What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Francesca tells Sonny and Mike that Mike’s new medication is having a positive effect. Sonny tells Mike that doesn’t mean he won’t be seeing the doctor anymore. Mike says he can’t complain. Griff and Francesca treat him like a prince. He says friends help each other, and tells Francesca that he has a grandson around her age. She says she knows Michael, and he’s very lucky to have grandfather like him. Sonny tells Mike to let Francesca get back to work. Mike thinks they would hit off, and there’s no harm in trying. Sonny thinks he should ask Michael first. Mike says Michael will just give him the runaround, and asks if Carly will be there.

Julian asks Alexis if therapy means rehashing the gory details of their relationship. She says it does, and he asks, what could go wrong with that? She’d appreciate some cooperation, and he tells her that he didn’t say no, but it’s a lot to ask. She says after everything he put her through, he should be more accommodating. He’s concerned about the intimacy of the situation, and says he’d like to ask Kim. Alexis didn’t know they were at that point in the relationship.

At the hospital, Dr. Shaw is looking for some reports. Kiki says she can help, but he says he’ll stop by later. She tells Elizabeth that David warned her that other doctors might feel uncomfortable with her. Dr. Shaw isn’t the first one either. She was ignored when she spoke to a surgeon in the elevator. Elizabeth thinks David is the one who should be getting the cold shoulder. Kiki thinks there’s no way she’s the first person he’s done this to. Lulu comes in and Kiki says, speak of the devil. Lulu asks if they’re talking trash on her, and Elizabeth says, not her. Kiki asks if anyone has come forward.

At The Floating Rib, Anna finishes telling Finn a story about getting Robert to stand in for her at a concert. Finn says they’ve managed to spend the entire day hanging out. They kiss and Obrecht says, look at the lovebirds.

Valentin goes to Nina’s office. He tells the receptionist that he wants to surprise her, and will take full responsibility. She hopes Nina knows how lucky she is to have a husband like him. He says, probably not. He closes the door, and says he hopes he can remind her tonight.

At the cabin, Nina tells Peter to wake up, but he doesn’t.

I have a mini dog emergency, but alas, no time to work internet magic tonight, and miss a few minutes. Sorry. I’ve had to wear five extra hats this week.

Sonny suggests he and Mike go to Mike’s old neighborhood on Charles Street. They can see what’s cooking and bring back old memories.

Lulu tells Kiki that she’s checked the other hospitals where David worked, but no claims have been filed against him. The HR departments seemed caught off guard. Kiki asks where that leaves them, and Lulu says, waiting. Amy is willing to talk about the culture of sexism at GH, but has no specific experience with David. Kiki says if no one comes forward, the case has no chance. He gets to live his life and do this to more women.

Alexis tells Julian that she didn’t realize they were at the asking permission stage. He says things are good between them, and he doesn’t want to mess it up. He did Alexis wrong in many ways, and one was not communicating. He has the chance not to repeat the same mistake with Kim. He hopes she understands. He’s growing, and she needs to grow too. She tells him that if he decides to help, give Doc a call.

Kim asks Julian what that was all about; it sounds like couple’s therapy. He says it sounded that way to him too, but Alexis insists it’s about past relationships, and called it guest starring. He couldn’t give Alexis an answer until he ran it by her. Kim appreciates it, but he doesn’t have to get permission for this or anything else. It’s not the kind of relationship she’s after. Does he want to go? Julian says he has other things he’d rather do, like pay bills, do laundry, and darn his socks. Sifting through their old relationship doesn’t sound fun. Alexis’s goal might be closure, but he’s afraid of being trapped in some circle. Kim says it sounds like he’s made his decision, and he guesses he has. She has to get home, and tells him that he makes his own choices, and she’ll support whatever he decides.

Outside, Mike tells Sonny this is the best dive bar, but Sonny says it’s under new management, and hip now. They go in, and Sonny tells Julian to relax. They’re grabbing some coffee, on the house, and wants Julian to include the July payment in full.

Anna asks Obrecht what she did to upset her. Obrecht says she’s upsetting the patrons, who don’t appreciate her revolting spectacle. Anna says it must be hard, dealing with the loss of Nathan. Obrecht says not to dare patronizing her. Anna says she was trying to reach out. They’re kind of on the same side. Obrecht asks if she thinks they’re buddies because they both despise Faison. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, is foolish. There’s ample room for enemies in this world, and Anna is one of hers. She put a target on Nathan’s back, and her lies led to his death. Anna asks if Obrecht thinks her son would want bitterness and blame? Obrecht is sure he’s be first to tell her to forgive, and Anna suggests she try it – for him and herself. Obrecht calls her scarecrow, and says she may be right. They might both have something in common. They’ll never see their sons again.

Nina tells Peter no one is trying to kill him. Confess, and it will be over. He says she doesn’t really think Obrecht is sincere with that plan. Once he confesses, they’ll call the cops to collect him. He asks how the confession will be admissible when it was given under duress? Once they take him, they’ll know he was held captive. The only people facing charges will be her and Obrecht. Obrecht knows it, and she wants him to confess that Nathan’s death is all his fault. True or not, it doesn’t matter. Once he says the words, she’ll kill him.

On the phone, Valentin tells someone he’ll see them in a half hour. If they come in fifteen minutes, he’ll double their bonus. Finn walks in, and Valentin says his wife isn’t there. Finn says he’s looking for Valentin.

Julian serves Mike and Sonny their coffee anything else. Mike guesses there’s a good story between Sonny and Julian, but Sonny says it’s not worth talking about. He wants to talk about what they were discussing the other day. Mike asks for a reminder, and Sonny says when he helped him out in Croton.

Brad walks into Charlie’s and Julian asks if he’s there to give him another ultimatum. Brad wants to thank him for what he put together for him and Lucas; all the information meant a lot. They also appreciate Julian’s understanding. Julian says Lucas told him that he couldn’t afford one wrong step, and Julian didn’t want to risk it. He knows they’re not crazy about the birth mother’s agreement. Brad says she gets to know his GPA from college, but he doesn’t even know her name. If they follow rules, she’ll have no reason to change her mind. Julian flashes back to asking Kim about the birth mother’s records being on file, and Kim telling him that she’s still a patient until she gives birth. Julian asks Brad if he happens to know at what hospital the mother is giving birth.

Elizabeth tells Kiki that everyone will know she’s telling the truth. It’s been retweeted and shared more than anything else they’ve written. Kiki says she hasn’t read the comments, and Lulu tells her not to do that to herself. They’re sick trolls, shaming the victim. Kiki says they know who she is, and where she works, and think she should die. Francesca listens. Kiki feels helpless. Lulu says she has a ton of support, and someone else coming forward won’t happen overnight. Dr. Bensch’s days are numbered. Francesca’s head pops up. Elizabeth asks if Kiki is okay, and Kiki says work is keeping her sane. Francesca approaches Kiki. She says they don’t know each other well, but she saw the article. Most people would be too scared to come forward. For what it’s worth, Francesca admires her. Her courage means a lot.

Anna asks Obrecht what she means. Obrecht says Henrik fled the second he could. She doubts he’d risk a bullet to find his mom. She tells Anna to keep lying to herself. Her delusions will keep her occupied until Henrik faces retribution. She says not to forget they still have their own score to settle.

Valentin asks Finn to what he owes this unexpected pleasure? Finn wants to tell him to his face that he and Anna are together. Valentin says, good for them. He thought it was going to be touch and go until the end of time. Finn says he played God with a child’s life, and devastated lives in the process. If he gets involved in Anna’s life again, it will be his last move.

Kim asks Elizabeth if Linda Cartwright’s labs are back. We can probably assume that’s Lucas and Brad’s birth mother. Elizabeth says she’ll check, and Kim asks if she has a minute; it’s personal and embarrassing. Elizabeth says, no judgments. Kim asks how she and Franco deal with each other’s exes. Elizabeth says it’s been a mutual co-existence, except for Jason and Franco. She asks if Julian is having a hard time with Drew. Kim says they were scratchy in the past, but she’s the one having issues about Julian’s ex.

Brad tells Julian they don’t know where she’s from or where she’s giving birth. Julian says it must be stressful until the thirty-day mark. Brad says Alexis is handling the adoption, so she knows everything, but she’s bound by law to keep it confidential, and keep them in dark.

Alexis arrives at the hospital, and tells Lulu that it was a good article. The exposure is amazing. She asks if anyone has come forward, and Lulu says, not so far. Alexis says Kiki getting her name out there will make it easier for others. They can take him to court, but without a corroborating witness, there might be no way to win.

Mike tells Sonny that he doesn’t remember being in Croton. Sonny says Mike got him out of some trouble; a situation in a field outside of Croton. Mike says it doesn’t ring a bell. Sonny tells him not to worry about it. Mike looks at the old photos on the walls.

Valentin asks if Finn just threatened to kill him. Finn tells him to stay out of Anna’s life. Valentin knows he had fun playing Spy Vs Spy with Anna, but he’s not dealing with an amateur. Finn says he has access to things that make it seem like you’ve passed away peacefully. Valentin says it’s not easy to kill someone. He and Anna know. Why would he want to? Valentin is actually a fan. Finn makes Anna happy. Finn suggests he concentrate on his own marriage, or whatever’s left of it. He walks out.

Peter says Nina knows he’s right. She says he’s just trying to get in her head, and it’s not happening. He says they know how it ends; Obrecht has already been violent. Nina insists she’s not going to kill him. He says she’s disassociated from reality. She can’t get revenge on his father, and he’s the next best thing. She wants him to take the blame. Obrecht will get satisfaction in killing him, but what does Nina get? He tells her to get out of it. She still has family and a career. She has a life that still matters, and a future waiting. He tells her to please make it stop. Do it now, before she loses everything too.

Finn asks Anna how the talk with the German went. Anna says, Swiss, and he says, whatever. She says charming as ever. She can’t blame her for grieving, but something Obrecht said unsettled her. She doesn’t think she intended for that either. She said Anna wasn’t seeing her son again. It could have been an all-purpose wish, but she got the impression that Obrecht knows something she’s not telling.

Obrecht returns to the cabin. She didn’t expect Nina, and Nina says she’s making sure they’re still on the same page regarding the goal. Obrecht says a confession, what else? Nina says, besides the mishap with the bat, she doesn’t intend to hurt him, right? She tells Obrecht she won’t be an accomplice. Obrecht says Nina is unaccustomed to these situations, but she isn’t. Trust her. Unlike Henrik, she’ll only stab someone in the front, not in the back.

Julian tells Brad that it must be rough, having the information just out of reach. Brad says they’re taking it on faith. There’s no sense making waves. Julian says if there’s anything he can do to help, let him know. Brad says he’ll see him around. Julian thinks he will.

Kiki doesn’t understand how Alexis can say that. She’s the one who encouraged her to take it to court. Alexis says she still feels the same way, but it’s an uphill fight. Lulu asks if there isn’t a lesser burden of proof in civil court, but Alexis tells her it’s he said, she said. Unless his name is on public record, they can’t counter-sue. It’s only the truth if proven in court. Lulu says that’s the problem with harassment; it happens behind closed doors. Alexis says she wouldn’t be doing her job if she didn’t tell Kiki. She’s behind her 100%, but tells her to think it over. Kiki says it shouldn’t be so hard to do the right thing. Lulu says one thing is guaranteed. A lot of women will thank her for speaking up. Someone could still come forward before they get to court. Francesca says, someone is.

Julian gives Sonny his payment. Mike looks at a picture, and says he knows that guy. Sonny says it’s Charlie Delaney, he built this place. He says Mike lived across the street. Maybe he remembers him from when he was living there, but Mike says no. He hasn’t seen him since Sonny was around eighteen.

Obrecht tells Peter, alone at last. She opens a Styrofoam container. She says she adores barbeque. It’s a brisket sandwich with spicy sauce. She says he must be famished, and he tells her that he passed out earlier. She says he’s pathetic. The average person can go for a week without food. He was far from death’s door. She must say she’s enjoying it though. She bites into the sandwich.

Nina sees curtains in front of her office. She walks inside to find it decorated, and Valentin telling her, welcome back to Morocco.

Anna can’t believe Finn confronted Valentin. Finn says he had it coming, and she says, he’s lethal. She’s grown fond of Finn, and tells him to give Valentin a wide berth from now on. She just found him. She let him all the way into her life, and doesn’t want to lose him. Certainly not to Valentin. Finn tells her not to worry. He’s not going anywhere. They kiss.

Francesca says she didn’t mean to eavesdrop. They were looking for another woman harassed by David, and here she is. He did the same thing to her.

Kim doesn’t love the idea of Julian reliving his relationship with Alexis in therapy. Elizabeth says, why would she? No one is that progressive. Kim thought she was. Elizabeth says, surprise; she’s human. Kim says maybe she should have been honest about how she felt. She thinks it’s strange that Alexis wants him to go to her therapy session; it seems intrusive. Elizabeth says, and she doesn’t want to appear like the threatened, jealous girlfriend; it’s normal. Kim says it’s a good lesson on what not to do next time. She doesn’t think it’s worth dragging out, since he decided not to go.

Julian sees Alexis at the hospital. He says he was just on his way to see Doc. He’s made his decision. He’ll go to therapy with her.

Tomorrow, Julian calls it off, Nina says she had to take justice into her own hands, and Mike says he’s not an invalid.

Southern Charm

I hope Ashley thinks a ring is inside that box Thomas is going to give her, but it turns out to be a wallet.

Naomie goes to kickboxing class. Hopefully, it will get out some of her aggression. She calls Danni, telling her that Kathryn never showed, and isn’t picking up her calls. Danni hasn’t heard from her either. Naomie calls Shep. She’s worried that this is like the old Kathryn. Shep says the screen on Kathryn’s phone is severely cracked, and it might be an issue.

