chinchillas-rock-tiktok-exclusive-8700508

🏹 Quotes of the Week

Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. David Ogden Stiers

Aggressive is protecting your rights, but hurting others. Assertive is protecting your rights and not hurting others.Dr. Phil McGraw

That’s the trouble with your whole MTV, microwave dinner generation. You want it all now. You think you deserve it just because you want it? It doesn’t work like that. You have to earn it, you have to take it, you have to make it yours. but before you do that, Guy, you need to decide what it is you really want. – Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey), Swimming with Sharks

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Joshua J. Marine

Hand me my bird. – Mina (Hannah Dargan), The Watchers

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

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

Don’t worry about being worried. You’re heading out on an adventure, and you can always change your mind along the way and try something else. – Tracy Kidder

Live your vision and demand your success. – Steve Maraboli

Our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if the other person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We must practice this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable. – Thich Nhat Hanh

When life gives you lemons, just say, f*** the lemons, and bail. – Chuck (Paul Rudd), Forgetting Sarah Marshall

🍁 Waiting For Fall To Fall…

Have a glorious, or at least above average weekend. Then circle back on Monday for soap and what’s stewing on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay using the strength of your feelings to change your situation, and stay not reading your mom the riot act if you don’t like her choice of a one-night stand.

August 20, 2024 – Kristina Is Arraigned, Soap Bubbles, Sergio Wants a Baby, Salty Talk, VanderBail, Best R Ever, Zoo Babies & Afternoon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura asks, what hell are you doing here? and Cyrus (didn’t see that coming) says, hell had nothing to do with it. Laura tells Lulu, mom is here. She’ll be right back. She and Cyrus go out into the hall, and Laura says, Lulu’s doctor called her. Why is he here? He says he hasn’t seen Laura in months and assumed she had her hands full with the baby, her mayoral duties, and Heather. He visits frequently, so he’s surprised he hasn’t run into her.

Ava leaves a voicemail for Scotty. She asks, where’s the pharmacist? Is everything okay? She needs for him to call her back. She throws her phone as Nina walks in. Nina picks it up and says she thinks Ava dropped something.

Dante comes home, and Sam hugs him. She says she brought Scout home from her softball game. She was awesome. She’s upstairs and she’s sure she’ll tell Dante all about it. She’s headed over to her mom’s, since Kristina is there. Is he okay to stay and watch the kids? He says, the kids aren’t a problem, but Kristina isn’t at her mom’s.

Molly meets TJ at the hospital, and he says he heard about Kristina. He’s so sorry. She says, her mom is with Kristina, but she’s had no chance to talk to her. She did have time to be reprimanded by his mom. She used her authority as ADA to confront Ava in jail. Scotty complained to the DA’s office, and it landed on the Deputy Mayor’s desk. All she could think about was that her child was gone because of Ava. She could have been suspended or fired, but instead she got more than her share of professional courtesy and grace off the books. She doesn’t regret confronting Ava, but she’s sorry about so many other things. She hopes he can forgive her.

Alexis tells John that her emergency hearing should be granted soon, and John says, Kristina assaulted and threatened to kill a federal witness. She says, this is malicious prosecution and doesn’t serve him, which he’ll find out in court.

Sonny goes into the interrogation room, and Kristina asks why this is happening. He says he’s going to take care of everything.

Kristina tells Sonny that John claims she threatened Ava and tried to kill her, but that’s not what happened. Ava grabbed her. She only threatened to tell the court the truth about Ava on the witness stand. Sonny says he’ll tell her what’s going on. Is she up to hearing it? She says, yeah, and he says, he and Jagger go way back to a time when he did things he’s not proud of. That’s a weight that he’ll have to live with. The guilt is his weight, not hers. She says, his past doesn’t matter, but he says, Jagger has come back to settle the score. Jagger knows how much he loves her, and that’s why Jagger is targeting him.

Nina says, her life is in her phone, and hands Ava’s phone to her. Ava asks what she wants, and Nina says she managed to squeeze out half a page for the artist Ava is so excited about. Ava says, under other circumstances, she’d be thrilled, but she has bigger concerns. Her lawyer isn’t answering his phone. Nina says, Scotty isn’t always reliable, and Ava says she was arrested for murder and the FBI agent who was helping her clearly has his own agenda. Go ahead and say it. She has nobody to blame but herself. Nina says, it’s true she wanted to see what Ava had coming to her, but this is not what she had in mind. Ava says, Nina wanted to see her suffer. She got her wish.

Molly says she’s sorry she was hiding behind work and left TJ to handle everything, but he says, she’s grieving too, and he wasn’t always understanding. She says, it’s like living in a slow-motion nightmare. She’s living in one horrible moment when the next comes. Sonny and Kristina got off the elevator, and Kristina was ready to go home, when Agent Cates stormed in and arrested Kristina. He claims Ava is a witness in a RICO violations case, and Kristina assaulted her. He says, that doesn’t sound right, and she says, their mom went into lawyer mode, but now she’s starting to wonder if she shouldn’t have defended Kristina.

Laura asks if the doctor has been in there, and Cyrus says, no one’s been in there since he got here. She asks how often he visits Lulu, and he says he tries to be here two or three times a week. He reads the Bible to her. He’s her uncle, and he hopes it brings her a little comfort. Laura asks why he didn’t tell her, and he says he knows she’s got a lot going on, so he thought he’d help. He sees now that he should have cleared it with her, and he apologizes. If it causes her distress, he’ll stop. She says she appreciates his intentions. She’s worried about Lulu. He asks, why? and she says, the doctor asked to see her. She said something’s not right with Lulu’s tests, and there was an urgency about it. He asks if she’d like him to pray with her, and she says, her only prayer is that if her daughter needs help, she has the strength to give it to her.

Alexis tells Kristina that she got the emergency hearing, and Kristina wants to know how this happened. Alexis says, it’s a desperate miscalculation by a desperate man, and it’s going to blow back on Cates big time. She’ll be in the courtroom and meet Kristina outside. She leaves, and Sonny says, they’ve got this. Don’t worry. He leaves, and Kristina says, it isn’t her fault. Ava grabbed her. She flashes back and says, Ava grabbed me.

Doc asks if Lulu is okay, and Laura says she only saw Lulu for a moment. Cyrus was there. Cyrus says he’s only seen the nurse since he’s been here, and Laura says, apparently, Cyrus visits Lulu regularly. Cyrus says, among other patients, and Doc says, ministering, he supposes. The doctor joins them and says she’s run some tests and is waiting for the results. She’ll see if the lab can put a rush on them. She wants to have the most current information in hand before she updates Laura. Doc asks if she has any indication of what’s going on, and she says, when they get the results, they can decide on what course of action, if any, they want to go for. She leaves, and Cyrus says he doesn’t wish to intrude. He’ll pray for them both. He leaves, and Doc asks if Laura is okay with Cyrus visiting. She says she doesn’t know. She can’t think about anything but Lulu.

Nina asks why an FBI agent would concern himself with a custody case. It’s not something they usually take on. Ava says, he wanted information he could use against Sonny. She told him that she had nothing to give him, then Sonny showed up at her hotel suite. He was livid about the custody battle. Nina knows how he gets quiet and intense, and Cates stepped in. Nina says, Sonny can be intense, but she doesn’t believe he’d harm Ava, and Ava says, Sonny hates her and Cates was there for her like a hero. He said he’d help her with the custody battle, so she threw in with him. The only thing she cares about and that matters to her is Avery. Now she thinks she made a gigantic mistake.

Dante tells Sam about Kristina’s arrest, and Sam asks if Anna and her mom know. He says, her mom is all over it. Cates is saying Kristina went after Ava, who’s a witness in a RICO case against Sonny, and Sam says, unreal. He says, her mom is trying to get Kristina arraigned. He just got back from seeing Laura. She asks if the mayor is in on this too, but he says, something is going on with Lulu.

Molly says she showed Ava the autopsy photos. She wanted Ava to know what she’d done and live with the memory of the images. The autopsy photos upset and horrified Ava, but it didn’t make her feel any better and Ava didn’t confess. So what did she accomplish? She jeopardized her own career. She wanted to take action, and what she did, she did out of anger. She can see why Kristina would do the same thing. He asks if she thinks Kristina threatened to kill Ava. She says, Kristina wouldn’t mean it and wouldn’t physically attack her. He says, they have photos, and she says, a picture can tell a thousand lies. It’s how it’s interpreted. Maybe Ava was grabbing Kristina. Maybe she was fending Kristina off. He asks if she thinks that scenario is possible, and she says she doesn’t want to, but maybe Kristina’s actions are responsible for the death of their baby.

Alexis says, Sonny will say and do nothing, no matter how much Cates goads him. If he can’t do that, he has to leave. Sonny asks how she is. She hasn’t had a case in a while, and this is their daughter. He wants to know if she’s up for it. She asks if he’s doubting her. If she had any qualms, Diane would be here. When she sees Cates’s smug mug, she’ll be filled with righteous indignation and a strength she forgot she had. He says, that’s what he likes to hear. His presence here will present a problem for Cates, not him. Cates hates the fact he’s breathing, so he’s going to watch as she pokes holes in his bogus arrest. It’s going to drive him crazy.

The FBI lawyer shows up and tells John that he doesn’t feel comfortable about the case. It’s not clear cut. John tells him to make it clear. It’s part of an ongoing investigation involving Sonny. He needs Kristina to stay put until the trial. The lawyer says, got it, and they go into the courtroom. The bailiff says, all rise… Judge Sullivan presiding. Judge Judy The judge takes her seat and tells them, let’s get going. It’s late.

Dante says, the doctor wanted to see Laura because Lulu had a setback, and Sam says she’s sorry. Does Rocco know? Dante says he wanted to know more first. Lulu has been a prisoner in that bed so long, he hopes miracles happen, but he feels like the chances are slim. Sam’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Diane. She listens for a moment, then thanks Diane for calling. She tells Dante that the emergency hearing was granted. It’s starting now. He tells her to go and keep him posted. She says, let her know what happens with Lulu and if he needs anything, and he says, he needs to figure out what to try and say to Rocco. (I thought Laura told him to hold that thought.)

Ava tells Nina that she and Sonny had a falling out and he gave her the boot. The next thing she knows, they’re lining up character witnesses for family court. She got involved with Cates, but now she sees how obsessed he is with taking Sonny down. Nina asks if it won’t help Ava’s case, but Ava says she’s still facing criminal charges for Kristina’s fall. She can’t take care of Avery from behind bars. Nina thinks it’s not going to come to that, and asks, what happened? Ava says she swears it was an accident. She and Nina were friends before she blew it, and Nina knows whatever else she is, however selfish or bad she is, she’d never hurt a child.

TJ says, Molly’s not only one who saw Ava. He went to the gallery. She asks, why? and he says, for the same reason. He needs answers, and the two of them have been so far apart. She says she feels terrible, but he says, she’s dealing with the same loss, and he understands. What Ava suggested lines up with what Molly told him. He doesn’t think Kristina is blameless. She says, Kristina made the choice to go see Ava. If she hadn’t done that one thing, their child would be alive. (These two are idiots on a good day. If Kristina had gotten hit by a bus that went through a red light, I’ll bet Molly would say, she shouldn’t have been crossing the street.)

Alexis tells judge Sullivan that there’s no witness statement, no report, no video. Besides that, her client was just released from the hospital where she had an emergency C-section. It’s not only an unjust arrest, it’s jeopardizing her health and bordering on malicious prosecution. She asks that her client be released immediately. The judge asks where the evidence is to back up the charges, and the lawyer looks at John, who’s got nothing. He gets up and says, they have a report from a reliable citizen, but the FBI has a heavy workload and has yet to file a formal transcript. In light of this, he asks for a continuance. Judge Sullivan says, denied. This has been a colossal waste of everyone’s time. The defendant is released on her own recognizance, effective immediately. John jumps up and says, no. She’s making a mistake (I wait for her to say, you again?)

TJ says he loves Molly and he’s sorry, and she says she loves him too. She was too scared to handle her own grief and too heartbroken to handle his. He’s her best friend and partner and she let him down in every possible way. He says he accepts her apology and loves her so much, and they hug. She says, there’s so much to take care of, and he says, they’ll figure it out. They’ll go someplace quiet. Molly’s phone dings, and she says, it’s a friend from the courthouse. Kristina’s been granted emergency bail. TJ wonders why Alexis didn’t call, and Molly says, since she works in the DA’s office, they thought it was better if she kept her distance. He tells her, go see about her sister and don’t worry about anything else. They’ll figure it out together tomorrow. She leaves.

Laura tells Doc that when the doctor called and said it was about her daughter, she had a surge of hope that the doctor would say Lulu was awake and asking for her. It has happened so many times, a sort of irrational spark of joy, only to be followed up by a crash when she hears them say, there’s no change. This is worse than no change. She can tell by what the doctor isn’t saying. Lulu is getting worse.

Dante leaves a voicemail for Laura, saying, he’s checking in. He hears Rocco and says he didn’t know Rocco was downstairs. Rocco asks if there’s any truth to the rumor they’re getting pizza, and Dante says he ordered pizza, but he’s got to talk to Rocco about his mom.

Ava tells Nina that Kristina came to her suite. She was furious about the subpoena. Sonny attacked Dex and she saw the whole thing. Nina says, it must have been traumatic. She’s fond of Kristina and knows Sonny is protective of her. Ava says, Kristina was beyond. Kristina barged in, screaming at her. At some point she put her hand on Kristina, and Kristina jerked away. She stumbled and tripped on some luggage, then crashed through the window. It happened so fast. She had nothing to do with it. It was an accident. Nina says, Kristina lost the baby and nearly died, and Ava says, it was tragic and horrible. Nina says, the luggage was just right there? Was Ava going somewhere? Ava says, Carly threw John out and she let him keep his bags in her room, since he was helping her with the custody fight. After Kristina fell, she supposes she was in shock. She didn’t know how to explain the bags of an FBI agent, so she did something stupid. She hid them. She put them in a closet, and of course (🍷) the cops found them. Nina says, Ava altered a crime scene and lied about what made Kristina fall. Of course (🍷) they’ll wonder why Ava would lie if it was an accident. Ava says, but it was. She didn’t push Kristina. Nina has to believe her.

John says, as soon as the defendant leaves the courtroom, her father will have her on a plane to a country with no extradition treaty. Judge Sullivan says, the only reason John hasn’t been cited for contempt is because of his FBI badge. He has 48 hours to get his case together, including documents that show Ava is listed as a witness in a RICO case, or he’ll be the one in a cell. (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! John’s face.) The bailiff says, all rise, and the judge leaves. John asks the lawyer, what the hell was that? and he says, it was a lousy case, and they got treated accordingly. John better get it together and his evidence had better be bulletproof or he’ll have John’s badge, and John will be sitting in a cell. John glares Sonny on his way out, and Sonny asks Alexis, how’d I do? Alexis smiles and Sonny winks at Kristina. (Our Sonny is back.)

Ava says she sees Nina isn’t convinced, and Nina says she believes a lot of it. It was a confusing situation and probably happened fast. Ava says, Kristina fell, but everybody assumes she pushed her, and Nina says, life isn’t fun when your credibility is shot. She knows about that. When you meddle with people in a life changing way, nobody gives you the benefit of the doubt, especially when you need it most. She hopes Ava gets out of it. She’s a good mom. Let her know about the magazine space, and if she sees Scotty, she’ll tell him to call Ava. She walks out, and while she’s looking in her bag in the hallway, Ava says she’s sorry. Nina says, her too, and leaves with tears in her eyes.

Laura says she wishes she had an update for Dante. Thank God that Doc is here. He says, waiting is excruciating, but he appreciates that Lulu’s doctor is so thorough. Laura says, hearing no change would be good news today. She can’t bear thought of Lulu living out her life like this, so she has hope. He says, it’s okay to be hopeful, and she says she needs to be strong for Lulu. She cries and he holds her. He says, hang onto that and hang onto him.

Sam sees Molly at the courthouse, and says, mom was on fire and Sonny kept his composure, and Molly says she’s not surprised about mom. Sam says, what Molly missed was Cates’s meltdown, and Molly says she’s had the misfortune of dealing with him. He waves his badge around like it’s proof he walks on water. What evidence did he have? Sam says, nothing, and the judge told him he has 48 hours to get it or he’ll be brought up on charges. Finally, justice in action. Kristina gets to go home and heal. Molly says, she still has the charges hanging over her head, but Sam says she believes they’ll be dropped. Cates has nothing even resembling evidence. It’s just a way to get at Sonny.  

