What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Willow tries to get Austin to tell her what’s going on, but he says, Dr. Randolph will be her shortly to update her. Michael asks if Austin knows what Terry is going to tell them about the harvested stem cells, and Austin says he does. Willow says, whatever it is, she can take it; they all can.
In the waiting area, Sonny brings Nina an empty cup of coffee, and she says she’s going to have to learn about Willow’s transplant from someone else in the family. He says he’s sorry Willow is keeping her at arm’s length. He knows she’s worried. She says, hopefully, that worry will soon be in the past. The transplant will work, Willow will go into remission, and Nina can focus on what the future holds; with her, her daughter, and their new granddaughter.
Gregory asks if Alexis can just create a job for him, and she says she can do anything she wants; she’s the boss. Someone from the editorial board is retiring, and she thought of him. He’s been very helpful to her, whether she likes it or not. He says, mostly not, but she asks if she’d be offering him a job if that were true. He’d be an asset and could start immediately. She tells him this is the part where he says he’d love the job.
Finn asks how he would know why Elizabeth is meeting with Scotty, and Obrecht says, he must have a guess. He flashes back to Elizabeth telling him that she’d never been pregnant, and how she helped Nikolas hold Esme captive. Obrecht says, he does know something. Tell her. He asks why he would do that, and she says, so she can help.
Scotty asks what Elizabeth did; run over her neighbor’s mailbox and not tell them? She says, it’s worse. She wants to come forward, but before she does, she wants to know the potential consequences. If she needs a lawyer… He says he’ll represent her, and she asks if everything she says will be protected by… He says, yes, of course (🍷). He’s been a lawyer his entire life, and he’ll get her out of whatever mess she’s in. Now what did she do? She says, a few months ago, she entered into a crime in progress, and she’s been a part of it ever since. He asks if it’s still ongoing, but she says, no. He asks how bad it is, and she says, bad. He asks if there’s a chance this could come to light, and does anybody know about it? She says, a few people, and he says, who knows about it, and who’s involved? The doorbell rings, but he tells her to ignore it. She goes to the door anyway, and finds Ava on the porch. Ava says, they need to talk, and asks if Scotty is here to spend time with the boys, but Elizabeth says he’s here for her. Scotty says, they have some family legal matters to discuss, and Ava says, normally, she woudn’t dream of interrupting, but this is important. She asks if Scotty will give them some privacy. She wants to talk about Nikolas. Scotty asks what he’s done now, and Ava says, this is a conversation for those who know him best, and Elizabeth has experience with Nikolas and his secrets. Elizabeth suggests she and Scotty finish their conversation later, and Scotty says, see ya, Ava. She says, not if she sees him first, and Scotty tells Elizabeth not to discuss this with anyone else. He leaves, and Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told Ava. Ava says, everything.
Finn wonders what Elizabeth is to Obrecht, and Obrecht says she cares for Elizabeth. He asks, since when? and she says, since she fell in love with Scotty. Elizabeth is his son’s widow, and her sons are the closest thing he has to grandchildren. His daughter is obsessed with the preservation of the sea, an admirable pursuit, but he rarely sees her, so Elizabeth and her sons are his family. When she took him into her life, she also took in those he cares about. She and Finn both know she can be a valuable ally. If Elizabeth is over her head, Obrecht has the skills to get her out of it, with no harm coming to her and her boys. But she can only do that if Finn tells her what’s going on.
Gregory says, it means a lot that Alexis thought of him. He knows how important The Invader is to her. She says, he’s stalling, and he says, sadly, he’s going to have to turn down her offer. She says, why?
