(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and a GH blow-by-blow on Fridays)
General Hospital
Anna went to see Jack at the hospital, but they were interrupted by John. John wondered what they had to discuss.
Elizabeth called Chase, but he and Brook were about to knock on Finn’s door, so it went to voicemail. The door was unlocked, and they went inside. Chase called to Finn, who came out from the back. He said it was a nice surprise, but early. What brought them by?
Spinelli told Sam that he’d gotten past the FBI firewall, but he was still no closer to getting the information they needed. He couldn’t get access to the evidentiary database unless he had an agent ID. Sam said, it was time for Plan B. She’d been tracking John and thought they could swipe his digital key without him being the wiser. If he stuck to his routine, they’d get their opportunity.
John told Anna that Jack’s fate would be decided in the courts, not by the Police Commissioner, and she said she didn’t need a lesson in protocol. He said he didn’t know what she and Jack would have to discuss, and Anna wondered if John should have more coffee or leave caffeine alone altogether (been there). He asked why Anna was there, and she said she was just telling Jack goodbye. John left, and Jack told Anna that he wanted to give her a heads up. John thought she was the secret head of Pikeman.
Aiden wondered what happened that Elizabeth and Finn broke up, although they’d broken up before and got back together. Jake said it wasn’t happening this time, and Elizabeth said she didn’t know the future, but Finn couldn’t be part of their lives. He wasn’t handling Gregory’s death well at all, but that wasn’t why they broke up. It just wasn’t going to work out. Jake said he didn’t care if he ever saw Finn again, but what about Violet?
Chase told Finn that his door had been unlocked, and Brook asked if Violet was still at Maxie’s. Finn said she was and asked if Chase had talked to Elizabeth. Chase said no, Should he? Finn said they’d ended things, and Brook wondered if the mess in his apartment had something to do with it. Finn said it was his fault and he should clean up before Violet home. Brook said she and Chase had an idea and maybe the timing was right. Chase told Finn that he and Brook were moving into the Quartermaines for a while in order to get their place ready after getting so many gifts, and Brook told Finn all about the kids who hang out there in the summer. Chase said, James would be taking riding lessons, so Georgie would be there too, and Brook said they were thinking Violet could come hang with them. It was better than summer camp. Finn asked if they didn’t think he knew what they were doing. There was no way they were taking his daughter from him.
Elizabeth said, Violet was the boys’ cousin and that would never change, but Aiden was worried they’d drift apart. Elizabeth said she wouldn’t let that happen, and Jake told Aiden that maybe their mom had a reason to be mad at Finn. Aiden said there was something he didn’t know, but Jake obviously did, and he had a right to know too. Elizabeth told him that there was no easy way to say it. Jake saw Finn coming out of a bar drunk. Jake said, and he had some drunk woman… but Elizabeth said they didn’t need the details. Aiden asked what bar was by the Cineplex, and Elizabeth said, Jake never told her how he was nowhere near where he said he’d be.
Finn told Chase that Violet was staying with him; he was her father. Chase said, no one was trying to take her away, and Brook said, they just wanted Violet to have a fun summer, especially after her grandfather’s death. Finn said, it wasn’t going to happen, and for once in Chase’s life, he had to take no for an answer. Chase wanted talk to Finn alone, and Brook left. Finn said Chase was leaving too, but Chase said he wasn’t going anywhere.
Spinelli said he’d watched John going to his room through the security cameras. He looked agitated, but that might just be his face. They watched John leaving for his morning swim, and noticed a bag he was carrying. Sam assumed it contained any credentials he didn’t want leave in his room.
Sam went to the pool wearing a caftan, big sunglasses, and high heels. She pretended to trip near John, and he caught her.
Jack flashed back to his conversation with John about Anna, while Anna asked for a delay in Jack’s transport. She got it and told Jack that they had until noontime to finish their conversation. Why did he think the FBI was after her? He said he didn’t know as it was the whole organization, but John had already been tailing her when she’d visited him. Anna told him that John did say he didn’t trust her when he came to town, but she didn’t care. Let him stew. She wasn’t hiding anything. Jack told her that she should be worried. John was a true believer, the most dangerous agent of all. She asked him to enlighten her, and he said, they believed God and the law were on their side. They thought anything they did would be justified, because it made the world a better place according to their definition of it. They’d rather wreck themselves and everyone around them than compromise their beliefs. Anna agreed that could be dangerous, but so could too much cynicism. She asked if Jack had he ever believed in anything.
Sam told John that she was embarrassed and blamed her shoes. Her pride was bruised, but otherwise she was okay. She pretended her ankle still hurt and asked him to help her. He picked her up and carried her to a lounge chair and asked an attendant for ice and a towel. Sam asked for help getting her shoe off, and wondered if he thought her shoes were cute. He said he wasn’t a shoe connoisseur, but they looked cute on her. Dressed as an attendant, but hiding his face with a bucket hat, Spinelli snuck into John’s bag as John was helping Sam. She asked if John was a guest at the hotel, and he said he was there on business. She told him that she was a local and her family came here every summer. He asked if she was married, but she said, no. She was single, divorced, with two kids. He suggested she rest her ankle for 20 minutes, and she said she was going to get bored.
Finn said, Chase was a cop, but not to make him the bad guy. Chase said, no one was calling Finn a bad guy, but maybe he could use some help and not to be too proud or stubborn to take it. Finn said he could take care of himself, but Chase said, not from what he was seeing. Finn said he’d been there alone, going through their dad’s things, and Chase picked up the bottle and said he didn’t think their dad left this out. He’d seen Finn doing shots at the memorial. Finn said he wasn’t the first person to have a drink at their father’s funeral, and Chase told him not to bring Gregory into this. Judging by the bottle, the two glasses, and the hangover Finn was wearing, he’d had quite a night. Finn said, Chase had solved the mystery, and Chase said, Finn was oblivious to the problem. But if he didn’t think there was a problem, it was a bigger problem than Chase thought.
Elizabeth told Jake that they’d talk later. He’d been someplace he wasn’t supposed to be, and it must have crossed his mind not to tell her, but she did appreciate that. She needed to know what was happening with Finn, but also because she was Jake’s mom and needed to know Jake would come to her when things were difficult. Jake promised he would, and she said she was glad he called his dad and asked for help.
Brook went to the nook at the Quartermaines, and Lois said she was just in time for breakfast and Sudoku. She could see something was wrong, and asked Brook, what happened? Did she and Chase have a fight? Brook said, Chase had a fight with his brother. She knew they both loved each other, and Gregory’s death should bring them together, not pull them apart. Lois said she’d seen it so many times. Weddings and funerals brought out the best and worst in people, but things would calm in time. Brook said she thought it was getting worse. Chase was taking care of his father’s estate and was also grieving. He needed his big brother, but Finn was nowhere to be found. Lois asked if Finn left town, but Brook said, Finn was in a full-blown alcoholic spiral. He’d been hungover and completely unreasonable. Chase had stayed to talk to him, but she knew how that was going to go.
Spinelli synced John’s ID with his phone. He said, the first time is the charm, and got access.
John introduced himself to Sam, and she did the same, using her real name, which surprised me. He asked how long she’d been divorced, and she said, six years. The less said the better. He asked if it was a bad breakup, and she said, that was an understatement. He wasn’t who she thought he was. John asked if he’d lied, and she said, all the time. What about him? He said he was divorced too, and she said, people always let you down. Her ex had everyone believing he’d died. Her son thought his father was dead, then he turned up. John said that was highly unusual. Was she at least happy he was alive? She said, sure, but she was conflicted. It brought up a lot of stuff. John said his ex passed away and sometimes he fantasized about where they’d be if she hadn’t died. How different his life would have been. He wondered what time it was and said he should get his phone.
Sam asked if she could be honest for a moment, and John said, of course (🍷). She said, after what he’d shared, she didn’t mean to come off flip. Sometimes she thought about her ex when things were good. Now they never even talk. John asked what her ex was doing now, and she said she was tired of talking about exes. Life goes on. Spinelli put John’s phone back in his bag, and Sam said she thought her ankle was good, but she wasn’t in the mood for a swim. She didn’t want to push it. She told John that it was nice getting to know him and asked if he’d be in town a while. He said he wasn’t sure, but hoped he saw her again. She asked him for help putting her shoe back on, and he put it on her. She told him that she felt like Cinderella
Jack said he’d warned Anna, and she was repaying him by probing the depths of his psyche. She said she was genuinely curious and wondered if she’d ever known the true Jack Brennan. She’d thought she did. He was a rising star, the fair-haired golden boy. It wasn’t a surprise he became director, but she was surprised he fell so fast. Why did he steal money to start the company? Did he abandon his principles? Did he ever have any? He said he believed in democracy, but at the end of the day, a man had to pay his bills. John was going to spend his nights trying to prove she was a cop by day and a mastermind by night. Anna said it wasn’t lost on her that John was trying to take her down for something Jack did.
Lois told Brook about not sending wedding invitations to an alcoholic aunt and uncle. Uncle Vito was her favorite until his drinking took over. Brook said, at family gatherings, she would see them get up and there would be ice cubes clinking in the other room. She just thought they must be really thirsty. Later, they’d be bumping into things, and she thought it was because they were old, but it was because of the drinking. Lois said, the family tried to get them into AA or to a doctor, but after years of broken promises, she realized they had to commit to their own treatment. They never did. They say that God protects fools and drunks, but she doesn’t see it. They’re still alive, but what kind of life is that? Brook said she didn’t want that for Finn and hoped Chase would get through to him, and Lois said, it was sweet of them to try and help Finn. Brook said she knew Finn was a grown man. Either he would get himself into recovery or live with the consequences, but Violet was a child. Finn was Violet’s sole parent, and he wasn’t capable of parenting. Elizabeth had kids of her own, so that left her and Chase. They were going to do everything in their power to keep Violet safe, even if it was from her own father.
Finn said, what he did in his own home was his business, and he wasn’t an alcoholic, but Chase said, Finn was a drug addict, and this would lead to the same result. He needed help. Finn said, Chase wasn’t the man because he’d gotten married, and couldn’t tell him what to do. Not everyone had his perfect life. Chase told Finn that he could keep fooling himself, but no one was buying his crap, and Finn said, Chase didn’t know the pressure he was under. Chase asked Finn to tell him. He didn’t have to do this alone. They could talk while they straightened up. Finn said, Chase wouldn’t understand, but Chase said his life wasn’t perfect. He’d nearly died a year ago. Finn said he remembered. He’d saved Chase. Chase asked if Finn had any idea how many calls he went on like this, seeing a drunk tearing their family apart. Finn’s life was a mess. Chase just lost his dad and couldn’t take losing his brother too.
Jake said he thought Elizabeth might need back-up, and asked if Finn gave her a hard time. She said, no, but when Jason showed up, she was grateful for the support. She wanted Jake to always feel he could call his dad for help. He did the right thing, and it meant a lot to Jason. Jake said he did it for her, not for Jason or himself, and they hugged. He asked if that meant he was forgiven for lying, but she said, not a chance.
Sam asked Spinelli if there was any progress, and he said, it went perfectly, but he didn’t think she fully comprehended how many records were in the database. Ask him in a month, and maybe he’ll have found out what the FBI was holding over Jason.
Jack said he hoped Anna would visit him. He missed their conversations. She said she did too, and she had one more question. She was the only witness that could tie him to Pikeman. Would he have had her killed if she hadn’t arrested him first? He struggled for a moment, then said he’d never been good with hypotheticals. She left, and Jack looked sad.
Lois said she wasn’t surprised Brook was focusing on Chase’s feelings, but she should pay attention to her own feelings. Brook also had grief over Gregory. So did she. Brook said she was so worried about Chase. He’d believed Finn drinking was a one-time thing, so he wasn’t just feeling betrayed. He was beating himself up for not seeing it. Lois said, Chase was Finn’s little brother and hoping for the best. Maybe he’d get through to Finn. Brook said, something told her it was going to be a whole ordeal for all of them, and Lois said, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. Brook and Chase were supposed to be blissfully happy in Florence and coming home to newlywed magic, not dealing with the problems of a hurt family. Brook said, Florence wasn’t going anywhere, and she and Chase were each other’s person. They would get through whatever life threw at them. Lois said she was happy Brook found that kind of love.
Finn said he was sorry that Chase was bothered. He’d try to fall in line and not be a problem. Chase asked if nothing he said was getting through to Finn, and Finn told him to stop reaching down from his pedestal; he would be with the rest of humanity. Chase said, that had nothing to do with Finn hiding in a bottle. The bottom line was, Finn was grown and made his own decisions. He couldn’t stop that, so have his trashy life. But Violet shouldn’t watch him self-destruct. Finn said, Violet was the only good thing in his life, and told Chase, get the hell out. Chase left, and Finn cried.
In Memory of Johnny Wactor. 🥺
Tomorrow, Molly says she’s been keeping something from TJ; Carly asks Jason if he thinks it was a one-time thing; and Sonny talks to Kristina.
🏥 Going Home Again…
I’m not sure if it’s me, him, the writing, how he’s being directed, or what, but I like Jason a lot more than I used to.
I loved her other reality series (It’s Complicated) and had looked forward to her joining RHOBH. Well, that was a bust, so I’m glad she’s going back to her reality roots.
I watched this twice last week (once alone and once with my SO) and it was just as good the second time. I loved the Japanese monster movies as a kid, and it’s great to see how f/x and dubbing have improved. The story is incredible too, but I don’t think this critic needs to worry. Obviously, an old film from the 1950s isn’t going to be as visually amazing as one made in the 2020s. It is possibly the first Godzilla worth paying attention to the narrative. I mean, I don’t watch Jurassic Park for the interpersonal relationship drama.
Drop by tomorrow for soap and seeing who lands on Top. Until then, stay safe, stay observing the house rules when you’re a guest, and stay never being too proud or stubborn to take help if you need it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Everyone applauds and cheers Violet’s song, and Violet gives kudos to Chase. Brook says, maybe she can get him a gig as a studio musician, and he says, never mind him. He thinks she’s found her next break-out performer. Finn tells him, bite his tongue, but Brook says, don’t worry. She thinks Violet’s a little young to go out on tour. Violet says, maybe, but she’s old enough to sing at their wedding. Please.
Marshall comes downstairs to find Curtis on the laptop, and he says, something tells him that Curtis isn’t working on his Christmas list. Curtis says he’s not, and if he gets his wish this year, he’s never asking for anything again.
Dex says, sorry he’s too busy to cook for Josslyn, but she says, she isn’t. He says, ouch, and she says she loves his cooking, but she was in the mood for sushi, and he hasn’t mastered that yet. He says he’s making dinner for her this weekend, and she says, if he insists. Only if she can help him. He says, deal. Any requests? She says she doesn’t know. Something cozy. Maybe his bolognaise. She knows. They can go to the store and get some ingredients and then on the way back, pick up a little Christmas tree for in here. He says, that’s okay. He doesn’t need a tree.
Sam says, they should figure out when to decorate the Christmas tree, and what is the deal with Christmas? and Dante says, she knows. A fat, jolly guy comes down the chimney, and then she buys him a bunch of presents. She throws a pillow at him and says, he’s hilarious. He says, tell him something he doesn’t know. She says she means, when are they going to go to the Quartermaines’ versus her mom’s and Willow’s… He says he doesn’t know. He thinks they have too many family members. She says, that’s not an answer, and kisses him.
Coming into the penthouse, Nina asks the guard to put her bags on the table and thanks him. Sonny comes out and asks how she is. She says, good, and they hug. He asks if she left anything at the store for other people to buy, and she says, make fun all he wants, but this is their first Christmas as husband and wife, and she’s going to go all out.
Looking at the tree, Olivia says, they do good work, and Lois says, Sister Joanne Claire would be proud. Olivia says, they’ve got a lot more house to go, but these two rooms look beaut-tee- ful. They hear the door slam, and hear Tracy say, no. They go out to find Tracy walking through the foyer with her luggage carrier, saying, no, no, no, no, no. This will not do. Not at all. Lois says, what won’t do? and Tracy says, it looks like Coney Island in here. Olivia asks if she’s got a beef with Coney Island, and Tracy says she’s home in the nick of time apparently. Leo comes downstairs and says, oh man. Christmas is ruined.
Nina pulls out some plushies and tells Sonny that she got them for Avery and Donna. She’s not sure who’s going to get which one. He says, they’ll love those, and she says she thought so too. She got ties for the guards and a new laptop for Dex. He says, she wasn’t kidding when she said she went all out, and she says, and she got riding boots for James. He’s really into riding these days. He’s even taking lessons from Cody Bell. He says, it looks like she’s thought of everything. What about Amelia and Wiley?
Dante tells Sam that he’s not too concerned about Sonny and Nina. they live down the hall, so they can stop in anytime for a drink. Sam says, there will be enough cookies for everyone. She bought two dozen from Aiden Webber. He says he’s trying to be good this year, but she says, no one’s good during the holidays. He kisses her and says, he won’t tell Santa, but she says, that’s not what she meant. Not only are Aiden’s cookies delicious, he’s using the money to pay his way to Paris. He wants to go to pastry school. Isn’t that cool? Dante takes the bag with the locker key out of his pocket at looks at it. She says, he didn’t turn the key in yet, and he says, if he had, it would have been long gone by now.
Josslyn asks if she’s dating the Grinch and didn’t know, but Dex says, no. She asks if he doesn’t celebrate, and he says he does. She asks why he doesn’t want a Christmas tree, and he says, because it’s a lot of work. You have to water it, decorate it, and sweep up all the pine needles. She says, oh, the horror, and he says, besides, Christmas is for kids anyway. She says, exactly. It’s the one time of year they’re reminded of how much interest credit cards charge all that childhood magic. He says, if you had that kind of childhood.
Brook hugs Violet and says, she should absolutely sing at their wedding, and Chase says, if not at the ceremony, definitely at the reception. Finn asks if they’re absolutely positive. Violet will remember this. Chase says, 100%, and Violet says, that’s a lot of percents. Elizabeth says, she’s got him there, and Finn says, she’s got him everywhere. Elizabeth says she’s so excited for Violet, and Gregory says, she’ll have to pick a special song. It’s a special day. Violet asks if he’ll help her, and he says he’d love to. Violet asks when they’re going to have their wedding, and Brook says, Violet would fit right in, in Bensonhurst. Violet asks if that’s a place where they have weddings, and Brook says, frequently. Violet asks if they’re having their wedding there, but Chase says, they haven’t figured that out. Elizabeth says, weddings take a long time to plan. Sometimes you have to pick a date that’s more than a year away. Violet asks if they’re going to wait a whole year.
Tracy says she’s been gone a pretty long time. Isn’t Leo happy to see her? Leo says, yes, and she says she senses a but in there. He says, but Christmas is fun and she doesn’t like fun. Olivia has to turn away, not being able to contain her laughter, and Tracy says she likes fun… occasionally, and Luke was a big believer in fun. Leo asks, when’s the last time? and she says, when she had fun? She thinks a moment and says she had fun at the luau with Brook. Lois says, luah? and Olivia says, there was a luau at the MetroCourt. Lois says, and Tracy went? and Olivia says she has photographic documentation. Lois says she’s got to see that, and Tracy asks, how is Leo? Leo says he’s good. Did she see any animals on her trip? She says she did. He should look in his Photo Ark book… a red deer and peregrine falcons. He says he will. Zoo or natural habitat? She says, okay, fine. She saw the falcon in captivity, but the deer she saw in nature. He says, cool, and she says, he should check it out. He says he will, and heads upstairs. He stops and says, the house looks pretty. Lois and Olivia thank him, and Tracy says, you know that expression, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Olivia asks, what is not beautiful about all this? and Tracy says, where to begin. Lois says, buckle up, and Tracy says, there’s way too much garland. Way too much garland. She walks into the living room and says, way too many ornaments, and the tree is in the wrong place. Face it. If her son was still in his right mind, they never would have been given free reign. Lois and Olivia look at each other.
Curtis tells Marshall, instead of taking years to possible regain mobility, he could be walking with full body support in a matter of weeks. Marshall says, it sounds like magic, and Curtis says, it may be. Marshall says, downsides, and Curtis says, it is an experimental procedure in the early stages of human trials, so there are a lot of unknowns and absolutely no guarantees. Marshall says, that’s a nice way of saying a lot of things could go wrong, and Curtis says, yeah, but what if it all went right?
Tracy says, Ned is Ned? No more Eddie Maine? Olivia says she thinks Eddie is always going to be a part of Ned, but yes. Her son’s memory is fully restored. Tracy asks, when? and Lois says, a week ago? Olivia says, give or take, and Tracy says, and no one thought to tell her. She guesses it makes sense. She’s only his mother. Olivia says she thinks they assumed Ned would want to tell her himself and in person, and Lois says, face to face. Olivia says, mano a mano, and Lois says, mano a mama. They laugh, and Olivia says, that’s a good one. Tracy asks if they’re done, and they both say, yeah. Tracy says she guesses it’s really lucky she came home. She might have gone to her grave thinking her son was lost to her forever. Olivia says, speaking of which, if Ned did not prompt this visit, why did she fly all the way home?
Chase says, they haven’t picked out a date yet, but they promise it will be way sooner than a year, and Brook says, way, way sooner. Violet asks if they mean it, and Brook says, as if she could wait any longer to marry Violet’s uncle. Violet says, give her a ballpark, and Finn says, Violet, making a cutting motion. Violet says she just wants to know how long, and would it be longer if there were two brides and two grooms there? Finn shakes his head, and Elizabeth says, oh no. Violet asks, what’s wrong? and Elizabeth says, how about them Mets? that star at the top of the tree is crooked. It has to be fixed right away. Doesn’t Finn think? Finn says, absolutely. Is there a tree doctor in the house? Violet says, Dr. Violet reporting for duty, and Elizabeth says, this is a very complicated Christmas tree surgery. Gregory asks if she’s sure she’s up for it, and Violet says, as sure as she’ll ever be. Finn says, they’ll take it. Pick up or ladder? Violet says, of course (🍷) pick up, and Elizabeth says, hurry up. The patient doesn’t have a lot of time. Finn asks if Violet is ready. One… two… three. He picks her up and brings her to the tree.
Josslyn asks if Dex didn’t have a Christmas tree growing up, but he says, they did. They did all of the ritual and all of the traditions, but it was all kind of for show. Like they were playing make-believe or something. Christmas was not a happy time in their house. She asks, why not? If he’s not comfortable, he doesn’t have to tell her, but she loves him and this is a part of him, so if he does want to share it, she’d like to hear. He says, it’s not all that original. His dad was a selfish SOB who cheated on his mom all the time. She says, and he knew? and Dex says, he didn’t exactly try to hide it. She says she’s so sorry; that’s awful. He says, the worst part is, she stayed with him, and Josslyn asks why he thinks she stayed. Dex says, he was successful. He gave her a good life, but he really thinks she just wasn’t strong enough to stand on her own. She says, that must have been really hard for him and his brothers to watch, and he says, for him, yes. For his brothers, not so much. They grew up to be just like their dad. He was the only one who didn’t play along. She says, and his brothers didn’t like that, and he says, that’s why they beat him up.