Dante says he’s sorry Rocco’s grandma can’t be here for their video game rematch, and Rocco says he thought that’s why they were having pizza. Dante says he went to see Rocco’s mom, and Rocco says he likes visiting. It’s quiet and peaceful and mom knows he’s there. He tells her stupid stuff that happened in school and reads her horoscope from The Invader. He remembers she used to read that. Dante says he wants to talk to Rocco’s grandma. The doctors ran some tests and got the results, but he doesn’t know more than that until he speaks to Laura. He asks if Rocco is okay, and Rocco nods. He says he has pictures of mom, so he’ll never forget what she looks like. There’s footage and recordings, but her voice never sounds right, like her. He’s afraid he’s going to forget what her real voice sounds like.

John goes to the gallery and tells Ava that Alexis was granted an emergency bail hearing. The judge practically walked Kristina and Sonny out of the courtroom. Ava says, Kristina was arrested? and John says, after they went over her story – how Kristina was the aggressor, came to her suite uninvited, forced her way in, and threatened Ava – the next logical step was to file charges. Ava asks if he’s talked to Scotty, and he asks, why? She says she hasn’t heard a peep from him all day, and something tells her that she’s going to need her lawyer. He says, Scotty is obviously busy, but she doesn’t need him. He’s the only hope she has left. (I think the only hope she has left is coming clean.)

Kristina thanks Alexis, and Alexis says she gives credit to Kristina’s father. He behaved no matter how much Cates goaded him. Sonny says he’d do anything for his daughter, even listening to the rants of an FBI agent. Kristina says she didn’t think she’d be back in this house again, and Alexis says, they both love and adore her. Sonny says, they’ll always protect her.  

On the phone, Nina says that someone owes her a favor and she’s ready to collect.

Rocco says he believes if his mom wakes up and says one word, it will all come back, and Dante says, that’s a good way to look at it. Rocco says, as long as she’s alive, it can change. They can’t give up hope that she could wake up tomorrow or next week. She’s hanging in so they need to. When the day comes and she opens her eyes, he hopes he’s sitting there and he’s the first thing she sees. He wishes it could be soon. He misses her. Dante says he misses her too.

Sam says she thinks it’s absurd. Kristina just lost the baby and could have died. She should be home grieving and taking care of herself, instead of winding up in a courtroom… She’s so sorry. Why wasn’t Molly here? Molly says, her office was concerned about a conflict of interest, and Sam asks if she wouldn’t have heard. Molly says she was caught up in something with TJ. They have to plan the baby’s funeral. Sam hugs her and says she’s sorry.  

John says, they have to rehearse Ava’s story for the record on file, but she says she’s given her statement. He says, give it again, but this time, she’s going to say what he tells her to say and do it how he wants it. She says, it’s been a long day. She’s going to close up and head back to her hotel. They can start tomorrow. He says, the judge gave him 48 hours. He’s not losing his badge or Sonny’s case over this. Let’s get started. They’re going to work on her statement until it’s perfect.

The doctor apologizes for the wait and tells Laura that they did a test on Lulu’s liver, and it’s been compromised. If they continue on this trajectory, her liver will fail. Laura asks if the doctor is telling her that her daughter is going to die.

Tomorrow, Alexis says, TJ never needs to know what Kristina intended to do; John tells Ava that the only thing Sonny responds to is leverage; and Anna tells someone that they have to choose.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

I’m thrilled that Brad is back, but bummed that Britt is no longer around to cause trouble with him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/parry-shen-celebrates-his-return-to-general-hospital

In case you don’t know him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-brad-cooper-parry-shen-171676

Background on Lulu, much of which I don’t remember. On the show, it sounds like she’s going to die, but there was that Soaps In Depth article that said they’re recasting, so who knows? Whenever they change writers, it’s a surprise a minute.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-lulu-spencer-falconeri-169139

Still pretty incensed about this.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacqueline-grace-lopez-shares-a-special-message-with-fans

Do you think he really says things like, holy heck?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicholas-chavezs-netflix-series-gets-a-premiere-date

🐪 A Camel Walks Into Dubai…

In one of the creepiest moments in Housewives history, Sara revealed that her housekeeper had been plotting to kidnap her young son. She was also sharing his picture with various creepers, who responded with how cute he was, which is pretty f***ed up. To add insult to injury, when Sara told her to start packing, she packed some of Sara’s things as well. Thankfully, she’s now in jail. A thousand showers can’t wipe that away.

Sergio wanted to have a baby with Stanbury, and it sounded like it might be a deal breaker. If I were her, I’d have that baby lickity-split, since a puppy at her heels he might be, but he’s also a real find who adores her and who’s actually thoughtful. For her birthday, he took her on a private yacht cruise and had a cake made that looked like their new house. I love stuff like that. I mean the cake, but the yacht is good too. They finally have the leeway to use a surrogate, and money is no object as far as a nanny or anything else goes, so why not? She said it would be life changing, but not so much when you have a life like theirs. It’s not like he’ll have to take a second job.

Stanbury and Lesa had lunch, and Lesa did one of those things I hate that many of the Housewives do – play the family card. You know, what you said effects my family. Well, if people don’t get that you’re on a reality show and nonsense is going to be said about you, maybe you need a new address book. It just seems way overused. Fancy Pants Heather made the same claim just last week on RHOC. It’s just doubtful anyone cares about secondhand hearsay from a co-star.

And the rest…

🧂 Pass the Salt…

Coming September 18th.

In case you need an explanation.

https://ew.com/real-housewives-salt-lake-city-season-5-trailer-explained-8697919

🍸 Adding Bail Bondsman To Resumé…

That’s a lot of weed. How stupid is he to be carting that to another country?

🦸 You’re Welcome, Canada…

Movin’ on up.

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-beats-joker-highest-grossing-r-rated-movie-of-all-time-8696677

🦥 New At the Zoo…

It doesn’t get much more adorable.

https://people.com/atlanta-zoo-excited-about-birth-of-baby-two-toed-sloth-8697807

🐼 No surprise, Ying Ying looks exhausted.

https://people.com/giant-panda-hong-kong-gives-birth-twins-worlds-oldest-first-time-panda-mom-8696512

🦩 The times, they are a-changin’.

https://people.com/same-sex-chilean-flamingo-couple-hatch-and-care-for-chick-8696536

🌊 Good Tides, High Vibes…

Join me tomorrow for soap and what’s being listed in LA. Until then, stay safe, stay speaking about others as though they were standing next to you, and stay never throwing in with an FBI agent who has their own agenda.

April 26, 2024 – Sasha Gets Two Job Offers, Extra Soap, Melrose Fix, Salty Talk, Charming Cast, JoJo’s Take, Extra Fallout, World News, More Messi, A Joke, V Quotes, A Joke & 2031

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Carly hugs Sasha, saying, she hasn’t seen Sasha in forever. She asks if Sasha is alone or waiting for someone, and Sasha says she’s waiting for Nina, but Nina seems to have gotten hung up. Carly says she knows how busy Crimson can get. She hopes Sasha isn’t waiting too long. Sasha says, no worries. The longer Nina takes, the longer she has to look for a new place. Carly asks if she’s moving, and Sasha says her rent is too high. She really needs to downsize. Carly says she heard Sasha left Deception. She’s sorry she didn’t text Sasha about it. Not such a good friend, huh? Sasha says, it’s fine. She’s doing great. She sits at the bar, and Carly says, really? She knows how much Sasha put into that company. Sasha says, with all the changes that were happening, it was time to go. She’s really glad she did. Carly says, the appearance on Home & Heart? and Sasha says, a one-time thing. She doesn’t miss the job at all. She just still hasn’t figured out what to do next. Carly says, since she’s looking, would she be interested in working here at the MetroCourt?

Tracy walks into the nook where Leo is snacking and asks Leo why he’s putting that processed garbage into his body. He says he likes it and he’s hungry. He didn’t eat lunch. She says, why not? It’s not like him to forget his lunch. It’s not like him to forget anything. He says he gave it away, and she asks, why? He says, it was a peanut butter sandwich, and she says she thought he liked those. He says he did, but it’s all Yuri ever makes. He’s tired of them. Olivia comes in and asks Leo if he’s ready to go. She has to pick up his friend Teddy and take them to the aquarium pronto. He says he’ll get his backpack, and runs off. Olivia grabs a piece of whatever Leo was eating and says she’s so starving. She didn’t get a chance to eat. Tracy says, do tell, and Olivia says she realizes that dinners have been a little hit or miss lately, but if she makes a couple of lasagnas today, it should last for the next couple of dinners. Tracy says, no, and Olivia says, Tracy doesn’t like her lasagna? Tracy says she loves Olivia’s lasagna. Everybody here loves her lasagna, but this situation is madness. Olivia is running herself ragged at the hotel and she’s condemning everyone in this house to life in leftover manor. Clearly, it is time to hire a cook. Olivia says, bite your tongue.

Walking into the apartment, Gregory says he told Finn that he was fine, and Finn tells him that he keeps saying that. Gregory says his doctor agrees. Last night’s little episode… Finn says, a temporary paralysis? And Gregory says, temporary, yes. He’s made a full recovery. Is Violet here? He doesn’t want to argue in front of her. Finn says, no. She’s still at school. They’re not arguing. He’s just looking out for Gregory. Does he want to lie down? Gregory says, the couch is fine, and don’t worry. He’ll take it easy for the rest of the day. Isn’t Finn needed at the hospital? Finn sits next to him and says he thinks they’ve come to a point where Gregory shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. Gregory asks, what exactly is he saying? and Finn says he thinks they should get Gregory an in-home caregiver. Just in case anything like last night ever happens again. (I’d like one of those and I’m not even sick.)

Molly goes to Alexis’s office and asks if she’s got a minute. Alexis says, for her, always. Isn’t she supposed to be in court? Molly says, court’s in recess for lunch, and holds up a to-go bag, asking if Alexis is interested. Alexis says she doesn’t know. It depends. What’s she got? Molly says, turkey club with avocado, and Alexis says, yes, taking the bag. Not that Molly needs an ulterior motive to see her mommy… Molly says she needs Alexis’s help. Alexis says she knew it. Legal advice? Molly says, Kristina, and Alexis says, ugh.

On her phone at the gallery, Laura says she’ll be in soon, and tells Ava, sorry about that. City business. Ava says, of course (🍷). She certainly doesn’t want to keep Laura from her mayor duties. Laura says, so she gathered, because Ava never answered her question, and Ava says, which was? Laura asks, how does she like living with Sonny? when Sonny walks in. He asks if he heard his name, and Laura says, yes. Ava asks, what’s up? and he says he needs their help, both of them. Laura says, with what? and Sonny says he wants to commission one of Ava’s artists to create a piece so he can donate it – he asks Laura if she’s ready for this – to the city. Laura says, what makes him think the city would be interested in that?

Olivia says she appreciates Tracy’s perspective. She realizes she’s been a little overbooked lately. Tracy says, a little? and Olivia says she can feed her family. Tracy says, Olivia needs to face facts. She is spreading herself too thin. She’s reduced her son to eating Snackaroos and peanut butter a la Yuri. Olivia says, Carly’s back at the MetroCourt… and Tracy says she’s missing the point. The Quartermaine family has always had a cook. They need one. Olivia says, Tracy is trying to kick her out of her own kitchen, and Tracy says, it’s Monica’s kitchen. Alan gave it to her, and Olivia is not staff. She’s a Quartermaine. She lives here; she doesn’t work here. And while Tracy admires her concerted effort, she can’t be responsible for feeding this family. Tracy is calling an agency and getting referrals. Olivia says, no! She’ll agree to a cook, but only if she hires the cook.

Carly says she’s co-owner of the MetroCourt again, and Sasha asks, how’d that happen? Carly says, Nina sold her half, and Sasha says, congratulations. Carly thanks her, and Sasha says she’s really happy for Carly. She’s just caught off-guard. Nina never said anything about selling. Carly says she thinks it happened pretty quickly. So does that mean Sasha will consider working for her? Sasha says, of course (🍷) she’ll consider it. She really appreciates the offer. Carly says, but it’s not what she’s looking for, is it? and Sasha says she doesn’t know. She’s trying to look around and see what feels right. Carly says she’s been there, and Sasha says, but you know what does feel right? Carly back here at the MetroCourt. Carly laughs and says, yes, and Sasha says, and Nina back at Crimson. Carly says, better there than here, yes. She’s going to take menus to a customer. If Sasha needs anything, let her know. She’s happy to help. Sasha thanks her and says she will. And she will definitely keep this place in mind. Carly leaves and Sasha sends a text to Nina: Where are you?

Molly tells Alexis, Josslyn and Krissy had another blow up. And this time Josslyn had some very specific things to say about Sonny. Alexis says, Kristina has great big feelings about her father. He’s her hero. Nobody knows that better than she does. Molly says she thinks that’s really why Kristina was upset. Because deep down she knows the things Josslyn was saying were true. They talked, and she was calmer by the time she left, but when TJ found out she’d come over so late and how wound up she’d gotten, now he’s worried that all this stress is going to hurt their baby. Alexis asks what Molly said, and Molly tells her that she tried to defend Kristina’s feelings. It is upsetting – she can’t even imagine – but there are other things to consider. The stress can’t be good for Kristina or the baby. It certainly isn’t good for TJ. Alexis says, or Molly, and Molly says, it’s gotten to the point where prosecuting criminals is how she relaxes. Alexis says, been there, and Molly says, so she was hoping Alexis would talk to Kristina.

Finn says, there are caregivers out there who can keep a low profile, but Gregory says, there should be a babysitter when he’s alone with Violet. For Violet, not for him. Finn says, what if Violet hadn’t been here last night? What if she hadn’t getting him his ventilator? Gregory says he knew something was wrong and asked Violet to get the ventilator for him. If he’d been alone, he would have called 911. Finn says, what if paralysis had hit and he was unable to dial? and Gregory says, fortunately, he’s not quite there yet. Finn says, not this time. What about the next time? Because they both know it will happen again. And the time after that, and the time after that. Gregory says, they don’t need to think about the time after that yet. He just needs to be ready for the next time and he will be. He promises. He starts to leave, but Finn says, that’s not good enough.

Laura says she knows they’re in Ava’s gallery, but can she have a moment alone with Sonny? Ava says, by all means, and leaves, but she listens from around the corner. Sonny says, it’s just you and me. What’s on your mind?

Finn says, Gregory can’t see his point of view, but maybe he can see Violet’s. He’s never seen her more scared than what she was last night. Think about that. Put himself in her shoes. Watching her grandfather collapse, running to get his ventilator, watching him lie on the sofa unable to move. What does he think that did to her? Gregory asks if Violet is afraid to be alone with him now, but Finn says, no. She probably never will be. She loves Gregory and wants to spend all the time with him that she possibly can. What if things had been worse? Gregory says, they weren’t, and Finn says, not this time. But what about next time? What happens if he starts to aspirate or collapse or convulse or pass out completely? Knowing Violet, she’d probably try to save him, and if she couldn’t, she’d probably blame herself. Gregory says he would never allow that to happen, and Finn says, at the risk of being devil’s advocate, how would he stop it? They have a responsibility to make Violet feel safe in her own home, right? Gregory says, that’s emotional blackmail, and Finn says he knows. It’s also reality. It’s the reality they have to accept. The bottom line is, Gregory needs help, and when he’s not here, Gregory needs a caregiver. Period. Gregory says, or what? and Finn leaves the apartment.

Sasha reads a text from Nina: Sorry! Be right there. Olivia sees Sasha and asks if she’s got a second. Sasha says she does. What’s up? Olivia says, first of all, she wants to thank Sasha for saving her neck the other night with the shepherd’s pie. It was absolutely delicious. Dante won’t stop talking about it, and frankly, she’s a little bit jealous. Sasha says she’s happy to give Olivia the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that, once you make it a couple of times, you can start to play around with it and add your own touches. Olivia says she does want the recipe. She can’t wait to make it. And that leads her to what she actually wants to talk to Sasha about. Ever since the last cook left at the Quartermaines, she’s been doing all the cooking. And when she gets very busy, which does happen sometimes, the family is left to fend for themselves. So she’s come to accept… It’s been pointed out to her that it’s time for the Quartermaines to hire a new chef. Fend for themselves means different things to different people. For Leo and Monica, it means Yuri makes eggs for breakfast and peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.

Nina walks into the restaurant and asks Carly if she can have a moment. Carly says, that depends. What’s it about?

Olivia says she’s got to find someone she can work with. She won’t go back… She cannot go back to the days when the Quartermaines were banned from the kitchen. Before Cook 3 left, she doesn’t think Tracy knew where the kitchen was. Sasha laughs and says, that tracks. Olivia says she loves cooking for her family. She actually finds it very therapeutic almost. Sasha says she feels the same way, and Olivia says, there are people who find joy in life because of the labor intensity of her lasagna. Sasha says, cooking to her has always been peaceful, grounding. Maybe it’s because she cooked with her grandmother. The times she spent in the kitchen with her is definitely what she missed the most about her. Olivia says, Sasha really loved her, and Sasha says she still does. Olivia says, and Sasha loves cooking through her, huh? and Sasha says she guesses she does. Olivia says, and she’s good at it. So what does she say?

