Tag Archives: reality TV

January 3, 2025 – Sonny Makes a Request Of Jason, Soap Suds, Southern Talk, NJ Tirade, Hard To Do, Finished Watch, Coming Up, Holiday Hangover, Star Celebrations, Times Square, Piffle Clone, Ha-Ha, A Half-Dozen Quotes & Feeling

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

On Thursday:

Isaiah told Sonny that he has to see a cardiologist.

In Prague, the sniper shot through the café window, missing Valentin. Valentin grabbed Charlotte and took off, but when Lulu and Dante followed, all they found was Charlotte’s air tag in a nearby planter.

Michael told Sasha that he thought he and Willow were headed for divorce, and Sasha told Michael that she was pregnant, but she didn’t want him involved. Michael reluctantly agreed.

Drew talked Willow into coming to DC with him for his swearing in ceremony.

Alexis told Ava that the Cassadine money had really belonged to Spencer and now belonged to Ace.

Anna went to Jack’s hotel room, and he still insisted he had no information on Valentin. He got a call from Collette about Valentin escaping, and when he hung up, Anna tased him because she wanted his full attention. She told him that she knew he’d met Emma, and that Emma was off limits.

Moving on to Friday…

Prague, Czech Republic. Dante brings Lulu to her hotel room, and she tells him that he doesn’t have to stay. He escorted her back and she’s fine. He can go to his room. He says, so she can hit the streets as soon as he takes off? and she says she could promise that, but she’s not going to lie to him. He asks if she’s going to go to the town square and yell Charlotte’s name when she and Valentin are long gone. She says, thanks to him.

In a car parked somewhere, Charlotte asks if Valentin is sure he’s okay. He says he’s fine. How is she? She says she’s sorry. It’s all her fault.

Sasha comes into Michael’s office and says, she can go if he has something more important going on, but he says, nothing is more important, and asks her to have a seat. She sits, and he says he respects her decision to raise the baby alone, but he has to ask her to do something for him. Stay in Port Charles.

Nina goes to Curtis’s office and says she assumes he hasn’t spoken to Drew. He says, no and he doesn’t expect to. Nina says, he’s in Washington DC with her daughter.

At the penthouse, Isaiah advises Sonny to see Dr. Pasternak. His reputation as a cardiologist is excellent. Isaiah is still new to GH, but his referral should get Sonny in. Dr. Pasternak is usually booked up. Sonny says he’ll get checked out. Just so Isaiah knows, whoever he talks to needs to be discreet. Isaiah says, Sonny’s number one priority should be getting his heart looked at as soon as possible, when Jason comes in and says, good to see Isaish again.  

Lulu tells Dante that she promised to come alone. She kept her promise, but now she’s worried Charlotte thinks she’s a liar. Valentin certainly does. God only knows what he’s telling her. Charlotte hasn’t seen her in four years, and she’s been under the sole influence of her father. It was her one opportunity to regain Charlotte’s trust and Dante blew it to hell. Dante says he was trying to look out for her, and she says, did she ask him to? How did he find her anyway? He says he knows people, and she says, great. Just great. What gives him the right? She’s not lying helpless in a hospital bed. She doesn’t need a minder and he’s not her husband, but Charlotte is her daughter, and she’ll find Charlotte any way she damn well pleases.

Valentin says, none of this is Charlotte’s fault, but Charlotte says, he told her not to contact anyone back home. She texted Rocco and talked to her mom. She told her mom where they were. She did everything Valentin told her not to. Valentin says, her mother is awake after four years and Charlotte wanted to see her. It’s nobody’s fault. Charlotte says she was being stupid. When they were in the Christmas market, she saw families and thought it would be okay to text Merry Christmas to Rocco. Valentin says, she’s a fugitive because of the choices he made. She has to follow the rules to be safe on the run. She says she broke the rules, and he almost got killed. He says, she broke the rules because they’re not fair to her. What he’s asking her to do isn’t fair.  

Sasha tells Michael that part of her wants to stay. Even before she got pregnant, when she was pretending to be Nina’s daughter, she loved the fantasy of having a family. Now she has a family of her own and she’s starting to know them. She’d like the baby to know them too. He asks, what’s the problem? and she says, secrets have a way of coming out, so it’s best if she leaves Port Charles. She gets up, and he asks if it isn’t most important that the baby have a safe, stable life. It would be helpful to have family nearby, including himself. What about a medical crisis? Isn’t it better to have a support system in place? He won’t fight her on her decision. He’s just asking and he’s hoping she decides to stay.

Curtis says, Drew took Willow to his congressional swearing in? and Nina says, what could be more appropriate than Drew putting his hand on a Bible as Willow stares at him with stars in her eyes? Did she forget to mention that Willow brought Wiley? Drew couldn’t be more clear about his intentions. Curtis says, damn. What does Michael think? She says she doubts he knows yet, and Curtis says, she’s probably right. It’s a bold move to take Michael’s wife and son to his swearing in. He knows good and well that it’s a high-profile event and there will be press coverage. She says, what does he care if he blows up Willow’s life even more? She knows Curtis is the new CEO and understands he has more important things to worry about than Drew’s bad behavior. He says, Nina is still his friend. It’s not rocket science to know why she’s upset. Nina says, Drew will destroy Willow’s life. Willow doesn’t see what’s happening and Drew doesn’t care about the consequences. He’s not doing anything to protect Willow or her family. Curtis says, she’s not wrong. Drew will do what’s best for Drew. But they both know that’s not the only reason Nina is so upset.

Isaiah says he’s leaving, and Sonny thanks him for stopping by. He walks Isaiah to the door, and Isaiah leaves. Sonny says, Jason isn’t asking what’s wrong, and Jason says he figures Sonny will tell him if he wants him to know. Sonny says, something is wrong with his heart. He had an incident where his heart was racing and it didn’t slow down, but it passed. He had a twinge when he was with Kristina, but it passed, so he went to the gym and worked out. It felt like his chest was tightening like he never felt before and fell to his knees. He was trying to get his phone, when Dr. Gannon showed up. Jason says, good thing he was there. Sonny hasn’t gone to the hospital yet? Sonny says, no, and Jason says he can arrange for Sonny to go to a private out of state hospital, but Sonny says he thinks they’re overreacting. Isaiah gave him a prescription. Jason says, he can’t mess around with his heart. Isaiah isn’t a cardiologist. He needs to see a specialist. Sonny says he’ll see one eventually. This was a wake-up call, and he has to change how he runs the business.

Curtis says, Nina played a key role in Drew getting elected. Is any part of her pissed that it’s not her standing there? Nina says she wants no part of DC. Drew thinks he can do whatever he wants with whomever wants. She thought there was more to him than that. Curtis says, as did he. He considered Drew a good friend for a long time. He risked his life for Drew and now he’s had to reframe his perspective. Nina wonders what happened. Is Drew so slick he fooled them both or did he change? Curtis says, he definitely changed. He doesn’t know if it was prison or Drew becoming a politician. They can analyze it all night, but Drew is who he is now. The same man who’s willing to sleep with his nephew’s wife and throw him under the bus at Aurora. Nina says she’s sorry. Drew let them all down. Curtis says, he certainly did. Drew isn’t the man they thought he was and he’s going to deal with Drew the way he is now. He strongly suggests she do the same.

Sasha asks if Michael has thought about what happens with him and Willow if she stays. What if they decide to save their marriage? Michael tells her not to let him impact her decision. Let him worry about that. She says, and the Quartermaines. She’s already dreading telling them. They’ll all assume Cody is the father, and when she convinces them that he’s not, they’re going to wonder who is. What does she do? Lie and say it was some random guy she met in a bar? Tracy will love that. He says, it’s no one’s business. They’ll have to respect her privacy. She asks when the Quartermaines have respected privacy. She doesn’t know if she can keep working there and she can’t keep living there. He says, no problem. He can take care of that.

Valentin says, Charlotte admitted she contacted her mother. She trusted him with the truth. She says, because she loves him. She doesn’t want them to keep secrets from each other. He says, when she told him, he should have moved them to a new place, taken them underground. She asks why he didn’t, and he says he wanted this for her. They’ve been praying for this for years and he wanted her to see her mother. It’s his mistake believing Lulu would come alone. She asks if he thinks Lulu is responsible for this nightmare.

Dante asks if Lulu is hearing herself. She came to Prague to meet Charlotte and convince her to go home. Did she think Charlotte was going be ready with her passport? She says she doesn’t think Valentin would let Charlotte go around without proof of identification. She’s sure Charlotte had it with her. He asks if she was sure Valentin wasn’t watching them, but she says, it doesn’t matter. She was this close to Valentin letting Charlotte go with her. He asks what she’s basing that on, and she says, Valentin knew Charlotte was going to see her. Charlotte told him and he gave her permission. Dante says, because he wanted to look like the good guy, and Lulu would look like the bad guy trying to tear Charlotte away. He was manipulating them. Lulu says she was getting through to Valentin. He could see that her taking Charlotte home instead of her having a life on the run was the right thing to do. Dante says, Valentin was playing her.

Michael says, if Sasha doesn’t have the finances, he does, but she says, that’s a firm no. She intends to raise the baby on her own and she’s not asking him for a check. He says, she’s not asking; he’s offering. Before she says, no… She says she did, and he asks if she’ll reconsider. If she has money, it will mean a better life for the baby. She says she can and will raise the baby independently. She promises the baby will have a happy, healthy home and she’ll provide everything he or she needs. They’ll want for nothing, especially love. He says he believes her and in her, but if she finds herself needing anything, promise she’ll reach out. She thanks him and says she knows he means it. She’ll stay in Port Charles. He thanks her, and she says he makes some excellent points. He says, she’s a good negotiator, and she says she had inside information that she already knew the baby’s father is a great guy. He thanks her and she says if she had to get accidently pregnant, she’s glad it’s with him. He says, him too, and thanks her for staying.  

Nina says she sees who Drew is, but Willow doesn’t. She’s spellbound and doesn’t realize he’s responsible for blowing up her life. She’s falling for his act, his noble façade and longing looks, pretending he’s pining away for her. Please. If she only knew everything. He says, Nina could clear things up for Willow. There’s crucial information missing, but he’s sure Nina could provide something to make her see Drew more clearly.

Sonny says, there’s nothing like lying on the floor, helpless, thinking, what happens to his children if he dies? He thought it could be Nixon Falls all over again. Jason says, everyone thought Sonny was dead. He and Carly had to step up and take care of the business. Sonny says, Carly almost went to prison, and Jason says, it’s over. They managed. Right now, business should take a backseat, and Sonny should focus on his treatment. Sonny says he knows Jason can run the business short term, but he’s talking long term. They have to think about what’s coming.

Lulu says she doesn’t need to trust Valentin, and Dante asks if she thought Valentin would let her take off with Charlotte. The same guy who’s been fighting to keep Charlotte to himself for her whole life. She says, Valentin has changed, but Dante says, he hasn’t. She says, Dante didn’t hear him and didn’t see his face. He was a heartbeat away from letting her leave with Charlotte. He says, it’s lucky Charlotte didn’t watch her father die, and she says, the sniper followed Dante. Dante says, she doesn’t really believe that, does she? She was the one tearing through Europe, telling anyone who would listen that she was going after Valentin Cassadine. And she doesn’t think she was on anybody’s radar? The sniper hit five minutes after he got there. Does she think that was enough time for them to trail him, get in position, and take a shot? He’s sorry, but the sniper was following her.

Valentin says he doesn’t think Charlotte’s mother tried to kill him, and Charlotte asks if he’s sure. He says he thinks she’d enlist Dante’s help to get Charlotte back, but doesn’t think she’s responsible for the attempt on his life. He thinks she was followed. Charlotte asks how he knows, and he says, because it would hurt Charlotte, and that’s something Lulu would never do. But there are people who want to see her harmed. That’s why they have to keep running, to stay alive, but she doesn’t have to stay with him.

Sasha goes to the hospital and asks for an appointment with Dr. Navarro. The nurse at the reception desk asks if she’s been a patient, and Sasha says she was. Sasha Corbin. The nurse brings up her chart and says she can make an appointment, but needs to advise Sasha that there have been changes in the prenatal program since she was last here. The patient advocate can update her. Felicia comes by, and the nurse calls to her. Felicia asks if she can help Sasha, and Sasha says, yeah. She thinks Felicia can.

Nina asks how Curtis knows she and Drew were sleeping together. Did Drew tell him? He says, no. She just did. She told him that there could be more between her and Drew, and they’ve been spending more time together. It’s not a far jump. She says, they’re consenting adults and she has nothing to be ashamed of, but he tells her that he’s not saying she did. He’s saying the situation is layered. Drew bridged the gap between her and Willow. She asks if he’s saying she should be grateful that Drew brought them together and ignore that Drew blew up Willow’s married life. Does he think she’s an opportunist? Curtis says he’s not judging, but wants her to be realistic about herself and her daughter. She says, Willow wouldn’t be living with her if Drew hadn’t put it in motion. She thinks Willow is better off without Michael, but should absolutely not be with Drew. But she can’t make Willow see that. Curtis says he knows one way. Tell Willow the truth.

Lulu says, if Dante is convinced the sniper followed her, that means Valentin is being hunted with guns. Charlotte is in danger, and she has to save her. She heads for the door, but Dante stops her. She asks, what should she do, give up? Let Charlotte stay and hope they keep ahead of whoever wants Valentin dead? He says, no. He’s not telling her to give up. He’s saying, let the professionals handle it. She just got her life back and has a son who loves and misses her. She should be grateful for that right now. She says she is grateful. She loves Rocco, but she’s also Charlotte’s mother. Rocco is safe in Port Charles. She can’t stop until Charlotte is home and safe with him.  

Sonny tells Jason that he was five minutes away from going to prison. Jagger was threatening Kristina, and he was ready to confess to the whole shebang. Jason says, he didn’t, and Cates is no longer a problem. Sonny says, there are other problems. Who brought the gun to the PCPD that cleared Alexis of Cates’s murder? Who found his gun and turned it in and why? Jason says, it was too convenient, and Sonny says he just wants to know his children are taken care of. He gave Charlie’s to Kristina. Jason says he heard, and Sonny says, Alexis is worried that it will put Kristina in the spotlight, and it will be audited. Jason says, that’s going to happen. The coffee business gets audited all the time and they pass. And there’s no way Sonny would use his kids. Sonny says, the Feds don’t know that. He’s tired of being a burden to his kids. Jason says he doesn’t think Sonny’s kids think that. They love him and need him. Sonny says he knows. He thinks it’s time to take a step back and hand the business to Jason.  

Jason says, Sonny wants to hand the business to him? and Sonny says, there’s nobody else he trusts to maintain it. Jason has always been in his corner, and he could count on him. He appreciates that. Jason says he’ll always be loyal to Sonny and can be Sonny’s second. He can step up anytime and run the business on a short-term basis, but he’s sorry. He can’t take over the organization.

Felicia says, anything Sasha wants to discuss is protected by HIPPA, and Sasha says she appreciates that. She wants Felicia to know what’s going on. She’s pregnant. She adds quickly, Cody’s not the father, and Felicia says, good to know. How does she feel? Sasha says, nervous… excited. She’s moving forward with the pregnancy. Felicia asks if Sasha minds if she takes a few notes. She assumes Sasha is here because she wants to register for prenatal care. Will the father be involved? Sasha says she’s doing it all on her own, and Felicia says, okay. That’s perfectly fine. They usually access the father’s medical records, but that’s not always possible. The priority is to make sure Sasha feels cared for and she and her baby are supported.

Nina tells Curtis that she can’t just say she forgot to mention she and Drew are sleeping together, but Curtis says he’s sure she’ll find a tactful way. She says, no amount of tact will help her tell Willow that she and Drew are sleeping together while Willow follows him with stars in her eyes. What kills her is that she was so grateful to Drew for bringing her and Willow together, she didn’t see that Drew did it to make himself look good. Now he’s brazenly pursuing Willow and parading her around town, and there’s nothing she can do to stop it. Michael walks in and says, stop what? Nina says she’s not sure if Michael heard, but Willow brought Wiley to Drew’s swearing in ceremony. Willow thought it would be nice for Wiley to see the monuments and see how the political system works. Amelia is with the nanny and Nina is going home soon. Michael says, that’s fine. He wants to talk to Curtis about the projections and the Tokyo project when he has a minute. (I want to know what the Tokyo project is. They’ve talked about it enough.) Curtis says, sure, and Michael leaves. Nina says, that’s strange. He didn’t react at all to the news about Drew and Willow. Curtis says, that should concern her.

Lulu says, Dante is making this about her choosing between her children, but he says, not really. Charlotte chose Valentin, while for the last four years, Rocco has been by Lulu’s bedside willing her to wake up. When she did, she traveled halfway around the world to another continent. She says, to find Rocco’s sister and bring her home. Is he telling her that he wouldn’t do the exact same thing? He says he would, but not like this. Valentin is flying under the radar, but if she keeps chasing him, she’s going to bring attention to him, and it could cause Charlotte to get shot. She says, Charlotte was already shot, and it was kept from her. Valentin told her about Anna shooting Charlotte. Dante says, it was a horrible accident. Right now, it’s her choice to protect Charlotte and not bring her harm. She asks if he thinks she’d knowingly bring harm to Charlotte, and he says he doesn’t. He feels like she’s not hearing him. She traveled here with a sniper trailing her. She could have died. That’s what life is like in Valentin’s world. She says, all the more reason to get her daughter away, and he asks if she’s willing to risk her life. Her son lost her once. He’s not going to let Rocco lose her again.  

Valentin says he watched Charlotte with her mother. They both looked so happy. Charlotte says, it was weird at first, forced. It’s been so long since she’s seen Lulu awake. After they got going, it was great. They talked about Rocco, grandma, and the rest of the family. That’s what she thinks she misses the most, talking and spending time together. He says, she deserves moments like that. She doesn’t have to stay with him. She can go home to her mother.

Felicia says she’ll make sure Sasha gets an appointment with Dr. Navarro as soon as possible, and Sasha thanks her. Felicia says, no pressure, but Sasha should consider telling her parents. Robert is an excellent grandfather. Sasha says she’s not sure how her mother feels about being a grandmother, and Felicia says, Holly might surprise her. Sasha says she’ll think about it. They’ve got a lot on their plate. Maxie knows. She was the first person Sasha told. Felicia says she’s glad Sasha had someone to talk to. She knows Sasha said she wants to do this on her own,  but she has a family who loves her and they’re more than happy to support her. Speaking of which, she needs an emergency contact. Who should she put down? Sasha wonders if Maxie would do it, and Felicia says she’s sure Maxie would, but can’t speak for her. She’ll put herself down for now. Sasha says she likes that.  

Curtis tells Nina that his Aunt Stella says, still waters run deep. That’s Michael. Drew made a big mistake in making Michael the enemy. Nina says, Willow could be collateral damage if she stays close to Drew, and Curtis says, exactly. He knows Nina loves her daughter and she’s worried if she tells Willow the truth about her and Drew that she’ll lose her, but his advice is to come clean now. Secrets are ticking time bombs. The longer she lets it play out, the bigger the explosion will be.  

In his office, Michael looks at his phone. He sees a photo of Willow and Drew in The Invader. He calls Diane and says, Willow went to Washington DC with Drew and took Wiley without his permission. Can they use that?

Jason says, Sam’s death changed everything. Danny had a stable home with her and Dante. That’s not the case anymore. Sonny says, Jason is his only parent, and Jason says, Danny lost his mom and he’s putting Danny first. He deserves that and more, but on a practical level, that leaves Sonny without anyone to handle the organization. Sonny says, there’s nobody responsible enough for him to do that.

Valentin says he’ll put Charlotte on a flight back to Port Charles, but she can’t contact him. She says, if she’s with her mom, she’ll never see him, but if she’s with him, she’ll never see mom? He says, that appears to be the choice. He’s sorry. They both love her, but they have different situations. She says, her mom has Rocco, Dante, grandma, and so many others who love her. They only have each other. That’s how it’s been from the start. She wants to stay with him. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. He hugs her, and she says she can’t leave him. He says, okay then, and starts the car.

Lulu says she’s not going to agree to head back and let them handle it, and Dante says, that’s it? Nothing he said made a damn bit of difference. She says, it’s her life, and he says he gets that. It doesn’t matter who sacrificed theirs so she could have it. Sam died so she could have her life. She says, that’s not fair, and he says, she wants to talk fair? Sam is dead, his fiancé and the mother of two kids, the woman who helped him raise Rocco when Lulu couldn’t. She’s dead and Lulu is about to risk everything Sam saved. Her son is with her and she’s going to throw that away. She doesn’t care about any of it. Lulu says she’s grateful Sam died for her and she’s sorry about what he’s going through, but this is still her life. She makes her choices and she’s going to fight for her children. He says, anything she does will put Charlotte at risk or she can come home to the son who doesn’t matter so much to her anymore. He leaves, and Lulu throws a vase at the door and screams, dammit!

On Monday, Carly wonders if Willow has lost her mind; Willow is worried about Michael taking the kids from her; Portia tells Cyrus that he’s no longer welcome at the hospital; and Jack tells Collette that if Charlotte led them to Valentin once, she’ll do it again.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

He’s got some selfcare to do.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/chad-duell-reveals-why-he-left-general-hospital

This is a tease all right. He got headshots. So he has an audition?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-teases-his-new-project

Farewell to the first Carmine.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-alum-john-capodice-dead-at-83

How they celebrated.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-soap-stars-celebrated-new-years

🧵 Sew Charming…

This week’s recap. Patricia looks amazing for 108. Her age words, not mine. She also looks amazing for 83, her real age.

Here’s hoping Craig doesn’t regress. He’s kind of been the voice of reason since Paige came along.

👠 A Celebrity In Her Own Mind…

This woman is the worst.

😢 Sniff…

I’m sorry to hear this. They seemed like a great couple.

https://people.com/trixie-mattel-david-silver-break-up-after-8-years-dating-8679753

👀 Last Night’s Watch…

I finished this last night and now I’ve started on the book. It started slow, but once it picked up speed, I was all in, and it didn’t disappoint. I love an apocalypse.

https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/mgms-earth-abides-is-a-quietly-compelling-take-on-rebuilding-humanity-from-scratch.php

💻 What’s To Come…

What’s new for 2025.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/2025-new-tv-shows

🎅 Christmas Leftovers…

Amazing winter photos.

https://www.discovery.com/nature/get-in-the-holiday-spirit-in-this-winter-waterland-pictures

Christmas traditions all over the world.

https://www.discovery.com/exploration/6-global-christmas-traditions-pictures

Visit Santa’s hometown.

https://www.discovery.com/exploration/visit-santa-s-hometown-in-finnish-lapland

🎉 How They Rang It In…

How the stars celebrated New Year’s Eve.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20250102_b4a16a250c4a49fd99dc3fbe49873fb6/

https://people.com/best-photos-stars-celebrating-new-year-2025-8767787

🗽 Having a Ball…

Waiting for the drop.

What happens in Times Square stays in The Post.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/world-news/new-years-2025-live-updates-photos-from-nyc-around-the-world/

🐶 Piffles All Over Again…

While it might not exactly be the same dog, it’s still amazing.

https://ew.com/queer-eye-dog-mr-piffles-cloned-by-magician-owner-piff-the-magic-dragon-8767593

My Cuddle Clone of Ralph

🃏 A Joke…

What does a polar bear eat after the dentist fixes his tooth?

The dentist.

🔊 Quotes of the Week

A good education is not so much one which prepares a man to succeed in the world, as one which enables him to sustain a failure. – Bernard Iddings Bell

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall

Those aren’t glasses. They’re aquariums with stems. – Molly (Melissa McCarthy), Mike & Molly

You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past. – Richard Bach

Love what you have. Need what you want. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Always remember, what goes around, comes around. – Unknown

Understudies are the substitute teachers of the theatre world. – Kramer (Michael Richards), Seinfeld

📆 Turning the Page…

Join me next Friday for soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay leaving the problems of 2024 behind; and stay remembering that secrets are ticking time bombs. The longer you let them play out, the bigger the explosion will be.

December 31, 2024 – No Soap Football, This Year’s Losses, New Modern Family, Squid Quest, Celebrating Now, Times Square, Back Home, Inclusive Night, Next Year & Just Another

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

No soap. Not even a rerun. Football.

🎭 Roll Call Of the Celebrity Dead 2024…

Those who made their final bow this year.

https://people.com/celebrity-deaths-in-2024-8423852

https://ew.com/celebrity-deaths-2024-stars-who-died-this-year-8421621

🎅 Ho-Ho-Huh?…

I don’t even want to know why, but apparently, LeAnn Rimes is an angel.

https://people.com/brandi-glanville-spends-modern-family-christmas-with-leann-rimes-eddie-cibrian-amid-face-parasite-crisis-8766851

🐙 Quest Of Player 456…

I watched the second season last weekend and it was everything. Well, half of everything. We’ll have to wait for the rest.

https://extratv.com/2024/12/26/squid-game-star-lee-jung-jae-on-gi-hun-s-guilt-and-quest-for-justice-in-s2-exclusive/

🎉 Before the Ball Falls…

Some people are already in celebration mode.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20241231_386a66d4c9eb4708a8ba0c4046780bad/

🗽 Drink In the Crazy…

Everything you need to know about Times Square on New Year’s Eve. This is one thing I’ve never done. Probably because my first roommate decided to go, and she said it was a nightmare. Someone spilled beer on her, someone else peed on her shoe (where do you go to the bathroom anyway?), and she said, when the crowd moved, you moved. No thank you very much.

https://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye-landing

🎁 Best Gift Ever…

Even better than a Hallmark movie.

https://people.com/missing-dog-returns-home-christmas-eve-rings-doorbell-8767083

🐕 New Year’s Eve Is For Pets Too…

Pet safety and ways to include them in the celebration.

https://www.petplay.com/blogs/tips/top-pet-friendly-ideas-to-celebrate-new-year-s-eve-with-your-dog?srsltid=AfmBOooEdcuZFsNlMHx5Fc58vTFHaYyv0T8WkfWloLASzCOf32IumO9t

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/dog-friendly-new-years-eve

🌅 New Day New Way…

As fun as it’s been to do this every day, the time has come to cut back and move on to some bigger projects. Starting in 2025, on Fridays only, I’ll give you an overview of the GH week, all of Friday’s General Hospital, what to watch (or not), and words of wisdom. It’s not you, it’s me, but I don’t love you any less. And as always, if there’s anything you particularly want covered, let me know.

