Tag Archives: Shannon Beador

July 31, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Drew Wants Justice, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Coming Soon, Latest In Dead, Crashing the Party, Animal Happenings, A Half Dozen Plus Two Quotes & First

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What I Watched Today

(Nada enchilada summer – condensed because life is short & summer should be fun)

General Hospital

Monday:

Nina pushed Drew’s wheelchair into the lake… with him in it.

Jack wanted to know how Valentin had the black box, and Valentin said, right place, right time. Jack flashed back to telling Nina that if Valentin found the box before they did, they were screwed. Jack asked what Valentin would want in return, and Valentin said, immediate access to all his accounts and his assets unfrozen.

When Britt saw Jason come into the hospital, she said he was home. He said he’d been let go, and she said she didn’t think she’d see him again. He asked if they could talk somewhere, and she cracked him across the face.

New Ethan met Ava at the pool for a drink, and she asked what he was after. He said the truth about her visit to Brook. Did she tell Brook anything about Phoebe’s father?

Gio sang to Phoebe, when Brook came into the solarium. He asked if things were good and she said everything was perfect.

Willow asked if she was under arrest, but Chase said the PCPD just wanted her to answer some questions. It was about her connection to Sidwell.

Nina freaked and grabbed her phone. She screamed Drew’s name and ran off.

Josslyn said Valentin had already been set free. Did he want to push it? He said he thought he was on a roll, and Jack said the box was stolen property and he didn’t have to negotiate. He just had to enforce the law. Valentin said, but then Jack and the WSB would have to explain how he’d gotten it. Could he imagine the fallout? A good time would not be had by all. Jack said he thought they could work something out.

Molly said she was subbing for Turner in questioning Willow, and Dante said he’d sent Chase to get her. He was trying to rebuild trust with Chase.

Willow said she barely knew Sidwell, and Chase said they were just being thorough and she’d had dealings with him as a congresswoman. She said she was in the middle of something important. Could he tell them that he couldn’t find her?

Brook thanked Gio for babysitting, and he said he loved it, and besides, Brook had set up a record contract for him. She said she’d just set up a meeting and Simon had agreed to a 90 day out in case he wanted to bail. He said that wouldn’t happen. He wasn’t changing his mind, but it meant a lot that she was looking out for him.

Britt brought Jason into an exam room, and he asked if there was a particular reason for the slap. She said, so she could treat him for an injury. He might have a concussion. He said, the slap wasn’t that hard, but she said it was the only way they could have privacy, since she was on probation at the hospital. She was in shock and sorry she’d slapped him. She’d been scared for him. He said it was nothing he couldn’t handle. The important thing was, he was home now for good. She hugged him.

Ava asked if Ethan was spying on her, but he said Tracy mentioned it when she’d invited him over for backgammon. The guy from the stables she normally played with wasn’t available. She’d said Ava dropped a gift by for Phoebe. Ava said she wasn’t entirely comfortable keeping Ethan’s secret and wanted to know more about Phoebe’s situation. He said it was for Phoebe’s protection. Her father was a really bad guy who couldn’t know she existed and the fewer people who knew, the better. She said she hadn’t said anything, but he said that didn’t mean she wouldn’t, right?

Gio told Brook that he wasn’t giving up the violin, but wanted to concentrate on playing guitar and singing. He had to pack since he was moving back in with Sonny tomorrow. She said he could stop by anytime, even to swim in the lake, and should grab one more swim before he left.

Valentin brought the box in, and Jack said he had to examine the contents, but in the meantime Josslyn would take him to start the process of unfreezing his accounts. Valentin left with Josslyn, and Jack opened the box.

Dante and Molly waited in the interrogation room, and Dante said he’d heard Molly was taking on Sidwell’s trials. Molly said Turner wanted her to focus on the Lucas Jones shooting first, and he said Boyle had been vague about the reason Sidwell and Willow were working together. She said if they could connect Sidwell’s illegal activities with a sitting congresswoman, it would strengthen her case. Turner believed Willow should be behind bars and maybe she was right.

Chase said he couldn’t lie for Willow, and she apologized. It wasn’t like she had anything to hide. He said she could say no, but it would raise suspicions, and she said they probably thought she was guilty. He said if he went back without her, they’d just send someone to her house later, and she left with him.

Jason told Britt that they’d pulled him out of his cell, cleaned him up, and put him on a plane back to Port Charles. He was only told the charges were dropped. She asked if he knew Cullum was dead, and he said Danny filled him in. He’d taken Danny on a road trip. She asked when he’d gotten back, and he said, about two weeks ago. She asked how long it took to send a text to her, but he said he wanted to do this in person. Was she mad? She said she’d let him know, and he asked how she was. She said it had been a nightmare, but some good came out of it. It turned out she wasn’t going to die. She didn’t have Huntington’s and never did. He hugged her.

Ethan asked why keeping his secret was hard for Ava, and she said because a baby was involved. She was afraid that Brook and Chase would lose Phoebe at some point. He said that wasn’t going to happen as long as Phoebe’s father stayed in the dark, and she said Brook was curious about the father and worried he’d come forward later and ask for money. Ethan said he was pretending to be the father, so that wouldn’t happen, but she said she didn’t think Brook was going to drop this. Brook asked if she knew who he was and she said she didn’t know, but she’d feel better if Ethan told her who the father was.

Dante thanked Chase for bringing Willow in, and Chase left. Molly said Boyle told them that Willow took multiple meetings with Sidwell and asked Willow to tell them about those.

Jack took out the folder about Drew, when his phone rang. He said, send her in, and Nina ran into his office. He told her that he just found the evidence against Drew, but she said it was too late. She’d just killed him.

Gio went to the boathouse, looked in the lake, and said, what the hell?

Jason asked if Britt had been misdiagnosed, but she said she’d just been manipulated for years. Cullum’s doctor told her and she believed it because of genetics. Then later, Cullum offered her a fake miracle drug to incentivize her working for him. Jason said she’d had a test when they were on the run, but she said Cullum had been keeping tabs on her, playing the long game, but she’d taken another test to be sure. She’d done a lot of terrible things to keep herself alive, and hurt a lot of people. Marco died trying to help her, then she found out it was all for nothing. What was she supposed to do with that?

Ethan said it was too dangerous to reveal the identity of Phoebe’s father, both for Phoebe and for Ava. Ava didn’t want to be on his radar. She wondered if he was really the father, but he said he and Delilah were just friends. She’d gotten involved with a scary guy and he helped her get away. She asked if the scary guy had known Delilah was pregnant, and Ethan said, yes, but once the adoption papers were signed, the adoption would be sealed and he’d never find her. It was what was best for Phoebe. Ava said she made up her mind.

Chase went home and told Brook that Anna was giving him a chance to make detective again. She wanted him and Dante to be partners as well, and they were both open to the idea. He also wanted Brook to know that Willow had been brought in for questioning, but it was unrelated to Jordan’s accident. He wanted to tell her because Dante gave him the opportunity to bring her in and he took it.

Molly said, according to Boyle, Willow and Sidwell met at each other’s homes, and Willow said they had busy schedules, so it was easier. Molly asked what the meetings were about, and Willow flashed back to telling Nina that Sidwell was providing the paralytic drug keeping Drew in check. She told Molly that it was mostly about how Sidwell’s company intersected with various public works in Port Charles. Molly asked if Sidwell ever tried to bribe her, but Willow said, of course (🍷) not. She hardly knew him. Had the councilman made a specific accusation against her? Molly said, no, and Willow told her that their time there was done.

Jack said, Nina pushed Drew’s wheelchair into the lake with him in it? and she said, of course (🍷) he was in it. Willow told her that Jack had given up on finding the black box and offered to get them out of the country. At the moment, she’d thought there was no hope and it was over and she snapped. They were on the dock and she’d released the chair brake. He spoke to her in that threateningly smug way he had, and she lost it. She regretted it as soon as it happened and was going to call 911, but he didn’t resurface. Jack said it wasn’t her fault, and she said he had to help her. Please.

Ava told Ethan it had been obvious Phoebe was where she belonged. In spite of her concerns, she’d stay silent. She believed he wanted the best for Phoebe. Their business was concluded and he’d never have to deal with her again. He told her, who said he wanted that?

Brook said she understood, but Chase said he realized he was involving himself in Willow’s life again and didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. Brook and Phoebe were his priority. She said she knew that and would never ask him not to be himself and help people, including Willow. He said, full disclosure. She should also know Willow had asked him to accompany her to DC for a conference on police reform, but he said he had to be there for her and Phoebe. Brook asked how Willow took it, and he said she understood and respected his decision.

Molly said they still had a few questions, and Willow said, then they’d have to schedule a meeting through her lawyer. She was there in good faith. It was too bad the same couldn’t be said for them. Turner had already falsely accused her of attempted murder and leaving the scene of an accident. Now they were trying to connect her to Sidwell, which was a huge reach. It was bordering on harassment. If they needed anything else, they could contact her through her lawyer. She left.

As they waited, Valentin said Jack must not know Josslyn’s part in his release, but Josslyn said he did. He hated Valentin, not her. He said her mother was worried about her, and she said she was worried about her mother. Being with him was a huge risk. He said he’d thought Josslyn was warming up to him and in part she’d had him released out of gratitude. After all, he had saved her life.

Jason said Britt had been lied to. None of what happened after that was her fault. She said she should have put the medication under a microscope. She would have seen it was only saline. He said she had no reason to believe the diagnosis wasn’t real, and she said he should hate her for dragging him into this mess. He was locked up in a hellhole and probably beaten up on the daily because of her. He said, because of Cullum, and she asked, why he didn’t tell her that he’d been protecting Rocco? He said, there wasn’t time and he’d had to keep it simple, and she thanked him for the sacrifice he’d made for Rocco. Rocco was pretty beaten up about it. He said he’d talked to Rocco and hoped his guilt had been eased a little, and she said Rocco came with her when she took off. He hadn’t wanted her to be alone. He said Rocco told him, and she said it was selfish of her to let him. She’d wanted to spend time with Rocco because she thought she was dying and wanted to protect him from Cullum. She guessed her motives were a little messy. He said she didn’t have to defend herself to him. She still wasn’t giving herself enough credit. She said he had a serious blind spot when it came to her, but he said he didn’t. He saw her for exactly who she was.

Ethan said he’d taken a bullet for Ava. The least she could do was have another drink with him. She said she’d waited on him hand and foot during his convalescence and had more than repaid her debt, and he said, then stay because he wanted her to and because she wanted to. She sat back down and said she supposed she could stay for one more drink.

Brook said Willow wasn’t the easiest subject, but Chase said, because Brook trusted him, it was. It was also necessary for their marriage. She said, and their family, and he said, both of which meant the world to him. She said her too, and they kissed.

Jason asked, what was the story with Britt’s brother? He heard her brother turned out to be Nathan’s twin. She said, he was Cassius… when a nurse came to the door and said a patient was waiting for delivery. Britt said it turned out Mr. Morgan didn’t need to be admitted and she’d be right there. The nurse left, and Britt told Jason, sorry. Babies had no respect for other people’s time. He asked her to text him when she was done, and she asked if he remembered what she said before the WSB whisked him away. He said she’d told him that she loved him, and she said she meant it. He said, that’s good. Because he loved her too. She smiled and left. (Collective sigh from the viewers.)

Josslyn said Valentin had saved her life. He’d managed to convince Z that Cullum was a double-agent. Z and his rescue team got to her just in time to get her to GH before she bled out on the loading dock. So yes, she was very grateful to him. But that didn’t mean her gratitude didn’t have limits, especially when it came to his relationship with her mother. Her phone chirped and she told him, congratulations. He was solvent again. His accounts were unfrozen and he was free to do whatever he was going to do next. She left.

Molly asked Dante for his take, and he said the fact that Willow stonewalled her raised more questions. Like, how often did they connect? When were they meeting? Molly said, and more importantly, what were they meeting about?

Jack and Nina ran down to the dock, and Jack said he’d get Drew’s body out of the water. He took off his jacket, and Nina pointed to where Drew went off, when Gio came running up. He asked if they were looking for Drew, and Nina said she’d gone to get some air and put him there, but when she came back, he was gone. Gio said he found Drew. He went for a swim and found Drew in the water. Nina said Drew couldn’t swim. He was paralyzed. Was Gio saying he was dead? Gio said, no, no, no. He was sorry. That wasn’t what he was saying at all. Drew was alive and he was okay.

Back home on the phone with Obrecht, Willow said she had to pick up the kids from camp and was going to do it herself, but she had an unexpected visit from the PCPD… Yes, again. If they questioned someone else, they might actually solve a crime… No. She hadn’t murdered anyone. Please tell Wiley and Amelia she’d be there soon. She thanked Obrecht and began to gather up her stuff, suddenly seeing a muddy footprint on the floor. She was about to examine it, when the door opened, and dripping wet Drew stood there.

Tuesday:

Drew said, hi, honey. I am home. (I’m so glad they didn’t miss the opportunity for him to say that.)

In his old kitchen, Sonny asked if Carly’s special friend was in the attic, but she said the moss bowl 🎍was right there she didn’t owe him an answer. Jason walked in, and Carly ran to hug him. Sonny told him, welcome home, and they hugged.

Isaiah held the baby, and Portia thanked him for being understanding at the hospital and giving Curtis his moment. Isaiah said he knew who Dez’s father was, and she said, Dez would know Isaiah and love him.

Josslyn saw Trina at the pool and suggested a cocktail, when Emma approached with drinks and asked if Josslyn wanted to join them.

Gio said Drew was struggling and he’d helped him get to shore. He was walking and talking. Jack asked where Drew was now.

Drew told Willow that this moment was all he’d been dreaming about for months.

Isaiah took photos of Portia with Desmond, and Portia left to change the baby. There was a knock at the door, and Isaiah assumed it was Curtis, but it was Marshall.

Carly asked why they’d let Jason go, but he said he had no idea. Nobody told him anything. Carly thought that was weird, but Sonny said he was just glad Jason was back. Jason said he was sorry he hadn’t checked in with them, but he’d needed to spend time with Danny. How’d Danny do while he was away? Carly said, he struggled. They all had. They had no information about him. Jason said he’d tried to answer Danny’s questions, but wasn’t sure how it went. Danny had a rough year because of the choices he’d made.

In the solarium, Charlotte welcomed Danny home, and he said he’d be living there with his dad now. Rocco came in and said he’d thought Danny and Scout left. Danny said they came back, and Scout said she’d be doing her swim training there and Danny would be living there again. Danny asked if Rocco was okay with that.

Josslyn told Emma that she had a job in an office. It was full-time, so no graduation for her. She was sorry she hadn’t been able to watch Trina do her thing, but Trina said it had been one more thing to stress about and she was glad it was done and over with. Emma asked where Josslyn was working, and Josslyn said, the WSB.

Gio told Jack that he’d wanted to call 911, but Drew kept saying he was fine. He offered to bring Drew to GH, but he said he had to see Willow, so he drove Drew to his house.

Willow asked how Drew got there… Where was her mother? What did he do to her? He said, nothing… yet. He wanted to come home and see his loving wife before he did anything else. Willow tried to talk, but he said he’d listened to her for so long and all he could do was sit there and blink like a desperate idiot. Now it was his turn, so blink all she wanted while she still could.

Jason said he thought he and Danny came to place of peace, but Danny was angry and had a right to be. Sonny said everyone knew what it cost Jason to be separated from his son, but Jason said Danny was a kid. He felt like his dad was always going to leave or put somebody else first. Sonny said, this time, the somebody was his grandson and he wouldn’t forget that. Carly said, you were protecting Rocco? and Jason said, Rocco shot Cullum.

Scout wondered what was going on, and Rocco explained that he and Danny had been fighting. Danny said he’d done something he shouldn’t have, especially to family, because he’d been freaked out about his dad. Rocco said he’d talked to Jason and it was over. He was good with Danny living there as long as Danny was cool with seeing him when he was there. Danny said he was cool, and Rocco asked, what about Charlotte? Charlotte said she just wanted them to stop being angry idiots and be friends again. She wasn’t mad at anybody. They should enjoy the rest of the summer. (Summer should be fun!)

Isaiah introduced himself, and Marshall said he was there to meet his grandson. He’d come straight from the airport. Portia came out and Marshall said she looked radiant and hugged her.

Willow took out her phone, and Drew told her to make sure she told 911 that she’d shot him in the back at close range twice. She asked if they could please talk, but he told her, put the phone down now. She set it on the table and said she had an explanation, but he said he’d listened to her try to justify her actions enough for a lifetime. He could understand why she’d snapped, but after he’d helped convince the jury she was innocent, she stabbed him in the neck, drugged him, and kept him a prisoner in his own body for months. Then today, her mother tried to drown him. She rolled his wheelchair off the dock after she got a phone call. Did she tell Nina to try and kill him? Willow’s phone rang, but he wouldn’t let her answer it. He saw it was Nina and said he’d like to tell her the good news that they were home alone together and he was so excited about what came next.

Jack asked, how long ago did Gio take Drew home? and Gio said, about an hour ago. Nina said Willow wasn’t picking up. They had to go. Jack told Gio, thanks, and he and Nina ran off.

Drew said, Nina didn’t even leave a message. Now where were they? Willow said, if he killed her, he’d be throwing the life away he just got back, and he said he knew, but he’d been imagining wrapping his hands around her neck and squeezing the life out of her for so long. But… no. He wasn’t going to kill her, but she was going to wish he did.

Drew said the hardest part for him had been not being able to tell Willow how stupid she sounded lying to herself and trying to justify her actions. (Now he knows how we all felt about him.) Did the woman he loved ever exist? She said he never loved her. He loved the person he was trying to mold her into. He said now he knew better. And the whole world would know what a conniving, heartless psychopath she was. He was going to tell Wiley and Amelia himself so they didn’t get confused. She said he didn’t need to hurt them to hurt her, but he said it would hurt so much more if he did. Could she imagine Michael’s reaction to her being in prison for life? He’d get full custody and make sure her kids didn’t remember they ever even had a mother.

Josslyn told Trina and Emma that she was no longer undercover and worked in the office. She thought she could do good as an agent, but sometimes the means to those ends were awful and she’d hated lying to them. She was on assignment when she’d stolen that internship from Emma. Emma said she didn’t care about that. Did Josslyn know what was happening with her grandmother? Josslyn said she was trying to find out what Director Cullum knew about Anna, and Emma asked if Josslyn was on Spoon Island when he died, but Josslyn told her that she wasn’t at liberty to say. Emma asked if her grandmother knew Josslyn was WSB.

Carly said she knew Jason was covering for someone, but would have never guessed it was Rocco. Jason said Rocco followed Britt to the pier and when he got there, Britt was on the ground unconscious and Cullum was about to kill her. He fought with Cullum and Cullum lost his gun. Cullum pulled out a steel baton and was about to crack his head open, when he heard the gunshot. Cullum fell to the ground and Rocco was there with Cullum’s gun in complete shock. There was no time, so he told Nathan, or Cassius, to get Rocco out of there now, and they got out. Not knowing how to handle a gun, Rocco had hurt himself, so he replicated the same injury on himself to cover up Rocco’s blood on the gun. Britt started to come to and Dante was almost there, so he told her to tell Dante that he was the one who shot Cullum. He thought him protecting Rocco was what hurt Danny the most.

Charlotte suggested going to see a DJ at Rice Plaza, and Rocco asked Scout about her swimming. Scout explained it was to raise money for breast cancer research, and Charlotte asked if that was why she’d swum to Egret Island. Scout said, it was, but she’d checked out the island another time. It didn’t seem like anyone went there and there was a lot of wildlife. Danny suggested taking the speedboat there and building a bonfire on the beach, but Rocco said it was a terrible idea.

Willow said she wasn’t losing her children again, but Drew said she’d done this to herself. He was going to give her everything and she tried to murder him. He swiped some things off the table, and Willow squealed. Drew said she didn’t stand a chance against him, but she said he’d had a lot of physical activity today. Was he sure he had the strength to fight her off? He said, let’s find out, Nina ran in with Jack, who had his gun drawn.

Marshall fussed over Desmond and said it took him back to when Curtis was a baby. He had that same frown. He’d missed a lot of Curtis’s life, but wasn’t going to do that with Desmond. He was going to watch him grow up into a fine man just like his dad.

Rocco said if they built a bonfire, someone would notice and call Harbor Patrol, but Charlotte said they could still go. Scout suggested they just hang out at the Qs tonight and go tomorrow, but Danny said he’d rather go now. Unless Rocco was going to tell on them. Rocco said telling on people was Danny’s thing, not his, and Charlotte and Danny left.

Jason told Carly and Sonny that he’d told Danny the truth. He couldn’t let the WSB take Rocco and he was glad he was the one in that cell. They’d done everything they could to keep him disoriented and off-balance, and he hadn’t even known where he was until he was released. He’d spent a lot of time in isolation. Carly hugged him and said they were just glad he was back where he belonged. They missed him. Sonny said, a lot happened, and Jason said he heard Sidwell was in jail. Charges gonna stick? Sonny said, definitely. He and Laura made sure of that.

Josslyn told Emma that Anna knew she was WSB, but couldn’t say anything because she was still undercover, and Emma said Josslyn was an idiot for joining the WSB. Her grandmother was the strongest person she’d ever met and the WSB almost broke her. She hadn’t been tethered to reality at all. The WSB took people, drained them of everything they had, and then dumped them. Why would Josslyn want that for herself? Josslyn said she got why Emma felt that way, and Emma asked if Trina would like to weigh in. Trina said she was worried about Josslyn, but loved and believed in her. It was her decision and her choice. Josslyn’s phone rang and she left to take the call. Emma said Trina couldn’t possibly be okay with this.

Willow ran to Nina, and Drew said Gio knew he didn’t drown, but Nina said no one would care how he died. They’d just be thrilled he was gone. She told Jack, shoot him, but Jack said it wasn’t necessary now that they had a way to control him. Drew said there was no way they were going to drug him again, but Jack said he had something better. Evidence that Drew misappropriated federal funds allocated to the McConkey Esplanade to fund his campaign, which was a federal offense. He also had proof Drew bribed a nurse at the German burn clinic to keep Willow from Michael. When her former in-laws found out, he bet they wouldn’t be pleased. And he had proof that Drew bribed the judge who later turned up dead. Drew said that wasn’t him, but Jack said he didn’t care and neither would anyone else once they heard all this. By the time Drew got out of prison, he’d be a pariah. Drew said turn him in. It would be worth it to take them all down with him.

Scout said it was a dumb idea to go to the island and Charlotte and Danny ganging up on Rocco was super annoying. She was about to show Rocco the route to the island, when he saw her list of sponsors and said Monica would be really proud of her. She said she was also doing it for her dad. He’d taught her how to swim. Being stuck in that chair had to be a nightmare for him. It was for her.

Jack said the evidence was airtight, but Drew said a white collar crime was nothing in comparison to what they’d be facing. He’d get a few years, while they’d be locked up for life. Jack said Drew should have read the congressional fine print a little more carefully. Each count could carry up to 20 years and there were several. Willow said Scout would grow up with Alexis and when she found out he was going to prison, the light in her eyes would just go out and her spirit would die. He’d probably see it when she visited him in prison until it and she faded away forever. Nina said, and this part was mostly a gift for her. Please let her see Tracy’s face when she found out he was going to prison. And Michael would have a field day. Willow said, but none of that had to happen. Scout didn’t need to lose her father. Wiley and Amelia could keep their mother and they didn’t have to destroy each other. They could decide right now to just walk away.

Sonny told Jason about how he’d saved Turner from Sidwell. The case against him was strong and Sidwell would go away for a long time. Jason said it seemed strange that Sidwell would grab Turner as a hostage, but Sonny said she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carly said maybe the DA’s office would stop assuming he was behind all crime in Port Charles, and Sonny said it would be kind of nice to have a friend in the DA’s office.

Trina told Emma that she didn’t love Josslyn lying about the WSB, but she got why. Maybe now things would be better. Gio came in and said they weren’t going to believe this. Drew was talking and walking.

Drew asked what was on the table, and Jack said it was Willow’s show. Willow said, what happened before is forgotten and never spoken about again. He could announce his recovery however he wanted and they’d get an immediate divorce. Drew asked what it was going to cost him, but she said, nothing. He could keep his house and his money. All she wanted was him out of her life. Nina said, one more thing. He was to leave Willow’s political career alone and not run for office to get his seat back. His days in congress were done. Jack said he’d release the evidence at a moment’s notice, so Drew would do well to remember what was at stake. Willow asked if they had a deal.

Marshall asked if Isaiah was living there, but Portia said he was staying there to help out. He had a place of his own. She just wanted to warn him that things were a little bit tough between her and Curtis right now, but they were putting the animosity to the side for the sake of Dez. Marhsall said he hoped so. Dez deserved the best they had. Isaiah came back and said Dez was out like a light, and Marshall said he should push on. He and Portia hugged and she thanked him for coming. Isaiah said it was nice to meet him and he hoped they got to know each other better in the future. He held out his hand, and Marshall said let him be straight. His loyalty would always lie with his son, but he was willing to take Isaiah on his own terms. They shook hands, and Marshall said Isaiah made Portia happy which was good for his grandson. There could never be too much love in a child’s life. Maybe after the trial, they could all move on. Portia said she thought that would depend on the outcome of the trial.

At the boathouse, Danny said he and Charlotte had gotten back. No cops. No trouble. Charlotte said he had to admit, not building a bonfire was a good call on Rocco’s part, and Danny said Rocco was just mad at him for telling Brennan that he’d shot Cullum. He didn’t want to cause trouble between her and Rocco. She said Rocco was doing that, not him. Their dads were free, Cullum was gone, and the WSB never wanted to talk about any of this again. It was finally over and if Rocco was still mad, that was a Rocco problem.

Emma said Drew was incredibly lucky that Gio found him. He would have drowned otherwise. Gio said he didn’t know how much longer Drew could have held onto the dock. He was too weak to pull himself out of the water. Trina said, so he was walking around and talking? and Gio said it was amazing. Emma toasted, to Gio, who doesn’t know the meaning of the words off duty. Around the corner on the phone, Josslyn said she needed to make a secure phone call to the Berlin office.

Carly told Jason that Josslyn refused to leave the WSB, but at least she wasn’t undercover, and Jason said, small victories, right? Sonny said he didn’t know if Jason had heard, but Valentin was a free man. He and Carly were in front of GH talking. He pulled up and she beelined toward Valentin and started kissing him. They were kissing. Carly asked if they couldn’t save this fight for another night. Jason was home, they’d all been through hell, it was over, and the three of them were together. Jason said he was good with that, and Sonny said him too. (Everyone was all happy, but you now it won’t be for long.)

Drew said they had a deal, and Willow said her lawyer would deliver the divorce papers. She expected them to be signed and returned without delay. Drew said, fine. He didn’t want to be married to her one more second than he needed to be. She laughed and said the feeling was mutual, and he said the only way she was getting away with this was because she had the WSB on her side. He knew them and she had a double cross in her future. It was only a matter of time. Now all of them get out of his house. Jack and Nina left, but Willow stopped at the door, turned, took her ring off, and mic dropped it on the floor. She said, ah, the sound of freedom, and left. Drew said, enjoy it while it lasts, you treacherous bitch, and the cheese stood alone.

Wednesday:

Jason was back at the Quartermaines, and Olivia wanted to create a welcome home celebration. Ned told him that there had been significant damage to the hull in the speedboat, and Tracy said, here comes the prime suspect, when Danny walked in.

Ava woke up next to Ethan.

Nina went to see Jack and said she wasn’t sure if he’d see her after she’d almost made him an accessory to murder.

Trina met Kai at the pool, and he asked what was wrong. She said it was Drew. He was back on his feet again and she thought everything was about to change.

Alexis told Molly that they’d postpone her book launch party. Right now, she just wanted Molly to make an airtight case against Sidwell. Molly said she planned to, and Alexis said the system didn’t work unless people were held accountable and the guilty were brought to justice. She opened the door and Willow was there.

At the hospital, Felicia asked about Drew’s communication devices, and Elizabeth said she thought she’d finally convinced Willow that it would be good for Drew. Felicia said something told her that he wouldn’t need it anymore, and Drew walked in with Martin.

Ethan woke up, and Ava told him that he should get checked for sleep apnea… like now, today. He said he’d be more quiet this time.

Nina wondered what it said about her that she’d pushed a paralyzed man into a lake, and Jack told her that it said there really was nothing she wouldn’t do for her daughter.

Trina said Gio claimed Drew could walk and talk after he’d pulled Drew from the water, and Kai wondered how he got in the water in the first place. She said, he wouldn’t go to the hospital. He’d just wanted Gio to take him home so he could speak to his wife. Kai said, maybe because she was the one who tried to drown him.

Felicia was surprised Drew could walk, and Elizabeth asked how it was possible. Drew said he suddenly realized he could talk and he figured maybe he could stand. Elizabeth said it was miraculous, and Drew said he thought maybe a neurologist could give him some insights. Felicia said she’d take him and left with Drew. Elizabeth asked if Drew said anything else about what happened, but Martin said all he knew was he’d woken up to the sound of Drew’s voice on his phone. He ran over and found Drew in the doorway leaning on his cane. Elizabeth wondered where Willow was.

Alexis said Scout was at swim practice, but Willow said she needed a lawyer. She and Drew were getting a divorce. As of last night, Drew was no longer locked in.

Danny said he’d taken the boat out to Egret Island just for fun, and may have grazed a sandbar, but he didn’t think he’d done any damage. Tracy said the entire hull had to be repainted, and Jason said Danny would pay for it out of his wages. He was getting his job back at the pool, if it was okay with Olivia. Olivia said she’d garnish his wages herself, when Gio came in. He said it would liven things up having Danny back at the pool, but after the whole Drew thing, he’d had enough excitement. Michael asked, what happened with Drew? and Gio said he found Drew in the lake and had to pull him out of the water. Tracy asked if he was dead, but Gio said, no. He’d saved him. Tracy gave a disappointed, oh, but Ned said he’d done the right thing. Gio said, the craziest part was, Drew was walking and talking. It was like he was good as new.

Ethan ordered room service, when Ava took the phone from him. He said he was paying, but she said she didn’t have time for breakfast. He said he’d wanted to enjoy each other’s company a little longer, but he could see she couldn’t get away from him fast enough.

Michael took off, and Gio asked if they were upset that he’d saved Drew, but Olivia said, no. Jason asked how Drew ended up in the water, but Gio said he didn’t know. He wouldn’t say. He’d tried to get Drew to go to the hospital, but he just wanted to go home. Tracy said, at least Gio got Drew off the property. Now that he was mobile – and worse, audible – his lifetime ban from the property was back in effect.

Martin said he didn’t think Willow was at the house, and Elizabeth wondered if she knew what was going on. He said she definitely did. According to Drew, they had quite the reunion.

Nina said it wasn’t premeditated, and Jack said he believed her. She said Drew knew she was upset and chose that moment to reveal he could speak. She knew he was about to tear Willow’s life apart and she snapped. She was the only person between her daughter and Drew. She had to protect Willow, so she just pushed him off the dock. Jack said she was provoked, but she said Drew provoked everyone. She was just upset that she fell for it. He said if there was anyone to blame for this, it was him.

Molly wondered how Drew recovered so suddenly, and Willow said she didn’t think even Drew knew, but a small percentage of people did recover. They’d had their first real discussion in months and agreed they no longer wanted to be married. He could keep the house and she didn’t want alimony. She just wanted to make sure her interests were protected. Alexis said she couldn’t represent Willow. She’d represented her in the custody agreement under the proviso she’d have access to her granddaughter. Molly said, now Drew could speak for himself, and Alexis said they didn’t want to alienate him. Willow said she was sorry it couldn’t work out and left.

In the elevator, Felicia said she’d be in touch with Drew about occupational therapy, and he thanked her. She and the hospital staff had gone above and beyond. She said she was sure it was nothing compared to the help he got at home. Willow was the real hero. He said he was very aware of everything Willow had done. Now they just had to find the best way to thank her. They got out, and Drew told Martin that they had another stop to make. This time, Martin wouldn’t just be driving him. He’d explain on the way. They left, and Elizabeth said, Drew just made this miraculous recovery. Where was his wife?

Gio said he was still mad about what Drew did to Ned, but even so, he thought Tracy should consider giving Drew a second chance. Maybe being locked in had changed him. Olivia said, even Vegas wasn’t taking those odds, and Tracy said there was no force on earth that could change that man for the better. Jason said there used to be a good side to Drew, but after everything he’d done to the family, especially Michael… He wanted the kids to see each other, but Drew shouldn’t have unlimited access to the house. Keep him away, if only for the peace of the family. Tracy said Drew tried to steal this house, not just from her, but from all of them, mostly her. He’d tried to steal or destroy the very cornerstones of their lives and when it came to Michael’s marriage, he’d succeeded at both. Gio said he just felt bad for Scout, and Tracy said Scout was welcome there anytime. Gio said, but Drew was her dad. They were all about family and Drew was technically… They all said, no! in unison, and Ned said Gio was the kind of person they should all aspire to be. Tracy said, but they were who they were and Drew on this property wasn’t happening.

Elizabeth told Felicia that Willow definitely knew about Drew’s recovery. She was at her office calling divorce lawyers. Didn’t it seem a little sudden to Felicia? Felicia said, maybe, and Elizabeth said, they’d seemed so devoted to each other. Felicia said, maybe they were and now they weren’t, but Drew had come there as a patient. Maybe they should just let his personal life lie.

Trina told Kai that they didn’t know if Willow tried to drown Drew, but they did know she shot him. Kai said being around a body of water with no witnesses gave Willow the opportunity to finish what she’d started. But if she did push him in, why wouldn’t he go straight to the police? She said, when he could blackmail her? That was totally his M.O. If she did try to drown him, he’d hold it over her head forever. Kai wondered what Drew would want from her, but Trina said, who cares? Drew had recovered and they could finally put this whole twisted situation behind them.

Alexis said, for all they knew, Willow was planning on divorce, but waited until Drew recovered, and Molly said there would be less political blowback for her. A year ago, it would have seemed to mercenary for Willow, but she wasn’t shy about holding Scout over their heads. Alexis said if she had to deal with Drew or Willow, she’d pick Willow any day.

Michael walked into Willow’s office and said he’d heard Drew was mobile again. She said he was, and he said he was tearing apart their custody agreement and taking the kids full time. There was no way in hell he was letting his children near Drew. She said it wouldn’t be necessary. He’d been right about Drew. He had no business being near Wiley and Amelia. That was one of the many reasons they were ending their marriage. He said he was glad she’d finally come to her senses, and she said now that Drew was out of her life, she was sure he’d have no problem adjusting the terms of their custody agreement.

Ava said she didn’t know what she was getting with Ethan. On one hand, he’d taken a bullet for her and gone to extraordinary lengths to protect Phoebe. But at the same time, he was always looking for an angle he could take advantage of. He said, if it unsettled her, it was because she was the same, and she said that was why she was trying to figure out what he had to gain by sleeping with her.

Jack said he was the one who initially suggested Nina kill Drew. Perhaps she’d heard his voice in the back of her head. She said, as much as she’d like to blame someone else, this decision was hers. Even though Drew deserved it, she was grateful she hadn’t killed him. And she was grateful for Jack. He hadn’t shamed or interrogated her. His first instinct was to clean up her mess, no questions asked. He said the Bureau had protocols in place to dispose of an inconvenience, and she said, so it was just another day at the office. He said the job did have its perks, and she asked why he was helping her this much. He said he supposed he was helping her because of Willow.

Tracy said she made a decision for the people who lived on this property and Scout wasn’t one of them. She could still train there, just without Drew. She didn’t see why it was a problem. Gio said it could just be about supporting Scout, and Tracy asked what Danny had to say. She wanted to know what was bothering him. Danny said maybe it made him a bad Quartermaine, but he didn’t think she should ban Drew.

Alexis told Molly that it was lucky Jason came back and took Danny to live at the Quartermaines. Drew might be more amenable to Scout coming there. Molly said, maybe the experience had mellowed Drew out a little, when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to Drew and Martin, and Drew asked if Scout was there, but Alexis said she was at practice. Drew said he’d wait, and Alexis said he was more than welcome. They’d just been told about his recovery. It was miraculous. He asked who told them, and Molly said, Willow just stopped by. Drew said Martin was acting as his attorney in case they caused a fuss, and Alexis said, about what? He said, Scout obviously. He was taking her home today.

Felicia told Elizabeth that she was going to miss Maxie and the family, but she thought it was the right move after everything that happened with Nathan’s brother. Elizabeth said, for what it was worth (🍷), she knew what it was like to be a mom with a child traveling abroad, and Felicia asked how Jake was doing. Elizabeth said he was great, and Felicia asked if she had any advice. Elizabeth said, video calls are a godsend. Never underestimate the power of a good care package. And if distance becomes a problem, remember they wouldn’t have made this huge move unless they were certain it was going to make their lives better. Felicia thanked her and left.

Jack told Nina that Congresswoman Cain had helped secure millions in funding for the WSB. It would be in their best interest keep her happy. Nina said she never thought about it that way, and he said that was how he justified his actions to the higher ups. As for his personal motives, disclosing those wouldn’t be good for his career. She asked what those motives would be, and he said Nina had saved his life and he was a man who repaid his debts.

Trina told Kai that Drew was up and walking. He could do or say whatever he wanted, so now their obligation of protecting him from Willow was over and done with. Kai asked, what about what they knew? and she said the only person who knew what they knew was Alexis, and she couldn’t say anything. So write his letter of resignation, submit it to Willow’s office, and they could say peace out to this whole mess. He said he’d love to wash his hands of it, but there were two innocent kids stuck with those two terrible people. They had to be the ones to protect them.

Drew asked Martin to tell them, and Martin said when Willow allowed Scout to stay there, she did it against Drew’s explicit wishes and making it worse, was Danny being allowed to stay there. He was sorry, but it was in direct violation of the restraining order. Drew said every boundary that he’d set for Scout was broken by Alexis. As such, he was never letting her anywhere near Scout again. Alexis said the terms had been clear. If she got Willow acquitted, she and her daughters would have access to Scout, and she kept her end of the bargain. Drew said he and Willow were no longer together, so anything Alexis had done for his soon to be ex-wife no longer carried any weight with him. Alexis asked, what about what she’d done for his daughter?

Willow said she’d been thinking 50/50, but Michael said they’d agreed 60/40 and it wasn’t changing. Unless she wanted to take her chances in court. She said maybe she would. The judge would look at her and see a woman who stayed by her incapacitated husband… He said, and dropped him the second he could walk and talk again. It would probably raise a few questions. She said not about her fitness as a parent. And what had she done lately? He said, that depended. After she shot her husband or after she tried to drown him? She said she’d been ably representing her district and his in the House of Representatives. Then the judge would look at him. He said, a successful businessman that provided a stable home for his children, while their mother knowingly immersed herself an admittedly toxic marriage. She said, a spoiled guy born into money with a prior conviction for killing a defenseless woman. A criminally questionable father and a hooker for a girlfriend. She had to say, she really liked her chances.

Ava wondered if Ethan was making sure she’d keep her mouth shut about Phoebe, but he said if he didn’t trust her, last night wouldn’t have happened. She asked if Sonny didn’t have something to do with this, but he said Sonny didn’t know anything about this and he preferred it to stay that way. She said, then what was his angle? and he said he did have an ulterior motive, two actually. One, she was beautiful, and two, he liked her. She asked, why? She’d been consistently mean to him on purpose. He said he thought she was flirting. She could slap him or throw a drink in his face, and he’d survive, but not knowing would be tougher. Was she sure she wasn’t hungry? She said she guessed she was a little puckish. Eggs, soft scrambled, avocado toast, please. He said, coming right up.

Nina said, so Jack was willing to call in a clean up team to cover up the murder she’d just committed so they could be even, but he said, actually, the opposite. He wanted her to know that when he asked her to dinner, it wasn’t because he owed her. She wondered if he was asking her out on a date, and he said he was asking her to dinner. She said she didn’t know, and he asked if that was a no, but she told him that she hadn’t said that. He said if she wanted to accept his invitation, but didn’t want to admit it, he could always blackmail her into a yes, but she said she’d been blackmailed enough for one lifetime. This time, she’d rather be on equal footing. He pulled her to him, and they kissed.

Michael said Drew was obsessed with Willow. She’d left him at the altar and he still wouldn’t let her go. Now she was trying to tell him that the second Drew was out of that chair, he’d agreed to a divorce. She said, it was a mutual decision, and he said take him to court. He’d love to have Drew depose so he could explain exactly why he was so willing to walk away from their marriage. She said, 50/50 was the best he was going to get, and he said they’d see about that. He left, and she picked up a photo of the kids and said, you see that? Mommy won and there is not a thing your father can do about it.

Trina told Kai that she wanted to say Wiley and Amelia weren’t their concern, but Drew and Willow were so… Kai said, toxic, and she told him that she was going to say psychotic, but that worked too. He said it wouldn’t take much for those two to get into a tit for tat fight and he didn’t want the kids trapped between them, and she said, if Michael knew all the facts, maybe they could get the kids out of the situation. What if they told Michael for a fact that they knew Willow shot Drew?

Tracy said before Drew became indistinguishable from a piece of furniture, he went out of his way to keep Danny’s sister away from him and the rest of the family. She didn’t understand. Why was he taking Drew’s side? Danny said he wasn’t. He was taking Scout’s side. If he came between her and her dad, he was no better than Drew was. She said, he could burn down an orphanage and be better than Drew, and he said he just got his dad back. So did Scout. So for her sake, he thought they should at least try tolerating Drew. She said Danny wasn’t the one Drew framed on one of his little visits there, and he said maybe Drew would do something terrible again, but he wouldn’t let Scout come there without him. Jason said if it was up to him, he’d never see that guy again, and Tracy said he had that choice, but Jason said, not really. He couldn’t stop Drew from seeing Scout while she was there, then turn around and ask if Scout and Danny could see each other. She said, between Danny and Drew, there was a universe of difference, and Jason said he knew, but he had to make the first gesture as a father, not just a Quartermaine. Tracy said the problem with that gesture was that he was asking all of them to support it and it’s repercussions, and Jason said he knew. With difficulty, Tracy said, all right. What if Drew was welcome there only when he was with Scout and she kept him on a literal leash? (I’d pay to see that.) Ned said he didn’t know how Drew would feel about the leash part, but he liked it, and Danny said he thought it was great. He and Tracy hugged.

Alexis said, another man, a decent man, would be grateful to the people who loved and cared for his child when he couldn’t. But not Drew. He was as spiteful and arrogant as ever. Drew said she might want to watch her tone, but she told him to watch his damn tone. This was her house. He’d had all this time to think about what he could do with his life now and what kind of person he could be now. He said that was all he thought about, and she said, and this was the conclusion he came to? To use his own daughter as a weapon to hurt people who love and care about her. He hadn’t learned anything. Just like before, he was going to keep pushing and pushing until someone else took a shot at him. He asked if that was a threat, but she said it didn’t have to be her. It wouldn’t be her. She could just sit back and wait for somebody less patient to take a shot at him. And given his winning personality, it was just a matter of time. They’ll just keep trying until they finish the job, and they will. Scout walked in and ran to Drew, crying. They hugged, and she said, dad. Drew said he wanted her to know that they’d never be separated again.

Thursday:

Ava and Ethan lounged at the pool, when Chase and Brook came in. Ethan said, if it wasn’t for them, he and Ava wouldn’t be together. Chase asked if Brook didn’t want to meet Michael somewhere else, but she said they could discuss Deception business anywhere. Besides, she was following his lead in putting him and Phoebe first.

Stella had tea with Tracy at the mansion, and Tracy told her about Maxie moving to Australia. She’d sold her shares in Deception to Michael, who’d formed an alliance with Brook. She and Brook were supposed to be a team. She’d only gotten involved with Deception because of Brook. Torturing Lucy Coe was just a perk.

Felicia met Lucy at the MetroCourt Gardens and apologized for being late. She’d been on the phone with Maxie. Lucy said she was still upset with Maxie, but asked how she was, and Felicia said, good. It sounded like moving was the best decision they could make. Lucy said that was peachy keen lovely for Maxie. She was stuck there with a mess of Maxie’s making.

Isaiah told Tristan that he’d be gone for at least a week, but Stella would answer any questions he had. Tristan left, and Britt asked if Isaiah was going on vacation, but he said he was going to court to testify against Curtis Ashford.

Trina told Curtis that Portia was napping, and he said he wanted to spend as much time with his son and daughter as possible. She asked if he meant before the trial, and he said, in general, but yeah. The doorbell rang, and he said he was expecting his backup. Go see for herself. She answered to the door to Marshall and they hugged.

Peter asked how much evidence Anna needed. It was plain as day Cassius and Britt were responsible for what happened to her. She said she knew, but had to be certain, and he said she was. They were Faisons through and through. And like their father, they would never stop coming for her. There was a knock at the door and Anna opened it to Jason.

Felicia said she was sorry if Maxie put Lucy in a bind, but Lucy said she couldn’t stay mad at Maxie for very long. Besides, it must be hard on Felicia. Felicia said it was, but she and Mac were planning lots of visits. Lucy said that kind of made her feel worse about this. Felicia was missing her daughter, and something Lucy had dreamed about for so long was finally coming to fruition. Felicia asked what it was, and Lucy said she’d show Felicia instead of telling her. Ta-da! Serina came in and Lucy hugged her. Serina said she was glad to be home.

Stella said Tracy still held plenty of shares in Deception and Michael was family. It would be different if they’d sided against her with Lucy, but they didn’t. This way, the Quartermaines retained the upper hand. Tracy said she supposed so, but she didn’t invite Stella there to dump her problems on her. They were celebrating Stella’s promotion to hospital administrator and the birth of her beautiful grandnephew. She asked Stella what was wrong.

 Curtis held the baby, and Marshall said, hello, little man. (And he is little. I’m pretty sure he was born on set.) Marshall asked how Dez was doing, and Curtis said, excellent. Marshall said, eating? Sleeping? Curtis said, yes to the first. When he feels like it to the second. Which was why his mom was upstairs sleeping. Marshall asked if Trina had signed her deal yet, and Trina said she was officially a signed recording artist with Gio. Marshall congratulated her and said he was proud, and Curtis said so was he. Marshall said noise cancelling headphones were his number one tip for being on the road, but she said she wasn’t on tour yet. He said she would be. It was in their blood. It was their family gift. He played the clarinet; she had the voice. Curtis wondered what Dez’s gift would be.

Ava asked if Ethan wasn’t jumping the gun by saying they were together, and he said he wanted her to know last night wasn’t just a fling for him. He hated the word, but felt a real connection between them. He was willing to explore it if she was.

Michael met Brook and said he’d been with Willow, and Brook said, what now? He said Drew had recovered. He was walking, talking, and wasting no time. He and Willow were getting divorced.

Jason said it was good to see Anna, and she said him too. She invited him in and said she’d been lost in work. She was playing catch-up and imagined he was doing the same. He said, actually, he’d been focused on his family. He’d taken Danny away for a little while and hadn’t thought about much else. She said she was glad. He had a lot of time to make up, as did she. She’d just learned the WSB had him in custody and was sorry for what happened to him. He told her that he was about to say the same thing. It seemed like they’d both been through a lot.

Felicia hugged Serina, and Lucy said her beautiful baby was all grown up. Felicia said, last she heard, Serina was off changing the world with her environmental pursuits, and Serina said it never felt like enough. Felicia asked if saving the whales wasn’t her passion, and Serina said it was, but she’d learned it was more paperwork than actual saving. She was a little burnt out and needed a break, when her mom called and suggested a visit. So here she was. Lucy said she thought Port Charles was exactly what Serina needed.

Brook asked why Michael thought the divorce would take, and he said, trust him. They were done. That meant Willow was free to take a shot at Chase. Brook said her husband had free will. Willow didn’t call all the shots and would get her claws into Chase over her cold, dead body.

Ava told Ethan that she supposed a connection wouldn’t be so terrible, but she was surprised. The Ethan she’d met months ago didn’t seem very interested in a relationship. Ethan said he wasn’t, but that changed. She asked, what brought about this change? and he said she did.

Stella told Tracy that she loved her nephew, but Isaiah was her colleague. He was a brilliant surgeon and a compassionate physician. The man she knew bore no resemblance to the one Curtis was describing. Tracy said Curtis was resolute that Isaiah knew about his and Jordan’s accident and left the scene without helping. Did he have any evidence to back it up? Stella said he thought he did, but it was all flimsy to her and apparently to the PCPD and District Attorney as well. Portia was going to testify to Curtis assaulting Isaiah and her account could put Curtis in prison. It was a worry, and her instinct was for Curtis to cut his losses and take the plea deal, but he was determined to fight it out. Tracy said Stella would just have to support him, but Stella said she didn’t know if she could.

Isaiah told Britt that the last thing he and Portia should be looking at was a trial. They should be soaking up every newborn Desmond minute. Britt said she was surprised Curtis didn’t work out a plea, and Isaiah said, he was offered one. He turned it down. Now Portia had to suffer the witness stand – again. She asked how Isaiah was doing, and he said it was all starting to get to him. He was sick of walking on eggshells around that guy. That’s why it was his goal to nail Curtis to the wall in court. She said if he came off this aggressively in court, Curtis was going to walk.

Anna asked how bad it was, but Jason said nothing he couldn’t handle. He was in a cell. No communication, no way of knowing what time of day it was. She said, white torture, and he said at least he knew what was happening. He would focus on a clear line from one situation to the next. Britt, Sidwell, Cullum, the pier, Danny, the WSB taking him. He would do this with different times in his life and was able to not lose his sanity. He guessed that’s why he was able to hold onto it. Anna said she certainly didn’t.

Ava said Ethan made her sound powerful, inspiring change in him, and he said he could tell her the exact moment. When she’d decided to leave Phoebe with Brook and Chase. She could have used what she knew against him, but she didn’t. She only cared about the baby’s well-being. She said every child deserved a safe home and loving parents. She hadn’t always delivered on that, and he asked if she was saying she was flawed. She said there was flawed and there was her, and he said he loved that she was so honest about it. People who weren’t perfect, but did good when they were given a chance to were rare, and it spoke to him. She knew how he felt. Now it was her turn.

Brook went back to sit with Chase and Phoebe and said the company was fine, but Michael had some other news to impart. Apparently, Drew had recovered and he and Willow were getting a divorce. Chase said, I’m sorry. What? Brook said, it just happened and Drew was already up and walking around. Unfortunately, he was talking too. Chase said, he recovered just like that. It was unbelievable. He stood up like nothing happened and his first word in months was divorce? That couldn’t be right. Michael had to be wrong. She said Willow filled Michael in herself. She was shocked Willow hadn’t told Chase any of this first.

Stella told Tracy that her nephew was a good man, but he was a protector. That’s what got him into this mess. He was prideful and hugely stubborn, so he was never going to admit he’d made a mistake by assaulting Isaiah. She was afraid not taking the plea deal was another one. Tracy asked if she thought the trial would result in a worse outcome, and Stella said, far worse. She knew she should support Curtis, but had to be true to herself. She wanted to be a worthy role model for that beautiful baby and Trina. Tracy said she already was.

Marshall asked if Curtis was prepared to prove to a jury that Isaiah left him and Jordan on the road to die, but Curtis said his lawyer told him that all he had to prove was that his belief was reasonable. Marshall asked if he thought of reconsidering the plea deal, and Curtis asked if Marshall thought he couldn’t win. Marshall said he thought 8 months in prison would be hard, but years would be harder, and Curtis said he didn’t plan on going to prison at all. Marshall said, but that was the point. It wasn’t up to him. Curtis said he couldn’t just let Isaiah move in with Portia and raise his son, and Marshall said Isaiah was there yesterday when he came. Curtis said, of course (🍷) he was. The guy had no concept or respect for boundaries. He’d even told Curtis that he’d be a better father to his child than he could ever be. So there was no way he was going to let that happen.

Isaiah said he wasn’t talking to Britt the way he’d talk in court. He was talking to her as a friend. She said she guessed she had so few, she didn’t pick up on that. Her bad. Jack approached the desk, and Britt asked what he wanted from her. She was holding onto her job by a thread. The last thing she needed was attention from the WSB. Jack said it was a good thing he wasn’t there to see her then.

Anna told Jason that the doctors said anything she had experienced or thought she had wasn’t real. It was a delusion. Jason said he was sorry for not looking into her disappearance. He should have found her. She said she understood why he didn’t. She was an unreliable source to anyone. He said he wasn’t anyone. He would have known if she was telling the truth, but he was helping Britt escape from Cullum and Sidwell. She said, they were carrying out Faison’s project, and he said, yes. She said she was still trying to figure out how they made her believe Faison was still alive, and he asked if she’d actually seen him. She said, something like him. Maybe like a deep fake or something. Jason said, they could replicate the voice pretty easily, but she said the things he knew about her could only be recreated by someone who knew him. Like his offspring.

Felicia asked what Serina’s dad was up to, and Serina said he was living his best life in Key West. Felicia said, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and now Scott Baldwin, but Serina said he wasn’t writing as much as kayaking and hunting for the best key lime pie. Lucy said they had key lime pie there too, and Felicia said Serina’s mom wasn’t the only one who would be glad to have her home. Cody too. Serina said she was excited to meet her brother, when Lucy gave Felicia an exit sign. Felicia said Serina’s mom was giving her very subtle hint that she wanted alone time with her. They hugged and Felicia left.

Marshall said he got where Curtis was coming from, but actions had consequences, and Curtis said he knew that, but he also knew he was provoked. Marshall said it might be better to sacrifice the 8 months so he didn’t lose time down the road, and Curtis said, for the greater good. Marshall said, for the whole family, but Curtis said he didn’t see how taking the plea deal helped anyone. Marshall said he didn’t see how a trial would either. A not guilty verdict wouldn’t remove Isaiah from Desmond’s life. That boy might wind up being Desmond’s stepfather, but Curtis would always be his father. He’d stayed away from Curtis and Tommy and Irene because all he could see was the worst case scenario. Do what he couldn’t. Find a middle ground and compromise. Don’t see the extremes. They never let anyone win.

Ava said she’d be open to seeing if there was anything there with Ethan. After all, he did spoil his derriere for her. It was the least she could do. He said he thought it bounced back pretty nicely, but she said she’d seen better. He said, liar, and was about to kiss her, when Trina walked in. She said it was official. Her timing was terrible. She was so sorry. Ethan said he was about to grab a drink anyway. Feel free to talk about him while he was gone.

Jason told Anna that he didn’t really know Cassius and couldn’t vouch for him, but he did the right thing in that moment. Anna said, and Britt? and he said, Cullum blackmailed her, made her believe that she had Huntington’s so she’d do what he wanted. She said she knew, but wasn’t convinced, and he said she knew what the WSB was capable of. Cullum was highly ranked and had the resources to study Faison to learn what he’d say and do. She said, all on his own, without any help from Faison’s children? and he said he didn’t know. Maybe Cassius was involved in what happened to her. He couldn’t say, but he knew Britt wasn’t.

Tristan opened an exam room door and saw Jack. He said he’d get another physician, but Jack said, no. Don’t worry. He wasn’t there for medical attention. He just wanted to see how Tristan was settling in. How was he liking Port Charles?

Tracy asked if there was a reason Michael ducked out of the family meeting, or was he just bored, and he said he went to see Willow. She asked why he’d do that voluntarily, and he said to tell her that he wouldn’t stand for Drew being around their kids. Turns out it was a wasted trip. Drew and Willow were getting a divorce. Tracy laughed and said Yuri owed her fifty bucks. They had a little bet about whether the marriage would last a year or not. He said, congratulations, and she thanked him. He said the problem was, he didn’t think it would play out as well for Brook as it had for her. Now that Willow was free, he guaranteed the first move she made was a beeline straight for Chase.

Chase said, at the end of the day, it was really none of their business, and Brook said she knew. She was just surprised Willow didn’t make it his business. He said, if it was true, he was happy for Willow. Now she could get on with the rest of her life and they could get on with theirs. She said she liked the sound of that, and he said he told her that his focus was on her and Phoebe. They meant the world to him. They kissed, when Ethan approached and asked how they were today. Brook said, as if he cared, and he said she was right. He only had eyes for Phoebe.

Lucy said she was thrilled Serina was there and doing so well, but Serina said, except she wasn’t doing that well. Lucy asked what was wrong, and Serina told her, let’s just say I’ve lost my trust fund. All of it. Lucy asked, what happened? and Serina said she’d made some bad choices, trusted people she shouldn’t have. She didn’t want to get into it right now, but thought Lucy should know. Lucy took her hand and said whenever Serina was ready and able to talk about it, she was there. Actually, it was excellent news. Serina said, yes. Her being destitute was just a joyous occasion. Lucy said, no. It just made what she was about to ask Serina exponentially easier. Serina said she knew Lucy summoned her there for a reason. What was she really doing in Port Charles?

Stella went to Portia’s house and hugged Marshall and Curtis. She went to Desmond’s bassinet and asked how he was doing, and Marshall said she was right. He had Irene’s eyes. He wished Irene was here to meet her grandson. Stella said, she was. She was in every one of them – she took their hands – especially him.

Isaiah said Britt’s interaction with Chief Brennan was kind of intense. Was she good? She said, just a little jumpy around the WSB after they made a total dumpster fire of her life. She was just aiming for simplicity these days. Keep her head down, do her probation time, get her life together. He said, a huge part of that life was being the equipment manager for the softball team, right? and she said an honor she’d never dreamed of. He said he couldn’t bat, obviously, but he’d be the best pinch runner GH had ever seen. Was she going to the game later? She asked if she had a choice, and he said it would be exactly what she needed. When she saw that ball coming at her, just picture Brennan’s face on it and swing for the fences.

Tristan said he was getting settled in and committed to building a career at GH. And FYI, visits from Jack weren’t helpful. He didn’t want Jack or anyone from the WSB showing up at the hospital. Jack said, and his reports? and Tristan said, would be reported when there was something to report. Until then, the Bureau left him alone. Jack said he’d certainly pass along that message, but he was afraid Tristan wasn’t the one who got to set those terms.

Jason said, Britt was a victim, just like Anna, but it was over now. Cullum and Cassius were dead. Sidwell wasn’t going to see the light of day again, so he guessed the only thing to do now was to move forward. Anna asked if that’s what he was doing, and he said he was trying to. She said she’d work to follow his lead then, and he told her that he just wanted to say he was there if she needed him. She thanked him, and he said he was glad she was back. She said she was glad they both were, and Jason left. Peter said, he was obviously lying about Britt. Not to mention everything else.

Stella said the trial had her nervous, and Marshall said she wasn’t alone there. She said she wanted Curtis to take a good, long look at what he had there. Three generations of Ashfords under one roof. Over the years, their family had endured a lot of loss. They may have bent under the weight, but they didn’t break. Marshall said, because they were strong, and Stella said she wanted Curtis to use that strength. Draw from it. Marshall said they were there for Curtis, and Curtis thanked them both. Stella took Marshall to the kitchen, and Curtis said Dez had his word. Nothing or no one would take him away from his son. Not ever.

Lucy said she called Serina because she loved her and missed her terribly, and Serina said her too. And? Lucy said, and she needed Serina’s help. There was a snake in the grass. Michael Corinthos filched a very significant chunk of Deception stock, stock that should have been hers. Before Maxie moved away, she sold the stock to Michael. Maxie should have sold it to her because it was her company. She founded it in the 90s. Serina said she knew and knew how important it was to Lucy, and Lucy said it was, but for far too long, she’d left it in the hands of the enemy. Serina said, the Quartermaines, and Lucy said they’d looked down on her so long and now they were more united than ever. Michael and Brook and Tracy. They fought like cats and dogs, but at the end of the day, they stuck together. Serina asked if Lucy thought they would force her out, and Lucy said she knew they would in a heartbeat. Except she wasn’t going to let that happen. Serina asked, what’s the move? and Lucy said she was going to take back her company and Serina was going to help her.

Tracy told Michael that there was a time she thought her granddaughter’s marriage was doomed, but she didn’t think that anymore. She thought Brook knew exactly what she was doing. Michael said Brook wasn’t the one he was worried about, and Tracy said she understood, but so far, Chase had followed through on his promise to prioritize Brook and the baby, and that baby was about to be theirs. Tomorrow, they were signing Phoebe’s adoption papers and would officially be a family. And Willow, whatever plan she was concocting, was too late. Michael said, doubtful. He knew her too well. She wouldn’t back off. She hated being alone. Tracy said, evidenced by her serial husband hopping, and he said Willow was the type who needed a man in her life and she’d do whatever she needed to secure one.

Chase said he’d believe it when they signed the paperwork tomorrow, and Ethan said the three of them just fit as a family. He told Phoebe that she was a lucky girl. She had Brook and Chase waiting for her. Good luck tomorrow. Chase said he had to take off and would see Brook at home, and he left.

Trina said there seemed to be a sizable spark between Ava and Ethan, and Ava said he’d like to pursue it. Trina asked what Ava would like, and Ava said she was a little apprehensive. With Ric and Jenz, it was all about opportunity, mutual interests. With Ethan, it was different. For the first time in a long time, she was simply enjoying the company of a man and it felt fantastic. Trina said anyone who could make Ava smile like that got her vote, and Ava said she was eager to see where it went. Trina said she’d give them some privacy and see Ava later, and she left. On his way back to Ava, Ethan saw a man telling an attendant that it was his first time at the MetroCourt, and Ethan didn’t look happy.

Tristan said he had a patient that he needed to consult with Britt on. He wouldn’t be there if there was another option, so he was hoping they could put their differences aside. She said they could have their differences anytime. Patients came first. He showed her the chart, when Jason came in and saw them together

Peter told Anna that Britt was his father’s daughter. Hell, she helped him flee the country, spent all that time with him, it was on the run. Of course (🍷) it was her and Cassius who held Anna prisoner. They broke her by torturing her, the same way Faison tortured her and Robin. For all they knew, Noah and Emma could be next. Anna said, no, no, no, no, and he said Cassius was dead, but the only way this cycle ended for sure was if Britt met the same fate. If she really wanted to protect her loved ones, she knew what needed to be done. Britt Westbourne must die.

🌞 Summer Friday…

At the park, Dante said he’d seen Fitzpatrick play for his old precinct. His scouting instincts said that Fitzpatrick was going to hit the cover off the ball, and that’s what they needed. Fitzpatrick said he’d try not to let them down.

Ric went to Sonny’s place dressed casually, and Sonny asked if he was going to the gym afterwards, but Ric said he was catching up with Elizabeth later on. She was playing softball for GH this afternoon.

Lucas hoped he didn’t embarrass himself too badly, but Elizabeth said it was just a softball game. Their team wasn’t usually a playoff contender anyway. He said, still, he should probably warm up and take a few practice swings. Did she have any idea where the bats were? She said that would be a question for Britt, but she didn’t see Britt anywhere. They certainly couldn’t practice without equipment.

At the hospital, Britt told Tristan that she’d like to meet with his patient before they discussed the next steps, and he said he’d let her know. He left, and Jason approached. She said her day just got a lot better, and Jason asked how much she knew about the doctor she was just talking to.

Carly met Valentin at the MetroCourt gardens, and seeing a table with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, she said it looked like he had a nice afternoon planned. She hoped she wasn’t interrupting. He said, not at all, but she was a little early. He wasn’t going to call her until the caviar showed up. She said her assistant manager told her that there were some significant charges made to his room, the one she was comping for him. He said he’d decided he was going to enjoy being a kept man.

At the pool, Ethan noticed a man telling an attendant that it was his first time using the pool, and Ethan looked concerned. (I assume this new guy is Hudson, but they haven’t confirmed yet.) Brook saw Drew walk in, as well as Danny coming in to work. Drew walked over to Ava, who said he looked a lot better than the last time she saw him. He said he felt a lot better too, and she said she guessed a miracle like this left a person refreshed. He said he didn’t know why his body did what it did, but the neurologists said everything checked out, so he was happy to call it a miracle. She said she was happy to see him like this, and he thanked her. He said he was guessing not many people were, so he appreciated it. Was she meeting Nina there by any chance? She said, no. She was with someone else. He was right over… She looked around and saw Ethan was gone.

Anna told Peter, shut up. She wasn’t going to kill Britt. She wasn’t a murderer. He said, yet she’d taken many, many lives as a WSB agent. They both knew no one in her family would be safe as long as a single Faison was left alive. Never.

Ava wondered where Ethan disappeared to, when Drew asked an attendant for an iced tea and flopped down on the chaise next to her. He asked if she minded. He was still getting his strength back. She said, okay, but he’d have to move when Ethan came back. Ethan Lovett? He was Lulu’s half-brother, the guy that Sidwell shot in her gallery. The stranger listened in, and she said Ethan was perfectly fine now. Drew said he guessed he missed out on a lot during his illness. He was very eager to get his life back. Ava said she was sure. Why was he looking for Nina? She wasn’t exactly his biggest fan. He said he was aware. She and Nina were very close. Was she in on it? Exactly how much did she know about what Nina and Willow did?

Elizabeth asked Lucas about various properties, but he had a reason for not liking any of them. She asked if what he was saying was that he’d like to spend the rest of his days living in Ava’s guest room, and he said he was used to having martinis with her every night. Besides, it was nice having someone else around. He couldn’t face going home to an empty place. She suggested a roommate, someone other than Ava Jerome, when they heard, heads up! and a ball came flying their way. Fitzpatrick said, sorry about that. Everyone okay?

Sonny asked what the story was with Sidwell’s legal situation, and Ric said he had two trials coming up and his assets had been frozen. The DA’s office had a strong case and Sidwell was going to see some time. The second he set foot on the bus to Pentenville, all of his assets would go up for auction. Sonny said, including Windymere and his piers.

Britt said she knew Tristan had just started there and could be completely annoying, and Jason said he also had ties to the WSB. Britt said that couldn’t be correct. He was a heart surgeon. Jason said, a heart surgeon he’d met while he was a prisoner in Jakarta. After they released him, the doctor was on a plane with him back to Port Charles. She said she knew she’d never be completely free of the WSB, but she didn’t think they’d go as far as planting someone on staff to spy on her, and he said they didn’t know that yet. He just wanted to tell her this guy was involved with the WSB. He had no idea what the doctor was doing in Port Charles. She said she did. He was there to keep eyes on her. It didn’t matter what she did. She was going to pay for being Faison’s daughter for the rest of her life.

Peter said Anna was still so fragile. His sister was dangerous. If she didn’t stop Britt, Britt would stop her. Anna said Britt wasn’t out to get her. Jason said Britt had nothing to do with her kidnapping and he didn’t lie. Peter said Jason would say anything to protect Britt. He was in love with her. She knew that. She said she needed to see Valentin, but he said, no. That would be a mistake. She couldn’t trust him. She said that wasn’t true. Valentin would help her. He understood her and would believe what she had to say. Emma came in and asked who Anna was talking to.

Valentin said he was glad Carly could join. He’d spared no expense. She said she could tell. He was going to treat her in her hotel where she paid the bill? He asked what she was implying. That he couldn’t pay? She said she knew he couldn’t pay, but he said she was going to have to keep up. Things changed pretty quickly in Port Charles. The WSB came through. His assets had been unfrozen. He wanted to give her what she deserved – he kissed her hand – because now he could.

Emma said she heard Anna talking. It kind of sounded like somebody was with her. Anna said she was just dictating case files. She was trying to get up to speed. Emma told her not to push herself too hard, but Anna said work was good. It focused her and gave her purpose. But she was grateful for Emma’s concern. She was grateful for Emma. Emma said she was glad Anna was home and that she got to see Maxie and her family before they left for Australia. Anna said she was going to miss them, but thought Maxie was right. It was probably good for James to have a fresh start after the whole Cassius debacle. Emma said she thought it was going to take them all a while to get over that, and Anna said he’d deceived a lot of people. Emma said it kind of seemed she’d been in the dark about a lot of things, like Josslyn being in the WSB, and Anna said, Josslyn told her? Emma said, mm-hmm. She kind of wished Anna had.

Carly told Valentin, congratulations. Jack had accepted his offer? Valentin said, without hesitation. Whatever was in the box, he wanted it very, very badly. She said he’d gotten his money back. So what happens now? He said, after he bought her something expensive? and she said, obscenely expensive. He said, after that, he keep a promise to Charlotte.

Elizabeth asked, who hit that? and Dante said he did. Sorry if he almost hit them. They remembered Joe, right? Lucas said, nice to see him again, and Fitzpatrick said, likewise. Elizabeth told Lucas, don’t talk to the enemy, and Fitzpatrick said he was new, but guessed what he’d heard was true. These games get pretty heated, huh? Elizabeth said, some of them took it more seriously than others, and Dante said he just didn’t want Corinthos Coffee to win again. This was law enforcement. She said she was glad she played for GH. Nobody cared that she was an outfielder that couldn’t catch… you know. Dante said, a fly ball? She just needed time on the field. Come on, lets’ go. She said he couldn’t help her. She was his enemy. He said, just don’t tell anyone, and they left. Fitzpatrick asked Lucas how long those two had been together.

Sonny told Ric that he was going to keep the Rochester Piers until he got Piers 55 and 56. Then he was going to expand his business. Rick said they should reacquire those piers discreetly. They didn’t need Boyle making it a political issue again. Sonny said he’d send a proxy over to the auction who could bid on his behalf, and Ric said, start with a high bid. A bidding war would only put more scrutiny on the winner. Sonny said he had a better way to keep the bidding to a minimum.

Jason said all he knew about Dr. Roberts was that he was the one who brought him back from Jakarta, and she asked if he thought the hospital board knew they’d hired someone with ties to the WSB. He said he had no idea, but he thought it best if she kept that information to herself. Just keep her eyes on him and see how he behaved. She said, on a brighter note, what brought him to GH? and he said, her. He thought maybe they could take the boat out and spend some time on the lake. Maybe get some dinner. She said she would have loved that, but she had to play softball, and he said, what? She said she was on probation and had to prove she wanted to work there, and he said, so she was going to do that by playing softball? She said, being the equipment manager will, and he said it sounded like a fun gig. Who didn’t love softball? She said, her, but he said she could change that if she learned how to play. He could give her some pointers. She asked if he wanted to come to the park with her and check on her form, when his phone rang. Sonny said he needed to see him, and Jason said he was on his way. He told Britt that he was sorry, but he had to go see Sonny. She said that was okay. Sonny spared her the humiliation of showing how uncoordinated she was. Could they get together later? He said he’d call her and left.

Danny brought Britt some ice water, and they both looked at Drew. She said it was going to take a minute to get used to Drew being up and around again. Scout must be thrilled. How was she doing? He said she was super happy, which was great, but she was back living with Drew and he didn’t think Drew was going to let them see each other anymore. She said she was sorry, and he said him too, but he was going to try hard to get along with Drew for Scout’s sake.

Ava told Drew that she knew Willow was determined to care for him at home and Nina did everything she could to help. Willow must be relieved to see him back on his feet. He said he thought she was going to faint the first time she saw him standing, and she said his condition was hard on everyone. Scout most of all. She was impressed with how Scout handled it. He should be proud of her. She knew Scout’s grandfather Julian would be. He said he was always proud of Scout and was thrilled to have her home with him. His only regret in divorcing Willow was yet another upheaval in Scout’s life. She said, he and Willow were getting divorced? Nina must be out celebrating. He said he wouldn’t miss Nina either, and Ava said this was so sudden. He was so devoted to Willow. Did he mind if she asked what happened? He said his long illness showed him that his marriage to Willow wasn’t exactly what he’d thought it was. She said, traumatic circumstances could expose the cracks in any relationship or make you think a good connection was there when it wasn’t.

Lulu came home to find Ethan coming down the stairs with his bag. She asked if Sonny was sending him on a last minute trip, but he said it wasn’t a trip. He was leaving – for good.

Lucas said Dante and Elizabeth had just been friends forever, and Fitzpatrick said, they seemed very friendly. Lucas said she was with someone else, but now that he thought about it, maybe Fitzpatrick had noticed something the rest of them had missed. Fitzpatrick said he was a cop. He was trained to observe and size people up, and Lucas said he hoped Fitzpatrick was right because Dante was a much better guy than the one she was seeing.

Elizabeth said, okay, go, and Dante threw the ball, but she held up her glove and it bounced off. She said, no, wait. She wasn’t ready. Sorry. He asked if she was open to a few pointers, but she said, GH always lost anyway. He asked if that’s what she taught her kids, and she said, actually, she taught her kids to always try their best, but she also taught them to have fun, which they did. She’d had fun at Cameron’s soccer games and watching Jake play T-ball. He said he used to love watching Rocco’s Little League games. Rocco would get so hyped up when they won. So would he. He guessed Rocco got it from him. She said, if winning was so important, why was he helping her? They were opposing teams. He said he always kept forgetting that.

Anna said she really regretted she was able to tell Emma anything about Josslyn, but Emma said it was okay. Josslyn told her that she was undercover at the time and Anna had to keep her secret. Anna said she did, but if Emma had ever been in any danger, she would have told her about Josslyn, no matter what the WSB wanted. Family came first and she was sorry if she’d ever given Emma the impression otherwise. Emma said Anna never had. She’d always known Anna loved her. Always. Anna said that would never change.

Tristan went into an exam room and found Britt there. She closed the door, and he said he was called for a consult. She said, that was a lie, just like his presence at GH. She knew the WSB sent him there to trick her into working with them again. So he could go back and ask his superiors to reassign him, because that was never going to happen. He said everyone had their limits, and she said he was giving her no choice but to turn him into the board and they’d fire him. He said Jason Morgan must have told her that they’d met, and she asked if he really thought Jason was going to keep his little secret. They were very close. He said, good for her. To start, he wasn’t a WSB agent. So telling the board wasn’t going to get him fired. They knew he’d worked at a WSB medical facility, and that wasn’t a secret. Lastly, get her facts straight before she opened her big mouth.

Ava said she’d noticed Brook talking to Ethan earlier. Did he mention where he was going? Brook said he’d just popped by to congratulate her and Chase for signing the paperwork to adopt Phoebe, and Ava said that was wonderful. She was so happy for them. Brook thanked her for helping Alexis make it possible, and Ava said, of course (🍷). Take care. She left, when Danny walked by with Drew’s iced tea, stumbled, and spilled it on him. He said he was so sorry. He was just trying to deliver Drew’s iced tea. Drew said Danny shouldn’t even be serving drinks. He was a pool boy. He jumped up and said, this right here was why he couldn’t trust Danny with Scout. He wasn’t even aware of his own surroundings. Brook said, that’s enough. Don’t you dare talk to Danny that way.

Lulu asked if Ethan was in trouble. Was one of Sonny’s enemies after him? He said, nothing like that, and she asked why he was leaving then. He said because an incredible opportunity just fell into his lap. It could put him on Easy Street for the rest of his life, but he had to leave right now. He couldn’t risk missing this flight. She said he couldn’t leave. He worked for Sonny now. People just don’t up and quit on Sonny Corinthos.

Jason arrived at Sonny’s, and Sonny thanked him for getting their so quick. Ric said, glad to have him back, and Sonny said he wanted to talk to Jason about buying his piers back from Sidwell. Ric said he was going to head to the park, but Sonny said, hold on. They had to have a discussion. It was obvious there was no love lost between Jason and Ric and they had their reasons why they didn’t like each other, but it had to end. They had to leave the past in the past. Ric was his brother and had proved himself. They were working together now. He told Ric that Jason was also his brother. They’d been working together and Jason was his righthand man. That wasn’t going to change, but he didn’t need them at each other’s throats. Jason said, that won’t be a problem.

Brook told Drew, calm down. He was causing a scene and disturbing other guests. Drew said he didn’t care. Either Danny was incredibly clumsy or did that on purpose. He knew which one he was betting on. Danny swore it was an accident, and Brook told him to go back to work. She’d handle this. She told Drew that he needed to relax. She’d hoped his illness would have given him some perspective, but he was still the same petty tyrant he’d always been. He said his recovery must have ruined the family’s day, but she said, it didn’t. What he went through must have been hell. He said she had no idea. Was she happy? She said, no. Because unlike him, she didn’t revel in other people’s misfortune. He said, Tracy did, and Brook said he’d be happy to hear that despite her grandmother’s feelings about him, everybody decided to tolerate his presence for Scout’s sake because she was part of the family. He said his family, and she said, but he wasn’t part of the Quartermaine family and he never would be.

On the phone, Ava said, where are you? She hoped Ethan had a good excuse for leaving without saying anything. If he wasn’t back in ten minutes, don’t bother coming back at all.

Lulu said Ethan used their father’s name to get Sonny to give him a chance. If he left now, Sonny wouldn’t give him a second one. He said it was a risk he’d have to take, but she said, no, he didn’t. Sonny was counting on him. Because of their dad, Sonny wouldn’t track him down like he would someone else who crossed him. Was he sure this opportunity was worth the risk? He said this was more than a job. He was keeping a promise.

Emma said she used to think it was cool that Anna was a WSB agent, but now she saw that the WSB wasn’t just this force for good that she always thought it was. The secrets Anna was forced to keep were like some barrier between them getting in the way. She hoped Anna was done with them. Anna promised she was going to do everything she could to put that all behind her.

Carly told Valentin that going after Windymere was going to be a legal nightmare. With Sidwell in jail, his assets had been seized. Was he sure it was worth it? He said whatever made his daughter happy was worth it. Charlotte loved Windymere. It was a beautiful place. She asked if he knew how many people had been murdered in that beautiful place, or kept prisoner in that beautiful place’s subterranean rooms, and he said, no house is perfect. She said, fine. You do you. But she meant what she’d said before. That place creeped her out. She wasn’t staying over at Windymere. He had to come to her. He said she knew he could work with that.

Britt said it wasn’t some random coincidence that Tristan landed on staff at the same hospital she worked at, and he said, with hundreds of other doctors. Was she always this hysterical? She asked if he was always this sexist. (Thank you.) She was done with the WSB playing God with her life. How could he work for people who made her believe she had Huntington’s, a terrifying disease, when she didn’t? He asked why they told her that, and she said, to get her to do what they wanted. He said that was unconscionable. It sounded like she’d been through a lot, and for that, he was very sorry, but his presence there had nothing to do with her. He was hired as a cardiologist, so he was going to get back to treating real patients. Had she ever considered therapy? It can work wonders… So can decaf. He left.