Alexis tells Molly, women have earthquake hormones during pregnancy. They live through it. Babies ride through it. Molly says she knows that intellectually, it’s just… Alexis says she knows Molly is worried. She knows Molly is terrified. Molly says, very much, and Alexis says, on the bright side, she knows how thrilled her sister is to do this for her, and Kristina is oddly thrilled about the ups and downs of the pregnancy. Molly says she’s so grateful to Kristina for doing this, and she loves how excited Kristina is about it. Alexis says, but there’s something more, so what is it? Besides Josslyn. Molly says she just wishes TJ could relax a little. Kristina’s emotions go to 11 over Sonny, then TJ’s go to 11 over Kristina. Alexis says she can imagine TJ’s 11 is a lot different than her sister’s, and Molly says, oh yeah. Because he’s always been so even keeled… whatever that means. Alexis says she thinks it has something to do with boats… Never mind. Go on. Molly says, so when he’s this upset, it doesn’t look like a lot, but if you know him… Alexis says, it’s sizeable, and Molly says, and when he’s upset, she gets upset. Then she starts to think maybe this is all her fault, because TJ has spent years and years listening to her side of her disagreements and arguments wit her sister. So maybe because of that TJ doesn’t trust Kristina.

Laura asks, what’s behind this latest burst of philanthropy? and Sonny says, his kids. Port Charles has always been their home. If they visit city hall and they see something beautiful he donated, then they can feel as proud of the city as he does. Laura says, and proud of him? What if one day his little girls find out he nearly beat a man to death with his bare hands? Does he think it’s all going to be okay because he donated art? He wonders why she’d ask him that. They’ve been friends for how many years? Is she going to turn on him?

Molly says she doesn’t think TJ thinks Kristina is a bad person, not that she would ever do anything to intentionally harm the baby, and Alexis says, of course (🍷) not. Molly says, but she is who she is, and he is who he is, and the two of them are emotional opposites. Alexis says, that they are, and Moly says she and TJ are just so excited and nervous to be parents, and they’re treating every bump in the road like it’s this huge mountain to overcome, but there are bound to be bumps. Alexis says, oh, there are and there will be, and Molly says, and Kristina has every right to be worried about her father, but she doesn’t know how Kristina is going to handle it if things get worse for Sonny. Alexis asks what he did now, and Molly makes a zipping motion across her lips. She asks if Alexis will just check in with Kristina, and Alexis asks if she has to. Molly says, please, and Alexis says, okay. Molly thanks her and says she has to get back to work. She tells Alexis that she loves her, Alexis says she loves Molly too, and they hug.

Gregory opens the door to Tracy and says he sees Finn called in reinforcements. She says, not this time. Should he have? Gregory asks if he’s expected to believe Tracy isn’t here to check on him, and Tracy says, that’s a ridiculous question. Of course (🍷) she’s here to check on him. That’s what friends do. Is he trying to pick a fight with her? He says, no. He’s sorry. He saw his doctor today. She asks what he said, and Gregory tells her that the doctor said he’s back to what passes for normal for him these days. She says she’s no expert, but that sounds like good news. He says, it is, but it’s not good enough for his son. Finn is insisting that he hires an in-home caregiver to monitor him. She says, that sounds sensible to her, but he says, it’s not sensible; it’s overreacting. And it’s not going to happen.

Sasha asks if Olivia wants her to help interview potential cooks, but Olivia says, no. She wants Sasha to be the new cook. Sasha says, her? and Olivia says, yes. Sasha says, that’s her second job offer today. Olivia says, what? and Sasha says, never mind. Olivia says, here’s what she needs. She needs someone to do breakfast, lunches, including school lunches for the endless parade of kids going through that house, and dinners on weeknights. She’ll do dinners on weekends and any other time she wants, but she promises to give Sasha a proper heads up. She knows cooking for the Quartermaines isn’t the same as cooking for herself, but she promises everyone will be very patient with Sasha while she gets used to the job. So what does she think? She knows it’s a lot to take in. Sasha says, it is. She never thought she would end up in a kitchen again. Olivia says, again?

Nina says, there’s an electrical problem in her office, and Carly says, really? They can’t have that. What kind of an electrical problem? Nina says, they’ve been experiencing random surges, and Carly says, has she? That’s terrible. Nina says, and it’s been happening more and more frequently, and Carly says, funny. That never used to happen since the emergency maintenance crew was ordered for no apparent reason. (So much for Carly saying she didn’t want to hurt Nina anymore.) Nina says, the reason was flooding, and Carly says, yet nothing was wet. But Nina is having an electrical issue, so she’s going to hire the contractors Nina used since she liked their workmanship so much. Nina says, great. As long as the problem is addressed. And one more thing. Jason may have bought the MetroCourt back for Carly, but the person she should really be thanking is Ava.

Laura says she doesn’t see how trying to tell Sonny the truth means she’s turned against him, and he says, okay, fine. She wants the truth? She tells him that she’s just saying that’s the least he owes his kids, and he asks if she tells her kids the truth about everything. She says, the important things, she really tries, and he tells her, let’s say Donna and Avery come to him one day and they say, dad, why’d you beat that guy up? He’s going to say that he lost his temper. He had his reasons, but he regrets his actions. Is that okay? She says, it’s just that she hasn’t seen any evidence of that regret, and he says, they both know Cyrus is not a victim. Laura says she knows what Cyrus is capable of, and Sonny says, that’s the thing. He doesn’t think she does. Cyrus belongs in prison until he meets his Maker. She asks if he really thinks he’s in a position to judge who deserves to be behind bars and who doesn’t, and he asks, since when does she care about Cyrus? He’s been her brother for what, five minutes? She says, it’s because of what Sonny did to him, and Sonny says he and Laura are family. They’re blood. They’re connected through Spencer and Rocco. She says she knows that’s true, but that has nothing to do with this. He says he doesn’t even know what they’re talking about, and she says, what they’re talking about is a lifetime of crime and violence that she’s looked past time and time again. And she can’t do it anymore. She just can’t. Okay? And she can’t turn a blind eye anymore to his business, the things that he’s done, the crime, the people he’s hurt… the people he’s killed. Ava continues to listen, and Laura says, putting a wing on the hospital and donating art to the city doesn’t just make all of that go away. They still happened. They’re still there. They matter. It doesn’t just disappear because he did his daily good deed. (What’s bothering me about this storyline is, aside from nearly everyone turning on Sonny without even giving him a heads up, he’s not behaving normally. Even his physical movements aren’t the usual. How come no one is noticing?)

Carly asks what Ava has to do with Jason buying the MetroCourt, and Nina says she didn’t accept the offer right away. She talked it over with Ava first. Ava led her to believe Sonny would like it if she sold the MetroCourt to his best friend. Carly says, Ava sandbagged Nina. Ava was standing right there when Sonny called Jason a traitor and threw them both out of the penthouse. Nina says she figured it out. After the deal was done. Too late to change her mind. Carly says, it’s a pattern with Ava. She uses people until they’re no longer useful. That’s what she did with Carly’s son. In the end, all Ava cares about is getting what she wants. Nina says, in Ava’s defense, not everyone has a Jason to get her what she wants (I wish I did <heaving Jason sigh>), like losing a hotel fair and square. So much for Carly earning the MetroCourt back on her own.

Finn stops by Alexis’s office and asks if it’s a bad time. She says she hopes so. If not, she’ll have nothing to report. He says he’s sorry to bother her at work. He was on his way to a meeting and he just… She asks, what’s going on? and he says his father had a seizure last night. She says, no, and he says, it resulted in temporary paralysis. He’s okay. Alexis tells him to sit, and he says, when he walked in and saw him lying there, unable to move, and Violet beside him, terrified, not knowing what was going on… Alexis asks if she’s okay, and he says he thinks seeing her grandfather collapse… and after lying there, she had to run and get his ventilator. He thinks it’s something she’ll never forget, but right now she’s as good as can be expected. She says, how is Gregory? and he says, his ALS is progressing rapidly, but his dad… He gets it. His dad wants to be independent. He wants to make up for all those risks he never got to take in life. Jumping out of airplanes and whatever it is that makes him feel alive, but… He talked to Gregory today, and he told Gregory that he thinks they need to get some sort of in-home help for when he’s not there, and his dad flat-out refused and they had this big argument. Alexis says she’s sorry. She’s not shocked, but she is sorry. He says him too. He gets it and he’s trying to do everything he can to support him, but this time he’s going to have to put his daughter first.

Gregory tells Tracy, the day is coming when he’ll be completely helpless, and he’ll need people taking care of his every need and every bodily function, watching over him all the time, every single moment, but he’s not there yet. She says, he’s not far from it, and he says, thank you. Why is it such a sin for him to hold on to what little autonomy he can for as long as he can? She says, it‘s not, and he says, she’s being very agreeable, and he finds it suspect. She laughs and says, he has every right to hold on to his autonomy for as long as he possibly can. He says, thank you? and she says, just as Finn has every right to have a safe emotional environment for his daughter. He can’t risk Violet finding Gregory if he’s unable to move. Or worse. He says, she’s not telling him anything Finn hasn’t already told him already, and she says, then she assumes Finn’s already asked him the obvious question. He says, what question is that? and she says, what is more important to him, his pride or his granddaughter’s well-being?

Sonny asks Laura what he’s supposed to do. Confess to everything he’s been accused of? She says, that depends. How many of the things he’s accused of are true? He says he’s done far less than Cyrus, and she says, but Cyrus’s crimes don’t absolve his. Sonny says, Cyrus held her at gunpoint and he’s the bad guy? and she says she’s sorry. She thinks there are two bad guys. He says he does everything he can to protect his business, his family, and everybody he cares about, and that includes her. Does she know why? She says, why? and he says, so the bad guys don’t come after her. (He doesn’t even look good. He has giant circles under his eyes.) She says, being a good man when you’re not committing a crime, doesn’t absolve him from the times he does commit a crime. And being really good at covering up his tracks doesn’t make him less guilty. He rubs his forehead, and she says, at some point he has to be held accountable. He says, by who? and she says, think of his children, okay? His little girls, Donna and Avery. What’s going to happen when they’re old enough to figure out what their father does for a living? And they will. He’s not going to be able to keep that from them. What is he going to say? He says he’s going to do what he always does. He’s going to do everything in his power to protect them. She says she knows he will, but who’s going to protect them from him?

Sasha says she worked as a line cook and a part-time chef for a few summers in the Hamptons, and Olivia says, it was meant to be. Sasha says she was never the head chef. She was the substitute sous chef when the real chef was out. Olivia says, she worked in a busy restaurant. Cooking for the Quartermaines is going to be a piece of cake. An overly ornate five-tier pain in the butt piece of cake, but still, it’s a piece of cake. Sasha says, this is really flattering, but is Olivia sure she wants to offer her a job based on one shepherd’s pie? Olivia says, she loves to cook. She’s a great cook. They need a cook. Oliva says, it’s a match made in heaven. Or an opening in the universe, depending on your spiritual beliefs. Not to mention the fact that Cody shows up for dinner several nights a week. She’s sure he wouldn’t mind having Sasha around.

Finn asks Alexis to tell him if he’s wrong. Tell him that he shouldn’t just give into his father and give him everything he wants. She says she can’t tell him that, and he says he wants to give him everything he wants. Go parasailing. Go get shot out of a cannon. Go out in space and see the earth from orbit. Do all the things. He’ll do them with his dad, but he doesn’t think his dad can do those things right now, so shouldn’t he give in and give him this one thing? Alexis says, maybe. It’s certainly worth trying to talk to him again, but she doesn’t know that he’s going to end up with different results. He says, she’s right. He’s going to go back and talk to him. She says she thought he was going to a meeting, but he says he can do that later. She says, when the oxygen mask drops from a plane, what do you do? and he says, you put your mask on first, but this… She says, this is the same thing. This is as challenging as it gets. And in order for him to navigate through this, he’s going to have to take care of himself, which means taking care of his sobriety. He says he knows what she’s saying. He gets it. But in this moment, he just feels so selfish. She says, then be selfish. Can his dad wait for an hour for him to go to a meeting? He says he’s not sure, and she says, what do the doctors think? He says, probably. He doesn’t know. She says she understands that his father needs to hold on to his autonomy for as long as he can, but she also knows there’s nothing more important to him than Violet.

Gregory tells Tracy that he never wants Violet to be afraid the way she was last night. He was scared too. When something like that happens, you never know when it’s going to end, if ever. But when he was trying to stay calm, the worst part was knowing he couldn’t comfort his granddaughter. She asks how he thinks Violet felt, not being able to comfort him, and he says he understands what she’s saying, but she and Finn need to understand what he’s saying. She says, okay. There is another solution. He says, great. He’s all ears. She says, first, he has to decide what’s most important to him. If it is in fact spending the time he has left with Finn and Violet here in their home, then he has to abide by Finn’s wishes. But if his independence is his top priority, then he simply moved in to an assisted living facility – Turning Woods is supposed to be really nice – and he can have Violet visit him there.

Laura says she didn’t intend for them to have this conversation here today, and she mean for it to go like this either. She hopes Sonny will take some of this to heart. Please. Just think about it. Just think about doing the right thing. He doesn’t say anything, and she says, at any rate, the City of Port Charles will not be accepting his donation of art. Not while she’s the mayor. She walks out, and Ava walks in, since she didn’t have far to go. She asks, what happened to Laura?

Alexis tells Finn to take the time and go to his meeting to give his dad some time to think things through. When Finn talks to him again, tell him that he and Chase and Violet are worried about him and want someone to take care of him when Finn can’t be there. And she thinks sooner rather than later, he will see Finn’s wisdom. Finn says, here’s hoping, and she says, and whether he does or not, he can’t take care of his family until he takes care of himself first. He says, that’s good advice, and she says she’s good. in fact, she’s so good, she’s going to follow her own advice. Would he like company at his meeting? He says he’d love it.

Gregory says, she’s good, and Tracy says he’s going to have to narrow that down a little bit. He says, the art of persuasion, and she says, oh, that. He says, obviously if he has to choose between Turning Woods and here, even with a caregiver, of course (🍷) he chooses here. She says, that’s not persuasion, that’s just common sense. And by the way, if she were in his shoes, she’d be handling this much, much worse. She wouldn’t sit for it. She wouldn’t stay. She’d run away to the far corners of the earth where her family couldn’t find her to help her, to care for her. And no matter how miserable and lonely she got, she’d still have her dignity and her freedom, and have no one to share it with. But luckily, you my friend, are so much smarter than I am. He says, she’s the smartest woman he knows.

Sasha tells Olivia that she can’t say it isn’t tempting. She left Deception because she wasn’t satisfied there anymore. She wanted something completely different from what she was doing, and working as a chef at the Quartermaines would definitely be different. Olivia says she doesn’t want to pressure Sasha, and Sasha says, of course (🍷) not. Olivia says, but she would be remiss in not telling Sasha that it’s a live-in position, which means she’d get free room and board in a beautiful mansion with all meals included. Sasha says, so she’d get to eat what she makes, but Olivia says, better. Sasha gets to eat what she makes. And get paid for it. Come on. What does she say? Sasha tells her, she says, that’s exactly what she needs right now.

Carly says, other than fixing the electrical issues Nina brought on herself, is there anything else she can do for Nina? (I’m all about their outfits today. Kudos to wardrobe.) Nina says she might as well just tell Carly. She signed the divorce papers. She and Sonny are no longer married. But Ava is closer to him than ever. From one ex-wife to another, she doesn’t think Ava is good for Sonny. In fact, she thinks Ava could be toxic for him. Carly says she doesn’t agree with Nina on much, but she does agree with her there.

Sonny tells Ava that Laura didn’t want his gift to the city, and she says she was surprised by Laura’s reaction at first, but she thought he could talk her into it. Public art benefits everybody. He says he guesses not when it comes from the wrong person, and she asks, since when is he the wrong person? He’s been unfailingly generous to the City of Port Charles. There are wings in the hospital and playgrounds in the park because of him. He says, it doesn’t matter to Laura. She can’t get past what he did to Cyrus. She asks if Laura knows that Cyrus provoked him. That he orchestrated his own beating? It wasn’t Sonny’s fault. He says, Laura thinks it was. He owned up to it, and now she wants to punish him. He’s been good to Laura for so many years, and he thought she was loyal to him, but he guesses not.

On Monday, Michael asks, what’s with this mystery meeting; Nikolas asks if Ava is in love with Sonny; Valentin says, Anna is not going to be a problem; and Anna tells Jason that he’s putting this entire investigation at risk.