Nina says, it feels like she and Sonny have been on a roller coaster these past few weeks. Finding out Willow is sick, and then that Willow is her daughter, fighting for her life, the birth of her child… He says, Nina’s had a lot to process, and she says, the stem cell transplant is going to work. Willow will go into remission, and she and Michael will return to raising their two beautiful children. Maybe Willow will return to nursing. He says, then the two of them can repair what’s broken, and she says she hopes that’s possible. He says, Willow has a big heart. As soon as this is over, she’ll come around and accept Nina as her mother. Nina says she’ll pray for that, but in the meantime, she’ll keep trying to show that Willow can depend on her, and how much Willow means to her. She’ll do it or die trying. He says he knows the feeling, and she says, maybe the same thing can happen with him and Michael. When all of this is over, they’ll find their way back to each other. He says he’s not holding his breath, and she says, in the meantime, they have a lot to be grateful for. He has a bunch of kids who adore him, and now they have a beautiful new granddaughter. She suggests they go; they have to get ready for Curtis and Portia’s wedding. He wonders how much time they have, and she asks what he’s thinking. He says, she’ll see.
Austin thinks they should wait for Terry, and Michael says he knows there are protocols, but it’s more important they find out what they’re facing. Willow agrees, and Austin says, every procedure is going to have its complications. Terry walks in, and asks how Willow’s feeling. Willow says, weak and sore. Dr. Navarro says that’s normal after a C-section. (Well, duh.) But they’re anxious to know what the next steps are. Dr. Gatlin-Holt said there might be complications. Terry looks at Austin, and he says, the good news is, Willow is healing nicely. They want to keep her in the OR for observation, but so far, everything is encouraging. Michael says, but Austin told them there were complications, and Terry says, they were unable to harvest enough functional stem cells for Willow to undergo the procedure. She’s sorry. This stem cell transplant is no longer an option for Willow.
Ava tells Elizabeth that Nikolas came to see her last night. He told her all about the tower bedroom, and what really went on there; that it wasn’t some tawdry affair. They made that up to conceal what was really going on, and she has to say she’s impressed. She almost admires Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, Esme should have been turned over to the police. It would have saved them all a lot of heartache. She’s sorry she got in the way of Ava and Nikolas reconciling, but Ava says, Nikolas broke us long before you entered his scheme. Elizabeth says she still regrets her involvement, and has to fix things. That’s why she called Scotty. She’s decided to turn herself in. Ava asks why she’d sacrifice herself. What good would that do? Elizabeth says she knows the police will investigate Spoon Island, and she apologizes for the headache it’s going to cause Ava. Ava flashes back to talking to Austin about covering up Nikolas’s death, and how she doesn’t want the cops investigating Spoon Island. Ava says, it will be so much worse for Elizabeth. Has she thought about the consequences? Elizabeth says, it’s all she’s thought about, but she can’t live with herself like this. Ava asks if Elizabeth’s children can live without her.
Sonny brings Donna to the waiting area where Nina is, and says he’s going to make her pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, but first, he has someone for her to meet. He lifts her up to the window, and tells her, that is Baby Amelia, her brother’s new baby. Donna says hi to Amelia, and Sonny says, Willow’s her mother, he’s her granddad, and Nina is her grandma. Donna says, we’re a family.
Carly asks, what went wrong? and Terry says, in order to give the patient the best chance for survival, there needs to be a certain amount of stem cells in the placenta and the umbilical cord; ideally, 21 million per kilograms of body weight. Willow says, TNC, total nuclear cell count; she studied it in nursing school. Terry says, if there are too few stem cells, the patient doesn’t have time to grow healthy blood cells, and they’re at risk for infections without the immune system to fight them. When they analyzed the stem cells from Willow, they found that the TNC was too low. It contained too few stem cells for a successful procedure. Willow asks if her hemorrhaging had anything to do with it, and Austin says, they don’t know for sure, but there’s no reason for her to think like that. Sometimes there are too few stem cells, even if there are no complications with the delivery. Terry says some other medical stuff about there not being a match, and how it’s influenced by a number of factors, including Willow’s disease status. Willow says, leukemia Stage IV. She studied this in oncology class, and knew it would be a possibility. She just didn’t want to believe it. Michael says, moving forward, what’s next?
