Tag Archives: Southern Hospitality

Nov29

November 28, 2022 – Ava Pays a Visit To Ryan, Playboy Debauchery On Deck, About That Reunion, New Reality Down South & Late

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Guard Craig lets Dante in to see Heather, who’s doing some painting. She tells him, hello again, Detective Handsome, and asks if he’d like to model for her.

On the phone at the MetroCourt, Mac asks how his brother is, and at the hospital, Jordan says, TJ is with him right now. Mac says he should be with Robert too, but she says she needs him to stay on task. He knows how important this is. He says he’s on it, and looks at a table where Doc and Ava are sitting. Ava tells Doc that she’s officially all his, and he says he appreciates her meeting at the last minute. He wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t important. She asks, what’s up? and he says he’ll let Mac explain. Mac sits down, and she says, now she’s doubly intrigued. What would the Chief of Detectives and GH’s top psychiatrist want with her? Mac says, they need her help catching Esme Prince.

Esme screams, then apologizes for waking Ace up. She still can’t believe Ace is moving around. Elizabeth walks in, and Esme asks why she’s here. Elizabeth says she’s here to help Esme.

Nikolas leaves a message for Ava, saying he loves and misses her, when the doorbell rings. It’s Victor, and Nikolas says, it’s not a good night, but Victor says he’s here to move in.

At Rice Plaza, Scotty tells Laura that Obrecht is with Britt, and Laura says, it’s nice Obrecht can spend the holiday with her daughter. He asks, what about her and Doc? and she says, they’re not going anywhere because she doesn’t want to leave her brother Martin alone right now. She knows it’s affecting Scotty too, and promises she won’t rest until she’s brought Lucy’s real shooter to justice. Holly sits at a bench nearby.

Elizabeth takes Esme’s blood pressure, and Esme says, Elizabeth was misleading. She thought Elizabeth was here to help her. Elizabeth says she is helping Esme. The baby is fine, but she’s got to stop with the screaming; it’s stressful for her and the baby. Esme says she’s locked in a tower, and Elizabeth covering for Nikolas doesn’t help. Elizabeth says she’s doing the best she can to help Esme have a healthy pregnancy. She assumes Esme’s had no prenatal care. She should take pregnancy seriously; there could be complications. Esme asks if she shouldn’t be under a doctor’s care then, and not under house arrest, but Elizabeth says, Esme will have to make do with her. Don’t worry. She knows what she’s doing. Esme asks how she can’t worry. She’s locked in here with no idea what’s to become of her. Elizabeth has to convince Nikolas to let her go. Elizabeth says, even if she wanted to, she doubts Nikolas would listen, not after Esme attacked him, but Esme says, Nikolas is making that up. Elizabeth says she’s not making up Esme attacking her, and Esme says she was in fight or flight mode. Elizabeth asks if she’s making up Esme filming revenge porn, and victimizing Josslyn and her son, and Esme says, so that’s it. Elizabeth is committed to being Nikolas’s accomplice. Elizabeth asks if Esme would rather have her baby in prison, and Esme says, this is a prison, with no oversight or chance of parole. And what happens to her after she gives birth? Did Nikolas tell Elizabeth that? Elizabeth says, he did. Esme will be taken to Greece, where she’ll live a life of luxury on Cassadine Island. Esme asks if Elizabeth really believes Nikolas is going to take care of her for the rest of her life.

Ava tells Mac that she wants Esme to rot, but she’s already told the cops everything she can think of. She hasn’t seen Esme in months. Mac says, they know Esme’s back in Port Charles, but the trail went cold after she crossed paths with Elizabeth Baldwin at the docks. Ava says, if she knew where Esme was, she’d serve her up, head on a platter… figuratively speaking, of course (🍷). Doc says, they don’t think Ava knows where to find her, but they think she knows someone who does.

Ryan’s new caregiver tells him that he doesn’t see any new articles about The Hook killer, but how about this? Prisoner Anna Devane remains at large after escaping a prison transport. Ryan blinks twice, and the caregiver says, how about sports? There’s football, basketball… Oh look, they’ve got pickleball.

Dante says he’s there to ask Heather about the prison transport crash, but she says, that’s old news. He says, it’s an ongoing investigation, and she says, right to business, huh? Not even a, hi, how are you? He asks how she is, and tells her that he’s here on official police business, but if she doesn’t want to cooperate, he’ll go. She says, cool your jets, Mr. Serious. I’ll tell you everything you want to know… for a price. Quid pro quo, Clarice; she does her best Anthony Hopkins impression.

TJ tells Diane and Jordan that Robert’s okay; he’s sleeping it off. Diane asks if she can see him, and TJ nods. She goes into Robert’s room, and Jordan asks if TJ really thinks Robert had too much to drink. He says, could be. They ran a tox screen, and he’s waiting for the results. What is she thinking? She says she thinks the DA was drugged.

Nikolas asks, why the urgency? Why does Victor have to move in tonight? Victor says, there’s been a development in his plans, and Nikolas says, plans that necessitate Victor hiding out on a secure island. Victor says, it had better be secure. He needs to prepare his family for what’s to come. It seems Nikolas and Spencer are the only Cassadines he can trust right now. Of course (🍷), the snail’s pace of Nikolas’s divorce from Ava is a continuing cause of concern. Now more than ever, Nikolas needs to get his house in order. He hands Nikolas a drink, and Nikolas says, if Victor is moving in to ensure his cooperation, he already told Victor that he agrees to his terms. Victor says, forgive him if he needs more assurance than Nikolas’s word, and Nikolas says, the house is still undergoing renovations. It’s not prepared for Victor yet. Victor says, then prepare it. Tonight the tide turns for this family.

Holly says, she just saw an enormous woodchuck floating up to the sky, and Scotty says, she probably hasn’t seen a parade in a while. Laura says, the mayor gets priority seating, and Holly’s welcome to join them, but Holly says, it sounds lovely, but she has somewhere to be. She told her Ride Share to pick her up at the Plaza. Laura asks if she has plans with Robert, but Holly says, not tonight; it’s business, not pleasure. Scotty says he didn’t know Holly had a job, and Laura says, the night before Thanksgiving? What kind of business?

Dante tells Heather that he’s not authorized to make a deal, but if he was her, he’d want to assist them. Who knows how it will work out for her down the wire? She tells him, if he wants her help, come back with someone who can make a deal, and he says, good luck with her painting. She’ll have plenty of time to get good at it. He leaves, and Heather has an epiphany. She knocks at the window, and thanks Craig for letting in the charming detective. She asks if he’d be an absolute dear, and escort her to make a teeny weeny phone call

TJ tells Jordan that he won’t know anything until the tox screen comes back. He’ll put a rush on it. She asks him to keep her posted, and he leaves.

Diane says, oh good; Robert’s up. He asks where he is; it looks like a hospital. She asks if he doesn’t remember, and he says he remembers tequila. She says, he and Holly shared some tequila shots, he had a bad reaction, and Holly took him back to his room. She asked Diane to give his WSB contact a message. He asks where Holly is, and where’s his briefcase? She says, he didn’t have it on him when he stumbled out of the elevator, and she hasn’t seen Holly since she left the MetroCourt to take him back to his room. He tells her, get Ashford here – now.

Holly says, unfortunately, some work won’t wait. As mayor, she’s sure Laura understands more than anybody. Laura says she absolutely does, with the ongoing hunt for Anna, and the search for Lucy’s real shooter. She imagines she’ll be working tonight, but she’ll find some time to spend with Martin, since they both saw their holidays going very differently. Scotty’s phone rings, and he steps away. Heather says, it’s his old pal, and he says, for cryin’ out loud. What does she want? She says, don’t be a grouch. Come to Spring Ridge, visit her, and find out. She promises it will be worth his while.

Esme tells Elizabeth, think about it. She gets whisked away, and holed up on some foreign island, with no one looking for her. Does Elizabeth really believe Nikolas is going to keep her around indefinitely? Once she gives birth to his child, she’ll be completely disposable. Elizabeth says, what Esme is suggesting won’t happen, but Nikolas is loyal to the people he cares about. So her advice is, make sure Nikolas cares about her. Esme says, like Nikolas cares about his son? and Elizabeth says, Esme is behind in her bloodwork; she’ll be sure to do it next time. Esme asks, which is when? and Elizabeth says she’ll come every couple of days until Esme delivers. She gives Esme a bottle of prenatal vitamins, and tells her to take one every day. She’s guessing Esme hasn’t taken them before, and Esme says she’s been a little busy. Elizabeth says, now she has the time. They’ll make her baby healthy and strong. Esme says, getting out of this room would work wonders in that regard, but Elizabeth tells her to take her vitamins. She’s not getting out of here any time soon. She leaves, and Esme looks at the bottle.