🧴 No Suds Left Behind…

IMO, the best of the Nikolases.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-returns-to-general-hospital-2

A confirmation of yesterday’s news from a different source. Mostly the same info, but I thought it was weird how he looks like Jim Parsons in the photo.

https://ew.com/nicholas-alexander-chavez-not-returning-to-general-hospital-8639347

He’s got the all-clear on his health report card.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cameron-mathison-shares-a-cancer-update

I’d rather see him back on GH, but I’ll take it. It’s good to see him back in the game.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jack-wagner-on-joining-the-new-melrose-place

🏄 Speaking Of That Place…

Rebooting her rep.

🧂 Needs More Salt…

It is kind of disappointing. On all fronts.

Cringe, but what do they expect from this one?

It’s all good. Until next time.

I actually thought they made a pretty good couple.

🍹 Bless Their Hearts…

This was a little short on info, but where Craig will land is anybody’s guess.

🩰 Dance Like Everyone’s Watching…

The Reunion scuttlebutt as seen through JoJo’s eyes.

https://www.etonline.com/dance-moms-the-reunion-jojo-siwa-defends-abby-lee-millers-behavior-to-co-stars-223989

https://www.etonline.com/dance-moms-the-reunion-jojo-siwa-defends-abby-lee-millers-behavior-to-co-stars-223989

🌁 Falling Further…

I’m obsessed with this show. The attention to detail was just amazing.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fallout-worldbuilding-production-designer-costume-designer-interview

The soundtrack was impressive as well.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ramin-djawadi-interview-fallout-house-of-the-dragon-iron-man

This makes me want to play the game. So far, I’ve been strong.

https://www.inverse.com/gaming/fallout-amazon-characters-stupd

🐎 You Too Can Dress Like Delores…

Looks like the future of Westworld is up in the air, but you can own a piece of it.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/westworld-auction-season-5-canceled

🐕 Milking His 15 Minutes…

This good boy is not giving up his seat that easy.

https://people.com/all-about-messi-oscars-dog-anatomy-of-a-fall-8607453

🦉 Quotes of the Week

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof. – Richard David Bach

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. – Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Winners do things losers don’t want to do.Dr. Phil McGraw

Sometimes you have to do what you don’t want to do to maintain the life you’ve created. – Judge Lynn Toler, explaining to a man why he has to work to feed his children (sigh)

To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization. – Harriet Beecher Stowe

I won’t undertake war until I have tried all the arts and means of peace. – François Rabelais

If you just go with the flow, no matter what weird things happen along the way, you always end up exactly where you belong. – Tom Upton

She is the apple that goes in the pig’s mouth. – Marie Calvet (Julia Ormond), Mad Men

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.

Golden rule, motherf***er. – Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell), Fallout

🐼 Leaving Them Laughing

A panda walked into a café and ordered a sandwich. He ate it and then pulled a gun out and shot the waiter. The panda then plunked a badly punctuated wildlife manual onto the table. Look me up, he growled as he walked out the door. The wounded waiter opened the book to the entry for panda. It read, Panda: Large, black and white bear-like mammal native to China. Eats, shoots & leaves.

🌸 Shine On Pink Moon…

In the next two days, do one thing you’ve never done before. Then join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and a new chef on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay never reaching past someone without saying excuse me, and stay putting on your own oxygen mask first.

March 22, 2024 – Jason Does the Only Thing He Can, Background, Next Wives, Post Reunion, Dead Talk, 2 For 2, Festival Time, A Hug, Pets (!) Online, A Frame’s Worth Of Quotes & Night

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Maxie says, let’s just kind of put this whole Bellpo thing behind. Things got a little tense for them for a second. Sasha says she’s an educated woman having a serious conversation with other intelligent women about how she has to look less wholesome. How nuts is that? Lucy says, her face is really perfect, and Sasha says, except it’s not edgy enough. She’s willing to change her look, but not the way Lucy means it. Lucy says, that’s fine. It’s just that this cover for Bellpo was a huge, huge score, and now they have nothing. Maxie says, there are other magazines in town and they all have covers, but Lucy says, no. She doesn’t get it. Bellpo is the jewel in the industry’s crown. They have to have this exposure if they’re going to pull Deception out of this financial hole. They need those jewels and need Sasha on every single cover they can get. Sasha says she’s been doing this for a while now, and she thinks it’s been long enough, and Maxie says, take some time to think about it. They all should. Sasha says, fine. She’s not hurt. She’s not offended. Not at all. She’s been hearing comments about her appearance since the day she started modeling. It’s the nature of the job. Lucy says, see? She’s a pro and she gets it. And she gets Lucy. Sasha says, after what she’s been through in the past year, especially last summer, she realizes there are more important things in life. More important things in her life than being paid to be looked at. Maxie says she can pretty much guarantee they’re not going to get anything productive done tonight. So she would consider it a personal favor if they could just schedule the time in the future to discuss everyone’s concerns properly. Brook says, sounds good, and Sasha says, good for Maxie. Sure. Lucy says, no. They’re going to settle this right now. Maxie says she really thinks it would be best… Lucy says, they cannot just hug this out this time. She doesn’t think that what just happened to them with Bellpo isn’t going to get out right away. If they stand any chance of salvaging their reputation and recovering all the losses they suffered last summer, they need to do something. And she’s not about to let this tank her company. Brook says, excuse me? Your company?

Cody walks into the stables and says he hopes Comet likes looking at this face, because he’s going to be seeing a lot more of it. He kind of lost it at Deception today. He doesn’t know if he told Comet, but he was the official male Face of Deception. He knows. Didn’t make any sense to him either and he hated it. Anyways, today Lucy told Sasha that her face was too wholesome, and she needed to be edgier. Then Lucy said some more stuff. He doesn’t really know what it was because he kind of tunes her out. He picks up some carrots and says, anyways, what he said to her was, if she’s gonna replace Sasha, she’s gonna replace him too. And then Lucy said he was a bad model anyway… Yeah, he knows, right? So he quit. He gives Comet a carrot and says, you know what? It felt really good to stick it to Lucy. Now he’s wondering if he made the right decision.

Diane meets Robert at the PC Grill and apologizes for being late to lunch. He asks what kept the redhead this time, and she says, interesting question. Nothing but the pursuit of justice.

Chase leads a bunch of children wearing play badges into the squad room and tells them, this is where the action is. Donna asks if this is where they bring bad guys, and he says, yes, and then we question them in there. That is the interrogation room. It’s quieter, a little more private. This is his desk. This is where he works on his cases or helps other detectives work on their cases. He doesn’t just arrest people. Donna points to Dante’s desk, and says, that’s her brother’s desk. He’s a detective too. Chase says, Dante Falconari is one of their best detectives, and Donna says, he got hurt. He’s in the hospital getting better. Chase says, he sure is. So that’s Dante’s desk, this is his desk. They also talk to witnesses here and in the field and collect evidence. Being a police officer can be very dangerous. Officers sacrifice practically everything to keep this community and them safe.

Michael asks how Jason is feeling, and Jason says, better, thanks to him and Willow. Michael says, it looks like he’s moving around better, and Jason says he is. Michael says, that’s good, and Jason asks, what’s wrong? Michael says, Jason has to leave.

Brook says, Lucy’s company is majority owned by her grandmother, and Lucy says, by the thinnest of majorities. Brook says, still, the majority. Any discussion about the Face of Deception – past, present, or future – will involve Tracy. Got it? Lucy says, her grandmother Tracy does not care about the future of Deception, and Brook knows that. Otherwise, she’d still be here, instead of throwing her weight around at some hospital board meeting. Brook says, she didn’t leave the country. She’ll be back. Lucy says, that would be so nice for all of them, and for Deception, if she would just leave the country, but Brook says, it wouldn’t matter. They can’t make a move without Tracy’s involvement or her proxy. Maxie tells them, this is why she said they weren’t going to get anything productive done right now. She’s got to say, a little break is looking better and… Lucy says she founded this company. It was an idea in her head, and she made it a successful reality. Brook says, and somewhere along the way, she left herself vulnerable to a lawsuit, and Lucy says, that’s it. End of discussion. They’re not going to discuss anything now, after a break, ever. Because she doesn’t care what kind of stake Tracy has in the company. It’s more hers than Tracy’s. It’s more hers than anybody else’s, so guess what? If there is a problem, she’ll find a way to handle it, and she’ll fix it. And if Brook doesn’t like it, there’s the door.

As Cody brushes Comet, he says, how dumb is modeling as a job anyways, right? There’s these people standing around, touching your face, your hair, your clothes, putting on makeup. Being around Sasha and Maxie, that was pretty great, but he hadn’t really thought about how this is going to affect them. But they want him to be happy, right? And they’re more than capable of taking care of themselves. He hears Olivia ask if he’s around and he says, in here, Mama Q. Olivia comes in with a casserole dish, and he asks if everything’s okay. She says, Dante’s the same. Sam is with him right now. She came home to get some rest. She tried to take a nap, but it turns out, she can’t relax. So she cooked instead. He thanks her for bringing it down, and she says she guesses she had an ulterior motive. It’s very peaceful here, and she could use a little bit of that right about now.

Michael says, the numbers in the GH pharmacy didn’t match up to what they had in storage, and Jason says, because Willow took meds out to help him. Michael says, the computerized update doesn’t always happen in real time and only a few bottles were taken. They weren’t the kind that had any real value on the streets, so nobody was panicking, but Elizabeth is the head nurse, so… Jason says, so she would have been held responsible for the missing drugs, and Michael says, and Willow would never let her take the fall for this, so he contacted Spinelli. He hacked into the inventory and adjusted the numbers, so Elizabeth and Willow are in the clear. Jason says, that kind of medicine, the amount, it took Spinelli two minutes to figure out who the meds were for. Michael says, he didn’t, but Jason says, too many people are getting pulled into this. Michael says, he’s right, and he feels like crap for saying this, but he can’t keep putting Willow in this position. The FBI are asking questions and it’s not fair to Wiley and Amelia to be taking these kinds of chances. Jason says, Michael is right. He has to leave. Michael says he agrees. And that’s why he found a way for Jason to disappear.

Olivia tells Cody that she’s been talking to Dante non-stop, repeating all those crazy stories from his childhood, the crazy things he did. It’s a miracle she didn’t have fully stark white hair by the time she was 25. It really struck her looking back at how resilient Dante always was. He still is. Cody agrees, and she says, sleep can be very healing, and that’s what her son is doing right now. He is healing. So she talked herself hoarse, and now Sam is talking herself hoarse, and Cody’s got a free meal. He takes the dish from her and says, the day he turns down any of her cooking, she knows he’s been kicked in the head by one of these guys and it’s time to have him committed. She tells him not to get excited; it’s standard issue manicotti. He says, it smells amazing, and she says, it was relaxing to actually do something for someone instead of just sitting around and waiting. He says, no one is good at the kind of waiting she’s doing. If she could spare the time, he’d really love the company. If she doesn’t mind the horse smell of course (🍷). She takes off her coat and says, it’s better than the smell of the hospital. She sits down and says she can see why Leo likes it down here. To be around healthy living things is really nice.

Diane tells Robert that she’s looking into having Alexis’s disbarment vacated. Alexis didn’t even get a hearing. Evidence was just presented that she perjured herself at Neil Byrne’s medical board hearing. Robert says, as he recalls, he was her therapist and she was sleeping with him, but Diane says, oh no. He wasn’t her therapist at the time. They simply didn’t wait the requisite two years before… enjoying each other’s company. Unfortunately, in a regrettable lapse of judgement, Alexis decided to tell the board they were not sleeping together in order to save Neil’s license, but then that lie was discovered and her license was yanked. He says, lawyers who perjure themselves are generally frowned upon, and she says, yes, but they didn’t even give Alexis the chance to challenge the charge. They simply yanked her license and washed their hands of her. He says, she’s a smart woman. She could have appealed. Diane says, she’s a very smart lawyer and she deserved to have a hearing. Everyone deserves to be heard. Robert says, that’s certainly true, and she says she wants to find out who exactly was sitting on the committee at that time, and why the process moved so quickly, and was so under the radar. He says he thinks it was an open and shut case. True? She says she thinks a lot of things are possible. That’s not one of them. She can feel it in her bones. He says he’s intrigued. He loves watching her mind work. He wants to see the sparks fly. She says, don’t go looking for any fire extinguishers, because she’s just getting started.

Lucy says, Sasha knows this crazy business. Has she said anything that isn’t true? No. She had to sacrifice more than anybody else here for this business. She’s given her heart, her mind, her body, her soul, her bank account to make a success of all of this. Sasha says she knows. She cares about this company and its success too. Just not the way she used to. Lucy asks what she’s saying, and Sasha says, hearing Cody speak made her realize what she’s been feeling. She’s so grateful to Lucy for giving her the opportunity to work at Deception. Lucy changed her life. And she loved coming in every day and seeing them. She loves them, but she thinks she’s over all of this. Effective immediately, she’s resigning as the Face of Deception.

Diane tells Robert, at her core, Alexis will always be a lawyer. You can take her bar card away, but she’ll always be driven by the pursuit of justice. It’s one of the things that made them such great friends, this passion that borders on obsession. He says, which plays to the more colorful versions of some of her clients, and she asks what she can say. A life of muted tones is not for her. Alexis has a fondness for colors too. That, and her incredible skill, made Diane offer her a job at her firm. So when her license is reinstated, he’s going to have to go up against both of them in court. He says, and when he wins, he takes them all out to celebrate, and she laughs. She says she knows him – you generous thing – he would anyway, and he says, let’s just hope it happens for Alexis. Diane says she’s contacted everybody she knows, she’s called in almost all her favors, and she will find out why Alexis was barred in such unceremonious fashion. He says, if he can help in any way, he’s at her disposal, and she thanks him and says, that’s very sweet of him. He says, so she’s not going to need him, is she? and she says, no. She has it well in hand. He says he would never bet against her, and she says, only a fool would bet against her and he’s no fool.

Olivia tells Cody that she shouldn’t be here right now. She’s Dante’s mother and should be at his bedside, channeling all her energy to him until he wakes up. She starts to get up, but Cody puts his hand on her arm, and says, an actual mama bear doesn’t have anything on her, but she needs to give herself a break. Otherwise, she’s going to end up in the bed next to Dante. He wouldn’t want that. No one does. She sits back down, and he says, she’s an amazing mom. Dante always says it. She says she knows. You hear those stories sometimes about the moms seeing a kid pinned under a car or something, and they get a big rush of adrenaline, and pick the car up like some kind of superhero. He says he kind of thinks she’s sort of a superhero. She’s been dealing with an incredible amount of stress lately and she’s practically living at the hospital. Any mere mortal would have been crushed by it all. He’d grab her cape and prove it to her, but it’s at the drycleaner. She laughs, and he says he knows if anyone can pull through this, it’s Dante. That same strength is in every fiber of his being. He got it from her.

Maxie asks Sasha, please think about this. Deception needs her. Brook says, she’s right. Deception wouldn’t be where it is without her. Sasha tells them, thank you, and she meant what she said; she loves them. But it’s time. Lucy says, that’s it. It’s time for Sasha to take a vacation. They’ve been expanding the marketing so fast, and all that pressure has been on her. Sasha’s been carrying this all alone. That’s why she thought of maybe a second face, someone who could help her carry the burden, just help her to breathe. Brook tells her, that’s not why she said what she said, and they all know it, and Lucy asks if Brook is living inside her head now. Brook says, God forbid. No wonder Sasha wants out. Lucy says, if Brook is so miserable, she’s not being held hostage. Go. Brook says, should she ever want to leave Deception, she’ll discuss it with the majority shareholder, her grandmother. As for Sasha, she could hire a thousand new Faces of Deception, but it won’t matter. Lucy asks, why is that? and Brook says, because Lucy will run every single one of them off too. She walks out, and Lucy asks, is that true? Is Sasha quitting because of her?

Michael says he can get Jason on the ELQ jet and send him to the Grand Keys. It will only take a couple phone calls to get a doctor to meet him there to oversee his recovery. Jason says, the workers, the flight plans, the money transfers, everything can be traced back to Michael, but Michael says he’ll charter a jet. Jason says, too risky, and Michael says, for Jason, it’s a risk he’s willing to take. Jason says he appreciates that, but Michael knows he can’t let him do it, and Michael says he’s not going to let Jason take off in the middle of the night by himself. What happens to Jason matters to him. Jason says, even if he makes it to the Grand Keys, it would do no good. He told Michael, somebody has leverage over him. If he runs, there’s going to be consequences. Michael asks what he’s going to do, and Jason says, the only thing he can.