El Wray sez: Happy New Year!

🎊 In the Days of Auld Lang Syne…

Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve and join me on Friday for soap and all of the above. Until then, stay safe; stay remembering that you are enough; and stay making every year better than the last.

December 30, 2024 – Valentin Accuses Lulu Of Setting Him Up, Demanding Clueless Rude Guests On Deck, Opinion, On Or Not, All Winners & What Are You Doing

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

At the gallery, Trina tells Kai that this is her favorite place, and he says he knows why she brought him here. To get away from his fans, boosters, and anyone who wants his time. This is the last place anyone would think to look for him. She says, he couldn’t be more wrong.

Lucas tells Kristina that Charlie’s looks great. He loves the changes she’s made. She says she’s worked hard so they can open soon, but needs to find a bartender. He says he can barely manage a gin and tonic, and it only has two ingredients, three if you add a lime. She says, he has other talents. She asked him to come by because she found something. She hands him a photo of Wiley and asks how old he was then. Lucas says, 18 months. Where did she find it? She says, a drawer in the office. It was probably Julian’s.

At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Lucky that she appreciates the offer, but she’ll be okay if he doesn’t stay. It’s purely a routine medical record review. He asks her to call him when she’s finished. Since it’s an internal review and not a legal one, she doesn’t have to answer any questions. She says that she, Portia, and Terry are all on the same side. They want to know what happened to Dex. Lucky says, they’re not the only ones, and she says she’ll call when she’s done. He goes into the elevator, and she goes into an office. She sees Dede Clark is there, and Dede thanks her for coming. Have a seat.  

Sonny goes to Alexis’s office, and she says she knows she was vague on the phone. He says, that’s an understatement, and she asks how things are going with him and Ava. He says, Ava won’t let up with the custody case and it’s going to turn into an all-out war. Why? She says, from what she’s learned, it may not come to that.

On the phone in her office, Laura leaves a message for Dante to call her when he’s found Lulu. She wants to know Lulu is okay. Ava comes in and says, if it’s a bad time… Laura says, it’s okay. She’s having anxiety waiting to hear about Lulu. Ava says she hopes Lulu is all right, and Laura says, for what it’s worth (🍷), Lulu hasn’t changed a bit.

Valentin comes into the café and asks if Charlotte is enjoying her visit with her mother. Charlotte says, yes, and thanks him for letting her see Lulu. He says, hello, Lulu, and Charlotte says she had to tell him. Lulu says, of course (🍷). It’s fine. Valentin asks if Charlotte minds if he has a minute in private with Lulu. He’s not cutting their visit short, but would she mind waiting at another table? Charlotte says, of course (🍷), and moves. Valentin says, Lulu looks good and congratulates her on her remarkable recovery. She thanks him and says she feels great. Now that she’s back on her feet, Charlotte can come home to Port Charles with her. He says he’s very happy to see her awake and reunited with her daughter, but that’s not going to happen. She says, Charlotte needs her, but he says, Charlotte hasn’t had her in four years. It’s been him and will continue to be. She asks what kind of life it will be on the run. Let Charlotte go home with her.

Ava says she’s happy to hear that Lulu woke up, and Laura says, it’s wonderful for the whole family. They got their girl back. There are challenges and Lulu has had to adjust to a lot. The message she was leaving is about Lulu taking an impromptu trip to look for her daughter. She wishes Lulu had told her, but they both know a mother will do anything to be with her child. Ava says, that’s why she’s here. Her custody battle is going to be very expensive. Laura says she’s not sure she’s following, and Ava says, she’s more than a little embarrassed, but didn’t know who to turn to. She was hoping Laura could help her. She has a problem with her divorce settlement from Nikolas.

Alexis tells Sonny that Martin informed her that the money Nikolas gave Ava wasn’t his, and the estate is reclaiming every penny they can get their hands on, including the money Ava received from her divorce settlement, as well as the proceeds of the sale of Windymere. Sonny says, Ava is broke? and Alexis says she doesn’t know Ava’s financial situation, so she can’t say for sure, but what she can say for sure is that she’s not getting Nikolas’s money. That will seriously hamper Ava’s ability to fund a lengthy custody battle. He says, that’s great news, and thanks her. She says she figured he would be happy, but she has an ulterior motive. She’s hoping he’ll do her a favor in return. He says, always, and she says she wants him to take Charlie’s from Kristina.

Lucas thanks Kristina and says, Brad took the picture. It was a picture-perfect day in the park and they had a picnic. Wiley was playing and they were all so happy. It seems like a million years ago. She says she’s been thinking about Wiley. He’s probably so confused, wondering why his parents are fighting and why his dad’s not living there. Lucas says he got into it with Willow last night. He probably should have kept his big mouth shut. He has no place telling anyone how to raise a child. She says she disagrees. He was Wiley’s father for his first years. He loves Wiley and is trying to protect him. He says, of course (🍷), but Willow has had a tough go of it. She says, some would argue that Michael had it tougher, and he says, no question Willow made some lousy choices, but the person he’s disgusted with is Drew. He refuses to take responsibility for anything, and he was trying to use Sam’s death as an excuse for the affair. She says, that’s unbelievably disrespectful to Sam’s memory. If she heard him say that she’d punch him in his pretty little face. Lucas says he had the same impulse and has Ava to thank for convincing him to take the high road.

Elizabeth says she was under the impression it would just be the three of them, but Dede says, the hospital thought it was prudent for her to be here in light of the new information. Elizabeth asks, what new information? and Dede says, they’ll get to that, but first she has a few questions. Elizabeth says she doesn’t think so. She feels like she’s been blindsided. Either tell her everything now or she’s walking out. Dede says, there’s no reason to be combative, but Terry says, Elizabeth has the right to know. They recently received Dex’s autopsy, and he died from a lethal dose of digitalis like Sam McCall.

Trina says she wanted to bring Kai to her favorite place, and he says he’s honored. She asks what he thinks about a painting, and he says, it’s nice. She says, nice? That’s it? What is he thinking? He won’t hurt her feelings. He says, honestly, it looks like a bunch of scribbles, and she says she gets that. She thought the same thing at first, then something made her keep coming back. Maybe it was the play of colors in the lefthand corner. She noticed the way the artist guides the eye and every time she sees it, she sees something else. She feels like every time she sees it, it teaches her something new. She thinks that’s why she’s drawn to it. It always surprises her. That’s the beautiful thing about art. If you let it open your mind, it will take you outside of yourself. She thinks that’s what everyone needs. Doesn’t he? He says he doesn’t know. He was looking at her instead of the painting. (For the record, I like this painting and stan Trina’s new hairstyle.)

Lucas says, Ava is the last person Kristina wants to hear about, but she says, it’s okay. Ava is Lucas’s aunt and she can’t expect people to stop talking about her. She wants to move forward. The jury heard all the evidence against Ava during the trial and decided she’s innocent. She got her answer. There’s no one to blame for her baby’s death. He says he knows how hard it was to make peace with the verdict. Kristina is a strong person. She says she’s a work in progress. She’s trying to move forward. That’s why Charlie’s means so much to her and she’s investing her time and energy into it. Here, she can drop her guard and be herself instead of being defined by the terrible things that happened to her. He says, a fresh start, and she says she needs one.

Sonny says, Alexis wants him to take Charlie’s away from Kristina? and she says she doesn’t want Kristina involved in any of his businesses. He says, it’s completely legit, but she says, that doesn’t mean it’s not risky. What if Kristina’s name turns up on a document or email of his? Her life could be ruined. He says he knows how to protect Kristina, and she says, he may think he does, but if he gives Charlie’s to her, that’s exactly what someone would do if they were laundering money. He says, she’s not wrong, and she says, if he lets Kristina keep it, sooner or later, she’ll be on the FBI’s radar.

Isaiah walks into the boxing gym and says he and Lucky had the same idea. Lucky says he’s working out his frustrations. There’s a lot going on. Did Isaiah see Elizabeth at the hospital? Isaiah says, no. Why? Lucky says, she’s having a medical record review, and he hasn’t heard from her. Isaiah asks if he’s worried, and Lucky says, she insisted it’s nothing and the review is purely routine. Isaiah says, no review is ever routine.

Dede says, the hospital is responsible for its patients and obligated to look into how this grave error occurred, and Elizabeth says, and they’re starting with her. Dede says, she’s the head nurse and was on duty when Dex died. He was administered the wrong medication and it cost him his life. Obviously, her actions that night are very important. Elizabeth says she doesn’t think she should say anything else without a lawyer present, but Terry tells her not to get the wrong idea. No one is accusing her of anything. Portia says, it’s just an informational review, and Dede says, Elizabeth has no reason not to cooperate… unless she has something to hide.

Lulu says, Charlotte misses her family and needs them, but Valentin says, just because she misses Port Charles doesn’t mean she should live there. Ask her. Lulu says, she’s a teenager. The parents are responsible to make the decisions. He says, it sounds like she knows Charlotte would choose to stay, and she says, he made himself the center of Charlotte’s world. She loves him so much. He asks if that’s a bad thing, and she says, yes, when it affects her world. It’s not fair to expect her to hide away from the world. That’s not the kind of life she wants. He says, don’t presume to tell him what kind of life he wants for their daughter. Lulu has had no relationship with her. He’s not saying it’s her fault, but for the moment, she’s an intriguing person to have lunch with once in a while. She’s a mother in name only. He’s the only parent Charlotte has known most of her life and he’s not abandoning her.

Isaiah says, the hospital wants to make sure the staff did all that they could to take care of their patient, and Lucky says, there’s no question about Elizabeth wanting that. Isaiah says, from what he’s seen, he agrees, and Lucky says, Dex didn’t die from his surgery. He was a healthy guy, just like Sam. Isaiah says, he’s right. It doesn’t make sense medically speaking. Lucky says, they’re not looking for a person who made a mistake. They’re looking for a person deliberately harming patients, and so far, Elizabeth is the only common thread.

Dede says, just answer, yes or no. Was Elizabeth on duty the night Dex died of cardiac arrest? Ric walks in and says his client has nothing more to say, and Dede asks who he is. He introduces himself and says he’s Elizabeth’s counsel. Dede says, Elizabeth doesn’t need a lawyer, but he says, everybody needs a lawyer, especially when they’re being questioned by one. (Absolutely. Does she think they’re stupid?) Dede suggests Elizabeth ask him to leave, and says, it’s only going to slow down the process. Ric tells Elizabeth not to answer any more questions, and Portia says, they want to clear Elizabeth and hear her side. He asks why there are no other nurses there, and Portia says, Elizabeth is head nurse and the one on duty when Sam and Dex died of cardiac arrest. Don’t make it harder. Just answer their questions. Elizabeth says she’s sorry. Her lawyer said not to talk to them, so she guesses this interview is over.

Sonny asks if Alexis thinks he won’t make sure Kristina isn’t connected to any of his other businesses, and she says she knows he has her best interests at heart, but even the appearance of impropriety will have a negative effect. He says, the last thing Kristina needs is another disappointment, and she says, Kristina needs to be safe from prosecution. He says, Kristina needs something where she can win. She needs to throw herself into something and be proud of it. He’s not taking Charlie’s away. She says, they’ll explain, and Kristina will understand, but he says, Kristina will feel like he’s lost faith in her. She was so flattered that he was giving her Charlie’s and trusted her. He’s not taking back that trust.

Kristina asks how Ava helped Lucas, and Lucas says, Ava gave him perspective in the situation. He’s not saying they’re close, but since Sam’s funeral, they’ve crossed paths a few times. Kristina says, Ava wouldn’t have been at the funeral, and he says he wasn’t there either. He ran into Danny before the service and Danny blamed him for Sam’s death. At the time, he couldn’t say Danny was wrong, so he thought the least he could do was stay away. She says she’s sorry he didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Sam, but he says he did in his own way. He went to his father’s grave. Ava was there and they had a lot to talk about. She says, Ava is part of his family, and he says, like it or not. She says, he still hasn’t told her how Ava helped him, and he says he got into it with Willow and Drew, and Ava saw how upset he was. She got him out of there before he did something he’d regret. They took a walk and talked. She asks what they talked about, and he says, how hard it is to lose a child.

Ava tells Laura that her financial settlement is no longer hers. Somehow, now it’s the property of the Cassadine heir. Laura says her grandson Ace. She was advised he was named the new heir and the estate is being held in trust. Ava asks, who advised her? and Laura says, her brother Martin. A firm in Greece called him to be the American representative. She’s not happy about Ace inheriting the Cassadine fortune, but Martin said she can’t do a thing about it until he’s older. Ava says she wants what was promised to her. She knows Laura is a fair woman and she was hoping Laura could help her get it back. Laura says she’s sorry, but that’s not going to happen.

Lulu says she and Charlotte aren’t as close as she would wish and she knows Valentin loves her, but he wouldn’t be abandoning her. He’d be sending her to live a better life. The best parents do what’s right even when it’s hard. He says, she doesn’t know Charlotte would have a better life, but she says, Charlotte wouldn’t be a fugitive. Whoever is chasing him is going to find him, and she wants to make sure Charlotte isn’t in the line of fire. He asks if she thinks Port Charles is safe. Apparently, no one told her that Charlotte was shot last year.

Isaiah says he hasn’t known Elizabeth long, but she obviously would never harm a patient. Lucky says, someone else might, and Isaiah says, it’s rare and horrible, but it does happen that a medical professional will deliberately cause harm. Lucky says, that’s the only explanation, and Isaiah suggests he trust the process. They’re trying to get information to find the person responsible. He’s sure Elizabeth loves having Lucky’s support, but he’s seen how strong she is. She’ll be fine without him, so if he’s feeling the need to leave Port Charles, go ahead.

Lulu asks what Valentin means. Shot by who? He says, Anna Devane, and she says she doesn’t believe him. He says, ask Charlotte… Don’t. She was traumatized. She says, it makes no sense. Why would Anna shoot an innocent child? Valentin says, it was an accident. He and Anna were involved at the time, and his father convinced Charlotte that Anna was a threat to him. She says, his father manipulated Charlotte, and he says, Charlotte wanted Anna to think she was being stalked and snuck into her apartment. Anna drew before she realized it was their daughter. Lulu asks how bad she was hurt, and he says, it was touch and go, but she’s made a full recovery. Other than the nightmares. Lulu wonders why no one told her, and he says, she’d have to ask them. His point is, she can’t guarantee that Charlotte is safer in Port Charles. It’s better that she stay with him. He’ll protect her.

Kai says, the painting is just hanging there, and Trina is in front of him telling him interesting things. Of course (🍷) he’s paying more attention to her. She says, that’s sweet… and superficial, and he asks if she’s calling him a dumb jock. She says she admits there’s more strategy to football than she thought and there’s more to him than football. She read his presentation, and it was creative and insightful. Maybe he should give the painting another chance. Let it speak to him. He says, the things he does for a friend. He looks at the painting and says he gets what she’s talking about. The painting reminds him of her. Every time he looks at her, he sees something new too, and that’s not superficial. His phone rings, and he says, okay… He’s on his way. She says, he has to go, and he says, unfortunately. She says, he’s an important guy. She gets it. He thanks her for bringing him. She was right. It’s exactly what he needed. He leaves.

Laura says she’s sorry. Ava went through a lot with Nikolas and stood by him. Ava says, they loved each other, and Laura says she saw that firsthand. She was hoping Ava could help him conquer his demons. Ava says she tried, and Laura says, he made it impossible. She knows Nikolas was responsible for the things that were wrong between them and believes Ava is entitled to her divorce settlement, but it’s out of her hands. She’s sorry, but there’s nothing she can do about it.

Lucas says he’s not trying to defend Ava, but she’s conscious of Kristina’s loss and how much pain she’s in. Kristina says, it was a horrible ordeal and thinks they both want to move forward. If she had to guess, Ava is throwing herself into work at the gallery. Lucas says, Ava is having some problem with the divorce settlement and gave him the impression that money is tight. She was talking about moving to a smaller place, but maybe she just wants a change of scenery. He has to get back, but thanks her for the photo. Good luck. He’s sure Charlie’s will be popped in no time. She says, from his lips to God’s ears, and he leaves.

Sonny tells Alexis that he knows what Kristina is going through, and believes she needs Charlie’s. He’ll watch over her and make sure she’s okay. He’ll protect Kristina and Alexis has to trust him with that. Alexis says, trust is the most important thing to him when it comes to their daughter. He’s heard her concerns. He says he’ll keep them in mind, and she says, it’s the best she can hope for. It’s not like she’s asking him to get out of the mob, right?

Laura says, if it was up to her, Ace wouldn’t inherit a dime of the Cassadine fortune. It’s never brought anyone anything but misery. They both know what it did to Nikolas and in Spencer’s too short life, he spent too much time doing the same thing. It’s blood money. She asked if she could give it to charity, but Martin said no. Ava says, let her try. She’s a very convincing woman. Who does she need to talk to? She’ll fly to Greece. Laura says, that’s not a good idea, but Ava says, please… for her daughter’s sake. She’ll lose her without that money.

Lucky says he’s not going anywhere until he knows Elizabeth is cleared. Just because she doesn’t need him today, she might in the future, and he’ll be here. Isaiah says, good to know, and Lucky asks if Isaiah is practicing reverse psychology. Isaiah says, Lucky’s not the kind of guy to turn his back when he knows there’s a problem, but he doesn’t need a base jump off a cliff or an epic rescue mission to help. The best thing to do for Elizabeth is make it clear that he’s sticking around. When she calls him, pick up and show that he’s there for her.

Ric says he thinks they’re done and should go, and Elizabeth says, she’s going to listen to her lawyer. Dede asks if Elizabeth doesn’t want things settled, and Ric says, they’re saddened by the loss of two patients, but nice try at intimidation tactics. Dede says, three patients, and Terry says, there was a third, Sylvie Mullan. She died of a heart attack in August. She was Elizabeth’s patient, wasn’t she?

Lulu says, Charlotte needs to get to school, have friends, and fall in love. How can Valentin disagree? Valentin says, it’s not that he doesn’t want her to be happy, and Lulu says she believes that. She knows Valentin loves Charlotte and how much Charlotte loves him. Charlotte will do whatever he asks. Charlotte has faith that he’ll keep her safe, but can he really? What’s going to happen when whoever is chasing him finds him? It might not end well for him and if anything happens to him, Charlotte is going to blame herself. Please don’t let their daughter live with that burden. Dante walks in and goes over to Charlotte. She asks what he’s doing here, and he says he’s here to take her home if that’s what she wants. Now’s the time. Valentin says, Lulu set him up.

Ava knocks at Alexis’s office door and says she needs to speak with her. Alexis says, from what she’s heard, Ava can’t afford her, and closes the door in Ava’s face.  

Portia says, after reviewing Sylvie’s medical records, they decided to contact the family about exhuming the body for an autopsy. Elizabeth says, she was a very sick woman, and she’d like to know… Ric tells her, don’t say another word, and Dede says, the hospital will do their best to protect Elizabeth and clear her of any wrongdoing. Portia says, unfortunately, if Elizabeth doesn’t answer their questions, they’ll officially have to suspend her.

Lucky walks into Charlie’s with the help wanted sign and asks if Kristina has found a bartender. She asks if he’s applying and he says he doesn’t have a resume with him, but he can provide references, her father for one. Kristina says, fix her a mojito and they’ll talk.

Laura leaves another message for Dante, saying, she hasn’t heard from him. She needs to know what’s going on with her daughter.

Valentin tells Charlotte, let’s go, but Dante says, wait. Valentin asks if he’s with the cops, but Dante says, it’s just him. Lulu says she didn’t know he’d be here and suggests they find a safe place to talk. Valentin says, Dante was either with the cops or led someone to them. We see that someone is watching them through the crosshairs of a scope.

Alone in the gym, Sonny does some boxing moves in the ring and suddenly clutches his chest. He drops to his knees, then lies down.

Tomorrow, Michael says he’ll agree to Sasha’s plan, but needs her to agree to something in return; Drew asks if Willow is coming to DC; a shot is fired in Prague, shattering the café window; and Anna says, Emma is off-limits.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Igy Marina, Ibiza. Gary suggests he and Daisy celebrate and go for a drink off the boat. In Danni’s interview, she says, the last time she kissed someone (Gary), she was told that it could never happen again. This time (Chase), she hopes it happens all the time. She loved every second. In Chase’s interview, he says, wow. He’s been here three days and last year he had to sleep in the crew mess because sex was always happening in his cabin. We flash back to that, and he says, now here he is. Diana asks how Danni’s night was, and Danni says, fun. In his interview, Chase says he thinks Diana is stunning, but reserved. Danni saw an opportunity and took it. He’s not sorry. Captain Glenn asks if Davide had fun, and Davide says he did. The captain says, no bleeding? and Davide assures him, no bleeding. Gary tries to grill Chase, while Danni tells Diana that Chase is so damn hot. Gary says he thought Chase was into Diana, and Chase says he’s just doing his job. Diana asks which one Danni wants her to get, and in her interview, Danni says, she wasn’t going to sit back and watch Diana stare at Chase for the whole season. Danni says, Diana can have Gary, but Diana says, no thanks. In Diana’s interview, she says, Danni is moving fast with the guys. Chase just came on board, and it was expected.

At the preference sheet meeting, Glenn says, co-primaries Jillian and Sharie want to enjoy fun in the sun and great cuisine with their friends. Gary reads that they want all the water toys and amazing sailing. Cloyce says, they want a seven-course meal, along with drinks they’ve learned to make. Daisy asks him to tell her the menu and she’ll pick the cocktails. Cloyce works on his menu, and in his interview, he says, they’ve specifically requested seven perfect courses. They want a feast, and the goal is to showcase a broad range of culinary skills. Danni giggles over seeing Chase with no shirt, and Gary suggests he and Daisy go for their drink. In Gary’s interview, he says, Daisy being supportive of him not drinking is helpful. If they can do this for years as they have been doing, how could they not do it for the rest of their lives? He and Daisy walk to the corner, and she asks if he’s not drinking for the rest of the season. He says, maybe a glass of wine tonight. Diana and Danni wake up Chase, but when Danni gets in his bunk, Diana leaves. At a café, Gary says, cheers to being roomies, besties, and friends moving forward. He asks what Daisy is for, and she says, stabilizing work. She’s not looking for a relationship. What about him? He says he wants to build a relationship. He knows relationships require work. There are ups downs like they’ve had. They’ve been through sh*t that married couples haven’t and doesn’t seem like it’s going to end soon. Daisy says, when she falls, she falls hard, but it takes a long time, and he asks if she sees a relationship with him. Imagine someone else is asking her. She says she doesn’t…

Daisy says, Gary needs to be honest, and he says he is. She says, they both need a lot of work on themselves, and she’s been working more than he has. She thinks that before he has a relationship with anyone, he needs to work on himself. He says, it’s good to find someone who brings it out, and she says, for a secure relationship, you need a secure person, and they’re not secure people. He says, they’ve gone through so much working together. They’ve come a long way. In Gary’s interview, he says he’s too scared to commit. He’s selfish, but he knows what he needs and Daisy wouldn’t let him get away with murder. In Daisy’s interview, she says, Gary didn’t respect her relationship with Colin, and she took a step back. Unless he did some serious growing up fast, no way. Gary asks if it’s possible, and she laughs. They go back to the boat.

Gary says he likes hanging out with Daisy, and Daisy says, they’re working on their friendship. Cloyce says, Keith was getting along with Danni, and asks how he feels about the situation changing vibes. Gary joins them and says he and Daisy talked about where they stand. He thinks they’re at a good place. Keith says, classic high tension work relationship, and in Keith’s interview, he says he needs to tread lightly. Daisy and Gary are sharing a cabin, and he doesn’t want to put his foot in something that’s going to get stinky. Everyone goes to bed.

Provisions come in, and Chase says he had a dream that two stews drug him out of bed. He and Danni flirt, and Diana says she doesn’t want to be in a love triangle. Daisy asks if Diana is sad because Chase wanted her and he’s now with Danni. Diana says, they were vibing, but it didn’t happen on his side. Daisy says, it’s a bit sh*tty. Boys are idiots. In Diana’s interview, she says, Danni thinks it’s a competition, but she doesn’t fight over men. She has more things to do with her life.

The crew finishes tidying the boat, and Captain Glenn says, one hour until the guests arrive. He tells them that it looks good, and champagne is poured. The captain tells them to go to the cockpit now. Captain Glenn welcomes them to the Parsifal and Ibiza. Daisy will give them the tour and get them settled in. Daisy does her thing, and Diana shows Danni one of guest Marcell’s massive shoes, size 47. The guests have shots and toast to their Spain vacation. Daisy serves canapés, and Cloyce says, the prepping is insane for the seven-course dinner. Guest Tonya says, even though it’s a sailboat, it’s still not bad. She wonders if there’s a button they can press for service, and guest Jillian says she left a bottle of champagne in her room. Daisy asks Diana to get it, and the sails go up. Marcell seems okay, but the women call Daisy’s name so many times, she probably hates it already. The boat keels, and things bounce around. Daisy thinks the guests are drunk already, and guest Tonya says, it’s not what she expected. She’s about to throw up. She asks for a bag, like she’s on an airplane, and Chase runs downstairs. He says he needs a bucket or a bag, and Daisy frantically looks around.

Chase runs up with an ice bucket, and Daisy says, it doesn’t sound like anyone is throwing up. Danni says, it’s going to be a bad one, and Daisy says, it’s the energy. Captain Glenn asks if the guests want to stop, and they say yes. In the captain’s interview, he says, it’s the first time he’s been asked to stop, and he hopes to God it’s the last time. Cloyce says he has one thing prepped on his list of 40, and Gary says, his menu sounds delicious. Cloyce says, it better be. The guests take selfies, and anchor is dropped at Es Jondal.