Dante says, the final arson report came back on Anna’s house, and Sam says, anything interesting? He tells her, you could say that. They found shreds of fabric in the bushes. It tested positive for the accelerant used to start the fire and the DNA was a match for this Jameson Forsythe guy. She says, the dead guy with the key, and he says, right. And because there was incriminating evidence against him in that report, Anna thinks he stole it. What she doesn’t know, is that he might have put it in his locker before he was murdered. Sam says, so Anna still doesn’t know about the key, and he says, he was going to tell her… Sam asks, what stopped him? and he says, the M.E. Get this. Forsythe’s body is gone. She asks what he means. It just disappeared from the morgue. He says, basically. The WSB had it confiscated.
Finn says, thank you, doctor, and Violet says, anytime. Brook says, her mom wants them to stop by the house. Chase asks if she said why, but Brook says, he knows Lois. She loves a good mystery. She thanks Finn for having them. This was so much fun. Finn thanks them for all the help with the tree, and Chase says, she’s a beaut. The perfect choice. There are hugs and congratulations, and Violet says she wants to know the wedding date as soon as they decide. Chase says, yes, ma’am, and Greogry welcomes Brook to the family. He asks if she’s sure about this, and she says, as sure as she’ll ever be. Gregory says, it was the best news he could get, and they go to the door, Violet calling, as soon as you decide. Brook says, they got the memo, and they leave. Finn says, okay, missy, and Violet asks who he’s calling missy. He says, the girl whose bedtime was over an hour ago, and she asks if grandpa can tuck her in. Gregory says he’d be delighted, and Violet hugs Finn and Chase goodnight. Gregory says, lead the way, and follows her to the bedroom.
Curtis says, Portia is the one who brought this procedure to his attention, and Marshall says, Portia signed off on this? Curtis says, she submitted him as a potential candidate, and Marshall says, so Portia is all right with him being a guinea pig, no matter the dangers involved. Curtis says, Marshall acts like she’s pushing him into this, and Marshall says, isn’t she? Curtis says, she’s his wife. She presented him with information and an opportunity. Ultimately, the decision is his. Marshall says, sounds like he already made it, and Curtis says, and if he has? Would that be a problem for Marshall?
Dante tells Sam, not only did the WSB confiscate the body, they confiscated everything related to Forsythe, the forensics on the accident, all of it. She says, clearly the WSB doesn’t want anyone knowing why Forsythe was in Port Charles or who killed him, and he says, does she know what else was on that list of confiscated things? The arson report. He doesn’t have access to it anymore. She says, so the WSB knows it was Forsythe who burned Anna’s house down.
Nina tells Sonny that since he’s getting Wiley Yankees tickets, she thought she could get Wiley a baseball cap or a jersey, so he could be outfitted for the game. And for Amelia, she saw this really cute lavender snowsuit. It had a really cute fur lined hood… What? Are those bad ideas? Sonny says, no, they’re great ideas, but it’s just kind of modest. Amelia’s a little girl – she’s not going to know the difference – but Wiley, why doesn’t she get him a little more? She says, he comes from a really big family. She doesn’t want to get him a mountain of gifts and overwhelm him. Like her nanny used to say, if you give so many presents, no present is special. (She’s not wrong.) He asks if that’s it, but she says, no, and he says, exactly what he thought. What else? She says she’s trying not to provoke Michael.
Tracy says, Luke’s legal affairs are impossibly tangled. Bobbie, to her credit, had been really tenacious. She won’t accept no for an answer, and she’s also charming all of the bankers and bureaucrats. It’s definitely a two-person job. Olivia says, which is exactly the opposite of explaining why she’s here, and Tracy says, in order to be effective, she has to prove her legal standing. Luckily, Luke did give her power of attorney a while back, so she came here to retrieve those documents. Lois says, Tracy flew halfway around to world to get paperwork that they could have just pulled and sent to her? Tracy says she doesn’t trust anyone with her personal papers, and Olivia says, heh. Tracy asks what that means, and Olivia says, nothing. She just thought that maybe, just maybe, Tracy flew all this way because she wanted to be with her family at Christmas.
Sonny says, there’s still tension between Nina and Michael. It should not be that way. Nina says, it could be worse. Michael is perfectly pleasant when they’re all together. He says, there’s a difference between pleasant and welcoming, and even accepting, and she says, all she can hope for is that things get better with time. It certainly has with Willow, right? Look where they’re at. She knows it’s new, but she treasures that relationship. He says, Willow is a special person, and Nina says, and for her to have Willow in her life, she has to keep the drama at a minimum. So this is her letting Michael set the pace. He says he’s going to talk to Michael on her behalf, but she says, no, putting out her hand to stop him. Please. He can’t do that.
Sam and Dante get into bed, and he says he got another piece of the puzzle from the Medical Examiner. She says, do tell, and he says, Forsythe had a burn scar on his leg. She says, let her guess. Approximately four months old. He says, lines right up with Anna’s house burning down, and she says she’s assuming the WSB took those notes too. He asks if she’s a detective or something, and she says she’s a P.I. Even better. She kisses him and says he was really smart not to log that key in. He says, they would have been all over it. The WSB must not know this key exists. She asks if he’s going to tell Anna about it, but he says, no. Not yet. He wants to look into it himself first.
Josslyn says, Dex’s own brothers beat him up? and he says, it was kind of a thing at their house. Fun for the whole family. She asks how he can joke about this, and he says, because he’s here, isn’t he? They didn’t break him. She asks why they wanted to hurt him. Was it because he protected his mom? He says he and his mom weren’t close actually. He never understood her. He was always disappointed that she didn’t leave his dad, who to his brothers was king. They worshipped him. It was so obnoxious. These arrogant, win at any cost jerks. She says, looks like she chose the right brother, and he says, she would have had even less use for them than he did. By the time he was twelve or thirteen, all he wanted was to get out. She says, that’s why he enlisted, and he says, the day he graduated high school… He’s sorry. She asked him why he didn’t want a Christmas tree, and here he is opening a vein. She says she’s glad he told her. It makes her love him even more.
Gregory reads to Violet: And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, happy Christmas to all and to all a good night. They’re not supposed to read this until Christmas Eve. They’re jumping the gun a little bit. Violet asks if he thinks the Christmas tree is happy now, and he says, most definitely. Especially now that she fixed the star. She’s so right; it’s a special tree. She says, they made it beautiful, and he says, they certainly did. It takes a kind heart to do that, to make a home for a less than perfect tree. That really is the true spirit of Christmas. She says she really loves Christmas, and he says, him too.
Elizabeth says, it really is a beautiful tree, flaws and all, and Finn shushes her. She asks if he thinks it has ears, and he says, you never know. She says, maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere, and he says, how so? She says, the point of a Christmas tree isn’t that it’s perfect; it’s what it represents. Love, light, warmth. He says, hot cocoa? and she says, that too. When she looks at this tree, she sees the joy in Violet’s face when she watched Chase and Brook decorating. And his dad. He really is so happy to have his family together… Tell her. He tells her that he doesn’t want to say it, but she says, it might help. He says, this might be his dad’s last Christmas.
Sam says, the reason Dante didn’t tell them about the key to begin with is that he thought the locker was potentially under surveillance, or worse. He says, worse like what? Boobytraps? She says she’s being serious. He thought Anna going to that locker might put her in danger. He says, that’s still a possibility, and she asks if he’s just willing to throw himself in the line of fire. He says, since the WSB classified everything to do with Forsythe, taking the body and all that stuff, that strongly implies they don’t know about this locker, that they’re still looking for this report. If they knew the locker was out there, they’d have found their way to it by now. She says she gets that he wants to protect Anna and loves that he has her back, but if he goes into this alone, who has his back?
Buzzkill Dex tells Josslyn, for most people, decorating the Christmas tree is something to look forward to. It’s like the official start of the season. She says, but not for him? and he says, that tree going up was like a warning flare that things were about to get more tense. And all the parties. Either his dad would go and leave his mom alone, or she would go with him, and they’d come home fighting because he was hitting on some other woman. It was this vicious cycle that his mom refused to break, and he couldn’t help resenting her for it. Josslyn says, that must have been torture to watch. She’s so sorry. He says, don’t be. He went out and made his own life. One he’s very grateful for, especially because she’s in it. He kisses her, and she says she’s sorry their Christmas tree filled him with dread instead of joy, but she hopes that she can show him how special Christmas can be.
Marshall says, if Curtis decides to go forward with this experimental procedure, he’ll be behind Curtis 1000%. (Wow. Violet should get a load of those percents.) Curtis thanks him, and Marshall tells him that he’s not saying he’s good with the risks involved, but if it gives Curtis hope, if it gives him any chance of recovering what he lost, it’s worth a shot. Curtis says, that means a lot, and Marshall asks, what’s his timeline? Curtis says, as to when the procedure will get started? Sometime in January or February. Marshall whistles and says, that soon? Curtis says, what’s the point in wasting time? If he’s going to do it, there’s no sense in waiting.
Finn tells Elizabeth that he keeps thinking he’s going to get used to it, but every time his dad stumbles or collapses into a chair… She says, it’s torture, and Finn says, he’s getting less and less steady on his feet every day. Sooner or later, he won’t be able to hide it. She says she doesn’t think he’s trying to. What he is trying to do, and succeeding in her opinion, is basking in his family. Soaking up every ounce of joy that he possibly can. Finn says, his dad told him that he wants this to be a good Christmas. He wants that too. It wants it to be a great Christmas. For his dad, for Violet… She says, for all of them, and he says he wants to appreciate their joy, not dwell on what they’re about to lose. She says, then do that, and he says he’ll try. He asks her to do him a favor, and she says, anything. He says, if she sees him start to backslide, call him on it, and she says, okay, but if she’s not around and he feels himself heading toward a dark place, she wants him to look at that tree. It’s all the light he needs. She puts her head on his shoulder.
Violet asks if Gregory is glad Chase and Brook are getting married and he says, very glad. She asks what song she should sing at the wedding, and he suggests they talk about that tomorrow. Now’s time for dreamland. He kisses her forehead and tells her goodnight. She watches him struggle to his feet and asks why he uses a cane now. He says he recently discovered he’s needing help to walk, and she says, that’s okay. We all need help sometimes.
Tracy asks what the tree is doing in the living room. It’s always in the foyer. Olivia says, the tree is perfectly fine there, and Tracy says she sees that nobody purchased any gifts. Lois says, they just put the thing up, and Tracy says, a tree without gifts is depressing. She takes some wrapped boxes out of her bag and says, these are for Leo. Olivia says she thought Tracy just came home for some paperwork, and Lois says, but she had time to go shopping for her grandson? Tracy asks why Lois is still here. Isn’t she late for a nail appointment in Bensonhurst? Lois says she does these herself, and Tracy says, of course (🍷) she does. Lois says, circumstances have necessitated her presence, and Tracy says, like what? Brook and Chase walk in, and Brook says, it looks so beautiful in here. Olivia says, you see? and Chase says he agrees with Brook, very festive. Brook welcomes Tracy home and hugs her. Chase says, it’s good to see her, and Brook asks, how was her flight? Tracy says, Brook looks happy, and Brook says she is. Tracy says, but unusually happy. Why is that?
Curtis says he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t just a bit overwhelming, and Marshall says he’d be worried if Curtis wasn’t overwhelmed. He’s got this, and if he needs help, just look behind him. He’ll see Portia, Stella, him, Trina, all there to back him up. Curtis says he’s just not used to being propped up; it’s usually the other way around. Marshall says, good. It gives them a chance to repay Curtis for everything he’s done for them. Curtis says he’s scared, and Marshall says, that’s good too. You can’t be brave if you’ve got nothing to be afraid of.
Finn helps Elizabeth on with her coat, when Gregory comes back. Finn says, all good? and Gregory says, Violet is fast asleep. Finn thanks him, and Gregory says, it’s his privilege. Elizabeth asks if she can give Gregory a ride home, but Gregory says he’ll grab a Ride Share. Elizabeth says she’s sorry. She’ll rephrase the question. She’s taking him home. Finn says he wouldn’t argue with her, and Gregory says he’s getting that sense, and thanks her. Finn thanks him for helping take Violet Christmas tree shopping, and Gregory says, it was a very good day. Watching Finn be a father to that incredible little girl makes him insanely proud. He and Finn hug, and Gregory leaves. Finn kisses Elizabeth, and she follows. Finn watches them from the doorway, goes back inside, and looks at the tree.
Nina says she doesn’t want Sonny advocating for her. That’s the last thing she wants, and the thing she wants even less is to be a point of contention between him and Michael. She saw how sad Sonny was when they were estranged. He says he loves Michael. He knows his son. He’s loving and loyal, but he can be the worst enemy you can have. He got his stubbornness from Carly and his ruthlessness from him. Nina suggests they look at the bright side. Michael has decided to bring Willow and the kids to their place on Christmas Eve. That’s huge. That’s a step forward, a big step. Sonny agrees, and she asks if he wants a little hint of what she got him for Christmas. He says, her as his wife is the only thing he needs for Christmas, and kisses her.
Sam says she knows Dante would never let Anna do this alone, so why don’t the two of them investigate this together? He says, the WSB definitely has her under surveillance. If he involves her… She says, it will alert the WSB, and he says, that’s why he has to do this himself. He’ll get whatever’s in this locker, take it to a secure place, and check it out. She says, what if he’s also under surveillance? but he says he thinks that’s unlikely. Plus, he’ll be super careful. She says, there was a time the WSB almost destroyed his life. She doesn’t want him pulled in any deeper. He says, it’s because of his time with the WSB that he feels he has to do this. They’ve been grossly abusing their power. He feels like he has to hold them accountable.
Violet sleeps, and Finn sits beside her bed. He says, goodnight, sweetheart. Sweet dreams. He kisses her forehead.
Brook says she and Chase are getting married and shows Tracy the ring. Tracy says she knew it. Her only question is, what took them so long? Lois says, that’s Q for congratulations, and Chase says he just wanted to make sure that Brook knew that he loved her for her, not her money. Tracy says, there’s a very easy way to convince them of that; sign a prenup. Lois and Olivia protest, and Tracy says she’s just being practical. Brook says, now is not the time to be practical. They just announced their engagement and they’re on Cloud 9. Chase says, if he’s learned anything from what’s going on with his dad, it’s that the future is not promised. But whatever it holds, no matter how long it lasts, he knows he wants to face it with her granddaughter by his side. Lois and Olivia go, aww! and Tracy says, in that case, she wishes them both a lifetime of happiness. She means it. Chase thanks her, and Brook says, it means the world, and hugs Tracy.
Tomorrow, Brook says, maybe there’s something she can do for Maxie in return; Tracy says, Ned needs to stop Michael from taking ELQ; Lucy says she made a mistake; and Dante goes to the locker.
Below Deck Mediterranean
Captain Sandy looks for someone to be on deck and tells Luka that he needs to get his schedule straight. This is the stuff makes that her mad. She tells him to get Max up, and guest Amish yells for more ale. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, she understands where Luka is coming from. There are four stews, but if they’re busy and need help, call them. Amish announces that he’s getting f***ed up tonight. Jessika finds towels all over and feels frustrated about Lily. Dinner, aka food porn, is served, and Tumi asks how cabins are going. In Jessika’s interview, she says, Lily is too inexperienced, and she has to check Lily’s work, so she can’t help on service. In Lara’s interview, she says, the schedule is being adapted. The interior should have gotten breaks when they were on the diving excursion. They need to keep a stew up to help with service. Jessika asks Kyle, what’s wrong? and he says, it’s about how everyone feels about him. He feels like he’s back at Kyle 31. C’est la vie. I have no idea what he means. Dessert is served, and it’s mmm… lava cake. Because he’s an idiot, Amish says, three-mi is better than Tumi. There’s more of her. In Tumi’s interview, she says, this dentist is acting like an absolute twat. How embarrassing. The captain tells Luka to go over his schedule, and he explains that no one got a break. That’s why they were all down at once. Captain Sandy says, they should have had a break in the morning. He has to plan, and never have three people down, then leave the boat. It’s a safety issue. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the activities were earlier, and she knows it’s Luka’s first time being a bosun, but it’s later in the season, so her expectations are higher. It’s the same with Tumi. She didn’t know there were two stews doing cabins, and Tumi should call interior first for service. The guests want to go to bed, all except Amish, who says, they have one weekend to do cool sh*t. Don’t be a bitch. He goes behind the bar, grabbing a bottle for himself, and says, everyone else is in bed and he’s f***ed up. Lily asks Kyle if he’s the most drunk guest they’ve had, but Kyle doesn’t know. In Lily’s interview, she says, it’s going to be awkward, isn’t it? Kyle sees Amish in the hallway outside his room and tells him that his underwear is on his foot. In her interview, Tumi says, it’s been extreme stressful, with both the guests and Lily. Her lack of experience is becoming a liability. She needs a deckhand to help, and needs to figure out how to work around this. Amish yells, more ale! since he’s confused the yacht with a pub in Old Ireland. He roams around the boat, asking, where’s the hot tub? He goes to the crew mess and sits down, saying, he doesn’t know how he got here. It’s f***ing awesome. More! More! He wanders around some more and knocks on the crew’s cabin doors. Not waiting to be invited in, he opens the doors. Jessika is like, what the f***? and Luka gets up. Now Amish is just opening doors without knocking, and in Jack’s interview, he says, you’ve got to be kidding. Luka tells Amish that the crew is trying to sleep. They have to be up early. Amish wanders off, asking, where’s the hot tub? In his interview, Luka says, he’s never witnessed this. A guest trying to get in the crew cabins is not acceptable.
Amish drifts back upstairs and bounces off the walls. He continues to yell about the hot tub, and then he finds it! Lara tells Kyle that a guy is wandering around drunk. She sees why they need someone up. Amish nearly falls down the stairs and drops his glass, which shatters on the deck. Kyle asks if he’s okay, and he says he’s fine, but he dropped a glass. Kyle tells him, all that matters is him being fine, and in Kyle’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what the hell happened. He’d put Amish to bed after pointing out his underwear on his foot. He’s not going to stay until Amish falls asleep. He deposits Amish back in his cabin, and Kyle and Lara discuss in the crew mess. They decide to tell Captain Sandy, and Kyle knocks on her door. He says he’s sorry to disturb her, but he wants to give a report. Guest Amish had been in bed, then went to the girls’ cabin and opened the door. She asks where the guys were, and he says, in bed. He’s sorry to wake her, but she says, no. A guest can’t go into the crew’s quarters. In her interview, the captain says, the crew needs a safe place, and this is a violation. The door is a barrier for a reason. The primary needs to get this under control or she’ll end the charter. Captain Sandy tells Kyle, if there’s a next time, get her. He tells Lara that the captain was thankful, and Lara goes to bed.
In Luka’s interview, he says he feels bad, but he’s got to keep the team together. They’ll get through it and drink after charter. The tender is launched, and Jack tells Tumi that the breakfast special is Bubble & Squeak. In her interview, Tumi calls it Bubble & Squash. She asks Jack what it is, and he says, it’s an Irish breakfast with potatoes and bacon. I’m in. Kyle shows Lily some stuff in the laundry, and she tells him that she thinks he’s a great guy, but the pick a side thing felt weird. We flash back to that, and Kyle says, it’s between him and Jack because of Natalya. He wants her to give him a fair chance too. Lily says she’s not clear on what happened, so she’s not forming an opinion, and Kyle says, that’s mature. She says, it’s something she needed to say, and he says, she chose right time. They hug, and in his interview, Kyle says, leave it to the girl he didn’t know to be on the button and apologize. He still feels a lingering tension, but at the top of the list is Jack. He’s too exhausted to think about it. Captain Sandy tells Lara, if a guest is going into the crew’s area, next time, get her. Luke says he told Amish to get out, and Max says, he was about to go crazy. Tumi tells Lily that she wants her to do cabins on her own, and in Tumi’s interview, she says she’s trying to see what Lily is good at. She has patience, but she’s exhausted and has to try something new. In the galley, Jack drops a watermelon on the floor, and it splatters. Captain Sandy calls primary Mike to the bridge, and in her interview, she says, as captain, she has to keep everyone safe, but the crew is her priority. She tells Mike that last night Amish got into the crew area and opened doors. It’s not funny; it’s a problem. He needs to get it under control or Amish is off the boat. Amish strolls on deck with a blow-up doll.
Natalya texts Luka that she needs cuddles, and in Luka’s interview, he says, they had a connection, but it couldn’t go anywhere. Natalya had a lot of things to sort out. Jessika gets in Luka’s bunk with him, and I’m starting to not like him. Lily struggles making beds. Mike tells Amish that the captain talked to him and said he was out of control last night. He can’t go into the crew mess and opened doors. He can’t go into people’s private spaces. They have to be respectful of that. If he gets out of control again, he’s going to be booted off the boat. Calm it down. Kyle’s boyfriend Zach calls, and Kyle says, there’s a lot of negativity on board. Zack calls Kyle the love of his life and future husband, and says, that’s no reason not to put in the effort. In his interview, Kyle says he misses Zach so much. He’s lost so much of himself through all this. He’s tired of wasting energy on negativity, hostility, and sadness. He doesn’t know how to change people’s ideas and thoughts about him if they feel that way already. A gale warning is issued, and Captain Sandy calls Luka to the bridge. Tumi explains to the guests that Bubble & Squeak has potato, cabbage, egg, and bacon, and everybody wants one. In Jack’s interview, he says, no one can resist it. The captain tells Luka that they’re hauling anchor and going in. She tells the guests that she has not great news. They have to head back to the dock because of the weather. Since all they’re doing is drinking anyway, they don’t protest and say they trust her. Luka does a handstand for no apparent reason, and in Jack’s interview, he says, there’s no point in confronting Kyle. He plans to avoid it. If he loosens his tongue, he’ll get asked off the boat. Tumi checks on Lily and corrects her bed making. In Lily’s interview, she says she’d rather take a math test. Math is more straightforward; the numbers add up. Tumi tells Mike that she has an opera singer coming on board, and anchor is hauled and home. Tumi sees some beds aren’t made, and radios Lily to come to the cabin. In Tumi’s interview, she says, it’s her responsibility to teach Lily, but at the same time, she feels like Lily’s not getting it. If Lily’s not processing what she’s saying, it’s not going to work.
Lily curses her life as she makes the beds. Kyle reminds Jessika that it’s the birthday bash tonight. The docking is a tight fit again, and in Luka’s interview, he says, it’s been a tough charter season, but he’s proud of the crew docking the boat; they’re good at it. They’re pretty much touching the other boats, and there’s no room for error. Captain Sandy says hi to the people on the deck next door, and they dock. In her interview, Tumi says, Lily needs win. Blowing up balloons shouldn’t be hard. Jack says he’s making lobster and Wagyu T-bone steaks, as well as a cake. The performer and her violinist arrive. Lara says she’s disappointed not to be singing, and in Lara’s interview, a producer asks if she took lessons, but she says she has natural talent. Mike tells the other guests that he’s arranged a special gift, and opera singer Sofia Ferrara sings accompanied by the violin. Kyle goes out on deck, and dabs at his eyes. In Kyle’s interview, he says, the entire season had a heaviness. He wonders how to expel it in a healthy. There are bravos and applause as Sofia finishes. She leaves, and dinner is served. Lily explains that she’s making her own assembly line to do the cabins, but Jessika suggests they finish one cabin at a time. Mike says he’s taking the chef home, and Kyle tells Jack that all he’s hearing is wows. Jessika looks for Lily, and finds towels stacked in the hallway. She tells Lily that it can’t look like this, and Lily says she counted the towels out. Jessika says, not on the ground, and in Jessika’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what’s going on. Lily’s got her iPad out. She’s probably making TikToks. She can’t trust her. She tells Tumi about the towels on the floor and wonders, what’s with the iPad? She’d rather do it by herself. Tumi says she’ll go deal. Guest Connie says, it’s the best lobster she’d ever had. Tumi asks Lily about the iPad, and Lily says, that’s where she’s keeping her to-do lists, but Tumi says she’d rather Lily write it down. In Tumi’s interview, she says, her patience is gone. iPads and cellphones are distracting. It’s the last straw. She tells Lily that the iPad causes problems.