As Brook watches, Chase tells the kids that they are now official friends of the Port Charles Police Department. Everybody, raise your right hand. Do they solemnly swear to uphold the law; to be kind, thoughtful, and respectful to other people in their family, school, and community? They nod, and he says, all right. He hereby elevates them to honorary deputy status. Be proud. Cutest child in the world Donna says, this is awesome, and thanks him. Chase says, she’s welcome. The teacher tells them, let’s go get your coats, and leads them out. Brook gives Chase a kiss and says, they’re so cute. He says, it’s definitely one of his more interesting tours, and she says, seeing him be adorable with a bunch of kids is exactly what she needed. He says he thought she was supposed to be at Deception, and she says, she was. She could no longer be kind and helpful and respectful, so she took a break and came here. He asks, what happened? and she says, same thing as always. Lucy Coe. What started off as a simple meeting, turned into a mini disaster because of Lucy. If she strangles Lucy, can she plead temporary insanity? He says she can plead however she wants, but he’d still have to arrest her. Could she maybe hold off on the strangling? At least until after their wedding? Very few people get her the way Lucy does. Brook says, she has a unique… gift, and he says he’s worried about her. Is she sure it was the right thing, going back to Deception? She says, not anymore. She’s starting to think her plan to hand Maxie back Deception is just making everything worse all the way around.

Sasha says, it’s not Lucy’s fault she’s leaving Deception. Lucy is not driving her out. Lucy says, great, and thanks her. She knows they can work something out because she doesn’t want Sasha to leave either. Sasha thanks her for saying that, but she’s not going to change her mind. Lucy knows she never wanted to be a model. Then Michael negotiated an amazing deal for her that included a stake in the company, and she couldn’t say no. Lucy says she remembers. He made that deal with her. Sasha says, she was, and still is, so grateful to Lucy, but she’s not the same person she was when she signed on. The things she’s lived through, the things that she’s lost, they’ve changed her. She isn’t sure what she wants out of life, but she’s sure she doesn’t want to stand in front of cameras getting her picture taken. Or try to fit anyone’s concept of who they want her to be or what she’s supposed to do. Lucy says, okay. She guesses if Sasha feels that’s necessary to live her very best life… She picks up a folder from the desk and says, she would be remiss though, if she didn’t remind Sasha of a couple of the deal points that were in that contract that they all signed together – her Deception shares and her leadership position. If she resigns and she’s not their spokesmodel anymore, then she has to give up both of those. Maxie looks disgruntled.

Diane’s phone rings, and it says, Michael Corinthos. She asks Robert to excuse her. She has to take this. She goes out to the hallway and asks what she can do for Michael. Jason says, it’s not Michael, and she says she’s been expecting this call. What took him so long? He says, the timing wasn’t right, and she says, well, timing is everything. Tell her what he needs.

Talking with his mouth full, Cody tells Olivia that he doesn’t know exactly what time it was, but they were at camp. Dante, being Mr. City Kid, had no idea which end to milk the cow from. (Come on.) Olivia laughs and says, in his defense, we didn’t milk a lot of cows in Bensonhurst. He says, it didn’t matter though, because in three days, Dante was like Bear Grylls. She says, and that’s a good thing? and he says, it’s a great thing. Bear Grylls is like this outdoor British survival guy. He could survive on air and bark if he needed to, and Dante was so smart. He could adapt to changes in altitude, time of day, terrain, better than anyone. He started racking up badges right away. Canoeing, first aid, tracking… She says, whatever happened to making lanyards and tying knots? and he says, oh, they tied knots. He laughs and says he practiced tying knots on Dante. He tied Dante into a canoe and pushed him into the middle of the lake. Olivia says, Cody… but Cody says, don’t worry, Mama Q. He pulled a full Houdini. He got out and brought himself back in like, fifteen minutes. And that only took so long because he actually took a nap in the middle of the lake. She laughs, and he says, the fact that his knots didn’t slow Dante down almost cost him his badge. She says, Dante could fall asleep anywhere, and Cody says he knows when Dante wakes up this time, he’s going to look at him with the same look at me, dummy smile that he had last time. She says she hopes so. She should go. She should get herself back to the hospital. She thanks him for cheering her up, and he says, anytime. Thanks for lunch. She hugs him and asks him to do her one favor. He says, anything, and she says, don’t tell her any more stories about camp. He says, all right, and she leaves.

Maxie asks if Lucy hasn’t done enough, and Lucy says she’s just trying to be honest. She wants Sasha to know the consequences if she just walks out. She wants Sasha to understand, to be perfectly clear about what happens. Maxie says, and she’s already dug a hole for them, so why not make it deeper? and Lucy tells Sasha, there is something else. If she resigns and walks away from Deception, she has to sell back her shares at market price. Sasha says, fine. Just send her a check. Lucy says, no. It’s not fine. They’re not worth what it used to be. The market price has gone way down. So if she could just wait until their market strategies work, then maybe when she leaves, she can end up with a big chunk of change. Because right now, she’s going to walk away with 30% of not much, which equals… not much. Sasha says, Gladys basically cleared her out, so whatever she gets, it will be more than she has now. And you can’t put a price on happiness. She leaves, and Lucy looks at Maxie. Maxie says, what the hell is wrong with you?

Chase says, Maxie is lucky to have Brook as a friend. What she’s doing will change Maxie’s life. Brook says, that was the idea, but now Lucy’s over there having a tantrum that she can’t do whatever she wants whenever she wants. That she has to answer to Tracy, and by extension, Brook, and if she can’t… He says, share her toy? and Brook says, exactly. The way things are going, at this point, there might not even be a company to hand over to Maxie, assuming she can pry it out of her grandmother’s hands, which was a long shot to begin with, and is getting longer every day. He says, she can’t control Lucy’s actions. No one can, including Lucy. But she comes from a long line of accomplished schemers, and she’s emerged as one of the family’s best. She can handle Lucy Coe. She tells him that he says the sweetest things, when Diane walks in. Chase asks if she has someone in lock-up today, and she says, no. She’s accompanying her client, who is – she speaks louder – surrendering voluntarily. She goes over to the door, opens it, and Jason walks in. Jason says, yo. Not really, but it looked like he should.

Lucy tells Maxie that they still have an ace in the hole. Blaze. Remember? Maxie was really excited about having her be the Face of Deception before Tracy shot them down. Maxie says, and she still could, but Lucy says, there are so many more possibilities now for Blaze. She doesn’t think Tracy can say no. Think about it. Blaze is really a big deal now. She brings lots of fans and followers. Think of all those folks she could bring to them. Maxie says, yep. She’s right. Blaze is a bigger deal. So she might not be interested or available. And even if she were interested, who’s her manager again? Oh, that’s right. Brook Lynn. And somehow, by the magic of Lucy being Lucy, she’s managed to get even more on Brook’s bad side. Lucy says, come on. This is Deception they’re talking about. Blaze will be interested, and she’ll make herself available to them. She can fix this. She swears. Maxie puts her head in her hands and tells Lucy that anything she does will be temporary. Because she’s not a partner. She’s a one-woman wrecking ball. Lucy doesn’t consult with her. She just does whatever the hell she wants and to hell with everyone else. Their lives don’t matter. Does Lucy have any idea what it’s cost Maxie to stick with her? She can’t even look at Lucy right now. Lucy says, please… but Maxie says, no! This is still her office. Please leave. Lucy picks up her bag, looks back at Maxie, whose head is in her hands again, and she leaves.

There’s a knock at the stable door, and Sasha comes in. Cody says he always knew the stables were the hip place to be, and she says she likes the regulars who hang out here. He asks how she left things at Deception, and she says she’s done at Deception. She walked too. He says he wasn’t pushing her to do that. She didn’t think that, did she? She says, no. Does he think she’d let him push her into doing anything she didn’t want? Relax. She did it for her. She’s been feeling like she needed a change, but she didn’t quite know what that looked like. It’s kind of dumb. He says, not really. It’s hard to see things clearly when you’re in the middle of them. She says, when he just walked like that, something clicked for her. She thinks it was so much harder leaving Deception in her head than it actually was, and he asks if she’s sure. She has history and friends there. She says, they’ll still be her friends. But she’s so tired of hearing about how she looks all the time. If she wakes up with Troll doll hair, she wants to just go with it. He says he’s not sure how that would happen, but he’d love to see it, and she says he might regret saying that. He says, just tell him if he’s overstepping, but is she going to be okay financially? Gladys didn’t help her there. She says her rent is paid for the rest of the month and after that, she’ll think of something. She always does. And she’s not above enhancing her resumé a little bit. He says if she needs a reference for her time spent as CEO of Comet Incorporated, tell them to give him a call. She says he can count on it. Cody gets more carrots, and she asks if he always knew what he wanted to do with his life professionally. He says he never had any idea. You’d think that a guy who made a living getting tossed off of horses would make some kind of plan for the future, but no. There was never a time where he was like, one more year and it’s back to school and off to his real career as a brain surgeon/astronaut. In hindsight, he probably should have been a little smarter. She says he doesn’t really mean that, and he says, she’s right. He was never cut out for a suit and tie kind of job. She asks if it made him nervous when he didn’t know how he was going to pay the rent the next month, and he says, yeah, sometimes. He was also free to pick up any gig interesting or fun. That kind of freedom comes with a price. He gives Comet a carrot, and Sasha says, anxiety? Sleepless nights? He says, sometimes. That kind of life isn’t for everyone. He’s not even sure if it’s for him anymore. She says, that’s a change, and he says he guesses so. He’s happy living here in Port Charles, working for the Q’s. And because he stayed, he has family and friends… horses. Sasha says, really good friends? and he says, yeah. And because of the money that he made standing around and smiling – horribly, apparently – he can afford to have some new dreams. She says, like Serenity? and he says, that’s one of them. She asks, what’s the other? and he just smiles. She says she’s excited for the possibilities. She knows there’s a truly fulfilling career out there, and she’s going to find it. He says, yeah, she is. Here is to her new career. He hands her a carrot, and they clink carrots. Cody takes a bite of his, then gives it to Comet.

Michael goes into the boathouse and texts Willow: No groceries. Boathouse is empty. He says he hopes Jason is right about this.

Chase gives Jason his rights, and Diane congratulates him on his scrupulous recitation of her client’s Miranda rights. Now if Chase doesn’t mind, she’d like a moment to confer with him. Chase says he does mind. She can talk to him after he’s been booked. Diane says she can cite any number of cases where defendants needed to be released due to technicalities that occurred during the booking process, specifically when the booking process was used as a stall to deny defendant’s counsel. She’s sure that’s not his intention, but the easiest way to ensure the booking process goes smoothly at the proper time, is to let her talk to Jason first. Chase looks at Jason, who stares straight ahead, and says, fine. Right this way. He takes them into the interrogation room and closes the door on his way out. Chase tells Brook, Dante is lying in a bed unconscious and the guy who put him there looks just fine to him. She says, looks can be deceiving though, right? It’s a good thing Jason came in. They need to hear what he’s going to say. Chase says, he’s not going to talk. He has Diane for that. He wishes he could… He raises his fists, but Brook puts her hands on his and says she knows. But he has a bunch of honorary deputies out there and they need him here, doing his job, keeping them safe.

Diane says she sure hopes Jason knows what he’s doing. He’s looking at some very serious charges. Two counts of attempted murder, one against a police officer with armor piercing rounds. That alone carries a special circumstance charge. She’ll try to get an arraignment for tomorrow. He thanks her, and she tells him that if she hasn’t said it already, it’s very, very good to see him again. She just wishes it were under better circumstances. He says, him too, and she says, any chance he’s going to tell her what this is all about? He says he can tell her this. He won’t be in here for long.

On Monday, Elizabeth tells Willow that she just wishes she knew anything about Jason; John asks someone what the hell they’re doing here; Chase tells Brook that he’s going to get answers for Dante’s sake; and Michael says he has some news about Jason.

🧼 Filling In the Blanks…

All about the original Stone.

All about Blair. This was suddenly in the headlines on Soaps In Depth, so I wonder if she’s coming back.

👠 Duck and Cover…

New Housewives coming up. I have to admit to being intrigued by the whole Alexis thing. You can’t tell me Andy/Bravo didn’t know this would set Shannon off like a firecracker.

And what’s wrong with McDonald’s?

💎 After the Reunion Is Over…

Can you blame her?

Can you blame her? And seriously, Dorit felt manipulated? If you don’t like it, ignore it and do what you want.

He’d like to stop it, but he’s too busy raiding the refrigerator after an attack of the munchies.

Even if nobody asked her to.

⚰️ Upcoming Ones…

What’s on the burner for Sunday night.

https://www.cbr.com/the-walking-dead-towl-105-clip

https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-ethanol-fire-ones-who-live-ending-hint

🐉 Dragon Times Two…

A peek at Season 2.

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-dueling-trailers-ryan-condal-breaks-down-secrets-8611648

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-trailers-black-vs-green

🎸 It’s On…

All you need to know.

https://www.lollapalooza.com

🌊 Gentle Giant…

One of my favorite animals!

https://people.com/footage-manatee-hugs-surfer-board-in-water-8608177

🐕 Socialized Pets…

I’m all about Redford. He reminds me of Jim on Mike & Molly.

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Don’t try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff.Betty White

The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made. – Groucho Marx

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. – Colin Powell

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. – Wise Man (Scott Glenn), Sucker Punch

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer

It is, of course, quite true that God will not love you any the less, or have less use for you, if you happen to have been born with a very second-rate brain. He has room for people with very little sense, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have. – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (He sounds like Anthony Hopkins in my head.)

Live your vision and demand your success. – Steve Maraboli

Church is meaningless if you’re a monster once you step outside into the real world. – Allen Clifton

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. – George Washington

I haven’t seen this much sh*t since my last bowel movement. – Jack Warner (Stanley Tucci), The Feud: Bette and Joan

🚣‍♀️ Rowing the Boat Ashore…

You go, Glen Coco, but then join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and a murderous Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not interrupting workers when they’re helping other customers; and stay being kind, thoughtful, and respectful to other people in your family, school, and community.

March 8, 2024 – Old Friends Meet Again, Reunion, Secret Side Gig, Diagnosis, New Soap, Bumping Along, No Shock, Salty Talk, No You, Those Ones, The Last, Uncle Oscar, Social Pets (!), A Handful Of Quotes & Survive

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Kristina comes into the hospital with Alexis and runs over to Sam, asking if she’s okay. She’s been worried about Sam ever since she heard about Dante. Alexis says, Molly’s still at the office. Otherwise, she’d be here. How’s Dante? Sam says she has good news.

On the phone, Anna tells Chase, great, and thanks him. She asks him to let her know when forensics has any information on that hoodie… Good. Call her back. John comes in and tells Anna that he heard about Dante. How’s he doing? She says, he’s out of surgery, and John says, good. There’s been a new development. He shows her the footage of Jason on his phone, and she says, is that… Jason Morgan? He says, that footage was taken tonight from the roof of Selina Wu’s warehouse. Now they know who was shooting at Sonny.

At the gatehouse, Michael paces and says he should be at the hospital, and Willow says she’s sure pacing here will help Dante as much as pacing there would. He says, like he doesn’t already feel useless enough, and she says she meant Michael’s good thoughts are reaching Dante no matter where he is. Also, she would have said anything to get him to stop. He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t mean to make her as crazy as this is making him. She says, he has every right to be worried about his brother. In the meantime, her fellow nurses are sending her regular updates. See? She shows him her phone, and he reads, no change… no change… no change. That’s good, right? That means that he’s stable? She says, and you didn’t even go to medical school. If Dante’s condition changes – for better, or God forbid, for worse – they’ll get someone to watch the kids and head right over to GH. He says he knows she’s right, but he feels so helpless, and she takes his hand.

In the chapel, Sonny and Ava come close to kissing, but hug instead. She says, sorry, but he says, she doesn’t have to apologize. He smiles at her.

Carly comes home and starts to head upstairs, when she hears Jason say, Carly? He steps out of the shadows, and they stare at each other.

Olivia runs into the chapel and says, there he is, and Sonny asks if there’s any news on Dante. She says, yes, and it’s the best. Their son made it through surgery. Sonny hugs her and she happy cries.

Sam says, they’re getting Dante set up in ICU. She’s glad they’re here. Alexis says, anytime, and Molly says, always, hugging Sam.

There’s a knock at the gatehouse door, and Michael says, it’s Dex and Joss. Willow answers and asks them to come in. She asks if they’ve been to the hospital to see Dante, and Josslyn says, yes. They had to give Commissioner Devane a statement and then she took Dex home to change. Dex says, lucky him. No one had cleaned out his apartment yet. Michael says he can’t thank them enough for what they did at the scene, and Willow says, one of the nurses said that Dante might not have made it if they hadn’t intervened. Thank you. Michael asks if they’re here with an update, and Josslyn says, not about Dante. He was still in surgery when they left the hospital. Dex says, but they do know something about the person who shot him.