Daisy tells Danni to try and get a dinner time out of the guests. Tonya whines that co-primary Jillian got the big room because she’s with her husband and complains about her small room. Um… First of all, it’s not small, and two people should get a bigger room. Not to mention, Marcell is a giant and Jillian is a primary. Danni asks co-primary Sharie if they want to do the cocktail thing before dinner, and Sharie says yes. Gary asks if the guests want to use the seabob and demonstrates. Danni tells Cloyce that the guests want dinner at 9:30 and he says, good. Any sooner, there will be bad things. Tonya gripes that the seabob was supposed to be fun, but it wasn’t. In Gary’s interview, he says he has no idea if the guests are having a good time. He doesn’t like it one bit. Sharie asks if he’s sure there are no sharks. She goes in for like, two seconds, and says she’s not scared, but she’s done. She tried it. Danni doesn’t see the mixology thing happening, and Diana says she doesn’t like being unprepared. Danni says she’s accepted everything is extremely unprepared and unplanned on this boat. Against Danni’s belief, the mixology thing happens, and Daisy instructs on how to make a mojito and a mango martini. In Daisy’s interview, she says she’s a people pleaser, but she can’t read what’s going on with the guests. Chase asks if they need help, but Marcell says he thinks they quit. In Chase’s interview, he says, it feels super f***ing weird how uncomfortable everyone feels.  

Chase says he can’t tell if the guests are having fun, and Daisy says, it’s a f***ing nightmare. Chase says, they’re just like, deadpan. The guests dress for dinner, and in Cloyce’s interview, he says, you can pack a lot of good stuff into seven courses. He wants everything to be delicious, so the guests are excited about the next course and continue to want more. He tells Captain Glenn, the festivities have begun. One of the guests – probably Tonya – complains about having to scoot down the bench seat and thinks there should be an entryway in the middle of the table. The first course is a romaine wedge salad that looks incredible. Cloyce thinks it’s too much food, but Chase says, there should always be more food than they want. Cloyce says, ladies don’t want to feel full. They just want to eat. Cloyce comes up with the next course, a play on Oysters Rockefeller that he calls Cloycesters Rockefeller. Again, it looks amazing and I’m fond of that dish. The champagne bottle slips, and Daisy spills it on the table. In her interview, she says, it’s the worst moment of her life. Thank God it’s just one night. A guest doesn’t like oysters, and Cloyce asks if she wants him to make something else. She asks for shrimp, and he goes back to the galley. He checks her preference sheet, and in his interview, he says, she put down that she likes oysters. Sharie says her Aperol spritz tastes like cough syrup. I can’t speak to this having never had one, but so far these people seem like impossible to please idiots. When Daisy tells the rest of the crew, everyone laughs. Daisy says she thinks they’re underwhelmed, when crab cake porn comes out next. The guests are getting full, and Marcell gripes that the portions are too big. Next is French onion soup, and the guests can barely choke down the sea bass that follows. Daisy tells them not to feel like they have to drink all of the drinks, and guest Teresa suggests they only make three drinks and split them into six.

 In the crew mess, Captain Glenn asks how it’s going, and Daisy says, not amazing. She knocked the champagne over and a guest said they didn’t like oysters. The mood is okay, but not great. In the captain’s interview, he says he’s used to guests walking off happy, having had a great holiday. Daisy thinks Sharie is rude, and Captain Glenn tells her to be careful because someone could be at the top of the stairs and hear her. In his interview, the captain says he meant to bring things up to a higher level and they’re not moving in the right direction. He’s starting to worry.

Cloyce brings up filet mignon and mashed potatoes. Keith says, it’s a f***ing awful night. Dessert is apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, and Jillian says, they did good. Cloyce says, this is dragging on and on, and Tonya complains that the spoon is too small. Daisy tells the stews, worst service ever, and the guests go to bed. Captain Glenn says, they’re dropping the ball. In their bunks, Chase asks who Cloyce is most attracted to, and he says, Daisy, but she’s older than he is. Chase says, if he’s intrigued and she’s intrigued, who cares?

Last day of charter. Daisy says she’s dreading this day, and finds a bag outside one of the cabins. She asks Chase to check it out. She’s worried it’s vomit, and he takes a sniff. He says, yep, it’s vomit, and she chokes. Anchor is home, and breakfast is served. Guest Laquita takes a taste and says, not good. Daisy sees Chase and Danni chatting and tells them to find something to do. She asks if the guests are doing okay, and they say they’re doing good. Danni complains about Daisy to Diana, but Diana says, they annoy her sometimes too. Danni suggests if they do, Diana should say something to her, and in Diana’s interview, she says she agrees with Daisy. They dock and everyone complains about the heat. The guests convene in one of the lounges and Jillian asks if they think it was five-star service. Tonya says she was sick and couldn’t find a trash can. Hello? There’s a sink and a wastebasket in the bathroom. The crew lines up on the dock, but Glenn asks if the guests want to talk to him about something. Sharie says, they were debriefing about the pluses and things that could be improved. When it’s this level of luxury, they want what they paid for. Jillian says, tell the truth. Outside, Danni says, it feels sketch, and Daisy says, it’s going to be uncomfortable.

Next time, Detox, the world famous drag superstar; Keith and Daisy kiss; and something causes Daisy to walk off the boat crying.

☝️ My take. WTF, these guests? First of all, I honestly think they didn’t understand they weren’t going on a motor yacht. It’s a little less like a floating hotel. As far as their mountain of complaints – mostly from Tonya – go, they complained about the things they’d asked for: a lot of food, oysters, the water toys, and actual sailing. Then there was Tonya’s complaint that the primary and her husband got a bigger room than she did. Duh. She’s one person and they’re two. And her room was small? Hardly, and how much time did she spend in there anyway? The worst thing was her saying she couldn’t find a trash receptacle and leaving a bag of vomit outside her room. Disgusting. Like I said, sink and wastebasket right there in the bathroom. These are the kind of guests that make me want to find them online and troll them. I have no doubt the tip will be low, if anything at all.

🧼 No Soap, New Year’s…

Here’s the lowdown. GH will be showing a rerun tomorrow and is not on at all New Year’s Day.

🐕 Beauty and the Beasts…

No doubt he celebrated with a better dinner than I had tonight. Or possibly any night.

https://people.com/monty-giant-schnauzer-wins-2024-akc-national-championship-8767119

How can you not love them? Although Dogpool aka Peggy will always have my heart.

https://people.com/pets/the-ugliest-dogs-in-the-world/

🥂 Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot…

There’s nothing tomorrow, but I’ll post the celebrity roll call of the dead and a few other choice morsels. Until then, stay safe, especially on New Year’s Eve when the amateur drunks come out; stay not feeling forced to celebrate anything or make any resolutions you probably won’t keep past February anyway; and stay waiting for your own lawyer before being questioned by one.

December 27, 2024 – Lulu Meets Charlotte In Prague, He’s Back, In 2025, Bay Tribute, VanderBaby, What To Watch, Her Top Ten, 3 Suared Quotes & My Year

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Jason sits at the counter at Bobbie’s while Josslyn cleans up. She knocks over the salt and pepper and tells him that she’s clumsy. He says he thinks her mom would be okay if she took some time off, but she says she’s fine. It’s a good distraction. He says, if she needs anything, let him know, and she says she needs to find out who stabbed Dex.

Trina and Ava are at a table in the MetroCourt, and Ava says, there’s something she wants to talk to Trina about. Trina asks if she messed up something at work, but Ava says, everything she does at the gallery is impeccable. It’s about her annual bonus. She gives Trina a wrapped package and says, it’s not what she’s expecting or deserves.

Emma comes in, and Anna says, she was up early. Emma says she went to the gym, ran some errands, and got a smoothie. She got one for Anna too. She hopes Anna still likes pomegranate/mango. Anna says she’s impressed by all Emma has achieved and it’s not even lunch, and Emma says she’s not a fan of sleeping in. Anna says, that’s even more impressive, since she wasn’t home until 4 am.

Maxie and Sasha are at the beauty salon, and Maxie says, the holidays are fun. Sasha says, they’re a lot of work, and Maxie says she needs a vacation. Sasha says, hopefully, a mani/pedi will do the trick, and Maxie looks at her phone. She says, Deception’s tinted lip balm is a must have for 2025. It’s going to be a good year. She can feel it, especially with their extended family. She asks if Sasha is looking at houses, and Sasha says, yes, but not here. Maxie asks what she means, and Sasha says she’s decided to leave Port Charles.

Michael goes to see Diane, who asks what she can do for him. He says, represent him if his wife files for divorce.

Alexis goes to Laura’s office, and Laura says, Martin’s not here yet, but Alexis says she doesn’t mind. She wanted a moment alone with Laura to thank her for the donation to GH in Sam’s name. It was really generous. Laura says, it’s the least she can do. She’s grateful for the opportunity to honor Sam. Alexis says, the family appreciates it, and Laura says she’s glad. How is Alexis holding up? Alexis says, that depends what minute of the day it is. It’s unreal. Maybe it will always feel that way. The phone rings and she thinks it’s Sam and the feelings flood back. She’s sad, but also proud of Sam. Laura says, she should be. Sam’s legacy lives on, not just in her children, but in Lulu. Martin arrives, and says he appreciates them taking the time to meet with him. Alexis says, the question is, why?

Lulu waits at a table in a café and checks her phone. A man walks by, and she says, this is Café Serendipity, right? He nods, and Charlotte looks in the window. Lulu sees her and smiles.

Maxie asks if Sasha didn’t have a good time with the family, and Sasha says she did, but there’s too much history here. She’s moving back to the Hamptons and starting fresh with the baby. Maxie says, all of them are going to hate it, but it’s Sasha’s life and she should do what she wants. Can she at least tell the rest of the family about the baby? Sasha says she can’t. The more people who know, the harder it will be to leave.

Diane tells Michael that she’s sorry things have escalated. Of course (🍷) she’ll represent him. He thanks her, and she asks for the lay of the land. He says, Willow cheated on him with Drew, and she says, Drew… Drew Cain turned Quartermaine? His Uncle Drew? Michael says, that’s the guy, and she says, that’s just… Willow had an extramarital affair, which begs the question, why isn’t he the one filing?

Anna says she heard Emma come in, and Emma says she had trouble sleeping… jet lag. She was up a couple of times. She’s sorry she woke Anna. Anna says, Emma is lying to a Police Commissioner with decades of experience in surveillance. Try again. Emma says she went out, and Anna asks why she didn’t just say that. Emma says she didn’t want to worry Anna. She knows Anna is stressed from work and the search for Charlotte. Anna says, that’s considerate, but Emma doesn’t have to tiptoe around her. She suggests Emma call her mom to touch base, and Emma says she just got off the phone with her. She says hi. Anna says, interesting, since she just got off the phone with her as well, and she had no idea Emma transferred to PCU. Emma says she didn’t want to tell them until she figured things out. They’re proud of her going to Berkeley and would try to talk her out of transferring. Anna says, in order to transfer, you have to be a student, but Emma isn’t since she got expelled.

Josslyn says, the police still don’t know if Dex was targeted or it was random, and Jason asks what she thinks. She says, at first, she thought Sonny did it, and he says, because of what happened at Chase and Brook’s wedding? She says, yeah, but she talked to him, and she doesn’t think it was him. Jason says, it wasn’t, and she says, what if it was one of his guys trying to impress him? Jason says he doubts it, but he’ll look into it. She says she didn’t expect him to say that. She expected him to tell her to let it go and let the police do their job. He says, people need closure. If this is her way to get it, he’ll do anything to help. She thanks him, he says he’ll keep her posted, and leaves.

Charlotte comes into the café and says, hi, mom. They hug, and Lulu says, she’s so grown up.

Martin says, it so happens he’s been in contact with legal counsel in Greece… Alexis says, Cassadine alert. She’s got to go. Martin says he trusts she’ll want to hear the rest, and Laura asks, what is it? He says, a new heir has been named to the Cassadine fortune. It’s Laura’s grandson Ace. Laura says, no, and Alexis says, don’t look in her direction. Martin says, you, my lovely and lucky friend, get the role of trustee of the Cassadine estate, and she shakes her head.  

Trina unwraps a painting, and Ava says she knows Trina loves it and she wanted her to have it. It’s representative of her stellar performance. Normally, she should get a big check, but thanks to the Cassadines, her bonus looks different this year. Trina says, they can’t take all of Ava’s money, and Ava says, God willing, her fortunes will be reversed, but for now, she’ll wait and make do. Trina says, this would make a great sale. She’s not going to let Ava give it away.

Charlotte sits down, and Lulu says she can’t begin to tell Charlotte how wonderful it is to see her. Charlotte says she knows the feeling, and Lulu asks, how is she? Charlotte says, nervous. She can’t stay long. Lulu says she knows Charlotte’s father would be upset to know she snuck out to meet her. She’ll keep it brief. Is Charlotte safe and happy? Charlotte says she’s okay. What about Lulu? Lulu says she’s become skilled at getting her beauty rest, and Charlotte asks how she woke up. Lulu says she needed a liver transplant, and after the surgery, she woke up. Charlotte says, amazing. She’s been praying for Lulu to wake up. Lulu says she’s been looking for Charlotte from the moment she did, and Charlotte says she’s sorry she wasn’t there to welcome Lulu home. Papa needed her and she couldn’t let him down.

Emma asks how Anna found out, and Anna asks how she thinks. Emma says, it stinks having a superspy for a grandmother. She assumes Anna told her parents and they’re furious. Anna says, they are, and Emma says, it’s not her fault, she swears. Anna says she heard the university’s version of events. How about hers? Emma says she threw a little party in her room, and Anna says, how little? Emma says, maybe ten people. Then half the dorm showed up and it spilled out into the hallway and common rooms. Then somebody set off a sprinkler. Anna says, it caused major damage, and Emma says, it wasn’t her. She threw a party, people came over, and things got out of hand. They’re all guilty. Anna says, she displaced over 200 students, but Emma says, the sprinkler did. Anna says, and it happened on Halloween. That was two months ago. What has she been doing? How has she managed? She’s surprised the school didn’t reach out to her parents. Emma says, they did. She may have given them her number instead of her mom’s and pretended to be her. It’s fine. Anna asks how any of this is fine, and Emma says she’s registered at PCU and has a place to live. It’s fine. Her party throwing days are over. Anna says, they most certainly are over. Emma is staying here with her.

Sasha asks if Maxie is mad, and Maxie says, yes, because she’s going to miss Sasha. Sasha says, it’s easier this way, and Maxie says, not for them. And not for Sasha. Being a single mom is hard enough with help. Without help… What about the father? Sasha hasn’t told her anything about him. Why?

Michael says he doesn’t want a divorce. If he had his way, they’d work it out. Diane asks if he thinks Willow feels differently, and he says he didn’t at first. Then he got this paperwork. Diane looks at it and says, Martin Grey. Of course (🍷). How long has this been going on? When did he find out? He says, it was the 4th of July the first time anything physical happened. Willow and Drew kissed. She says, so six months, give or take, and he says, there was a second kiss, and then he found out they were sleeping together. She asks if Willow told him, but he says, he saw it on a video from a nannycam. She says, a nannycam? Where did Willow and Drew… He says, they were in the kids’ playroom at the Quartermaines’. She says, that’s just… icky. Did he confront her? He says he was quiet for a few weeks, and she asks, why? He says he wanted to process and figure out what he wanted to do. He was going to tell Willow everything after the holidays, then Tracy accidentally streamed the video on the TV during the Quartermaine Christmas party. Diane says, Tracy has never been good with technology. Reactions? Michael says, Willow was angry and accused him of holding onto the video for blackmail. Then his mom caught Nina and willow sneaking the kids out of the gatehouse to go to Nina’s. Eventually, he gave in for the kids’ sake. She says she would have strongly advised against it, and he says he heard it already from his mom. She asks how his mom took it, and he says, she’s very worried. He wants to reconcile or at least have an amicable divorce, but he feels like Willow is gearing up for battle.

Jack comes into Bobbie’s, and Josslyn asks what she can get him. He says, a cheeseburger, medium rare, and she asks if he wants fries with it. He asks if people ever order a burger without them, and she says, not sane people. He says he’ll have a club soda with it. He had a nice time with her family last night. She says her too. She’s glad he could join them. She was actually thinking about something they talked about. It’s about Dex. When she asked how he knew about it, he said all the agencies share information. He asks why that’s of interest to her, and she says she has a huge favor to ask.

Laura says she doesn’t want Ace to get any part of the Cassadine fortune. It wreaked havoc on Nikolas and didn’t help Spencer. Ace doesn’t need the money. He’s well taken care of. Alexis says she’s jumping on the bandwagon. If she never hears Cassadine estate again, she’d be happy. Since she’s the trustee, she suggests the funds go to charity, and tells Laura, pick one. Laura says, yes. She wants to give away every dark, twisted penny as soon as possible.

Ava tells Trina, take the painting, and Trina says, okay. But as soon as Ava needs it, it’s hers. Ava says, deal, and Trina thanks Ava. She sees Kai walk in, but he doesn’t even look at her as he walks past her table to the bar.  

Lulu asks if Charlotte has been in Prague the whole time or have they moved around, and Charlotte says, the live in a remote villa outside the city, but they travel a lot. Papa says he wants her to see the world, but she thinks it’s to throw off whoever’s following them. How’s Rocco and grandma? Lulu says, Rocco is great, and her mom is too, and Lucky is back. Charlotte says, in time for Christmas. She’s sorry Lulu missed spending time with the family. She knows how much Lulu loves having dinner and opening gifts. Lulu says she was given the only gift she wanted, seeing Charlotte, and Charlotte says she couldn’t believe when Rocco sent her Lulu’s picture. It gave her such happiness. Lulu says she felt the same way when she heard Charlotte’s voice. They all love her so much and they’re worried about her. Charlotte says she’s fine, and Lulu says, so is she. That’s why she wants and needs Charlotte to come home.

Trina walks over to Kai at the bar, and he asks if he walked past her. She says, he was focused on his destination, and he says he was avoiding eye contact. Not with her. She says, with rogue and adoring fans? and he says he would have left out adoring. She asks what he’s doing by himself, and he says he’s hiding.

Emma says she’s in college. She can’t live with her grandmother. Anna says, she can, and she will, but Emma says she has a place near campus. Anna says, what about the dorm? Or is that another lie? Emma says, it’s a fallback plan. She signed a lease. She can’t break it. Anna says, she can, and she will, and she’ll be living here. Her grades better be damn near perfect. No buts. It’s this or she puts Emma on a plane back to California. Emma says, fine. Can she get coffee, or is that off limits? Anna says, it doesn’t mean she’s Emma’s keeper, but Emma says, it feels like that, TBH. TBH means… Anna says she knows what it means. She’s not that out of touch. As Emma leaves, Jason comes in, and Emma says, good luck. She’s in a mood. Anna asks what he wants.

Jack says he’s intrigued. What kind of favor? Josslyn says, now that there’s a WSB office in Port Charles, they must have surveillance, and Jack says, they do, satellite. She asks if there’s any chance they captured Dex’s stabbing in Rice Plaza. She thinks it would help the police investigation to find out who did this. She hopes he understands why she had to ask. He says he does, and he admires her dedication to finding answers. Unfortunately, he can’t help. She says she figured, and he says, it’s not that the footage is classified or a spy thing or anything like that, but the satellite footage is only available for 48 hours. Then it’s deleted. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, even though they use the technology, they do live surveillance, so there’s no need to hold on to old footage. She says, that’s okay, and he says he’s sorry to disappoint her. She says she knew it was a long shot, but thanks him anyway.

Charlotte says she can’t go home with Lulu, but Lulu says she has to. Charlotte says, as much as she loves Lulu, she can’t leave papa here. He’d be devastated. Lulu says she understands that Charlotte doesn’t want to hurt her father. She swears she’s not saying this to guilt trip Charlotte, but being separated from Charlotte is killing her. When she woke up and found out Charlotte was gone, her heart broke. Charlotte says she hates that, but Lulu has so many people back home and papa has no one. He needs her. Lulu says, her father can take care of himself, but Charlotte says, he’ll be alone. Lulu says, he’s a fugitive. What kind of life is that for her?

Emma walks into Bobbie’s and says, Josslyn? Josslyn says she didn’t know Emma was in town, and they hug. Emma asks if Josslyn works here, and Josslyn says her family owns the place. Emma says, wow. Cool. She loves the new name. Josslyn says her too. Can she get Emma anything? Emma says, a medium cold brew, with a splash of oat milk, no sugar. To go… originally. But now that she sees Josslyn is here… She takes her coat off and sits down.

Diane asks if Michael has spoken to Willow since he received the papers, but he says, no. She says she’d love to know if this was Willow’s idea or Nina’s, and he says, it doesn’t seem like a Willow move. She says, it seems like a Nina move. For a long time now, Nina has wanted to nurture Willow and her grandchildren. Now they’re on her turf. He says, Nina has no incentive for them to get back together, and she says, unfortunately, Nina has the resources to drag this out. He asks what they’re looking at realistically, and she says, Willow is their mother and for the moment has custody, and they have two tough hurdles to clear. Michael says, the video, and she says, it’s a thorn in their side, but he says, it proves she cheated. She says, they could make a case that he withheld a private video, and showing it publicly, accident or not, shows willful vengeance. It can malign his character. She knows he’s a good man and a good father and a good husband. She’s so ready for this fight. He says, fight. He wonders how it got to this point. She says, that’s not the question. The question is, how far is he willing to go? He says he wants his family back, and if that’s not possible, he doesn’t want to take the kids from Willow. They need their mother. They also need their father, and he’ll do what it takes to stay in their lives. Diane says she’s glad to hear it.

Sasha tells Maxie that wanting to leave has nothing to do with the father. The decision wasn’t easy. Maxie says she knows, and Sasha says, Maxie made it a little easier. Maxie says, that’s not usually her M.O., making things easier, and Sasha says, she knows.

Martin says, it’s not that easy. If Ace chooses not to avail himself of the estate, so be it, when he’s of age. Until then, they can’t disburse it. Laura says, Ace is a little boy and should have absolutely nothing to do with it, and Martin says, if she doesn’t want to access the money on his behalf, that’s her prerogative, but the money will be waiting for him. Alexis says, when he’s old enough, and Laura says, at least they get to kick it down the road. She doesn’t want Ace to have the same experience that Spencer and Nikolas did. Alexis says she’ll do what she can to avoid that, and Laura says she’s grateful Alexis is the trustee. Alexis says she won’t begrudge Ace, and Laura says, it’s good to know Alexis is on Ace’s side.

Trina asks who Kai is hiding from, and he says his teammates, coach, donors, pretty much everyone. There’s a reception downstairs given by their booster club. She says, it’s not his scene, and he says, it’s his least favorite part. She says she thought he loved everything about football, and he says, the practice, playing, and the strategy. The events are more exhausting than the last ten minutes of the fourth quarter of the game. She says she’s surprised. When she sees him on campus, it seems like he loves to network and socialize. Kai says he loves it… A man says, so this is where he ran off to. He brought his son, and they were hoping for a picture. Kai tells Trina, this is Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Thomas takes a photo of Kai and his young son.  

Jason asks if Anna is okay, and she says she’s getting used to her new roommate. It’s challenging. He says he’s sorry. He got news he thought she’d like to know about Charlotte. She asks if Charlotte has been located, and he says, Lulu found her. She asks, how? and he says, Charlotte contacted Rocco on Christmas Eve. Lulu spoke to her, and she said she’d only give her location if Lulu came alone. Dante tracked her to Prague and he’s right behind her. Anna says, Lulu doesn’t realize what she’s done.

Charlotte tells Lulu that she has a great life. She’s keeping up with her studies and learning about the world. She and papa eat every meal together. She’s taken care of. The only thing that was hard was not knowing how Lulu was doing. That she’s awake and healthy is all that matters. Lulu says she’s grateful that Charlotte and her dad are having a wonderful time. It sounds like a great life. If Charlotte is happy, she’s happy. She suggests Charlotte go to the counter and get something they can share. When Charlotte leaves, Lulu takes out a tracking device and puts it in Charlotte’s bag.

Alexis signs the paperwork, and Martin says, two more and initial here. Alexis says, there’s a mistake. It says Windymere and its proceeds are part of the estate. He says, the Cassadines got it back, but she says, it belongs to Ava. He says, not anymore, and she says, he should have led with that. She finishes signing.

Mr. Thomas says, the people with the big checkbooks are in the ballroom to see Kai, but Trina says she needs to borrow Kai for a few minutes. They’re doing a project and it’s important. Mr. Thomas says, nothing is more important than football. He’ll see Kai down there. Kai says he’ll be right behind Mr. Thomas, and starts leaving, but Trina grabs his arm. She says, no, he won’t, and he asks what she’s doing. She says, saving him. Let’s go. Her best friend’s mom owns the place, and she knows where the service elevator is. He says he guesses not all heroes wear capes, and she says, sometimes they wear cute dresses they got on sale at Wyndham’s.

Michael signs a document, and Diane says she’ll call Martin and arrange an interim custody schedule. He says he appreciates her taking the case, and she says she wants full transparency. If he has anything else to say, say it now or risk her wrath down the line. He says he has to make a quick call, and steps away. Sasha’s phone rings, and Maxie asks if Sasha wants her to get it. Her nails are dry. Sasha sees that it’s Michael, and says, no thanks. She’s got it. She asks Michael, what’s up? and Michael asks if they can meet later. It’s important.

Emma says she saw that Cam came home for Christmas. Did Josslyn see him? Josslyn says, yeah. He was here. She saw him. Emma says, Stanford and Berkeley aren’t far apart. They see each other all the time. Josslyn says, awesome, and Emma says, it’s a comfort to see a piece of home when you’re away at school. Josslyn says, except California is Emma’s home, and Emma says, she meant for Cameron. Josslyn says, of course (🍷). He must have been grateful to have her. Emma asks if she met Gretchen, and Josslyn says she did. Emma says, how amazing is she? and Josslyn says, amazing. Emma says she introduced them. She knew they’d be perfect for each other. Does Josslyn remember when they were both into Cam and had a little rivalry? (I don’t. And isn’t Josslyn older?) Josslyn says, how could she forget, when Jack thanks her for the excellent burger and service. She introduces Emma to Jack, saying, she’s Anna’s granddaughter. He says, it’s nice to meet her, and Josslyn says, Jack and Anna used to work together. Jack says, many, many moons ago. Have a nice day, ladies. He goes outside. (Writing Mrs. Jack Brennan on my notepad…)

In the courtyard, Jack makes a call. He says, it’s him. Get back on the server and pull up Port Charles on Saturday, December 10th. Pull all the images of Rice Plaza. (Mrs. Jack Brennan… over and over.)