Shep orders lunch with blueberry beer, because it has anti-oxidants. He’s against oxidants. Austen joins him. Shep asks what the next step is with Austen’s beer, and how much cash he’ll need. We flash back to Austen’s parents expecting success. He tells Shep that he got into a tiff with Victoria. I was right. The hug was involved. And Austen was the one who gave himself away by telling Victoria about it. I didn’t see that coming. Shep says it’s like a romantic comedy. Austen says Victoria tossed a drink on him. He told her to get in an Uber and go home. It’s been radio silence since, and he blocked her. In his interview, Austen says she made it crystal clear they’re over, and he has no remorse. Shep says it would be crazy if before Christmas, everyone was single. Austen wants a stable relationship for Christmas, and Shep says he’s not going not get it.

Ashley visits Patricia. She feels lucky Patricia could squeeze her in, since her time is so valuable. I’d be willing to bet Patricia knows a brownnoser when she sees one too. Patricia notices Ashley is hoarse, and asks Michael for two medicinal drinks; a hot toddy for Ashley, and Patricia’s usual martini. Ashley tells Patricia that she and Thomas pumped the brake. It’s been a transition, and she knows Patricia heard about Hilton Head. She babbles about there being an issue with the children’s mother. The tension built, and she felt a shift in the relationship. She whines that Kathryn texted Thomas about not wanting her around the kids because she’s angry. Patricia wonders if Ashley’s immune system is run down, and asks if Thomas is still going out partying. Ashley says he’s out right now. He’s an older man who should get his sh*t together. Patricia tells her if there’s one thing she’s learned in her 105 years on this earth, is that men don’t change. In terms of managing Thomas – although feminists wouldn’t like it – Ashley should just sit and listen. In her interview, Patricia says, in the south, they don’t get involved with these issues. Like her mother said, keep quiet and think of England. She tells Ashley to let it be about him. Ashley says it always is, but Patricia says, if she’s secure, let it. She says Kathryn is always going to be the children’s mother, so she should concentrate on being the girlfriend. Is this the way she wants to live, and the man she wants to devote her life to?

Naomie brings Chelsea a load of juicing supplies. She tells Chelsea about no one hearing from Kathryn since Monday. It’s like in the old days when she used to drop off the face of the earth. She wonders if it has anything to do with Thomas and Ashley and the kids. In her interview, Naomie says if Kathryn messes up one time, she’s screwed, and Thomas will go to court. Danni tells Naomie about talking to Craig, who wouldn’t get a flu shot because he might walk backwards for the rest of his life. Naomie says he read an article about someone it happened to, and he wasn’t risking walking to see a baby. Danni asks if she should call Kathryn, but Naomie says she already asked Shep to call.

Cameran meets Shep and Whitney for lunch. She says she misses them the most, and it reminds me of The Wizard of Oz. In her interview, Cameran says she’s a prisoner to breastfeeding. She doesn’t eat a healthy diet, and thinks producing so much milk is crazy. She’s brought along some to-go milk, and pours both of them a shot. She says it’s like becoming blood brothers, but they’re milk brothers. Whitney spits it out. So much for etiquette. In her interview, Cameran says since she got pregnant, Whitney has had a strange fixation with lactation, and she couldn’t leave Shep out; he’s never turned down a shot. Shep says it’s good, and he likes it. Whitney thanks him for that.

Cameran asks if Thomas is still with Ashley. Whitney says he went shopping for a Craig-ass promise ring. Shep doesn’t think it will last. Thomas doesn’t want to deprive other women of him. Cameran suggests Shep go after Ashley, and he says, no. Cameran wonders if Craig has been laid since Naomie, and then wonders if he’d ever been laid before Naomie. She tells the guys she has to wait two more weeks before having sex. Whitney brings up the topic I can never get rid of, vaginal rejuvenation. Cameran says she took a look, and it looks the same.

Craig meets friend Warren from law school. They walked graduation together, although Craig didn’t get his diploma until a couple of years later. Warren says his practice is good, and asks if Craig is looking for a job. Craig says he wants to work for himself from home, and tells Warren that he’s a seamstress. Warren asks if he has a business plan, and if pillows are lucrative. Craig tells him about designing the pillow for Patricia, and Warren wants him to admit it’s a bit farcical. Craig shows him one of the designs, and Warren says it looks like clip art. Craig mumbles something about licensing, and Warren tells him it’s awful; Patricia won’t sell that. In his interview, Craig says there are a million pillows at Warren’s house, but his wife buys them. Warren isn’t his target audience. Warren jokes that Craig tried to off himself with a butter knife, and Craig says he couldn’t even do that right.

Thomas gets the kids ready for school. He knew intuitively that his life would center around kids, but envisioned it as the nuclear family, not being a single dad. He says co-parenting with Kathryn is good, the kids are happy, and they’re getting along. Kathryn has transformed from a carefree adult to a woman with a woman’s heart. We see clips of them with the kids. He says if she continues on this trajectory (yes, he put it that way), she will be mother of the year in five. Ashley was upset because there’s been no proposal. He knows she doesn’t want to waste her time, but he has a lot to lose. He needs to focus on his kids and getting along with their mother.

Danni hopes she’s not overreacting, but it’s like Kathryn fell off the face of the earth. She’s going to Kathryn’s apartment with Naomie. She hasn’t responded to their texts or calls, and missed another appointment without calling. Danni says Thomas having a girlfriend hasn’t been good, but Naomie says it’s who the girlfriend is. Danni says dealing with Ashley has sucked the life out of Kathryn; it sucks the life out of her. She wishes she could pick locks. Naomie asks if that isn’t illegal, and Danni says no, because they’re her friends. Ha-ha! Okay.

They knock on Kathryn’s door, but there’s no answer. Naomie uses a bobby pin on the keyhole. Danni says if Naomie makes it happen, she’ll be impressed, but the pin doesn’t fit. Naomie thinks they should find the property manager. Danni asks, what if they call the police? Naomie says the manager should let them in if they explain. What world do they live in?

The property manager tells them that Kathryn isn’t dead; she’s in there. They thank her for checking. Danni is pissed. They knock again, and Naomie asks Kathryn to open the door. Naomie wonders what’s wrong with her, and thinks it’s not good at all.

Craig arranges some flowers. Barely. It’s more like he makes a mess. Patricia calls, and he tells her that he’s trying to be a cultured adult. She asks if can come over in an hour, and finalize the design; they’re running out of time on her end. He thinks maybe he’ll bring the flowers. He screws around with the designs –what we call clip art – on his laptop.

Patricia gives the sage observation that, nothing is worse than bad potpourri. I can probably think of a lot of worse things, but that is pretty bad. She’s waiting for Craig; she called hours ago. It’s six pm, and he’s still home. He says, it is what it is. He didn’t even call her??? He walks out the door with the flowers and the laptop.

Michael suggests Craig is doing his hair again. He finally arrives, with one of the flowers getting broken in transport. I love Patricia’s cardigan. It’s very long, and looks almost like silver chainmail. She tells Craig they’re in a time crunch. He says something about fabrics, and she says, design is the key. He shows her a picture of two cartoon dogs under palm trees. She asks how he did the dogs, and he says he found a stencil online, but he did the colors. She explains that he can’t get it off the internet; it has to be original. He tries to backtrack, saying that he needed something to feed off of. She says the problem is timing; she needs the design right now. He claims he wasn’t aware of that, but we see a clip where she gives him a two-week time frame. Patricia says it’s been two months. She loves him, and has given him more latitude than she would ordinarily, but they need to table it; it’s business. He thinks maybe he should have spent more time on this. He thanks her, saying it didn’t work out this time, but who knows what’s down the road. I can guarantee it’s not Patricia hiring him for anything. In his interview, he says he only needed one more night, and he could have made it perfect. No. A thousand more nights wouldn’t have helped. As he gets in his car, he says, that was bullcrap.

Chelsea brings a ton of food to Naomie’s, who is having a manicurist and masseuse come over. Naomie tells her about going to Kathryn’s with Danni, and that they had a wellness check done. All they could say was that she was alive, but no details. Naomie feels bad for her. The manicurist and masseuse arrive, behind them. She still hasn’t heard from Kathryn. Cameran walks in, saying she’s free. No one can believe she’s just had a baby, and Naomie touches her boobs. Chelsea has a business opportunity, and tells her about people who buy breast milk. They can get rich. Cameran is asked what the highs and lows are about being a mother. She says the low is that her life was altered. She was forced to be unselfish. The high is that she has a baby that’s part of both she and her husband, and it’s unconditional love. In her interview, Cameran says Palmer smiling for the first time made her cry. Her heart isn’t cold and dead after all. Naomie gives Cameran a collage she made from the ultrasound. Cameran has to jet. She’s still learning to balance living her life and being a mother. It’s no longer about her, and was a lesson she needed to learn. Naomie gets a massage. She says if she had her blanket and cat, she’d be in heaven. I see her future, and it involves a blanket and several cats.

Shep calls Chelsea. He knows they’re worried about Kathryn, and tells her that Thomas said she picked up the kids. Thomas doesn’t know she’s been keeping to herself, and Shep doesn’t want him to know. Chelsea says, and they don’t want Ashley to know.

Thomas and Ashley go out to dinner. The wine is called wolf-something, and Thomas says he was called wolf when he was single. Ashley says he might be single again. She loves him, but thinks they hit a rough patch. It’s been volatile since she got back. She tells him that she’s starting to access everything, and there are red flags. When the wine is served, Ashley makes a face, and says it tastes interesting. Thomas gives her the box. She calls him babe, and I choke. It’s a bracelet, and you can tell she’s disappointed. Thank you, God. The food comes, and Ashley thanks him. He tells her a healthy relationship is interdependent, but not co=dependent. He thinks she’s kind of needy, and if that’s what he wanted, would she be attracted to someone like that? She needs to be involved in something outside of him. She asks if he means like a job. God forbid. He says she’s looking to him to be her tower of strength, but she has to find it inside herself. Ashley says they’ve never had a chance, since she stopped listening after she realized she might have to go back to work.

Kathryn stops by Danni’s place. Her dog is wearing the cone of shame. Kathryn says she’s alive and well. Danni says, don’t do this to her again, and asks where she’s been. Why wasn’t she responding? Kathryn almost gave her a heart aneurysm. Kathryn says everything going on has been a lot, and she took a mental break. She turned off the phone, and locked herself in her apartment. Danni says they were concerned about her well-being. Kathryn says it wasn’t intentional; she didn’t even see they’d called. Danni says she didn’t know if Kathryn was alive, and it scared her. Kathryn explains that she’s been on meds for depression. She was happy and adjusting to sober living, and thought didn’t need them. She stopped taking them, and didn’t realize how it would affect her. It increased her anxiety and emotional response, and snowballed. She says she’s kind of ashamed, and Danni tells her not to feel like she can’t come to her. Kathryn knew she wouldn’t judge. It was a matter of confronting it; saying it out loud. In her interview, Kathryn says when she got the diagnosis of anxiety and depression, she was relieved. She knew why she was making irresponsible choices. Now she takes antidepressants. She tells Danni that for a long time she thought she had nothing to bring to a friendship except being a burden. Danni says that’s not true, and she gets something out of their friendship. She starts to cry, saying she was scared. She loves Kathryn. Kathryn says she loves Danni too, and they hug. All has been forgiven.

Next time, Shep tries to cook, Thomas talks to Patricia about Ashley, Chelsea asks Austen to go to Patricia’s Winter Wonderland party, and there’s a polo match.

🎩👒👑🎓 My Week, Many Hats…

 

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jason tells Sam he’s on his way out. He and Spinelli are working on getting evidence of Carly’s innocence. Sam says there’s not a lot of time. It’s about Drew.

Andre and Drew meet outside. Drew has been doing some thinking, and Andre asks if he wants to reconsider. Drew says just the opposite, and gives him an envelope. It’s a DNR. He says in case it goes the wrong way, just let him go.

At the hospital, Obrecht demands a word with Anna. Anna says it’s not the place, and Obrecht asks if Anna thinks she cares. It’s her fault Obrecht’s son is dead.

Peter says, if it isn’t his oldest friend. Valentin says he’s so sorry this is happening to him. Peter says he should be; he put the whole thing in motion. Valentin says, it’s true. He stole Peter, took him from a loving family, and brought him to his father. Peter says it’s a good thing there are bars between them, or he’d kill Valentin with his bare hands.

Ava has insufficient memory on her phone, and picks out things to send to the cloud. She sees the paternity test, and is about to delete it, and hears someone come in. It’s David. She tells him the gallery is closed, but he says he was hoping to pick up something beautiful.

Kiki and Elizabeth go to Monica’s office. Elizabeth tells Kiki that she can do this. Monica asks if everything is all right, and Kiki says, no. She’d like to file a complaint against Dr. Bensch. Monica asks on what grounds, and Kiki says for the past few months, he’s been sexually harassing her.

Jason tells Sam that Kim was just there. She told him Drew wants the procedure done, and Andrew has agreed, but he could be incapacitated if something goes wrong. She wanted Jason to stop him. Sam says if the procedure is going to work, Andre needs the flash drive. Peter has it, but is willing to make a trade. Jason asks what he wants, and Sam says, his freedom.

Andre asks if a DNR isn’t a little extreme, but Drew doesn’t think so. Andre has explained the risks, and he gets it. His hope is that once Jason’s memories are removed, his own original memories will surface. Andre says his latest research supports that, but if he’s unsuccessful, Drew could lose his cognitive abilities. Drew says, if that happens, he wants Andrew to honor his wishes, and let him die.

Obrecht tells Anna that she knows the truth about Nathan’s death, and why Faison came back. She calls Anna a hypocrite, judging her feelings for Faison, when she also shared his bed. Anna says it was one night. Obrecht says she knew everything about his bastard son.

