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July 15, 2024 – Willow Tells Nina About Kissing Drew, Leaving the Anchor Behind On Deck, Two Goodbyes, Goodest Boy & Cruel

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In bed with Valentin, Anna asks if he sees something he likes, but he says, no. He sees something he loves. He tells her to kiss him like she means it, and she says she does, and kisses him.

Jack sees Carly in the visitor’s room and says, you again. He’s running out of charming greetings. She never comes to see him just to chat. There must be something wrong. Does it involve the FBI?

Jason stands outside Elizabeth’s door with an envelope in his hand. He’s about to slip it under the door, when Elizabeth opens it.

Drew tells Michael that as Aurora’s de facto CEO, he’s going to have Nina reporting to him directly. Is that going to be a problem? Just say the word, and she’s gone. He’ll fire her today if Michael wants him to. (I wasn’t crazy about Drew when he was a good guy, and I’m starting to like him less every time he opens his mouth.)

Willow goes to Nina’s office, and Nina asks her to come look at the issue she’s working on. An artist wants to push scaled down turbans, and she can’t tell if it’s brilliant or ridiculous. Willow says she doesn’t know if she’s the best person to ask, and Nina says, it probably seems frivolous to her, but Willow says, it’s not that. She did something terrible, and there isn’t anyone else she can talk to about it. It’s the kind of thing you can only tell your mom or a sister, and she doesn’t have a sister. Nina says, Willow can talk to her about anything, and Willow starts to cry.

Carly tells Jack that she took his advice, hired the best lawyer, and told them everything. He asks if her lawyer is aware that the FBI is forcing Jason to help them by holding the recoding of her over his head that suggests she’s guilty of RICO violations. Carly says, there’s nothing suggestive about it. They have her flat out saying she’s head of Sonny’s organization. He says, that’s no small feat considering the size and scope of the organization, and she says she’s impressed with how familiar he is with it. He says, the WSB has been known to have interest in local businesses when it furthers their interest. When tampering with the nation’s power structure, one can’t be too scrupulous about the partners one enlists, can one?

Elizabeth says she’s sorry she didn’t hear the doorbell, but Jason says he never rang it. He came to give her this for Jake’s art school. He heard voices and didn’t want to interrupt. She asks if he’d like to come in, but he says, no. He should be going. She asks if he has someplace to be, and he says, no. It’s her house and Jake’s house, and he didn’t want to put them on the spot showing up uninvited and forcing Jake to talk to him. Just because they enjoyed a baseball game doesn’t mean Jake wants to take his money. He doesn’t want Jake to feel pressured to take it. She says, the only way to know is to make the offer and let Jake decide.

Drew says, when Michael came to him and said he and Nina were going to put their differences aside, he thought Michael might feel differently in the light of day. Michael says, even though he’d just as well never see Nina again, she’s a fantastic Editor-in-Chief and it would be bad business to let his personal feelings interfere with Crimson. Besides, Willow is starting to want a relationship with Nina again. If he got in-between that, it would only hurt Willow and that’s the last thing he wants to do.

Willow says, what happened could ruin her life, and Nina promises it will stay with them, mother and daughter. Willow says she’s not proud of this and can’t believe it happened. It was the 4th of July party. She and Drew had a few moments alone to talk. They were toasting his success, and the fireworks were going off. She doesn’t even know how it happened. She guesses they were just caught up in the moment. One minute, they were looking up at the sky, and the next, they were kissing.

Anna says she has to get to work, but Valentin suggests they go sailing. She says she can’t make any decisions until she gets some caffeine in her body, and he says he can fix that. He goes to the kitchen, and she asks if he can make her a latte. He says, as she wishes, and she takes the satellite phone from behind the books. She puts it in her bag, and he comes back, saying, he’s out of milk. She says she thinks that’s a sign she should go to work, but he says, maybe it’s a sign they should go out to breakfast, and he’ll buy her a fancy latte with one of those hearts in the foam. Or they could stay home and do this. He nuzzles her neck and asks if they don’t deserve some time by themselves before everything changes. They’re not going to be able to keep their feelings for each other a secret. People with opinions are going to find out, and he wants to keep this moment as uncomplicated as he can for as long as possible, before the world comes crashing down on them again. They start to kiss when Charlotte walks in.

Valentin asks what she’s doing here. He was going to fly to Europe and pick her up after her holiday. She says, that was the plan, but her friends decided to go island hopping and she’s seen enough of Greece to last a lifetime, so she decided to surprise him. She looks at Anna and says she obviously succeeded. Anna says, it’s lovely to see her. She knows Charlotte and Valentin have catching up to do and she has to go to work. Charlotte says, please stay. There’s something she didn’t say to Anna before she left Port Charles, and she doesn’t like loose ends.

Jack says he’s well acquainted with the corruption and violence in organized crime, and Carly says, unfortunately, she is too. He says, despite knowing that, she went toe to toe with rival mobsters, and she says, they thought Sonny was dead. She had to make a show of strength, or Sonny’s enemies would have moved in and taken over his territory. He says, their first step would have been to eliminate anyone close to Sonny, including his family, and she says, so she did what she needed to do to protect them all. He says, not many people would have the nerve. It seems to him that her talents are wasted in hospitality. Someone with her skills is a born secret agent.

Michael tells Drew that when he sees Willow smile, he thinks about all the months there was nothing to be happy about. He used to pray for the life they have now, so if he has to pretend everything is okay with Nina and put a smile on, he’ll do it to keep the life he’s been blessed with. A life he’s indebted to Drew for. Drew says, no. He did what anybody would do in that position. Michael says, Drew risked his life to bring Dr. Obrecht home (so where is she???) and saved Willow. They’ll never forget that. Willow thinks of him as her guardian angel. Drew says he definitely doesn’t deserve that, but Michael tells him not to be so modest. Drew was able to forgive Nina and it motivated Willow to do the same thing.

Willow tells Nina to forget she said anything. She’s going to go. Nina says, wait, and Willow says, Nina must think she’s a terrible person, but Nina says she could never think that. She’s not judging Willow. How could she with all the mistakes she’s made? It was just surprising. It’s the last thing she expected. Willow says, Nina would never think she’d do something so stupid and self-destructive, but Nina says she’s sure Willow is remembering it a lot worse than it was. She had a cocktail or two and the kiss was probably more chaste than she thinks. Willow says she wasn’t even tipsy. She kissed Drew the way she kisses her husband. It was real and it was wrong. Nothing like this has ever come close to happening before… Except she and Drew have always had this special connection and it’s only gotten stronger. She loves Michael and she’s grateful for their family and the life they’ve built together, but Drew saved her life. It bonded them in a way she’s never felt with anyone else before. In a way, he even brought her and Nina closer together. She doesn’t know what she feels for Drew, but she can’t stop thinking about their kiss. Nina says she thinks Willow is being too hard on herself, but Willow says she’s being unfair to Michael and Drew.

Drew says, if Willow wants to have a relationship with Nina, it’s not because of him. It’s because of the person she is. She tries to see the best in people. Michael agrees, and says, but she idolizes Drew. Drew running for congress has given her something to believe in. Drew says he hopes he can live up to Willow’s faith in him.

Willow says, Drew needs to focus on himself right now and not have this confusing situation with her, but Nina says she thinks Willow is giving Drew far too much consideration here. He’s a grown man. He can look out for himself. Did she force this kiss on him? Willow says, of course (🍷) not, and Nina says, so she wasn’t acting alone. Drew shares some of the blame. Willow says, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. The kiss never should have happened at all. Nina says she’s kissed someone she wasn’t supposed to kiss and can relate to Willow’s feelings. That’s why she knows the issue isn’t really the kiss, but how Willow feels about it. Or more importantly, what she does about it. Willow says, it’s never going to happen again, and Drew agrees with her, and Nina says, so she regrets the kiss. Willow says, very much, and Nina says, and Drew? Willow says, he does too, but when they talked about the kiss, Drew said something that surprised her. That in a different world, under vastly different circumstances, there might be something between them.