Lily asks why Jessika didn’t tell her instead of going to Tumi, and Jessika says, it’s not her place. In Lily’s interview, she says, great of you. Jack brings in the cake, and the crew sings Happy Birthday. Mike and guest Cliff agree the cake is impressive. Jack texts Natalya, saying he misses her, and Luka also texts her, saying he’s glad the charter season is almost over. Ugh.
Final day of charter. Amish tells the captain that everything was magnificent, which I guess is how he apologizes. The crew lines up for guest departure, and Mike says, it was once in a lifetime. He hopes from the bottom of his heart this will put a smile on their faces. He gives Captain Sandy the tip envelope and thanks her again. The guests leave, and Jessika says, the envelope looks small. Personally, I would have shaken Amish down for extra tip money. They meet for the tip meeting, and Captain Sandy says, they did a great job, but one thing she wants to address. Don’t call for one of the deck crew, when the stews have two people on cabins. They had to wake people to help them, and she apologizes; she wasn’t aware. The tip is not as Jessika predicted, but $23K or $1700 each, and Captain Sandy says, nice work. They say, cheers, clink glasses, and the captain tells them, have fun tonight. Jessika says she needs a shot or four, and Jack says, the green goblin comes out tonight. They get in the taxis, and Kyle says, I can’t wait to say goodbye to you motherf***ers. At the restaurant, they toast to Friday night. Kyle says he’s going to get very drunk and apologizes for anything that comes out. Jack says, he needs to calm down. Akuna matata. Lily tells them, play nice, and Kyle says, maybe it’s time for him and Jack to talk. Are they cool or not?
Jack tells Kyle that he was taken aback, and we flash back to the last dinner out. Kyle says he’s sorry. He was in his head and took out a lot of his emotions about Natalya. Jack says, Kyle was overemotional, but he was being a bit passive. In Tumi’s interview, she says she doesn’t recognize these people, and in Kyle’s interview, he says, a weight has been lifted. He can drink with joy instead of drink to forget. They go back to the boat, and Jessika asks Luka what the best part of his night was. He says he doesn’t know; he’s not finished. Lara and Max goof around kickboxing, and Luka and Jessika put up a privacy curtain. Thank you. Haleigh starts throwing up around 3 am, and tells the captain, something’s not right. She feels like death. In Haleigh’s interview, she says she hopes she doesn’t give it to anyone else, and Captain Sandy calls for a ride to the doctor for her. Haleigh leaves for the doctor, and in Tumi’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what to do. She meets the captain on the bridge, and says, she feels nothing bad for Lily personally, but workwise, she’s dead weight. Lily’s not getting it, and it’s frustrating her. The captain suggests having Kyle and Jessika talk to her. She has to show that she can do it or she’s off the boat. Kyle says, he’s exhausted, and Captain Sandy calls Lily to the bridge. In the captain’s interview, she says, in her experience, being honest is the only way to motivate people. No sugarcoating. She asks how Lily is doing at the job, and Lily says, it’s a lot of learning. Captain Sandy says, it’s the third charter. Does she think she can do turn downs on her own? She needs Lily to be more aware and have initiative. She needs to do it on her own. She’s giving Lily the opportunity for one more chance. How a crew member maintains under exhausting conditions is how she decides to keep a crew member. In Lily’s interview, she says, give her a break. She can’t win.
Next time, showgirls; a repeat charter that wasn’t good the last time; Jack hates the guests already; Haleigh is still sick; Kyle has a migraine; and Captain Sandy tells Max that what he did was wrong.
☃️ Wishing For a Winter Wonderland…
Take a break tomorrow for some soap and teabits. Until then, stay safe, stay connected to your social network if you’re feeling stressed (IRL, not social media), and stay remembering we all need help sometimes. Never be afraid to ask for it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Anna arrives home to find Sonny at her door. He says he was going to give it another ten minutes, then leave a note. She asks why he didn’t text her, and he tells her, some things are better said face to face.
Dante lets Valentin into the interrogation room through the side door, and he asks why Dante wanted to see him. Dante says he needs Valentin’s help with Anna.
Michael brings Carly to the stairwell, and says, they can talk more privately here. She asks if this is where he brought Dex when he asked Dex to spy on Sonny, and he says, sometimes. Why? She says, because she wants his opinion on Dex. Is he trustworthy? Would Michael put the life of someone he loves in Dex’s hands?
Josslyn puts the pieces of the flashdrive in Dex’s palm, and says, there goes their ticket out. Pretty useless now. He asks if it’s the footage of Sonny doing the Pikeman deal, and she says, mm-hm. Michael gave it to her mom. She could have traded this footage to the Feds in exchange for them dropping the charges against her and Drew. Dex risked his life to get that footage, and Carly destroyed it, because protecting Sonny is more important to her.
As they sit down at the MetroCourt restaurant, Chase tells Brook, just say it. She hates it, doesn’t she? She says, what’s to hate? He wanted the new car; he got the one he wanted. How could she possibly hate that? He says, it’s not a car; it’s a truck. It’s got 4-wheel drive, off roading capabilities, advanced driver assistance, and you can operate the off roading capabilities in operating mode or manual. It will be perfect for them to go camping. She says, he wants them to go camping?
Tracy meets Drew at the pool, and she asks why he wanted to meet away from the house. He says, blackmail works so much better when there’s no one to overhear.
Ned comes out on the terrace, and tells Nina, poor Drew. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong girlfriend. She wasn’t after Aurora’s CEO; she wanted to take down Carly. She says she doesn’t know where he came up with this, but he couldn’t be more wrong, and he says he just overheard her conversation with her lawyer. Everyone believes he was the one who handed Carly and Drew over to the SEC, but it was her all along.
Michael asks where Carly is going with this. Has she changed her mind and decided to give the flashdrive to the FBI so she and Drew stay out of prison? Does she think Dex may have to testify because he’s on the footage? She says, the footage no longer exists; she smashed the flashdrive. He asks why she did that. She should have held onto it in case she still wanted a way out for her and Drew. She says, the footage was dangerous. It could have gotten Sonny and Dex killed. Besides, she has a much better use for Dex.
Dex puts the flashdrive pieces in his pocket, and Josslyn asks if he’s sure he wants to hold on to that. There’s no way to retrieve the footage. He says he doesn’t want to retrieve the footage; he wants to physically destroy the flashdrive. He doesn’t want anything left to imply he was ever collecting evidence against Sonny. From here on in, he has to be the most loyal, discreet, trustworthy employee Sonny has. She says, take his orders, risk his life so Sonny can get richer… and he’s okay with that? He says, it’s not about being okay; it’s about survival.
Chase says, Brook doesn’t enjoy camping? Sleeping close to nature and catching a fish in the stream, then cooking it over an open fire? She says, no. She likes sleeping in a bed, and she likes her fish to be caught and prepared by someone else, preferably a five-star chef. He says, what about fresh air, hiking, everything you need in a backpack? and she says, are they hiking, or running from the bear who’s trying to eat them? He says, what about cuddling up next to each other in front of a roaring campfire? and she says, what about cuddling up next to each other in front of a firepit in the Q boathouse? He says he could totally see that. Her, him, a fire, Olivia bringing them lasagna, Ned going on about his beloved ELQ, and Tracy lecturing him yet again about how he’s not good enough for her. She says, the Q’s date might not be the most romantic, but there are alternatives, and he says, such as? She says, nightclubs, live music. He might even be tempted to get back in the game. He says his heart is very much out of the music biz, but it seems like hers is still in it. Tell him again why she went back to work at Deception.
Tracy says, so much for Drew’s upright and honorable routine, and he says he really didn’t want it to come to this, but a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do. Tracy understands the language of blackmail. She says she understands more about the process than he does apparently. Blackmail requires leverage, and he has none to use against her. He says, let’s start with Deception, shall we? She coerced Brook into going back to work there. She says, where Brook chooses to work is her business, and he says, his point exactly. If it were up to Brook, she’d be working in music. She’s working at Deception under Tracy’s orders, and he kind of feels Lucy Coe would like to hear that. She says, fine. Get Lucy Coe down here; tell her everything. A waiter asks if they’re looking for Lucy Coe.
Dante asks if Valentin thought he was getting arrested, and Valentin says, given their history, he couldn’t be sure. Falsifying his death… Dante says he’s sure Valentin had reasons for doing that, and Valentin says, so did Anna. He asks if this is an official inquiry, but Dante says, it’s off the record, and personal. That article in The Sun that was about Anna’s WSB file was pretty brutal. Valentin asks how Dante is hoping he can help, and Dante says, Valentin is Victor’s son, and Victor was head of the WSB for many years. He had a lot of opportunity to plant a lie in Anna’s file that could be used as a time bomb he could set off whenever he wanted to. Valentin says, his father was a mean and spiteful man. He had full faith in his plan, but he was prepared to exact revenge in case of his failure, in which he thought Anna Devane could always play a part.He was right, and now he’s making her pay for it. Dante says he wants to clear Anna’s name. So how do they prove her file was doctored?
Nina says she was curious about Carly and Drew’s legal situation, so she asked her lawyer about it. Ned must have misinterpreted. Ned says, it’s too late to save this. As soon as you eliminate him, she becomes the obvious suspect; the one that has the most to gain by sending Carly off to prison. Although she took a big risk, and maybe she’s realized that by now, and that’s the reason she called a meeting with her lawyer. She must have realized that, even though Sonny and Carly are divorced, Sonny would do anything to protect her. When he finds out Nina was the one who pointed the SEC at Carly, she and Sonny are done.
Anna asks if Sonny wants to come inside, but he says, it’s up to her. He doesn’t want to intrude. She tells him, she has the feeling that whatever he was about to say, she doesn’t want to hear it on the doorstep. They go inside, and she asks if he’d like some water, but he says, no thanks. She says she’s going to have a drink, and he says, go ahead. She pours herself something, and takes a sip. She says, go ahead, call her a hypocrite, and he asks if that’s why she thinks he came here. She says, obviously. After all the years she spent upholding the law as a special agent and Police Commissioner, investigating him for various crimes, questioning him about how he could possibly reconcile breaking the law with being a loving parent, and now he gets to find out that she was a criminal herself? Actually, worse than that. A double agent, which is to say, a traitor. He asks if she’s finished, because he wasn’t going to say any of that, and she asks what he was going to say. He says, she’s upset. He’ll come back some other time. She says, please wait. She’s sorry. Not at her best. Please stay.
Michael asks what better use Carly has for Dex, and she says, before she tells him, what’s his assessment of Dex? He says he guesses he likes Dex. He took on an impossible job and did it really well. He’s had relentless pressure for months and didn’t crack. He wormed his way into Sonny’s confidence, despite being with Josslyn, which Sonny didn’t like. She asks what he knows about Dex’s time in the military, and he says he knows Dex was discharged because of some personal issue, but his combat experience is excellent; highest rating. He had the reputation of keeping a cool head under fire, which is one of the reasons Michael hired him. Why is she interested? She says, because she wants him to hire Dex to do another job.
Josslyn asks why Dex isn’t angrier. Why isn’t he angry period? Both her mother and brother have the chance to set him free, yet they’re leaving him trapped. He says, Michael gave him a job; the job changed. It happens. She says, so he’s totally fine working for Sonny, but he says, it’s not about what’s fine. It’s the situation he’s in. He spent months earning Sonny’s trust, convincing Sonny to let him in. Just tonight, Sonny gave him a lecture on how he’s in this now; how he has to commit. He doesn’t have the option to leave. She says, actually, he might. He can just ask Sonny to let him go.
Tracy asks if the waiter always eavesdrops on private conversations, but he says he wasn’t eavesdropping. He was just doing his job. They’re about to resume poolside cocktail service. Tracy says, well don’t. She wants privacy. That means, no bartender, no guests, no staff, including himself; just her and Mr. Cain. And if anyone has any questions about that, they can contact Olivia Quartermaine, her daughter-in-law, the co-owner of this place. The waiter leaves, and Drew says, that was rude. And pointless. Chewing out a hotel employee just to make herself feel better. It’s not going to keep Brook in place at Deception. She suggests he focus on his own problems. He seems to have enough of them. He says, as it happens, she’s the answer to his problems.
Brook tells Chase, they’ve been over this. She went back to Deception because she really loves those ladies, and they really need her. He says, really? They seem like pretty savvy businesswomen. She says, they are, but they don’t really understand the nuances of social media presence, and he says, and the music? She says she’ll still be doing music on a part-time basis, and he says, music is her passion. It’s one of the first things he learned about her. What happened to change that? She says she found a new passion, and he says, Deception? She says, him, when Olivia stops by. Brook asks her to join them, but she says she thinks Ned is waiting for her on the terrace. Brook says her dad is probably on some phone calls. Please sit down. Chase can tell her about his new truck. Oliva says, a new truck? and sits down. Tell her all about it.
Ned says, in the long run, Nina’s done herself a favor. She’s much better off without Sonny Corinthos. Nina says she and Sonny are engaged, but he says, not for long. She says, gee, most people say congratulations, and he tells her, just accept the fact that she and Sonny won’t be living happily ever after. She says, that tip was anonymous. There’s no way anyone will be able to prove he did it. He says he didn’t; she did. She says, no one’s going to have to know who’s responsible for this. Just keep doing what he’s doing, insisting he didn’t do anything. The people who know him, the people who really matter will believe him… eventually. He says he has no intention of taking the fall for her. She did this, and she’d better find a way to clean it up. Nina sees Trish and shushes him. Trish tells Nina, the pool man just told her that Tracy Quartermaine shut down the entire pool area because she wanted privacy, and Nina says, for what? Trish says she doesn’t know, but apparently Drew Cain is there. Trish leaves, and Ned says, Drew’s here. He needs to talk to him. Ned dashes off, and Nina runs after him.
Dante is looking at the article about Anna, when there’s a knock at the door. He says, come in, and Sam walks in. He asks how she got in here, and she says, her boyfriend’s a cop and the desk sergeant breaks the rules for her occasionally. They kiss, and Dante says, he doesn’t blame him. He would’ve done the same thing. She says, lucky her, and he asks why she is here. Was he supposed to do something or be somewhere? She says, he was supposed to be home two hours ago, and he says he’s sorry. She says she figured he was working on a case, but he’s just sitting here and she got no text or call. She wants to know what’s going on. He says he’s just worried about a friend.
Sonny says, when the news story broke about Anna, he started thinking about all the headlines he’s been through over the years. She says, they don’t seem like headlines now; they seem like take downs. He says, two were seared in his memory. Wife of Crime Lord Dies in a Car Bomb. He saw the headline the next morning, after his wife died. And the other one was, Corinthos Son Killed in a Suspected Mob Hit. That was Morgan. He was already in hell from all the pain and grief. It was a lot to take. His private life all over the world for everybody to see, for everybody to read, for everybody to judge. (Yet no one knew who he was in Nixon Falls. Go figure.) They don’t know what happened to him. They don’t know how he suffered. Just like he doesn’t know why she did what she did. That’s why he’s here to tell her that he’s sorry for how she fell. He’s sorry for what happened to her. She thanks him for sharing that, and says she feels like sometimes she gets in her own way. He says, that headline was just a take down. She knows that, right? She says, the most difficult part of this is, the news story is true. It’s factually accurate; she did those things. There were reasons. There were justifications, excuses. There was a context then that the media has chosen to leave out, but she can’t deny it happened. She tears up, and says she made a lot of mistakes at the beginning of her career, and thinks she’s spent most of her life trying to make up for them. Now it’s come and bit her in the most public way. He says he’s done things allegedly – they both laugh – but he’s done them. Some, he felt there was a reason to do them, and others he regrets. But he always tells himself, his life, who he is now, should not be limited to the worst things he’s done in his life. Just like her. She’s a great mother, a great grandma. She’s courageous and brilliant, and no matter what, he’ll always consider her his friend… whatever that’s worth. She says, it’s worth a lot.
Michael tells Carly, the peace between him and Sonny right now is pretty fragile. He’s going to be suspicious if Michael hires Dex out from under him. She says she wants him to pay Dex to keep working for Sonny. Since Jason died, Sonny doesn’t have someone to be his right hand. Michael says, what about Brick? and she says, Brick’s great, but he’s based on the west coast. He can’t be by Sonny’s side day in and day out, but Dex can, and given Michael’s description, he’s obviously qualified. Michael says, in what way specifically? and she says she wants Dex to use all of his skills to protect Sonny; to follow orders. And if he sees trouble coming, he needs to tell Michael, and Michael needs to tell him how to advise Sonny.
Josslyn says, when she met with Sonny in his office that day and asked him to fire Dex, he told her that Dex would have to go in himself and ask him. But he never said anything about refusing to let Dex quit. Everybody knows they’re together now. Everybody’s seen them. Sonny can’t just disappear him and nobody will ask questions. Sonny already knows she doesn’t want Dex working for him. It makes perfect sense for him to quit. She’s not saying it will be easy, but it can be done. Dex just has to meet with Sonny, and tell him respectfully that he wants out. Dex says he doesn’t want out.
Drew tells Tracy, Ned’s got connections at the SEC. He can make this investigation into him and Carly go away. She says, and he thinks he can force Ned into getting the SEC to back off, and he says, no, but he thinks she can. She laughs and says, she loves his sense of humor, and his imaginative fantasy world, but he says, no fantasy here. She either persuades Ned, or he tells Ned the truth that she dragged Brook into potential intellectual property theft, malfeasance, and corporate espionage. These are activities that carry the potential for criminal penalties. So how is her son going to react when he finds out she put her granddaughter at risk? Ned comes running in, and says, there’s something he has to tell Drew… He trips on a pile of towels, and falls into the pool, hitting his head on the side. He floats face down, and Nina stops short in the hallway, where she can see, but not be seen.
Anna sits on the steps going upstairs, when Valentin walks in. She says, he needs to not do that, and he asks why she’s not taking his calls. She says she doesn’t want to. She’d like to smash her phone actually. She’d like to put the SIM card down the waste disposal. He asks if he can join her, and sits next to her. He says he’s sorry. He’s sorry his father has done this to her. She says she hates Victor. She hated him when he was alive, and loathes him now that he’s dead. If there’s a hell, she hopes he burns there for all eternity. Valentin says, him too, and Anna says, Victor didn’t do this to her. She did it to herself.
Sam asks who Dante’s friend is, and what made them keep Dante here. He asks if she knows that hit piece about Anna in The Sun, about her being a double agent, and she says, yeah. He says, it’s true, and Sam says she just assumed it was a lie. He says, so did he, so he called Valentin over here to help him exonerate her. She says, Valentin loves Anna. Of course (🍷) he’d want to help her. Dante tells her, there were some things Valentin said about the classified information, and about how ugly it is when it sees the light of day, which is why it’s classified. Valentin said he should know, because after some of the things Dante did for the WSB, the last thing he would want is for it to be plastered on the front page of anything. He just feels bad for Anna. He doesn’t know how she’s going to build back her life again. Sam says, it’s possible. After all, he did.
Josslyn says, Dex wants to work for Sonny? and he says he wants to work in Port Charles. Mostly for her, but he likes it here. He gravitates to the moss bowl🎍, because he likes that too, and he says he likes a lot of the people he’s met here. It’s starting to feel like home. He hasn’t had one of those since he was a kid. She says, sometimes she forgets how different their lives have been. There are so many things she takes for granted; some things Dex never had. He says, one of the advantages of not having things is that when you get them, you value them and don’t want to let them go. He likes what he has here. He wants to stay. She says, he doesn’t have to work for Sonny to stay, but he says he can’t think of anything he’d rather do.
Michael says, let him get this straight. Carly wants him to be Sonny’s guardian angel while Dex does all the legwork. She says, yes, and he says, so instead of sending Sonny to prison, she wants him and Dex to work together to keep him out of Pentenville. Keep him safe, monitor his business ventures, keep a level head, and counsel. She nods, and he says, so everything Jason used to do, he and Dex will be doing together. She says, yes, except there’s one obvious catch. Sonny can never know.
Drew turns Ned over, and Tracy asks if he’s breathing. Nina scrambles for her phone to film it for social media, and Tracy runs for her bag. Drew tells Ned, they’ve got this, and gets Ned out of the pool and onto the floor. Nina pockets her phone, as Tracy says, her adult son just fell into the MetroCourt pool and he hit his head and he’s not breathing. On opposite sides of the room, Tracy and Nina both look distraught, and Drew begins chest compression.
Anna says, Valentin knew she was a double agent, right? and he says, and she knows espionage is a shadowy thing. It’s all compromise, neither good nor bad; just varying shades of grey. And no one can claim being entirely pure of intentions, certainly not him. Not even Robert Scorpio. She says she’s not afraid to face Robert. He knew everything; found out years ago. And Robin was aware. Maybe not all the gory details, but she knew enough. He says, so who is it she’s worried about? and she says she thinks the people it’s going to affect the most, the people who are going to look at her differently, are Emma and Noah.
Michael says, what he doesn’t get is that Carly, Drew, or both could be sent to federal prison, yet her priority is to protect Sonny? Apparently, he wasn’t listening to the last speech she gave him on why Sonny can’t go to prison. She says, her problems with the SEC are for her and Drew to figure out. When she showed him that flashdrive, it proved how vulnerable his father is. Pikeman is a defense contractor, right? He says, enemies against the government, and potential enemies in the government (or something to that effect), and she says, a challenge his father has never dealt with before. When he showed her that footage of Sonny taking that delivery, it was evidence he violated national security. If Michael hadn’t changed his mind, his father would be in prison right now. Donna and Avery’s lives would be destroyed, and their lives would be in danger. She needs him to step up and protect his father. He says, what if he’s willing, but Dex isn’t?
Dex tells Josslyn, he has a high school diploma, no college courses, no interest in taking any. What kind of job can he get? Security? Doorman at the MetroCourt? She says, he was in security before, and there’s noting wrong with making a good, honest living, but he says he’s not as noble as she thinks he is. Sonny pays a helluva lot more than her honest living, and he’s good at it. Sonny is paying him to do things he already knows how to do, and he’s willing to accept a certain amount of risk. She says, and he’s willing to break the law, and he says, the worst thing he’s seen Sonny do is hang him from a meat hook. I laugh, because it’s true. Sonny is the most innocuous mobster in the world. She says, that could have been a lot worse, but he says he survived, thanks to her. Ever since he saved Sonny’s life at the warehouse, Sonny’s attitude toward him has changed. Sonny’s giving him more opportunities and trusting him more. This is his best option, and he’s going to take it. Unless it’s going to cost him her.
Brook says, Chase did all the research, and can tell Olivia all the specs. Olivia is all excited, and asks if it has 4-wheel drive, advanced driver assist, hands-free technology. Brook says, Olivia’s family used to own a garage in Brooklyn, and Chase says, nice. To answer her question, yes, yes, and yes. She says, then don’t think, do. Can she ask what’s the special reason he decided to buy this fancy new truck? He says he came into some money doing this whole singing thing – Brook says, like she promised – and now that he’s back to being a cop, he thought he’d treat himself to the truck of his dreams. Olivia says, congratulations, when Trish runs over, and tells Olivia that the paramedics are coming up. There’s been a slip and fall at the pool.