Peter says he thought Valentin was the one person who found him worthwhile, but he wanted to use it as leverage against Anna. He tells Valentin not to insult them both by pretending their friendship meant anything. Valentin says he and Anna were both younger. He loved her, but she wouldn’t have him. He wanted her to hurt like he did. He was the only one who knew and realized she was pregnant. He followed her, and knew she’d left the baby. He assumed wrongly that she thought the baby was just an inconvenience, and he didn’t like that. He wanted to punish her. He took Peter to Faison, and regretted it every day since.

Anna tells Obrecht to keep her voice down. Obrecht says, to spare her embarrassment? It’s the least she deserves. Griff says, enough, and tells Obrecht she’s on the wrong floor to see the baby. Obrecht says this isn’t over. Anna’s actions took her son from her. What goes around comes around. She leaves, and Anna guesses Griff heard. He says it was hard not to, but it didn’t make sense. She says it will if he understands that Faison’s child is Peter, and is actually her son.

Jason tells Sam to back up, and asks when she talked to Peter. She says she went to tell him that she was grateful he kept Jason alive. Jason says he only did it to kill Faison, but she says that doesn’t change the fact that he’s there now. Jason tells her not to let Peter take advantage because of it. She says that’s what she told Peter. Drew said he’d rather have the procedure without the flash drive. It was a risk he was willing to take, but she can’t. Jason nods sagely.

Andre tells Drew it’s something that’s widely debated. Drew says he did some digging, and euthanasia has been legal in some states for at least two years. He doesn’t want his daughter to be afraid of him, and be a shell of a human being wile she’s growing up. He tells Andre to cheer up, and asks what happens next.

Peter tells Valentin it feels like another lie. Valentin says by the time he realized his horrible mistake, someone else was paying the price. Peter used Nathan, and lured Faison to Port Charles, but didn’t think about what Maxie stood to lose. By the time he looked up, Nathan was dead, and Maxie was a widow with a baby who is never going to know his father. He asks if Peter is going to stick around and make amends and mitigate the damage.

Anna tells Griff abut Valentin taking the baby. Griff says no wonder she was so determined to find him. Anna says she wanted to find him because she realized he could be a carrier. She asks if Griff didn’t say he just tested someone for Huntington’s disease. Was it Peter? He must have thought it was a strange coincidence. He couldn’t have known Peter was Faison’s son. Her phone rings, and Griff gives a good worried look. He thinks about when he told Peter that he’d keep what he knew in confidence.

Ava tells David that she can stay open a few minutes longer. She knows he’s been helping Kiki. David says she has a lot of potential. He just hopes… She says, what? He says he’s sorry; he shouldn’t have said anything. She says she wants to hear any concerns he has, and he says she seems off lately. He asks if there’s something going on in her personal life.

Kiki tells Monica after she rejected his gifts and kiss, he was either hostile or overly friendly. This afternoon, he threatened to submit a negative evaluation if she didn’t have sex with him. Monica asks if he said those exact words, and Kiki says he showed her a draft of her evaluation, and it was terrible and untrue. He told her that he could revise it in her favor if she met him at his hotel room, but she said no. Monica is sorry this happened under her watch, and asks Elizabeth if she witnessed anything, but Elizabeth says she’s just there for moral support. She says she believes Kiki, but Monica says, unfortunately, that’s not enough. She asks if anyone witnessed his improper behavior, and Kiki says Dillon thought Dr. Bensch was hitting on her. She adds, in all fairness, he was comforting her after the anniversary of Morgan’s death, and she let him. Elizabeth says she didn’t let him do anything; she didn’t ask for any of this. Kiki says other students mentioned him liking her, but it was more of a teacher’s pet thing. He only made advances when they were alone. Monica says, so there’s no proof. Kiki asks if Monica thinks she’s lying.

Sam asks if Jason wants to help her break Peter out of custody. He says it’s Drew’s risk to take, and she shouldn’t interfere. She says she’s going to anyway, but Jason is afraid she’ll get caught by herself, and he has Carly to deal with. She also can’t break him out because it’s too dangerous for Anna.

Griff asks what Anna is going to do. She says they’ve probably scheduled transport for Peter. She wants to be with him every step of the way, but he doesn’t want anything to do with her. She can’t believe she didn’t see it; the clues were right in front of her. She would have warned him, and helped him to escape; the son she abandoned. She would have done it even if he was guilty. She would have gone against her own agency. It looks like he’s going to Steinmaur for who knows how long, and there’s nothing she can do. Griff says he has to tell her something. Deanna interrupts, saying Anna’s treatment is ready. Griff says it can wait. She thanks him for his support, and says she doesn’t know what she’d do without him.

Peter says Valentin knew his father was obsessed with Anna. Why not tell him that Anna is his mother? Valentin says, strategy; always leave something in reserve. Watching Peter grow up and become his own person, he became sympathetic of the situation, and his objective changed. If he’d known, Faison would have been more obsessed with Peter than Anna. He would have never escaped. He became his own man, and when the time was right, Valentin helped him establish a new identity. Peter asks if he should thank him, and Valentin says, no. The worst thing isn’t that it happened, but that Valentin is his only friend.

Andre says it would be irresponsible to wipe out Drew’s memories without backup. Drew says he’s willing to take the risk. Andre says he isn’t. If he knew where the flash drive was, it would be different. Drew says he knows.

Ava asks David how Kiki seems off. He says she comes in late, and she’s not quite on her game. She’s easily distracted, and using her phone all the time. Something or someone is taking her attention away. Ava explains that her little sister went missing, and it was a very difficult time. She’s fine, but it put them through a lot. He says he’s sorry to hear about it. He thinks Kiki has the ability to be a fine doctor, but he’s seen students with potential go up in flames in medical school. The pressure is too much, and they snap; vanishing from exams or giving wild stories as excuses for poor grades. He says it’s a demanding program, and Ava says she’s confident Kiki can handle it. David says his office looks barren. She tells him to email a photo of his office, and she’ll have some selections for him to choose from in the morning. He says, just in case, and gives his card to her. He’s glad Kiki has a strong support system. He hopes she knows how lucky she is.

Monica says in no way is she accusing Kiki of lying, or implying she might have misunderstood. In the absence of proof, she can’t act directly on a complaint. Elizabeth says she’s the chief of surgery. Doesn’t she have wiggle room? Monica says she’s under higher scrutiny; she has a history, and promised the board to recuse herself from these issues. Kiki will have to go to HR. They’ll take the lead, and launch an investigative interview, and every effort will be made to keep it confidential. Kiki says it doesn’t matter. He’s going to know it came from her.

Jason tells Sam if he’d gotten to the pier ten seconds later, Anna would have been dead. Peter was holding a gun to her head. He would have killed her; that’s what the book was about. He can’t let Anna die, and the only way she’s safe is if Peter is dead or in Steinmaur. Sam says, thanks for listening. He asks her not to do it by herself; he can’t let her. What about her kids? She says it’s not up to him. She can’t let Drew have the procedure without the flash drive; it’s too dangerous. It’s her choice, like all the choices he made that broke her heart, but she respected them. Now he’s going to respect hers. You go, Sam.

Drew tells Andre that Peter has the flash drive. He’ll give it to Drew if Drew breaks him out of jail, but the price is too high, but this matter is something else. He wants to have the procedure done as planned. Andre says he can’t do it

Peter asks what Valentin is going to do for him, calling him friend. Valentin asks what Peter wants him to do. Peter says, as it stands, he’s about to be extradited. There are enough charges to hold him years or a decade. Valentin thinks Anna must have some pull, but Peter asks why trust the bitch who abandoned him. Valentin says Anna did what she could to protect him. He’s the one who screwed up. Peter says he had it right the first time; he was an inconvenience. She handed him over and never looked back. Maybe it was easier to say he was in a good home. It’s pathetic how Valentin is defending a woman who despises him. Valentin says if he won’t take help form Anna, what does Peter want him to do?

Griff goes to the gallery. He thinks about being with Kiki in bed. He asks Ava if she’s ready to go. She asks what’s going on with Kiki.

Kiki is concerned David could make an even bigger effort to make her life a living hell. Monica says the hospital has to remain impartial until something has been proven. It’s a very involved process, but she can rearrange the schedule, so there’s no contact. Kiki says she already did, and he changed his to overlap. Elizabeth suggests that she or Griff be scheduled at the same time. Kiki asks what happens if her accusations are found to be true, and discovers although he can be suspended, and she could get financial damages, he’s not fired. Monica says, unfortunately, it’s the policy. They’re becoming more aware as a society, but the policies in place haven’t caught up. Monica says Kiki will have her full support, but wants her to know what to expect. Kiki says a good friend told her if someone doesn’t out the abuser, they’re free to abuse someone else. She’s moving forward.

Griff asks what Ava is talking about, and she says a customer who works with her thought either the pressure is getting to her or something is going on in her personal life. She says she’ll talk to Kiki, but he looks anxious himself. He says he and Anna had an intense conversation. Faison was hounding Anna her whole life. His son was living in Port Charles, but he’s not just Faison’s son; he’s also Anna’s. She gave up the child to a loving family, but Peter ended up back with Faison. Anna is taking it hard. It didn’t have to turn out this way; he could have done something. Ava realizes it’s the test he didn’t have permission to run. Peter was his patient, and he discovered Faison was his father.

Andre suggests Drew is a wealthy man, and could help Peter that way. Drew says he’s not working with him. Andre says he wants his life back, and the only way is to give his help.

Griff explains why he ran the test. Peter begged him to keep his secret, saying Jason would kill him. Ava says she couldn’t blame him. Griff says he knew the risk, and watched him get close to Maxie. Ava says he did what he thought best. Telling Anna the truth is the last thing he should do.

Jason and Sam go to Peter’s cell. Valentin is sitting there, but no Peter.

Monica says she’ll notify HR, and asks Kiki to give a statement. She says perhaps more women will come forward after an official accusation. Elizabeth hopes the truth comes out. Elizabeth gets a call, and has to go back to work. David sees them, and smiles at Kiki, who follows Elizabeth.

Ava says Griff can get fired. He says Peter knows Anna is one of his best friends. He doesn’t want her to hear the truth from someone else. She says that’s how he gets tripped up. He tries to do the selfless thing, when it’s selfish. It might ease his conscience, but what a friend needs the most is always support. Why bother her with the knowledge. He says maybe she’s right; he doesn’t know. Ava says she’ll keep his secret.

Peter grabs his room key from a cleaning car. He opens a wall vent, and takes out a whole load of money, and his passport.

Sam asks where Peter is, and Valentin say he escaped somehow. Sam thinks he couldn’t have gotten far, but she and Jason run into Anna on their way out. Ann asks what’s going on. Sam says Peter escaped. They all look at Valentin.

Peter leaves a letter for Maxie on the table. He goes out, and comes back.

Andre tells Drew that he’s secured a medical facility for the next three days. If he agrees to wait to the end of the last day, a lot can change. Drew doesn’t think it’s likely that Peter will hand over the flash drive, but Andre says they might not need it when they move forward.

Peter leaves a letter for Drew. He takes out the flash drive. The door opens behind him, and he gets a  syringe in his back

Anna says the security cameras are normal, but there’s no sign of Peter’s escape. The guard has been paged. Valentin asks if they want to let him out, and they all say, no.  Anna knows Sam and Jason wouldn’t be working with Valentin, and must be on their own. She doesn’t know why they’d help, unless it’s to kill Peter. Sam says Peter has the flash drive. Now he’s gone, and so is any chance to restore Drew’s memories.

Peter is dragged away.

Tomorrow, Peter sees Maxie, Carly asks if there’s been progress, and Nelle apologizes to Michael for what she did to Carly.

Southern Charm

Ashley tells Kathryn to get used to her, and she sees the kids more than Kathryn. Kathryn says if Ashley wants her to be put in her place, she’ll effing do it. Ashley says she knows more than anyone. Chelsea tells Ashely, enough, and Danni says they know her more than Ashley does. She sees how the kids are when they get back from seeing her Thomas notices something is going on, and Craig says, this is bad, dude. Kathryn asks what’s wrong with the kids, and Ashley says they don’t sleep. In her interview – where she’s wearing the most fabulous earrings ever – Kathryn says the kids only get to see her for two days. Ashley says what’s scarier is that they’re start getting more time with her. The table starts rumbling, and Kathryn tells her to STFU. Ashley tells Kathryn to watch herself, and Danni asks if she’s threatening Kathryn. She’s not moving in the right direction with her. Ashley says she doesn’t respect Kathryn, and Kathryn says, good to know. Thomas is encouraged to step in. Whitney says an intervention is needed. Ashley, who just keeps on vomiting horrible words and flipping her hair (or tossing her head like a circus pony, if you will), says that people warned her about Kathryn when she started dating Thomas. Danni suggests she stop talking. Ashley says she’s heard things from the nanny – the nanny Kathryn fired. Danni finally tells Ashley to stop flipping her hair. Whitney asks if Thomas would… and Thomas says, salvage the evening? In his interview, he says he’s trying to be respectful toward Ashley, but the mother of his children also deserves respect. He’s in a difficult position. Ashley says she hopes Kathryn becomes the best mother she can be. Kathryn is like, go away with your bullsh*t. Danni drags Thomas over to the side, and says she is not allowed to talk about the mother of his kids that way. Ashley asks how many times Kathryn visited her son in the hospital. In her interview, Kathryn says Thomas told her that she couldn’t go. Who does Ashley think is in control. Ashley says she didn’t give a f***. Danni tells Thomas that Ashley has no right to be talking like she is, and to shut her down. Chelsea tells Kathryn not to engage, and Ashley tells her to shut up. Danni tells Ashley to go; no one wants her there anyway. Ashley repeats this is what she heard from the nanny. Thomas is like, come on, but she can’t stop, and keeps babbling as he leads her away from the table.