Anna says, Lulu has been subtle as a freight train since she came back. If she meets Charlotte, she’ll probably blow their cover and endanger everyone involved. Valentin’s enemies are following him. She wonders if Lulu even thought of this. She’ll lead them right to him. She’s not sure what’s worse. If Valentin finds out Lulu is on his trail, he could take Charlotte and disappear permanently. Either way, Charlotte will lose one of her parents for good.  

Charlotte tells Lulu that she comes here to read sometimes. She sees moms and daughters together sharing pasties and never thought she’d be able to do that too. Lulu says she’s sorry for all the time she’s missed and the years she wasn’t there to give Charlotte advice on friends, boys, and fashion. Although from the looks of it, Charlotte should be the one giving her advice. Charlotte says, it’s not Lulu’s fault she was in a coma, and Lulu says, Charlotte is at an important age when she needs her mother in her life. Charlotte says, Lulu is here now, and Lulu says she is. Charlotte looks out the window, and Lulu turns around to look. Valentin is looking in from outside and he doesn’t look happy.  

On Monday, Valentin asks if Charlotte is enjoying the visit with her mother; Kristina tells Lucas that something is unbelievably disrespectful to Sam’s memory; Sonny says, it’s going to be an all-out war; and Ava says she didn’t know who else to turn to, and she’s hoping Laura can help her.

💣 The Spy Who Loved Anna…

I’m hoping he stays, but I can’t figure out a logical storyline where that would happen. Of course, logic means nothing in the land of soap, so maybe.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/james-patrick-stuart-returns-to-general-hospital

🏥 Coming Next Year…

What’s happening in Port Charles circa 2025.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-2025-preview

🧼 Honoring One Of the Greats…

Sadly, one of the few channels I don’t get. It’s on Roku, Apple TV, and Vizio TV. This sounds like a great show too.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/jacklyn-zeman-honored-with-special-episode-of-the-bay

🍼 All In the VanderFamily…

Not exactly new news, but I’d feel remiss without including it. Another baby, sans fur, for Lisa to spoil.

https://people.com/lisa-vanderpump-daughter-expecting-her-second-child-exclusive-8746670

👀 Last Week’s Watch…

A few things I saw over the weekend and on Christmas. I don’t know if Afraid is genius, but it was kinda fun. Technology is evil is one of my favorite horror subgenres, after zombie apocalypse, zombies, and apocalypse. A family tries out a device that’s supposed to make their lives easier, but ends up causing chaos. Much like every computer I’ve ever had. I’ve also always suspected that Alexa was a bitch.

Spoilers ahead.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/afraid-film-review

Another M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong film, full of twists and turns. A Trap is set for a serial killer who leads a double life. He’s a doting father and husband who keeps victims in a basement, their fate controlled on his phone. While the entire cast pulled their weight, Josh Hartnett was pretty impressive as the killer about to be trapped… or is he?

Spoilers abound.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/i-finally-watched-trap-streaming-and-the-big-twist-wasnt-even-the-best-part

Fun cameo.

https://www.them.us/story/trap-m-night-shyamalan-kid-cudi-cameo-horror-film

I started watching The Garden: Commune or Cult? on TLC by accident. I thought one of the many 90 Day Fiancé spinoffs was on, and about five minutes in, I said, this isn’t 90 Day Fiancé. What is this? At first, I thought it was a bit boring, but as time went on and conflicts happened, it got more interesting. I don’t think it’s a commune or a cult. It’s more like a bunch of people – preppers, apocalypse theorists, hippies, and one guy who believes a zombie apocalypse could happen – who really aren’t sure what they want except to be off the grid. While that actually sounds good on some days, when people are involved, there are always issues. While they claim there’s no leader and everyone has an equal say, I didn’t find that to be the case at all.

🎇 Not So Wicked…

She might not entirely be a good witch, she’s got a good heart.

https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/ariana-grande-has-10-yes-10-rescue-dogs/

📢 Quotes of the Week

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6, NLT

Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor. – Sholem Aleichem

Maintain composure in times of heightened emotion, reacting only when thoughts are calm and clear. Being sensible will open doors for solutions and creativity. – Jaren L. Davis

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. – Robert Brault

What I’ve experienced is that I can’t know the future. I can’t know if anything that I do will change what happens tomorrow. I can’t know with certainty, but what I do know is if I do nothing, nothing will change. – James Orbinski (Now if I can just figure out what the something is.)

If you hear a voice within you say, you cannot paint, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh

You shouldn’t burn bridges if your ass can’t swim. – Amanda Halterman, 1000-Lb. Sisters

Why is it when you open a bag of cotton balls there isn’t a giant pill on top? – Ezra (Birkett Turton), Earth Abides (I actually thought that was pretty funny.)

Sometimes a person has to go a very long distance out of his way to come back a short distance correctly. – Jerry, The Zoo Story, Edward Albee

🌟 Following Yonder Star…

Enjoy the weekend, along with the knowledge that it’s now staying light out a little later each day, and join me on Monday for soap and shenanigans on Deck. Until then, stay safe; stay being hyper aware of amateur drinkers on the road on New Year’s Eve (or better yet, don’t drive at all); and stay never trying to lie to a Police Commissioner with decades of experience in surveillance.

December 26, 2024 – Christmas Day In Port Charles, Her Blessing, Celebrations, New Squid, Ugly Sweaters, Movie Memories, More Celebrating, Odd Sights & Just You

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Everyone is thrilled to see Emma, who says she wants to get to know her new Aunt Sasha. Felicia asks how long she’s here for, but Emma says, it’s not a visit. She’s staying. She transferred to PCU and she’s moving into the dorm in three weeks. Anna wonders why Robin didn’t say anything, and Emma says she wanted it to be a surprise.

Brook hands Chase a gift bag and says she has one more and she can’t wait for him to open it. He takes out a pregnancy test, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). She’s late.

Jack says, the Goddess of War has been defeated at last, and Josslyn says, that’s because he cheated. He insists he didn’t, but she says, he must have since he works in espionage. On the side, Carly says she knows Jason hates Jack, but he took Josslyn’s mind off of things. Jason says he still doesn’t trust Jack, and Jack asks Josslyn for a rematch. She asks for a raincheck, and he says, absolutely yes, for her. She goes upstairs, and Jack tells Carly that he won fair and square. Jason walks away, and Carly thanks Jack for distracting Josslyn. He says, she’s got a competitive streak, but he has no idea where she gets it from. He wanted to use that to get her mind off things. Carly says, losing Dex so suddenly and senselessly was too much.

Nina wonders if this nightmare will never end, and Ava says, Drew will be gone in a few minutes. Willow comes out with Drew and says she asked him to stay, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Lucas, and Ava asks if he was searching the city for his favorite aunt, but he says he’s here for Willow.

At Rice Plaza, Kristina says she was hoping to say hello to Lulu, but Laura says, she’s at the Quartermaines. She wanted to be with Rocco and Dante on Christmas morning. Sonny says, it’s all Rocco wanted for Christmas, to get his mother back. He got his wish. Laura says, now all they have to do is bring Charlotte home and all will be right with the world.

In the nook, Dante says, Rocco’s mother will be here at the crack of dawn, and Rocco says, it’s a big day. Dante says, they’ve been waiting four years. He can’t imagine what she’s thinking.

At the airport, an announcement says, the flight to Prague will be boarding shortly and will arrive around noon Prague time. Lulu sends a text to Charlotte: Text me the name of the café, I can’t wait to see you.

Lucas says he’s here about Wiley, and Willow says, Wiley is sleeping. Lucas says, it’s Christmas Eve. Wiley should be home. Willow says, Michael will see the children on Christmas morning, when Drew comes out. Willow says, clearly, Lucas heard she and Michael are having difficulties. She’s staying here for a while. Lucas says, she must understand his concern, but Nina says, there’s no reason to be concerned. The children are with their mother. Ava asks what Lucas wants, and Lucas says he wants to remind Willow that he didn’t rip out his heart and let Wiley go without a fight so she could take him away from his father.

Jason asks how Michael is holding up, and Michael says he misses Willow and the kids and the life he thought they had. He’s starting to realize that life is gone forever.

Josslyn says, her mom told her that Jack helped bring Lucky home, but not how, and Jack says, the how is highly classified. Carly says she was impressed at how clear the footage was, and Josslyn asks if she was there. Jack says, hypothetically, that would be against protocol, and Carly says, so would watching Lucky, Holly, Anna, and Jason escape Sidwell’s compound.

Emma says she thought Anna would be happy, and Anna says she is. She’s just surprised. Mission accomplished. They hug, and Anna asks, what happened to Emma’s incredible internship? Emma says, it wasn’t as incredible as she’d hoped, and Maxie says, Emma is over the west coast. Emma says, Maxie’s got her, and Anna says she’s surprised Robin didn’t say she’d transferred to PCU. Emma says, that’s because all they’re talking about is their new aunt. Before that, Cousin Cody was all the rage. One surprise after another. Sasha really didn’t know Robert was her dad? Sasha says, no, and Emma says, and he took off with Holly? That’s rude. Sasha says, it’s par for the course that comes with her mom, but she’s glad Robert is with her. Emma says, but they left Sasha alone, and Felicia says, no. She’s got them.

Sonny asks if Laura has had any luck locating Valentin and Charlotte, but Laura says, not yet. It’s been hard on Lulu. Sonny says, if there’s anything he can do… She thanks him and says her work here is done. She’s got to get going. Sonny thanks her, and she says, merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄), and they hug. Laura leaves, and Sonny goes over to Kristina, who’s looking at the tree. She says, when she was little, the tree was magic. It was so big and beautiful. She was afraid she would feel nothing after all she’s been through and just be empty. He says, was she? but she says, no. She still feels the same sense of wonder and hope even, thanks to him. Merry Christmas (🎄). He says, merry Christmas (🎄).

Josslyn says, it’s amazing how the WSB located Sidwell’s compound, but Jack says, his strip-mining operation leaves a huge nasty footprint. She asks if it’s MTR. Mountain top removal mining is extremely devastating. Jack wonders how she knows about it, and she says she’s an environmental science major. He asks what she’s going to do when she finishes, and she tells him that she used to say she was going to try and help save the world, but it seems naïve now.

Michael says he should have taken Jason’s advice, walked out of the Brown Dog Bar, and told Willow everything. He slept with Sasha and unfortunately both of them cheated, but he wasn’t ready to give up on the marriage. Now it’s too late. Jason says, it isn’t all on him and Willow. Drew bears some blame. Michael says, Willow doesn’t see it that way. She looks at him as the bad guy and that hurts the most.

Laura goes to the Quartermaines and says, Lulu left her gloves, so she thought she’d drop them off. Where is she? Dante says he thought Lulu was with her, but Laura says, Lulu texted her that she was going to stay the night with Rocco. Dante says, Lulu texted him that she was spending Christmas Eve with Laura, so he doesn’t know what she’s up to.  

Lulu takes out a book while she waits, and sitting near her, Colette says she hasn’t seen a guidebook in ages. Lulu says she’s old school, when her phone rings, but she ignores the call. Collette asks if Lulu has been to Prague before, but Lulu says, it’s her first time. Colette says, with all the Christmas decorations, it’s like traveling back in time, and Lulu says, wouldn’t that be great?

Anna says she should call Emma’s mom to let her know Emma is here, but Emma says she just got off the phone with her. She asks if it’s true that Sasha was dating Cody, and Maxie says, when they found out they were cousins, they broke up. Emma says, that’s rough, and Sasha says, it’s taken some getting used to. Felicia asks Emma to fill them in on what she’s been up to, and Emma says, school, but what she wants to know is, what it’s like to be a model.

Brook asks how long they have to wait, and Chase says, three minutes. She says, it’s the longest three minutes of her life. Distract her. He kisses her and asks if she feels different. She says, yes… no… She doesn’t know. He says, it’s not like she’s been pregnant before. Next year, they could be celebrating their baby’s first Christmas. He can’t wait to see life through their child’s eyes. He wants a lot of kids, but the first one is special.

The alarm goes off, and Chase says, ready? Brook looks at the test and says, negative. She’s not pregnant. He hugs her and says, they’ll keep trying.

Nina says, Lucas’s concern is admirable, but he did give Wiley up. Lucas says he raised Wiley for the first two years and loves Wiley like his own. Willow says she loves Wiley too, and Lucas says he gave Wiley to Michael because he belongs with Michael. She says, but not her because she’s not his biological mom. Lucas is adopted. Did his father love him less? He says he’s not questioning Willow’s love; he’s questioning her actions. She says she knows he loves Wiley, but she’s doing what’s best for her children, and he asks how sleeping with Michael’s uncle is what’s best. Drew says, he’s out of line, but Willow says she can speak for herself. She and Drew developed feelings for each other, but they didn’t want to hurt anyone. Lucas says, but they took action that did. Their emotions don’t excuse their absence of integrity. Willow says, they didn’t mean for this to happen, but Lucas says, of course (🍷) they did.

Josslyn wonders what she could do to save the world. Dex tried and look what happened. Carly says, Dex’s time was cut short, but he changed people’s lives for the better, and Josslyn says, he died from a senseless act of violence. Jack says, in the grand scheme of things, if you help an old lady or save a kitten, the world seems the same after the rescue, but it’s not the same for the old lady or the kitten. One person can make a difference. The right push in the right place at the right time can have a huge effect on a person’s future or a country’s future. Sometimes the whole world’s future. Josslyn says she’s not so sure, and Jack says, the ancient Greeks believed the world rested on Atlas’s shoulders. They weren’t totally wrong. Everyone plays a part in holding up the world.

Sonny asks if Kristina is okay, and she says she is. It’s rare these days. He says he heard she took photos at Charlie’s. Any thoughts on how she wants it changed? She says he didn’t have to give her Charlie’s to cheer her up, but he says he wanted it to stay in the family. She says she’s honored that he asked her to run it. She hopes she’s up for the job. He says he doesn’t want to and won’t push her, but he thinks… he knows she’ll do great things with the place.

Laura says her calls are going to voicemail, and Dante says, that can only mean one thing. Lulu went to find Charlotte. Laura says she has no idea where Charlotte is, but Rocco says, Lulu knows where to look. Charlotte called him on Christmas Eve. Dante asks why he didn’t say anything, and Rocco says, mom asked him not to. Dante says, start at the beginning, and Rocco says he got random texts from a European phone and Charlotte called to wish him a merry Christmas (🎄). He sent her a photo of her mom and she called. Mom talked to her. Laura asks where she is, but Rocco tells her, she didn’t say. She was worried she’d get her dad in trouble. The only way she would see Lulu is if Lulu promised to come alone.

Lucas says, Drew and Willow chose to sleep with each other, and Drew says, it was a difficult time. Sam… Lucas says, don’t use his sister’s death to justify sleeping with his nephew’s wife, and Nina says, the child he claims to be worried about is sleeping in the next room. Willow says, he has no right to judge her, and he says he knows the pain of being separated from a child you love. Don’t make Michael go through that again. Willow asks if he’s comparing her to Nelle, who convinced Lucas’s husband to swap her dead child for Wiley. They’re done. Nina tells Lucas to get out, and Lucas tells them to think about what he said. He leaves and Ava goes out with him. Nina says, this proves they can’t sit back and think everything will be okay. They need to go on the offensive if Willow wants to keep her children.

Michael says, Willow wouldn’t have taken the kids if she wanted to work things out, and Jason asks what he thinks she wants. Michael says, she wants a hero and it’s not him, and Jason says, it’s not Drew. Michael says, Willow thinks it is. Drew risked his life to bring Liesl Obrecht home so Willow could get a blood transfusion. He literally saved her life, but he wanted more than gratitude. He made her spokeswoman for organ donations, so she felt valued, and it made Drew look like a hero. Jason says, Drew is slimy, that’s for sure, and Michael says, Drew ran for office so he could work for the public good and Willow ate it up. Jason asks what he wants to do, and Michael says he doesn’t want to punish Willow. If Drew is who she wants, then maybe he should let her go.

Brook says she’s sorry. She doesn’t understand why she can’t get pregnant. Chase says, some women take longer to conceive, and she says she’s been doing everything possible. He says, maybe that’s the problem.

Emma says, so Sasha was raised by Holly’s mom, and on the side, Felicia says, it looks like Sasha has a fan. Maxie says, Emma is asking a lot of questions, and Felicia says, because she doesn’t want to answer any questions herself. Maxie says she wants to know about Emma’s real life. (It doesn’t come across in the words, but it’s obvious Emma is avoiding talking about herself and doesn’t want Anna to talk to Robin.)

Dante says, a European number, and Laura says, there’s only one way to get there. Dante says he knows someone at the TSA. He’ll find out if they see Lulu’s name and where she’s headed. Laura says, even if he catches her, he may not be able to stop her. He says he doesn’t want to stop her, but he doesn’t want her to go after Valentin on her own. Rocco says he’s sorry he didn’t say something sooner, but Dante says, it’s okay. Rocco says, he’s not mad? and Dante says, no. He’ll let them know what he finds out. He leaves, and Rocco says, his mom is going to be okay, isn’t she?

Josslyn says, Jack is involved with spies and shadow government. Why does he believe them all coming together would make the world a better place? Jack says he can’t do everything himself, when his phone rings. He steps away to take the call and Carly takes Josslyn’s hand.

In the foyer, Jack says, status? and Colette says she made contact. She followed Lulu from Rice Plaza to the airport and she’s on the same flight. He asks where they’re headed, and she says, Prague. He says, Lulu will lead them straight to Valentin, and Colette says she’ll be there. He tells her to call when she is.

Kristina tells Sonny that she watched the Nurses Ball when he sang with Grandpa Mike. She wept in public. (We all did.) He says, one thing about his dad that was real, he always loved him. Kristina says, his dad loved him too, and Sonny says he never wants his kids to question how he feels. His kids are important to him and a big part of his life. Kristina puts her head on his shoulder, and he says he’ll always be in her corner.

Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying, but Chase says, absolutely not. But he’s read that too much pressure can make more of a difference. They need to relax and let nature take its course. She says she still wants to take a test to make sure, and he says him too, so they have all the facts. He knows in his heart that she was meant to be a mother.

Emma says, the cookies are amazing, and Felicia says, Sasha made them. Emma asks if she can have the recipe, and Sasha suggests they make them together. Emma wonders how Sasha makes all the meals for the Quartermaines, and Anna says she’d rather diffuse a bomb than make a meal. (Me too!) Felicia says, one time, she diffused a bomb while making a three-course dinner, but Anna says, that didn’t happen. Sasha says, the Quartermaines are a close family, and Emma says, like snakes in a pit. Sasha agrees they’re at each other’s throats, but at the end of the day, they support one another. Felicia says, that’s the great thing about family. They accept you, warts and all.

Rocco says, maybe he should have tried to stop his mom, but Laura says, once she heard Charlotte’s voice, nothing would stop her. He says he knows she’s happy, but she won’t really be okay until Charlotte is home. Laura asks if he’s okay, and he says he misses his sister, but he hopes his dad gets to his mom in time. He doesn’t know what he’d do if anything happened to her. Laura hugs him.

Jack sees Josslyn sitting with her head on Carly’s shoulder and says, that’s his cue. Josslyn says she hasn’t been sleeping well. She’s going upstairs. She enjoyed talking with him. Jack says he enjoyed talking to her too, and they wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄). Josslyn leaves, and Jack tells Carly that he had a lovely evening. He’s glad he ran into her. She says she’s glad she ran into him too.

Jason says he can’t tell Michael what to do, but Michael says he might actually listen. Jason says he’d fight for what he wants, and Michael says, even if Willow is happy. Jason says, Michael doesn’t know that, and he doesn’t think Willow does either. There’s more than one kind of hero. Michael needs to step up and find the good woman who took his kids and left. It’s sad that Willow doesn’t see the good man she has instead of being deceived, Drew not only betrayed Michael’s trust, he betrayed Willow’s. Unfortunately, she’ll have to see that for herself.

Willow says she doesn’t want the kids in a nasty custody battle, but Nina says, the Quartermaines will inevitably battle. Drew says, Willow’s got to protect herself, and Nina says, they’ll make her out as the villain, but only if she lets them. Drew says he’ll be by her side. She’s got to get tough. Nina says she’ll be there too. No one is going to take away Willow’s children.

In Rice Plaza, Ava says, obviously, Lucas loves Wiley. She remembers how hard it was when Lucas gave him back to Michael. She understands that kind of loss. She didn’t think she’d survive losing Kiki. She’s not sure she has. Lucas says he’s so sorry, and she says, the Jeromes are tough. He says, the Jeromes are also their own worst enemy. When he went to fight for Wiley, he thinks he just made things worse. He doesn’t get it. Willow gave up her son to protect Shiloh and she seems ready to corner Michael. Ava says, she sees Drew through rose colored glasses. She hopes Willow comes to her senses. He says, Michael shouldn’t have to lose his kids, and she says she and Sonny have been fighting about Avery from the day she was born. Nobody should have to go through that. He says, even Michael? And she says she knows what it’s like to lose a child and knows what it’s like to fight for one.

Brook says she ruined Christmas, but Chase says, she shared so much. And she’s the person he shares with. She says she loves him so much, and he says he loves her too. As much as he wants to have kids, he’s enjoying having her all to himself. They kiss.

Outside, Carly thanks Jack for spending time with Josslyn, and he says, she’s easy to talk to. She says, he took her seriously, and he says, she’s a formidable young woman. He’d never underestimate her or her mother. She thanks him, and he says, she gave him a place on Christmas. One kindness deserves another. She says, he’s been kind to her all year, and he says, that’s what he keeps telling her. Merry Christmas (🎄). She tells him, merry Christmas (🎄), and he leaves. She looks up as snow starts to fall.

Kristina says she never would have made it through this year without Sonny, but he says, she’s stronger than she knows. She says, because of him and mom. She was dreading Christmas, but they got her through. He says he loves her and she says she loves him too. They wish each other a merry Christmas (🎄), and Kristina goes to bed. Sonny looks out at the snow and smiles. He turns off the light and suddenly puts his hand to his chest.

Felicia says she can’t believe Robin didn’t tell Anna about Emma, and Anna says her too. Emma says she’ll come by to say hi to the others in the morning, and hugs everyone. She and Anna leave, and Felicia says she’s got to get going too. She just has to pry Mac away from the kids. Maxie asks if she means Spinelli and Cody, and Felicia says, yes. She goes to get Mac, and Sasha says, it’s nice to be part of a big family. Maxie says she was hoping Sasha would share the news about the baby, but Sasha says, Emma showed up. Maxie says, and weirdly interrogated her, and Sasha says, plus Cody was here. There’s a decision she needs to make before she tells anyone.

Michael says he wants his family back. He hopes Willow is willing to try and make their marriage work. Jason says, if she isn’t? and Michael says then he doesn’t want to hurt her. But if they can’t make this thing work, he’s going to fight for his kids.

Drew promises it will be okay, and Nina says she’s going to check on the kids. Willow says, it’s her life that people will now be judging. He says, she can’t let it get to her. They know the truth and that’s all that matters. She says, he’s a congressman and has to protect his image, and he says he’s not hiding how much she means to him. He’s going to be honest about his feelings. Willow says, having him to lean on makes all the difference, and he says he can’t believe he found her. She says, it feels like a dream, but he says, it’s real. They hug and Nina sees them.  

At the airport, Dante shows the desk clerk his badge and says, PCPD. He needs to get on that flight. The clerk says, too late. It’s already left the gate.

On the plane, Lulu looks at a photo of Charlotte on her phone and says, see you soon, sweetheart. Sitting a few seats back, Colette watches her.  

Tomorrow, Sasha tells Maxie that she decided to leave Port Charles; Jack wonders why something is of interest to someone; Jason says he’ll do anything to help Josslyn get closure; and Diane tells Michael that Willow is gearing up for battle

🔦 Passing the Torch…

Since Emma isn’t just in Port Charles for a visit and staying on, this makes more sense, as OG Emma has a day job as a nurse.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/brooklyn-rae-silzers-speaks-out-about-ghs-new-emma

🎄 Soap Celebrations…

Celebrities, they’re just like us… but they probably spend more doing it.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-soap-stars-celebrated-the-holidays

🐙  The Games Are Back…

I’ve only seen the first episode, but so far, it looks very promising. First, the teaser if you haven’t seen it.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-teaser-lee-jung-jae-8737196

A rough outline, but no spoilers.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-review-brutal-thrills-buildup-8763750

So many spoilers, I didn’t even read this.

https://people.com/squid-game-season-2-biggest-bombshells-explained-8765435

Is this guy kidding? The way they’re whittling seasons away, pretty soon a season will consist of one episode.

https://ew.com/squid-game-creator-split-seasons-2-and-3-too-many-episodes-8763970

👕 Facing the Ugly…

Oddly enough, I don’t own an ugly Christmas sweater. Although that may be a matter of perspective.

https://ew.com/watch-red-one-cast-face-off-ugly-sweater-competition-8746643

🎅 Christmas Memory Lane…

A shorter list is probably who hasn’t made a Christmas movie.

https://ew.com/celebrities-in-tv-christmas-movies-8760613

🎆 How They Celebrated…

More celebrities doing their holiday thing.

https://extratv.com/photos/image_jpg_20241226_3d14a79bbdd446f6bb1112b7763107b3/

🦕 Things You Don’t See Every Day…

🦉 It’s doubtful an owl is something you want to have in your house, but it’s too cool how perfectly he’s perched.

https://people.com/owl-flies-down-chimney-on-top-of-christmas-tree-rescued-8765133

🐈 A cat who’s found her Christmas niche.

https://people.com/cat-loves-watching-the-grinch-on-repeat-8763113

🦎 More animals we didn’t know we had.

https://people.com/scientist-discovers-27-new-species-peru-alto-mayo-landscape-8763717

🎁 Box This…

Hope you had a merry and a happy whatever it is you celebrate. Join me tomorrow for soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay not feeling you have to make any New Year’s resolutions; and stay remembering that one person can make a difference.