Charlotte says she owes Anna an apology, one that’s long overdue. She should have said something before she went to school, but she wasn’t ready yet. She is now. Anna says, it’s sweet of her, but not necessary. Apology accepted of course (🍷). They can leave it at that. Valentin says he thinks it might be good for Charlotte to say what she needs to say, and Anna says, of course (🍷). Charlotte says she’s sorry she trashed Anna’s hotel room. She’s sorry she wrote those terrible things on Anna’s door and mirror. Anna was always so sweet to her, and she thought it was all an act. Her Grandfather Victor told her that Anna was evil, and she believed him. Now she knows he was the one who was lying and she’s so sorry for how she acted. Valentin wonders what’s behind this shift, and Charlotte says, there were kids that came to the school after their country was attacked. Some lost their entire families and had to leave everything behind when they escaped. Their entire lives were taken by powerful people who didn’t care who they hurt or killed as long as they got what they wanted. It made her realize Grandfather Victor was like that too. Valentin says, he was, but she’s not, and Charlotte says she hopes not. She’s a Cassadine and Cassadines are bad, unless they die trying to be good. Valentin looks sad.

Jake comes out and sees Jason, who says he just stopped by. Elizabeth says, Jake’s dad wants to give him something, and Jason says, Jake’s mom told him that he was accepted into an art academy in Spain. Jake says he just got lucky, but Jason says, they only take the best. They’re not going to waste their time unless he’s really good. Jake says, maybe, but it’s expensive, and Jason says, that’s why he’s here. He wants to pay for it. Elizabeth says, isn’t that amazing? and Jake says, it’s super generous, but not necessary. Jason says he gets it. Jake is worried that he’s trying to buy a place in Jake’s life and his forgiveness, but he knows he has to earn that. He hopes one day that comes, but there are no strings attached. When he wasn’t much older than Jake, he had an important decision to make that shaped the rest of his life, like the one Jake’s about make. He wants Jake to choose what makes him happiest without worrying how to pay for it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and might not come around again. If he’d been a different kind of father – any kind of father – paying for Jake’s education would be no question. Please take the money and don’t let his failings mess with Jake’s future.

Michael tells Drew that he sees Willow is all-in with his campaign. It’s all she can talk about. She’s Drew’s biggest supporter as long as he stays the stand-up guy he is. Drew says he’ll do his best, and Michael says, Drew forgave Nina and hired her back at Crimson. Now, Crimson has never more successful. He respects Drew’s judgement and will follow his lead. Drew asks if Michael is sure he can handle working closely with Nina, and Michael says, if it means it’s good for the business, he’ll put a smile on and do it.

Nina says, of course (🍷) Drew would wonder what could have been between him and Willow. She’s a remarkable woman. What man wouldn’t? Willow says, a remarkable woman who kissed her in-law with her husband in the next room, and Nina says, things happen. Drew is a handsome man, and their lives became intertwined. The lines were blurred, and Willow made a mistake. It’s understandable. She’s human. Don’t beat herself up too much. Willow says, even if it costs her marriage? but Nina says, one kiss doesn’t need to lead to divorce. Willow says, Michael might feel differently when she tells him, and Nina says, then don’t tell him.

Carly says she’s never been an intelligence agent. She didn’t want to save the world. Jack says, that’s only for idealists. He’s a pragmatist. If he can tilt the scales of justice, he considers it a job well done. Now he takes pride in a well mopped cafeteria. She says, her lawyer told her that if she follows through with a trial, she has a 30% chance of getting off, and Jack says he doesn’t like those odds. Maybe they can improve them.

Anna says, Charlotte is proof all Cassadines aren’t bound for tragedy, and Charlotte says all she wants to do is make it right. She wishes she could go back and change things. Anna says she’s made a lot of mistakes and hurt a lot of people. Shooting Charlotte was – she cries a little – the worst thing she ever did, and she hopes Charlotte knows how sorry she is. Charlotte says she does and also knows Anna didn’t mean it. It happened because she snuck into Anna’s place to harass her. All she can do is ask Anna’s forgiveness. Anna says she’s already forgiven Charlotte, and asks if Charlotte can forgive her. Charlotte says, consider it done, and they hug. Anna says, Charlotte has a lot of grace. She wishes she’d had half of that when she was Charlotte’s age. Charlotte says, it’s kind of recent. The other students taught her how blessed she is. She has a father who loves her, which is more than most have. Anna says she has to get to work, but she’s glad they had this talk. She hated how they left things. Charlotte says, her too, especially since she sees how important Anna is to her papa. She’d never do anything to hurt him. Anna leaves.

Willow says she doesn’t know how she can keep the kiss a secret. She’s a mess, and Michael will know something is wrong. If she confesses, maybe they can find a way to work through it together. Nina says, at the very least, it will relieve Willow’s burden, but there’s no way to predict Michael’s reaction to his uncle kissing her and imagining a life with her. Willow says, he’ll be hurt and his relationship with Drew will be ruined, and Nina says, she can assuage her guilt or choose to put it behind her and move on. It was a momentary minor slip, and if she treats it as such, she’ll eventually forget it happened. Willow says she tried, but she felt too guilty. That’s why she came here. Nina says she’s glad Willow came to her and hopes Willow keeps coming to her. For the sake of the family, let her be the only one Willow confides in. Eventually, she’ll realize a kiss is not the end of the world. The less power she gives it, the less it will matter. Willow thanks Nina for being able to dump on her. It means so much. She should get going. She has a lot to think about. Nina reminds Willow that she’s just a text or phone call away, and Willow leaves. Nina’s smile fades.

Michael says, they’re in agreement, and Drew says, if he’s elected to congress, Michael will return to being CEO and Curtis will keep control of the wellness division. Drew’s phone rings, and Nina says she needs to see him. He tells her that he’s busy and to set up a meeting, but she says, if he’s thinking of hanging up, she’ll make him regret it. Get up here right now or his campaign is over before he kisses his first baby.

Jack says, the FBI will have no mercy and no pity for Carly. To them, she’s a high-profile target that they have evidence against. She asks if he agrees with her lawyer, and he says, he does. The best bet is for her to avoid a trial entirely. She has two other options. One is to go on the offensive. Make everything public and cry government overreach to anyone who will listen. Out the agents involved and kick up a fuss. Maybe they’ll be shamed into cutting her loose. She asks, what if she just makes them mad and they double down? and he says, that’s the risk. She asks about her other option, and he says, make sure Jason remains valuable to the FBI, but she says, he can’t do it forever. Jack says, as long as they have the evidence. Destroy the evidence, destroy the case. She says, it’s on a protected FBI server. How? He says, easy. She has his sympathies.

Anna lets herself into Jason’s room and opens a laptop. She takes the satellite phone out of her purse and loads the files from it onto the computer. She looks at the files that come up.

Jason says, it’s Jake’s choice. Either way, he’ll understand. Jake says he knows it’s not that simple for Jason and knows Jason’s life isn’t regular. It seems like he tried to do his best with what he had. Art school is what Jake wants and to do it in Spain… He’s excited and grateful for Jason’s offer, so he accepts. Jason hands him an envelope, and Jake holds out his hand. They shake, and it turns into a hug.