Anna takes John’s phone and says, it’s impossible… Oh my God. If this is Jason, he would never work for anyone who would hurt Sonny. John says, they know he was on the roof. They know the shots came from the roof. They know Dante Falconari left the roof to pursue two people. Assuming one of them is Morgan, where would he go? She says, to Sonny, obviously, but he’s here. Or Sam. She looks over to see Sam sitting with Kristina and Alexis, and John says, anyone else? She says, yeah. There is one other person he would run to.

Carly says, Jason, and he says, it’s me. She says, it’s really you? and he says, it’s really me. She runs to him and hugs him, crying. She says, you came back. He says he’s sorry it took so long, and she asks where he’s been. What is he wearing?… He’s bleeding. Was he shot? He says, yeah, and she asks, how bad is it? He lifts his shirt and tells her that he’d say, it’s not bad. She tells him that he always says that, and he says, the bullet passed through. He could use a bandage. He’s going to be okay. She says she has a first aid kit, but she doesn’t want to leave him, and he says he’ll be here when he gets back. She says, promise her that he’ll be standing right there when she comes back downstairs, and he says he promises. She leaves, and he walks to the couch, slowly lowering himself onto it and breathing heavily.

Olivia’s phone dings and she says, Sam just texted her Dante’s room number. Sonny says, let’s go, and tells Ava that he’ll see her later. Ava says she’s so happy about Dante, and Olivia thanks her. She and Sonny run into Nina at the door, and Nina says she heard what happened. Is Dante okay? Olivia says, he made it through surgery. They’re just going to see him in ICU. Nina says, thank God. She’s sure he’s going to be fine. Olivia says, they’re going to see him now, and Nina says, of course (🍷). Sonny brushes past her, and she tells Olivia to please give Dante her best. Olivia says she will, and follows Sonny. Nina goes into the chapel and asks Ava, what’s going on? What the hell happened tonight?

Diane goes to the reception desk, and says, maybe the nurse can help her. Alexis tells Kristina and Sam that she’ll meet them upstairs, and hands Sam a bag, saying, change of clothes, toiletries, snacks. Sam thanks her and says, it completely slipped her mind. The elevator comes, and Alexis says, call her the minute they need her. As the doors close, Kristina says, what snacks? and Sam says, they’re not for her, but Kristina says she’s eating for two. Alexis goes over to Diane, who asks if by any chance she’s seen Sonny around. She knows he’s waiting on word. Alexis says she hasn’t seen Sonny, but she did hear that Dante made it through surgery and he’s in the ICU. Diane says, excellent, and Alexis says she guesses Diane is representing Sonny’s associates who are in custody. Diane says, yeah, and she’s got to update him on the situation, so she has to find him. Excuse her. Alexis says, not so fast. Where does she think she’s going?

Dex says, when they found Dante, someone had already given him first aid. They’d elevated his legs and wrapped a sweatshirt around him as a pressure bandage. Josslyn says, there was also a phone lying next to him with a line to 911. Michael says, so the person who shot Dante also tried to help him, and Josslyn says, yes and they were also risking being recognized because Dante could have seen their face. Dex says, it looks that way, and Michael says, none of this makes any sense. Willow says, why would they shoot Dante and then call 911? and Dex says, maybe they didn’t want to go down for killing a cop? Michael says, there’s another possibility here. What if the shooter helped Dante because he knows him?

Outside the ICU, Sam hugs Olivia and Kristina hugs Sonny and asks how he is. He says he’s fine. The only damage was to his coat. She says, he’s lucky. He’s not bulletproof. He asks how she’s doing and she says, frantic at first when mom first called to tell her about Dante. He wonders if it’s too much stress for the baby, but she says, the way she sees it, with this family, the sooner the baby learns to handle stress, the better. He asks how she’s really doing, and she says, it’s interesting how your body reacts to stress when you know it’s bad for the baby. And also, pushing the stress down could make it worse. She’s just doing a lot of breathing. He smiles and says he bets she is. She says, but Dante is doing better and seeing Sonny helps, and he says, right back at her. Take care of herself, okay? She says, of course (🍷), when a nurse comes out. Olivia asks, how’s her son? and the nurse says, Mr. Falconari is in critical condition, but his vitals are stable. Sam asks if they know when he’s going to wake up, but she tells them, it’s too soon to say. She leaves, and Sam says, Sonny and Olivia are his parents; they go in first. They go in and Sam hugs Kristina.

In the ICU, Sonny says, hey, son, and Olivia says, they’re here.

Diane says she’s got to go find Sonny, but Alexis says, not until Diane tells her why she’s been avoiding her. Diane says she hasn’t really been avoiding Alexis, she just had the feeling perhaps Alexis wasn’t too thrilled with her right now. Alexis wonders if there was some sort of a knockdown, drag out fight that she blacked out, because she’s been sober for a while now and thinks she would have known. Diane says, no. She just knows Alexis wanted her to represent Finn in the malpractice case, and not only was she not able to do that, she was the plaintiff’s attorney, and she got the feeling Alexis was a little unhappy with her. Alexis says, it’s her that Diane is talking to. She hasn’t been disbarred for that long. She knows how lawyers work. She knows what they do. Diane was doing her job. It’s not personal. Diane says she’s glad to hear it, and Alexis says, if Diane was worried about this, why didn’t Diane talk to her? Diane says, normally, she wouldn’t have thought twice about that, but this is Finn they’re talking about, and she knows he’s important to Alexis. Alexis says, and Diane is important to her as well. What she was really disappointed in was that she couldn’t represent him, and she does miss mopping the floor with Diane in court. Diane laughs and says, mopping. She doesn’t think that word means what Alexis thinks it means. Anyway, if Alexis did mop the floor with her, it certainly wasn’t as often as she seems to think. Alexis says she knows exactly how often it was, which is why she misses it, and Diane says she misses going toe to toe with Alexis as well, but jurisprudence loss is journalism’s gain. Alexis says, well, journalism is about to experience another devastating loss.

Ava tells Nina, Sonny and Selina were having a perfectly harmless, perfectly legal conversation, when Anna burst in with the FBI, guns blazing like some kind of raid. Nina says, how terrible, and Ava says, tell her about it. Nina says, it must have been frightening, and Ava says she guesses it was a little. Nina asks what Ava was doing there, and Ava says she thought she could be of some use. Nina asks what she was thinking, and Ava says she had to be there. She was tired of sitting on the sidelines, worrying if Avery was going to end up as collateral damage and that Sonny might… that Avery might lose her father. Nina asks what the active role was that Ava was playing, and Ava says, they had to sell the idea that Selina and Sonny were meeting with a mediator to settle their business conflicts, and Nina asks, how is Ava, the mother of one of Sonny’s children, an impartial mediator? Ava says she used to be in that world, so who better? Nina says she guesses, and Ava says, there’s no way to know if it would have worked anyway because the cops showed up, and that was that. Nina says she can sort of see why Ava did it, but what if something had gone wrong, which it kinda did, Ava could have gotten shot too or killed. Ava says she guesses she could have been. Anybody could have been. They all had to duck for cover. Nina says she’s glad Ava wasn’t. She doesn’t know what she’d do if she lost Ava.

Michael says he appreciates Dex coming back. It’s a good thing he did because he might have saved Dante’s life. Dex says, not alone. Joss did just as much as he did. Josslyn says, honestly, she thinks the only reason Dante was still alive when they got there was because of the pressure bandage. And the only reason Dante was even able to get to the hospital was because that person called 911. Willow asks if it isn’t possible that whoever helped Dante had nothing to do with the shooting, and they were a good Samaritan who had their own reason for not wanting anybody to know they were there. Dex says, they left the pier as soon as the paramedics took Dante away, but Chase and the cops were there collecting evidence, so they have the cellphone and the sweatshirt that was used as a bandage. Maybe it’s enough to track this guy down.

Carly comes back and sits on the sofa with Jason. She says she’s sorry, but she’s going to have to clean it. She puts an antiseptic cloth on the wound and Jason stifles a groan. She says she doesn’t want it to get infected. She just wants to get it clean. He says he thinks it’s clean, and presses a pad to it. She asks how he’s here. She wishes she could call her mom and ask how to help him. He says, no. Do not call Bobbie. She says she can’t. She died. He says, Bobbie’s dead? and looks like he wants to cry. Carly says, yes, already crying. There’s a knock at the door, and Anna says, police. Open the door.

Michael asks if they saw Sonny at the hospital, and Josslyn says, they saw him, he saw them, but they didn’t speak. Dex says, he was with Olivia and Sam. They were all waiting outside the trauma room while Dante was in surgery. Willow says, it was good of them to come to the house and tell Sam and Olivia what happened. She’s glad they got to see him. Josslyn says, one last time? She can’t even think about it. She cannot think about Rocco losing his father. She can’t think about Avery and Donna losing their big brother. But they all know that this could happen. Yes, Dante’s the cop and he takes risks, but they have to be honest here. This would not be happening if it wasn’t for Sonny. (Not necessarily, since he’s not the only target.)

Olivia and Sonny watch Dante, one on either side of the bed. Sonny strokes Dante’s hair and Olivia kisses Dante’s forehead.

Diane tells Alexis that she’s obviously appalled. She can’t say she’s surprised. Alexis tells her, thanks. She always knows just what to say. Diane says, yes, she does. And while a publisher does have the right to overrule an editor, but when it comes to hiring an individual journalist, it seems like a breach of trust. (I dunno. It seems kind of petty IMO. Certainly nothing to quit over.) Alexis says, Nina is all about trust, and Diane laughs. She says, an Editor-in-Chief has the right to determine who does and does not work for the paper, and Alexis says, right. If Nina had recommended a columnist, she could decide whether or not to hire said columnist. That would have been one thing. Diane says, but that’s not what happened, and Alexis says, no. She made a unilateral decision. There was no collaboration. Diane says, so what is she going to do? and Alexis says she’s going to not think about this right now. She’s going to concentrate on her daughter and helping her through this crisis. Diane says, of course (🍷). Of course (🍷) her family always takes first priority. But just so Alexis knows, she has a right to bitch about the b… boss.

In Dante’s room with Sam, Kristina says, so, bro, opening day is right around the corner. She knows he’s not going to miss that, especially since it’s the Yankees’ year. She was at the pub the other day and the game was on. This one bartender is a huge Sox fan, and they were joking around back and forth for a while. By the end of the game, she found herself rooting for them, and she thought, man, her brother is going to kill her. Since he’s been in here, it’s like the whole world’s upside down.

Nina tells Ava that she’s so worried about Sonny. Her marriage is not in the best shape right now, but she loves him. She doesn’t want anything to happen to him, and she’s terrified that whoever’s out to kill Sonny might succeed, and she doesn’t want to have to worry about Ava too. Ava says, she doesn’t have to. Rest assured, after this little misadventure, she’s laying off any derring-do in the future. Nina says, good. This is insane, right? She knows Sonny has enemies, but this? Ava says, for what it’s worth (🍷), they’re getting closer to the truth, and Nina says, wait. Does Sonny know who’s behind this? Does Ava? Ava says, no, she swears, and holds up her hand. Nina says, Ava has no idea? Come on. She needs to know who’s trying to kill her husband.

On the porch with John, Anna tells Carly to open the door, and John says, big house, other entrances. Let’s try one. They start to leave, when Carly opens the door and asks, what’s going on? Anna asks if they can come inside, but Carly says, not until they tell her what’s going on. Anna says, she’s aware Dante was shot earlier this evening, and Carly says, yes. Anna says, they’re pursuing a suspect, and Carly says, okay, but what does that have to do with her? Anna says she’ll explain. May they come inside? Carly says, yeah, and leads them into the living room. Anna says she believes Carly has met her colleague Federal Agent Cates, and Carly says, yes, hello Agent Cates. John says, Miss Spencer, and Carly says, okay. What’s this about a suspect? Anna says, she might want to sit down, and Carly says, why? What’s going on? Did something happen to one of her kids? Anna says, no. Not as far as she knows. It has nothing to do with her children. Carly says, then why does Anna want her to down? and Anna says, Jason Morgan is alive. Jason listens from upstairs.

Sam sits by Dante’s bed and kisses his hand.

Nina says, it’s obvious Ava knows more about this than she’s saying, but Ava says, if she had anything concrete to tell Nina, she would. Nina says, but she’s open to hearing theories, and Ava says, theories are just as good as random guesses right now. Just when we think we have a picture, new pieces appear, and the pieces don’t fit. Nina says, we? Sonny and her? Ava says, and Selina Wu, and Nina says she can sort of understand why Sonny isn’t telling her any of this, but she’d think Ava would realize how important this is to her. Ava says, even when things were good between Nina and Sonny, he kept Nina out of his business dealing, didn’t he? Nina says, yes, he did, but Ava isn’t in the business anymore, and Ava says she was. She knows how it works. She knows the players. She knows that it wouldn’t make sense for Sonny to confide in her about anything else, but in this particular circumstance, she’s a resource. She knows this has got to be frustrating. It has to be frustrating being on the outside looking in, but believe her, Nina doesn’t want to be on the inside… Nina says, this isn’t just about her feeling excluded. Does Ava understand, Sonny is her husband? He needs her, whether he wants to admit that or not. She can’t even support him through this. Ava says, she’s right. Sonny needs as many people in his corner as possible. Nina says, then tell her what’s going on and stop playing Switzerland and Ava says, the last thing she is right now is neutral. Nina says, then why won’t Ava help her with her husband?

Diane says, Sonny’s guards are not under arrest, either federal or local, for now. Sonny thanks her for doing that, and she says, he’s still going to have to answer some questions, make a statement. She can’t imagine Agent Cates is going to be giving him a reprieve earlier than tomorrow morning. He says, Agent Cates can wait until hell freezes over. His priority is his son. She asks, how is Dante? and Sonny says, he’s frail and defenseless, but he’s a fighter. It’s just, sometimes it’s not enough. She says, come on. After everything he’s been through, Dante’s not going to give up on this life. He thanks her and she asks, how is he? He says, she knows him. He just wants to find out who did this and take care of the situation.

Michael says he’s not saying they’re wrong… Josslyn says, but he wants her to let go of her anger for the sake of the family and because it’s not doing her any good, right? He tells her, what he was going to say is that Sonny knows he played a part in what happened to Dante. It’s got to be killing him. She says she knows it’s his son, okay? But she has trouble feeling sorry for Sonny when they have to constantly see people they love get hurt. Willow says, something she’s really started to learn since becoming a nurse, for a lot of people it’s more bearable to be angry than it is to be afraid. So while Josslyn has every right to be angry at Sonny, maybe it’s also a way to feel less afraid for Dante. Josslyn considers that and says, yeah. There was a moment on the pier with Dante where his heart stopped beating and they couldn’t get a pulse. Dex was doing chest compressions, and she was doing the rescue breathing. But he was shot in the chest and there was this voice in her head saying, what if you’re doing it wrong? What if we’re the people who kill Dante? She starts to cry, and Michael dashes over to her, hugging her.

Jason continues to listen, and Carly asks if this is some kind of a joke. Jason died in Greece. Anna says, that’s what they thought… but Carly says, stop. She doesn’t get to do that. Anna doesn’t get to show up at her house in the middle of the night and tell her Jason’s alive. She’s been grieving him every day for the past two years. Do they have proof? If they do, she wants to see it. If not, nighty-night. John says, they have proof. Does she want them to show her? He takes out his phone and hands it to her. She looks at the shot of Jason, and John says, that was taken earlier this evening, on the roof of a warehouse at 257 Water Street. They confiscated it from somebody they believe she knows – Jason makes a face – Damien Spinelli. Carly asks if they’re 100% sure Spinelli took this tonight, and Anna says, in the past four hours, yes. Carly says, and it’s real? Jason’s alive? Anna says, yes, and with her permission, they’d like to search the house for him. The look on Jason’s face says, oh, great.

Nina says, she and Ava have been through a lot. They’re friends, right? Ava says, no friend – and there haven’t been many – has been as loyal and generous to her as Nina has. Nina says, then help her with Sonny, and Ava asks if Nina has signed the divorce papers. Nina says she can’t bring herself to even look at them, let alone sign them, and Ava says, good. Then don’t. Nina says, no problem on her end, but sooner or later, Sonny is going to insist, and Ava says, don’t worry about that. They’re going to come up with a plan. Nina says, what plan would that be? and Ava says she’s going to help Nina save her marriage. Nina says, that would be amazing. She just hopes it’s not too late. Ava asks why she would think it’s too late, and Nina says she’s afraid the longer she and Sonny are apart, his feelings for her are going to fade. That he’s going to force himself to forget what they have together. Or worse, he’s going to decide to move on with someone else. Ava flashes back to almost kissing Sonny, and says, well, they just can’t let that happen. They laugh and hug each other.