Drew continues to work on Ned, when the paramedics come in and take over. Drew says, he’s been unconscious for a couple of minutes. He’s been doing CPR. He got no sign of any pulse at all. Please… Olivia comes in, followed by Brook and Chase. She starts to run to Ned, but Drew holds her back, saying, let them do their work. The hallway is empty.
Nina pours a drink in Sonny’s office, and looks at her engagement ring. She flashes back to Sonny proposing. Then she remembers Ned saying, when Sonny finds out she was the one who pointed the SEC at Carly, she and Sonny are done. Sonny comes in, and says, Frank told him that she was waiting. What brings her by?
Anna tells Valentin that she switched her phone off because she’s a coward. Of all the people that could reach out to her, the one person she dreads is Emma. Emma is going to beg her to say it’s not true, that she wasn’t a traitor. She’s going to have to tell Emma… She starts to cry, and he puts his hand on her knee. She says, that she was, and Valentin says he thinks Anna shouldn’t underestimate her. She’s going to be hurt, she’s going to want an explanation, but Anna can give it to her. Anna can tell her that she was pulled in over her head; that she was manipulated by Cesar Faison. Anna says, she knows. She was, but how do you explain that? Maybe one day she’ll want to listen. Emma might even forgive her. But the way Emma used to look at her, with such pride, like she was the thing Emma aspired to be, that’s gone forever. He holds her as she cries. I wish my grandma had been Anna. She used to try and get us to take hard boiled eggs in a paper bag for the plane ride home. 😖
Sam says, Dante was pretty wrecked when he came back from the WSB, and he says, that’s one way to put it. She says, he managed to rebuild his life, and he says he had a lot of help; from Anna, from his family, and mostly from her. He wouldn’t have chosen any of that, but he survived. And waiting for him on the other side was Sam, someone he never expected. Now he never wants any other life, and it’s all her fault. He says he loves her, and they kiss.
Michael tells Carly, yes, Dex is qualified to protect Sonny, but who says he wants to, or that he’ll agree to take the risk of reporting back to him what Sonny does. Sure, it’s in Sonny’s best interest, but Sonny won’t see it that way. That means Dex would be a spy, and it could get him killed. Why should he take that risk when he can just take the money he’s earned and disappear? She says, he knows Dex. Would he do that? Michael says, he wouldn’t blame him if he did. He knows it would break Josslyn’s heart; she cares about him. Carly says, she truly cares about him. That’s one of the reasons she came up with this plan. Josslyn’s feelings are getting deeper and deeper all the time. The longer Dex stays in Port Charles, the more devastated she’ll be if he decides to leaved. If he decides to disappear, better it happens now. He asks if she’s sure about this, and she says, no. She’s not sure about any of this, but she does know she wants Michael to give Dex a choice, and let’s see what he decides.
Josslyn says, Dex just made this big case about why he wants to work for Sonny, but he’ll quit if she wants him to? He says he’s very clear she wants him to, but he’ll quit if it’s the only way they can stay together. She takes his hand and says, no. She’s not going to put conditions on their relationship. She’s not going to tell him what he can and can’t do. He’d only start resenting her. So she’d rather take her chances, and watch him take his with Sonny. Dex can go be his best lieutenant, risk his life, and break the law. Just remember, his life is kind of important to her. He says he’ll remember, and kisses her.
Sonny asks, what’s wrong? and Nina says, it’s all his fault. If he hadn’t given her such a spectacular ring, she wouldn’t be thinking about him all the time. So it leads her to want to see him, which led her to come here. He says, she’s always welcome, and she says, remember when they came back from Nixon Falls, and she was convinced she’d lost him forever? He hated her for withholding the truth about who he was. She thought he’d never forgive her, but what made it even worse was the memory of how happy she’d been with him. He says, they’ve all done things they regret and can’t forget the past, but what they can do is not live there. They can also think about the future they’re going to have – together. She says she wants that more than anything, but tonight, she just wants him, and they hug.
The paramedics get Ned situated on the gurney, and Olivia says she’s his wife. She needs to be riding in the ambulance with him. She tells Ned she’s here, and asks if he can hear her. She’s not leaving him, even for a second. Brook asks, what happened? and Tracy says, Drew attacked Ned and almost killed him. She tells Chase to put his badge to use; arrest him for assault.
Tomorrow, Austin tells Ava, if she doesn’t do what Mason wants, it could get them both killed; Elizabeth says, Finn’s secret is safe with her; and Drew asks if Chase is seriously going to arrest him.
🏥 Checking In…
I always liked him on AMC, but I’m hoping he’s not going to play a nice guy. We already have enough of those on the show right now.
This was an excellent season, and I called it. I couldn’t help thinking of what I’d do during the different challenges. Like when the chefs did elevated picnics. I would have handed the judges a to-go bag from Balducci’s.
We all need a break from the Vanderpump Rules Reunion blues – I know it bummed me out – so I’ll just say this about that. While I blame them both, Sandoval is the worse of the two. He’s truly a sociopath with delusions of grandeur, and I don’t care how much he wails that he’s human. That wasn’t an, oops, we were really drunk, or even, I fell in love with someone else. Not that those would be an excuse to cheat. You should always close the door on one relationship before opening it to another. The thing that made it so awful was that it went on for so long. Sandoval is also nearly 40, and obviously the less sheltered of the two, and no doubt manipulating the situation.
Which brings me to the awful vapidness of the ex-beauty queen runner-up. The fact that she could pretend to be such a good friend to Ariana is extremely disturbing. I don’t know if Rachel is a sociopath, but there’s definitely something going on there in that there seems to be nothing going on there. Lisa had it correct that she seemed to be playing a role, like it was a competition. It’s what she knows, but it’s not as human as she claims. Normally, those who grow up in that life either leave it behind eventually, live off their endorsements, or when they can no longer do, they teach the next generation of contestants. Rachel is stuck in some weird groove in the movie in her head, and Ariana also had it right in that she finds her identity in men, and has no original thoughts. Why? Who knows? Hopefully, she’ll find these things out in therapy, but she’s done for on reality TV. And if she’s offered one of those villain roles in some all-stars challenge show, it would be in her best interest to steer clear. I have no clue what her parents are really like, since James’s narrative is questionable to be sure; that they started it. It would behoove them to take charge, and get her as far away from LA as possible.
As for Lisa, she who can do no wrong, I have never seen her look sadder. At least not in public. I have no clue what happens behind closed doors, nor should I, but I have never seen her look like that. Not when her mother died, not when her brother died of an overdose, not when Giggy, or any of the other dogs, or the pony died. It was the sadness of a mother whose children have seriously f***ed up. And she does look at them as her children, so I hope Ariana and Lala eventually give her a pass.
Ariana is already doing okay. Her heart’s still broken, but better now than after they got married and/or had children. I’m with her on thank God her eggs weren’t fertilized. He would have probably challenged her for them on top of it. Lala was spot on once again when she said Ariana would look back and see this as a favor.
The whole thing was just sad.
🦫 So I Leave You With This…
Because we all need a laugh, and animals are the best.
Stop on in tomorrow for soap, the tea du jour, quotes, and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay filling the paper tray if you’ve used the last piece, and stay not living in the past.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Elizabeth comes downstairs in her robe to answer the door. It’s Dante, who says, he’s sorry to bother her so early. Something terrible happened last night, and he thought she should know about it. She invites him in, and asks, what happened? He says, there was a fire in Franco’s art studio; it’s gone. She says, oh my God, the building burned down? but he says, not the building; just the studio. She asks if anyone was hurt, and he says, no. She says, thank God. How did the fire start? He says, it was arson.
At Kelly’s, Valentin tells Anna that she really is beautiful. He was thinking about New Year’s Eve. She flashes back to them kissing, and says she thinks about it too. Quite a bit actually. Things went a little crazy, and they haven’t been able to revisit… He says, no rush. He’s not going anywhere.
Austin gets something from the vending machine, when Felicia calls to him. She says, Amy told her that she could find him there, because it’s the only vending machine that has trail mix. He says, she’s Maxie’s mom. It’s so nice to meet her. Why is she looking for him? It’s not a medical issue, is it? She says, it’s purely about Maxie.
Brook tells Maxie that she thought she was being brave confronting a burglar, but it turned out to be Cameron. He and Josslyn had no idea about the arrangement she and Jax have, and came there looking for a little sexy time. Maxie says, oh. Oh. Brook didn’t see them… Brook says, no, thank God, but she did clock Cameron over the head with a vase, and practically gave the poor kid a concussion. Chase joins them, and says, Cam called his mom. She and Finn came by, and no concussion. He tells Brook, Bailey’s still sleeping, and Brook says, thank goodness. She’s been having a hard time at bedtime, adjusting to the new place. She’ll give Cam a call later and see how he’s doing. Chase says, that’s nice of her, and Maxie says she’s glad that worked out, but they still haven’t told her why they’re here. Why did Brook leave the Quartermaines? Brook says, as she feared, Granny Tracy figured out that Bailey is really Maxie’s daughter.
Felicia asks if Austin wants to move someplace more private, and he says, sure. She turns to see Finn walking down the hall, and Peter being pushed in a wheelchair behind him. Peter calls to Finn, and Finn asks the guard if they’re finally transferring Peter to Pentenville. The guard says, not yet; he’s complaining of back pain. Felicia walks over and says, good; he should be suffering. Peter says he just had an MRI, and lying still like that has him in agony. In fact, he wanted to consult with Finn. Finn tells him to waste someone else’s time. Pain isn’t his specialty. Peter says he thinks Finn might have some insight into this particular pain. It feels like someone threw him down an entire flight of stairs.
Elizabeth asks if Dante is saying someone intentionally set fire to Franco’s studio, and he says, the investigation’s ongoing, but all the signs are there. Cameron comes downstairs, and asks why Dante is here. Elizabeth says, there was a fire in Franco’s studio, and Cameron says, what? How did this happen? Dante says, according to the arson team they found traces of accelerant that was used. They had to force down the door, and they don’t know if somebody broke in initially. Who has keys to the studio? Elizabeth says, her and the building superintendent, and he asks if she’ll check and see if they’re missing. She goes to look, and he asks, when was the last time she was in the studio? She says, it’s been months. She left everything of Franco’s pretty much untouched. She pulls out some keys and says, they’re right where they should be. Dante asks Cameron, what about him? When was the last time he was in Franco’s studio?
Finn closes Peter’s room door, and says, Peter’s got his attention. Why did Peter want to see him? Peter says he thinks all this talk of transferring him is a bit premature. He’s still recovering from being poisoned, and now has back pain he’s dealing with. He thinks he needs a doctor to say he’s not medically ready to be transferred to Pentenville. Finn says, take it up with his primary, or better yet, his sister; she’s Co-Chief. Peter says he doesn’t care that Finn’s not his doctor. Just get it done, or he’ll start talking about how Finn pushed him down a flight of stairs, dragged his unconscious body to a freezer, stuffed it in there, and left him for dead. Remember that? Finn says, it’s funny. That’s not how he remembers it. There’s no evidence he was there that night, and it’s really Peter’s word against his, and killers don’t make the most reliable witnesses. Peter says, it might not be enough for criminal charges, but can GH really afford to keep a doctor on staff with such accusations hanging over them?
Maxie says she’s starting to feel like things are unraveling. First Chase figures it out; now Tracy? How long before it’s Peter?He cannot find out Bailey is really Louise. Brook says, he won’t. Her granny only figured it out because she knew Brook was faking her pregnancy, and Brook called her when she was initially looking for a baby. It wasn’t a huge leap when she saw Maxie pining over Bailey. Chase only put it together because he’s a super smart detective. Chase says, wow, thanks, and Brook says, they just have to hold it together for a little while longer. Once Peter is locked away for Franco’s murder, Bailey can finally come home to Maxie. Maxie asks, how long before he’s locked away for good? Peter has money and connections, and until he’s behind bars, he will try to get out of this.
Anna says she has a favor to ask Valentin, and he says, anything. Name it. She asks if he doesn’t want to know what it is first, and he says, all right. She says, because it concerns Victor, and he says, she wants him to get close to Victor to exploit their relationship for information to learn the real reason he’s in Port Charles? She says she does, and he says, great minds think alike. Anna and Laura. He and Laura had coffee the other day. They discussed Charlotte, among other things, and she asked if he wouldn’t mind connecting with Victor. Her concern is that he might be a bad influence on Spencer, and probably Charlotte, and he doesn’t disagree with that. Victor has expressed interest in getting the Cassadines together for some mysterious reason, and he’s already demonstrated a willingness to work with Peter August. So Valentin thinks it’s probably best they deal with him sooner rather than later. She says, so he’ll do it? and he says, he’s already started.
Austin and Felicia sit on a bench, and he asks if she’s all right. She says, every time she sees Peter, it makes her blood boil. Because of him, her daughter is suffering. He asks if there’s any news about Louise, but she says, that’s the problem. Louise has been missing for months. Her husband has been working night and day with law enforcement around the country, and has come up with no leads, only dead ends. It’s as though Louise just disappeared into thin air. It’s tearing them up inside, and she can only imagine what it’s doing to Maxie. He says, she’s a very strong woman, and Felicia says, yes, she’s strong, but this is her baby, her child. She knows Maxie can put on a brave front, but she’s suffering. He says he feels like there might be something he could do to help, and she says, she and Anna are looking into Louise’s case personally. He was there the night Louise was born. He says he was, and if she’d like him to go over it in minute detail, he will. She asks if he’d go back to Pawtuck, and he says, absolutely. She says, that would be great, and he has to convince Maxie to come with them, but he says that’s not something he wants to do.
Maxie says she hasn’t even talked to Robert or Mac about Peter’s case, because she’s been avoiding them. She’s worried she’s going to spill the beans. Now on top of that, she’s worried with Peter’s money and his father’s connections, he’s somehow going to wriggle his way out of this, when everybody knows he’s guilty. He was seen with the murder weapon. Brook says she’s right; everyone knows Peter murdered Franco. Chase says, unfortunately, Gladys Corbin was the one who ID’d him. After she initially lied, and accused Jason Morgan, she retracted her statement and accused Peter. It’s going to raise some doubts about her credibility. Maxie says, of course (🍷) it will, and Brook says she’s sure the prosecution will come up with some other proof. The doorbell rings, and Chase opens it to Ned, who says, Brook’s been ignoring his calls. Brook says she was going to call him, but her phone died, and she couldn’t find her charger… Maxie says she’ll talk to Brook about this later, and Brook tells her to wait, but she says, it’s fine, and jets. Ned tells Chase that he’d like to speak to his daughter in private, and Chase asks if Brook wants him to stay, but she says she’ll be fine. Chase says he’ll be back soon, and leaves. Brook tells Ned that he could be a little nicer to Chase, and Ned asks why Brook’s grandmother thinks she’s in trouble.
Finn assumes it works most of the time; the veiled threats, the cryptic tone. Peter’s dad used to do that too, if Finn recalls. It must have been some fun dinnertime conversation they had. Peter says Finn is pushing his luck, and Finn says, Peter just came up empty. There’s no way he’s fabricating a medical excuse to keep him here. Peter is going to be transferred as planned. Good luck in prison. He starts to leave, and Peter says Finn is taking a dangerous turn. Finn says he appreciates the concern, but don’t worry about him. After all, he’s the one who can walk out of here; Peter, not so much. He walks out.
Cameron says he hasn’t been anywhere near Franco’s studio since after he died. Dante doesn’t think he’d start a fire… Elizabeth says, Cameron was home; he ended up with a head injury. Chase was there. Dante can ask him. She also woke Cameron up several times last night, to make sure he didn’t have a concussion. Dante says he’s not accusing either one of them of anything. He’s just trying to determine the last time anyone was in Franco’s studio. Elizabeth says she hasn’t been able to face that space since the night Franco was killed. She knows she needs to give up the lease, but that would involve moving Franco’s things out. Dante says he’s sorry. He knows Elizabeth is going through a lot and doesn’t want to add to it. Cameron asks if Dante has questioned Peter, and Elizabeth says, what? Cameron says, his trial for killing Franco is coming up. Franco’s studio was the scene of the crime. Maybe Peter set the fire to destroy any evidence.
Felicia says she thought Austin wanted to help, and Austin says he does, but the fact that she’s looking to him to convince Maxie to do something, makes him think Felicia already knows Maxie is opposed. And if Maxie is sensitive to going back to Pawtuck, she experienced real trauma there, so he thinks it’s valid. Felicia says, okay, but they just agreed Maxie is strong. She thinks Maxie would be willing to face her fears if she knew it would bring her daughter home. He says he still agrees. He thinks Maxie is super gutsy. She’s amazing, but it’s got to be her decision whether or not she’s strong enough to go back there. He’s happy to go if Felicia wants, but he’s not going to convince Maxie to do anything she doesn’t want to do. Felicia says, you know what? She likes him.
Valentin tells Anna, Victor conveniently ran into him at the MetroCourt. His first impulse was to shut Victor out, but he thought better of it. Ever since, they’ve been getting along famously. She says, and Valentin doesn’t think he suspects anything? He says, there’s definitely a game being played. He’s not certain if it’s chess or poker, but they’re maneuvering around one another, looking for flaws in each other’s strategy. He’s giving Victor enough of an opening to keep him interested, but not so much that he suspects a trap. She says, it’s always so much harder to investigate someone you know, especially a family member, and he says, she doesn’t suppose it’s just a father’s love for his son, does she? She says she doesn’t doubt Victor wants to get to know Valentin better, and he says, other than their mutual love of vodka, there’s really only one connection. She asks, what’s that? and he says, their mutual desire to make Brook sorry she crossed a Cassadine. She says, he and Victor are plotting against Brook? and he says, it was Victor’s idea, but teaching Brook a lesson is not without its appeal. She says she understands he’s hurt, but is revenge really necessary? He says, Brook lied to him. She did hurt him, and worse, she hurt his daughter. He’s not going to forget that.
Brook asks Ned what granny said, and he says, she did more insinuating than actual explaining. The gist was that something is going on with his granddaughter, but when he cornered her, he wasn’t exactly satisfied with her explanation. Is Bailey all right? Brook says, she can honestly tell him that Bailey’s all right. He says, then why did she move out of the house so suddenly? and she says, so Chase can have 24 hour access to Bailey. She didn’t want him to have to move back into Monica’s house, and honestly, she wanted a little privacy. Live-in help is nice, but tripping over family all the time is stressful. She’s used to it, but Chase isn’t. He says, maybe her grandmother is right about one thing after all, and she says, what now? He asks if she’s falling for Chase.
Chase knocks at Finn’s office door, and asks, what’s going on? He closes the door behind him, and says, it looks like Finn’s thinking deep thoughts. Finn says, that’s what they pay him for, thinking deep doctor thoughts. Are they all moved in? Chase says, astonishingly, all of Brook’s clothes and accessories found a home. How did Finn’s date wind up with Elizabeth? Finn says, despite getting cut short, he had a good time, and they’re going to do it again… minus the hospital visit and the emergency call. Chase says he’s glad to hear it. What else is going on? Finn says, nothing, and Chase says, really? He got the sense Finn was pondering more than medical mysteries. Talk to him. Finn says he doesn’t want to get Chase involved, and Chase tells him, that was the wrong thing to say. Now he’s not going anywhere until Finn tells him everything.
Elizabeth says she doesn’t want Cameron to worry about Peter. He’s handcuffed to a bed at GH, under guard. Cameron says, he probably didn’t do it himself, but he could have hired someone to do it for him. Dante says, they’re investigating all possibilities, but Cameron says, he killed Franco. Who else could possibly have had that motive? Elizabeth says, Cameron told Dante his story. Now they just have to let the police do their jobs. Cameron says, what if this fire hurts the case against Peter August? and Dante says, if somehow, Peter August isn’t convicted for murdering Franco, he’s got so many charges hanging over him, he will never be walking a free man again.
Finn says he doesn’t have time for this, but Chase says, he does. He has all day. He’s suspended, remember? But his cop instincts aren’t. What is Finn not telling him? Finn says, in the spirit of getting Chase off his back, he saw Peter earlier. Peter was running his mouth, and it got under his skin. Chase says, that’s because that’s what he does. It’s part of the reason he hasn’t seen Peter yet. He can’t help but relish the fact Peter was poisoned, after Peter poisoned him for weeks and weeks. Not to mention essentially blowing up his life. Finn says, they were so close to losing Chase. He still has nightmares about it. He flashes back to being on the roof with Peter, and tells Chase, he was out of his mind. Chase says, he understands. He can’t imagine what Finn went through. He would have lost it. Finn flashes back to Peter throwing the vial off the roof, and says, he did. When Peter threw the antidote off the roof – he flashes back to throwing Peter down the stairs – he just… Chase asks him what the hell he’s talking about.
Peter asks where Martin has been, and Martin says, Peter’s not his only client. And even if he were, he’s an attorney, not a nurse. It’s not his job to sit by Peter’s bedside. Peter says, they’re trying to transfer him back to Pentenville. Martin has to stop them. Martin asks how Peter suggests he do that. Peter has been charged with a capital crime. They have no grounds to oppose this transfer. Unless of course (🍷), Peter has some pressing medical reason. Peter says, he tried that already. He complained of excruciating back pain, but they took an MRI and it didn’t show anything. He tried to get a doctor to vouch for him, but he refused to help. Which reminds him. He wants Finn arrested, and charged with attempted murder
Austin tells Felicia that he’s happy he made such a good first impression, but he won’t be pressuring Maxie to anywhere, especially Pawtuck. She says she likes that he respects Maxie’s wishes. She’s just worried Maxie doesn’t know what she wants. Initially, when Anna brought up going back to Pawtuck, Maxie agreed, but when Felicia brought it up later, Maxie didn’t want to do it. He says, People are entitled to change their minds; it happens all the time. She says, sometimes Maxie underestimates herself and needs a little encouragement, but he says, he’s not so sure he’s the one who should be encouraging her; they’re just getting to know each other. She says she can tell Maxie trusts him. They seem to have a real connection. She can tell her daughter is comfortable with him. Maxie says, she is. What she’s not comfortable with is the two of them talking about her behind her back.
Brook tells Ned, she’s not falling for Chase, and even if she was, why is that a problem? Ned says, it’s a problem if Chase doesn’t feel the same way. She says, wow. He doesn’t think Chase could have feelings for her? She’s not good enough? He says he’s not saying that, and she asks, what is he saying? Chase is a great guy; he has no idea. He says, a great guy, who until recently, was married and in love with Willow, and who could very well be on the rebound. And let’s not forget, Brook kept his daughter away from him. Some men don’t get over that. She says, they all know what happened and how it played out. The reality is, they’re here now, they’re good, they’re co-parenting Bailey, and they’re good. He tells her that she said that already, and she says, because it’s true. She and Chase already got past all the lying stuff, and they’re friends. He’s not the kind of guy to hold a grudge, and they’re getting to know each other better. Ned asks, how much better? and Brook says, they’re both committed to giving Bailey the best life possible. Nothing more.