Carly says, if it was just her, she’d take her chance in court. She hates how Jason has been blackmailed and she wants to punch Cates every time she sees him. But it’s not just her. Jack says, her kids will suffer too, and asks about Donna. Carly says, Donna is happy, but if she went to prison… Jack says, welcome to his world. You choose the lesser of two evils, whatever would least damage the people around you. Carly says, it’s cowardly letting Jason suffer the repercussions of something she did, but Jack asks if it isn’t worth it if she stays with her kid. She says she guesses it is better if she takes the hit rather than Donna, and he says, there’s her answer. She thanks him for his advice and expertise, and he says, always a pleasure. She says, take care of himself, and he says, her too.

Valentin asks if Charlotte wants breakfast, and she says, sounds great. He thanks her for making peace with Anna, and she says, Anna made it easier than she had to. She’s happy he and Anna are back together. He says he doesn’t know about that, but for the first time in a long time, he thinks there’s hope.

When he returns, Jason finds Anna in his room and asks if she got it. She says, it’s just as they thought, a treasure trove. Files, metadata, everything they need to shut Pikeman down and nail Valentin ten times over. Jason says, it’s finally over. He can get back to his life. Give him the phone. Anna says, she can’t. Not yet.

At Pentenville, a man says, they’re ready for Jack. I think it’s Valentin, but we don’t see his face.  

Willow goes into Drew’s office, but finds Michael in his chair. Michael says, Drew had to leave. He’s not running for office, but will she settle for him? She hugs him and says she’s never settling with him. She hopes he knows how happy she is with him. He’s given her everything – a home and a family, and she loves him so much. He says he loves her too. He’d rather be in her arms than in a congressional seat.

Drew goes to Nina’s office and asks, what the hell is wrong? She ordered him to come see her and threatened him. Did she forget he’s her boss? She smacks him across the face and says, you son of a bitch. You kissed my daughter.

Tomorrow, Willow tells Sonny that she wonders if it’s a good idea; Drew tells Nina that it’s time they came to a new understanding; and Ann tells Jason that she can’t let Cates take Valentin away.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Final day of charter25-minute delay (so far). Captain Sandy tells the deckhands to put the brake on and stop the anchor. She tells lain that they’re not going to be able get to get the anchor up. He says he’s waiting for the tender to charge, and she tells him to stay with it. In the captain’s interview, she says they’ve never had to leave the anchor before. They could try to haul it by hand or leave it. Leaving it is a risk. It’s an expensive piece of equipment, and she hopes it’s still there when they come back for it. They don’t have an option because she has to get the guests back to the dock. On top of it, the wind is insane. At this point, there’s a 39-minute delay. Trishelle says, they’re hosting people at 3, but Marsha says, she’s not making that flight. The captain says, it’s not the crew’s fault. It’s too windy to transport them back. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests are missing flights that she doubts are economy. She has to distract them and keep them entertained. The captain explains what’s happening to the guests, and everyone is totally cool about everything. Captain Sandy tells Iain to find the largest fender and get reflective tape. She gives him instructions, and in her interview, she says, they put the reflective tape on the buoy they hook to the anchor, like they did in Jaws to see where the shark is. Hopefully it works out better for them. She tells the guests that they’re not sinking; the windlass broke. Trishelle says, she’s legit not making her flight, and Brittany says, it’s like extending the vacation and she’s okay with it. In Joe’s interview, he says, whatever Captain Sandy says to do, he’s doing it. Aesha asks Bri if she’s organized in the laundry, and in Aesha’s interview, she says she’s glad Ellie and Bri aren’t fighting. Since Bri hooked up with Joe, they’re letting their petty drama infiltrate the interior. It’s a she said/she said situation and they’re both so convincing. We flash back to them separately telling Aesha what happened, and Aesha says, after charter, she’s brokering a truce. She doesn’t care who said what. Aesha sends Ellie to help with laundry, and the captain says she needs to get the guests back. Nathan takes the chain off the anchor and ties it to the buoy, and Captain Sandy says, he’s free to drop anchor. In Joe’s interview, he says, if the chain hits you or the boat, someone could get hit or die. The chain snaps as the anchor is let go.  

Aesha says, this is a first for her, and the captain says, time is of the essence. The wind is worse. It’s at 33 knots, and the forecast is for 63 knots. If she doesn’t get back now, she can’t dock the vessel. The guests finish packing, and Captain Sandy calls the Marina Emergency Services. She says, they had to leave the anchor. They need someone to meet them to help repair the windlass and a retrieval team for the anchor. The guests rave about the trip – these people are unbelievably nice – and Marsha says she could start a modeling agency in the Mediterranean. Bri and Joe flirt like elementary school children, sparring and poking at each other. Blech. In Bri’s interview, she says, you can’t put toothpaste back in the tube. In Iain’s interview, he says he’s been playing the long game with Ellie and thinks he’s a shoo-in. In Ellie’s interview, a producer asks if Iain has a chance, and it’s a hard no. In Jono’s interview, he says he almost packed after the last charter, but he’s putting the Givenchy back in the closet. He thinks his training taught him to improve and be made stronger by criticism. Captain Sandy says, it’s a lot of boat to hold in the wind, and lain keeps asking for Joe to drop the big fender on starboard. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, it’s taking too long. She can’t keep holding the vessel. If the fender isn’t down, she can slam into the dock and damage the boat. The delay is now 3 hours and 20 minutes. Nathan helps Joe, and the captain says, Joe needs to learn how to tie a line. Nathan has more knowledge, so until Joe learns, he’ll be doing it. She calls lain to the bridge and asks why he chose Joe to be lead deckhand in the beginning. Iain tells her that Joe had experience and was good at guiding people, and we flash back to Joe’s mess-ups. Iain says, Joe is good at running a team, and the captain says, Nathan is working circles around him. She thinks Joe is a great talker and Iain needs to reassess their experience. In her interview, Captain Sandy says, it was clearly an oversight. lain should have come to her first. She’s had to correct Joe’s dockings, and if Iain had taken the time to read the CVs, he would have seen that Nathan is more experienced. This is a red flag. She tells him, in the future, run things by her. Nathan is now the bow guy. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, wanting an update, and Nathan and Joe both wonder where their trousers are. Bri says she’s confused.  

The guests are ready to go, and Marsha gives Aesha a baseball cap and tells her that she’s adopted. Brittany says, Captain Sandy runs a tight, perfect ship. In Nathan’s interview, he says he wouldn’t leave a tip if he was them, but they’re rich and don’t care. Brittany says she loves them, and has Aesha help her get the tip envelope out of her dress bodice, which is just weird. After the guests leave, Aesha tells the stews that they’re having a meeting. They can make a cocktail. The deckhands get to cleaning, and in Joe’s interview, he says he practically got demoted. He wants good laughs and good energy around him. The stews sit down with their cocktails, and Aesha says, well done. They were lucky that the guests were lovely, but they nailed it as well. Ellie and Bri lost focus because of their personal issues. They all need to have respect and kindness when they say things. Ellie says, when it’s put out that she’s disrespectful, she has a problem with that, and Bri says she felt that her feelings weren’t considered. Ellie says, during charter isn’t the time to be overly sensitive, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, the meeting is off to a good start.

Zea Marina. Aesha says, Ellie and Bri have different personalities and need to be conscious of how someone is taking something. You can’t just say, I’m me and you have to take it. Ellie says, things can’t be blown out of proportion all the time. It’s exhausting. Aesha says, they’re going to squash it now. Be aware of how they speak and be the best team. Just keep getting better. There’s a group hug, and in Aesha’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel like they actually fully resolved things. All she can do is keep eye on them and hope the situation doesn’t escalate. If it does, she’ll have to ask the captain for assistance. She’s at her wit’s end. Gael’s boyfriend texts that he’s sorry for being needy. It’s time for the tip meeting, and Captain Sandy says, engineers are coming to fix the windlass. It was difficult, but the windlass is getting repaired, and the anchor is being brought to them. She knows it’s never easy, but it’s part of their character to remain teachable. Nathan is their bow guy now. She tells Jono, good job, and says, the tip is $25K, $2000 a person or 1800 euros. The crew cheers.