Ava says, when Nikolas told her about Esme, he was already concerned that Elizabeth was having a crisis of conscience. He told her that he tried to reason with Elizabeth, and then he did what Nikolas always does; he tried to save his own skin. She hasn’t told Laura because Laura’s upset already, but she thinks Nikolas left town. If Elizabeth insists on turning herself in to the police, she alone will pay for his crimes.
Finn tells Obrecht that he doesn’t know why Elizabeth called Scotty, when Scotty walks into the hospital. Finn suggests she ask him, and she asks if Scotty is already finished with Elizabeth. Scotty says, Ava interrupted them, and she says, another one of his favorite clients. What did Elizabeth want? He suggests they talk somewhere else, and Finn says, Obrecht was just telling him how concerned she was about Elizabeth. Scotty says, Finn dumped her, but Finn says, it’s more complicated than that, and he still cares about her. Is it something with the boys? Scotty says, the boys are fine, and Finn asks if it’s something with Elizabeth. He’d like to help if he can. Scotty says, Elizabeth has enough problems right now, and Finn asks if she’s in trouble. Scotty says, that’s between a lawyer and his client, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He tells them, it’s been a pleasure, and jets.
Alexis says, Gregory has told her that he wanted to be where the action is. He said he wanted to make a change. He tells her, actually, she suggested he explore having a second act, and he said he’d think about it. She says, obviously, he’s decided against it, and he says he considered trying something new, but he made a commitment to the university. He can’t just leave in the middle of a semester. She says, he’s been volunteering here, teaching, and giving advice for weeks. The only difference is, he’d be being paid. He says, working on the editorial board will demand a greater commitment, and she says, they’ll be flexible until his semester is over, and then he can work full time. He says, it’s not that simple, but she says, from where she’s standing it is… unless he’s scared.
Nina looks through the window at Amelia, and says, it’s Grandma Nina again. She just wanted to remind Amelia that she loves her, and will do everything in her power to make sure Amelia is safe. Amelia’s mommy and daddy don’t want her anywhere near Amelia right now, but she’ll always be here for her, and Amelia will always be in her heart. Always.
Terry says, now that the stem cell transplant isn’t an option, Willow’s best chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant. She’s still on the registry. Michael says, she’s been on the registry for months, and hasn’t found a viable match. Willow says, what about more chemo? She’s willing to do whatever’s necessary. Terry says, she’s afraid at this advanced stage, chemo could do more harm than good. The best thing they can do right now is manage her illness until a donor is found. Carly says, a match will turn up; there’s still time. Isn’t there? Willow asks Terry, exactly how much time does she have? Terry says, sometimes, patients live far longer than what’s expected, and Willow asks, what’s expected of her? Terry says, it’s likely a matter of weeks, and Austin says, they don’t know any of this for sure. This is just their best guess based on the advanced state of Willow’s leukemia, but every patient is different. Willow says she gets it. She could live longer than that… or not. She thinks she needs some time alone. Austin says, there are some things they should discuss, but Terry says, there’s time for that later, and they leave.
In the hallway, Austin says, they need to talk to them about palliative care, or at least start thinking about it, but Terrys says, it’s too much for them right now. They’re processing the most horrible news anyone can be given. They need to give them space for that before they talk about what’s next.
Carly tells Willow, this is not the end. She will find a donor. She tells them that she loves them both, and leaves.
Sonny puts a chair up to the window for Donna to kneel on so she can see Amelia. He asks what she thinks of her niece, and Donna asks, what’s a niece? He says, it means Baby Amelia is her brother’s daughter. Donna says, she’s really little, and he says, she was little once. Now she’s a big girl, and Amelia is going to be a big girl. She’s going to look up to Donna, the way Donna looks up to Josslyn and Avery. She’s going to want Donna to look out for her and be there for her. Does Donna think she can do that? Because that’s what families do. Donna says, okay, daddy.