Dante said he really wasn’t like one of those winning means everything kind of guys, and Elizabeth said he did seem a little intense. He said, sorry. Maybe he was channeling his worry for Rocco. Rocco was still struggling a little bit, but he was doing good. She asked what was going on, and he said Rocco and Danny were having some problems. Danny was pissed off that his dad went to prison for Rocco, and now that Jason was back, he thought everything would be cool, but they were still having problems. She said she was sorry to hear that. How were things for him and Rocco? He said, good actually. He didn’t want to screw it up. He had the impulse to jump in and fix things with Rocco and Danny, but he wasn’t going to do that. He was probably taking the summer league thing a little too seriously when he was putting more pressure on his team than himself. She said she couldn’t speak about the way he handled his team, but his strategy for Rocco seemed solid. She thought it was wise to give Rocco some space, but if Dante ever needed someone to coach, she was all in.

Ric said he had no problem working with Jason. They were different, but valued many of the same things and the same people, like Sonny’s son. He held out his hand and said he was happy to put the past behind them. Jason shook Ric’s hand, Ric said he was going to the park, and left. Sonny said he knew it wasn’t easy and appreciated Jason making peace, but Jason said there would never be peace between him and Ric.

Ethan said he had to go, but please tell him that she understood, and Lulu said he’d always had her back. When she needed to leave town with her son, he’d come through, no questions asked. It was her turn to have his back. Did he need her to cover for him? He said, no. Just tell everyone he left town. She told him to be careful and keep in touch. He said, sure thing, and they hugged.

Anna told Emma that everything that had happened since October had been such a revelation. Before then, she would have said nothing could shock her, but she would have been wrong. Emma said she was sorry Anna had gone through so much, but Anna said it didn’t matter. She was back with her family now and was going to do everything she could to make sure they were never parted again. Emma asked if she really thought the WSB would leave her alone now, and Anna said she was going to talk to someone who was going to help her make sure of that.

Carly and Valentin clinked glasses, and she said, to you and getting the best of Jack. He said he just hoped he didn’t sell himself short, but she said he got what he wanted, right? His assets were unfrozen. He said, it was all too easy. Jack didn’t put up much of a fight. Whatever was in the box was obviously very valuable to him. Maybe somebody else. Maybe he should have talked to somebody else. Maybe he should have found another buyer. She asked if it wouldn’t have been treason if he’d sold the WSB secrets to the highest bidder, and he said, if it was a foreign government. He was talking about Nina. Remember when he and Charlotte went to Windymere? Nina and Jack were there. Carly said she thought Nina went with Jack because she felt guilty for sticking him with that paralytic drug, but Valentin said he thought it was more than that. He thought it was personal and that Nina would have paid for what was inside that box. She said he got his money back. Take the money. He said she was right and he was taking it, but he was just curious. What was inside that box that both Jack and Nina wanted? What did the two of them have in common?

Brook said she knew it was useless to appeal to Drew’s sense of decency since he had none, but she did hope for Scout’s sake that he kept his visits to their house few and far between. He said, don’t worry. He had no plans to spend time with anybody in that house, but he couldn’t say the same for Willow. He couldn’t talk and he couldn’t move, but he could sure listen. Willow wanted Chase back and from personal experience, she would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. Brook said it was ironic that it was her son who saved him from drowning, while he walked away from that same son’s father while he was having a heart attack. Her father could have died. He said, faking a heart attack came right out of the Quartermaine playbook. How was he supposed to know Ned really needed help? She said he was lucky Gio was a better man than him, but he said, no. He was lucky Gio wasn’t raised a Quartermaine and was nothing like the rest of them.

Lucas asked if Fitzpatrick ever played in a league, and Fitzpatrick asked if a movie fantasy league counted. They were surprisingly competitive. What about Lucas? Did he ever play softball? Lucas said, not in a while. So he was just hoping for a blowout either way because the last thing he wanted was to be up at the plate with the game on the line. Fitzpatrick’s phone chimed and he said he couldn’t believe it. He’d just made arrangements with a realtor to look at apartments today and forgot. He’d been blowing it off. Lucas said he knew what Fitzpatrick meant, and Fitzpatrick asked if he was looking for a place too. Lucas said, as Fitzpatrick knew, his living arrangements recently changed, but Elizabeth was determined to help him find the perfect place. She’d lived there practically her whole life and had a ton of ideas. If Fitzpatrick wanted, he could airdrop him the information she’d sent. (I smell either a budding romance or bromance here, and I like it.)

Elizabeth said she could never see the ball when it was in the air, and Dante said she had to use her glove in a way that blocked the sun, but not the ball. She said, then it would hit her in the head, but he said not if she did it right. He went around behind her to show her, lifting up her arm, when Ric saw them.

Fitzpatrick was about to leave and told Lucas that when he was up at the plate, choke up on the bat a little. It would add more control to his swing. At least that’s what Dante told him.

Ava told Danny that if Ethan showed up, throw a drink on him and tell him he blew it. The stranger made a call, and said he was calling from Express Shipping. He had a package for Mr. Ethan Lovett, but the address label appeared to be damaged. Is his address 247 Maple Street or 241 Maple Street? Lulu said, it was 247 Maple Street, but don’t bother delivering the package. Nathan Lovett doesn’t live here anymore. He asked if there was a forwarding address, but she said there wasn’t. He left the country. So it could be returned to the sender. The stranger looked annoyed.

Brook said Drew had been given a second chance, but he was just going to let petty grievances run his life. He said what had been taken from him was far from petty and he demanded justice. She said it sounded like revenge to her. Stay away from her family. He said, by the time he was done, the Quartermaines would be the ones who would lose everything, and she walked out.

Dante continued to coach Elizabeth while Ric watched from a distance. Britt arrived, struggling to carry all the equipment, and said, oh, help, as all the softballs tumbled from the bag. Elizabeth said Britt was late, but Britt said she was only one person. Elizabeth said they couldn’t play without the bases. Seriously, Britt needed to be on time so no one was waiting. It was rude to them and the other team. Dante said it was nice to see Britt was finally taking this seriously, while Ric continued to watch them.

Sonny said he got that Jason hated Ric, but he thought Jason understood that he needed them to work together. He thought that wouldn’t be a problem. Jason said it wouldn’t be… because he couldn’t work for Sonny anymore.

Valentin said he didn’t know what Nina and Jack were up to, and Carly said it was bad enough when they had to talk about Jack. She had absolutely no interest in anything Nina did. He said she and Nina had history, but she wasn’t jealous of Nina, and she said she would never be jealous of Nina. He said he wished he was as evolved as she was. He hated thinking that Sonny could talk her into dumping him for the sake of their daughter. She said no one told her who to be with. She took a huge chance at being with him and so far it had worked out. He said, so far. He took a huge chance too. She said it was a good thing they were right, and he said they had good instincts. They kissed, when Anna walked in.

On Monday, Dante tells Elizabeth that he used the power of office for personal gain; Josslyn tells Jack that he’s making himself vulnerable to a huge liability; Anna tells Valentin that he just got his freedom back and now was throwing it all away; and Jason tells Sonny that he’s going to prison if he’s lucky.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

What Scotty’s been up to and how Serina feels.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-finally-reveals-what-happened-to-scott-baldwin

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-kelly-kruger-playing-serena-baldwin-feels-right-to-me

This startled me and I’m wondering why Soap Opera Digest didn’t have an article on it. Like, what happened? I liked that Ethan.

https://parade.com/news/general-hospital-ethan-role-recast-fans-reactions

Nope. Bring Vaughn back. It’s not like they haven’t worked around rules before.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/meet-general-hospitals-hudson-troy-lennon-appel-is-he-josslyns-new-love-interest

Geez. Give it a minute. I’m sure she’ll get what’s coming to her eventually. How about Drew? How long must we wait for his comeuppance?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-fans-outraged-as-willow-escapes-consequences-for-drugging-drew

The ultimate soap hop.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/photos/13-general-hospital-stars-who-were-on-the-young-and-the-restless-first

I don’t remember him being with Kristen Alderson, but regardless, there’s some kind of irony or something here.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/chad-duells-exes-courtney-hope-and-kristen-alderson-collab-on-the-netflix-doc-trend

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

Luke made the decision to leave the boat and Gen claimed she was going to be Zen Gen next charter. Joy was disappointed that Luke chose to leave, as she’d been hoping they could fix things throughout the rest of the season. He told her that they’d meet again, but she seemed pretty doubtful. In Luke’s final interview, he said, I hope I get to come on Captain Sandy’s boat again… You know what I mean. (BA-DUM-CHH!) Maybe he can get an interim gig as a stand-up comic. Suzanne found a match in Will, and apparently was pretty happy, since the crew got a $25K tip ($1900 each). In Cooper’s interview, he said part of him wanted to have fun being single, and when Eyebrows Joe asked how it was going with Kat, he said he wanted to take it slow. The crew night out was uneventful, except for Kat, who cornered Cooper in the rain on the restaurant terrace and dry begged for him to act like she was special. It seemed like he’d rather spend more time with random people than her, and she thought they’d been having fun. He must have said the right thing, since they cuddled on the boat later, but then again, it seems like these girls ultimately don’t care how the guys actually feel. They are on the same page, dammit! Being sleep deprived, Gael was having it rough and texted Nathan to get back to the Air BnB asap, and he left the group early. After a bad storm with very close lightning, in the morning, Nathan was late, not showing up until 10:30, but no one seemed to actually worry – like, maybe something happened to him in a foreign country or Gael murdered him – except for Captain Sandy. In the captain’s interview, she said, it’s very disrespectful, it’s unacceptable, and frankly, it’s out of character. She hoped everything was okay, but if he might have some explaining to do. Eyebrows Joe had a lot to say about Nathan in his interview – like it was bad behavior for a bosun and what kind of example was he setting – but sh*t sometimes happens and he’s the last dude who should judge anybody for anything. Starting to get nervous, since they were already a man down, Captain Sandy texted Nathan, who said he was on his way back. When Nathan arrived, he made a beeline to change and talk to the captain. My guess was that things did not go too well with Gael, the baby, or both, but to be continued…

In the City – Reunion Part 2

Andy asked if Danielle resented Lindsay for dating Carl after her, and Danielle said she’d rather have someone hate her to her face than behind her back, but she felt like Lindsay wasn’t done punishing her. I don’t remember Danielle dating Carl, but I have to admit I don’t always pay attention. Lindsay said she’d protected Danielle, but now that she had a kid, she had no time for this. Danielle had just popped up on the show. Danielle was like, there it is, and the topic of her dress for the wedding was brought up, the whole white/pink fiasco. Yvonne said Danielle had texted her a picture of the dress and she’d said it was fine, but Danielle had put her in an awkward position. This made no sense, since Danielle clearly asked if it was okay, giving Yvonne the option to say, no. And everyone knows the wedding is really for the bride and she gets whatever she wants. I had a friend who got married in Manhattan and the reception was at an upscale hotel. Black has also been considered a no when it comes to a wedding, but I’d wanted to wear a black cocktail dress. I asked first, she knew the dress, and said it was fine with her. I’m quite sure if it hadn’t been, she would have said so. No surprise, the topic of Amanda and West came up, and Danielle said Amanda had made a mistake. She never should have had a relationship with West when there was more sh*t to sort out with Kyle. Agreed, but I also think a good rule of thumb is to not date inside the friend group. This seems to cause nothing but problems. Amanda apologized for how she’d handled things and tried to justify shutting down at the Summer House Reunion. Eoin said no one asked about his divorce after the cameras were off, which is interesting since he was grilled about it at every opportunity during the season. We revisited Amanda moving out and rehashed that whole thing. The best thing – and perhaps worth watching for – was Kyle’s drinking being brought up and Andy saying he thought it was a problem. Thank you. I’ve been saying that since dinosaurs ruled the earth. Kyle tried to justify it, but Andy was not having it tonight. They ended with Kyle saying, summer should be fun.

The Valley

Brittany’s Victorian Vampire Masquerade Halloween party happened and the costumes were fabulous. So was the décor. Zack was called out for talking sh*t about Janet, and in Janet’s interview, she suggested Zack try being less full of sh*t and it won’t pop out unexpectedly. She thought he secretly liked her, but was struggling with it because Kristen and Nia didn’t want him to. Jesse was pissed that Janet introduced Isabella to a guy, but Janet said she’d brought Isabella to a real estate listing. When Lake called one of these interchangeable women, probably Michelle, a bitch, she said she was from New Jersey and they called everyone a bitch. I wasn’t born here, but I beg to differ. Maybe on the Jersey Shore show, which has a cast of people like I have never seen at the Shore. Nia said Zack was flip-floppy when it came to Janet, and Jason and Janet remarked on Danny’s drinking. Danny asked if Jason had never blacked out, and Janet said he’d never grabbed a woman’s ass while drunk. It escalated until Janet threw a cup at Danny, and Lala said she was just overshadowing his horrendous behavior. Brittany brought out a birthday cake for Janet, and Danny wondered why they were so obsessed with her. In Danny’s interview, he said he was a man of character and integrity. He didn’t want to be around people who brought out the worst in him. He was done. After I choked on my coffee, I thought, if you have to say you have character, you probably don’t. Here’s hoping Andy calls this one out too, come Reunion time.

Next Gen NYC

In Rowan’s interview, she said Charlie had a chokehold over the group. She could count on one hand the times they’d talked, but he was always talking about Emira. Shai tried to get Ava to model for his clothing line, but in Ava’s interview, she said she didn’t know if she had the capacity to put herself out there. Ariana said Shai told her that Rowan and Ava agreed he should tell Hudson about Liam, when – roll the video – they clearly hadn’t. In Brooks’s interview, he said he was seeing a side of Shai he hadn’t known existed. There was a spa day at Emira’s, and Ava said she and her boyfriend had broken up after she’d found out some info on him. She cried and the friends gathered around her. What did she expect from a guy named Hook. She was concerned since she’d never been financially responsible for herself. Alrighty then. Gio moved out, bringing her dog Bella with her. In Gia’s interview, she said she thought Bella had schizophrenia for dogs. She also talked about missing her dad. Ariana was meeting Liam’s parents, bringing along her roommate Austin and Brooks. It was also Liam’s birthday, but she felt it was too soon to bring a gift, so she brought a bottle of wine. Georgia went shopping with her brother Chuck, and in Georgia’s interview, she said he was a year and half older. They were Irish twins. Rowan met with her dad and showed him her script. He seems like a cool guy. Emira asked if Charlie said what Georgia said he did, that Kevin was a gay man, and Charlie said he didn’t remember, but might have. It depended on the context. What? Emira forgave him because she’s stupid. Seriously, all of them need to stop hanging around with this leach who is in the wrong age group anyway. He does nothing but cause trouble and spend other people’s money.

https://pagesix.com/video/next-gen-nyc-recap-arianas-hook-up-with-charlie-confirmed-gia-addresses-trump-backlash-more-vrt-unpacks-episode-6

Real Housewives Of London

This show makes me miss Ladies of London: The New Reign. It’s not the worst, but not high on the list either. I do like seeing all their fancy sh*t and the clothes… the clothes… Nessie was excited about the London Book Fair as she’d written a dinosaur cookbook for children. Juliet dressed up in dinosaur hoodie and surprised her. Panthea said she’d always wanted to be a fashion designer and was launching a line, and UK Juliet met Caroline Stanbury for some shopping. They mostly discussed their children going off to uni. Nessie met with Panthea for lunch, choosing a public space because, what’s the worst that could happen? Panthea said she saw through UK Juliet, but Nessie said everyone had been shocked by Panthea’s toxic behavior. Karen had a dinner party in a private room at upscale restaurant Isabel. Panthea wasted no time, questioning Amanda about her children and citing rumors. In Nessie’s interview, she said she thought Panthea got off on it, but at the end, Juliet and Panthea kinda sorta hugged it out.

Real Housewives Of Orange County

In Gina’s interview, she said you should follow your passion and she was passionate about making her and best friend look stupid on the internet. She and Emily were doing TikToks. Emily came over and Gina gave her birthday gifts of a double hoodie (for the two of them) and a candle called Smells Like My 40s Are Over. Emily told the Dior clutch tale, and Shannon and Fancy Pants Heather joined them. Fancy Pants said she’d needed to do an intervention with Shannon about her social media, and Gina suggested she do more TikToks. The group joined Tamra for her friend Fernanda’s class, the BBL workout. Afterward, Jenn talked about son’s delayed reaction to her divorce, and Fancy Pants said every situation and every kid was different. Vicki bemoaned her empty nest, with Michael in Spain and Breanna in Oklahoma. In new girl Carmella’s interview, she said, hustle was an understatement in the real estate game. It was a grind. The group went whale watching, sans Carmella, and Vicki told Fancy Pants to stop with her perfect self.  Shannon went early to Tamra’s taco party to help set up, and Fancy Pants told Emily that she thought Jenn was obsessed with Tamra. Again with this? Tamra had everyone decorate a box and anonymously put in each person’s box how they felt about them. This went out the window when they read the papers and everyone said which one was theirs. Although it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been. Not even close. Actually, surprisingly not insulting.

Random Reality Items

The most ironic restaurant name ever.

Stassi’s in the house.

https://www.justjared.com/2026/07/29/stassi-schroeder-addresses-issues-with-scheana-shay-on-vanderpump-rules-whether-shed-appear-on-new-show-house-of-stassi

https://www.glamour.com/story/stassi-schroeder-is-making-reality-tv-fun-again

All I need is $1,199,999 to go. Anyone want to kick in?

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

The Sheep Detectives. Amazon Prime. Cutest. Movie. Ever. Hugh Jackman is a shepherd named George who loves his sheep, even the winter lamb no one wants. He reads them mysteries as bedtime stories and when he turns up murdered, they decide to solve the crime, relying on what they’ve learned from the books. Using the hybrid live-action and CGI animation technique, the animals seem real, which alone makes this film fascinating. The story is clever and surprisingly lighthearted for a crime drama, although there are some poignant scenes, like when a sheep in his last moments sees George. The cast is perfection, and humor is sprinkled throughout. When the sheep have to cross the road – preceded by a chicken – it’s difficult since some of their feet have always touched grass. There are times when it’s even somewhat deep, like when they discover God is a shepherd and also a sheep. It’s a sweet film without being saccharine and I just loved it.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/fantasy-movies-july-2026-amazon-prime-video-the-sheep-detectives

https://omnivorous.substack.com/p/film-review-the-sheep-detectives

Willy’s Wonderland. Hulu. For this film, you need a lot of suspension of disbelief, but that doesn’t make it bad. Nicolas Cage has often chosen interesting vehicles (no Ghost Rider pun intended) and this is no exception. A drifter whose car has driven over a traffic spike strip, supposedly a teenage prank, gets his car fixed in a small town close by in exchange for clean-up duty at Willy’s Wonderland, an abandoned amusement center much like Chuck E. Cheese. A place with a bad reputation and the scene of several murders, a group of teenagers is bound and determined to burn it down. In trying to get the drifter out first, they become trapped along with the him, and have to fight their way past the mechanical animals – and a fairy! – to get out. Not quite an hour and a half, it’s a quick and fun, albeit gory, free-for-all. I’ve always found both abandoned places and mechanical animals creepy, and this combines them nicely. And I now have the answer to my eternal question: Who’s gonna clean up this mess?

https://scholastic.nd.edu/issues/review-willys-wonderland

https://www.southernthing.com/where-was-willys-wonderland-filmed-2652634923.html

My Grandfather Charles Manson. Hulu. In this documentary, Sophia Maddox is on a quest to find out more about her bloodline as her father is Charles Manson’s son. There probably aren’t many facts we don’t know already, but there are plenty of interviews from people who were there back in the day to hold the viewer’s interest. I was always somewhat fascinated with The Family and Manson’s hold over many impressionable girls, and thought I’d heard everything there was to hear, but I was wrong. It also tugs at the heartstrings, as this poor girl is so sweet, yet so concerned she might be like her grandfather in some way. I don’t need to have a psyche degree to be able to tell her that she’ll be just fine.

https://stephensilver.substack.com/p/my-grandfather-charles-manson-is

https://www.tvinsider.com/1276613/my-grandfather-charles-manson-hulu-documentary-explained

https://people.com/la-woman-shocking-discovery-grandfather-charles-manson-exclusive-12020641

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

This sounds totally bizarre. I’m in.

https://ew.com/alexander-skarsgard-nipples-wicker-trailer-exclusive-12030562

⚰️ Bring Out Your Dead…

Some trickles of tea from The Walking Dead franchise.

https://ew.com/jeffrey-dean-morgan-lauren-cohan-respond-walking-dead-romance-rumors-12026816

https://ew.com/the-walking-dead-dead-city-massive-change-season-3-exclusive-11966287

https://ew.com/emily-kinney-walking-dead-return-as-beth-first-photos-footage-exclusive-12024893

🦹‍♂️ And Your Deadpool

Or in this case, Jeanpool.

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-crashes-avengers-doomsday-comic-con-panel-jean-pool-12027056

https://ew.com/ryan-reynolds-went-undercover-as-deadpool-to-walk-comic-con-floor-with-fans-12027702

🐶 Three Interesting Tales…

🐾 What better place to find your soulmate?

https://people.com/stars-who-adopted-animals-they-met-at-work-11948956

🦈 He was happy about Shark Week.

https://people.com/great-white-shark-leaps-behind-boogie-boarder-off-california-beach-12030476

🦔 And who doesn’t love a hedgehog?

https://people.com/firefighters-break-through-concrete-to-free-a-hedgehog-stuck-in-a-drain-12027752

🦚 Quotes of the Week

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. – Thomas Jefferson

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me. – Steve Maraboli

Chase down your passion like it’s the last bus of the night. – Terri Guillemets

You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.Richard Bach (I’m not too sure about that past thing… Maybe a different viewpoint of the past.)

I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. – Vincent van Gogh

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable. – Theodore Vail

No eating the crime scene. – Lilly (Julia Louis Dreyfuss), The Sheep Detectives

🧗 Hanging At the Top Of Summer…

Until next time, stay safe; stay never leaving a pet in a car when it’s hot (or just never period); and stay finding a middle ground and compromise. Don’t see the extremes. They never let anyone win.

Video > The First Day In August

July 24, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Nina Makes a Decision, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Spicy Wedding, Breaking Internet, One Less Than Ten Quotes & Shell

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Nada enchilada summer – condensed because life is short & summer should be fun)

General Hospital

Monday:

Molly met Laura in the interrogation room and said she was going to do everything she could to make sure Sidwell was convicted, but she’d need Laura’s help. Boyle tried to get Laura’s attention through the window, but Fitzpatrick said she couldn’t help him now.

Brook and Chase had coffee in the Nook, and Brook said the main reason she was so happy was because of him.

Willow found Tracy in the stables, and Tracy said if Willow was planning on falsely accusing her of something else, she may want to rethink that. She smacked her riding crop on her palm.

Lulu met Sonny and Ric at Sonny’s house and said Dante wanted to be there, but got called away on a case. Rocco could be in serious trouble.

Charlotte went to see Carly and asked to talk. Carly said, of course (🍷), and Charlotte asked if it would be okay if she moved in.

Valentin was playing basketball, when Brick came along and said the old movie was right. White men really can’t jump. Valentin asked if he could help Brick, but Brick said he was there to help Valentin.

Molly asked if Laura would be willing to testify in court about the Lucas set-up, and Laura said, absolutely. Molly said it would greatly improve their chances of putting him away for good.

Boyle wanted to wait for Laura before he answered questions, but Fitzpatrick said she was busy and they should get started. Boyle wanted to postpone until he found proper representation, but Fitzpatrick asked what his constituents would think if he’d shirked his duty helping the police put away a would-be murderer. Besides, he didn’t have anything to hide, right? Boyle said, of course (🍷), not.

Brook thanked Chase for convincing her to tell him about her role in framing Willow. She knew what she did was wrong and if he decided she should tell Willow… He said Willow wouldn’t be charged for a crime, but if Brook came forward, she could be, and they couldn’t let that happen. He and Phoebe needed her. She said she needed them and promised to only focus on their family from now on. He said, same here, when her phone rang, and she left to take the call.

Willow told Tracy, put that thing away. She didn’t come to fight. She called to Scout, and Tracy accused Willow of using Scout to come there again, but Scout said she’d asked Willow to bring her over. She needed to ask Tracy for a favor. Willow left to let them talk in private.

Carly told Charlotte that her dad was now at the MetroCourt, and Charlotte said she knew that, but had gotten in a huge fight with her mom about living with him. She wanted Charlotte to live with her, but Charlotte had no interest in doing that. Carly said she thought Charlotte should work things out with her mother, but Charlotte said it was like talking to a wall. Carly said Lulu was just trying to protect her, but Charlotte said she didn’t need protecting from her own father. Carly said plenty of people wanted to hurt Valentin and Lulu didn’t want her to end up as collateral damage. Even though she disagreed with Lulu, she was coming from a place of love. Charlotte said her mom wouldn’t be happy until she cut her dad out of her life, and that was never going to happen. If she cut anyone out of her life, it would be Lulu.

Sonny asked, what kind of trouble? and Lulu said, the kind that could get Rocco sent to prison for a long time. That’s why she’d wanted Ric to be there. She needed legal advice. She asked if this conversation was under attorney/client privilege, and Ric said, of course (🍷). He was Sonny’s family attorney, and she was family. She said, Jason didn’t shoot Director Cullum on the pier.

Scout said she wasn’t apologizing to Tracy for bringing Willow. Willow had been there for her since her dad got sick. Tracy said Scout was always welcome, and Scout said she’d like to spend more time there this summer.

Brick said it looked like Valentin could use some help, but Valentin said he was just waiting for his daughter. He was going to pass her the ball while she took shots. Brick asked if he was a Stockton or Magic, and Valentin said he guessed neither. Brick said, pass him the ball, and Valentin did. Brick gave him a basketball tip, then told him to take the gift the WSB had just handed him. Go away. Start a new life, far away from Port Charles. Valentin asked who he was, and he said his friends called him Brick. Valentin asked if that included Sonny Corinthos,

Lulu said, Cullum was going to kill Jason and probably Britt, so Rocco picked the gun up and shot Cullum, and Sonny said it was making sense now. Lulu said Rocco felt so much guilt, both from shooting Cullum and the pain he’d caused Danny as a result. She was sorry. They should have told Sonny, but they were just trying to keep the truth from getting out. In spite of their best efforts, more people were finding out, which meant there was a greater chance for the authorities to hear about it. Sonny asked Ric, from a legal standpoint, how bad is it for Rocco?

Nina woke up in Jack’s hotel room, and said she knew she hated whiskey. Jack brought her some coffee, and said it had been unexpected. She said, no kidding. She hoped he was still thinking about finding the black box before Drew sent her and Willow to prison, and he said he’d already told her that he’d help. She didn’t have to sleep with him for him to do it.

Willow found Chase in the solarium and said she’d brought Scout there to ask Tracy a favor, so she made herself scarce. He said he wished Tracy would treat her better, especially since she’d declined to press charges when Tracy pushed her in the lake. She’d been gracious and Tracy was… Willow said, Tracy. She was glad she’d run into him because she wanted to ask how he felt about taking a trip with her to DC.

Fitzpatrick said it had been clear to him that Boyle was aiding and abetting a known fugitive, but Boyle said he was mistaken. Fitzpatrick asked how long Boyle and Sidwell had been working together, and Boyle wondered why he was being interrogated. He’d saved Fitzpatrick’s life by calling an ambulance. Fitzpatrick said he was grateful, but still needed Boyle to answer, when Laura came out. Boyle said he needed to speak to her, and she asked Fitzpatrick if it was all right. He said, sure, and Boyle hustled her back into the room. He said she had to save him.

Brook arrived at the stables, and Tracy said Scout wanted to use the lake for swim practice. Scout said she was training for an open water swim for charity. The distance was one-mile, the distance from there to the island. Tracy thought it sounded dangerous, but Scout said she was a strong swimmer. Her dad taught her. Navy SEAL, remember? Tracy asked if she was doing this for her father, but Scout said she was doing it for Grandma Monica. The money she raised would go to breast cancer research. Tracy said it sounded like a worthy cause. What’s the catch?

Willow told Chase that it would just be one day. She was attending a conference to learn more about local police practices for a bill she’d be voting on. The people putting on the conference were all lobbyists with their own agendas and she needed someone she could trust who could explain things to her in layman’s terms. There was no one she trusted more than him. He said he was flattered, but had to decline.

Brick said Sonny was a dear friend of his, and Valentin said he’d heard about Brick. He was ex-CIA. Brick said, among other alphabets. Hadn’t Valentin walked in that world? Valentin said he used to, and Brick said Valentin’s reputation preceded him. Valentin said, so did Brick’s. He was surprised Sonny would use someone of his stature as a messenger. Brick said he and Sonny went way back, but he was also friends with Carly, and Valentin said Brick was sent to protect Carly from him. Carly knew he was no saint and knew all that was in his past. Brick said Valentin had made a lot of enemies. If he truly cared about Carly and his daughter, he’d leave Port Charles and never look back.

Carly said Charlotte couldn’t cut ties with her mom or run away, and Charlotte said all they did was fight and she was sick of it. Carly said it wouldn’t last forever, but Charlotte said it would, because neither one of them would change their minds. Carly said she and her mom were the same, but eventually worked through their differences and their relationship became one of the most cherished things in her life. She didn’t want Charlotte and her mom miss out on something like that. Charlotte said she’d always choose her dad over her mom and her mom knew it, and Carly said Lulu was afraid of losing her. Charlotte said all parents stuck together. The only one she could really talk to was Danny, but he was on some trip with his dad. Carly asked what she was talking about, and Charlotte said, she didn’t hear? Jason was back.

Molly asked how it was going with Boyle, and Fitzpatrick said Boyle was tap dancing pretty good, trying to stall, but it was clear he’d worked with Sidwell in some capacity. He just couldn’t get anything concrete so far. Molly wondered why Boyle wanted to talk to Laura, and Fitzpatrick said, maybe he thinks she can help get him out of this mess.

Boyle said Fitzpatrick knew that he’d been helping Sidwell the day Sidwell was arrested. What should he say? Laura said, tell the truth. Tell Fitzpatrick that he was being coerced. They needed people to testify against Sidwell. Boyle said, if he testified, he’d end up in a cell next to Sidwell and he wouldn’t do well in prison. She said the person they were really interested in was Sidwell. If he told them that he could provide evidence for some of Sidwell’s crimes, she bet he could strike a deal with the DA. He asked if she couldn’t say he was part of the sting operation that brought Sidwell down, but she said she wouldn’t lie for him, especially since he’d been involved with Sidwell from the beginning. He said it was a mistake he regretted and he’d tried to walk away, and she said she’d advocate for him to get immunity, but he had to testify against Sidwell.

Nina said she didn’t make it a habit of prostituting herself, and Jack said she was desperate to save her daughter. She said she wasn’t that desperate. If he’d thought she was playing him, why would he go along with it? He said he wanted to see how far she’d take it, and she said he was a disgusting pig, shoving the coffee cup into his hands.

Carly asked if Charlotte was sure Jason was back, and Charlotte said Danny had texted her yesterday. His dad said the WSB just let him go, and showed up at the Quartermaine boathouse. Then they took off on some father/son road trip. Carly checked her phone and asked, how long would it have taken to send a text or a phone call? It’s unbelievable. Charlotte said, he seemed okay though, and showed her a selfie of Danny and Jason. Carly said, he still could have called, and Charlotte said they did look happy. Carly agreed and said Jason had focused on what was most important – his son. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Charlotte said she would have loved to have done that when her dad came back, but her mom would never allow it.

Ric said, from what Lulu told them, the only two witnesses were Jason and Cullum. Cullum was dead and they had no reason to believe Jason would change his story. Lulu said, Rocco already told some people, including Britt, but Ric said it was hearsay and not admissible in court. Sonny asked about the evidence, but Lulu said Dante was certain there was nothing to link Rocco to the shooting. Ric said as long as all the parties involved kept quiet, based on the evidence, or lack thereof, Rocco was pretty much in the clear.

Valentin said, if Brick had done all this research on him, Brick knew he was capable of protecting those he cared about, but Brick said Valentin had this pattern. He’d be sitting pretty, like he was now, and suddenly came up with a grand scheme, like stealing diamonds in the Ukraine. Valentin asked if a guy couldn’t change, and Brick said, some do. Most don’t. Valentin said he had two real incentives, his daughter and Carly. They both lived in Port Charles and he wasn’t going anywhere. Brick said he got that Carly was an amazing woman and Valentin seemed like a devoted father, but so was Sonny and he’d do anything to protect his family. Valentin said he had no intention of putting Sonny’s daughter in danger, and Brick said he hoped not. Otherwise, Sonny would get more intense and aggressive toward him, and nobody wanted that.

Laura told Molly that Boyle wanted to cooperate with the DA’s office. As part of a plea deal, he might be able to provide evidence for some of Sidwell’s crimes. Molly said she assumed Boyle would be implicated in some of those crimes, and Boyle stammered. Laura said she’d witnessed Sidwell threaten Boyle on more than one occasion. She was convinced he was coerced and deserved leniency. Molly said she’d hear him out, and Laura left.

Brook wondered why there had to be a catch when Scout wanted to swim in a charity race, and Tracy said she believed there was more to it. Scout said she was right, and Tracy said, let’s hear it. Scout said Tracy had banned her father from the estate, but she’d really like him to be able to watch her swim. Was there any chance she’d let Willow bring him over? Tracy said it wasn’t a good idea, but Scout said, please. Her dad used to go to all her swim meets. It would mean so much to her dad and to her.

Willow said she should have given Chase more notice, but he said it wasn’t that. He and Brook made a mutual decision to prioritize their family over everything else. He needed to be there for her and Phoebe. His focus had been split and he needed to fix that. Willow said she knew he’d come to her rescue more than once and asked if he’d prefer if she kept her distance.

Nina hurriedly dressed, and Jack handed her a shoe. He asked her to wait, and she wondered if he hadn’t demeaned her enough for one day. He said he was sorry. What he’d said was unkind and not how he felt. She asked why he said it, and he told her, self-defense. His defense mechanisms were up with everything that had gone on, but he’d greatly enjoyed their evening. She said she had too, and he said maybe they could do it again sometime.

Lulu thanked Sonny and Ric for putting her mind at ease, and Sonny said she should have come to him sooner. She said she did have another worry. Now that Valentin received a full pardon, he was saying that he wanted to stay in Port Charles and wanted Charlotte to live with him, but she wouldn’t allow it. Charlotte wasn’t safe with him. Sonny said that’s exactly what he’d told Carly. He didn’t want Donna anywhere near Valentin. Ric said, Carly was dating Valentin? and Sonny said, unfortunately. Carly didn’t listen to him, but he was working on another way to get rid of Valentin.

Laura told Fitzpatrick that Boyle needed a little push sometimes to do the right thing, and he said, or maybe a good old-fashioned shove, when Boyle and Molly came out. Boyle said he and the DA’s office had come to an agreement on a deal, and Molly said, in exchange for immunity, Congressman Boyle had provided some information that she believed would be helpful in convicting Sidwell… provided it all checked out. Laura thanked her, and Molly left. Laura hugged Boyle and said she was proud of him, and he thanked her.

Nina said she thought she and Jack could agree that were in a very precarious situation and it would complicate their lives if they took this any further. He said, makes sense, she agreed, and left.

Chase said if Willow was ever in trouble, she could count on him, but for right now… She told him, say no more. She got it and totally respected his decision. He thanked her for understanding, and she said all she wanted was for him to be happy.

Tracy said it was a worthy cause, so she’d make an exception for Scout’s father, and Scout said, one more thing. Tracy said there was always one more thing, and Scout said if Tracy could also make a donation to sponsor her, that’d be great. Tracy said she’d be delighted, and Brook said she’d be delighted too. Scout thanked them and ran off to tell Willow the good news. Tracy said, that girl is definitely a Quartermaine. Scout knew she couldn’t say no when she said the words Monica and breast cancer. She had to give Scout credit for hustling her. Brook said, or Tracy did it just because she wanted to make Scout happy, but Tracy said, no, she didn’t. Brook said Tracy had a heart, but don’t worry. She wouldn’t tell anyone. They hugged.

Charlotte said she guessed she wasn’t moving in, and Carly said, no. Charlotte was going to go home and work on a compromise, a way to have a relationship with both her parents. Charlotte said she didn’t see that as happening with her mom anytime soon, and Carly said her dad was a free man now. He didn’t have to worry about taking off at a moment’s notice, and that meant her parents had plenty of time to work things out with her together. The moss bowl🎍approved.

Lulu said as much as she wanted Valentin out of Charlotte’s life, she didn’t want anything to happen to him, but Sonny said that wasn’t what he meant. If all went as planned, Valentin would make the wise decision to leave Port Charles on his own.

Valentin thanked Brick for the advice on basketball and everything else, and Brick said he’d tell Sonny that Valentin was passing on it. Valentin said maybe Brick could convince Sonny to take the loss, but Brick said he didn’t think so. Remember, it ain’t over till it’s over. As he walked away, Brick threw the basketball over his shoulder and made a basket.

Tuesday:

Gio tried to get the kids at the pool to settle down, when Charlotte handed him his whistle. Lulu walked in looking for Charlotte.

Dante introduced Fitzpatrick to Anna. She said she was shadowing Dante for a few weeks to get up to speed before she went back to being Commissioner. Dante stepped away to take a call, and Anna said she heard Fitzpatrick was instrumental in arresting Sidwell, but he said all he did was get pistol whipped. She said she wanted to review all the high profile cases that took place while she was away, starting with the shootout on Spoon Island, and all the major players involved. He said, that would be Jenz Sidwell, Ross Cullum, Nathan West… or Cassius Faison, and Anna said, and his sister, Britt Westbourne.

Stella said she hoped Tristan was settling in okay, and he said the people at the hospital had been pretty welcoming. Elizabeth said the people there were pretty friendly, and seeing Britt, she added, mostly. Lucas asked if Britt had met Tristan. He was GH’s newest cardiac surgeon.

Sonny thanked Turner for coming by the secret apartment, and she said she wanted to give him a heads up. They were coming for him and he was going down. This time, law enforcement was ready and they’d been practicing. She’d been working with a coach. He said Corinthos Coffee was going to take her down, and she said only if they didn’t cheat – again. Sonny said he was going to pretend he didn’t hear that because no one was stealing the base coaches signs. And he had to ask her a favor. Were there any pending charges against Valentin Cassadine?

Valentin went to Laura’s office and said he wasn’t sure she was going to see him. She said they had too much family in common for her not to.

Brick went to see Carly, bringing her flowers. She said she knew why he was really there. Sonny wanted him to warn her away from Valentin.

Elizabeth told Tristan that he was all set, and Stella gave him his assigned parking space. He asked if he could get something closer to the building, and she said she’d see what she could do. Down the hall, Britt told Lucas they were coming for her parking space. Why don’t they just throw in the Mercedes and be done with it? Lucas said she seemed more impatient than usual, and she said she was. Dr. Randolph wouldn’t reinstate her until she met with the new Chief Administrator and the head nurse. They wanted to conduct some stupid conduct review. He said it was bold that she thought she could just walk in and get her job back. She’d disappeared for weeks. She asked if it meant nothing that she was being hunted by some rogue government agent. Besides, what did he care? She thought he was done with her since she wasn’t dying anymore. He said if she told anyone he said this, he’d deny it, but they’d be fools to let her go. That being said, if she didn’t approach this with humility, that could be exactly what happened.

Laura said, it must be nice not to be on anyone’s most wanted list anymore, and Valentin said it was a nice change of pace, but not everyone was as thrilled as he was. She said she was sure Charlotte was happy and Lulu didn’t have to worry about him taking her on the run again, provided he stayed on the right side of the law. He said he’d been given the opportunity to raise his daughter in a safe and stable environment, but he might lose that opportunity without her help.

Lulu suggested she and Charlotte talk and come up with a solution, but Charlotte said she already had one. Let her live at Carly’s.

Turner asked what business Sonny had with Valentin, and he said Valentin was seeing his ex-wife. She said he wanted her to compromise her career because he was hung up on his ex-wife? but he said it was about Donna. Carly was hiding Valentin in her attic for months and his daughter was sleeping under the same roof. Valentin was a danger to his daughter then and he was now. She said the WSB had cleaned Valentin’s slate and set him free. No one was coming after him anymore. He said, someone was always coming after Valentin. That’s why he wanted Valentin away from Carly and his daughter as soon as possible.

As Carly put the flowers in a vase and the moss bowl🎍winked at them, Brick said he had his own concerns about Carly being around Valentin. She said he should talk to Valentin, and he said he already did. She asked how that went, and he said he’d advised Valentin to get a fresh start far, far away. She asked if Valentin was packing his bags, but he said Valentin was sticking around. She said, why shouldn’t he? He had no reason to leave. The WSB cleared him. Brick said that wouldn’t stop another agency from snapping him up if evidence of his other crimes came to the surface, and she asked if he had evidence. Was this a heads up that he was going to destroy Valentin’s life, then hers? He said he’d never do that to her. She was his friend and he loved her. But he couldn’t sit by and let her get more involved with this man. Not without a full accounting of what Valentin has been doing all these years.

Tristan told Britt, we meet again, and Lucas said, they’d met before? Tristan said, briefly, and asked how the apartment hunt was going. Britt said, not great. Someone swiped the only thing she could afford. He said he had good news. Her room above Bobbie’s was available again. Unfortunately, he’d misread the listing for the room and it wasn’t what he was looking for. He talked to the owner and she was very understanding about the mix-up. She even offered him a room at the MetroCourt at the same price. Britt said, no, she didn’t. She’d saved Carly’s daughter from a hook wielding psychopath and all she did was let her rot in that greasy spoon and got rid of all her stuff. He asked if she was sure it wasn’t her sparkling personality, when Lucas asked him for a consult on the fourth floor. They left, and Elizabeth said they were ready for Britt.

Anna said Fitzpatrick seemed like a good hire, and Dante said it was one of the few decisions he’d made where he didn’t second guess himself. She said it was part of the job. If you’re not questioning every decision, you’re probably messing it up. He said he must be one hell of a Commissioner. He knew how tough it was to reenter this job after a difficult absence. She’d been there for him, so he wanted to be there for her. He promised no judgements. He’d just listen.

Valentin said Lulu had been placing obstacles between him and Charlotte, and Laura said she knew Lulu didn’t want Charlotte living with him again, but he should have this conversation with Lulu. He said he’d tried, but Lulu just dug in her heels and it was just going to place a wedge between her and Charlotte. She said she still didn’t know why he was there, and he said he thought she could get through to Lulu. She said she believed Charlotte had the right to have both of her parents in her life, but she wasn’t advocating for his relationship with her until he acknowledged what he’d done to undermine her relationship with her mother.

Lulu figured living with Carly was Valentin’s idea, but Charlotte said it was hers. Lulu didn’t have to blame him for everything. She’d already talked to Carly. Lulu said living with Carly was a non-starter, and Charlotte asked, why? Carly’s was the perfect middle ground. Lulu said Carly wasn’t her mother, and Charlotte asked why Lulu even wanted her there. It made her miserable and all Lulu cared about was keeping her away from her dad. Lulu said they’d talk later and left.

Carly reminded Brick that Valentin accidentally poisoned her when he was going after Jack and she was still choosing to be with him. He said, next to some of the things on Valentin’s resume, that actually qualifies as adorable, and she said she wasn’t trying to deny or minimize what Valentin had done, but the past was the past. She could only go by what he’d done now, not just for her, but for her family. He went to the WSB to warn them that Cullum was a double agent, knowing he could go to Steinmauer for the rest of his life. Because it was the only way to stop Cullum and save Josslyn. He said, one good deed didn’t erase a lifetime of sins, but she said Josslyn was alive because of Valentin. That would always carry more weight than anything he’d done in the past.

Sonny said there had to be a warrant for Valentin out there somewhere, but Turner said the WSB confiscated all the evidence they’d had against him. All pending charges, regardless of jurisdiction, had been dropped. He said he wasn’t thrilled with Carly going out with Jack, but Valentin was a new low. He didn’t know why she couldn’t see she was going out with the man who was going to destroy her life. Turner said she asked herself that very question every day.

Lucas asked what drew Tristan to the hospital, and Tristan said, GH’s reputation preceded itself, but some of them weren’t the way he’d pictured them. Lucas said, if he was talking about Britt, she wasn’t a reflection on the rest of them, and Tristan said that made him feel a lot better. Lucas asked how Tristan felt about softball.

Stella said, given Britt’s history of unethical behavior, the board had deep reservations about letting her come back, but Elizabeth said, despite the board’s legitimate concerns, Britt’s achievements as a medical professional spoke for themselves. Stella said, as such, the board felt she should be afforded the opportunity to explain her conduct and appeal for her return, and Britt said she’d love to. Stella suggested she start by letting them know why she’d locked Nurse Baldwin in a bathroom.

Anna told Dante that her homecoming hadn’t been as smooth as she’d hoped, when Lulu came in. She said she wasn’t there to report a crime… not yet anyway. She wanted to confirm she was picking Rocco up from the Quartermaines. Dante said she could have sent a text, but Lulu said she wanted to talk to Anna. Would now be okay? Anna said the city PR team asked her to go on record with the press to address any concerns as to whether she was fit to go back to duty, and Dante said, feel free to use the interrogation room. Anna and Lulu went in and sat down. Lulu looked at a picture of Rocco on her phone and asked what Anna’s relationship with Robin was like. Anna said, fine. Why? Lulu asked how it was impacted by her kidnapping, and Anna asked if it was what her readers wanted to know. Lulu said, they might, if they’re a mom who can’t communicate with her daughter.

Gio asked if everything was okay between Charlotte and her mom, and Charlotte said, no. Things hadn’t been for a while. Her mom hated her.

Turner asked if Sonny really didn’t see the contradiction. She jeopardized everything she worked for nearly every time she talked to him. He said it was dangerous for him too, but unlike Carly and Valentin, they took precautions so nobody knew what was going on with them. Carly and Valentin were out in the open. She said, if it was any consolation, she was ready to bring the hammer down on Valentin if he so much as jaywalked, and he said he appreciated that. It would be simpler if they had criminal charges, but he had other ways to deal with Valentin. She said if he was suggesting what she thought he was, they were going to have a problem.

Anna asked if things were a little challenging with Charlotte at the moment, and Lulu said, all the moments. There was this distance between them. It was like Charlotte didn’t want to be close with her. Anna asked if Lulu meant the way Charlotte was with Valentin, and Lulu said she just wanted to make up for the years she’d missed, but Charlotte just wanted her dad. Anna told her that she wasn’t saying it was fair, but coming back into a child’s life after losing so much time was a painful process. Don’t give up. Just keep showing up for Charlotte. Eventually, the good times would outweigh the bad and all the fighting would just be a distant memory. Lulu asked if they could reschedule, and Anna said, of course (🍷). Lulu thanked Anna and left.

Gio said Charlotte’s mom didn’t hate her. She might get upset, frustrated, or angry, but hate? No. Charlotte said her mom totally despised her dad and she was just like him, and Gio said, for a while, Dante wanted nothing to do with him and there wasn’t much he could do about it. To be honest, there wasn’t much he wanted to do about it. She asked how he dealt with it, and he said he listened to music. She asked who he listened to, and he said his favorite was Augustin Hadelich. She said she and her dad saw him in Zurich. He was incredible. Gio said, his technique is flawless, and she asked who else he listened to. He said he’d share his playlist with her, when Emma joined them.

Laura said, clean slate or not, trouble had a way of finding Valentin. If Charlotte was with him, it would find her too. He said it wasn’t an issue anymore, but she said he didn’t know that. All Lulu had done was try to protect his daughter, and he’d made sure Charlotte saw her as a villain for it. He said it wasn’t his intention, and she said, prove it. Stand up for Lulu with Charlotte. Then maybe she’d stand up for him with Lulu.

Britt said, when Elizabeth saw the passport, she freaked. She and Rocco were in immediate danger and she didn’t see another option. She was truly sorry she did that to Elizabeth. Stella said, after that, Britt fled the country for several weeks, and Elizabeth said, with a minor in tow. Stella said, and this wasn’t so long after it came to light that she’d faked her own death, and Elizabeth said, all this happened just only in the past year. Stella asked why Britt deserved another shot, and Britt said because she was an excellent doctor and GH was the only place she actually got to help people without screwing up. Elizabeth said, speaking to that, Dr. Westbourne recently delivered Delilah Wilson’s baby. Not all doctors could have handled the situation the way she did. Little Phoebe was alive and well because of her. Britt thanked her and said, saving lives was their business after all. So what did they say? Could she get her job back?

Sonny said if he was going to make Valentin disappear, he wouldn’t be hinting in front of Turner. He’d never want to compromise her any more than he already had. He thought she’d know that by now. She said she wouldn’t be there if she didn’t, and they kissed.

Brick said he hoped Valentin realized how lucky he was to have Carly in his corner, and she said they were in each other’s corner. Brick said, if that changed and Carly decided she needed Valentin out of her life, this should do the trick. He held out a flashdrive, but she said if it didn’t work out with Valentin, she’d just end things, and he said, just like she did with Jack?

Emma said it had been a slow day at the rescue, so she clocked out early. She was glad she caught Gio because she’d grabbed a couple of chaises. He asked if Charlotte wanted to join them, but she said she had to get going. Gio said he’d send Charlotte the playlist, and he and Emma walked off.

Fitzpatrick asked if there was anything Anna needed, and she said she was missing the Ross Cullum shooting. It was March 23rd, Pier 55. He said, that’s weird. He’d thought he’d pulled everything, but he’d go back and check. Anna thanked him, and he left.

At the Quartermaines, Lulu asked Dante if Rocco was ready, and he said Rocco asked if he could stick around there a little longer. She asked, why? and he said Rocco wasn’t saying much, but he thought things were tense between him and Charlotte. She said, too bad. If they were having issues, Rocco could come home and work it out with her. Dante asked if she was sure that was the best idea.

Valentin walked into Sonny’s old kitchen and kissed Carly. She said, wow. He was in a good mood. He said he just came from Laura’s office. it was going to take some work, but he thought Laura was going to broker peace with Lulu so he could spend more time with Charlotte. She said that was great, and he looked at the flowers and said he didn’t have to ask how her day went. Did he have competition? She said, yes, Brick, and he said, Sonny’s friend? She said, yes, and he said it was funny. Brick paid him a visit too, but he didn’t bring flowers. She said Brick told her that he’d spoken to Valentin, and Valentin asked if Brick also told her that he’d tried to scare him out of Port Charles. She said he tried to scare her too, and it worked, and Valentin asked what he said, She said Brick offered to fill her in on everything Valentin had ever done to end up on the WSB’s most wanted list.

Stella told Britt that they’d come to a decision, and Britt said, don’t sugarcoat it. Just rip off the duct tape. Elizabeth said they’d decided to recommend that the board reinstate Britt as a doctor there, and Stella said, however, she’d be placed on probation – again. Her initial probationary period lapsed, and based on recent events, she was now looking at an additional six months. And during that time, if one toe was out of line… Britt said she was going, and Stella said, mm-hmm. Britt said that was fair and she promised from now on, she’d stay on the straight and narrow, but Elizabeth said that wasn’t all. Because Britt was a repeat offender, her probation would consist of extra responsibilities. Stella said Britt would be working nights every Friday and Saturday, and inventorying the lab, and working with the children in the art therapy room, and… It would be easier if she just emailed this to Britt. Britt said, sounds doable. Anything else? Elizabeth said there was one other matter that required Britt’s attention.

Tristan said he never played softball before, and Lucas said that was great. If he had no aptitude for it, that was even better. It wasn’t about being good. They’d play a few innings and hit up the Brown Dog for some drinks. Tristan said he didn’t know, but Lucas said Tristan wanted to meet people and bad softball was a great way to do that. Elizabeth came by and asked if they had a new recruit, and Tristan said it didn’t sound like he had a choice. Elizabeth said, don’t worry. He was in good company. Allow her to introduce their new equipment manager. Britt came out wearing a baseball cap.

Gio said he was hoping to get in a few laps, and Emma asked if he didn’t just spend his entire day at the pool. He said, if a lifeguard does their job right, they never even touch the water. Today was annoy the lifeguard day, so there was nothing but tension for hours and hours. She said she thought she could help, and kissed him. Charlotte watched.

Dante said, according to Rocco, he and Lulu were good. It was Charlotte he had a problem with. Lulu said he felt Charlotte had sided with Danny over him. She got that, but it was over. They had to let this go. he said he liked that the Spencers didn’t hold grudges. The Cassadines and Falconaris did the same thing. It was one thing they all had in common. She asked if she was supposed to do nothing while they slammed doors and avoided each other, and he said, if they need to cool off, let them. She said, in the meantime, Rocco felt like he couldn’t come home, and he said she could give Charlotte what she wanted, which was to go live with her dad.

Laura welcomed Anna back, and Anna said it was wonderful to be back, on so many levels. She had a lot to catch up on, but thought she could manage. She did read up on how Laura took down Sidwell. Bravo. Laura said she had a lot of help, when Fitzpatrick came in. Anna asked if he found it, but he said he didn’t. The records and the physical evidence were gone. She asked if he went to the warehouse, and he said he did. It was never submitted. She said, and the digital records? and he said, gone. Like he told her, there was nothing. Laura asked what case this was in regards to, and Anna said, the Cullum shooting. Anna asked if it was possible everything had been misplaced, and Fitzpatrick said, anything was possible, but everything else was exactly where it was supposed to be. Anna said, then someone took it, and he wondered, who? She said she didn’t know and suggested they go through it all again. Laura flashed back to Lulu telling her, Rocco shot someone.

Sonny’s phone rang and he asked Brick how it went. Brick said, as well as expected. Sonny said, she didn’t want to hear it? and Brick said, not a word. Sonny thanked him for trying, and Brick said, don’t count him out just yet. Sonny asked what he did, and Brick told him, let’s just say I put something in motion. It might take a while, but eventually Valentine would be out of Carly’s life and she would be the one to get rid of him.

Valentin said there were many things he’d done in his past that he wasn’t proud of, and Carly said she could understand why, but she was going to tell him what she told Brick. He was willing to give up everything to save her daughter. That’s what mattered to her. He said he was very glad to hear her say that, and they hugged as the moss bowl🎍hit on the flowers. Carly clutched the flashdrive in her hand behind Valentin’s back.

Wednesday:

Dante told Lulu that Valentin being pardoned didn’t make it safer for him to be around, but it made it harder for her to justify not letting Charlotte be near him. Why couldn’t they just move forward?

Carly hid the flashdrive in a drawer and asked if Valentin found out what was in the black box, but he said, not yet. He was sure it had a self-destruct mechanism and he didn’t want to destroy the contents before finding out what was inside. He was sure it was valuable. He wasn’t the only one looking for it.

Jordan saw Michael at the gym, and he said he wanted to know something and she was the perfect person to ask. She said she was thinking the same about him.

Isaiah fussed over Portia’s baby, and she said he was a natural. He said he’d had practice overseas, and she said his compassion was one of the reasons she loved him. He said he loved her too, when Curtis came to the door.

Simon met with Brook, Trina, and Gio at Deception, and said before they finalized anything, there was a serious legal matter that needed attention.

Britt told Stella that the equipment manager gig came with a longer to-do list than her practice, and Stella said Britt had to see a patient who’d requested her healing touch.

Jack met Anna in the interrogation room and said it was good to see her. She said she didn’t believe that for a second.

Simon said the original plan was to sign Trina and Gio as a duo, but after discussing it with his colleagues, the label wanted to go in a different direction. They wanted them each as solo acts.

Curtis came into Portia’s room, and Isaiah left.

Stella said Portia wanted Britt to perform her exit exam, and Britt said she’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be wanted as a doctor. She was hoping they could talk about the every weekend part of her reinstatement, and Stella said maybe it wasn’t the right hospital for her. Britt said she wanted to be there, but the schedule felt almost like a constructive dismissal, but Stella said Britt saw their offer as a punishment instead of an opportunity to prove she wanted to be there. Britt said they should have confidence in her, and Stella said Britt was a brilliant physician, but had an established pattern of reckless behavior. This was her chance to break it and get herself right with GH. If she didn’t like it, the elevator was right there.

Lulu said Charlotte’s safety was still at risk, but Dante said she couldn’t keep Charlotte away from her father forever. She said now that Valentin had been pardoned, she’d have to split custody. It worked for her and Dante because Rocco wanted to be with both of them. Charlotte didn’t. Charlotte couldn’t stand being near her right now. He said maybe if she let Charlotte choose, it would bring them closer, but she said, or it could just mean more time away from her. She’d already lost enough time and didn’t want to lose what was left.

Carly wondered who else was looking for the box, and Valentin said when he and Charlotte were at Windymere, Jack was there with Nina. Nina said she was there to find anything to shed light on what happened to Cassius the night he died. Carly said she didn’t buy it, and Valentin said he didn’t either. It crossed his mind that they were looking for the box, and Nina must have been there helping Jack, which meant Jack was desperate. It was probably Cullum’s unless Cullum took it from Jack’s office. Either way, Jack would want what was in it.

Jack said Anna must have heard about their former Director’s extracurricular activities, and she said she had. He said he should have seen through Cullum’s façade sooner and questioned her disappearance, but she said, Cullum fooled a lot of people. Jack said he’d heard whispers about Cullum, and then there was Nathan West’s mysterious return from the grave. Then it turned out he wasn’t Nathan at all. Anna said she’d been trying to piece together whose actions belonged to who, what was Cullum’s and what was Cassius’s, and Jack asked why it mattered since they were both dead. She said, Cullum and Cassius were members of a much larger conspiracy. Others were out there who needed to be brought to justice. He asked if she was speaking about Sidwell, and she said, among others. He said he was sure she knew Sidwell was in custody for unrelated charges, and she said she was aware. Had he managed to find anything connecting Sidwell to what happened to her? He said he couldn’t say for sure who was behind her kidnapping, but if he had to guess, he’d say it was Cullum. He’d strapped Jack to a bed and pumped him full of carbon monoxide, which seemed in keeping with psychological manipulation and kidnapping. She said, but if the goal was to make her believe Faison was alive, it seemed the best person to do that would be his son.

Michael asked if Jordan could give him feedback on the gym, and she said, of course (🍷). He asked what he could help her with, and she said her favor wasn’t as easy and it might be painful for her to bring it up.

Quinn met Kai at the Surf Lodge and said he wasn’t sure Kai would meet with him. Kai said he almost didn’t after how Quinn had treated Trina.

Brook asked where this was coming from, and Simon said he’d seen a clip of Gio performing at the Nurses Ball and he was brilliant. Brook said they both were. He was talking about a pretty big change, so she’d need some time with her clients. Simon said, of course (🍷), and left. Gio said it wasn’t what he’d signed up for and he had no interest in being a solo act, but Trina said Gio had worked hard for this opportunity. She’d just have her own deal. Brook said her advice to the both of them to consider the possibilities, but whatever they wanted to do was what she’d do. Trina said, although Gio’s relationship with music was rocky, he came alive when he played. She didn’t want to be the reason he walked away from it. Gio said he wasn’t walking away from anything, but it had to be them together or there was no deal.

Lulu told Dante that when she and Charlotte reunited, she told herself she’d make up for the lost years and be the mother Charlotte never had. But all she’d done was chase years she’d never be able to recover. Dante said he knew from his experience with Gio and Sonny that there was no catching up. Meet Charlotte where she was. Otherwise, she’d risk losing Charlotte forever. (As usual, Lulu was all about Lulu.)

Jordan said she was hoping Michael could tell her about his recovery experience at the clinic in Baden-Baden, and he said the clinic saved his life. He’d never regret going. She said, they did an incredible job, and he asked if she was thinking about seeking treatment there. She said she was, and he said admittance could be exclusive. He’d gotten in because of Jack Brennan, who’d done it because of his mother. She said Sidwell told her about the exclusivity and offered her a spot… in exchange for a favor. He asked if she’d turned him down, and she said, of course (🍷) she did. He asked if she was having regrets about that.

Curtis and Portia tossed around some baby names, and Portia said, if all went well, she’d be discharged tonight. He asked if she and the baby would like a ride home, and she said they’d love it. He said he was thinking since it was the baby’s first night home, maybe he could stay too. (The baby is adorable, but very noisy. I could barely hear them.)

Simon asked if they had a deal, but Brook said her clients weren’t interested in pursuing solo deals. They wanted to stick with the original deal and perform as a duo. Gio said, it’s either that or nothing at all, and Trina said, they started this together, and whatever they did next, they were doing together.

Quinn said, nothing that happened was Trina’s fault. He admitted he was way out of line and hated what it had done to his and Kai’s friendship. Any chance Kai would want to hang out again? Kai said he wanted to get past this, but Trina had become a big part of his life. It only worked if Quinn apologized to her and treated her with the respect she deserved.

Lulu said Valentin warned her that if she tried to keep Charlotte away from him, it would destroy their relationship, and Dante said he didn’t like agreeing with him, but Valentin knew Charlotte. He was also biased about where she lived. She said the space might be good for their son. He was far from over the shooting and the fallout, and needed more of her time. Dante said she had to do what was best for Charlotte too, and whatever she decided, he’d support her. She said she knew what she had to do, but wasn’t sure she could do it, and he said the Lulu he knew could do anything and hugged her.

Valentin said Jack was looking bad. He couldn’t imagine the higher ups at the WSB were too pleased. Carly said it would be worse if they found out the WSB box was in somebody else’s hands and their secrets got out, and he said, a former fugitive, no less. He was going to float a trade. His funds, his assets, unfrozen, released in exchange for the box. She said he was going to have to surrender the box to get his money. What was to stop Brennan from killing him the second he got the box?

Anna told Jack that she believed Cassius had the strongest motive to shoot Cullum that night on the pier. Cullum was in charge of Faison’s final project and Cassius might have taken issue with that. In order to inherit his father’s empire, he may have needed to take his rival off the board. Jack said that tracked, but he was certain it wasn’t Cassius. He knew who did it.

Isaiah said he’d heard they had a new equipment manager in the house, and Britt said she was declaring a moratorium on softball talk. He said he wanted to discuss his uniform number, and she said she’d let him know. She heard congratulations were in order. Portia had her baby. He said she’d heard right, and she asked how mom and baby were doing. He said Portia was exhausted, but doing well, and the baby was incredible. He just didn’t know how any of this was going to work. She said, support his head, don’t drop him, and don’t let him eat dirt. Isaiah said he knew that. He and Curtis just had another awkward run-in. Curtis came into Portia’s room while he was there with her and the baby. She said she didn’t see any fresh bruises, and he said he walked out as soon as Curtis got there so they could have space to bond with the baby. She said, smart move. Avoid altercations. He said the next time he wanted to take a shot at Curtis, he’d remind himself how Curtis ruined his life doing exactly that. Curtis’s trial was coming up and he’d refused a plea bargain. With any luck, he’d pay dearly for that mistake.

Quinn said he had no issue with Trina and hoped she had none with him, but Kai said they’d have to see. Quinn said he’d seen Kai’s socials. Trina was singing now? Kai said she and Gio were in negotiations for a record deal, and Quinn said he’d congratulate her after he apologized. Kai said Trina was swinging by to pick him up, but before she got there, he had to ask. Why was Quinn reaching out now? It had been over a year. Quinn said now that football wasn’t consuming him, he could see the game wasn’t worth their friendship. How did Kai move on? Kai said it seemed impossible, but he managed to get through it because of Trina. Trina approached and asked if she’d heard her name.

Portia told Curtis that it was a kind offer, but she thought they needed to set up some boundaries for everyone’s sake. He was more than welcome at the house, with notice, but no overnights. He wouldn’t expect her to stay with him and Jordan. He said she was right, when Britt came in. She took a peek at the baby and said it was time for Portia’s discharge exam. Curtis left to deal with the paperwork, and Britt said she’d heard Portia requested her. Portia said Stella told her that Brit was back and she thought Britt could use a friend.

Valentin told Carly that he’d be prepared. He needed money now. Lulu was gearing up for a custody fight. She said he could always borrow money from his rich girlfriend, but he said he had no interest in being a kept man. Besides, the money was rightfully his and he wanted it back. She said she got that, when Lulu knocked at the door. She said she’d been doing a lot of thinking and thought Charlotte should decide who she wanted to live with.

Jordan said, no matter what happened, she’d never regret turning down Sidwell, and Michael said he wasn’t sure if he had much sway at the clinic, but he’d stayed in touch with the doctors and staff. If there was anything he could do, let him know. She thanked him and said she didn’t know if it was appropriate to ask, but he said it was beyond appropriate. Curtis always had his back, so if he could do anything for Curtis or her, he was going to do it.

Stella asked how the baby was doing, and Curtis said he was great. He was healthy and strong. She asked how he was doing. She’d seen Isaiah exit Portia’s room earlier. How did that go? He said it was uncomfortable, but he listened to her and just focused on his baby. She said she was proud of him. Sacrificing for his family. Putting them first when everything inside of him wanted something else. That’s what it meant to be a father. She knew he was thinking she’d never even been a parent, so how would she know? but he said he wasn’t thinking that. He knew she wasn’t asking anything of him that she wouldn’t ask of herself. She was his auntie, but she’d always been more like a mother to him. They hugged.

Britt said everything looked great and Portia was cleared to go home. She thanked Portia again for requesting her. It was her first exam since she’d been back and it felt really good to be doing doctor work again. Portia said Britt was her OB and she knew what Britt was going through. She’d been given a second chance and didn’t see why Britt didn’t deserve one as well. She understood the power of starting over and was hoping she and her family could do the same one day.

Valentin asked, what’s the catch? but Lulu said there was none. If Charlotte wanted to live with him, she’d go along with it. He asked if she’d talked to her mother, and she said, no. Why? He said, no reason, and she said she’d been doing some soul searching and decided Charlotte should be given the choice. He said that was very magnanimous, and she said, especially since they both knew who Charlotte would choose. She did have some conditions. He’d have to provide an actual home for her – not there and not a hotel suite. He said, consider it done, and Carly said it was generous of her. Lulu said the way she saw it, as long as Charlotte was fighting her, she’d lose. She’d do anything for her daughter’s happiness. Even break her own heart.

Anna asked, who was Cullum’s shooter? but Jack said, sorry. Classified. She said she didn’t know why she was surprised. She’d asked to pull the case file and there was no evidence. The Bureau must have wiped it clean. Jack said it wasn’t him, and she said, Cullum perhaps. He had every reason to want to bury that file. Maybe he wanted to take care of the shooter on his own terms or just protect the operation. He said, it wasn’t Cullum either, and she asked how he knew all this. He said, when Cullum was discharged, he wanted the evidence, but the PCPD didn’t have it and it was never produced. She said, so it was missing even then?

Portia was wheeled out with the baby, and Curtis gave Stella the paperwork. She said the baby’s name was missing, but if they didn’t have one yet, she could list him as Baby Ashford. Curtis said the baby’s middle name would be Robinson, but they were still working on first names. Portia said she liked the name he’d suggested earlier. The one he’d said was his favorite. It was a strong name. He said allow him to officially introduce Stella to their son, Mr. Desmond Robinson Ashford. Stella said, hi, Desmond, as Isaiah watched.

Michael said he wasn’t out in public like Jordan, but had an idea of the burden she was carrying. If she ever felt she needed to talk, he was there for her. She said she had to get going and left, when Michael’s phone rang. He said, hey, Maxie. How are you doing? It’s been a while… Okay. Listening…

Valentin said he knew he’d harmed Lulu’s relationship with Charlotte, but would always let her know how much Lulu loved her. She said if Carly ever found out Valentin was putting her daughter in danger, she expected Carly to tell her. She glanced at the moss bowl🎍and left. Carly looked toward the drawer where the flashdrive was, and Valentin said now all he had to do was deal with Jack.

Anna told Jack, someone at the PCPD made the evidence disappear. It just fueled her suspicion that it was Cassius that shot Cullum. Yet Jack was telling her that he wasn’t the shooter. What did he expect her to do with this? He said, let it go. It didn’t matter who the shooter was. Cullum was an embarrassment to the Bureau and they never wanted to hear his name again. If she kept digging, she was only going to ruin the life of someone who just wanted to keep people safe. He left, and Peter said Anna was wasting time. Why didn’t she ask him about Britt?

Dante asked how it went, and Brook said, Gio and Trina signed their deal as a duo. Dante said that was amazing. Congratulations. The whole world would see how great Gio was, just like they had. Gio thanked Dante and Brook for being patient with him. He’d turned his back on them and music, but letting them back in opened the door to music again and he was happy he did.

On the phone, Simon said he’d stayed behind to finish up some paperwork. It was a done deal. They wouldn’t agree to sign as solo acts, so he’d signed them as a duo… Well, he’d rather have them that way than not at all. Trina Robinson. She’s the one to watch.

Trina asked if Kai was ready to go, but Quinn said, wait. He wanted to apologize for blaming her for Kai’s injuries and how he’d treated her even before that. He knew how much Kai liked her and he never really gave her a chance. He was sorry for that. He hoped she could accept his apology. She said she knew how tight he and Kai used to be, and she’d never want to get between them, and Quinn said he appreciated that. Maybe they could all hang out together sometime. Quinn went to another table, and Kai asked how it went. Trina said there was a little hiccup, but it was official. She and Gio signed a deal. She appreciated Kai and wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He said he’d always have her back, but right now, he thought it was time to celebrate. Quinn watched.

We saw a big collage of photos of Trina, something like a stalker would put together.

Thursday:

Emma saw Gio at the pool and said she was glad he hadn’t forgotten his humble beginnings now that he was a huge rock star. Sonny came in and found Rocco folding towels. He asked how it was going, and Rocco said, pretty good, so far. Sonny asked if he could take a break. He had to talk to Rocco about something important.

Dante went to Laura’s office and said he’d gotten her message. It sounded important. She said it was. It had been a while since Lulu told her that Rocco shot Cullum. Anna was back and looking into the evidence. Should they be worried?

Chase went to Anna’s office and she asked why one of her best detectives had been demoted to beat cop.

Tracy left her 14th message for Maxie and said her not returning the calls was unprofessional and not up to company standards. She’d devested her self of Deception’s stock and Tracy wanted it. Call her. 14 messages, Maxie. Brook asked if that was really necessary.

As she let herself into the office, Lucy left a message for Maxie saying it was very important Maxie call her back about the shares. She walked in to find Tracy and Brook, and Tracy said, you.

At Bobbie’s, Cody told Molly that Spinelli had accepted an amazing job offer in Australia and the family was moving there. They were leaving tomorrow night. He thought the family was itching to get out of Port Charles as they’d been traumatized by Cassius’s lies. James most of all.

At the boathouse, Michael watched as Alexis got ready to time Scout’s swim practice. She said if Scout did a mile in under 45 minutes, she was checking her for gills. Accompanied by Nina, Willow wheeled Drew up onto the deck, and Scout said she couldn’t believe he was actually there.

Gio told Emma not to worry. He wasn’t turning into a rock star anytime soon. He’d promised Carly and Olivia he’d stay until they had someone to replace him. She said she loved a man who honored his commitments, and they kissed, when Charlotte came in.

Sonny said Rocco’s mom told him what Rocco had been going through, and Rocco said she’d told Sonny that he’d shot Cullum. Sonny said it was a hell of a thing to have to keep from the people he loved. He was sorry he wasn’t there for Rocco. He understood why Rocco didn’t tell him, but Rocco never had to keep anything from him.

Dante said there was no evidence tying Rocco to Cullum’s shooting, and Laura said she wouldn’t ask how that happened, but there was no evidence in the case at all and that could be a problem. Anna was back and noticed the file was missing. She’d been asking a lot of questions.

Anna asked if Chase was telling her that he’d undermined the case against Willow Cain, a case she’d built and had Willow arrested for. He said he’d simply conducted an independent investigation on his own time. He’d felt there was a rush to judgement and investigated other suspects. She said it sounded like he’d targeted Michael, and he said he believed Michael framed Willow so he could get custody of his kids back. He deserved a closer look then and still did now, but he knew he was wrong. She asked about the footage of Willow driving down Drew’s road the night he was shot. Did he get rid of it to help Willow?

Scout said she wouldn’t know how to swim at all if it wasn’t for Drew. He’d taught her everything she knew. So whenever she was in the water, she was doing it for both of them. Willow suggested Scout get started, and Alexis said she was ready. They all said, three… two… one! and Scout dove into the water.

Lucy said Tracy was puffed up and proud of herself that she’d snaked Maxie’s shares out from under her, and Tracy said Lucy had taken advantage of Brook’s dissolving marriage to steal shares from her. So what was preventing her from using a grieving child to steal Maxie’s?

Molly said Maxie’s family had been through a lot lately between Maxie’s coma and Cassius, and Cody said, who wouldn’t want a fresh start somewhere far away from the reminders of what Cassius did? She said she knew part of the reason he was sad James was leaving was because it wouldn’t give James the chance to be here to forgive him. Felicia and Mac came in with James, and James pointedly ignored Cody. Molly said it looked like they’d all had the same idea. She told James that she heard they were moving to Australia. Was he a kangaroo or wombat guy, or both? He said he’d never seen a wombat, and Molly took him aside to look at pictures of them on her phone. Mac said he was sorry James was taking out the whole Cassius mess on Cody, but they were grateful for what Cody had done for him. Felicia said, telling James the truth proved how much Cody loved him, and Cody said he was going to miss the little guy, but maybe a change was what was best for him. Mac said, but James leaving Port Charles estranged from Cody wasn’t good for him. So for both their sakes, they needed to try and fix this.

Brook said she and Chase were stronger than ever, and Lucy said, thanks to her. She did help them get back on track, so it was only fair Tracy sell her all her shares, including the ones she’d just procured from Maxie. Tracy said she hadn’t procured anything from Maxie and neither had Lucy, and Lucy wondered who Maxie had sold them to.

Charlotte asked if Gio had gotten a bonus from saving that kid last week, and Emma asked, what kid? Gio said it wasn’t that big of a deal. A little kid got rowdy, fell in the pool, and he fished him out. Charlotte said Gio was being too modest. The kid’s mother freaked out, but Gio just dove in and got him. He’d totally saved that little boy’s life.

Sonny told Rocco that Brick said he was in the clear. Legally, he could put this behind him. But he knew a situation like this stayed with you. It stayed with him. He’d managed it on his own, but Rocco didn’t have to. If he ever felt overwhelmed and needed to talk to somebody, come to him and they’d work things out together. Rocco thanked him.

Dante said Anna would be looking into Cullum’s shooting and anything that had WSB involvement, and Laura asked if she’d find anything. He said he owed Laura the truth. He’d used his position to shield his son. He was the one who destroyed all the evidence in Cullum’s shooting. He did it to protect Rocco.

Chase told Anna that he’d never destroy evidence. Internal Affairs found nothing to tie him to it because he’d had nothing to do with it going missing. She said his independent investigation was a serious infraction. He was lucky they’d given him the option of a demotion. He said he’d accepted it because he loved being a cop and his conscience was clear, but she said she needed to know she could trust him.

Inside the boathouse, Willow said she hadn’t expected Michael to be there, and Nina said if Willow wanted to leave, she’d stay until Scout finished, but Willow said they both needed to be there to make sure Drew didn’t pull anything. Nina wondered why she’d agreed to bring him, and Willow said it meant so much to Scout. Once Tracy agreed, how could she not? They’d just have to keep their eyes on him.

Alexis told Michael, regardless of the prognosis, Scout believed her dad was going to recover. Maybe if he did, it might change him into a better person. Michael said he didn’t see that happening. He didn’t think it had changed Drew at all.

Cody said he appreciated what Mac and Felicia were trying to do, but thought they should stay out of it. One of the reasons he’d told James about Cassius was because he didn’t want James to be angry at them. Mac asked if Cody expected them to do nothing while he sacrificed his relationship with James for them, and Felicia said they’d respect his decision, but she thought he should consider giving it another try with James before he left. Cody said he didn’t want to force James to do what he didn’t want to and James didn’t want to talk to him. Mac said, Cody told James the truth and one day he’d be grateful, but right now, Cody had to show James how much he loved him by showing up, no matter how angry James was. Otherwise, James might think Cody had given up on him. Felicia said they knew Cody would never do that.

Gio brought Emma the highest SPF he could find, and she said he was a hero. Apparently, Charlotte’s too. Admit it. A little hero worship feels good sometimes. He said, Charlotte was just being nice.

Charlotte asked if Rocco still wasn’t talking to her or was folding towels that riveting. She didn’t get why he was so mad. Danny’s dad was free and home and no one had arrested him. What was the issue? Rocco said Danny was supposed to be his friend, his brother, and sold him out. Danny turned him into the WSB and she took his side. She said she’d been Switzerland this whole time, but if he was just going to keep whining and not move forward, then she was definitely siding with Danny.

Willow asked if Nina had heard from Jack about the box, and Nina said, no. If he’d found it, he would have contacted her. Willow said she was running out of time. Once Drew was up and running, he’d tell everyone what she did and Michael would use it to take Wiley and Amelia away from her. Nina said she knew Willow didn’t like the idea, but they were running out of options. They might have to take the kids and run. Willow asked where they would run to. Michael and his father would use their resources to hunt her down. If Jack couldn’t give her what she needed, she’d have to get help from someone else. Nina said, like who?

Chase said he was willing to do whatever it took to prove himself to Anna and this department, and Anna said, good. He was an excellent detective and she believed him when he said he hadn’t gotten rid of the footage. However, given what he’d admitted to doing, his demotion was appropriate, but she wanted to offer him a road back. She was interested in uncovering any evidence related to Cassius Faison’s and Britt Westbourne’s conspiracy with Cullum. Cassius masqueraded as Nathan for months and Britt was involved up to her neck. She wanted everything he could find for any open investigations they may be part of, including their investigation into Cullum’s shooting. The evidence from that case was missing. See if he couldn’t find it. Find what she needed, and she’d see about getting his detective shield back.

Dante told Laura that the WSB seemed happy to accept Britt’s account that Jason shot Cullum and be done with it, but he’d looked into it and found out Rocco was the shooter. He’d done it to stop Cullum from shooting Jason and Britt. His son’s blood on the gun tied him to the shooting, so he got rid of it, but he also got rid of everything else too. He knew it was wrong, but in that moment, he was a father, not a cop. She said he was a good cop and a good father and there weren’t any easy answers there. Knowing Jason willingly sacrificed himself to protect Rocco, she would have done the same thing. However, Anna didn’t know any of this. The evidence was missing and she was going to keep digging until she found answers. Dante said he’d handle it, thanked Laura, and left.