Chelsea can’t even speak. Kathryn is concerned she’s coming back, but Chelsea says she wouldn’t. Craig thinks they’re coming, but they keep moving. Kathryn says, that was lovely. Whitney is shocked at how well Kathryn handled it. He says, years ago, she would have stabbed Ashley with a fork. Kathryn says she’s glad have them around her.

Ashley tells Thomas that she doesn’t like any of those girls. In her interview, Kathryn says having everybody banding around her and having her back is crazy, and feels wonderful. At the table, Chelsea says she can’t imagine having kids, and loving them like she does, and having someone say sh*t like that. Chelsea starts to cry, saying she was trying to be nice and include Ashley, but that was deep. Whitney says it was intense. Chelsea says she’s an evil bitch. Shep says he has to download what happened.

Ashley tells Thomas that she was trying to be her kind, sweet self. She kissed Kathryn’s ass. She says this like, four times, then says she’s done kissing her ass. She knew she wasn’t invited to Saint’s party, and Kathryn said she’d only be around for another month. She says how bad of a mother do you have to be, if the court gives – excuse her – the kids to a convicted felon. He’s wonderful, but she’s sick of everyone feeling sorry for Kathryn. Thomas suggests Ashley is better off not even engaging. This chick is some piece of work.

Danni flips her hair around. Chelsea says it’ s all about the Charleston thing. Ashley tells Thomas that she’s not leaving; he’s stuck with her. Shep tells Kathryn that he’s sorry. Thomas stops by and says they’re going to sit inside. When they’re gone, Craig says the worst part is that they have to take the ferry together. He says that Kathryn is sober, and crushing life. They didn’t need him to save the day. Everyone laughs.

Ashley tells Thomas that she’s never fought for a man. She still hasn’t. She was fighting about an invite to a birthday party. She says she doesn’t see life without him in it, and she’d marry him tomorrow. His body language says he wants to dig a very, very, very deep hole, and crawl in it. Kathryn and Naomie go to the bathroom. Chelsea and Austen sit by the fire. He tells her that he talked to Victoria recently, and they’re giving it another shot, but he doesn’t want it to affect their friendship. The last time, he missed her, and doesn’t want to lose her again. She says he’d told her the reason he’d ended things, was because the spark wasn’t there. He tells her that he said it because of her. He asks at what point she knew it wasn’t going to work out. She says where she’s at is different from where he is. He can party and live it up. She thinks she’d eventually bore the hell out of him. She says he shouldn’t have had to choose; she should have never put him in that situation. She can deal with it now; she was being emotional. In her interview, she says every now and then, she wonders if she’s missing something. They are close friends and you’re supposed to be with your best friend. They hug, and he talks about sitting in rocking chairs together one day.

Shep asks Ashley what happened? It seemed like they were getting along; he doesn’t get it. Ashley said she’d been appeasing Kathryn, and she wants to keep her enemies close. She says there’s more to it, and Shep warns her not to say something she can’t take back. In his interview, he says he doesn’t like her. He tells her that what she sees on daily basis is different. She doesn’t know everything; only Kathryn and Thomas know their history, and she needs to be deferential toward their past. She says Kathryn doesn’t care about the kids. In his interview, Shep says she should know better. Whatever she’s thinking, Kathryn isn’t going away. Why dredge up a past that’s not there? It’s outrageous, unfair, and unkind. Shep announces the ferry is leaving. Ashley suggests pushing Kathryn in the water. Wtf is wrong with this woman?

Nice ferry; curtains and everything. Chelsea says it’s up to Kathryn if Ashley can stay in the house. If it makes her uncomfortable, Chelsea feels she shouldn’t be there. Ashley runs to tell Thomas, and he gets loud and confrontational with Chelsea. Chelsea says she’s the one who invited Kathryn, and doesn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. Thomas gets all pissed, and yells that she has no say, so STFU. Wow. Austen tells him that he can’t talk to anyone like that, and Thomas starts the finger-pointing thing, and gets big like a turkey. Danni tells Ashley to quit smirking, which she totally is. Ashley calls her an enabler, and Danni says eff you. In his interview, Austen says this speaks volumes about Ashley’s character, which is trash. Shep says he had a tough night; it was not what he wanted. Austen sits with Chelsea, and they watch Thomas and Ashley make out. In her interview, Kathryn says they’re like a sick, unhealthy, mental hospital room couple. I am so laughing my way through this episode. Whitney tells Thomas to calm it down, and it gets quiet. Thomas apologizes, saying he was ungentlemanly. Chelsea says, thanks, and he asks if he’s cool with everyone. No one is really talking to him though.

Back to the house. Ashley tells Thomas she’s frustrated, but Thomas doesn’t want to talk about it. Shep, Austen, and Whitney go out to a bar. Naomie whines about Craig saying he’ll be making breakfast, and he says he doesn’t need to hear negativity. On the porch, Danni asks Thomas if she’s an enabler. Ashley peeks out, and peeks back in. Danni tells Thomas that he didn’t hear the half of it. Thomas says he wants to respect her, and let her finish. Kathryn says the stuff she was saying wasn’t even true, and she was inappropriate in every way.

Ashley tells Chelsea that she tried. Chelsea wonders if she thinks being evil makes it better. Ashley say she doesn’t want to be taken advantage of, and wants to know why Kathryn isn’t being nice. Chelsea points out what Ashley said to her, and Ashley says it’s been building up; it didn’t just happen tonight. Ashley can’t believe Kathryn really wants to get to know her, but Chelsea says, she does. Chelsea isn’t sure she can turn back from this, and says she thought they had a good relationship, and were doing co-parenting right. Ashley stomps her foot (okay, I made that up, but she should have), and says she doesn’t want to hang out with Kathryn. She’s been being nice for the sake of the effing children. She says, everyone moves on, like Kathryn has been stalking Thomas. Chelsea tries again, telling Ashley she just said evil sh*t about their mother. Ashley says, just because you gave birth to something, doesn’t mean you’re a mother. Then she says, accountability, Chelsea, like she’s a character in Hamilton or 1776. Chelsea tells her to stop talking to her like that. Ashley says she doesn’t need Chelsea. Danni tells Thomas that Ashley owes Kathryn an apology. Kathryn says Ashley owes her going away and never coming back. Thomas says it’s a difficult situation, and Kathryn says it’s going to be a legal situation. Thomas does a spit take with his drink. Thomas says Ashley gets protective, and Kathryn says she has nothing to protect. So Thomas goes for the, she’s half Italian excuse, saying they’re a passionate people, and wave their hands around when they talk. Kathryn calls bullsh*t. She tells Thomas that she doesn’t have much to say, but it’s a damn shame. Thomas sighs.

Crag asks if Austen is a bacon wizard; he’ll do the eggs. Naomie tells the other girls it’s nice that everyone was there for Kathryn. She was trembling the whole time. In bed with Thomas, Ashley says she’s rehashing what happened in her mind, and she’s not going to have any girlfriends. Thomas thinks she should lay low. Danni says what Ashley was saying was inappropriate, and Naomie says they were things you should never say to someone doing better, and moving on from their past. Danni wonders how she can bring herself back, and Chelsea says she’s not apologetic at all. She ain’t right. Ashley tells  Thomas she’s not ready to leave; it will mean they got the best of her. He tells her not to fight, but she can’t promise she won’t stick up for herself. He tells her that she doesn’t always need to have the last word. It comes off as petty.

Shep asks, why so many mushrooms? Kathryn joins the girls, and says she thought last night lasted ten hours. Chelsea says she didn’t know how to react. She never had a man yell at her like that. Kathryn says they’re the ones with her children. They discuss breakfast, and decide to eat. Kathryn asks if they’ll have her back, and Chelsea shows her the big hand drink holder.

Shep calls Cameran, but gets voicemail. The breakfast is presented. Naomie says Craig waited until after they broke up to fix breakfast. Thomas and Ashley come in, and the girls are quiet. Ashley opens champagne. Kathryn wonders how she’s not embarrassed, and just staying there. Danni calls her shameless. They group realizes Whitney is missing, and Chelsea suggests he’s hanging upside down in the closet. Austen calls Whitney, who went to get his own breakfast. Chelsea has rented a charter boat for crabbing. Shep asks Ashley and Thomas if they could just chill at the house. He’s hired a chef to prepare their haul. Whitney comes back bearing groceries. Ashley tells Thomas that she hopes their boat doesn’t capsize.

In the car, Shep thinks Ashley doesn’t have a lot going on upstairs. Kathryn says the elevator doesn’t go all the way up, and Craig says it stops at random floors too. Naomie says Thomas is easily manipulated. She tells them that she rode back with them, and Ashley told Thomas why they were perfect for one another. it was weird. Danni says she and Kathryn could have had a good relationship. She’s acting like nothing happened. Ashley goes upstairs, and Whitney tells Thomas that he has his hands full. He asks what prompted it, and Thomas says Ashley felt excluded with Saint’s party. He says she shouldn’t have gone there. Until he knows what the future holds, it’s premature for Ashley to step in the role of holding his baby mama to account. I can’t believe this jerk calls Kathryn his baby mama. Whitney says Kathryn remained cool, calm, and controlled under such a withering attack. Thomas is surprised. He’s never seen that in anyone, least of all, her. Maybe she has changed.

Shep introduces the captain of the boat he’s chartered, Michael aka Papa Bear. They go back twenty years; their parents were best friends. Chelsea gives her group a tour on the way there, saying she was a river rat growing up. They’re going with Chris, an old neighbor. Chris’s first memory of Chelsea is her waving as he went by in his father’s truck when she was five. It’s hazy, and Austen says it’s like the setting for a horror movie; it’s ominous.

Shep hooks a little shark. Poor thing. They take a picture, and let it go.

Austen says this time next year, they’ll be drinking his beer. He wonders if Shep is catching anything.

Craig hooks a rock. Shep takes a picture.

Chris pulls up a net of crabs. They joke around, making one grab Naomie’s boot.

Ashley messes with Thomas’s hair, calling him the cutest thing, and making me gag. She says they’d have beautiful babies, and he agrees. She says they should keep practicing, and that he’s a keeper. She paints his toenails, and says everyone on the high seas is fishing for dinner. He asks if she feels the need to apologize, and she says, no. Those were her true feelings, and she still feels that way.

Craig tells Kathryn that she has something in common with crazy girl. Neither of them use birth control with Thomas, who told them at dinner. Shep thinks Ashley will be far away very soon. Craig says, not if she gets knocked up.

Still trying to get Ashley to be a human, Thomas asks if she regrets the content of her speech. She says she learned long ago not wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and pigs like it. She wrestled with pigs last night. Oy.

Craig thinks Ashley wants to be set for life, and Kathryn laughs, saying she’ll never get anything. Shep says she did get $10K in clothes. Kathryn says all she ever got was a purse and a suitcase. We flash back to her Louis Vuitton being put in the car.

Chelsea likes this side of Austen. Only camo would make it better. She says they’re eating good tonight. Naomie takes selfies with Danni.

Ashley asks if Thomas had a fun day. She tells him it’s nice to have a buddy you can do nothing with and still have fun. Chelsea’s group brings in their haul. Chef Orchid tells them they did very well, and they go off to shower. Shep brings in three flounder and a tile fish. Chelsea says they crushed it, and he says the  conditions were rough. We see a clip of them buying the flounder at the fish market. Craig leaves to shower. Shep brings the fish to Orchid. It starts raining, so things have to be rearranged. Craig ran out of clothes, and in his interview, says he doesn’t give a sh*t. He really does, but he’s going to act like he doesn’t

Orchid beings out appetizers and makes drinks. Naomie tells Danni that it’s weird, acting like nothing happened. Chelsea says she’s keeping the peace. Craig comes in wearing a hoodie with nothing under it. Ashley asks Thomas to feed her, disgusting everyone. In her interview, Naomie says, feed yourself; you’re thirty-something years old. Thomas asks about Cameran’s baby update, and Chelsea says if she’s not there on Monday, Cameran is having a C-section. Ashley gripes that Kathryn exists. Kathryn asks Naomie to go sit somewhere else. Shep asks what Thomas and Ashley did, and Thomas says she gave him a pedicure. He asks how long Thomas is going to have paint on his nails, and Ashley says as long as she wants. Then she’s going to reapply it. This is like some kind of creepy control thing. She asks who the boas is, and Thomas says he is. Ashley says, he thinks he is, and Shep says he’s never seen him not being the boss. Ashley insists she is, and Thomas says he lets her think that. In his interview, Shep says Ashley’s confrontation with Kathryn turned her, in her mind, into the biggest badass in Hilton Head. She asks Shep to get her a shot – chilled. He says okay, and she says she told him she was the boss. The look on his face is priceless, and I wonder if he ever brings the shot. I wouldn’t.

There’s an outdoor room that’s enclosed, where Naomie, Danni, and Kathryn are sitting. Shep joins them. He says he doesn’t like her. Ashley has an irrational confidence that makes him sick to his stomach. She’s saying she’s in charge, and she told him, good talk. Shep says, eff you. She’s lucky he’s letting her breath the same air. She’s stealing his oxygen. He says she’s on her way out. Crazy as he is, Thomas doesn’t like it. He’s in there sitting without them, when he wants to be T-Rav. Ashley is a pariah.