Finn says he has work to do, and Chase says, he thought Finn was speaking generally about Peter withholding the antidote until he mentioned a roof. What exactly did he mean? Finn says Chase doesn’t have to worry about it, but Chase says he thinks he does. Clearly this is affecting Finn in a big way. Let him in. Maybe he can help. If Peter used Finn… Finn says, it’s not like that… It wasn’t like that. He never wanted to pull Chase into this, but it’s bound to come out sooner or later. It’s better Chase hear it from him. Chase says, hear what? and Finn sits down. He says, the night Peter disappeared from GH, he found Peter on the roof. He begged Peter to give him the medicine Chase needed; the antidote. He refused, and when he threw it off the roof, Finn lost it. Peter started to leave, and he rushed at Peter and pushed him down the stairs. He flashes back to Elizabeth finding him with Peter, and says he thought he killed Peter. Even then, he only cared because he thought Peter’s death meant he killed Chase too.
Peter tells Martin, that’s exactly how it happened. Finn tried to kill him, and walked away leaving him in the freezer in the basement. Martin says, that’s an interesting story. Does he have any proof, like security camera footage? Peter says, no. The cameras were disabled. Martin says, so it’s the word of a suspected murderer, wanted for capital offenses in multiple time zones, against the word of a respected physician. Peter says, the accusations should be enough to tarnish the reputation of the good doctor. Let him hash it out in court, with his own time and money. He might exonerate himself, but will this hospital or any other want to keep an accused killer on staff? He can’t wait to tell the world what Finn did to him. Martin says, Peter’s definitely not going to do that.
Cameron says he doesn’t care about the other charges. He wants Peter to pay for killing Franco. Elizabeth says, even when Peter’s in prison, it’s not going to bring Franco back. Cameron says, it will make him feel a hell of a lot better. He walks off, and Elizabeth asks Dante if she can go in the studio and see if any of Franco’s work is salvageable, but Dante says, he’s sorry. Not until the investigation is concluded, and even then, between the fire, the water, and the chemicals used to put out the fire, he doubts much survived. They’re going to find out who did this. It’s his promise to her. She thanks him, and he leaves. Elizabeth takes her ring out of her pocket, but hears Cameron, and puts it back. Cameron asks if she can believe this, and she says, she’s kicking herself for not bringing some of Franco’s paintings home. He says, when he was missing Franco, he’d imagine Franco was across town in his studio, painting. She says, her too. There was so much of him in that studio. Cameron says, now it’s all gone. He feels like he’s losing Franco all over again, and they hug.
Valentin tells Anna that he found Charlotte’s copy of The Wind in the Willows in the trash. Anna says, she thought Charlotte loved that book, and he says, she does. He asked, and she said she was reading it Bailey, and she’s not interested in reading it without her. Anna says she’s sorry Charlotte’s going through that; him too. There’s nothing worse than seeing your child in pain. But how does revenge on Brook help Charlotte? He says, it sends a message. You go against me and mine, you pay a price. He’s not to be trifled with. She asks if it’s so important that the world fear him, and he says, yes. She says, that’s not who they are anymore, but he says, that’s exactly who he is. He thought she knew that.
Cameron brings Elizabeth some coffee, and says, if Peter August didn’t set the fire, it’s weird, isn’t it? She asks what he means, and he says, the timing. First, she found her ring in her locker at work, and now the fire. She says, those are two different things, but he says, they both have to do with Franco. It strikes him as unusual, weird. She says, or it’s an indication he’s been listening to too many paranormal podcasts, and he says, maybe. He tells her that he forgot the sugar, and goes to the kitchen. She takes the ring out and looks at it.
Chase says, Finn got to the basement, and… Finn says, he left Peter in the freezer; he thought he’d killed Peter. A few months later, the police searched the basement, and found the freezer empty. He’s not the hero Chase thought he was. Chase says he’s so sorry Finn went through all that on his own, and Finn says, he should have kept it that way, but now he got Chase involved. Chase says he’s glad he knows. Finn can’t keep carrying this on his own. Going back to his encounter with Peter, did he threaten to go to the authorities? Finn says, he was vague, but nothing’s off the table. Chase says, we’ll deal with that later, and Finn says, we? No. We’re not dealing with anything. Chase says, Peter used his condition to control Finn. He’s the reason this happened. Finn says, the only reason Chase got poisoned was because of him. He was the target; Chase drank the wrong drink. Chase says, they’re lucky it happened that way, but Finn says, there’s nothing lucky about it. Chase says, what would have happened if Finn had been poisoned? He couldn’t have come up with a cure like Finn did. Finn cured him because that’s what he does. He saves lives, and Chase is very grateful Finn saved his.
Valentin tells Anna, maybe his veneer of respectability is thinner than she’s comfortable with, but make no mistake, he is what he is, and he’s fine with that. It worked for her when they were hunting for Peter. She says she’s well-aware the world isn’t just black and white, and he says, his is grey, as is hers. She’s never frowned on bending the rules as she goes. She says, that’s true, but she’s at this point in her life where she’s making a sincere effort to respect the rules. He says, why? For propriety? It’s overrated. You do what you have to do. Anna says, if necessary. Brook is no threat to him or Victor. Is it really necessary to go after her? He says, if he tells her yes, do they still get to be friends? Dante comes in, and asks for a word with Anna, and Valentin says he has a phone call to make. Valentin leaves, and Dante sits down. He asks if he interrupted something.
Peter says, Hamilton Finn tried to kill him, and Martin says, after Peter poisoned his brother, a law enforcement officer. Is the world supposed to forget that? On top of that, Peter withheld the medication necessary to save Detective Chase, which is in itself, attempted murder. The last thing Peter needs is more charges against him. Peter protests, and Martin says, no. No ifs, no ands, or buts. Peter is thisclose. His only defense is the PCPD unfairly targeted him. If he doesn’t blow everything up by intentionally muddying the waters he might just beat this murder charge.
Maxie asks what Felicia is doing, and Felicia says, talking behind Maxie’s back. Austin says, that’s not actually what they were doing, but Felicia says he doesn’t have to cover for her. She asked Austin to convince Maxie to go back to Pawtuck. She figured if the two of them were together, it would give Maxie the strength to relive the night Louise was born. Maxie says, this is not about strength. She does nothing but relive it. She’s been through that night with the police over and over again. There are nights she doesn’t sleep because she’s replaying it in her head, wondering if there’s anything she could have done differently to prevent this from happening. There’s nothing else to remember. Austin tells Felicia, she seems pretty clear about that, and Maxie says she is. Felicia says, never mind, and Maxie thanks her. Austin says Maxie doesn’t need to worry. He can go to Pawtuck without her. She says, without her? and he says he doesn’t mind. He’s a little fuzzy about what happened that night, but maybe he’ll remember something that will help them find Louise.
Anna tells Dante, everything’s fine; what about him? He says, Franco’s art studio was torched last night. No one was hurt, but he’s thinking maybe Peter was involved; that’s where he killed Franco. She says, it sounds like something Peter would do. How can she help? He asks if she can put a list together; associates, contacts, people Peter might hire to do the job. She says she’ll have it for him by the end of the day, and asks if he checked the hospital. See if Peter had any unauthorized contact with the outside. He says he’s going to do all that. He knows she can take care of herself… She laughs and says, she doesn’t really like sentences that start like that, and he says, neither does he. He heard about her and Valentin at The Savoy on New Year’s Eve. She says, which is, of course (🍷), none of his business, and he says, 100%, but as her friend, he doesn’t want to see her get hurt. So if she’s getting involved with Valentin, just be careful. Valentin comes back, and Dante leaves. Valentin says, Dante has concerns? and Anna says, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. She makes up her own mind in the end. He takes her hand, and says, if Victor’s plan goes too far, he’ll stop it. She says, define too far, and he says she’ll have to trust him to make that call. Does she trust him? She says she’s not sure.
Finn says he let Peter get the best of him, and it could have cost Chase his life. Chase says, here’s the good news – good news is a relative term – Peter’s still alive. He can’t prove Finn pushed him. So legally, Finn’s hands are clean. Forget about the roof. Don’t let Peter mess with his head; don’t give the bastard the satisfaction. Focus on his triumph instead. Finn says, what triumph? and Chase says, Finn did the impossible. Finn cured him. One moment of anger doesn’t change that. And he doesn’t care what Finn says. Finn is still a hero in his book
Ned tells Brook, he’s sorry for rushing over and overreacting. Her grandmother’s concern for her is real, and after what happened with Leo, he wanted to make sure everything was okay with her and Bailey. She promises him that they’re fine. Now he has to promise to stop glaring at Chase. He says, he’ll try, especially now that Chase is his quasi son-in-law. She says, she told him, there’s nothing going on. Can he imagine that? The two of them, like that could ever happen. He says, it could happen, and she says, ya think? He can see them as a couple? He says, of course (🍷). They share a child. They’ll always have that bond.
Austin asks Felicia when they head to Pawtuck, and Maxie says, so he’s determined to do this? He says, yeah, and she says, fine; she’ll go with him. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. Felicia says, excellent. She knows this will be difficult, but she’ll be right there with Maxie. Austin says, hopefully one of them will remember something that will bring Louise back home to them. She says, if he remembers something, she definitely wants to be there.
Martin says, he’s read all the evidence the state has against Peter, and the case is dead. There’s no proof tying Peter to the scene of the crime, and one very unreliable witness. Which means, with a little bit of luck, he might be able to convince the jury that Peter is the victim of his estranged aunt. The Anna Devane vendetta, a woman who was also the Chief of Police, as well as the ex-wife of District Attorney Robert Scorpio. All Peter has to do is sit in that courtroom, and look penitent. So do himself a favor and cooperate, and leave the rest to him. Peter says, fine. Whatever it takes to get him free. Peter says, he does have another ace up his sleeve, just in case things don’t go as smoothly as they could. Martin says, God help him; what ace is that? Peter says, an accomplice, and Martin says, Peter never mentioned Finn had an accomplice. Peter says, not Finn’s – his. Would he gain any good will by naming the person who helped him to escape GH last June?
Tomorrow, Scotty says he’s crashing Robert’s invite, Ava asks Nikolas and Spencer to set aside their differences, Sonny says he’s not wasting any more time, and Carly says it’s a deal breaker for her.
Project Runway
In Chasity’s interview, she said there was a lot of emotional sh*t going on. They couldn’t be happy because someone was going home, then it was time for the next challenge. They were about to sip some wine, when producer Dunia producer came in, and said, Christian asked that they come join him in the warehouse across the street. When they got there, they saw supermodel and entrepreneur Coco Rocha being photographed by William Richards. Christian introduced Coco, saying she was one of the best editorial models, even when she was pregnant in a couture gown in his pool. (We saw a photo of that.) Fashion wasn’t just about the runway. They needed to showcase their fashion and creativity in a single image. The challenge was an editorial look for a photo shoot with Coco. Coco told them to think high fashion, something made to inspire, and to think outside the box. It didn’t have to be practical or functional, and she loved a prop. It helped tell the story, and bring the vision to life. Christian told the designers that they could pick one prop. There would be no runway show this week. In Bones’s interview, he said, everyone using the same model would even the playing field.
Kristina wanted to bring a memory from each challenge to her piece, and Chasity wanted to do something striking and daring. She wanted to turn Coco into her own villain. At Mood, Christian told them that fabric was huge to an editorial look, bringing volume and movement. They had a budget of $800, and the usual 30 minutes to shop. In her interview, Chasity said, they were going to see the beast unleashed. She was planning on winning.
Christian said, since Chasity was last week’s winner, she would get first choice of props, then pick the next person to choose. The prop should enhance the garment. Chasity chose a wooden pallet; Bones’s choice was poi balls (see below); Kristina’s pick was a blue container (like a small dumpster); and Coral picked a giant electric fan. Last to choose was Shantall, who opted for a ladder. In her interview, she said she was doing well; she didn’t need an advantage. Bones wanted to create a tornado effect with a brocade fur dress that narrowed at the bottom. He also had thoughts of a denim jacket to go with it.
When Christian paid a visit to the workroom, everyone just started laughing, since Christian always brought the doubts, and it was nerve-wracking enough. He told Coral that she was getting in her own head again, and in her interview, she said she was at the bottom last week, and it had made her doubt herself. She’d made a dress using a fabric of yellow cut-out flowers, and Christian suggested she not make it so feminine and romantic; it wasn’t what she did. Bones told Christian that he wanted to create a fashion tornado, but I thought it looked more like a snake. When he told Christian about the jacket idea, Christian said Bones had good at ideas, but sometimes his ideas didn’t come together at the end. He suggested Bones make it clean and perfect. Shantall was making a red gown, and told Christian that her concept was passion, but he was concerned with the amount of work she was going to have to complete. He told them that he was exhausted and there were only five of them. Bones thought he’d bring the jacket to a place where it could be fitted, and then decide later. Shantall called home, and son Franco, who had a speech delay, called her mama for the first time. She said she wanted to teach him to live his life with passion every day.
The designers seemed laser focused, and it was time for the Coco fitting. Coco knew everything about photos, and had terrific suggestions, including suggesting Bones lose the jacket. Since he couldn’t help himself, he said he’d make a matching do-rag instead. In Shantall’s interview, she said, the stakes were high, and this was her only chance to perfect her garment. Coco wanted more understanding of Chasity’s dress, although she was into the villain idea. In Chasity’s interview, she said Coco’s advice was different from other model’s advice. Being further along would have helped, but she needed every minute to fully execute her vision. Christian said the designers had to be ready to go and finished by the end of the day, and explained that they would be going one at a time for their shoots, and wouldn’t be watching each other. Chasity told herself not to look up until she was done; she was a nervous wreck. Coral finished early, and helped Chasity, and in Shantall’s interview, she said, no one asked if she needed help. It had opened her eyes. She came into the competition alone, and hopefully, would be leaving alone as the winner. She didn’t feel like part of the group, but couldn’t let the situation affect her, even though she cared. In Chasity’s interview, she said, doing still photos was good and bad. They got to pick the perfect photo, but the judges couldn’t see it in motion. Coco conferred with makeup and hair, knowing the look had to be for everybody.
After struggling with the zipper, Shantall’s red gown was the first to be photographed. In her interview, she said it was an amazing photographer and an amazing model, who she didn’t know. She was trying to use the same approach that she did with her husband; using humor and making herself clear about what she wanted. She wanted passion, like an angel on fire.
Coral asked Coco to sign her model card, which was kind of sweet, even if a little inappropriate. In Coral’s interview, she said she couldn’t believe she’d created this dress, and that Coco was wearing it. It was a dream come true. She took Christian’s advice to heart, and had designed a flamenco style dress with a high/low ruffled hem. She wanted the photos to show Coco in positions of power. The judges were on the sidelines, and Nina said Coral had covered all the bases.
Chasity said she was drawing from the dark vibe villains give off for her princess/villain dress. She wanted to make sure she was clear in her vision, and then let the professionals do their thing. She was living in this moment. Everyone got a laugh when she shushed Christian during the shoot, and rightfully so.
Bones admitted his tornado gown was limiting, but it was conceptual, and he wanted it to stand out. Coco had written the book of 1001 poses (I wasn’t sure if he meant that figuratively or literally), but in his experience as a photo assistant, it was his job to give tips on how to nail the photo. His head was in the game, and he was taking the critiques he’d been given, and narrowing down his ideas.
Kristina wanted her green and blue oversized pantsuit to reflect the experiences she’d had in the competition, but she didn’t want it to be serious. She wanted it to bring joy. In experimenting with the garment, she decided she liked the shoot more than the runway. She felt she was being innovative and progressive, and bringing something new, and hoped the judges would see that.
The judges scored the designs, but were also taking the photo into consideration. They all met at the runway, and each photo chosen by the designers was shown. Shantall said she wanted to show passion and fire, through a texture that was beautiful and rough. Coco said Shantall had a good balance, and she liked how they helped each other, but still stayed in their lanes. Elaine said the ladder was elongating, and a good choice. Brandon asked how she decided on the photo, and she said, the passion. He told her that made sense, and Nina said, a great editorial photo was also art, and had the power to move you.
Elaine pointed out that Coral was the quietest person, and had chosen the loudest color; it filled the space like sunshine. Nina thought some of Coral’s stillness was cultural, and said, as Latinas, they learned to be polite, but there was nothing quiet about Coral’s work. It was sexy, bold, and daring.
Chasity, whose red gown was very structured with sharp angles, explained that she believed Disney villains had been princesses who were misunderstood. Brandon said he was certain his mom had this dress, which was good and bad. It was like an 80s costume, but the photo looked great. Nina said she got more of a rebel/rock and roll vibe than evil, and Elaine thought Chasity was leaning too heavy on theatrical inspiration.
Bones told the judges about his certification to use poi balls that were lit on fire. I’d actually like to see that. Coco said Bones was literally giving every note, and it was frustrating to the team. He should let them know what he wanted, then made sure to give others the space to perform their best. In other words, he micromanaged. Nina said, it was the most streamlined, sophisticated, and conservative look they’d seen from him, but it was hard to photograph. In terms of photography, he’d missed the point. Bones said his communication wasn’t received the right way, which sure sounded like an excuse, especially when Coco said he communicated too much.
Nina said Kristina’s creation was like a compilation of her greatest hits. It was the most modern thing she’d done, and she was the only one who’d designed pants and used contrasting colors. She wasn’t as successful choosing the bin for a prop; it seemed bizarre. Coco said they’d thought it would either be cool or weird, and Nina said she’d thought there were better frames. Kristina said she’d wanted it to be joyful, and Brandon said her fabric choice was intelligent. Elaine said, the fabric saved the shot. On the runway, it wouldn’t be her favorite, but in the photo, she loved it. Brandon said, no matter what happened, everyone did a great job.
The judges discussed amongst themselves, and it was pretty quiet where the designers waited. Shantall and Coral were the favorites, Brandon saying that Shantall had a steady hand and clarity of vision. Nina said her design translated well in the photo, and Coco said she understood Shantall’s vibe. Elaine thought her construction was flawless, and Shantall raised the bar. Brandon said they’d seen another layer with Coral, and Nina said Coral had been bold, both in the details, and her choice of color. Coco said it hadn’t been her favorite look, but in the photo, it was. Elaine said it confirmed Coral was a true artist. Brandon said it came down to ketchup and mustard, which was his attempt at a joke, since the dresses were red and yellow. They moved on to the least favorites, and Coco said Chasity was her favorite designer to work with. Elaine said she didn’t think the design lived up to the challenge, and Nina said Chasity was inconsistent with her work. Brandon wondered what was happening with Bones’s look, and Elaine said his vision wasn’t refined. Coco said there was too much going on, which has been an ongoing criticism about him. She said she was left wondering if he got it. Brandon said Kristina chose an odd prop, but Nina said, hers was the only look that wasn’t a gown. Kristina had the most potential, but did the least amount.
The designers were brought back, and Nina said the winner had fully realized their story, had clarity of vision with the editorial design and photo. Shantall was the big winner, and Nina said that made four; Shantall was on a roll. Shantall said it was a very special piece, and Nina said it was special to them as well. She and Coral had made the top four. Shantall and Coral jumped around backstage, and in Shantall’s interview, she said she couldn’t believe it was the fourth time. It had been her most important piece, like the making of a portrait of all the effort and passion from this year. Everything in one dress. Nina said, Bones, Kristina, and Chasity had missed the mark in different ways. The judges had conflicting views, but were in agreement on who was going home. Bones was out. Chasity teared up, but Bones said, none of that. Brandon said Bones’s dress had been constricting, and that affected the final editorial image. Nina thanked Bones, and said, it was wonderful to have him. Bones said it was a lonely runway when it was just you, but he appreciated the moment. Brandon told him to lean in to who he is, because who he is, is pretty great. Nina told him not to lose thinking out of the box, and Elaine said they were going to miss him. In Bones’s interview, he said he wished he could have achieved what he wanted in the photos. He was disappointed, but it was his time, and he accepted it. Chasity asked him to be an honorary bridesmaid at her wedding, and Christian came in, and told Bones, it had been a wild ride. Bones said he had the perfect do-rag for Christian, and Christian said he’d put it on for Bones. Bones came back with a shiny, rainbow do-rag, and tied it on Christian’s head. Christian didn’t think it was his look, but I thought it wasn’t awful. He told Bones, good luck. He was creative and talented, and made Christian proud. In his interview, Bones said, every garment reflected his capability of what he could do as an artist and as a person. He didn’t know what was next, but he was just getting started.
Next time, the designers are challenged to prove how their brands can be relevant, and part of the conversation; and the guest judge is Karlie Kloss.
Join me tomorrow for soap, whatever tea I can brew, and words wiser than mine. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your promises, and stay never pressuring someone to do what they don’t want to do.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
TJ tells an elderly patient with a walker that she’s doing great. She asks if that means Dr. Finn will release her today, and he says he was just coming by to give her the good news. He knows she can’t wait to get home, but what about him? He’s going to miss her. She says she’s going to miss him too, and pats his cheek. He turns around and Stella is there. He says, Aunt Stella! and hugs her. She says, in the flesh. She’s so proud of him right now, her heart’s about ready to fly out of her chest.
At The Savoy, Curtis flashes back to Marshall saying he could tell TJ the simple truth; Marshall came back to reconnect with his family. Curtis remembers telling Marshall that he is not, nor ever will be, his family. He brings up a search engine on his tablet, when Drew walks in. Drew asks if he can spare a few minutes for an old friend.
Trina runs into the MetroCourt, telling Portia that she’s sorry she’s late. She was working on a presentation for art class, and lost track of time. Portia says, Trina likes what she’s doing, and that’s a good thing. Trina says she told Portia how tough the professor is; she doesn’t want to blow this. Portia says she won’t. Trina’s professor already said she was going to get an A because of the wonderful presentation she put on at the gallery. This presentation is just the icing on the cake. Her daughter is the star of PCU. Trina says, if that’s true, why does she feel like such a loser?
Anna tells Sonny not to be disingenuous. Prison bars are no impediment to him. Even with Peter in solitary, Sonny still has people on the inside who can reach him. He says, Peter’s not even on his radar. She says, they both know Peter’s arraignment is today, and Peter could be vulnerable during transportation to the court. He asks if she’s giving him a road map, when Carly comes in, and asks what they’re talking about.
Finn tells Elizabeth that he just found out. He’s sorry. He hasn’t seen her since before. She says, since before they knew Jason was dead? He says he can’t imagine how difficult this is for her, and she says she wishes Peter had died when Finn pushed him down the stairs.
Maxie is looking at Liam in the NICU when Epiphany comes by. Maxie says, all those tubes don’t hurt him? and Epiphany says, he isn’t in any pain. Watching these sweet little babies probably reminds Maxie of her own loss. Maxie says, Louise will be home someday. She just hopes Britt is saying the same thing to Sasha and Brando about their baby.
Britt says she knows how difficult these last few days have been for Brando and Sasha, and Sasha says, it will all be worth it if she’s there to tell them that they can take Liam home today. Brando says, that is why they’re here, isn’t it? Britt says she’s sorry, but Liam won’t be going home with them today. Sasha says, tomorrow then, and Brando says, or the day after, but Dr. Fleming suggests they start with the results of Liam’s EEG. Britt says she’s so sorry, but the tests indicate Liam has brain damage.
Sonny says, Anna was telling him that Peter’s arraignment is today, and Carly says, any chance Peter is going to confess and be locked away for life? Anna says she was just with him in Pentenville, and Peter is still under the illusion he and Maxie and their baby are going to be reunited. Sonny says, they’d have to find the baby first, and Carly says, Peter is responsible for Jason’s death. There’s no way in hell he’s going free. Anna’s phone rings, and she steps away to take the call. Sonny tells Carly that he can guarantee Peter has no future.