Sonny finds Sam outside the ICU and says, any changes? She says she wishes. She felt like she needed to stretch her legs a little. She’s feeling pretty useless. He says, it helps Dante to know she’s here, and she says she knows. He says, she looks beat, and she says, thanks. (What every woman wants to hear.) He says he’ll stay here, and she can go home to rest, but she says she’s not leaving Dante. Sonny’s been here all night. Why doesn’t he go home and get some rest? He says he thinks he’s going to stick around for a while, and they hug. Sam goes back into the ICU, and Sonny watches through the window.

Amelia is heard crying on the baby monitor and Willow says she’d better go handle that before Amelia wakes up Wiley. Josslyn asks if she can come with Willow. She could use a hug. Willow says, of course (🍷) she can, and they go upstairs. Michael tells Dex that his sister is crazy about him, and Dex says, the feeling’s mutual. Michael says, but he’s not sure he’s going to stay? and Dex says, it’s not about what he wants; it’s about what’s best. Michael says, for who? and Dex says, for Joss. Michael tried to tell him once to go and he was right. Their lives are just too different. The best thing he can do for Joss is to just leave and stay gone.

Carly gives John his phone back, and says, they want to search her house for Jason? Anna says, they do, and Carly says she just found out he’s alive. She doesn’t know if she believes them. She doesn’t know if Spinelli gave them that footage. She doesn’t even know if it’s real. Anna says, Jason is familiar with this house, right? The layout, the security system. Carly says, yeah, but… and Anna says, could it be, he slipped inside without her knowledge? Carly says, they’re not searching her house. They don’t have her consent. They don’t have her permission. And if they don’t get the hell out of her house, she’s going to call her lawyer. John says, they asked as a courtesy. They don’t need her permission. They have a warrant. Upstairs, Jason grips his side.

On Monday, Anna says, Carly gets out of their way, or she gets arrested; Jake swears it’s not what it looks like; on the phone, Carly says, call her back as soon as possible and find a way to stop them; and Sam asks if Sonny understands what she’s asking him to do.

👟 Like An Old Shoe…

Let the good times roll.

🤫 She’s Got a Secret…

It’s a movie and she’s in it.

💉 Art and Life Combine…

Talk about ironic.

💃🏾 It’s About Time…

This sounds just like what daytime needs, a fresh resurgence. Hopefully, it won’t be opposite GH.

🤰🏼 Giving You Lala…

It’s all about that bump.

https://people.com/lala-kent-happy-pregnant-baby-bump-jumpsuit-8604953

https://www.eonline.com/news/1396532/pregnant-lala-kent-says-shes-raising-baby-no-2-with-this-person

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/lala-kent-reveals-her-mcdonalds-pregnancy-craving

⌛️ Comes As a Surprise To No One…

Love bubble bursting as we speak.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1396587/teresa-giudice-and-luis-ruelas-marriage-is-under-fire-in-explosive-rhonjs-season-14-trailer

🧂 Contains Less Salt…

Isn’t it ironic that for her to feel seen, there had to be less of her? I don’t know how she can possibly help her daughters feel empowered when she’s given her power away.

https://people.com/rhoslc-heather-gay-felt-pressure-before-taking-ozempic-showed-her-body-positivity-big-lie-8603562

🤼 Shot For Shot… 

Let the lawsuits commence.

⚰️ News Of the Ones…

A peek at episode 3.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-episode-3-clip-rick-grimes-jadis-bye

And already asking about Season 2.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/will-there-be-the-walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-season-2-rick-grimes-michonne

🌁 What’s Up With Us…

Details emerge. Some people take this way too seriously.

https://www.cbr.com/new-the-last-of-us-tv-location

Mostly old news, but in case you want a refresh.

https://www.polygon.com/23634196/last-us-season-2-release-date-cast-news

The parallel world of the game.

https://screenrant.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-casting-faithful-game

🏆 Here Comes the Big One…

The nominations.

https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024

About the show. March 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM EDT.

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/oscars-2024-watch-96th-academy-awards/story?id=107851439

My dream. Forget the award. I want one of these gift bags.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oscars-gift-bags-2024

You, too, can have an Oscar party.

https://www.thegoldknight.com/2024/03/your-2024-oscar-party-essentials.html

🐕 Sharing the Cuteness…

Pets doin’ it for the ‘Gram.

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

Some might be dated, but it doesn’t make them any less cute.

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/paws-up-celebs-show-off-their-precious-pets-117103

🦧 Quotes of the Week

Sometimes bad clothes happen to good people. – Carson Kressley, Watch What Happens Live

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.Martin Luther King, Jr.

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. – Chief Seattle (Once again, don’t step on any butterflies.)

Life is problems. Living is solving problems. – Raymond E. Feist

We must respect the past, and mistrust the present, if we wish to provide for the safety of the future. – Joseph Joubert

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

A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything is last year. – Marty Allen

🥇 A Winner In My Own Mind…

Make your mark on the weekend, then join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and awful guests and/or crew on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay giving from the heart and receiving graciously, and stay not turning your fear into anger. It doesn’t do you any good.

February 16, 2024 – Sonny Gives Dex a Choice, Her Response, Two Firsts, No Salt, Bad Crew, VanderFave, New Chefs, Reunited Ones, Last News, Vamping, Throne Report, Big Change, Just Over 8 Quotes & If

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Doc says he just got off the phone with Martin, and Laura asks if his office got the paperwork. He says, they did, and he beneficially added to the adoption petition, which means everything is on track for them both to become Ace’s parents. She says, music to her ears, and they kiss. There’s a knock at the door, and Laura opens it to Cyrus, who says, hello, sister.

Anna asks what Dante’s got, and he says, Pentenville confirmed that they were relocating Olivia Jerome. CSI says the transport van was sabotaged and two guards were restrained, but unharmed. This is just an overview until they get the crime scene report. Jordan says, sounds like a prison break gone wrong, but Anna says, with Olivia Jerome, nothing’s ever that simple.

Sam lets Alexis into her apartment and says, she didn’t have to come over, but Alexis says, Sam seemed a little frazzled when she bailed on lunch. Not to mention vague. So she thought, why not meddle? Is she okay? Sam says, yeah. She’s just keeping an extra eye on Danny. Alexis asks, why? and Sam says she’s going to tell Alexis, and then Alexis is going to tell her that she’s worried over nothing, and nothing serious is going on with her kid.

Ava tells Josslyn, Sonny isn’t here, but she’s more than welcome to come in and wait for him. Josslyn asks if Ava can call him because he’s not picking up for her, and Ava says she’s sure he’s just busy. Josslyn says, but she’s Avery’s mom, so he might not be as busy for her, and Ava says, maybe she can help, but Josslyn says, no. It’s really Sonny she needs to speak to and it’s very important. Ava tells her, like she said, Josslyn is more than welcome to wait, and Josslyn asks if she knows when he’ll be back, and Ava says, not precisely, no. Josslyn says, then she’s going to look for him, but Ava says, wait. Don’t do that.

Dex lets Sonny in, and Sonny says, he didn’t run. He didn’t even start packing. Dex says, Sonny has at least one guard stationed nearby, and Sonny says, Dex knows how he operates. That’s why he’s carrying. He also knows his only way out is through him. What’s he going to do? Is he going to take a shot?

Laura asks, what happened to the ground rules? Cyrus is supposed to call her before he comes over. He says he knows, but he was in the neighborhood and just wanted to say hello to his sister and his grandnephew. Doc says, now is not a good time. They just put Ace down for his nap. Cyrus promises this will just be a quick visit. He has another engagement immediately after. Doc says, and yet he found time to stop by, and Cyrus says, one should always find time for family. Doesn’t he think? Laura looks at Doc, who shrugs, and tells Cyrus, come in. They hear Ace coo on the baby monitor, and Cyrus asks if he can just have a glimpse of him, but Doc says he’s afraid even a glimpse is out of the question. Naps are just so important at his age. Doc goes to Ace’s room, and Cyrus says, it seems Ace isn’t the only one in need of a nap. She says, don’t let them keep him from his next appointment, and he says, before he goes, has she been in touch with Nikolas since he left for Pentenville? She says she has, and he says he knows how hard this must be for her, and Ace. She thanks him, and he asks how they’ve taken to being Ace’s temporary guardians. She says she guesses there’s no reason she shouldn’t tell him. She and Doc have decided to legally adopt Ace. He says, that’s wonderful news. Congratulations. She thanks him and says she’s pleased that he’s so pleased, but she’s a little bit surprised. He asks why his happiness at her good fortune should surprise her, and she says she supposes it shouldn’t. He says he can’t think of two better people to shepherd their little angel through this world, and she says she thinks there’s something they need to get clear right now. Ace’s adoption does not guarantee Cyrus a bigger role in Ace’s life. As a matter of fact, or any role.

Josslyn asks why she doesn’t want to look for Sonny. Ava knows where he is, doesn’t she? Ava says, Sonny doesn’t apprise her of his movements, and Josslyn says, but she knows what he’s doing. Ava says, what she knows is, it’s a waste of time scouring the city looking for him when the one place they know he’ll show up is here. And if what Josslyn has to say is so important, then stay. Josslyn asks if Ava can just call her when he gets back, and Ava says, she’s obviously very upset and Josslyn can tell her; has something happened? Josslyn says, it’s personal, and Ava says she sees. So this must be about Dex. Or Michael.

Dex says he doesn’t want to hurt Sonny, but he’s not going down without a fight, and Sonny says, if he wanted Dex dead, he’d be rotting in the ground right now, no matter what Carly said. But he’s right about one thing. Dex says, what’s that? and Sonny says, Dex joined his organization under false pretenses, working for Michael the whole time. Dex says, his job was to protect Sonny, and he did, and Sonny says, Dex knows too much about his business and about him. And all he knows about Dex is that he can’t trust him. So if Dex was in his position, how would he handle this?

Dante says, they’ve got the crime scene report, handing it to Anna, who asks, what do they know? He says, the transport van hit a spike strip that blew out the tires. They pulled the van over and they were ambushed by two masked men. They tied up the guards and took Olivia Jerome. Shortly thereafter, they heard a gunshot. They freed themselves, one of them called for help, the other went into the woods in the direction of the gunshot and found Olivia’s body. Anna says, did they pick up the gunman’s trail yet? but he says, not yet, and she says she needs to see the body.

Alexis says, Danny was drinking? Danny? Sam asks if she’d be less surprised if it were Rocco or Scout, and Alexis says she couldn’t be more surprised. Danny? She never in a million years. Sam says she knows. Here they are. Alexis asks if Sam flipped out. She would have flipped out. She has flipped out. The trouble Kristina used to get into took years off her life. Sam says, actually, no. She was angry, but she didn’t really raise her voice or give him a long lecture or anything. Alexis asks if she gave him a short one, and Sam says, they had a really good conversation about it. Alexis says, good, and Sam says, it was actually quite mature… of her, not him. Alexis asks if she grounded him, and Sam says, hell yes. Alexis says, how long? and Sam says, until he learns responsibility. Alexis says, so she guesses Sam didn’t want to tie herself down to a specific timeline, and Sam says she didn’t think of it that way, but she likes the way Alexis thinks. She thinks somewhere between one month and forever sounds good. Alexis says, sounds reasonable, and Sam says, they got to a good place. Alexis says, okay. Is Sam ready for her to be honest? Sam says she doesn’t know. Is it something she’ll want to hear? Alexis says she thinks so. She thinks what Sam did was very normal parenting. Actually, it sounds like excellent parenting. But it sounds like Sam is still bothered. Sam says, taking the you’re grounded, but if this ever happens again and you find yourself in this position, you can call me or Dante and we’ll come and get you, no questions asked route is a normal course of action, right? Alexis says, last time she checked, and Sam says, but Danny is Jason’s son and he’s getting more and more like him every day. And Jason was drawn to danger. What if Danny is too?

Cyrus says, of course (🍷) he’ll respect Laura’s wishes as Ace’s adoptive mother, and she says, good idea. She moves to open the door, and he says, but he must ask… She says, that was fast, and he says, why would she want to deprive Ace of family after he’s already lost so much? She says, it’s because he’s lost so much that she wants Cyrus to keep his distance. She wants Ace to have some kind of stability in his young life. Cyrus says he would only bring stability. He’d be a constant presence in Ace’s life. As constant as she deems appropriate, no more, but certainly no less. She says she appreciates his good intentions, but he has to just rest assured that Ace has a lot of family who really love him. He says he knows that, and it gives him comfort, but it’s a family he’d dearly love to be part of. It’s one reason he stopped by today, to offer her what comfort he could after losing Spencer and seeing Nikolas go to prison. He cares about her. She says, he keeps telling her that, and he says, and she keeps doubting. How long is she going to distrust him? He thinks he’s proven by now that he’s turned over a new leaf. She says, it wasn’t that long ago, when he expressed his distress over somebody else’s misfortune, when what he was really doing was rubbing their nose in it. He doesn’t deny that, does he? He says he does not. He owns his misdeeds and carries the shame of them. She says, okay, but the rest of them remember it, and he says, okay. She tells him that if he wants the rest of them to believe he’s turned over a new leaf, then it may take more than just his word. He may have to forgive them their trespasses if they need more time to forgive his. He says he understands, which is why he asked her about Nikolas. Not to rub her nose it in, but because he wants her to know that he’s arranged for Nikolas to be protected in Pentenville, so that she can have the peace that comes in knowing he’ll be safe. She says, this is exactly what she’s talking about. How can he expect her to believe that he’s turned over a new leaf when he’s offering to pull strings in prison?

Josslyn says, what makes Ava think this is about Michael? and Ava says, Michael came by, and he confessed to Sonny. She happened to overhear. Josslyn says, shocker, and Ava says, come on. This can’t be the first Josslyn’s hearing of this. Josslyn asks what Michael confessed, but Ava says, he didn’t mention it. And she doesn’t think it occurred to Sonny that Josslyn and Dex are too crazy about each other to keep secrets, especially big secrets. Like the fact that Michael hired Dex, first to spy on Sonny and then to protect him. Josslyn says, fine. Yes, she knew. Ava says, that’s a heavy burden to carry. She empathizes. If Josslyn would like somebody to talk to… Josslyn thanks her, but says she thinks she’d rather talk to her mom, and Ava says, of course (🍷), but it looks like she needs somebody to talk to right now. And since she’s here right now… Josslyn asks why she cares so much.

Dex says he expected Sonny to handle it the way he almost did, and Sonny says, in Dex’s opinion, what should he do now? Dex says, if it were his call? and Sonny says, yeah. Dex says, start over. All the cards are on the table. He’s fresh out of secrets. It feels good. Yes, if it were up to him, he would keep working for Sonny, but he knows that’s not possible. He’s become a liability Sonny can’t afford. Sonny says, perceptive as usual, and Dex says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he didn’t just learn about Sonny’s business. He learned about Sonny and the man he is. When Michael hired him, this was just a job, but then he got to know Sonny and his family and realized Sonny had a code and principles that guide him. He knows Sonny has no reason to believe him, but he wasn’t lying when he said he admired Sonny. Even now. He knows he shouldn’t, but he does.

The morgue attendant slides a body out, and Anna looks under the sheet. She says, yeah, that’s Olivia. Shot point blank in the back of the head. Olivia Jerome was executed. (We don’t see her, so I guess it was too expensive to bring her in just to lie there.)

Cyrus says he’s long since cut ties with the criminal element and those who kept him trapped in the dark far from the Lord’s love, and Laura says, if it’s not his henchman who would be looking after her son in jail, then who is he talking about? He says he found another group of men in prison, lost souls seeking redemption, just like him. Well- intentioned men living with the consequences of their mistakes. His mission is to provide them an example to live by, to offer counsel to guide them through their sentences, so they can turn their life around in prison and out. She says, right, but they’re inmates, criminals. He hasn’t said they’re not dangerous. Cyrus says, of course (🍷) they’re dangerous. They wouldn’t be able to provide protection if they were meek little lambs. She says she guesses she was hoping he bribed a few guards or something, and he says, with what? He has no riches to bribe anyone. She says, maybe with those hidden riches he uses to bribe people secretly? and he laughs. He says, if only he were half as colorful as he is in her imagination, and she says, then he’d be wearing half an orange jumpsuit. He laughs again and says, she’s so funny. All she needs to know is that after his release, he never abandoned his flock. Nor has he abandoned his cause. She asks, what is his cause? and he says, with the Lord’s blessing, his flock is about to get bigger. This afternoon is the inaugural broadcast of his radio show. Soon, very soon in fact, he’ll be spreading God’s word to everyone in Port Charles.