The food looks amazing. Whitney puts his fork right in a platter, and takes a bite. Craig says they’ve created farm to table. Talking about the crab, Craig says size has nothing to do with it, and Shep asks if that’s what the last girl told him. Everyone sits at the dining table. Thomas and Ashley need seats. Kathryn asks Naomie to scoot down, and she says no. No one is getting the extra chair that’s needed. So Ashley stomps off to get it herself. Shep asks if she’ll get him a beer while she’s at it, and Craig is dying laughing. Thomas gets up to help her, but he’s too late. She brings in a chair from the porch, and someone says there’s room behind Whitney. They should get children’s table for her, since she acts like a child. She also can’t comprehend how to eat shellfish.

Shep asks for everyone’s attention. He and Chelsea thank them for coming and experiencing it with them. Chelsea says she’s proud of where she’s from. Shep says Charleston is fantastic, but it has a positive vibe here. Chelsea toasts to friends and good times. Victoria calls Austen, who steps outside. Chelsea thinks they should move the conversation to the living room, and Whitney gripes that he was still eating. Danni says what about doing the dishes, and asks if he’s ever done a dish. He says he has, but I don’t believe it.

Victoria starts in on Austen about a picture of him and Chelsea on the ferry, where she says Chelsea is kissing his arm. She tells him it’s disrespectful, she can’t believe it, and they’re a-holes. He thinks she’s overreacting, and she always has when it involves Chelsea. He says he’s not going to feel weird about a hug, and he’s not talking her off the ledge every time she has an insecure thought. She sends the picture, and it looks innocuous to me. He asks if she wants it to end like this; her being jealous of Chelsea holding his arm because it’s cold. Victoria insists she’s kissing his arm, and Austen says, no, she’s not. He asks if she’s serious. Then he says, hello…?

To be continued…

Next time, Chelsea goes to her childhood home, Shep has surgery, Craig goes to therapy, and Saint’s birthday party happens. Kathryn asks Thomas if he’d like to stay for dinner, but I don’t see any sign of Ashley.

🍸 Best. Episode. Ever. And extra- long. I’m not a doctor, and don’t play one on TV, but Ashley is insane. And Thomas is even insaner to be with her.

🔊 Great Quote & Advice…

Fake success if you can’t achieve success. – Craig Conover, Southern Charm

👶 Born in June…

 

 

 

 

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Griff and Kiki are sleeping, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Ava.

Sonny goes to the station. Carly comes out, and he asks if she’s ready to be sprung. She says he has no idea.

Michael visits Nelle, who pretends to be meditating. She tells him the nurses suggested it to ward off panic attacks. She’s had PTSD since she was pushed down the stairs.

Josslyn and Oscar look at the video from the show. She thinks Trina will like it, and Oscar says his mom will too.

Kim and Drew have coffee at Kelly’s. He’s sorry that he couldn’t give her a ride back from the hospital. Although if her date hadn’t bailed on her, she wouldn’t have needed one.

Alexis’s doorbell rings. It’s Julian with a bouquet of calla lilies.

Sonny asks for privacy. Carly can’t wait to get home. He gives her some Corinthos coffee, and she tells him, bless you. She asks about the baby, who’s fine, and Nelle, who’s recovering. Sonny asks how she’s doing, and she says she’ll be better when she proves she didn’t push Nelle.

She asks what’s going on with the case, and he says Diane is picking up some court clothes for her. She asks how Mike is, and he tells her about him going to the Ball with Stella, who’s filling in until they get a permanent caregiver. Carly knows Mike must be loving every second. Sonny says it’s the happiest he’s ever seen Mike. He even sang at the Ball. It was good until he lost the words, but Sonny got up there and helped him out. Carly is surprised Sonny sang, and he says, it wasn’t great. She says she has to see the video, and he tells her it’s good to see her smile again. She takes his hand, and asks if Michael was there. Sonny says no, and he hasn’t heard from him. Carly says, radio silence with his parents. It’s what Nelle wanted.

Michael asks if Nelle doesn’t want to leave the hospital, and she says she can’t hide forever. He tells Nelle that he’ll give her a ride, but she tells him the paperwork could take a while. He says that gives him enough time to do something he’s been dreading. She says he wouldn’t be him if he didn’t go see his mom.

Josslyn tells Oscar that she’s freaking out. What if her mom was angry and so far gone, she really did hurt Nelle on purpose. He asks if that’s what she thinks. She doesn’t want to, but Carly was out of control at the shower. She wants to talk to her, but doesn’t know what to say. Oscar promises they’ll figure it out.

Kim tells Drew that Julian bailed with good reason; he was making sure Alexis was okay. She encouraged him. Drew says the problem is, he went. Kim asks if it’s better to stay, even if you want to be somewhere else. Drew doesn’t think she should settle for being runner-up. She deserves better. She says, so does he.

Julian tells Alexis that he wanted to make sure she was hanging in there. She says she’s fine. He doesn’t need to worry, and can go. He says there’s something he’d like to say. He thinks he helped her in some capacity last night, and now it’s her turn.

Ava knocks on Griff’s door, and calls his name. She knows he’s not at the hospital, the gym, or having breakfast, so this is the one place left; his room. Since I guess he couldn’t possibly have been anywhere else. She asks him to please open the door. Kiki grabs up her clothes, and Griff pulls on his pants. Ava asks him, please don’t shut her out. He answers the door, and she sees the champagne. She says it looks like he had a rough night.

Ava says she wouldn’t blame him if he left her in the hallway after last night. She was being petty and jealous. After she had some time to calm down and clear her head, she sees how completely out of line she was, so she came back, but he didn’t answer. She understands. She looks at the champagne bottle, and says he polished it off. He must have one heck of a headache, and it’s her fault. She’s sorry. She was angry and said things she didn’t mean. She wishes she could take it back about him and Kiki. She’s embarrassed and sorry. Give her another chance.

Kim tells Drew it’s her own fault. She went in with open eyes. She knew Julian was still hung up on his ex. She was lonely. She says she feels like a PSA. She knows he has no memory of who he used to be, but she sees it sometimes; the old him. Drew says hopefully, she won’t be using the word old much longer. He’ll be just him.

Julian tells Alexis that she doesn’t deserve to be tossed away like that. Alexis asks, what about Kim? She didn’t deserve to be ditched. He says it’s a different situation. He tells Alexis that she deserves unconditional love, someone who puts her first, a man who’d lay down his life for her. She says that would be nice, but it can’t be him.

Diane apologizes to Carly for her accommodations; she’s been all over the DA, and trying to make it go faster. Sonny says she’ll be sleeping in her own bed tonight, but Diane says, don’t count on it. They’ve gotten a full boat of bad. There’s no proof about the altercation over the baby blanket, and the new DA wants to eradicate all crime in the northern hemisphere. She changed her name to Corinthos, and now is not the time for that connection. Sonny says he’ll put pressure on some people he knows, but Diane says if he works the system, he could bring down the system on Carly. Nelle has her supporters too. Monica is on her side. Carly says it’s payback; Monica has never forgiven her for Michael. Raising her grandchild as a Quartermaine; it’s Monica’s favorite day of the year. Diane says she should worry less about that than going to prison. Michael walks in, and asks to talk to his mother alone. He wants her side of the story.

Julian says people change, and Alexis asks if now that he runs a legitimate business, it makes everything okay? He says he’s changing because of her. They stroll down Memory Lane about when they met at a dive bar.

Drew tells Kim that he needs to be him for his kids. She thought it was impossible without the flash drive, and Drew says, so did he. He talked to the doctor who did the procedure, and he thinks he can erase Jason’s memories from his mind. Kim asks if he doesn’t have to put Drew’s memories back. Drew says, not necessarily. It’s like she said, some of his personality pokes through. It leads him to believe he’s still in there somewhere. Andre isn’t as convinced, but admits it’s possible. He has flashes of recognition; he felt like knew her. Kim says that’s far from proof, and the risks are enormous. He needs to do this. He need his kids to know who he is. He wants to give them advice from his own memories.

Griff tells Ava that he just can’t dismiss the fight; things got ugly. She says she allowed her insecurities get the better of her. She was convinced that she couldn’t be the good person she was trying to be, and tried to sabotage the relationship. She sang the song just to be spiteful to everyone, even him. She’s not proud of it. She’s scared of losing him and being hurt, so she hurt him first. She knows apologizing isn’t enough, but it’s all she has right now. Can he forgive her, or is it too late? Kiki is practically having a heart attack in the bathroom.

Nelle flips through Josslyn’s pictures of the Ball. Josslyn asks how she feels, and Nelle says, battered and bruised, but the baby is a total rock star. Josslyn gives her a stuffed lamb for the baby, and hopes it cheers her up. She says it’s the least she can do, and Nelle says it’s not Josslyn’s fault she got hurt. Josslyn says she was on her way to see her mom, and ended up there. She wants to know what happened. Nelle says she’s sorry about all this. She knows how close Josslyn is with her mom; she’s sure Josslyn freaked out when she heard Carly pushed her. Josslyn says, it wasn’t an accident? Nelle says, no, but she never wants Josslyn to turn her back on her mother; she should be with her and not Nelle. Josslyn asks how she can say that after what Carly did. Nelle says Josslyn is her friend, and she cares about her.

Diane tells Sonny that calling it an uphill battle is an understatement. Sonny says at least Carly will make bail, but Diane says, don’t count on it. She’s facing two counts of attempted murder, and she’s married to him. There’s no proof Carly’s version is correct. Sonny says he doesn’t think it is. Diane says she doesn’t either. She thinks Carly is way more out of control than she’s willing to admit.

Michael tells Carly he talked to Jason, and there were things going on he didn’t realize; stuff with Morgan. Carly asks if he told Michael that Nelle was behind it. Michael says Jason told him that’s what she believes. Carly says, and Jason. She’s a master manipulator, and she’s really good. He asks what happened at the shower. She says she went with the best intentions, but Nelle kept taunting her over and over. She’d even registered for a penguin mobile – Michael interrupts, saying he knows, Morgan’s favorite – Carly says, but she didn’t stop there. She kept bringing up his name, and she lost it. Nelle went off in tears, and Carly pulled it together to apologize. She followed Nelle upstairs, and suggested a truce. Nelle’s eyes were cold, but that wasn’t as disturbing as the blanket she was holding. It was exactly like Morgan had when he was a baby. That’s when Carly knew it was her, and told her that. Then Nelle started taunting her, telling her that she was losing control. Carly said she was going to tell Michael everything, and Nelle stormed out with the blanket. She found Nelle at the top of the stairs, and grabbed the blanket. When Nelle grabbed back, she lost her balance. Carly didn’t even touch her, and that’s God’s honest truth.

Griff tells Ava not to ask for his forgiveness. She asks if it’s insurmountable. She knows he can’t tell her that he loves her. She sits with him and takes his hand. She says she feels he loves her. She doesn’t need to hear the words. She was pretty mad when she saw them together, and once again jumped to the wrong conclusions. It was completely ridiculous. She and Kiki have had issues, but were working back to a good place. Kiki and her sister are the best things she’s ever done, and she knows Kiki wouldn’t betray her. She loves them, and it makes her happy that Griff gets along with Kiki. She promises not to let her demons take over. Griff tells her to stop. There’s something she needs to know. Kiki panics.

Michael tells Carly that Nelle claims there was never any blanket, and it was never found. Carly says between Spinelli and Jason, they’ll prove it, and that Nelle was responsible for the incidents involving Morgan. Nelle wanted her to lose it. She walked into it; that’s on her, but she would never endanger her grandchild, his child. She already loves it as much as she loves him. She says he’s the fairest person she knows, and knows he’ll keep an open mind. Michael tells Carly that he loves her, and leaves.

Sonny asks Michael how it went. Michael says he has to get back to the hospital. He tells Sonny to take care of mom, and Sonny says, that’s the plan.

Nelle tells Josslyn to please not blame Carly. She’s not feeling well, and deserves compassion, not anger. Josslyn says she was so awful at the shower, and Nelle says that was even the half of what she said when they were alone. She tells Josslyn that she shouldn’t be talking about it; she doesn’t want her to be upset. Josslyn says it’s too late for that; tell her the truth. Nelle says it wasn’t so much the words as the look in Carly’s eyes when she pushed her. It was as if she wanted Nelle and the baby gone forever from her and Michael’s lives. She thinks Carly is having a breakdown, which is good, since she can get the help she needs and get better. Josslyn can’t believe it. Nelle says there’s some good news. She thinks the whole ordeal brought her and Michael closer together. Josslyn says, like back together, and Nelle says, not yet, but she has the feeling that’s where they’re headed.

Kim asks Drew, what if something goes wrong? Drew says she can stuff him and make him into a hat rack. Kim doesn’t think it’s funny. Oscar wanted a father his whole life, and could lose him. They have a real relationship; don’t take it away from him. Oscar walks in, and Drew asks if his ears were burning. Drew tells him that he crushed it at the Nurses’ Ball. Oscar has something awesome to tell him.

Alexis tells Julian it reminds her of a time when she had control, and the world was her oyster; she could do what she wanted. He says, like meeting a sophomore college guy in a dive bar? She remembers that he said she was the kind of woman Botticelli would paint. Then they made out in the back seat of his car. He says, so much for romance. He says he fell in love with her that evening – and never fell out. He tells her to keep the calla lilies to remind her of how beautiful and brilliant she is. The world will always be her oyster.

Alexis kisses Julian, and he says, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. She says, it’s always a bad thing. She needs him to go. Don’t follow her. Don’t comfort her. She needs him to leave.

Ava tells Griff if they can get through last night, they can get through anything. His phone pings, and it’s a text from Kiki: don’t tell her. He says he needs to get ready, and he’ll be in touch. Ava says they’ll work it out. She kisses him, and leaves. Kiki comes out, and asks if he’s okay. He says, no. I can just imagine – dealing with the guilt, worrying that Ava will find Kiki in the bathroom, and a hangover. He tells Kiki that he hates lying. She respects his intent to be honest, but Ava can never know they slept together. It would destroy her. He doesn’t want that, does he? Griff says, of course not, but he can’t pretend nothing happened. Kiki says, he can. He has to, and so does she.