Elizabeth says, Nikolas left Port Charles? and Ava says, the way he stormed out of Windymere last night, she doubts they’ll ever see him again. Between his and his Uncle Victor’s resources, Nikolas has the means to disappear forever. In the meantime, Elizabeth will be held responsible for his crimes while he gets off scot-free. Is that fair? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) not, but it doesn’t absolve her or erase what she did. Ava says, don’t ruin her life because of Nikolas’s bad decisions, and Elizabeth asks why Ava cares what she does. What’s it to Ava if she turns herself in?
Carly leaves a message for Drew, saying, he’s probably getting ready for Curtis’s wedding, and he’s going to make the perfect best man. She’s still at the hospital. They got some information, and she’d really like to hear his voice right now. When he gets some time, can he call her? Sonny brings Donna over, and she hugs Carly. Sonny says he took her to see Baby Amelia, and Carly says she was on her way there. Donna says, they’re all a family, and Carly says, they are. Donna asks, what’s wrong? and Carly says, she just got some news. She tells Sonny, it didn’t work. She doesn’t have much time. Nina joins them.
Ava says, Elizabeth is right. It’s her life. Blow it up if she wants to. But she knows what it’s like to be betrayed by Nikolas. She really loved him, and doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer because of Nikolas Cassadine. Elizabeth says she’s not doing this for Nikolas; she’s doing it for herself. She needs to own what she did wrong. Ava says, why? Nikolas is gone, Demetrius is gone, Esme has no memory. There isn’t anybody left who knows anything about Elizabeth’s involvement. Elizabeth says, except Ava, and Ava says she’s not going to say anything. If Elizabeth gets sent to jail, it won’t just be her life that’s destroyed. It will affect her children, and all the people who care about her and need her. Just let Nikolas go, and let his crimes go with him. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Finn. He says he wanted to see if Elizabeth was all right, and Ava says she was just talking to Elizabeth about all the people who care about her.
Gregory admits he finds the prospect of trying something new daunting, but he’s not holding back because he’s scared, and Alexis asks, then what is it? He says he likes teaching. He doesn’t want to give it up, and doesn’t want to walk away from his retirement. She says, so do both, and he asks if she won’t need more from him. She says she might, but he’ll be on the frontline of breaking news. Think how interesting that would be for his students. She’s sure PCU would lighten his load a little, and she’d work it out so he could do both. He’s not sure the university would be so accommodating, and she says, then they’d be stupid. He says, with hundreds of adjuncts breathing down his neck for his position, willing to work for less than he makes, he’s lucky he has a job. She says, now he’s being modest? It doesn’t become him, and if he really didn’t want this job, that would be one thing, but she knows this interests him, and she’ll work it out so he can teach and do this. She’s offering him this job. Why doesn’t he take it?
Nina says, it looks like they all had the same idea, and Sonny says, they were going to take Donna for some hot chocolate. Donna asks if mommy can come, and Carly suggests they get hot chocolate on their own and have some mommy/daughter time. Sonny asks for a big hug first, and Donna hugs him, then Nina. Carly leaves with Donna, and Nina asks if Carly told Sonny anything new about Willow’s procedure. Come on, tell her. He says, there’s not going to be a stem cell transplant. The doctors can’t harvest the stem cells. She asks what that means for Willow, and he says he’s sorry. Willow doesn’t have much time. Nina says, she just found Willow… that’s not right, and Sonny holds her.
Michael asks what Willow is thinking, and she says, that she loves him so much, but she really needs to be alone right now. He kisses her forehead, says he loves her too, and leaves. She flashes back to being with Michael and Wiley in the park, and Wiley saying he loves her, and remembers holding Baby Amelia for the first time. She flashes back to her and Michael exchanging I love yous for the first time, and saying she’ll marry him. She fingers the ring he gave her, and cries.
Alexis says, all Gregory has to do is have a quick chat with his department head, and figure out what he can take on and still be able to teach. Just give it a try. That’s all she asks. He tells her, how can he say no?