The crew gets ready to go out, and in Bri’s interview, she says, in the beginning, she thought Ellie could be a friend. Now all chance of that is gone, so she just has to look out for herself. In Ellie’s interview, she suggests that Joe let it go. She and Bri will battle it out. She comes out in a black catsuit, and Iain’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. In Jono’s interview, he says he’s ready to party, but everyone is still stressed. He doesn’t know what’s going down, but he’s going up. They take a taxi to a bar and have shots. I think, please eat, and Nathan licks Gael’s hand. Joe tells Aesha that it’s weird, and she asks if he can please take the night off from the girls. Joe says he’s not a machine and doesn’t think tonight is his night. In Aesha’s interview, she says she shouldn’t have to ask a deckhand to leave her girls alone, but she’ll try anything at this point. In Joe’s interview, he says he has to take a step back and be professional. Iain tells Ellie that she looks beautiful, and Gael tells Nathan that she loves him. Ellie tells Iain that she’s a person of few words, and he says, him too, but he feels he’s not connecting with everyone as much as he’d like to. Ellie tells him to ask them about them and then listen. In Ellie’s interview, she says, this is not the way to go about it, and in Iain’s interview, he says, sh*t. They sit at the table in awkward silence, then everyone hits the dance floor. Iain talks and talks and talks about himself to Ellie, totally ignoring her advice. In her interview, Ellie says, her bodysuit is working well… on the wrong person. It’s a torture method. He’s waterboarding her with words. Joe tells Bri that she makes him laugh and he finds her attractive, and she says, they’ve caused drama already. He says, he understands that they have to function on a professional level, and she says, if he doesn’t want anything, she won’t invade his space. He says, right now, he doesn’t want anything, and they shake hands. Aesha points out Joe and Bri to Jono, and she asks, what’s with Nathan and Gael? as they watch them at the bar. Jono says he doesn’t know, and Gael and Nathan move closer to each other. Gael tells Nathan that he’s getting her horny, and Jono tells Aesha, it is what it is.

In the taxi, lain blows on Ellie to give her a breeze. Eww. Back on the boat, Nathan and Gael go up to the top deck, and Aesha goes to bed. Gael tells Nathan that she’s a heartbreaker, and he kisses her cheek. She says she can give him a kiss on the cheek and does. He says, they’re friends, and they leave. The declare their like for each other on the stairs and nuzzle. In Gael’s interview, she says she liked it, but at the same time… In Nathan’s interview, he says he doesn’t think Gael’s boyfriend is going to be too happy, but f*** that guy.

In the morning, the anchor is retrieved. Joe says, anything? to Nathan, and Nathan says, there was some neck kissing. Joe tells him, be careful, and Nathan says, she’s fire. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, wildfires are burning near the marina. It’s the first time she’s dealt with that, and it’s so sad that the people are suffering. It’s not close to the boat yet, but getting closer by the day. They need to get off the dock before they have a problem. Iain and Aesha go over what needs to be done with their departments, and the captain tells Iain that the fires are north of Athens. She wishes they could just take off, but leaving the guests at the dock id not a good thing. The anchor arrives, and in the captain’s interview, she says, thank God. A diver goes down and floats it up. They’ll put the chain back on and wrap it around the windlass. We see this operation cost just over $40K. Yachts are expensive. Don’t they say that the two best days are the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it? That’s probably why. It’s a money pit.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Aesha, Jono, and Iain gather in the crew mess with the captain. Captain Sandy says, the co-primaries are Kacie and Quint, who are exploring Europe for the first time. Aesha reads that they want to have an excursion to a local island, and the captain says, they’re going to Hydra. It’s tough to dock there, so the deck crew needs to be on their A-game. Gael has a guilt hangover after she sees texts from her boyfriend that say he’s sorry if he’s needy and he feels hurt. She shows Jono and says she feels like she’s always on the phone. We flash back, and she is always on the phone. Jono says, maybe they need a break. They can’t change that they’re not together. Does she want to be with him?

Gael says, he’s a good guy, and Jono asks, does she want to be with him? She says she thinks she struggles, especially when she’s tired and working. She doesn’t want to paint him as bad. Jono says, that’s not what he asked, and in Gael’s interview, she says, if he hated her, this would be easier. She’s torturing herself every day keeping up the relationship when she has a connection with someone else. Being apart, people do things they wouldn’t normally do. Growing up, it was always, you can do better. At the same time, she reaps the seeds she sows. She tells Jono that she hates disappointing people, and he says he thinks she and her boyfriend need to have a conversation. Be honest and transparent, even if it’s hurtful.

Once again, Captain Sandy can’t find her shirt, and in her interview, she says, it’s not the first time her laundry was mixed up. We flash back to several times, and she says, the third stew is an entry level position, so she wouldn’t fire someone, but it needs to be corrected. It’s charter four and Bri needs to develop a system. Provisions come in, and the captain brings some clothes back to the laundry. She says, they’re not hers, and Ellie calls Bri to the laundry. Bri explains that the captain’s clothes are in the washing machine, and Ellie says, there needs to be more clarity. Captain Sandy says, they’re not leaving until the wind dies down. She hopes it blows the smoke the other way. Things start blowing around and the placemats fly off the table. In the captain’s interview, she says, they need to wait for a weather window and have to get off before the smoke gets to the marina. Ellie calls Bri to the laundry again, and Bri says, the captain’s clothes are in the dryer. Ellie tells Captain Sandy that she’ll bring them up. Finding the clothing on her bed, the captain looks for a shirt. She says, this is terrible, and goes back downstairs to find the crew eating in the mess. She asks why it’s so hard to get her clothes back, and Bri says, her shirt should be in the pile. Ellie says, her clothes were all pressed and hanging, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she’s dealing with wind, fires, and guests. She doesn’t need to lose a shirt. This is the last time. Now she’s gonna get pissed.

Ellie asks if Bri checked their cabin. It has to be somewhere. The captain says, Bri will pay attention now, and tells the crew to meet on the dock in 15 minutes. Bri finally finds the captain’s shirt, and Captain Sandy says, she’s got to fix this. In Bri’s interview, she says she knows she’s making mistakes, but she’s not the only one in the laundry room. She’s going to log every piece. Receipts, bitch. Iain tells Joe that people are picking up on little things and saying the deck work is incomplete. They’ve got to work together and get everyone on the same page.

The guests arrive, and the captain tells Iain, if they don’t get off the dock, they’ll spend the day in a bulk of smoke. Co-primary Kacie introduces herself and says, they’re from Charleston. Captain Sandy says, they’re not departing immediately because the wind is insane. She doesn’t want them seasick their first time out. Aesha gives the tour, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he feels bad about Joe. Joe is his boy. He can tell Joe feels bad and he doesn’t want to be a d*ck. The captain calls Iain to the bridge. She tells him that a superyacht just docked right in front of her (bastard), and in her interview, she says, the wind is getting worse, she has a boat portside, and now a boat has pulled in front of her. Typically, she wouldn’t take the risk, but the smoke is coming in, so she’s taking it. She tells Iain to drop the lines. She’s casting off and is going to come as close as she can to the other boat. The guests see the fire coming, and Captain Sandy tells the deck crew that they have a window and need to leave. The crew moves quickly, and Iain says, she has 4 meters on the stern and has cleared the groundlines. In the captain’s interview, she says, it’s crazy. They can see the fire and the clients on the boat can smell it. If they don’t want ash on top of them, they have to get out, but how can they get out? She’s boxed in and has 6 inches to work with. One wrong maneuver and the season is over. They’re so close… She says, sh*t. It’s too tight.