Brook said, Maxie wouldn’t sell her shares to just anyone, and Lucy said Brook was right. Shame on her for thinking Maxie would sell her shares to an old battleax like Tracy. Tracy said, nor would she sell them to a grifter like Lucy, when Michael came in. He said they were both right. Maxie sold her shares to him.

Cody told Molly that they had to check on the new arrival at the stables. He’d forgotten to tell her. They had a new arrival last night. James asked if Daffodil had her foal, and Cody said, sure did. She had a little colt. James said she wasn’t due until next week. Was he okay? Cody said he was perfect. James told Molly that they’d been worried because Daffodil was colicky. He’d helped walk her around and kept her calm. Cody said, because of James, she had a healthy, strong son, and James said he wished he’d been there to see him being born. Cody said he had the next best thing, a video of him standing for the first time. Did James want to check it out? James said, yeah, and they looked at the video. James fist bumped Cody and said, it was so awesome, and Cody said James helped make that happen.

Emma said she bet Charlotte was lonely. She loved the way Gio was able to look at how what someone was showing the world wasn’t their full story. He said he was interested in her story.

Charlotte told Rocco that he was being a real jerk. Danny’s dad went to prison for something he did. Rocco asked if she meant saving his life, because that’s what he did, and she said, yeah. Jason repaid him by sacrificing himself. Rocco could have been in that prison. So he didn’t get to be mad at Danny for that. She would have done the same thing. He said her dad would probably end up doing something awful and get arrested again, so she might have to.

Michael said Maxie called him last night. She wanted to divest herself of her shares in Deception before they moved. Lucy said he didn’t know anything about cosmetics or the global beauty market. Why would Maxie go to him? He said, Maxie wanted to sell her shares to someone who would make decisions the same way she would, for the good of the company. He gave her his word that he would. Lucy said he was a Quartermaine and Maxie knew that the Quartermaines ultimately rallied around each other. How could Maxie do this to her? Tracy said, easily and profitably. She thought Maxie made a wise choice. Now she, Michael, and Brook could be a voting bloc. Michael said, not so fast. He’d be making his decisions for the good of Deception.

Nina told Willow not to give up hope. Jack was committed to getting them out of this. Willow said Jack was a spy who lied for a living. Why did Nina have faith in him? Nina said he got rid of the footage of Willow being on Drew’s street the night of the shooting and didn’t rat them out after he was injected. He was going back to Windymere to search for the box with a special infrared device. He was proving to be quite determined and thorough. Willow said, oh my God. Nina slept with Brennan.

Sonny went see Laura and said Lulu filled him in on what happened with Cullum. According to Ric, without any physical evidence linking Rocco, there was nothing that could hurt him. Unless Jason or Britt came forward with the truth. Laura said she didn’t think that was likely to happen, but maybe there was still one loose end – Anna.

Chase said he’d get Anna what she needed as soon as possible, when Dante came by. Chase left, and Dante said he understood Anna was looking for the evidence in Cullum’s shooting on Pier 55. She said she was. Did he know where she could find it? He said she wasn’t going to find it. It was lost.

Cody said he got to name the colt, and James asked what he chose. Cody said he didn’t know. There were so many to pick from, but what did James think of the name West? James asked if Cody wanted to name the colt after him, and Cody said he did, but only with James’s permission. James said it was cool, and Cody said, West it is. Would James be okay with him sending pictures of West growing up? James said, yes, please. His mom said it was really hot in Australia, so he’d have to wear his hat all the time, but he didn’t have it anymore. Cody said, hold that thought, and left.

Willow asked why Nina thought sleeping with Brennan was a good idea. Did she suddenly think she could trust him because she’d slept with him? They’d seen how that worked with Drew. Nina said she couldn’t compare the two, and Willow said if Brennan was going to help them, it had to be now. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to control Drew without taking drastic action.

Dante said the evidence disappeared on his watch and he took full responsibility, and Anna said it wasn’t like him to be sloppy. He agreed, and she said she understood there were a lot of unanswered questions regarding Cullum’s conduct in Port Charles, and his death meant maybe they would never know the full scope of what he was involved in. Maybe it was best if they just left that particular case closed.

Charlotte said her dad was free because he’d risked everything to protect all of them, and Rocco’s parents were protecting him from the consequences of his own actions. She and Danny were the ones who created the distraction that gave Carly the time to save Josslyn. Would he have been up for that? Or would he have stayed home where he could be safe and protected? He said the next time she and Danny screwed up and got themselves in trouble, don’t expect him to take the fall, and he walked out.

As Charlotte walked by, Gio said things looked a little intense with her and Rocco. Was everything okay? She said everything was fine, and Emma said Gio just signed with a record label. He was about to become a superstar. Charlotte said that was amazing. Congratulations.

Cody came back, and James said, Cody saved his hat? He was so mean to Cody, he thought Cody probably threw it away. Cody said, no, never. He was going to drop it off with James’s grandparents, but now he could give it to James himself. James asked if Cody thought he’d like Australia, and Cody said he thought James would love it. There were so many adventures to have, and James was just the guy to have them. He wondered if they could do a weekly video call, and James said Spinelli could help him set it up. How did cowboys say goodbye? Cody said they didn’t. We say, see you around, partner. James said, see you around, partner, and they hugged.

Lucy said Michael couldn’t tell them how to run their company on the first day, and he said he was aware that he didn’t have the majority, but only needed one of them to vote with him. Tracy said it wouldn’t be her, and Lucy said, or her. Michael asked if Brook trusted him, and she said he was making a lot of sense. He said, let’s put it to a vote then. All those in favor of his proposal. Brook said, aye, and he said, sorry, ladies, looks like the ayes have it.

Laura told Sonny that Anna had questions about the evidence in Cullum’s shooting, but Dante told her that he felt he could take care of it. Sonny said he trusted Dante to do it, but his concern was how Rocco would deal with this in the future. She said she was concerned about that too. She knew the kind of trauma shooting someone caused. She was only 16 when she killed David Hamilton. It didn’t matter if it was accidental or not. It took a long time to forgive yourself. Sonny said she didn’t want to know what he did at 16. He couldn’t take it back. You had to carry the weight of regret and it was one of the hardest things to go through. She said they were uniquely prepared to help their grandson and she wanted Rocco to know he could come to them for help, but he’d have to heal in his own time. Sonny said they’d be ready for it.

Anna said she trusted Dante. If the evidence disappeared on his watch, that’s all she needed to know. He thanked her and said if things changed and she wanted an explanation, he’d give it to her. She said, noted. There was one more thing. Did he think he could try to be a little warmer to Officer Chase? If she had her way, they might be back as partners again soon. He said, okay, and left. Sitting at her desk, Peter said, so she figured it out, and Anna said, he was protecting his son. There couldn’t be any other explanation. Peter said, then she had her answer. Now she could put her attention back where it belonged. She said she had Chase looking into Britt, and he said she’d see. Britt and his brother were the reason she’d experienced the hell she went through. They were just like him. And they were all just like their father.

Rocco arrived at the boathouse as Scout came out of the water. She asked what her time was, and Alexis said, 44 minutes and 30 seconds. Rocco said he was sorry he missed it, but Scout said, no big deal. She was going to be practicing there every day if he wanted to come watch and help time her.

Willow told Nina that if she didn’t find a way to control Drew, he’d be swimming next to Scout next week, while she was being shipped off to Pentenville. They went outside, and Alexis told Scout to be careful. She didn’t want to get her dad’s wheelchair too close to the edge. Nina stared hard at Drew.

🌞 Summer Friday…

At Bobbie’s, Valentin said he’d take it as a good sign that Alexis was meeting with him, and Alexis said it was nice to see him out in the wild again. He said it was good to be a free man, and she said, for now at least. He said, sorry? and she said, given his track record, she was wondering how long this freedom was going to last.

Lucas was about to leave the hospital, when Elizabeth asked if he’d seen Britt. He said, no. Don’t tell him she was late for work. What was her excuse? Elizabeth said, the excuse she didn’t bother to give? and he said, she didn’t call in? Elizabeth said, no call no text, nothing. For all they knew, she’d taken off again. Elizabeth couldn’t even take an alien abduction off the table with her. He said, if that was the case, she was going to be in a mood when she got in, and Elizabeth said, I can’t with this woman. Lucas asked if she wanted him to stay, and she said, if he was offering. She needed someone to stop her from losing it, if and when Britt decided to show up.

Josslyn went to Jack’s office and he asked how she was feeling. She said it was weird not having a cover story, but she was fine. He said he was referring to her gunshot wound, and she said, also fine. He said, good. He wanted her to sit in on an interview and wanted her take, provided she could be objective. She asked if there was anything she needed to know beforehand, but he said she was ready on the subject, when Britt came in.

At the station, Dante asked if Chase had a minute. It was about Willow.

At the boathouse, Scout talked to Drew about her swimming and said he could help her when he got back in the water. Rocco brought out some electrolyte drinks and said she’d looked awesome out there. He would have needed those floaty things on his arms to go as far as she did. Danny arrived and hugged Scout. He said, look who he brought with him, and Jason joined them.

Valentin said he knew he was lucky to get pardoned and had incentives to stay on the right side of the law. He wanted to do right by those he cared about, and to that end, he owed Alexis an apology. She said, finally. For what? He said, as his relative, he knew she’d been under intense scrutiny from local law enforcement and the WSB and was sorry her privacy had been invaded. She said she’d been questioned multiple times by multiple authorities, and mostly, it didn’t go beyond that. She was just glad she wasn’t involved more. She was also glad he didn’t come knocking on her door and asking her to hide him. He asked what she would have done, and she said she would have had to close the door in his face and it would have come at a great cost to her.

Dante told Chase that they were moving on the case against Sidwell. Boyle was cooperating. He mentioned a connection between Willow and Sidwell, and Turner wanted Willow brought in for questioning. Chase said Dante didn’t have to tell him to stay out of it, but Dante said he was telling Chase the exact opposite.

Scout said she was glad Jason was home, and Willow said it was a surprise. Jason said he got back a couple weeks ago, then left on a road trip with Danny, and Danny said, it was awesome. They made it all the way up to Montana before heading home. Jason said, if Willow had a minute, he’d like to talk to her about Danny and Scout’s living arrangements, and Willow suggested setting up a time for next week, since her schedule was so hectic. Jason said whatever worked for her, and Willow asked if Nina could get Drew home. She had to make a phone call to the WSB. Nina said, of course (🍷), and Willow told Scout, great job. She’d been impressive. Willow left, and Nina said she’d take Drew home, but Scout said she wanted to talk to her dad first. Scout sat next to Drew and said they were all family and had been through so much, him most of all. Maybe they couldn’t start over, but shouldn’t they at least try to get along? Jason said Scout was right. It was time for a new chapter.

Elizabeth asked how Lucas was doing, and he said he was holding up. Throwing himself into work helped a little. Besides, helping patients fulfilled him and it was a nice way to avoid thinking about where he was going to live. She asked what he was thinking on that front, but he said he didn’t know. He was avoiding it. She said Felicia needed some time off to help Maxie with her move and asked her to take over getting Drew set up with a communication device, but Willow wouldn’t make the appointment. She put it off like, six times. He said, that’s a little weird. Most families would be begging to have access to that kind of technology. She said she needed to see Willow in person and find out what was going on. She was going on a break and going to Willow’s office, but their conversation wasn’t over. When she got back, they’d look at real estate listings. Unless he wanted to move in with her. He said he’d take the listings, and Elizabeth left.

Jack said Agent Jax would be observing the interview, and Britt said it looked like she was recovering well. Josslyn said Britt looked pretty healthy herself. It must be a relief to know she didn’t have Huntington’s. Britt said, a relief and about a million other things. Why was Josslyn there? She didn’t think the WSB was pursuing charges. Jack said, that’s true. At the moment. What happened next depended on her level of cooperation. Britt said she was a victim in all of this, and he said, a victim who elected to involve herself in a criminal conspiracy. She asked if he’d always be holding charges over her head, and he said, make herself useful to the WSB. Extremely useful.

Alexis said she may not trust Valentin as far as she could throw him, but she cared what happened to him. It was a huge relief that he wasn’t a fugitive anymore. Just be smart about that freedom. He said he was always smart. Sometimes his risk assessment was too optimistic. She suggested he engage in an activity that didn’t require risk assessment. She was sure the WSB was counting on him not to keep his nose clean. He said they had their concerns and would be watching him for the foreseeable future, and she said, but he wasn’t going to give them anything to see, right? He said, that’s the plan, and she said, good. He told her, that being said, he wasn’t going to let it stop him from taking back what was his.

Jason said, whatever problems he and Drew had shouldn’t involve the kids. They needed to work it out for their sake. Scout said, that would be amazing, and Jason asked Rocco to go for a walk. He wanted to clear a few things up. They left, and Scout asked what Danny’s dad wanted to talk to Rocco about, but he said, it’s complicated. A lot had been going on. She asked if it had to do with Rocco taking off with Britt, and he said, something like that.

Britt asked what Jack wanted to know, and he said, Director Cullum absconded with a secure file container. A black box. The WSB wanted it back. There was reason to believe he’d left it at Windymere. Had she seen it? She said, no. She was stuck in a lab. She kept her head down, did her job, and tried to avoid Cullum as much as possible. That guy was one crazy psychopath. He asked why he should believe her, and she said if she had the box and knew she could do something with it, why would she be sitting there talking to him? Her phone chimed and she saw a text from Lucas: You’re 2 hours late! Where are you? Jack said she could be selling the box to the highest bidder, and she said she knew she’d forgotten something. Let her check her eBay account… Oh bummer. No bites from the DVX. He said, very funny, and she said she didn’t know what to tell him. She didn’t have his box. She’d never heard of a box. She didn’t know anything about a black box. So if he wasn’t going to arrest her, please let her go. He said, that’s all for now, and she said, sorry she couldn’t help, and left. He asked what Josslyn thought. Was she telling the truth?

Willow tried to call Jack and asked that he call her back as soon as possible. It was an urgent matter. There was a knock at her office door, and she opened it to Elizabeth. Elizabeth said she wanted to apologize for being overly cautious and notifying the county about a possible toxin in Willow’s home, but Willow said she appreciated Elizabeth’s diligence. She’d be relieved to know the house was clear. Elizabeth said that was great news. She was also there to check in about the communication device for Drew. They were set up and ready to go, but according to them, Willow kept putting it off. She was trying to understand why Willow wouldn’t want Drew to communicate. Unless Willow was afraid of what he might say.

Lucas said, at long last, she’s arrived, and Britt told him not to start with her. She’d had a horrible afternoon. He said, and an equally bad hair day, and she said, hilarious. He asked, what happened? and she said she got dragged into the WSB for questioning. Because she knew no one would believe her, she got a note from the front desk. She handed him a paper and said it was signed and everything. He said it wasn’t fifth period gym. She had responsibilities and patients who relied on her. She said she was summoned. It wasn’t her fault. He said nothing was her fault – ever. She was a perpetual victim in a world that was just out to get her. She said it would be easier for him if he still thought she was dying. Sorry to disappoint. She was going to live. Deal with it. She walked off.

In the solarium, Jason said Danny had told him everything, including what he’d done, and Rocco said he believed Danny when he said he’d just done it to protect Jason. Jason said he did too, but he shouldn’t have done it and he was sorry that Danny did. Rocco said he appreciated that and asked if Jason thought they were going to arrest him, but Jason said, no. Cullum was dead and the fact that they released him was a pretty good indicator that the WSB wanted this behind them. But if it came to that, he had Rocco’s back. He’d tell them that Danny would say anything to get him home. He was going to take full responsibility for shooting Cullum. Rocco asked, why, when it was his fault the WSB took Jason away.

Alexis said if Valentin was talking about the Cassadine estate, Ace was the heir, but he said he wasn’t talking about Ace’s inheritance. He was talking about his hard-earned assets. She said, hard-earned, ill-gotten. Who can really say? He said all he wanted was what belonged to him, and she asked how he proposed to reclaim these belongings. He said, by going through the WSB.

Josslyn said it seemed to her that Britt was telling the truth, but Jack said she didn’t sound too confident. She said she wasn’t the best gage when it came to Britt. The night after the shooting on the pier, she and Britt decided to share information with each other. She thought they were being open and honest, and it turned out Britt was working with Cassius the entire time and she didn’t pick up on that. That error was what got her locked up at Windymere. He said she wouldn’t make that error again, and she said, not a chance. He said she’d had her own dealings with Cullum. Did she ever see the black box? She said she would have included it in her debrief if she had, but he said she might have seen something and not understood its significance. She said she assumed he was looking for something like the box he used to keep in his office. Was he looking for Cullum’s secrets or trying to uncover his own?

Dante said he wanted to give Chase the option to bring Willow in, and Chase asked if it was a courtesy or a test. Dante said it was neither. He wanted to take this back to when he trusted Chase before the trial, and Chase said, past tense. Dante said this was him trying to trust Chase again, but it was his call.

Willow asked what Elizabeth was accusing her of, but Elizabeth said she wasn’t and she wasn’t judging Willow even a little. She just wanted to help. She knew what it was like to be a caregiver and it was understandable if Drew’s condition was putting a strain on their marriage. How could it not? Willow said it hadn’t been easy, but she thought she was doing a better job of hiding it, and Elizabeth said Willow didn’t have to hide anything from her. They were friends. Willow said she and Drew had a lot to work through and she couldn’t fathom the thought of trying to hash things out while he was talking through a machine. Was it awful of her? Elizabeth said, no. She got why Willow would feel like that. But at the same time, no matter the state of their marriage, Willow had to let him have a voice. Or did she honestly not want that?

Rocco told Jason that he could have refused to go with Nathan or Cassius or whatever his name was, or he could have told his dad the truth at any point. He shouldn’t have let Jason cover for him. Jason said Rocco was in shock, so he made the decision for him. Everything that happened after that was on him. Rocco did nothing wrong. Rocco said, if Jason had known what the WSB was going to do to him, send him away from Danny, from everyone, would he still have said he was the shooter? Jason said the WSB was definitely tough on him, but it wasn’t because of that night. It was because of who he was and the things he’d done in his life. None of that was Rocco’s fault. Rocco said, but he was a minor. If he’d come forward, they would have gone easier on him and Jason would have been free. Jason said they had no idea what the WSB would have done, but he wasn’t taking that chance, and Rocco asked how he could ever repay Jason. Jason said Rocco didn’t owe him anything. It was the other way around.

Lucas said he was sorry, and Britt said, for what? Because she had multiple grievances with him. He told her, for what he’d said at Bobbie’s. It was uncalled for. She said, uncalled for, cruel, completely out of line, but she forgave him. How could she not? He was the only one who recognized she’d been through a really hard time and she was doing the best she could. He said, was she really? Or was she just doing what she always did? Per usual, instead of showing grace and gratitude, she was acting just as entitled as ever. She said she’d thought they were bonded, and he said they were. She said she’d thought they were on the road to becoming friends, but he was still judging her. He said he was just calling it as he saw it. She was fearless. She said what was on her mind. She was an excellent doctor, but he refused to give her a pass for her bad behavior. He wasn’t Brad. She said, duh. Brad would have her back and wouldn’t send her cringy messages every time she was late for work. He said, fine. No more messages. But it went both ways. No more requesting him to get her out of jail. No more asking him to cover for her with Elizabeth when she was late. She was on her own. She said, what else is new? and he said if she didn’t want to be there, leave. But if she did, she owed it to herself and everyone else around her to show up. Otherwise, what was the damn point? He walked off.

Jack said the contents of the black box were classified, and Josslyn said, above her pay grade. He said, but retrieving the box was of the utmost importance. She’d just never know why. Was that going to be a problem for her? She said the rules were there to protect the Bureau’s agents and assets. She planned to follow them. She was given a choice. She could have left the Bureau and she chose to stay. That meant she accepted her rank. It didn’t mean she liked everything expected of her, like keeping her mouth shut as he threatened Britt. He said, fair enough, and she said it was her way of saying, if she wasn’t told what the contents of the black box were, it must be for a reason. He said it seemed she’d learned some valuable lessons since her day as a recruit. She was free to go. She left, and in the hallway, Valentin said, look at her. Back to work already.

Scout said she got that Drew was angry with Danny. He messed up. She loved living with him at her grandma’s house. The only part she didn’t like was knowing he was against it. Danny said, not much she could do about that, and she said, don’t talk about her dad like he wasn’t there. It might be hard for him to communicate, but he was still her father and got upset. Nina said sometimes it was hard to figure out what Scout’s dad was thinking, but she knew he loved her very much and wanted her to be happy. Isn’t that right, Drew? Drew blinked once, and Danny said he was sorry he’d said that and for everything else. He’d talked a lot about this with his dad and wanted to do better. Scout was his sister and he loved her. So for the record, Scout could always count on him.

Chase asked if Dante would be making this offer if Anna hadn’t come back, and Dante said it didn’t matter anymore, but Anna wanted Chase reinstated as detective. She also had an idea of who she wanted to be Chase’s partner – him.

Willow thanked Elizabeth for calling her out. It meant a lot that Elizabeth was always honest with her, even when it was difficult. Elizabeth thanked Willow for hearing her out and asked if she could set up an appointment for next Tuesday to install the devices. Willow said, that would be great, when her phone rang, and she said it was the WSB calling about a congressional matter. Elizabeth said that was her cue to get out of there, and left. Willow asked Jack to tell her he’d found what she needed. Drew couldn’t speak, but she caught him moving and she was out of medicine. She was out of time. He said he was sorry, but they’d hit a dead end. The box wasn’t at Windymere, which meant Cullum either destroyed it or he shipped it off. Either way, he couldn’t get his hands on it. She said it was over then. Drew would regain his mobility, his voice, everything. There was nothing she could do to stop him from coming after her. Jack said, not necessarily. He owed her mother and Willow had done everything she said she would for the WSB. So to settle that debt, he would put her and her children on a plane tonight. They’d provide the means and she could escape with her family.

Dante gave Chase a cup of bad station coffee and said he was down with them working together again if Chase was. Chase said his goal was to get his gold shield back. The trial put them both in difficult positions, but he never felt Dante was out to get him. Dante said he wasn’t, and Chase said that was his roundabout way of saying he’d like to be partners again too. Dante said that left the question of Willow and whether or not Chase wanted to be the one to bring her in. If he chose not to, no one would hold it against Chase, including him.

Jason said Danny saved his life. And Britt’s. He’d never forget that. He was sorry for what it cost Rocco. Rocco said, don’t feel sorry for him. There were so many people who did, he couldn’t handle it anymore. Not that he wasn’t grateful for everyone who protected him. He was. Jason, his parents, Michael, Ethan, even that Cassius guy. But the person who seemed to really understand how he felt was Britt. Jason said Danny told him that Rocco took off with her, and Rocco said, she didn’t want to work for Cullum anymore, so she decided to run. Between what happened and keeping it quiet, he felt like he was making everyone’s life hard and miserable. He knew Britt had some health stuff going on, so he didn’t want her to be alone. Jason said he was glad Britt had Rocco, and Rocco said he was glad they had each other. Now that they were back, it was so weird. It felt like everything changed and he didn’t know what to do. Was he supposed to pretend that nothing happened? Jason sighed and said he didn’t think it was ever a good idea to pretend. Rocco was forced to carry a lot of heavy stuff. He didn’t have to anymore. Rocco cried, and Jason said it was okay. He knew Rocco couldn’t forget it, but he just had to put it down. He had to try and find a way to let this go. Rocco asked if that was what Jason was doing, and Jason sighed again and said he was trying.

Britt apologized to Elizabeth for being late and said she’d gotten called into the WSB last minute, but she knew that was no excuse. She should have told someone. Elizabeth said Britt didn’t have to explain it to her. She had to explain it to Stella. She’d notified Stella and HR that Britt was a no-show. It was policy. Britt said, Elizabeth couldn’t have given her the slightest benefit of the doubt and waited?

On the phone, Nina said, this can’t be happening, but Willow said she’d spoken to Brennan herself. The evidence was gone. It was over. Nina asked what they were going to do now, and Willow said Brennan told her that he could get her and the kids out of the country. They would leave tonight. She just needed to swing by the house, pick up a few things, and pick up Wiley and Amelia from Lila’s Kids. Then they were headed to the airport. Nina said Willow told her that Michael and Sonny would be able to find her, but Willow said Brennan told her that he could arrange for new identities for all of them, including Nina. But she completely understood if Nina didn’t want to come with them. Think it over. Nina had a life in Port Charles, but for her, Drew could be talking any day now, maybe sooner, and she had no choice but to run. Let her know what she decided. She had to go. Nina came out of the boathouse, and Scout said they were meeting up with their grandma at Bobbie’s. Nina said she’d make sure Scout’s dad got home, and Scout and Danny left. Nina looked at Drew.

Britt saw Elizabeth and Lucas looking at real estate listings on Elizabeth’s phone, and walked around the corner. The hospital doors opened and Jason came in. Britt smiled.

At Bobbie’s, Scout said Danny came to the boathouse after her swim, and Alexis asked if her father was still there. How’d that go? Scout said, Danny was great. He said how much he loved her and would always look out for her. Danny said Scout told him how much she loved living with them, and Scout said, together, they explained they were brother and sister and wanted to be in each other’s lives. Alexis asked if Drew was receptive, and Danny said, it was kind of hard to tell. Alexis said, of course (🍷), and Scout said she thought it would take some time for him to get used to it, but he understood. Her dad just wanted her to be happy.

Josslyn let Valentin into the office, and Jack said, Valentin Cassadine, free at last. Valentin said he was a lucky man. Here to pay it forward. Jack asked, how’s that? and Valentin said he’d come into possession of a certain WSB black box. And to prove that he’d turned over a new leaf, he wanted to return it – for a price.

Willow was about to leave, and when she opened the door, she saw Chase. She asked what he was doing there, and he said he was sorry, but he’d been asked to escort her to the police station.

On the phone, Nina said she needed to hear from Jack. She’d already heard from Willow. He needed to call her back before anyone did something they couldn’t take back. She undid the lock on Drew’s wheelchair, and he said, what’s wrong, Nina? Get some bad news? She said, not for her. Worse for him. She pushed his chair into the lake.

On Monday, Willow asks Chase to tell them that he couldn’t find her; Jack asks what Valentin expects in return; and Britt slaps Jason in the face.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

But the door is still open.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-officially-writes-out-maxie

I was thinking Quinn, but Simon did say she was the one to watch.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-who-is-trinas-obsessed-fan

So far, she’s doing swimmingly. (BA-DUM-CHH!)

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-kayden-brenna-tokarski-opens-up-about-becoming-scout-cain-exclusive

Mid-year roll call.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/in-loving-memory-the-beloved-soap-actors-who-have-passed-away-in-2026

Something happier.

https://ew.com/real-life-soap-opera-couples-11965728

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

I tuned in late, just as Nathan was telling Captain Sandy that Luke ejaculated on his sheets. Perfect timing, I thought. The captain said that the rest of the crew knowing was not okay either and she had to do something. Primary Suzanne’s dog Sugar Baby took a dump on the white rug in the hallway, which might have been a statement about the men matchmaker Amy brought for his owner. In her interview, Gen said she hated boat dogs. She told a story about a dog on a different cruise who stared at her as he peed on the white curtains. Mr. Feathers knew what he was doing. The captain texted Norma about deckhands, but none were available. Cooper accidentally ate something with peanuts in the ingredients when he’s highly allergic. Captain Sandy called the medic, and I wondered why they didn’t keep an EpiPen on the boat. Joy nearly freaked out, but the doctor said Cooper would live. A horseback excursion was set up for the guests. In Luke’s interview, he said he’d lost Nathan’s trust and respect – I said, all of us. You lost it from all of us. – and he’d rather be fired than work with a bosun who thought he was a POS. He told the captain that his presence was causing disruption and interrupting the flow. He wanted to be removed from the equation. So she shot him. Just kidding.

Side note: I saw Cooper on Watch What Happens Live and I don’t know who told him that his outfit was a good idea. It was a somewhat clingy shirt opened halfway, showing his hairless chest, along with a choker and medallion. I got the vibe that he’s a guy trying to be cool, but it just comes off as awkward.

The Valley

Michelle and Jesse signed a million divorce papers, and Jesse said it was a lot of work. I’m sure, but no doubt not as much work as being married to him was. They had champagne. I couldn’t see the brand but wondered WTF it was since it looked almost orange. Lala thought Kristen’s hatred for Janet was clouding her judgement, and Kristen and Luke went to couples’ therapy. Britttany decided to host a Halloween party with the theme Victorian Vampire Masquerade. That sounds right up my alley, but I’m sure someone will find a way to dampen everyone’s spirits. No pun intended.

In the City – Reunion – Part 1

The Reunion took place in Andy’s clubhouse, where everyone was pretty cramped. There was some talk about Amanda and Kyle, and Amanda said their marriage had been over before West, but Andy said they’d revisit the topic later. Kenny’s reunion with his dad was discussed, and the single mom card debacle. Whitney said she’d misspoke (a word I’m starting to hate) about the mom card and it was more about entitlement. Lindsay said she wanted to date just for fun, and Danielle said she’d learned her lesson about commenting on Lindsay’s relationships. Georgina said she was looking to date for keeps. Whitney cried about people thinking she was riding Kenny’s reality show coattails for fame and said she and Kenny had talked engagement, but still, no ring.

Real Housewives Of London

Not to be confused with Ladies of London: The New Reign, this is a reboot of the original RHOL show. American Juliet is the only one of the old cast returning, but it’s now confusing since there’s another Juliet. A good portion of the show was introducing the cast, all of whom were incredibly wealthy and most of whom had dogs, so upside. Amanda was hosting an International Women’s Day party, and pointing to a powder room, told her housekeeper, this loo needs to be checked every 15 minutes because it will be carnage in there. Besides pets, I guess the bathroom is the great leveler. The party was fabulous, all designer dresses, caviar, and champagne that wasn’t orange. Nessie, who owns Chelsea Cake Company, contributed a cake, but it was no Betty Crocker mix, since she’d made the cake for the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday. It looked simple and elegant, definitely a reflection of Queen Elizabeth. Color me impressed.  In the preview, we saw Dorinda (RHONY) and I wondered, why? I haven’t found a whole lot on this show, which reenforces my belief that the Housewives franchise is dead, but Andy won’t let it lie down.

Next Gen NYC

Ariana said Hudson giving off d*ckish energy. Agreed. In Emira’s interview, she said Georgia was like a germ. You couldn’t avoid her, you were going to catch her eventually, and she made you sick. Not so much agreement on this one. I find her kind of amusing. The groups went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show, but most of them were ignorant of the whole cult status of it and we didn’t see much. Afterwards, they attended a party where lots of sh*t hit the fan. Ariana was annoyed with Gia for telling Shai about her interest in Liam, and in Gia’s interview, she said Ariana told her to give Shai a chance, then got mad because he’d talked to Hudson. She thought Ariana had spoken too soon about Shai. I think Shai is just trying to fit in, but yeah, don’t tell him everything. Ava tried to get Brooks and Charlie to have a convo, but Charlie was his usual idiot self and whined about Brooks’s dad, saying, f*** his dad. He was the least respectable house husband. Brooks walked, and Charlie said Brooks made him uncomfortable. Poor baby. Rowan and Brian saw a fortune teller, who told them nothing, but Rowan was a bit tipsy and thought she was brilliant. Ariana talked to Shai about him spilling her tea, but he claimed that he and Charlie had just wanted to warn Liam that he was stepping in glue. This made zero sense since Ariana and Hudson had broken up. When Ariana let Hudson know what Shai said, he told her that Ava and Rowan agreed, but the flashback said no, they definitely did not.  Emira confronted Charlie about relaying to Georgia that she’d thought Georgia was being flirty with Kevin, he admitted it. But when Emira boomeranged back to Georgia, she told Emira that Charlie had repeatedly said Kevin was a gay man, so the flirting was a non-issue. Emira went off mic and just plain went off, saying Charlie had said some nasty sh*t and she was out. Brooks wondered what just happened, since he’d never seen her like this, but Charlie feigned ignorance. By then, Emira was really wound up and told the others that she’d defended Charlie and never talked about his crypto sh*t, but she wasn’t protecting him anymore. He was dead to her. Shai and Liam talked about Ariana within her earshot, and she gave the best quote of the episode: I can hear everything. What are you saying?

https://pagesix.com/video/next-gen-nyc-recap-the-cast-calls-out-charlie-over-egregious-comments-about-brooks-dad-emiras-boyfriend-more

Say it ain’t so.

Real Housewives Of Orange County

Things got emotional between Jenn and her son Greyson, who got pulled over for doing 105, Tamra was emotional about Sophia moving out, and in Carmella’s interview, she said being in Playboy was a wake-up call making her overly cautious with her kids. Emily went to Jenn’s place and said Ryan’s closet was more interesting than hers. He seemed to be in his pink era and had a floral section. I wish I was that organized. Tamra went to see Teddi and expounded on their friendship. She claimed the other girls didn’t care, and then somehow made Teddi’s illness about herself. Gina spilled the CO tea to Travis and in her interview said a prenup was non-negotiable. It wasn’t about her making more money than Travis, but about protecting herself and her kids. Shannon met Tamra and Vicki at The Quiet Woman, where Vicki tried to get the Tres Amigas back, but in Shannon’s interview, she said her hopes weren’t high for Tamra acknowledging the hurtful things she’d done. They sat in silence for a while, when an artichoke was placed in the middle of the table. Shannon finally said that the last time they were there, Tamra said she was a drunk, would never get a man, and had no money. In Vicki’s interview, she talked about Shannon blowing up at the same restaurant on the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th. She said walked out when things got too toxic, but Tamra fed on it, and she was scared of Tamra. The Tres Amigas hugged it out and Vicki said her job was done.

Random Reality Items

I’d actually forgotten all about her. When are the Valley Shahs coming back?

Aww. This made me feel sad.

We’ll see how long his repentance lasts. Shep is getting old along with his schtick.

Speaking of, this is at least a gallon of tea in one post.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Obsession. Peacock. If you’ve seen anything on this film, you probably already guessed the theme – be careful what you wish for. Lonely, music store clerk Bear has feelings for his co-worker Sarah, but not the cojones to tell her. While looking for a crystal necklace to replace the one she lost, Bear finds a novelty item called One Wish Willow. Crack it in half and you get one wish. He buys one (only $6.99!) intending to give it to his friend Nikki, but instead breaks it open and wishes for Sarah to love him more than anything else in the f***ing world.  He’s surprised when he gets his wish, but more surprised when it’s not exactly what he bargained for. Both disgustingly gory and funny – You can’t cook the cat, okay? – it’s also a little sad. While it’s an old trope, it’s given a new spin and is well-worth watching, especially for Megan Lawless’s performance as Sarah. Since the Academy is more apt to give an award to a horror film these days, she’s deserving of one, running the gamut of emotions as Nikki obsesses over Bear, while her true self is… we really never find out where. That was actually my only question about this film. If she’s not quite the real deal, did Bear really get his wish? The film is also left open-ended, leaving the path to a sequel a possibility.

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/obsession-review-1236747795

https://theeverygirl.com/obsession-movie-review

Teach You a Lesson. Netflix. In this series, the Korean education system has broken down with kids left fending bullies off more often than learning, some of them even committing suicide under the pressure. Enter Hwa-jin (Kim Mu-yeol) from the Educational Rights Protection Bureau, a department that’s determined to turn things around, sometimes using a literal good swift kick. While at times it feels like an upscale After School Special, the fight scenes are incredible, with Hwa-jin and his female counterpart Jin Ki-joo (Im Han-rim) kicking ass and not bothering with names. Each episode is different and a story unto itself. Given the seriousness with which Koreans view education, I did find it a little unbelievable that any of their schools have eroded to this point, but here in the US, we need to only look at the nightly news to find the problems depicted in our own backyard. I’m only halfway through the series, but I’m in for the whole ride.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurasirikul/2026/06/07/netflixs-teach-you-a-lesson-may-be-one-of-the-best-dramas-this-year

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20260605/netflix-drama-teach-you-a-lesson-serves-as-reality-check-for-koreas-broken-education-system

And for those who finished The Human Vapor (reviewed last week), how hard is Ellie My Love (Southern All Stars) stuck in your head?

⛹️‍♀️ Sporty Finds Her Match…

Nice to hear the girls are still joining forces.

https://ew.com/spice-girls-reunite-at-mel-c-wedding-without-victoria-beckham-12022304

🦄 Sharks and Belugas and… Oh My…

🦈 It’s here.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week

👽 Beam them up, Bruce.

https://people.com/forrest-galante-reveals-details-recent-alien-shark-encounter-exclusive-12022262

🐋 Not their week, but I signed petitions about these poor things, and any whale named Bertie Botts deserves sanctuary.

https://people.com/6-belugas-saved-from-shuttered-marine-park-reach-their-new-homes-12024668

🦝 And if you haven’t met him by now, let me introduce Jimothy.

https://people.com/seattle-short-spine-raccoon-jimothy-goes-viral-after-5-million-views-12021835

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/an-unusual-looking-raccoon-nicknamed-jimothy-is-winning-hearts-across-the-internet-for-his-short-round-body-180989157

🍿 Quotes of the Week

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.Babe Ruth

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. – Unknown

I think one day you’ll find that you’re the hero you’ve been looking for. – Jimmy Stewart

Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. – Winston Churchill

Of all the unimportant things, football is the most important. – St. John Paul II

To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable. – Ludwig van Beethoven

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. – Naeem Callaway

Is this a church or a disco?Annabelle Chua, 90 Day Fiancé

If there was a vampire bat in the US it would make sense for it to come to a slyvania… like Pennsylvania. – Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson), The Office

🦗 The Cricket Is Singing…

Until next time, stay safe; stay carrying a reusable water bottle; and stay showing up. You owe it to yourself and everyone else around you.

Video > Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)

July 3, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Z Pays Josslyn a Visit, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Safe At Last, A Stripes Number Of Quotes & America

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Nada enchilada summer – condensed because life is short & summer should be fun)

General Hospital

Monday:

At Pozzulo’s, Alexis talked to Sonny about Kristina’s shadowing program and Molly’s book launch party she was working on with Ric. She said both her girls were happy, but she needed his help with Danny.

Charlotte and Danny ran into the boathouse, and Charlotte said that man was going to abduct her in the middle of the day. It was insane, but Danny came back after she’d told him to leave. Danny said he’d always come back for her.

Molly and Cody went to the pool, and Molly said they’d come a long way. From the pool, James shot them with a super soaker.

Turner told Fitzpatrick that Willow declined to answer questions, and he asked if it was really worth the time and resources. She said she wanted Willow to be accountable and the trip log put her on Route 91. Her phone chimed, and she told Fitzpatrick that Britt was taken into police custody in the British Virgin Islands.

Cullum summoned Nathan to Windymere and asked how he was going to solve their Sidwell problem.

A nurse said Anna’s blood pressure was high, but Felicia said they were just excited to see each other. The nurse left, And Anna told Felicia that the man claiming to be Nathan was his twin brother.

Cody made James hand the squirt gun over and apologize to Molly. Then he discovered his phone was soaked.

Boyle was about to leave the parking lot when he got a text.

Fitzpatrick told Turner that he was surprised about Britt, since Dante had avoided the use of the word kidnapping and didn’t want any government agencies involved. She said she wasn’t surprised Dante had changed his mind, but he’d asked her not to report it. Fitzpatrick wondered why.

Cullum asked if Nathan told anyone about the house Sidwell got for Marco, and Nathan said Laura and Jordan knew, and he’d had to tell the PCPD or his cover would be blown. They wanted him to check out the house with another guy. Cullum said he had to make sure Sidwell didn’t walk out of that house alive.

Aix-Les-Bans, France. Emma asked if Dr. Laurent told Mac when Anna could go home, but he said she hadn’t given them a definite date. He didn’t think Anna would be coming back with them because the doctor still had concerns. Emma asked, what kind of concerns?

Anna told Felicia that she’d been headed for Faison’s chateau at the Swiss border, hoping to find proof that he was alive. If she came up empty, she was going to drop it. She didn’t find any sign of Faison, but she found a letter to Faison from Obrecht’s sister Madeline. Obrecht had another son with Faison named Cassius and she had proof he was Nathan’s twin. She handed Felicia the letter.

Sonny asked why Danny would break into the WSB, and Alexis said he’d wanted to make contact with his father. He could have gotten into serious trouble, which was why she needed Sonny to do her a favor. Scare Danny and tell him that he couldn’t take that kind of risk again. Jason would thank him for it. Sonny asked what the WSB said about the break-in, and she told him, Cullum said he’d let it go. Alexis wondered why Cullum was dealing with a kid, and Sonny brought her into his office and closed the door. He said they had to make sure Danny steered clear of Cullum. The guy was deadly. Cullum was the one who killed Marco.

Charlotte asked why Danny came back to the office after he’d left, and he said the guy who attacked her got out of the elevator when he was getting on. He’d noticed the guy had an earpiece and was wearing a holster. His dad and Sonny had one like it sometimes, and he thought she might be in danger. Why was Cullum suddenly after her? She said he must want to use her to get to her dad, and Danny said, good.

Turner suggested sending in a SWAT team instead, but Fitzpatrick thought they shouldn’t use resources they didn’t have to. Sidwell might not even be there. She said, if he was, Fitzpatrick would be vulnerable. She’d have them on stand-by just in case. Fitzpatrick said if Sidwell was there, he’d call so she could have them bring Sidwell in, and he left.

Boyle nervously looked in the trunk of his car, got back in the car, and left.

Cullum told Nathan that Sidwell risked the exposure of their project to avenge the death of his son. In doing so, he walked into a trap. His grief made him an untenable liability and he had to go. Nathan wondered how long before Cullum felt that way about him, and Cullum said he’d already had doubts, but if Nathan eliminated Sidwell, he’d prove himself someone Cullum could trust and earn 50% of the profits from the project. Nathan asked what happened if he refused to kill Sidwell, and Cullum said things would end badly for Agent Jax and Obrecht.

Felicia asked if she was reading this right that Madeline gave Faison one of Obrecht’s sons, and Anna said Obrecht had been told Nathan’s twin was stillborn. According to the date, Cassius had to have been born at the same time as Nathan. It sounded like Madeline might have been trying to protect Obrecht by giving one of the sons a chance to live a life without Faison and letting Faison raise Cassius if he left Obrecht alone. Felicia said, she also wanted money to stay silent. If this was true… Anna said Nathan hadn’t returned to them. They’d buried him eight years ago and Cassius took Nathan’s place.

Molly suggested getting rice to dry out the phone, but Cody said he’d read that a phone should dry out on it’s own or rice particles could get stuck in the ports. (PSA!) He didn’t mind a break from tech. It would give him time to pay more attention to her and James. They kissed.

Alexis asked why Cullum would kill Marco, but Sonny said it was too complicated to get into right now. Lucas figured it out. She asked if he’d gone to the authorities, but Sonny said he didn’t have that kind of proof. She’d have to trust him on this. Cullum was guilty. Alexis said she thought about how she and Danny found Marco every day. It was brutal. He said they had to keep Danny away from Cullum, and she said, aside from being Jason’s son, why would Cullum target Danny? He said he didn’t know. Cullum was a double agent and would do anything to cover his tracks. She asked if Jason knew about Cullum, and he said, Jason knew Cullum was dirty. They had to make sure Danny never found out. She said, Danny would do anything to tell the world that Cullum was a murderer and his father was innocent.

Fitzpatrick scoped out the house, when Nathan got in the car. Nathan said he’d wanted in because it bugged the hell out of him that Sidwell escaped on his watch, and Fitzpatrick said Nathan had been ambushed by professionals and walked out alive. Don’t die. Rule number one. He was pretty sure no one was home. Nathan said it was a long shot and he could take it from there, but Fitzpatrick said he was in it for the long haul. Stakeouts were kind of his thing. He had his playlist ready and snacks. He had a crippling weakness for dark chocolate and 90s grunge bands. (Same.) He asked if Nathan had read the latest on his sister, and Nathan asked, what happened? Fitzpatrick said Commissioner Falconari tracked her and his son to Tortola and Britt was being brought back to the US. Nathan asked about her health, but Fitzpatrick said they didn’t have any information on that.

Felicia said Anna had confirmed Nathan’s identity in at least two different ways, and Anna said it was a DNA test and would have been a match for Nathan, but Felicia said even identical twins didn’t share fingerprints. Anna suspected Cassius broke into the PCPD database and replaced Nathan’s fingerprints with his own. He’d probably exhumed Nathan’s body and disposed of it before he got to Port Charles. Felicia wondered why he’d do all those things, and Anna said Jack told her months ago that there was a connection between Faison and Sidwell. She thought Cassius was the connection. Who better to convince her that Faison was alive than his own son? Felicia asked if she now believed Faison was dead, and Anna said she was still working through that part of the puzzle. Felicia said there was no mention of Cassius being Nathan’s identical twin. Maybe her theory was based on her history with Faison. Anna said Felicia still thought she was crazy, didn’t she?

Emma told Mac that Anna was much better and it couldn’t be much longer before they’d release her.

Cody said he couldn’t wait for Molly’s book launch party, but Molly wasn’t so sure she wanted to be the center of attention. He said the party would be good practice for her book tour, and she said she was grateful. It was hard for her parents to put their animosity aside and work together. He said he wasn’t so sure it was that hard, and she asked if he thought there was something going on between them. He said, for some people, bickering could be a form of foreplay, but she said, no. Just no. He said, sniping at each other could be a way of them covering up their true feelings, like he and Molly did at the beginning, but she told him not to compare them to her parents. She enjoyed their bickering because she’d been attracted to him. Unlike her parents, who loathed each other. He said, based on what he’d seen recently, it seemed like things might have changed between the two of them, but she said, they hadn’t. He wondered why she was against her parents getting back together, and she said, because it would be a disaster of epic proportions.

Alexis said she was going home to install a panic room and lock Danny in it for the rest of his life, but Sonny said, just keep an eye on him. She said she was trying, when there was a knock at the door. Alexis opened the door to Turner and said she was just leaving… unless Sonny needed legal counsel present. Turner said Sonny wasn’t in any legal trouble. She was there to give him a warning about Jenz Sidwell.

Charlotte wondered how it could be good that Cullum was after her, and Danny said it could mean Cullum still thought her dad was in Port Charles and didn’t know about him going to Geneva. She said she’d need to find a place to hide. She couldn’t have Cullum using her as bait. She thanked Danny, but he said they were best friends. Even when they were fighting, they still showed up for each other. She asked if he forgave her for the crappy things she’d said, and he asked if she forgave him for almost giving up Rocco. She said, totally, and he wondered how they were going to keep her safe.

Felicia told Anna that it was a lot to absorb. She was saying the man that was once the love of her daughter’s life wasn’t who he said he was. Anna said she knew she wasn’t a reliable source right now, but think about it. Nathan came to town without any memory of what happened to him after his supposed death. Wasn’t that convenient? Where had he been? Who had he been with? What had he been doing? Felicia said she didn’t know, but Cassius had fooled everyone for months, including the people that loved Nathan. Anna said, he had to have slipped up. Could Felicia think of anything? Something odd or something that seemed out of character for Nathan. Felicia said he dated Lulu and she thought it was really odd, and Anna agreed. Maybe she was wrong, but if she was right, what did that mean for James? Wasn’t it worth looking into her theory for James’s sake? Felicia asked to look at the letter again.

Fitzpatrick told Nathan about having the syringe from Britt’s place tested. They found nothing but saline. The doctor had said saline didn’t really have a medical function other than rehydration or administering other meds, but there weren’t any traces of anything else. He picked up the binoculars again and saw Boyle. He said it looked like someone just got home. Boyle helped Sidwell out of the trunk of his car, and Fitzpatrick said he was calling Turner who had the SWAT team on stand-by. It wasn’t worth trying to take Sidwell down by themselves.

Mac hoped everything was okay, but Emma said she was sure Felicia and Anna just had a lot of catching up to do. Felicia came out and handed Mac the letter. She said he needed to read this.

Nathan said it was a bad idea, but Fitzpatrick said he’d promised to call Turner if Sidwell showed. Nathan said, the last time, he’d gotten ambushed and they lost Sidwell, and Fitzpatrick asked if he thought there was a leak in the department. Nathan said he would put money on it and he didn’t want to risk losing Sidwell again.

Molly said her parents had already separated when she was growing up, so she didn’t deal with them much as a couple, and Cody said maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as she imagined. She said she thought it might be worse. Her sisters told her about her parents’ epic battles and attempts to destroy each other’s lives. It would be a tsunami of chaos and ranker that she really didn’t want to deal with. There were times as a kid that she wanted her parents back together, but as an adult, she could see they were better off apart. Her dad was happy with Elizabeth and she hoped her mom found that with somebody too, just not her dad.

Sonny said he’d set up a meeting with Danny, and Alexis left. Turner told Sonny, thanks to Laura and Jordan, they’d located a potential safe house in Port Charles that Sidwell might be using. Detectives were staking it out right now. With any luck, he should be apprehended soon. Sonny needed to watch his back. If Sidwell was still in Port Charles, it was likely because he wanted to pay Sonny back for his part in Sidwell’s arrest. Sonny said Sidwell hated to lose and he knew Sidwell was coming after him. And he’d be ready.

Inside, Sidwell told Boyle that the house was supposed to be a gift to Marco and he’d imagined Marco starting a family there. Marco was supposed to have a future with Lucas, but it got ripped from him. Boyle wondered if Sidwell shouldn’t get out of town for a while, but Sidwell said he wasn’t going anywhere until he found and destroyed his son’s murderer. And Boyle was going to help him. Boyle said he thought Cullum and Sidwell were partners, and Sidwell said so did he. Cullum had become conspicuously unavailable since he’s been forced underground. He was sure Cullum was hoping the PCPD or Sonny would take him out, so he could reap the rewards of their hard work for himself. Boyle said Cullum was a bit of a creeper, walking around with that corpse-like vibe to him, and Sidwell laughed. He said Boyle was in a perfect position to expose Cullum as a double agent while he removed Corinthos. The WSB would take care of Cullum after Boyle exposed him. Then Boyle could sit back like the hero that he was. Fitzpatrick and Nathan busted in and Fitzpatrick said, hands in the air. Boyle said, innocent man here, and Sidwell said, shut up, you bum. Fitzpatrick said Sidwell was under arrest, and Sidwell said, Cassius, what are you waiting for? Shoot him.

Charlotte said she guessed she had to find a place to hide, but didn’t think Danny was in any danger. He’d knocked out Cullum’s guy from behind, so he probably didn’t see Danny. Danny’s phone rang and he said it was his grandma. Alexis asked where he was, and he said, with a friend. She said she was coming to pick him up. They had something to discuss. He said his friend needed help and he wasn’t going to abandon them.

James asked if Cody and Molly were going in the pool, and Molly said, let’s do it.

Felicia left Cody a message to call her back as soon as he could. She’d like him to keep James away from Nathan for now. She and Mac had reason to believe Nathan wasn’t who he said he was.

Emma said, earlier, Anna seemed like her old self. Was that just an act? Anna said, no. She had to keep certain things to herself so she could talk to Felicia privately. Emma asked if she really thought Cassius was Nathan’s twin, and Anna said she knew it seemed out there, but in her gut she knew she was right. Emma said, what if she wasn’t? and Anna said, what if she was really crazy? Emma hugged her.

Turner told Sonny to be careful, and he said he was taking precautions. Sidwell was the one who should be worried. She said if he hunted Sidwell down and killed him, she couldn’t look the other way, but he said he’d never expect her to.

Fitzpatrick said he thought Sidwell was confused. That was Nathan, not Cassius. Sidwell laughed and asked if Cassius wanted to tell Fitzpatrick, or should he? He supposed he’d do the honors. This is not in fact Detective Nathan West. This is his identical twin brother Cassius Faison. Unlike his beloved saint of a brother, Cassius was no hero, but he was Sidwell’s partner in crime. Fitzpatrick asked what he was talking about, and Sidwell said, no turning back now. Cassius turned his gun on Fitzpatrick and said he was sorry. Fitzpatrick needed to drop the gun. Fitzpatrick looked panicked.

Tuesday:

Tracy went to see Sonny because she was concerned Sidwell would be coming for him and he shared his home with Gio. That made it their problem.

Nina met Ava at the pool and asked if it was just the two of them. Ava said, about that… and Nina looked over to see Ethan.

James and Cody went to the batting cages. He wanted Cody to film him, but Cody said his phone still had to reboot. James said Cody could use his phone. He wanted it sent to his mom. Cody asked if he felt like he was missing out on the family trip, but James said, no. The Grand Canyon was really just a big hole in the ground. (Truth!) Plus, he’d take the batting cages with Cody and his dad any day.

Carly met Danny and Charlotte at the boathouse, and Danny told her that Cullum sent someone to try and kidnap Charlotte.

Obrecht joined Josslyn again, and Josslyn asked if she was okay. Obrecht said she was as well as could be expected. She couldn’t stall a second longer. Her work was done and she’d completed the prototype. Cesar’s final project was now operative.

Sidwell told Fitzpatrick that Nathan was Cassius and his partner in crime. He told Cassius, no going back now, and Cassius said he needed Fitzpatrick to drop the gun, but Fitzpatrick said Turner knew they were there. A SWAT team was ready to go and they’d figure it out pretty quickly. Nathan said he was right and aimed the gun at Boyle. He asked if Fitzpatrick was willing to gamble with Boyle’s life.

Charlotte said, if it wasn’t for Danny, she’d be in the guy’s trunk or dead, and Danny said he wasn’t going to let the WSB take her too. Carly said it meant Cullum didn’t know Valentin had turned himself in to the WSB, but it wasn’t over. Trying to kidnap her in the middle of the afternoon meant Cullum was either very confident or desperate.

Cullum went to see Jack, who was bound to the bed, and said he suspected the staff would be busy with other patients for a while. Nothing serious. He just wanted them to be undisturbed. The WSB had to update their records and were now aware that Jack had a DNR. It was only out of concern for Jack that he’d added it. But don’t worry. His end would be quick and sooner than he thought.

Obrecht said the project still needed to be initiated and brought online, but her part was finished, and Josslyn said she was supposed to sabotage it. Obrecht said Cassius told them that their only choice was to continue. He was her son and their best chance of getting out of this alive. Josslyn said Cassius was only looking out for himself. He was their captor. It didn’t matter anyway because Cassius wasn’t in charge. Cullum and Sidwell were. Obrecht said Cassius would find a way to help them, but Josslyn said he may be Obrecht’s son, but he wasn’t Nathan. Nathan would have rescued them. Cassius would not.

Nina was glad Ava had taken her seriously and brought protection, but Ava said Sonny had insisted. But Ethan was useless in regard to security. Ethan said, let’s hope we never have to find out, and Ava told him that the first rule of personal security was to be seen and not heard, and often, not even seen. Ethan moved to a chaise lounge, and Nina said Ava was taking this threat to her life in stride, but Ava said it was Sonny that Sidwell wanted.

Tracy told Sonny that his relationship with Sidwell was putting his family in jeopardy, but Sonny said he had eyes on his family. She said Gio was different. He was better off with her. Sonny texted Gio to come meet them so she could tell him.

Cassius told Fitzpatrick to drop the gun or he’d shoot Boyle, and Fitzpatrick put the gun on the floor and slid it under the couch. Cassius told him to get on his knees and put his hands behind his head, and Fitzpatrick did while Sidwell laughed.

James suggested he, Cody, and Molly go camping after Molly’s book tour, and Cody said he was in if James’s dad was good with it. James said they should ask him when he got there, and Cody said he should be there soon. James said he was probably solving a case or saving a life. Stuff came up, but he always showed.

Ava said the sooner the PCPD found Sidwell, the sooner her watchdog could go back to Sonny’s pen, and Nina said, then they could stop terrorizing Willow. For some reason, Turner believed Willow was involved in Curtis and Jordan’s accident. Ava asked if she was, and Nina said, of course (🍷) not, but Turner had never been interested in the truth. Ava said she wasn’t interested in justice either. Just making a name for herself. Nina said, or serving old grudges, and Ava said Turner had the wrong person when she’d put her on trial for Kristina’s unhinged behavior and she had the wrong person now. It was no wonder Sidwell and his cronies were running free.

Cullum told Jack that he was ready to leave Port Charles, but had something to do first. He put a gas mask over Brennan’s nose and mouth, and Brennan started to struggle and yell. Cullum said he had the feeling Jack was faking his condition, hence the restraints. But it was time to be rid of him. He attached a cannister to the mask.

Fitzpatrick told Cassius, don’t do this. It wasn’t too late. Cassius said he was sorry. Fitzpatrick was just doing what he had to and so was he. He knocked Fitzpatrick out with the butt of his gun, and Boyle freaked a little. Sidwell said he’d never doubted Cassius and reached for Fitzpatrick’s gun, but Cassius asked if Sidwell thought he was going to walk out clean after blowing his cover.

Gio wondered what was going on, and Sonny said his great-grandmother just needed to tell him something. Tracy said Sidwell was a dangerous fugitive and wanted Gio’s grandfather dead. She wasn’t worried about Sonny, but she was worried about him. Gio asked if she thought Sidwell was going to come after him, and she said it was a perfect way to get at Sonny. Gio said he wasn’t cutting Sonny out of his life, but she said she wasn’t asking him to do that. She was asking him to come home with her – now.

Ava and Ethan went to the gallery, and she said she was tempted to find Sidwell herself to get her personal space back. Ethan said she didn’t think too highly of him, but she said she hardly thought of him at all. When she did, she thought of the man who abandoned his baby for a payday. He said he wasn’t there to squeeze the Quartermaines for money, and she asked why he was still in Port Charles then. He’d done his part and she couldn’t imagine he wanted to make being Sonny’s errand boy his career. He said one of his errands was protecting her, but she said Sonny wanted him to spy on her. She knew Sonny thought she and Sidwell were partners in crime. Turner came in and said Sonny wasn’t the only one. She was wondering about that herself.

Obrecht told Josslyn that she knew Cassius wasn’t Nathan. When he’d told her the truth about himself, her heart broke as it did eight years ago. Josslyn had no idea what it was like to lose a child, but even though she’d lost one son, she’d gained another. At heart, Cassius was still a good man. Josslyn said she couldn’t know that, and Obrecht said perhaps some of it was performance, but she’d seen the truth in his relationship with James. Love couldn’t be faked. Josslyn said love was the easiest thing you could fake. He was Faison’s son and could fake anything. Obrecht said he was more than that. She broke free of Faison’s control and knew Cassius had it in him too. Which was why she knew he’d come back to free them. Josslyn said, when Sidwell and Cullum got what they wanted, Cassius would show her his true self, and she wouldn’t like what she saw.

Sidwell said the only reason he exposed Cassius was because they were backed into a corner. Let’s be gone. Start anew. Cassius said he was done being a pawn for Sidwell and Cullum, and Sidwell said he didn’t need a pawn. He needed a partner. Get him out of Port Charles and he’d make it worth his while. Cassius said what he should do is shoot Sidwell. Go before he changed his mind. Sidwell asked for the gun, but Cassius said, no. Sidwell was a resourceful guy and he was sure he’d figure it out. Door. Go. Sidwell left and Boyle said, good riddance, am I right? He had to get going… Cassius said he wasn’t done with Boyle yet.

Carly said she had to get Josslyn out of Windymere now, but she wanted Danny and Charlotte to stay there. Danny said his dad wouldn’t want her to do this, especially when he wasn’t there to protect her, and Charlotte said neither would hers. Same reason. They could get her into Windymere.

Cullum told Jack, don’t worry. He’d tie up any loose ends at the office, including Jack’s black box. He hadn’t been able to open it yet, but he would. Whatever was inside may prove to be a valuable insurance policy should things not go his way. He turned on the gas and left. Jack struggled to breathe.

Sonny told Gio that he did everything he could to make sure his family didn’t get caught up in his business, and sometimes that meant keeping them away from him. Gio said Sonny already had security and he could take care of himself, but Tracy said she thought Gio underestimated Sidwell as a threat. Sonny said the guy was desperate and wanted to pay Sonny back for everything wrong in his life, and Tracy said given the rarity of her and Sonny being in agreement, she thought Gio should listen to them. Gio wondered if he got no say in where he lived.

Carly said Danny and Charlotte’s fathers took comfort in knowing they were safe, but Charlotte said they also wouldn’t want Carly putting herself in danger by going to Windymere alone. Carly said if Jason and Valentin were there, they’d be telling them the same thing, but Charlotte said Carly had helped her and her dad. Let her help Carly get back to her daughter.

Jack struggled against the restraints and struggled to breathe, then passed out.

Boyle said Fitzpatrick was dead, but he was good at keeping secrets. Cassius checked Fitzpatrick’s pulse and said Fitzpatrick wasn’t dead, but he might as well be. His life was over. Boyle said, not necessarily. It would be his word against Fitzpatrick’s and he’d have Cassius’s back. Cassius said, here was what Boyle was going to do. When Fitzpatrick came to, help him. He was walking out of there and no one in this town was ever going to see him again. He left, and outside, he looked at a photo of James on his phone. He took the SIM card out and broke it in half.

Ethan said he was Ava’s bodyguard, and Ava said, courtesy of Sonny. Turner said most bodyguards didn’t introduce themselves to her, and he said he wasn’t most bodyguards. Ava suggested he be seen and not heard, and Turner asked for a moment alone with Ava. Ethan moved away, and Turner said she had questions about Sidwell. Ava said she’d already given the WSB all the information she had, and Turner said she was going to give it again to the acting District Attorney.

Sonny said Tracy was right, but he wasn’t asking Gio to leave. Her worries were legitimate, but he was an adult and they couldn’t tell him where or how to live. It was up to him to decide what to do with the information. Gio said he loved Tracy and decided to move out when he was upset and angry, but he was in a different place now and loved all the Q’s. But Sonny had been there for him his whole life, before Sonny even knew he was his grandson. He wasn’t abandoning him now. Sonny said Gio wouldn’t be abandoning him, and Gio said he knew. He promised to be careful, but he wasn’t leaving his grandpa’s side.

Boyle paced and told an unconscious Fitzpatrick that Cassius said he was fine, so he could go. Fitzpatrick didn’t look fine, but at least he wasn’t dead. That was the important thing, right? It was more than he could handle, so he didn’t think it made him a bad guy if he left. He’d go far away and call an ambulance. It would save both of them, because if Sidwell and Cassius came through that door, they were both goners. They could both be alive or both be dead. So he was going somewhere safe and calling an ambulance. He promised they’d take care of Fitzpatrick. He opened the door, and Fitzpatrick said, wait.

Cassius showed up at the batting cages and apologized for being late, but James said it was okay. Cody had gotten them extra time. Cassius thanked Cody, and James asked if he was catching the bad guys. Cassius said he thought he was done with that, and James said he was glad his dad was there. Cassius said him too. He had big plans for them.

Tracy said there was no shortage of security the night Sonny watched his son, her nephew, almost die in a firebombing attack in Sonny’s penthouse that was meant for him. How was he going to feel if history repeated itself? She left, and Gio said, that wasn’t fair. Sonny said, maybe not, but it was true.

On the phone, Boyle said he had the ice. What should he be doing?… He wrapped a bag of ice in a towel and said, okay. Was there anything else he should do for him?… All right. He’d wait until the ambulance arrived, but please hurry. Fitzpatrick wasn’t in good shape. He was about to put the ice on Fitzpatrick’s head, when Fitzpatrick sat up. He asked, what the hell happened? and Boyle said it was a funny way to say thank you. He’d just saved Fitzpatrick’s life.

Charlotte told Carly that she’d spent a lot of time at Windymere. She knew all its secrets and had explored all of its hidden passageways. She handed Carly a phone and said if Carly followed her instructions, she’d get in and the WSB would never know it. And they’d never see her coming. Carly thanked her and said she’d put this to good use. They were going to stay at the boathouse, right? Danny said they’d heard her, and Carly said if Danny didn’t hear from her by 8 o’clock, she needed him to call Sonny. She’d see them later. Charlotte told her to be careful, and Carly left. Charlotte said they should have never let her go alone. Their dads wouldn’t let her go in there without back-up. Danny said neither would they. They were going to be her back-up.

Josslyn said maybe Obrecht was right about Cassius, maybe not, but she was done waiting for him. The ax was going to drop at some point and she didn’t want to be there when it did. She was going to get out of there, and if Obrecht was smart, she’d come with her. Obrecht asked how Josslyn expected to do that. They’d upped the security since her last brilliant escape attempt. Josslyn said that’s where Obrecht’s brilliance came in. They were going to put that big brain of hers to use. If she could figure out nuclear fusion, she could figure out how to open that door.

Nina came into Jack’s room with a double cheeseburger from the MetroCourt, and saw he wasn’t conscious. She wondered what all this was and said, Jack?

Ava showed Turner all the receipts for Sidwell’s art transactions, and Turner asked Ava to email it to her. Ava said Turner should know, she never trusted Sidwell and would never help him. Turner asked if Ava ever wondered where Sidwell got his money from, but Ava said, no. He was her client and where his money came from was none of her business. She should know, their business took place before Sidwell tried to kill her nephew. Now she wouldn’t spit on that man if he were on fire. Sidwell walked in and said that broke his heart. Given the chance, he’d happily spit on her. Ethan reached for his gun, but Sidwell said he wouldn’t do that. Not unless Ethan wanted these lovely paintings spattered in blood.

Cody’s phone made a sound and he said it looked like his phone was back from the dead, and James said he told Cody it would be okay. Cody said he should probably check his messages and stepped away. Cassius asked James what he thought about getting out of there and giving Cody a break, and James asked where they were going. Cassius said he didn’t know yet.

Cody wondered how many messages he was going to have to delete, when he heard the one from Felicia. Hey Cody. Please call me back as soon as you can. I’d like you to keep James away from Nathan for now. Mac and I have reason to believe that Nathan isn’t who he says he is. Cody looked at Cassius with James, thinking, rut-roh.

Wednesday:

Sidwell told them, hands up, turn around. He was in the market for a traveling companion and was going to take Ava.

Sonny told Gio that the situation with Sidwell was dangerous and Tracy didn’t want him anywhere near it. Tracy was wrong about a lot of thigs, but not this. Gio said he had no intention of moving out of Sonny’s house.

Nina tried to rouse Jack.

Obrecht said during Josslyn’s last escape attempt, they’d lost a valuable access point to the wiring, but Josslyn said it couldn’t be the only wiring that connected to the door.

Carly looked for Lucas at the hospital, but Amy said he’d been called in with a patient, some detective.

Lucas asked, what happened? but Fitzpatrick said he was good. He had to put out an APB for a cop and Sidwell. Lucas said he thought Fitzpatrick might have a concussion.

Nathan suggested he and James get ice cream, but Cody told James that he couldn’t leave. James said he was with his dad, but Cody said his dad may have to take care of something and suggested James stay with him.

Nina took the mask off Jack and said he wasn’t breathing. She called for help, but the place looked deserted. She did mouth to mouth.

Fitzpatrick ran to the desk and asked Amy to call 911. He took the phone from her, and told the operator who he was. He asked for an APB on Detective Nathan West. Carly approached, and Fitzpatrick said Nathan was working with Sidwell who was still in Port Charles. Pick up Boyle while they were at it. He may have information. Fitzpatrick keeled over, and Lucas grabbed him. Carly ran out.

Cody said Nathan should probably take off, and Nathan said he didn’t think he could stay, but maybe James and Cody could get ice cream. Cody said James’s dad had important business, but James said his dad couldn’t go. Nathan said he didn’t have a choice, and James asked if it was police officer stuff. Nathan said he’d made a big mistake and it wasn’t one he thought he could fix.

Sonny told Gio that Sidwell wanted revenge. Gio living with him drew Sidwell’s attention and put a target on his back. Sidwell had lost his son and his mind and had nothing left to lose. He wouldn’t hesitate hurting someone Sonny cared about.

Ava said she didn’t make an amenable hostage under the best circumstances and Sidwell had shot her nephew. Sidwell said he wasn’t sorry. Lucas betrayed him and he didn’t take that lightly. Ava said Sidwell had no problem betraying Marco. Marco was a good kind man, and would never forgive Sidwell for trying to kill the man he loved. Lucas was probably his last thought. She suspected all his son would want from him now was to burn in hell.

Gio said he appreciated how Sonny trusted him to make his own decisions. He got that Sonny was just trying to protect him, but he wasn’t a kid anymore. He wasn’t scared or threatened by Sidwell. Sonny said, being an adult sometimes meant that you recognized you were, but Gio said he was determined to stand by Sonny’s side until Sidwell was done and gone. Sonny said he appreciated that, and Gio said he wasn’t going anywhere unless Sonny told him to. Sonny said he was asking him to, and Gio asked, why? Sonny said his son Morgan was Gio’s age when he died and he couldn’t go through that kind of loss again.

Carly snuck around outside Windymere and wondered about why the big truck was there.

Obrecht produced a blade and pliers and told Josslyn that she’d stolen them from the lab when she’d completed the project. Josslyn said she was an interesting co-hostage, and Obrecht said Josslyn had no idea. Josslyn held out her hand, and Obrecht said, as long as she remembered that brain power could succeed where physical strength failed. With the proper tool and a touch of finesse… Josslyn used the instruments to punch a hole in the wall near the door and thanked Obrecht, saying, those worked great.

James said Nathan would never do anything wrong on purpose, and Nathan said he wished that were true, but he had. He made a big mistake and had to leave, but didn’t want to go without saying goodbye. James said he’d just gotten there, and Nathan said he was sorry. James said he’d come visit, but Nathan said he couldn’t. He knew it was confusing and it hurt. It hurt him too. He wished things were different. After he left, James would hear things about him. Some of them wouldn’t be very nice and a lot of them were true. But if anybody said he didn’t love James, it was a lie. He did love James, more than he ever thought he could, and he always would. James hugged him.

Sidwell said he’d thought Ava would be more cooperative. Sonny probably wouldn’t want to negotiate for her life anyway, despite the fact they shared a child. He was more likely to be sympathetic to… our honorable and lovely ADA. Which meant he had no use for Ava.As he shot the gun, Ethan blocked Ava, and Turner ran forward, pushing Sidwell’s arm down.

Gio said he knew about Morgan and it wasn’t Sonny’s fault. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sonny said Morgan died because Morgan was his son. The pain was so great, it nearly brought him to his knees. The only reason he woke up in the morning was because he had other children and grandkids. He needed Gio to stay as safe as he could make him. Don’t throw everything away because of him. He wasn’t going to tell Gio to leave, but was going to ask him to go. Gio said it didn’t have to be forever, and Sonny said, no. Gio said, okay, and Sonny hugged him and said he loved him. Gio said him too, and left.

Ethan and Ava dashed into the storage room, and Sidwell told Turner, that was very foolish. Turner said Sidwell wasn’t going to shoot her because he needed her, but he said, needs could change. They were going to find out how valuable she really was.

Ethan and Ava barricaded the door with a file cabinet. Ava said they couldn’t leave Turner out there, but Ethan said she was tougher than Ava thought. Ava said Sidwell was crazier than Ethan thought, and noticed he was bleeding. Was he all right? He said, could be better, could be worse, and she said, Sidwell shot him in the ass?

Nina did chest compression and told Jack, don’t die. He took a breath and coughed.

Carly snuck past the living room, but heard Harker ask Cullum, what’s the status on the project? She ran into the living room, and Cullum said Dr. Obrecht completed it, but it would take time to dismantle the device. They walked into the living room, and Cullum said he wanted Harker to make sure they were careful dismantling the device. They’d activate it at the test site. Carly listened from the patio.

Danny and Charlotte followed the path they thought Carly had taken and saw the truck. Danny wondered what it was for, and Charlotte suggested they might be getting ready to move the device if it was finished. They had to stop them. Danny said they would.

Lying on an exam table, Fitzpatrick asked if they couldn’t hurry. He had to find Sidwell and Detective West, or whoever he was. Lucas said Fitzpatrick needed to rest and he’d call security if Fitzpatrick tried to leave. He needed stitches. He was 90% sure Fitzpatrick had a concussion and he needed to slow down. Fitzpatrick said he needed to get out there. Sidwell and Nathan had escaped on his watch, and if anyone got hurt, it was on him.

With tears in his eyes, Nathan said he was so glad he and James got to spend all this time together. He was going to take those times and memories and keep them in his heart for the rest of his life. James was the best kid ever and he was happy James had so many people in his life like his mom and Spinelli and Mac and Felicia and Cody. Cody was his uncle, but also a really good friend. You didn’t get many of those in life, so keep him close and let Cody take care of him just like he’d been doing. Cody loved him. James said Cody was great, but Nathan was his dad. He couldn’t leave again. Nathan said he was sorry. Always remember that he loved him. He left, and Cody said it was okay. He had James. He pulled James into a hug.

Ava said Ethan was losing a lot of blood. This was bad. He needed a doctor. She didn’t have her phone. Did he have his? Ethan said he’d left it in the gallery and asked if she had a landline, but she said, not back there, and they couldn’t leave this room until that maniac decided to go.

Sidwell told Turner to make the call and put it on speaker. She called Sonny, and Sonny said, you all right, Justine? Sidwell said, how wonderful. The local crime lord and the acting District Attorney on a first name basis. It made this easier and a lot more interesting. Sonny asked what he’d done with Turner, and Sidwell said, not a thing… yet. If Sonny wanted it to stay that way, he’d do exactly what Sidwell said.

Nina said Jack was back, and Jack told her to turn off the gas. It was carbon monoxide. She turned it off and asked, what happened? He asked her to take the restraints off him, but she said she wasn’t doing anything until he told her what the hell happened.

Josslyn asked if Obrecht was sure it was the right wire, but Obrecht said it wasn’t a bomb. Typically, with electrical wiring, blue wires controlled a single fixture, like a door lock or a light switch. Whereas red wires… Josslyn said, are live wires, and Obrecht said, exactly. Josslyn said when she’d messed with the light, she just pulled out a bunch of wires and shorted everything out, but the door opened. Obrecht said the shortage probably drew attention they didn’t want. Her relationship with her children might be challenging, but she still preferred not to cut the live wire and leave them motherless. (Another PSA!) So let’s see what happens when we cut the single blue one, shall we? Obrecht cut the wire, and all of the lights went out. Josslyn said maybe she should have just cut a bunch.

Charlotte told Danny that there were men with guns all over the island and they had to stay focused on why they were there. Danny said, to help Carly, and Charlotte said Carly was way outnumbered. If she was going to rescue Josslyn, she was going to need time, so they had to create a diversion to buy her some. Danny said, good thing they came prepared.

Cullum told Harker, as soon as the team dismantled the device and loaded it up, they’d eliminate Dr. Obrecht and Agent Jax. They couldn’t afford to leaved any witnesses. They left, and Carly went back in the living room, but as she went to the door, Harker and Cullum came back in. Gun in hand, Cullum thanked her for saving him a trip.

Ava used pieces of drop cloths as a pressure bandage on Ethan and told him that the drop cloths weren’t cheap. If he died on her, she wouldn’t be happy. He said maybe next time someone pointed a gun at her and tried to take her hostage, don’t insult them and try to fight them, but she said she didn’t like bullies and didn’t cower to men like Sidwell. Ethan said he thought she liked Sidwell, and she said she thought there was something to like. Obviously, she was wrong.

Cullum told an agent that they were leaving as soon as the machine was loaded. Tell the team to get moving. The agent left, and Cullum told Carly, sit. She sat down and told Cullum that he should give it up. He’d already lost. He said, how so? and she said, Valentin went to Geneva and told them everything. They knew everything about Cullum and that he was a double agent. They knew about him working with Sidwell and knew about Faison’s project. His best option was to run. Cullum said, if Valentin went to the WSB for help, Valentin was even more naïve than he thought.

Fitzpatrick told Lucas, Sidwell said Detective West wasn’t really Detective West. He was someone named Cassius Faison. Lucas said, Cesar Faison was Britt and Nathan’s dad. He didn’t know anything about Britt’s disappearance or if Nathan played a part in it, but their father was a really bad guy. Fitzpatrick said it was obvious Nathan, or Cassius, was too.

Nathan uncovered a car in a parking lot that had a license plate from Ontario.

Danny told Charlotte, apparently, they only had one shot at this.

Cullum told Carly, if the WSB believed a word that came out of Valentin’s mouth, they’d have been there by now. He was either dead or thrown in a hole to rot. Or mostly likely, he’d lied to her and never went to the WSB at all. Carly said, run or don’t run. She didn’t care. She just wanted her daughter. He said he’d make sure to bury them together then, when Harker said there was gunfire at the loading dock. Cullum told him to eliminate Carly and meet him there. They’d take care of their uninvited guest and after that, take care of Dr. Obrecht and Agent Jax. Carly said, no! and jumped up, lunging at Cullum, but Harker stopped her.

Jack said Nina had to get to the WSB and tell them everything that happened, and she removed his restraints. She said she wasn’t telling the WSB anything. As far as Cullum knew, he was dead. He said, sooner or later, Cullum would figure out he wasn’t, and he was a sitting duck in there, and she said, money talked and it turned out she had a lot to say. She’d get him another room under an alias and Cullum would never know. She could afford it and needed him alive so he could help Willow get out from under Sidwell and Drew. So if he’d excuse her, she needed to go bribe someone. (Do I smell potential romance?)

On the phone, James told Felicia that he was okay, but his dad had to leave and he didn’t think he was coming back. Felicia said she knew it was upsetting and confusing and felt really horrible, but promised they’d get it sorted out. She’d be home soon. She loved him so much. James said he loved her too, and she asked to talk to Cody. James gave him the phone and he told Felicia not to worry. James was safe now and he wouldn’t take his eyes off him. He did have a couple questions though. She said, so did she, but it sounded like the man they thought was Nathan all but confirmed he wasn’t. Cody said, seems like it, and she said, my God. Anna was right.

Cassius got in the car with his go-bag, and checked the bag for his Canadian passport and cash. He looked at some pictures of him with James, started the car, and left.