Portia asks how Trina can feel like a loser. It can’t be her grades. She said she was doing well in all her classes. Has something changed? Trina says, kind of. Cam and Joss are together, and so are Spencer and Esme; she guesses since boarding school. Portia says, and Trina is feeling like a fifth wheel, and Trina says, they’re all supposed to go away for a weekend, and she already knows Esme will take every opportunity to remind her that she doesn’t have anybody in her life. Portia says, of course (🍷) she will, because she’s threatened by Trina’s smarts and talent. Trina tells Portia that she has to say that; she’s her mom. Portia asks if it really bothers her that much not having a boyfriend. She thought she raised Trina to be independent, and not attach her self-esteem to someone else. Trina says she did, and she was Trina’s role model. After she and dad split up, Portia barely dated anyone. Portia was all about her and medicine… until she and Curtis met up again. Portia says they aren’t talking about her, but Trina says, they are now. For a while, it looked lie she and Curtis were getting serious. Now she hardly sees them together. What happened?
Drew says, somebody better have told Curtis that he was alive, and Curtis says, Sam came in about a month ago. She said she got a call from someone who she believed was Drew. She was convinced Drew was alive, and she couldn’t be reasoned out of it. Drew says, tenacity is Sam’s middle name, and Curtis says, well, it paid off because here he is, and not killed in a plane crash. Drew says, faked by Peter August. Curtis says, so that guy held him captive this whole time? and Drew says, not that he knew Peter was responsible until the very end. Peter never showed his face. Curtis says, Peter has been raising all kinda hell around here. Disappearing from GH to allude the cops. He almost got Nina and her friend killed when he set fire to her friend’s bar. And of course (🍷) killing Jason when that tunnel on Cassadine Island collapsed. He guesses it’s true what they say about the devil. Drew says, that he’s busy? and Curtis says, that he can multitask.
Elizabeth says she knows how guilty Finn felt when he thought he’d killed Peter, but if Peter had died, Jason would still be alive. Finn says, Jake would still have his dad. How’s he doing? She says, he was already grieving Franco, and now Jason. It’s more than any kid should ever have to process. Finn says, yes, it is. He’s so sorry. She says, it’s infuriating to know Peter is responsible for both Franco and Jason’s deaths, and he says, Peter’s in custody. He’s going to spend the rest of his life rotting in jail. She says she hopes so, and he says he wishes there was something he could do to make her feel better. He holds out his hand and she takes it, and he takes her into his arms.
Maxie asks if there’s anything Epiphany can tell her about Liam’s condition that doesn’t breach HIPPA, but Epiphany says she’s afraid not. Maxie says, that’s okay. She’s sure Brando and Sasha will tell her. She’s going to stick around for moral support. Epiphany says she thinks that’s a really bad idea.
Brando says, brain damage? Are they sure? Don’t these tests have a margin of error? Britt says, they know Liam’s brain was deprived of oxygen during the placental abruption, and Brando says, she thought the cooling treatment for seventy-two hours would give Liam’s brain a chance to recover from the trauma. Britt says, which was up this morning, so the doctors did an EEG which indicates the levels of Liam’s brain activity. The test results show Liam has little or no activity in his brain. Sasha asks what that even means, and Dr. Fleming says, his brain has no cognitive function. Britt says, or motor function. He has no capacity to think or grow, and his life can only be sustained by machinery. She’s so, so sorry. Brando asks if they can’t try the cooling therapy again, but Britt says, the outcome would be the same. He says, they won’t know if they don’t try, and Britt pulls up a chair next to the bed and sits. She says, the tests show almost a complete lack of brain activity; the cooling blanket won’t change that. Sasha says, but there must be some other therapy that will, right? and Brando says, what about surgery? Britt says, unfortunately, there’s nothing more they can do for Liam, and Sasha cries on Brando’s shoulder.
Epiphany says, Brando and Sasha are with Dr. Westbourne and Dr. Fleming right now, and Maxie says she knows. They’re probably going to want a friend around for support when they get their baby’s prognosis, good or bad. Epiphany says Maxie’s heart is in the right place, but she’s worked with enough patients to know how they react to news about themselves or a loved one. After Sasha and Brando speak with the doctors, they’re going to want to come to the NICU to be with their baby. Just the three of them. Deal with the news, be with each other, celebrate or not. Does Maxie understand? Maxie says, yeah. Epiphany is saying, the best way to be a friend is to leave them alone for a while.
Elizabeth thanks Finn, saying, she didn’t know she needed a hug. He says he didn’t know how much he needed to see her smile, and she says they should do this more often. He says, definitely. Let’s make a date for the next one. His phone beeps, and he says, it’s an emergency; he has to go. She says, her too. She’s covering the ER. He says he’s going her way; they just brought someone in.
Anna says, that was Warden Alvarez from Pentenville, and Sonny asks if it’s about Peter. Anna says, he doesn’t know what happened, but Peter’s on his way to General Hospital. Carly says, please tell her that he’s dying, but Anna says she doesn’t know. She has to go to the ER. She’ll keep Sonny posted. She leaves, and Carly asks if Sonny knows what happened to Peter.
Stella tells TJ, her doctors in Baltimore told her that she’s completely recovered from her stroke, and she can resume her normal activities. He says, and she made GH her first stop? He thought she’d be fed up with doctors. She says, not when her grand nephew is one. How’s Molly? He says, wonderful. Busy championing justice and saving the world. She says she expects nothing less from Molly, and he asks if Curtis knows she’s here. She says, no, and she refuses to see him until he lets her know what he’s hiding from her. Thomas Junior, what’s going on with your uncle?
Drew says, clearly, Curtis is out of the P.I. business, and into the nightclub business. Curtis says he got tired of the daily constant stream of lies and cheating. The owner happened to be selling the place and he was ready for a change. Drew says, he loves it. This place screams good times and good music. Curtis says, and happy reunions, and Drew asks when he’s taking Curtis and Jordan out to dinner.
Elizabeth and Finn see a guard outside the ER, and rush in. They see Peter unconscious, wearing an oxygen mask, and look at each other.
Anna runs into the hospital, and Maxie calls to her. Anna asks what she’s doing here, and Maxie says she was visiting Sasha and Brando. What about Anna? Is she there for her phlebotomy treatment? Anna says, Peter’s been brought here from Pentenville; he’s in the ER.
Finn comes back into the ER, putting on gloves, and tells Elizabeth, the guards found Peter unresponsive in his cell. He was transferred to the prison infirmary, and couldn’t be revived, so they called 9-1-1. She says, there’s no sign of trauma, no injury. There’s no blood anywhere on his body. Finn looks at the chart and says, BP’s 80 over 40, pulse is 42, respiration is shallow. They’ll start him on a norepinephrine drip, and run a toxicology panel. She says, tell her that Peter is going to die; that his life will be cut short like Franco’s, and his next few breaths will be his last.
Carly says, Sonny and Celina had their heads together earlier. Then Celina said something cryptic to her about protecting family. Now Peter is on his way to the hospital. Even Anna thinks Sonny knows something. Sonny asks what he could possibly know, and she tells him, please don’t do that. She’s his wife. She deserves to know if he sought justice for Jason. He says she’s right; she deserves to know the truth. He put out a hit on Peter.
Portia tells Trina that she and Curtis have jobs that keep them busy. That’s why they’re taking things slow. Trina says, because of their jobs, or because of her? She knows she was snarky when Portia was with Curtis while she was still married to Trina’s dad, but she’s over it now. Portia thanks her, but says that isn’t the reason she and Curtis are taking it slow. He has a lot going on right now, plus The Savoy. Trina says, more important than Portia? My God, is he seeing someone else? Did he go back to Jordan? Portia says, neither, and Trina says, she knows this how? Portia says she knows because Curtis told her, and Trina says, then what is it? Marshall approaches the table, and says, Dr. Robinson.
Drew says he doesn’t know what to be sorry about more; Curtis’s split with Jordan or her health issues. Curtis says, Jordan will be fine, but it’s going to take some time; a lot of time unfortunately. Drew wonders if they can make their marriage work when Jordan comes back to Port Charles, and Curtis says, he admits seeing Jordan so ill in that hospital reminded him that he’s still in love with her. But he’s not willing to live with those secrets anymore, so he made a break, started over. Drew says he’s starting over himself. Easier said that done, right? He and Sam were over for months when Peter faked that plane crash. Then he was held captive for two years after that, but even then, when he got the guard’s phone, Sam was the only person he thought to call. Curtis says that makes sense. Sam is the mother of his child, and always going to be important to him. Drew says, she seems happy, and it’s all he wants for her. Curtis says, just so Drew knows, Sam never gave up fighting for him, and Drew says, she didn’t. She came all the way to Crete, and only went home when she was told Peter shot him, and they couldn’t recover his body. Curtis says, Peter August again, and Drew says, he staged the whole thing. He also took Liesl Obrecht prisoner, and Britt needed help rescuing her mom, so she turned to Jason. It just kills him the way things turned out. Now Jason is dead, and he’s there trying to figure out how to live his life in a way that honors him.
TJ says he’s not sure what Stella means; Uncle Curtis is fine. She says, then why is it that in every phone conversation from him, she can tell he’s hiding something from her? He asks if she asked Curtis, and she says, of course (🍷). All she gets is the classic Curtis Ashford dodge. Is it Jordan? Has she taken a turn for the worse? He says, no; she’s doing okay. He and Molly visit at least once a week. This has nothing to do with her. She says, he does know something. Don’t look away from her. Come clean, and tell her how she can help her nephew.
Brando says, there’s nothing they can do for Liam? Nothing? Sasha says, they can wait and see, right? Give Liam a chance to improve on his own. Britt says, Liam’s brain doesn’t have the capacity to improve. He suffered a significant trauma. He won’t be able to breathe without help, or eat without a feeding tube. Dr. Fleming says, Liam will likely suffer from seizures, and Sasha says, all this means is, Liam needs lots and lots of care. They can handle that. Brando says, whatever the challenges, with a lot of love and hard work, they can give Liam a better life. Britt says she thinks they need to take some deep breaths, and wrap their heads around this, and be realistic. Sasha says she thinks they are, but Britt says, they still have some important decisions to make for their son. Sasha says, the only decision she and Brando have to make is when to take their baby home. Dr. Fleming starts to say something, but Britt stops her. Britt suggests they take some time to process what they’ve learned. They have two specialists from other hospitals confirming the EEG results, just to be double sure, but she wants them to know, right now, their baby is getting the best possible care. Brando asks if they can speak to the other specialists, and Britt says, of course (🍷). They also have counselors and social workers on hand to help. Dr. Collins is available… Sasha says she doesn’t need to speak to Dr. Collins. She needs to see her son. Brando says, so does he, and Britt says, of course (🍷). Brando helps Sasha out of the room as she cries. Britt tells Dr. Fleming, she knows she should have told them what needs to happen next for their son, but she just couldn’t. Not yet. Epiphany sees them walk past, and looks sad.
Elizabeth asks if Maxie knows Peter’s been brought in, and Maxie asks if she knows what’s going on. Finn comes out, and Anna asks, what’s happening? Maxie says, this isn’t some trick, is it? Where he’s faking being sick, and uses everyone’s distraction to escape? Finn says, it’s not a trick. Peter is in critical condition. He managed to stabilize Peter, and now they’re waiting for his test results. Anna says, she just saw him at Pentenville, and he was fine. He was getting ready for his arraignment. Finn says, after a preliminary examination, it’s very possible Peter ingested a toxin, and Anna says, like he did to Chase?Someone poisoned him? Finn says, it’s possible, but too soon to say for sure. He asks to speak to Elizabeth for a second, and they leave. Anna tells Maxie, Peter was terrified someone would get to him in prison. Maxie flashes back to telling Sonny that she wants Peter dead, and asking what Sonny is going to do about him. She says, looks like he was right.
Carly thanks Sonny for telling her the truth, and thanks him for what he did. So many people are going to be grateful, especially Maxie and Drew. He says, that son of a bitch has to die, and she says, she thinks justice would be better served if Peter suffered a slow and painful death. He says, that’s actually what he promised Peter. He just didn’t know when or how it was going to happen.
Portia says she knows who Marshall is now, and why he was asking all those questions about Curtis. Marshall apologizes for being so disingenuous (WOTD) about his identity trying to find out how Curtis would react to his return. She says, she heard it didn’t go very well for him, and he says, no, it didn’t. Not that he’s blaming Curtis. She says, as well he shouldn’t. Trina asks, what’s going on? and Marshall says, forgive him for not introducing himself. He’s Marshall Ashford. Portia says, Curtis’s father.
Curtis says he’s been where Drew is, and Drew says, Curtis lost his brother as well. Curtis says, that grief stays with you, so if there’s anything he can do to make it easier, let him know. Drew says he will, and asks, other than Jordan, how’s everything going? He saw Curtis studying his tablet earlier. It looked like it was delivering some bad news. Curtis says, yeah. He was trying to look into someone’s background, and kept coming up empty. Drew asks if Curtis can tell him what it’s about; maybe he can help. Curtis says, it’s about someone he thought was dead, and it turns out, he’s alive. Drew says, it happens, and Curtis says, unlike with Drew, he wasn’t happy to see this person. Drew asks, who is it? and Curtis says, his father.
Maxie says, it must be hard for Elizabeth to stay professional while she’s treating Peter, and Elizabeth says, it’s not easy, but she has a job to do, no matter who the patient is. Maxie says, even if that patient killed her husband? and Elizabeth says, normally, the hospital wouldn’t let her within a hundred feet of him, but they’re understaffed, and everyone else is with other patients. Maxie says she’s sorry. She shouldn’t have brought it up. Elizabeth tells Maxie, all she did was say it out loud. She always thinks about what Peter did to Franco, then compounded the grief and misery by framing Jason for his murder. Maxie says, Jason, another person Peter killed, and Elizabeth says, leaving Jake without a dad. Maxie says, Jake must be devastated, and Elizabeth says, he’s a mess, vacillating back and forth between grief and anger. She’s getting him counseling, but it’s not fair that her kids have to cope with grief and loss while Peter is benefitting from the best medical care. Maxie says she’s so sorry, and Elizabeth says, she understands, right? Because of Peter, her daughter is missing. Maxie says, doesn’t at least part of Elizabeth want Peter to die? Finn comes out, and says, Peter’s still alive. There’s no way to treat Peter until he finds out if he’s poisoned. Maxie says, let’s hope it takes a really long time, when Anna comes back. She says she just spoke to Warden Alvarez, and he’s treating Peter’s cell as a crime scene, so someone tried to kill him. They’re going to identify that person. Maxie says, so they can award them the Medal of Freedom?
Sonny tells Carly, he wonders how long Jason was alive under that collapsed tunnel, just thinking when he’s going to die. Carly says she doesn’t want to think about that, and he says he knows. That’s why she concentrates on her work and all that, but that doesn’t work. He knows Peter’s death doesn’t make up for all the pain that he’s caused her, and she says, the pain he’s caused them.
Marshall assumes this lovely young lady is Portia’s daughter, and Trina says, and she’s getting the feeling her mom doesn’t like him. Maybe he should go. Portia says, that’s her daughter; she’s very opinionated. He says, that’s okay. He gets that reaction a lot. He left Curtis and his brother and his mom when Curtis was a very young child. They thought he was dead. Trina says, that’s terrible, and he says he knows. That’s why his and Curtis’s reunion wasn’t a happy one. He still hoping to find his way into Curtis’s good graces, and Portia says, maybe don’t rush things. Give Curtis time to process the fact he’s alive. Let Curtis come to him. He says, that’s very sound advice, although no one’s ever accused him of listening to sound reason. He says it was a pleasure meeting Trina, and it was good to see Portia again. They have to stop bumping into each other like this. He leaves, and Trina says, so that’s why Portia’s relationship with Curtis is on hold. Curtis is dealing with his dead dad coming back to life. She could give him a few pointers. Portia says, do her a favor and don’t. Trina says she understands why Curtis is uncomfortable around his father, but why is Portia?
Curtis tells Drew, his father was gone for decades, then suddenly shows up in Port Charles, asking questions about him. When dear old dad finally shows his face, he says he wants to be a family. Now that burns Curtis up. There’s absolutely no way he can make up for the lives he changed when he left. Drew asks if he’s mentioned where he’s been all these years, but Curtis says, not a word. So he’s been trying to find answers, but unfortunately none of the search engines he’s been using have been helpful. There’s plenty of Marshall Ashfords, but none that fit his description. How would someone go about not having any information online? Drew says, Curtis thinks he’s been using a different name all this time? and Curtis says, that’s what he’s been thinking. Drew says he thinks Curtis is too close to this. When that happens, sometimes you don’t see things clearly. Why doesn’t he let Drew help him?
TJ says Stella is right; UncleCurtis is dealing with something. She says she knew it, and he says, Curtis didn’t tell her because he was afraid it would upset her. Stella says, how? Like give her another stroke? TJ says, it crossed his mind, and she says, it’s that bad? He says, it’s not bad, just unexpected, and she says, what is it? He says it’s not his story to tell. He knows she just wants to help Curtis, but she’s going to have to ask him herself. She says, what if he won’t tell her? and TJ says, that means he’s not ready to, and she’ll have to back off. Which he knows is not part of her DNA. She says, her job is to support Curtis, whatever he wants to do. It started when he was a little boy, and it hasn’t ended just because he’s a grown man. TJ says that’s why they love her so much, and she says, she loves him too, for too many reasons to count, and one of them is his loyalty to Curtis in not giving up his secret. He says he thought she’d be upset with him, but she says, just the opposite. True loyalty is a very rare gift indeed.
Epiphany finds Britt in Sasha’s room with her head in her hands, and says she saw Brando and Sasha on their way to the NICU. She assumes the news wasn’t good about their baby. Britt says, no. Who better to deliver it than the Britch? Epiphany says, no one calls her that anymore, and Britt says she feels so badly for Brando and Sasha, and thinks she just made things worse. Epiphany asks, how? and Britt says, because she wouldn’t let Dr. Fleming speak. She didn’t think they were ready to hear just how limited Liam’s options are. But she’s afraid withholding the information gave them false hope, which only makes things worse for them.
Brando and Sasha look through the NICU window, and Brando says, he can’t be brain damaged. Take all the tubes away, and he looks like any other normal, healthy boy, like he could wake up any second. She says he’s their strong-willed warrior. He says, Sasha?… Never mind; it’s not important.
Curtis thanks Drew for his offer, and says, but he just got back to Port Charles. He has to figure out what his next move is. He’s got to spend time with his daughter, and do what he wants to do. Drew says, she didn’t recognize him when she saw him, but he’s going to make sure they get to know each other again. Curtis tells him, that’s what he’s saying, priorities, but Drew says, spending time with his daughter isn’t going to take up every second of every day. Curtis says, okay, he’ll think about it, but in the meantime, go have fun with his little girl. Drew says, it’s going to be a pleasure. He thought about Scout all that time in his cell. Even though she wasn’t physically with him, she was here and here; he points to his head and his heart. They bro hug, and Drew leaves.
Portia tells Trina that Marshall makes her uncomfortable because, when he first arrived in Port Charles, he was asking questions about Curtis without revealing his true identity. Curtis was angry that Marshall was sneaking around behind his back, and now that his father has been alive after all these years, he feels like his life has been upended. Trina says, don’t blame him, but Portia says, Curtis’s father pretended to be dead much longer than hers, and her dad only did it to keep her safe from Cyrus Renault. Trina says, maybe Mr. Ashford had a good reason too, and Portia says, if he did, he’s not saying what it was. Trina says, as much as her dad was away with work, he was a huge part of her life. He was always there when she needed him. Portia says, he sure was, and Trina says, Curtis didn’t even have a father while growing up.
Stella goes to The Savoy, and says, Curtis Byron Ashford, come here and give me a hug. He hugs her and says, she’s the second greatest surprise of the day. She says, he means she’s not the first? and he asks how she’s doing. She says she’s healthy and strong, and ready to hear what’s going on with him. No more secrets. Marshall walks in.
Britt says, Epiphany doesn’t have to stay and hold her hand. Epiphany sits in the other chair, and Britt says, she’s sure Epiphany has better things to do. Epiphany says, this is where she’s supposed to be right now. Does Britt think Epiphany has never been where she is right now, forced to give parents bad news? She knows when they can take it, and when they can’t, and never in a million years did she think she’d be saying this to Britt, but she did right by Brando and Sasha. She has nothing to regret. She showed that young couple grace, and right now, they need all the grace they can get. We see Sasha put her hand on the window, and she and Brando watch Liam.
Sonny tells Carly, there were a million reasons to eliminate Peter, even before what he did to Jason. This is for all of them, and for Jason. He will be avenged. She thanks him, and he says, they just have to wait for Anna to confirm that Peter is gone for good.
Elizabeth tells the guard that she needs to check on Peter, and goes into the ICU. She closes the curtain.
Anna says, not so long ago, Finn didn’t know if he’d killed Peter, and now he’s saving Peter’s life? Finn says, the irony isn’t entirely lost on him. Maxie joins them, and says, the best thing that could happen for everyone is if Peter dies. Then they’d all be free of him. Anna says she doesn’t disagree. There’s so many of them who’ve been harmed by him, and then the ones who didn’t survive him. Maxie says, the ones whose lives Peter stole. For Franco… For Jason… Let him die.
Elizabeth stands by Peter’s bed. She reaches in her pocket, and unwraps a scalpel.
Tomorrow, Stella says, it’s not exactly true: Austin has news on Britt’s brother; Michael has never been so sure about anything in his life; and Sonny tells Carly, there’s nowhere he’d rather be.
Below Deck
Jake wonders why Rayna is giving him sh*t, and she says, it’s been a long day. She tells Eddie that Jake got on her about a coffee cup, and she’s tired. Eddie says he hears what she’s saying, and tells Jake that he needs to take a gentler approach sometimes. In Rayna’s interview, she says, it’s Jake’s tone. He’s disrespectful and she’s over it. In Eddie’s interview, he says, they were loud enough for the guests to hear, and it’s unprofessional. They need to get their sh*t together. Rachel makes a Greek dinner, and in her interview, she says, from what she’s learned about Greek culture, they like to sit at the table, discuss, eat, and share. She’s all about getting on the table and throwing some damn plates. Jake tells Eddie about asking Rayna why she gives sh*t to only him, and how she said he’s a child, and the others are adults. Eddie says, they’ll figure it out, and Rayna tells Wes that she just wants to be done.
The guests get Greeked up with togas and head wreaths. Rayna tells Wes that Eddie will never agree with them, and always takes Jake’s side. Wes says, it’s petty, but Jake needs to ease in, instead of coming in hot. In Wes’s interview, he thinks Rayna is overreacting. It’s not that bad. Jessica helps the guests with getting ready, while Fraser irons. The guests are seated, and Eddie tells the deck crew to change into their blacks. Rayna bitches to her dad on the phone, saying, Jake was getting on her for a coffee cup, and her boss shrugged it off. Her dad tells her not to let anyone walk over her, and she says, at first, she let it slide. Maybe she overreacted, but he’s been doing it. Dinner is served, and Heather tells Rachel that the guests are absolutely loving the meal.