Ava asks why Mac is wasting time talking to her when he knows someone who can find Esme, but Mac says, she’s a pivotal part of their plan. Doc says, and she has the right to refuse, and Ava says, refuse what exactly? Doc says, Esme is cunning and dangerous, and Mac says, they’ve questioned everyone Esme has had a relationship with in Port Charles. Doc says, except one – his brother. Despite his best efforts, Esme forged a connection with Ryan when she was interning at Spring Ridge. Ryan will know how to find Esme. Mac says, Ryan refused to communicate with Doc, and it’s unlikely he’ll cooperate with the police. They thought if they gave him some incentive to cooperate… and Ava says, they want to use her as bait. Mac says he understands the gravity of what they’re asking her to do, and it’s completely up to her. Doc says, she’s the one person Ryan is likely to communicate with, but it’s not worth it if it’s going to cause her trauma. She tells them, say no more; she’s in. Doc suggests she take some time to think about it, but she says, they don’t have time. Esme terrorized this town long before she started her murderous rampage. They have to get to her before she gets to Trina. That’s the theory, right? That Esme is the killer and her ultimate target is Trina. Mac says, it is, and Ava says, then they have to find Esme and stop her. If she has to see Ryan to get it done, so be it. She’ll do whatever they ask. When do they need her? Mac says, right now.

Esme says, come on, think. What would daddy do? Ryan appears on the bed, and says he thought she’d never ask. She says, did he hear Elizabeth? She calls herself a nurse, but didn’t even help her. She’s too busy holding a grudge because of that stupid sex tape. He says he told her; don’t get distracted by Spencer… She says she has no time for I told you so. Help her figure a way out of here. He says he gets so tired of repeating himself. Use the baby. She asks, how? and he says, the baby’s health is dependent on her. She saw how frightened Nikolas was when he thought she was in distress. She says, until Nurse Baldwin threatened to do a C-section with no anesthesia, and he says, Elizabeth called her bluff, but that’s no reason she can’t build on a successful tactic. Throw out the vitamins Elizabeth gave her. She asks, what good that would do? and he says, refuse to take care of herself. If her health suffers, the baby suffers. She says, but if she harms the baby, she could lose…. her only leverage, and he says, the baby is her only leverage. She doesn’t have another option. Make sure Nikolas knows what’s at stake.

Craig lets Scotty into Heather’s room, and she says, it’s good of him to come. He says, hiya, Heather. He’s here because she’s Franco’s mother, so what does she want? She tears up and says, their boy was such a beautiful soul. She hates that he was taken in such a violent, cruel way. He says he knows. He sees she’s still painting, and she says, it’s what she and Franco shared in common. These works lack her usual depth. He asks how she can she tell, and she says, because of her neck. He asks, what’s wrong with her neck? and she says, didn’t he hear? Her prison transport van crashed, horribly. She’s been in agony ever since; she can hardly paint. He says, for cryin’ out loud, that’s why she’s in rehab, and she says she has half a mind to sue the city of Port Charles and the PCPD for physical and emotional distress. Isn’t that his area of expertise? He says, no judge is ever going to sign off on an institutionalized crackpot, but she says, what if she was a free woman? He asks, who’s going to let her out? and she says, he is.

Victor says, think of the perks. This way, Nikolas won’t have to spend Thanksgiving alone. Nikolas says he’s not in a celebratory mood this year, and Victor asks if that’s because of Spencer, Ava, or both. Nikolas says, among other things, when Elizabeth walks in. Victor says he’s sorry. He doesn’t remember Nikolas saying he had company, but Nikolas says he recalls telling Victor that it’s not a good time. Elizabeth says she’s sorry to interrupt, but Victor says, she’s not. The staff is moving him in; he’s the one interrupting. She says, he’s moving in tonight? How cozy. Victor says he’s sick and tired of living out of suitcases, and found himself craving family. He’ll start unpacking, and not detract from their evening any further. He’ll pick out a suite in the north tower. Nikolas says, no. The repairs aren’t finished yet; it’s not safe. Victor will have to stay in the south tower. Victor says, that’s a pity; the views are so much nicer in the north tower. He tells Elizabeth that it was a delight to see her, and leaves. Elizabeth says, what the hell? He’s living here now? Is Nikolas trying to get caught? In the foyer, Victor calls Gavin, and says, he’s arrived on Spoon Island. What did Gavin find out about the necklace, and where the hell is Holly Sutton?

Laura tells Holly that she can’t believe Scotty went to see Heather. Whatever she’s up to can’t be good. Holly wonders what happened to her Ride Share, and Laura asks where she’s going. Holly says, her meeting is out of town, and Laura says, it’s going to cost her a fortune. Why isn’t Robert taking her? Holly says, Robert doesn’t know. She’s going back to doing some contract work for government agencies, and she knows he wouldn’t approve because of her memory issues and how her last assignment ended, but she’s as sharp as ever. She needs purpose. Laura says she’d be happy to take Holly wherever she’s going, but Holly says she couldn’t trouble Laura. Laura says she insists. She won’t take no for an answer. Robert is a good friend, and she knows he woudn’t want Holly taking a Ride Share out of town tonight. Unless of course (🍷) Holly wants to call him. Holly says, thank you, she’d love a ride, but Laura says, no thanks necessary. It will give them a chance to talk. Holly picks up the briefcase, and follows Laura.

Nikolas asks how the baby is, and Elizabeth says, fine, for now. Esme has had no prenatal care, and she doesn’t know how they’re going to accomplish it with Victor here. It’s only a matter of time before Victor figures out he’s holding Esme prisoner here. He says, the north tower will be locked at all times, and Demetrius will be keeping an eye on Victor. He’s going to put his uncle in the south tower, which is on the opposite side of the house. He even soundproofed Esme’s room. Don’t worry; he has it under control. She says, this whole thing is going to blow up in their faces. It’s bad enough what they’re doing, and now Victor is going to be looking around. Victor comes back in, and Elizabeth says she was just on her way out. It’s good to see them both. Nikolas says he’ll walk her out, but she says, no need. Happy Thanksgiving. She leaves, and Nikolas tells Victor, she’s going through a tough time, and came here to talk. Victor says, stop lying to him. He knows exactly what’s going on.

At Spring Ridge, Mac thanks Dante for joining them, and asks how his conversation with Heather panned out. Dante says, not really, but they can talk about it later. What’s this all about? Mac says, Ava agreed to speak with Ryan, and Ava says she wishes Doc could be here. Mac says, him too, but Doc’s right; Ryan might not want to communicate in his presence. They walk into the rec room, and Mac asks if she’s sure she wants to do this now, but she says, no time like the present. Ryan’s eyes follow her as she walks over to him, and she asks if he’s still locked in. He blinks once, and the caregiver says, one blink for yes, two for no, but she says she’s familiar. Is he Ryan’s new caregiver? He says, one of them, and Ryan does a bunch of blinking. The caregiver tells her, he says… but she says she doesn’t care what he’s blinking. She’ll do the talking. She sits down, and asks if Ryan remembers his little friend Esme, his protégé. It turns out Esme is the one who attacked her. The audacity. How would he like the chance to get back at her for trying to take what’s his?

Scotty asks why Heather thinks he can get her out, and she says, it would behoove him. Once she’s a free woman, the judge will find her more credible when she sues the pants off the PCPD and the city. They’ll find her the victim of gross negligence, not some loon. It’ll be ka-ching, ka-ching for the both of them. He says he has a news flash for her. There are a lot details involved. He doesn’t know why she thinks he can get her sprung. She says, Detective Falconari was just here, and wanted to interview her about the crash, and the prisoner escape. He says, so? and she says, clearly her eyewitness testimony is very valuable to them. He says, that depends on the testimony, and she says, what if she can ID who helped Anna Devane escape?

Robert says he has to get out of here, and TJ says he appreciates the urgency, but Robert can’t leave. Robert says, TJ doesn’t understand. Holly is missing and could be hurt. There’s a $35 million necklace out there, and he has to make sure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Diane comes in with Jordan, and Robert asks if she found Holly or the necklace; somebody might have hurt Holly. Jordan says she wouldn’t worry. She took a look at the security footage, and Holly appears to be fine. He asks if she saw who took his briefcase, and she says, yes, and it’s someone he knows very well.