Drew calls Oscar a winning journalist, but Oscar says it’s just one editorial. Kim is thinking maybe an internship at Aurora. He and Drew working together, side by side. Drew says he’ll put Oscar in touch with HR, and the rest is on him. Drew asks Oscar about the school assembly, and Oscar says it’s long and boring. Drew says he’s showing up early and staying late. Oscar tells him to just be in the corner, clapping quietly. Drew says, not a chance. Oscar leaves, and Drew says, that’s my kid. Kim says, it is, and Drew wants to be there to see him grow up.

Outside, Josslyn tells Oscar that she went to see Nelle.

Nelle asks Michael how Carly is, and he says, not looking too good. He confirms that she’s denying pushing Nelle. She told him what happened before Nelle fell, and it was outrageous. He can’t imagine how she’s feeling. Nelle reminds him that he still has the baby – and her.

Diane tells Carly that Spinelli hasn’t been able to recover the blanket or proof there ever was one. Carly tells her to work her magic. Diane says it may be a trick she can’t pull off. She’ll break it down. Carly has a history of violence, and also irrational behavior. Her time in a mental institution is a matter of public record. Carly says Nelle did her own time, and Diane says she’s not the one accused of attacking someone. All of the statements confirm she’s been the aggressor, and witnesses can testify to that. The DA is out for blood, and what the judge and jury will see is that Nelle is a victim. Imagine a waif who was nearly killed by the mob boss’s wife, who pushed her down the stairs. Carly says they won’t believe that lying snake. No way can Nelle send her to prison for ten years. Diane says, try twenty-five.

Julian says he’s not trying to take advantage. He’s just trying to be a friend. Alexis says she doesn’t need him to be. She needs him to go. He leaves, and Alexis paces. She throws flowers across the room. The vase hits the couch, and doesn’t break, so she does it again, and it shatters against the wall.

Kiki asks Griff to please forgive her mother. Don’t throw the relationship away. If he does, he’ll regret it. Kiki leaves, and Griff gives his best worried look ever.

Alexis makes a call. She says she needs to come and see them. It’s an emergency.

Ava is back at Griff’s door. She’s glad he’s still there. She strolls in wearing a trench coat, so I already know where this is going. She tells him that she’d like to finish their conversation without all that talking. She takes the coat off, and she’s nakey in heels. They get busy. I don’t even know what to say about Griff. No more champagne for him.

Michael tells Nelle that he has a quick ELQ meeting, and after that, he’ll be working from home. Whatever she and baby need, he’ll be there. She says he doesn’t have to, but he says he owes it to the three of them. He’s not letting her out of his sight. Hmm… interesting choice of words.

Carly says Jason will prove Nelle set her up. Diane says, should he unearth evidence, it could still work against her. The DA will say she pushed Nelle because she knew Nelle was sabotaging her. Sonny’s instinct is to fight. Hers is too, but let the professionals handle it. If she’s painted as a bad guy, it will be worse for her in court. Diane just wants her to see that fact. Carly wonders if Diane thinks Nelle is right, and she’s losing her mind. Diane says the objective is a good outcome for her. They might be required to compromise. Diane gets a call from the DA, and steps outside. Sonny tells Carly that he’s not her enemy; he’s on her side, but he will not tell what she wants to hear. She says Nelle isn’t taking her down. She’s getting out, and getting her family back – watch her.

Tomorrow, Maxie talks to Mac and Felicia, Carly refuses to pleade insanity, and Nina is done.

Southern Charm

Naomie hates that her roommate has a job, since she’d like him to come to Hilton Head. She’s anxious about seeing Craig. She can’t let him get to her anymore. Wilson thinks she has to remedy the situation. She has to talk to Craig. She says she can’t act like a crazy person forever.

Chelsea calls Kathryn to check in. Kathryn says she’s been hibernating. Her grandmother passed away. Kathryn tells Chelsea that she was almost 94, and a pistol. Kathryn lived at the plantation house with her when she was five. Her grandmother was someone you could be yourself with. Kathryn had a lot of her best memories with her; simple memories of bonding with the family. She’s trying to cope with her emotions, which is difficult for her. Chelsea asks if she’s coming to Hilton Head, and she is. Chelsea thinks it will be good for her to get out.

Ashley tells Thomas if he wants to give her his credit card, she can buy more stuff. He was out to dinner with the guys the other night, and she tells him that she hates boys’ night. In his interview, Thomas says Ashley doesn’t like him going out. He finds her too controlling, but she did move there to be with him, and is somewhat dependent on him. They swing by Gwynn’s, since Ashley needs one of her dresses altered. Thomas wants her to be presentable, since they dress differently in California. I’m just going to get this out of the way. Ashley is a big a-hole. Just the woman Thomas deserves. She says he should be taking her ring shopping – just to get some ideas. He says he’s not going to be pressured into anything. She tells him about Kathryn’s grandmother, and we see a clip of him having dinner there. He says he’ll have to give Kathryn a call, and Ashley says he’s been doing a lot of that lately.

Naomie calls Craig. He’s unpacking. She wonders if she can stop by. He tells her okay, but it’s messy, so don’t judge. In his interview, he says she made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him. He gives roommate Sean a head’s up. Sean says he’s going to hide in his room, and hope he doesn’t hear screams. Craig says, pineapple is his safe word.

Cameran is still pregnant. And miserable. She scarfs Cheez-its and pickles. Shep calls, and she says she’s pretty much housebound, so she’s eating. It feels like being constantly bloated and constipated. She’s bored, since there’s not a lot she can do. She’s been pregnant for too long. She’s forcing herself to take a shower every day so she feels human. He tells her about running into a glass door, but says he wasn’t that drunk. He tells her that they’ll miss her on the trip. She says, while they’re off enjoying themselves, she’ll be at home, googling vaginal tears. She tells Shep to pray for her vag.

Victoria calls Austen asking what time he’ll be back. He says he’ll miss her, and wishes she could come, but she has to work. She asks if he’s talked to Chelsea yet, but he’s waiting for the trip. He doesn’t think it will be a problem, but last time, Chelsea cut him out of her life. He doesn’t want it to happen again. What’s wrong with these people? They have a hard time cutting the cord.

Naomie is on crutches. She brings Gizmo along to visit Craig. Amazingly, for the most part, the cat follows her from the car to Craig’s house. She tells Craig she broke her foot, and I wonder who or what she kicked in a fit of rage. One of the walls is messed up from a demo party, since it’s being torn down. She tells Craig that she brought Gizmo as a peace offering; Gizmo misses him. She wants to get along, and be cordial. He says she’s the one who comes at him, so if she wants it to be nice, she needs to be nice. She’s working on being kinder. He’s proud of her that she recognizes it. Gizmo hisses at her, and she says he’s mad about something, but she doesn’t know what. Maybe he just hates you.

Everyone packs for the trip. Shep puts a bandage on his nose.

Ashley puts some kind of beauty treatment on Tom’s face. She thinks she needs a Louis Vuitton suitcase. He tells her that Kathryn has five of them. If they start getting friendly, maybe she can borrow one. Ashley says Kathryn is a wild card, and she hasn’t received her invite to Saint’s birthday party. She has no respect for someone who couldn’t extend an invitation. In his interview, Thomas says he’s on Kathryn’s side with this one, but if he feels obligated to go, uh huh. He did that a lot in politics. Ashley, who looks like she could fall apart at any second, says if Kathryn is smart, she can be her best ally, but if she’s stupid, she’ll be her worst enemy. If she’s excluded, it will be a problem.

The group sets off in separate cars. Thomas and Ashley; Craig, Austen, Shep, and Whitney; and, Chelsea, Kathryn, Danni, and Naomie.

Shep says he’s broken his nose eight or ten times.

Kathryn says Saint’s birthday party is this Sunday. No one can believe he’s already two.

Ashley says there’s nothing worse than being excluded. If it was their party, and Kathryn was dating someone, she’s sure Thomas would tell her to bring them. He’s like, the more the merrier. In his interview, he says it’s annoying that she can’t drop it. She’s like a dog with a rubber shoe. Ashley says she needs to know he’s hearing her, and he says he absolutely supports her, but he has kids to raise, and wants to be steady Eddie. Whatever that means.

Craig is late, which has started the four of them off late. Craig tells them that he has surgery on Friday. He hurt his hand by trying to stab a butter knife through a wall. Shep thinks he needs some action.

Chelsea says she just got a text from Austen, saying the conversation in their car is painful. She guesses they’re talking again, since they haven’t spoken in weeks. Naomie says she ran into Austen taking Victoria out to dinner.

Craig asks if Austen would ever get back with Chelsea, but that’s a no.

Ashley says she’d have the perfect name if she and Thomas got married – Ashley Ravenel. I’ll bet she writes Mrs. Thomas Ravenel on her notebooks, with hearts all around it. She says she loves him, and he heaves a big sigh. She hopes he sticks up for her if she’s not invited. Or maybe she will be invited. Thomas asks if they all can’t just get along. She is unbelievably annoying.

Naomie says it’s just us four girls – and Ashley. Everyone makes faces like, yuk. Danni pats Kathryn’s shoulder, and says, it will be fun.

Shep points out the sights. He says there’s something idyllic and wonderful about living walking distance from the beach. Mmm… I don’t know about that. Especially during hurricane season.

Chelsea says it was a slow-paced river town, and used to be nothing but woods; it’s more developed now. She says growing up, they didn’t have much, but had a great time. The girls get to the house first. No surprise, it’s a gorgeous place with spectacular views. Thomas and Ashley are next. Chelsea welcomes them. Thomas picks a room. Ashley thinks it’s amazing and romantical. I’m surprised romantical is a word. Ashley follows Thomas, who’s looking for the bourbon. She doesn’t know what to wear for horseback riding.

The guys arrive. Ashley and Thomas have drinks on one of the balconies. Thomas shows Kathryn the room he chose, and Ashley feels blown off. Shep has to explain his nose a million times. Everyone has pizza. The girls sit outside, and Ashley mumbles that she loves being excluded. She whines to Thomas that everyone is wearing flannel, and she didn’t get the memo. She doesn’t know what to wear for riding, and he tells her not the holy pants she has on. He asks if she has riding boots, and she says she’s never gone riding. She starts getting loud, and outside, Chelsea says she needs her calming oils. Naomie says it’s going downhill when you start arguing in front of other people. Kathryn is glad it’s not her anymore.

Chelsea says they should get on the road. They’re taking a ferry to a rustic town where they only use golf carts to get around. The guys are going to play golf, while the girls go riding on the beach. On the ferry, Thomas and Ashley do the Titanic thing. She says it’s the perfect place to propose, and I gag on my gag. Craig tells Naomie he found some contacts, and Naomie insists they’re not hers. He says he was trying to be nice, and they have this weird, but low-key argument about it. Chelsea says it’s hard to not love Craig, and Austen says every time he and Naomie see each other, they hug it out, then fight.

As soon as they dock, Ashley wonders if it’s time to go back. The guys take off for the golf course.’

As he’s driving, Shep says, this is dope, and I cringe. It just seems weird when this group uses words like dope and sick. Shep says he grew up on a golf course. His great-grandfather was a two-time golf champion, and a character in The Great Gatsby was based on his aunt, who was also a golf pro. Golf is in his blood.

The riding leader asks if there are any nervous riders, and Ashley stays up front with her. It’s incredibly beautiful on the beach, with the colors of the sky in the background. Ashley appreciates nothing, as she’s concerned they’re going too fast. I can assure you, fast is not the speed they’re going at. Chelsea asks if they can cantor, and the leader asks if Ashley is ready to feel free. She has to base it off the least experienced rider, since the horses move as a herd. Ashley rains on that parade by wanting to go back. In her interview, Kathryn says Ashley trying to control Thomas is going to buy her a one-way ticket out.

Shep asks Thomas what’s the longest trip he’s been on with Ashley, and he says, four days. Craig asks if he’s spent as much on Kathryn as he has on Ashley, and Thomas says they all cost a lot of money. Craig asks if he always pays for everything, or if she ever offers. Thomas says it’s assumed he’s paying, and he does. Well, he is the rich one. Craig tells him to keep his guard up. In his interview, he says she’s obviously a gold digger. He tells Thomas that he was the only one who said something the last time, and he looks after him. I don’t think Kathryn was being a gold digger, and aren’t they friends now? Thomas says if he discovers a chink in Ashley’s armor, she’ll be on the street in two seconds. In his interview, Craig says she could seal the deal and get pregnant, but Kathryn did it twice, and Thomas still left. I guess birth control is out of the question.

Ashley sits in the back of the golf cart on the way back. There’s a row of seats between her and the others. She whines about being excluded, and then excludes herself. They stop at a restaurant, and meet up with the others. Ashley says she was scared, and is never going horseback riding again. Shep says she survived. They get drinks, and Thomas keeps making double entendres about redheads. Shep gives Craig a thingie that looks like a big hand, so he can hold his drink with his injured one. Chelsea asks if Austen is seeing Victoria. He hems and haws, and I shake my head. He tells her, let’s talk. Ashley asks Chelsea if she got an invitation to Saint’s birthday party, and Chelsea says just today, in the car.