To be continued…

🎽 Dancing In the Clouds…

This guy was so precious. I barely remember him from GH, but I work out every day and when I’m feeling lazy, I don’t mind sweatin’ to the oldies with him on YouTube. Rock on, Richard.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-fave-richard-simmons-dead-at-76

🥀 Released From Battle…

Such a shame. Whether you loved her or hated her, there’s no question that her work will live on.

https://ew.com/shannen-doherty-costars-pay-tribute-after-death-8677736

And she loved her dog.

https://people.com/all-about-shannen-doherty-dog-bowie-8677823

🐕 Who’s a Good Boy…

Olympians need furry encouragement too.

https://people.com/meet-beacon-golden-retriever-therapy-dog-team-usa-olympics-gymnastics-trials-8672007

🧚‍♂️ Chasing a Midsummer Night’s Dream…

It’s been a long, humid day, but join me tomorrow for soap and entertainment info and recaps. Until then, stay safe, stay choosing to live your memories rather than record them, and stay not waterboarding anyone with words.

May 3, 2024 – Dante Questions His Boundaries, Cast Changes, Reflection, Not Quite Divorce, Grey This, First Day, Where’s Here, Animal Farm, Dog TV, An Ounce Of Quotes & Listen To How

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Trina and Josslyn run in the park and stop at a bench. Trina says she can’t believe she let Josslyn talk her into HIIT training, and Josslyn says, what they did in 20 minutes, is the equivalent of an hour long run. So she just did Trina’s heart a favor. Trina says, don’t expect a thank you. The way her heart is beating out of her chest, she’s glad to be standing next to a doctor to be. Josslyn says she’s not so sure about that anymore. She used to be so sure about her future. Now, not so much.

Alexis asks Sam and Kristina which one she should wear to the hearing, and Sam says, they both look the same. (They do and they’re both black.) Alexis says, they’re nothing alike. This one is for summations, and she usually won those. And this one is for the I don’t feel anxious look. Sam suggests she go with the one that makes her feel comfortable, and Alexis says, they both do for different reasons, and asks Kristina what she thinks. Kristina says, oh, and touches her bump, and Alexis says, fine. She’ll wear the lucky one. Kristina says, that wasn’t about the suit. It’s the little kicker weighing in.

Nina and Drew pull into a parking lot, and Drew says, they’re here, but Nina says, not so fast. He says, they had an agreement. She was going to help get him a meeting and he was going to help get her closer to Willow. She’s not backing out already, right? She says she just wants to make sure he fully appreciates what she’s doing for him. Congressman McConkey is a key figure in the US House. He has the ear of all the major players in DC and he wants to speak with her. He says he’s sure she’s very honored, and she says she is. And she also understands this is because of her relationship with her father. This is her personal connection, and she wants to make sure he doesn’t screw it up. He says, in other words, she wants him to be grateful and follow her lead. How could he not? She’s such a people person. He leans toward her like he’s going to kiss her, but he undoes her seatbelt.

Sonny visits Dante, who says, this is a surprise. What’s going on? Sonny hands him a giftbag, and Dante asks if it’s something for the kids, but Sonny says, open it. It’s for my son. Dante says, for this kid? He looks in the bag and says, oh wow. This is amazing. He takes out a white boxing glove, and Sonny says, last time they were at the gym, he noticed Dante’s gloves had seen better days, so he got those. They’re 14 ounce, more padding, and good to hit the bag with. Dante can use his old gloves to spar. Dante says, when he gets back, yeah, and Sonny says he knows Dante doesn’t hit the bag anymore, especially right now. Dante thanks him and says he appreciates it. Sonny says, it’s the least he can do since Dante is the only person in his family he can trust.

Ava opens the penthouse door to Carly and asks, where’s Frank? Carly says, he’s down the hall. Is Sonny home? Ava says, no, he’s out, and Carly says she’ll wait here until he gets back. She walks past Ava and sits down in the living room.

The congressman’s assistant Mariel tells Nina that the congressman has been looking forward to this, and Nina says, that’s nice to hear. He and her father were great friends. Mariel says, Drew isn’t on his schedule, and we hear the congressman on the phone in his office, saying, he wouldn’t endorse Fred for dog catcher. Nina says, perhaps they should come back if now isn’t a good time, but Mariel says she’s worked with him since he was in bellbottoms and organizing sit-ins. His bark is worse than his bite. Nina says, really? and Mariel says, no. Follow her. She leads them into the office as McConkey says he doesn’t give a damn about party loyalty. Stop wasting his time. He hangs up and sees Nina. He gets up from his desk and goes over to her, taking her hand. He says, the last time he saw her, she was riding on Dan’s shoulders, her hair in ribbons. She laughs and says, and he has never looked more distinguished. He says, it’s the grey hair, is it? And they say politicians are smooth talkers. Nina says, it’s nice to see him and thanks him for seeking her out. She’s honored that he trusts her with his statement. He says he trusts her, but who’s the suit?

Kristina tells Sam and Alexis that she was so smug about being over her morning sickness. This little one is definitely making up for it with all its kicking and squirming. She thought maybe it was because of all the spicey foods she’s been eating, Oh, Blaze found this incredible restaurant that has the most delicious pastelis. They have to try it. It’s so good. They’re obsessed. Sam says, who? Her and Blaze? But Kristina says, no. Her and the baby. This little one loves spicey food as much as she does. Alexis says, Kristina didn’t when she was pregnant with her, because she had indigestion the entire time. They already talked about her kicking. Kristina says, this is really nice. She doesn’t share too much about her pregnancy with Molly because it’s sensitive. Sam says she kind of gets that. Once the two of them get over this initial awkwardness, things will get a little easier, and she’ll probably enjoy hearing about the baby and how Kristina is doing. Kristina says she doesn’t know. She’d never want to hurt Molly’s feelings, but she does really appreciate that she can share this with them, because this is the most powerful, profound experience she’s ever had in her life. It’s amazing. Having this little life growing inside of her is so incredible. She knows the both of them know exactly how she feels.

Trina does push-ups against the bench, and Josslyn says she’s thinking about switching her major. Trina says, from pre-med? Why? Josslyn says, because she’s not sure she wants to be a doctor. It’s such a huge commitment. Should she really be doing it if she’s anything less than all-in? Trina says she guesses not. Wow. What brought this on? Josslyn says she’s been thinking about it for a while. Then all that stuff went down with Adam, and it freaked her out. Trina says, Adam’s problems had nothing to do with his major, and Josslyn says she knows that, but it gave her a glimpse into the next few years of her life. And it’s another year with a full course load, then studying for the MCATs. Then it’s med school and then a residency, maybe a specialty fellowship. She’s exhausted just talking about it. Trina says she hears her. Becoming a doctor is no joke. Her mom has told her some pretty daunting things, but she always said that it was worth it and she loves it. Josslyn says, and she’s amazing at it. She has nothing but pure admiration for those who pursue a medical degree. It’s just, is that for her? She knows she wants to do something in science, but she’s just not sure being a doctor is her passion.

Carly says, Ava can go do whatever she wants to do. She doesn’t need to be monitored. Ava says, this is Sonny’s house and she’s an invited guest. So let’s get something straight. Carly might think she can come in here and just start ordering her around because of her prior relationship with Sonny, but that’s over. As far as Sonny is concerned, she’s gone too far. Carly says, wow. Okay. She gets up and says, as long as they’re getting things straight, let her get something clear. Ava might have appointed herself Sonny’s gatekeeper, roommate, or whatever the hell she wants to call herself, but she will speak to her ex-husband, the father of her children, whenever she needs to, and that’s never going to change.

