What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura goes to Portia’s house, and Portia thanks her for doing this. Laura says, when Scotty asked her to make a statement attesting to Trina’s good character, she was more than happy to do so. She asks where Scotty is, and Trina says, actually, he’s not coming.

Curtis and Marshall approach an apartment, and Curtis says, they’ve been knocking on doors all night. If Marshall wants to take a load off in the car, he has waters in the trunk, and Marshall can kick back and listen to some jazz music on the radio. Marshall says, Curtis is talking to him like he’s some old man. Why doesn’t he go sit in the car, and listen to jazz on the radio? Marshall is going to keep knocking on all these doors, looking for that bartender. Curtis says, he forgot how feisty Marshall is, and Marshall says, not feisty, determined. Trina is like his granddaughter now. Ain’t no way she’s going to jail if he can help it. Curtis says, so they’ll keep knocking on doors until they find the bartender who sold Esme Prince the unregistered phone, and Marshall says, unless TJ and Taggert find him first. He asks if Curtis should do the honors, or should he, and Curtis knocks on the door. The bartender in question opens the door, and asks if he can help them. Curtis says, I believe you can.

Ava pours coffee, and Nikolas nuzzles her from behind. She says, good morning to him too, and he says he doesn’t suppose he could whisk her off to the bedroom. She says she wishes, and he asks where she’s off to today. She says, Trina’s trial is starting, so she’s off to Trina’s mother’s and they’re going to the courthouse from there. He says, of course (🍷); apologies for forgetting. She almost says something, and he says, what? but she says, never mind. He says, come on, and she says she was going to ask if he could maybe keep Esme from showing up in court so she doesn’t upset Trina, but she realizes that’s wishful thinking. He says, it’s not that he wouldn’t ask Esme to stay away, but he doesn’t have that kind of sway over her.

Esme comes up behind Spencer, and says, good morning. He jumps, shoving his phone in his pocket, and she says, sorry. She didn’t mean to spoil his day. He says, no; he’s sorry. She surprised him. She says, he doesn’t have to lie. She knows he’s been keeping his distance from her. First he missed the fireworks. Then when he returned to Windymere last night, he barely said a word to her. What happened? He flashes back to seeing Rory and Trina kiss.

Valentin gives Victor a mimosa, and Victor asks, what’s this? Valentin says, it’s champagne and orange juice; sorry Victor has never heard of it. Victor says, Valentin failed to do away with Laura, and is now coming after him? and Valentin says, by poisoning Victor? Don’t think he hasn’t thought of it. He takes a sip of the mimosa, and says, nope, still here. He sets it down, and closes the door to the terrace. Victor says, this isn’t some kind of a joke. May he remind Valentin… Valentin says, that Victor is holding his daughter hostage? Victor says, at a very luxurious European boarding school, with absolutely no idea it wasn’t Valentin’s decision to put her there. So. Why did Valentin want to see him if it wasn’t to kill him? Valentin says he has something in the works that will take the heat off of both of them, with no blood being spilled, but Victor says he’s afraid that’s a waste of time. Since Valentin failed to follow orders, he’s taken matters into his own hands.

Spencer tells Esme, nothing happened last night; he just has a lot on his mind. She says she thinks they both know what a lot on his mind is, don’t they? Trina’s trial. He says, that’s right. They might both be called to testify; their names dragged through the mud. Trina’s attorney and her friends will all say terrible things about them. She says, he makes a good point, which gives her an idea. Why don’t they fly somewhere for the week, avoid any possible subpoenas? Spend his monthly allowance someplace far away from here and Trina’s trial. He says, they can’t, and she asks, why not?