December 23, 2024 – Christmas Eve In Port Charles, nuEmma, Which One, Getting Ready, Is It On, Movie Watch, Holidays Are For Pets (!), Quote Quintet & Ay-Ay-Ay  

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Laura sees Lucky and Elizabeth in Rice Plaza and says she’s glad to see them. She can’t tell them how happy she is to have both Lucky and Lulu home for Christmas.

Tracy goes to answer the door and wonders if the entire staff has Christmas Eve off. She opens the door and Lulu is there. She says, Lulu doesn’t have to knock. This is her home. They hug, and Brook watches from the top of the stairs.

Sonny says, Carly never mentioned that Jack was coming, and Jack says, Carly took pity on him, but if he’s intruding… Carly says, he’s not. They have plenty of food and no one should be alone on Christmas Eve. Jack sees Josslyn and Kristina and says, Carly forgot to tell him about the dress code. Josslyn says, that’s okay. There are two excited little girls with stickers waiting for him upstairs. Sonny asks if Carly is sure about this.

Jason sees Ned in the nook, and Ned says he’s on cheese wheel duty. It’s a big responsibility. Jason says he’ll bring some up to Monica. She’s insisting that Olivia gave everyone the night off. Ned says, she must be feeling better. He’s sure Jason moving in helped, and she’s not the only one who’s glad and grateful that Jason decided to finally move back home.

A girl runs up to Gio and says, sorry I’m late, Doug. Hold onto this. She presses a wallet into his hand and runs off. He says his name’s not Doug.

Alexis tells Ric that their daughter had a terrible year. She thought he’d want a chance to try and make it a tiny bit better. She’s willing to overcome her contempt for him to make their daughter happy. If he’s not willing to do the same, go have a fabulous evening.

Cody says he’s sorry he’s late, and James asks, what’s in the bag? Cody says, his favorite hat. He thought it was time he passed it on. He puts it on James’s head, but it’s too big, and everybody laughs.

Ric asks what Alexis’s plan is to make Molly’s Christmas better, and she gestures to the boxes. He says, Christmas decorations? and she says, if he doesn’t want help, there’s the door. He says he’s not going to let her play hero while she makes him the bad guy. What’s first? She tells him to slap a piece of tape over his mouth and unpack the boxes, and he says, Ho-ho-ho. Let’s get festive.

Tracy says, Lulu can’t look for Charlotte on her own. The WSB and the FBI are already looking. Lulu says, they’re looking for Valentin. She doesn’t care about Valentin, but she does care about Charlotte. She’s going to do what it takes to find her. Tracy says she can see Lulu’s father in her. She suggests Lulu wait to see if the authorities find her. If they don’t, she has the family’s resources. Lulu says she’ll hold off – for now – and Tracy says, promise her something else. She doesn’t want Lulu to forget she has a son who’s been waiting four years to celebrate Christmas with her. Promise she’ll be there for Rocco and the rest of her family. Promise not to forget them. Lulu says she could never, and thanks Tracy. They hug, and Tracy says she’s doing what her father would do. Brook continues to listen in.

Carly says, if Sonny has something to say, say it now while Jack is in the restroom, and Sonny asks if she really wants a WSB agent roaming around her house. She says, Jack’s been a good friend to her and to people they care about, and he says, when the day comes that she needs him, he’ll be there. She says she appreciates that, but doesn’t think it’s going to be necessary. Seeing the tension, Josslyn offers them a canape.

Kristina tells Michael that she’s sorry. Amelia and Wiley should be here. He says he’ll see them in the morning, and she asks if there’s any hope of reconciling. He says he’s not giving up, and she says, she feels for Willow. There’s nothing worse than realizing you did something you can’t take back no matter how much you wish you could. He says he’s not sure Willow does wish she could.

Ned says, if grandfather could see Jason living here, and Jason says he just moved in because of Danny. Ned says he prayed grandfather would cast Jason aside like Jason cast the family aside, but he never did. He believed in Jason. He thinks he’s starting to see what grandfather saw. Jason says, it took him a long time to realize Edward was a really good man, and Ned says, amen to that. He asks if Jason is joining them in opening presents tomorrow, and Jason says he and Danny will be there. Ned says, get ready for the Quartermaine craziness, and Jason asks if that isn’t every day.

Mac puts paper in the hat, but it’s still too big. Cody says he never had that problem. It’s the benefit of having a huge noggin. Felicia tells Sasha that she made James’s Christmas, but Sasha says she doesn’t think it took much convincing. It’s clear Cody wanted to be with family. They both did. Anna comes out in a Santa hat and Felicia says, nice hat, Santa Devane. Anna says, it’s got a nice ring to it, and Spinelli says, the search for a certain person on the naughty list is progressing nicely. Anna says, that brightens her Christmas Eve. When her special surprise arrives, there will be a lot of holiday cheer to go around.

Lucky says, Elizabeth seems at peace. How does she feel with everything going on at the hospital? She says, look at this place. The decorations, the lights, the tree. It’s the most magical place on earth. (Eat dust, Disney.) Her worries can wait for another day. Nothing beats Rice Plaza at Christmas. She can’t think of anywhere she’d rather be.

Maxie says, they told the kids they could open one present, and Spinelli says, they’ll find them. Maxie tells him to check in the usual spots.

Mac says, it means lot that Cody came. If he ever wants to talk… Cody says he’s not much of a talker, but if Mac ever feels like throwing a hatchet after a couple of beers, let him know. Mac says he’s there.

Dante arrives at the plaza with Rocco, who goes to get a churro. Elizabeth asks how things are at the Quartermaines, and Lucky says, if Dante wants a break, he’s sure Laura would love to see him. Dante says, maybe he’ll swing by, and he leaves. Elizabeth says, he’s putting up a good front, but he’s just going through the motions. Lucky says, if you’re not with the person you love, sometimes it’s all you can do.

Jordan sees Isaiah and says, it’s nice to see him have a night off, but he says he’s on his way to GH. He volunteered to take extra shifts. Jordan says, he’ll see her son. He canceled their Christmas Eve plans to do a double shift. Isaiah says he’s sorry, and she asks why he’s here. He says, the incredible Christmas tree. He wants to see what all the fuss is about. Full disclosure. He was hoping to run into her. He’s got something for her. He hands her a gift bag.

Laura says she can’t imagine how Dante is feeling. It’s not the Christmas he planned for himself and Rocco. Dante says, it’s not, but it’s great to see Rocco with his mom, and she says, spend Christmas with them. Being surrounded by family makes it easier. He says he doesn’t know if anything can make this Christmas easier.  

Carly toasts to the new owner of Aurora Media, and she and Michael clink glasses. Sonny says, that was quite the maneuver, and Carly says she would have loved seeing the look on Drew’s smug face when Michael pulled the rug out from under him. Michael says, he’s probably plotting his next move, and Sonny says, Michael will be ready for him.

Jack offers Josslyn his condolences. He’s sorry about Officer Heller. It was tragic and senseless. Josslyn says, this is her city, but how did he know about it? and he says, the Bureau gets information from local law enforcement. She asks how he knew they were together, and he says he’s sure her mother mentioned it.

Kristina says, they should probably get going to Rice Plaza for the tree lighting, and Sonny tells everyone, merry Christmas. He and Kristina leave.  

Chase asks if Brook is okay, and she says she has a confession about Lulu. She’s grateful for Lulu’s recovery and knows what it means to her family, but Lulu is annoying the hell out of her. She was watching Lulu with Tracy, and it took everything for her not to gouge Lulu’s eyes out. Chase asks if she’s jealous of Lulu and Tracy’s relationship, but Brook says, no. Lulu has to be the center of attention. He says, maybe she’s making up for lost time, but she says, Lulu has always been like this. Everyone loves Lulu and she’s never wrong… She’s listening to herself, and she sounds horrible. He says, she’s not horrible. She’s allowed to have feelings. He doesn’t know if he told her, but when he first moved here, he had a crush on Lulu.

Gio hears a guy say that he just had his pocket picked, when the girl comes up to him and says she needs the wallet back. He says, absolutely not. She stole it. She says, okay, guilty, but he had it coming.

Felicia tells Sasha and Anna, Cody is teaching James how to improve his lasso skills. She needs to get in there before he wrangles his sister. She leaves, and Sasha says she has something that she wants to talk to Anna about. She knows Anna was married to Robert and they share a daughter. Anna says, Robin, and Sasha says she wants to ask Anna’s opinion… Anna says, Robert is one of the most generous, kind-hearted men she’s known. Sasha is very fortunate to have him for a father. Sasha says she wishes she had a chance to get to know him, and Anna says, there will be time for that. Sasha says, if he comes back, but Anna says, he will. She guarantees it. And when he does, it will be worth it. Just wait and see.

Kristina says she thinks the tree is bigger than last year, and Laura says, partly because of her father’s generous donation. Sonny says, the community has given him so much. It’s important to pay it forward. Merry Christmas. Laura hugs him, touches Kristina’s hand, and leaves.

Jordan says, a towel? and Isaiah says, it’s a spa wrap with a Velcro closure to prevent slips. She says, in case she’s locked in another steam room? and he says, it never hurts to be prepared. She says, when they were stuck, her towel was never in danger of slipping, and he says, sadly, he’s all too aware. He should get going. They tell each other, merry Christmas, and he leaves.

Sonny says he wants Dante to know that he’s proud of how Dante is handling the holidays, and Dante says he learned from the best. Kristina says, they all did.

Jason sees Michael and Josslyn leaving Carly’s and asks if the party is over, but Josslyn says, it’s just begun. Michael says, Avery wants a snow family that she and Donna can see from the window, and Danny asks if he can help. Josslyn says, the more the merrier, and Michael tells Jason, heads up. His mom has a visitor. Jason goes in and sees, Carly laughing with Jack.

Alexis asks if Ric wants coffee, and he says he’d love a cup. She says, it’s in the kitchen (ha-ha-ha!), and they decorate while Deck the Halls plays. She wraps the lights around the tree, wrapping Ric along with it.  

Kristina asks Sonny, what’s with that Brennan guy? He and Carly seem close. Sonny says, that’s Carly’s business, and she asks if he doesn’t care. He says, the only thing he cares about is being here to celebrate with his beautiful daughter. Molly watches them from a distance, and Kristina says she loves being with him too.  

Gio says, give him one good reason not to call the cops, and the girl asks if doing a good deed on Christmas Eve isn’t more important.

Chase says, Brook is the only one for him. She was there for him when his dad passed and when Finn relapsed. She got him through some dark times. It’s just Lulu and it’s okay for Brook to have feelings. Brook says, God forbid she should be the bigger person, and Chase says, she’s too hard on herself. They both strive to be the best and they’re perfect for each other. She says she doesn’t know if she can reach perfection, but she can’t imagine going on this journey with anyone else. They hug.  

Lulu arrives at the plaza and tells Laura that it’s amazing. Is she ready for her tree lighting duties? Laura says she’s ready for anything. She has both of her kids home… She’s so sorry. She knows it’s not the perfect Christmas because Charlotte’s not here. She hopes Lulu finds a way to enjoy the holiday anyway, Lulu says, Christmas is about having faith, right? She has faith that she’ll find Charlotte and bring her home. Until then, she’s going to make up for the time she’s lost with the family she has here. Laura asks, where’s Dante and Rocco? and Lulu says she’ll go find them. Laura says, same old Lulu.

Carly tells Jason, it’s about time. Where’s Danny? Jason says, Danny is with Josslyn and Michael, and Jack says he’s already had the pleasure. He holds out his hand, but Jason doesn’t take it. Jason says he didn’t expect Jack to be here, and Jack says he hopes it’s not a problem. Carly says, it’s not, and Jack says he has to check in with the Bureau. He excuses himself, and Carly tells Jason, it’s Christmas and Jack had nowhere to go. He asks what she was thinking after everything that happened with the FBI. Now they’ll be put in the crosshairs of the WSB. She says, it’s not like that, but Jason says, Jack’s just using her. She says, Jason made that clear. She loves him, but he’s not the boss of her.

Alexis looks at the tree and says, they did a helluva job. Ric says, they raised an incredible daughter, even if she is a controlling shew. She says, he’s a conniving jackass, and points to another box of decorations. He takes out some mistletoe and holds it over his head. She snatches it away.

The girl tells Gio that the guy ripped off a woman in the plaza who was selling handmade ornaments. He paid for one and took five. She wanted to make sure the woman got what was owed to her. Gio asks what she’s going to do with the wallet, and she says he’ll have to trust her. He gives the wallet back to her and she takes some money out. She goes over to a cop and tells him that she found it. He says he’ll make sure it’s returned to its rightful owner, and she looks at Gio. Sonny and Kristina come along, and Kristina asks, what’s going on? Gio says he’s late for dinner at the Quartermaines. He got sidetracked by that girl. Kristina says, what girl? and when Gio turns around, he sees she’s gone.

Ned says, to Michael for pulling one over on Drew, and he and Tracy clink glasses. Lois says, corporate takeovers, the true meaning of Christmas, and Tracy says, pulling one over on Drew is the best gift she’s gotten this year… Do they hear that? Ned says he doesn’t hear anything, and she says, no kids. It’s truly a silent night. Lois says, get ready, Grandma Grinch. In a year or so, Brook and Chase will have a bundle of their own. Tracy says, they’ll have incessant crying, but Ned says, his first grandchild can’t come soon enough.

Ned says, Brook and Chase will be amazing parents, but Lois tells them not to put the cart before the horse. Brook isn’t pregnant yet, and the last thing they need is concern over the whole family waiting with bated breath. Brook and Chase come in, and Brook says, for what? Tracy says, Gio was supposed to be here an hour ago and no one knows where he is. (She’s quick!)

Molly goes to Alexis’s house, and the door opens. She sees Alexis and Ric.

As they come inside, Michael says, great job, team… Is everything okay? Carly says, Jason was just filling her in on what’s going on at the Quartermaines. How is the snow family? Michael says, ask Danny. He took the lead. Carly says, Donna and Avery will appreciate his effort. If he plays his cards right, he might get stickers on his face too. Michael asks if Josslyn is interested in defending her title as Holiday War champ, and she says she’ll kick his butt. Danny says he’s going out on the terrace, and Jason says he’ll join him. He could use some fresh air. Josslyn says she’ll shuffle, and Michael asks if she doesn’t trust him. She says, absolutely not, and Jack says, nice diversionary tactic. Jason says, Michael loves his sister.

Spinelli comes inside juggling a stack of presents, and says, they found them in the car. Maxie says she just remembered. She can’t believe she almost ruined Christmas. Spinelli says, never. The toys will be forgotten in a month’s time, but they’ll remember time with family forever. That’s what Christmas is about. Everyone is like, aww, and Maxie says, nothing can top what she got this year. Spinelli says, the two of them. He found this in the car too. He holds some mistletoe over his head, and they kiss.

Lulu asks if Dante is okay, and he says, aside from the fact he keeps expecting Sam to walk through here. People’s Christmas wishes don’t come true. She says she’s sorry, and he says, one person whose wish came true was Rocco. He’s happy Rocco is spending the holiday with his mom. They’re both grateful for that. Rocco sees a text that says: Hi. super cold here. is it there? miss u. luv u. have a great Christmas. XO C. Lulu says, is Rocco always on the phone? and Dante says, he is and it’s annoying. Rocco surreptitiously takes a photo of Lulu and Dante and sends it. His phone rings, and he says, where are you?… Yeah, she is… Hold on. He goes over to Lulu and asks if he could talk to her for a second. Dante says he’ll be over here, and Rocco says, Lulu has a phone call. She says, on his phone? and he says, just take it. She says, hello?… She gasps and says, oh my God. It’s you.

Molly says, they did this for her? and Ric says, it was her mom’s idea, but he was happy to play a small part. Molly says, it’s the best Christmas gift she could have gotten. She loves them both so much. Alexis says, they love her too.

Mac asks if Felicia ever thought it would turn out like this, and Felicia says, they’re the lucky ones. Anna’s phone dings and she says her surprise is here. She opens the door and nuEmma (see below) comes in. She hugs everybody, and Sasha asks if Cody isn’t glad that he came and didn’t it make him feel better. He doesn’t have to admit she’s right. Cody says he wasn’t planning on it. Merry Christmas. She says, merry Christmas.

Jason says he feels like Danny needs to get something off his chest, and Danny says, building the snowmen made him think of mom. They made a memory when she let him play hooky the day before winter break. Jason says, she wasn’t one for rules, and Danny says, they played in the snow for hours. It was the best day ever. He looks up and says he wonders where she is now. Jason says, with Danny. She’s with him too. When we lose people, they’re never really gone. They just become part of us. Danny asks if Jason sees that star, the really bright one. He thinks that’s mom watching over them. Jason says, merry Christmas, Sam, and Danny says, merry Christmas, mom. I love you. Jason puts his arm around Danny’s shoulders.

Michael says, that’s what he gets for letting Josslyn shuffle, and Josslyn asks if Jack wants to play. She thought the WSB is well versed in the rules of war. Jack says, deal him in. Let’s see what you’ve got. She’s like her mother; he can tell. Carly looks outside at Jason and Danny, and Jack says he’s scared. Josslyn says, he should be.

Gio says, sorry he’s late, but Brook says, he’s right on time for a favorite family tradition. She hands him his violin case, and Chase says, the family takes it seriously. Trina tells Chase to warm up his pipes. He’s leading tonight’s vocals. Chase sighs.

Ned plays guitar, while Gio plays the violin. Chase and Ned sing, O Come All Ye Faithful.  

Lulu says, Charlotte? and Charlotte says, mom. She’s been praying for this for so long. Lulu says, her prayer was answered. I’m back, baby. Where is she? Lulu will come get her. Charlotte says, she can’t, and Lulu asks what she means. Charlotte says she’s not supposed to call or text anyone, but she had to hear Lulu’s voice.  

Dante tells Laura that Rocco is talking to Lulu, when TJ comes into the plaza. Jordan says she thought he was on call, and he says he was, but Dr. Gannon offered to cover his shift. He refused to take no for an answer. Jordan says she’s glad he made it. It feels like Christmas. They hug, and Laura takes the mic. She says, bear with them. They’ll have the tree up and running in no time.

Lulu asks Charlotte to tell her where she is. She has to see her… Okay. She promises she won’t tell anyone. She swears, just her. Charlotte has her word… She’ll be there as soon as she can. Rocco comes over and asks if she found out where Charlotte is. Lulu says she did, and he asks when they’re leaving. She says, she’s leaving right away. She told Charlotte that she’d be alone, and she can’t break her promise. She can’t risk losing Charlotte. She needs Rocco to do her a favor. Keep tonight’s call between them. Please. He says, okay. He will, for Charlotte. She hugs him and says she loves him so much. He says he loves her too. She says she’s going to make their family whole again. She promises. She runs off and he says, merry Christmas, mom.  

Laura says, here we go, and turns on the tree. She says, merry Christmas to all of us, and everyone applauds.  

On Friday, Brook asks if Chase is saying he wants to stop trying; Willow tells someone that they have no right to judge her; Michael wonders if he should just let Willow go; Jack tells someone that they know what to do; and Kristina tells Sonny that she hopes she’s up for the job.

🏨 My You’ve Changed…

No explanation as to why the old Emma wasn’t cast, but if I remember correctly, her day job/career is pretty demanding.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/braedyn-bruder-is-the-new-emma-on-general-hospital

🎉 Who’d You Rather…

I wouldn’t mind sitting in on a Quartermaine holiday. An outsider has a better chance of remaining unscathed. Plus, when the big blow-up happens and everyone storms off, more shrimp for me.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/spend-holidays-with-daytime-favorite-families

🎄 Holiday Prep…

Ready… set… holiday!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-the-stars-are-getting-ready-for-the-holidays

🧼 Holly Jolly Soap Or No…

GH will be airing a rerun tomorrow from May 22nd and Christmas Day is all about football.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/find-out-if-your-favorite-soaps-are-going-to-be-on-at-christmas-2024

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

While I’d like that nearly two hours of my life back from Subservience, Speak No Evil was time well spent. Having seen James McAvoy in Split, I was confident that it would be halfway decent, but this surpassed expectations. The plot wasn’t anything new. A couple on vacation meets another couple and gets an invite to their farm. We’ve seen before what happens when you visit a virtual stranger and it’s never anything good. because they’re never who they say they are. It’s the same here, but done so well, I still didn’t know where they were going with it. I always know a movie is good if I make a lot of noises – like, Ooh! Ay! Gaah! – and noises I made. It starts slow with the set-up, although there are enough odd moments to keep it interesting, and when it gets rolling, it doesn’t stop until the end. McAvoy didn’t disappoint, and he met his match with the other performances, especially – dare I say it? – the children. I was shocked to read (see SyFy article below) that it was Dan Hough’s first film, as he stunned me with his acting skills. Job. Well. Done.

https://screenrant.com/james-mcavoy-speak-no-evil-movie-streaming/

https://decider.com/2024/12/06/speak-no-evil-2024-streaming-movie-review

Some interesting factoids. I thought the farm was amazing and I was mesmerized by the details.

https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/5-terrifying-details-behind-the-scenes-of-speak-no-evil

Spoilers all over the place about the original Swedish film. The revamp is different, but fair warning.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/watched-original-speak-no-evil-2022-unsettling

🐕 Warm and Fuzzy Holidays…

Full disclosure. I actually have a dog nativity. Although it looks more like a bunch of ceramic dogs with one in a basket. These are pretty impressive.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/pets/dogs-take-center-stage-as-nativity-characters-this-christmas/ar-AA1w3gHn

https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/pets/over-175-dogs-dressed-up-as-nativity-characters-for-christmas/article_63334713-70df-5596-ab4d-3945444fdcd2.html

Cutest presents ever, but please, never give someone a pet as a gift for real.

Pets love Hanukkah too!

Pet safety.

https://paradepets.com/dogs/how-to-keep-your-dog-safe-around-christmas-tree

Hannah & El Wray Wish You a Happy Holiday!

🎅 Quotes of the Week

The thing about Christmas is, it’s never just about the one you’re celebrating now, it holds the memories of all the other Christmases, and the ones you shared them with. – Aunt Stella (Vernee Wilson), General Hospital

Happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. – Frederick Koenig

If your goal is to enjoy some genuine joie de vivre this holiday season, keep in mind that the simplest acts of generosity, connection, and self-care can offer the biggest rewards. – 11 Ways to Experience Holiday Joy

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. – Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One! – Narrator, A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

🎁 Merry Everything To You…

Since there’s no new GH tomorrow and Bravo is in holiday mode, come back on Friday for soap and a post-game holiday review. Until then, stay safe; stay enjoying whatever holiday you celebrate, or if you celebrate none, stay enjoying your extra day off; and stay not being too hard on yourself, but still striving to be the best.

December 20, 2024 – It’s Not Christmas Eve In Port Charles Without Lasagna & Feliz

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What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

There are a couple bites out of the enchilada today because, Christmas. For whatever reason, they made it earlier this year and I had stuff to do.

General Hospital

At Maxie’s, James is explaining a game to Mac, then asks, where’s Spinelli? Spinelli walks in saying he comes bearing tasty treats, and James warns Mac that Georgie cheats. Maxie says she told James about not throwing shade when someone isn’t there to defend themselves, but Spinelli says he’s sure the Christmas spirit will prevail. He reminds James that he was allowed to open one present if he kept things copacetic.

In Rice Plaza, Laura tells her assistant that Santa will give out gifts, she’ll speak, and they’ll light the tree. Her assistant says, the football players are here with the gifts, and she has to show them where they go. She leaves, and Laura sees Trina. Trina says, Laura must be happy to have Christmas with her family, and Laura says she’s pinching herself. Lucky and Lulu haven’t been home for Christmas in years. Trina says, Spencer would have loved it.

Jack tells Anna, merry Christmas, and she says, if it’s not the Christmas Grinch. Is he here to steal the kids’ toys?

Alexis lets Kristina in and asks if she forgot her keys, but Kristina says she didn’t want to risk Molly. Alexis asks if this is the way it’s going to be, that they both can’t be in the same room, and Kristina says, for now. She’s planning on spending Christmas at dad’s.

Michael sees Sasha in the nook and says he thought she had the night off. She says she’s heading to Maxie’s for her first Scorpio Christmas. Does he need something? He says, Monica wants some tea, but he can get it, and Sasha says she knows Monica’s favorite blend. She’ll do it. She smells the tea and looks a little sick. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s just nervous being around family members. How is he doing? He says, the house feels empty without Wiley and Amelia and tomorrow will be worse. She says, Willow is letting him see the kids on Christmas, isn’t she?

Drew tells Nina that Willow took the kids to the playroom, and thanks her for inviting them. She says, he knows damn well she didn’t invite them. Why did he show up here?

Curtis says he’s glad Marshall could make it. Look who’s here. Stella says, he’s a sight for sore eyes, and Poria says, look who made it. Marshall says, nothing could keep him from the family on Christmas, and Stella hugs him. She says, he looks fabulous.

Sonny arrives at Carly’s with a covered dish, and says, you can’t have Christmas Eve without lasagna. Carly says, Lucas has to work, but they’ll save him some, and he asks, where’s Josslyn? She says, upstairs. She’s putting on a brave front. She asks if he’s talked to Michael, and he says, they’re coming, right? She says, he and Willow separated, and Willow and the kids are at Nina’s. He says he knew something was going on, and Carly says, Willow and Drew slept together.

Jack tells Anna that he’s no Grinch. He’s soaking up the wonder and excess of his first American Christmas. Anna says, he was here last year, but she guesses there’s not much holiday cheer in Pentenville. He says, she doesn’t let him get away with anything. That’s why she enlisted Carly to bug his office. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and he says, she had a government issue listening device. Anna says, Carly is resourceful, and he says, no hard feelings. Can he buy her a drink? They can commiserate about being alone on the holiday. She tells him, speak for himself. She’s spending the holiday with loved ones. That reminds her, she’s still got shopping to do. Merry Christmas.

Maxie says, Lulu being back is the best Christmas present ever, and James asks when Cody and Sasha are coming. Maxie says she told him that Cody isn’t coming, and he says he was hoping Cody would change his mind. He finally has an uncle, and he should be here for Christmas.