Fitzpatrick told Lucas, for all they knew, Nathan could have been running interference for Dr. Westbourne the whole time. He felt so stupid. He’d confided in Nathan and trusted him. He even asked Nathan about the syringe. Lucas said, what syringe? and Fitzpatrick asked if Lucas remembered when he’d asked about the saline, and Lucas said, of course (🍷). Fitzpatrick said he’d found a used syringe when he’d searched Dr. Westbourne’s room and analysis showed it was just saline residue, but Lucas said, that had to be wrong. There was no way Britt was just injecting herself with saline.

Ethan cried out in pain as Ava tied the drop cloth pieces around him like a big tourniquet, and he said he thought she’d helped enough, but she said he couldn’t bleed out in her gallery. Could he imagine the paperwork and the publicity? And the police tape up for days. She couldn’t have that. He said the police tape was going to be up because Sidwell was there, not because his death sullied her storage room, and she said he wouldn’t have gotten shot if he hadn’t leapt in front of her. He said, or if she hadn’t opened her mouth. If she’d gotten shot, Sonny would have fired him. She said, or given him a raise. Why did he take that bullet for her? He said he didn’t have time to think. It was just instinct. (Another budding romance?)

Sonny walked into the gallery and said he was there. No cops, no guns. Sidwell got what he wanted. Let her go. Sidwell said he didn’t think so. He knew Sonny didn’t like to see innocents suffer. Sonny said, only a sick bastard would, and Sidwell said, but this particular innocent would happily watch Sonny rot behind bars. Even so, she could still feel pain and serve as a very viable hostage. So think carefully, please, about his next move.

Charlotte told Danny that they had to go, and Danny set off some firecrackers. They took off, when Cullum and another agent came by and saw what had happened. Cullum told two agents to go after them – now – and told the one he was with to get the device loaded quickly. This would draw too much attention to this place. They needed to get out of there now.

Josslyn said Obrecht had this. She’d gotten the lights back on and she could do this. Obrecht said, silence. Her disposition was such that she did not require constant encouragement or praise. (Same.) This was it. She saw the wire she needed now. Get ready. Obrecht messed with the wires and the door clicked open. She said, now the praise, and Josslyn said she was a genius. Let’s get out of here. She opened the door and an agent blocked their path.

Carly said Harker didn’t have to do this. She was just there to help her daughter. Harker backed her toward the fireplace and she reached behind, grabbing a poker, then whacked him with it.

Thursday:

Felicia apologized to Anna and said she was right about everything.

Ethan told Ava that they had to find a way to stop Sidwell.

Sonny asked Sidwell what he wanted, and Sidwell said he wanted to get away. And Sonny was just the man to help him do that.

Josslyn kicked Cullum’s guy away from the door, shut it, and Obrecht messed with the wires.

Harker backed Carly toward the fireplace and she hit him with a poker, but he bounced back and said now he was going to take his time killing her.

Sidwell said, if Sonny didn’t want anyone to get hurt, he’d fuel up his jet and have it ready for Sidwell and the pilot of his choice to fly out of the country. Sonny told him to let Turner go and he’d call, but Sidwell said she was his trip insurance. Sonny said if he wanted a hostage, take him.

Ave looked for possible weapons, like a staple gun, and Ethan keeled over.

Cody and James went to the stables where Tracy was waiting. She wanted to know who left the paddock door open. Thor had eaten all the flowers. Behind James, Cody shook his head, and she said they could talk about it later. She asked James what was wrong, and James said his dad was gone.

Felicia said Cody called her back and he’d stopped Nathan from walking away with James. He’d said Nathan wasn’t Nathan, but because he was willing to walk away, Cody let him go. He didn’t want to risk putting James in a dangerous situation. She said she was sorry and owed Anna. James was safe because she figured out what was going on with Nathan. Anna said Felicia didn’t owe her anything, but wanted her to tell Dr. Laurent what happened and that it wasn’t something Anna had conjured up in her mind.

Josslyn said they were locked in again and she wished Obrecht hadn’t finished with the device. Cullum was going to wreak havoc. Did she want that on her head? Obrecht said she didn’t and thought she could repair the damage to the door, and Josslyn told her, do it fast.

The device was loaded onto the truck, and an agent told Cullum that they still didn’t know who set off the firecrackers. Cullum told him to keep looking and make sure the device was secure. It was dangerous and volatile and any damage in transit could have outcomes for all of them. As soon as the device was safe for transport, they needed to be gone.

Carly struggled with Harker and as he was about to strike her with the poker, he was shot from behind.

Molly showed up at the stables, and Cody pulled her aside. He said James needed a distraction, and Molly told James that she’d had a lousy day and thought s’mores would cheer her up. Did he want some? James said he wasn’t hungry, startling everyone, and Molly said he didn’t have to eat anything, but she needed help with roasting marshmallows since she wasn’t very good at it. Cody agreed and said he’d consider it a personal favor if James would help her. James said, okay, and they all left. Outside, Tracy asked what was going on, and Cody said, according to Felicia, the man who said he was James’s father, wasn’t.

Cassius asked if Carly was okay, and she wondered whose side he was on. He said Cullum was the one she had to worry about, and she said Cullum just sent someone to kill her daughter and his mother. They had to help them. Cassius asked if she knew where they were, and she said she did. He said the code to the door was 7104, and she asked if he was coming, but he said, no. He had to stop Cullum. She said Valentin had gone to Geneva to tell them that Cullum was a double agent. They could be there already. He said he had to make sure Cullum didn’t leave with the device or it would be bad for everybody, and gave her his gun. He told her to go save her daughter and his mom, and she left. He took Harker’s gun and followed.

Felicia explained to Dr. Laurent that not only was Anna right, Anna saved her grandson from being abducted. The doctor was pleased that Anna was able to separate her fantasies from reality. She’d admitted to hallucinating in the past and was checking to make sure her current experience was real. It was tremendous progress. In French, Anna said she felt like her old self again, and Dr. Laurent said she thought Anna might be ready to go home.

Sonny told Sidwell, put a gun to his head, and his men would do whatever Sidwell wanted, but kidnapping a DA made law enforcement crazy. Turner said it was a federal crime, and Sonny said Sidwell could even say they were in this together. Sidwell said, tempting, but no. Even though it was to his advantage to take Sonny with him, he didn’t think he had the stomach to be anywhere near the man responsible for his son’s death. Sonny said he didn’t kill Marco, but he knew who did. He knew Cullum killed Sidwell’s son.

Ava tried to wake Ethan and slapped his face. He came to, and she told him that he’d passed out. She thought he should get back on the table and she helped him up. She said it wasn’t looking good and they had to do something now.

Carly saw Josslyn and Obrecht through the one-way window and put the combination in, but the door didn’t open. Obrecht told Josslyn that when she put the wires together, the door would unlock. Ready? The door unlocked and Josslyn opened the it to find Carly there. Carly hugged her.

Tracy asked if Nathan actually admitted he was a fraud, and Cody said, in his own way, but he didn’t think James fully understood. He did make it clear he loved James and wished things were different, and Tracy said, poor James. He’d grown up without a father and was losing him again. Cody said it was obvious it was killing Nathan to say goodbye, but he guessed it was better for everyone if fake Nathan just disappeared. Tracy said, probably, but James would never think so.

Cassius snuck around outside, and took a shot at one of Cullum’s men, but the bullet ricocheted, and some men shot back. There was gunfire back and forth.

Felicia said Anna was coming home with them tomorrow, and Anna said it didn’t seem real… but she knew it was. Felicia said she’d pushed for James to get closer to his dad and wondered why she didn’t see that something wasn’t right, and Anna told her not to be hard on herself. He had everyone convinced. Felicia said, except for Maxie. She wondered if Maxie hadn’t gotten back together with him because, on some level, she knew something was off. Anna said she felt for Maxie having to grieve Nathan all over again, and Felicia said Anna was a wonder. She’d just been through hell and was concerned about Maxie, and in the midst of a mental health crisis, she’d uncovered the truth, which allowed Cody to save James. Anna asked if Cassius had left town, but Felicia said it was hard to say. He’d said he was leaving, but Mac put an APB out on him. Anna said, if he was anything like the rest of the family, he’d already disappeared without a trace.

Josslyn told Carly that she was fine and asked how she was there. Carly said Nathan helped her, and Obrecht said she knew Cassius wouldn’t leave them. Carly wondered who Cassius was, and Josslyn said it was a long story. Where was Nathan? Carly said he’d gone to the loading dock to stop Cullum, and Obrecht said he’d get himself killed. Josslyn said she’d go, but Carly said they had to call the police and get out of there. Josslyn exchanged a look with Obrecht and promised Carly that she’d come back safe. She went out, closing the door behind her, and Obrecht made sure it locked.

Ethan passed out again, and Ava shook him, saying he had to stay awake. She didn’t know how to help him, but knew she wasn’t going to let him bleed to death back there. She was going to tell Sidwell that calling an ambulance was in his best interest, and if that didn’t work, she’d beg. Ethan grabbed her arm as she went past and said, wait.

Sidwell said Cullum had been his business partner for years. What reason would Cullum have to kill his son? Sonny said Lucas convinced Marco to turn on Sidwell and his partner killed Marco for it, but Sidwell said Sonny was lying. Sonny said he wasn’t and Sidwell knew it. Cullum gutted his son like a fish. He was in a pool of blood on the floor. He was terrified. He was scared. He was alone. Sidwell shook his head, and Sonny said it was all because of Sidwell. Sidwell lifted his gun, when Turner elbowed him, Sonny grabbed his arm, and Turner got out of the way.

Cassius shot another of Cullum’s guys, when Cullum joined the fray. He said he’d thought Cassius was smarter than this. He should have run when he had the chance. One of Cullum’s men came up behind Cassius, but Josslyn shot him and joined Cassius behind some metal barrels. He asked if her mom got her out, and she said, yeah. He said, what about his? and she said, in rare form, as always. He said they had to get out of there. They were outnumbered.

Cody wondered if he’d done the right thing, and Tracy said all of his options were terrible. He’d picked the least bad one. Cody wondered how James was going to trust anyone ever again, and Tracy said James had Cody. She had no doubt he’d continue to be there for James every single day.

James instructed Molly on the correct way to make s’mores, and she asked him to make another one. He asked why people would be mad at his dad. He didn’t really understand the way his dad explained it. She said sometimes adults could do or say things that kids didn’t understand until they were older. Her dad went away when she was little and she didn’t understand why. She’d thought it was because of her, but it was for other reasons. James said, but he came back, and she said, he did. James asked if she thought his dad would come back, and she said she wished she knew. He said he did get one thing his dad said. He’d told James that he loved him. She said, then he already knew the most important thing there was to know.

Ethan wondered how just a flunky could make a beautiful woman like Ava fall apart, and she told him, rein it in. She had to go get help. He said Sidwell would kill her, but she said, maybe he was just a big talker with lousy aim. Ethan struggled to stay conscious, and she said if he wanted her to stay, he had to keep talking. He said he liked her art, and she said he probably regretted coming back to Port Charles. Although he did get to meet his daughter. He said Phoebe wasn’t his daughter.

Sonny struggled with Sidwell, finally punching him in the face and getting the gun. He said, I’ve been waiting to do this for a long time, you son of a bitch, but Turner said, don’t.

Felicia said having Anna back was all she’d wanted, and Anna thanked Felicia for listening to her Cassius theory. Most people would have dismissed it as delusional, but not her. Felicia said most people didn’t have their history. They’d survived a lot. She knew if the situation were reversed, Anna would believe her. They hugged.

Carly said, today’s Nathan was actually his twin, and Obrecht said the baby she’d thought was stillborn, was not. Carly said, Cassius was raised by Faison and locked Josslyn up in this room, and now Josslyn was going to back him up in a gunfight against psycho Cullum? Obrecht said, it would seem so, yes, and Carly said Obrecht had to get her out of there. Obrecht said she’d worked her magic on the wires one too many times and they no longer worked. Perhaps she could find a workaround, but it would take too much time. Carly said she didn’t care. Figure it out. Obrecht said now she could see where Carly’s daughter got it from.

Cullum got in the truck and started it up, and Josslyn told Cassius that Cullum was leaving with the device. Cover her. She ran out, but one of Cullum’s men shot her and she dropped. Cassius shot the guy and ran to her, but Cullum suddenly appeared. He said he was going to enjoy killing them both and told Cassius, get up. For all the talk of how brilliant Faison’s children were, he was shockingly easy to manipulate. Cassius asked if protecting his mother and sister was some kind of weakness, but Cullum said he only thought he was protecting his sister. Britt never had Huntington’s. Her diagnosis was a lie from the beginning, fabricated leverage to force her to finish her father’s work. Josslyn looked at a gun close by, and Cullum said he’d ensured Britt’s cooperation by manufacturing a fake treatment for a devastating disease she’d never had. And it worked like a charm.

Turner told Sonny, don’t do this. She could guarantee a conviction and Sidwell was the one she wanted to convict, not him. Sonny said he’d be doing the world a favor by taking Sidwell out, but Turner said she wouldn’t cover this up. Did he want his kids and grandkids visiting him in prison for the rest of his life? Don’t do it. Sonny lowered the gun and told Sidwell that she’d saved his life. Sidwell said, and Sonny’s… this time. The police arrived and an officer said, drop your weapons.

Ava said if Ethan died in her art gallery, she swore to God… The police knocked at the door and said, open up. Ava said they needed help. There were two of them and they needed an ambulance. Her friend had been shot. Hurry, please.

Molly offered Cody and Tracy a s’more, and James said he was the marshmallow guy and Molly put them together. Both Tracy and Cody took one, and Tracy told James that she needed to replace the flowers Thor ate. What did he like? James said he didn’t know. They were just flowers. Tracy said he had a great deal to learn.

Obrecht told Carly that crowding her didn’t make her go faster, and Carly said she was just worried about Josslyn. Obrecht said her daughter was impressive and proved herself to be quite resourceful, but Carly said, even resourceful people weren’t bulletproof. Obrecht said she was worried about her son too, but what they were doing was absolutely vital to everyone. Cullum must be stopped.

Cassius said his mother helped build the device and he’d helped Sidwell get away. Cullum won. He was in the clear. He could have left with the device, but no. He had to come back. Was killing him that important? Behind Cullum, Josslyn tried to slide herself over to the gun, and Cullum said when he was about to drive to the cargo ship, he got word that a WSB helicopter was on route to the island. Cassius said Cullum had realized there was no way out, and Cullum said, not for Cassius anyway. Josslyn painfully pulled herself further along, and Cullum said he’d be telling the WSB that Cassius and Sidwell created the device and he’d managed to stop Cassius. Then he was forced to kill him… in the line of duty, of course (🍷). He shot Cassius in the chest and Cassius fell to the ground.

Anna and Felicia said goodnight, and Felicia left. Anna closed the door and Peter August said, nicely done. Did Anna think she bought it?

Cullum said, if necessary, Cassius was always going to be his fall guy, and Cassius said, at least Britt got away. Cullum said it was tragic what happened to his sister. Cassius went through all this trouble to save her from a disease she didn’t have, only to kill her himself. He’d anticipated that Cassius would try to steal the medicine, so he switched the saline for a type of poison. Take comfort in the fact she was probably dead by now. Josslyn finally got the gun, Cullum turned around, and she shot him. She laid back down.

The police handcuffed Sidwell and he whistled as they led him out. Ava came out and told Sonny that the paramedics were putting Ethan in an ambulance. She was going with him to the hospital. He’d lost a lot of blood. Sonny told her to keep him posted, and she said, of course (🍷). Ethan took that bullet for her and saved her life. Sonny said that was the kind of guy Ethan was, and she said, who knew? She left, and Sonny asked if Turner was okay. She thanked him, and he said, for what? Saving her life? She said, for not making her prosecute him for murder, and she pushed him up against the wall and kissed him.

Josslyn watched as a helicopter landed on the helipad. John Oliver got out and led a couple of soldiers through the mess, shooting one of Cullum’s men that was still alive as he passed. He saw Cassius, Cullum, and Josslyn, and checked Cassius’s pulse. He continued on to Josslyn and told her, everything’s going to be okay. He was there to help her.

🌞 Summer Friday…

Lulu and Dante brought Rocco home, and Dante said, with Cullum no longer a threat, Rocco should be safe. Rocco looked at his phone and told them, all the news said was that several WSB agents were killed in an incident on Spoon Island. Director Cullum was among those deceased. It didn’t even say anything about all the crimes he’d committed. Dante said they shouldn’t be surprised the WSB wanted to keep a lid on this, and Rocco said they had to find Britt. Dante said it shouldn’t be too difficult since she was in Port Charles. He’d had her arrested.

Vaughn went to the jail to see Britt, and she said, if it isn’t Mr. Nash from the Five Poppies. She remembered him sulking around Port Charles for a while, then he just disappeared. He said he’d been reassigned, and she asked why he was back. He said the last time he’d seen her, he’d urged her to cooperate with the WSB. He thought this time she might want to take him up on it, if she was as smart as she said she was.

At the station, Danny thanked Molly for setting this up, and Charlotte said, without her help, there was no way the WSB would have agreed to speak to a couple of kids, even if they did kidnap their fathers. Molly reminded them that she was there as their personal attorney, not an assistant DA. It was wise of them to go through a lawyer this time instead of breaking into an international law enforcement agency. Danny wondered if they’d hold that against him, but Molly thought it would be okay. However, she didn’t want them to get their hopes up. Just because the WSB agreed to speak with them didn’t mean they were obligated to disclose any information about their fathers. Charlotte said, the WSB shouldn’t have locked their dads up in the first place and they had to get them out.

At the hospital, Carly wanted to see Josslyn, but a guard said he’d been given strict orders not to let anyone in. She said she wasn’t anyone. She was Josslyn’s mother. He said she still had to wait and she could do it in a waiting room or a cell, when Lucas came along and pulled her away, apologizing for his sister. Carly said he had to get her in, but Lucas said he didn’t have the authority. Carly said Josslyn was shot and almost died. Why wouldn’t they let her in?

Josslyn opened her eyes to see John Oliver, who told her, good morning, Agent Jax. She said, he was… and he said he was indeed. She said he was the head of the WSB, and he told her to feel free to call him Z. She asked what it stood for, and he said it was his nom de guerre (i.e. – war name). She’d been in surgery most of the night. When they found her, she was in pretty bad shape. He’d been told her mother and Dr. Obrecht had been found and were both safe. She said, what about Cassius? Director Cullum shot him. Is he alive?

Rocco said he’d trusted his parents and they’d betrayed him. He got that they hated Britt, but why did they have to keep punishing her for something she did literally a whole lifetime ago? Dante said he didn’t have Britt arrested to punish her. He did it because he was trying to protect her. Rocco said, from what?

Britt said she had bigger problems to deal with than the WSB, and Vaughn said she’d been arrested for kidnapping and the WSB knew she was involved in the development of a cold fusion device. She said she was forced. Guns and ankle bombs were part of the office culture. It was a matter of life and death. He said it was all the more reason to cooperate with the Bureau, and she said she wanted a lawyer. He said that was her right and he’d be in touch, but she told him, wait. If the Bureau knew about the prototype, they knew that Cullum and Sidwell were involved. He said he couldn’t comment on an ongoing investigation, and she asked where they were. The last thing she needed was them coming at her when she had nowhere to run. He said, then she’d be pleased to know that Jenz Sidwell had been arrested for attempted murder. She said, what about Cullum? and he said, Director Cullum is dead, and he left.

Molly told Danny and Charlotte that the meeting didn’t come without risk. For instance, Charlotte wouldn’t know that her father was headed to the WSB if she hadn’t been contact with him when he was a wanted fugitive. Charlotte said, but he was working to expose a corrupt agent, and Molly asked if she knew he was on the run. Charlotte said, of course (🍷), and Molly said she’d aided and abetted a fugitive. They could still press charges. Danny said the WSB owed them. They had to stop Cullum. If they hadn’t distracted them with those fireworks… Molly said, which they did while they were trespassing. Which was why they weren’t to mention any of this. They’d rehearsed this and if they went off script, they could end up getting in more trouble and blowing any shot of helping their fathers.

Lucas took Carly to the breakroom, and she said she had to see her daughter. He said he couldn’t help with that, but he’d spoken to the surgeon and Josslyn was expected to make a full recovery. She said it would also help her daughter’s recovery to see her mother and it would help her own recovery, but he said he could only offer her an herbal tea, and she said okay. He said, about yesterday. He thought they were going to Windymere together. She said she’d come by, but he was busy with a patient and she had to get Josslyn out of there, and he said, she could have been killed. She said she almost was and at the last possible second, Nathan saved her. And it turned out, he wasn’t really Nathan.

Z said he was afraid Mr. Faison didn’t survive (💔😭) and she said, what about Cullum? He said, Director Cullum died from a shotgun wound, but he thought she already knew that. She said, and Sidwell? and he said Sidwell had been captured and was being held by local law enforcement. He needed her full debrief. She was the sole survivor of a firefight that had several of their people killed. He needed to know exactly what happened, without embellishment or self-censor. Then, depending on her account, he’d decide what happened next and to whom. She said she was still a little out of it and wanted to see her mom, and he said that was understandable, but he had to insist. It was best to get it while it was still fresh in her mind, right now. She’d provide a formal account later, but for now it was best for them to go over her statement, one to one.

Dante told Rocco that Britt wasn’t safe. Cullum would have kept searching for her until he found her. Rocco said, she’d wanted to die on her own terms and now she was stuck in jail, and Dante said it was the safest place for her. He had the Tortola police arrest her and transferred her into PCPD custody, so she could have round the clock protection. Lulu said, Cullum would have found her eventually. She was way too vulnerable on her own. Rocco said they could let her go now. They didn’t have to protect her anymore. Dante said he couldn’t. The WSB still had questions for her. She was still in pretty serious legal trouble. Rocco said, if she was, it was all Dante’s fault. She could be free and out of the reach of the WSB if it wasn’t for him.

Josslyn said, Cullum used his position in the WSB to cover his and Sidwell’s tracks. He went so far as to imprison Anna Devane and gaslight her into believing that Cesar Faison was still alive. We saw Josslyn find Anna’s message at Windymere, and she said, once Britt was out of reach, Cullum abducted Liesl Obrecht, Britt’s mother, and he forced her to complete the prototype by using her children as leverage. We saw Obrecht telling Josslyn that it was her only option, and she said, and Cullum stabbed Jenz Sidwell’s son, Marco Rios, to death.

Obrecht went to the jail and said she was glad to see Britt safe and alive. She was worried about her. Britt said she hoped Obrecht didn’t think she kidnapped Rocco. He begged to go with her. Obrecht said, of course (🍷) he did. She just wished Britt had told her that she was going – again. Britt said she wanted to, but was caught up in a huge mess. Obrecht must have a lot of questions. Obrecht said, only one that mattered. Why did Britt never tell her the truth about her brothers? Why didn’t Britt tell her that Nathan was really dead and Cassius had taken his place?

Josslyn told Z that once she was free, she went to help Cassius stop Cullum from transporting the device. Unfortunately, they were blocked in by Cullum’s men. We saw the scene as she talked, and she said, Cassius came to help her, but at that moment, Cullum came back, and he said he was going to pin the whole thing on Cassius.

In the interrogation room, Vaughn and Molly introduced themselves, and Danny said he remembered Vaughn. He was hanging out with Josslyn at King’s Beach last summer. Vaughn said he’d been undercover, and Molly said Charlotte and Danny were there to request a formal inquiry as to the status and location of their respective fathers, Valentin Cassadine and Jason Morgan. Vaughn said he could confirm Mr. Morgan was still in WSB custody. As for Mr. Cassadine… Charlotte said she knew her father spoke to the head of the WSB. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even… Molly interrupted, but Charlotte continued, saying, if it wasn’t for her dad, they wouldn’t even know Cullum was working with Sidwell or what they were working on. Vaughn said, how exactly did she know all that?

Carly said she couldn’t believe she’d let Josslyn go, and Lucas said she didn’t have much of a choice. Carly agreed and said, the second Josslyn heard that Cassius was going to try and stop Cullum, she took off. She was going to go with her, but then Obrecht locked the damn door. She was terrified. It seemed like forever, but then the WSB showed up and put them on a boat and brought them to the hospital to get checked out. They wouldn’t tell her anything about Josslyn, except that she’d been shot. Lucas asked if there was any word on Cassius, and she said they’d told her that his condition was classified and under investigation.

Z thanked Josslyn, and she said there was still one thing she didn’t understand. How did they know back-up was needed? Or was that classified? He said it was, but he’d tell her anyway. He received a visit from Valentin Cassadine. While topping the most wanted list, he made it all the way to Geneva. It was quite a shock to learn Ross Cullum had managed to deceive them for so many years. She said, when it all came out, the Bureau was going to look pretty bad, and he said, that would be an understatement. She said that was precisely why he needed her help.

Britt said she was sorry she hadn’t told Obrecht about Cassius. She’d wanted to so many times. Obrecht said, but she didn’t. Britt let her think her beloved Nathan was still alive. Britt asked Obrecht to understand that her life was in danger. She was being forced to work on this project. Obrecht said, her father’s cold fusion prototype, and Britt said, she knew? Obrecht said, after Britt fled, Director Cullum abducted her and forced her to complete it, and Britt said she was sorry. She didn’t think… Obrecht said Britt didn’t think of many things, especially when it came to her. Why didn’t Britt tell her from the start? Britt said, because Obrecht was so happy to have her Nathan back. She couldn’t bear to take him away from her again. Obrecht said she believed Britt. However, they both knew it wasn’t the only reason she’d kept quiet. There was also something in it for her.

Rocco said Dante had no right to have Britt arrested. He knew Rocco was never kidnapped. Lulu said, that’s enough. His father did nothing wrong. Rocco said he and Britt trusted him and he’d lied. That sounded pretty wrong to him. He stomped upstairs, and Dante said, let him go. He wanted to talk to Lulu about something he didn’t want Rocco to hear. When he’d called Mac to let him know they were coming home, Mac gave him some pretty disturbing news. The guy who’d been walking around town calling himself Nathan wasn’t Nathan. He was an imposter.

Molly said they knew that Valentin Cassadine left Port Charles with the intention of turning himself in to the WSB. Would it be okay if they left it at that? Vaughn said, sure. He could confirm that Mr. Cassadine was taken into WSB custody upon his arrival in Geneva. Charlotte asked if he was going back to Steinmauer, but Vaughn said he couldn’t tell her that. Charlotte said he’d helped them bring down Cullum, and Danny asked if he shouldn’t get some credit for that. Vaughn said the matter was under review, and Danny said, what about his dad? Vaughn said, he was accused of shooting Director Cullum, but Danny said, he didn’t do it. He knew his dad was innocent. Vaughn asked, what made him say that?

Lucas told Carly that the WSB had issued a statement this morning. They said Cullum was dead, but that was about it. She said, he must be relieved, and he said, part of him wanted Cullum to stand trial for killing Marco, but he guessed it was just as well he was gone. Now Marco might finally be able to rest in peace and he could start to put this whole nightmare behind him. She said she wanted that for Josslyn. Her mission was over and the WSB could let her go. He asked if that was even an option, and she said, she almost died. This wasn’t the life she was supposed to have. He said, but it was the life she chose, but Carly said, she didn’t choose this. Jack manipulated her. Josslyn wasn’t like him, and Anna and Valentin were damaged and broken. He said he thought she liked Valentin, and she said she did, but Valentin would tell him the same thing. The WSB used people and were completely mercenary. And her daughter wouldn’t end up like them.

Josslyn told Z that she was the only person who knew what really went down at Windymere last night. So that meant, in her statement, she could say it was Cassius who was behind all of those crimes. All of the murders, the kidnappings, the experiment with the cold fusion, all of it. She could say Cullum died heroically trying to stop them. Z said that would certainly play better for them, and quite frankly, for him, and she said, Cullum was a monster who would be celebrated as a hero. Cassius was going to have his name dragged through the mud. Z said, Mr. Faison wasn’t exactly innocent, and she said she knew that. But in the end he did the right thing. He tried to stop Cullum and he died saving her life. Z said, so her issue was gratitude, but she said her issue was that she hated lying about somebody who was the reason she was still here. But she’d do it if it meant she got something in return. He said he didn’t have her down as the mercenary type, and she said her either, but she was starting to enjoy it. He said, what was it exactly that she wanted? She said she wanted a full release and all charges dropped for Valentin Cassadine and Jason Morgan.

Lulu said it was insane, and Dante said, but it was true. She said Nathan was his best friend and married to her best friend. If he’d had a twin, he would have told one of them. Dante said, unless he didn’t know, and she asked how that was even possible. He said, apparently, Faison took him right at birth and raised him. Obrecht didn’t even know. His real name is Cassius. She said he didn’t just look like Nathan, he acted like him, and Dante said, he must have studied up on Nathan’s life. There were signs. There was a case where he broke the chain of evidence. The real Nathan never would have done that. Then there was the way he was with them before they went to go get Rocco. She said, he was acting cool and a little shady. He’d told her once that his father made him memorize the periodic table. It didn’t make any sense because she remembered Maxie saying the man who raised Nathan didn’t even have anything to do with him. Dante said, he must have been talking about Faison, and she said she guessed the real proof was her. The real Nathan never would have gotten involved with her. He wouldn’t have done that to Maxie. Their whole relationship was a lie.

Britt said she guessed Cassius told Obrecht about her situation with her medication, and Obrecht said he made it clear he was only working with Cullum to ensure she had access to an experimental drug that kept her Huntington’s in check. He’d also told her that Britt was going to run off with Jason and have the medication reverse engineered. She could have done that for her there. Britt said Obrecht was the most brilliant woman she knew, but they didn’t know she would have succeeded. Obrecht said Britt should have given her the chance. Even if she failed, there were so many other ways she could have been there for Britt. But instead, Britt told her lie after lie. Britt said she already apologized, and Obrecht said she accepted Britt’s apology, but if this was how things were between them, what kind of relationship did they really have?

Danny told Vaughn that he didn’t know how, but his father knew Cullum was corrupt and tried to stop him. Now that they knew for sure, they had to let his dad go. Vaughn said he could neither confirm nor deny anything about Director Cullum, but Charlotte said the whole town was talking about it and they saw for themselves what was going on at the loading docks. Vaughn said he got that they were concerned about their fathers, but it was an ongoing WSB investigation, and unfortunately, he couldn’t provide any information at this time. Danny said, when could he? and Vaughn said he didn’t expect it to change anytime soon. Molly asked if he was saying that Mr. Morgan and Mr. Cassadine would remain in custody, and Vaughn said that was correct.

Z and Josslyn shook hands and he asked if there was anyone who could contradict her story. She said, Sidwell could, but… and he said Sidwell wasn’t what he’d call the most reliable witness and he didn’t think Sidwell would want to incriminate himself. She said there would be pushback from Cassius’s mom and sister, but they didn’t witness what happened on the dock, so she had final say in that. He said hers was the only say that counted. Did she feel like giving her official statement? She said, if it was brief, and he said, the recording would be reviewed by a government agency, so brief was preferred. She said she knew what to say, and he said, good. He’d send in the team and she could share her truth. She said, such as it is, and he said she was quite impressive. He suspected she had a long, bright future at the WSB.

Lucas said, maybe Carly was right and Josslyn would want to walk away. Carly had said the reason Josslyn joined the WSB was because she’d felt powerless over Dex’s murder. Carly said, there were other reasons. Josslyn had unresolved feelings around Morgan’s death and Sonny’s part in it. Sonny’s part in a lot of things. He asked if she was saying that Josslyn joined the WSB to get at Sonny, and she said, not really. Sort of. He said he used to feel the same way about Sonny, but he couldn’t see this ending well, and she said neither could she. It killed her because her choices pushed Josslyn into this life. She was the one who had to get Josslyn out.

Molly asked Danny and Charlotte to wait outside while she had a private word with Vaughn, and they left. Vaughn asked if he could help her with something else, and she thanked him for his compassion. He said he wasn’t unsympathetic to their situation, and she asked if he’d be willing to arrange some form of communication with their fathers. A quick phone call or even a letter. Just so they knew their fathers were okay. He said he couldn’t make any promises, but would look into it, and she thanked him.

Danny said they couldn’t just give up, but Charlotte said they were just changing tactics. Dante walked in and said now that Cullum was gone, they came straight back. Charlotte asked if her mom was back too, and he said she and Rocco were home.

Rocco came downstairs and Lulu asked where he was going. He said, to see Britt. Please don’t try and stop him. She said she wouldn’t, but she didn’t think Britt could have visitors right now. His dad went to check on her. He said he knew Britt had done bad things. Even she admitted that. He just thought you could still care about someone who’d made mistakes. She said he had a right to his feelings about Britt and it was obvious he cared a great deal about her, and he said Britt cared about him too. They’d offered for her to come with them, but she chose to stay behind to keep him safe. Lulu said Britt did the right thing. So did his dad. He asked if she’d let him know if his dad called, and she said, of course (🍷). He went back upstairs.

Charlotte asked how Rocco was doing, and Dante said, he was good. He was safe. Why were they there? Were they in some kind of trouble? Danny said, not this time, when Vaughn came out and introduced himself to Dante. He asked if Dante had a minute. Dante said, for the WSB, he supposed so, and they went into the interrogation room.

Britt admitted she’d kept things from Obrecht, and Obrecht said allowing her to think Britt was dead for two years was enough. Britt said she’d had no choice, and Obrecht said, but they can’t break the pattern. Britt kept things from her, they reconciled, then Britt did it all over again. Britt said she didn’t do it to hurt Obrecht, and Obrecht said, but it did hurt. She could only conclude that Britt didn’t want them to be close and didn’t want her mother in her life. Message received. She wouldn’t fight Britt any longer. From now on, she’d devote her attention to the child who did want her in his life. (💔😭) She walked out.

Z’s assistant came into his office, and he asked if she knew where Jack’s black box was, but she said she hadn’t seen it since Director Cullum took over. He asked if there was anything else, and she said someone was demanding to see him. He said, demanding? How exciting. She said she told them he was busy, but they refused to leave.

Lucas went in to see Josslyn and said the nurse told him that she wanted to see him. She asked if he’d seen her mom, and he said he saw her this morning. She was worried about Josslyn. Josslyn said she’d see her mom as soon as she could. In the meantime, she owed him an apology.

Dante went to see Britt, and she asked, how’s Rocco? He said he was better now that Cullum was dead, and she said she’d heard. Did they know how? He said they weren’t releasing any details, and she said, at least Rocco was finally safe. That was a relief. He said, for her too, no? She must feel safer now. She said, finally. Not that he cared. He said he cared so much, he had her arrested and put in police custody so it would be harder for Cullum to get to her, and she said, now that Cullum was gone, there was no reason for her to be locked up. So unlock her. He said, unfortunately, that wasn’t his call. Her fate lay in the hands of the WSB.

Outside Lulu’s house, Charlotte said maybe it was better if she did this alone, and Danny said he’d wait there. She went inside, and Lulu hugged her. Charlotte said she saw Dante at the police station and he’d told her Lulu was back, and Lulu asked what she was doing at the police station. Charlotte said, nothing bad, she promised, and Lulu asked how she was. Charlotte said, good. Things got a little crazy while Lulu was gone. She could actually use Lulu’s help. Lulu said, with what? and Charlotte said her dad.

Danny was on the porch, when Rocco came back. Danny said, welcome home, and Rocco thanked him. He said his parents wouldn’t let him see Britt, but he couldn’t abandon her. Danny said, of course (🍷) not. Not after everything she’d done for him. Including lying about his dad shooting Cullum, when Rocco was the one who pulled the trigger.

Carly walked into Z’s office, and he asked what he could do for her. She said, just one thing and it won’t even take a minute, and he said, by all means. He was intrigued. She said she wanted her daughter Josslyn out of the WSB.

On Monday, Sonny asks Ethan what the hell he let Ava do to him; Lulu tells Charlotte that they’re not finished – let’s go; Danny says Rocco is such a hero, be one again; Britt yells to someone to get out and leave her alone; and Carly asks if Z is hitting on her. He says, is it working?

🚑 IMO, both Thursday and Friday’s episodes were stellar. They gave me all the feels. Nathan/Cassius saying goodbye to James was heartbreaking, as well as his valiant effort to stop Cullum and save Josslyn. The wrap up of the prototype storyline was exciting and casting John Oliver as Z was brilliant.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Well, we now know he’s Z the Great and Powerful. Kudos to him on a job well done!

https://ew.com/john-oliver-general-hospital-guest-role-12007625

Goodbyes, hellos, and a maybe someday. Agent Vaughn makes a return appearance.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-goings-bryce-durfee-returns-as-vaughn

Peter is back… sort of.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-comings-and-goings-wes-ramsey-is-back-as-peter-august

After breaking my heart saying goodbye to James, I hate saying goodbye to good/bad guy Cassius.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-ryan-paeveys-cassius-appears-dead-after-violent-shootout-is-this-the-end

The bad guy we loved hating is on the canvas no more. It’s no surprise he sounds like a lovely guy. The most evil ones always are. Check out his IG – it’s a hoot, especially him singing You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling with Chris McKenna (Jack).

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-andrew-hawkes-on-his-exit-as-cullum-cast-bonds-epic-goodbye-exclusive

And adios to Britt’s Huntington’s. Apparently, those breadcrumbs were the real deal.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-reveals-britt-never-had-huntingtons-disease

One can only hope. I loved him together with Obrecht and was disappointed when they just left that die.

https://closerweekly.com/kin-shriners-blast-from-the-past-post-hints-at-a-general-hospital-return

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Mediterranean

Nathan diffused the situation with guest jerk Josef by only engaging minimally. Luckily Cooper finally relieved him so he didn’t have to listen to Josef’s sh*t anymore. Nathan taught Cooper to drive tender and Aesha served a dinner in the dark. In her interview, she said it would either incredible or a complete disaster, and she managed the former. Afterwards, they did the escape room, but it was more like a mystery party, as the guests had to find the crew. Eyebrows Joe was the only one not found and he blew up. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. However, tolerance for Josef paid off in a $50,018 (!) tip, $3,847 each. In Aesha’s interview, she said she’d grown up in a house where cheese luxury, but the way things were going, she’d have her wedding paid for. Gen went wah-wah-wah about being ignored and cheated on, and in her interview, she said the Luke and Joy situation was making her feel insecure. Gen literally went crying to Luke, and in Luke’s interview, he said he wanted to comfort her. Apparently, his idea of comfort is having sex with the comfortee, but he told Gen, do not tell a soul about this. He needn’t have bothered, since in Joe’s interview, he said you could hear it throughout the boat.

The Valley

Zack had a Big Slutty Gay Birthday party at a club, but on the way there, he rode on the top of an open double decker bus and got whacked in the head by a sign while he was freaking out about possible bird poop on his back. It was the best thing that’s ever happened on this show. I’ve begun despising everyone in the cast, except for Brittany, who I’m pretty sure they kidnapped. Speaking of, Brittany wheedled apology out of Jesse after he’d said they believed Jax over her, but not until Lacy got involved. So was it really sincere? Probably not.

In the City

Yvonne and Nick got married and had a small reception in a private room at a restaurant. The chef said the food had its own story and Kyle sat there open mouthed in amazement. Years ago in Connecticut, I went to what I’d thought was the worst wedding/reception ever. It took place in a room adjacent to a bar, where a football game was being watched, and the patrons were so loud we could hear them. The officiant (also the bride’s father) forgot what state we were in, and they had a cash bar, where wine was served in miniscule glasses when wine was never needed more. There was no music, and as an added bonus, the groom smushed cake in the bride’s face and she ran to the bathroom crying. (I’d warned my husband before our reception that if he did that, he’d be divorced before the honeymoon.) I said all that to say, this was worse. First up during the reception dinner was the topic of Danielle and Eoin and Eoin’s pending divorce. In Danielle’s interview, she said Lindsay had been googling Eoin’s marriage timeline, and Lindsay ended up screeching at Danielle about past transgressions. Then there was a lively and way too long discussion (let’s call it that) about Amanda and Kyle where they were talked about like they weren’t there. There was a lot of yelling, mostly from Lindsay, who told them to stop ruining the lives around them. Figure it out or don’t. The bride ended up crying in the bathroom and the groom told everyone to put a smile on their face, but really, nothing could save this mess of a wedding reception.

Next Gen NYC

Liam reminds me of James Franco. Just saying. Gia apologized for calling Ava a liar regarding Teresa unfollowing her on Instagram, but in Gia’s interview, she wondered why Ava had the receipts on her phone. Hudson believed that he and Ariana would get back together since she hadn’t had a tattoo of his name or something removed, like that isn’t a painful and probably expensive procedure. In Ariana’s interview, she said she’d been trying to change somebody who didn’t want to be changed. Not to mention he’d been hanging out with Charlie, who, as she told Gia, was the worst person for Hudson to hang out with. Georgia had a new boyfriend, and they went to high tea. In Georgia’s interview, she said Prez (yes, that’s his name) being a New Yorker was important to her. FYI, Charlie was also buddies with her ex, Omar, and we flashed back to Omar stuff from last season. Emira met her dad for dinner, and in her interview, she said she’d gone to New York with a little afro and a dream. Charlie thought Shai was crushing on Ariana, and Emira thought Charlie was misunderstood. Brooke Shields’ daughter Rowan Henchy joined the cast, and in Ariana’s interview, she said Rowan was a walking sitcom. IMO, she’s also a breath of fresh air. Love her already.

https://pagesix.com/video/next-gen-nyc-recap-riley-shades-charlie-avas-teresa-receipts-ariana-hudsons-conflict

https://betchesmedia.substack.com/p/best-moments-next-gen-nyc-season-2-premiere

Oh… No, just no.

Real Housewives Of Rhode Island – Reunion Part 2

I didn’t see this at all, but apparently, the husbands joined in on the Reunion fun, so it’s probably just as well.

Random Reality Items

This reboot sounds like it might be promising.

Overreact? Shannon? Never!

I get her grief over her dad’s death and feel badly for her with all the flack over her weight loss. Hopefully, this will give her something positive to focus on.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Undertone. HBO/MAX. Evy hosts a paranormal podcast along with her friend Justin who she connects with over the phone, as she’s moved back home to take care of her dying mother. Evy is a skeptic with a logical answer for everything, while Justin believes in the supernatural. After being sent anonymous recordings of a couple experiencing paranormal happenings, Evy starts to rethink her perspective, and we once again learn the lesson of not repeating weird phrases heard from the beyond. I’d expected more out of this A24 film. While there were tense moments, I had the feeling it was written by someone working out their Catholic guilt and thought the ending looked like they’d gone over budget and had to go on the cheap. It wasn’t the worst horror film I’ve seen, but far from the best.

https://www.slashfilm.com/2204285/a24-horror-movie-undertone-streaming-hbo-max

The Last Ship. Netflix. Netflix recommended this to me. No doubt because the word apocalypse was in the description. An apocalypse has wiped out 80% of the world’s population, but because they were at sea, an Arctic bound ship remains in the clear. It’s also the world’s only hope for a cure. As if that wasn’t enough pressure, they’re also trying to maintain peace in an unstable society. Not sure how Looper can equate it with The Walking Dead or Collider can compare it to The Last of Us, since it’s a far cry from either of those shows. What it did remind me of was Falling Skies, minus the aliens. TBH, I’ve only seen a handful of episodes, but it seems formulaic – macho good guy, beautiful scientist, crotchety old guy, the sarcastic rebel – so while I’ll probably stick it out in the hope it gets more interesting, it’s not on my high-priority list. A series shown on TNT from 2014 to 2018, had I been watching it on regular television, I’d have probably dipped out by episode 4.

https://www.looper.com/2203204/eric-dane-post-apocalyptic-series-the-last-ship-streaming-netflix

https://collider.com/netflix-the-last-ship-eric-dane-streaming-success-june-2026

Battle Royale (2000). TubiTV. Ever since I read that Quentin Tarantino called this a cinematic masterpiece and one of his favorite films, I’ve been dying (no pun intended) to see it. While I would have preferred to see this Japanese cult classic in its original language with subtitles (almost always preferable as much is lost in translation), at present, I could only find it available as a dubbed version. Still, it was well worth watching. A combination of Lord of the Flies and Squid Game with a little Kill Bill thrown in for good measure, a class full of ninth graders are drugged and transported to an uncharted island by the government where they’re forced to fight to the death until only one of them is left. Gory AF, it wasn’t looked upon kindly by Japanese government officials, since it throws the not-so-subtle shade at them often seen in Japanese films like Godzilla Minus One. Regardless of the carnage, it’s visually stunning, the young actors are flawless, and the character’s backstories are thought-provoking.

https://www.slashfilm.com/814324/why-the-battle-royale-remake-was-canceled-for-good

Strung. Peacock. Classical violinist Laila is out of work and money, so she takes a job with a rich family as nanny and piano teacher to matriarch Audra’s granddaughter Zuri. Zuri’s father was a famous rapper who died from an overdose, which is how the family acquired their wealth. Zuri’s mother also lives on the premises, and is pregnant with her new husband’s baby, although she is somewhat distant with Zuri. At first, Zuri is obstinate and contrary, but eventually Laila wins her over and the two bond. Laila also blames herself for her little sister’s death, and hopes for redemption by helping Zuri. But as usual, things are not what they seem, and the grandmother has an underlying motive for hiring Laila. While not my favorite thriller, the premise was still intriguing, the acting was fantastic, and there were enough twists and turns to hold my interest.  

All the spoilers.

🐾 Declaring Their Independence…

🐕 Twice the rescue.

https://people.com/3-pups-find-new-homes-with-police-officers-who-rescued-them-12010702

🐶 A true survivor.

https://people.com/dog-rescued-from-rubble-after-venezuelan-earthquake-12009719

🐈 Where’s that kitty?

https://people.com/missing-cat-found-trapped-under-newly-installed-bathtub-12011002

4th of July emoji sticker, US retro smiling face with bolt and star eyes, vector design element USA flag retro smiling face with bolt and star eyes, 4th of July emoji sticker, vector design element usa flag emoji stock illustrations Fourth of July fun is for pets too.

https://newschannel9.com/news/instagram/patriotic-paws-viewers-share-how-they-dressed-up-their-pets-for-americas-250th-4th-of-july-independence-day-dogs-cats-puppies-kittens-furry-friends-viewer-photos-videos

https://www.bustle.com/articles/91860-12-animals-dressed-up-for-the-fourth-of-july-because-they-love-america-just-as-much

🚨 But make safety their top priority.

https://people.com/missing-pet-expert-shares-tips-to-keep-dogs-safe-on-july-4-12011026

🎆 Quotes of the Week

To be nobody but yourself – in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else – means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e.e. cummings

You are not called to be a canary in a cage. You are called to be an eagle, and to fly sun to sun, over continents. – Henry Ward Beecher

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.Joseph Campbell

Whatever you are, be a good one. – Abraham Lincoln

Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions, but chiefly upon mental attitudes. – Paramahansa Yogananda

Collaboration begins with mutual understanding and respect. – Mori Taheripour

Every one of us is losing something precious to us. Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That’s part of what it means to be alive. – Haruki Murakami

The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success. – Brian Tracy

Impossible is for the unwilling. – John Keats

A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

Shut up and meditate. – Anabelle Chua, 90 Day Fiancé

 📯 Party Like It’s 1776…

Until next time, stay safe; stay enjoying Independence Day, but don’t drink and drive; and stay following rule number one and don’t die. At least not for doing something stupid.

Video > Neil Diamond – America (From “The Jazz Singer” Soundtrack / Audio)

May 22, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Rocco Goes On the Run, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Coming Soon, Sad News, Lotsa Different Tails, A Quote Sextuplet & Party

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

⚠️🛠 Due to emergency dental surgery, this week’s blog got cut a bit short and/or got a bit messy.

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Sonny went to the Quartermaines and found Gio playing in the solarium. Gio told him about the showcase and said it was thanks to Sonny that he was playing again, but Sonny said he couldn’t take all the credit.

Felicia brought an almond cake to Emma, who was making a home cooked dinner for Gio to thank him for the trip to New York. Emma broke a cup and cried over it. She said she’d made it for Anna when she was 10. It was her favorite.

At the station, Dante told Mac to point the WSB to Turner if he got a call about Cullum’s shooting. Laura came in and said Anna was in greater trouble than they thought.

Nathan said Josslyn told him to do the right thing, but the right thing for who? She wasn’t going anywhere. She said, we’ll see.

Turner said she got that Curtis was frustrated and angry, but the injury happened to Jordan, not him. Jordan said she wanted answers.

Curtis said he knew Isaiah was the driver of the other car, and Portia said, he didn’t do it. They started to leave, and Curtis said Isaiah was running away like he did from the accident. Isaiah told Curtis, back off. They both knew what it was really about. Curtis was hoping to break them up, but he wasn’t going anywhere and was going to be a better father than Curtis could ever be. Curtis punched Isaiah, and Isaiah went down.

Ava met Nina at Bobbie’s since it was close to the hospital, and Ava asked if Willow and the kids were okay. Nina said they were fine, but Ava said Nina seemed stressed, and Nina said she didn’t know why she was so worried about Jack.

Nathan said he could have made Josslyn disappear, but was doing what he could to keep her safe.

Gio told Sonny that he was worried playing wouldn’t be the same, but it felt right and familiar. Brook had great instincts and knew her stuff. Sonny said Brook’s mother was the same, and Gio said he thought he’d shared music with his mother Camilla, but he shared it with Brook too, and it made him feel closer to her. He asked if Sonny was going to say, I told you so, but Sonny said, not a chance.

Laura said she’d had Doc check on Anna and the news wasn’t good, but Mac thought they should include Felicia and Anna. Dante asked her to tell Anna that her office was waiting for her, and Laura and Mac left.

Jordan said agreed with Curtis, and wondered how Isaiah could leave them, but Turner said she didn’t know if the other driver even heard the accident. Jordan said without proof there was nothing they could do, and Turner said there was nothing to compel Isaiah into giving a statement, but Curtis was trying to do what he could. Jordan said she was responsible for the accident. She loved Curtis for fighting for her, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t change what happened.

Curtis said Isaiah had it coming, when the cops showed up. Curtis continued to babble about the accident, and Isaiah said it wasn’t him.

Nina told Ava that Jack had a stroke and couldn’t move or speak, and Ava said it was like déjà vu. Nina told her about the WSB being Jack’s health care proxy. She’d met Director Cullum and it was creepy how detached and cold he was. She felt bad that Jack had no support. Ava asked if Carly shouldn’t be with Jack, but Nina said Carly was done with Jack. Ava asked, since when was Nina close with Jack?

Portia told NuDetective Fitzpatrick that Curtis punched Isaiah and Isaiah hurt his hand. They needed an ambulance. Fitzpatrick told an officer to get an ambulance, and Isaiah confirmed the punch. Fitzpatrick arrested Curtis.

Emma said her life was good, and Felicia said Emma felt guilty. Emma said she’d been happy since she’d moved there and now her grandmother was locked away alone, terrified that a psycho was after her and her family. How could she still feel happy? There was something wrong with her. Felicia said there wasn’t, and  Emma said she hadn’t even written to Anna about going to New York. It seemed cruel with her trapped there. Felicia said Anna would take comfort in knowing Emma was happy. It was all Anna ever wanted for her.

Calling Nathan Cassius, Josslyn said he liked his brother’s life better than his own, but he had a choice. No one was forcing him keep her there. Why not turn her into Cullum? He said the only reason she was safe was because Cullum didn’t know she was there, but that could change.

Nina told Ava that she barely knew Jack, but he’d collapsed in front of her and she had basic concern. Ava said some people were callous and couldn’t see past own their own self-interest, and Nina asked if something happened with Sidwell. Ava said Sidwell was grieving and she was trying to help, but she had a business to run and she’d been put in the middle of Sonny, Ric, and Sonny’s new bodyguard.

Laura said Doc wasn’t allowed to see Anna, but spoke to her doctors. She’d attempted to escape again and this time was successful. She’d managed to climb over the exterior walls and hijack a car. She almost made it to the border after a high speed chase, and the French authorities said the current facility wasn’t secure enough. She was being transferred. Mac said it was a facility for long term illness, and Laura said, for those who posed a danger to themselves or others.

Sonny said music was a big part of who Gio was, and Gio said it was like an invisible cord to the other parts of him. Sonny said Gio and Trina were in good hands with Brook, who’d learned from her mother. They were both savvy, knew their stuff, and were respected in business. They would take care of both Gio and Trina. Gio said he and Emma were having dinner and he was giving Emma a guitar lesson, and Sonny said Brook and Olivia were waiting for him, and he left.  

Nathan wondered why Josslyn was working with the WSB, and she said, it was either this or a podcast. He said she didn’t need money and had options, and she said, so did he. He still did. He said he didn’t, and she asked if he’d been pressured to join the family business, which was insanity. He said, it was either this or a podcast, and she said, when this was over, if they were both still alive, they could do one together. Nathan said, one of them would be alive, and asked again why she’d joined the WSB. She said it was personal, but he said she’d been digging into his stuff all night. Had she been naïve about the Bureau? She said someone she’d loved was murdered and she wanted justice, and he asked if she’d gotten it, but she said, no. She’d gotten retribution instead. She’d tracked down the murderer, and when he tried to kill her, she’d killed him instead.

Fitzpatrick brought Curtis into the station and told Dante what happened. Curtis said it was a misunderstanding, and Dante took off the handcuffs. Fitzpatrick stared hard at Curtis as Dante led him to the interrogation room.

Portia found Isaiah in an exam room, and told him that she’d paged Dr. Sherman, who was an excellent hand specialist. Isaiah said he knew he had at least seven broken bones, probably more. That bastard had destroyed his hand.

Curtis told Dante that he was having a conversation with Portia and Isaiah, and things got heated. He admitted that he could have kept his cool, but Isaiah made it impossible. He ran his mouth and said things he shouldn’t have. Dante asked if Curtis threw the first punch, and Curtis said he’d told Isaiah that he’d fled the scene of the accident and Jordan could have died. Dante said the investigation was ongoing, and Curtis asked if he was aware that Isaiah was actively covering his tracks.

Fitzpatrick asked Matthews what the chances were that Curtis talked himself out of the arrest, and Matthews said it was possible. Fitzpatrick said Curtis seemed like a powerful guy who was used to getting away with… stuff (WOTD).

Curtis said Isaiah had been in an accident, but Dante said he was more interested in what happened tonight. Curtis said, maybe he was, but Fitzpatrick, not so much, and Dante said Fitzpatrick wasn’t a rookie. Curtis said he and Isaiah could have worked things out, and Dante said Isaiah ended up at GH. Curtis said he’d apologize and take care of any medical bills to make the whole thing go away, but Dante said they were past that. Curtis had to call a lawyer or get someone to post bail.

Dr. Sherman said Isaiah had eleven fractures, and he said he felt numbness in his index and middle finger. She said they’d know more after the MRI. There was a definite possibility he’d need surgery, but it was too soon to make that call. Portia said she’d go with the doctor to expedite things, and in the hallway, Dr. Sherman said Isaiah had done a real number on his hand, but Portia said Dr. Gannon had done nothing. Her ex-husband had.

Turner said she wished she could give Jordan answers. That was why she’d tried to secure the warrant. Jordan’s phone rang, and Curtis told her that he was trying to track down Michael, but Michael wasn’t picking up. She asked what was going on… Okay. She’d take care of it. She told Turner that Curtis had been arrested for assaulting Isaiah.

Laura said Anna was being held in a local prison awaiting transfer to a UMD – Unité pour Malades Difficiles – and Emma said, for difficult patients. Mac said it would be okay. They’d figure it out. Laura said Robin and Patrick were on their way to France and would call after they landed and took care of the necessary arrangements, and Emma said Anna wasn’t a criminal. Gio came in, saw them, and said he could come back, but Emma ran to him. She threw her arms around him and said she needed him.

Nina told Ava, so Sonny and Ric reconciled and Sonny didn’t retaliate. It sounded like they were closer than ever. Ava said, maybe, but she’d been held hostage by Sonny’s thug, and Nina said she wouldn’t categorize Sonny’s bodyguards as thugs. Ava said he was a new one, and when Sonny ordered him to take her out, she was held hostage in his car for hours. He told her that her life wasn’t in danger unless Sonny ordered it. Nina said Sonny would never hurt Ava, but Ava thought Nina was being naïve. The bodyguard made her fear for her safety and said she should cultivate him. Nina said it wasn’t a bad idea to be on good terms, but Ava said she wasn’t wasting her time. There wasn’t anything trustworthy about Ethan Lovett.  

Mac said Anna was behaving like a criminal, but Laura said she didn’t injure the driver. Felicia said the authorities were just doing their job, but Emma said maximum security would make Anna’s paranoia worse. She’d believe Faison was keeping her there.

Josslyn told Nathan that she’d learned she was good at putting the pieces together. She’d tracked the murderer down and had no problem risking her personal safety to get rid of a dangerous man. She hadn’t known she had it in her. Nothing else would have given her a purpose. She chose this life and owned it. She got herself into this room and would get herself out.

Sonny met Turner at the apartment, and she said it was important.

Portia said she hadn’t realized how deeply Curtis was fixated on Isaiah, and Isaiah said Curtis thought he knew everything and always thought he was right. Portia said she was on Isaiah’s side, but he had to admit he’d baited Curtis. Isaiah said he should have held his tongue, but didn’t Curtis prove him right?

Fitzpatrick looked at Curtis through the window, and Dante asked, what’s the story? Fitzpatrick told him that the maître d’ called about a scuffle they thought might escalate. Obviously, it had. Dr. Gannon was on the ground and Ashford admitted he’d punched him. Dr. Portia Robinson said they needed an ambulance, so one was called, and she and Dr. Gannon went to GH. Curtis didn’t physically resist, but was combative and unapologetic. Multiple witnesses had seen them speaking and then heard Curtis yelling something about Isaiah leaving him and someone named Jordan to die. Jordan walked into the station.

Ava said she was glad the brother situation was resolved, and Nina said Ava must have made a nice profit. Ava said it was a small consolation, and Nina said she needed to go, She had to check on Jack. Ava told her, be careful. She didn’t want Nina to be collateral damage. Nina said she knew what she was doing, she and Ava hugged, and Nina left.  

Dante said it was good to see Jordan, but was sorry for the circumstance. He told her that Curtis was in the interrogation room, and she went in. Fitzpatrick said he assumed this was the Jordan that Curtis was talking about, and Dante said she was the former Police Commissioner and Curtis’s girlfriend. Fitzpatrick said he took it Isaiah wasn’t Curtis’s favorite person, and Dante said Isaiah had helped break up Curtis’s marriage.

Turner told Sonny about Curtis being arrested. She didn’t want to prosecute Isaiah, but she also didn’t want to hurt her friend who was already hurting.  

Curtis said he hadn’t expected Jordan to come, but Jordan said she wanted to be the one who helped him. He said Isaiah was the one who committed a crime, not him.

Portia said Curtis punched Isaiah because he blamed Isaiah for his feelings, when Dr. Sherman came back. She said she wished she had better news. Isaiah’s injuries may require multiple surgeries. In addition to the broken bones, he’d also severed two tendons. He would need microsurgery, with adequate timing between surgeries to insure healing.

Emma suggested that Doc could recommend a better facility, but Mac said the French authorities wouldn’t let Anna go. Emma said she didn’t accept that Anna was stuck and there was nothing they could do about it. Laura said Emma shouldn’t and she wouldn’t either. Anna needed a strong advocate and she thought she knew who she could call.

Nathan put down a card and said, gin. He suggested Josslyn had let him win, and she said it was rule 3½ in the WSB handbook. Another round? Nathan said he was exhausted and thought she was too. He left and locked the door.

As Josslyn got her bed ready, she noticed something on the wall and pulled the bed away from it. She read: Anna Devane was held captive here. I was taken on 10-31-25. Josslyn said, oh my God.

Tuesday:

Turner talked to Sonny about Curtis and Isaiah. She was worried about Jordan, since she’d have to prosecute Curtis.

Fitzpatrick asked Dante if Curtis having dated the former Police Commissioner was going to be a problem for him.

Curtis told Jordan that Isaiah had pushed him past his limits.

Emma told Gio about the cup she broke and how it couldn’t be replaced. The mug was shattered like her grandma and there was nothing she could do to fix it either one.

Carly and Valentin had a drink, and he asked about their cover story for Josslyn’s absence. She said he wanted her to trust that Josslyn was on assignment, but she wasn’t sure if she agreed with him. She thought he was wrong.

Rocco met Danny and Charlotte at the Quartermaines. Danny apologized for what he’d said, and Charlotte said they all needed to get on the same page. Danny said they were sneaking into Windymere tonight.

Cullum went to see Sidwell and said there had been a development in his shooting. He thought maybe Danny was the one who shot him.

Turner said the DA’s office would make the call, and Sonny said he thought the cops were flexing with Curtis. Turner said she didn’t think so, but he told her to think about how things went down.

Curtis told Jordan about what happened at the MetroCourt with Isaiah. He’d confronted Isaiah and said he should give paint sample, but Isaiah said his car had left the shop so it wouldn’t help. Not only was he involved, he was actively covering up what he did. He was never going to come clean. She asked if that’s when Curtis punched him, but Curtis said, no. Isaiah said he’d be a better father to the baby than Curtis.  

Dante said Curtis was well-connected and was close with the mayor, who was also Dante’s ex-mother-in-law. Fitzpatrick said he wasn’t sure he was the right fit for the PCPD.

Emma told Gio about Anna being moved to a new facility, but Gio said he thought they were scared for her and of her. Maybe it was a good thing.

Carly said Valentin just had a theory, but he said Josslyn was capable. She said there were too many variables. Cullum, Jack, and Sidwell could all be the reason she was missing. Either way, she was in danger and needed help.

Rocco said they weren’t going to Windymere, but Charlotte said she knew the place well. They had to figure out what Sidwell was doing. Did Rocco have a better idea? They owed it to Danny, and if they could do something to bring Danny’s dad home, they should do it. Rocco said if Cullum or Sidwell caught them, they’d be dead, and Danny wondered why Rocco was worried about Cullum. Charlotte asked why Rocco was scared.

Cullum told Sidwell that the evidence from his shooting had been misplaced. Dante was a surrogate father to Rocco and wanted to protect Jason, so he would make no effort in the case. His denial of the accusation indicated he was covering. Sidwell said he had protecting his children in common with Sonny and Jason, and Cullum said Danny had probably seen too much, putting them at risk for exposure. He had to go. Sidwell said it would cause a firestorm. Danny was a Quartermaine and had a close connection to the Corinthos family. Sonny would punish any and all involved. They had to be careful or it could bring their operation… Britt walked in.

Jordan asked if Isaiah hit back, but Curtis said he’d had no chance. He hit Isaiah and Isaiah hit the ground. The end. Jordan asked if Isaiah was all right, but Curtis said he didn’t know. He said he hurt his hand. Jordan asked, how badly?

Fitzpatrick told Dante that Curtis seemed to be held in high regard and it could be easier to let things slide. He got it, but looking the other way wasn’t something he could do.

Gio told Emma that Anna scared the officials. She broke out and went on a high speed car chase with the police. It was the most badass thing he’d ever heard. It was so Anna. Emma agreed, and Gio said Anna may need help, but she wasn’t broken. She was still Emma’s grandmother and still herself. Until Anna was fully recovered, Emma had him. She said that was exactly what she needed to hear, and they kissed.

Valentin told Carly that he wasn’t saying she was wrong, but Jack had good reason to send Josslyn away and he thought that’s what happened. Carly said it was standard procedure and revenge against her, and Valentin said another reason would be Jack’s conscience. He’d recruited her daughter and Valentin thought he regretted it. He didn’t think Jack could handle her death.

Rocco told Danny and Charlotte that Cullum was a director at the WSB and had to be dangerous. So was Sidwell. They couldn’t go to Windymere. Danny told Charlotte, let’s go, and Rocco said, if they did, he’d call Alexis and Charlotte’s mom. Danny said he’d never turn on Rocco and left with Charlotte. Rocco threw a pillow across the room, breaking a vase.

Britt said she’d done all she could for now and was heading home, and Cullum asked for the prototype’s status. She said it would be ready to go online in 24 hours. Once that happened, she could complete the final phase. Sidwell said they’d see her tomorrow, and she asked about her meds. Sidwell said, of course (🍷), and Cullum said, allow him. He gave her an alcohol wipe to prepare the shot site, and said, but first, she had to explain why she told the authorities that Jason shot him.

Fitzpatrick said he didn’t want to leave Dante in the lurch, so he’d sign off on the arrest paperwork before he handed in his resignation. Dante said he thought Fitzpatrick misread the situation. No one got special treatment.

Jordan said it was more serious than she’d thought, but it sounded like the police handled it by the book, and Curtis said, maybe they could have worked it out. Now the arrest report was in the system and there was no going back. Jordan said she’d see what she could do to push the paperwork through. She’s pay his bail and they could go home.

Sonny wanted to see the report on Turner’s phone, but she wouldn’t let him. She said, Curtis punched Isaiah and Isaiah fell. It appeared that he’d hurt his hand and went to GH to be checked out. It included witness statements from patrons and staff. She didn’t know Isaiah well, but she knew Portia was sleeping with him, so it sounded like there was motive. Sonny said they couldn’t make assumptions, but Turner said she had a pretty good idea what happened.

Carly asked if Valentin was trying to scare her, but he said he honestly thought they should take out the emotion and look at it with a clear head. She asked, what if Charlotte disappeared? Would he sit back and take it on faith that she was okay? He said, no, but she wouldn’t choose to be a WSB agent. Carly said she hoped Charlotte never made a decision he didn’t agree with and was targeted and manipulated into making a choice that gave her purpose, but led into a life of pain and misery where she had to lie about who she was. He said he hoped so too, when his phone rang. He said he had to take it and went upstairs.

Rocco went to Gio and said he needed his help. Emma got a call and went into another room, and Rocco said he needed to know this would stay between him and Gio.  

Cullum said he knew Britt was unconscious when Jason arrived and didn’t witness his shooting. Why did she tell the PCPD Jason shot him? She said she didn’t see Jason shoot him, but told the cops he did because she didn’t think anyone would want the PCPD digging into what happened. Besides, who else could it have been? Jason was the only other person there, and when she came to, she wanted to believe Jason put a bullet in his back. She was sorry Jason hadn’t shot him twice. She took comfort in the cops showing up being the only reason. Danny and Charlotte listened in.  

Dante said Fitzpatrick did his job, and Fitzpatrick said he walked in to see a pregnant woman in distress and an injured man on the floor. Curtis had seemed unrepentant. An officer told Curtis that he was free to go, and Jordan and Curtis came out. Jordan told Dante that she’d be in touch, and she and Curtis left.  

Carly asked what was going on, and Valentin said he was having an associate keep tables on Anna. He wanted to know if she was okay. Carly asked if she was, but he said, no. She’d escaped the clinic and hijacked a car. After a high speed chase, the French police took her into custody and she was going to be transferred to a high security facility for the criminally insane. Cullum broke her.

Gio promised Rocco that it would stay between them, and Rocco said Charlotte and Danny were doing something stupid. He wanted Gio to talk to them. Gio said he didn’t know how he could help unless Rocco told him exactly what they were doing, but Rocco said it was already too late and he thought he was just overreacting. They’d probably be fine.

Sidwell said he was so glad Britt got that off her chest, but she still needed her medication. Cullum said she should consider that even though she’d like to see him dead, he was the only reason she was still breathing. He thought they should keep her in the subbasement so there would be no risk of her causing further delay. Sidwell said he was sure Britt understood the stakes, and she said she did. She’d done everything they’d asked and would continue. They’d have the prototype in 24-hours. Cullum gave Britt the shot as Danny and Charlotte watched. Sidwell said he’d show Britt out.  

Gio asked if Charlotte and Danny were getting into something dangerous, but Rocco said it was just stupid high school stuff. Gio said Rocco seemed jacked up. What was going on? Rocco said, in trying to help, he’d made everything worse, and Gio said they’d all been there. Let him help fix it. Rocco cried and said he didn’t think Gio could. He had to keep quiet about it. Gio said, says who? and Rocco said, everyone about everything. The real reason he was scared was because of what would happen to him when the truth came out.

Charlotte and Danny snuck into Windymere, and Charlotte said she didn’t know why Britt would lie about Jason shooting Cullum. Watching the injection was like watching an assault. Rocco was right. Cullum was more dangerous than they thought. Danny said they needed to find the subbasement.

Jordan and Curtis went back to the apartment, and Curtis said he was sorry she had to bail him out. She said she was glad she could help, and he said he’d wanted her to decide when she should go out into the word, not the circumstances, and she said she didn’t know if the right ones would ever come around. She’d proved something to herself. She could get out and face the world. If she did it once, she could do it again. They hugged.

Sonny told Turner that Isaiah was a good guy and a great doctor. He’d come through for him more than once. She asked what his take was on Curtis, and he said Michael worked with Curtis and respected him a lot. She said Curtis was convinced Isaiah was the other driver, and Sonny asked if there was proof, but she said none she could verify. Curtis was determined to make Isaiah pay. Sonny said if he thought somebody left him and his family when they knew they could help, he’d make them pay, and she said the question was what she should do as acting DA.

Gio said, whatever the situation was, let him help, but Rocco said he was sorry. He couldn’t let Gio help. He had to go. Promise not to tell anyone he was there. He ran out, and Emma returned. She asked, what just happened? and Gio said Rocco was definitely not okay. She asked what was wrong with him, but Gio said he didn’t know. He’d failed Rocco twice and wouldn’t fail him again.  

At the secret apartment, Turner told Sonny that she couldn’t ignore the case, but Jordan was a friend. How was she going to prosecute Curtis? Sonny asked what she’d do if Jordan and Curtis were strangers, and she said, based on the report, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. It was her duty to prosecute, but she did know them. Nothing about the case was simple. She was risking her career meeting him. He said, it could be worth the risk. It was for him. They kissed.

Curtis said he had to get ahead of this before it went public, and Jordan said Turner was known for her discretion. There was no way she’d bring the case against him forward.

Valentin said Anna broke out because she didn’t feel safe and now they were putting her someplace worse, but Carly said he was assuming the worst like he’d told her not to do. He said it was a high security facility for the criminally insane, and she said Anna wasn’t thinking clearly. Maybe it was the best place for her. He said not when she was desperate and scared. She needed a lifeline and he could provide that for her. He was going to France and breaking her out.

Dante said, Fitzpatrick wasn’t resigning? and Fitzpatrick said, not today, when Gio came in. He said he needed to talk to Dante, and Dante suggested they go into the interrogation room. They went in, and Gio said Rocco had come to see him. Rocco was in trouble.  

Rocco went to Britt’s office and told her that Charlotte and Danny were breaking into Windymere.

Danny said Charlotte should go back to the boat and wait, but she said, whatever they were working on was under the house. She could get him there. They’d take pictures and go to Dante. Cullum stepped out of the hallway in front of them.

Wednesday:

Laura went to see Alexis for a read on Willow. She wanted to know what Alexis knew about their newest congresswoman.

Nina went to Willow’s office, and Willow said she needed to get to the hospital. Drew needed to stay the way he was and Jack needed to stay incapacitated too.

Ethan went to Lulu’s house, where she was packing. He asked if she was going somewhere, and she said only if she had to. She might have to leave town.

Gio told Dante that Rocco said Danny and Charlotte were going to do something stupid. He was worried about them. Then he said it was just typical high school stupidity. Dante said Gio told him Rocco was in trouble, and Gio said something was going on. Rocco didn’t seem okay. He felt guilty about something he tried to make better and made worse. He was torn up about something he couldn’t fix.

Britt told Rocco, calm down, and he said Danny and Charlotte were sneaking into Windymere. Britt said Sidwell wouldn’t hurt them. Danny was a Quartermaine and Charlotte was the mayor’s granddaughter. They were too high profile and the last thing Sidwell needed was a search party on Spoon Island. Rocco said Danny was looking for a way to bring down Sidwell. He blamed Sidwell for his dad being taken away and it was his fault.

Cullum said he knew Charlotte was the mayor’s granddaughter and he knew who Danny was.

Valentin told Carly that he couldn’t let Anna waste away. She needed his help and Carly had never seen him be reckless and stupid. She asked if he wanted to risk his freedom, and he said he’d extracted prisoners before. He was capable. He’d learned the psychology of tactical behavioral and could make an assessment. He was going to be a familiar face, someone who cared about her. He’d bring her back to Port Charles. Carly asked if he was going to put Anna in the attic, and he said she couldn’t expect him to do nothing. She asked why he had to be the one, and he said he knew Anna like nobody else did.

Cullum grabbed Danny and Danny told Cullum to take his hands off him. Cullum said they were trespassing, and Danny said, wasn’t he the one his dad shot? Cullum said that was murky, but maybe Danny could make it clear. They could go somewhere and chat. Move now. Sidwell came in with Ava, who asked what was going on. Sidwell said that’s what he’d like to know.

Gio told Dante that Rocco got more upset, then said he couldn’t talk about it and left. Did Dante have any idea what was going on? Dante said he did and tried calling Rocco, but got voicemail. He said he couldn’t find Rocco’s location, which meant the phone was turned off. He needed to find Rocco. Was Gio coming?

Lulu told Ethan that Rocco was caught up in a complicated situation. The less he knew, the better. Ethan asked how he could help, and she said he sounded like their dad. He said his mom said the same thing. He wanted to keep her safe. Did she have room for one more? She said it wasn’t necessary, but there was something else he could do.

Britt said none of this was Rocco’s fault. If he hadn’t shot Cullum, she and Jason would be dead. He didn’t do anything wrong. Rocco said he let Jason take the fall. Now Danny lost both parents. He should have confessed. She said Cullum would have killed him, and he said he was hurting everyone he cared about. His dad could lose his job. His parents were fighting. She said it would all blow over, but he said he was risking their lives. He couldn’t tell the truth and didn’t know how to fix it. She said she did. She’d been giving this a lot of thought and knew how to make things better for everyone. She was going to leave town.

Willow told Nina that Jack’s dose would be wearing off soon. When he started talking, he’d tell everyone, and that could lead to them having questions about Drew. Nina said Carly had already questioned the connection. Was Willow sure Jack would say anything? He was on Willow’s side and getting leverage on Drew. Willow said she couldn’t count on that anymore. She’d find a way to do that on her own.

Alexis said Willow was a client and there was only so much she could disclose, and Laura said she needed a favor from Willow and thought Alexis could give her insight on how to approach her. Alexis asked if they had a relationship, and Laura said she’d only spoken to Willow a couple of times and they’d taken photos together. Alexis said she thought Willow’s main motivation was her children. Laura could appeal to her as a mom. Laura said she wasn’t trying to manipulate Willow, and Alexis said she didn’t recommend it. People underestimated Willow sometimes. One more thing. Did the favor in any way benefit Michael? Laura said, no, and Alexis said she was sure Willow would be happy to help. Laura said she could think of one reason Willow might turn her down.

Cullum introduced himself to Sidwell, pretending they’d never met, and said he wanted to ask Sidwell some questions when he’d come across these visitors. Sidwell asked why Charlotte and Danny were in his house, and Charlotte asked if he remembered her. He said she was Charlotte Cassadine, granddaughter of their lovely and charming mayor, and Charlotte said she used to live there. Sidwell said now she didn’t, and she said she just wanted to show her friend the property, especially the stables. Ava said, so they snuck in, and Charlotte said they were bored and thought it would be fun. Danny said, it was a dumb idea, and Cullum said he was taking them into custody, but Ava said they were just kids. Sidwell said he wouldn’t be pressing charges, and Danny and Charlotte thanked him. Sidwell said, as for Cullum, he tell him the same thing he told Chief Brennan. If he had questions for him, go through his lawyer. Cullum said, of course (🍷), and left. Sidwell asked the kids to explain what they were doing there again, and Ava held out a phone and said Danny’s grandmother would like to have a word with him. Alexi asked why Ava was putting him on phone, and Danny said he could use her help. She said, as a lawyer or a grandmother? and he said, probably both.  

Lulu asked if Ethan thought he could pull off fake passports for her and Rocco, and he asked if she was trying to insult him. When? She said, as soon as possible. It was a contingency plan. If things went sideways, they might have to leave town. He said, what about Charlotte? and she said she would take Charlotte, but Valentin had already disrupted her life enough taking her on the run. He said, things must be serious, and she said it was going to be tough for Charlotte and Rocco, but it was a matter of life and death.  

Rocco said Britt couldn’t leave, but she said if she disappeared, there would be no one to finish the prototype. If it wasn’t done, Sidwell and Cullum would have no reason to stay in Port Charles, especially Cullum. Once she was gone, he’d be out of danger, and so would Danny and Charlotte. Rocco said, what if she finished the prototype and they let her leave, and she said that’s what she thought at first. Now it was best for everyone to not give them what they wanted. Rocco asked if they could find someone else, and she said, maybe, but they’d been thrown into a panic. It would be chaos and Cullum would be distracted. He’d have no time to find another person. Then Rocco’s life could go back to normal. He said he didn’t want her to go. She had to stay – for him.

Nina said Willow and Jack didn’t have a connection, but Willow said he’d collapsed in her home. She’d take flowers and express her concern. Nina said, no, and Willow asked if she had a better idea. Nina said, yes. Unfortunately, she did. The staff knew she’d been concerned about Jack’s condition. They’d be less suspicious. She was the reason Jack ended up like this, so she’d take care of it. Willow said, okay, and gave Nina the syringe. There was a knock at the door and Nina shoved it into her bag. It was Laura, who said she needed to talk to Willow about something important. Did she have a moment? Willow said she did. Her mom was just leaving to visit a friend.

Valentin said he knew how Anna’s mind worked and she was getting no help now, and Carly said she was in worse shape. He said he had information the doctors didn’t have. He knew the fear Faison brought up in her and the self-loathing that she was complicit in Faison’s obsession. Carly said it wasn’t Anna’s fault, but he said, she allowed herself to be drawn in. No one else got it. Not even Robert. Carly said this screwed up their plan to take down Cullum and Sidwell.

Alexis arrived at Windymere and asked Sidwell to forgive the thrill seekers for their lack of judgment. They’d been through a lot lately. Sidwell said he knew Charlotte’s father was wanted by the WSB and they’d taken Danny’s, and Alexis said it was especially difficult since Danny saw his father arrested. He also saw his father fight with the Police Commissioner before they went to her office where they found Marco. Sidwell said he wasn’t aware Danny was with her, and she said it was traumatic. It wasn’t an excuse, but would provide context. He said it gave him a new perspective.