Dante says, Sonny has more people in his corner than he thinks he has, and Sonny says, the people on his payroll don’t count. Diane is representing Jason. Dante says, Diane always represented Jason. She can represent him too. Sonny says, they’ll see if she can work for both of them. Did he hear that Nina signed the divorce papers? She’s another one out of his life. Dante says he’s sorry that ended badly. He knows Sonny really cared about her. Sonny says he doesn’t trust her. He doesn’t really trust anybody anymore. Jason, Dex, Nina, Michael… Carly. Carly hits the most. He went to the MetroCourt the other day, when she made her triumphant return. Does Dante know what Carly said to him? Get out of my life. Dante says, just like that, no lead up? Sonny says, no. He asked her, why, when Jason offered to buy the hotel back for her, she said yes, but when he offered, she turned him down. Does he know what she said? Stay out of my life. But he can’t do that. Because they have kids, grandkids. She’s trying to cut him out. That ain’t happening. Dante suggests he let things cool down a little between them. They’ll work it out. Sonny says, no, because once Carly makes up her mind like that, there’s no getting through to her. Dante says, it’s good Sonny has him then, and claps him on the shoulder. Sonny puts his hand on Dante’s shoulder and says, it is a good thing Dante has his back, because he’ll always have Dante’s back. He looks like a corpse about to cry, and Dante says, hey. Is something going on? Sonny says, it’s… it’s… yeah. He’s concerned that Dex has joined the PCPD.

McConkey points at Drew and says, he doesn’t have a camera, so he’s not a photographer. Why is he here? Nina says, this is Drew Cain. He’s her… Drew steps up and says, it’s a pleasure to meet the congressman. He shakes McConkey’s hand and says he’s the CEO of Aurora Media and the publisher of Crimson, but people call him Drew. McConkey says he has an appointment to speak with Nina alone, and Nina says she’s so sorry. She didn’t mean to overstep. It’s just that she mentioned to Drew that she was talking to him today and he expressed an interest to come along. Drew says he’s been a supporter of McConkey for years, and McConkey says, Drew needs to make an appointment. While he’s talking to Nina, maybe Drew could see Mariel and she could fit him in maybe sometime after the election. Drew says he could totally do that, but they’re both busy men, and he’s here right now. Why not take advantage of the situation, right? There was actually a specific project he’d like to discuss with the congressman in particular. Nina looks at him like she can’t believe it, and McConkey says, yes, but he doesn’t hand out favors to corporations. Nina says, forgive her. She’ll show Drew out and they can proceed with his statement. Drew says, the project had nothing to do with Aurora whatsoever. It has to do with the people of Port Charles, his constituents. Could he share a moment of his time for them?

Sam says she wishes she could stay and chat longer, but she has to go pick up her nearly grown, teenage son from school. Kristina asks how Danny is doing, but Sam says she doesn’t know. He hasn’t been talking to her much lately. She doesn’t know if it’s a teenage thing or a Jason thing, but they’re disagreeing on how much time he should be spending with his father, so… Alexis says, he has her to count on and that’s everything, so just give it time, and Sam thanks her. She hugs them both and leaves. Kristina says, she’s okay, right? and Alexis says, considering her boyfriend was shot and her ex has mysteriously returned, and Danny wants to spend all his time with him. Kristina says she loves Jason, but she understands why Sam is worried about her son spending so much time with Jason, and Alexis says, she’s very protective of Danny. Speaking of protective mommies, how’s her girl? Seems like the trimester is going well for her. Kristina says she’s actually really good. It’s Molly and TJ she’s worried about.

Josslyn tells Trina that now she has to figure out what major she wants to switch to so she can still graduate in time. And in order to do that, she has to figure out what it is she wants to do in the first place. Trina says, same. She’s behind on credits unless she wants to play a game of catch-up during the summer, and she definitely doesn’t want to do that. All she can do is work at the gallery. Josslyn says, she’s still grieving Spencer, and Trina says, yeah, but she doesn’t want to get stuck on that. She really doesn’t. She wants to care about anything. And it’s weird because it’s just not like her. She used to know where she wanted to go and where she wanted to be. Now she doesn’t. Josslyn says she feels Trina on that, and Trina says, but Josslyn was on track. That’s why she’s surprised they’re here in the same boat. The police cadets jog by, and Josslyn and Dex exchange a look.

Dante says he heard that Dex was accepted into the academy, and Sonny says he can’t tell Dante how to do his job, but he’d be wise to stay away from Dex. Dante says, they shouldn’t be talking about that, and Sonny says he’s just telling his son to watch his back. Because from his experience, Dex can’t be trusted. He was good to Dex. He did everything for Dex, and Dex turned on him. So if Dante is ever in a difficult situation, don’t expect Dex to cover for him. Dante says he doesn’t expect to be in that position, and Sonny says, Anna and the cops and whoever else wants to believe whatever comes out of Dex’s mouth, but he knows Dante is too smart because he knows better. He’s telling Dante right now, Dante is going to hit those bags – he throws a fake uppercut – in no time. He pats Dante’s shoulder and leaves. Dante looks concerned, as we all would be.

Ava says, Carly can talk to Sonny whenever and however she wants to, but Sonny isn’t here. So why doesn’t she leave a message, and if Sonny wants to talk to her, he will. But something tells her that Carly will be waiting a while for that call. Carly says, for somebody who claims to be so confident in her situation, Ava sounds a little defensive, and Ava says, Carly sounds desperate. That’s why she came barging in here, planting her sad little flag in the middle of Sonny’s living room, because Carly can feel him slipping from her grasp. And she knows she screwed up with Sonny for good. Sonny comes in and asks Carly what she’s doing here. Where’s Donna?

Drew tells McConkey that the piers continue to attract criminal activity. There’s two unused piers that have beautiful infrastructure and incredible views that can be developed into something amazing to benefit the people of Port Charles. McConkey says, and generate tourist revenue, and Drew says, that’s one of the goals, absolutely. He’s been working with Deputy Mayor Jordan Ashford to redirect some of that revenue into the city’s budget to be used for things like more public transportation and have more weekend hours in the libraries and more green energy projects. McConkey says he and Jordan crossed paths a few times when she was Police Commissioner, and he was pleased to see she was taking on Deputy Mayor. She has some impressive ideas. Drew says, she really does. That’s why they’re working together on this, but as he knows, a project of this scope requires federal funding. So he guesses his question for the congressman is, can they count on his support? McConkey says he’s intrigued, but he can’t help Drew.

Alexis asks what Kristina means, Molly and TJ are having trouble. What happened now? Kristina says, apart from TJ giving her an inquisition about her sleeping habits and forbidding her from seeing her father? Alexis says, this is why she told Kristina that they have to have some grace, because this is a new situation. Kristina says, it’s a funny thing about extending grace. You actually have to acknowledge that your behavior is maybe part of the problem. She doesn’t see TJ doing that anytime soon. Honestly, it’s insulting to insinuate she doesn’t know how to take care of herself or this baby. She thinks she’s doing a pretty good job. And it’s not just the way he’s being toward her. She thinks there’s some tension between him and Molly. Alexis says, there’s tension between every couple now and then, particularly when there’s a life-changing event, and Kristina says, they can figure that out for themselves. She’s the one who’s carrying this child. She doesn’t deserve to be micromanaged.