Michael says, he and Willow and the kids are having Christmas breakfast at the MetroCourt, and Sasha says, she’s sorry about what’s happening. He says, it’s nice to have someone to talk to. She’s a good friend. She says, he won’t be alone tonight, and he says he’s going to his mom’s. Christmas is better with kids, even if they’re not his. She gives him the tea and he says he’ll go give it to Monica. As he’s leaving, Sasha says, Michael… Merry Christmas, and he says, merry Christmas. Enjoy her family.

Carly tells Sonny that Michael got a nanny cam and that’s how he caught them. When the video was played, it was a mess. Sonny asks if that’s why Jason beat up Drew, and she says, yeah. He can say it. She was wrong about Drew, and he told her so. He says he’s sorry Drew turned out to be a snake. She, Michael, and even Willow don’t deserve to be put through this. But mark my words. Drew is going to pay for what he did.

Drew says he thought he and Nina were fine, but she says she didn’t say no because she thought he’d have the decency not to show up. Drew says, they were invited, so they’re here, and Nina says, in her home. He says, where Willow and her grandchildren are staying. Does he need to remind her that he had a hand in her and Willow’s reconciliation? Nina says she hasn’t forgotten anything, and he says, he’s sorry. His feelings for Willow are strong… Nina says she recalls how strong his feelings are… on the desk… on the floor… on the couch… in her bed… Willow comes in and asks if everything is okay, and Nina says she was just wishing Drew a merry Christmas. She leaves the room, and Willow asks if Drew would like a drink. He says, yes, please, and in another room, Nina makes a call. She says, I need you here now.

Kristina says she wanted to stop by and give Alexis her present, and Alexis says she has something for Kristina too, but she thought she had until tomorrow to wrap it. Kristina says, Alexis didn’t need to get her anything. Alexis got her through the year and that’s enough. She appreciates her. Alexis says, it’s been a hell of a year. She would do the same thing again. She would walk through fire for all her girls. Kristina says she’s sorry that the last time they were all together she ruined it by fighting with Molly. Alexis says, they weren’t supposed to lose Sam, and Kristina says, they weren’t supposed to lose Adela either. She’s trying to accept it and hopes Alexis knows that she loves her, even though she can’t be here. Alexis says she loves Kristina too, and Molly. And she’ll never stop hoping Molly and Kristina will be close again.

Portia tells Marshall, TJ can’t make it, but Trina will be here soon. Trina is back in school and back on track. Marshall says he’s glad to hear Heather is out of the picture, and Portia says, thanks to Curtis. Marshall says, it’s nice not to have things hanging over your head. How are things at Aurora? Curtis says he’s going to wait until Trina gets here to answer.

Laura says she heard Trina has gone back to PCU. It’s good she’s moved on with her life. Trina says she hopes Laura doesn’t think she forgot Spencer, but Laura says, Spencer would want her to move on and enjoy her life. Trina says she appreciates Laura saying that, and Laura says, she’s grateful Spencer experienced great love. As someone who’s experienced more than one great love, Laura wants her to know that she can find love again. Laura’s assistant needs her, and Laura says, duty calls. Enjoy her Christmas with her family and give them her best. She leaves and Kai comes into the plaza. He tells Trina, happy holidays.

Josslyn comes downstairs and Carly says, the donation to the community shelter hasn’t been picked up. She’ll be right back. She leaves, and Josslyn tells Sonny that she guesses it’s just them. He says he’s sorry for what happened to Dex. He has a lot of regrets about what went down. He knows Josslyn loved Dex and he loved her. He wishes he had the chance to say he’s sorry. Josslyn says she was hard on Dex for working for Sonny. And she’s been very hard on Sonny. He says, a little bit, and she says, Dex accepted him for who he is. Dex saw who he is and helped her to see the world is not so black and white. No one is all good or all bad. So for the sake of everybody they have in common, especially those little girls upstairs, peace. He says, peace, and they hug.

Felicia calls Sasha, who says she’s on her way. Felicia says she’s glad she caught Sasha. James has been asking about Cody non-stop, and Mac isn’t saying anything, but he looks so sad. She was thinking she would call and invite him. Would it make her uncomfortable? Sasha says, not at all. Cody should be with family. But don’t call. She’s got this.

Nina thanks Ava and Ric for coming. Help themselves to a drink. Ava tosses Ric her coat, and he leaves. Ava asks, where’s Drew? and Nina says, with Willow on the kids in the other room. She can’t believe he showed up after he blew up Willow’s marriage. Ava says, Nina didn’t say that in front of Willow, and Nina says she wanted to. She doesn’t know how long she can look at his smarmy face and not want to punch in his perfect teeth. She needs a drink. Ava says, she can’t risk it, and Nina says, this sucks. It was supposed to be a memorable Christmas. Ava says, she needs to focus, or she could lose her daughter, and Nina says she’s got it.

Jack goes to Bobbie’s and sees the Closed sign. Carly comes out, and he says, it’s a Christmas miracle. Santa read his letter. She says, for his entire life he’s been on the naughty list, and he knows it, and he says, it takes one to know one.

Kai says, his team collected toys for Santa to hand out to the kids, and Trina asks why he’s not home. He says he has to get ready for the next game. Some of the guys are getting together. Professor Donahue accepted their extension, and they can do their presentation for her after break. Does she want to schedule a time to rehearse? She says, another time. Focus on the game. He says, cool. Enjoy her holiday. He’ll catch her in the new year

Anna tells Laura, merry Christmas, and Laura asks if she’s staying for the tree lighting. Anna asks if Lulu will be attending, and Laura says she thinks Lulu should be here any minute. Anna asks if Lulu knows about her and Charlotte, and Laura says, she means the shooting.

Ava says, Nina got what she wanted. Willow and her grandchildren are living with her and Michael is out of Willow’s life. Don’t blow it over Drew. Nina says, he makes her want to scream. Willow and Drew walk over to Ava and Ric, and Willow says she didn’t realize they were having more company. Ava introduces Ric, and Willow says, he’s Molly’s dad. Ava says, Willow’s mother took pity on them. They had nothing to do. Nina asks, how are the kids? and Willow says, perfect. Drew got them perfect gifts. Drew says, Scout helped him pick them out, and Ric says he heard about the changes at Aurora, and Nina says, what changes? Ric says, she might have a new boss. Drew is out and Michael Corinthos is in.

Diane shows up at Alexis’s, and Alexis asks if she shouldn’t be on her way to the airport. She’s going to miss her flight. Diane says she was hoping Alexis would reconsider and accompany her to St. Barth’s, land of sexy single French men and $100 lobster dinners. Alexis says, none of that sounds appetizing. She’s not going to leave Molly. Diane suggests they take her, but Alexis says she’s sure Molly is working as a distraction. She’s trying to muster up the energy to decorate. Diane says, why? She’s just going to take it down in a week. Alexis says she wants to normalize anything for Molly and Kristina. She misses Sam so much. Diane says she’s sorry and hugs her.

Michael asks if Sonny made lasagna, and Sonny says, it’s not Christmas Eve without it. Kristina and Josslyn go to the kitchen for hot cider, and Sonny asks how Michael is doing. Carly told him about Drew and Willow. What can he do? Michael says, he can turn back time, and Sonny says he wishes he could. Carly said he let Willow take the kids. Michael says he has his reasons, and Sonny says he’s glad Michael didn’t do what he did, use him and Morgan against their mother.  

Stella says, Trina is here. Let’s hear the big news. Curtis says, they’re looking at the permanent CEO of Aurora Media. Drew tried to double-cross him, but he and Michael outmaneuvered him.

Drew says, Curtis was responsible for the unfinished document being released. Michael claimed he bought the stock to avoid a hostile takeover, but the stole the company from him. Willow says she can’t believe Michael would do something like that, and he says he’s glad they didn’t destroy the company further. Nina asks how Michael is going to run both ELQ and Aurora, and Drew says, Curtis is CEO of Aurora. Nina asks if Nina needs help in the kitchen and suggests Ric help too. Ric follows them, grabbing a bottle of liquor off the bar on his way. Willow tells Drew that Michael is going after him because of them. First, he pretended they were fine, but rather than confront her, he let the video come out. Now he steals Drew’s company. She’s beginning to feel like she doesn’t know Michael at all.

Alexis says she hates the rift, but nothing works to fix it, and Diane says, it’s not her issue to fix. It’s between the girls. Alexis is grieving for Sam and it’s time to focus on herself. Alexis says she’s trying to give Molly some kind of Christmas. Molly lost her child, her sister, her partner, and her home. And she wants to pitch all this crap out the door. She shoves a box of decorations with her foot, and Diane says, it might make her feel better. Would Alexis like her to stay? Alexis says she wants Diane to go and have a good time. She’ll muddle through somehow. Diane says, she doesn’t have to muddle alone. There’s someone who loves Molly just as much as she does and she bets they have no plans on Christmas. Alexis says, no, and Diane asks if she can’t put her grief aside for the sake of her daughter’s Christmas. Alexis asks if Diane doesn’t have a plane to catch, and Diane says, just think about it, for Molly’s sake. Alexis says, have a nice flight.

Cody comes into the nook and asks, where’s the leak? Sasha says, there is no leak. She needed to talk to him, and she wasn’t sure he’d come. He says, she tricked him. He thought she couldn’t find a plumber on Christmas Eve. She says, precisely. She’s been invited to dinner with the family. He says he’s not going. She must be relieved that they’re not repeating the weird awkwardness at Thanksgiving. She says, he must have been at a different dinner. She had a lovely time with her new family. He says, she can’t tell him that she wasn’t uncomfortable, and she says she had her moments, but they’re both adults, they both live here, and they’re both Scorpios. They have to get used to seeing each other at family gatherings. He says, it’s good she’s leaning into the family thing. He’s not and he doubts he’ll be missed. She says, he always does this. He assumes the worst about himself. She doesn’t know who will be more disappointed, Mac or James. She knows Felicia and Maxie want him to be there too. Believe it or not, he deserves a family. Let us in.

Laura tells Anna that Lulu doesn’t know about the shooting. With everything else going on, she didn’t want it in the mix. When Charlotte gets home safe and she finds the right moment, she’ll tell her. Anna says, she’ll have a lot of questions, and Laura says, it was an accident. Anna says, she’ll never forgive herself, but Laura says, she must. They all have. She has, Charlotte has, and she knows Lulu will too.

Jack asks if he’s in disgrace with Carly or are they okay, and she says, he lied about being able to contact Valentin. He says, she bugged his office and browbeat him into calling, and she says, Valentin wasn’t there, so he was no help at all. He says, there’s a long-standing tradition with warring armies that they lay down their arms on Christmas. What does she say? He doesn’t want war with her at any time. She says, the grill is cold, but she can make sandwiches and has food in the car she’s taking to the shelter. She can make him a care package. He says, that’s very kind, but room service at the MetroCourt will do. He starts to leave, but she says, wait.

Laura tells her assistant that she wants to try to keep on schedule. Doc is cooking and she can’t wait to see her family around the dinner table.

Kristina says she’s sorry about Dex, and Josslyn says she knows Kristina had a rough year. Kristina says she’s going through the motions. It’s hard to find anything to celebrate. Donna comes down and says, they look sad. She knows what will cheer them up. She leads them upstairs.

Sonny says he regrets using Michael and Morgan against their mother. He was angry and wanted to hurt her and he was absolutely wrong. Michael says he can’t put his kids through that kind of pain, and Sonny says, he’s a good father and a good man. Michael says he’s not sure about the second one. Sonny says he heard Michael owns Aurora, and Michael says he stole it from Drew. Sonny laughs and says, that’s my boy. They clink glasses.

Trina says, Drew is Curtis’s friend, but Curtis says, not anymore. Stella says, interesting, and Marshall says, he’s all set, no funny business from Michael? Curtis says he had Michael sign a five-year contract, iron clad, and Trina says, you go. Stella says she can’t wait to see what Tracy has to say about it. She needs to check on the food. Trina and Marshall go with her to help, and Portia asks if Curtis is okay. Curtis says he knows he deserves the job as CEO, but he hates that he had to resort to the same ruthlessness Drew has shown. And he hates that he lost a friendship. Portia says, Drew should feel that way, but she doesn’t think he is. Curtis fought fire with fire. Curtis tells her that he never thought he would say it, but he won’t be sorry when Drew leaves for DC.

Anna arrives at Maxie’s, and Maxie says, Anna was alluding to a huge surprise, but Anna says, it’s not quite here yet. Spinelli answers the door to Sasha, and says, greetings, newbie. Felicia says, no Cody, and Sasha says she tried. James runs out and asks if Uncle Cody is with her, but she says she’s so sorry. He won’t make it this year. James mopes, and Mac hugs Sasha. He says, it’s nice to see her, but he’s obviously disappointed about Cody.

Willow tells Drew that she and the kids are having breakfast with Michael. She hopes nothing goes wrong. He says he doubts it will. She’s a great mom and Michael is a great dad. She says she can’t believe he said something kind about Michael. On the side, Ava asks if Ric is enjoying the show, and he tells her, and they say he’s sleazy. Willow is looking at Drew like he walks on water. Ava says, she’s seriously infatuated. She wonders if that will change, now that fantasy has morphed into reality, and Ric says, time will tell. Willow’s world blew up and Drew’s making the most of that. She says, that’s for them to figure out, and he tells her, so says the woman who gave up difficult to get reservations to help a friend. She says, they can still celebrate, and he says, they’ve got mistletoe. She says, there’s no mistletoe, and he says, use her imagination. They almost kiss, but his phone rings. He says, what is it? and Alexis says she needs to see him. He asks if Molly is okay, and she says, that’s up to him. Can he come over?

Ric arrives at Alexis’s house, and he says he hopes it’s not for nothing. Why is he here?  

Mac tells James, it’s a bummer about Cody, and James says, yeah. Mac says he’ll let James in on a secret. He feels the same way too. Don’t take it personal. Some people don’t like parties. James says, Cody likes horses more than people, and Mac says, he likes James. Why don’t they go visit him after Christmas? They can go riding together. James says, okay.

In the kitchen, Maxie says, ginger ale. Morning sickness sucks. Sasha says, it comes in waves. She’ll be okay in a bit. In the living room, Felicia says, still no surprise, and Anna asks, where’s Spinelli? Felicia says, he went to pick Georgie up at a friend’s house. Anna is avoiding her question. Anna says, yes, she knows, when the doorbell rings. James opens the door and Cody is there. He says, merry Christmas, everyone.  

Ava says, Nina can’t set Drew on fire with her mind, and Nina says she can dream. Willow says she wants to propose a toast. To Nina, for hosting this beautiful Christmas Eve. They all clink glasses, and Willow says she’s so grateful to have Nina by her side, even after all the times she pushed Nina away. I can’t thank you enough for your support, mom. Nina hugs Willow and looks at Drew. He bursts into flames.

Stella says, it does her heart good to have them together. She misses TJ, but she knows the hospital needs him. They’ve faced dark times, hardship, and loss, and they came through it all. They’re blessed. Curtis says he’d like to give the blessing.  He’s beyond honored to be Aurora’s CEO, but his dad is on tour with Wynton Marsalis, no doubt giving him all he can handle. His beautiful daughter is thriving at PCU and making him and her mother proud. The whole family is so very proud of her. And to his precious wife, who is masterfully running GH and looking beautiful while doing it. And Aunt Stella, the glue that keeps it all together. They are extremely blessed. Stella says, we are. Let us give thanks. They join hands.

Josslyn and Kristina come back with stickers all over them, and Josslyn says, they all know how much Donna likes stickers. Carly comes in and says she’s sorry she’s late. She brought an extra guest for dinner. Jack says, Mr. Corinthos. Jack Brennan. Good. We finally meet. He holds his hand out, but Sonny just looks at him.

No preview, but full credits with a jazzy version of Oh, Christmas Tree playing.

🧊 As Cold As Ice…

Real life got in the way of my blog life today, and I still have miles to go before I sleep, so just soap. But stay tuned for a surprise holiday hijinks edition to make up for it. Until then, stay safe; stay not feeling like you have to get it all done and make time for what’s important – relationships with family and friends; and stay focused on the game, whatever goal you may be aiming for.

December 19, 2024 – Curtis Confronts Drew, New Girlfriend, Missed New York, Charming Dog Party, Little Craig’s First Birthday & More Wrapping

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Isaiah is in the steam room when Jordan comes in. She asks what he’s doing in here.

Brook and Gio wrap gifts, and Brook wonders if she went overboard, but Gio says, there’s no such thing as too many presents. And no matter how many presents Scout and Danny get, they’ll still miss their mom.

Sasha is at a table in the nook, when Jason walks in with a plate. Without looking up, she says, put it down. Does he like it when someone does his job? Leave the plate. He wisely puts it down and asks if she’s coming up with new stuff. She says, she’s figuring out how to repurpose leftovers so she can serve the same food twice and no one thinks she’s slacking. He says he doesn’t think anyone would, and she asks if he’s met Tracy. He says, point taken. He wanted to thank her for having snacks available for the kids. Danny and Scout don’t have much of an appetite. Sasha says, they lost their mom. It’s the least she can do. Since he’s here, she wants to say thank you. He says, for what? and she says she owes him her life.

Willow comes into Nina’s apartment, and Nina says she probably over did it with the decorations. Willow says, she can’t believe Nina did this for the kids, but Nina says she did it for Willow too. And that’s not all she did.

Tracy opens the door to Martin, who says he’s here for Michael. She asks what business he has with Michael, and he says, confidential business. She says, Michael’s not here. He can leave the paperwork with her. He says he can’t do that.

Drew goes into his office and finds Curtis there. Curtis asks, what brings him by? and Drew says, the stock is plummeting. What is Curtis doing about it? Why doesn’t he seem concerned that Drew’s company is in trouble?

In the Wellness Center gym, Michael looks at the press release from Aurora Media on his tablet. Chase comes in and asks if Michael is okay. Michael asks why he wouldn’t be, and Chase says, what happened at the party was rough. Michael says, it wasn’t the happiest Quartermaine gathering, and Chase says he’s sorry for what Michael is going through. Michael says, Chase is being generous considering Michael did to Chase what Drew is doing to him.

Josslyn sees Cameron in Rice Plaza.

Isaiah says he didn’t expect to see Jordan, and Jordan says she didn’t expect to see him in the women’s steam room. He says, oh my God. He swears he saw the sign… He’s just going to go. He tries to open the door, but it’s stuck. Jordan says, you’ve got to be kidding me.

Tracy asks if Martin is trying to save money on a process server. She figures he’s here to serve Michael papers. He says he’s sorry, but he’s not at liberty to discuss it, and she asks if she can make a guess. She thinks Michael’s faithless wife retained him, along with her barracuda of a mother. He repeats that he’s not at liberty to discuss it. Tracy tells him to take a message back. Going against Michael is going against the entire Quartermaine family. Martin says, she sounds over rehearsed. Does she say that to the pizza delivery boy on Thanksgiving? She says, a word of advice. Tell the harlots he’s working for to raise the white flag. He asks why he would do that, and she says, because smarter and richer people have gone against the Quartermaines and they always end up victorious.

Michael says he guesses turnabout is fair play, but Chase says he doesn’t see it that way. He never did. Michael says, he loved Willow and supposes that’s why he justified her being with Drew, and Chase says, what he did was misguided, but he’s a good guy and no one deserves to go through what he’s going through. If Michael wants to talk, he’s here. Michael says he might take Chase up on it, but now he has to figure out what’s next.

Curtis says, the stock price is already stabilizing, and Drew says, the quarterly report was released early. How could Curtis let that happen? Why isn’t he doing something? Curtis asks why he should do anything, and Drew says, it’s his job. Curtis says, sounds like a job for a CEO. Isn’t Drew replacing him with Michael?

Nina says, it might seem like she overstepped, but she retained Martin Grey as Willow’s attorney. He filed for a legal separation from Michael. Willow says she wishes Nina had talked to her first, and Nina says, they’re talking now. They have to be proactive. No one knows better than she does that Michael’s family will be. Time is not on their side. Willow says, it’s been one day, and Nina says, a lot can happen. Michael will be represented by Diane Miller and she’s the best. He’ll probably want full custody. Willow says, no. Michael knows the children belong with her. When it comes to the kids, they’ll find a way to compromise. Nina says, Michael is a Quartermaine and a Corinthos, and they never compromise.

Josslyn asks when Cameron got in, and he says, today. He’s just passing through to wish everyone a merry Christmas. His mom nearly hugged the life out of him. She says, if he’s just passing through, where is he spending the holidays? He says, Key West, and she says, after all the times he grumbled at her about going to Puerto Rico. He doesn’t deserve a warm Christmas. He says, how about her and Dex? Are they doing anything?…  Is she okay? She says, obviously, he wouldn’t know, but Dex just died.

Brook says, Gio must miss his ma, and he says, she loved to play Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle every year. It’s an Italian Christmas Carol. Brook asks what it means, and he says, you come down from the stars. He’ll play it for her sometime. She says she’d love that. He can tell her that it’s none of her business – not that she doesn’t appreciate the help, which she clearly needs – but why is he home? Doesn’t he have any holiday plans with friends?

Isaiah says, the was fine when he came in, and Jordan says, something must have happened when she shut it. They can’t just stand here like lobsters in a pot. He says, technically, they’re being steamed, not boiled, and she says, help her find something to open the door. He says, they have towels, his workbook, and their hands, and she says, now what? He says, they call for help. They start pounding on the door and yelling.

Jason says, sorry she got caught up with Sidwell, and Sasha says, that was because of her mother. He asks if she’s heard from Holly, and she says, usually she would answer, are you kidding me? but Holly and Robert have been texting her. Sometimes she texts back. He says, they seemed driven to find her, and she says, it’s less trouble to believe that about Robert, who she just met, then her mother, who she’s known her whole life. Her mother had her reasons. He says, parents are human too, and she says, her mother had the good sense to send him to rescue her, so she guesses Holly can’t be all that bad.

Chase says, so Michael doesn’t want to end his marriage? and Michael says he doesn’t. He’s still angry, but the video popped up and his whole family saw it. He never wanted that to happen. He didn’t want Willow to ever know about the video. Chase says, why not? They both have to be honest with each other. Michael says he didn’t want to confront Willow. He was afraid it would blow up his marriage. Now, it may be too late to save it.

Nina tells Willow that Michael has his family – Carly, Sonny, and all the Quartermaines – and they’re all protective of each other and extremely possessive about their children. Willow says she can’t think, but Nina says, that’s what she’s here for and Martin is here for. No matter what it takes or costs, she’ll do everything to make sure the children stay with Willow. She has to remember, she can’t count on anyone in Michael’s family to help her. Willow says, that’s not true. Drew is on her side. Nina tells her that she hates to say it, but Drew really isn’t a man Willow should rely on.

Drew asks what Curtis is talking about, and Curtis asks if he was misinformed. Drew says he was going to put Curtis back in Wellness with a big bump in salary, and Curtis says, that’s generous, especially since Drew knows Aurora thrived under his leadership. Drew says, until today. The stock dive put the company in jeopardy and Curtis did nothing to stop it. Curtis says, so Drew has had zero complaints about his performance until today. Interesting. Drew says, he let it happen on purpose. Was it payback? He’s got to let Curtis go. It’s what’s best for the company. Curtis says, it’s not and Drew can’t do that. In fact, he’s just been promoted.

Cameron tells Josslyn that he’s so sorry. He had no idea. Josslyn says, it just happened last night, and he says he can’t imagine how she’s feeling. She says she wouldn’t want him to, and he says, she’s probably sick of people asking, but how is she doing? She says, right now, she’s putting one foot in front of the other. Dex just graduated from the police academy. He was on duty when he was stabbed. He hugs her and says he’s so sorry.

Jordan and Isaiah continue to bang on the door, and Jordan yells, we’re stuck! Can anyone hear me? On the other side of the door, a woman asks if they need help, and Isaiah says, the door is stuck. It won’t open. She asks if he’s aware he’s in the women’s steam room, and he says, yes. He’s new… Jordan says, they can discuss it later. The woman tries the door and says, yep, it’s stuck. She’ll get help. Jordan says, please turn off the steam… More steam comes in, and Isaiah asks if it’s getting hotter. Jordan says, of course (🍷).

Martin tells Tracy that no one is going to side with a spoiled billionaire against a beautiful, young mother who has survived a cult and cancer. Tracy asks if they’re going to tie her to a railroad track, and he says he supposes a woman as bitter as she is doesn’t understand that optics matter. She says, Willow slept with her husband’s uncle. What jury will find that more sympathetic than a loving father who would do anything for his children? He says, good question, but you know what they say, marriage is complicated. They both know that since they have eight between them. She’s got him beat by two. She says she used to feel sorry for him, but he’s nothing but a vulture, feeding off broken relationships and misery. How does he look in the mirror? He laughs and says, all that from a woman whose only source of joy is to make life miserable for everyone else, and he leaves.

Chase asks why Michael thinks he and Willow don’t tell each other the truth, and Michael says, they’re always trying to protect each other. Chase asks what he’s protecting Willow from, and Michael says, ELQ, Aurora, him going after his dad, him dealing with Nina… Chase says he’s not seeing why it’s worth it to keep secrets, when they could share their burdens, and Michael says he wants Willow to think the best of him. He can’t be honest, and he can’t know for sure, but when Willow sees Drew, she sees someone who won’t lie to her. It’s the one thing that draws her to him.

Curtis tells Drew that there will be a press release soon saying the company has a new majority shareholder, Michael Corinthos, and Michael has named him new permanent CEO affective immediately. Drew says, he and Michael teamed up against him, but Curtis says, they saw an opportunity and took it. Drew says, they manipulated the stock to steal the company from him, but Curtis says, the preliminary report being released was an accident. Drew says he was Curtis’s friend. How could Curtis do this to him? Curtis says, they were friends, until Drew decided to lie to him. Drew says he’s going to find a way to get Curtis removed from the office and the company, and Curtis says, good luck. He already made the mistake of trusting a Quartermaine once. This time, Michael has signed a legal and binding contract to insure he remains CEO of Aurora for five years. It’s in the best interest of the company. Drew says, if it wasn’t so despicable, he might be impressed (yeah, it’s always despicable when it’s not you), and Curtis says, there’s no way he’s letting a Quartermaine take advantage of him again. He refuses to be a pawn in the Quartermaine family games.