In the car, Laura tells Holly that her mother’s new place is in the center of town, near her favorite cafes and restaurants. Holly says she feels awful. Laura just came back, and she’s keeping her away from Doc. Laura says, Doc is working tonight. Besides, it gives them a chance to catch up. Holly says, without memories, there won’t be much catch up on her end, but Laura says she’s sure they’ll come back. So what agency did Holly say she was meeting with tonight? Holly says, Laura knows that’s classified, and Laura laughs, saying, she never assumes. She likes to keep her mind open to possibilities. Holly says, the mark of an effective mayor, when Laura’s phone rings. Laura says, and duty calls, and stupidly puts it on speaker. She tells Jordan that she can’t really talk. She’s sitting here with… Jordan says, it’s important. Robert Scorpio was mugged tonight. He’s all right, but the attacker stole his briefcase containing a necklace of diamonds from the Ice Princess. The suspect is Holly… The phone disconnects, and Holly takes out a gun. She tells Laura, no more questions. She’s so sorry it’s come to this.

The caregiver asks, what’s in it for Ryan? and Ava says, for every interview he gives, she’ll be there too. He can bask in her presence while he gives law enforcement the information they need to take that wretched Esme down. So he gets her company, and gets credit for doing a public service for once in his life. The caregiver says, maybe he doesn’t understand, but Ava says, he understands all right. He’s toying with her. She tells Ryan, just imagine how much more toying he could do with her as a captive audience. Enough stalling. Do they have a deal or not?

Heather tells Scotty, she reads the papers. Everyone is hot to trot to find Anna, from the WSB to the PCPD. And who’s the only one who can put them on the right trail? Little ol’ her. Strike this bargain with her. Free her, and they can squeeze this city for a tidy sum. He says he doubts anybody is going to make that deal, but she says, he’ll never know until he tries.  Doesn’t he want a windfall to ease his grief? Anna killed Lucy Coe, the woman who was the mother to the only child he has left. He can get revenge and strike it rich at the same time. What does he say? He says, no. Nein. His German girlfriend taught him that.  She says she can’t believe he’s turning down a way to make a fast buck, and he says he’s got a full life right now. He’s not going to let her screw it up. She says, is this all because of his new girlfriend? Why did he come here if he didn’t want to help her? He says he wanted to see if she was up to anything crazy, so he could tell the cops. She says, think it through. She never forgets her friends, or her enemies. He says, neither does he, tells the guard to let him out of this nuthouse, and leaves.

Nikolas says he doesn’t know what Victor thinks is going on, and Victor says, the loaded looks, the hesitation about him moving in? He wasn’t born yesterday. He’s not shocked. He’s rather relieved Nikolas is behaving like a single man again. Nikolas says, it’s not what Victor thinks. He and Elizabeth are just friends. She’s been going through some things. Victor says, it’s nice they can comfort each other. He won’t cramp Nikolas’s style. Nikolas tells Victor, just do him a favor. Ava can’t know Elizabeth has been coming over. Victor says, of course (🍷) not. No need to make this divorce more complicated than Nikolas has made it already by sleeping with Spencer’s girlfriend. Nikolas thanks him for his discretion, and Victor says he’s on Nikolas’s side. All the more reason to put an end to this marriage once and for all.

Holly says, do as she asks, and no harm will come to Laura, and Laura says, like no harm came to Robert? She knew Holly wasn’t to be trusted, and hates that she was right. Holly says she doesn’t want to hurt Laura, and Laura says, Holly has a funny way of showing it. Put the gun down. Holly says she wishes she could, and Laura says, she can; just do it. Holly tells her to take the next exit, but Laura says, no. Holly says, they have a long history, but that won’t save her. She has no choice in this. Laura says, she always has a choice, but Holly says she doesn’t, and she will do what she has to. Laura says, why? Because she’s working for Victor Cassadine? Is that why she was whispering to Eileen Ashby? Is that why she stole Robert’s briefcase? Holly says, here’s the exit. It’s now or never.

Jordan says she thought Holly and Robert were friends. Why would she do something like this? He says, you tell me, and she says, if there’s something she should know, now’s the time to tell her. Her phone rings, and she steps outside to take it. Diane says, it seemed like he wanted to say something to the Commissioner. Why didn’t he? He asks what she means; he’s an open book. She says, come on. Holly is his ex-wife, but it’s obvious she stole the necklace and drugged him. He says he hasn’t had tequila in a while, and she says, he’s going to be in a lot of trouble with the WSB, but he says he can handle it. She tells him, said every cocky defendant she’s ever represented. She hopes he won’t mind being one of them, but her rates are exorbitant. She hopes whatever Holly got herself into doesn’t drag him down as well.

Nikolas tells Victor, they’ve been through this. He’ll divorce Ava, it’s complicated, he needs some time. Victor says his patience is wearing thin, but Nikolas says he’ll do what he must. He knows what’s at stake. Victor’s phone rings, and he says he hopes for Nikolas’s sake that’s true. They’re already on the launchpad. He goes out to the foyer, and tells Gavin, talk to him. What’s the status?… What does he mean, she’s disappeared?  

Outside of the car, Laura asks Holly if this is the end of the line. Is Holly going to kill her and leave her by the side of the road? Holly says, there’s been enough death. She punches some numbers into Laura’s phone, and says, perfect; there’s some recent calls. Laura asks what she’s doing, and Holly says, Laura’s family needs her, throwing the phone toward Laura. We hear a ring, and Doc says, hello? Laura picks it up, and says, help her please. She’s on Route 31 by the side of the road, near mile marker 35. Call Jordan. Tell her that Holly stole her car, and that she’s armed and dangerous.

The caregiver tells Ava that Ryan says, I can’t wait to see you again, my love. Mac says, tell him they’ll be in touch to schedule the first interview. They start to leave, but the caregiver says, he wasn’t done. He said, never fear, Ava. We’ll find Esme together. Ava and Ryan lock eyes (no pun intended) and Ava leaves with Mac and Dante.

Esme comes out of the bathroom, and says, that’s that. She shakes a few vitamins into her hand, and tosses the empty bottle on the bed. She says, don’t worry, Ace. Elizabeth will be back soon. They’ll tell her that they trashed the vitamins, and she’ll bring them more before these run out. She looks at the few vitamins in her hand, and says, all they have to do is scare her. Show her and Nikolas that they can’t be steamrolled. She knows what Ace’s grandfather would say, but she can’t risk hurting Ace, and being at Nikolas’s mercy. She’ll do what it takes to survive. She swallows a vitamin.

Heather walks into the rec room, and sees Ryan. She gasps, and the caregiver asks if they know each other. She says, everyone knows Ryan Chamberlain, and the caregiver says, the same could be said of you, Heather Webber. Heather backs up a bit, and the caregiver wheels Ryan out as Ryan stares at Heather.

Tomorrow, Olivia says, they’re still waiting on the man of the hour; Sonny asks if Nina wants to make new traditions; Laura wants the police to make sure it ends peacefully; and Alexis says, Jordan promised her, but didn’t deliver.

Below Deck

Alissa harps on Camille stocking the refrigerator, and in her interview, she says, Camille should respect her second stew position. She’s just doing her job, and getting bad vibes. Camille says she’s going to lose her sh*t, and on deck, Tony works out. In his interview, he says, working out is how he deals with stress. In 2011 he got depressed when his dad got sick, and tried to find a healthy way to deal with it. Working out is replacing soul pain with physical pain. In Fraser’s interview, he says, day one was bad, and he’s not feeling good about things, including his future in yachting. They need to work harder, better, and smarter. How? He’s not sure, but he needs the enthusiasm first. Guest Chad is up and looking for coffee, and Hayley tells Fraser that Chad looks incredibly hung over. In Hayley’s interview, she wonders, who the hell gets up that early after getting sh*tfaced night before? Fraser serves breakfast, and tells the guests they’ll be going to be beach later. Alissa tells Fraser that Camille stomped feet when she said Camille needed to back up the crew. In his interview, Fraser says he appreciates Alissa’s communication, even though it’s not the best news. In his last stint as chief stew, he let people off too easy. He needs to be more of a bitch. In Katie’s interview, she says she’s never worked on a boat this size, but she’s hardworking wants be doing the same as the guys. Owning her own boat is her goal. Rachel discusses the beach picnic with Fraser, and tells him that she’s making up serving boxes. In Rachel’s interview, she says, primary Peng is from Thailand, and she can’t wait to make the lunch. She lived in Thailand for a while, near the clubs where the ladyboys party. Fraser tells Camille, there’s a Reiki sound bath person coming to the beach, and she leaves with Alissa and Katie to help with service. At the beach, Camille says she can’t wait to get in the water, and Katie wonders if that’s allowed. In Camille’s interview, she forgets this is a job, and says, yachting is supposed to be fun. She and Ben get in the water, and Fraser radios that the guests are on the way. In Alissa’s interview, she says, they’re supposed to be working, but apparently Ben and Camille don’t give a f***.