Ethan told Lulu that the passport photos were perfect, when Lulu’s phone rang. Dante asked if she’d seen Rocco, and she said, why? He said Gio told him that Rocco was upset and ran out. His phone wasn’t on, so they were going to drive around and see if they could find him. Lulu said she would too, but he told her to stay put in case Rocco came home. Lulu said keep her posted.

Dante put the radio on in the car, and Gio said, Dante listened to classical music? Dante said he was educating himself, and Gio said this was one of his favorite pieces. Dante said he could see why.

Britt told Rocco that so many people had made sacrifices for her. It was time for her to stop being selfish. This all started because of a selfish decision she’d made a few years ago. She had a disease… Rocco said, Huntington’s. Aunt Liesl told him that she’d been diagnosed before she died. Britt said Cullum and Sidwell offered her a deal, work on their project and she’d receive and experimental medication that would stop her symptoms from progressing. She took the deal even though it meant letting the people who loved her believe she’d died. It was definitely selfish. He said if she left, she’d be running away again, and she said, the last time, she did it for him. This time, it would be for him and everyone else. He said she wouldn’t get her meds. What happened… She was going to die, wasn’t she?

Alexis asked if Charlotte and Danny thought they could get home without breaking in anyone else’s house, and Danny said he had to return his dad’s speedboat to Quartermaine’s, and Alexis said, of course (🍷). Charlote said she’d drive Danny home afterward, and Alexis said she and Danny would talk later. Sidwell said he’d make sure they didn’t get lost, and Ava said Danny had a habit of getting himself in trouble. Alexis thanked Ava for calling her, and Ava said she was keeping a tally of nice things she’d done in case she had to cash in. What else could she do for Alexis? Alexis said two of her clients wanted to adopt a baby whose mother died in childbirth. They’d done their best to locate the family. Ava asked how she could help, and Alexis said they didn’t know much about the mother, but she seemed to have ties to the New York art scene. Had Ava come across a woman named Delilah Wilson?

Carly said it was going to take time, and Valentin said, the longer Anna was there, the worse off she’d be. Carly asked what he could do. Anna was evading authorities on two continents and was a woman who was mentally and emotionally unstable. Valentin told her not to do anything until he got back, and she said it wasn’t safe until Cullum was out of the picture. He said Cullum sent her Brennan and she should lay low. She said they were supposed to be a team. She’d respected him enough listen to him against better judgement. Clearly, he doesn’t respect her. If he did, he’d see she was trying to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life.  

Ethan said he was sure Dante was right and Rocco was just blowing off steam, and Lulu said Dante put his trust in the law. She… was a Spencer. She couldn’t bring herself to do that, not when her son’s life was at risk. She and Dante had already had a fight. She loved and respected him, but if in the end, they ended up going on the run, she hoped Dante understood it was what was best for their son.

Gio said, where to next? and Dante said he had to think about it. What was going on with Rocco? Gio had said something was eating at him. Gio said Rocco made him promise to keep the conversation between them. When they found him… Dante said Gio would feel like he let Rocco down. He thought the opposite. He was happy that Gio told him. Gio said it was just that he’d failed Rocco before – twice. He didn’t want to do it again. Dante said he didn’t fail Rocco. He gave Gio a hard time about the alcohol poisoning and the break-in into Dalton’s lab and he shouldn’t have. He was scared and took it out on Gio, and it wasn’t fair. Gio said he should have been a better brother, but Dante said he was a great brother. That’s why Gio came to him. Rocco was grateful to have Gio and he was too. Gio asked where they should go next, and Dante said he thought he had an idea, and started the car.

Rocco said Britt couldn’t leave. It meant she would die. Britt said if she handed them the prototype, it would empower them further. Cullum and Sidwell were extremely dangerous. When the prototype was ready, they’d be able to threaten more lives. She couldn’t let that happen. He asked if there wasn’t another way, but she said there wasn’t. She’d spent months looking for another solution. This was it. He said he couldn’t lose her, and she said she knew it seemed awful, but in the long run, it was what was best. He had his parents and siblings. They were going to help him get past the stuff that happened on the pier – if he let them. He said it wasn’t possible, and she said it would always be a painful, ugly memory, but his life would eventually grow around it. He’d choose a career, fall in love, maybe start his own family. He would heal, but she had to leave. He said he didn’t want her to do it for him, and she said she wanted to. It would mean so much knowing she did everything she could to protect him. Tell her that he understood. They hugged, and he said he loved her. She said she loved him too. She’d drive him home. All the bad memories of the past week would fade and become more manageable. She promised. They left as Cullum watched.

A nurse was in with Jack and Nina asked how he was. The nurse said there had been no change and he hadn’t woken up. She left, and Nina took out the syringe. She said she was so sorry, but she was going to have to do this again.

Laura said she needed Willow’s help with Anna. When she was released, she’d go to a high security state-run hospital, which meant she wouldn’t get the help she needed. Willow said that was terrible. She was sure the family would like to see her in a privately run facility. Laura said, but because broke the law again, it requires diplomatic intervention with the French authorities. She would do it, except she had no influence at the state level. Willow said Laura would like an advocate, and Laura said she knew it was a big ask and she might not be inclined to help the person who led to her being charged in Drew’s shooting. Willow said, Anna was just doing her job. If anything, she owed Anna for rescuing her aunt in Greenland. They all helped save her life. Laura said if Willow was willing to intervene, it would mean so much to Anna’s daughter and granddaughter, and Willow said she’d be happy to help.

Valentin said he respected Carly, but put herself in his shoes. What would she do if Jason was in a French prison? She said, as opposed to a WSB black site in Jakarta? and he said she couldn’t do anything in Jason’s situation, but he could help Anna. If she could, she’d help Jason and nothing could stop her. She said there was a big difference in their situations. She could approach the Jason situation clearly and rationally. She loved Jason, but wasn’t in love with him. Valentin was in love with Anna.

Charlotte knocked at Carly’s patio door, startling Carly and Valentin. Carly let her in and Charlotte said there was something they needed to know about Cullum and Sidwell.  

Dante said they’d been looking for Rocco. He’d tried to call and got worried. Rocco said he just needed time to himself, and Charlotte said she was just about to give him a ride home, but Dante said he’d take it from there. Rocco thanked her for everything.

Ava told Alexis that she didn’t know Delilah, and Alexis said she figured it was a long shot. She asked Ava to look at the list, and Ava said they were all top tier galleries with high end clientele. Alexis wondered why Delilah would have the list, and Ava said, maybe she was looking for a job. Maybe she loved art. Alexis said Delilah also had a tattoo, and showed the photo on her phone to Ava. She asked if Ava had any idea what it meant, and Ava said she’d seen it before.

Outside the hospital, Cullum answered a call from Sidwell. Sidwell told Cullum that Danny Morgan was with his grandmother the night Cullum was shot. He didn’t do it. Cullum said he knew. He thought he’d just figured out who did.

Outside Lulu’s house, Gio asked if he could talk to Rocco, and Dante said he’d let Rocco’s mom know he was there. He went inside, and Lulu asked where Rocco was. Dante said he’d wanted a minute outside with Gio. He’d heard Ethan was back in town. It was good to see him. Ethan said they’d catch up sometime, and went to the kitchen for some water.

Gio said he knew Rocco was angry, and Rocco said Gio broke his word. Gio said he didn’t want to, but he was scared, and it felt like the right thing to do. Rocco said he’d trusted Gio. He was never making that mistake again. He walked inside, and Lulu asked if he was all right. Rocco said he was fine. He wanted to go to bed. Dante asked if they could talk a minute, but Rocco said, not tonight, and went upstairs.

On the phone, Britt said she needed to book a flight to Berlin as early as possible tomorrow – one way.

Valentin told Charlotte that he knew Britt was working for Cullum and Sidwell, but didn’t know they were forcing her by withholding her medication. Charlotte said she and Danny said they’d just gotten there and they seemed to believe it. She said she wanted to show Danny her old house. They didn’t say anything about the tunnels. Carly asked what Britt did, and Charlotte said, Britt lied. They should go to the police. Valentin said neither of them were doing anything, and Charlotte said, what if Britt delivered the project? He said, she won’t. He was going to shut it down now.   

Willow called the French ambassador and said she was hoping for their help with a delicate issue involving one of her constituents. They were currently in the custody of the French police.

Nina was about to give Jack the shot, and flashed back to him fighting with Valentin. Jack opened his eyes.

Thursday:

Chase joined Brook who was with Phoebe in the solarium. He said Alexis had an update and was stopping by.

Danny tried to leave the house, but Alexis said she didn’t believe he and Charlotte were innocently exploring Charlotte’s childhood home. What were they really doing?

Lulu told Rocco that his dad and Gio had been worried about him and that’s why they’d hunted him down. How could she help?

Dante went to see Britt in her office. He said Cullum was looking into the shooting. What did she tell him? She took that to mean Dante wanted to know if she said something to make Cullum suspect Rocco.

Lucas came out for breakfast and saw Pascal wearing a tie he’d bought Marco. Pascal asked why everything was left to Lucas, the traitorous rafe who got Marco killed.

Nathan brought Josslyn breakfast and she clocked him with a chair. She tried to run out, but he grabbed her and pulled her back, tossing her on the couch. He said he thought they were past this, and she asked if gaslighting her like he did Anna.

Pascal said, Cullum murdered Marco because he stole Britt’s meds and Lucas put him up to it, and Lucas was still taking advantage of Sidwell. Lucas said Sidwell wanted him there. He’d loved Marco and Pascal was right. Cullum killed him, but the only way Cullum knew Marco was stealing the meds was if Pascal told him.

Alexis said Danny’s father almost died because of Sidwell’s actions in Africa and he was probably behind the fire at Charlie’s. Why did he and Charlotte break into Windymere? She knew he wouldn’t put Charlotte’s life at risk if there wasn’t a good reason, but good intentions didn’t keep you safe from bad choices. She’d impose strict rules if she thought he was endangering himself. How did he want this to play out?

Dante told Britt that Rocco said she could back up what happened. How did she know Jason was the shooter? Britt said she didn’t. When she came to, Jason told her that he was one who shot Cullum and she didn’t see Rocco. She couldn’t ask Jason questions because Dante showed up, but she assumed he was protecting someone. A couple weeks later, Rocco confessed to her and she told him to keep it a secret. She was glad he had Dante and Lulu to help him through it. Dante wondered why Britt didn’t tell him, and she said it wasn’t her place. If anyone was owed the truth, it was Lulu and Dante. Rocco was at the pier because of her and Cullum knew Rocco’s name because of her. Because of her, there was a target on Rocco’s back. She asked if they were finished, and Dante said, if there was any justice, she would be.

Rocco said he shouldn’t have gotten his dad involved, but Lulu said it was her fault for not telling him the truth from the beginning. They had different methods, but the goal was the same, to protect him and get him to the other side. He had a whole life in front of him. Don’t shut them out. Ethan came home, and Lulu asked Rocco to go to the store for detergent

Rocco left, and Lulu asked if Ethan had them. He said she and Rocco officially had new passports. They would be Sarah and Tyler Anderson.

Brook wondered if they were being selfish, but Chase thought they should be Phoebe’s parents. He asked if the date for Trina’s showcase was still okay. Her dad had been arrested for assault.

Danny told Alexis that what he and Charlotte did was stupid. They could have gotten hurt or arrested. He thanked her and said he was sorry. It wouldn’t and trusted that he wasn’t going to make another unsanctioned trip to Windymere. He said it was dumb, and she said, but he wasn’t. And he wasn’t immune to consequences. He had to decide what actions were worth what and make smart choices.

Pascal admitted he told Cullum that Marco had stolen the meds, and Lucas said the minute he did that, he’d signed Marco’s death warrant. Pascal said it was meant to be Lucas’s. He’d seen Lucas eavesdropping, then two vials went missing. He was certain it was Lucas and never would have told Cullum if he’d known it was Marco. Marco betrayed his own father because Lucas asked him too. He’d sent Cullum after Lucas because he wanted him dead. Lucas said, so he could have Marco.  

Lulu thanked Ethan, and he said he knew Valentin was at large. If she needed a passport for Charlotte, let him know. Lulu said she thought this was enough for now, and Ethan said he could get her a private plane, but she said she had time to make a plan and wanted to keep him out of it. He told her to let him know if she needed to get out before she anticipated, and they hugged. Dante came in and asked what he missed. Ethan said it was a Spencer get together, and Dante said that’s when they did the most damage. Lulu said she’d see Ethan at dinner, and he went upstairs. Dante asked what was really going on.

Nathan asked what Josslyn was talking about, and she said maybe he was going to tell her that she was seeing things that weren’t there. She pulled the bed away from the wall and showed him the message on the wall. He said he didn’t know that was there, and she said, but he knew Anna was being held in there. He admitted he did.

Chase told Brook that Curtis was convinced Isaiah was driving the other car and punched him out at the MetroCourt. Jordan could have died and if it had been Brook, he’d be hellbent on making the other person pay. Brook said the other driver didn’t cause the accident, but Chase said, they left the scene. They didn’t call 911 or make sure Jordan and Curtis were okay. If they had, Jordan’s situation would be different. Brook asked if there was any evidence, and he told her about the paint on the guardrail. Brook said maybe Isaiah didn’t know what happened, when Ethan came in. He said he was looking for Tracy. He had a business proposal. Brook told Phoebe that they had a visitor and asked if Ethan would like to hold her.

Josslyn asked if Nathan grabbed Anna when she tried to get away, but he said he didn’t know she was there until after it happened. She said Emma was desperate and came to him for help, and Nathan told her that he’d just said he had nothing to do with it. He didn’t speak to her or see her. All he knew was that she’d been there. Josslyn said that’s all he needed to know. Anna had been held captive for months and he’d done nothing to help. He said she’d gotten too close to Sidwell and Cullum’s operation. He thought they were just going to keep her there until the project was complete. Josslyn said, then Anna showed up in France in the midst of a mental breakdown. In staying silent, he contributed.

Lucas said Marco died sacrificing himself for him and Britt, and Pascal said Britt was manipulative, selfish, and mean. How was Marco gone and she got to live?

Britt went to see Danny and said she heard he took a trip to Windymere. Tell her all about it.

Lulu told Dante that she didn’t want to fight, but Dante said he couldn’t agree with her recent choices. She asked why he was there, and he said to see his son. She said Rocco was running and errand, and he said he’d wait, but she thought it might be a good idea to give Rocco some space. Maybe there was a way to support him without suffocating him. He felt like he was under a microscope. Dante asked what she was up to, and she said, nothing. He looked at the bags and asked if she was planning a trip, and she said, yes. She needed to get ready in case she and Rocco had to go on the run.

Ethan held Phoebe, and Brook said it was amazing how quickly she’d become the center of their world. She meant everything to them. Ethan said Phoebe was a lucky girl, when Alexis came in. She told Ethan that he was a natural.

Brook asked what Danny and Charlotte saw at Windymere. Did anyone see them? His dad had sacrificed a lot to protect her and she was doing what she could to justify his sacrifice. Jason would want him to trust her. Danny asked why he should trust her when she lied and said his dd shot Cullum.

Lucas said Marco made a choice to help someone trapped by Cullum and Sidwell, but Pascal said Britt was no one’s victim or martyr. Marco was blinded by misguided infatuation and made a decision that ultimately destroyed him. Lucas destroyed him. Lucas said he owned his role in it. It was true he’d pressured Marco and had to live the rest of his life with that. Pascal said, good. Would it were short. Lucas said his death would be guaranteed the minute Sidwell found out. Why not tell him?… He knew it. Pascal hadn’t gone to Sidwell because he knew he was responsible for Marco’s death too.

Josslyn said, drop the act, but Nathan said it was no act. She said it was the one where he pretended to be the nice guy protecting her instead of the monster keeping her in a cage. He’d made fun of the WSB handbook, but was following it. Step one: isolate your victim. Step two: get them to drop their guard. Was he going to find a way to break her? He’d have to try harder. Faison’s book and cigarillos didn’t scare her. He said if he wanted to scare her, he would. He could tell Cullum. She asked why he hadn’t. Why not turn her over to Cullum and let him kill her? He said that wasn’t what he wanted.

Dante said he wasn’t letting Lulu leave with their son, but she said it was a precaution. They had to be prepared in case Cullum found out the truth. She’d do what it took to protect Rocco. Dante said that was the most Spencer thing ever. They ran. She was brought up on tales about Luke and Laura against the world. They were handed down like a gift. Stay and fight. She said she didn’t want to, and he said if she wanted to keep Rocco alive, she would. She’d make his son a fugitive over his dead body. Rocco listened in from the porch.

Ethan said he’d circle back when Tracy was available, and Brook said Tracy loved a business plan. Maybe he should draw one up. Ethan left, and Chase said Alexis told him that she had a update. Alexis said she had a lead on Phoebe’s mother Delilah.

Lucas said Pascal could tell Sidwell that he’d forced Marco to steal the meds and that Cullum killed him for it, but he wouldn’t hesitate to shoot the messenger. Pascal told Cullum that the drugs were missing and put Marco in his crosshairs. Pascal said Lucas played Sidwell for a fool, which was an automatic death sentence, but Lucas said they’d both endangered Marco, which was why Pascal hadn’t said anything. It would be best if Sidwell never found out their respective roles in Marco’s death.

Nathan said he was putting himself on the line. If he’d wanted Josslyn dead, it would have been over. He couldn’t speak for Sidwell. Maybe she was more use to him alive, until she became more trouble than she was worth. She asked if that was a threat, but he said it was a fact. He was the only reason she still had a pulse. She said, thank you so much, and he said he couldn’t prove his motives, but he could do his best to keep her alive.

Danny said he and Charlotte heard Britt talking to Cullum and Sidwell. Why did she lie? Britt said there had been no time for his dad to explain why he asked her to do it. She did it, and the WSB sent him away before she could get more information. He said he and Charlotte knew they were forcing her to work on their project and they saw Cullum give her a shot. He knew his dad would stop them if he could. She said his dad was good at that. She made a choice she regretted that had consequences for people she cared about, but she was trying to do the right thing. Did Cullum and Sidwell see them? He said he and Charlotte got caught after she left. Cullum swiped Charlotte’s phone, but then Ava and Sidwell showed up and Ava called his grandma. He knew his dad didn’t shoot Cullum and wondered why Cullum thought he’d done it. He’d been with his grandma when they’d found Marco. Britt said she was sorry he had to see that, but was sure Sidwell passed the information along. He had to stay clear of them and Windymere.  

Dante said Lulu would make Rocco a fugitive and point Cullum at him, but Lulu said he’d have her. He asked, what about Rocco’s father? Was she cutting him out of Rocco’s life? She said, if it was necessary, but this was about Rocco, not him. He said it was about her missing four years of Rocco’s life that she wanted to get back. She desperately wanted to be a mom, and it was causing her to make short sighted decisions, but she refused to see it. Rocco continued to listen in, and she asked if Dante thought she wanted to leave her daughter. This was a last resort. He said he wasn’t going to let that happen, and she asked how he planned to stop her. Was he going to arrest her? That was the only way. He said he’d assign officers to her 24/7. If she crossed the street with Rocco, he’d know about it. Dante left, and she made a call. She said she needed to see them now. It couldn’t wait.

Alexis said Delilah’s tattoo was associated with the Japanese artist Kyoko, whose work was handled by the Hammitt Gallery. Chase said he see if he could dig up some information on it, and Alexis said discretion was needed or he could scare them off. Britt said, or trigger someone’s financial interest, and he asked what Alexis suggested. Alexis said she’d handle it. She had a plan to enlist some help.

Pascal said Sidwell knew his loyalties, and Lucas said he wouldn’t risk revealing the role Pascal played in Marco’s death. Pascal said Marco haunted him. He could feel Marco. Lucas said it wasn’t Marco. It was guilt. Pascal should feel it, the same as he did. He left and Pascal cried.

Josslyn felt something under the mattress cover and pulled out a towel wrapped around two makeshift blades. She said, thank you, Anna.

Nathan went to Dante’s office, and Dante asked, what happened to his face? Nathan asked if it mattered, and Dante said he guessed not. He knew Nathan told Lulu to get Rocco out of town and it looked like she was taking his advice. Was he helping her? Nathan said, no, but he would if she asked.

Lulu met Ethan in the park, and he said he took it that things didn’t go well. She said Dante didn’t understand and she couldn’t get through to him. She was taking Ethan up on his offer. She needed help getting out of town today and she needed him to go with them.

Rocco went in the house and called to Lulu and Charlotte. He saw the suitcases and opened one of them.

Danny told Britt that he wanted to get proof of what she was working on so he could put a stop to it, but she said she was fixing it. He was going to get hurt, so please stop. He said, okay, and she said she was sorry she dragged his dad into this. The last thing she wanted was for Danny’s father to be taken from him. He said his dad always did what he thought was right and wanted him to be safe, and she said she wanted the same for him. He left, and she called Rocco. She said she needed him to come to her office. She needed to see him. It was important. Rocco said he’d be right there, and found his passport under the name of Tyler Anderson.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At the hospital, Willow says she already knows Nina didn’t need her to come. It’s fine. She has to talk to Felicia anyway. Besides, she wanted to support Nina. Carrying a potted orchid, Nina says she appreciates that, but she can handle this efficiently and discreetly. Willow says, there’s nothing discreet about bringing him a plant, but Nina says she needed an excuse to visit hm again in the hospital. It’s a get well plant. People bring get well plants to people who need to… get well. Willow says, okay. She’s right. They do. And she has the… Nina says, it’s in her purse, and Willow says, if she’s not careful, she won’t just be implicating herself. Nina will be taking her down too.

Cullum goes into Jack’s room and kicks the door shut. He says, rise and shine, Agent Brennan. It’s another glorious day in Port Charles. He sits down and says he’s been waiting so long to have a frank conversation with him. They have so much to go over, doesn’t he think?

Felicia finds Elizabeth and asks her, how was the big weekend? Elizabeth says, it was so perfect. Ric planned the entire thing. They had the best dinners. They… Wait. Is that Rocco? She told him that his community service hours were finished. Was she wrong? Felicia says, no, he did it. She wonders where he’s off to in such a hurry.

Rocco goes to Britt’s office and she closes the door and shuts the blinds. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, he’s in danger. Cullum is eliminating suspects and piecing together what happened at the pier. He’s running out of time. He asks how she knows that, and she says, listen. He needs to leave town. Go home. Talk to his parents. Convince them to get him out of Port Charles today. He says he doesn’t want to leave with his parents. It puts them in too much danger. He wants to leave with her.

Ric walks into Pozzulo’s, whistling, and Sonny says, he’s in a good mood. Ric says, nothing like a romantic weekend getaway, and Sonny says he’s glad Ric and Elizabeth had fun, especially since Ric almost died getting that present. Ric says, the look on her face when he gave her that sketch was everything he’d hoped for and more. Sonny says, good, cuz while Ric was gone, Sidwell made moves.

Nathan tells Dante, look. He’s going to do whatever it takes to help Lulu protect Rocco, including helping them cover their tracks if they go into hiding. Dante asks who the hell Nathan thinks he is. He thought they already talked about this and he’ll be the one to protect his son, not Nathan. Nathan says, okay, then protect him. Cuz from where he’s sitting, it doesn’t look like Dante’s doing a damn thing.

In the park, Ethan tells Lulu that he meant what he said. If she needs him to leave with her and Rocco, then he’ll do it. Okay? Just tell him what moved up her time table. She says, Dante. He threatened to put her under 24/7 police surveillance, which means they don’t have a lot of time. Her phone rings and she says, sorry. Now’s not a good time. Laura says she needs to see her and she’s not taking no for an answer. Where is she?

In the hospital elevator, Molly tells Kristina that she loves Dr. Navarro, but she is so glad that this is her final, just to make sure, post procedure check-up. Kristina says she’s happy for Molly. Even though these appointments are quick and painless, she’s sure they’re not the most fun. Molly says, definitely not, but it was sweet of Kristina to insist on coming with her today. They get off the elevator, and Kristina says she can’t wait to celebrate with Molly when she finally gets the news that she’s fully recovered. She also can’t believe that she didn’t have to wrestle Cody for the honor of being here today. Molly says, he had something else he had to take care of, but between the two of them, she hasn’t gone to a single appointment alone. Kristina says, who would have thought Cody would be such a world class boyfriend? And she thought he was just some shallow guy with a nice face and good hair. Molly says, he does have great hair… great arms, and his heart… Kristina says, all right. let’s just agree that he’s great and leave it at that. Molly says, okay. Who would have known that the procedure she was dreading for so long would turn out to be such a revelation in so many ways?

Sonny says, Marco’s death slowed Sidwell down, but now he’s back to business, and Ric says, well, Sidwell has gone to extraordinary lengths in order to get those piers. You know, Measure C, framing Laura, blackmailing the two of them in order to force the sale. Sonny says, now he’s got the piers and a flight path for his helicopter, and Ric says, which suggests that it’s more to do with the Deception shipments that he oversees. Other than Sidwell, nobody really knows what’s actually in those. Sonny says, whatever he’s really bringing in is being routed to Spoon Island. Deception is just a cover. But he can tell Ric right now, his end game is getting closer.

Nina tells Willow, everyone knows that Brennan collapsed in front of her, so her checking up on him while he’s in the hospital just looks like she’s doing the decent thing. It’s a good cover. Willow says, one visit is her doing the decent thing, but if she keeps showing up, people will wonder why and she’ll end up drawing unwanted attention. Nina asks how Willow proposes that they give him another dose if she’s not showing up in his room, and Willow says she and Brennan are associates through her work in Congress. It makes sense for her to check in on him. Nina says she gets it, but she actually feels really terrible that she did this to him. Accidentally, but still. She just thinks that she should be the one to inject him. Willow says, doing this someone, putting them in this condition, is harder than Nina thinks, isn’t it? Nina says, it really is. She’s just doing her best. She’s not hoping for a lot. She just wants to be a moderately decent human being. Willow says she admires Nina for that. This whole situation has been really hard for her too. Nina says she knows it has been. They just have to remind each other that Drew and Brennan are going to recover. This isn’t permanent. But right now, they do what they must.

Cullum says he’s spoken to Jack’s doctors. His prognosis isn’t a hopeful one. He gets up and goes over to the bed and says, must be a terrible thing being locked in like that, unable to move, barely able to communicate. But given the subpar work he’s been doing at the WSB, he’d call Jack lucky. He may be trapped in a hospital bed, but it’s better than the alternative. Being shipped off to Steinmauer for obstruction of justice and dereliction of duty. Regardless, it’s delightful to be running the Port Charles Bureau with zero interference from him. So much more efficient now. But don’t worry, Jack. You’ll be taken care of. I’ll make sure of it. Soon, you’ll be transferred to Turning Woods where you can rot away in peace.

Dante says, Nathan’s opinion of how he’s handling Rocco’s situation just doesn’t matter. What does matter is that he stays out of it. Nathan says he doesn’t understand Dante. Wouldn’t he want all hands on deck? Dante says, you’d think so. But the more Nathan is involved, the more Lulu keeps from him, and then he can’t help his son. Nathan says his only concern is Rocco and they both know that once Cullum finds out what really happened, it is over. Dante says, and as Rocco’s father, he will do what needs to be done, and Nathan says, that’s fair enough, but he needs to think long and hard about what they means, okay? Cuz whatever Jason thought it meant landed him in a black site, and nobody has heard from him since, all right? Look, Cullum knows Jason didn’t shoot him. Imagine what he’s going to do to the one who did. Dante asks when Nathan became the expert on what Ross Cullum will or won’t do?

Britt says she’s sorry, but Rocco coming with her is out of the question, and he asks, why? She says, where does she start? His father is the Police Commissioner. His mother is a reporter. His grandmother is the mayor. If he goes missing, they’ll track them down before they get out of New York, and she needs to get further away than that. And his grandfather is… well, his grandfather. If Rocco were to go missing, doesn’t he think his grandfather would have all sorts of unconventional methods to find him? Rocco says, that would all be true if they were looking for Rocco Falconari, not Tyler Anderson, and she asks, who is Tyler Anderson? He shows her the passport, and she asks where he got it. He says his mom. He guesses she got them just in case, so they’d be ready to go. Britt says, thank God. She’s already ahead of this. She’s going to take him somewhere safe. He says, yeah, but she doesn’t want to. He heard her say it. For them to leave town, she has to leave Charlotte and his grandmother behind. Because of this insane mess he’s in, she feels like she has no other option. She says, it’s not his fault, but he says, it totally is. If he goes with her… She says, no way, and he says, but she’s leaving anyway. It makes perfect sense. She says, they’re not negotiating this, but he says he can’t stay here. Please. She says, absolutely not, and he says, why? She says, because she doesn’t want to let him watch her die.

Nina says, Willow told her that she needed to speak with Felicia, and Willow says she has an update for her on Anna. Laura Collins asked her to advocate for Anna on behalf of the Scorpio family and she did. Nina says, that’s incredible. And look at her. A mayor reaching out to her for a favor. She knew Willow was going to be incredible. As a congresswoman, she’s exceeded all expectations. Willow thanks her and says, it’s strange. She had so many plans for getting out from under Drew’s thumb and getting her children back, but politics was never one of them. But somehow, serving in Congress has been one of the most meaningful things she’s ever done. Nina says, her heart has always been in community service and she’s proven that by being a teacher and a nurse and this is just a natural extension of the work she’s already been doing. Willow says, for so much of her life, she’s felt powerless. With Shiloh, Michael, Drew. But now, she’s in control and she’s in a position to help, and she plans to keep on doing just that.

Rocco asks how long Britt can survive without her meds, but she says she doesn’t know. A few months if she’s lucky. But during that time, she won’t be in any shape to protect him if Cullum hunts them down. He says, Cullum won’t find them, but she says, he doesn’t know that. He is WSB. His reach is endless and he has resources in every corner of the world, no matter how remote. He says he gets all that, but it’s worth the risk to him, and she says, he doesn’t mean that. He says he wants to hear about when he was born and when she was raising him during those first seven months. There’s no one else in the world who can tell him about that. She says, but she’s not his mother, as much as she wishes she was, and he says, no, but she did give birth to him, and that’s not nothing. He knows what she did to his parents was wrong, but he also knows people change. She changed. She says, it’s nice of him to say, but he says he’s not just saying it. It’s true. And whatever time she has left, he wants to spend it with her. She brought him into this world. He wants to be there with her when she leaves it.

Nathan says he doesn’t know Cullum, but he knows the facts of the case, and if Dante wasn’t so damn close, Dante would see what he sees. Dante says, and what’s that? and Nathan says, that Lulu was right to get Rocco out of town. Look, he knows things haven’t been the same since he’s been back. He knows that. And him being with Lulu has complicated things between them. He can’t tell Dante how sorry he is about that, but it’s over. They’re not together. She ended things. Dante says, yes, so he said, and Nathan says, okay. But that doesn’t mean that he stopped caring about Dante and his family, all right? And everything that he’s saying, he’s saying for Lulu and for Rocco and for Dante. If you can’t hear that from the me that’s standing across from you right now, then hear it from the best friend I used to be to you, the guy you trusted with your life. Dante says, okay. In Nathan’s opinion, what is the play here? Nathan says, not only did Rocco shoot Cullum, but he saw everything that happened on the pier that night. And a man like Cullum is going to know that the best way to bury a secret… Dante says, is to bury the person who knows it, and Nathan says, yeah, so the move is not to stop Lulu, but to help her.

Laura arrives at the park and says she heard Ethan was back in town. Nice to see him. Ethan says, it’s good to see her too. He was missing his family so he decided to see them. She says, mm-hmm, and Lulu asks why Laura needed to see her. Laura asks Ethan if he’d give them a moment, and he steps away. Laura says, Dante called her. He did not elaborate, but he told her that Lulu was taking Rocco out of town. Lulu says, he went behind her back and called her mother? but Laura says, he’s worried about her and Rocco. She can’t fault him for that, especially given who she’s hanging out with. Lulu says, if Laura is here to talk her out of it… Laura says, if Lulu honestly believes that the best thing for Rocco is to take him out of town, Lulu has her blessing.

Willow asks if Felicia has a minute, and Felicia says, sure. Everything okay with her and the kids? Willow says, yes, thankfully, and Felicia asks, what’s up? Willow says, Laura asked her to look into Anna’s situation in France, and Felicia says, she mentioned that she was going to be talking with an associate, but she never said who it was. Willow suggests they talk somewhere a little more private. She has some news. Felicia says, okay, and they leave.

Nina goes into Jack’s room and says, Chief Brennan. She brought him something to brighten up his room. She hopes that’s okay. Sitting behind her, Cullum says, back again, Miss Reeves? She certainly is a compassionate woman, isn’t she?

Ric tells Sonny, look, this isn’t really his area of expertise, but maybe it’s time he considers eliminating Sidwell. Sonny says he and Jason had a plan. They were ready, waiting. Ric says, yes, and for a myriad of reasons, that plan went by the wayside, and Sonny says, yeah, yeah, yeah. Ric says, Sonny and Laura have been playing along, lulling Sidwell into complacency, waiting for him to make a mistake, so that they can take advantage of that. Sonny says, they’re done waiting. Sidwell is spread thin. His son’s murder has destabilized things. He’s angry. He’s frustrated. Ric says, so now is the time to push him into making a mistake, and Sonny says, and when he does, they’re going to take him down.

Lulu says she can’t tell Laura how much it means to hear her say that, but she’s also a little surprised, and Laura says she can’t tell Lulu not to do something she did once upon a time. And sometimes in life, there’s not other choice. Lulu says, things have been really hard for Rocco, and she feels like the best choice right now is to get him out of Port Charles for a while. Laura tells her, then that’s all she needs to say. She knows things have been hard on Rocco lately. Lulu says, the thing is, she can’t take Charlotte with them, and Laura asks, why is that? Lulu says, because Valentin has already dragged her halfway around the world, and now that she’s settled, she can’t do that to her again. Will Laura please look after Charlotte for her? Laura say, of course (🍷) she will, and asks if Ethan will look after his sister. He says, she has his word, and Laura says, my gosh. His father would have said exactly the same thing, in exactly the same way. She and Lulu join hands and Lulu says, if there were any other way… but Laura says Lulu doesn’t need to explain herself to her. She lived this. Do what you need to do. They hug, and Laura says, be safe.

Dante says, Nathan is making this sound so much easier than it actually is, and Nathan says, all it would take is one call to Dante’s dad. He could do it. He could place Lulu and Rocco someplace safe, someplace no extradition treaty or government agency could touch him. Dante says he’s the Acting Commissioner of the PCPD. If he lifts one finger to help his son go on the run, he flushes everything he’s worked for, everything he stands for. Nathan says, with all due respect, man, didn’t you already cross that line when you destroyed the evidence from the pier shooting? This is just one step further. The question becomes, what’s harder to live with? Losing your job or mourning your son?

Britt says, you’re an extraordinary soul, Rocco Falconari. But her answer is still no. In fact, this whole thing is her fault. He shot Cullum to save Jason. Jason was on that pier to save her. Rocco says he chose to go to the pier, and she says, because of her. This has to end now. He has a family that loves him. She opens the door, but he says, and all he’s done is cause them problems. His parents had the worst fight he ever heard because of him. Danny’s father is in prison because of him. She closes the door again and says, trust her when she tells him that Jason did exactly what he wanted to do. His parents are fighting because they love him and want to protect him. He says, and he wants to protect them, but if he stays in Port Charles, everyone he loves is in danger. Can she honestly say his family wouldn’t be better off if he left? So help him fix this for his family and for him. She say, okay, fine. He can come with her.

Laura shows up at Pozzulo’s and says, good evening, gentlemen. She hopes she’s not interrupting. Sonny says, no. They were just finishing up. Ric says he was just on his way out, and Laura says, wait. She doesn’t want to run him out. Ric says, no, it’s fine, and tells Sonny that he’ll check in with him later. Laura says, hey. She doesn’t think she ever properly thanked him for the way he defended Rocco against Dalton’s accusations. That meant the world to her. Ric says, Rocco’s family. It was his pleasure doing it. She says, and she’ll never forget it. Thank you. Ric leaves, and Sonny asks, everything okay? What’s going on? She says she just came from seeing Lulu. They’re not going to see their grandson for a while.

Molly comes out, and Kristina says, finished already? Molly says, there’s a backup in radiology, so she has to wait for her final scan, but the exam with Dr. Navarro was flawless. Kristina says, as they knew it would be, and Molly says she’s so glad Kristina is here. Cody’s been wonderful and so supportive, but there are some things even the best guys can’t understand. Kristina says she knows. It’s hard enough to talk to your doctors about this stuff, let alone the guy that you’re dating. Especially Molly. She’s always been the keep to herself isolate type when she’s not feeling well. Molly says she feels she should be able to handle her symptoms herself. Besides, how many times can you say the words endometriosis and crippling cramps to a guy before he blocks you? Kristina says, well, it turns out Cody can handle just about anything, including Molly, and Molly says, yeah, he can. He’s been amazing. And they keep connecting in new and different ways. Kristina says, oh, is that what they’re calling it? and Molly says, not what she meant, but yes. He’s really gone from being a not so secret crush to a true partner. She owes a lot of that to Kristina.

Felicia says she’s afraid to ask, but also desperate to know what Willow found out about Anna, and Willow says her contact at the State Department has been in contact with the French authorities. Felicia says, and? and Willow says, and she called in a few favors and pulled a few strings and Anna is not going to be sent to the state-run facility. She’ll be sent back to the private clinic. Felicia says she doesn’t believe it. That’s incredible. She, Mac, and Robin will be so relieved. The whole family will be. Willow says she also pushed for a full dismissal of the charges, and Felicia says, that never occurred to her that was possible, but Willow says, it is and it’s done. Felicia says, done? and Willow says, the charges are fully dropped, but with one caveat. Anna can’t be released until she’s medically cleared, which means she won’t be walking out the door tomorrow. Felicia tells Willow that she doesn’t know what to say, and thanks her. Willow says she was happy to do it. She knows what it’s like to have charges hanging over your head and keeping you from your loved ones. She wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

Cullum says he didn’t know Nina and Chief Brennan were so close, and Nina says, he already knows Brennan collapsed in front of her. He says, yes. He’s just surprised to see her back. She says, why? To tell him the truth, all of this has been incredibly upsetting. She’s the one who brought Chief Brennan in. Of course (🍷) she’d want to know how he’s doing. It’s not like he has anyone else in this town that cares. Cullum say, he has Carly Spencer, but Nina says, from what she understands, they’re not seeing each other anymore. Not that it matters at a time like this, but Carly only thinks about Carly. He says, and she’s different, and she says she wants Chief Brennan to know there is someone in this town who is thinking about him and she won’t be shamed for having common decency. So if he’ll excuse them, she would like to have her visit with Chief Brennan. He says, of course (🍷). There’s someone else he’d like to look in on anyway. She says, how unfortunate of him to have two friends in the hospital at the same time, but he says, it’s not a friend. Enjoy her visit. Cullum leaves, and Nina turns to look at Jack.

Ethan and Lulu go back to her house and seeing the detergent, she says, great. Rocco’s back from the store. Ethan says, okay, great. Let’s grab him and get going. She calls upstairs for Rocco to come down here for a second, but gets silence. She calls again, and Ethan asks if he would have gone back out to see some friends or something. She says, not without texting her, and runs over to the suitcase. She looks inside and says, his passport’s gone.

Britt says, just to warn Rocco, if he comes with her, they will have a target on their backs. Cullum will track them down, but his family will be safe. He says, all he wants is for that guy to stay away from them, and she says she needs him to promise her something. He says, she’s got it, and she says, the second something happens to her, when she… As soon as she’s dead, he has to contact his parents. Promise her that right now or the deal is off. He says, when it’s time, he will. He promises. There’s a knock at the door.

Kristina says she can’t take any credit for Molly and Cody, but Molly says Kristina was the one who nudged her to pursue things with him in the first place. Kristina was also the one who submitted her book to her agent. Kristina says she doesn’t remember any thanks at the time, and Molly says, oh no. She was furious. But in retrospect, it was a huge turning point for her and Cody, and they never would have gotten there if it weren’t for Kristina’s heart in the right place meddling. They get in the elevator, and Kristina says, Molly and Cody are in a good place because Molly did the work. She knows it’s really hard for Molly to let down her walls and thinks it’s really hard for Cody too, but here she is doing it. Molly thanks her for a much needed push. Changed her life. Kristina says, anytime.

Laura says, so when Dante tipped her off, she went to see Lulu and she confirmed she’s taking Rocco out of town for a while, and Sonny asks if she said why. Laura tells him that she said he’d been having a hard time, so she just assumed that it was because of breaking into Dalton’s lab and then getting sent to juvenile or getting beat up while he was in custody. Sonny says, that would be a lot for anybody, and she says, yeah, it really would, but the thing is, for Lulu to pull Rocco out of school before the end of the school year, and to leave Charlotte behind, she must really feel it’s important to get Rocco out of Port Charles. He says, a mother knows, right? and she says, and her instincts are really good. But if Rocco is running because of what happened with Dalton and Sidwell, doesn’t he think they owe it to their grandson to put this behind them once and for all? He says he agrees with her 100%.

Lulu says, pick up, Rocco. Please pick up. She hears his voicemail saying, hey, it’s Rocco. You know what to do and when to do it, so I guess my part’s done. Ethan comes downstairs and tells her, sorry. There’s no sign of him upstairs and no sign of where he went. Did she have any luck reaching him? She says, straight to voicemail. This can’t be happening.

Dante flashes back to Nathan saying, all it would take is one call to his dad. He could do it. He could place Lulu and Rocco someplace safe, someplace no extradition treaty or government agency could touch him. The question becomes, what’s harder to live with? Losing your job or mourning your son. He takes out his phone, when Lulu calls. She says, Rocco’s gone, and he says, what? She says, he’s not at the house and his phone is going straight to voicemail. According to her phone, his last location was GH, so she’s headed there now. Dante says, no, no, no. You just stay put in case he comes home. She says, there’s something else, and he says, what is it? She says she got Rocco a fake passport. It’s gone too. He says, okay. What’s the name on the passport? She says, Tyler Anderson, and he says, all right. He’ll report back. She thanks him, and he leaves.

Elizabeth says, Britt, it’s Elizabeth. Any chance Rocco’s in there? Britt tells Rocco that her car is in the east lot. Go. She’ll meet him there, but be careful. She gives him the keys and says, come in. Elizabeth walks in and says, hey. She thought she saw him. Isn’t he finished with his volunteer hours? Britt says, he is. He just needed her to sign off on his shadowing application. Elizabeth says, those were due weeks ago, but Britt says she was able to get him an extension because of his stellar track record here at the hospital. He’s all set. Rocco thanks her for her help and tells Elizabeth goodbye. He glances at Britt and leaves, and Elizabeth says, come on. What’s going on? Britt says, nothing. There never is. So why is Elizabeth always asking her questions? Elizabeth does know she’s not Britt’s superior anymore, so she doesn’t have to give her any answers. For once, just back off. Elizabeth says her gut is telling her that something is up with Britt and Rocco. And the last time she had this feeling, she was very right. Britt says, ancient history, and Elizabeth picks up Rocco’s passport off the desk and says, what the hell is this? Britt says, put it down, and Elizabeth asks why she has a fake passport for Rocco. Britt grabs Elizabeth, putting Elizabeth’s arm behind her, and says, put it down. Elizabeth says, okay, okay. Just let go of her. Britt says, she’s not going anywhere.

Nina asks Jack, why was Director Cullum here? Was he threatening Jack? Blink once for yes. Blink twice for no. Jack says, takes… too… long… and she says she never expected that he’d be talking so soon. She’s glad he’s okay. It’s nice to hear his voice. She takes the syringe out of her bag, then puts it in a medical waste bin.

Willow says she’ll text Felicia the information for her contact at the State Department in France and she can forward that to Mac and Robin. And if she hits any snags or needs anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Felicia says she’ll let Willow know how it goes, when Cullum appears. He says, an honor, Congresswoman Cain. Director Cullum, WSB. Willow says, yes, of course (🍷). It’s nice to finally meet him in person. Felicia asks what she can do for him, and he says he’s looking for Rocco Falconari. He understands that Rocco is doing community service here.

Rocco is waiting in the car when Britt comes out. He gets out of the car and she hands him the passport and says, he forgot this. Did anyone see him leave? He says, no. He took the back stairwell. She says, good call, and he says, almost makes up for him forgetting his passport. Ready? She says, almost. There’s just one more thing she needs to do.

Lulu says, Rocco’s phone is still going straight to voicemail, and Ethan says, okay, look. Just calm down. Dante will find him. She asks if there’s any way to invalidate Rocco’s fake passport. What about one of his contacts? Or how about the person who made it? He says, the only way to shut it down is to alert the authorities that it’s fake and that would be very bad, both for Rocco and himself. She says she thought she was helping Rocco, but all she did was give him a way to disappear.

Dante walks into Britt’s office, and hears Elizabeth say, hello. Somebody please help me. He sees a chair propped against the bathroom door and moves it. He opens the door and Elizabeth walks out rubbing her head. He asks, what happened? and she says, um, Britt happened. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, Britt locked her in there after she confronted her about the fake passport she had for Rocco. He says, wait. She’s saying the two of them are together? She says, yeah, and she thinks they’re leaving town.

Sonny tells Laura that when it comes to dealing with Sidwell, he needs to know everything as far as what the options are on the table. His phone rings and he says, who’s this? Britt says, hey, Sonny. It’s Britt. He asks if everything is okay, and she says she’s on her way out of town, but there’s something he needs to know. Sidwell killed Henry Dalton. He says, good to know, and she says, and his assistant Pascal helped him cover it up. She’s hoping this information can be of use to him. She hangs up.

Britt asks if Rocco is sure about this, and he says he is. Her? She tells him to give her his phone and he does. She puts it on the ground and stomps on it, then puts it in the car tire’s path. She gets in and drives away after driving over the phone.

On Monday, Alexis says she’s going on a trip and Ava is coming with her; Sidwell says he’ll do whatever it takes to find Marco’s killer; and Sonny tells Laura, all they have to do is get Pascal to turn on Sidwell

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Britt’s exit plan.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/is-britt-leaving-general-hospital-kelly-thiebaud-explains-britts-desperate-exit-plan-exclusive

I kinda like this triangle.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-laura-wright-on-carly-valentin-anna-triangle-and-the-power-of-finola-excl

Apparently, his aim is bad.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-finn-carr-reveals-unscripted-rocco-moment-that-made-it-to-air

It was pretty cool when she found the message.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-eden-mccoy-says-annas-message-gives-josslyn-a-glimmer-of-hope

You get the whole day off Monday. Unless you want to see GH’s November 3, 2025 episode again. Which I might, since Erika Slezak is in it.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/are-the-soaps-airing-new-episodes-on-memorial-day-heres-the-full-schedule

💉 A Dose Of Reality

Below Deck Down Under

Daisy said Jenna was dipping from the attention pool way too often, and she wasn’t wrong. Jenna told Eddy that they were done, and Ben told Eddy about his dalliance with Jenna. Drunk Jenna confronted Eddy and ran around screaming at everyone and slamming things around, and Barbie wondered, what the hell is happening on this boat? It’s like an insane asylum. Eddy caught Jenna cuddling in bed with Ben in the master cabin, and told Captain Jason that he was royally mugged off. In Daisy’s interview, she said, when the second stew caused trouble in every department, it became her problem. The new charter primaries were James and Kai, landscapers for the stars, who brought their friends along for the trip. They requested a dinner with a Garden of Adam theme (whatever that means), and wanted it to end with a birthday cake. Daisy told Jenna to leave Eddy and Ben alone, and in the captain’s interview, he realized he had to tell Daisy how Jenna’s behavior was affecting the crew. Eddy finally told Jenna to piss off and she cried to Batul. Captain Jason said slamming doors wasn’t second stew behavior and decided to take away Jenna’s stripes. He called Jenna to the bridge and there was more crying. A quick conversation between Ben and Alesia summed up the episode. Ben: Goodnight. Alesia: F*** you.

Summer House

My two takeaway points were Ciara making out once again with West, because she clearly didn’t know then what we all know now, and Amanda telling Kyle that she needed time apart from him, leading to what we know now.

In the City

Lindsay couldn’t believe she was a mom and worried about never having sex again. In her interview, she said she used to shoot rainbows and butterflies out of her vagina, and we flashed back to that. She and her baby daddy had now broken up, and it had been a while. She wanted to teach Gemma what a strong woman was and that you didn’t have to rely on men. Andrea and Danielle joined the cast, along with their respective significant others, Lexi and Eoin. In Danielle’s interview, she said Lindsay had ghosted their friendship. New guy Kenny was a venture capitalist who’d invested in Loverboy, and came along with girlfriend Whitney, whose claim to fame was being on The Bachelor.  In Kyle’s interview, he said, at one point, he’d wanted to give his investors a 25% yield on their money, but the company was now on the brink of collapse. On their 4th anniversary, Amanda told Kyle that she didn’t think they were moving forward in therapy and she was moving out.

The Valley

The only two things I really paid attention to were the drag pageant, which was pretty amusing, and Brittany explaining what an a-hole Jax still is, ditto.

Southern Hospitality

A white party was discussed, and in Michols’s interview, he said eh didn’t know what a white party was. Same. Why not a purple party? Or a chartreuse party? What Michols did understand was that he was on the cover of So.Gay magazine and he wanted to have a girls and gays party where straights could come too. Maddi wanted to include all female DJs and invited Meredith Marks to do her thing. In Maddi’s interview, she said she wanted to show the men that they were coming for them in this industry and she wanted to inspire women in all male dominated industries. Michols had lunch with his mom, who was not happy he worked in nightlife and wanted him to be in a corporate job. In his interview, Michols said, when he was young, she was his best friend, but when he came out, he’d lost the relationship. She said he’d talked badly about her on the show, but he said it was his truth. She said he’d lied and hurt her feelings. She’d felt he’d attacked her, and he apologized for her finding out his feelings on TV. He said, moving forward, he’d be better, and his mom said she was proud of him. She didn’t care what he was. She loved him. In Michols’s interview, he said he’d never heard her say that before. Affirmations weren’t her thing. There was a cover reveal of an actual publication, not like Dorit’s cover reveal with no book behind it. In Molly’s interview, she said she knew Michols was involved in her firing, but she’d still support him. Maddi was skeptical of Grace being sober because it took her 2½ years and everyone is the same. In Grace’s interview, she said it had been over a month since she’d touched ketamine and she didn’t want to lose her chosen family. Brad told Grace that he supported her. Meredith brought bumps of caviar to go with her tunes. Lake was getting ready for her showcase at Republic and Michols got an email that he was being transitioned out of the general manager role, but was unsure of what that meant.  

Real Housewives Of Rhode Island

I missed this, but then caught it during the wee hours Thursday morning when it was nothing but annoying. While I enjoyed Liz and Delores’s discussion of a menopause gummy, I almost had to turn it off when Rosie became a possessed screaming mimi, screeching that Kelsey was a slam pig. I’m just not feeling this one.

Sounds like Delores is feeling like I do.

Random Reality Items

It’s still not totally clear. Was is Luis or something/someone else?

Coward.

Could this be Coward Part 2?

Other than Riley Burress, she’s the only real celebrity kid.

https://ew.com/brooke-shields-daughter-rowan-next-gen-nyc-debut-trailer-11971667

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

The Lurker. HBO/MAX. – A short film about a young man named Matthew who slinks his way into the inner circle of famous musician Oliver and ends up doing photography for Oliver’s band. While he’s thrilled to be part of the pack, it becomes clear that he’s more like their whipping boy than errand boy/photographer. While Matthew takes the jabs, he also snubs old friends and his mother, and acts like a big shot, leading to an All About Eve moment toward the end. It wasn’t a total loss, but the Film Stage reviewer hits the nail on the head. Our only disagreement is that I did like the music.

The Housemaid. HBO/MAX – While on parole, Minnie gets a job as a housemaid to a wealthy family. The wife is weird, the young daughter is contentious, but the husband seems agreeable. Little by little, we find out pretty much everything is a lie and wonder who is crazier. I found this film extremely entertaining with all its twists and turns. The only thing I wasn’t thrilled with was being hit with many revalations toward the end via a letter written by wife Nina, although I’m not sure if it was a cop out or just preventing a 10 hour movie. It’s definitely worth watching and I can’t wait to read the source material, the books by Freida McFadden.

https://omnivorous.substack.com/p/film-review-the-housemaid

It remains to be seen whether this will be a mistake or not.

https://collider.com/sydney-sweeney-thriller-franchise-the-housemaid-stage-show

🔮 Watch Of the Future…

Getting married out loud.

https://extratv.com/2026/05/19/baylen-dupree-talks-magical-wedding-to-colin-queso-fountain-dogs-and-more-exclusive

🐕 Farewell To a Friend…

Having had a Golden myself who went to the Bridge at 8 years old, my heart breaks with hers.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1432022/rhocs-shannon-beador-shares-dog-archie-died-after-brain-cancer-diagnosis

🫏 Mixed Bag Of Tricks…

🐶 Pilaf, Brisket, and now, Bubbles!

https://people.com/cutest-celebrity-dogs-11957042

🐘 And it feels so good.

https://people.com/baby-elephant-reunited-with-mother-and-herd-after-river-rescue-11982357

🕷 A new spin on putting on a happy face.

https://people.com/himalayan-happy-face-spider-discovered-in-india-11981511

🐟 I don’t even know what to say about this one.

https://people.com/suckerfish-are-disappearing-into-manta-rays-rear-ends-11972612

🪈 Quotes of the Week

Chase down your passion like it’s the last bus of the night. – Terri Guillemets

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. – Michael Jordan

It’s a general moral principle that the more power you have over someone, the greater your duty is to use that power benevolently. Well, who is the one person in the world you have the greatest power over? It’s your future self. You hold that life in your hands, and what it will be depends on how you care for it.Rick Hanson

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Carl Bard

Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure. – George Edward Woodberry

Ho’s can fall in love too. – Villa Garcia, 90 Day: The Single Life Tell All Part 1

🤸‍♀️ Living Like It’s Spring…

Until next time, stay safe; stay honoring those who died in service to our country while enjoying the long weekend (and not drinking and driving); and stay remembering that good intentions don’t keep you safe from bad choices.

Video > Miley Cyrus – Party In The U.S.A. (Official Video)

May 8, 2026 – GH Weekdays, Valentin Confronts Jack, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Met Style, Light the Lights, Third Time Charm, Devils Redux, Pet (!) Moms Included, 7 Crisp Quotes & Told Me

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🍕 Weekday Slices…                                                                          

Monday: 

Carly asks what the hell jack is doing there, and he asks where is he.

Chase told Curtis that they’d find the other driver, and Curtis told him that he thought the paint from the guardrail would lead them to whoever it was. Trina told Curtis that Michael James Scott was there, and Curtis left. Brook looked sick.

Lucas nosed around Windymere, when Pascal saw him. Pascal wasw carrying a fireplace poker and made a veiled threat saying he shouldn’t be there.

Gio greeted Michael JS, and introduced him to Curtis and Trina. He told Michael JS that Trina was a great singer too, and Trina said she’d seen him in Atlanta.

Josslyn asked Nathan to let go of her arm, but he said he was afraid not and called her Agent Jax.

Jack stomped around making accusations, and Carly told him to get out. He asked if she thought she could humiliate him with no consequences and asked how long and who the hell was it. She said, turn around, and Valentin was there with a gun.

Jack said, of course (🍷). It made sense now. Valentin manipulated her. This was his revenge. She was his pawn. Valentin said he was wrong. Meet his attorney from Steinmauer. Carly had come to him,

Cody wanted to go on Molly’s book tour with her, and she asked if they were ready to take that risk.

Brook told Chase that she was lightheaded, and he thought she missed Phoebe, but she said she’d be okay. This was important to Gio. Gio brought Michael JS over and introduced them, telling Michael JS that Brook was his mother.

Lucas said he lived there, and Pascal accused him of snooping. Lucas said he was checking Pascal’s work, and Pascal said Marco should never have brought Lucas there. Lucas was responsible for Marco’s death and Marco had deserved better. Lucas should remove himself before someone else did. Lucas asked if that someone was him, when Ava and Sidwell walked in.

Josslyn said no one, including Nathan, knew what had happened to him, but he could get help. Nathan said this couldn’t be helped, and she told him to think about James. Don’t do anything that would make him lose James.

Kai met Trina at The Savoy and told her about Derek. She said Kai was a really great guy, and he asked if there was anything he could help her with, then kissed her.

Lucas told Sidwell that they were having a heated discussion about dusting, and Sidwell said he thought Pascal was thorough. He asked Pascal to get them some wine and invited Lucas to join them. Lucas said he’d love to, and Pascal left. Lucas said Pascal was grieving and taking it out on him.

Jack kept asking why Carly would help Valentin. He knew what they’d had was real. She agreed it was, and he said, then why? Valentin hated him. She asked why he thought she did it. What could he have done to make her turn to Valentin and make her want to destroy him?… Fine. She’d say it. He’d recruited her daughter, her child, into the WSB. He’d turned her kind, sweet, honest, beautiful girl into a lying, murdering spy, like him.

Nathan said he couldn’t let Josslyn go, and she fought with him. She ran to the kitchen and got a knife.

Carly said Jack had done what he could to tear down her defenses and she’d let him into her life and home. He’d claimed to love her and lured her daughter into the WSB. He’d seen Josslyn grieving and took the opportunity. Josslyn told him how she’d found out Cyrus was responsible for Dex’s death and he’d set her up to kill him.

Nathan told Josslyn to stop fighting, but she said, him first. He threw her over the couch and put her in a headlock until she passed out.

Cody said he wanted Molly to relax and have a good time, and she said she couldn’t help wondering how they’d travel together. They’d be together 24/7. What if they had opposing travel styles? He said he thought they’d manage, but she was concerned

Michael JS told Gio that if he wanted to play again in the orchestra, just call him. He went to get ready, and Gio told Emma that he was probably just being polite, but she said he knew how talented Gio was. It was a huge opportunity. He said he’d never considered it before.

Lucas told Sidwell about the tennis court memorial, and Sidwell thought it was ironic, since she was a Corinthos. Lucas said Kristina credited Marco for saving her life, and Ava said Marco was a hero. There was no better way to honor him than putting his name on a safe space where young people could meet and have fun together. Sidwell said he agreed and he’d pay for the tennis courts himself.

Jack said he hadn’t intended for Josslyn to kill Cyrus, but Carly said she didn’t give a damn. She didn’t care that Cyrus deserved to die. Josslyn didn’t deserve to be his killer. Jack put her in that situation and pulled her into the WSB. From the moment she found out, her goal had been to get Josslyn out of the WSB and away from Jack. Jack said Josslyn wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself, and Carly asked if Josslyn had said it or if he had said it to her… That’s what she’d thought. She might not get Josslyn out of the WSB, but Josslyn would never be the same regardless. Her future was gone because of Jack. All the good things he’d done didn’t matter. There were no amends he could make. He’d hurt her kid and there was no coming back from that.

Lucas said it was generous, but too generous, and Ava said, if Sidwell covered the cost, Kristina wouldn’t feel like she was honoring Marco. Perhaps an anonymous donation would be better. Sidwell said she was right, when Pascal’s phone rang and he left to take the call. It was Nathan who said he needed help with a situation.

Lucas said Kristina was determined to get things moving, when Pascal came back and nodded to Sidwell.

Jack said, he couldn’t do it over again, but he’d protected Josslyn, and Carly asked if that was supposed to make her feel better. He said his feelings for Carly had snuck up on him after Josslyn was recruited. Had she asked Josslyn how she felt? He bet Josslyn didn’t regret him recruiting her.

Molly told Cody that she was surprised how right it felt. There was something real happening. He said he looked forward to them traveling together. He couldn’t wait for her to take the book world by storm. She said she couldn’t wait to storm.

Brook told Chase that she felt better. Gio had introduced her as his mom and she was grateful to have him in her life. Chase said Gio was lucky to have her and so was Phoebe.

Sidwell suggested they all go to The Savoy.

Jack said Josslyn loved being an agent. It gave her a purpose and he’d protected her to his own detriment. Carly said, don’t turn it around. He just didn’t want her to blame him. Valentin said Jack only cared about how if affected him, and Carly said if Jack thought he was going to score points by protecting Josslyn from a world he’d pulled her into, he was crazy. Jack said Carly lied to him and slept with his enemy, and Valentin said he’d thought they were old friends. Jack had arranged for his transfer. Jack realized Carly had convinced him, and Carly said she’d been motivated. Jack said he hoped it was worth it. It was going to end in a way they never saw coming.

Jack said, if he turned Valentin in, he would escape again, but Carly didn’t have that luxury. The Bureau would pick her up and charge her with treason and harboring a fugitive. Valentin would grab Charlotte and vanish and leave her to face the consequences. He wouldn’t save her. Maybe she’d get lucky and they’d throw her in a pit with Jason. He started to walk out, but Valentin said it wouldn’t happen and Jack asked if Valentin was going to add murder to his charges. Valentin said Jack was going to help them or he’d give Jack up to Cullum. Cullum would need a fall guy to frame for his crimes and Jack was the perfect patsy.

Lucas, Sidwell, and Ava arrived at The Savoy, and Curtis introduced Michael James Scott. Everyone applauded and cheered, and Michael JS came out. He sang You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Aladdin. It was funny to see Sidwell bopping along, and afterward, everyone applauded wildly.

Kai said Michael JS singing spoke to his soul like when Trina sang, but she said there was no comparison. She suggested getting out of there, and he said, follow him.

Valentin said he’d contact Cullum and say Jack was onto him. Cullum would frame Jack and make sure he went to prison for the rest of his life. Maybe he’d be in a pit with Jason. Cullum outranked Jack and had resources to make him look guilty. Jack was just a lackey. Maybe he’d leave Jack alive, but it was easier to frame a dead man. Jack said he’d lied to Carly, but never lied about loving her. He’d wanted to spend his life with her. Whatever revenge she thought she’d gotten, she’d played into Valentin’s hands, and he wondered how long before Valentin betrayed her.

Sidwell left the table, and Ava told Lucas that she was glad they’d come. She asked how much of a problem Pascal was, and Lucas said Pascal basically threatened to stab him with a fire poke. He had strong feelings for Marco and was projecting his grief in ways that were more than inappropriate. Ava didn’t like it and said she might have to discuss it with Sidwell.

Gio said when he found the joy that Michael JS had, he’d be ready to play, and Emma said it sounded like the joy would find its way back to him. He said he wasn’t there yet, but she’d be the first to know, and he kissed her.

On the phone with Pascal, Sidwell asked if the situation had been handled.

Kai and Trina went into the apartment and started kissing. Trina called to Josslyn, and when there was no answer, Trina said she thought Josslyn had gone out. Kai wondered what they could do, and she said she had some ideas. As they headed for the bedroom, the camera focused on a candlestick.

Josslyn woke up in the same room Anna had been in (or a clone of it). She saw the two-way window and banged on it, calling for help.

Tuesday:

By the boathouse with Phoebe, a bare-chested Chase (per his contract, he has to be nearly nakey at least once a month) told her that she was going to be charged with spitting up on his shirt. But what jury could convict that cute, little face?

Brook found Tracy in the living room waiting for a guest, and told Tracy how anxious she was about the investigation. Tracy told her to rise above her guilt, and Brook asked what she should do if the police came to her.

Turner went to Laura’s office, and Laura asked where she was with the investigation into Jordan’s accident. Turner said they had a lead on the other driver and were seeking a warrant for a suspect’s vehicle. Laura asked if that was wise.

Curtis asked if Jordan was ready to go home, and she said she’d never been more ready for anything.

Ric found Elizabeth at the hospital and tried to give her a bouquet, but she said they’d made a deal – no more flowers at work. He said he’d give them to the patient of her choice, but had one condition.

At the pier on the phone, Ethan said they weren’t answering, calling him back, or returning his texts. Delilah needed to show up or he couldn’t help her. Sonny joined him and asked what he had on Ric, and Ethan said, plenty.

Laura said she assumed the suspect was Isaiah, and Turner said she assumed Laura had spoken to Curtis. Laura said they were old friends and Curtis needed someone to confide in. She asked about the evidence, and Turner said Curtis asked them to look into Isaiah. The analysis of the paint confirmed it was a black BMW and Isaiah drove a black SUV. Laura said, so did a lot of other people, but Turner said they didn’t know his whereabouts at the time of the crash and he hadn’t been working that night. He could have been the other driver, but they may never be able to prove it.

Brook told Tracy that Curtis said the police were closing in on a suspect, but Tracy said nothing was tying Brook to the accident. Brook said, someone else could get blamed, but Tracy said the only way the police would find Brook was if she turned herself in. Brook said that wasn’t going to happen.

Ric asked Elizabeth to go away with him for the weekend, and she said she’d love to.

At the hospital as she packed, Jordan said she couldn’t exhale until they were home, and Curtis said everyone was impressed with her progress. She asked if he thought she sounded ungrateful, but he said whatever she was going through, he wanted to hear it. She asked if he was okay with not telling anyone that she was being discharged. If Stella found out, there would be a party, but she needed time to adjust. He said he’d make sure she’d get it and wondered about follow-up appointments. She asked about Michael James Scott, and he said she was changing the subject. She said she needed a break, and he said Michael JS’s performance was phenomenal. He noticed the flowers and asked where she got them. She said Brick had come by last night.

Sonny told Ethan about Ric going to the MetroCourt and talking to Ava. He’d stuck around, and after Ric and Ava talked, Ava ran straight to Sidwell. He didn’t hear what they’d said, but he thought Ava was trying to relay a message from Ric. Sonny asked why Ric didn’t just talk directly to Sidwell, and Ethan said, Lucy was there. He didn’t think Ric wanted her to hear what he had to say, so he’d used Ava. Sonny said the only problem with that was that Ethan didn’t like Ric. Why should he trust Ethan’s take?

Brook told Tracy that she wouldn’t abandon Phoebe. Phobe belonged with her and Chase. She’d already fallen in love with Phoebe and wanted them to be her parents. Tracy said she had the family’s full support, but Brook asked her to stay out of it. Chase wouldn’t like them using their connections and she hadn’t even talked to him yet. Tracy said if Brook wasn’t sure, talk to him, and be honest about her feelings for Phoebe.

Ric made Elizabeth say yes again, and she did. She said he’d been talking about the Hudson Valley lately and she’d expected it. She said it was risky, but she wasn’t living her life in the past. Things had been going well and it should be celebrated. He kissed her and left to deliver the flowers.

Curtis wondered why Brick came around when he was away, but Jordan said Brick was harmless. Elizabeth came by with Jordan’s discharge paperwork and wanted to go over it.

Ethan said Sonny was right. He and Ric didn’t like each other. Sonny was having him follow Ric, so it sounded like he questioned Ric’s loyalty. Ric and Ava were definitely conspiring. Sonny said he had a lot to think about, but don’t make a move until he said so. Ethan said, understood, and left. Sonny called Ric and said he needed to see him.

Jordan asked Curtis to go get the car, but he wanted to stay. Jordan said okay, and Elizabeth continued. She told Jordan about cleaning the wound.

Laura said she’d taken a personal interest in the case because she and Curtis were personal friends, and Turner said she and Jordan were close friends too. She wanted to do what she could to make this right. Laura said she was sure Curtis did too, but she was concerned his personal feelings about Isaiah were clouding his judgement. Turner said she was interested in judgement not a witch hunt. Given the facts, Isaiah fit, but it was still early and they hadn’t questioned him yet. Laura said she was hoping it wasn’t Isaiah. He’d saved her daughter’s life.

Brook joined Chase, who said he’d just wanted an excuse to hold Phoebe. They talked about how cute she was, and Brook told him that she wanted to adopt Phoebe. He said so did he.

Ric met Sonny at the pier, and Sonny said this place felt like it belonged to him. Ric said they’d get the piers back, but Sonny said Sidwell proved tough to beat. Ric said Sonny was smarter than Sidwell. He was playing the long game, while Sidwell was reacting. Sonny said, the day before, Ric had questioned his judgement on hiring Ethan. Did he still think it was the wrong call?

Ethan went to see Tracy, who asked how things were going. Lulu’s couch was like sleeping on a board that smelled like popcorn. Ethan asked if she was going to question him about working for Sonny, and she asked how it was going. He said, so far so good, and she said, quit.

Ethan asked why he’d quit, and Tracy said a better opportunity came up. Michael needed a man in Australia to scout locations for Aurora Wellness. He said he knew nothing about wellness, but she said he was a natural and Michael could trust him. He told her why she wanted to get him out of town, but she said, not out of town. Away from Sonny.

Ric said he didn’t think Ethan was trustworthy, and Sonny said Ethan had turned down the money to get out of town. The test was Ric’s idea and Ethan passed. Was the tension a problem? Ric said if Sonny insisted that Ethan stick around, he’d be professional, and Sonny said Ric had dashed out when Ethan showed up. Where did he have to go? Ric said he’d had a meeting in the DA’s office, and Sonny said if it was about his grandson, but Ric said, no. It was another client. Sonny said he hoped Ric would tell him if it was about Rocco, and Ric said he’d never hold anything back.

Laura told Turner that Isaiah saved Lulu’s life and was a close friend of her son. Of he’d knowingly left the scene of an accident, he should be held accountable. She hoped the investigation cleared him, but Jordan deserved answers. Turner’s phone dinged and she saw a message that said, Meet me at the studio, from a blocked number.

Elizabeth told Jordan, good luck and don’t hesitate to reach out, and Jordan thanked her for everything. With Curtis by her side, an intern wheeled Jordan into the elevator.

Curtis said he knew from the time they’d brought Phoebe home, and Brook said, on some level she’d prepared to let Phoebe go. He said he didn’t want to get ahead of himself, and she said she’d spoken to Alexis, who’d gone over the steps with her. He said he’d looked it up and they couldn’t let Phoebe be a ward of the state, and Brook said Alexis told her that they’d have to fight for her. He suggested they do it, and she agreed. She told that Alexis said they should conduct their own search for the family and there would also be a rigorous background check of them. It wasn’t him she was worried about, but her.

Curtis brought Jordan home, and she said all she’d wanted was to come home. It was great to be back. She went through what had happened before the accident and said they were so happy. Now she looked around and it was like nothing had changed. Everything was the same except for her.

Turner met Sonny at the secret apartment and said she wasn’t there for some afternoon delight, but he said he didn’t mean to give her the wrong impression. He didn’t come there to jump in bed. It was about his brother. Did he have a meeting in her office yesterday?

Elizabeth told Laura about going away with Ric, and Laura said Aiden could stay with her, but Elizabeth said she just didn’t want him alone for the entire time. Laura agreed to have him over now and then, and asked if Aiden knew Elizabeth was going away with Ric. Elizabeth said Aiden seemed fine with it, but it was a big step. Laura asked if it was too big.

Brook told Chase that her past didn’t look great on paper. She’d passed Bailey Lou off as her own. Chase said she was saving the baby from her abusive father and Maxie would give her a statement supporting her. Brook said they were the only family Phoebe had known and she was afraid she’d be the reason they lost her. He said he felt the same way about his demotion, but they had to try even if they were afraid. Brook was a Quartermaine with resources and influence. They had a congresswoman on their side. They had to pull out all the stops. Brook said Phoebe belonged with them.

Tracy told Ethan, staying away was the only way to stay safe. Sonny had caused Luke a lot of grief. Ethan said he wasn’t a law abiding citizen and neither was his father, and Tracy said Sonny was the reason people she loved were dead. Sonny couldn’t hurt someone else she loved. He said he’d been taking care of himself for a long time and didn’t intend to stop anytime soon, and she asked if he’d come there wanting to work for Sonny. He said, no, and she asked why he was there. He said he was supposed to meet up with someone.

He’d been working a job with a partner and they were supposed to meet, but she hadn’t shown up. Tracy asked why he’d chosen Port Charles to meet, and he said it was the closest place he had to home. It was nice to be in a familiar setting and take a breather. She asked him to consider her offer, and he said she meant Michael’s offer. She asked him to think about it before it was too late.

Jordan told Curtis that she’d finally been happy. All she’d had to do was keep her eyes on the road. Curtis said, it was an accident. The other driver also bore responsibility. They could have gotten help sooner if the other driver had stopped, but he thought he’d found them.  

Brook and Chase came into the living room, and Brook introduced Chase to Ethan. She asked what he was doing there, and Ethan said Tracy invited him over, but then she’d dashed out for an emergency about Hades and told him to stay and finish his tea. He asked about Phoebe, and Chase explained they were fostering. Ethan asked how that came about, and Brook told him that they’d been with Phoebe’s mother before the birth, but she’d passed away. He asked if there was no other family, and Brook said, so far, the only thing they knew was her mother’s name – Delilah Wilson.

Laura said she knew Ric was working for Sonny and she was close with Sonny, and Elizabeth said she knew not everything Sonny did was legal. Laura asked if she’d considered the danger in Ric’s close proximity to Sonny, and Elizabeth said, of course (🍷) she had, but Ric had been upfront. She’d had her doubts, but Ric had changed. He’d been torn between the good, smart, funny man who loved her and the man consumed with anger against his brother. He and Sonny were getting along and Ric was experiencing peace. She was ready, and excited for what happened next in their relationship.

Outside on the phone, Ric asked if Ava had talked to Sidwell… Yes he still wanted to go through with it, but it had to be under absolute secrecy.

Turner said no one had a meeting with Ric, and Sonny thanked her. She asked what was going on, and he said his brother Ric had gone after him and his family for years. Recently, Ric had an epiphany that life was too short and wanted to work with him and be his brother. He’d found out Ric lied to him again and he was worried Ric wanted to finish what he’d started years ago.

Wednesday:

Curtis told Jordan about the paint that was found on the guardrail, that it was from a black BMW, and that Isaiah drove a black BMW. Jordan asked if he thought it was Isaiah.

Brook told Ethan that they were so focused on getting Delilah to the hospital, they didn’t get details, and Chase said she’d only arrived in Port Charles that day. Brook said they were fostering Phoebe, but wanted to adopt her.

Nathan went to the hospital and asked to see Isaiah privately. They went to an exam room, and Nathan said he needed doctor/patient confidentiality.

Ric went to see Laura, who’d texted him to come to her office. She told him that she wanted to talk about Elizabeth.

Britt asked who was covering the NICU, and Elizabeth asked if Britt was okay. Britt asked her to just not.

Turner asked why Sonny thought Ric was a threat, and Sonny said Ric had covered up because Ric didn’t want him to know something. She asked if he was mad because Ric lied or because he’d given Ric another shot, and Sonny said, either way, it was Ric’s last shot.

Elizabeth said it was obvious Britt was going through something, but Britt wouldn’t spill. Dante came in and asked to speak with Elizabeth, but Britt said he could wait.

Jordan wondered why Curtis suspected Isaiah, and he said Isaiah had no alibi. Portia had no idea he suspected Isaiah and said he’d been at a private house call, which meant he’d taken Route 91. He could have gotten Jordan out sooner if the other driver had stopped and helped, and he kept thinking of how different it would have been.

Chase and Brook said they hadn’t found Phoebe’s family, and Brook said they were the only family Phoebe knew. They’d found Delilah unconscious near the park.

Isaiah said Nathan had questioned his integrity as a doctor and now he wanted a favor, but Nathan said he’d just been trying to protect Rocco. He thought he had a cracked rib and there couldn’t be a record. Isaiah said Lulu was his friend and she wasn’t too happy with Nathan. Why should he ignore hospital protocol and the law without knowing why?

Turner said Sonny and Ric’s conflict was a matter of public record. When Ric was DA, he’d been gunning for Sonny and Jason. Sonny said he thought they’d moved past it, and she said Ric had gotten Ava off, so she’d been surprised when he hired Ric to defend Rocco. What made him think Ric had changed?

Laura said she was concerned about Ric inviting Elizabeth away for romantic getaway, and Ric said he didn’t want friction between them, but it was… She said, none of her business, and he assured her that he hadn’t pressured Elizabeth, but she said, Elizabeth didn’t have all the facts. He said, what facts? and she said, him being involved in a criminal conspiracy with her and Sonny.

Ric said it wasn’t a conspiracy. Sidwell was framing her. Laura said instead of calling the police, she’d called Sonny, then concealed the body when Nathan showed up. Now she was using her position as mayor to further Sidwell’s personal agenda. Ric said blackmail was also a crime, and Laura said Ric was now a co-conspirator, but he said he was only obliged to inform the law if she told him she was concealing another body. She said the day was young, and he said she’d survived Frank Smith and Helena Cassadine. She said she’d like to survive this too, and he said he’d find a way to neutralize Sidwell. She said, the more public Ric made his relationship with Elizabeth, the more danger Elizabeth was in. She’d sent Doc and Ace away because Sidwell had threatened her grandson. Their safety the most important thing. He said Elizabeth’s safety was just as important, and she said Sidwell knew that Elizabeth used to be her daughter-in-law and was the mother of one of her grandsons. If he found out she was romantically involved with Sonny’s brother… They’d made their choice, but Elizabeth knew nothing and had no chance to make a choice.  

Britt said she wanted to review the NICU schedule, and Elizabeth said she could see it online. Dante wondered if Britt had time to answer more questions, and Britt made herself scarce. Dante told Elizabeth that he had another favor to ask and it was a big one.

Jordan wondered how Curtis decided to investigate Isaiah, and Curtis said he’d heard about the paint, but she said there was no way to directly connect the two. Curtis said, forensics found the paint wasn’t more than 72 hours old and Isaiah could have been on the road. He didn’t like Isaiah, but he didn’t want to be right. She said he’d have to tell Portia and their hard won peace would be blown to hell… and he said if Portia thought he was persecuting Isaiah.

Chase and Brook told Ethan about Delilah’s death, and Ethan said it was great they were able to stay with her and save the baby. Chase said Delilah thought she was lightheaded because of the pregnancy, but it was possible she wasn’t telling the truth. She had no ID. They’d found her purse, but there was nothing in it, so it was possible she was mugged. Brook said, Delilah was disoriented and focused on other things, but Chase said he couldn’t shake the feeling Delilah had something to hide.