Nina says, Diane will use any contact Willow has with Drew to exploit that she slept with him, and Willow says, they didn’t plan it. It happened once. Nina says, that helps, but only if she doesn’t see Drew again. Willow says she and Drew aren’t seeing each other, and Nina says, she can’t see him socially and not privately. She doesn’t want to seem insensitive to Michael’s pain. Willow says, he’s not the only one in pain, and Nina says she knows Willow is hurting. Willow says she meant Drew. (Ugh.) He’s away from his daughter. Nina says she feels bad for Scout, but Drew did this to himself. Willow says, he’s going to be alone on Christmas, and Nina says, maybe he deserves that. Willow says, no one does. That’s why she invited him and Scout over on Christmas Eve.

Cameron says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s happy Josslyn and Dex found each other and had the time they did. Josslyn says she appreciates that, when Gretchen joins them and kisses Cameron on the cheek.

Jordan laughs and says, so this is how they die. Isaiah asks if she’s really worried, and she says, no…  mostly. Isaiah says, she saved him from an assassin, and she says, maybe someone’s trying to take out both of them. Two birds with one steam room. He says, she was a cop and this is how she goes out? and she says she wasn’t just a cop. She was Police Commissioner. He says, his point is, she’s been in more dangerous situations, and she says, how about him? He could say the same, working in war torn countries. This must be a walk in the park. A sweaty, disgusting park. He laughs.

Brook says, Gio is young. He should be out enjoying life. Gio says he is, but between moving here, practice, school, and practice, he doesn’t have much time for friends. She says, change is hard. She’s sure it was hard for his mom, moving to Brooklyn from Italy, but then she met his dad. He asks if she’s saying that he’s going to meet his future wife, and she says, he’d better before her mother finds her for him. She’s not trying to force him, but fair warning, she’s going to be on him. He’s got to get out there. He has a good heart and should share it with others. Corny? He says, yeah, but she sounds just like his mom.

Sasha tells Jason that it would be nice if she could forgive Holly, but she doesn’t know if she’ll ever get there. He says, families are complicated. His is complicated. She says she’s seen photos of him around the house and he looked like a different person. He says he was. That’s part of the reason he keeps his distance. He wouldn’t be here if Danny wasn’t here. She says, one more question. It’s a tough one. She saw a photo of him in a reindeer sweater. Any chance of him wearing it this year? He says, it doesn’t fit, and she says, it stretches. He says he heard, and she says, he’s not going to change his mind. He says, those days are long gone. (I would pay money to see Jason in a reindeer sweater.)

Chase says, Willow is beautiful and trusting and has a big heart, and Michael says, she’s practically perfect. Chase says, she’s not perfect. She’s suffered trauma. She was raised in a cult. Michael says, it took strength to run away from Dawn of Day, and Chase says, people who escape cults don’t trust easily. They put their trust in a rescuer like Drew. It’s easy to forget what she’s been through and put her on a pedestal. Michael says he did put Willow on a pedestal, and Chase says he thinks she did the same to him and Drew. Michael says he thought she was perfect and learned the hard way how wrong he was.

Drew says he brought Curtis in and handed him the Wellness division, and Curtis says, Drew trusted him. Drew says he never stopped trusting Curtis or being his friend, and Curtis says, they see friendship differently. Friends don’t lead each other on and don’t hide the truth. Drew asks why Curtis didn’t talk to him, and Curtis says he tried to, and Drew put him off like a lackey. Like he’s doing now, but refuses to see. Why did he offer Michael the CEO position? Drew says, Michael ran Aurora before and has more C-suite experience, but Curtis says, that’s not the reason. They both know what Drew can’t say aloud, so allow him. Drew offered Michael the job because he was sneaking around with Michael’s wife.

Isaiah tells Jordan that he was in medical school and had no time to eat or sleep. One night, he went to a megastore to stock up on some junk food. He went past the furniture section and saw a comfy recliner. Jordan says, and he was exhausted, so he took it for a test drive, and he says he closed his eyes for one minute and woke up at four in the morning. He was locked inside and had a final the next day. She says, and he had no phone, and he says he did, but… She says, it was dead, and he had to charge it, didn’t he? He says, maybe. He thought about calling the police, the fire department, his med school buddies, anyone who could help. The doors finally opened. She asks how he did on the final, and he says he aced it of course (🍷). She says, of course (🍷).

Cameron introduces Josslyn and Gretchen, and Gretchen says, Cameron told her about Josslyn, Trina and Spencer. Josslyn says she’s lucky she’s got great friends. She assumes they’re going to Key West together. Cameron says, Gretchen’s family has a house on the water. They were getting some last-minute gifts for her parents. Gretchen says, they need to head to the airport. She’s going to go call a Ride Share. She tells Josslyn that it was nice to meet her, and Josslyn says, her too. Gretchen leaves.  

Tracy asks for a word with Jason, and he says, sure. What does she need? She says she’s never made a secret of her dislike of him. He’s a thug, a murderer, and an ingrate. He says, okay, and she says, despite his rejecting the family at every turn, Monica, Alan, and her father loved him. He dismissed that love, and it meant nothing to him. He asks if there’s a point, and she says, yeah. He had no use for the family, but all of a sudden, he feels entitled to live here like nothing happened. He says he’s not entitled. Danny is. Danny needs his family and he’s here for him. And he’s trying to make it work with everyone, even her.

Curtis says, if Drew doesn’t mind, he has a company to run, and Drew says, Curtis may not trust him, but he can’t trust Michael. He has his own agenda. Curtis says he knows. Michael told him. He wanted to bring down the man who seduced his wife. That means he was the only person who had Aurora’s best interest at heart.

Nina tells Willow that when Diane hears she invited the man she committed adultery with to spend Christmas Eve with Michael’s children… Willow says, they’re her children too, and Nina says, they are, but they won’t be much longer if she keeps Drew in her life. Willow says, Scout will be here. Nina will be here. She’ll make sure she’s never alone with Drew. Nina says, she’s trying to think strategically. Willow is in for a very long, brutal battle. Willow says, it is Christmas. Leave the strategies to the lawyers. What she needs from Nina is to be her mom.  

Michael tells Chase that he wants to work things out. Despite everything, he still loves Willow. Chase says, he’s a good father and a loving husband if he chooses to forgive Willow and move past it. Michael says he might forgive Willow someday, but Drew, no. Never. Drew went after his wife, and he’ll never forgive him. Drew is going to pay for blowing up his marriage.

The steam room door opens, and a fireman comes in. He says, they’re free. The wedge was stuck in the door… Deputy Mayor. Jordan says, in the flesh. She thanks him for his help and leaves. Isaiah smiles.

Tracy says, for all her complaints about Jason, she’ll say one thing. He’s exactly who he says he is and never pretends to be anybody else. He asks, why would he? and she says, he’s a hitman and he’s asking, why would he? She vastly prefers his presence to that of his brother’s. He says, thank you? and she says, Drew made a big display of taking the Quartermaine name. Jason rejected it. Irony of ironies, between the hitman and the congressman, Jason has shown himself to be the true member of this family. He says he never thought of it that way, and she says, of course (🍷) he didn’t. He says, now he’s here for Danny. She’s right. He is.

Drew tells Curtis, this is not over. There’s no way he’s letting Curtis steal the company he built from the ground up. He goes out the door, and Curtis says, Drew forgot something. He takes off Drew’s nameplate and hands it to him. He says, Drew is still a minority shareholder and under his leadership, they’ll make great money. Aurora will be booming for the next five years.

Nina says, if Willow really wants it, okay. Drew can bring Scout over for Christmas Eve. Willow says she’ll make sure he knows the ground rules, but Nina says she’ll do it. And they’re going to keep Martin. Once Michael finds out, they’ll need him. Willow says, it will be fine for now, and Nina says she wants to let Willow know that she likes having her here. She’ll always be Willow’s mom and always be her for her. They hug.  

Martin finds Michael on the treadmill, and Michael asks what he’s doing here. Martin hands Michael an envelope and says, he can consider himself served. Martin leaves and Michael looks at the paperwork. It’s a filing for a legal separation.  

Cameron says, have a nice Christmas, and Josslyn tells him the same. They hug, and he tells her, take care. He leaves and Josslyn’s phone dings. She looks at it and says, 24 hours. My first full day without you. She looks up and closes her eyes. When she opens them, she sees Dex in full uniform. He smiles, and she looks around. When she looks back, he’s gone and she’s alone in the Plaza.

Tomorrow, Jack tells Carly that it’s a Christmas miracle; James says he finally has an uncle, so shouldn’t he be here for Christmas; and Willow tells Drew that she’s beginning to feel like she doesn’t know Michael at all.

💝 The Girl Behind Gretchen…

I actually remember Kids Bop. I’m just not sure why.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/who-is-camerons-girlfriend-on-general-hospital

🗽 Back To New York…

Since this wasn’t posted on the night of. TBH, I’ve already forgotten what happened. Except I keep getting reminded about Abe’s d*ck.

👒 Putting On the Dog…

The highlight of this episode was the 13th birthday party for Bella, Rodrigo and Tyler’s dog. Watching them shop for the party made me wish I had a gay best friend. The theme was Doggy Parton and cute dogs in outfits abounded. JT, however, was not invited, even though he could be considered a dog.

It was pretty much unanimous that he did not call Patricia a bitch, as Craig inferred. He also wrote Patricia an apology letter for his cluelessness at the Carolina Cup. In her interview, she said he was like an annoying gnat – agreed! – but letter writing was a lost art, and he did apologize. I’m sure it’s doubtful she’ll be inviting him to her next gentleman’s dinner though.

Madison asked JT to join her for coffee, and in her interview, she said, the last thing she needed was some little weasel in the middle of all this life. Again, agreed. She didn’t mince words, but asked if JT had ever seen her husband and made it clear that there was no world or lifetime in which she and JT would be lovers.

🐶 Little Craig Turns One…

The best thing about Shep.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/shep-rose-dog-lil-craig-first-birthday-southern-charm

❄️ A Woman Made Of Snow…

Join me tomorrow for soap and other matters of importance. Until then, stay safe; stay not overdoing the alcohol at holiday gatherings; and stay being exactly who you say you are and never pretending to be anybody else. Be like Jason.

December 18, 2024 – Nina Hires Martin For Willow, Early Soap Roll Call, Salty Talk, Guilty, Movie Watch, Keeping Warm & Drummer

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Elizabeth says, they have to find a connection between Dex and Sam other than her, and Lucky says, she had nothing to do with it. Aiden comes in and says, look who he found hanging around their front door. Cameron says, merry Christmas, and he and Elizabeth hug.

Walking into her apartment on the phone, Josslyn says she’s fine. She promises to call if she’s not. Love you too. She picks up a gift from under the tree and the tag says, To Dex, Love, Joss.

In a busy room, Felicia tells Jordan, a coat drive, a food pantry, a healthy clinic, and now flu shots. Does Jordan think it’s enough? It’s amazing. Jordan says she wants to do more, and Felicia says, she should be proud of putting all this together.

As Nina decorates, she says she’s not sure if she’s going to get done before Wiley and Amelia come out of the playroom. Ava asks if they’ve been in there all week, and Nina says, they love the new nanny she hired and so does Willow. Ava says, given time, Nina would bring in a real reindeer, and Nina says, she wants it to be special for Wiley and Amelia. Is it too much? Ava says she loves it, but Nina should make sure her eggnog is spiked.

Curtis shows Michael the early quarterly report, and Michael says, it’s way below market expectations. Curtis says, according to the final report, they’re doing well, but looking at the draft, it would be an easy mistake to make thinking it’s the final. What does Michael think would happen if it got leaked? Michael says, the stock price would crater, and Curtis says, if that happened, someone like Michael would be able to buy up the Aurora stock and be the majority shareholder. Then he can be officially named CEO like they planned.

On the phone in front of the coffee warehouse, Jason says, no one can hide from Spinelli, not even Valentin… Time isn’t something they have. Carly flies in and asks how could Jason not tell her that Willow cheated on Michael with Drew?

Jordan says, so far, so good, and Felicia says, it’s great. Jordan says, having the GH staff here put them over the top. She thanks Felicia for making it happen.

Cameron introduces Gretchen Ross, and Elizabeth asks if she’s the Gretchen from Music Theory. Gretchen says, so Cameron has been talking about her, and he says, her name come up once or twice. He and Lucky hug, and he introduces Lucky to Gretchen. He says, a lot has changed. Look how big Aiden is. Aiden says he didn’t stop growing when Cameron left, and Elizabeth asks if they’re hungry. She has food in the fridge, but nothing prepared. Cameron says he’s sorry he didn’t give her a heads up that he was coming early, but Elizabeth tells him not to apologize for her having more time with him. He says, about Christmas…

Trina comes into the apartment and says she thought Josslyn was at her mom’s. Josslyn says she was… Trina says, it doesn’t matter, and hugs her. She’s so sorry. Josslyn says she can’t feel anything.

Jason and Carly walk inside the warehouse, and Jason says, Carly can get mad at him, but first, how’s Josslyn? She says, not great. She wanted to go back to her apartment. He says, maybe that’s a good thing, and she says, maybe. Josslyn doesn’t need to worry about her brother’s marriage. He asks, what happened? and she says, Tracy blasted footage on the big screen at the Christmas party of Drew and Willow together. And by together she means… Jason says he knows what she means. She says, he saw the footage? and he says, Michael showed him. She asks if that’s why he beat up Drew, and he says, yes. She asks why he didn’t tell her, but he says, it wasn’t his place. It was Michael’s.

Curtis asks if Michael is comfortable leaking the early report, and Michael says, people could mistakenly conclude Aurora is on the verge of Chapter 11. Curtis says, a simple clerical error, and Michael says he has a friend at the Wall Street Journal that he could leak it to, but there’s something he needs to run by Curtis first. Curtis says, Michael isn’t backing out, and Michael says, not him. What about Curtis?

Willow says, Isaiah doesn’t fit the typical surgeon profile, and he says, because he’s not arrogant and self-important? She says she’s known surgeons like that… Not him. He says he loves helping people, and she says, her too, and it takes her mind off her own problems. Obviously, they don’t compare with what these people are going through. Drew walks in and Jordan gives him a look that makes me laugh.

Ava says she’s sorry to drop in on Nina’s holiday extravaganza when she’s dealing with this situation. Her trial is finally over. Nina says she’s happy Ava got off and glad she dropped by. When the dust settles, they’re going to have the most magnificent holiday. Ava says she’s never seen Nina is such a positive mood, and Nina says she’s never had her daughter and grandchildren with her. It’s a Christmas miracle. Michael has been standing between Willow and true happiness. She can finally have a relationship with her daughter. Ava says, for now, and Nina asks what she means. Ava says, Nina needs to hear this. Nina’s got to tell Willow about her and Drew before it’s too late.

Cameron says, Gretchen’s parents invited him to Key West for Christmas, and Lucky says, meeting the parents is a big step. Cameron says he feels bad. He knows Jake is in Barcelona aging up visiting his host family. Elizabeth says, he’s not missing anything. They’re going to celebrate Christmas today.  

Jordan says she didn’t expect to see Drew here, and he says he wanted to thank her for her amazing work taking care of the underserved. She says she’s a public servant and serving the community is her job, and he says, she’s good at it. He also wants to thank the GH staff.

Nina says she can’t tell Willow about her relationship with Drew. Not now. Ava says she tried to get Nina to do it before, and Nina says, Willow has to be able to know she can trust her. Ava says, she will if Nina tells her the truth about her involvement with Drew before Willow had feelings for him. Nina tells her that Willow will say she should have said something when she found out they kissed, and Ava says, then apologize and tell her why she didn’t. Nina says, that’s not going to work, and Ava says, nothing will work if she’s not honest and if Willow hears it from someone else. Nina says she has no choice. If she tells Willow about her and Drew, she’ll run back to Michael.

Curtis asks why he’d want to back out, and Michael says he wants Curtis to know everything before he goes ahead. Willow and Drew’s affair came out in front of the whole family. Curtis says, damn. He’s sorry. Michael says he wants to play out what that means. Drew was going to give him Aurora when he thought all Michael knew about was the kiss. Curtis says, to buy Michael’s silence, and Michael says, to keep the peace. Now there’s no peace. Drew blames him for the affair coming out. He’s not going to let Michael near Aurora. He knows he said Drew wouldn’t keep Curtis on if he didn’t take the position, but now with this chaos, there’s a chance he’ll keep Curtis on. So now that the truth is out, Curtis can call the whole thing off. Curtis says, no, he can’t.

Jason says, If Michael wanted Carly to know, he’d have told her, but Carly says, maybe not, but she encouraged Michael to give Drew a chance to prove he’s a good guy. Drew and Willow got close because she pushed Michael to trust Drew. Jason says, Drew and Willow are responsible for their own actions, and Carly says, Michael let Willow and the kids go with Nina because he’s still in love with Willow. She didn’t think he’d let her take the kids, but if he doesn’t get them back, they’re in for a hell of a fight. Jason says, call Diane. She lives for a good fight. Carly says, she’ll show Diane the video, it explains what a sleazebag his brother is.

Drew says he’s not surprised Willow is here, and she says she signed up weeks ago. He asks Isaiah if he can borrow Willow, and Jordan gives him another icy look. They go into the hallway, and Drew says he was hoping to see her. She says, they can’t be seen together, but he says he doesn’t care. All he cares about is himself her.

Elizabeth gives Cameron a grocery list for their Christmas feast, and he leaves with Gretchen. Lucky says, she’s handling it well, and she says she had a feeling this might happen. Whenever she asked when Cameron was coming home, she didn’t get a straight answer. Now she knows why. She can afford to be flexible. It’s nice to see her son happy.

Josslyn tells Trina that after the video, she went to the hospital to see Dex. When she got there, they were trying to revive Him. She’d just spoken to him, and he was completely fine. Then he was gone. Trina says she wishes Josslyn had called her, and Josslyn says, Anna was there, and Jason stayed with her until her mom came. Her mom wanted her to stay, but she can’t. She wants to be alone. Trina asks if Josslyn wants her to go, but Josslyn says, not her. She’s glad Trina is here, but everybody else is a million miles away. Trina says she knows the feeling, and Josslyn says she knows. She kept trying to remember what she told Trina when she lost Spencer. She thought it would help, but it doesn’t. Nothing helps. Trina says, nothing will for a while. If Josslyn wants to talk or not talk or be alone or have company or just sit and look at the tree, whatever Josslyn wants to do, she’s good with it. Josslyn thanks her and takes her hand. She says she keeps thinking about Oscar. Losing him was horrible, but she knew it was coming. With Dex, she never saw it coming, so how can he be gone when she never got to say goodbye?

Curtis says he can’t predict what Drew will do or not, but he can’t work for a man like that. Michael says, Drew knows he’s coming for him. The element of surprise is gone. Curtis says, he won’t know Michael had anything to do with the leak, and Michael says, if the stock doesn’t tank, Curtis will be left with no options. Curtis says he’s willing to take that risk, but Michael has to make him CEO. Michael says, that was always the plan, but Curtis says, before he hits send and in writing. For the next five years, he’s permanent CEO of Aurora. He can’t be forced out or asked to step down. It’s his one condition. Take it or leave it.  

Nina tells Ava that if Michael takes Willow back, she’ll be indebted to him for the rest of her life and it’s not the kind of life she wants for her daughter. Ava says, what if Willow wants that for herself? and Nina says, she’s infatuated with Drew because she couldn’t admit Michael is the wrong man for her. If she needs to believe Drew was her savior to leave Michael, so be it. When he goes to Washington, Willow will stay here and rebuild her life and find her own identity away from the Quartermaines. Ava says, it could happen, but people make strange choices when their marriage ends. There’s a knock at the door, and Nina says, that’s why you have to expect the unexpected. She’s way ahead of Ava. She opens the door and Martin is there.

Drew says he’s worried about Willow. How is it going at her mom’s? She says, it’s great, but hard. Carly tried to stop them, but Michael agreed that the kids belong with their mother. He says he’s glad Michael sees that, especially since he was keeping the video from her, and she says, he was hurt and she doesn’t blame him. He loves his kids. Drew says he’s sorry, but being with her meant something to him. He won’t have the Quartermaines turn it into something cheap. She says, right now, she needs to focus on her kids. She’s made mistakes that affect them and has to protect them. Drew is being sworn into congress and can’t be caught up in a scandal.

Carly wonders how she couldn’t see Drew was lying, and Jason says, it’s unfortunate, but it doesn’t negate the good things he did. He rescued Liesl Obrecht and save Willow’s life. He went to prison for Carly.  She says, he’s not the hero she thought he was and doesn’t owe him a damn thing. He says, her feelings are hers, not Michael’s. Michael has to figure it out for himself. She says, don’t tell her to back off. He had a shot at Drew. Let her have hers.

Elizabeth says, the heartbreak over Josslyn sent Cameron to California, and Lucky says, he thought distance kept heartbreak from catching up, but it doesn’t. She says she’s glad Cameron found someone he likes, and he says, it looks like she likes him back. Cameron and Gretchen return, and Cameron asks if they’re going to be meeting Tobias soon, but Aiden says, he went to Disneyland with his parents for Christmas, but they’re not at meeting the family yet. Elizabeth asks if Aiden thinks she’ll embarrass him, and Cameron says, they’ll put the groceries in the kitchen. Elizabeth tells Lucky that she’s glad the kids are happy on their own, and he says, she’s pretty great with only her.

Martin asks why he’s here, and Nina says, her daughter Willow left her husband and needs an attorney to steer her through the divorce. She also wants him to help her secure primary custody. Martin asks if she’s not being hasty. Not all separations end in divorce. Nina says, this one will, but Martin says, maybe they’ll reconcile. Nina says she’s sure they won’t, and Martin says, a lot has happened, and he gets the urgency, but he has to ask. Where is Willow and what does she want?

Drew tells Willow, there won’t be a scandal. The only people who know are his family and his family doesn’t want it to come out any more than they do. She says, the children won’t be celebrating Christmas with their father. They’ll see him, but it won’t be the same. What about him? He’s not staying at the Quartermaines anymore. He says he got a room at the Cosmopolitan and he and Scout will celebrate there. She says, until then, he’ll be alone. Jordan continues staring daggers at him, and Felicia says, if looks were lethal, Drew would be in big trouble. Jordan says, he is, and she has to do something to stop him from making a bigger mistake than he already has. Felicia asks if there’s anything she can do to help, and Jordan says, there is something Felicia can do for her and Willow. Willow tells Drew that he’s welcome to come to Nina’s and bring Scout (is she insane???), when Felicia joins them. She says she doesn’t mean to interrupt, but she needs help with the first aid kits. She doesn’t know what goes in the boxes. Willow leaves with her.

Michael signs the document and the notary signs and stamps it. Michael gives it to Curtis, who says, it’s all good. He thanks the notary and she leaves. Michael says, once he leaks this, there’s no going back, and Curtis says, damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead. Michael hits send.

Lucky shows Gretchen pictures, and Cameron says, it’s embarrassing. He goes into the kitchen and says he’s sorry he didn’t tell Elizabeth, but she says she understands. She wants him to be happy. He seems happy with Gretchen. He says he is, but he’s taking it slow. He would have told her sooner, but he wanted to make sure things were real. She says she really does understand, and he says, it took him a long time to get over Joss. He didn’t want to jump into anything before he knew what it really was. She says, it’s tough not jumping in unless you’re just looking for a fun distraction, and he says he’s not a fun distraction kind of guy. He really likes Gretchen. She says, Gretchen really likes him too, and he says he thinks so. He hopes so. Again, he’s sorry. She says, stop. Apology accepted. They go to the living room, and Aiden asks if they can open presents. Elizabeth says she didn’t know Gretchen would be here, but Aiden says he has a present for her upstairs. Cameron says he has presents for everyone in his suitcase… which went to Key West. He sucks at Christmas. Elizabeth says, it doesn’t matter. He’s here. There’s only one other thing she wants. Will he play them a song?

Josslyn tells Trina that when Dex was working for Sonny, she was sure she’d lose him. She thought he was safer being a cop. She was so stupid. He said she was the reason he stopped working for Sonny and wanted to turn his life around. If she’s the reason he became a cop, she’s the reason he’s dead. Trina says, she can’t think like that. When Spencer died, that’s exactly what she did, and that kind of thinking goes nowhere good. Josslyn says, their situations are different, but Trina says she blamed herself that Spencer was in Paris and Esme wasn’t locked up. She thought he would be alive if she hadn’t fallen for him in the first place. Josslyn says, so would Dex, and Trina says, stop. She has to give herself time. After a while, she’ll be grateful for the time she had with Dex like she’s grateful for her time with Spencer. Josslyn says she hopes so. She doesn’t know how long she can survive feeling this way. Trina says, Josslyn can handle more than she thinks. Eventually she’ll get to the place Trina did. They loved each other and that’s a good thing. When she finally let herself live again, she found moments of happiness. Spencer would want that for her. Josslyn says, Trina is stronger than her, and Trina says, she’ll get there. She’ll figure out a way for herself. Dex would want that for her too.

Isaish says he’s vaccinated everyone within a five-mile radius and asks Jordan if he can help. She tells him to grab the box of donated coats, and they can sort through it. He brings the box over, and Jordan looks at Drew, making a face. (I laugh because she’s so good at this.) Isaiah says, thanks for inviting him, and she says, it’s her favorite part of being Deputy Mayor. He says, she’s in her element, and she says she’d rather this than network. She loves working with Laura, but it feels good to be here with the people she’s serving. Even if it’s a little thing, she feels like she’s doing something. He says, it’s not a little thing. He vaccinated a girl who she helped pick out a coat. It was purple. She says, purple was the girl’s favorite color, and he says, it’s her favorite coat. When he was giving her the shot, she kept talking about it. Jordan says, what about the shot? and he says, she didn’t flinch. She was braver than most adults. What about her? She says, not yet.