Katie and Ben greet the guests, and Dr. Tanya arrives to do the sound bath thing. One of the guests – Ben? Chad? I don’t know – tells Camille, being gay is exhausting, and Camille says she should try it sometime. Dr. Tanya does her thing, and on the boat, Fraser helps Rachel pack the lunches. He heads for the beach with the food, and Captain Lee tells Rachel that he’s hoping to get rid of his crutches soon. In the captain’s interview, he says, the pain is gone; he just doesn’t look pretty walking. But he was never going to be a runway model anyway. Lunch is served on the beach, and the guests are thrilled with Rachel’s choice. Peng says, it’s like what his mom would pack him for a school lunch, and he got made fun of. Another guest – Chad? Ben? Jared? I don’t know – says, the kids with the bologna are teasing me. The guests return to the boat, and demand to see Tony’s abs. In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s a perfectionist. Mummy loves a challenge. In Rachel’s interview, she says, it’s important the dinner go well. She can’t have a repeat of the day before. When the guests’ experience is sub-par, you have to work harder to make them think it’s good. Fraser radios the crew to tell them, dress-up clothing for the Playboy mansion debaucherous evening is available. Hayley says some things in her interview that I’m not even repeating, and Rachel realizes the fish smells bad. In her interview, she says she ordered 45 pounds of frozen fish, but it wasn’t not frozen fresh. Dinner is f***ed. She calls Fraser to the galley, and says, the branzino is off. F*** my life.

Calling it the deadliest snatch, Rachel wonders how she’s going to pull off surf and turf without the surf. She hates her f***ing life. The captain asks what the dinner dress attire is, and Fraser says, debaucherous playboy. The captain is less than happy. In Tony’s interview, he says he likes his abs, but because of what he can do. We see clips of his various athletic talents, and he says, sometimes he feels like a piece of meat, but for the family, he will do it. In Ross’s interview, he says he enjoys the company of the fairer sex; sex being the operative word. Ugh. Hayley and Alissa discuss who fancies who, and Captain Lee mumbles that he’s being tossed to the wolves, as he gets ready to join the guests for dinner. He thanks them for the invite, and apologizes for being absent. He says, it’s a nerve issue, which will hopefully be resolved quickly, but until then, he’s the best they’ve got. In his interview, he says, it’s uncomfortable, but he can’t toss in the towel. Suck it up, cupcake. Truffle fries are served, and the captain says, Rachel is a treasure. In Rachel’s interview, she says, somehow, some way, she pulled it off. Per the guests’ request, Peng’s face is everywhere in the décor. The guests take photos and drink shots, and Camille radios the crew that they’re asking for exotic dancers. Ben wakes up Tony, and says, they have to dance. In Tony’s interview, he says, whatever the guests want, they get. Peng sits in a chair, while they do what maybe could pass for a lap dance at a distance. In his interview, Tony says, he doesn’t know what to do. He’s got nothing. He’s the worst Latino ever. Alissa tells Camille to clean the salon, and when Camille is eating something in the crew mess, Alissa tells her what she didn’t do. She says she doesn’t want any pouting, and Camille says, it’s her delivery.

Tony makes a lot of noises while he works out. The sea is rough, and Captain Lee says, don’t f*** with him; he’s not in the mood. In his interview, he says, the weather there in unpredictable. It’s called Windward Islands for a reason. The docking is going to be challenging. The wind is at 29 knots, and he says, the boat is like a pinball in a machine. WTF? Camille delivers the captain’s laundry, and Alissa calls her mother. Fraser says, her mom sounds adorable, and she tells him that she’s closest with her mom. When her parents divorced, she lived with her dad, and he was pretty negative. He had primary custody, and her mom would get them on weekends. Her dad was mean, and was hard on her. In Alissa’s interview, she says, her dad was a strict, devout Christian, and having a controlling parent caused her to become soft and submissive. Her mom was inconsistent. One time, she said she’d see them next weekend, and they didn’t see her for two and a half years. Being a kid, she automatically forgave, but it feels like standing up for herself is important now. Captain Lee’s shirt is way too tight, and he tells Fraser, it’s the wrong size. Fraser gets Camille, and they search for a large, but can’t find one. The captain tells her that he should have three, and she apologizes. He calmly dons a polo. Ross goes over anchoring with the deckhands, and in his interview, he says, they have great attitudes, and he loves them, even though Tony is green. It’s a load on him, and he hopes to spread his load… his work load. He laughs at his own awful joke, and I’m not liking him a whole lot. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says he’s as nervous as a whore in the front row pew at church. The have mountains all around, and a pass that the wind funnels through. They’re big sail. It’s a tricky dock, but you get paid the big bucks to make the hard calls. The wind is at 37 knots, and the captain curses his life.

At 27 knots, the captain heaves a sigh. He calls the deck crew to the wheelhouse, and in his interview, he says, Mother Nature is a bad ass bitch. He tells the deck crew that they’re going to find a spot for the guests to disembark, and ferry their asses in. In the captain’s interview, he says, it’s a 200 foot boat, and a lot to spend if they f*** up. They anchor outside of the marina, and Captain Lee tells Fraser, they’re going to launch a tender. The guests pack, and guest Jared thinks he’s leaving with more than he came with. I identify. Captain Lee radios the crew to be on the aft deck in five minutes in their whites. Camille asks if the captain is upset, but he says, if he was, there would be no doubt in her mind. Fraser promises to fix the situation. Peng tells the crew that service was great, except for having to find the soap and toilet paper. But they were brought all the alcohol, and they love to drink. They did feel bad waking Tony up, and Tony says, it was a new experience. Peng gives the captain the tip envelope, and the guests get in the tender, yelling, wooooo! as they leave. The crew changes, and Captain Lee radios them to meet in the Sky Lounge. He says, the guests loved the crew’s involvement, and thanks them for going above and beyond. The tip is $25K, or $2100 each. The captain says, it’s a healthy start, and in Hayley’s interview, she says, she’s already envisioning the Louis Vuitton handbag she’s buying in the airport on the way home. Captain Lee says, that put some smiles on their faces, and the crew gets ready to go out. Tony tells Ben that the girls are all beautiful, but he’s not vibing, and Ben says he likes Camille. He wasn’t keen on Allison, but he’s starting to warm up to her. In the galley, Fraser hands Rachel a cucumber, and says, sometimes you don’t need words. In Camille’s interview, she says she wants to know Ben more. He’s a little shy, and she wants to open up so he can come in. I’m not quite sure what she means by that. Alisson tells Hayley that she knows Camille likes Ben, but Camille’s been a bitch to her, so she’s going to flirt with him. She doesn’t owe anybody anything. As usual, the yachting industry finds the least likeable and most immature people.

The crew heads out, taking a tender to shore. At the restaurant, Camille asks everyone to join hands, and says she hopes they all have a great season and stay safe. They’re going to get f***Ing slammed tonight because they had great charter. She makes small talk with Ben, but Alisson tries to block her with some flirting, and telling him that she should have worn underwear. In Hayley’s interview, she says, as uncomfortable as this is, she’s enjoying watching it. Who should she put her money on? Ben says he thought his last girlfriend was serious, and he ended up heartbroken. In his interview, he says he lost her to drugs and alcohol. So he got out, and came to join the big white boats. Camille asks, what do they call the guys in yachting? and Ben says, sluts? She says, lost boys, and in Camille’s interview, she says, she dated a big deal quarterback who cheated on her. She was depressed and anxious, and just wanted to get away. She didn’t want anyone to know her. A lot of people get away from their demons in yachting. Fraser tells Hayley that yachting is misunderstood, and she says, people assume they work on cruse ships. He says he’d rather his funeral be rotting in a car park than setting foot on cruise ship. The crew goes back to the boat, and they change to get in the hot tub, but it’s cold, so they go back downstairs. Camille twerks, and gives Ben a lap dance. In Alissa’s interview, she says, she’d never chase a man. Camille is a man chaser, but she’s not. If you don’t have a brain, you have to use something, and Camille uses her ass. Camille asks if Ben enjoyed it. He gets up, and… OH MY GOD, MY EYES!!!! Yeah, he liked it. In her interview, Alissa says, Camille lowered her value. She’s a dirty, disgusting, trashy, swampy bitch.

The morning dawns in a gorgeous place, and it’s 31 hours before charter. Captain Lee says, f*** me, and in his interview, he says, everything is numb. He’s not progressing at the rate he anticipated, and the pain is worse. He can barely stand. In fact, he can’t stand. He says, mother***er.

Next time, a charter of medical doctors; Fraser mistakenly calls the doctors nurses; Alissa and Camille clash; and Camille says, Alissa isn’t her boss. I wonder if that’s the actual problem, since Camille is a floater. Technically, Fraser and Ross are her bosses.