Laura tells Diane, the Faroe Islands? She’s never even heard of them. Diane says, it’s in archipelago in the Northern Atlantic. It’s semi-autonomous, but essentially the territory of Denmark. Trina and Josslyn come in, and Laura says, Scotty’s daughter was arrested there? Diane says, Serena is a committed environmentalist, and the Faroe Islands… Josslyn says she read about this. They have this annual hunt where they slaughter dolphins and small whales; it totaled like 1400 last year. Trina says, that’s disgusting; those poor animals. Diane says, agreed (me too). Serena got in a confrontation with some traditionalists who still support the hunt, and she was taken into custody. So Scotty is en route to the Faroe Islands, where he will secure his daughter a Danish lawyer and coordinate her defense. She knows he spoke to Trina and Portia about this, and Portia says, Scotty called her last night, explained the situation, and said Diane was willing to take over Trina’s defense. Diane says, absolutely. Scotty has done a masterful job with prepping the case, and she’s more than confident she can argue it. However, if this is all too last minute for them, she understands, and she’ll ask the court for a continuance. Portia asks how much time that would buy Trina, and Diane says, there’s really no way to predict. Judge Young might see Scotty’s disappearance as a stall tactic, and may not grant the continuance. But assuming it is granted, the trial could be delayed anywhere from three months to a year. Trina says she can’t spend a whole year with this hanging over her head.

Marshall tells the bartender, they’re friends of Jack’s. He said he was going to put in a good word for them with him. The bartender says he hasn’t heard from Jack in days, and Marshall says, they’re looking to buy some items… off the books. And Jack said he’s the man with the plan. The bartender asks how he knows they ain’t cops, and Curtis says, what if they are?

Trina tells Portia, these past few months have been hard enough. She doesn’t want to spend a whole year in limbo. She’s innocent and she wants to prove it. Actually, she wants Diane to prove it. Can she do that? Josslyn says, of course (🍷) she can. She’s defended Sonny for years, and gotten him off more times than Josslyn can count, and he was guilty every time. Laura says she’s sure Josslyn is exaggerating, but Josslyn says, no. Her point is, Diane is a rockstar in the courtroom. Trina couldn’t have anybody better. Portia says, that actually does bring up a good point. Will it go against Trina to be defended by an attorney who is… known to be… Diane says she thinks the phrase Portia is looking for is mobbed up. She can assure them that she has many, many clients who have nothing to do with Sonny or his family. Just a couple of years ago, she defended Willow Tate in a particularly tricky adoption case, and it’s ironic she’s with Michael now, but back then Willow had no ties to organized crime. Having said all that, the bottom line is, there’s no guarantee. Even with her admittedly excellent record, she’s had verdicts not go her way. She’s had clients convicted she knew were innocent. Portia says, but what about Trina’s case?

Victor says, he’s a little baffled by Valentin’s sudden outbreak of conscience with regard to their esteemed mayor. Laura has no love for Valentin. Valentin says, it’s not a moral decision. There were too many witnesses who had seen him and Laura together, including her husband. Laura would have drunk the iced tea, she would have collapsed, and all eyes would have been on him. Victor says he’s sure Valentin made the right call under the circumstances. Nevertheless, he’ll handle things from now on. Valentin says, don’t panic. Panic makes poor decisions. Victor wants Laura neutralized before she can deport him? He thinks Victor’s taken on more than he can handle. So let him suggest a change in tactics. Stop threatening him, and tell him what the hell is going on.

Ava and Nikolas kiss, and he says, is she sure he can’t tempt her? She says, how’s about a raincheck? and he says, whatever her heart desires. They kiss again.

Esme says, why can’t they leave Port Charles? and Spencer says, because he has a surprise for her. She says, really? What is it? He says, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he told her, and his phone dings. He looks at it, and says, in fact, he needs to pick something up related to her surprise. She says, how about a hint? and he says, okay, but only one. This is going to rock your world.

Valentin says, Victor stole the Ice Princess from Luke. He had Valentin plant it on Jennifer Smith. Why? None of the pieces fit. More people come out on the terrace, and Victor moves out of earshot. He says, that’s privileged information he’s not prepared to share, seeing it’s clear Valentin’s allegiance to him is solely predicated on Charlotte’s well-being. Valentin says, there’s a simple solution for that. Give him his daughter back. When Charlotte is safe, back with him, Victor will have his full allegiance, he promises. Victor says he’s afraid Valentin has to earn his trust, and until he does, Victor is keeping Charlotte as leverage. He’s also keeping details of his plan secret. Valentin says he has to find Anna before she comes looking for them. For the good of Victor’s long-term plan, let him handle Laura. Valentin leaves, and Victor says he’s afraid that’s a promise he just can’t make.