Sonny tells Nina that Carly couldn’t say a lot because Donna was there. They don’t have the complete picture, but he’s sure the doctors are figuring out what they can do for Willow. She says, it’s hard for her to have hope. Anything between her and her daughters is always the worst case scenario. She was in a coma for most of their lives, and Nelle was dead when she found out Nelle was hers. Now Willow, everything she’s been through. She just had a baby, she has a child at home. Willow doesn’t deserve this; she’s a good person. You know who deserves it? She does. She’s done horrible things in her life. Maybe she brought this on her girls. Maybe it’s some cosmic payback. He says he doesn’t believe that. Everybody messes up. Everybody makes mistakes. He’s done plenty he’s not proud of, but look where his life is at. He has a good life, a good family, and a woman who loves him. Willow and everybody who loves her is being dealt a bad hand, but they’re not going to give up. She takes his hand, and says, they’re not, but she just wants to be with Willow. She just wants to be able to comfort her. He says he’s sure Willow and Michael have a lot to talk about, when Scotty and Obrecht come out of the elevator. Obrecht asks Nina, what’s happened? Is it Willow?
Elizabeth thanks Ava for stopping by, and Ava thanks Elizabeth for hearing her out. Ava leaves, and Finn asks, what was that all about?
Outside, Ava calls Austin, and says she needs to meet with him right away. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, they have a huge problem.
Elizabeth tells Finn, Ava stopped by to tell her that Nikolas left town.
Donna asks if Carly is still sad, and Carly says she is, but being with Donna makes her feel better. Donna asks if this will help too, and hugs her. Carly says, it helps a lot.
Obrecht says she can’t bear to see her Nina suffer like this, and Scotty asks what she’s going to do. Obrecht sees Terry at the reception desk, and says she was powerless to help her Britta, but there is something she can do for Willow. She says she needs to speak with Terry, but Terry says, this isn’t a good time. Can Obrecht call her assistant and make an appointment? Obrecht says, this is a matter of life or death. She understands her niece’s daughter needs a bone marrow donor. Take her to get tested.
Michael goes back to Willow’s room, and takes her hand. She says, all she wants is for them to have a long overdue conversation, and he says, about? She says, his life without her.
Tomorrow, Willow needs Michael to face the truth; Finn tells Elizabeth, that changes everything; TJ tells Jordan, they both know there’s more going on; and Curtis says he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.
⛓ Workin’ On the Chain Gang…
Musings on Spencer’s taste of thug life.
👶 Extra Large…
At least they admit she looks way past eight months in the oven. And I admit she’s a cutie; round and rosy, with squishable cheeks. Very animated, too, like the original Wiley.
🩺 New Doctor In the House…
I see a moving van headed to Port Charles…
💉 One More Magic Solution Down the Drain…
Her anti-aging doctor? Does she mean plastic surgeon or anesthetist? Why does everyone think there’s some quick fix to weight loss? Stop eating crap and exercise. Calories in/calories out. There you go.
https://people.com/health/vanderpump-rules-lala-kent-ozempic-weight-loss-trend-hollywood/
👠 She’s All About the Love…
Nona and Noni must be shaking their heads.
💎 Don’t Go Away Mad…
They got along without you before they met you; they’ll get along without you now.
🗽 Fashion Fêtes…
A peek into New York Fashion Week.
🐈 February Is For Pets…
For the feline lovers.
https://people.com/pets/fancy-feast-creates-cuddle-collection-for-spending-valentines-day-with-cats/
And of course the 🐕 Bowl.
https://people.com/pets/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl-on-super-bowl-sunday/
🏈 Running Interference…
Join me tomorrow for free-for-all Friday, with the usual soap, a mix of tea, wise words (or not), and music to soothe the savage breast. And yes, that’s correct; it’s not beast. Until then, stay safe, stay remembering to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and stay never holding back because you’re scared.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 