Nathan said Lulu had been on edge and Isaiah walked in on a difference of opinion, and Isaiah said, show him the wound. Nathan lifted his shirt, exposing a bruised torso, and Isaiah said it looked like the perp put up one hell of a fight.  

Sonny told Turner that he hadn’t spoken to Ric in years, but Ric came back to be with Molly when Kristina had the accident and lost the baby. They’d avoided each other up until Rocco’s trouble. Ric told him that he’d had a near death experience and wanted to be his real brother. Ric said he couldn’t fix the past and wanted a different future for them, so he gave Ric a try.

Isaiah said Nathan had popped two ribs and needed a CT scan, but Nathan said his name couldn’t be on the paperwork. Call him John Doe.

Curtis told Jordan that he needed to know if Isaiah was the other driver and so did Portia. He couldn’t let someone like that near his child. Jordan said it was possible Isaiah didn’t realize they’d crashed, but Curtis said, once he heard about it, he would have realized what had happened. She said, possibly, but there were a lot of unknowns, and Curtis said, leaving was an innocent mistake, but why not speak up if he had nothing to hide?

Chase told Ethan that the PCPD had gone through Delilah’s luggage, but found nothing to ID her. She had some high-end clothes and a list of art galleries. They ran her prints, but nothing showed up in the database. Ethan said maybe she’d never been in trouble, but Chase said she was young and had zero online presence. That was unusual, and from a cop’s perspective, he thought she was covering her tracks. Ethan said, good thing they got her to the hospital and could now take care of her daughter, and Brook said Phoebe was wonderful and they were talking about adoption. Chase said, it was like it was meant to be.

Dante told Elizabeth that they’d found evidence on the pier the night Cullum was shot. The WSB took jurisdiction and moved Jason out, so he stashed the evidence. Something seemed off, like there was a cover-up, so he was looking into it. The lab examined the gun before the WSB got there, and there were two blood samples. One should be a sample of Jason’s blood because his skin had been caught by the slide, which would be weird, and the other had to be Cullum’s. Elizabeth wondered if Dante should ask Cullum for a sample, but Dante told her that Cullum wouldn’t say yes. Then the WSB would find out, shut him down, and take the evidence. She said, that lead to the favor.

Ric asked if Laura was saying he should tell Elizabeth, but she said she didn’t want Elizabeth involved. He’d made the right choice. Dishonesty and deception had been a problem for him and Elizabeth before. When he told her that Elizabeth was going away with him, he’d talked about how he changed and how up front he was with her, but here he was keeping a huge secret. Didn’t it bother him?

Sonny told Turner that after Rocco was arrested, he would have usually called Diane, but he figured he’d give Ric a chance. Turner said she was relieved when Ric walked in. She always did her job, but sending a 15-year-old to juvie on the word of a sketchy character like Dalton wasn’t right. She knew Ric was the kind of lawyer to pull out all the stops, then trust the system to do the rest. Sonny said that’s where they parted ways. When Ric was 100% motivated, he was fantastic. He’d trusted Ric would be loyal and now he thought Ric set him up.

Ethan said it had been lovely catching up and congratulated Brook and Chase on the adoption. Brook said it wasn’t a done deal and there were no guarantees, but Ethan said they could clearly give Phoebe what she deserved. It was obvious they loved her. Phobe was a very lucky little girl.

Jordan told Curtis, Isaiah took an oath. If he’d found out later, he would have come forward. Curtis said, unless he had something to hide. Isaiah had visited Jordan because he felt guilty. She said, Isaiah was checking up on her as a friend, but he said Isaiah had insisted she was okay and her injuries weren’t as bad as she thought. Isaiah just wanted that to be true.

Dante told Elizabeth that he needed a sample to run against the gun. He knew he was putting her in a bad spot with HIPPA, but the shooting happened in their town with people they knew. He didn’t trust the WSB. Elizabeth said, the WSB took Jake’s father. She didn’t trust them, but she trusted Dante.

Ric told Laura that he loved Elizabeth. He’d never stopped, but he was also aware he wasn’t good enough. He’d been jealous of Sonny and had a misguided sense of wanting to make him pay, but he was a better man now. He’d justified his actions and lies by telling Elizabeth that he was trying to protect her, but he knew what he was doing was wrong. But this time, he wasn’t wrong. He was doing what was right. Elizabeth would do the same thing. Laura said she knew that, but didn’t want to put Elizabeth in danger, and Ric said he’d die before he let Elizabeth get hurt, but he couldn’t just let her go, especially since he couldn’t tell her why. If he ended things now, she’d never give him another chance.

Jordan told Curtis, of course (🍷) Isaiah wanted it to be true. They all did. How much did he share with the police? Curtis said he spoke with ADA Turner because she was Jordan’s friend and just as determined to find the other driver to see if there was a case. He promised it wasn’t about Isaiah’s relationship to her or Portia. He wanted to know what happened that night. Jordan was the one who got injured, so if she asked, he was sure Turner would drop the whole matter. Then he would too, if that’s what she wanted.

Ethan left, and Brook said she and Chase went on and on to him about Phoebe and didn’t ask him one question about himself. They were the worst. Chase said, nothing was more interesting than Phoebe (I have to admit, she’s a cute little bundle), and Brook said Ethan was the first person besides Tracy that they’d told about adopting her. Admitting they wanted to keep her was wonderful and terrifying at the same time. She was so happy that they were in this together. She believed they were the right people to raise Phoebe, but she was afraid the state would take her. He said, then they were in for a huge fight, and Phoebe made baby noises. He said she agreed with him.

On the pier, Ethan sniffled as he looked at a photo. He said, I’m so sorry, Delilah. I should have been here. We saw he was holding a picture of Delilah, and he said, you were supposed to be safe, and cried.

Isaiah told Britt that he’d been called in to prep for a liver transplant, and she said she’d alert the media. He said he had a patient in Exam Room One. He had bruised ribs and they’d just done a scan. Britt said she was an OB/GYN. Palm him off on someone else.

Sonny said he’d taken his eyes off Ric and Ric betrayed him, and Turner asked why he was so sure. Sonny said Ric lied to his face about where he was, and Turner said she just lied to her assistant about where she was going. People lied for all kinds of reasons. Maybe he had a doctor’s appointment. Maybe he was getting Sonny a birthday gift. Sonny said it wasn’t his birthday, but Turner said he knew what she was saying. Ric lied, but it didn’t have to be about Sonny. Before he condemned Ric for being a traitor, find out why he lied.

Jordan told Curtis that she didn’t believe Isaiah was behind the wheel, but if there was solid, undeniable proof that he was the other driver, she wanted to confront him. Curtis said he’d move forward, and she said she wanted the other driver held responsible. If it was Isaiah, so be it.

Laura told Ric that she wasn’t saying he shouldn’t be with Elizabeth, but going away now, with so much going on with Sidwell… Ric said he’d put a target on Elizabeth’s back, but Laura said, he’d put a bigger target on her. All she was asking was that he back away a little bit right now, until they’d dealt with Sidwell and he was less of a threat.

Elizabeth told Dante that he got lucky. Cullum’s blood draw was today. She gave him an envelope and said she was trusting him, and he thanked her. She said, for what? She had no idea what he was talking about.

Turner told Sonny that Ric was a good ally to have. Before he cut Ric loose, find out why he lied. Sonny asked if she thought he overreacted, and she said the problem with both of their respective professions – he said, alleged professions – was that they often saw the worst in people. People you could trust were hard to come by. She understood his doubts, but for what it was worth (🍷), she had a hard time trusting too.

Isaiah told Britt that she just had to give the patient basic instructions for bruised ribs. Please take care of this. She’d thank him later. She said, fine, but he owed her, and why would she thank him later? Isaiah was already gone, and she looked at the chart. She said, John Doe. No good deed… She walked into the exam room, saw Nathan, and asked, what the hell happened to you?

Chase told Brook that they’d been with Phoebe since the day she was born. They weren’t going anywhere.

Looking at Delilah’s photo, Ethan said he’d seen the baby. Her name was Phoebe and she was beautiful. No one would ever have to know. With tears streaming down his face, he set the photo on fire with his lighter.

Thursday:

Sonny went to see Alexis about Ric.

Ric met Molly and Cody at the MetroCourt Gardens, and Molly said they had some exciting news to share. Ric asked if they were engaged.

Emma and Gio went to the gallery, and Trina said she was wondering how Gio felt about getting back into music.

Willow worked on exercising Drew’s limbs and told him that the moment she was sure he wouldn’t retaliate, she’d stop the injections and he’d make a full and miraculous recovery.

Valentin asked if Carly heard from Jack, but she said, no. She was trying to reach Josslyn to tell her everything was out in the open, but Josslyn wasn’t picking up. Valentin said Josslyn must have told Jack that she was stepping out on him. Now Jack knew it was with him.

Britt asked what happened to Nathan, and he said he was in a fight. She asked, with who [sic]?

Josslyn yelled for Nathan to let her out.

Trina said she was going to do the showcase and would feel more confident with Gio accompanying her, but he said there were better guitarists and his mom knew everyone. Trina said she needed him. She wanted to do it with somebody she trusted. Emma said it was a no brainer. He should do it.

Nathan said the less Britt knew, the better, but she said it had Cullum and Sidwell written all over it. She wondered if they’d roughed him up because she was taking too long, but he said it wasn’t about her. It was about something else. He’d bought them some time. Just finish the job, so they could go on with their lives. Once Sidwell and Cullum had the prototype, they’d leave town. If things went sideways, they’d deal with it then. Until the prototype was complete, her son and his son weren’t safe.

Jack went to see Cullum, and Cullum said he was waiting for the all-clear from the doctors. Jack asked if he needed a ride to the airport, but Cullum said he wasn’t going anywhere.

Sonny asked Alexis if Ric wasn’t the same lying bastard he always was, and she said she couldn’t believe she was saying it, but she had no reason to believe Ric was lying, a bastard, or a lying bastard. Did Sonny? Sonny said Ric lied to him about where he was going and who he was meeting. If there was something to it, Ric was planning on stabbing him in the back – again.

Molly told Ric that she and Cody weren’t engaged. Her book was hitting the shelves next month. Ric said he was proud of her, and Cody said she was going on a promotional tour. Ava came by and asked to talk to Ric. They had unfinished business to discuss.

Emma said she knew Gio missed playing, but she didn’t want to pressure him. She had a doctor’s appointment, but supported whatever decision he made. She left, and Trina said if it was something he didn’t want to do, just say no.

Nina went to Willow’s house, and Willow said she needed someone to look after Drew. He needed another dose and she didn’t want Travis around. She didn’t trust him, especially since Sidwell had hired him. She asked Nina to wheel Drew to the bedroom because Kai was coming over, and Nina agreed he shouldn’t spend time with Drew. Drew had been trying to communicate and Kai knew Willow had shot him. She asked if it wasn’t safer to let Kai go, but Willow said she wanted him close so she could keep an eye on him. Nina said she sounded like Sonny, but Willow said Kai wasn’t her enemy – yet. Besides, he was a good intern.

Britt gave Nathan a breathing device that he had to use once an hour, along a million other instructions. She said she knew he loved James, but James wasn’t his son. He asked if she loved Rocco any less, but she said they knew who they were to each other. He said he’d tell James and Maxie when time was right. It was something for down the line, but right now, Sidwell and Cullum were prepared to take Rocco and James if they stepped out of line. She said, if Cullum found out Rocco was the one who shot him… Nathan said Cullum would realize that Rocco knew he was a double agent and would kill him, and Britt said then there was a chance that neither of them could stop him.

Jack said he thought Cullum was recuperating in Brussels, but Cullum said he was getting back to work. He needed to see the operation through.

Carly said, obviously Jack knew already, and Valentin asked, who else knew? She said, Jason and Lucas, but Lucas didn’t know it was him. Valentin said her daughter was WSB and it probably hadn’t taken her long to figure out Carly was crazy about him.

Josslyn banged on the door, yelling for Nathan, then looked around, digging through everything. She found a something to try and unlock the door with.

Sonny asked if Alexis had reason to believe history was repeating itself, but she said she thought Ric understood the cost of going to war with him. Sonny said Diane told him not to trust Ric, but he didn’t listen, and Alexis told him not to convict Ric just yet.

Ric and Ava stepped away, and Ric told Ava to never bother him again when he was with his daughter, but she said it couldn’t wait. She passed along the message and the terms were agreed to. They’d seal the deal tonight, but he’d better keep his end of the bargain. He said he planned to, no matter what.

Molly wondered what was up with Ric and Ava, and Cody asked if she thought something was going on between them. Molly asked if he didn’t, and he flashed back to finding Ric in Alexis’s basement. Molly said Ric seemed devoted to Elizabeth, and Cody promised her that her father wasn’t getting back together with Ava. She asked how he could be sure, and he said Ric knew how much Molly didn’t like her.

Kai brought Willow the list of who was pro and con WSB funding, and she said it looked evenly split. She’d have to sway some votes. Kai gave her a suggestion and offered to call, and she said that would be perfect. He asked if he could say hello to Drew, but she said Drew was taking his nap.  

Britt found Emma in an exam room and said Dr. Navarro had an emergency, so she was taking over her appointments and Emma was there for her annual GYN exam. Emma said she’d reschedule, but Britt said she was already in the gown, but okay. She looked at the schedule and said, could it wait until August? Emma said, fine. Let’s do it.

Carly said Valentin was probably right. Josslyn was the one who told Brennan. She needed to find her right now.

Nathan told Josslyn that it wasn’t going to work and to step away from the door. He came in with a tray of food and a blue Star Trek drink. (Seriously, what the what?) He said if she was thinking about going on the offensive, don’t. He had the advantage. She said she could help him, but he told her that Nathan was dead. She said she knew he was in there somewhere, but he explained that he was really Nathan’s twin brother Cassius Faison.

Ric came back to the table, where Cody sat alone, and Cody asked what was going on with him and Ava. Ric said he wouldn’t have anything to do with Ava if it wasn’t important, and that was all Cody needed to know. Cody said he hadn’t told Molly anything about Ava, Kristina, and Alexis keeping Ric prisoner in the basement, and Ric said he was grateful for Cody’s silence and for saving his life. Cody said Molly was important to him, and Ric said he wasn’t going to do anything to mess it up or mess up his relationship with his daughter. Molly came back and asked what they were talking about.

Alexis said she’d seen Ric working hard to earn back Sonny’s trust. He’d told her how important the relationship was. Maybe he was telling the truth. Sonny said they had the bond he’d wanted, but Ric had fooled all of them, and she told him that her gut said Ric didn’t want to jeopardize that. Sonny said his gut told him the same thing, but why did Ric lie and what was he hiding?

Britt went through the usual with Emma and asked if she wanted to renew her birth control prescription. Emma said she did, and Britt said they just had to do her pelvic exam and pap smear. Emma asked if it was necessary, and Britt said it was kind of the whole point.

Trina said she didn’t want to pressure Gio. If he didn’t want to, she’d understand. He said he had mixed feelings about it, when Carly walked in. She said she couldn’t get ahold of Josslyn, but Trina said she hadn’t seen Josslyn since last night. She’d figured Josslyn was pulling an all-nighter at the library. Carly said she was sure that was it, and Trina said if she saw Josslyn she’d tell her that Carly was looking for her.

Josslyn said she’d never heard about a twin brother, and Nathan said his existence had been kept a secret. Obrecht thought he’d died in childbrith. To be fair, it was his father’s idea. She said, he’d been pretending? and he said not many people had questioned his memory lapse because they were grateful to have their beloved Nathan back. She said, Anna questioned it. She’d had his body exhumed and it was missing. He said he’d arranged it because he knew the DNA wouldn’t match and he hacked the PCPD database to replace Nathan’s fingerprints with his own. Josslyn said, why confess now? and he said she may as well know the truth. She asked if he was planning on killing her.

Trina said she’d call Gio tomorrow, but he said Emma was right and it was better than picking up the violin again. The guitar was fun. She said they’d let it be fun then, and he said, let’s do it. Kai came in and said, do what?

Britt said Emma was done except for a nurse doing a blood draw for SDIs the pap smear couldn’t detect. Emma said her mom got HIV from a guy who didn’t know he had it, and Britt said partners sometimes lied. Emma said Britt knew about that, like how Britt had lied to her dad about being pregnant. She asked if they were done, since Britt was making her headache worse, and Britt asked what was up with that. Emma said it was from her birth control. Dr. Navarro had explained it sometimes did that. Britt said it was a common side effect, but Emma could switch to a different pill. Would she like to discuss her options? Emma said, sure.

Willow told Nina that she knew how to get leverage over Drew. The night she’d shot him, she was totally desperate. Now she was ready to move on. She just wanted Drew out of her life. Nina said they couldn’t let him recover until they were sure he wouldn’t come after Willow, and Willow said, that’s where Chief Brennan came in. She’d offered to get him more funding for the WSB and give him the credit, and Kai was helping her do that. In exchange, Jack would find something for her to get leverage over Drew. It was the only way to get her life back and ensure she’d keep her kids. Her phone rang and she had to take the call. She told Nina to give Drew his shot and left the room, and Nina said she couldn’t go one like this anymore.

Cullum said he had a clean bill of health and he wanted to look at the evidence from his shooting, but Jack said they didn’t have it. The PCPD collected it and it was theirs. He’d been acting on orders from Cullum’s office. Britt had ID’d Jason as the shooter and Jason hadn’t contradicted it. Cullum said, once again, Jack’s incompetence proved he had no business running the Port Charles station. Therefore, he was taking command immediately.

Carly told Valentin that she still couldn’t find Josslyn and Trina hadn’t seen her since last night. Valentin said they didn’t know if Josslyn was actually missing, but Jack might have something to do with it. He might have sent her away on assignment. Carly said they had to figure out where she was and force Jack to bring her back, and Valentin said he had a way, but she wasn’t going to like it.

Josslyn said she knew Nathan’s real identity, so he couldn’t let her go, and he said he was improvising, since he hadn’t known last night would get so out of control. She wondered how the room was set up perfectly for a hostage and asked who else had been there. He told her to stop asking questions. He’d bought her act until Britt told him that she was WSB. She said she knew she couldn’t trust Britt and Britt had known his real identity the entire time. She assumed he was also working for Cullum and Sidwell, and he said he and Britt wanted out. He didn’t want to kill her. She told him that she wouldn’t say anything and could help him, but he said she wasn’t going anywhere and didn’t even know where she was. No one would suspect the golden retriever of the PCPD had anything to do with her disappearance.

Britt told Emma that she could pick up her prescription at the pharmacy and schedule a follow-up with Dr. Navarro, but Emma said she may as well stick with Britt for now. Britt said see her in six weeks.

Ava arrived at the gallery and said she had a private sale later, so Trina could take the rest of the day off. She insisted.

Cody told Molly that he’d been asking what was going on with Ava and Ric, and Ric told them, like Ava said, it was unfinished business, nothing important. He asked about Molly’s book tour, and she said she’d be gone in the summer for at least a month. Cody said he’d be going with her, and Ric said that was good. He’d noticed how happy Cody made her. Cody said he couldn’t take all the credit. Molly had been happy since Ric stuck around. Molly agreed and told Ric, please don’t do anything to screw that up.

Sonny told Alexis that he wasn’t surprised Ric betrayed him, but was surprised he didn’t want it to be true. She said it seemed they were closer, and Sonny said they were closer than ever. That’s why he was giving Ric the benefit of the doubt. Alexis said, what if Ric was going after him again? and Sonny said he didn’t know what he’d do, but they’d be done. There would be no coming back.

Jack asked if he’d be reassigned, but Cullum said he’d be staying on for now and taking orders directly from him. Unless he wanted a transfer. Jack said he wanted what was best for the Bureau, and Cullum said, first, Jack would hand over all his files, including the list of agents working for him.

Nathan said he’d be back later and asked Josslyn to quit making a run for it. She asked, what about Cullum and Sidwell? They didn’t strike her as the types to leave witnesses. He said he’d do his best to keep her alive, but she had to trust him, and she asked why she should. He asked if she had any other options… Right. So she should stop thinking of him as her captor and start thinking about him as her best shot of surviving this. He left.

Nina said, as much as she hated Drew, she didn’t take any pleasure in this. No one should be kept in this condition, even him. She was sorry. She prepared the shot and said she just had to support her daughter and trust they’d find a way out for everyone sake. Her phone rang and she left the prepared syringe on the table, where Drew eyeballed it. Valentin told Nina that he had a job for her.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Sonny asks what Ethan’s got, and Ethan says he’s been on Ric all day. He met up with Ava at the MetroCourt Gardens – again. They left separately, but they met up later. Sonny asks, where? and Ethan says, Ava’s gallery. Sonny says, just the two of them, and Ethan says, just the two of them. It was just the two of them when he left, yeah. Sonny bangs on the table and says his brother’s slipping. He’s not covering his tracks like he used to.

At the gallery, Ric tells Ava, don’t even think about backing out now, and she says, he came to her, remember? She didn’t ask for this. He tells her that he’d say she asked for plenty – he taps on his briefcase – and she’ll get it. She says she’d better, and Ric asks what time he’s getting here. She says, soon, and he says, how soon is soon? She tells him to relax and he says, that’s easy for her to say. She says she told him, she’s going to follow through on her promise. Doesn’t she always?

Nina wheels Drew into the bedroom and suggests they stay in there because Jack Brennan is on his way here. He’s going to walk in with no idea what he’s walking into. Not that she’s any better, because Valentin didn’t say anything to her when he called. He didn’t tell her anything. But because Drew’s been trying to communicate so much, she has to give him his weekly dose before Jack gets here and before Valentin can think of some other chore to call and interrupt her with… Oh. Oh my God. No, no, no. She runs into the living room.

At the MetroCourt, Lucas tells Felicia, this was nice, and she says, it was. It is. He says, it’s nice seeing her outside the hospital walls. They should do it more often. She says, yes, they should, and they will. Unfortunately, she’s fallen down on the job lately. He says, what job? And she says he knows his mom likes her checking in on him and his sister. He says, don’t worry. He’s fine. She says, uh-oh. Does that mean that Carly’s not? He says, depends on who you ask.

Nina runs around like a chicken with its head cut off, and grabs the syringe. She goes back in the bedroom and closes the door. She says, okay. She definitely doesn’t need anyone walking in on them while she’s injecting him, so she’s just gonna do it here. All right? Where they have some privacy. And she totally doesn’t need anyone listening to her talking to herself. So… She preps his arm with alcohol and says she doesn’t know how Willow does it. She makes it look so easy, but Willow told her that he was overdue, so they have to do this… Can he please not look at her while she does it? He continues to stare at her, and she’s about to give him the shot, when she hears someone outside and runs back to the living room.

Carly says, absolutely not, but Valentin says, it’s already set in motion. She says, he has to unset it. He has to come up with a solution that doesn’t involve her. He says he’s willing to do whatever it takes to find out where Jack took Josslyn. Is she? She says, of course (🍷) she is, but whatever it takes shouldn’t involve putting her daughter’s life in Nina’s hands.

Nina runs around some more and finally puts the syringe under a toy truck on a shelf. She opens the door to Jack, and he says, so. She has something for him on Valentin? She says, hi to you too.

Dante takes some Alka-Seltzer and flashes back to telling Elizabeth that he needs a sample so he can run it against the sample found on the gun. He knows he’s asking a huge thing. This is not just keeping a dog bite off the books and he knows he’s putting her in a bad spot with HIPPA and everything, but this shooting, it happened in their town with people that they know, and he doesn’t trust the WSB. She says, the WSB took Jake’s father. She doesn’t trust them either. There’s a knock at the door, and he lets Elizabeth in. She says she hopes she’s not in any trouble, and he says, no, of course (🍷) not. Does she want to have a seat? She sits, and he says he got the test results from Cullum’s blood sample. She says, that was fast, and he says, yeah. He had them put a rush on it. She says, and? Was it Cullum’s blood on the gun?

Lulu goes out on the porch, when Nathan approaches, and she asks, what happened to him? He says, it was a perp. Where’s the kids? She says, out, and he asks if she can get Rocco to come home, but she says she’d rather not. Why? What’s going on? He says, she’s got to send him away tonight or Cullum will end his life.

Valentin says, she forged an alliance, and Carly says she knows that. He says, they don’t need Brennan suspicious when she reaches out to him, but she says he’s giving Nina more credit than she deserves. The stakes are too high. She doesn’t trust Nina. And if he’s right that Jack has shipped Josslyn off to some WSB outpost for the sole purpose of getting back at her… My God. He says he’s sorry. He should have seen this coming. He should have known that Jack would use Josslyn as a way to retaliate. He goes to a storage cabinet, takes out his gun, and puts it in his waistband. He says he can make it right, so let him, and he walks out.

Jack says he assumes Nina brought him here because she finally has something for him on Valentin, and she says, he looks terrible. Is he all right? He says, just tell him why he’s here, and she says she wanted to discuss the arrangement he has with Willow. He says he wasn’t aware he needed to discuss his arrangement with her, and she says, well, it shouldn’t be a big surprise. Willow is her daughter and she’s working hard to secure WSB fundings through her congressional office. He says, yeah, she better be, and Nina says, now she needs to make sure that he’s going to hold up his end of the bargain. Is he positive he can find incriminating evidence against Drew? He says, if he were her, he’d worry less about his arrangement with Willow and more about her promise to him and what’s going to happen if she betrays him.

Lulu says they already talked about this, but Nathan says, things are different now. Cullum got out of the hospital. She says, today? and he says, yes. And they both know the first thing he’s gonna do is find and punish the person who shot him. She asks why she would know that, and he says, come on. Rocco told them that he shot Cullum in the back while he was facing Jason, which means that Cullum knows that Jason couldn’t have been the one to do it. And yet Jason still hasn’t denied it. So then the question becomes, who is important enough to Jason to protect. Right? She says, right, and he says, okay. So once you ask that question, once you start taking stock of all of the people who connect to Jason and Britt, how long do you think it’s going to take Cullum to get to Rocco? He may have done it already. He may have figured it out already. She asks if he’s trying to scare her, but he says, no. He’s trying to save her son’s life.

Dante says, so, that was not Cullum’s blood on the gun, and Elizabeth says, okay. Any theories on whose it is? He says, that’s why he wanted her to come by. He has another favor to ask her. She says, look, she wants to help him and she will help him, but getting Cullum’s blood sample without a warrant will get nothing. She only did it because she trusts him. He says, no. He knows that too. He won’t ask her to put herself at risk again. He promises. She thanks him, and he says he’s just got stuff going through his head a little bit and he was hoping that he could work through it with her. She says, well, then she’s listening, and he says, so Jason’s blood was on the gun. Jason handled the gun. That part is not up for debate. She says, well, so did somebody else, right? and he says, right, but it wasn’t Britt and it wasn’t Cullum. She says, which would indicate that there was at least one other person on the pier that night, and he says, right, but Cullum, Jason, Britt, none of them made any mention of anyone else being there. But they know someone else handled that gun. So one or all of them are lying about what actually went down that night.  

Ric says, Ava following through on her promises, that’s rich, and she says, name one that she’s broken. He says, let’s see. When she went behind his back and started working with Alexis. She says, he did it to her, and he says he had to. She was being reckless. And by the way, he hasn’t forgiven her for her little part in holding him hostage in Alexis’s basement with the ball gag. She says, if he keeps talking about that, she’s going to start to think he liked it, and he says he and Elizabeth could have been killed in that car wreck. If anybody deserved to benefit from that payout, it would be them. She says, there it is, and he says, there what is? She says, God forbid he should go five seconds without bringing up his precious Elizabeth.

Sonny tells Ethan that he didn’t want to believe it. Ric’s up to something with Ava. Ava’s in bed with Sidwell. You do the math. Ethan says, on the surface, it doesn’t look good, and Sonny says, no, and there was no meeting. Ethan says he’s sorry, and Sonny says he had his reservations, but now he positively knows, Ric is out to get him.

Dante says, Jason shooting Cullum isn’t beyond the scope, right? and Elizabeth says, no, but the way it was all handled doesn’t sound like him at all. Dante says, no, but that’s not really what’s bothering him, and she says, okay. What else? He says, Jason’s fired how many guns in his life and he gets a slide bite. It’s a rookie injury. Makes him think someone else got their hands on that gun and Jason decided to cover for them. She says she thinks she knows who it was.

Lulu tells Nathan that the only people who know Rocco pulled the trigger as of right now are them, Jason, and Britt. And he promised Britt would stay quiet. He says, she will, but right now, it’s Rocco they’ve got to worry about, and she says, why? He says, she knows why. The kid is clearly struggling. He could crack at any moment. Hell, he kind of already did. He told Britt everything. The only thing protecting Rocco right now is the fact that Cullum does not know. She says she’ll talk to Rocco and make sure he understands, but he says, they tried that already, and still the kid cracked under the guilt. And he doesn’t blame him. What he’s going through is terrible, but it’s only a matter of time before he tells somebody else. And maybe it’s Danny or Charlotte, but maybe it’s not. Maybe it’s a total stranger. Look, the guilt is clearly getting to him. He’s getting sloppy. It’s not safe for him to be here. She says, stop telling her how to protect her son. Sending him away is only going to cause more damage. He needs to be here with his family, with her, his mother, who knows exactly what happened and why. She will do everything in her power to help him… Don’t look at her like that, like she’s some kind of child that doesn’t understand. He says, that’s not what he thinks of her. He just thinks that she is vastly underestimating how lethal Cullum is. She says she doesn’t care. She’s not sending Rocco away based on hypotheticals and what-ifs. He says, fine. Then he needs to ask her a question and needs her to be honest with him. Nobody knows her son like she does, right? She says, that’s right, and he says, okay. So knowing that, knowing what she knows and the pressure that he’s under, does she really think Rocco can keep this secret much longer?

Lucas gets a text from Carly asking where he is and he says, oh, speak of the devil. Felicia says, Carly? and he says, she wants to know where he is. Felicia says, tell her to join them. She’d love to see her. He says he’s surprised Carly wants to see him, and she asks, how come? He tells Felicia that he’ll just say he pushed her to rethink her relationship patterns, and she says, that makes sense. He says, it does? and she says, maybe he doesn’t want to lose Carly the way he lost Marco. How is he doing? He tells her that when he said he was okay earlier, he lied. He’s a mess. She says she thought that might be the case, and he says his emotions are all over the place. Answering, how are you? it just feels impossible sometimes. She says, it’s easy to put on a brave face, just tell everybody he’s okay, and he says he loved Marco. She says she knows he did, and he says he didn’t realize how much of Marco he’d asked until it was too late. She says, it’s not his fault Marco died, but he says, it’s not guilt that he’s feeling. It’s more regret. Not that it does him any good. She says, it rarely does, and he says, Marco’s gone and there’s nothing he can do to bring him back, but he can’t let go until he does something to honor him.

Nina glances at the syringe under the toy truck and says, the sooner Jack finds evidence against Drew, the better for everyone. So what has he found so far? Jack says he has several promising leads, and she says, really? In the bedroom, Drew concentrates on listening, and Jack says, yes. Nothing actionable yet, but yes. She says, okay, leads are good. What are they? He says he doesn’t trust her not to interfere, and she asks what he’s saying to her. Is he trying to tell her that he doesn’t have anything? He tells her that what he’s trying to say to her is that he has a superior who has taken over his office and he can’t afford to have him tipped off to their arrangement. So he will make his move when the scrutiny lets up. She says, okay, but when will that be? and he says, when it lets up. He’ll just have to patient and so will she. She says, okay, so he’s telling her that he doesn’t have anything. She needs him to find something. Okay. All right. He needs to leave. And he needs to leave Port Charles – now.

Lulu tells Nathan that she can’t say for certain what Rocco will do, and he says, exactly. She says, but she can only hope that someday he will see that he saved the lives of the people he cared about. But until then, she knows in her heart that sending him away all by himself is not the answer. He says, then go with him. Take him to Ireland to visit Kevin and Ace. She says, for what? A mother/son bonding trip? He says, sure, why not? It’s almost summer. No one will question it. She asks what he’s talking about. His father would. He has one. Remember? Dante loves Rocco. He’s not going to be okay with her just taking him to Europe without him knowing why. And even if he was, he might not agree to it. Nathan says he’s not talking about forever. Just until the scrutiny passes. She says, okay. What about Charlotte, her mom, their home, school? She and Rocco have a life here. He says, she’s not listening, but she says, no. He is not listening to her. Rocco is a child who is dealing with something traumatic, and his solution is to rip him away from the people who care about him. He says, no. His solution is to save Rocco’s life. She says, if Cullum finds out… He says, it’s not a matter of if, and she says, when Cullum finds out, regardless of what anyone else says, including his father, she will take her son and run. She knows what to do and she will do it if necessary. It’s just not necessary yet.

Elizabeth tells Dante that she’s treated slide bites before. In fact, she treated one the night of the shooting. At least she’s 90% sure that’s what it was. Dante says, 90%. That’s pretty good odds. She says, yeah, but there’s a chance she could always be wrong, and he says, look, if she knows something and she doesn’t feel like it’s going to put herself at risk and she wants to tell him, then… It could help free Jason, bring Jake and Danny their father back. She says she had a patient come in with an injury that was consistent with having fired a gun, and he says, this injury being a slide bite. She says, consistent with a slide bite, yes, and he says, got it. He’s gone over the evidence several times. He doesn’t remember seeing anything from GH about that. She says, well, that was her fault. She knows she’s supposed to report any gun related injury… He says, but she didn’t. Why not? She says she was trying to do a favor for a friend, just like she is now, and he asks, who was the patient? She says, it was Rocco.

Ethan asks, so what’s the move? and Sonny says he needs to confront Ric tonight. Ethan says, all right, let’s do that, and Sonny says, he’s going to positively deny it and things are going to get ugly. Ethan says, how so? and Sonny says, because he’s going to need to know why Ric’s involved with Sidwell and Ric’s not going to give it up that easily. Ric’s just going to look him straight in the face and say, on their mother’s grave, he has nothing to do with Ava or Sidwell. Ethan says he stands by what he saw. He can’t walk that back. Sonny says, good. Because once this starts, there’s no stopping it.

Ric tells Ava, come on. Do not pretend like he broke her heart. But she got her divorce settlement from Nikolas intact. He’s still waiting for his thank you card, by the way. She says, that money was stolen from her. She was just recovering what was hers. He says, yes, and she got it. Now she’s going to have several crisp new reasons to keep that buried. She says, he’s working awfully hard for this transaction. What’s in it for him? Sonny is going to be none too pleased when he finds out that Ric’s partnered with her. Ric says he’s just doing what he has to do, when Ava’s phone dings. Ric asks, what is it? and she says, he just texted. He’s here.

Carly walks into the restaurant, and Felicia says, look who’s here. Lucas didn’t tell Carly she was with him? He says he didn’t think he had to. Did he? Carly says, no. It’s always so great to see her. He says, Carly looks – she says, careful – upset, and she says, it hasn’t been a great few days. Felicia says, sit, and Carly sits down. Lucas says, tell them everything, and she says she and Jack Brennan are done.

Nina says, Jack has to go, and he says, she called him over here and now she can’t wait for him to leave. She says, please trust her. He has to leave. He asks why she needs him to leave so badly, and Valentin says he was kind of wondering the same thing. He stands in a doorway with his gun drawn and says, close the door, and Nina closes it. Valentin says, Nina, Nina, Nina. He was warned about her, that she couldn’t be trusted. He guesses he should have listened. Hi, Jack. Thanks for joining us. Want to get down to business?

Jack says, so that’s what this is all about? She brought him in for Valentin? She says she didn’t have a choice. He knew about their deal over Charlotte. He figured it out. Jack says, that’s just it, huh? She’s serving him up to Valentin on a silver platter. She says she didn’t know he’d bring a gun, and Valentin says, that’s enough. He tells Jack to hand over his weapon, and Jack gives Valentin his gun. Valentin puts it on the mantel and asks where Jack sent Josslyn. Jack asks what he’s talking about, and Valentin says, don’t play dumb. Jack asks, what happened to Josslyn? and Valentin says he doesn’t have time for this. Jack says, Valentin thinks he sent Josslyn somewhere to punish Carly? and Valentin says, he didn’t? Jack says, no, and Valentin says, see, here’s the thing. If Jack is lying, then they’re through here. If Jack’s telling him the truth, then Jack is useless to him. And neither scenario ends well for him.

Carly says, they were both right about Jack. Lucas warned her how many times? He says, too many to count, and she says, and Felicia. Felicia spoke up in the hospital after she was poisoned. Felicia says she remembers, but no one is judging Carly, least of all her. She knows from experience what it’s like to love someone whose first allegiance, despite their best intentions, will always be to the Bureau. Carly says she knows Felicia does, and Felicia says, there’s no way to build something real, something honest, when that’s the foundation of your relationship. Carly says she guesses she learned that the hard way, and Felicia says, knowing that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Carly says, it doesn’t, and thanks Felicia for saying that. Felicia says she’s going to lave the two of them to talk, and tells Lucas, we’ll do this again soon? He says, absolutely, and Felicia leaves. He tells Carly, okay, spill, and she says she did. He says he wants the real reason she and Jack broke up. It certainly wasn’t because he told her to. She says, how does he know? and he says, because she never listens to him. Jack found out she was cheating on him, didn’t he?

Dante says, Rocco, that can’t be, and Elizabeth says she’s so sorry. She can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now and she knows it sounds crazy. He says, it does sound crazy, Rocco shooting a WSB agent. He’s never even held a gun. She says she’s only telling him what she witnessed, and he says he knows. Okay. Maybe can she start from the beginning? She says she was on duty at the hospital when Lulu came in and Lulu had her paged specifically because Rocco had cut his hand. He says, right. Rocco was helping Lulu in the kitchen. There was an accident, a knife slipped. She says, that’s what they told her too, but it wasn’t a knife cut. It was a slide bite. He says she seems pretty certain, and she says, at the time, she didn’t have any context, so she didn’t question it. But then… Remember at the hospital, he asked her how Rocco seemed because he felt Rocco had been awfully quiet and withdrawn. He says, yeah. She said she noticed it too. She says, yeah, including the night of the shooting. Rocco was not himself and neither was Lulu. Lulu was all on edge and she just thought maybe Lulu was just worried about her son’s hand. But then… He says he doesn’t believe it, and she says, and he’s right. Jason wouldn’t make those kinds of mistakes. And the list of people he would go to prison for just isn’t that long. He says, but Sonny’s grandkid, Danny’s brother, he’d be on that list.

Lulu says, for the time being, Rocco stays here and so does she, and Nathan says he thinks she’s making a mistake. She says, he’s made several. Starting with coming into her home and lecturing her repeatedly about what’s best for her child. And then he all but demands that she listen to him instead of doing what she thinks is right. Like he knows Rocco better than she does? He tells her that he never said this, and she says, get this and get this now. She will not send Rocco away to God knows where for God knows how long. He says, then she’s leaving him with no way to protect him or her. Why is she being so stubborn and naïve about this? He thought she was smarter than this.

Dante wonders, why would Rocco do such a thing? but Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. She just knew that she didn’t want to get him into trouble. And she didn’t want to put Dante in the position that she’s put him in now. He says, she didn’t out him anywhere. This isn’t on her. If anything, everything’s falling into place right now. Jason and Britt’s statement. Rocco… Saying his name doesn’t even feel real. She says she’s really sorry, but he says she shouldn’t be apologizing to him. He should be apologizing to her. She says, what? and he says, Jason is Jake’s father. Jason is in a WSB prison for covering for his son. Elizabeth has stakes here too. She says, not in the same way, and he says, Jason just took the fall for his kid. She says, and that’s the only part that does make sense, because that is something Jason would do.

Carly says, yes, Jack figured it out and he knows everything, and Lucas says, yikes. She says she wonders how that happened, and he says, don’t look at him, but she says she’s absolutely looking at him. He says, first, he and Jack Brennan don’t talk, okay? Secondly, he would never do that to her. And not just because it’s wrong, but because, as she knows, he was worried about what would happen if Jack found out. She says, he was right to worry because Jack’s dangerous and she gets that now, and he says, better late than never. She says she needs to know how Jack found out, and he asks if she’s sure Jack didn’t just figure it out on his own. She says, he didn’t just figure it out on his own. When he came over, he let himself in. He barged into her bedroom and he was angry. Someone told him. And if it wasn’t him… If he didn’t say anything to anyone, how did it get back to Josslyn?

Ava says, now that Ric got what he so desperately wanted, she believes they discussed today’s commission for her having introduced the two of them. He says, actually, it wasn’t so bad, and she says, practically painless. He says, maybe for her. She got what she wanted. She says, don’t kid yourself. We both did. He hands her an envelope of money and as she’s counting it, Sonny and Ethan walk in.

Jack says, so this is how it ends, huh? Valentin lures him here, gets the drop on him, and pulls a gun. Valentin says he knows. It’s too easy. Jack’s lost his edge. But Jack did let him take the fall for him. Sent him to Steinmauer. Remember that? Jack says he remembers Valentin being in Steinmauer, and Valentin says, that went well. Almost admirable. And now he’s targeting girls like Josslyn. That’s low, even for him. Jack says he doesn’t know anything about that. Now why doesn’t Valentin put down the gun? Because if something happened to Josslyn, Valentin is going to need him to find her. Valentin says, no. He found someone he likes working with a lot more. Nina screams, no! as Jack lunges for Valentin’s gun. They struggle and Nina tells them not to kill each other. Stop! Drew continues to listen, and Valentin loses the gun. Jack knocks him to the floor, and Valentin crawls toward the gun, but Jack pulls him back.

Elizabeth says, they were looking into Cullum’s shooting and she was just praying that when he was done, it would be Cullum’s blood on that gun. Dante says, it would have made things whole lot easier, and she says, some things, maybe. She gets up and heads for the door and says, he knows how much she cares about Rocco and she’ll do anything to protect him. He says, that’s supposed to be his job though, right? As a parent, he was supposed to protect him. And he failed. She says, but he didn’t know Rocco needed protecting, and he says, yeah, but he should have. She says, how? and he says he doesn’t know. She knew. She says, because she had information he didn’t, and he says, this whole time, Rocco was struggling. He just thought Rocco was feeling for Danny because… The guilt must be eating him alive, you know. Like he shot someone. That brings its own trauma, but he’s also the reason Danny’s now without his father, right after he’s lost his mom. She says she knows. It’s too much for both of them. He says he could have been there for Rocco. He could have helped him through this. He shouldn’t have to shoulder this weight alone… He wasn’t alone, right? She says she doesn’t think so, and he says, Britt must have known. She says she assumes so, and he says, Lulu knows too. Elizabeth says she’s pretty sure Lulu does, and he wonders how she could do that. This whole time their son has been struggling in this enormous amount of pain. How could she lie to him about something this important?

Lulu asks if Nathan is saying she’s stupid, but he says he thinks she’s failing to grasp how dangerous this situation is. She says, I’m sorry, detective. Then he obviously doesn’t know her, because she knows exactly what’s going on. He says, then she would know that all he wants to do is protect Rocco, and she says, really? By destroying him? Because that’s what sending him away would do. And if he can’t see that, then she thought he was smarter than that. He says, come on, and she says, consider himself removed from the situation. He says, all right. Her son, her secret. He won’t do anything to change that. He leaves and looks at her for a moment through the window before he walks away from the house.

Lucas says he’s just fine with Brennan no longer being Carly’s hug honey. The way she ended things might not have been ideal, but her whole thing wasn’t healthy, so why would the break-up be any different? She says, Josslyn didn’t want her with him from the beginning, and he says, same. She says, okay. Well, maybe Josslyn figured things out and she told Jack because she wanted to drive them apart. He says, let him ask her this. Is Brennan worth her tanking her relationship with her daughter? She says, of course (🍷) not, and he says, then she needs to talk to her. She says, that’s all she wants to do. The only thing that matters is finding Josslyn and making things right.

Drew looks as worried as he can, while Nina continues to holler in the living room. She keeps yelling, no! Stop! Valentin kicks Jack away and grabs the gun, and they struggle over it again. Nina grabs the syringe from under the toy truck and stabs Jack with it near his neck. She backs away, and both Valentin and Jack look surprised. Jack drops to the floor.

Ric asks what Sonny is doing here, and Sonny says he could ask Ric the same thing. Ava asks if they can have their family reunion someplace else? but Sonny says, no, they can’t. She says, then she’ll have to be the one to leave, but Ethan says he thinks they’ll all just stay put for the moment. Sonny cocks his gun, and Ric says, wait, wait. Whoa, whoa. What the hell’s going on here? Sonny says, Ric came to him and said he could trust him. Then Ric betrayed him again. He’s telling Ric right now, this is the last time.

On Monday, Carly tells Charlotte that she can’t do that, no matter what happens; Drew moves his finger; and Lulu asks if Dante has evidence that Rocco shot Cullum.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

The first thing I thought was how nice it was too.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-eden-mccoy-on-josslyns-fight-to-survive-cassius

My guess is, there is no next for Jack and Carly.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-exclusive-whats-next-for-jack-carly-laura-wright-chris-mckenna-talk-fallout

Two different connections dissected.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-ric-and-eilzabeths-twisted-romantic-history-explained

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospital-ethans-connection-to-delilah-baby-phoebes-mother-revealed

Just for fun. Hmm… I wonder if it’s harder for him to get a date now.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-cameron-mathison-opens-up-about-dating-after-divorce

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

Mike baited Alesia, telling her that she should have been 2nd stew, but Alesia didn’t take the bait. Daisy said she’d warned him about gossiping and he was working until 9 pm. He said, we’ll see about that, and she said she’d have him kicked him off the boat. She went to see Captain Jason – ha-ha! Jason has a pet fish – and gave him a rundown on the situation. The captain called Mike to the bridge, and Mike went from being his own HOD to being fired. Captain Jason said Mike was the source of the toxicity on the boat. He’d been disrespectful to a team leader and he was sending Mike home. In Mike’s interview, he said it wasn’t the first time he’d been sacked for being entertaining, but he couldn’t change who he was. Ellie told Alesia that Jenna was evil, and Ben whined about wasting time with the wrong woman. A new stew was coming and Daisy didn’t want to room with sh*t stirrer Ellie, so to accommodate the new stew and herself, she moved in with João and shuffled everyone else around. Of course Ellie made it about her. Sujay and Brenna were the primaries for the next charter, and were bringing along some friends and Sujay’s parents. In Sujay’s interview (new thing alert – guest interviews), he said his parents had sacrificed everything for their children’s education. He was a doctor now and he wanted his parents to live their best lives. The friends he was bringing were all in the medical field and also all kids at heart. First on the agenda was an 80s night, and while the décor was rad, I think disco balls are more 70s. When Daisy helped make shrimp cocktails, Ellie grabbed a shrimp out of her hand, which was not cool and all uncool. Alesia told Daisy that Ellie was talking about her behind her back, and Daisy asked what Ellie thought this was. Days of Our Lives? Alesia said she didn’t know what that was.😯In Daisy’s interview, she said Ellie was gaslighting front, back, and center. If she kept it up, she’d be fired next. Ellie bitched endlessly to Ben, saying Jenna and João were two snakes, and told Alesia that Jenna and João were all over each other in the hot tub. Jenna was evil.

Real Housewives Of Rhode Island

Alicia rented a 28-bedroom castle in Newport for a girls’ trip and the property was beyond fabulous. Old-timey cars had been sent to take them there, and the package included two butlers as well. It was also the 100th anniversary of the town. Kelsey broke up with her sugar daddy, and said being an adult was stressful.😕It was amazing how much she didn’t know, like how to keep a checkbook or cross the street. There was a doll tea party with each woman being assigned a doll, which was kind of cute. Then a masquerade dinner where they were assigned masks that matched their personality. They were to reveal something about themselves as they took their masks off, which was actually somewhat interesting. Jo-Ellen claimed that not getting enough love in her childhood was what made her into an a-hole. I paraphrase. Ashley spoke about leaving the sugar bowl, but her ex was still helping her, so not quite. There was a big to-do about Ashley saying her father left them homeless and Liz not having it. In Liz’s interview, she said Ashley had a big family and moved in with her grandparents, which wasn’t exactly shabby. There was a whole bunch of stuff about Rosie not telling the truth, and in Liz’s interview, she said the castle was big, quirky, and wild, not unlike them.

Summer House

Jesse had volunteered for a summer camp for kids with cancer, since he was a cancer survivor and wanted to give back. West and Ciara came with him, and in Ciara’s interview, she said she’d missed West as a friend. Of course, we’re all looking at this with West and Amanda eyes now, so everything is examined microscopically. Lindsay told Amanda that Carl’s mom had brought up past pain. Carl never had a respectful conversation with her and she was tired of being treated like a villain, while they were the victims. She couldn’t handle it anymore. It was the housemates’ last weekend in the Hamptons, so they began it with a water gun fight. KJ said he’d been himself for first time there and it was ending too soon. That’s one perspective. Ciara said suggested to Kyle that he and Amanda spend a month apart while still going to therapy and having date nights. They could fall back in love. She’d had the same conversation with Amanda, who said she didn’t disagree, but felt like it was a last ditch effort. In Ciara’s interview, she said Amanda deserved more, but she knew Kyle. He was wrong, but he had feelings too. Ciara told Kyle that she thought there was too much togetherness, since he and Amanda lived and worked in the same space together. In typical juvenile fashion, those at the first night’s dinner chanted and banged their silverware on the table until Carl and Bailey kissed. In Carl’s interview, he said the Australian Bachelor had nothing on him. Kyle announced that he was going to Vegas, where he was working on a residency contract for 2026. Lindsay asked if he’d discussed it with Amanda, referencing the Reunion where Amanda said she wanted to have kids with someone who wanted to have them with her. He clearly wasn’t ready, but Amanda was. Kyle said Amanda wasn’t ready, and they talked about Amanda like she wasn’t there. Kyle said he felt like he was under attack. He spiraled, yelled, walked out, and threw things. Carl followed him out, telling him to chill, and a fist fight commenced. Ho-hum.

The Valley

The group went to San Diego and Schwartz invited his new girlfriend Kiana along. When they got to the Airbnb or whatever, Jesse and Zack acted like Ramona 1 and 2, grabbing their rooms. They took a trip to an amusement park, and although Kristen said she was feeling like sh*t, she toughed it out. In Kristen’s interview, we had to hear TMI about her first period after having the baby. Since Michelle had recently lost her mother, Lala commiserated, telling Michelle about how much she missed her father.  

Southern Hospitality

Continuing in the DR, Lake was outed for sleeping with Oisin, and there was a bunch of discussion about it at breakfast. The group went ziplining and had something called Dinner in the Sky, which you couldn’t pay me enough to do. The dinner table was on a platform a million miles up (okay, I exaggerate… a little), so God forbid you should drop your napkin. Molly said Emmy had a weird vibe, but I’m not sure how you’d tell with this bunch. Michols and TJ seemed to be catching feelings, and they also went to a crazy Mardi Gras-ish burlesque type club which was glamourous and crowded to capacity.

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills – Reunion Part 3

Erika said Dorit’s claims that she was being antagonistic to save her job were hurtful and untrue. Dorit accused Sutton of being a social climber, and Kathy suggested Sutton explain that she was a socialite. Andy said Sutton had been to the Met ball numerous times, and Dorit apologized, but Sutton said she didn’t care. Dorit felt attacked and screeched about Kyle talking behind her back. She insisted that Kyle went into the season with a plan, and threw around the c-word. Then she moved on to insisting someone told Erika – probably Kyle – to go after her and whined about Erika not being at her book cover reveal. Again I ask, who has those? Even my husband – who couldn’t care less – asked why anyone would have that. After an incredible amount of thought, Erika summed it up by saying she was really sad, but I think she just gave up trying to convey anything to Dorit. In the end, Erika and Dorit decided to take a break. I’m not sure exactly what that means, but I wouldn’t be able to tolerate Dorit for more than five minutes. Maybe. As they wrapped things up, Andy asked what everyone would be manifesting, calling it the Amanda Francis impact. Kathy wanted happiness and good health for everyone and desired they would all be full of joy. Jennifer wanted to win the World Series of Poker, and Amanda said, goodness for everyone (zzzz…) and more of the great life she already had. Erika wanted to be free from her old life and onto new things, and Sutton chose having a man in her life, which Erika called man-o-festing. Rachel wanted to keep laughing through life and have a guy who made her laugh to make out with. Dorit was manifesting staying on track with PK and said she knew it was her year. Kyle wanted to survive her daughters moving out, along with manifesting inner peace and peace within the group. Good luck with that. Boz had a great answer and closest to the one I’d give. She wanted to manifest never hearing the word manifesting again. Andy had someone bring out Machatinis, along with two cakes for Kathy’s birthday. Kyle gave a toast to learning and growing, and having peace within themselves, their relationships, and the group. She hoped they all found peace together one day. Double good luck with that. Andy lifted a glass to 15 more seasons, which Amada thought was wonderful, apparently assuming she’d be there.

Random Reality Items

I miss her and her designer Frankenstein shoes.

She just said no.

Because I miss them already.

Keeping Archie in our thoughts and prayers. Please reach out to Shannon if you have any intel.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Trick. TubiTV, et al. Released in 1999, this isn’t exactly a new movie, but I needed a pick-me-up and it never fails. Gabriel is a young, gay musical writer in NYC, who’s not very good at being gay. Looking for love in all the wrong places, he meets Mark, a go-go boy. They try to find a place to be alone and fail miserably. An inconsiderate roommate, a clueless best friend, a nasty mean queen ex, and the universe in general conspire to keep them from hooking up, but along the way, they discover… Well, watch it. Despite the deceptive title, it’s the kind of film that will leave you smiling, funny and sweet without being saccharine. One of the things I loved most about it was the way it captured that time in life when you’re just starting out, optimistic about the future, and feel you can do anything. Having gone to acting school in NYC, I thought it was incredibly believable and captured the aura of struggling, hopeful artists to perfection. Tori Spelling is especially funny as Gabriel’s BFF and leading lady, and does a monologue about sh*t that never fails to crack me up. Supposedly, a Broadway musical is in the works, and I’d love to see that happen.

https://decider.com/2016/06/15/the-gay-we-were-trick

https://ew.com/article/1999/04/19/trick

Mr. Crocket. Hulu. – Children go missing, parents are found mutilated and dead, and the former host of a children’s show has made himself a presence in their lives via an old video tape. Mr. Crocket – a cross between Pee-wee Herman and William Marshall in Blacula – leaves a bloody trail in his wake, believing he is rescuing children from the abusive fate he had as a child. The town police are dummies and when two parents of missing children figure it out, they go to the dark side, where they find a skewed version of Mr. Crocket’s television show where he isn’t such a great housekeeper. The acting is authentic, the story both original and a little poignant, and there are some genuinely creepy moments.

https://culturecrypt.com/movie-reviews/mr-crocket-2024

Prey. Netflix. In this dubbed German film, a group of male friends get together for a getaway at a national park, a last hurrah before one of them gets married. It’s not long before they realize someone is hunting them and they’re picked off one by one. Simple and relatively short at around an hour and a half, I didn’t hate this. The acting is excellent, and while the premise isn’t incredibly original, the killer is a bit of a surprise. I also liked that it wasn’t a slow burn, and pretty relentless all the way through.

https://vanessasnonspoilers.com/archives/39082/prey-movie-2021-review-netflix-thriller

💃🏽 Artistic Fashion…

The Met Gala red carpet.

https://ew.com/met-gala-2026-red-carpet-photos-11963241

I don’t think there’s really a lot to unpack here.

https://ew.com/met-gala-2026-theme-explained-11965244

Lena Dunham, just no.

https://radaronline.com/p/met-gala-2026-red-carpet-best-and-worst-dressed-stars-photos

I figured Bad Bunny was the old guy in Grace by Eric Enstrom.

https://people.com/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2026-met-gala-11966648

I didn’t think Lauren Sánchez Bezos’ gown was so awful. While it was simple, maybe she was playing it lowkey to give others a chance for the spotlight.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a71204010/best-worst-dressed-met-gala-2026

After the ball is over.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a70820808/2026-met-gala-after-party-looks

🎭 All the World’s a Stage…

This year’s Tony nominees.

https://ew.com/2026-tony-awards-nominations-see-full-list-11961826

🧹 I Smell a Sequel…

A third installment of the tale of the Sanderson sisters is on the horizon.

https://ew.com/hocus-pocus-3-officially-in-development-bette-midler-sarah-jessica-parker-kathy-najimy-11968539

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/hocus-pocus-3-sequel

👿 Restoring the Condemned…

A fast and loose adaption of Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun about a 17th century witchcraft trial. I was always a big Oliver Reed fan, so I’ve seen this a couple of times. Not for the weak.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/the-devils-4k-restoration

🐶🐱 How Pet Moms Can Celebrate…

📸 Have your photo taken.

https://pethelpful.com/pet-news/petco-mothers-day-event-pet-moms-2026

💞 Deepen your bond.

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/dog-mothers-day-on-saturday-bond-with-pets

💐 Make sure they’re safe.

https://www.aspca.org/news/make-your-mom-and-your-pets-smile-guide-pet-safe-mothers-day-bouquet

🐕 Care about their stories.

https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/7-animal-super-moms-marvelous-mothers-day

🐝 Quotes of the Week

You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.Margaret Thatcher

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. – Albert Einstein

Just because the answer’s not what you want doesn’t mean it’s not true. – Rosie Woods DiMare, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus Aurelius

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. – Mark Twain

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

She is the Grand Poohbah of slutdom. – Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), The Golden Girls

🎢 Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year…

Until next time, stay safe; stay taking a spring digital detox, stepping outside of your comfort zone (or at least just stepping outside), and developing yourself as a person; and stay making sure guests don’t think your couch is like sleeping on a board that smells like popcorn.

Video> Three Dog Night – Mama Told Me Not to Come (BBC in Concert, 7.12.1972)

July 3, 2025 – GH Weekdays, No Friday For You, Happy 4th, Soap Suds, Down But Not Out, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, A Farewell, Dressed For Independence, Septenary Quotes & Pie

Standard

What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Natalia walked into the christening and sat down. Carly wondered why she was there, and Sonny said he’d handle it. He asked to speak to Natalia outside, and they left. Sasha brought in Daisy.

Lucas and Marco prepared to cook dinner in Sonny’s old kitchen, but Lucas lost the recipe and admitted he was no chef. Marco said they’d have to improvise.

In his office, Curtis was about to get busy with Portia on the desk, when Jordan walked in, turned around, and left. Curtis said Portia had set that up, and Portia said she sure as hell did.

Turner asked Anna if failing to take down Sonny was a dereliction of duty or incompetence, and Anna told her again to take her gripe to internal affairs. Sonny wasn’t stupid; he was smart and strategic. Turner said, so was Anna, and wondered if Sonny was really one step ahead of Anna or if her personal allegiance was causing her to look the other way.

Natalia said Sonny was supposed to be on the plane with her, and he said she wasn’t supposed to be there. He was giving her a new life where she’d be comfortable, and he could monitor her safety. Natalia insisted he’d said he’d go with her (he actually never did) and whined about not knowing anyone. Was dumping someone in a foreign country his way of taking care of loyal people? He said she’d have a new life in Belize, but his life was in Port Charles. (Again, I will totally go if she doesn’t want to.)

Wiley asked if they were waiting for mommy, but Michael reminded him that she wasn’t coming. They were waiting for grandpa.

Brook asked if Chase knew why Natalia was there, but he said he couldn’t discuss it.

Anna said Turner’s routine was getting old and it was unnecessary. They had the same goal and Turner could use her as an ally or wreck herself on the altar of Sonny Corinthos. She wouldn’t be the first and Anna was fairly certain she wouldn’t be the last. She didn’t understand why Turner wasn’t working directly with her. Turner needed her.

Curtis said Portia had just apologized for all the lies and manipulation, then manipulated Jordan into walking in. He wondered if Portia’s seductive moment was part of the plan, but she said, no. She’d sent a message that Curtis wanted to see Jordan and knew she’d come running, but wasn’t sure when Jordan would get there. Curtis said, another lie, and Portia asked if he was mad because she lied or because his ex saw him kissing his current wife.

Lucas told Marco that he was a prolific microwaver. (Same.) His mom cooked, but Carly and Sam didn’t. They got good hair, but missed the culinary gene. He’d had no time to learn and when he was married, Brad cooked. Now he got take-out or something from the hospital cafeteria. Marco said his mom taught him to cook. It was something they loved doing together when he was young… before it all went wrong.

Natalia got more upset, and Sonny said he’d set up a beautiful home in a beautiful area. She’d have access to anything. She said, except connections – friends and family, but he said she could make friends. She cried and said she thought they were starting a life together. Kristina came out and said Father Reyes was about to start, and Sonny said he’d be there in a little bit. He told guard Steve to take Natalia to her hotel and make sure she got on the flight. Natalia said, felicitations on his granddaughter’s christening. She hoped he and his whole family got every blessing they deserved. She left with Steve, and Sonny went back inside.

Father Reyes asked what the baby’s name would be, and Sasha said, Daisy Celeste. The priest said Daisy’s name was her special identity to God and welcomed her to her family and the church. The godparents did their thing, renouncing Satan and promising to raise Daisy in the faith. Father Reyes baptized Daisy with water and made the sign of the cross with oil on her forehead. He presented Daisy Celeste, and there was applause and taking pictures.

Anna said Turner hadn’t crossed a line yet, but was teetering on the brink. Taking Anna’s officers while keeping her out of the loop wasn’t going to work. Turner needed to be careful in deciding how to proceed. Jordan walked in and apologized for interrupting, but Anna said, the acting DA was just leaving.

Curtis said he was looking at someone he didn’t know. Was it all a set up or a show? Portia said everything they’d just shared was real. They were reconnecting and Jordan needed to see that. Jordan wanted him back and needed to know it wasn’t happening. Not now, not ever.  

Jordan told Anna, sorry. It looked intense. Anna said Jordan did her a favor, putting a civil end to it. She asked if Jordan saw Curtis, and Jordan said she saw Curtis with Portia on his desk. Anna said she was so sorry, but Jordan said she didn’t blame Anna. She blamed Portia and herself. She’d played right into Portia’s hands. She thought Portia wanted her to catch them in the act. The bitch set me up.

Curtis told Portia that Jordan had been nothing but good to him. He went for a swim and they had a conversation. Portia said Curtis and Jordan had been dialed in. It was proof of what she’d been feeling for a long time. He said what she was feeling was in her head, but she said, no. Even before she confessed to him at the Nurses Ball, she noticed their private conversations. He said she’d been too busy being blackmailed by Drew and lying, and he thought her guilt was driving this. She said she felt guilty, she was hurting, and they were struggling. Jordan saw Curtis was vulnerable and was trying to exploit that. Curtis said it didn’t sound like Jordan, but it sounded like Portia.

Father Reyes gave his blessing and told everyone, go in peace. Michael invited them all to the Quartermaines and said the late Monica would love having them. Sasha suggested they get the show on the road since Daisy needed a diaper change. Carly asked Sonny what was going on with Natalia, and he said it was taken care of. Kristina asked if Jason had any idea what was going on. It seemed strange. Jason said whatever it was, was over. Today was about Daisy, Michael, and Sasha. She said, spoken like a true godfather. Daisy was lucky she had him to protect her. They all were.

On the phone, Chase told Turner that he was at All Saints Chapel. Natalia was just there at Sonny’s granddaughter’s christening. She and Sonny spoke briefly, and she left, but he didn’t know what they’d discussed. Brook saw him and asked what he just did.

As they finished dinner, Lucas said he couldn’t have pulled this off, but Marco said Lucas set a nice table. Lucas said he enjoyed the meal, the company, and the conversation, and thanked Marco for coming to his culinary rescue. Marco said Lucas saved lives and he saved dinner, and they kissed.

Natalia told Steve that she needed to pack and take a shower, but he said they needed to get to the airport. She asked if a girl couldn’t take a shower in peace, and he said he’d be outside. He left and she closed the door and cried.  

Chase said he wished Brook hadn’t listened, and she said it wasn’t Sonny’s fault Natalia showed up. Chase reminded her that they put a wall between work and their personal life, and asked her to respect that. He had to go to the station and didn’t want to fight. She said she needed to know if something was going on between Natalia and Sonny, but he said he couldn’t talk about it. He loved her. She said she loved him too, and he left.

Natalia hyperventilated and took some pills, washing them down with liquor. She put on her bathrobe, picked up a dress, and tossed it down. She took more pills and remembered Sidwell saying it was all on her for not accepting Marco for who he was. She flashed back to Sonny saying he was giving her a comfortable life in a beautiful area, but it wasn’t his life. His life was there. She recalled Marco saying, if she left, it was on her. She was no longer his client or his mother. She’d officially be nothing to him. She sent a text.

Marco and Lucas started to kiss, when Marco’s phone chimed. Lucas said, that was two in a row. Shouldn’t he check? Marco looked at his phone and said it was his mom. Lucas said it was gibberish, and Marco said she was probably drunk. Her drinking and texting weren’t a rare occurrence. When she was drunk, the guilt took over, and her texts were word salad courtesy of autocorrect. Lucas said Natalia was leaving the country. Didn’t he think the timing was odd?

Anna said if Jordan thought it was a set-up. That meant Portia was throwing down the gauntlet. What was she going to do? Portia said, nothing. Curtis wasn’t an option. She had feelings to process and was trying to walk away with some semblance of dignity. She had to. she wouldn’t be responsible for ruining Curtis’s marriage, but Portia and her games might be.

Portia said if Curtis was saying she went after a crack in his marriage to Jordan and unfairly took him away, but Curtis said that was on him. The issue between them nothing to do with Jordan. He’d believed Portia was worried about Trina and trying to find peace between them. She said that was why she came, but he said she seemed more worried about Jordan. Was everything an act? She said, nothing was an act. He’d been cold and hard to reach. He might disagree with her decision, but she wasn’t sorry. She did it to save them. He said she wasn’t saving them. She was destroying them.

Felicia asked how Carly felt about her new grandbaby, and Carly said Daisy was a surprise, but it felt like she’d always been there. She fit in. Felicia said a new grandchild to love on and spoil was a blessing, and Carly agreed. She wished her mom could have met Daisy. Felicia said Bobbie had been with them in spirit at the christening and was probably there too. She loved a good party. Jason came in and Sasha brought Daisy over to him. She asked if he wanted to hold her, and he said, sure, taking the baby. Sasha asked what he wanted Daisy to call him, and he said Jason was fine. She said he’d stuck by her and looked out for her and Daisy. She admitted she didn’t mind it as much as she thought she would. He took a lot of heat, and she felt taken care of. Daisy would feel that too. She was trying to say he was a good man. Daisy was lucky to have him in her life looking out for her and so was she.

Curtis asked what Portia’s end goal was with her lies and stunts. She wasn’t pulling them closer, but driving them further apart. She was Trina’s mother, but he still didn’t trust her. She asked if that’s all she was to him. She’d thought she was his wife, but maybe that didn’t matter because she lied. Lord knew, Jordan never did. He said Jordan lied about work and being undercover. She didn’t lie about having his child or being blackmailed by his enemy, and didn’t lie and manipulate him into doing his enemy’s bidding. Jordan was never the problem. The real problem was them.  

Jordan said she and Curtis had a complicated history and genuine affection. She didn’t want those feelings bound up in Portia. She should walk away and find peace. Anna asked if she thought it was possible, and Jordan said it depended. Portia’s instinct was to lie, and she did the opposite of what Curtis was. It was hard to know that. Anna said, right now, Jordan owed it to herself to process her feelings and find a way to move forward. What did she need?

Natalia drunk texted Marco again, when there was a knock at the door. Steve said they had to get going, and she said she was almost ready. She cried and sent another text.

Marco said it was his mom again, and Lucas it was pretty garbled. I know you’re mad. I’m… someone? Marco said she got drunk and texted him and it never made sense. Then she’d leave a voicemail in the morning apologizing. Lucas said she was leaving to start a new life. There was no guarantee she could call him again. His mom was reaching out and it might be his last chance to reach back.

At the Quartermaines, Brook phoned Chase and asked him to call back. She was worried about Sonny and Natalia. Kristina came in with a giftbag, and asked Sonny what Natalia was doing at the church. He told her not to worry about that, when her phone dinged. She said the manager at Charlie’s called in sick and she had to open up. She gave Michael the giftbag for Daisy and left.  

At Charlie’s, two masked guys came in and poured gas on everything.

Portia told Curtis that wasn’t true. The one causing a problem was Jordan. The problem was, Jordan needed to know they were married. They had a daughter, were a couple, and had a beautiful family. Curtis got a call, and Portia said don’t let her stop him from answering. She was just his wife. She’d leave him to it. Just know she’d be fighting for their marriage. What about him? She left.

Turner ran into Anna’s office and told her to put out an APB on Natalia Ramirez. She was skipping town, and it might be their best chance to take Sonny down and it began with Anna’s lead.

Lucas cleaned up and blew out the candles. There was a song part while the celebration continued at the Quartermaines. Natalia drunkenly stumbled around and looked at her phone. She slumped on the couch and let the phone fall from her hand. There was a text from Marco saying he was on his way.

Kristina went into Charlie’s and saw the puddles behind the bar. She touched her hand to the gas and smelled it, when a Molotov cocktail came through the window and everything was in flames.

Tuesday:

On the phone, as he stood at his usual vantage point on the turret, Sidwell said that he saw the job was completed. Alexis arrived with a bunch of folders and told Sidwell that they needed clearances from the harbor master for goods he was importing. Sidwell said he thought Marco handled his accounts, and Alexis said he did, but nothing got filed until she vetted it fully.

At the hospital, Isaiah said Portia had asked him to cover the ER, and Elizabeth said, good. Portia had been working too hard.

On the phone, Lucas asked if Marco caught his mom, but still driving, Marco said, not yet. He kept calling, but got voicemail and there had been no more texts. He guessed she passed out. He apologized for their night being ruined, but Lucas said, it was just interrupted. There would be other nights. Suddenly Marco said, what the hell? and had to go. Josslyn came in and asked if Lucas had a friend over, and he said, it was an amazing night until it wasn’t. Something had come up. She said she was giving Trina and Kai some privacy, and he asked about the christening. She said, Sonny was Daisy’s grandfather, so there was drama. Marco’s mom showed up at the church.

Sasha, Carly, and Cody fawned over Daisy.

Michael thanked Sonny for putting the kids to bed, when Jason said he and Sonny needed to talk. There was a knock at the door, and Molly told Michael, sorry she was late. He said, the star of the show needed a diaper change and a nap, but there were still people there. She asked if Kristina was there, but he said, she had to go open Charlie’s.

Jason told Sonny that the plane was ready, but Natalia hadn’t shown up.

Steve knocked at Natalia’s door and said they needed to get going. He heard something and jetted. Chase and another officer came around the corner and Chase knocked, saying it was the PCPD.

Kristina grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out.

Chase banged on the door, when Anna arrived. He said no one had seen Natalia leave and there was no noise. She said the hotel manager had given her the key, and she was going in. They found Natalia out cold on the couch, and Chase checked her pulse while the other officer called an ambulance.

Isaiah saw a picture of Lucky hanging off the side of a mountain on Elizabeth’s phone, and she said she was choosing to believe Aiden’s explanation that it was an optical illusion. Aiden was having a great time with his dad.

Sidwell insisted most of his contracts were routine and suggested Alexis didn’t trust his son. Alexis said it was standard for her and Diane to oversee new associates for six months, but Sidwell thought it was a massive waste of time. Alexis said she’d earned her reputation, and no document went out with her name on it until she was satisfied. He still believed her hypervigilance was because of Marco and said his son should be extended the same courtesy she’d want her daughter to have. She said, duly noted, and continued with the contracts.

Lucas asked if Carly or Sonny told Josslyn why Natalia was in the chapel, but she said they wouldn’t tell her and neither would Jason.

Sonny said Michael was a great father, and Michael said he had a great teacher. People said his dad was important, powerful, and busy, yet Sonny made time for him, and it made him feel special. He wanted to make sure his kids felt the same way. Sonny said Michael was special and he was proud to be his father.

Sasha thanked Molly for coming and said she knew it was hard. Molly said she couldn’t help wondering about Irene, but she couldn’t be happier for Sasha. Sasha said she wondered about Liam sometimes, when Cody joined them and confessed that he’d eaten all the little sausage thingies.

Jason got a phone call and told Sonny there was a fire at Charlie’s.

Kristina yelled for help and ran behind the bar (not the best plan), when Marco asked if anyone was there. She yelled for help again and said everything was burning. Marco came in under a blanket and asked if anybody was left, but she said it was just her. He said they wouldn’t make it out the front and they ran for the back door under the blanket.

Elizabeth said the patient had no pulse and was probably an OD. Isaiah said some medical stuff and told her that he’d take over the compression. We saw it was Natalia.

Cody asked if Michael knew what happened, but Michael said he had no idea. Carly showed Molly pictures of the christening, and Michael said the late Monica insisted on them documenting everything. Cody asked if when Jason and Sonny disappeared, they acted like things were fine, and Michael said that was the drill. Cody said he was just trying to fit in, when Molly’s phone rang. She asked if Michael was sure Kristina was at Charlie’s, and he said, why? She said her friend that worked at the PCPD said there was a three-alarm fire there, and Michael flashed back to the fire in the penthouse. Cody said he’d drive, and he and Molly left.  

Isaiah said, time of death, 9:07 pm. Did they know who she was? Elizabeth said she did.

Josslyn told Lucas that it was just about to start when Natalia showed up and Sonny was not happy to see her. Lucas asked if she seemed drunk, and Josslyn said she didn’t see Natalia, but thought her mom would have mentioned it. Was something going on with Natalia? Lucas said he didn’t know, when his phone rang. It was Elizabeth.

Kristina and Marco ran outside coughing, when Dante arrived. He hugged Kristina and asked if she was hurt. She said, no, and he asked if Marco was okay. What happened?  

At the hospital, Lucas said he wasn’t able to reach Marco, and Elizabeth said she remembered they were having dinner and thought they might be together. He said they were, but Marco left to see his mom at the MetroCourt. Where was he?  

A paramedic said Kristina and Marco had smoke inhalation and minor burns, and Kristina said, it was burning fast. Dante said all that mattered was that she was safe, and she said, thanks to Marco. Sonny and Jason arrived, and Sonny hugged Kristina. Jason asked what Marco was doing there.

Alexis said she was satisfied, and Sidwell presumed she’d be charging her hourly fee. She said, oh God yes, when Molly called. Molly said there was a fire at Charlie’s and Kristina was there. She was headed there and had tried calling Kristina, but there was no answer. Alexis said she’d be right there.

Josslyn saw someone outside and opened the door to find Jack. She asked why he was lurking, and he said it was a test to see how long it would take her to notice. She said her mom wasn’t home, but he said he came to talk to her. Vaughn told him about her plan to distract Emma, and he thought it was good. He didn’t want Emma near Dalton. He told her to make it priority number one and figure out a course of action asap. Josslyn said he could have just called her to the office. Was he hoping to run into her mom?

In the car, Molly worried about the firefighters not getting there on time. A three-alarm fire was bad. Cody said they didn’t have all the facts yet, and she worried about it being like the penthouse. She and Kristina were on track to be sisters again and she couldn’t lose her. Cody said, stop assuming the worst-case scenario.

In Natalia’s hotel room, Chase told Anna that it looked like she’d drunk a lot of alcohol, and they bagged a bottle of pills. Suicide? Anna said, possibly, or staged. Natalia had been leaving town. Chase said a guy had been seen walking away from the room and he might be involved. Anna said have the hotel give them the security footage and find him.  

Kristina said she’d be dead if not for Marco. She wasn’t supposed to work, but the manager called in sick. She was going to open up and noticed the smell of gas. The floor was wet, and she heard a crash, then everything was on fire. She tried to put it out, but it was too big and too fast. She was trapped and Marco burst in and got her out. Sonny said Marco just happened to be in the area? and Marco said, yes. He was on his way to the MetroCourt when he saw the fire. He noticed a car in the parking lot and ran in to make sure nobody was inside. He said he needed to get to his mother and asked if they could talk later, but Sonny said Marco wasn’t going anywhere.  

Sidwell said the launch was ready, but Alexis asked if he had a speedboat or a rowboat. She had to get off the island and see if Kristina was all right. He asked if she was sure Kristina was in the pub.  

Jack told Josslyn that agents compartmentalized. He’d be delighted to run into Carly, but came to talk to her. He was her superior and she didn’t get to comment on his relationships. She asked if he’d notified his superior that he was in a relationship with an agent’s mother, when Carly came in. She asked what Jack was doing there.

Lucas told Chase that he was with Natalia’s son when Marco got some garbled texts that were unreadable. He thought Natalia was drunk, so he decided to check on her. He called from the car on the way to the hotel, said something came up, and hung up quickly. He never called back. Was Chase sure Marco never showed up? Chase said they were going through the security footage, but no one remembered seeing him. Elizabeth said she hoped Natalia’s death was an accident, but Anna said the cause wouldn’t be official until there was an autopsy. Lucas said they couldn’t do an autopsy until Marco knew his mom was dead.

The EMT insisted Kristina go to the hospital, and Marco asked if he could get his phone. Molly and Cody arrived, and Molly said she was so scared Kristina was hurt. She loved Kristina so much. They hugged.  

A firefighter said the fire was totally out, and Dante asked if they had any idea what started it. The firefighter said his men were working on it, when Anna showed up. Dante told her that gas might have been used as an accelerant, and she asked if there were any casualties. He said, no. Kristina was the only one inside and she was fine thanks to Marco Rios. Alexis arrived and hugged Kristina. Sonny said Kristina would be okay, and she said, no thanks to him.

Jack said he took a chance he’d find Carly there, and she said it was good to see him. Josslyn said she remembered she had a quiz, but left her notes at the apartment. She’d probably stay there tonight. She left, and Jack asked if Carly was all right. She said, no. There was a fire at Charlie’s, the pub Sonny gave Kristina. She didn’t know if Kristina was inside, but hearing about the fire took her back to the ICU and wondering if her son would survive the night.  