⛴ Oh yeah, the Below Deck Mediterranean Reunion. It was boring AF. Natasha and Jason weren’t there. No doubt with Jason it was sour grapes, since he didn’t end on a great note. Tasha said she was working, but hard to buy that, since almost everyone else was too. Nothing was new news, except there was a show of hands for who thought Tasha did Dave dirty. Everyone raised their hands except Kyle, who said they were both at fault, and that gets my vote too. Tasha had no business stringing Dave along, but he did get overly aggressive, which wasn’t cool when you’re trapped on a boat. Oh, and it was revealed Natalya and Storm got busy in a secret location during charter. The show was one of those Watch What Happens Live virtual things, which I think takes a lot away from it, but maybe no one was that interesting to start with.

🥃 Southern Hospitality is worth a look. It’s like Vanderpump Rules, but in the south. Seriously, it’s not much different. If you like one, you’ll like the other.  

💳 Black Friday For Days…

Join me tomorrow for more Thanksgiving in Port Charles, some tea, and music. Until then, stay safe, stay being open to new viewpoints, and stay finding healthy ways to deal with heartache. Like replacing soul pain with physical pain.

Nov11

November 10, 2022 – The PCPD Hunts Three Fugitives, Can’t Unsee That House, Solo Charm & Soldier

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina and Ava clink martini glasses at the PC Grill, and Nina asks what they’re drinking to. Ava says, roommates, and her gratitude to Nina for taking her in. Nina suggests they drink to Ava’s freedom, now that she’s declared her new independence from all things Cassadine. Ava says, freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, is it? and Nina says, Ava misses him. Ava says, she does; Victor, not so much. She thinks they should drink to love, since Nina has found it with Sonny, and Nina says, things with Sonny have never been better, even though she tests the relationship by getting into everyone else’s business, but she’s only doing that because she’s trying to help his family. Ava asks what Nina did, and Nina says, Willow is spending more time with her hunky doctor friend than she does with Michael. Ava says, and what is a well-meaning woman like Nina to think?

Michael says he wants to ask Willow a favor, and she says, whatever it is, she’ll do her best. He says, she’s in the fight of her life right now, but she’s not in it alone. Their baby is with her, he’s with her, and Wiley is with her. So please, from now on, can she be honest?

At the gatehouse on the phone, Josslyn says, four bedtime stories later, Wiley’s finally asleep. Still at work, Cameron says, she’s such a good big sister to babysit at the last minute. She says she babysat for one night. Meanwhile, he’s been babysitting Jake and Aiden for half his life. He says, they’re not always thrilled about that, but she says, they’re lucky to have him. And so is she. He says, just for that, he’ll come over and help her babysit, but she says he doesn’t have to. He says he wants to. He’ll finish up at Kelly’s, and he’ll make his way over to her. She says, all right. She’ll see him whenever. He comes out, and sees a woman sitting at one of the tables. He says, the kitchen is closing up, and asks if he can get her anything. Heather says she hears the BLTs are to die for.

On the phone at the crash scene, Jordan says, check all the locations in the file, and report back. She tells Dante that she has a patrol car checking out all prior locations listed for Heather Webber, but it’s going to take a while. She has a long history in Port Charles. Him? He says, nothing. No Anna, no Heather, no driver. She says, according to Mac, they found Jack Hicks, the intended driver that was supposed to take Anna to Pentenville. He says, alive? and she says, alive and completely unharmed. They found him tied up in a vacant lot with a bag over his head. His license and ID badge were missing, and it seems he was grabbed from behind; he never saw who did it. Dante says he knows Hicks. He’s telling the truth. Jordan says, which means someone planted a phony driver, and Dante says, the guard must have caught on to what was going on, pulled the wheel, and caused the crash. She says, now they have two fugitives, and he says, but not remotely equal threats, right? Anna has an agenda, but Heather Webber is capable of anything.

Josslyn sits down to study, and someone lurks outside.

On the phone at the docks, Elizabeth asks, how long before the launch returns?… She needs to get to Spoon Island immediately… Okay. She’ll call Mr. Cassadine herself. She hears something, and asks, who’s there? She’s not alone. Esme comes out from behind a crate, and says, true; she’s not alone. It’s just you and me.

Nina tells Ava, Willow’s been spending so much time consulting with TJ Ashford, always whispering with each other. It’s weird. She had to speak up. Ava tells her, admit it. After the way Michael and Willow shut her out of Wiley’s life, she couldn’t wait to get in there and stir that pot. Nina says she doesn’t know that that’s it… All right. In retrospect, maybe she misinterpreted their relationship. Ava says, if that’s the case, Nina should have no problem setting it right, and Nina says she’d love to do that. She just doesn’t know how to. Ava says, Nina starts by swallowing her pride, and apologizing for misjudging Willow.

Michael says he understands why Willow didn’t want to tell him when she was first diagnosed, and he’s not asking for or expecting full disclosure. If there’s something she doesn’t want to tell him, he can accept that, but when she does tell him something, he needs her to be honest. She says she honestly needs him to hold her, and he does.

Someone walks around the gatehouse, and Josslyn wonders if Annabelle got out. She opens the door, and sees Dex wandering around. She asks what the hell he’s doing here, and realizes he’s bleeding.

Jordan says, it’s hard to believe Heather Webber has an accomplice capable of breaking her out of custody, and Dante says, her last connection to the outside world was Franco. Jordan says, which means someone set this up for Anna to escape. The judge got one thing right when they denied bail; Anna has the skills to disappear. Dante says, and the motivation to prove her innocence, whether she does that by finding Lucy, or finding out who made Lucy disappear. He wonders who arranged the whole thing, and Jordan says, Valentin Cassadine. Dante says, he’s not in his office, he’s not in his MetroCourt hotel room, and he’s not answering the phone number they have for him, and she says, if it wasn’t Valentin, someone else helped Anna. He says, like who? and she says, his father and Anna are close, aren’t they?

Cameron says he knows Heather; she’s Franco’s mom. Isn’t she supposed to be… someplace else? She says, aren’t we all? It’s Cam, right? She remembers when he was just a lad, playing games with that sweet little Emma. He says, she’s still sweet, but she’s all grown up now, and Heather says, and that privileged brat, Spencer Cassadine. Did he grow up to be more obnoxious than ever? He says, Spencer hasn’t had it as easy as she thinks, and she says, good. She remembers chasing the three of them all over Spoon Island, as if she was some kind of monster. Imagine. He says, who could forget? and asks if there’s someone he should call for her. She asks him to come closer, and when he does, she says, yes. She can see Franco in his eyes. He says, she does realize they’re not related, right? but she says, the good live on because we keep them alive. But the bad, they get what they deserve.

Elizabeth tells Esme that Nikolas said she fled the country, and Esme tells her, Nikolas says a lot of things… all of them lies. And if she knows Nikolas, he’s made sure the launch stays on the island. Elizabeth says she’s calling the police, and Esme says, why? She hasn’t done anything. Elizabeth says, she tried to poison that bartender to keep him from testifying for Trina, she took that video of her son and Josslyn; she’s sick. She tells the operator that she just spotted a fugitive. Esme Prince is on Pier 55. Esme lunges for Elizabeth, grabbing at the phone, and Elizabeth falls, hitting her head. Esme bends down, and Elizabeth opens her eyes for a moment, but everything is fuzzy, and she blacks out.

Willow says she wants a favor from Michael too. She doesn’t want to tell anyone yet. He says, his family is her family. They love her, and will support her. She says she knows they will, but they’ll also treat her differently. They won’t see her anymore; they’ll see her with leukemia. She’s just not ready for that. He says he gets it. She’s the one with leukemia, so she gets to fight the way feels is best, but how long can they keep this a secret when they need to find a donor match?

Nina finishes her martini, and gets up. Ava asks where she’s going, and Nina says, Ava suggested she apologize to Willow. Ava tells Nina not to do it on her account. She doesn’t want to be the one to lead Nina astray. Ava tells the waiter, two more, but Nina says, just one more, and says, Ava only pointed out what she already knew. She needs to make almonds amends, and own up to her mistakes. Ava says, good luck then, and Nina says she has the feeling she’s going to need it. She leaves, and Victor is outside. He says, how unexpected. No Mr. Corinthos to protect her? Nina says she doesn’t need Sonny’s protection from the likes of him, and keeps walking. He chuckles, and looks inside to see Ava draining her martini. He takes out his phone, and says, any word yet on his son?… Keep looking. If you find Valentin, you’ll find Anna, and whoever else aided and abetted her escape.

Josslyn helps Dex to the couch, and asks, what happened? Breathing heavily, he says, he can’t… and she says, he can lie to her later. She asks to see his wound, and he says he doesn’t lie to her. She says, okay. He can refuse to answer her later. Let her see his side. She pulls aside his shirt, seeing his bloody T-shirt, and he says, it’s just a crease. No internal bleeding; no bullet to get out. She says, he’s shot, and he says he shouldn’t be here. She says, but he is, and he’s bleeding from a gun wound. Give her one good reason not to call the cops. He says he’s asking her not to.