Sam says she’s sorry she’s home later than she thought, but she had to stop at her mom’s to see Kristina. Dante says, that’s okay, and she kisses him. She asks if Danny is home, and he says, not yet. How’s Kristina doing? Sam says, she’s hormonal and grumpy… Is that a gift or something? She reaches for the bag, and Dante says, yeah. Sonny got him new boxing gloves. He hands her one, and she says, that’s really nice of him. She puts it on and says, these are really good gloves, and he says, they are. She asks, how was his visit with Sonny? and he says, it was fine. She holds up her gloved hand and says, don’t do that. Something’s wrong, obviously. He can talk to her. He says, it’s just that line he’s drawn between work and being Sonny’s son. He kind of feels like he might have crossed it.

Carly says she needs to talk to Sonny alone, and Ava tells Sonny that she wasn’t clear. Does Carly get to dictate what happens in this house? Carly says she needs to talk to him about Donna. She’s not discussing their daughter in front of Ava. Ava says she has a call to make to the gallery to check on a delivery. Excuse her. She leaves, and Sonny asks if Donna is okay. Carly says, she’s fine. She wanted to have this conversation in person. She’s not bringing Donna to sleep over this week. She’s not bringing Donna here at all anymore. He says, why not? and she says, it’s not good for Donna to be here with him.

McConkey tells Drew that he has lung cancer, Stage IV. He intends on serving out the rest of his term, but then he’ll be stepping down to be with his family. He knows it’s a political cliché, but in this case, it happens to be true. Nina says she’s so sorry, for him and for his family, and for the people that he serves. And she knows he’ll be dearly missed by his colleagues in the House. Does his staff know? Does Mariel? McConkey says, yes, Mariel and select members of his staff. He wants to stay focused on his remaining programs and legislation, and he wants this statement not to be about pity, sentimentality, or hysteria. There’s enough political spectacle to begin with. Nina says she assures him that she’ll see to it, and Drew says he’s deeply saddened by this news. He’s so sorry. If there’s anything he can do to help in any way, please let him know, but if he may. The congressman’s term doesn’t end until May of 2025… Nina says, talk about being insensitive, but Drew says he’s not being insensitive. He really thinks this project could be McConkey’s legacy for the people in his district. He can take a place that was previously neglected and turn it into a showpiece. Give the people of Port Charles something beautiful, a place to gather by the water like this, it would be such a gift. Not only for the people here now, but for future generations. McConkey says, go on, and Drew says, he still has time to push this in the House. It could be his farewell piece of legislation, and given his current diagnosis, who’s going to vote against it?

Trina says, when Josslyn told her that she was going into pre-med, she remembers thinking to herself, she never heard Josslyn express this before, but she was so proud of Josslyn, she didn’t put it together. Josslyn says, put what together? and Trina says, that it has something to do with Dex. Josslyn says, when she and Cam were falling apart and she was catching feelings🪣for Dex, Dex got really hurt. She had to stitch up his side and she had no idea what she was doing. And it was the most helpless feeling. She remembers wanting to be able to do more than just wait around and be concerned. She wanted to be able to help people, especially in an emergency. Trina says, and by people, she means Dex.

Sam says, Sonny should have known better than to discuss police business with Dante, but from what he just told her, she thinks he handled it pretty well. Dante says, Sonny didn’t come right out and tell him not to act on any information Dex might have, but he sent a message. He assumes Dex is going to talk and Anna is going to listen to him. She says, he didn’t ask Dante to interfere on an investigation, and Dante says, not yet, but he’s come this far, so that’s probably next. Anna called this too. She says, how so? and he says, at Chase’s bachelor party, the guys were shunning Dex, and he questioned the wisdom of bringing Dex on board to Anna. She asks what Anna thought about that, and he says, she kind of reversed it on him. She said, maybe it’s what Dex could be telling them at the PCPD about his dad that might bother him, and to steer clear of him. She didn’t want Dante to be put in a position where he might be compromised or tempted to protect Sonny. She says, there’s nothing wrong with setting boundaries, and he says, but the thing is, he used to set the boundaries for himself. He didn’t need someone else to set them for him. She says she thinks he’s being too hard on himself. Everyone in town knows Dex worked for Sonny, and cops are bound to be suspicious. It does create a hostile work environment. She thinks it’s good he made that point to Anna. He says, there’s one other thing he hasn’t told Anna or her, and that’s when he found out that Dex was applying to the police academy, his first thought was, how could this hurt his father? That’s not thinking like a cop. That’s thinking like a son who’s worried that his father is already guilty.

Sonny asks if Carly is using his daughter to get back at him, but she says she’s protecting Donna. She shouldn’t hear from her father that her mother betrayed him. He says, it sounds like she’s protecting herself, but she says she doesn’t want Donna involved in an adult situation that she can’t possibly understand. (She’s correct. Dr. Phil says that all the time.) Or poisoned by bitterness and resentment. He asks if she thinks he would do that, and she says she doesn’t know. He says, that he would say something against her to their daughter? and she says she doesn’t recognize him anymore. She doesn’t know what he’s capable of. He rubs his forehead and says, legally, he’s Donna’s father. He has rights, even if he has to take her to court. He’ll do that if he has to. She says, please, take her to court. Let’s put it all out on the record. Let’s put it in the light of day and let the judge decide who Donna should go home with. It’s not him. He says, first, she turned on him. Now she’s using their daughter… She says she’s trying to protect them both. Donna doesn’t deserve to be around his level of hate and anger right now. He says, she’s getting everybody in his family to turn against him. Why? Why? Because of Jason? She asks if he can hear himself. He’s not making any sense. He’s not listening to reason at all. He’s living in an alternate universe. It’s like everybody’s out to get… Oh my God. Oh my God, Sonny. She jets to the back of the apartment, and he asks where she’s going. He follows her, and she goes to his bathroom and looks at his prescription bottles. He asks what the hell she’s doing, and she says she’s making sure he’s taking his medication.

Nina says, Drew’s enthusiasm for his project has clearly clouded his sense of tact. He will wait outside while they finish their conversation. McConkey says, no. He’s not insulted, nor is he swayed. Does Drew know how many developers have sat in that chair with a slick pitch and an outstretched hand? Drew says, more than a few, he has no doubt, but that’s not what’s happening here. He truly believes in this project, and knowing what McConkey is facing, he thinks this would be such a legacy for him. McConkey asks how he knows Drew isn’t beautifying these docks not to just turn them into luxury apartments on a federal dime. He believes in public projects. He likes them, but he might not be around to see how things work out. Drew asks if he thinks Jordan Ashford would really be on board for a real estate scheme, and McConkey says, no, but if Drew is well-funded and smart enough, she may not be able to stop him. It all comes down to Drew’s true intentions. What does Nina think? She brought this guy in here. Should he trust him?

Kristina tells Alexis, Molly and TJ are very goal-oriented people. And that’s great for them and their careers – more power to them – but sometimes it seems like they look at this pregnancy and this baby as the next thing to check off on their list of accomplishments. Alexis says, that’s cynical. She hopes Kristina is just being a little hyperbolic. Kristina says she loves Molly and TJ – Alexis knows that – and she knows how much they want this baby. It’s just that they both get so focused on the practicalities of this pregnancy, they’re missing out on the beautiful process of absolutely falling in love with this baby as much as she is.

Sam says, Dante loves his father, and he doesn’t want anything to happen to him, just like billions of other sons and daughters all over this planet. He says, yeah, but he’s in a position to protect Sonny and put his welfare ahead of his badge. Sam says, he had one thought. She knows him. He’s not going to allow one thought to influence him or effect his work. They both know life can get pretty messy and ambiguous when family is involved, and he’s never compromised himself for Sonny. In fact, Dante had him arrested when he put Cyrus Renault in the hospital. He says he wishes he could be as sure as she is. He used to be. He thought he could be both a good son and a good cop. She says, and he’s done that, but he says, has he though? Sonny runs a criminal enterprise. He knows it, she knows it, everybody knows it. His job is to stop Sonny. So why hasn’t he? (To be fair, neither has anyone else who’s in a position to.)