Jess grumbles to herself, and says, f*** them all. The guests head for the hot tub, and Captain Lee tells Eddie that the crew seems to be walking on eggshells. Does he need to know something? Eddie wants to try and handle it himself. Guest Nicole tells primary Michael (also her dad) to close his eyes, because her titties are coming out. He tells her to sit with her back to him. In Heather’s interview, she says, this is some weird sh*t. She’s close with her dad, but clearly Nicole and her dad are more comfortable than they are. Eddie asks Rayna how she’s doing, and Rayna says, it’s Jake’s tone; it’s not okay. Eddie wants her to know that he heard her talking on the phone; his room is across from hers. He heard some strong words. She says she was scared to say anything to him, since he takes Jake’s side, but she doesn’t want it to be an issue. Eddie says he doesn’t want her time there ruined, and he’ll always talk. He advises her to swallow pride occasionally, instead of talking over them, which she’s good at. He tells her that she’s awesome, and doing a great job. I think Rayna needs therapy.
Jake comes out by the hot tub, and Nicole says she has to cover her boobies. He says she’s too young for him anyway, which is a joke, since she clearly isn’t. Fraser wants to have a quick smoke before bed, and talks to Heather on deck. He says, Jessica seems like she’s trying sometimes, but it’s not good enough, and Heather says, they have to communicate more. We flash back to Jessica not knowing what she’s doing, and in Heather’s interview, she says, she’s pulled everything out of her hat that she knows, but there’s no initiative, no excitement. You can only lead a horse to water so many times. Fraser says, thinking about it makes him tired, and the guests go to bed, the crew following shortly after.
Rayna sees Jake while she’s working on deck, and mumbles, please don’t talk to me. Eddie asks how Rayna is doing, and she lies and says fine. Jessica and Fraser do cabins until Jessica is called for service. Eddie goes over the schedule with the deck crew. Heather tries to explain her expectations to Jessica by using Pictionary showing her an example of how things should be organized after clearing service. She says, if she can do it by herself, there’s no reason anyone can’t. While doing cabins, Fraser tells Jessica not to leave things on the floor, and she makes an excuse. In Jessica’s interview, she says, she feels like she’s the only one who’s spoken to about not pulling her weight, and it can’t all be put on her. She’s doing the best she can, and doesn’t give a flying. She tells Fraser that she feels like she’d never doing well enough or is quick enough, and Heather’s standard is high. He says he understands why it’s issue, but doesn’t like seeing her down. The boat heads out, and Captain Lee scares Eddie with the horn. One of his favorite things to do.
Fraser tells Heather, he’d tried explaining to Jessica that she should be positive and change if she’s not getting along with people. Jessica walks in on them talking, and in her interview, she says, she’s not surprised. Fraser wants to move up, and Heather needs a man. I assume she means to do stuff like lift things, or she’s really, really stupid. Captain Lee calls for radio silence, and they dock. He radios the crew to be on the main deck in their whites for goodbyes. Michael says, they appreciated everything. It was awesome, and watching them pull up the slide was the funniest thing he’s ever seen. In Eddie’s interview, he says, thank you for kicking us when we’re down. Michael says, the service was awesome, and the meals were fantastic. It’s hard to believe it’s over. He gives the captain the tip envelope, and the guests leave. The captain does not look happy, and Rayna says she’s afraid. Captain Lee says, some people should be, and Eddie says, they’re about to get destroyed. Jessica tells Rayna that she doesn’t get paid enough to stress this much. Heather tells the stews that she wants to finish by four, and sends Fraser back to the laundry.
The captain tells the crew to be in the crew mess in five, and in his interview, he says, the deck team needs a wake-up call, and he’s going to deliver it. If after all this time, they can’t get the charter right halfway through and don’t have their act together, when will they? He tells the crew that he’s less than happy with this charter. The food was great as usual, and there was proper service at the table, but the deck crew needs to raise the bar. If they don’t, people will be gone. Work hard, work smart, or get fired. It’s halfway through the season, and they’re making rookie mistakes. It showed in the money, and he’s disappointed. The tip is $19K, and in Rachel’s interview, she says she’s pissed off. If she’s not getting sleep, she wants $30K. Captain Lee says he wants to talk to the deck crew. In Jake’s interview, he says he’s ashamed of the job he did. Fraser thinks everyone is on edge, and Heather agrees.
On the bridge, Captain Lee tells Eddie that the tip sucked; he’s disappointed. The first thing the primary mentioned was the f*** up with the slide. He’d thought it was comical, but the bar is up here, and they’re way down here. He shows a span with his hands of about three feet, and says, if they f*** up the slide once more, he’s going to have someone’s ass. He doesn’t care if it’s all of them; he’ll cancel the season. This is their final wake-up call. He wants to see people being proactive. They need to anticipate what happens this charter, or people will lose their jobs . No more second chances. In Eddie’s interview, he says he hasn’t seen the captain this angry for a long time, if ever. It’s embarrassing, and he let Captain Lee down. He’s not proud of himself. Heather tells Fraser. if the world is crumbling, she wants to have a proper good time. Rayna mumbles, effing punkasses, and Wes tells her to stop talking to herself. He tells her that she’s the female equivalent of Morgan Freeman.
Rayna tells Jessica that Eddie asked if she was happy. Did he have Black parents? She can’t count the ass whoopings she went through. In Wes’s interview, he says he thinks Jessica is cute and cool. He feels like he has a high school crush. They leave in a water taxi, and watch the sunset on the way to Carambola Beach. At the bar, Wes says Jessica is smiling too much, and she says she has a sad resting face. She doesn’t know what people want. Eddie tells Jake, poor Wes has no game, but he’s working hard. He’s got so much to learn. They go to the table, and Rayna says, cheers to a beautiful boss (no doubt being sarcastic), and Eddie says, cheers to them (no doubt being sincere). Heather and Jake go out to sit in a huge patio chair together, and Jake tells Heather to give him a cuddle. She says he has a fiancé and she has a boyfriend. In her interview, she says, if she was five years younger, in her party phase, and not taken, a moustache ride wouldn’t be bad. Jessica tells Wes that she’s been single for three years, and in her interview, she says she feels like Wes wants to kiss her, but is expecting her to kiss him. It’s an awkward thing going on. She tells him that she’s hung out with her grandparents her entire life. Rayna says, Jake looking crazy.
They go back to the boat, Jessica and Wes in one taxi. She says she’s tired, and just wants to go home and smoke a joint. I think she’s been hanging around her grandparents for too long. Back on the boat, Jessica kisses Wes on the cheek, and they go to bed. Separately. In Jessica’s interview, a producer asks why she decided to kiss Wes, but she says, it was just a peck on the cheek, and hardly a kiss. She’s just not feeling it. Sorry. In the crew mess, Rayna tells Heather that she can’t say the n-word. She needs to be careful. It’s not 2002 anymore. Heather doesn’t remember saying it, but Rayna tells her that she said in the bathroom. Rayna still loves her though. In Heather’s interview, she says she’s in shock. She doesn’t remember saying it. She tells Rachel about it, and says it made her feel bad. Actually, she did say it, in a drunk moment when they were walking back from somewhere, and she was repeating what Rayna said. I think it was a rapping situation, but it was bleeped, so I’m not sure what the context was.
In Rayna’s interview, she says, Heather thought she was being cool, but it hurts her heart. Eddie tells the deck crew about the slide, and in his interview, he says he wants the deck team to step it up. Their asses are on the line, and they have to get it together. They practice with the slide while Jessica curses a pillowcase. Eddie says, no lives were lost, no bends in the slide. They’re good.
Captain Lee has a preference sheet meeting with Heather, Eddie, and Rachel. The co-primaries are Chelsea and Michael, who are obsessed with travel. Chelsea had a bicycle accident, and her jaw is wired shut, so she can have no solid food. In Rachel’s interview, she says she couldn’t handle having her mouth wired shut. The guests want traditional cuisine, and a silent disco on the beach, as well as a black and gold birthday party for Chelsea. Fraser asks Jessica about Wes, and she says, he’s super nice. Rayna says she can tell Wes is ready for it, and Fraser asks, what happened? Jessica says, nothing. Captain Lee shows Eddie some things that aren’t clean, and Eddie says, Wes and Rayna told him that they’d washed everything down. In his interview, the captain says, Eddie isn’t handling this well if he has to double-check the work. That’s why he has three stripes. The captain is going to start handing out plane tickets, one-way, compliments of Captain Lee’s Travel Agency
In his interview, Eddie says, the crew’s mistakes are reflecting poorly on him. He tells Rayna and Wes, they’d said they did the rescue tender and jet skis, but Captain Lee went off on him, and he’s pissed. In Rayna’s interview, she says, Jimmy Neutron, she’s not in the mood. She’s been working her ass off, and she’s over it. Eddie tells them to get it done, and catches Rayna rolling her eyes. Rayna tells Wes about Heather saying the n-word, and says she’s tired of this sh*t. She doesn’t want to talk. Probably because Wes never finds anything as big a deal as she does. Jessica talks to her mom, and says, it’s busy and stressful. In her interview, she says she has innate guilt, like she has to do this or she’ll let people down. She’s never been on a charter that runs this fast, and she’s having a hard time. Um… maybe telling her boss about it might be a good idea. Rayna whines to Fraser about Heather, and Eddie tells Wes that Rayna rolling her eyes isn’t cool. Rayna tells Fraser that Heather said the n-word, but Fraser says Heather didn’t think she said it. Rayna says she’s not deaf. Everything is in the air, and it’s driving her crazy. Fraser says, when you’re frustrated, everything bothers you. She needs to voice it. He takes her to talk to Eddie.
Rayna tells Eddie that she’s sorry she rolled her eyes, and the equipment wasn’t cleaned properly, confusing TF out of me. Eddie says, he appreciates that she realizes it; they’re good. He knows she’s frustrated, but she has great organizational skills. She doesn’t handle authority well, but things needed to get done. He suggests when she talks, please take her face off, and she says she’s had trouble with her parents about that from the beginning of time. Eddie says, if you do that to Captain Lee, you might as well pack. She tells him about Heather and the n-word (a new children’s book), and he says he didn’t hear it, but it’s not okay. Rayna needs to take care of herself, and stand up for herself when she needs to, but she also needs to separate the personal stuff from the deck. She has the potential to move up in the ranks, but needs to focus, and not take things personally. He doesn’t want to be a d*ck, but he can be one. Rayna goes back to her room, and says, Eddie doesn’t understand. Me neither. Pick a lane.
Next time, guest Chelsea is starving and having a meltdown, Jessica asks to talk to Heather, and Eddie says, everything is going wrong.
🌾 Bringing In the Sheaves…
Stop by tomorrow for some soap and a few Pumptinis. Vanderpump Rules will also be followed tomorrow by Bad Moms Christmas, one of my favorite Christmas movies. Get TF out, Kenny G! Until then, stay safe, stay being yourself or being a cheap imitation of someone else, and stay letting tenacity be your middle name.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Today’s Friday Flashback GH– from April 1, 2015 – revisited when Luke went to the house he’d grown up in, and flashed back to April 1, 1963; the night he inadvertently killed his mother, and deliberately killed his father. It was also when Dee Wallace was on the scene as Luke’s sister Patricia.
🍊 Remember Her…?
You should. Jeana was one of my favorites on The Real Housewives of Orange County. An OG who only lasted a few seasons, she actually seemed to keep the real in the housewife. She and daughter Kara have seen their share of tragedies lately, but I’m sure Jeana considers her exit from the show a blessing.
I saw a millisecond of the RHOAReunion, but even done virtually in quarantine, the women all talked at once. I couldn’t understand why Andy didn’t just cut some mics off. That would have been sweet. Their mouths moving, but nothing coming out. Like it is with sound, minus the sound. NeNe was still telling Kandi that she’d never amount to anything. The one who had a couple of small parts on two now canceled series, telling the Grammy winner who just won The Masked Singer that she’s a loser. Okay.
🦍 Also recommended: Godzilla King of the Monsters, now on rotation on HBO, SHO or one of those O’s. Obviously, this is not something to watch for a great storyline, but if you’re craving special effects and giant creatures, this one’s for you. And they’re all in it. Mothra, Rodan, King Kong, a bunch of monsters who I have no idea who/what they are, and the king himself – Elvis Godzilla. I used to love those movies as a kid, and this is one of those times one hundred.
🦜 Quotes of the Week
We’re breaking the law; we don’t want to work with criminals. – Destiny (Constance Wu), Hustlers
No one looks stupid when they’re having fun. – Amy Poehler (I actually beg to differ on this one.)
The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off. – Joe Klass
Lana is real; anything can happen. – AnnieSuwan Toborowsky, 90 Day Fiancé: Pillow Talk, referring to a woman showing up who we all thought was a catfish.
Consistency is the true foundation of trust. Either keep your promises or do not make them. – Roy T. Bennett
With great power… comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later. – Rick Riordan
Aside from Dreidel, Dreidel, and that Adam Sandler thing, it’s an untapped market. – Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller), King of Queens, referring to Hanukkah songs.
I know that if we are to live with ourselves there comes a point at which we must relinquish the dead, let them go, keep them dead. – Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking
I cannot compromise my respect for your love. You can keep your love, I will keep my respect. – Amit Kalantri
There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one’s self, the very meaning of one’s soul. – Edith Wharton
If you always do what is easy and choose the path of least resistance, you never step outside your comfort zone. Great things don’t come from comfort zones. – Roy T. Bennett
In every age, the good old days were a myth. No one ever thought they were good at the time. For every age has consisted of crises that seemed intolerable to the people who lived through them. – Brooks Atkinson (Boy, is that not the truth.)
How tall am I? Honey, with hair, heels, and attitude, I’m through this damned roof! – RuPaul
🌦 Trying To See Blue Sky…
It’s not looking good for my older dog, so if you’re so inclined, say a prayer for my little man; that if our time together is at an end, he go gently into this good night, to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. On the upside, my girl who had an old roughhousing eye injury come back to haunt her, is much improved and doing well.
Until we meet again, stay safe, stay human, and stay marching to the beat of a different drum. And add a little spice to your Memorial Day weekend.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
Siddiq flashes back to Alpha. He wakes and sees Cheryl, lying in bed, shaking. He gives her some water and tucks the covers more tightly around her. He goes out to get more water, and tends to more sick people. The infirmary is full. A song plays – We Don’t Know Why. He drifts back to sleep.
Siddiq opens his eyes. A hand comes out from the couch, and covers his mouth.
Daryl goes to the jail cell, and tells Lydia, get out. Carol puts her captured Whisperer in the cell. Outside, Carol asks if Lydia knows him. Lydia says, he’s one of the guardians. Carol asks if he would know where her mother’s horde is, and Lydia says, probably. Gabriel tells Carol that she put them at risk, but she says they have to find the horde before it’s at the gate. He says, so she put them at risk? Daryl says, it doesn’t matter. They have to find them. Gabriel says he’s sticking around, and Siddiq is going to treat the guy’s wound first. Carol says he can bleed until he answers some questions, but Gabriel thinks the council would agree with him. Carol tells Lydia to stay with her, and brings her to the house. Carol thanks Daryl for backing her up. He says they aren’t going to give up easy.
Daryl takes his shirt off, making women everywhere happy, and whistles for Dog. Never mind shirtless Daryl, I have anxiety every time Dog is on the screen. We see whip marks on Daryl’s back. He sits on the couch, and pets Dog. My anxiety heightens. He looks at the double-capper acorn Carol gave him.
Carol gives Lydia back her pokey stick, saying it’s still hers. She hands Lydia some salve for her bruises, and Lydia says she’s had worse. Carol asks what else Lydia knows about the prisoner, and Lydia says he’s one of the ones who watch the horde. She tells Carol that they were given no choice. She knows Carol hates them, but Lydia knows them too. Carol says a line was drawn, and Lydia has to choose which side she’s on. Lydia says her mom twists people to get them to do what she wants; to make them think it’s what they want. People obey because they think they have no other choice, but if they let him see what they have there, that a place like this can survive, an idea like that is dangerous. It would spread, and there’s nothing her mom could do to stop it.
Siddiq and Dante go into the Whisperer’s cell. Dante tells him, don’t try anything. They check him out, and Siddiq says his wound needs stitches. The guy says he knows them, and Siddiq freezes a little. Gabriel says Dante can take it from there, and Dante tells Siddiq, outside. Now. Siddiq leaves.
Siddiq pauses at the top of the stairs. He flashes back to Alpha cutting someone’s head off.
Gamma watches Aaron at the bridge. He eats a piece of bread, and she says he has bread every day. he says, made fresh this morning. He has some extra, but she says, no. She asks how people make so much, and he says, flour. She says, every day? A lot of people must be doing that. He says, as many as needed. She sees a child’s drawing sticking out of his backpack, and he says his daughter made it. She says, he has children, and he says, just one. That’s about all he can handle. She says, there are more? and he tells her, there are. He asks if she has children, but she says, children hold you back. They make you weak. He asks if she has a family, a brother or sister, but she says she’s an only child.
Carol goes to the Whisperer’s cell, and sets down a tray covered with a towel. We all assume it must be surgical instruments. Gabriel and Dante watch as she sits. She says, let’s get started, and uncovers the tray. It has bread and some pots of jam on it. She asks, what’s it going to be? Honey or jam? Strawberry or apple? He leans forward, and says, all of it. She says, not a problem; they have plenty there. She slathers it on the bread, and says for lunch she was thinking salted fish. She likes to wrap it up in fresh lettuce. He asks what she wants, and she says, right now, they’re just going to talk. He says, pass, and she says, okay. She gives him the bread, and says, then eat. He takes a small bite, then devours it. She says, good? and he spits it at her, saying, no.
Siddiq feels Rosita’s forehead. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, yeah. Is she okay? She says, yeah; nice and pasty. He says if it weren’t for Gabriel, he’d be making his move. She says don’t let that stop him. There isn’t a jealous bone in Gabriel’s body. He tells her, scoot over, and gets in the bed next to her, putting his arm around her. She says she’s been thinking about Eugene, and he laughs. He says, sorry. Her other other man. She says they set a date to talk, and she missed it. She doesn’t want Eugene to think she was ditching him. Siddiq says, he’ll be fine. He bounces back; not everybody does. He tells her that he checked out Eugene’s baby tips, and his poop chart is on point. He’s a bonafide sh*tologist. He says, they have a kid together, and Rosita says, yes; they do. She never thought she’d be a mommy in this world. He says he tries not to think about it. It freaks him out. He wants to do right; be a good dad. She says it freaks her out that he’s a dad. Coco is lucky to have him. They both are. She coughs, and he gives her some water. She asks again if he’s okay, and he says, yeah. He has a lot of patients to see, and miles to go before he sleeps. He tucks her in, and kisses her forehead.
Standing over the Whisperer, Carol asks, where’s the horde? She presses her fingers into his wound, and he says she has animal in her. If she was out there, he would take her like a bitch in heat. Daryl and Gabriel watch as she puts on a ring, and punches the Whisperer in the face, again and again. Daryl says, that’s enough, and the Whisperer says, they’re all weak. Daryl takes out a knife like the one Paul Hogan carried in Crocodile Dundee. (What happened to him anyway? And what about Pauly Shore?) Daryl says he’ll start with the fingers first; then both of his ears. After that, he’ll take all the guy’s teeth. The Whisperer says they lie to themselves, and to each other. They fight for what? Sandwiches. Daryl pins his hand down, and the Whisperer says, they ignore the truth when it’s staring them in the face. He’ll never betray Alpha. She rescued him. She protects him, and loves him. She loves them all. She sacrificed her own daughter for them. Carol says, she killed Lydia? and he says, she did. He’s willing to give his life for her. Carol and Daryl look at each other.
Outside, Daryl tells Carol, stop. She’s not getting Lydia mixed up in this mess. Carol says the guy swallowed every ounce of Alpha’s bullsh*t. Once he gets that she’s not his great leader, he’ll be itching to talk. Daryl says, Lydia has been through enough, but Carol says, let Lydia make up her own mind. That’s the only way they’ll know it.
Siddiq checks Cheryl’s temperature, and she says, not good? He says, better than last time, and she asks him if he knows how she can tell if a man is lying – his lips are moving. He says she’ll get through this. He’ll make sure of it. She tells him, sit down, and he does. She says he looks worse than she does. Rest. He says he can’t, and she says, for her. She’s made her peace, but the others need him to have his head on straight. He closes his eyes.
Aaron tells Gamma, go ahead, and hands her the drawing. She looks at it, and he says his daughter likes to stay out with her friends. What about her? Gamma says, she’d find every excuse to stay out. As kids, they used to take the long way home, around the lake. He says, brother or sister? He apologizes, saying, he had a brother, a couple of years younger. He loved cars, but he loved people more. They loved him too. He still thinks about his brother every day. He knows what it’s like to lose someone you love. It helps to talk about it. What she’s doing, the questions, digging for intel; he supposes he should do the same, but what’s the point? Maybe they could just talk about nothing worth reporting. He can go on about his brother, or maybe him. She walks quickly away, and back into the forest.
In the cell, the Whisperer chants in his head – we walk in darkness; we are free. Dante and Siddiq come in, and Siddiq says, he’s burning up. Dante asks, what’s the problem? and the Whisperer says, how the hell should he know? Just make it stop. Dante says, there’s no sign of infection. It doesn’t make sense. The Whisperer suddenly has a seizure, and dies, just as Carol is coming in with Lydia. Daryl is like, no, and they go back out. Siddiq looks at something in a jar, and asks if Dante gave this to him. Dante says, for pain and inflammation, and Siddiq says, it killed him. Dante says, how? It’s yarrow. Siddiq says, it’s hemlock (which does look frighteningly the same); he didn’t know though… Dante looks at Siddiq, who says, what? Dante says he never thought hemlock would be in the bag because Siddiq packed it.
In the woods, Gamma takes an unmasked breather, then puts her mask back on. A zombie toddles toward her, and lunges at her. She pushes it away, but it won’t quit, so she cracks its head against a tree, where it gets a branch through the brain. Alpha walks up, and says it was a guardian for the horde. Alpha stands in front of Gamma, and says, the man with the metal arm… Gamma says, Aaron. He has a daughter. Alpha asks, is that all she learned? Did she ask after her sister’s child? Gamma says, there’s nothing to ask. Alpha says, he’s one of them, and will slaughter their kind. He’ll use her sister against her. She tells Gamma to remove her mask. Gamma does as she’s asked, and rolls up her sleeve, holding her arm out, palm up. Alpha whips Gamma’s arm, and says, she’s always being tested. She must remain strong. Alpha believes in her. Gamma rolls her sleeve back down, and Alpha says, tell her, this Aaron; he tempts her. He’s a liar. Do not be seduced. Gamma nods.
Gabriel tells Daryl, if the people find out, they’ll panic. If Alpha finds out… Daryl says, she won’t. He’ll clean up the mess. Gabriel says he’ll help, but Daryl says it’s not his mess to clean up.
Carol asks if Lydia still wants to help, and Lydia says she does.