Diane says, the state can present some strong circumstantial evidence, and Josslyn says, but the evidence is the phone that Esme obviously planted. Diane says, unfortunately, she can’t stand Trina in front of a jury, and tell them Esme is a twisted little psychopath, who’s framing Trina. Laura says she can swear to that, and Diane thanks her, but says, sadly, Esme’s not on trial. Josslyn says, yet, and Diane says, it’s going to be her job to cast a negative light on all the evidence against Trina. Trina says, can she? and Diane says she does see some cracks in the state’s case, and luckily for them, they have one undeniable advantage. Trina says, what’s that? and Diane says, you. Trina is without artifice. She’s a good person and it shows, and Diane has no doubt when Trina tells her story to the jury, they’ll believe her. Trina asks what Portia thinks, and Portia says she’s in, but it’s totally up to Trina. Trina says, okay. No continuance. She goes through with her trial today.

Curtis and Marshall walk into the bartender’s, and the bartender says, hey. Marshall says, it’s all good here, and tells Curtis, there’s no need for all this hostility. He and this man were having a friendly conversation; true? Curtis says, his apologies. He was in law enforcement for a lot of years, and guesses old habits die hard. The bartender says, they’re not cops now? and Curtis says he got kicked off the force. Touchy subject. Marshall tells the bartender, like he said, Jack vouches for them. The bartender closes the door, and Curtis says, he’s a tough man to track down. They went to his apartment, he wasn’t at the bar where he works… and the bartender says, he needed to lay low for a while. Curtis says, until the trial is over, right? and the bartender says, what trial? Curtis says, the Trina Robinson trial, and you know what? He’d be worried if he were the bartender too. The bartender says, about? and Curtis says, testifying.

Diane reads Laura’s statement, and says, it’s excellent. It’s very compelling. Laura says, and every word is true, and Trina thanks Laura for speaking on her behalf. Everyone knows Laura won’t stand up for someone who’s guilty. Laura says, she woudn’t, and she wants to do everything to make right a horrible wrong. Diane says, making sure the jury knows that Trina’s family and friends are 100% behind her will go a long way in convincing that jury she’s innocent. Speaking of family, where is Trina’s father? He’s got to be in the courtroom today. Portia says, Taggert is following up on a lead. So are Curtis and his father. Diane asks if she wants to know, but Portia says, it’s best if she has deniability about what they’re doing, and Trina too. Diane says, actually, the less Trina knows, the fewer questions she’ll have to dodge on the stand, and Trina says, what if the DA’s office finds out, and they put her mother on the stand, or dad, or Curtis? Laura suggests they not worry about what hasn’t happened, and Diane says, there’s one thing she knows will happen. ADA Arden is going to attack Trina’s character, if only to undercut the fact Diane is putting Trina forth as a good kid who would never betray her friend. Josslyn says, she and Cam are going to make sure that doesn’t happen. They’re going to show the jury exactly the kind of person Trina is. Trina says she knows who she is, and she knows who her real friends are, and Laura takes her hand, saying, she knows Trina is going to do great today. She’s sorry, but she has to run. She has a meeting at the MetroCourt and she has to end up at the hospital Board. She hugs Trina, and tells her not to worry. Trina thanks her, and Portia thanks her for being there for Trina. She hugs Portia, and says, of course (🍷). Absolutely. Any time. She tells Diane, give them hell today, and Diane says, absolutely (WOTD). Laura leaves, and Diane says, well, ladies, let’s strategize.

At the hospital, Spencer smiles while looking at a document. We see it’s the DNA test, and when he turns, he bumps into Rory, dropping the paperwork. Rory apologizes, and Spencer says, watch where you’re going. Rory says, back at you, and bends to pick up the papers, but Spencer nearly dives onto them.