Nina says she’s helping Willow get the preliminaries out of the way while she’s doing some good works, and Ava tells them, nothing says merry Christmas like a divorce lawyer on retainer. Nina says she knows going against the Quartermaines is not an easy task. She was hoping Martin would know how to handle them. He says, that depends. What precipitated the breakup? Nina says, Willow had a brief, unfortunate relationship with Michael’s uncle. It’s not her fault. She was vulnerable and he took advantage. Martin says, nonetheless, Michael is the injured party, and Willow isn’t Wiley’s biological mother. Nina says, Willow legally adopted him, and Martin says, to be honest, Michael’s family has power, contacts, and very deep pockets. They won’t let the children go without a helluva fight.

Jason says, if Carly has to go after Drew, go, but leave Michael out of it. She says she’s not sure she can do that, but he says, she can do anything. She says, like him? and he says he thought he wanted to hurt Drew, but he regrets it. She says, so do as I say, not as I do? and he says he can’t undo it, but it’s not too late for her to stay out of it. She says she’s not the type of person who turns the other cheek. Drew and Willow hurt her son. Now it’s time for them to start paying for it.

Josslyn says she’s lucky she has Trina in her life. She doesn’t know what she’d do without Trina and her family. Trina says she’s glad to be here for Josslyn, and Josslyn says her too. Dex never got anything like this. He didn’t get so much as a phone call or a card from his family at Christmas. Trina says, he had her. He wasn’t alone. Josslyn says, that’s why it’s up to her to make sure he gets justice.

Cameron plays guitar and sings The First Noel. Lucky joins him on the chorus.

Sitting in a chair, Jordan tells Isaiah that she’s ready to get it over with. If she faints, promise he’ll catch her. He says he gave her the shot, and she says, he’s good.

Felicia says, it would be great to get the kids together during the holidays, but Willow says, it’s up in the air. Felicia says, let her know, and Willow says she’ll get back to her. Willow looks at Drew, and Felicia watches. Felicia says, with everything going on, Willow is busy. Don’t worry about not getting the kids together. Willow says she’s sure they can work everything out. Drew’s phone dings, and he sees Aurora’s stock is tanking.  

Curtis says, that didn’t take long. It’s already falling. On the phone, Michael says, when the stock hits 15, start buying. Buy it all.

Nina says, the Quartermaines have considerable resources, but so does she. She’ll spend whatever it takes to make sure Willow gets custody of her children. Martin asks if Willow is ready for that kind of fight. It will get long, costly, and very ugly. Nina says, Michael probably has Diane building a case now, so Willow will be ready. She has to be.

Jason says, do not make Willow and Drew pay, but Carly says she is. Jason says, no. She’s a good mom and he knows she’ll put Michael’s needs above hers. She says she hates this for Michael, but she knows he’s right. She’ll let Michael take the lead, but if she gets the chance to make Drew pay, she’s going to take it for what he did. She walks out, and Jason sighs.

Tomorrow, Nina tells Willow that Drew isn’t someone she should rely on; Drew wonders why Curtis isn’t concerned that his company is in trouble; Tracy asks what business Martin could possibly have with Michael; and Michael tells Chase that Drew is going to pay for blowing up his marriage.

🥀 This Year’s Losses…

Saluting those who made a contribution to the soap world.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/abc/remembering-the-soap-stars-we-lost-this-year

🧂 Rubbing Salt In the Wound…

Britani complained of crickets after making an announcement about her daughter at dinner. Bronwyn wondered if Britani was bothered because it was about her daughter or because attention wasn’t paid when she announced the announcement. Britani called her a bitch, and in Bronwyn’s interview, she said, if Lisa was called a bitch and she didn’t jump to defend her, she would hear about it until her death. When she pointed it out to Lisa, Lisa said it wasn’t her job to defend Bronwyn. Alrighty then.

On another note, I used to like Heather because I thought she was authentic – a rarity in reality – but now she’s just one more Housewife.

The whole scoop.

Bronwyn’s confession.

https://people.com/rhoslc-bronwyn-newport-reveals-daughter-caught-husband-todd-bradley-cheating-8763940

These women are evil. 1) This is a reality show. We’re supposed to be watching real life. 2) Cheating always comes out anyway. 3) If he didn’t want it ever coming out, he shouldn’t have done it. Shame on them for shaming Bronwyn for being real on a reality show.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhoslc-cast-slams-bronwyn-newport-revealing-todd-bradley-cheated-exclusive

👠 Fixing Her Crown…

Apparently, the Grand Dame doesn’t think she should be judged on the same scale as the rest of us peasants.

https://people.com/real-housewives-of-potomac-star-karen-huger-found-guilty-of-dui-8639972

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

In addition to the too many series I’m juggling, I watched Subservience. Megan Fox was great, but it was an incredibly unoriginal story. Her robot could have been replaced by a nanny, an orphan, a stalker, and any other beautiful woman who works their way into the home of a married dude with a child and then tries to take over, wife or not.

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/netflix/netflixs-new-no-1-movie-is-a-dark-sci-fi-thriller-starring-megan-fox-but-opinions-are-split

🐶 Sweater Weather…

Normally, I don’t pay much attention to the Kardashians, but I’m always up for a dog in a holiday sweater.

https://people.com/kylie-jenner-dogs-christmas-sweaters-photo-dachshunds-8763303

🌲 A Lingering Season…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a little Charm. Until then, stay safe; stay keeping toasts short and sweet; and stay expecting the unexpected.

December 17, 2024 – Port Charles Gets an Unwelcome Visitor, Coming Home, Oscar, Dorit Is An Insufferable Twit, NYC Goes to San Juan, Boy Bye, Simply the Best & Good

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada on Fridays; the other days, who knows?)

General Hospital

Sonny goes to All Saints and tells the pastor that he wants to make his Christmas donation in person. The pastor says, as always, Sonny’s generous donation is appreciated. God bless him and his family. Sonny says, one more thing. He wonders if he can ask a favor.

Martin meets Laura at the café and apologizes for being late. She’ll never guess what happened. She asks if he’s okay, but he says he’s not. Because her Police Commissioner has not only gone rogue, she’s out of control.

On the phone in her office, Anna says, someone saw something that should give them insight into Officer Heller’s stabbing. Keep her posted. Jason comes in and asks why she wanted to see him. She says, once again, she has to ask for his help.

Maxie goes to the stables and tells Cody that she has a gift delivery from his favorite nephew. It’s a holidaygram. Cody takes out a construction paper card decorated with candy canes, and says, it’s an invitation. She says, to his first Scorpio Christmas. and he says he appreciates it, but he can’t make it. She says, he’s ditching them because of Sasha.

In the nook, Sasha says, it’s her first Feast of the Seven Fishes, and Olivia says, if Sasha gets swamped, let her know. Tracy comes in and asks how one can get eggs wrong. These are scrambled and she specifically requested eggs benedict. It’s her stepdaughter’s favorite. Sasha says she’s sorry. It slipped her mind. Tracy says, that’s not acceptable, but Olivia says she’s sure Lulu doesn’t care. Tracy says she cares. She wanted Lulu’s favorite meal, and her request was completely ignored. Sasha says she didn’t ignore it, she forgot, but Tracy says, it’s her job to remember and serve what’s been requested. Sasha says, if Tracy wants eggs, go lay them herself, and walks out.

Brook is looking for Tracy and finds Lulu. Lulu says, no Tracy, just her, and Brook says, surprise.

Lucky brings coffee to Elizabeth’s house and says he remembered that she loves Perks holiday blend. He sees Ric is there, and Ric says he has coffee covered, but it’s good to see him.

Olivia says, Tracy Angelica Quartermaine. If she cost them a cook today of all days… Tracy says, Sasha was derelict in her duties, but Olivia says, it was a miscommunication. Tracy asks if she’s not allowed to give feedback, and Olivia says, she’s not allowed to give abuse. Tracy says, Sasha’s not the only cook. She’ll call the agency and get another one like she wanted to in the first place. Olivia says, during the holidays? It’s crazy hard enough. The kids don’t need more loss. The seven fishes in the other room can’t cook themselves, so make nice with Sasha or she’ll tell Monica, and Tracy and the fishes will be on the curb.

Brook says, Dante told her that Lulu was staying at her mom’s, and Lulu says she is. She was here going over old times with Tracy and Tracy insisted she stay. Brook says she’s glad they were able to catch up. She knows Rocco is happy. Dante too. Lulu says, it’s been great considering their history, and Brook says, it must be crazy to drop back in after all this time. Lulu says, nothing turned out how she expected. Sam and Dante… Brook says, Dante was adrift before they got together. They were a great couple. Lulu says she’s surprised it wasn’t Brook with Dante.

Martin says, Anna has a strange association with Jason, and Laura asks if he’s implying that they did a criminal act. He says he’s not implying. He has a first-hand account from an unimpeachable witness by the name of Martin Grey.

Anna says, as Jason knows, Dex Heller was stabbed and killed. She has to focus on finding out why he was targeted and track the killer. Jason says, she thinks Dex was targeted, and she says, apparently, and she owes the department and the citizens of Port Charles to find out who did it. He was isolated, so she doesn’t think it was a part of something bigger. He asks if she has any leads, but she says, that’s why she’s talking to him. She can’t give this her full attention if she’s chasing Valentin. She’d like him to take the lead in finding Charlotte.

Elizabeth says she told Ric about the situation at the hospital, and he insisted on helping, and Lucky says, of course (🍷). Ric says, it’s clear Elizabeth needs an attorney. She needs to be protected. The hospital’s investigation is going to get messy, and he has to make sure they don’t railroad Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, their legal team is ruthless, especially DeeDee Clark. Ric says, Portia and Terry will be supportive because they’re her colleagues and friends, but the hospital is going to look out for their best interests, and it’s his job to look out for hers. Lucky says, it started with Sam’s death, and Ric says, he doesn’t want the details to get muddled, so he’d like to complete his interview with Elizabeth alone. Lucky can come back later.

Sonny asks the pastor to choose families in need and he’ll cover their holiday meals, presents, trees, and decorations, the whole thing. The pastor thanks him, when Sasha comes in. The pastor asks if he can help her, but she says she just wants to light a candle. The pastor leaves, Sasha lights a candle and sits down. Sonny sits next to her and says he knows why she’s here. He knows what day it is.

Sonny says, today is the anniversary of Sasha’s son’s death, and Sasha says she can’t believe he remembers. He says, Liam was family. Brando was family, as is she. He spoke to the father about saying a mass in Brando and Liam’s memory. She thanks him for remembering.

Cody says he doesn’t want to carol around the Christmas tree with Cousin Sasha, and Maxie says, instead, he’s going to run away, which just prolongs the weirdness. Get over it. He says, and embrace the weirdness? and she says, he and Sasha grew up without families. Now they have one that loves them. Please just consider coming. Tracy comes in and asks if anyone has seen Sasha. Maxie says, hello to her too, and Cody says, Sasha doesn’t come around here much anymore. Tracy says, the cousin thing. Something is off with Sasha. She became irrational because Tracy asked her to remake some eggs. Cody says, asked or demanded? and Tracy says she asked politely. Maxie says, it’s not the eggs, and Tracy asks if she was there. How does she know? Maxie says, today is the anniversary of Sasha’s baby’s death.

Lulu tells Brook not to look surprised. She’s been gone for four years. Did she and Dante never… Brook says, no. And she’s now happily married. Lulu says she heard. Congrats. Chase is sweet and so handsome. Brook says, Lulu’s time is out of whack. Maybe she’s confusing 2010 with 2024. It was years ago that she tried to come between Dante and Lulu… Lulu says, for money, and Brook says, it was not her finest hour, and it blew up in her face. Lulu says she kind of enjoyed that, and Brook says she’s been through a lot and grown a lot. She has a family and husband. She has a life and so does Lulu. Lulu got her life back and should be grateful instead of stuck in the past.

Laura asks, what kind of criminal act? and Martin says, one where Jason forcibly accosted and escorted him to the coffee warehouse. She says, at gunpoint? but Martin says, Jason doesn’t need one. She asks how Anna fits in, and he says, she showed up and he thought it was to rescue him, but it turns out she had Jason round him up. Laura says, if Anna wanted to question him, why not bring him to the police station? and Martin says, because she couldn’t zip tie and threaten him. She wanted to know if he had a lead on Valentin. She asks if he gave her one, but he says he doesn’t know where Valentin is. If he did, doesn’t Laura think he’d have told her? She says she does. He’s here and okay. They didn’t make good on their threat. He asks if her point is, no harm, no foul, and she says, what they did was wrong, but his argument isn’t with them. It’s with her.  

Jason tells Anna to focus on Dex and he’ll track Valentin. She asks, how’s Josslyn? and he says, confused. She wants answers. Anna says, when she first recruited Dex, Josslyn was against him joining the PCPD. She was afraid Sonny would kill him. Jason says, Anna doesn’t think… but she says, no. Josslyn told her that if Dex died in the line of duty, she didn’t want Anna handing her the flag at his funeral. She thinks Josslyn was aware of the worst case, but she’s become numb to all that. He says, she’s doing it again. She’s blaming herself. She says, at least she’s consistent, and he says he was with Josslyn and Josslyn didn’t blame her because she’s not to blame.

Elizabeth says she’d like Lucky to stay. She’d appreciate his help. Ric says, fine. He needs a statement leading up to Dex’s death. Elizabeth says she made a report to the hospital, but he says, if he doesn’t file it, they can’t go forward. Lucky says, he’s acting like Elizabeth has been charged. That won’t happen once he clears her. Ric says, he wants to make sure she doesn’t land in jail, and Lucky says, he wants to be Elizabeth’s hero. Ric says, it’s not cops and robbers. Two patients are dead. Can they focus on that?

Sasha says she thinks she quit her job, and Sonny asks, what happened? She says she was planning a meal when Tracy stormed in, railing over nothing, and she snapped. Sonny says, good for her. Tracy has a habit of going off and she doesn’t like it when someone stands up to her. Sasha says usually, she lets it slide, but today… She loves her job, and she’s used to the Quartermaine eccentricities. She loves to cook, but Tracy’s tantrum seemed pointless, especially today. It reminds her of how precious and fragile life is. She touches her belly and says, no matter how much you plan and are careful, nothing is promised. She wanted to give her baby the perfect life, but she couldn’t.

Maxie says, so Brando and Sasha made the unimaginable decision to take their baby off life support. Maybe Tracy could cut her some slack. She has more on her mind than breakfast. Tracy thanks her for the information and leaves, Maxie says, it makes her appreciate her family. Christmas Eve is for spending time with the people you love and who love you. Think about it. She leaves and Cody sighs.

Anna says she thought Dex was an exceptional cop. She could see his potential. Jason says he’s sure Dex appreciated the second chance post Sonny, and she says, he proved himself. He was at the top of his class, and he wanted it. Jason says, she made him an offer and he made the choice. She knows that and Josslyn does too. Don’t dishonor Dex’s choice by trying to make him a mistake. He’ll let her know if he finds out anything about Valentin and Charlotte. She thanks him and he leaves. She brushes her tears away and makes a call. She says she wants to know if there’s been any progress with the footage from Rice Plaza.

Laura says she’s been pressuring Anna to find Valentin. This goes back to before Lulu woke up. She thought Charlotte should be there when they were going to operate. Then Lulu did wake up and all she wanted was to see her daughter. So she went back and insisted Anna find Valentin. She thinks Anna is feeling the pressure from her. He says, so she kidnapped him. He guesses he should be grateful that Jason didn’t gag him and put him in the trunk of his car. She says, they went too far. She’ll definitely talk with Anna. She’s sorry. She disagrees with how they handled it. She wishes they understood how badly she wants to find her granddaughter. He says, what if someone else could help? and she says, who? He says, their brother.  

Elizabeth says, Lucky was with her when they heard the alarms. Sam died from a lethal dose of digitalis. Lucky says, it likely happened with Dex, and Ric asks why they think that. Elizabeth says, Dex was perfectly healthy. He’d just had a physical for the PCPD. It was a stab wound and a routine surgery. He was in full recovery and there was no reason for him to go into cardiac arrest. Ric asks if anybody else ordered or administered medication to Dex, but Elizabeth says, she’s head nurse, and they have to go through her. She oversees the drug dispensary. Ric tells her that his expert legal advice is to steer clear of General Hospital.

Lulu says, her child is missing and that’s her focus now, and Brook says, Lulu has her sympathy. So go find her. Lulu says, Brook hasn’t changed. She’s self-absorbed and insensitive. Brook says, time stood still for Lulu, but they’ve all moved on. Ask Maxie. Dante comes in and asks if everything is okay, and Brook says, peachy. Lulu says, Brook was catching her up on how much things have changed around here. She needs to take a walk. Tell Tracy that she lost her appetite. She leaves, and Dante asks what that was about. Brook says she tried. She’s glad Lulu is awake and healthy, but she never liked Lulu and Lulu doesn’t like her. Lulu may be the heroine in his story, but she’s still the snarky, self-righteous Spencer she’s always been in hers.

Sonny says, Sasha was Liam’s mother and loved him. She did the best she could for him and in the end, made the best decision for him. Sasha says, Sonny helped her to see that, but he says, she would have gotten there because she loved Liam. She says she still does, and Sonny says, Liam is at peace, and she did that for him with Brando. He’s proud of her. She tears up and thanks him, and he says he hopes she gets the chance again to be a mother. Whoever gets her will be the luckiest kid in the world. He takes her hand.

Brook tells Dante that she showed restraint, and he says, she’s a good person. They’re two good people who don’t necessarily like each other. Brook says, they never will. Lulu can’t forgive her for trying to break them up. God knows how she’d act if she found out about that summer… He says, it’s ancient history. Lulu is having a hard time with reentry after a four-year absence and her daughter is missing. Maybe they should give her grace. Brook says she has sympathy for Lulu and asks if Dante really thinks she’s a good person. He says he does, and she says she’s really happy for him and Rocco.

Lulu goes to the stables and Cody says, hello. She says, oh my God. It’s you. He says, Lulu Spencer, as I live and breathe. Cody Bell at your service. She asks how he knows her name, and he says he’s an old friend of Dante’s. He didn’t recognize her, but it might have been the hoodie. She thanks him for the ride, and he asks what she was thinking getting in a car with a strange man. She says she wasn’t worried. She knew she could take him.

Elizabeth says, there’s no way she’s staying away from the hospital, but Lucky says, this is no time to be stubborn. She says, her staff needs her, and she can still keep an eye on her patients, and Ric says, if the autopsy comes back and they found digitalis in Dex’s system, that’s two improper dosages. It’s not a mistake; it’s a pattern of active harm. If it continues and another patient dies, the open culpability is on her. Does she understand? Elizabeth says, yes, and Ric says he hopes she considers what he said. He’s going to go ahead with this before things go any further. He leaves, and Lucky says, wow. He feels like he needs a shower.

Maxie tells Brook to steer clear of the kitchen. Tracy is in a tizzy. Brook says, that’s going around. Lulu was here one night, and she’s overstayed her welcome. She’s still a lot. Maxie says, so is Brook. So is she. They should start a club. Lulu knew her on the bad side of the Georgie situation. Georgie and Bailey Lou were a surprise. James was planned, but his delivery was dramatic… Did she say something wrong? Brook sits down.

Sonny says, Sasha knows where to find him, and tells Tracy, play nice. He leaves, and Tracy asks if she may join Sasha. Sasha says, if she must, and Tracy sits down. She says she owes Sasha an apology. She’s sorry about the way she spoke. It was rude and insensitive, and she wants Sasha to know she has Tracy’s deepest sympathy. Sasha thanks her and says she accepts the apology. But it doesn’t excuse Tracy’s behavior. They’ve been here before and she gets that she’s not Tracy’s favorite person. Tracy isn’t hers either, but she won’t be Tracy’s punching bag. Tracy needs to understand that if they’re going to move forward.

Lulu says, Cody and Dante are old friends? and Cody says he’s hurt Dante never mentioned him. She says, Dante has a big family and lots of friends. Maybe he’s not memorable. He says, they went to summer camp together, and she says, he went to Camp Cooper? He’s the one who taught Dante to ride a horse. He says, that’s generous. Dante still can’t stay on one. Dante walks in.

Spinelli gets into Jason’s car and Jason thanks Spinelli for meeting him. He’s taking the lead on finding Valentin. Is there any news? Spinelli says, unfortunately, no. Valentin was in Zurich, but after that, he’s evaded Spinelli’s track. Jason asks about the withdrawal from Valentin’s account, and Spinelli says, the account was closed shortly afterward. Jason says, he’s gone dark, and Spinelli says his fear is, now that Lulu’s awake, Valentin has been warned, and he’s gone deeper into hiding. Jason says, then they’ll have to step up finding him.

Martin says he’s reached out to Cyrus, but he’s gone radio silent. He wants to take Cyrus to task about surreptitiously trying to be Lulu’s medical decision maker. Laura wonders, why the secrecy? Did Martin know Cyrus had plans to transfer Lulu to a different facility in South Carolina? Lulu told her. Their brother has a lot to answer for. Martin wonders if there was a way for Cyrus to help out and make up for his past behavior, would he go for it? Like it or not, he’s a powerful man with powerful friends, which tends to come with an extensive reach. Maybe a former contact could lead them to where to find Valentin. He knows Laura wants little to do with Cyrus, so he doesn’t blame her if she doesn’t want his help, but if he can help track down Valentin, it’s worth a shot.  

Sonny shows up at Anna’s office and says he’s saving her a trip. He assumes she wants to talk to him about Dex’s death.

Lulu says, it’s a good thing Dante showed up or she would have to call a Ride Share. They still have those, right? Cody says, they do and that reminds him, she owes him $20. She asks Dante to give Cody $20, and Cody says he could collect it at their next poker game. Dante says he can’t believe Cody was the one who found Lulu, and Cody says, it was one of those rare occasions he was in the right place at the right time.  

Brook tells Maxie that she’s sorry. She’s been trying to get pregnant. She’s monitoring her cycles and doing everything possible, but nothing works. Maxie says, it takes time. She can’t stress about it. Brook says, it’s been months. For the last month, they’ve been very dedicated and she’s starting to worry something is wrong.

Lucky says, there are plenty of lawyers, but Elizabeth says, no one is more invested in taking care of her legally than Ric. She hopes there’s not a court battle. He says he can ensure her that he’ll find out who’s responsible, and she says, someone is accountable. He says, but not her. She didn’t do it. Something is going on at GH and they’re going to figure out what.

Anna asks if Sonny is going to risk not having an attorney present, but he says he doesn’t need Diane. He figures she thought he’d go after Dex. She says, he did threaten to, and he says, that’s up for interpretation. She says, when Dex joined the force, she didn’t think Sonny would kill a cop, and he asks if she still feels that way. She says, a knife in the back in the middle of Rice Plaza isn’t Sonny’s style, and he says he’s glad they’re on the same page. She says, he’s only free because Dex refused to press charges for assault. She’d say Sonny owes him a debt. Sonny says he wants whoever is responsible for Dex’s death found. Let him know if he can help. He leaves.

Laura tells Martin, it’s just a bridge too far. She thinks their best shot is through Anna. She trusts Anna’s motives a lot more than she does their brother’s.

Spinelli says, Lulu was his first friend in Port Charles and introduced him to Jason and Sam. All the years people have counted on him as The Jackal, the assassin of cyber space. This is when it matters. When he finds Charlotte, what is Jason going to do? Jason says he’ll get her and bring her home and make sure Valentin isn’t a problem for anyone again.

Tracy says, Sasha has come out the other side stronger and she respects her. Sasha says, Tracy respects her? Tracy is her employer, and she can accept constructive criticism and direction, but she won’t tolerate disrespect. Does Tracy understand? Are they good? Tracy says, they’re good. Be well. She leaves and a man comes in wearing a cap similar to the one Mike wore. He sits in the back, and from the front pew, Sasha says, thank You for getting me though this day. Please continue to bless Liam and Brando with Your love. Please ask them to watch over this baby. I appreciate all the people You’ve brought into my life, even if I’ve had to let them go. I trust You have a plan. Please keep me and my baby safe. The man looks up and we see that it’s Sidwell.

Tomorrow, Curtis says, it’s his one condition, take it or leave it; Ava says, Nina has to tell Willow before it’s too late; Josslyn tells Trina that she’s the reason Dex became a cop and she’s the reason he’s dead; and Carly says, Jason has had his shot at Drew. Let her have hers.

☃️ Winter Break In Port Charles…

Christina isn’t the only one coming home for Christmas this year.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/william-lipton-returns-to-general-hospital-again

🩺 Catching Up On History…

In case you didn’t know who Oscar was or want to refresh your memory.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-oscar-garren-stitt-136301

💎 Bright Like a Diamond…

I only half paid attention to this, but I saw enough to know Dorit has become a nasty piece of work. Maybe Sutton raises her voice (or yells as Dorit interprets it), but she’s right. Dorit is unhappy with her life and blaming the easiest target. At Kyle’s Denim & Diamonds party, Dorit through the c-word around like it was monopoly money. First at Sutton and then revisiting the time she called Camille Grammer a stupid c-word. Not a f***ing c-word, as Camille had claimed. Since Camille was actually at the party, it seemed to fuel Dorit’s c-word meter even more. Kyle said it felt odd not to have Mauricio as a party co-host, but I’m not sure why. He was always floating around high anyway. The best part was Sutton saying she was trying to get Dorit to listen, and Erika telling her that Dorit hadn’t listened in all these years, so why would it happen now? Truth!

🗽 Top Of the Heap…

I didn’t see much of this (and there were no recaps yet), but the women took a trip to San Juan where Racquel saw her mother after six years. And there was also this.

https://people.com/rhony-erin-lichy-sparks-debate-after-sharing-husband-extraordinary-penis-photo-exclusive-8763047

Andy’s take on the upcoming Reunion.

🍸 No Surprise Here…

Ally has officially packed her bags and is letting James sit in his own sh*t.

🐕 Their Best Lives…

Pets with more followers than you.

https://www.revolt.tv/article/10-celebrity-pets-with-their-own-fan-bases

Golden Retrievers on a better vacation than you.

https://people.com/golden-retrievers-meet-cute-moment-airbnb-scottish-countryside-vacation-exclusive-8761437

❄️ Freeze the Day…

Join me tomorrow for soap, a little reality, and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe; stay knowing when to leave the party (if the host is cleaning up, that’s a definite signal); and stay never being abusive under the guise of giving constructive criticism.