Cameron puts a BLT and fries in front of Heather, and she says, no ketchup? He goes to get some, and she tells the sandwich, I’ve missed you. She takes a blissful bite, and Cameron brings the ketchup. She bangs on the bottom of the bottle to get it out, and talking with her mouth full, she says, so he must be in college by now. He asks how she knows, considering she’s been away. She says, Franco came to visit Her at D’Archam a few times. He couldn’t stop talking about Cameron and his brothers. Cameron says he misses Franco every day, and she says, you and me both. She never had the chance to say goodbye. She picks up a steak knife, and says, Cameron never told her, what’s the latest on his royal highness, Prince Spencer? Cameron says, he’s in Pentenville, and she says, really? With his connections? He must have committed a major felony. Homicide? Grand larceny? It doesn’t matter. It’s nice to know he’s in the same club. He asks if she likes it behind bars, and she says, it’s home. He asks what exactly she’s doing here, and I gotta say, I’m loving this Heather.

Dante tells Jordan, it’s no secret Anna and his father are friends, and it did occur to him that Sonny might be involved in this. She says, she doesn’t expect him to bring in his father for questioning. She’ll speak to Sonny herself. Her phone rings, and she says she hopes it’s Mac with a lead. She answers, then says, send every unit in the area. They can’t let her get away. Dante says, Heather? but she says, Esme Prince was spotted on Pier 55. He says, copy that, and she says, wait here. She’ll handle Esme.

Nikolas grabs Esme from behind, and asks what she did to Elizabeth. She says, nothing. She tripped. Nikolas says, she’s lying, and asks if Esme stabbed her. Is she bleeding? Esme says, no. She just fell down. Elizabeth sees a fuzzy Nikolas become clear, and he says, trust me. She passes out again.

Willow says, Terry has already put her in the registry, and is searching for a donor, and Michael says, maybe there’s more they can do. The best donor would be a relative. She says she doesn’t have any. Her father could be anyone, and her birth mother vanished without a trace. There’s a knock on the door, Michael says, come in, and Nina walks in.

Josslyn says, Dex is lucky Willow is a nurse. She has way more than bandages in this thing. She opens a first aid kit, and he asks if there’s a suture kit. She asks if he means like needles for stitches, and he says he can use a sewing needle, but it’s better if it’s sterile. She says, better is he’s in a hospital, but he says he can’t. She says, he won’t, and those are two different concepts entirely. He says he never should have come here, and she asks why he did. He says he’s not thinking clearly; he just got shot. He doesn’t want her involved in this, but she says, it’s a little late for that. He says he knows it’s too late. He messed up. The less she knows, the better. Give him the kit. She asks if he’s going to sew himself up, and he says, it’s better than continuing to bleed. She says, okay, Jason Bourne. She’s not going to stand here while he sews himself up. He says, then leave the room, but she says, no.

Heather shovels fries in her mouth, and tells Cameron, there’s nothing like this back at D’Archam. She told JoJo, you use too much grease. You should try the duck fat. But he thinks she’s crazy. Cameron asks how she got here, and she says, field trip. As good as these fries are, she’s going to need a soda to wash it down. A can, but put ice in a glass. He says, coming right up, goes in the back, and calls Dante.

Dante asks, what’s up? and Cameron says, Heather Webber is at Kelly’s. Dante says he’s on his way, and Cameron brings Heather’s soda and glass of ice to the table. He says, anything else? and she picks up the knife again. She says, he called the cops, didn’t he?

Ava is working on her second martini, and Victor says, may I? He sits across from her, but she says she’s here with a friend. He says he’ll keep her seat warm. Just because Ava and Nikolas have finally seen the light, and agreed to divorce, doesn’t mean they have to be enemies. She tells him, says man the holding Nikolas’s confession over his head, and he says, we use the tools we’re given. He’s sorry things between her and his nephew didn’t work out, but honestly, it’s better for everyone if it’s over. She says, the divorce isn’t final; nothing’s over yet. He says, she has far too much going on to be dragged down by a marriage that can only end one of two ways – badly or very badly. She says, don’t be so sure, and he says he’s very sure she and Nikolas bring out the worst in each other. Just ask the late Esme Prince.

Esme struggles with Demetrius outside of Windymere, and Nikolas says, if she’d be good enough to step inside. She says, tell his Greek freak to let go of her, and Demetrius pushes her in the castle. Nikolas thanks him, and says he’ll remember Demetrius at Christmas. Demetrius leaves, and Esme says, every time she thinks Nikolas can’t sink any lower, he proves her wrong. Is this really how he treats his friends, leaving Miss Baldwin out on the pier? He says, Elizabeth was safer there, waiting for the authorities, than being with Esme another second. Esme says, when Elizabeth wakes up, he’s toast.

Deanna tells Elizabeth, try to relax, and Elizabeth says, and let the IV do its work. Deanna says, she’s got it, when Jordan comes in. Deanna says she needs to wait outside, but Jordan says, it’s a police matter. How is she? Deanna says, the attending says she has a mild concussion. They’re monitoring her. Jordan says she needs to ask some questions, but Deanna says, it’s not a good time. Jordan says, she’ll make it brief, and Deanna says she’ll see what Dr. Westbourne has to say, but Elizabeth says, it’s okay. Deanna says she’ll be right outside if Elizabeth needs her, and tells Jordan, brief questions. She leaves, and Jordan says, she was on Route 55 when she heard Elizabeth had been brought in. She needs to know who did this to her.

Nina says she needs to speak to Willow, but Michael says he doesn’t care. She needs to leave now, or he’ll have security escort her out. Willow says, it’s okay. Is this about TJ and her? Their secret affair? Nina says she needs to apologize. She completely misinterpreted the situation. Michael says, she saw a chance to cause trouble, and she took it, but Nina says, believe it or not, she was thinking about Wiley. She didn’t want him to deal with the pain of a broken home. Michael says, Nina wasn’t thinking about him. She barges in, tears the family apart, and takes what she wants. Nina says, for once, this isn’t about Michael and his endless grudge. She came here because she’s truly, truly sorry. Willow says, how dare Nina imply she’s ever be unfaithful? That she would jeopardize the family that means everything to her? Nina says, she was wrong. She wants to make almonds amends. Is there anything she can do? Willow says, there is something she can do – drop dead. She walks out, Michael following.

Josslyn cuts Dex’s shirt off, but the part over the wound is stuck by the blood. She says, this part’s sticking, but he tells her, just pull it off. She says, on three. One… two… She rips it off, and he yelps, saying, she told him three. She says, sorry. She thought it would hurt less if she surprised him. He says, no more surprises, and she says, this is disgusting; she’s never done this before. He says he told her, he’ll do it, but she says, no. She asks if he thinks he could stand. She thinks she’d have a better angle. She helps him up, and says, maybe he should lie down, but he says he’ll be fine. Just give him a chair or something to lean on. He feels dizzy, and might lose his balance.

Cameron asks why Heather thinks he’d call the cops, and she says she  tries not to raise her expectations. Dante looks in the window, and she says, people are flawed, and she’s learned to accept their failings, for the most part. Didn’t Franco ever tell him the story of Pinocchio, and what happened to the little wooden boy when he told a lie? Cameron says, his nose grew, but she says, no. He was carved into little pieces and turned into sawdust… Just kidding. She laughs, and Dante comes in. He says, police. Hands where he can see them. She raises her hands, and asks, what took him so long?

Elizabeth says she was on her way to Spoon Island, to Windymere, and Jordan asks, what happened? She says, Esme happened, and Jordan asks if Esme attacked her, but Elizabeth says she’s not really sure. She knew Esme was coming toward her, but the next thing she knew, she was on the ground. Jordan asks, what prevented Esme from doing worse? and Elizabeth says, not what; who. Someone else was there.

Nikolas says, Esme doesn’t know Elizabeth. She won’t give him up. Esme says she woudn’t be too sure about that. Before she could stop her, Elizabeth called 9-1-1 and told them she’d seen Esme Prince. He says, Elizabeth was disoriented; she could have imagined it. She says, keep telling himself that. And what happens when Elizabeth’s head clears, and she realizes Esme was there? And what happens when the cops get wind of her being back in Port Charles? Where does he think they’ll look first? Here, her last known residence. So face it, when Elizabeth starts talking, his days are numbered. He says he woudn’t gloat. If his days are numbered, so are hers.