Ashley says Kathryn is quiet, and Kathryn says she’s tired. Ashley says, sorry about her grandmother. The guys get out of there, saying they’re going to get the fire going. Isn’t that the restaurant’s job? Not that I blame them. Ashley says Kathryn has a baby who’s turning two. Thomas tries to lighten the mood, poking at Ashley with the drink thingie. She’s not having it, and he gets the hell out of there too. Ashley wonders if she’s going to be included or not. Kathryn asks why she’s angry, and she says it’s because she doesn’t know why she’s not invited. Is she invited? Yes or no. Kathryn says this isn’t a conversation for the table, and I’m thinking Ashley would do better on the Housewives. Kathryn says they’ll have the conversation when she’s ready – got it? Ashley says, no, she doesn’t get it, and Kathryn suggests she get it if she’s going to be around. If she wants to be invited, don’t talk to her that way. Ashley – who seems like she’s going to explode, and keeps flipping her hair around – says she knows she’s not invited. Kathryn says, then why is she bringing it up? To start something with her? Ashley says in ten years, she’ll still be around, and Kathryn thinks she’s not going to last a month. Ashley says she doesn’t plan on going anywhere, so get used to her. She sees Kathryn’s children more than Kathryn does. Danni tells her to slow her roll, and Chelsea advises her not to use the kids. Kathryn says if Ashley wants her to put her in her place, she’ll effing put her in her place.

To be continued… this is good…

Next time, Ashley whines that she’s done kissing Kathryn’s ass, Chelsea says she can deal with it, the gang goes crabbing, and Shep hates Ashley. Join the club, Shep.

🏃 My Week…

🌞 But…

 

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Anna tells Jason that Robert said he was planning on drawing out Henrik using his mother. He says if she’s right about the epigraph, Henrik won’t pass up the chance to meet her. He’s already started looking. Anna tells him to look no further. Henrik’s mother is right there. Instead of wasting time looking, she’ll pretend to be his mother.

On the phone, Peter says he has no reservations; the plan moves forward. Maxie comes into his office, and tells him she’s having a strangely good day. A mysterious someone started a fund in Nathan’s name – Port Charles LEAF, to help support the families of slain police officers. Nathan would have loved it. She wants to thank them, but has to find them first. Peter asks why she needs him?

At Kelly’s, Nina tells Curtis that he needs to dig deeper into Peter’s background. She’s creeped out about him having a file on Nathan. She needs information now, before her niece or nephew is born.

Someone puts yellow roses on Nathan’s grave.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he was just on the phone with one of Jim’s victims. At first, hr said he didn’t know anyone by that name, so Franco just blurted out, he’s dead. The line went silent, but hecame back and asked him to repeat that. He asked who Franco was, and why he was calling. Franco told him – he tells Elizabeth to brace herself – the truth. He said Jim had hurt him as a child. He’s had relief now that Jim is dead, and wanted to pass the peace on.

Jason asks why Anna would use herself as a decoy. She says why involve an innocent person? If the epigraph is right, she’s stayed under the radar, including Faison’s. She understands those risks, and as a mother, understands reconnecting with a child. She wouldn’t have to fake anything, just remember.

Maxie tells Peter the fund was set up anonymously in Nathan’s name. He says they’d have a board of directors, but Maxie doesn’t recognize any of the names. He says maybe the donor wants their charitable act to speak for itself. She should accept the gift, and know that others in similar circumstances are provided for. She says she’s lucky; she can take care of the baby. The help for families experiencing the same loss deserves a personal thank you.

Nina sees Valentin at Nathan’s grave. She says he’s the culprit. She’s seen fresh flowers every day, and wondered who was so thoughtful as to make a sad place beautiful. He says, guilty as charged. He wishes he could do more. She suggests slaying a dragon, and he says he would do that for her. She tells him the pain is unbearable, but necessary. It’s the body’s way of paying tribute to the one you’ve lost. I can’t say I’ve ever heard that before. She says it reminds her that everything didn’t go dark when Nathan left. Maxie is another reminder, and him. She tells him roses are unexpected and lovely. You have to be careful with them, but it’s worth it. Valentin says she’s always been his consolation, and he wants to know how he can return the favor. She wishes she knew. She starts to cry, and says its’s been three months. It’s not getting any better, but here and now, this moment is everything. He holds her.

Drew sees Curtis at Kelly’s, and sits with him. Curtis remarks that Sam is back. Drew tells him that she wants to stay on at Aurora.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he didn’t go into detail, but said he forced a confession out of Jim. The guy said he doesn’t know what Franco did, but hoped it hurt. Franco offered his contact information, but they just thanked him, and hung up. Franco could hear rage in his voice. Elizabeth says he’ll be okay, and Franco says he loves when she tells him things to make him feel better. He’s done; all, but the last two. One died in an accident, but he talked to his sister. He didn’t say why he was calling, and told her he was an old friend who lost touch. He asked if her brother had a good life, and she told Franco that he was a happy guy. He wishes he’d been able to end the horror show before. Elizabeth says, it’s all over; he had a good life and that’s something. Franco says, it’s everything.

Jason asks Anna what the plan is. She wants to email Lulu, and ask for help reaching out to Henrik. She’ll say Henrik’s mother always wanted to know him, but was afraid if she made contact, it would draw Faison’s attention to the both of them. She wants to imply that Henrik’s mother didn’t know Faison raised him, and portray her as having given him up to keep him safe. She was horrified to discover he was in Faison’s hands.

Peter says he’ll help Maxie look for the mysterious benefactor, and he’ll call her if he figures it out. She’s disappointed that he actually has real work to do, but he says his brain needs a break. He’ll start now. He tells her that all nonprofits have to be public. Discovering who the underwriter is shouldn’t be difficult. He types something into his computer, and says it seems to be funded by the personal offshore accounts of PK Sinclair.

Nina tells Valentin that she missed so many things when Nathan was growing up, like what sport he played, and what summer camp he went to. She says Peter knows those things, and Valentin says Peter has nothing to do with Nathan. She asks, then why does he have a file on Nathan in his office?

Drew tells Curtis it hurts to see Sam, but it hurts not to see her. He’s not sure why she wants to stay, since they have Peter running the business. Curtis asks if he trusts Peter, and Drew says he seems like a good guy, and he’s a good manager. He’s happy Peter stayed on. Curtis asks if he was thinking about taking off, and Drew says he thinks Peter was shaken up when Nathan was killed. Curtis wonders what made him stay. Drew doesn’t know, but thinks he’s attached to some people there. Drew wonders why Sam wants to be there if she’s trying to build a new life. He tells Curtis that they’re getting divorced, and Curtis asks if that’s how it is. You go in with hope and faith, thinking you’ll withstand obstacles, then it blows up in your face. Drew is pretty sure they’re not talking about him anymore, but Curtis and Jordan.

Jason asks Anna if she thinks when Henrik reads that his mom has regrets and feelings, it will be enough to draw him out? He asks if she thinks she can play on his sympathies – if he has any. What if his real mother reads the article and surfaces? She says that’s why they have to act quickly. The sooner they do it, the fewer contingencies they’ll have to deal with.

Maxie says she doesn’t want anything to do with Henrik or his money. Peter says he did it anonymously, and probably wanted it to stand on its own. They don’t know if he had anything to do with Nathan’s death. Maxie appreciates his help, but has to go.

Nina tells Valentin that Curtis found the file, and Sam found Curtis. They decided to team up, and investigate together, but that doesn’t bother her. Peter is up to something, and the file proves it. Valentin asks what’s in it, and she says report cards, little league rosters, mementos of Nathan. Valentin says Peter did have Nathan’s blood on his hands; maybe he’s haunted. Nina says he has no right to be haunted. Nathan wasn’t shot in his office. She and Maxie are the ones who live in the shadow of his death every day. Valentin says Peter has to live knowing the man who died could have been him. Nina asks if he’s trying to convince himself that he’s worth of being alive and her brother isn’t.

Curtis apologizes to Drew. He tells Drew that he proposed to Jordan, but they’re on pause. Drew asks what that means, but Curtis doesn’t know either. She had a cancer scare, and in between the red alert and the all good, he proposed. When she found out she was fine, she thought she’d do him a favor, and let him off the hook. Drew says it sounds like didn’t want to be off the hook. Curtis says she did it anyway, and Drew tells him to ask again. Curtis says they have a history, and it’s not pretty or easy. What makes him think it could work?

Franco says all the victims have one thing in common. They all knew what he meant. He thought they’d blame him for not stopping Jim sooner, but hey were too busy blaming themselves. Elizabeth says they were all children. Franco says when he said Jim, they felt fear, but when he said dead, they felt relief. Steve is the last one. He called and left a message. If he doesn’t hear back, he’ll respect Steve’s privacy. He’s glad he did it. He’s glad he could tell these men Jim is dead, and let them know Jim’s hold over them is done. Elizabeth calls him brave, but he tells her not to get carried away. He couldn’t do it in person; he couldn’t be face to face with the victims.

Jason tells Anna that Spinelli is trying to trace the wire transfer. Henrik was careful in covering his tracks, but he has faith in Spinelli’s skills. They’ll have something to fall back on in case this doesn’t work. Anna says it will. She says Lulu has to believe what they’re doing. Peter won’t compromise his journalistic standards, and she doesn’t want Lulu lying to her employer. They can’t risk her telling him, so the only way for it to work is if Lulu believes their acting on behalf of Henrik’s mother.

Nina asks Valentin, what if Peter is studying Nathan? Valentin asks, to what end? and Nina says, Maxie. Maybe he wants to get closer to her. He’s already slept on the sofa. What if he’s trying to fill the Nathan sized hole in Maxie’s heart?

Curtis tells Drew mistakes were made, and his brother Tommy ended up dead. Drew knows it’s late, but says he’s sorry. Curtis says the toughest part is his Aunt Stella.

Franco has to go to art therapy; he has appointments all afternoon. Elizabeth says Monica has the boys, but if they’re asleep when he gets there, she’ll want them to spend the night. He asks if she means he should finish early, and spend time with the boys? Elizabeth has a confession to make; she likes watching him teach. He says who wouldn’t? He’s funny. She says sometimes she pops her head in on the group sessions and watches for a moment. She realizes he’s not surprised, and he says the kids notice too. He tells her, we call you the gopher. She says, we? and he says it was the kids’ idea, and he didn’t feel comfortable not agreeing. He does an imitation of her peeking in, and she hits him with a pillow.

Jason asks Anna, what if Henrik takes the bait? Which I thought was the idea. Anna says they’ll set up a meeting. He asks if she’s planning on meeting Henrik posing as his mother. He says it’s too dangerous, and she asks if he thinks she can’t defend herself. He says not against Henrik. She’s way too close to this.

Nina has to run to a video conference. She thanks Valentin for the flowers. Valentin sees Peter at the bar.

Maxie goes to Nathan’s grave. She says she has a little dilemma, but little means huge. He’s a kind person, and she knows he would think PC LEAF is a great idea; he’s the little boy who gave his change away. She was so excited to get the letter, and to think there’s an actual organization in his name helping people the way he would help if he was here. She knows he would say, let it go; who cares? Let his maniac brother do some good for once. She admits adding maniac in there, but she’s pretty sure he’d say the rest. He’s not there though, and she doesn’t know if she’s strong enough to accept anything from his brother.

Curtis tells Drew that he doesn’t think Stella will accept him marrying Jordan. To her, forgiving doesn’t mean letting it go. Even if he got her blessing, no blessing will guarantee it will work. Drew tells him that his pep talk is wack. Drew asks if he loves her. Curtis says he does, but Stella… Drew knows it’s easier said than done, but no one lives his life. If he wants to marry her, ask her. Curtis writes something down, and hands it to Drew. Drew asks if he’s setting him up. Curtis says he is, with Sally Young, a no nonsense attorney. She’ll help with the divorce. Drew guesses he has to do this.

Franco calls Elizabeth gopher, and says he has his own confession. He leaves the door to the art therapy room open, secretly hoping she’ll join in. She’s an artist, and he’d love to see her working out her frustrations that way. She says she loves watching him with the kids; he’s great with them. He says he’s emotionally immature, but it must be confusing to them, since he’s bigger than they are. Elizabeth says he gets them to open up, and lets them see him as a friend rather than a therapist. He says they’re sick kids, and had enough of grownups telling them stuff. Art gives them a sense of control, and he oversees it until they figure it out for themselves. Elizabeth says he’s more than that adult entity with an artist side for the kids. He’s a kindred spirit, and understands being a child in pain. All he knows is that the kids are his favorite patients. He’s there to help them as much as they help him.

Franco’s phone dings. He says Steve sent him a text. He wants to meet in person to discuss Jim.

Valentin asks Peter if he’s enjoying a last meal; he’s getting reckless. He tells Peter about Curtis finding the file on Nathan, and asks why he’s not keeping it at his place. Peter says he keeps it where he spends the most time. Valentin asks why keep it at all? Peter asks how else is he going to know his brother? Valentin was supposed to be keeping his wife off the trail, and Valentin suggests he clean it up. Peter says Nina is Valentin’s responsibility, not his; he’s losing his touch. Valentin says he has it under control.

Maxie says she’s trying. She’s bending into a pretzel trying to make peace with this. She asks Nathan not to be disappointed, but since he left, her heart doesn’t open that wide anymore. She knows he would give Henrik the benefit of the doubt, but she’s not there. She’s not him. Maybe Henrik is doing it out of guilt. Good. She hopes he feels bad, but she won’t let him use Nathan’s memory to ease his conscience.

Nina goes through Peter’s files. She finds what she’s looking for, and pulls out a giant folder. She’s looking through it, when Peter comes in. He asks what she thinks she’s doing. She tells him, you first. What is he doing with this scrapbook? What does he think he’s doing?

Jason tells Anna that she can’t be objective; she’s too involved. She thinks Henrik is a good guy, and wants to rescue him. She says it’s called compassion, but he says it’s blinding her to the risks. Henrik is definitely not innocent, and whether he thinks she’s his mother or finds out she’s a WSB agent, he’ll probably kill her either way. Anna says he’s making assumptions. He asks if she’s willing to defend herself. Going there empty handed with good intentions will get her killed, and he can’t let that happen. She’s Robin’s mother; she’s family. Anna says, he’s not. He asks what it is that she won’t tell him. This is messing with her judgement, and making her choose to take chances. She says they’re necessary chances. Jason needs her to promise and give her word that she’ll call him when she’s going to meet Henrik. Anna asks if Jason is going to kill him, but he says he wants to protect her. She said she trusted him, so please do. She says all right, she promises. If she hears from Henrik, she’ll call him before she leaves.