Siddiq goes to Cheryl’s room, but she’s not there. He goes outside, and sees Dante burying a body, while Cheryl’s body lies wrapped in her quilt. Dante says he was going to find Siddiq, but… Siddiq walks through the house, and flashes back to being with the Whisperers. He starts to get dizzy, and remembers Enid backing away, holding a knife. He runs outside, and jumps into the water. He remembers Alpha smiling, and raising something. He sees a pool of blood. Alpha looks at him, and he cries out. He’s floating face down, and someone else jumps in as he’s sinking. It’s Rosita, who brings him back to the surface. She says she heard what happened. He says he doesn’t want to talk about it. He tells her to go home; she should be in bed. She says, no, and he says he has nothing to say. The Whisperer died because of him… She says she wants the real sh*t; what’s been eating him up for weeks. He says, it’s like he’s still there all the time. He never left. It’s just pieces jumbled together like a puzzle; screams, blood. He can’t stop it, and people are dying. Cheryl… Rosita says, Cheryl was sick, and he was doing everything he could. He’s not alone. He says why it bothers him so much is Enid. She’s there, and he thinks about how much he misses her. He gets to remember how he failed her. Rosita says, no. it’s not his fault. This is what that skin bitch did. It isn’t on him. He says, she wasn’t there. Enid, the people who he loved, died in front of him. Now he gets to watch it over and over, and he did nothing. He didn’t move; he didn’t help. He just watched. Because of him more people… He says, he’s not smart enough. Rosita tells Siddiq that he has to pull through. He has to fight it; for Coco, her, and everyone else who loves him. He can and he will, because he’s not alone, and he’s the smartest person she knows – except for her, of course. He laughs, and says he still can’t figure out why she’s sick. The patients didn’t live together or work together. They don’t even eat the same things. There isn’t a common denominator. Not one he can… He looks at the water, and she says, what? He tells her, go home.
Siddiq looks at the water pump system; drinkable and undrinkable. He pushes a lever down, then back up. He swipes everything off of a nearby table, and destroys it.
It’s nighttime, and Aaron goes to the bridge. Gamma holds out the drawing, and he says it’s hers now. She says she doesn’t want anything from him. Take it or she’ll burn it. He takes it, and she grabs him, putting him in a headlock. She says she has questions, and she wants answers. Got it? He tells her, don’t do this. It’s not her. She says he has no idea who she is. How many people do they have? Carol comes out, bow drawn, and says, let him go. Lydia comes out behind her, and Gamma is like, whaaat? She says, no! and backs away, then runs. Carol says Lydia’s mother told people she’d killed Lydia. Lydia says, Carol told her that she wanted her help. Carol says she did, and Lydia says, Carol used her. Carol says, sorry, and Lydia says Carol is just like her, meaning Alpha. Aaron shakes his head, and Lydia says they wanted her to choose sides. She chooses her own. Aaron says Lydia can’t go; it’s too dangerous. Lydia tells him that he can’t stop her. Carol moves to Lydia, who punches Carol and runs. Aaron tells Carol, wait. They might be watching.
Lydia goes through the woods.
Gamma, sans mask, sits in the woods, crying.
Dante knocks at Siddiq’s door. He says he knows it’s late… Siddiq says, leave him alone, but Dante says he just wants to chat for a second. He’ll go, but not before saying he’s sorry. With Eugene gone, he hasn’t pulled his weight. Siddiq tells him, stop. It’s his fault, not Dante’s. Dante knows Siddiq wants to blame himself. For a second, it makes everything make sense, but he’s sorry. That’s not how this works. This place is special; he got that right away. It works because it’s a village. It takes everyone to grow, fight, raise rug rats, and heal people. Everyone carries equal weight, so when something happens, it’s all their fault; every one of them. Siddiq is suffering, and he’s there to help. Siddiq says Dante doesn’t know him, and turns to the window, but Dante says, sure he does. Siddiq is his friend. It’s going to be okay. He pats Siddiq’s shoulder, and Siddiq says, yeah. Siddiq flashes back to Alpha telling him, look, as she chops heads off. He sees pools of blood, and calls out to Enid. A Whisperer holds him from behind, forcing his eyes open. He screams, and the Whisperer’s face turns into the face of Dante’s reflection in the window. He tries to go past Dante, but Dante tackles him. They fight, but Dante gets Siddiq in a headlock. Dante says he didn’t want to; not like this. Siddiq struggles, but Dante tightens his arm against Siddiq’s throat. Siddiq goes limp, and falls to the ground.
Now we all go, whaaat?
Next time – the mid-season finale – Ezekiel says, none of it matters, knowing sets you free, accept the future; Daryl asks if Carol is trusting a Whisperer now; Carol says she’s doing nothing; Judith and Michonne capture a stranger; and there’s a battle in the woods.
🔊 On Talking Dead, Chandler Riggs said he was also surprised that Dante had been a Whisperer. Like me, he thought Dante was off, but not that off. I just figured he was some kind of creeper. Also, the cellblock Whisperer didn’t really spit at Carol. Michael Cudlitz, who directed the episode, threw a handful of food at her face. I thought it seemed like an awful lot of food for a spit.
💀 Who Thought This Up…?
I’m still resenting this whole mid-season finale business.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny’s doorbell rings, and Carly says it must be family, since no one called on the house phone. It’s Sam, who says she knows she should have called, but she’s got good news and bad news.
Josslyn and Dev walk into Charlie’s. Josslyn says, it’s better than the library. Dev says, it would be better without books, but she says he’s got to get caught up for the fall. They can grab something to eat while they work. He says he worked all day at his coffee job. She tells him, that’s just a summer job. He has to be ready for school. He needs good grades and good test scores to get into a good college. He needs college to survive. He says, it’s a waste of time. He’s going to prove himself to Sonny, and be a truly valued member of Sonny’s organization.
At the hospital. Monica asks Drew if he’s seen Kim. She made an appointment to talk to Monica, but never showed up. It’s not like her. Drew says, a lot of people aren’t acting like themselves. Monica asks, what’s going on? and he asks if she has time to talk private
Hayden sees Finn at the reception desk. She hopes he knows she didn’t mean it when she didn’t want to see him again. He says they’ve probably both said things they don’t mean. She says, probably. He tells her that he wants to talk to her about her sister Elizabeth, and Hayden says, what about her?
Elizabeth goes home. She sits on the couch and looks at her ring. Cameron comes downstairs, and says, Franco’s not here?Is he still at the hospital? Is he going to be okay?
Franco says, Jason Quartermaine. Jason says he’s half right. Jason Morgan. He’s Drew’s twin.
Sonny says, the bad news must be about that bastard Shiloh. Carly says Jason told them what he tried to do to Cameron. Sam says, everything? and Carly says Shiloh kidnapped Cameron, and planned to use the flashdrive to imprint Drew’s memories on him, but Franco showed up and took his place. Sonny says, it’s a helluva story. Sam says Robert told them. She’s happy Cameron is okay; that’s the good news. Sonny asks what the bad news is, and Sam says, the procedure worked. Franco woke up with Drew’s memories, and thinks he’s Drew.
In her office, Monica says she knows Franco was admitted for trauma, and that the episode involved Shiloh and an unscrupulous doctor. She didn’t know Franco was subjected to a memory transfer. Who benefits from that? Drew says Cabot wanted to continue his life’s work. He’s a misunderstood genius. Shiloh wanted information; probably something Drew learned in Afghanistan. Monica is glad Franco took Cameron’s place, but it must be devastating to Elizabeth. He says, she’s broken up about it, and Monica says, what about him? Drew says it looks like Franco remembers his life before 2012, but he’s not only remembering. Franco thinks he’s Drew. Even seeing his own face didn’t shake his belief. Monica asks if Drew isn’t a bit upset, and he says, that doesn’t begin to cover it. He’s mad as hell. His memories and his life have been stolen twice.
Finn says, it’s a long story, and Hayden says her head hurts thinking about it. He says, his too, but he thought she should know, for her sister’s sake. She says she appreciates it. If Franco has Drew’s memories, and doesn’t remember his real life, then he knows nothing of his life with Elizabeth or the boys.
Elizabeth tells Cameron that she’s glad it’s just them. She wouldn’t know how to explain it to the boys. He asks if Franco will ever get better, and Elizabeth says, he needs to time to come to terms with his new reality. Once that happens, they can figure out a way to reverse it, and he can come back to them. Cameron says she’s talking like it can happen with the snap of a finger, but they both know it’s not like that. If it was, Drew would have done it long ago. Elizabeth says, it’s not easy, but the doctors are already looking at Franco’s tests. They’ll figure out a way. GH has the best doctors. Cameron says, don’t treat him like a kid. He knows it’s bad; he was there. It could have been him. Where is Franco? Maybe he can talk to him. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. Cameron says Franco needed to get away from them? and Elizabeth says, he’s confused right now. He thinks he needs to get away from everybody who’s telling him who he is, when he’s insisting he’s someone else.Drew said the best thing to do is fight for him. Try to get him to remember the life he had. The one waiting there for him. Cameron says, sounds good. He’s willing do that too, but how do they do it if Franco won’t come home?
Franco tells Jason that someone showed him his own face, and he didn’t look like himself, but Jason does. He didn’t know Jason even existed until he saw Jason’s photo in a newspaper. It was the state champion soccer team, and there he was; MVP. A rich kid with his face.
At a nearby table, Willow tells Chase that she has a lead on a job that’s teaching related. She has no problem with waiting tables, but… Chase is staring at Franco and Jason. She says, the job really is 24/7. Even when he’s off-duty, he’s not off-duty. Chase asks, where’s this coming from?
Franco says he did research at the library. It wasn’t difficult, since the Quartermaines are a prominent family. He learned about their father Alan, and their mother Susan, his mistress. She died and he dumped Drew, but kept Jason and raised him. Jason says, no; that’s not what happened
Sonny asks if Sam has spoken to Drew. She says she ran into him at the hospital. He was trying to console Elizabeth. Carly asks how Elizabeth is feeling, since Franco is running around with Drew’s memories? Sam says, optimistic. Drew is telling Elizabeth that Franco will come around when he remembers their love. Carly says, it’s a romantic scenario, but not likely. Drew still has Jason’s memories. They haven’t faded or worn off. What are the chances it will be different with Franco?
Josslyn tells Dev that he needs to work hard this summer, and not in the warehouse. He needs to hit the books if he wants to navigate American high school. Dev says they should discuss what classes he needs to take, and she says, American history. The teacher is big on the Civil war. He says she must want them to read The Civil War Diaries. He cites some other books, and she says he knows those authors? He’s read them? He says, of course (🍷). Hasn’t everyone?
Hayden says, if a doctor did it, can’t another doctor undo it? Finn would like to think so, but it’s complicated. To start, they’d have to convince Franco that he’s not Drew. She says, it’s a horrible mess, and he says it’s not the mess he needed to speak to her about. She mentioned she’s working at Aurora. Has she been in the Crimson office? She asks, why? but he’s not sure how to say it. She may have been exposed to a serious contagion.
Monica says the flashdrive had Drew’s memories on it? and Drew says, yeah. He’d all but forgotten he had it – there was so much going on – except when Shiloh asked him about it. Monica asks if Drew wanted nothing to do with it, and he says using it would have meant losing the memories he’s made since he came to Port Charles. He’d have no memories of his children, and he couldn’t make that sacrifice to learn about himself. Monica gets it, and thinks Drew made a good choice. What she doesn’t get, is why he’d hang onto it. He says he thought it was in a safe place. He wasn’t even thinking about it, but in the back of his mind, he thought maybe one day his memories could be replanted without him losing his recent ones. He never dreamed Shiloh would steal it, and plant his memories in someone else. Monica is glad Shiloh is locked away, but Drew says, it doesn’t do Franco and Elizabeth any good. They were just beginning their life, and it was ripped away. To make it even harder, Franco doesn’t realize what he lost. Elizabeth does.
Elizabeth tells Cameron that she has no idea where Franco is. Cameron asks if she wants him to talk to the boys, but she says, no. She wants them to know as little as possible. He asks, what if they read it on the internet, or hear it from their friends? She says she’s going to tell them Franco has a medical problem, and the doctors are working to solve it. Cameron asks how they can convince Franco he belongs there, if he doesn’t remember who they are? Cameron takes out his phone, and Elizabeth asks who he’s calling. He tells her, Sonny, but she asks him not to call. She says she appreciates that he wants to fix things for her and his brothers. Cameron tells her, Franco said he wouldn’t quit on their family, so they can’t quit on him, even if doesn’t know it.
Jason says the family didn’t know about Drew. He was given away to a woman named Betsey Frank, and Alan was never told he had twins. Their parents never knew, or he and Drew would have grown up with them, but that has nothing to do with him.
Willow tells Chase, Lulu was candid about what it’s like… Chase says, to put up with a cop? She says, no; to love one. She felt awkward, discussing it with Lulu, considering what happened with her and Dante, but Lulu wanted to talk. Chase takes it Lulu was illuminating. What did she learn? She says, nothing she didn’t know. Loving someone who puts their life on the line is difficult, sometimes terrifying. Like when he texted her that he was at the hospital, and she rushed there thinking he was hurt in the line of duty. She had a sudden surge of terror that she might lose him. He asks if it scared her off. Is his job too much for her? She says she’s right there, isn’t she?
Carly tells Sonny that if she’s learned anything after what happened to Drew, it’s that there’s no way to force someone to see the truth. Not at first. Sonny says, Franco will come to terms with it on his own, and seek help – if there is any. She says, what if there isn’t?Will Franco spend the rest of his life thinking he’s Drew? And are they supposed to treat him like a version of Drew? Do Elizabeth and the kids spend their lives with a stranger?
Hayden tells Finn that she thought it was the flu, not a serious contagion. Finn says it’s a flu strain, but he doesn’t know if it requires isolation. Until he figures it out, he needs to test everyone who was in close proximity of Sasha. Hayden asks, is it fatal? Could she have it and not know, and have passed it to someone else? He says he didn’t mean to alarm her. It’s mostly precaution. She seems fine. She has no symptoms, and minimal contact with Sasha. She says she’s been places that Sasha frequents; most recently, Windymere. She was there the night of the storm. Alcohol made her say a lot of things, but she doesn’t think it was the flu talking.
Drew tells Monica, even if Franco agreed to a reversal, it could seriously backfire. Andre made it clear that there could be put into a permanent coma. Monica says maybe Franco is better off living the rest of his life with Drew’s memories. He says, what about Elizabeth and the boys? They’re grieving a husband and stepfather. Franco is alive, but he’s dead to them. Monica says, as devastating as it is, there’s a silver lining. Drew loves the optimism, but isn’t sure he follows. Who would benefit from it besides Shiloh? She says, how about him?
Elizabeth tells Cameron that Franco truly loves them. If there’s an inkling of memory left somewhere, he’ll grab ahold of it, and ride it back to them. Cameron says Franco risked everything for him. He put it all on the line for him. The only way Cameron can repay him is to bring him back somehow. She says, remind him of the life he shared with them. No matter how Franco feels or doesn’t feel, it doesn’t change how they feel. They’ll go on believing in him, caring for him… Cameron says, and go on loving him, right? They hug.
Jason says his your name is Franco, and his wife’s name is Elizabeth. Franco says he’s never even met anyone named Franco, and he just met Elizabeth. If everything goes according to plan, he’ll never lay eyes on her again.
Willow tells Chase, Lulu said, Dante and Nathan were two of a kind. They were strong, and needed to make the world a better place. Lulu recognized that about Chase too. Chase says he’s honored to be in the same category. Willow guesses that’s why she relates so well to him. It’s why she became a teacher. Not that wrangling third graders compares. He says he’d rather do what he does. She’s seriously brave to face down eight-year-olds. He thinks teachers are heroes. One in particular inspired him to make a difference in becoming cop. Willow asks, who? and he says, his dad.
Franco says the solution for everyone’s problems is for him to just leave Port Charles. Jason asks if he’s sure he wants to do that, and Franco says, yes. Why? Is Jason going to try and stop him?
Carly asks how Sam is doing after her ordeal with Shiloh. Sam says there’s nothing like being locked in a nasty freezer to make you appreciate life. You think it’s your last breath, and appreciate life a lot more. Sonny says he had a reminder at his dad’s wedding. Sam apologizes, saying she forgot. Carly says it was so sweet. She especially enjoyed the minister. Sam thought it was in name only, and Carly says, he was a minister of convenience. Mike was having an episode, and thought Sonny was the pastor. Sonny says he started out with dearly beloved, they said their own vows, and professed their love. Then he and Carly decided to renew their vows.
Josslyn asks Dev, who is he? Dev says, Sonny’s cousin from Bridgeport. Josslyn wonders what a street kid from Turkey knows about literature, and Dev says he knows a lot of stuff. He picked it up from tourists. She says, a lot kids grow up on the street, but few of them turn in it into education. What makes him different?
Finn tells Hayden, if her contact was minimal, he has no reason to believe she’s infected. She asks if he thinks it’s okay to be around children, like Elizabeth’s kids. Finn thinks the more time she spends with Elizabeth and her family, the better. They’re going to need support until Franco comes home; assuming he’s coming home. Hayden says maybe there’s a brilliant doctor who’s not afraid to take risks. Finn says neurology isn’t his specialty. She says he saved her life, in more ways than one. Don’t sell himself short.
Cameron tells Elizabeth that he’s sorry it took all this for him to see the guy she saw all along. She says Josslyn is at the library with her cousin, and they’re going to Charlie’s afterward. Does he want to meet up with them? He says he’d like to stay there tonight, if it’s okay with her. She says, it’s more than okay.
Franco asks if Jason is still rich. Jason says he does okay. Franco says, give him some money. Float him a loan, and he’ll take the next bus out of town. Jason says how about if he finds Franco a room for tonight, and tomorrow, Jason can take him to some people who can help him. Franco says he doesn’t need a doctor or a shrink. He’s comfortable with who he is.
Chase tells Willow that his dad loved to teach, and he was good at it. He made his students come alive and want to learn. That’s how he inspired Chase to make a difference. His dad instilled it in him and Finn, and they each chose their way of making a difference. The problem is, you can’t always turn it off when it’s inconvenient. Willow says she’s beginning to understand.
Franco tells Jason, on second thought, keep his money. And as long as he’s stuck there, until he figures a way out, stay the hell away from him. Jason says, like it or not, he’s connected to a lot of people in this there. He can’t just disappear. Jason calls him Franco, and Franco says that’s the last time he’s going to let anyone call him that today. Chase watches.
Sam tells Carly and Sonny, it’s so exciting. Congratulations. She asks if it will be a church wedding, and says it probably depends on the season. And Avery can be the flower girl. Carly interrupts, saying they’re not that far, and Sonny says, it will be a simple, family celebration. Carly says, it’s not a wedding redo. They’ll speak their hearts surrounded by the people they love, including their newest family member. She touches her baby bump. Sonny says they’ll appreciate what they have with the people closest to them.
Dev tells Josslyn, the greatest treasure isn’t gold or diamonds, but education. His mom told him that. She had big plans for him. Josslyn says, she sounds like a good woman. He says he couldn’t let her down, so he decided to continue his education, whether or not it was in a classroom. Josslyn thinks she would be proud. She asks him to tell her more about his parents. There’s so much she doesn’t know. He says, there’s nothing to tell.
Drew tells Monica that he never imagined someone would be forced to end up with his past; especially someone he cares about. He can’t see a silver lining. Monica says he hasn’t thought it through. He doesn’t have to choose. He can keep the memories he has, and Franco can tells him about the man he used to be. Drew says Franco could fill him in at the expense of Elizabeth. Monica says, it’s Shiloh’s doing. She hopes it can be undone, but doesn’t he want to know more? She thinks she does. Drew says, the twin Alan didn’t claim, and she says, the twin he never knew existed. They missed out on Drew’s childhood, and his youth. It would be a chance to fill in the blanks. For the family too. The more they know about him, the closer they can become. Doesn’t he want that too?
Finn says he recalls he and Hayden saved each other. She says, he wins. He still reached out after she embarrassed herself at dinner. He could have just left her a message. He says she’s fun to tease. He’s not keeping score, and hopes she isn’t. He says he could never hate her. He was in love with her, and it hurt when she left, but he learned a long time ago that life is too short to keep grudges. Hayden is glad he told her what’s going on with her sister. She has to figure out how to get Elizabeth through this. Does he have a suggestion? He thinks she already knows what to do.
Elizabeth tells Cameron, go upstairs and get ready for bed; she’ll straighten up down there. He hesitates, but then goes. She looks at her ring, and flashes back to Franco in the jail, saying he’s down for more loving, cherishing, and honoring. He says, I love you, Elizabeth Imogene Webber. Till death do us part. Elizabeth wipes the tears from her cheeks.
Jason says he’s not going to fight Franco. Franco says if Jason calls him Franco one more time, he might not have a choice. Chase asks them if everything is okay. Franco says no one is talking to him. Chase calls him Franco, and Franco punches him in the face.
Sam says she assumes she and Jason will be invited, and Carly says they’ll be at the tippy top of the list. Sam says she can help, but she’s not good at that kind of thing. Sonny says they’re keeping it small. Sam says, good luck, and leaves. Sonny says if Carly wants a big, splashy wedding, he can rent a place, but she says she loves keeping it small. They could do it on the terrace. Sonny says that would make him happy, having it at home. When they’re apart, this is just a place to live in, but when they’re together, it’s a home. Because of her. She’s his whole life. Carly says, right back at him.
Josslyn tells Dev that she didn’t mean to offend or pry. He knows all about her family. She’s just curious to know more about his real family. He says she does. He’s a Corbin.
Elizabeth’s phone rings. It’s Finn, and she asks if he’s had any word about Franco. He was hoping she had some, but she says, nothing. He’s sorry. He wishes there was something he could do. For what it’s worth, he’ll talk to Monica, and tell her Elizabeth needs some time off. It’s a difficult situation, and she has the kids. It won’t do anyone any good if she runs herself into the ground. She says, good advice. She might take it. Her doorbell rings. I know we were all hoping for Franco, but it’s Hayden. She tells Elizabeth, don’t just stand there. Help her get settled. She’s moving in, and won’t take no for an answer. They hug. On the other end of the phone, Finn smiles.
Drew tells Monica, sorry. It strikes at his core. He knows exactly were Franco is; he’s been there himself. He can’t take advantage. Monica says, the memories are his, and Drew says, technically, they are, but Franco believes they’re his. Frankly, he doesn’t think Franco would share them if he asked. Monica tells him, think about it. Something good could come of this yet.
Jason tells Franco, settle, and Chase says he just hit a police officer. Franco asks how he was supposed to know that. Chase isn’t wearing a uniform. Jason tells Franco, do himself a favor – shut up. Chase says he’ll take it from there, and arrests Franco. He asks if Franco understands his rights.
On Monday, Julian tells Sam he was hoping to say a proper goodbye, Shiloh has information someone might find interesting, Scotty wants to see his son, and Lulu tells Olivia that Dante isn’t coming home.
War is like love; it always finds a way. – Bertolt Brecht
Never let a cat in. It’s really a person who’s reincarnated, and it will bring in all the bad Jews. – Sophie (Jennifer Coolidge), 2 Broke GIrls
Men are like floors. If you lay them right the first time, you can walk all over them for the rest of your life. – Kathy, s’Mothered
It’s discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit. – Noel Coward
Much of what was said did not matter, and that much of what mattered could not be said. – Katherine Boo
I love being a woman … But I wanted to have a man’s life in a woman’s body, and I did that very early on. I want every woman to have that. – Diane von Furstenberg, NY Post interview, Page Six
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. – Albert Einstein
I’m like Rumpelstiltskin. Everything I touch turns to gold. – delusional guest on Dr. Phil – just in case you’re not up on your fairytales, it was King Midas who turned everything to gold.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Unknown
💃 Sashaying Away…
Until there are dead to fear, the weekend is my oyster. Or at least a clam shell.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 