Esme says she bets Nikolas is thinking of all the ways he’d like to dispose of her. Toss her off a parapet; been there, done that. Shoot her; guns can be traced. Knife, ax, chainsaw; ugh, the mess. His dry cleaner would never forgive him. Or she supposes he could go all Borgia on her and poison her soup, but then what becomes of the next Cassadine? He says, she’s right; it’s quite a conundrum. And if she’s also right about the police, he can’t keep her here, especially after she tried to kill him. She says, really? and he says, as real as the hook she tried to use. She says she doesn’t know who attacked him, but it wasn’t her, and he says, right. Like she didn’t try to kill Ava and Diane Miller. Or succeed in killing Brando and Oz Haggerty. She says she didn’t hurt those people. She’s innocent. He says, she may be many things, but innocent is one thing she isn’t.

Elizabeth tells Jordan, her head was spinning. All she could see was Esme standing over her. Jordan asks if she was holding anything, and Elizabeth says, like a hook? No. Or if she was, Elizabeth didn’t see it. Jordan says, but she did see someone else on the pier. Who was it? Elizabeth says she doesn’t know, and Jordan asks if she can describe them. Elizabeth says, all she knows is, somebody was there. Then she heard sirens, and she must have passed out. She’s sorry she doesn’t remember more. Jordan says, she’s been helpful, but if she remembers anything else, call her. On her way out the door, she radios for a BOLO out on Esme Prince; consider her armed and dangerous.

Dante says he needs Heather to drop the knife please, and she says, since he asked so nicely… She drops it on the floor, and asks if he wants to share the rest of her sandwich. He says, no thanks, and picks up the knife with the hanky he apparently carries. I don’t know one human who carries an actual hanky, and this has been two in two days. He says, a lot of people are worried about her, and she says she’s sorry to hear it. She was on her way home to D’Archam, and found herself by the side of the road, feeling hungry, and she found herself at Kelly’s with little Cam. What are the odds? He says, life is pretty funny, huh? About the accident, does she know what caused it? She says, not a clue. Sure he doesn’t want to split the sandwich? He says he wishes; he’s on a diet. He asks Cameron to wrap up the sandwich, so Heather can take it with her, and Heather says she wants the fries too. Cameron takes them to box them up, and Heather says, both handsome and kind. The quality of the public servants in Port Charles has definitely improved.

Ava says, Victor must be frantic, searching high and low for Lucy. How does he find the time to meddle in her love life? He says his heart yearns to be with Lucy again, no matter how futile the longing. But seeing her eases the pain. He sees a bright future ahead for her. Nina comes back, and Ava says, Victor was just leaving. Johann, wearing a new beard, peeks in, and Victor says, perfect timing. Always a pleasure. He leaves, and Nina sits down. Ava asks, how’d it go? Tell her what happened. Putting her elbows on the table, Nina cups her chin with her hands.

Victor says, any news about his son? but Johann says, nothing. Victor says, what about Anna? and Johann says, not a trace. There’s a family matter of particular importance to Victor.

Josslyn says, if Dex passes out, and rips this open, this is all for nothing. He says he’s not passing out; it hurts too much. She tells him, talk to her. Say anything. Talk to her as a distraction. He says he doesn’t want her distracted, but she says, no, not for her; for him. As she works, he says, someday, he’d like to live by the ocean and learn to surf. She asks, why surfing? and he says, it just seems peaceful to be out on the water, with no distractions – he winces in pain – just sky, and the waves, and the sound of the ocean. She says, it can be like that, and he says, she knows how to surf? She says, her dad’s Australian. She didn’t really have a choice. He asks if it’s hard to learn, but she says she doesn’t remember learning. She just kind of always knew how. He asks if she could teach someone, and she says, that depends. He says, on what? and she says, on who wants to learn. It’s all done.

Josslyn comes out with a shirt, and tells Dex, this is Michael’s. Dex says, he won’t miss it? and she says, he has a lot of shirts. She helps him up, and into the sleeves, and they share a lingering look. He says he’s got it, and buttons the shirt. She gathers up his clothes in a sheet, and says she’ll take this stuff to the car until they can figure out what to do with it. She leaves, and he says, unbelievable. The room lights up with the headlights of a car pulling into the driveway.

Ava tells Nina that she’s sorry. She never should have suggested it. Nina says, that’s okay. It was her bright idea to go rushing out and apologize to Willow. She was not open to it at all. She was offensive and offended. Can Ava do her a favor? The next time she decides to reach out an olive branch to Willow, tell her to forget about it. Victor approaches, and says he apologies for the interruption, but he’s just been given some important information. Ava says, about Lucy? but he says, sadly no; about another missing person. The police have issued a be-on-the-lookout for a Miss Esme Prince. Apparently, she’s been spotted in Port Charles alive and well. He says, ladies, and leaves, Ava possibly swallowing her olive.

Deanna says, any pain? and Elizabeth says, a slight headache. Deanna says, dizziness, nausea? and Elizabeth says, no. Deanna says, blurry vision? Sensitivity to light? Elizabeth says, no and no. She thinks the attending is just erring on the side of caution even calling it a minor concussion. She’s pretty sure it’s just a bump on the head. Deanna says, nice try. Elizabeth is still going to stay here for monitoring. Jordan comes back, and Deanna says, she thought the questions were finished. Jordan says, they are. She just wanted to give Elizabeth an update. Deanna says, make it fast, and leaves. Jordan says, she’s very protective, and Elizabeth says, she’s an excellent nurse. Jordan says she doesn’t want Deanna throwing her out, so she’ll make it fast. She’s issued a be-on-the-lookout for Esme Prince. There have been no other sightings yet, but thanks to Elizabeth’s quick thinking, she won’t get too far. She’s glad Elizabeth is okay. She really had a guardian angel looking out for her tonight. Jordan leaves, and Elizabeth flashes back to Nikolas saying, trust me.

On the phone, Nikolas says, that’s great news, and tells Esme, Elizabeth is okay. She says, he has all this concern for Elizabeth, yet he keeps the mother of his child prisoner. He says, she won’t be locked up forever. Once she gives birth to his child, he’s done with her. He takes her sheets, and leaves. She says, we’ll see about that.

Cameron brings out Heather’s to-go bag, and she says, thank you, sweet boy. He says, she’s welcome, and Dante asks if she’s ready to go, holding out his arm. She tells Cameron, it’s a delicious sandwich, and such generous portions. She always likes when there’s some to take home. She feels awful not being able to pay, but he says, it’s on the house. She says, how lovely, and takes Dante’s arm. In a Southern accent, she says, I always have depended on the kindness of strangers. Back to her normal voice, she says she doesn’t want Cameron to be a stranger, and Dante leads her away.

Outside the gatehouse, Michael asks if Willow is tired, and she says, exhausted. Also relieved. They go inside, and Michael calls for Josslyn. Josslyn dashes in, and Michael asks, where was she? She says she was just checking on Annabelle, making sure she didn’t mess up any of the flowerbeds. Willow says, bless you. Annabelle is a sweet dog, but no garden is safe when she’s around. Michael asks why there’s a chair in the middle of the living room, and Josslyn says she had to study, and all of their furniture is so comfortable. She pulled that chair over. She sees a bloody cotton ball on the floor, and grabs it, as Michael puts away the chair, stashing it in her backpack. He asks how Wiley was, and she says, he’s great. She read him four bedtime stories, and he passed out. He thanks her for filling in, and she says, of course (🍷), but if he wants to thank her, he should take Willow to bed. She’s exhausted. Willow says she heard that, and Michael and Josslyn say, goodnight. Josslyn leaves, and Michael sits next to Willow. He asks if she needs anything, but she says, just him.

Outside, Josslyn sees fresh blood on a leaf, and says, he’s still bleeding… Dex.

Tomorrow, Britt says, there’s a bomb in her brain; Josslyn hopes it’s worth it; Sonny says, Dex could be anywhere; and Cyrus says, if Anna is on the run, it’s best she stays that way.