Michael flashed back to another actor playing him, who was conveniently covered in fire. He got a call and told Sasha that Kristina was okay. She was inside, but had gotten out. He was about to get a drink when he remembered he’d taken a pain pill, and Sasha said she didn’t realize he was still in pain. He said he usually didn’t need a pill, but he didn’t want it to interfere with the celebration. The doctors said he had residual nerve damage, but thought he’d be pain free soon. It was nothing compared to the pain after the fire. He told her about going through debridement and said it was agony. Thank God Kristina was okay.

Dante said he thought Marco needed to go to the hospital, and Alexis asked Sonny, which of his enemies did this? They kept going after him and got his children instead. She knew he and Kristina working together was a bad idea. Death and violence were all over him like a plague he passed on to those who loved him. It had to stop. She would not bury another daughter. There were soap looks all around.

Carly told Jack she was worried about Kristina. When she heard there was a fire, she shut down and the anger and fear came rushing in like the penthouse fire was happening then. It was crazy because Michael was standing by her, but it was like she was back in the clinic in Germany. She could only touch his hand because it was excruciating if she touched anything else. All she could do was sit there and hear him moan. Jack said she’d experienced PTSD because the emotional trauma couldn’t be processed all at once and she’d been triggered. A lot of agents had it and he’d dealt with it himself. She said she couldn’t tell him what it meant that he understood. Josslyn blamed Sonny and she was right. He almost lost another child. She didn’t know what she’d do if something happened to Donna. Jack held her.  

Sasha said Michael had asked for her in the ICU, but was sedated by the time Jason found her. Did he remember what he’d wanted to tell her? He said he wanted to tell her to take care of their daughter no matter what happened him, and she did. Daisy was perfect. All his kids were safe and it was going to stay that way. She said he couldn’t know that, and he said he could. His dad was a great father, and he’d never be like him, but he promised nothing like the fire would ever happen to his kids.

Marco got to the hospital and asked Lucas, what happened? Anna said she needed to have a conversation with him about his mother, and Marco said, why? Was she there? Was she okay? He ran past everyone and into Natalia’s room. When he saw her, he put his hands to his face.

On the phone, Sidwell said his instructions were clear. Do not set the fire unless the building was empty. If Sonny Corinthos’s daughter was in the fire, there would be hell to pay.

Kristina said they didn’t know what caused it, but Alexis said she did. It was Sonny’s love for money and power that exceeded everything and everyone. They’d both lost children and knew how painful it was. She couldn’t and wouldn’t go through it again. Kristina said it was suggested she go to GH and get checked out, and asked Alexis to come with her. Cody said he’d drive, and they left, along with Molly. Sonny told Jason that they had to find out who caused the fire. Kristina wasn’t supposed to be working. Jason said, the manager called in sick, and Sonny said, talk to him. A firefighter said it looked like there was evidence of arson, which made this place a crime scene.

Wednesday:

At the Surf Lodge, Emma and Outback high-fived. Gio joined them and said Outback steals his shoes, but only the left ones. He wanted her to choose between him and the dog, but she didn’t want to choose between her two favorite strays. She also had the feeling that the real problem was him being upset about Brook and Dante being his real parents.

Tracy found Brook working in the living room. Brook said, Deception might be in serious trouble, but it might be too late to fix it.

Vaughn found Josslyn at Charlie’s and asked why she wanted to meet there. She said she heard there was a fire and came to check, but she couldn’t get herself to leave.

At the hospital, Kristina told Alexis that she was fine and would like to go home. Alexis said, she could have died.

Marco cried, and sat by Natalia’s bedside saying, no, no. It couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t end this way.

Elizabeth suggested Lucas let Marco have time with his mom, and Anna said Lucas could help them figure out what led to Natalia’s death.

Jason told Sonny that they had guys on the street who would hear whispers about the fire. Sonny said they both knew Sidwell was responsible.

Selina went to Windymere and said, finally, she and Sidwell were meeting in person. She asked if he wanted to set up a poker game, but he said he wanted to warn her. She was about to go to war with Sonny.

Gio admitted he might be upset about his parentage, and Emma said if he wanted to talk, she was there. He said he wasn’t there yet and told her that he was dropping out of PCU.

Josslyn told Vaughn that her former stepsister almost died in the fire. It was unnerving, and all because she was the daughter of Sonny Corinthos.  

Alexis asked Kristina, what happened? and Kristina said the manager called in sick, so she left to open up Charlie’s. When she walked in, she smelled gasoline and the floor was wet, but before she could check, she heard a window shatter and suddenly fire was everywhere. The fire extinguisher wasn’t enough, and she wouldn’t have gotten out alive if not for Marco.

Anna asked about Natalia’s texts, and Lucas said, they were all gibberish. Sometimes she drank and texted Marco. Marco came out, and Lucas asked if he was okay. Anna said they were sorry for his loss, and Marco said he didn’t understand what happened. Anna said she and Chase entered Natalia’s hotel room and she was unconscious. They called the paramedics immediately. Isaiah said Marco’s mother was unresponsive at the scene. There was no pulse, and the paramedics weren’t able to restart her heart. Unfortunately, when she was brought in, there was nothing they could do. Marco asked what the cause of death was, and Isaiah said it was speculation, but they suspected it was an overdose. Marco said, accidental or intentional? but Isaiah said they didn’t know. They suspected a lethal combination of tranquilizers and alcohol, but they’d know for sure when there was an official autopsy. Elizabeth said she was sorry. She and Lucas tried to call him. Marco said his phone was in the car. He was on his way to see his mother and saw the fire at Charlie’s. There was a car in the parking lot, so he ran in to make sure nobody was inside. Anna said he got Kristina out just in time. He was a hero tonight. Marco said he was able to save Kristina, but not able to save his mother.

Gio told Emma that he had a music scholarship and would be first chair violinist in the orchestra. It was a huge responsibility and honor. She said he deserved it, but he said he had no intention of playing again. He would lose his scholarship and couldn’t afford college on his lifeguard’s salary. She suggested he borrow from family, but he said he wanted nothing to do with them. She said, what about Sonny? but he said it didn’t seem right. She said, why not wait? He might feel differently in the fall. Don’t walk away from the gig just yet. He might want to play again by September.

Brook told Tracy that Natalia found something in Sonny’s supplemental investment… Tracy said, an offshore account. Sonny was laundering money and now they were complicit. Brook said, it was a clerical error, but Tracy said, it was a felony. Brook said she was sorry. It was all her fault.

Chase asked if the texts were in Marco’s phone, and Marco said they were, but his phone was in his car at Charlie’s. Anna asked if the messages were incoherent, and Marco said he thought one message was supposed to say, I’m sorry. He guessed he’d never know. He texted her that he was on his way, but he saw Charlie’s was on fire. They knew the rest. He had no idea his mother needed him so bad. Lucas said it wasn’t his fault. He thought a life was at risk and stopped to help. Marco asked how Anna ended up at the hotel, and she said the acting DA was supposed to pick up his mom. As her lawyer, Marco must have known that the DA negotiated a plea deal in exchange for evidence against Sonny. Chase said Natalia showed up at the christening for Sonny’s granddaughter. He saw them talking and alerted Turner. Natalia definitely seemed troubled.

Jason said Sidwell was mad about Sonny not selling his piers and it was payback. Did he think Kristina was a target? Sonny said it didn’t matter. Kristina almost died. Ever since Sidwell came to town, two of his children nearly died. If anything happened to Kristina, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Selina said Sidwell was misinformed. She wasn’t at war with Sonny and stayed on his good side. They had an understanding. Sidwell said that changed tonight when a firebomb was placed in Sonny’s daughter’s place of business. She said she had nothing to do with that, but he said her associates Simon and Dan doused Charlie’s with gas and lit it up with a Molotov cocktail. When Corinthos went on a hunt to find out who was responsible, he’d trace it to her. She said, in other words, he set her up, and he lifted his glass to her.

Tracy said she blamed Brook’s mother. She raised Brook to trust Sonny. Brook said she believed what Natalia said, it was an accounting error. Sonny wouldn’t do anything to hurt Deception. Tracy said they were going to use this to their advantage and not bury it.

Vaughn said, Sonny was once married to Josslyn’s mother and Donna was their child? and Josslyn said, yeah. So was her older brother Morgan. He said, Morgan died in a car bombing. He was sorry. She said there was plenty of blame to go around. Morgan died because he was Sonny’s son, and it was the same reason Michael nearly died, and the same reason Kristina nearly died. He said, not a fan? and she said her family kept getting hurt because Sonny Corinthos brought death and destruction wherever he went.

Alexis said Kristina had Marco to thank. If she had died, her father would have died too, because she would have killed him. It was no accident. Someone was sending Sonny a message and Kristina got caught in the crossfire. Molly came in with Deanna and said she was filling out administrative forms and needed Kristina’s ID. Alexis said she had a copy on her phone, and left with Deanna. Molly asked how Kristina was doing, and Kristina said she was desperate to get out, but Alexis wanted her to stay overnight. Marco saved her life. Allie always said her brother was a good guy. Molly said Marco was a hero, but Kristina was amazing too. They way she handled their mom when she went after Sonny was impressive. In the past, she would have jumped to Sonny’s defense and fought with their mom. Instead, she let Alexis say what she needed to and Molly was proud of her.  

Sonny told Jason that he and Kristina had a special connection. He thought it had to do with them being the most alike. Jason said he thought so too, and Sonny said they had the same anger, intensity, and demons. Kristina fought with her emotions like he did, and he wanted to protect her. That’s why Alexis was out of her mind with fear, and he respected that. Jason said she was safe, and Sonny said, for now. They had to find out who did this. Otherwise, his whole family was in danger.  

Selina said she’d go to Sonny and tell him the truth. He’d known her longer than Sidwell, and her words had more weight. Sidwell said, go ahead, but given Kristina’s close call, he guessed Sonny wouldn’t let her live long enough to get her explanation out. (I guess a phone call wasn’t an option?) They’d clashed in the past and she’d already crossed Sonny once. She said Sonny would see through him and guessed Sonny already had, and he said he’d point the finger at her associates. Who knew what evidence Sonny would uncover about her involvement? The best idea was for her to leave town now. She said, and walk away from her business? but he said she could return later with his blessing. Port Charles would be a better place when she returned. She said the only way she could come back was if Sonny was dead, and he said he was aware. He opened the door, and she said she guessed she had a plane to catch. Until they met again. He said, travel safely, and she left.

Chase said Natalia and Sonny spoke privately and she left. Marco said he was almost positive it wasn’t the full story. His mother was murdered by Sonny.  

Gio said he needed a clean break from his old life filled with lies, and Emma said there were good things too. Gio said they were tainted. He’d felt special performing when he was a kid. Now he knew it was a lie. The technique was still there, but without the passion and the smile, the music was hollow. There was no point in playing. His family had been stolen from him.

Deanna said Kristina had a close call, but would be fine, and Alexis said the last time she filled out these forms was for Sam. Deanna suggested Alexis read the information and she’d write it, and Alexis said that would help a lot.

Kristina told Molly that even if she was collateral damage, she didn’t feel it was her dad’s fault. Her mom was scared for her child, and she got that. Molly said, because of their daughter. She couldn’t lose Kristina. She loved Kristina so much. They joined hands and Alexis watched from the doorway.

Anna asked if Marco had proof of his accusation, but he said, wasn’t it obvious? His mother had evidence that she was about to turn over and Sonny found a way to stop her. Lucas suggested he take a minute, and Marco agreed. Anna said talking about the fire could wait. In the meantime, he had their condolences. Don’t hesitate to reach out if the thought of anything else. She and Chase left, and Marco said he almost admitted he knew his mom was breaking the deal and moving out. Lucas said Marco had been through lot, and Marco said he was glad Lucas was there. Lucas said him too, and Marco said he needed to call his father, but had no phone. Lucas said he’d deal with it and he wanted Marco to get checked out by Isaiah. Doctor’s order.  

Jason said they’d find out who did this, and Sonny said he couldn’t lose another child. He wasn’t going through what he went through with Morgan again. Jason said they’d stop them, and Sonny said they’d make them an example. It would hurt so bad, they wouldn’t think of coming for his family again. An eye for an eye, effective and fair. Jason said, Sidwell’s only known child was Marco, and he’d just saved Kristina. Sonny said he owed Marco, but protection was more important than gratitude. If Marco ended up being collateral damage, so be it.

Elizabeth found Sidwell’s number for Lucas, and Lucas made the call. He said he was calling on Marco’s behalf. His son was fine, but there was something Sidwell should know. Marco’s mother passed away tonight.

Chase asked if Anna thought Marco was right and Sonny killed Natalia. She said they couldn’t rule it out. Her phone chimed and she said it was the security footage. It was useful, but not good news for Sonny.

Tracy said they needed to come clean, and Brook asked, why? Tracy said if they were honest and declared their innocence, they’d probably just get a slap on the wrist. If they helped nail Sonny, they’d be rid of him, and it was a win-win. Brook said Sonny was the only family member Gio was talking to, and Tracy said, all the more reason, but Brook said if they took Sonny away from Gio, her son would hate her even more. Tracy said, fine. She’d do it all by herself, when Chase walked in. Tracy said the PCPD had perfect timing for once.  

Emma asked Gio to promise not to drop out of PCU, and he promised he’d make no decisions for now. She said they had to figure out what else he was passionate about. He showed some interest in exposing Professor Dalton’s animal testing. He asked how they start Dalton’s take down, and she said she couldn’t prove he was testing on animals yet because she couldn’t get into the lab. They might have to do something drastic. Gio asked if that was her way of saying illegal.

Vaughn told Josslyn that he’d never defend Sonny, but watching your loved ones pay for your crimes must take a toll. Josslyn said she tried to let go of her anger, but too many people she loved were getting hurt. She had no sympathy. She’d never told anyone this or even said it out loud, but that was one reason why she joined the WSB. He said he thought it was because of Dex, and she said that was part of it, but it wasn’t just about an idealistic version of justice. It was more personal and a lot less altruistic. He asked if she wanted to get high enough in the agency to take down Sonny, and she said, exactly.

Marco told Lucas that Isaiah gave him the all-clear, when Sidwell arrived. Sidwell hugged Marco and said Lucas told him about Natalia. He was so sorry. Marco thanked him, and Sidwell said he had to make sure Marco was okay. He thanked Lucas for calling, and Lucas left to give them time to talk. Marco said it was surreal. He knew she was gone. He’d seen her body, but his brain couldn’t process it. Sidwell said, take a breath, and Marco said he had to call Allison, but didn’t know how to break the news. Sidwell told him not to worry about it now, and Marco said there was so much he wished was different. They hugged, and Sidwell said he knew.  

Anna went to Sonny’s place and he said he couldn’t answer questions about the fire right now, but she said she was there for a different reason. Natalia Rameriz was dead.  

Tracy said she had some interesting news too, and Chase said he was sorry to inform them that Natalia Rameriz was dead. It may or may not be a drug related OD or foul play. Anna was questioning Sonny. Brook asked if he was suspect, and Chase said they were exploring possibilities. Tracy said it wasn’t okay for Sonny to be anywhere near Gio. He was taking too many people, and he wasn’t taking Gio too.

Emma asked if Gio thought Sonny could give them pointers, but he said, definitely not. He may not be taking Sonny’s money or advice in this particular situation, but he was glad to have him. Sonny was the only one he could trust right now.

Kristina asked how long Alexis had been there, and Alexis said, not that long, but long enough to see them together. It warmed her heart. She wished Sam was with them too. She couldn’t lose another daughter. That meant they were both contractually obligated to outlive her. They needed each other and couldn’t let anything separate them. They all agreed and had a group hug.

Lucas asked Elizabeth’s opinion. OD or murder? She said there were no obvious signs of violence, but the autopsy would tell them more. Did he think Sonny had her killed? He said, all they knew was that Natalia was dead, and Kristina almost died. To him, that was the start of a mob war that had Marco’s family on one side and his on the other.  

Marco said he felt like it was his fault, and Sidwell asked, how? Marco said his mom was texting him and he could tell she was drunk. It wasn’t the first time. Sidwell said there was no way he could have known, but Marco said maybe if he’d gotten there in time, if he hadn’t stopped to help with the fire. Sidwell said, what fire? and Marco said, at Charlie’s Pub. He stopped and saved Kristina Corinthos Davis. Sidwell said Marco could have died, and Marco said it was crazy how things played out. Thanks to him Sonny’s daughter is alive and thanks to Sonny, his mother was dead. Sidwell asked how this had anything to do with Sonny.

Sonny invited Anna in and said he was sorry to hear it. Why did she come in person? He wasn’t close to Natalia. Anna said they’d had an intense conversation at the christening, and he said Natalia was congratulating him. She asked if he could explain why his bodyguard was having a conversation with Natalia at the hotel, and he asked if he should call Diane. She said, it depended. Did he have something to hide? Another of his guards was seen entering and exiting her room. He was in the corridor when the police arrived and made himself scarce. That made her think he and Natalia had a close association. He asked what she was getting at, and she said Natalia had evidence the DA’s office was going to use against him and was conveniently dead of alcohol and tranquilizers. They were waiting for the autopsy, but in the meantime, he was a person of interest, and she had to take him in for questioning. 

Josslyn said she just gave Vaughn the ammunition he needed to get rid of her. She had an unhealthy personal vendetta which made her unfit for the job. She was sure she’d be out tomorrow morning. She started to leave, but he grabbed her arm and said he’d told her that lofty ideals weren’t a reason. Those agents got jaded, but a concrete goal to take Sonny down would get her through tough times. And there were going to be tough times. She asked, what was his goal? and he said maybe he’d tell her sometime. Once he got to know her better. He kissed her.

Thursday:

At the pool, Willow told Gio that she saw what happened at the Nurses Ball. There was nothing more painful than being betrayed by someone who was supposed to love you.

As they sat in chaise lounges, Trina told Kai that it wasn’t a bad way to spend a holiday afternoon. She knew the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.

Brook said Maxie should be there, and Tracy asked if she was going to tell Maxie that Sonny’s blood money would bring down Deception. She wanted to do her best to save Gio.

Michael opened the door to TempMaxie (see below), who said she was there for an emergency Deception meeting, but as unofficial godmother, she wanted a peek of Daisy. He said he couldn’t thank her enough for making the christening happen. It gave him hope for his family’s future.

Danny and Rocco were at the Surf Lodge, and Emma approached their table. She asked what was so important she had to detour from the pool on a national holiday, and Rocco asked what she knew about Britt Westbourne.

Laura went to see Lulu, who said she was reporting on the fire for the Llanview Banner. Those who were pro Measure C said the fire was proof of mob violence escalating and that Laura was ignoring it because of her connection to Sonny. Laura said there was a right way and a wrong way to investigate, and she had to do it the right way. She was the one who’d called for Measure C. Lulu said she hated to say it, but maybe it was time for Laura to cut Sonny loose, but Laura asked what they would accomplish except tearing the family apart.

In the PCPD interrogation room, Sonny told Turner that he wasn’t saying a word unless his attorney was there. Turner said that’s why she was there.

On the phone, Jason said, what did Diane mean, he wasn’t allowed to see his attorney?… Keep him posted. Dante arrived and said the PCPD was holding Sonny and wouldn’t let him talk to Diane. He had an update on the fire at Charlie’s. Selina was a suspect.

Gio told Willow, for what it was worth (🍷), he was sorry, and she said, when your life was turned upside down, you found out who you could trust. He said, and who you can’t, and she said anyone who helped you through hard times was someone you could always count on.

Michael said Kristina was at GH, and Maxie asked if she was okay. He said she had a cough, but was doing all right, and she said, it could have been worse. He said that’s why he was focused on the good, like how Wiley and Amelia were crazy about their baby sister. He was trying to stick to routine, hoping it made things more stable until the visitation hearing.

Willow told Trina and Kai that she was sorry to interrupt, and Kai said he thought she’d be celebrating with Drew in DC. She said Drew was too busy working, so she thought she’d keep it lowkey. Maybe next year. Drew was impressed with Kai’s work and appreciated him going the extra mile.

Brook said they had no reason to think Gio was a target, but Tracy said it was a naïve thing to say. Brook said it wasn’t like he lived with Sonny. They barely spent time together. Tracy said when gangsters went to war, they didn’t go after each other, but after their enemy’s loved ones. They could only try their best to protect Gio, but he wouldn’t be safe until Sonny was done with once and for all.

Turner said she could hold Sonny for 24 hours, and Sonny said she couldn’t keep him from seeing his attorney. In the meantime, he wasn’t saying anything. Diane was one of the few people he didn’t mind waiting for. Turner said, if his attorney was withheld, anything he told her was inadmissible. It was his best opportunity to tell her what happened. He asked why he should take her word on this, and she asked why he was acting like the injured party when Natalia was the one who was dead.

Dante told Jason that they’d ID’d two suspects as Selina’s guys and there was a warrant out for them. Selina had booked a flight to Singapore and the needed to find out if she got on it. Jason asked, why come to him? and Dante asked if they should keep looking for Selina’s guys or were they buried in the woods.

Emma wondered why Rocco was asking about The Britch, The Wicked Witch of Westbourne, and Rocco said he presumed she didn’t like Britt. She said she was little and for a while her dad dated Britt. Eventually, he came to his senses and dumped her as. Britt was so pathetic and desperate, she got pregnant… She got it now.  

Maxie asked why they were working on a holiday, and Brook said she had bad news. Maxie said, hit me, and Brook said, it seemed Sonny’s second investment had been made with dirty money. Maxie said Sonny wasn’t sloppy like that and Brook showed her the financials. Maxie asked how she found out, and Brook said Natalia told her. Maxie said Natalia would have to walk her through it, but Brook said she couldn’t. Natalia died last night. Maxie said, Brook didn’t think… but Brook said, never. Maxie said they’d have to go to the police and hand over the records, and Brook said, what about Spinelli? Spinelli adored Sonny. Would he be okay? Maxie said he’d have to be. Her family needed Deception, and she’d do everything she could to save the company.  

Lulu said, Laura just had to publicly disavow Sonny. She didn’t have to do it for real. Laura said, first of all, Ezra Boyle had a tracking device on her and would be waiting with cameras to prove to the world she was a liar. Secondly, Sonny was part of the family. What kind of example would she set for her grandchildren, teaching them how to lie to save their hide? She was also thinking about Rocco. She’d never want him to have to choose between his grandmother or grandfather. Lulu said she’d talk to him, and he’d understand, but Laura said, would he? She wasn’t sacrificing her family or principles or compromising her own morals. She couldn’t help feeling there was more to this.

Emma said she had to go, and Rocco said Britt was pregnant with him. He was the baby she carried. Emma said she was just a kid. He should talk to his mom and dad. Their memories would be better than hers. Danny thanked her for talking to them, and she said she totally got it. Happy 4th. She started to leave, but came back and said there had to be more she never knew about. She thought Rocco owed it to himself to find out the truth.

Willow said Kai stepped in and got Drew out of the disaster at the press conference, but Kai said it was no big deal. Willow said Drew told her it was the only silver lining, and Kai said he just did his job. Willow said he made an impression on Drew, who thought he had a great future in politics. Willow left and Trina said they needed to talk, but Kai said he knew what she was going to say. Trina suggested even if he knew what a woman was going to say, let her say it. (Truth!) All the Quartermaines were crazy, and they would make him crazy too. Tracy walked in and Gio turned away. Trina said, case in point.

Tracy said she didn’t know if Gio wanted to talk to her. He wasn’t answering her texts. He said, make it short, and she said she thought his life was in danger.

Kai said Trina didn’t need to worry. He was only interested in politics. Maybe not forever, but after football, it was good to be interested in something. Trina said he needed to understand and accept that the Quartermaines were always battling about something. He had to remember not to get stuck in the middle. Michael came into the pool area with Wiley and saw Willow. He steered Wiley over to his swim instructor.

Lulu said she didn’t want Laura to betray her principles, but she wanted Laura to beat Boyle. Laura said she wanted that too, and Lulu said she was still ahead in the polls, but she was falling behind. Boyle was corrupt and so unqualified, she couldn’t hand the city to someone like him. If she wanted to save Port Charles, she needed to stay where she was – in the mayor’s office. How far was she willing to go to make that happen?

Turner told Sonny that Natalia was facing five years for a DWI, and she offered Natalia a lifeline. If she turned over evidence against Sonny to her office, the charges would be dismissed. Natalia agreed, so imagine her surprise when Natalia wound up dead, with two of Sonny’s men coming and going… Sonny said all this had nothing to do with him. Turner hauled Natalia in on a trumped-up charge and persuaded Natalia to give her information that might incriminate him. Might. He thought Turner believed she was the one who got Natalia killed.

Jason said he had no idea about Selina’s men. He didn’t think Selina would risk crossing Sonny and wouldn’t target Kristina. Dante said, if not Selina, who set it up? but Jason said Dante already knew the answer. Dante said, Sidwell.  

Tracy told Gio about Charlie’s and said they suspected arson. His Aunt Kristina was trapped and had minor injuries, unlike his Uncle Michael, who had severe injuries from a previous fire. The reason for both was Sonny Corinthos.

Maxie said they’d all agreed to let Sonny invest, except Tracy, and Brook said, this time, Tracy was right. She’d love to turn the evidence in, but Gio would hate her more than he did already. Was there any way they could wait for a subpoena? Maxie said, no. They needed to get ahead of it. She picked up a folder, and Brook said it was the wrong file, but Maxie opened it, seeing Britt’s picture. She asked what it was and why Brook had it, and Brook said it was supposed to be her revenge against Lulu.

Trina told Kai that even if her mother hadn’t had to work, they’d have canceled the cookout. Things were tense between her parents.

Michael told Willow that Wiley hadn’t seen her yet and to please leave before he did. She said the visitation hearing was August 1st. She’d see Wiley then. He said, until then, he was asking her not to make it harder than it had to be.  

Tracy told Gio that Sonny put everyone in danger around him. The people after Sonny knew he was Gio’s grandfather, and she had no intention of losing him. Gio said he wasn’t hers to lose, and she said, like it or not, he was a Quartermaine. He said, they might be related, but she didn’t own him and never would. Emma joined them and suggested they order some iced tea and cool down.

Brook said they should call their lawyer and turn the financials into the DA’s office, but Maxie said it could wait. What did she mean by revenge? Brook asked if she remembered when Lulu refused to apologize, and Maxie said, vividly. Brook said she recalled Lulu bragging that she’d never lie to her child, then remembered a story about Britt stealing an embryo and passing it off as her own. Rocco would want to know the truth and she needed proof. Maxie asked if she was going to show Rocco the file.

Rocco said the only reason Britt got pregnant was to trap Emma’s dad, but Danny said Emma told them there was more to the story than that. His mom was his mom, period. However he got here, Danny was glad he did and so was everybody else… almost. Rocco thanked Danny and said he was glad Danny told him the truth when no one else did. If Danny hadn’t found the file, he thought his parents would have never told him.

Turner said Natalia’s blood alcohol level was above the limit and the charge was real, as well as the consequences, and Sonny said she mentioned a five-year consequence. Did she tell Natalia that it was a possibility, or did she make it sound like a done deal without Natalia having an attorney present? Turner said she offered Natalia a great deal. She either killed herself or Sonny killed her. He was busy at his granddaughter’s christening, but his associates dropped her off at her room at the MetroCourt. Sonny said he hired nice guys, and she said, whether they forced Natalia to ingest huge amounts of tranquilizers and alcohol or she did herself, they both had a hand in her death.  

Brook told Maxie that she’d never show Rocco the file, but since Lulu would never keep a secret from him, she was sure he knew. Maxie asked when Lulu was supposed to tell him. When she was in a coma? Brook said she got why Lulu didn’t tell Rocco that Britt was her surrogate when Rocco was younger, but he was too old to be in the dark now. Maxie said Lulu was the one Brook was mad at, but it would hurt Rocco, and Brook said that’s why she didn’t tell him.

Laura asked if Lulu was saying she had to sacrifice her family and principles to beat Boyle, and Lulu said, if she wanted to win, something had to change. Laura said she believed in being straightforward with voters, but Lulu said, they read headlines, not articles. Laura said, Sonny told her this in confidence and it had to stay between them, and Lulu said it was off the record. Laura said Sonny told her that Sidwell was going to bring violence to Port Charles. Then the fire happened. It was a scare tactic, and she didn’t scare. Lulu said, it scared the public. Boyle was in Sidwell’s pocket. If he won, Laura was essentially handing the keys to the city to Sidwell. Laura said there was more than one thing at play. If she disavowed Sonny, she was playing into their hands. She had to be very smart with her next move. If she wasn’t careful, Port Charles could go from a bad situation to something much worse, like that. She snapped her fingers.

Dante told Jason that he read Sonny was a magnet for violence. What better way to prove it? Jason said, taking down Sidwell would be easier If Natalia hadn’t been found dead with Sonny’s guard in the hallway. Dante said he believed Sonny knew Natalia had evidence incriminating him, but he wasn’t allowed near the case, and Jason said it was probably for the best.

Sonny told Turner that Natalia was a strong person. In the end, we never know what drives a person to do what they did. Turner said he still blamed her, but he said she was doing her job. How Natalia dealt with it was on her, not Turner. Turner said, no more questions, and left.

Trina told Kai that she was worried about her parents. She wanted them to stay together. He said there was nothing wrong with wanting lasting love.

Tracy asked Emma to leave them alone, but Gio said he’d like her to stay. Or they could both leave. It was up to Tracy. Emma said Gio was going to tell her later anyway, and Tracy told Gio that his grandfather was a dangerous man. Gio said, not to him, but Tracy said, especially to him. Sonny’s family were targets and she didn’t want him to be the next victim. If he didn’t want to live in the main house, he could live in the gatehouse, or they could move Trina and Josslyn in there and he could have the apartment. Gio said he liked where he was living and wasn’t moving back. They were not family. Tracy said she understood that people in the house had hurt him, but his feelings weren’t worth his life. Emma said her grandmother was literally the Police Commissioner, and Tracy said, a lot of good she’d done to curb crime in Port Charles. She was Gio’s best bet. Gio said he’d consider it if it was really about his safety, but it was about him rejecting his grandfather. He wasn’t going to do it.

Wiley saw Willow and ran to her. She hugged him and said she missed him so much. He did great in the pool. Michael said it was time to go, and Wiley asked why they couldn’t stay and swim with mom. Willow told him that the judge said they had to wait a while longer before they could spend time together, and Wiley said he hated the judge. He missed her. Willow said, hopefully, the judge would change her mind soon, and Michael said it was time to go. Wiley and Willow hugged, and she told him to be a good boy and go with daddy. She loved him. Wiley said he loved her too, and left with Michael.   

Kai told Trina that they all wanted to believe making a commitment meant something and no matter what, they didn’t give up on each other. Trina said, it was a risk. When you trusted someone, they could disappoint you. He said, maybe if it was worth it, so was the risk. Trina was worth it. Trina said she never thought she’d feel like this again. He was worth it too.

Wiley told Michael that he didn’t want to wait for the judge. He wanted his mom to come home and be with him now. Michael said he knew, and hugged him.

Tracy said Gio was an adult, and she couldn’t force him, and Gio said, then they were done. Tracy said she had a request. After work, he should go by Charlie’s and see what was left. Then go to the hospital to visit his Aunt Kristina. Gio said he knew what she was doing, and she said, after that, she wanted him to go to the cemetery and visit his Uncle Morgan’s gravesite. He was 23 years old, a year older than Gio. He was killed in a car bomb because of his father. (Well, really Julian.)

Laura went to the PCPD and said she needed to see Sonny. The judgmental desk sergeant said, of course (🍷). He was in the interrogation room, and she could go in. Sonny asked if she was sure she wanted to be seen with him, and she said this couldn’t wait. He asked what was wrong, and she said he warned her that violence was coming. The thing was, a warning without details didn’t help much. She needed to know what Sonny knew.  

Jason said he and Dante lived in the same house, the house he swore he’d never move back to. Their kids were like brothers. Dante said, who would have thought that? and Jason said he didn’t want trouble with Dante and didn’t want to take any action involving him. Dante said he wished he believed Sonny wasn’t going to try and retaliate, but unfortunately, he knew better. He left, and Jason made a call. He asked if there were eyes on him yet… No. Let him know when they wanted to move.  

Brook told Maxie that she was going to set it up so Rocco accidently found the file, but he’d been through enough. Lulu had it coming, not Rocco. Maxie said she knew Lulu had hurt her, and intended or not – Brook said, it totally was – It wouldn’t solve anything. Brook said she could get back at Lulu for what Lulu did to her and Gio, but she chose not to. She was better than Lulu.  

Rocco went home, and Lulu said she thought he was working on something. He said she needed to tell him about Britt Westbourne.

On Monday, Rocco confronts Lulu about Britt giving birth to him; Josslyn tells Vaughn, this isn’t working. We’re done; Sidwell tells Anna if she’s looking for answers, look to him; Sonny tells Laura there may be a way to contain the damage.

🫔 No Enchilada This Week…

There’s no new GH tomorrow because…

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Coming, albeit temporarily.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/kirsten-storms-temporarily-replaced-on-general-hospital-nicole-paggi-steps-in-as-maxie/

And going.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-exits-general-hospital-as-natalia-it-was-just-an-awesome-experience-excl/

She was really excellent in her final scene.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/eva-larue-on-natalias-death-on-general-hospital-ive-never-been-killed-before-excl/

🪟 Full disclosure, everything is a little shorter this week because not only did I suddenly realize the last GH would be on Thursday, but I also ended up at the doctor with no good, very bad allergies. No hot dog cookout for me, but that’s okay, there’s always streaming to catch up on.

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

Bosun Caio claimed to be adjusting to Captain Kerry. I think he meant adjusting to actual work, since that seemed to baffle him.

Caio, Caio.

Next Gen NYC

Georgia planned an event with Brooks’ mom Meredith (Real Housewives of Salt Lake City) which was an interesting pairing. Charlie continued to be a d-bag, which was no surprise to anyone, as well as Brooks’ dad being weirdly intrusive.

The Valley

Jesse finally proposed to Kristen in Maui and it made almost everyone cry.

Real Housewives Of Miami

Adriana hosted a baby shower for Julia and Martina. Lisa tried to guest, but became overwhelmed, still grieving her father. New Housewife Stephanie was introduced and we found out her goal in life was to become filthy rich – and she succeeded. Mazel! She gave one of the best quotes of the night: What kind of welcome is this? I was just asked to have a threesome. Where’s the food? Needless to say, there was also a bunch of fighting, and in her interview, Kiki also gave quote: Who fight at a baby shower? We need God. We need help. I’d say that covers it.

Random Reality Items

Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

The Runway returns.

https://ew.com/project-runway-season-21-trailer-contestant-clashes-nina-garcia-attitude-11764431

Scheana reveals all. I totally buy she didn’t know he was married. I doubt she could lie her way out of a paper bag or keep a secret.

https://ew.com/scheana-shay-opens-up-about-eddie-cibrian-affair-in-memoir-excerpt-11764114

I still miss Metul.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

I mostly caught up on series since I actually went out in the real world and interacted with real people last weekend.

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise. Netflix. This one made me want to never go on a cruise. No air conditioning, no lights, no food, no more booze for you, no toilets, and I will never look at a red bag the same way again. Or lasagna. And if you should decide to brave the high seas, make sure you read that contract thoroughly.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1419133/carnivals-poop-cruise-cruise-ship-nightmare-timeline

Squid Game. Netflix. Since it’s still fresh, no spoilers, but IMO, the ending probably wasn’t what anyone hoped for. That being said, the final leg of the series was still spectacular and the VIPs super creepy. I’d love to see those cut scenes.

https://deadline.com/2025/07/squid-game-season-3-premiere-viewership-netflix-1236446846/

Behind the scenes.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-3-jump-rope-vips-cut-exclusive-11765916

What might have been.

https://www.slashfilm.com/1900202/squid-game-season-3-gi-hun-alternate-ending/

The Gilded Age. HBO/Max. Basically Downton Abbey set in NYC, this show is worth watching for the costumes and sets alone. My only complaint is that it’s being doled out like methadone, one episode at a time. Yeah, I’m spoiled. Speaking of which, some mild spoilers.

https://ew.com/the-gilded-age-review-season-3-11752361

The real deal.

https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/the-gilded-age-season-3-fact-vs-fiction-1235135953/

🐍 Adios, Sidewinder…

I was sad to hear this. He’s the reason hearing Stuck in the Middle With You has a whole new connotation now.

https://ew.com/michael-madsen-dead-reservoir-dogs-and-kill-bill-actor-was-67-11766378

🐾 Red, White, and Pet…

Dress them up, but please don’t take them out.

https://cheezburger.com/6118661/16-super-cute-animals-all-dressed-up-to-celebrate-4th-of-july

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix

You are not called to be a canary in a cage. You are called to be an eagle, and to fly sun to sun, over continents. – Henry Ward Beecher

To be nobody but yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. – e. e. cummings

We never know when our last day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with true faith, and hope with all of your might. Better to have lived in truth and discovered life, than to have lived half-heartedly and died long before you ever ceased breathing. – Cristina Marrero

No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself. – Virginia Woolf

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear. – Mark Twain

Sometimes what’s right for the hole isn’t right for the soul. – Marisol Patton, Real Housewives of Miami

🦅 Waiting For the Chirp, Chirp, Chirp…

Until next week, stay safe; stay following pet safety guidelines for the 4th of July; and stay not leaving folders meant for revenge lying around.

January 31, 2025 – Lulu Confesses Her Love For Dante, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Performing, Animal Tales, An Even Number Of Short Quotes & Mountain

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Tara from Turning Woods had info for Elizabeth, but when she and Lucky showed up, Tara was out sick. Natalia told Lucy that she could land an account in LA, but the contact only wanted to meet with her and the silent partner – i.e. Sonny. Kristina went to see Sonny and asked him if everything was okay since he didn’t show up at Charlie’s. She said they had to keep Avery away from Ava and she’d decided to testify at the custody hearing. Anna told Jason about Sidwell being in Port Charles. She asked if he or Sasha were willing to go on record about Sasha’s kidnapping.

Curtis told Nina that Drew was going to undermine the company in congress if he didn’t get his stock back. Chase visited Willow, who whined about Drew being ostracized by his family. Drew met with Martin and told him that Monica wasn’t speaking with him. He was her first truly lost cause, and he wondered if he’d ever really been a part of the family. Anna told Jason not to go after Sidwell on his own. Lucky told the Turning Woods rep that Cyrus wanted a list of his patients who had died so he could send condolences to the family. Curtis told Nina that things had a way of getting out and encouraged her to tell Willow that she’d been sleeping with Drew. Drew told Martin, if they thought banning him from the Quartermaine grounds would keep him from Willow, they had another thing coming.

Jason told Anna that he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Mr. Furner came in while Lucky and Elizabeth were there. Lucky distracted him by threatening a lawsuit while Elizabeth waited for the printout. Chase told Willow that he and Brook were trying to have a baby.  Nina told Curtis that she’d made the devil’s bargain with Drew. She couldn’t tell Willow about Drew, nor he about her. She hoped with time, Willow would trust her more than Drew. Curtis said he had a plan and needed Nina’s help. Anna said the best way of getting Sidwell was to get criminal charges that would stick, but Jason said he had to do it for Michael.

Natalia conferred with Sonny about the LA trip. Anna asked if Jason could guarantee he would be the only target for retaliation. He could break the cycle of violence by not retaliating. Curtis told Nina that he wanted to sabotage Drew’s connections in DC. Chase showed Willow his lab results and she told him to see his doctor. According to the results, he couldn’t father a child.

Tuesday:

Ned told Tracy to show some respect to Willow or she’d be out on her high-class derriere. Tracy said two fingers of bourbon for everyone, and no one was leaving until they figured out what to do.

Felicia took Anna for a manicure and told Anna that she’d seen Emma clubbing. Emma joined them and Anna questioned her. Emma said, it wasn’t a spa day; it was an interrogation. Carly couldn’t figure out Jack’s angle. He said when he first came to Port Charles, he was on a mission. He had no intention of pursuing her until she visited him in prison. He considered her a friend, not an asset. Kai told Trina that his vertebrae was cracked, and he couldn’t play football because he’d risk a spinal injury. She suggested he talk to her mom. Portia told Alexis that Sam had been murdered and how they came to that conclusion. It had been a pattern. Alexis said she wasn’t leaving it to the police and was going to find answers.

Ned said the mess was all on Drew and they should give Willow a chance to create distance. Tracy said they had to make rules and asked what Chase thought. Brook told Lois that she was able to have a baby. Lois asked if she regretted giving her baby up, and Brook said it was the hardest choice she ever made, but she never regretted it. Chase said Willow was a good person and they should respect her. Tracy said Drew would use Willow to his own ends, but Ned said, if they pushed things, Willow would run back to him. Sasha said Tracy was being dramatic, then Tracy screamed because she saw a mouse. She said Sasha was out if she didn’t climb up and get it (like the mouse wasn’t in Chicago after Tracy screamed), but Sasha said she wasn’t climbing anywhere because she was pregnant, quickly adding, it’s not Cody’s.

Sasha said if anyone had complaints or judgements, oh well, and Gio said he didn’t grow up with a father and turned out fine. Alexis talked to Isaiah about Sam. Trina asked Portia to talk to Kai. Anna said Emma was allowed a social life, but not allowed to lie to her and sneak around. Emma said she’d been to a fundraiser and wondered, since when was Anna so uptight? Jack offered to have Michael’s cultures forwarded to Germany from the WSB to expedite things for Carly.

Tracy wondered why they offered daycare to everyone, and Ned said she’d just kidnapped two more. Portia said Kai wasn’t necessarily sidelined. Anna said there was a difference between uptight and responsible, and she was the latter. Emma said she never saw Anna because she worked so much. Carly called Felicia about the cultures, and Felicia told her to proceed with caution when it came to Jack.

Emma made a deal that if she got straight A’s, Anna would go clubbing with her. Jason asked Sasha if Michael knew about the baby. Chase told Brook that his tests came back, and he couldn’t get her pregnant. Portia suggested Kai get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine. Kai said Trina’s mom was amazing and he knew where she got it from. Alexis said she wasn’t going to stop until she found the killer. Jack went to the hotel spa and Felicia warned Carly that Jack had an agenda, but Carly said Jack was intriguing and she wanted to know more. Valentin showed up at the spa to kill Jack.

Wednesday:

Chase told Brook that he was sterile and couldn’t be a father. Olivia and Lois took Tracy for a manicure to destress. Sasha told Jason that Michael knew she was pregnant, and he was the father, but they had a deal that he’d stay out of it. At the hospital, Anna told Lulu that she was glad no one was hurt in Prague. Lulu said she was glad her daughter didn’t get shot a second time. Valentin pretended to be a masseuse and tried to strangle Jack while he was on the table.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Emma told Gio that she wanted to do a fundraiser to stop animal testing. She wanted him to play at it because something classic and boring would get the old people and boomers to contribute. Olivia said asking invasive and intrusive questions was Tracy’s love language, but she should let up on Sasha. Martin came into the beauty salon and said, good luck with that. Sasha said it was none of Jason’s business, but he said Michael had a right to know. Anna said she didn’t have the words to tell Lulu how sorry she was, but Lulu said she could see how it was an accident because of the circumstance. She thought Valentin was dangerous and bad things happened when he was around. Carly went looking for Jack at the spa.

Anna said she had an eye open for Valentin, and Lulu thanked her. Gio agreed to play at Emma’s fundraiser, but wondered if it was a scam to get extra cash. Jason told Sasha that Michael had asked for her and thought it was because he knew she was carrying his child. Sasha said if he wanted to help Michael, make sure no one else found out. Chase didn’t want Brook to miss out on the experience of being pregnant, but she said she loved him more than anything and they’d get through it together. Tracy said Martin would defend anyone and she’d been trying to protect the kids. He said she had a bad habit of rolling over people’s lives and just wanted to hurt Drew. Lulu told Dante that she was the best judge of what she could do, but he said, obviously not. Carly heard a noise in Jack’s room, but an employee said it was nothing.

Jack was lying on the floor when Carly came in and cracked something over Valentin’s head. Chase said he didn’t deserve Brook, but she said he was stuck with her. Emma said she was sick of people treating her cause like it was a joke, and Gio said he was only kidding. She said she’d volunteered for a shelter when she was younger. Some puppies were bought by a lab, and it stayed with her. Cody showed up looking for Tracy. He wanted to apologize for missing their ride, but Gio said she was pretty upset, so Cody should wait on that. Martin said just because Tracy disliked someone didn’t make them disreputable, and Brook called Lois, asking her to come home. Portia told Anna about the pattern of suspicious patient deaths and that someone had injected the patients with a large, unprescribed dose of digitalis that resulted in a heart attack. Carly told Jack to wake up or she’d tell the world he died wearing his bathrobe, and told the employee to call an ambulance.

Brook told Lois about Chase and said she felt like her soul was broken. Gio told Cody about Sasha being pregnant and Jason promised not to tell anybody that Michael was the father. Sasha had no doubt Willow would use her pregnancy against Michael, and she’d do what it took to keep her baby away from the Q’s. She also wanted Sonny to be kept in the dark. Anna told Portia about the Angel of Death syndrome, but Portia said two of the cases involved healthy patients, Sam and Dex. Lulu said she was no longer helpless, but Dante said she was human and had limits. She said he focused on someone else to ignore his own pain and didn’t want to think about losing Sam. Jack said he was fine and the WSB would handle Valentin. Carly asked what he was going to do now, but he said, that’s classified.

Jack made a call to have Valentin killed on sight. Tracy asked what Martin’s problem was with her, and he said she had an obnoxious misguided sense of entitlement. She felt entitled to judge him and Willow and had prevented him from having a relationship with Lucy. Tracy said he should thank her instead of ruining her zen. Lois said Brook and Chase could be as sad as they wanted for as long as they wanted. Brook said Chase suggested IVF, but he was just sacrificing his feelings for her. She thought she should tell him that she’d been pregnant before. Dante said he didn’t blame Lulu for Sam’s death and she asked what he was doing for himself. She knew her presence was a complication in his life. He said he’d never be sorry she was here. Anna asked to talk to Dante. Jason said Sasha didn’t have to do it on her own and he was on her side.

Anna told Dante that Sam was murdered. Sasha let Jason feel the baby move. Carly and Jack kissed.

Thursday:

Hitting the heavy bag, Chase flashed back to his and Brook’s baby journey. Brook told Lois that Chase was mourning the life he’d imagined for them. She wanted him to know the pain and anguish she’d felt giving her baby up so he didn’t feel so alone. Alexis told Diane that Sam had been murdered, while Lulu told Maxie. Cody listened in on Sasha talking to Jason about the baby, but slipped away before he heard Michael was the father. In Baden Baden, Jack went to Carly’s suite and kissed her. She said she needed a minute, and he apologized if he’d read things incorrectly, but she said he didn’t. She just didn’t want to do something she regretted. He said he wasn’t there to sleep with her and had something much different in mind.

Molly visited Cody at the stables to drop off his paperwork from the station. He was less than hospitable. He said his feet were held to the fire while career criminals got away with everything. Jason wanted Michael’s side of the story, but Sasha said she didn’t owe Jason anything. He said she owed Michael. Lulu said she owed Sam everything, but Maxie said, feeling guilty over something she had no control over would go nowhere. Lulu admitted still being in love with Dante. Brook said she’d have to tell Chase the whole truth, that Dante was the father of her child. Dante told Chase about the murders at GH and that Sam was one of the victims. Alexis didn’t know what to do with her feelings about Sam being murdered, and she threw stuff around the office.

Jack brought Carly to the rooftop, where he had a fire going and they had champagne. Carly said, it was cozy, beautiful and private. He toasted to her changing her mind about coming to the spa. Jason told Sasha that he’d back off the second he talked to Michael. Sasha said they were done, but if he talked to Michael, tell him that she was thinking of him and praying for his recovery. Cody said, clearly Molly had an agenda, but she said she was there as a favor to Mac. He said he appreciated it and she left. Diane wanted to say the right thing, but Alexis told her that there was no right thing to say. Diane said, whatever Alexis wanted, she was all in – whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. Alexis said she had to tell Molly and Kristina, who were on their way there. Diane got a text from Jason and promised she wouldn’t tell him anything. Kristina came in and wondered what had happened.

Brook said if she told Chase, she’d have to tell Dante, and she felt sick. Dante told Chase about the digitalis murders, that Dex was one of the victims, and Michael had been saved by Isaiah’s quick thinking. Maxie said she was surprised Lulu admitted she still loved Dante, but it would be weird if she didn’t. Jason met with Diane and told her about Sasha’s pregnancy. Alexis told Kristina and Molly that Sam was murdered. Carly wanted to know what was going on between Jack and Valentin. She thought it was crazy that Valentin tried to kill him. Jack said, Valentin had been a friend, but after tonight, he wasn’t protecting Valentin any longer. He figured Valentin assumed he was the one who fired the shot in Prague. He hadn’t, but he was at that point now. It was a winding, complicated story. Carly told him to order another bottle of champagne.

Dante unloaded on Chase about Lulu and said she had to stop taking risks and be careful for her sake and Rocco’s. He was happy she was there, but Sam was gone because of it. Every time he looked at Lulu, he’d think of Sam and what they’d all lost. At the MetroCourt, Cody saw Diane with Jason. He apologized to Maxie about the other night and told her that Sasha was pregnant. Then he realized she knew already. Jason said Carly couldn’t know anything about this. He was going to the clinic to see Michael, but wanted Diane to keep an eye on Sasha. Jack told Carly that he wanted to rise in the ranks at the WSB and an alliance with Valentin was a smart move, so he sought out Valentin’s friendship. Valentin was the iron fist, and he was the velvet glove. Valentin needed him as much as he needed Valentin, and they became true friends.

Diane promised to keep an eye on Sasha and let her know when Jason got clarity. The fact Michael never told her spoke to Sasha’s credibility. Jason said if he was wrong, he’d gladly admit it, and she said she wanted a ringside seat for that. Maxie asked how Cody found out, but he said it didn’t matter. Maxie said Sasha was clear that she had no plans to tell the father, and Cody said the father was Jason. Sasha told the baby that they could do this on their own and promised she’d always be there. Lois said she didn’t want to influence Brook’s decision, but Brook said she needed Lois’s advice. Lois said Brook was a grown-up now and it was only her choice to make. Brook said she and Chase had to be open and honest and she had to tell him. Dante asked Chase what was up, and Chase said he’d talk when he was ready. Alexis promised they’d find out who did this to Sam. They were going to shield the truth from Scout and wanted to wait for more information to tell Danny. She’d ask Anna to keep it away from the public for as long as possible. They’d have to stay strong and present a united front for Sam.

Carly said there was more to Jack than met the eye. She admired his loyalty. He said there was a big difference between them. She was a good person. She said he wasn’t the bad guy he wanted people to think he was. To her, he was the guy who’d done awesome things for her and expected nothing in return. They kissed by the fire.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In his hospital room, Kai struggles to put on a brace belt and Trina walks in.

Jordan is surprised to find Drew at Volonino’s, and asks if he’s allowed through the doors of Aurora these days. He asks if she means his company, and she wonders if he’s trying to drive away anyone who ever thought they knew him.

Curtis meets Portia at Beradino’s and says, Aurora’s new CEO is looking fine. He says he aims to please, and she asks, what’s with the good mood? He says he’s at breakfast with his beautiful wife. Why wouldn’t he be? She says she saw on the news that there’s a holdup with the McConkey esplanade. It was a big project for him and Aurora. Curtis says, it still is. Don’t worry. He’s steps ahead of it. Since no one eats at home, at another table, Ric says, even though it was gruesome, the fire strengthened Ava’s case. She asks if it’s strong enough to rescue her daughter, and he says he thinks it should. Given her present financial situation, he has a proposal to present to Diane. With any luck, it will convince Diane to wrap things up with her and Sonny. Ava says, that would be ideal, and thanks him. His generosity had been so helpful. He says, what generosity? and she says, him representing her pro bono. He says he’s not doing her case pro bono, and she says, he’s not? Since he stopped hounding her to pay, she assumed… He says, that his service was gratis? Why? Because they kissed?

Lulu meets Laura at the bistro and apologizes for being late. Everything she does seems like something she has no chance with. She was here with Rocco and her baby boy is now a coffee drinker. Laura says, he’s a coffee snob, and Lulu says, he gets that because of Sonny. Dante is so good with Rocco. He’s a great dad, but… Laura says, she’s still in love with him, isn’t she?

Dante bursts into Anna’s office and asks, what the hell is going on? Mac said she ordered him locked out of Sam’s murder investigation. She says, he’s correct, and he asks, why?

Brook goes to the stables and asks Cody if they’re alone. He says, yeah, and she says, good. She needs to talk to him. He says, about what? and she says, the summer romance she had with Dante, and he asks if she means the summer she got pregnant.

In Diane’s office with Kristina, Sonny says he’s going to LA on business for Deception, and she says, that’s a long way to go for a silent investor. He says, Natalia wanted him to go and he wants to go over some things before he leaves. Diane says, that’s why Kristina came, and he says, there are things they all need to discuss.

At Volonino’s, Brad does push-ups, and his trainer suggests a break, but he says, no breaks. The trainer hands him some water and says, he needs to hydrate. Brad takes a drink and says, if he’s going to hit his goal before Miami, he can’t afford breaks.

Ava asks if Ric thinks she kissed him in exchange for legal fees, and he says he hopes not. It was a good kiss, but hardly covers his retainer. He’s attracted to her, but business is business. He’s extending her grace in deferring his payment. She says, he’s a beacon of charity. At this juncture, it’s like the kiss never happened and it’s not likely there will be another. He says, ever? and she says, not until she gets her daughter back. After that, they’ll see what’s on the table. He says he guesses he should be going then, and leaves.

Curtis tells Portia that Drew is stalling the project, and she says, that’s so sad. He says he can think of two other strong words, and she says, Drew is using his office to exact petty revenge. She’ll stick with sad. Tell her about his next steps. He says he’s going to need an ally on Capitol Hill who has more connections than Drew. Nina is setting up something, but if it doesn’t work, he has a back-up. Meanwhile, his focus is on the next step with Aurora, and it involves her, him, a beach, and daquiris on a tropical island.  

Drew says he understands that Jordan is upset about the esplanade, and she says, he brought the project to her, and they worked on it together. Now he’s stalled it. He’s damn right she’s upset. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s sorry, and she says, explain why he’s doing this. He says he’s just trying to hold onto what’s his.

Brook says, of course (🍷) she’s referring to that summer, and Cody says he thought the subject was verboten. She says, it was, and it is. Did he ever tell Dante? He says, she swore him to secrecy, and he drove her to the bus station. She left and he didn’t see her again until he started working here. She asks if he ever told Dante, but he says, no. He hasn’t even thought about it since then. She says, thank God, and thanks him, and he says, no problem. She says she’s sorry to make a big deal out of it, but she had to be sure. He says he gets it, but it was like, a million years ago. Why bring it up now?

Anna says she wants to reiterate how sorry she is, but Dante says he doesn’t want her sympathy. He wants Sam’s file. She says, he barged into her office and asked for access to a case… He says, because Sam  was his fiancé and he loved her, and Anna says, that’s precisely why she can’t let him get anywhere near the case.

Trina offers to help Kai, but he says he’ll do it himself. He struggles some more, and she says, it will be easier when his arm isn’t in a sling. He finally asks her to help him, and she puts the belt on him. As she wraps it around him, they gaze at each other for a moment.

Lulu tells Laura that she loves Dante, but not… He’s still grieving Sam… They were already divorced, but she ended things with Dustin. She was planning on telling Dante that she never stopped loving him, but unfortunately, she never got the chance. Now she’s finally awake, but Dante is grieving Sam… He totally should. Laura says, good to know, and Lulu says, it’s probably better. Things between them are worse. Laura asks, how so? and Lulu says, they fight all the time. When she went to Prague, Dante brought it on himself to follow. It’s a habit and they know how she doesn’t like being handled. Laura says, they do indeed, and Lulu says she wants to try and get along, but he makes it impossible. Laura says, maybe she’s pushing him away, but Lulu says, it’s not that. If anything, she thinks she’s holding herself back.

Sonny tells Diane that he’s concerned Charlie’s is going to be scrutinized. The business is clean, but he did sell it to Kristina. Diane says, she’ll stay ahead of it and tells Kristina to call if there’s a problem. Kristina says, if the Feds tap her phone, she’ll ask for a copy of the recording to help her keep track of things. Sonny says he doesn’t want what he’s done to interfere, and Diane says she’ll make sure of it. She’s about to leave when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Ric and Ava, and Ric says, good. They’re already here. That makes it easier.

Brad kisses his bicep (he’s pretty jacked) and says, woo!

Kai thanks Trina for her help and says he’s sorry for snapping. She says she gets it, and he says he appreciates her coming, but he’s not in the mood. He’s still trying to rap his head around what he’s going to do with his life. She says, that’s why she’s here. Since he was injured in a game, PCU can’t revoke his scholarship. She brought him some catalogs for inspiration. He says he can’t think about classes. He’s barely managed to schedule his rehab. She asks if that means he got a second opinion that was positive, and he says, they told him, no promises.  

Drew tells Jordan that he’s the ultimate team player. He’s dealt with Tracy, navigated Ned’s fragile ego, and sat through his fair share of family squabbles disguised as ELQ board meetings. He does one thing the family doesn’t approve of… Jordan says, he had an affair with his nephew’s wife, and Drew says, and the rest of the Quartermaines are saints compared to most people. Monica banned him from the grounds, and he was pushed out of his own company. Jordan says she gets it. His life as a rich congressman is in shambles. Welcome to politics. They’re not here to talk about Quartermaine infighting. He’s stalling the progress for the good of the city he’s been chosen to represent. He says, it could still happen. That depends on what Curtis chooses to do with Aurora.  

Portia says, Curtis’s plans for Aurora involve them on a beach? and he says, not just any beach. St. George Island, potentially the first site of Aurora’s new resorts. Portia says she loves it, and he says, of course (🍷) he wants to experience the island before moving forward and he can’t without her. What does she say? She says she can feel the sand between her toes, when Curtis’s phone rings. Jordan says she’s calling in a favor, and Curtis says, which one? She tells him to meet her at Volonino’s as soon as he can.  

Anna says, when she told Dante that Sam was murdered, she was speaking to him as a private citizen. That’s why he can’t be involved. He says he can help find out who killed her, and she says she’d let him if the victim was anyone else. He says, because it’s Sam, and she says, imagine if he finds the killer and it goes to trial. What does he think the defense is going to do? He says, object because of his conflict of interest, and she says, they won’t need to. We won’t have a case. It will be thrown out because he was involved in the investigation. He asks if that’s what she wants, but she says, no, but she has to look at it. What if he finds the killer and decides to take the law into his own hands? He asks if she thinks he’d do that, and she says, in this instance, she doesn’t know. He asks what she means by in this instance. Does she have a suspect?

Brook says she’s sure everybody knows she and Chase are trying to start a family, and Cody says, word got around. She says, it’s bringing up a memory for her, living in the same house with Dante. She needs to be sure. He says he never told Dante. He hasn’t even thought about it in years. If she had told Dante back then, he’s sure Dante would have stepped up, unlike other guys. She asks what he means, and he says, it’s an obligation and the guy has to step up. He can’t leave the woman hanging. Brook asks what he’s talking about, and he says, Sasha is pregnant and she shouldn’t be in it alone.  

Drew works out with the weights, when Curtis comes in. He asks if this is why Jordan needed him, and she says, Drew told her that the future of the esplanade depends on Curtis. Care to elaborate? Curtis says, Drew wanted to push Michael out of Aurora, and Jordan says, while he’s in Germany, recovering from third degree burns? Curtis says, yeah. And if Drew doesn’t get what the wants, he’s more than willing to sabotage Aurora. Hence the delay on the esplanade. Jordan says, is that right? and Drew says, Curtis couldn’t be more wrong.

Kai tells Trina that the doctors told him to manage his expectations and set reasonable goals. Don’t get ahead of himself. She says, that’s good advice, and he says his teammates’ doctors said the same thing. She asks if they played again, and he says, one did. The rest never set foot on a field again. She says she’s sorry, and he says him too. He knew it was a possibility, but he told himself that it would never be him. How could he be so stupid?

Lulu tells Laura that Dante would jump in to save any chance he got, whether she needed him to or not. Laura says, Dante just lost someone he loved and maybe he doesn’t want to lose someone else. Lulu says, maybe… probably. She hates seeing him and Rocco in pain and not be able to help. Dante sees her as the woman his fiancé died trying to save. What is it going to be like for the rest of their lives? Laura says she knows what Lulu thinks, but unless she’s spoken to Dante directly, she doesn’t know how he feels.

Anna says she has no suspect yet, but there’s a person of interest, and Dante asks, who? She says, it’s not his case and she’s not disclosing more information. He says, she hasn’t told him anything. Dammit! She needs to tell him… She says she thinks he should go home. She’s placing him on one week’s paid leave and would like him to see the department psychiatrist. He asks if he can say no, but she says she thinks he knows the answer to that. He says, fine, and leaves.

Diane tells Ric to come back when he’s made an appointment, but he says he has an offer regarding the custody hearing. Sonny says, let’s hear it, and Ric says, the recent incident at his domicile caused the destruction of property and injury to his son. Ava says, it was obviously an attempt… and Ric says, it’s obvious Sonny can’t provide a safe home for Avery. At best, Sonny is going to lose. He’s made an effort to save them time and expense. He gives Diane the paperwork and she laughs. She says, visitation every other weekend and Ava has sole custody and all major holidays? Ava says she’s willing to give up Arbor Day, but Diane says she won’t even entertain it. Ric says, then they’ll go to court, and Sonny says, let’s do it. Ric says he’s going to call Kristina to the stand, and Kristina says, no problem. He asks if she’s sure. He’s going to ask about her father’s brutal assault on Dex Heller and his long list of mental and emotional instabilities. He’ll also bring in her impulsiveness and hot-headed temper that led to the attack on Ava and also the death of Kristina’s child. Sonny says, that’s enough, and Kristina says she looks forward to making sure Avery ends up with the right parent. Ric says, it’s impressive, but her keeping it together in her attorney’s office for five seconds doesn’t hold a candle to keeping it together on the witness stand… which she knows. Ava tells Sonny to spare the agony for both him and his daughter and take the deal. Sonny leans on his desk and asks, when’s the date? Diane says, February 25th, and Sonny tells Ric, see you there. Ric says, it’s their final offer, and Sonny shrugs. Ric says, it’s over, and he and Ava leave. Diane says she knows one thing, and Sonny says, they’re desperate. Diane says, right, and he says, Ava’s funds have dried up. Kristina says, Lucy mentioned to her the other day that Ava took a place far below her standards, and Sonny says, Ava wouldn’t trade down if she didn’t have to. Kristina says, that’s good news. If Ava can’t afford it, all they have to do is wait, but Diane says, they can’t rely on that. Ric and Ava’s argument is stronger than theirs.

Dante sees Brook at the stables and asks if Cody is around. She says, he was, then he wasn’t. She doesn’t know if he’s coming back. Is Dante okay? He says, obviously not, and she asks if there’s anything she can do. He says he doesn’t know. Sam was murdered and Anna won’t let him find the bastard who did it.

Lulu says she knows Dante loved Sam, and Laura says, and Sam loved Dante. She’s grateful they gave a good home to Rocco. Lulu says her too, but she’s a little jealous. And by little, she means really jealous. Laura says, Sam is gone now, and Dante has to find a way to live with the loss, and Lulu says, it’s a big loss and here she is, swooping in. Laura says, Lulu is entitled to be here, and Lulu says, Sam is too, but she can’t be. Laura says, but Lulu can, and Dante is afraid he’s going to lose her too. He practically camped out by her bedside and fought like hell for her. She says she knows, and Laura says, from her own life, she knows it’s possible to love two people at the same time. Dante absolutely loves Lulu. Maybe not in the same way she loves him right now, but there’s definitely a place in his heart for her. Lulu says she knows it’s not rational, but she feels like it’s her fault Sam died. If she feels that way… Laura says, maybe Dante does too?

Trina says, Kai isn’t stupid. He doesn’t know how rehab is going to turn out. His first orthopedist told him that he’s never play again. He says he doesn’t feel like a lecture. He needs to figure out rehab now. As for class, he doesn’t know if he wants to go back. She says, why? Even if he never plays again, he’s been given an amazing opportunity. A scholarship most kids would kill for and PCU is an amazing school. He says he knows Trina thinks she’s helping, but she’s not.

Drew says, when he pitched the esplanade, he did it on behalf of his company. Now he’s pitching for his constituents. Jordan asks, then why hold up the project that will give his constituents jobs? and he says, the environmental report was of concern, so it’s been put on pause for review. She says, it’s going to die because he has an ax to grind, and he says, it’s Aurora’s project. Curtis is the CEO and it’s up to him to clear up the issues. Curtis says, Aurora will be fine without the esplanade, and Drew says, there you have it. Curtis says, Drew is screwing them over, and Jordan says, it was a project for the constituents that was supposed to carry on the name of the man who gave Drew a seat in congress. (Good point!) Drew says, Curtis seems tense. What does he say to them working it out in the ring?

Diane says she hates to admit it, but Ric had good points. It’s of public record that the penthouse fire was deliberately set. Sonny says, Avery was at Carly’s, and Diane says, that’s the only reason Sonny still has custody. As for Kristina, she was magnificent back there. Kristina thanks her and says, hate is a powerful motivator. Diane says she has to advise Kristina, no matter how cool and calm she is on the witness stand, Dex’s assault is going to count in Ava’s favor. Sonny says, Ric is all about money. The only reason Ric is representing Ava is to hurt him. He’s going to use Kristina to do that. Kristina says, let him try. She can’t allow Ava to have Avery. Diane says she knew Kristina would say that. She’s going to let them talk. Take all the time they need. She leaves and Sonny says, Diane is right. Ric is going to hammer her on the stand like last time. Kristina says, let him. Ava’s not going to win this case. She doesn’t get to have her daughter back after she took Kristina’s from her.  

At the MetroCourt bar, Ava says, Sonny is itching to take them to court, but Ric says he’s not so sure. Ava says, he has enough money to drag this on forever, and Kristina, with her hair trigger temper, didn’t take the bait. Ric says, no matter. It comes down to Sonny. If he doesn’t want to move forward, it’s all over. She says, too bad he and Diane are determined to do that, and Ric says, maybe he’s wrong, but he thinks something is going on with Sonny.  

On the phone, Anna says, come back to my office and we’ll go over your allegations about Cyrus. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, it’s open. Cody comes in and asks if she’s seen Mac, but she says, he’s out on a call. Is everything okay? He says he needs to get a message to Mac’s brother and doesn’t have a way to reach him, and she says she can reach him. He says, it can wait, and she says, is he sure? It seems urgent. He says, it is… It isn’t important. It’s not like they need to contact international law enforcement. Anna tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is in trouble and it’s Jason Morgan’s fault.  

Brook tells Dante that she’s sorry, and he says, the minute he found out Sam was murdered, he wanted to hunt down the piece of garbage who did this. He’s a cop. She says, the best, and he says, Anna told him under no uncertain terms that he’s too close to the case. She says, maybe he is, and he says, obviously. He went to Anna’s office to show her how he’d handle it, and instead, he proved her right. He lost it on her. He yelled at his boss, and she sent him home. Brook says, Anna made the right call, and he says he knows that. For Sam to die like that, in a hospital bed, confined, unable to fight… If she could have gotten up, she would have fought tooth and nail. Brook says, damn straight, and he says, Sam was there because of him, and she’s gone because of him. He doesn’t know how to live with that.

Lulu asks Laura, how does she not feel responsible? The only reason Sam was in a hospital bed was because of her. Laura says, it’s human to feel like it’s her fault, but it’s completely untrue. She’s not responsible for Sam’s death. Only one person is – the murderer. Lulu says she knows that. It’s just so hard to silence the voice telling her that it’s her fault and to think about how Dante sees her. Laura says, he’s grieving, so she can’t assume to know how he feels, but she could ask, and Lulu says, just like that. Laura says, with the connection they have, yeah. It may not be the best time to tell him the full breadth of her feelings, but she can love him as friend.

At the hospital on his phone, Brad orders the deluxe spa package, while Portia tries to quietly go past him. He trots after her and asks if she has any idea where Dr. Jones is. She says, he switched his shift. She can imagine why. He says, speaking of schedules, is there any chance he can get an extra vacation day in Miami?

Curtis says, Drew wants to see him in the ring? and Jordan says, she brought them together hoping they could compromise like the adults she assumed they were, and Curtis says, it was a noble thought. But they both know Drew makes decisions based on what Drew wants. Drew says, and Curtis never misses the opportunity to get on his high horse. Curtis says, it must be real difficult for Drew to see that high up, being so damn lowdown, and Drew asks what Curtis says when the common denominator of the people keeping secrets from him is himself.

Anna asks how Jason is involved with Sasha, but Cody says, forget it. She says, he doesn’t barge into her office saying Robert’s daughter is in trouble and then drop it. He says he wants to talk to Robert directly, but she says, they’re close. What happened? Is Sasha in danger? He says, no. It’s not a crime or a legal thing. She tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is pregnant, and Jason is the father.  

Ric tells Ava, the thing about having a brother as an enemy is, they can read each other. He has a strong feeling something was off with Sonny just now. She asks how he can tell, and he says, Sonny may talk tough, but he has the sense Sonny doesn’t want to see this through. She says, when he dreams, he dreams big. Sonny doesn’t give up. He says, Sonny knows cutting her out will hurt Avery. Maybe he’s starting to care a little. She says she hopes he’s right. She needs to have Avery with her. The sooner he can make that happen, and the sooner she’s back on her feet, the sooner she can pay him. Once he gets paid, maybe after that they can see where things stand between them.

Kai tells Trina that he figured out how to put the brace on and it’s an accomplishment. He appreciates Trina coming, but he needs time to himself. She says, okay. She’ll leave him to it. She goes to the door and says, just so he knows, he doesn’t need to do this alone. She leaves, and he gets on the bed with his phone. He puts on an old game, and the announcer says, PCU is down three and going for a Hail Mary pass… They win, thanks to the golden arm of quarterback Kai Taylor! He puts the phone down, and Trina sees him through the window. She takes out her phone and makes a call. She says, when you get out, come and meet me at GH. Nothing is wrong. I just need help.  

Portia says she’s made accommodations for Brad, and he knows why. Brad says, just because he forced her doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated, and she says she does have limits and if she sticks to them, they shouldn’t have a problem. He says, understood… That said… She says, if he starts asking too much too often, people will start to notice. Don’t push his luck any further than he has. He says, so… is that a yes? and she says, enjoy your vacation day. She jets, and he says, thank you.  

Curtis says, his friendship comes with loyalty and wonders if it’s too much to expect in return, and Drew says, so his friendship is transactional. He’s not applying undue influence to sink Aurora. They’re not in court. Curtis says, let him remind Drew that he’s brand new to congress. He’s alienated his backers by seducing his nephew’s wife. He overextended himself and left himself wide open. Curtis and Jordan walk out.

Sonny asks what Kristina wanted to see him about. Is everything okay? She says, actually, no. The hospital investigated Sam’s death, and it turns out it’s not an accident. Sam was murdered. He asks if they know who, and she says, no, but they know how. She was given a drug she wasn’t supposed to have. Digitalis killed her. He says he’s going to ask a question she might not be able to answer. Does Dante know? She says, probably. The police are looking into it. Should she worry? He says he doesn’t want her to worry. Let him worry. Everybody has a breaking point and she’s carrying too much.

Brook says, it’s not Dante’s fault. She knows he can’t see it, so she’ll let him get there on his own, and he will. He says, she’s right, and she says she knows he’s saying that to get her off his back. She’s here if he needs anything. He says, she’s a pretty good friend when she tries, and she says, don’t tell anyone. He says, they wouldn’t believe him anyway, and they hug. Lulu walks in.  

On Monday, Laura tells Lucky that she has some news; Gio tells Emma that he has a bad feeling about something; Maxie tells Sasha that the more she stonewalls, the more it looks like she has something to hide; and Lulu tells Dante, nothing can be further from the truth.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Looks like a good time. Especially for that random dog who’s probably been stealing food all night.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Sage advice for any condition you might be suffering from: If you are suffering, you have to be your own advocate to keep going… If your doctor doesn’t get it, find a new doctor that listens to you and believes in you, and doesn’t just want to stick you on an antidepressant.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Side gig. I still say Adam Huss was the best Nikolas and they should bring him back.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-wraps-a-movie-with-tuc-watkins

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

In making a sushi dinner for multiple people who don’t eat fish, Cloyce said he had nothing to do but laugh, bang his head against the wall, and innovate. It must be tough for any woman who dates Cloyce to get past him giggling like Anderson Cooper. Captain Glenn joined the guests for dinner and was impressed. Glenn said he still believed in Gary, which is beyond my scope of understanding. In his interview, the captain said, if Gary wanted to step up the ladder, he’d have to grow and mature. Good luck with that. Mixing his metaphors, Captain Glenn said, the crew knocked it out of the park and suggested they put this baby to bed. He’d seen growth and thought they finished the season on a high. The tip was $21K or 2000 euros each, and they’d made a total of $188K for the season. Gary told Daisy that he wanted them to live a fairytale life. She was like, hard no, and wondered why they couldn’t get to a level they could agree on. After the crew night out, Gary waited alone at the jacuzzi while everyone else went to bed. He had a lightbulb moment in his interview, where he said if he was going to be in Glenn’s position, he’d have to start taking more responsibility for his actions. I still can’t figure out what the problem was with the stews and Daisy, except that she wanted them to work. Gary thought there was still hope for him and Daisy, and we flashed back to them over the years. He was intrigued to see what the future held. Glenn said, it was a crazy season and it was done. Margarita time.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Kyle’s interview, she said she was alone in the house more often because the kids wanted more time away from her. Um… yeah, that’s how it works when kids get older. Boz and Dorit have gotten tight, which surprises me, since Boz doesn’t seem like she’d suffer fools or rambling talkers gladly. Garcelle pointed out that Kyle saying she’s never shared anything PK has said to her sounded like it was more than memes, but Kyle insisted that they’d never discussed PK and Dorit’s marriage. Kyle apologized to the group for yelling and leaving, but in Sutton’s interview, she wanted Kyle to apologize for acting better than everyone else and not being accountable. Kyle used the old it’s not who I am backpedal. I hate when people say that because, if not you, who? It was who you were in that moment and to say that is distancing yourself from accountability.

Dorit and Kyle went for a walk on the beach, and Dorit asked where Kyle’s loyalty lay, with her or PK. Dorit wanted the same respect from Kyle that Kyle would expect from her. In her interview, Kyle said she understood and if it was what Dorit needed, she’d do it, but IMO, she should have understood it without Dorit having to tell her. Dorit was also wrestling with Jagger having asked if she and PK were divorced, since he’d gleaned it from social media. In Erika’s interview, she said it was impossible to shield children in this day of the internet, but I wonder if you even should in the first place. By all means you should explain things at their level and make sure they know you’re there for them (and your partner too, if that’s a factor), but I’m not so sure kids should be shielded from negative situations entirely. God forbid they hear it from someone else like this poor kid. The show ended on an up note for once.

Real Housewives of New York City

It was the Reunion Part 1, so… There’s never a lot to say about these, since it’s just a rehash of the season’s arguments and them getting mad all over again. There was Jenna coming out in robe and turban, which was… original. Brynn spoke more about her assault, and sad to say, it’s someone she’s required to inhabit the same space with on a regular basis. It seemed hard for Erin to understand how difficult it is to out someone like that when it’s a he said/she said situation. There was a big deal with Brynn having said Pavit wasn’t the love of Jessel’s life, when they’d been talking about crazy hook-ups. Jessel was pretty upset about her family seeing the show. It looks to be a lively Part 2.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Ugh. The Reunion Part 2. In a word, tedious. Meredith almost walked off because… Okay, I lost track of the whole thing, but it had to do with something she said or didn’t say and who said she said or didn’t say it. You see how I could get lost, right? Angie said that for a new Housewife, Bronwyn put herself out there and that’s why everyone loved her. Agreed. Seth was a jerk, trying to explain away why he called Whitney a bee-yotch during a dinner. No excuse for that, dude. As NeNe so succinctly put it, stay out of women’s business. Period. End of story. With the exception of RHONJ, where the men should have their own show, the husbands need to stay quiet. It’s not called Real Househusbands. Still this season’s MVP, Mary was the exception. Lots of tears over Robert Jr.’s story, even from Andy. And it shut the other women up for once. That’s quite a feat. Whitney said it helped her kids understand why they didn’t have a grandpa as she hasn’t spoken to her (addicted) father since Season 1.

Southern Charm

Poor JT. I almost have to feel sorry for him. Almost. He’s so clueless as to how he’s going wrong. Although Venita doesn’t see it. She admitted to having a crush on him and I thought, oh, just do it already. Craig called Austen and wanted to hang out, which surprised me, but it didn’t seem to surprise Austen. Shep hadn’t heard from Sienna, who texted that she needed a moment. It made Shep nervous, which made me laugh. He said he wanted beautiful babies and a Bahamian house, making me laugh harder. Patricia and Madison had a pajama party, complete with caviar in bed, making me rethink my friend group, and Patricia said Sienna had approached Whitney on Raya before meeting Shep. Venita invited JT for dinner, and he told her that he was seeing someone. It wasn’t the answer either one of us was hoping for. I don’t like him, but she does, so I felt bad for her. He professed faithfulness, but IMO, he’d been leading Venita on. Not a gentleman.

I don’t remember this guy from Summer House, but I’m not always paying attention.

Southern Hospitality

I tried to watch this. I really did. But it’s just a bunch of relationships that are more complicated than they need to be. I’ve seen enough to know Emmy is a drama queen, so I can just imagine when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Red flags have been thrown her way before, which she’s put her fingers in her ears and gone la-la-la about, but this seems to be irrefutable evidence. Rut-roh.

There was this priceless quote though: Even though I’m 33, that’s like 50 in gay years, so I’m basically dead. – TJ

I feel the opposite. While the diversity is commendable, the personalities aren’t so diverse. We even have Maddi being James Kennedy 2.0. Sans the alcoholic rants. Wait for VPR’s reboot if you want to relive the glory days. Or actually watch the original glory days on several streaming services.

Random Reality

The latest in Atlanta. Twirl on, Kenya. Twirl on.

Why not? And I actually don’t mind Slade. They seem to be a good match. Maybe he’ll marry her on his deathbed.