Taking the bottle of lorphenadine with her, Carly says she needs to call his pharmacist, but Sonny says she is not calling his pharmacist. Give him his pills. She says, not until he answers a question. When was the last time he took his medication? He says, what is this? Just because he didn’t agree with her custody arrangement, she’s accusing him of not taking his medication? She says she’s not judging him. She’s trying to help him. Something is so wrong. Does he remember the last time he was off his meds? He says he’s fine, but she says, he’s not fine. Ava comes out and asks if everything is okay, and Carly tells Sonny to look at her. It is common for people dealing with bipolar to go off their medication. She’s not judging him. Just tell her and she can help him. He asks if she really thinks he’d risk everything by not taking his medication. Does she think that little of him?

Nina says, Drew is a very tenacious businessman, but he’s also a decorated Navy SEAL, and he’s known for his philanthropy and leadership at Aurora, and he’s very committed to the city of Port Charles. She can say truthfully that Drew can be tough, but fair. Not so different from the congressman. McConkey says he’ll have to see some actual concept sketches and specs, but if the numbers check out and Drew can make this a reality, he’s got himself a deal. They shake hands, and Drew thanks him so much. McConkey says, it’s going to be tough to wrangle this through the House. He’s going to expect a little more than a park bench with his name on it. Drew says, how about the McConkey Esplanade? McConkey says, that will do. Of course (🍷) he’ll be long gone before this thing is finished, but Drew has to promise he’ll have the congressman’s wife front and center for the dedication, and he’s got to let her cut the ribbon, because Hazel does love a good photo op.  Drew says, absolutely. He can count on that. He looks at Nina.

Alexis says she and Kristina know Molly and TJ already want and love this baby, but maybe their misguided and annoying attempts to contribute to her pregnancy may be their way of trying to connect with Kristina and be a part of it. Kristina says, by coming at her like she’s some clueless, irresponsible incubator? Alexis says, stop. She’s going to ask Kristina something, and it’s important she answer honestly. Kristina says, okay, what? and Alexis asks if Kristina is starting to think of this baby as more hers than her sister’s.

Josslyn tells Trina that she didn’t get into pre-med because of Dex, and she’s not thinking of getting out of it because they broke up. Trina says, but he is a factor, and Josslyn says, yes, but not because she was thinking Dex is a criminal and she needs to be able to stitch him up – we see Dex clad in a towel, opening his locker at the academy – in case he’s shot again. She guesses it’s that she and Dex are close in age, but they’re worlds apart in life experience. He’s already served in the military. We see Dex getting dressed, and Josslyn says, that really matters, and it seemed to her that becoming a doctor would also really matter, and it would. But just because she’s got the grades to get in medical school doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit. She would be taking a spot from someone who really does have the passion and could very well make a much better doctor. And she thinks she owes it to them and to herself to figure out where she would do the most good – Dex buttons his shirt – and find out what she actually wants to pursue. Trina says, whatever Josslyn decides, she’ll be here for her, and Josslyn says, same. They’re in this together. Trina says, and why is she trying to figure this out, when part of the future she’s struggling with is about Dex? She’s still in love with him, isn’t she? We see Dex fix his hair, and Trina asks why Josslyn can’t admit she doesn’t want her and Dex to be over. We see Dex in his new uniform.

Sam says she thinks that Dante is being hard on himself, because she knows how he values the law. And she knows how he always walks that line. He’s a good cop. He’s got to give himself a break. He says he thinks maybe he just has to face reality. He’s gone easy on his father because he loves him and his siblings. And that right there is a conflict of interest. If he’s not willing to enforce the law, he’s got no business being a cop.

Carly suggests she and Sonny go to his doctor and get his blood drawn. Maybe he just needs his dosage adjusted. He says he doesn’t need his dosage adjusted. Get out. She says, please listen to her, but he says he’s listened long enough, and opens the door. She says, he has to understand how serious this is, and he says, she’s got to go, and points out the door. She slams the bottle of lorphenadine onto the mantle and walks out. He closes the door and looks at Ava. He looks like scary, unwell, sad Sonny, and says, there’s nothing wrong with him is there? Ava says, Carly is being unreasonable.

Carly walks down the hall and stops. She says, oh my God, and keeps walking.

Sonny says, Carly can go to hell, and walks into the back. Ava walks over to the mantle and picks up the bottle of lorphenadine.

On Monday, Kristina asks if Molly thinks her father poses a threat to their baby; Alexis tells Diane, if this one explodes, it’s going to shred her entire family; Anna tells Bennet that he can’t trust them with anyone but her; and a stranger (to us) on a park bench asks if Sonny wants to join her.

🚑 Two In One Out…

I thought I’d seen the congressman before.

Another revolving door character.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-aiden-recast-with-tristan-riggs

It’s confirmed. We saw him through his newbie, dad bod phase, and now he’s ditching us.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/nicholas-chavez-says-goodbye-to-general-hospital

🏋️‍♂️ Sweatin’ To Memory Lane…

Aww. Good times…

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/richard-simmons-reflects-on-his-time-on-general-hospital

💎 A Drift In the Hills…

But divorce isn’t in the cards? Really? That’s kind of hard to believe when he’s moved out and she’s changed her name back.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1400726/kyle-richards-drops-mauricio-umanskys-last-name-from-her-instagram-amid-separation

🍸 Rocking the Gray…

Vanderpump Rules enlightens the world on the latest method in dealing, which I used to call, I’m ignoring you.

https://www.popsugar.com/relationships/gray-rock-method-49359630

🛸 In the Beginning…

The long awaited third installment is almost here.

https://ew.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-origin-story-djimon-hounsou-part-2-8639286

🌲 Beyond Lost…

This is old news, but this show is new to me. Amazon suddenly sprouted it as a lure for MGM+. Thankfully, I get that through my TV provider, since I already pay for enough streaming services, and I was hooked with the first episode. I thought it was reminiscent of Wayward Pines, which I also loved, and it was taken from me too soon. (Although there’s a book trilogy that finishes the story.)

Without giving away too much, all kinds of people from all different places find themselves in a town with very few amenities. To the naked eye, it might seem idyllic, albeit unplugged, but the catch is, monsters come out at night. The acting is impressive, and I love looking at the details of the town. The gore ain’t bad neither, but the show doesn’t rest on that. It’s more of a mystery as to where they are and how, or if, they can get home. And if Stephen King recommends it, how can you go wrong? As a matter of fact, as soon as I’m done here, I’m going to watch another episode.

https://screenrant.com/from-show-stephen-king-review-horror-fans-recommendation

https://www.pajiba.com/tv_reviews/from-is-the-best-tv-show-that-will-make-you-hate-its-guts.php

🐄 Animal Magnetism…

Enjoy some peace on the farm.

https://people.com/beautiful-issue-kaley-cuoco-and-her-pets-8633984

🐕 A Dog’s Favorite…

I’ve never had a dog who’s a big TV watcher, but I’ll have to give this a whirl.

https://people.com/why-dogs-love-watching-bluey-according-to-an-expert-8639804

🐦 Quotes of the Week

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.Khalil Gibran

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.  – Jack London

Faith is daring to put your dream to the test. It is better to try to do something and fail than to try to do nothing and succeed. – Robert H. Schuller

Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up. – Jesse Jackson

It’s only stealing if they find out. – Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Golden Girls

Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies and the character of his friends.K@$H

⚔️ Feeling the Fourth…

Join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap and Deck dilemmas. FYI, the new season of RHONJ begins Sunday at 8 pm if you want to torture yourself that way. Until then, stay safe, stay taking it easy with those margaritas, and stay never involving children in adult situations.