❄️ On Winter House, the worst reality show ever made, at least recently, Paige wept to Amanda about Craig’s a-holeness. Amanda said, boys are just annoying in general, totally missing the point that these boys should have turned to men a good decade ago. In their joint interview, the Toms said they’d been so busy opening the bar, they needed this, as Sandoval twirled his Barnum & Bailey ringmaster moustache. Sandoval said he’d packed some amazing LEDs, and Schwartz said, it would be open to interpretation. Sandoval blew a bugle to begin the festivities, and started everyone off with a buzz button shot. I’d never heard of this, but according to specialtyproduce.com,  Buzz Button™ flowers contain a grassy, citrus-like flavor with mild astringency. When consumed, the flowers release an active compound that gives the mouth a numbing, tingling sensation and stimulates the saliva glands inducing a natural cooling effect. Apparently, you eat the flower first, then have the shot. I will be giving this a hard pass should I come across it. The Toms had done up the basement, giving it a disco in your grandma’s basement vibe. As is often the case, the whole thing ended up being creepy unappealing, kind of like the ghost of a high school dance without chaperones. Paige told Craig that she didn’t like feeling like she was involved in a confrontation that she wasn’t personally involved in, and tried to explain that being a couple meant you were an extension of the other person. In Craig’s interview, he said, Paige had patiently sat through days of him fighting with her friends, and never said anything. He was relieved, but nervous, since he didn’t know how many chances he’d be getting. He would have run out after the first time if I was dating him. Seriously, what the hell? Paige can’t find someone who isn’t volatile and unpredictable? Amanda asked Schwarz about Katie, and he said, it was complex. He hadn’t been present in his marriage, and couldn’t imagine his life without her. In his interview, he said he wanted to respect Katie’s privacy, and wasn’t ready to talk about their divorce. Rachel kissed Jason, Kory got busy with Jess, and Amanda dressed like a polar bear. I heard things I didn’t want to hear, and saw things I can’t unsee. To his credit, Kory finally covered the camera, but it was too late. My eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

The Toms had to take off early in the morning, and Kyle and Amanda were taking a day trip to see Kyle’s grandmother, who was turning 99. I have to say, she looked damn good for nearly 100. In Paige’s interview, she said she was fine once Craig admitted he was an a-hole. As long as he knew he was doing wrong, and took an ounce of ownership, she was a peach. I felt like I was being punked within a punk, because I just don’t get it. Jess told Rachel details about Kory that I can’t unhear, and said she thought Paige had wanted to hook him up with Ciara, and was holding it against her. It seemed like Paige liked her when she first got here, but not now. Rachel said her night was PG, and Jason told Luke that if Rachel had a hook-up in mind, he was there for it, but he was glad she wasn’t in a rush. Austen told Luke that he’d come to have fun with his friends, get drunk, and escape, and his plan was a success.  Luke asked how it was hanging out with someone he had a history with, and Austen said, the last person he’d slept with was Ciara. In Austen’s interview, he said, Ciara was pretty, but he had real feelings for Olivia. She was everything. He was happy that he was getting along with everyone, but would like the girl he was dating there so he could enjoy it to the max. He called Olivia in Vegas, and said she should join him, but she was happy being in a warmer climate.

In Amanda’s interview, she said she’d been off birth control since after the wedding, and hadn’t had a period. We flashed back to her saying that she wasn’t sure if she could have kids, and she said she was happy just being married. They weren’t ready to have kids, and she had her dogs. This is probably the only thing she and I will ever correlate on. Craig, Paige, Kory, and Jess went bowling, and in Jess’s interview, she said she was glad Kory was competitive like herself. She couldn’t date a loser. Rachel told Paige that Jess was feeling left out, and Amanda said, every time she looked for Jess, she was hanging out with the guys. In Paige’s interview, she said she was dumbfounded. She even said Jess could shower in her bathroom; that was inclusive. Austen told Amanda that he was thinking about asking Olivia to join them, and Amanda thought it was a great idea. In Amanda’s interview, she said, based on what Ciara had said, she thought Ciara and Austen could be friends and move on. Luke put some nails in the top of a stump of wood, and everyone took turns whacking them with a hammer. I’m not sure if it was a game or a competition, but it was pretty boring. Except for Craig missing the nail totally, and dropping the hammer. Amanda told Ciara that Austen was possibly inviting Olivia to the house, saying, she couldn’t hold on to that knowledge. In other words, because she’s 12, she couldn’t wait a minute, and let Austen discuss it with Ciara. Amanda said, Austen missed Olivia, and Ciara seemed bummed. Amanda wondered if she’d misread the situation, and Ciara said, Austen would hate it if she was here with someone else. In Ciara’s interview, she said, Austen was jeopardizing their friendship, and his relationship. He hadn’t been on his best behavior, and can’t help flirting with her. Go ahead and f*** it up early; do her a favor. Ciara tells Paige that if Olivia comes, she’s going to leave, and Paige says, if Austen was her boyfriend, she woudn’t be happy about how he’s been acting toward Ciara.

Paige said she’d thought Ciara was more over it, and Amanda said she felt like a bad friend. She asked if Ciara was upset, and Ciara said she was ready to go home. Amanda wondered if it would feel different if Austen had said he was serious about Olivia, and Paige said, it might feel different if Austen hadn’t been eyeing Ciara up and down. We flashed back to that, and Amanda said, if Ciara wasn’t going to enjoy her vacation, it wasn’t fair for Austen to bring someone in. Kyle wondered what was on the agenda for tomorrow, and suggested they do oysters and Viagra. Rachel said she was having her garden party, and in her interview, she said she has a relationship with flowers. They helped her get through the hardest things. She was okay with being alone; she has a cat. In a side moment, Jason dropped a potato chip, and threw it out, saying, normally, he’d eat a chip off the floor, but not here. I include this because it seems like a good metaphor for the show as a whole. That chip you dropped in the one place you’d never apply the five-second rule to. Like maybe a pig sty. There were more sounds I didn’t want to hear, and it again reminded me so much of The Real World, except with older people who shouldn’t be acting like they’re 18-23. Or 15. Luke couldn’t seem to pronounce bagel properly, and kept saying baggle, pissing Paige off. Jason said he’d had a request for chicken parm, and would be cooking tonight. The guys went to a bar, while the girls went to a flower shop with Rachel, who schooled them in the art of flowers. Back at the house, Ciara bitched to Paige about Austen in the bedroom, and Amanda blocked Craig from coming in. She told them that Jess had let Craig know where Paige was, and she told Jess that if Craig couldn’t find Paige, it was for a reason. Jess joined them, and Paige said, she’ll learn.

Everyone dressed garden-ish costumes, looking much like the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jess told Rachel that she couldn’t connect with the other girls, and it was like the mean girls club. In Rachel’s interview, she thought Jess was intimidated. She had to knock on the door. These girls weren’t the type to coddle her. Jess asked if Rachel could pass them a note see how they felt without being weird.

Rachel had floor to ceiling flowers going on, and told the group that she appreciated them welcoming her to their world. Now she was welcoming them to hers. Craig said he loved the party’s trippy nature, and everyone took an absinthe shot. Bleh. Jason served dinner, and they all agreed it had been a great day; the guys drank and the girls were productive. There were lots of thanks and compliments, and they took pictures. Alone in the kitchen, Ciara and Austen split off to talk. Austen told Ciara that he’d mentioned to a few people about Olivia possibly coming, but he’d always planned to talk to her before doing it. She said she’d heard it from other people, and her first reaction was, he doesn’t give a f*** about her at all. He already put her in a situation over the summer. We flash back to him flirting with her, then Lindsay, and Ciara said he’d made her look like an idiot, and he acted insane. He’d be sh*tting himself if she was hooking up with someone there. He said, it wasn’t up to him anymore, but she said she wouldn’t bring someone else around; they woudn’t be comfortable. Would Olivia? Austen said, Olivia would probably want to crawl in a hole and die before joining them, and in Austen’s interview, he said he was oblivious sometimes. He thought, since things were going well, it wouldn’t be an issue. Now that he’s seeing it is, he doesn’t know what he was thinking.

Paige asked for a girl pow-wow, and Rachel said, Jess felt like they were being mean girls and ignoring her. Ciara said she thought Jess was isolating herself, and Paige said she didn’t need a Lindsay 2.0. In Paige’s interview, she said, when people first meet her, she’s quiet, and they can think she’s a bitch. They think she’s Regina George when she’s not. The girls gathered in a bedroom, and  Paige said she felt like she went out of her way to be nice to Jess. Jess said, it wasn’t like she was going around, running her mouth, but she felt like when she walked into a room, there was a different vibe. It was a feeling she had, whether it was because of her own insecurity or not. She felt like she was walking into high school, and didn’t fit in. In Jess’s interview, she said, her childhood best friend switched to private school, while she was still being homeschooled, and the friend turned on her. It was painful. Paige said she’d just met Rachel, and Rachel didn’t feel left out. She asked if Jess had ever checked on her, and answered her own question; no. But she’d checked in on Jess. She said she was done with this mean girl sh*t, and being called out for it. You want to see a mean girl, I’ll show you a mean girl. And with that, she stomped downstairs.

Next time, ice skating; Jess is in love; Lindsay and Karl arrive; Ciara says, Austen dropped a bomb, and it’s about to get huge awkward.

🍹 Hospitable Reality…

This looks pretty good. It always seems to work better when there’s also a business involved, since the focus isn’t solely on the cast.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1353649/southern-hospitality-get-the-party-started-with-these-first-look-images-at-the-bravo-spinoff

🍽 Reserving a Table…

Make a return trip tomorrow for soap, tea, insightful words, and miscellaneous track. Until then, stay safe, stay being able to admit when you’re wrong, and stay appreciating those who welcome you into their world, and welcome them into yours.