Get your lemons ready.

I’m sporadic in watching this, and like with Survivor, I get lost with the challenges, but when I see it, I enjoy it. Alan Cumming is the best host, all theatric and Scottish.

Take the tour.

https://ew.com/the-traitors-host-alan-cumming-season-3-castle-tour-exclusive-8766966

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Sleep. Hulu et al. I was a fan of Korean cinema long before it was popular, and Netflix had a Korean for beginners category. While this wasn’t one of my favorites, that didn’t make it less intriguing. A story of possession masked as a sleep disorder, it has creepiness a plenty. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, which left me kind of hanging, but the style and atmosphere were worth the time spent. I hadn’t thought of it as a metaphor for a deteriorating relationship, but there’s that too. Those of you who feel, if I want to read, I’ll get a book, be forewarned; this one has subtitles.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sleep-korean-film-review

https://nofspodcast.com/sleep-review-new-korean-horror-is-a-methodical-slow-build-of-simmering-scares

Saturday Night. Netflix. This is the telling of the story of the first episode of SNL, and how no one thought it would get on the air, much less stand the test of time it has. A dramatization for sure, but the real-life drama may have seemed heightened since there were so many roadblocks. From John Belushi refusing to sign his contract while ice skating in a bee costume to Milton Berle flashing his legendary junk, it’s a fun watch.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saturday-night/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/saturday-night-netflix-review

The truths and the nots.

https://people.com/how-much-of-saturday-night-is-true-8725801

Some of this is a stretch to connect to SNL, but six degrees and all that.

🎸 Who’s Playing For Who…

The Super Bowl performers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-halftime-sza-jon-batiste-8779483

The Grammys performers.

https://ew.com/everyone-performing-at-2025-grammys-charli-xcx-sabrina-carpenter-more-8779877

🐾 Send In the Furbabies…

🐶 It’s always nice to see a celebrity using their powers for good. This must have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved Paris since Tinkerbell wrote her book.

https://people.com/paris-hilton-reunites-her-foster-dog-from-l-a-fires-with-the-dog-s-family-8781373

🐎 What would the Super Bowl be without the Budweiser Clydesdales?

https://people.com/super-bowl-2025-budweiser-clydesdale-horse-commercial-8780322

🐕 And don’t forget the best Bowl of all.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/pb-xxi-gallery

https://www.discovery.com/shows/on-tv/puppy-bowl/see/2025

🐐 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who wants to achieve a dream must stay strong, focused and steady.Estée Lauder

A dead end street is a good place to turn around. – Naomi Judd

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. – Groucho Marx

If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small. – Richard Branson

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. – Pablo Picasso

You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. – George Burns

Words are the clothing of our thoughts.Jonathan Swift

A ship in a harbour is safe, but it’s not fulfilling its potential. – Susan Jeffers

If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment. – Carlos Santana

I don’t know why they say alcohol is a depressant. It fixes everything. – Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz), Mike & Molly

🍫 Like a Box Of Chocolates…

Until next week, stay safe; stay being adaptable in social and professional settings; and stay managing your expectations, setting reasonable goals, and not getting ahead of yourself.

November 21, 2024 – Michael Confides In Sasha, A Merciful End To OC’s Reunion, Salty Talk, Social Pets (!) & Affair

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the boxing gym, Dex introduces himself to Kai, and says, they know someone in common – Trina.  

At Bobbie’s, Josslyn tells Trina that they’re supposed to be sharing the fries, but she’s eating them herself. Trina says she’s thinking about Kai. She’s not sure she should be working with him. He should have been here by now. Josslyn says, it’s too late for him to drop the class, but Trina says, they’ll waive anything to accommodate him and he’s flaking out on her. Josslyn says, if Trina goes back on her word, she’ll be the flake. He’s not that late. Trina says she can do the work herself rather than wasting time waiting for Kai and explaining everything to him, and Josslyn says, it seems like Trina is looking for a reason not to work with him.

Jordan finds TJ at the hospital and says she could use someone to help her eat the take-out she got. He says, her timing is right and if she doesn’t mind eating in the breakroom, he’d be happy to help her put a dent in it. She says she didn’t come for the ambiance. She came for the company.

Sasha is rolling out dough in the nook when Michael walks in. He says he’s looking for a snack, and she says she can heat up some leftovers for him. What is he in the mood for? He says, surprise him, and she says she didn’t see him at dinner. He says, there’s been a lot going on. He can’t believe Sam is gone. She says she’s sorry she missed the funeral, but she had something she couldn’t get out of. He says he heard and asks if she’s okay, but she says she doesn’t want to talk about it. He tells her to forget it. He’s not really hungry. She asks why he’s really here? Is there something going on? He says he’s here because he can’t go home.

Kristina is having dinner with Sonny at Pozzulo’s, and she asks if she can help him. He tells her to sit back and be spoiled by her dad, and she says, that sounds really nice. (I suddenly wonder why there are never any customers in Pozzulo’s.) He asks why she’s restless, and she says she’s worried about Ava’s trial. What if she screws up? It will ruin the only chance she has to make Ava pay for Adela’s death. He says, she’s been in tough situations before. She’s going to hit it out of the park. She says, what if she doesn’t?

Chase sees Sam’s apartment door open, and quietly goes in. He hears something and draws his gun, but it’s Dante with a duffel bag. Dante asks what he’s doing, and Chase says, the door was open and there was no answer. Dante says he left it open. What brings Chase by? Chase says he wanted to see if Dante needed anything. Is he taking a trip? Dante says he and the kids are going to the Quartermaines, and Chase asks if he thinks they’re coming back to live here. Dante says, if it was up to him, he’d never leave. It was the last place the whole family was together.

Drew meets Alexis at her office, and says, she wanted to discuss something with him? She says she didn’t want to do it on the phone. But before they start, who did that to his face? Jason walks in, and everyone looks uncomfortable.

Trina says she doesn’t want to waste time dragging Kai through a class he doesn’t want to be in. People take Art History because it’s a requirement or they’re interested in art. It might be an art course, but it’s a hard class. Josslyn says she imagines Kai is used to hard work, and maybe he likes art. Trina says, yeah. He’s probably a regular Renaissance man. She decided to meet because he said he never gives up and can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. Josslyn says, give him a chance, and suggests Trina can be a control freak. Trina says she found life is easier when she’s in control.

Kai asks how Dex knows Trina, and Dex says his girlfriend is her roommate Josslyn. He thinks she and Kai met. Kai says he’s pretty sure she convinced Trina to talk to him. He’s Trina’s partner in art class and she thinks he’s not pulling his weight. Is Dex a student at PCU? Dex says he’s a cop, a rookie, and Kai asks if Trina sent Dex to arrest him for loitering or disturbing the peace. Dex says, Trina can be intense, but she’s a sweetheart, and one of the smartest people he knows. Kai is lucky to have her as a partner. Kai says, then maybe Dex can convince her not to dump him. He asks if Dex spars. He could go a couple of rounds. Dex asks if his coach wouldn’t freak out at the thought of Kai getting injured, but Kai says, not if he doesn’t know.

Sonny says, everything that’s going on is affecting Kristina’s confidence, and Kristina says she wants to make sure Ava pays and is punished. It’s all she can do for her daughter. If Ava goes free because of her… Sonny says he doesn’t care. If Ava is in prison or gets off scot-free, Kristina will survive. She says she doesn’t want to just survive. She wants justice. Losing Sam and Adela, she’s never faced so much pain and loss. He says she needs something to concentrate on, and she says, like what? He says, working for him.

Dante tells Chase that he was worried that the apartment wouldn’t feel like home, but Sam made him and Rocco feel welcome. It still feels like she’s here. He still expects to see her. There are a lot of memories here. Chase asks if there’s any reason he can’t stay, and Dante says, it’s home, but he has no claim to it. And even if he did, the family who lived here no longer exists.

Drew asks what Jason is doing here, and Jason says, Alexis asked him to be here. Alexis apologizes for the subterfuge, but she didn’t think they’d come if they knew the other was going to be here, and it’s important. Drew says, tell Jason and she can tell him later, but she says, it concerns Sam. Drew asks if she has to tell them at the same time, and she says, if they loved Sam, listen, both of them. Jason asks what it’s about, and she says, Sam’s will and what she wanted for Danny and Scout.

Kristina says she appreciates the offer, but she can’t, and Sonny says, why not? She says she doesn’t know what she’s doing with her life, and he says, she can figure it out while she’s learning his business. She says she’s not qualified to run any business, but he says, she’s good with numbers and has organizational skills. She’s good at working with people. She’s overqualified. Bounce around Corinthos Coffee and see how she feels. She says she’ll think about it, and he says, salute. They clink glasses. (I think he should train her to be Lady Mob Boss.)

Jordan asks how TJ is doing. She knows he liked Sam. He says, the service was simple, but meaningful. She’s going to be missed. Jordan asks, how’s Molly? but he says he’s not sure. She and her mom took off after the reception. Jordan says, the more emotional is gets, the busier they get, and he says he and Alexis have something in common he wishes they didn’t. They both forgot Molly’s birthday.

Chase asks what Dante thinks is going to happen to the place, and Dante says, it’s Sam’s, so he assumes she left it to Scout and Danny. Chase asks if she had a will, and Dante says, they talked about wills because he had a dangerous job. How’s that for irony? He decided he wanted her to have custody of Rocco, shared with his mom, so they could keep the kids together. He changed his will to make arrangements and now he’s got to find a place for the two of them to live. Chase says, it’s going to be hard leaving, and Dante says, Scout and Danny will be leaving. What choice does he have? He’s not their father.

Jason looks at the will, and Alexis says she made a copy for each of them to show to their lawyers. She has the original. Jason asks why he wasn’t told. He’s Danny’s father. She says, he wasn’t told because nobody expected this. Drew says, Sam asked him to be Danny’s guardian, and he agreed, but Jason says, look at the date. It was before Sam knew he was alive. He wonders if Sam intended to grant Drew custody no matter what, and Drew says, she wanted the kids to stay together. Alexis says, Sam told her the same thing, and Jason says, at that time. She says, the law is on Jason’s side, but even considering how Sam came around to Jason being part of Danny’s life, she doesn’t think Sam would want him to have full custody, especially now that they know she wanted the kids to stay together. So she has to ask, what is he going to do?

Sasha gives Michael some coffee and asks why he can’t go home. He says, the kids are asleep, and Willow went to bed early, and she asks if he thinks Willow is avoiding him. He says, it doesn’t matter. He can’t be in the same room, the same bed, or even under the same roof as Willow right now. She says, it’s still his home, but he says he doesn’t know what kind of home or marriage he has anymore.

Dex and Kai spar, and Dex says he boxed in the service. Kai says, a military man. Respect. He asks if Dex is a PC fan, but Dex says he likes the Llanview Bobcats. Kai says, he’s going to be disappointed when they dust his team. Trina mentioned that he and Josslyn like to go to games. He can give Dex comp tickets to the Llanview/PC game. He has to go. He doesn’t want to be late meeting Trina. Dex says, cool about the tickets. Off the field, Kai seems like a decent guy. Kai says he hopes he can convince his study partner of the same.

Josslyn says she understands where Trina is coming from. Depending on someone new is tough. Trina says, maybe, but she doesn’t want to depend on anyone, and Josslyn says, Trina can always depend on her. Trina says, likewise, and Josslyn says, there are some things in life you can’t control. Just give Kai a chance. Maybe he’ll pull through. Trina says she’s already given him a chance and it’s his only one.

Chase suggests Dante buy the place, but Dante says, it wouldn’t feel right. Chase says, they can stay at the Quartermaines, but Dante says he doesn’t want Rocco involved in whatever’s going on with Drew and Jason. Chase says, it’s too bad Danny and Scout are, and Dante says, it’s the last thing Sam would want. Chase says, that’s why he thinks it’s a major mistake for Dante to move out.

Jason says, the best thing for Danny isn’t what they want or what Sam wanted. What’s best is to ask Danny what he wants. He’s old enough to choose, and he told Danny that Danny can live with him if that’s what he wants. He’ll make it a home for Danny. Alexis asks if Drew is okay with that, and Drew says, he could live at the Quartermaines with Scout and Rocco so they won’t be split up, but Jason says he doesn’t want Danny to think he can’t live with his dad or is unwelcome. That’s not the case. Drew says he thinks Danny would like living at the Quartermaines a lot, but Jason says, don’t tell him about his son. Alexis says she thinks Danny has a lot of feelings and they should be taken into account. Clearly, there’s a level of animosity between them and she doesn’t want to be caught in the middle of their drama. Yet here she is. So she’s going to ask. How did they get the bruises on their faces? There’s silence, and she says, the fact that they’re not answering suggests a fistfight… and their silence confirms it. Here’s the thing, and she’s just going to say it once. If they ever truly loved her daughter and their children, cut the crap and start talking.

Josslyn says, Trina’s not leaving, but Trina says she’s done waiting. Josslyn says, he’s ten minutes late, and Trina says she texted him and he didn’t even give her the courtesy of a reply. She can do the work herself at the apartment. Kai walks in and Josslyn says she’s going to get take-out for Dex. She jets to the counter, and Kai tells Trina that he’s sorry. He knows he’s late. He didn’t realize about the traffic and had to go back to get his laptop. He’s sorry. (I’m liking Kai, but what happened with Gio? Is it going to be a battle for Trina’s heart?)

Josslyn sits at the counter, and Kristina says, does Josslyn mind if she sits down? Josslyn says, of course (🍷), and Kristina says she thought she’d grab a chai latte. Josslyn says she’s waiting for take-out and asks how Kristina is doing. She’s sorry about Sam. Kristina thanks her for coming to the funeral; Adela’s too. It meant a lot. Josslyn says, of course (🍷). She’s sorry for both of Kristina’s losses. Is she taking care of herself? Kristina says she’s trying. She’s glad she ran into Josslyn. There’s something she needs to say. She owes Josslyn an apology.

TJ tells Jordan that he had a gift, but he didn’t remember on the day. He heard Ric wish Molly a happy birthday. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have remembered. Jordan asks what Molly said, and TJ tells her that Molly said it was fine. He wishes for once she’d say it wasn’t and lose it. Jordan says, then she wouldn’t be Molly. She’d be Kristina. He says he’s not that guy. He doesn’t forget his partner’s birthday. She says, it was the day before Sam’s funeral. No one was thinking about birthdays. He says, Kristina and Ric, the two most self-centered people he knows, remembered, and he forgot. It’s totally on brand for them as a couple, but he will make it up to Molly.

Chase says, Dante has been Danny and Scout’s father figure, and they depend on him. Dante says he was enjoying being a stepdad to them, but he’d never get in the way of their actual fathers. Sam figured those things out. The best thing is for him and Rocco to find their own place.  Chase asks, what’s the rush? Dante just lost someone who means the world to both him and Rocco. He and Brook were living in their own place when his dad died, and they moved into the Quartermaines because of Violet. He’s glad they stayed because it kept him from feeling lonely, even with the Quartermaines’ shenanigans. Just think, Dante’s mom is there, he’s there. There’s no need for a sudden move. It’s okay to let the family in, including himself. Dante says, Chase wormed his way into the family now, and Chase says, you’re not alone, partner. You’ve got me.

Alexis asks if Jason punched Drew, and Jason says, yes. She says, they had a fight after the kids lost their mother? Did they see the bruises? Drew says, they did, and she asks what story he gave them. He says he walked into a door, and she says, and they bought that? He says he thinks Scout did, but he doesn’t think the boys did. She asks what Jason said to Danny, and Jason says he told Danny the truth, the facts. Danny asked if he punched Drew, and he said, yes. Alexis asks, what provoked the fight? and Jason says he’s going to tell her what he told Danny. The matter is between him and Drew. Drew agrees, and she says, great, they agree. Jason says, and he agrees that Danny has the right to choose what he wants. He walks out.  

Michael says he can’t keep track of all the lies he and Willow have told each other, and Sasha says, the whole thing is a mess. Willow was upset that she confided in Cody about her kissing Drew. She tried to tell Willow that she was sorry Cody blurted it out at the Brown Dog Bar. Michael says, that’s low on the list of things to feel sorry about. There’s more to Willow and Drew than she knows. She asks if something else happened, and Michael says, they slept together. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he is. She asks how he found out, but he says, she doesn’t want to know. He’s positive Willow doesn’t know how he found out. She asks if he’s going to confront her, but he says, if he tells her what he knows, he’ll have to tell her about them.

Michael says, if he does tell her, he’ll keep Sasha’s name out of it, and she says she appreciates that. She needs her job. He says, it’s hard to know what to do next, and she asks what he wants. He says he wanted to fight for his marriage, then he found out Willow slept with Drew. He confided in Jason, which was probably a mistake. She says she wondered what prompted the fight, and he says he never wanted that to happen, but he needed to confide in somebody. Then he was watching his wife tenderly patch up her lover. The way Willow was looking at Drew is how she used to look at him. Sasha says she’s so sorry, and he says he wonders if Willow loves him. She says, Willow told her that she did, and he asks if Sasha believes her. He needs somebody he can trust and he trusts her. She says she believes Willow when Willow says she loves him and the kids, but for her to put all that on the line… He says, she wouldn’t risk everything unless she felt something more for Drew.

Alexis tells Drew that Sam wouldn’t approve of him barring Jason from Danny’s life, and he says, Sam also didn’t want to split the kids up. She says, regardless of Sam’s intentions, this is the official will. Rocco isn’t their decision; Dante is his father. And Danny’s father is Jason. Drew says his bruises are an indication of what kind of father Jason will be, and Alexis says she doesn’t know what caused the fight. Drew says, they both know Jason. Does she think it’s really okay to let Danny live with him? Alexis says, no. That’s why she came up with an alternative. What if Scout and Danny live with her?

Sonny tells Jason that the will was made years ago. Diane will have it thrown out. Jason says he has to figure out his next move, and Sonny says, custody issues are messy. This whole thing with Ava is a pain in his ass. Jason says he’s trying to avoid that. Danny is hurting. He just lost his mother, and he doesn’t want to abandon his sister. He’s taking care to respect that, but he sure as hell doesn’t want Drew raising his kid. Sonny says, they were never close, but what changed? and Jason tells Sonny that he’ll just say, Drew took the name Quartermaine and he’s living up to it. He doesn’t trust a word Drew says. He wants the best for his son. Why would he want Drew to be Danny’s guardian? Drew thinks he doesn’t care, but nothing can be further from the truth. Sonny says, everybody knows that, including Danny. Everybody knows Jason loves his son.

Trina goes over the schedule with Kai, who makes fun of her for using a planner. His grandma was using it when he was a kid. She says, it still works, and she likes to use one. It’s helpful for project management. They need to make a list of books for their research. He tells her to check her email. He found a list books. He finished it at 3:45 in the morning. It can be hard to sleep. He has a lot on his mind.

Kristina says she didn’t get a chance to thank Josslyn for saving her life. She remembers being in the ambulance, and doesn’t remember what Josslyn was saying, but seeing Josslyn’s face and hearing her voice was comforting. Josslyn says she was so nervous she was doing something wrong, but Kristina says she’s alive because of Josslyn. Josslyn says she was just doing her job, and Kristina tells her to take the compliment. Josslyn says, she’s welcome, and Kristina says she’ll never forget how Josslyn stepped up despite their past. Josslyn says she’s sorry for everything Kristina has been through. She doesn’t deserve any of it. How is she managing with the trial? Kristina asks if Josslyn is testifying, and Josslyn says, she’s so sick of seeing Ava get away with everything. It’s time her luck ran out and they get justice once and for all. Kristina says, for her daughter and Morgan.

Kristina says she’s going to get some rest, and Josslyn says she’s getting take-out for Dex. Kristina says she’s glad they’re back together. Dex is a good guy. Josslyn says she thinks so too. She sees Trina and Kai leaving and adds, and besides, they can all use a little bit of love in their lives. Outside Bobbie’s, Kai tells Trina if she’s up and needs to chat, he’ll be up reading the books he bought. She asks why he doesn’t just use the library, and he says he thinks his grandma went… She tells him, shut up, and he says, goodnight.  

TJ says, Jordan hasn’t seen Drew, has she? He was at the service wearing makeup. She says she never took Drew to be a smoky eye type guy, but he could pull it off. TJ says, he was covering a black eye. He wonders if she knows where he got it, but she says she has no idea. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), Jason has a bruise too. He thinks she needs new friends. She says she may have a new friend he’d approve of, and he asks, who? She says she’ll tell him when she knows more.  

Michael says he’ll do everything to keep Sasha’s name out of it, and she says she appreciates it. If he ever needs to talk… He says, same, and she asks if he knows what his next move be. He says, not entirely, but no matter what’s going on, he’s going to protect his family.

Chase says he’ll see Dante at home, and Dante says he sees what Chase did. Don’t get ahead of himself. Chase says, think about what he said, and Dante says he will. Chase leaves, and Dante picks up his bag and keys. He looks around the apartment.  

Alexis says, if Scout and Danny stay with her, they’ll be together and not in the middle of the animosity. Drew says he doesn’t doubt Alexis’s love and concern, and she says she’s worried about Danny. He wants to be with Scout and Sam wanted them to be together. Drew says he appreciates that and doesn’t want to hurt the kids, but Scout needs to be with her father and there’s no way she’s going to be anywhere else but with him.

Jason tells Sonny that they’ve been through this a few times, but never when the kid’s mother died. Sam told him that he’d let Danny down in the past. He wants to do what’s best for Danny. What would Sonny do in this situation? Sonny says, the reality is, Sam is gone, and Jason is still here. His son is still here. He has to do what’s best for his son. If he were Jason, he sure as hell wouldn’t let Drew anywhere near Danny. If this is a fight, he has Jason’s back.

Tomorrow, Mac has something for Sasha from her dad; TJ tells Stella that Ava’s trial is the last place he should be; Ric guarantees he and Ava are going to win; Michael tells Curtis that he won’t be Aurora’s CEO for much longer; and Jason tells Dante that there’s no way he’s handing Danny over to Drew.

🍊 Making Oranges Out Of Lemons…

Ugh. I hate these Reunions, and this one was no exception. There is almost always that point where everybody is screaming talking at once and you can’t understand a damn thing. This is a good argument for having the closed captions on, but even they have to pick and choose. This was part 3 and the end of what even Fancy Pants Heather had to agree was an endless season. We were plopped back into the much ado about Alexis.

Emily said Alexis was the dumbest broad [she’d] ever f***ing met. I appreciated her use of the word broad. The origins of it are murky, but it always reminds me of Frank Sinatra and the old Rat Pack movies. Alexis responded with asking if Emily wanted to hit her, then claimed she had a degree. Gina said she knew a lot of dumb people with college degrees (same), but I’m guessing it’s probably a degree from clown school or something. Andy kept trying to put a pin in the loan discussion, but that hamster wheel kept turning. There was a weird John/Alexis interview, where Johnny J. said he never intended on releasing the videos, but if Shannon wanted to see what a monster she was, he’d be glad to show them to her personally. Alexis told the group that she hadn’t wanted to bring up the videos – but you did, Blanche, you did! – and she didn’t know it was on camera. This was when I looked at the camera like Jim from The Office. I doubt any of the women – okay, maybe Jenn – believed that for a second, especially since it wasn’t a one-off or a blurting out when drunk. Alexis brought it up on several occasions and it was definitely meant as a threat.

When blessed relief came in Alexis leaving, Emily summed it up by saying, every trashcan needs a lid, and she thought Johnny J. had found his. Tamra apologized to Shannon and said she was starting therapy. They hugged it out and Andy produced espresso martinis and mocktails for those not imbibing. Fancy Pants gave the worst toast ever, saying something like, since it was the 100th season of the franchise, to love and success for all of them. Really? All the pontificating and advising, wanted or not, all season, and that was it for the 100th season? Pfft! Then came the plot twist.

36 hours later. We saw the core group – Fancy Pants, Gina, Emily, Tamra, and Shannon met at (I think) Gina’s house. We found out that the beans had been spilled about the videos during a dinner after the Reunion. Apparently, Johnny J. had heard the crash and wanted to go out, but his daughter stopped him. She went out and saw Shannon peel out. So then, not almost running her over as we’d heard from Katie in an earlier episode. He said there had been an altercation earlier between him and Shannon, and Shannon had hit him. Shannon said she heard tell that she’d punched Johnny J., but I wondered what kind of punch she could actually pack. I mean seriously, Johnny J. couldn’t fend her off or walk away? Oh that’s right, he was busy filming.

The scary part though, was that Shannon remembered none of it. She should be grateful for the rest of her life that she didn’t kill herself or kill someone else. Gina said alcohol equaled bad decision making, and Shannon had changed her relationship with alcohol. This didn’t make her a terrible person. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Shannon over the years, but I have to say, I think all this makes her a brave person. Not many of us would want to show our worst moments to the world, but it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish, and I hope she finishes as strong as she was in that moment. No surprise, there was a group hug.

On a side note, we found out that Alexis had also bought Johnny J. an $800 pair of shoes. Can’t that guy buy his own shoes?

https://people.com/real-housewives-of-orange-county-recap-cameras-pick-back-up-shannon-beador-dui-reveal-reunion-8749901

Interesting how Alexis constantly claimed not to be involved with the lawsuit, but always used the word we when referencing it.

https://people.com/shannon-beador-officially-settles-ongoing-lawsuit-with-ex-john-janssen-8748123

🧂 A Pinch Of Salt…

A full recap from yesterday. As for Todd scolding Bronwyn, he wasn’t wrong.

🐩 Will Work For Likes… and a Biscuit…

My favorite – Peggy!

https://spotpet.com/blog/lifestyle/most-influential-pets-2024

https://wagwalking.com/daily/top-12-celebrity-pet-instagram-accounts-to-follow

🦃 Turkey Trotting…

Come on by tomorrow for a full bar of soap and what to watch (or not). Until then, stay safe, stay not only talking to people you know at a party, and stay changing your relationship with alcohol if you’re making bad decisions.

November 14, 2024 – Jason Punches Drew, New Lulu, First Soap, Gates Open Soon, A Friend Joins the OC Reunion, Salty Talk, Prank Slam, Charming Exit, Latest House, Surprise & Cosmic

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Alexis says, if Kristina wants her help to get justice, she’ll do everything she can to help. Kristina says she wants to prepare for Ava’s trial and do everything she can to see that Ava is found guilty of killing Adela.

Ava meets Ric at the Grille, and he tells her that he’s going to be upfront. Her case isn’t a slam dunk. An innocent baby is dead, two mothers are grieving, and there’s a photo where Ava has her hands on Kristina. Ava says, it’s not what it looks like, and Ric says he believes her, but he doesn’t know if a jury will. Ava asks if he doesn’t plan to paint Kristina as an explosive, unpredictable woman, and he says, like her?

Trina sees TJ at the boxing gym, and he tells her that it’s good to keep busy. She says she’s sorry about Sam. How’s Molly? He says he’s barely seen her.

Molly sits at Bobbie’s reading a book. She puts it on the table and looks at her phone. As he’s walking by, Isaiah knocks the book off the table. He picks it up and says, Little Women. She must be in the mood for a good cry.

Willow says, it seems something is bothering Michael, and he says, there is something on his mind. There’s no good way to ask, so he’s just going to ask. How does she feel about Drew moving to DC?

Jason is waiting in the foyer when Nina comes in with Drew. She tells Jason that his brother is a congressman, and Drew walks toward Jason, holding out his hand. Jason punches Drew in the face. (Jason is all of us right now.)

Nina says, what the hell? and Jason and Drew struggle. Jason hits Drew again and draws blood. Nina yells, stop! when Lois and Brook come out. Brook says, that’s enough, and Nina says, Drew is hurt. Drew asks Jason, why? but Jason says, you know why. He leaves, and Ned comes in. Ned asks if Drew wants to tell him what the hell that was about.

Willow says she understands it might be difficult to believe, but she’s glad Drew is leaving for DC. He won’t be a constant reminder to Michael, and the longer he’s gone, the easier it will be to get past this and the less it will matter. Michael asks if that’s what she wants, and she says, it’s all she wants. He says he’s glad to hear it, and she says, he doesn’t seem as happy as she thought he’d be. He says he’s not sure it solves their real problem and wonders if it’s enough to save their marriage. Or is it too little too late? Willow says, of course (🍷) it’s not. It will give them a chance to work on their relationship. He says he knows where he wants to start, with the truth.  

TJ tells Trina that losing Irene was devastating. They don’t have closure. Trina says, maybe they need more time, but TJ says, they’re burying themselves in work and avoiding each other. They used to love spending time together. She says, grief changes you. She always thought she was outgoing, but after Spencer died, she felt alone. He says, when they lost the baby, he thought they’d tackle it together, but they feel separate. She suggests they’re just going through a rough patch and will figure it out, but he says, with Sam being gone, Molly is more distant than ever. She’s not confiding in him, but he doesn’t blame her. The loss is too much.

Molly tells Isaiah that Little Women is her favorite book. It comforts her. He says, it doesn’t look like her first copy, and she says, it’s the newest edition. It was her birthday gift to herself. Her birthday is today. He tells her, happy birthday, and she says, he’s the first person this year to wish her happy birthday. He may be the only one. He asks if everyone forgot, and she says, seems like it. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Her family has a lot going on. He says, that’s no excuse, but she says, it kind of is. She doesn’t mean to unload on him, but her sister just passed away. They’re all in shock and dealing with planning a funeral. He says he’s sorry, and she says, it doesn’t feel real and doesn’t make sense. He says he hopes she doesn’t mind him asking, but what happened? Was she sick? Molly says, she died unexpectedly after a routine surgery. She was a liver donor. He asks if her sister was Sam McCall.

Kristina tells Alexis that she’s not worried about the outcome. She has faith that justice will prevail, and they’ll find Ava guilty of killing her daughter. She wants to be as prepared as possible. She’s been working with the DA’s office, but she trusts Alexis more. Besides, they could use the distraction. Alexis says, it’s a good idea to be as prepped as possible and know what she’s going to say on the stand. Kristina says she does. She’s going to tell the truth. Alexis says, of course (🍷), and Kristina says, it’s an open and shut case. Alexis says, it’s possible the case may not work the way Kristina wants.

Ava asks how Ric can say that when he knows she’s hanging on by a thread, and he says, the prosecution is going to portray her in the worst possible light. She says she’s not the monster people make her out to be, and he says, she needs to be prepared for what the ADA is going to throw at her. They way she reacted to what he just said might not bode well on the stand, and the cross-examination by the prosecution will be harder. She says, it’s not her first time, and he says, they’re going to leave no stone or bad deed unturned. Every time she jaywalked, they’re going to dredge it up. It’s his job to see how well she holds up under pressure.

Kristina tells Alexis, of course (🍷) it’s going to go her way. The truth is on her side. Alexis says, unfortunately, that’s not going to matter. Not when Ric is involved. He doesn’t care about her feelings or her grief or her pain. Kristina says she can handle Ric, but Alexis says, he’s smart and shrewd and will set a trap. Kristina will walk into it and he won’t bat an eye. She’ll do what she can to help Kristina be prepared, but it may not go the way she wants. Kristina says she’s not going to fall into Ric’s trap, but Alexis says, she already has, at the Grille. Don’t think he won’t use that to make her look unstable. Krisina says, Ric won’t blindside her again. With Alexis’s help she’ll be ready for whatever Ric throws at her.

Ava asks Ric why her past needs to be brought up. Isn’t it inadmissible? He says, that motion is always shot down. Character is definitely relevant to establish a pattern. Ava says, there’s no pattern, but he says, her brushes with the law are admissible. Her taking the stand is the only real weapon in their arsenal. She has to confront her past and accept what she’s done. She says, probably nobody will understand why she’s done the things she’s done.

Willow asks what Michael means by the truth, and he says he’s done a lot of thinking. It’s all he’s been thinking about. He loves her and he wants them to move past this. She says she does too, and he says, she has no idea how happy he is to hear her say that. They haven’t exactly been truthful. She says she’s sorry she kept her and Drew’s kiss from him, but he says he’s not just talking about the kiss. They’ve both kept secrets from each other. He didn’t tell her about his and Dex’s plan to take down his father, and didn’t tell her that Nina was the one who called the SEC. It’s easy to keep secrets because it’s become their pattern (WOTD). She says she wanted to tell him. She hated lying to him. It was tearing her apart. He says, they’ve both lied. He wants to feel like they can be honest. To make it work, there have to be no more secrets, and he can’t be the only one who wants that to happen. She needs to want it too. Is she ready to be completely honest?

Drew is helped to the living room, and Ned tells them not to let Drew bleed on the upholstery (ha-ha-ha!). Lois asks, what’s wrong with him? and he says he’s thinking about Monica. If they keep the damage to a minimum, she never needs to know. Nina says, Drew was just attacked by his brother, and Brook says, that will be upsetting to Monica. She leaves to get ice, and Lois says, Drew needs to go to the emergency room, but Ned says, no. The family can’t endure another scandal. Lois says, Drew needs medical attention, but Drew says, Ned’s right. It will draw too much attention that they don’t need.

Molly says, Sam is her sister, and Isaiah says, this is a strange coincidence. He’s the surgeon who operated on Lulu. They introduce themselves, and Molly says she didn’t know who was operating on Lulu. They were so focused on Sam and Lucas, it didn’t occur to them to ask. He says, there’s no reason they should have. He’s sorry for her loss. From what he heard, Sam was an amazing person. Molly says, she was, and thanks him. She says, if he’s not meeting someone, would he like to join her? He says he’d love to, and sits down. He says he can understand why her family forgot. He’s sorry he was harsh. She says, even if they’d remembered, she’s not in the mood to celebrate, but he says, even on the hardest of days, it’s important to enjoy yourself. Birthdays are only once a year. It would be a shame to waste it. He has something to take care of, but he’ll be right back. He leaves the table.

Trina works the heavy bag, and TJ says, she packs a hell of a punch. She says, it comes in handy when somebody cuts in line at the coffee shop, and he says he has to get back to work. It was nice to have a sympathetic ear. She says she’s here for him, and he packs up. He tells her to enjoy her workout, but she sees Kai is there and says she doesn’t see that happening. Because of that guy. He says, Kai Taylor? and she asks if he knows him. He says, everybody knows him, but she says she didn’t before the other day. He tells her all of Kai’s football accomplishments, and she says, he’s messing up her GPA. He’s her partner for a project and hasn’t showed up for any classes. TJ suggests she talk to him.  

Kristina says she’ll do what it takes to beat Ric, and Alexis says she believes Kristina can do whatever she puts her mind to, but she’s not sure it’s going to work. Kristina says she can’t accept that. Ava has tortured their family long enough. Ava killed Morgan and Connie, and it’s not fair there were never any consequences. Ava belongs in prison for everything she’s done. Ava is responsible for the fact she can never hold her daughter or experience being a mother. She wants Ava to experience the unbearable pain of having Avery ripped out of her arms and know it’s because of her.

Ric says he knows what it’s like not to be proud of your past, and Ava says she had good reasons for doing the things she did. He says, that’s what they try to convince themselves and the people they love, doing mental gymnastics. One small bad deed leads to another until they’ve painted themselves so far in a corner, they don’t know how they got there. And the worst part is, when it’s over, they’ve lost the people they love. The people they love hate them, and they’re left alone wondering where they went wrong. They live with the guilt and the person they’ve become, becomes familiar. Maybe they’re not so different. He’s not going to judge her when he’s not ready to judge himself. She tells him, do his worst, and he says, Miss Jerone, how did you feel when you pushed Kristina Corinthos-Davis out of the window? Similar to when you shot Connie Falconari in cold blood?

Lois asks if they know a doctor who will make house calls, and Nina says she’ll get Willow. She thinks they should call the cops, but Ned says, the attention the police will attract is worse than an ambulance. Nina says, they can be discreet, and if the press finds out, she’ll mitigate the fallout. Jason needs to be held responsible. She leaves, and Ned says, so they all agree, no cops. All he saw was a disagreement between brothers. Lois says, it was more than that, but Drew says, no cops, no ambulance.

Willow says she wants a life with Michael. It’s what she’s always wanted, for them to have a family together. He asks if that’s what she really wants or is she saying that because she feels obligated? but she says she’d never think of him as an obligation. He says he wants to make sure they’re on the same page and both want to fight for their marriage. She says that’s exactly what she wants. Where do they start? He says he thinks it’s time they were completely honest, when there’s an urgent knock at the door. It’s Nina, and she says, Willow needs to come to the house. There was a fight and someone was injured. Michael says, who? and she says, Drew and Jason had a fight and Drew was hurt. They leave.

Isaiah brings Molly a cupcake with a candle in it, and she says, that’s very sweet. He says he’s embarrassed to admit it, but he’s a big birthday guy. But it’s not a go until she makes a wish. She asks if he thinks it’s okay if she wishes for something that’s not possible, and he says, that’s the best kind of wish. She blows out the candle.

Ava says she did not kill Connie, but Ric says, she was arrested for Connie’s murder. She says, the charges were dropped, and he says, because the evidence disappeared. Just like the bags Kristina tripped over. Ava says she explained that to the police. She panicked and moved them. He says, the same bags Kristina fell over when Ava pushed her out the window and killed her baby? Ava says she’s done terrible things that she wishes desperately she could undo, and he says, like killing Morgan? She says she didn’t kill Morgan. She loved Morgan. He asks if she didn’t replace Morgan’s bipolar medication with placebos causing him to have mental breakdown and be in the wrong place at the wrong time, causing his death. Remember, she’s under oath. She says, his breakdown was her fault, but she’s not responsible for the explosion. She put Morgan in a vulnerable position, but she never intended for him to die. Morgan was the most beautiful person she’s known. She’s not denying she switched his medication and prays for forgiveness for the part she played in his death. It haunts her. But as tragic as it was, it was nothing like what happened with Kristina’s baby.

Alexis says she’s never heard Kristina talk like that, and Kristina says she’s never experienced what she’s been through. Alexis says, it’s not about revenge. The law is about justice. Kristina says, not if the guilty don’t pay for their crimes. Ava deserves to be punished. Alexis asks if she knows who she sounds like, and Kristina says, her father? Alexis says, she sounds angry and cold and she’s talking about Ava like she’s not human. Act like this, and Ric will exploit it. Kristina says she’s not going to let him get to her. She’s more focused and has clarity. Ava needs to be punished. Alexis says, revenge isn’t the same as justice, but Kristina says, in this case, justice and revenge go hand in hand.

In the nook, Lois says she can’t believe what happened. She hopes Drew is okay. Brook says, his eye looks terrible. She wonders what caused Jason to lose his temper, and Lois says, he’s still grieving Sam. Brook says, that’s probably it, and Lois asks, what’s that look, like she knows something? Spill it. What’s this big secret thing they’re not letting her in on? She’s Brook’s mother. Brook can trust her. Brook says, she can’t keep a secret. It’s big and it’s better Lois doesn’t know. Lois says, it’s affecting her life in this house, and she has the right to know what’s going on. Brook says, she does have a point. Promise not to tell a single living soul. Lois gestures locking her lips and putting the key down her bra, and Brook says, Drew and Willow kissed. Lois says, holy cannoli, and Brook says, obviously, Jason knows. This is really bad.

Willow asks, what happened? and Nina says, Jason happened. He attacked Drew out of nowhere. Willow asks why he would do that, and Ned says, let Willow take a look at Drew while he talks to Michael in the foyer.

Ned says, Michael told Jason? and Michael says, it just kind of happened. Ned says, Michael knows that Jason likes to take matters into his own hands.

TJ leaves, and Trina walks over to Kai. He asks if she’s going to dump her water on him too, and she asks what he’s doing here. Doesn’t he work out in that fancy gym on campus? He says, it’s under maintenance, and she says she’s sorry he has to slum it with the rest of them. He says he doesn’t think of it like that, but she says she doesn’t care where he works out, as long as it’s not in her space. He says he thinks they got off on the wrong foot and he wants to make things right. He got his schedule and he’s going to come to class for the rest of the year and work hard. She says, don’t bother. She already asked for a new partner, and when it gets approved, she’ll never have to think about him again. She walks out.

Isaiah says, it’s a book he’s read many times. Maybe Molly should just read part one, the happy part… happyish. She says she means this as a compliment, but she never met a man as familiar with Little Women as he is. He says, when he provided medical services to refugees in Africa, it was the only book he could get his hands on. He must have read it ten times, maybe more. She says, it’s a great book. It’s definitely gotten her through some hard times. He says, immersing yourself in a book is better than something less constructive, like binge drinking, and she says, self-destructive coping mechanisms aren’t her thing. Those are more Kristina’s speed. He says, so she’s one of several girls. That’s why she loves the book. She says, they all have different fathers and her mom is the one who bonds her together, like Marmie. He asks, which sister is her? and she says, Meg, the responsible one. Kristina is Amy, spoiled and impulsive. Sam is definitely Jo, independent and outspoken. She was Jo. She doesn’t think she’ll ever get used to referring to Sam in the past tense.

Lois says, Chase missed everything, and Brook says, he was called out on an emergency. Lois says, it’s best he wasn’t here. He would have had to arrest Jason. They head to the living room with the ice, and Lois says, that’s what happens when you kiss someone else’s wife. Brook shushes her.

Ned asks what Michael was thinking. Now the whole town will know Drew and Willow were playing footsy. Michael says he needed someone to talk to, and Ned says he hopes it was worth it.

Willow tends to Drew’s eye, and Brook brings her the ice. Lois says, it looks awful, and Nina agrees. Nina, Brook, and Lois leave, and Willow asks Drew why Jason attacked him. Does he know what happened? Drew says, that’s impossible. They’re the only two who know.

Outside Bobbie’s, Isaiah’s phone rings. He asks what he can do for Terry… Can he ask what it’s about?… Sure. He’s headed over there now.

Molly gets up to leave Bobbie’s, when Kristina comes in. She hands Molly a present and says, happy birthday. Molly opens it, and it’s a gold necklace with a tiny M initial charm. Kristina says she knows Molly loved hers, so now she’s got one of her own. She hopes Molly doesn’t mind that they’re matching. Molly says, of course (🍷) not. She loves it. Kristina says, happy birthday.

Ava says, Kristina’s fall was a terrible accident. If she hadn’t tripped… If she had it to do all over again, she would never have let Cates leave his luggage. That bag is the reason she’s in this mess to begin with. She shouldn’t have moved it. That’s what makes her look guilty when she’s not. How could people think she’d hurt a pregnant woman? That’s a line she would not cross. She’s barely slept since it happened. She lays in bed remembering the look on Kristina’s face before she fell. How shocked she was. She remembers the sound of glass breaking and Kristina’s scream, so panicked and scared. She’ll never forget it. Kristina lost the baby daughter that she loved and couldn’t wait to meet. Just like Ava lost her precious Kiki. She knows how horrible the pain is. It rips you apart. She would never inflict suffering like that on another mother. Shame on people who think that. If she could, she’d give up everything to give Kristina back her baby. Ric says, that’s it. Perfect. That speech is exactly what he wants her to say on the stand. Her heartfelt sympathy is real and if she takes accountability the way she just did, they’ve got the win locked up.

Kristina fastens the necklace on Molly, and Molly says, it means more than Kristina knows, this year especially. Kristina says, Sam wishes her a happy birthday too. They hug, and Jason walks in. Kristina notices his bloody knuckles, and he quickly goes to the back.

Willow tells Drew that the cut will need to be cleaned. She’ll come back in the morning. Michael looks into the living room, and because these two don’t learn, he sees Drew and Willow alone, Willow’s hand against Drew’s cheek. Willow says she wanted to make sure Drew was okay. She’s sorry this happened. Drew says he’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.

It’s not often I feel sorry for Michael, but yeah, this is one of those times.

Tomorrow, Felicia tells Anna that Sasha doesn’t know something; Lucky asks Sonny why he should stay if what he’s looking for isn’t here; Jason says, all Carly needs to know is that Drew got everything he deserved; and Ric asks Drew to please tell him they’re pressing charges.

🩺 And Suddenly…

I’m thinking Terry called Isaiah because there’s been a good change in Lulu’s prognosis.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/alexa-havins-teases-her-debut-as-ghs-lulu

🧴 Gotta Start Somewhere…

She could do worse than Rice Plaza at Christmastime.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/days-star-bryan-dattilos-daughter-delia-cast-on-gh

🧼 Opening the Gates…

Beyond the Gates begins February 24, 2025 CBS – the next day on Paramount+.

https://parade.com/tv/beyond-the-gates-season-1

🍊 These Oranges Are Moldy…

It’s the second part of a three part too long RHOC Reunion, and the Jenn/Ryan topic is still raging. Tamra annoys me immediately, saying she misspoke in her tirade about the FBI, having heard gossip on the street. First of all, let’s look at the word misspoke that’s being used incorrectly here. The actual definition is mispronunciation, but what’s worse is how this word is constantly used by people who are actually talking about gossiping or lying. You didn’t misspeak. You passed along something without knowing if it was true or not, and presented it as fact. Tamra said she was plastered and didn’t remember it the next day. She ended up getting a cease and desist letter. Alrighty then.

There was a lot about how Jenn is a dimbulb who doesn’t even understand where her rent payment is coming from or even if it’s being paid. She did finally spill that she’s supposed to get $6K a month from her ex and it’s an ongoing battle. Still, this woman needs to learn how to take care of herself. Then there was the subject of the $2000 dress. Jenn and Katie thought it was mean girl of Fancy Pants Heather to check the price tag and tell Tamra, but Fancy Pants said it was just gossipy. Because mean girls don’t gossip? Fancy Pants ultimately said she brought up the dress because Jenn didn’t take her financial suggestions. A debate over mean girl versus gossipy ensued, and in reference to being gossipy, Emily said, we all do that. My next bone of contention after misspoke. This statement is equal to the person who says, we were all drunk, when they alone did something incredibly stupid while drunk. No. It wasn’t all of us. It was you.

Jenn said, Tamra went lower than the rest of them, and she wondered when it stopped. She said, everybody would rather be by Tamra’s side than go against her, so they weren’t her targets. Tamra confessed that she was starting therapy, and Andy asked, what took so long? Tamra said, when everybody tells you you’re dead, it’s time to lie down. This gives me hope, but not really. Emily told Jenn that her ex was probably going to string things out forever, and she wanted Jenn to create something for herself. Or as Gina put it, be her own hero.

We found out that Gina and Travis are still living apart, but Gina was more forthcoming about the problem being Travis’s ex. Apparently there had been incidents that affected Gina’s children, making them fearful. Gina said she and Travis saw each other every day, but she didn’t think things would ever improve with his ex, even after the divorce was finalized.

There was a blah-blah-blah about Katie’s kids saying Fancy Pants was mean. Funny, for someone who insists they don’t exhibit mean girl behavior, the word mean comes up a lot in conjunction with her. Evidently, Katie’s daughter is also telling the world via TikTok that her mother works with fake-ass bitches. She’s not wrong. The women were all like, my kids would never, and said, no matter how old they were, they’d force their kids to remove it. Maybe. But bottom line is, Katie’s daughter is an adult and her own person. Maybe she’s bucking for her own show. Who cares? Andy had to finally shut the conversation down citing the beating-a-dead-horse clause.

Alexis was brought on in the last 15 minutes and was the same idiot she’s been on the show. When Andy asked how she was feeling about coming back to RHOC, Alexis acted like it was a return to her fabulous career as a television star after a hiatus. Shannon asked how many times she’d practiced, there’s the door, Shannon Beador, when there was no door. Technically, there was, but they were outside, and Shannon going inside would defeat the purpose of showing her the door. Alexis pretended that she’d never intended to bring up the videos and it somehow just slipped out. Once again, a receipt of unseen footage told us otherwise. The general consensus was that she should stop being Johnny J.’s mouthpiece.

Another peeve, Fancy Pants going, no, no, no, no, no, like Brynn did on RHONY. Is this a thing now? No. Just one no.

It seemed like they saved a lot of the fun times footage for flashbacks of things we never saw the first time. They used to do that with the lost/found/secret footage specials. I think we need to see more fun on the actual show. Maybe I’d dislike these women less.

Next time, Emily says, Alexis is the dumbest girl she’s ever f***ing met. That’s enough to get me to show up.

If that wasn’t enough.

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-shannon-beador-slams-alexis-bellino-being-john-janssen-mouthpiece-reunion-fight-8745852

🧂 Adding Some Salt…

Yesterday’s recap, lengthier than mine.

Another teaspoon. I found this pretty amusing, especially when Angie called it a random blog.

🗽 Not a Fan…

Is he kidding? That’s the best episode I’ve seen of RHONY 2.0 since it began.

🍹 Time To Bounce…

No great loss, but so did things not go well with Venita or…?

https://people.com/jarrett-jt-thomas-announces-exit-from-southern-charm-amid-filming-for-season-10-8742246

💣 Moustaches Are Twirling…

I don’t watch this show faithfully, but every time I catch it, it’s a lot of fun. There’s a big difference between Teresa haranguing her brother and screeching about false love bubbles on RHONJ, and Teresa deliberately acting the villain and strategizing as such in a game. And I love Joel McHale.

🐨 Australian Meet Cute…

It’s a shame it tried to bite, but what an experience.

https://people.com/australia-couple-comes-home-find-koala-in-bed-8745155

🍂 Jumping In a Pile Of Leaves…

Join me tomorrow for soap, what to watch (or not), and watchful words. Until then, stay safe; stay making a contribution to your local food bank/soup kitchen for Thanksgiving; and stay enjoying yourself, even on the hardest of days.

October 4, 2024 – Lucas Comes Home To Port Charles, A Review, Reunited, Her No Good Very Bad Look, VanderWeen, Engaged, First One, Sorry About That, Pet (!) Costumes, OctoQuotes & Thrill This

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Gino plays his violin outside of Bobbie’s, when Trina puts a dollar in his violin case. She asks if he knows any Billy Eilish.

Chase says he can’t put his finger on it, but something is different around here, and Brook says, good different or bad different? He says, definitely good. Listen… It’s quiet. She says, the kids are all in school, Tracy is out on a ride, Olivia is at the MetroCourt. Somehow, all of the planets are finally aligned, and they have this entire place to themselves. He says he has the afternoon off work. The planets can’t get any more aligned than that. He kisses her, when her phone rings. He asks her to ignore it, but she says she can’t. She looks at her phone and says, it’s Violet’s school. They’re sending her home.

Ric asks if Ava is suggesting someone at General Hospital altered Heather’s test results, and she says, it wouldn’t be the first time. He asks, who would do that? and she says, somebody who wants Heather kept behind bars. He says, lab tech?… Someone with maybe a little bit more authority. Somebody who could go in and out of any room in the hospital without being stopped. It’s also got to be somebody who is so invested in keeping Heather in prison, they’d be willing to risk anything to keep Heather behind bars.

Lucky knocks on Sonny’s office door and says, sorry to disturb him. He knows it’s been a long time. They hug.

Carly tells Josslyn, the doctors need to do a secondary screening of Lucky’s liver to make sure everything is okay, and then they can move forward with the transplant. Josslyn says, but Lulu’s going to be okay, and Carly says, it’s looking that way.  There’s a knock at the door and Carly opens it to Lucas. They hug, and he says, she’s looking good. She says, he’s home.

On the phone, Brook says, of course (🍷) … Absolutely. They’re on their way. She tells Chase, Violet’s fine. Physically fine. He says, so she’s not sick or hurt? and Brook says, no. He asks why they called, and she says, she hit a boy in her class. He laughs and says, no. Violet wouldn’t do that. She says, her teacher saw her do it, and he says, she got in a fight or something? Brook says she doesn’t know. Violet wouldn’t tell the teacher what happened. He says, since when does Violet not talk about anything? Something’s up. He’s going to go get her. Brook says, they’ll both go. It might take the both of them to get the truth out of her.

Ric asks if there’s someone at the hospital who was attacked by Heather, because that person would definitely want her to stay where she was, and Ava says, Heather and her hook put her in the hospital. So she won’t exactly be shedding any tears if she stays where she is. He says he’s sorry, and she says she’s just saying, the hospital is a big place and there are probably a lot of people who weren’t too excited about the possibility of running into Heather at the supermarket. He says, that’s a fair point, but if he’s going to prove GH’s tests are untrustworthy, connecting it to somebody might be helpful. She tells him to go ahead and prove his grand conspiracy. In the meantime, his client Heather will be rotting in Pentenville. He says, not if he connects the dots real fast, and she says, if he accuses a hospital employee with tampering with the tests, every lawyer GH has is going to come running, and nothing about his case will move fast. He asks if she thinks he should ditch the whole tampering theory, and she says she thinks if he wants things to move quickly, he should give GH an easy out. Just tell them up front that he thinks it’s probably an honest lab mistake. The hospital is sure to agree it’s a faulty test. He asks when she became such an expert in legal strategy, and she says, just giving him an alternative. If he wants to do it his way, do it his way. She doesn’t care. She has no dog in this fight. He says he thinks she does. So who is she protecting?

Lucas and Josslyn hug, and he says he’s missed her so much. He can’t wait to hear all about her life. He wants pictures, videos, all of it, especially the embarrassing stuff. She says, that’s most of it. She’s going to just reschedule with Trina. He says, go be with her friend. They have plenty of time to catch up. She says, it’s going to take a lot of time to get him fully caught up, and he says he’ll block out three hours. She leaves, and Carly says she knows they’ve been talking about him coming back for a while now, but until he texted her that the plane had landed, she just didn’t believe it. He says, it was time, and she suggests they sit down and talk. They go into the living room, and she asks if it was hard leaving Boston, but he says he didn’t have many ties there. Boston’s great, but he was working all the time. It made him a better doctor, but he didn’t want to live like that. He missed the family. She says, they missed him too. She’s so happy he’s here. He can stay as long as he likes, but just be warned. Donna is really into crafts, and he’s going to find beads and glue everywhere. He says he’ll keep an eye out, and she says she’s so glad he’s home. She knows it’s hard for him to be in Port Charles. He says he’s sorry he didn’t stick around after mom’s funeral, but she says, it’s okay. She gets it. He says he knew she would, and she says she just wants him to be okay. He says he’s getting there, and she says she knows he’s excited about the job. It’s just that after everything he’s been through, is he sure he’s up for it?

Sonny says he can’t express how happy he is that Lucky is home safe, and Lucky says he’ll never be able to repay Jason or Anna or Carly for everything they did to get him back here. Sonny says, even though Lucky got all the help, he heard it was hell to get back. He’s sure Lucky’s dad would be very proud that he did this for his sister. Lucky says, his dad might be relieved, but he’s not so sure he’d be proud. Sonny asks, what makes him say that, and Lucky says, because they both know he should have been here all along.

Gio finishes playing, and Trina applauds. He says, thanks, but he still needs to work on that bridge. She says, it sounded perfect to her, and he says he’s glad, but he needs something perfect to both of them. She says, that’s fair. What is he even doing out here? He says, change of pace. It’s a nice vibe. Fresh air, sound of the birds, the wind. Kids laughing, people talking. She says, so he likes to play surrounded by… life, and he says, when he plays outside, he feels like he’s part of this big orchestra that’s always playing, but they forget to listen to it. She says, and here she thought it was just about the acoustics. She’s glad she ran into him. She felt terrible that his performance at the gallery got canceled. He says, it wasn’t her fault, and she says she knows, but she’s been working overtime getting Harriet Nakia’s show back on the book and she finally did. She’d love to rebook him. He thanks her for the offer, but says he has to pass, and she asks, why? He says he knows how much she cares for Ava, but she pushed Uncle Sonny’s pregnant daughter out of a window and killed her baby. He’d never work for that woman now.

Ava says she’s not protecting anyone, and Ric says, she’s right. He doesn’t need to find out who did this. She says, really? Two seconds ago, he was Columbo. Now he’s going to walk away? He says, no. He’s just reevaluating the new information. She asks, what new information? and he says, the fact that she doesn’t want him to know who did this. He’s not going to pressure her into telling him who it is. She says, that would be a waste of time because it isn’t anyone, and he says he thinks he’s gotten to know her pretty well, and he knows she wouldn’t stick her neck out for anybody. So this person must mean a lot to her. He guesses he’s just going to have to figure out Heather’s case with what he’s got. He says he’ll see her later, and leaves.

Lucas asks if she’s questioning his skills as a surgeon, but Carly says, not at all. She just knows it isn’t easy for him to be back in Port Charles. He says, when he saw an opening for a trauma surgeon at GH, he didn’t even think about it; he just applied. She says, if there’s anything she can do for him to make it easier, let her know, and he says, just her being here makes it easier and better. He thinks this job was the universe telling him that he can’t run away forever. He doesn’t want to be that kind of man. She says, a man who runs from difficult situations? and he says he knows he will never be Wiley’s father, but he’d sure like a shot at being uncle. He thinks he could really nail that. (Isn’t Wiley, like, in college by now?) She says she thinks he’ll be a great uncle. Has he talked to Michael? He says he emailed Willow and Michael before he accepted the position. They’re both completely on board. She says she knows it’s going to be difficult to see Wiley, but if anyone can navigate that situation, it’s him. Speaking of navigating a difficult situation, has he been in touch with Brad? He says, no, and he’s not going to be. But while they’re on the subject of past relationships, what is this he hears about her and Sonny?

Sonny says, they all make the best decisions at any particular moment, and Lucky says he can’t help wondering how his dad would feel about him letting Lulu waste away in that bed. Sonny says, if Aiden messed up, would Lucky judge him? and Lucky says, of course (🍷) not. He loves Aiden. Sonny says, there’s his answer, and Lucky says, that’s just part of being a parent. Sonny says, not all parents. Even with him. He made that same mistake with Michael and still regrets it to this day. He can tell Lucky something about his father. He wouldn’t judge Lucky because he loved him. Lucky thanks him for saying that, and Sonny tells him that he’s saying it because it’s true. Don’t beat himself up. He’s here. That’s all that matters. Lucky says he has a lot of work to do, and not just the stuff with Lulu, and Sonny says, then do it. Has he seen Aiden? Lucky says, not yet. He’s been to some of the most dangerous places in the world, and here he is in Port Charles afraid to see his own son.

Trina says, Gio really won’t play at the gallery? and he says he’s sorry. Uncle Sonny’s been good to him. Maybe if Ava gets cleared, he’ll consider it. Trina says, it’s fine. If that’s how he feels about it, she’ll just ask someone else. But don’t worry. She’ll never ask him to play at the gallery again. She goes inside Bobbie’s.

Brook and Chase walk into the nook with Violet, and Chase says he knows Violet didn’t want to tell her teacher about what happened today, but she can tell them anything. Brook says, they love her like crazy, and Violet says she doesn’t want them to get mad. Chase says, she must have been pretty mad to hit that kid. What was his name? Violet says, Garth, and Brook says, what’s the story with Garth? Violet says, he’s a mean bully and he lies, and she hates him, and Chase asks what he lied about. Violet says, her dad, and Chase asks what he said. Violet tells him that Garth said her dad’s a drunk.

Carly says, Lucas is in town all of two hours. How does he know what’s going on with her and Sonny? He says, Joss, and she says she should have known. He says, she really should have. So? She says, so, it’s complicated. Can they just leave it at that? He says, for now. She’s going to tell him eventually. She says, probably, and he says, Joss also told him about Ava and Kristina. Does she think Ava did what they’re accusing her of? She says she doesn’t think Ava is innocent of anything, but to be honest, nobody knows what happened in that hotel room except for Kristina and Ava. And it’s a whole mess right now. Molly and Kristina are… Is he sorry he came back yet? He says, no. He thinks it’s good he came back when he did. He’s sorry if he sounded judgmental about her relationship with Sonny. After the relationship he had with Brad, he has no right to judge anyone. She says she understands, but she also knows he’s not going to let her off the hook that easily, and he says, definitely not. Now while she comes up with her Sonny story, he’s going to GH to fill out some forms and get his new ID. She says she’s happy he’s home. Their family really needs him right now. He says, somebody’s got to keep an eye on her, and leaves.

Lucky says he doesn’t even know if Aiden wants to see him, and Sonny asks why he wouldn’t want to. Lucky says, because he dropped the ball. They used to email and videochat every couple of weeks and he hasn’t made contact in a long time. Sonny says, Aiden still cares what Lucky thinks, but Lucky says he doesn’t know about that. Sonny asks if Lucky cared about what Luke thought about him, and Lucky says, more than anyone. Sonny says, then that’s what’s got to be at the front of his mind. Not what he wants to change, but what Aiden needs from him. Lucky says he doesn’t even know what that is, and Sonny says, he’s not going to get it by sitting here talking to him. He’s just got to show up no matter how tough it is. He’s got to show up. Lucky says, Sonny is right. He’s going to go see Aiden. Sonny says, he’s probably in school, right? and Lucky says, something else he should have known. Sonny says, he’s going to figure it out sooner or later, and when he does, they’ll change the start time of school and change the vacation schedule, and he’ll have to start all over. Lucky says, good to know. He guesses he’ll swing by GH and check up on Lulu and his buddy Isaiah. He thanks Sonny, and Sonny says he’s glad Lucky is back. Lucky says, him too. It’s good. Sonny says, that means he’s supposed to be here, and Lucky leaves.

On the phone in Bobbie’s, Trina says she saw their ad online and she was wondering if they’re still available. Give her a call back and they can talk details.

Outside, Gio puts away his violin, when Josslyn comes into the courtyard. She says she didn’t know he’d be here, and he says he was just rehearsing. She says she was about to head inside and hang out with Trina. Does he want to come? He says, it’s probably not a good idea. Trina isn’t going to want him there. She asks, what happened? and he says, they don’t see eye to eye on something, and neither of them is going to change their mind. She says, that doesn’t sound like Trina. She’s always down to share other people’s points of view. He says, not about Ava Jerome. Trina wanted him to play at the gallery and he said he couldn’t. Not after what Ava did to Kristina. Josslyn says, that’s it. Come with her. He follows her inside.

On the phone in her office, Portia leaves a message for Trina, letting her know she was thinking about her. She hopes school is going well. Trina doesn’t have to call her back. She just wanted to let Trina know that she loves her. There’s a knock at the door, and Ava walks in. Portia asks what she can do for her, and Ava says, as Portia is probably aware, Ric Lansing is representing her in her current legal difficulties. Portia says, okay… and Ava says, he’s also representing Heather Webber. Portia says she did know that, and Ava says, what Portia may not know is, Ric had several blood panels run to test Heather’s cobalt levels, four to be exact. Three were normal. One was not. Does she want to guess which one? Portia says, not really, and Ava says, the one test that showed Heather Webber still had elevated levels of cobalt in her blood was conducted right here at the GH lab. Portia says, their lab is excellent. She’s sure if there’s a problem, they can do another test. No issue at all. Ava says she’s surprised to hear Portia say that, and Portia says, why is that? Ava says, because Ric has come to the conclusion that someone here at GH tampered with those test results. Someone with an interest in keeping Heather in prison. Someone with access. Portia says, someone like her?

Brook asks what Violet thinks Garth meant when he said that about her dad, and Violet says, a drunk is someone who drinks too much. Brook says, it’s not a nice word, and Chase says, her dad has a disease. Brook says, we don’t call people unkind names because they’re sick, and Chase says, that’s right. Violet says she told her friend Jamie her dad couldn’t take her to the pumpkin patch this year because he was in a special hospital, and Brook says, that’s right. Violet tells them that she was saying that her daddy is going on lots of hikes and talking to people. But then, Garth said he wasn’t in a hospital. That he was in rehab because he was… Chase says, got it, and Violet says, then she hit him as hard as she could, but then he poured grape juice all over her shirt. Brook says, her dad bought her that shirt, didn’t he? and Violet says, yeah, and now it’s ruined because of stupid, mean Garth. Chase hugs her and says he’s so sorry any of that happened to her. He thanks her for telling them the truth, and she says she’s sorry she hit Garth. He just made her so mad. She’s sorry about her shirt. Brook says, that’s okay. Why don’t they go upstairs? Violet can change and she’ll throw the shirt in the washing machine. She’s sure she can get the stain out. Violet leaves and Brook follows her.

Isaiah walks around on crutches in his hospital room, when Lucky walks in. He says, not bad. Now pretend the Yankees won the series and jump up and down. Isaiah laughs and says, about time. What did he do, walk from Sidwell’s? Lucky says, looking pretty smooth there, and they shake hands. Isaiah says, this is actually him improved. It’s good to see him. Lucky says, it’s good to see Isaiah too. He guesses he owes Isaiah one. Isaiah says, oh yeah, and one day, he might actually take Lucky up on it. Lucky says he knows Isaiah is joking, but he’s not. They may not be trapped in Sidwell’s compound anymore, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have Isaiah’s back. Isaiah says he knows, and Lucky says, good. Because he does and he always will.

Carly walks into Pozzulo’s, and Sonny says he can make Carly an espresso in 25 seconds. She says, that’s impressive, but that’s okay. She’d feel like she was cheating on his old machine. He says, she doesn’t know what she’s missing, and she says, one more mystery she has to live with. He says, have it her way, and leads her to his office. He says, guess what? Lucky was here earlier. She says, how’d that go? and he says, he’s adjusting to being back in Port Charles. She says she’s sure it’s a lot for him, and he says, he’s a lot like his father. He’s tough. He’s going to be okay. She says she doesn’t know if he’s heard, but Lucas is back. He says he heard. How is he? She says, he’s good. He’s ready to start the next chapter of his life. He’s also concerned that they’re getting back together. Sonny says, this is going to be over soon, and she says, good, because that’s why she’s here.

Terry lets Lucas into her office and says, everyone is excited about him rejoining the staff, and he thanks her for making his transition back so smooth. She says, they’re lucky to have him. She’s sure he had his pick of hospitals. He says, GH was always his first choice. He’s looking forward to a fresh start in his hometown. She says she wants that for him too, but there’s something she thinks he should know.

On the phone, Trina says, if they’re schedule changes, let her know. She turns around to see Josslyn with Gio, and says, whatever they’re trying to do, the answer is no. Josslyn says, Ava is not worth losing a friendship, and neither is Sonny, but Trina says, this is between her and Gio. Josslyn says, they both see good sides to Sonny and Ava. How, she doesn’t know, but it doesn’t matter. She’s not here to waste her time or her energy trying to convince them that they’re wrong. Trina says, the world won’t end if everyone doesn’t have the same opinions, and Josslyn says, she’s right, but they don’t have to fight Sonny and Ava’s battles for them. Let them screw up their own lives, but don’t let them change one thing about theirs.

Portia asks if Ava really thinks she’d risk everything to get back at Heather, and Ava says, what she thinks is, if her daughter were in danger, she’d do everything she could to protect her. Changing a test result? That’s nothing. She’d pull strings, she’d pay bribes, she’d even kill if it meant keeping her child safe. And she’d sleep very well at night. Portia says she guesses they’re different in that way, but Ava says, no, they’re not. But Trina doesn’t know how far Portia would go to protect her. She’s getting her life back together. She’s going back to school. For the first time in a long time, she’s thinking about the future. Portia says, that’s exactly what she’s been praying for, and Ava says, well, it’s happening, and Trina doesn’t need to see her mother’s career crash and burn because of something she did to protect her daughter. Portia says she appreciates Ava coming to speak with her, but she doesn’t know what Ava is talking about. Ava says, come on. It took her all of three minutes to realize it was Portia who messed with those test results. And she won’t be the only one. So like it or not, Portia is going to need her help.

Lucas walks into the lab where Brad is working. He says he heard Brad was working here.

Trina says she understands why Gio feels the way he does about Ava. She was at the pool when Kristina fell. It was horrifying. Gio says, if Josslyn hadn’t done everything exactly right that day, Kristina would have died, and Trina says, that’s why he doesn’t want to do anything with Ava, and if he doesn’t want to perform at the gallery, don’t. He thanks her, and she says she’s just asking as his friend to consider the possibility that the fall was an accident. He says he wasn’t in the room with Kristina and Ava, so he’ll let the judge in the case decide who’s guilty. As far as the gallery gig, he won’t do it for Ava, but he’ll do it for her. She asks how he knows she hasn’t found his replacement.

Brook asks if Chase wants to go beat up Garth with her. She’s kidding… mostly. He asks how Violet is doing, and she says, she’s doing better. She’s upstairs changing her clothes. She’ll be down in a minute. Has he seen her phone? He says, she left it here when she went upstairs, and gives it to her. She checks something, and he asks what she’s doing. She says she’s looking for Garth’s parents’ phone number in the school directory. She’d like to have a little chat with them. He says, that’s probably not the best idea right now, and she says, he’s right. They should drive over there and have the conversation in person. That way, they can get eyes on Garth, see what his story is. He says, that might make things worse. Although there’s nothing stopping him from putting a boot on their car. She says she likes where his head is at on this, and he says, but you know who wouldn’t? Finn. She says she hates it, but he’s right. They need to focus on Violet. He says, there’s always going to be Garths in this world. They need to teach her how to deal with them. Short of her uncle tasing them. She says, that’s a good idea. The teaching, not the tasing. They just need to put their feelings aside and listen. He says he thinks Violet misses Finn more than they realized, and Brook says, it’s her way of crying out for help.

Lucky asks what Isaiah thinks of Port Charles, and Isaiah says, all he’s seen so far is the airport, the side of the street, and inside the hospital. Lucky says, all the hot tourist spots, and Isaiah says he’s also gotten to know some people around here. Lucky says, anyone interesting? and Isaiah says, one or two. Lucky says, sounds like Port Charles is growing on him, and Isaiah says, Lucky never told him much about his life here, which is cool, but now might be the time to tell him anything he needs to know. Lucky says, like what? and Isaiah says, like anything that might keep him from putting his foot in his mouth. Lucky says, Isaiah has met his ex, and Isaiah says, she’s pretty awesome. And he’s looking forward to meeting Lucky’s son. Has Lucky seen him yet? Lucky says, not yet, but he will soon, and Isaiah asks if Aiden knows what Lucky’s been doing. Lucky says he hasn’t given him too many details. He didn’t want to scare him. Isaiah says, he should know that Lucky’s been helping people. Isaiah is happy to tell him that, and more if Lucky wants. Lucky says he might take Isaiah up on that at some point. There are going to be a lot of questions, and he certainly doesn’t have all the answers. Isaiah asks if Lucky is worried how Aiden is going to react, and Lucky says, that, and he’s focused on his sister. He’s waiting to hear if he’s a match. Isaiah asks if he’s concerned about the surgery, and Lucky says, which one? Lulu’s or his?

Brad says, Lucas is back, and Lucas says he is, but not for Brad. They’re both going to be working here, so he thought he’d make some things clear since they’re bound to run into each other. If they speak to one another, it will only be about work. No catching up, no hashing things out. Nothing. The past is the past and that’s not going to change. He’s moving forward with his life and that doesn’t include Brad. Are they clear? Brad says, crystal, and Lucas says, good. Because he wants nothing to do with Brad – ever.

Portia asks why Ava wants to help her. What’s in it for her? Ava says, Trina. She doesn’t deserve to watch her mother lose everything. She’ll think it’s her fault, and she’s been through enough without adding that to it. Portia says she was just trying to protect Trina, and Ava says, keep doing it. Do what Ava tells her to do. No one has to know she’s doing it. Portia says, it’s already too late. Brad Cooper is back working at GH. He’s working in the lab and he’s already suspicious of her. Ava says, lie low. Don’t try to cover her tracks. Don’t try to hide what she’s done. The bigger deal she makes it, the bigger deal it’s going to become. Portia asks what she does about Ric Lansing, and Ava says she’ll handle Ric Lansing. She can certainly keep him away from Portia. Portia says, it’s not going to work. Ric Lansing will get Heather out of prison. They have to stop him.

Carly says, Sam told her that Alexis is protecting Kristina by not defending herself, and Sonny says, Alexis isn’t doing herself any favors in this case. Carly says she gets that, but Alexis shouldn’t be punished for a crime she didn’t commit, and he says, that’s why he hired Martin Grey to represent her. He’s already working on her defense. She says, he’s going to let this go to trial? but he says, no. He believes Alexis’s case is going to fall apart. She says, what if it doesn’t? and he says, it will. She says she’s on his side. She always has been and always will be. He asks why she thinks he came to her for an alibi, and she says, why does he think she gave him one? She doesn’t want anyone to go down for Cates’s murder. The world is a better place without him in it. He can’t destroy another life. Sonny says, he won’t, and she says, okay. Then he needs to tell her what they’re going to do to protect Alexis.

Violet comes downstairs, and Brook asks if she feels better. Violet says, yes, and Chase says, Garth shouldn’t have said what he did, but her dad wouldn’t want her to hit someone either. Brook’s phone rings, and she says she has to take this. She steps away, and Violet says, if Garth hadn’t said those mean things about her dad first, she wouldn’t have punched him. Chase says he knows, but he needs her to believe in her dad right now. Can she do that? Violet says she guesses so.

On the phone, someone tells Brook, the principal would like to speak to Violet’s guardian as soon as possible.

Violet says she’s sorry she hit Garth. Does Chase think she’s going to get in trouble? He says, even when you have a good reason for doing something, if you break the rules, there are consequences.

Gio asks if Trina is saying she already got someone to play at the gallery. Where did she find them? Trina says, the internet? and Josslyn says, there’s no way they’re better than him. Gio thanks her, and Trina says she will tell them that the musician she found is a little sketchy, so she’d be very happy if Gio would reconsider her offer and take the job. He says he’d be very happy to accept the offer – for her, and Josslyn says her work here is done. Gio says, if the environmental science degree doesn’t work out, she could always be a talent agent, and Trina says, very true. She could.

Ava says, unfortunately, there’s nothing they can do to stop Ric from trying to get Heather released from prison, but Portia says, there has to be. Ava says, he’s got three tests that prove the GH test was faulty. Heather Webber was affected by cobalt in her system. Portia says she can’t just sit here and do nothing, but Ava says, she can’t be seen anywhere near Heather’s case. Ava’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Ric. Ric says he’s got great news. He filed a summary motion on Heather’s case. He asked that her conviction be overturned immediately, and there’s a good chance it will be. Ava says, congratulations, and he says, don’t worry. Her mystery friend will remain a mystery. She thanks him and says she means it. Can she call him later? He says, no need. He just wanted her to know about the motion. He hangs up, and Ava looks at Portia.

Brad says, Lucas must hate him, and Lucas says, all of this would be easier if he did. He does feel sorry for Brad. He understands all the reasons Brad did what he did. Brad says he still shouldn’t have done it, and Lucas says, Brad was drawn into a nightmare. But Brad pulled him in too, and it’s a nightmare he never wants to think about or experience again. So goodbye, Brad. He walks out.

Isaiah says, so if Lulu’s body accepts Lucky’s liver, it will take her back to her baseline. He’ll have given her the best possible chance to wake up from her coma. Lucky says, don’t kid a kidder. The odds of that are pretty slim. Isaiah says, slim is better than none, and Lucky says he guesses. Isaiah says, Lucky is going to need about a week in the hospital, and another six to eight weeks after than to recover from the surgery. That being said, there are risks. There’s no such thing as a routine transplant surgery. Lucky says, and Isaiah wouldn’t consider… Isaiah says he’ll give advice and offer support, but he’s never going back into surgery. Lucky says, sorry. He never should have asked. Isaiah has done more than his part. Isaiah says, he means the whole risking his life to get Lucky help thing? and Lucky says, without him, he’d still be in the desert. Whatever happens next is on him.

Sonny says, don’t worry about it, and Carly says, he does have a plan to help Alexis, doesn’t he? He says, they can protect Alexis and everybody involved. All they have to do is find the gun Alexis threw away. She says, what if he doesn’t find it? and he says, then he’ll prove Alexis didn’t kill Jagger Cates. She says, how? and he says he’ll turn himself in.

On Monday, Willow says, maybe she and Michael can figure it out together; Robert tells Diane, Holly’s back in town; Terry has Lucky’s test results; and Lucky owes someone a huge apology.

🪥 Brush Up On Your Lucas…

A refresher course or an introduction.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-lucas-jones-ryan-carnes-158930

🎉 Mother and Child Reunion…

Laura’s head is going to explode when Lulu wakes up.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/genie-francis-returns-to-general-hospital-2024

I dunno about him being like Luke. Luke was never that altruistic.

https://ew.com/general-hospital-will-reunite-laura-with-lucky-genie-francis-jonathan-jackson-8723567

🎉 Receipts, Proof, Timelines, Lemons In a Bowl…

I really do feel badly for her, but she seriously needs to curb her drinking.

Confirmation!

🍸 Something About Horror…

It beats the horror of the last two seasons of VPR.

💍 Charming Proposal…

She’s finally moved on from creeper Austen. Good for her.

🥸 That’s a Lot Of Laughs…

Wow. Fifty – 5-0 – seasons.

https://ew.com/how-to-watch-first-snl-episode-after-saturday-night-movie-8722822

💸 Regrettable Millionaire…

This came after the shame of being included in The Dark Side of Reality TV. I kinda, sorta remember it, but I’m not a fan of the finding love shows. I always feel embarrassed for the contestants. No doubt they feel embarrassed for themselves too, after it airs. And it’s rarely love that they find.

https://ew.com/joe-millionaire-producer-regrets-convincing-women-to-do-show-8714985

👻 Get Your Ideas Here…

This article shows costumes you can buy and where you can buy them, but it’s not that hard to DIY some of these ideas. I’m no seamstress, but I’ve handmade dog costumes a few times. You try to find Rocky Horror costumes for dogs.

https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/pets/best-dog-halloween-costumes

Omg, the little football.

https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/20-funny-creative-outrageous-pet-costumes

💡 Quotes of the Week

The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. – Vik Muniz

It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.Abraham Lincoln

October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations about them once again. – Hal Borland

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Terry Simpson

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. – Mike Tyson

You’re going to come across people in your life who will say all the right words at all the right times. But in the end, it’s always their actions you should judge them by. It’s actions, not words, that matter. – Nicholas Sparks

I said no cilantro. I might as well shove a bar of goddam soap in my mouth. – Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell), The Penguin (Same.)

No one knows what it is, or how it works, but everyone wants to possess it. – Nomad (Michael Berryman), Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time

🍁 Here’s To October…

Get your weekend on, then join me on Monday for soap and seeing what’s on Sail. Until then, stay safe, stay within the parameters of a party (in other words, don’t be nosy about the host’s home), and stay never calling people unkind names because they’re sick.