After Jason is gone, Anna sits on the steps and cries.

On Monday, Robert tells Anna if she hangs around a hornet’s nest she’ll get stung, Carly says Nelle has an agenda (like we haven’t heard that before), and Nina asks Valentin why Peter has the file.

Southern Charm

Craig is working on being a budding hoarder. At least his place looks like he is. He calls someone about their life coach services. He thinks it would be great to have a teammate. He can’t handle fighting with Naomie, and isn’t liking himself right now. She asks to come to his house, and he says he’s looking forward to starting the process.

Cameran looks at baby clothes, and her mom, Bonnie, meets her. She’s looking for a going home outfit because the baby needs to make a good impression. Bonnie fawns over a tiny pair of red boots, and Cameran says what we’re all thinking – infants don’t need shoes. She says Palmer hasn’t been born yet, and has more clothes than she does, but she needs a going home outfit because in the South, that’s what you do. She remembers falling off the bed as an infant, and Bonnie says that’s why she’s messed up now. In her interview, Cameran say her mom was never super maternal, and she started doing her own laundry at seven years old. After the divorce, they had to fend for themselves. She hasn’t read any books on pregnancy, since she’s trying to let go of the control thing. I guess she’s trying to let go of the be prepared thing too. Bonnie says she’s never gone off the deep end with anything, and Cameran says, not yet. She prays her daughter looks at her the same way she looks at her mother; she was the best.

Shep meets Austen at a bar. Shep says most of his friends are married with kids, but they’re living vicariously through him. He lets everyone down, and it’s like a circle of shame. In his interview, Austen says he and Shep couldn’t be more different. When he’s single, he sees himself acting like Shep, so he jumps into a relationship. Naomie joins them. She says it was waterfalls (I think she means waterworks) seeing Craig at Shep’s party, but when they met later, it was impossible to reason with him. Austen says you have to chip it off. Not Craig’s wing-wang, but their relationship. Chelsea arrives, and asks if Austen has made out with anyone lately. Shep says what about Peyton, but Austen says they’re just friends. Chelsea tells them Craig has a crush on Peyton, and it’s the first time he’s been interested in someone else since he and Naomie broke up. Naomie wants to see a picture, and Austen brings one up on his phone. Naomie says, whatever, and rolls her eyes. No surprise, since Peyton looks like a model, and while Naomie is pretty, her mean-spirited attitude makes her look like a weasel. She says that Craig tries to make her feel guilty and bad; he says one thing, and does another. She wants the addresses of Peyton’s entire family, because she is a batsh*t crazy stalker. I honestly don’t get it. She obviously doesn’t like almost anything about Craig, and they broke up. For the love of all that’s holy, move on.

Craig checks in at the sewing store. It’s been his escape since the break-up. Kathryn meets him there. In her interview, Kathryn talks about Craig’s many passions, and says. hashtag fill-in-the-blank Craig. He asks if she or the kids need anything, and she calls him a DIY star. He tells her about meeting with Naomie, thinking it was a getting back together meeting. Kathryn says he needs to prove his worth to himself, not someone else. She doesn’t want to see him beating himself up, and thinks he won’t flourish (her word) if he doesn’t break the cycle. I’m in total agreement, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever used the word flourish even once in my life. Well, now I have. Kathryn says being forced to figure things out for herself was liberating. She suggests he and Naomie take time apart. He says now she’s the one giving him advice, and she says it makes no sense. Kathryn, the surprising new voice of reason.

Austen has dinner with his parents and sister, who’s eight years his junior. After his other sister passed away, it was a dark time for their family. After having another girl, life began again. His father asks what’s going on in Charleston, and his mom asks if he’s dating. She was sad about Chelsea. He says it was rocky at first, since he was dating one of her friends. His mom says he left his last brewing company a while ago, and she’s concerned; what is he doing? He thinks he’d like to explore making his own beer. His father doesn’t look thrilled. He asks if Austen has recipes or a brewer, but that’s a no. His sister asks if he wants to do it in Charleston, and he says that’s what he’s thinking. His mother doesn’t want to just hear talk. He feels pressure to follow in their work ethic footsteps. She says when he gets started, they’ll talk about investment. They toast to Austen beer. Pressure, maybe, but they seem pretty supportive.

Life Coach Laura arrives at Craig’s. She wants to dive in. She wants him to tell her about himself, and says she’s going to be super curious. He grew up in Delaware, and went to college, including law school. He tells Laura that he isn’t currently doing anything, and she asks what he lives on. He has some investments generating income, but it’s not what he could be doing. He admits to talking over people, telling her that he can finish everyone’s sentences in his head. Which doesn’t make it any less rude. Laura asks what that tells him about himself, and he says his mind is hyperactive. Isn’t that what we used to call ADD, ADHD, or some combination of those letters? Laura tells him not to put it in a negative light. He’s a fast processor, and it’s a way of measuring intelligence. She says he’s smart, makes good eye contact, is likeable, and cute. In his interview, Craig says he’s actually an awesome person. When he was with Naomie, she was always negative and final. We flash back to some of that. Laura says he starts off confident, but drops into a negative description of himself. She tells him to focus on being accurate and positive, and listening.. His homework is to create a self-portrait of himself and his world, in as much detail as possible. He’s excited.

Thomas meets Whitney and Patricia at a French restaurant. In her interview, Patricia says Whitney studied in Paris, but Thomas speaks Pepe Le Pew French. Thomas remarks on Patricia’s large ring, and she tells him it’s not the engagement ring. She believes in the institution of marriage, and says men aren’t getting married anymore. Thomas says – wait for it – why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free? Which just proves what century he’s from, and why he shouldn’t be hanging out with these youngsters. Patricia says there are other factors, like companionship. She asks how it’s going with Ashley. He says, great, but he sees a side he doesn’t like. Sometimes she’s not that sweet, friendly girl. She lacks subtlety, which he chalks up to being northern, and her energy can be overwhelming. We see a clip of her telling him she wants to get married and have babies, but like how a tiger might say it. Patricia says she’s a hospice nurse, so she has empathy and compassion. She admires that. In her interview, Patricia wonders why Thomas, of all people, should demand perfection? Thomas tells Patricia that Ashley might reach out to her about learning how to blend into southern culture. In his interview, Whitney doubts she’ll learn anything. She’s not southern, and it’s in the DNA. Patricia suggests going shopping, and Thomas says he’ll lend Ashley his credit card. Patricia says, in that case, they’ll go to New York. I assume she means City.

Austen meets Chelsea for golf. He’s ecstatic when he knows he’s going to be with her; he still gets butterflies. Chelsea misses being his friend. In her interview, she says she wouldn’t say they’d never get together again – there’s always potential. He asks what she’s doing this weekend. She has no plans, so he has some for her. Peyton wants to co-host a Halloween party with him, so she can meet some people. Chelsea wonders how Naomie will handle it. Austen says his dad living the life he wants – retired life. Chelsea doesn’t want him to turn into Shep. He thinks he’s staying in the industry, and is thinking of making his own beer; his parents will ultimately back him. Chelsea tells him to put some effort into it. Someone needs to light a fire under him. He says they have, and their names are Tom and Wendy (his parents). She says, and Chelsea.

Naomie and Cameran meet for a pedicure. Cameran is ready to have this kid. Naomie asks if Jason is coddling her, and she says, if wasn’t for Michael, she wouldn’t have foot rubs. She tells Naomie that foot massages sometimes induce labor, and Naomie encourages her not to have the baby there. Naomie says there’s dark around Craig (yeah, it’s called Naomie), and Cameran asks if she’d be fine if he dated someone else. Naomie gives her a resounding yes. She tells Cameran about Peyton, and how Craig said it was the first time he thought he could like someone. Cameran says she’s met her. She’s tall, blonde, and has big boobs. We see a clip of Cameran telling Peyton she’s like a Nordic alien. She does have piercing eyes. Naomie says there must be a drought; she seems thirsty. She says Peyton went after Shep, Austen, and now Craig. Cameran doesn’t think she should be bothered. In her interview, Cameran says Craig has never been a ladies’ man, and it’s throwing Naomie for a loop. Naomie asks if Cameran is going to the Halloween party. Cameran says she is, if she hasn’t delivered by then.

The Halloween party kikis commence. Peyton and Austen go over last-minute stuff on the wharf, where the party is being held. Peyton is a unicorn, and Austen is a chick magnet, putting no thought into his costume whatsoever, and wearing a graphic sweater with chicks and a magnet on it. The chicks actually look like rubber duckies, so this is lazy on a few levels. Craig remarks to roommate Sean that he’s going to a party to get yelled at by Naomie. Sean says they need to cut things off. Naomie asks if the other girls can tell who she is. Kathryn thinks she’s Kris Jenner, but she’s Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) from Pulp Fiction. Cameran feels like crap, and isn’t coming. Kathryn – I don’t know what/who she’s supposed to be, but she’s rocking a nearly nude, sparkly gown – asks what the deal with Peyton is. Naomie says she tried to date Shep, and it didn’t work out; then it didn’t work out with Austen, and now Craig’s thinking of dating her. Chelsea thinks it’s human nature not to like a girl your ex is dating. Maybe, but it’s not human nature to be a batsh*t crazy stalker.

Kathryn can’t tell if Peyton is cute or not, since she’s covered in blue body paint. Naomie repeats ad nauseum that Craig said she’s the first girl he could see himself liking. Shep is even more disappointed in Austen’s costume than I am. Both he and Craig come as pirates, and Sean looks like a leprechaun. Kathryn tells Naomie to let Craig come to her. JD (bleh) is dressed like a very short Donald Trump. Kathryn talks to Thomas about what the kids are doing for Halloween. He thought of inviting her trick-or-treating with them. She says she hopes they get to the point where they can do things like that together, but it’s too soon. She’s turned into Yoda Kathryn. Too soon it is. Peyton likes Shep dressed up, and he says he never shirks costume duty.

Naomie talks trash about Peyton. She and her elementary school friends laugh because Peyton is blue, and everyone knows unicorns are white. Oh yeah? Ever seen one? Naomie says blah-blah-blah to Craig. In his interview, Craig says he’s taking the high road. If he doesn’t, he thinks he and Naomie will never talk again. He tells Sean it’s confusing. The nice Naomie is here. Sean thinks Naomie was being flirty. Austen introduces Naomie to Peyton.

Naomie asks why Peyton is there, and Peyton says because she wanted to move back to the south; she fell in love with Charleston. I could actually see that. Except for the heat. That makes it a no for me. Naomie asks if that’s because it’s a hub for dog boutiques (an interest of Peyton’s). She says to be honest, she doesn’t support Peyton. She sees Peyton’s intentions. She went after Shep, Austen, and Craig. She’s shooting darts. Peyton doesn’t know what to say, since she only talked to Craig for fifteen minutes; she doesn’t know him. Naomie says she’s protective of her friends, and she knows Peyton is thirsty. Peyton says Naomie obviously has something against her that has to do with Craig. Naomie calls her a thirsty bitch. She sees through her, and is better than her. She’s going after any guy here. Peyton says everyone knows she’s not like that, and calls Naomie a middle-schooler. Thank you. Peyton says she’s about to get pushed overboard. Craig says the sh*t is hitting the fan.

Peyton walks away. Austen follows. She tells Austen about what Naomie said. He tells her that Naomie is angry because she thinks Craig is into her. It’s Naomie’s insecurity talking; Peyton threatens her. He says he’s sorry, and hugs her. In his interview, he says for the longest time, he thought Naomie was an angel for putting up with Craig. Now he thinks, good for Craig, not putting up with Naomie.

Craig says, wtf? to Naomie. She says she’s protecting him from someone who wants to use him for social climbing. Shep says she’s in shambles (I love some of their phraseology). Naomie insists that Peyton is using him. Shep asks why she came if she didn’t want to meet Peyton? Naomie says she came for them, and how dare he take her side? He says he’s not on anyone’s side, and was just trying to do a nice favor. Naomie tells him to get real. Craig asks what happened, and Naomie says Peyton is a thirsty bitch, which seems to be all she can come up with, since she’s said it how many times now. In his interview, Craig says they’ve gotten a glimpse of Naomie in the wild. Ha-ha-ha! Usually she stays behind closed doors and feeds on Craig’s soul. Omg, I literally lol’d. He says she’s scary as sh*t. He tells Naomie that he was considering hooking up with Peyton, and it felt good to feel liked. Naomie says he’s a liar. He says she can keep burning bridges; he doesn’t give a flying. She says she doesn’t care about him, and Craig tells Sean, same as it ever was always goes. They high five.

Next time, Patricia asks Craig to design a pillow, Thomas flirts with Kathryn, Peyton makes an appearance, and Shep tells Chelsea a lie about Austen.

😲 A Mini Lexture

It stuns me every time I see people this age acting like children. While I didn’t exactly live a Sex in the City life, that would have been closer to my reality back then. Without the money. And the hot guys. And the shoes. And pretty much everything else. Anyway, in my group of friends, if a guy had wronged one of us, woe to him with all of us, but we would have had a sit-down with Naomie. She’s tracked Craig, harassed him at a party, and talked about him in a negative way incessantly. She seems to hate him, yet won’t let him go. Now she’s come at that poor girl, whose only sin was to talk to Craig for a few minutes. It’s just inexcusable behavior.

⏳ Wait For It…