Sam tells Alexis, on Valentine’s Day, she and Dante decided to have a date night here at the house. He cooked for her. They thought all of the kids were in their rooms, and then there was a knock at the door just as they were about to get romantic. And Dante opened the door and there was a cop with Danny. Alexis says, perspective. Danny isn’t the first teenager to sneak out of the house with his friends and go drinking. Sam says, sneaking out is one thing, but sneaking out by a fire escape that’s suspended to the side of a building on a penthouse floor? Alexis says, clearly, Danny doesn’t have any fear of heights? and Sam says, gee, I wonder who he takes after? What if Danny hadn’t gotten caught and he would have tried to sneak in the same way? Up the building? What if he slipped or lost his balance? Alexis says, okay. She’s right to be asking all these questions and she’s right to be extra vigilant. However, one incident is not a pattern necessarily. Sam says, so this is normal teenage stuff? and Alexis says, all she knows is what Kristina did to her. Sam says, Kristina’s an angel right now compared to those things, and Alexis says she never raised a boy, so she has no idea what’s normal for boys. Sam says she gets that all teenagers take chances, but what if Danny’s hardwired to take bigger chances? And if so, how does she keep him safe? Because if he’s anything like his father, the more she tries to control him, the more he’s going to fight to be free.

Anna closes the morgue vault, when Dante comes in. He says he debriefed the detectives on the scene. They found this nearby. He hands Anna a plastic evidence bag, and she takes out a gun. She looks it over and says, oh yeah. Jordan asks if she found something, and Anna says, see that marking right there? The WSB put it on all the guns they seized. That means, whoever tried to kill Sonny is also behind Olivia Jerome’s murder.

Sonny says, Dex had a lot of potential. More than he’s seen in anyone in a long time. Dex proved his abilities to him, but Dex reminded him, being capable and trustworthy don’t really go hand-in-hand. He wishes he could just let Dex go; forget he ever existed. But he’s too big of a liability. Dex says he understands there’s a risk Sonny’s enemies might use him to get to Sonny, but he was willing to take a bullet rather than give up Carly and Michael. Sonny knows he can hold up under pressure. Sonny says he has kids to consider. Dex said himself that he’ll do anything to protect his family. Dex says, so what now? and Sonny says, the only way he sees it, Dex is going to have to disappear.

Ava says she knows she’s not Josslyn’s favorite person, but Josslyn still went out of her way to get Spinelli and Dex to find her when Mason took her. Josslyn says, of course (🍷). She did that for Avery. Ava says, Josslyn still did it. She owes Josslyn her life for that. So if there’s ever anything she can do for Josslyn, no matter what it is, all she has to do is ask. Josslyn asks if she really means that, and Ava says, absolutely. Josslyn says, then please help her find Sonny, but Ava says she told Josslyn, she doesn’t know where he is. Josslyn says, then call him or get the guards to summon him home. Steering Josslyn toward the door, Ava says, she really thinks it’s best… but Josslyn shakes her off and says, Sonny is going to kill Dex. Ava knows that and she knows that. She needs to speak to him before he does something drastic. She might have helped, but Dex is the one who rescued Ava. Twice. Once at the Quartermaines when Heather Webber attacked her and once in Pautuck. Ava owes him her life twice over. Please help her protect him.

Dex asks if Sonny is going to kill him, but Sonny says he expects Dex to leave town. He’ll have Frank take Dex to one of his safe houses and tell Brick to set him up with a new identity, passport, driver’s license, and then once he’s gone, they’re going to cover up his tracks and set him up with money. Dex says, what about Josslyn? and Sonny says, the way this works, he and Brick are the only ones who have to know what’s going on. They bring Josslyn in, she’s going to drive Sonny’s enemies to Dex. Dex says, they know how to be careful, and Sonny says he knows Josslyn loves Dex. She loves her family too. But if they involve Josslyn, it’s all for nothing. Dex says, then shoot me, putting Sonny’s gun to his stomach. It’s not worth it. Joss made his life worth living. Without her, Sonny might as well finish him off here.

Ava says she would absolutely help if she could, and Josslyn says, but she won’t. So everything Ava just said, if she ever needs anything, that’s all crap. Ava says she meant every word, and she is aware of how unsparing Sonny can be with those who cross him, but Josslyn says, Dex didn’t cross him. Literally the opposite. How many times did Dex almost give Sonny his life and that counts for nothing. Ava says she knows it seems unfair, but Josslyn knows as well as she does that Sonny can’t risk fairness when it comes to his family’s safety. Josslyn says, so Ava is telling her that there’s nothing she can do, and Ava says, yes.

Laura says, Cyrus has a radio show? Who would put him on the air? Cyrus says, someone who sees the value in his message? She says, no, something is deeply off here, and he says, it saddens him that she still doubts his intentions. Fortunately, the Lord provides him strength to continue proving he’s changed. He knows he can never erase the terrible things he’s done, but he can at least counteract them by putting some good out in the world. That’s his purpose. She says, but what is his motive? and he says he can only hope one day she believes the change he’s showing the world and accept the man he’s become. He must take his leave. He goes to the door and says his debut is but fifteen minutes away on KZPC radio. He does hope she’ll tune in. He leaves, and Doc comes back. He says, it’s a miracle that Ace is still down. Then again, maybe he was trying to avoid their company. What did Cyrus want? She says, the same thing he always wants. Her trust.

Sam tells Alexis that she tried to shield Scout and Danny from Jason’s life, and when she realized she couldn’t, she broke up with him. Alexis says, Sam seems to give her kids stability despite all that, and Sam says, what if she wasn’t enough? Danny always wanted more time with his father. Jason was in and out of his life, then all of a sudden, it wasn’t enough. Danny took Jason’s death really hard. And what if in a way to get closer to his father, Danny is starting to take the kinds of chances Jason used to take? And if so, how long has this been building up in him and why hasn’t she seen it before? Alexis says, listen to her. She understands how Sam feels. At some point, every parent does in one way or another. But Sam didn’t cause this. Does she understand that? Sam says, yeah, and Alexis asks if Sam believes her. Sam says she wants to, and Alexis says, whatever Danny is going through, Sam will get him through this because she’s a wonderful mother.

Anna re-bags the gun, and Jordan says, Olivia Jerome’s long history with the mob certainly tracks with their gunman’s pattern, targeting organized crime leaders. Anna hands the gun to Dante and says, absolutely. See if they can confirm that the bullet that killed Jerome matches that gun. Dante says he’ll see if they can put a rush on it, and she says, they need to move fast. As soon as the Feds are apprised of this development, Agent Cates is going to want to take over, and they all know how thrilled he was they didn’t back off in the first place. Jordan says, it’s not like he can be any less cooperative, and Anna agrees and says, it’s common knowledge there won’t be any tears shed over Olivia. But those guards could have been injured or worse, and Curtis already got caught in the crossfire. Agent Cates needs to understand that they need to put a stop to this before any more innocent bystanders are hurt.

Sam thanks Alexis for the encouragement, because she doesn’t feel like a good mom, much less a wonderful mom. Alexis says, you know who thinks they’re wonderful moms? Terrible moms, that’s who. Sam says, so it’s good to doubt, and Alexis says, yeah. It’s like if you think you’re going crazy, the fact that you’ve asked that question means you’re way ahead of the game. Sam says, that’s good to know, and Alexis says, in the meantime, just take it one step at a time. This is just one incident. Sam says she knows, but what if it was just the first? and Alexis says, then she will know. If she sees it escalating, she’ll do something about it. She’ll take care of him just like she always has. And she doesn’t have to do it alone. Sam can count on her. Sam can always count on her. And they will figure it out. Is that a deal? Sam says, it’s a deal. Alexis’s phone rings and she says, it’s one of her reporters. She says, what’s up?… Sam asks if everything is okay.

Jordan says, their best lead is the gun dealer Philip O’Neal. His lawyers want a deal, but the FBI isn’t biting. Anna says, he’s still not talking? and Dante says, this doesn’t make any sense. It’s like this guy has a target on his back. He can ID who he sold the guns to. Anna says, it is concerning, but interestingly, whoever it is who’s after the organized crime figures, waited until Olivia was out of prison before they made their move. Dante says, that just makes him think, whoever this is doesn’t have access to anyone on the inside, and Anna says she thinks she’s going to talk to Agent Cates. She’s going to try and persuade him to keep O’Neal in Pentenville, rather than moving him out of their reach. Dante asks if she thinks they can get something out of O’Neal, and Jordan says, just because he’s not talking to law enforcement, doesn’t mean he won’t talk to anyone.

Josslyn says she should have known better and thanks Ava. This conversation was a big help. Josslyn opens the door, and Ava says she didn’t mean to upset her. Josslyn says she just wants someone to help her. She loves Dex. Does Ava understand? She cannot and will not give up on the people she loves. She won’t do it. She leaves, slamming the door behind her, and Ava takes out her phone.

Sonny says, if he pulls this trigger because Dex asked him to, he won’t be breaking Josslyn’s heart; Dex will. Dex pushes the gun away and says he loves her. He thought it had been beaten out of him. He thought it would never happen for him, but it did. Sonny says, Dex knows the best thing for Josslyn is for him to leave town. Sonny’s enemies are going to be tracking Dex down for the rest of his life. Does Dex want to put her in danger? Does he want her to be the target? Dex says he can’t lose her, and Sonny says, here’s the deal. If Dex wants to keep his life, he’s never going to come back here again. He’s not going to have any contact with anyone again. It’s up to him. Sonny’s phone rings, and he tells Dex that he needs an answer – now.

Jordan says, O’Neal might not talk to them, but he might talk to someone in Pentenville, and Anna says, she means, plant an informant? Jordan says, could work, and Dante says, seems like a long shot. Given this guy’s line of work, you’d think he’d have to be pretty tight lipped, no matter who he’s talking to. Jordan says, exactly. Right now, he’s probably more surprised than they are that he’s still alive. There might be something he wants to get off his chest just in case. Anna says, they’d have to find someone who’s good at extracting that kind of information. And also someone Robert would be willing to offer a deal to. Dante says, a lesser sentence in exchange for some information? That would be pretty good incentive. Jordan says, yes, but no one who poses a significant threat to the general public upon release, and Anna says, on top of finding this person and making a deal with the DA’s office, the informant also has to establish some kind of trust with O’Neal in order to make this work. This is all going to take time. Dante says, it’s time they don’t have, and Anna says, until they think of something faster… Jordan’s phone dings and she says, it’s from Laura. Anna asks, what is it? and Jordan goes over to a very convenient radio, turning it on and finding a station. We hear Cyrus say, this is KZPC radio and welcome to Searching with Cyrus. You’re probably asking, what can I have in common with you…

Laura and Doc are also listening, and Cyrus continues. After all, I’m an ex-convict who was serving hard time in Pentenville, but one thing I learned there is, we are all prisoners. But if we give our burden to the Lord, He will set us free. That’s why I’m here, to help you share that burden and give voice to your troubles, so that you may live a life of peace. Ace starts to cry and Doc says he’ll get Ace. He’s heard enough of this guy. Cyrus says, I’m living proof that God never gives up on any of us, and Doc suggests Laura turn it off, but she says she’s going to listen to every word. She needs to understand what Cyrus is really saying. Doc tells her, good luck with that, and leaves. Cyrus says, if I can find my way to a better place, so can you.

Josslyn runs to Dex’s apartment and sees the door isn’t closed all the way. She pushes it open and sees Sonny sitting there. She says, where’s Dex? and Sonny says he’s sorry. Dex is gone.

On the phone, Alexis says she definitely intends to run it in the morning. She just wants to be able to check it first before it goes to press. She glances at the guard outside Sonny’s penthouse, and says, but she’s going to have to call them back, because there’s something she has to do first.

There’s a knock at the door, and Ava opens it to Alexis. She asks if Alexis is looking for Sonny, but Alexis says, actually, she’s here to see Ava. Ava’s phone rings, and Alexis asks if she needs to get that. Ava says, it’s Pentenville. She’s sure it’s Alexis’s darling nephew, calling collect, but Alexis says she doesn’t think that it is. May she come in? Ava says, please. Is this a social call or are they on the record here? Alexis says she heard it from one of her reporters and she thinks Julian would want Ava to hear it from someone she knows. Ava says, conjuring her late brother’s name can’t be good. Julian would want her to hear what? Alexis says, her sister Olivia is dead, and Ava says, is that so? Alexis says she’s sorry for Ava’s loss, and Ava says, is she really? Because after what she did to Alexis, she thinks Alexis is probably wondering what circle of hell she’s roasting in.

Josslyn says she wants to see him, but Sonny says, that’s not possible. She says, where is he? What did Sonny do to him? He says, Dex is alive, but he’s not coming back to Port Charles, and Josslyn says, he’s a liar. Dex would never leave her. Sonny says, Dex did what he had to do, what was best for everyone, and Josslyn cries, saying, not for her. Sonny says, especially for her. He picks up an envelope and says, Dex wanted him to give her this. He holds it out and she snatches it from him. She takes out a note, a dog tag on a chain falling to the floor. She reads the note and says she hates Sonny. He’s a criminal and a liar and she will never forgive him for this. (When you think about it, it’s really Michael’s fault.) Sonny says he knows, and leaves. Josslyn looks at the note again, picks up the dog tag, and sinks to the floor, crying.

On Monday, Lois says, has she got a surprise for Tracy; Marshall tells Stella that he has no idea how to handle it; Nina hopes she’s not late; and Josslyn tells Carly that she and Dex are not going to be kept apart.

👠 How She Really Feels…

Apparently, she died and came back once before. That explains why I kept thinking she was dead before she died. And again, who knows? We didn’t see a body.

Tonja Walker Responds to Olivia Jerome’s Death on GENERAL HOSPITAL

📹 From Soap to Cinema…

They’re branching into new milieus.

🧂 Won’t Back Down…

I actually believe her. They probably laid a trail of breadcrumbs for Heather to find too.

🛟 Walking the Plank…

Not exactly the best way to stand out from the crowd.

https://www.dexerto.com/reality-tv/below-deck-fans-accuse-producers-of-hiring-bad-crew-for-more-drama-2531397

And will she be the first to go?

https://screenrant.com/below-deck-season-11-barbie-pascual-fired

🍸 Breakout Star…

Give that woman a raise immediately.

🔪 They’re the Top…

Here’s hoping Padma’s shoes can be filled.

https://ew.com/top-chef-season-21-cast-premiere-date-trailer-8559815

https://parade.com/tv/top-chef-season-21

⚰️ Reuniting the Dead…

Not too long now.

https://ew.com/walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-on-set-rick-and-michonne-reunion-8576529

🌁 News Of the Last…

Season 2 of the show.

https://comicbookmovie.com/spider_man/madame-web/madame-web-star-isabela-merced-on-filming-her-first-scene-as-dina-for-the-last-of-us-season-2-a209371

https://comicbookmovie.com/spider_man/madame-web/madame-web-star-isabela-merced-on-filming-her-first-scene-as-dina-for-the-last-of-us-season-2-a209371

Chapter 3 of the game.

https://www.ign.com/articles/neil-druckmann-teases-concept-for-the-last-of-us-part-3-theres-probably-one-more-chapter-to-this-story

🧛🏽 On Tap…

Cutting their teeth on Season 2.

https://ew.com/interview-with-the-vampire-season-2-premiere-date-new-cast-third-anne-rice-tv-show-announced-8559740

🐉 It’s All In the Game…

New spin-off.

https://ew.com/game-of-thrones-aegon-conquest-spinoff-reported-8574988

Throne serendipity.

https://www.etonline.com/sophie-turner-reacts-to-game-of-thrones-reunion-with-kit-harington-in-new-movie-the-dreadful-219622

🐶 After the Bowl Is Over…

This is the best story.

https://people.com/how-20-years-puppy-bowl-changed-pet-adoption-8575625

🐦‍⬛ Quotes of the Week

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you.T.A. Barron (So don’t step on any butterflies.)

Better to stay quiet than get hit with a rock. – Manuel Vëlez, 90 Day Fiancé

On truth: *I suppose there are two views about everything,* said Mark. *Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there’s never more than one.*C .S. Lewis, from That Hideous Strength, compiled in Words to Live By

Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them. – Jim Rohn

Goals are the thing you talk about instead of the thing you do. – Cherry (Rose McGowan), Planet Terror

We must all learn not only to not fear change, but to embrace it enthusiastically and, perhaps even more important, encourage and drive it. – Tony Hsieh

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. – William James

Humor worked with pickles, but pickles are funny. The way beans are funny, we can’t use that. We have to fight it actually. – Raymond Geiger, Heinz rep (John Sloman), Mad Men

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

🍹 Presidential Day Drinking…

Return on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s doing on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay enjoying the long weekend if you have one, and stay keeping in mind that one incident is not a pattern necessarily.