Diane says, a courtroom is like a theater, and a jury is quite literally a captive audience with nothing to do but listen and look. And they want to make sure the jury sees all the right things; that they see Trina taking this gross injustice seriously. That they see Portia standing behind her daughter, concerned, loving, and they see Josslyn, Trina’s dear, dear friend, who also happens to be one of the victims – not throwing attitude, not rolling her eyes, not shooting dirty looks at the prosecution. Respect is the name of the game. Portia’s phone rings, and she says, it’s the hospital; she’s not on call today. Trina says, it could be important, and Portia excuses herself. Diane says, while Portia is taking that, she’s going to check in with her office, and she leaves the room. Trina thanks Josslyn for coming by so early, and not holding it against her for ditching her last night, and Josslyn says, Trina didn’t ditch her. She practically had to force Trina out of there. She needed alone time with her mom, and Trina needed alone time with Rory. She hopes it was a good night. Trina tells her, you could say that, and Josslyn asks, how good? Trina says, they kissed, and Josslyn says, she knew it. She said Rory was into Trina, did she not? Trina says, she did, and Josslyn says, now they’ve kissed. Trina says, four times, and Josslyn asks if they’re a thing now, but Trina says, she and Rory can’t even talk about hanging out with the trial about to start.

The bartender says, testify? About what? He never heard of this Trina Robinson. He has nothing to do with her. Curtis says, then his mistake. They’re here to buy an unregistered phone. But this upcoming trial is all over the news, and an unregistered phone factors into the case. So he assumed, since the bartender’s the local seller, the cops are looking for him. The bartender says, funny thing. Curtis isn’t the first person to ask him about that phone. Unfortunately, he’s all out of inventory. Curtis says, so he doesn’t think he should be selling anything right now, and the bartender says, he’s got that right. Nice not knowing you. Curtis says they can see themselves out, and Marshall says, but… Curtis says, they’ll tell Jack he said hi, and they leave. In the hallway, Marshall asks, what was that all about? Now they’ve learned nothing. Curtis says, actually, that went according to plan.

Josslyn says, the jury is going to realize Trina had nothing to do with making this video, and she and Rory can do whatever they want. Trina says, that’s the difference between her and Josslyn. Josslyn has total confidence that she’ll be found innocent, and she knows there’s a chance she won’t. Then what does her future look like? Prison? Josslyn asks if she’s told this to Rory, and Trina says, he knows she needs to find out what happens with the trial first. Josslyn says, then what’s wrong with that? and Trina says, nothing. She wants to trust him, but she’s been trusting the wrong people lately. Josslyn says, what if Rory’s the right person? Portia comes back downstairs, and Diane asks if she has to go to the hospital, but Portia says, it was just a nurse who wanted confirmation on a change of medication for one of her patients; it’s fine. Let’s get back to Trina’s case. Who else can attest to Trina’s good character? Diane says, let her focus on the legal options. Portia can keep Trina focused; keep her from falling apart. Portia says, her daughter doesn’t fall apart, and Diane says, of course (🍷). She appreciates that Trina has such a strong support system. Portia asks, what happens to Diane’s clients when they don’t have a great support system? and Diane says, they’re getting a little off-topic. Portia says, her daughter is fighting for her future here, and she needs to prepare for every eventuality. Diane says, of course (🍷). The pressures of a trial, and the possibility of being wrongfully incarcerated could break anybody, and especially when you factor in stressors that could bring psychological issues to the surface.

Laura sees Valentin on the terrace, and he says, she’s not stalking him, is she? She says, hardly. She has a meeting here with her Deputy Mayor, but she’s glad she ran into him. There’s something she’d like to discuss with him. He says, please, and she says, the other night when he spilled that drink on her, what was really going on there? He says, she’ll have to forgive his clumsiness, and make sure she sends him the dry cleaning bill, but she says, he’s never clumsy; he’s always in control of himself. He has impeccable manners, so either he purposely spilled that drink on her, or he’s under incredible strain. Which is it? He says, his coordination really hasn’t been the same since he left the hospital, and she says, the only times she’s ever seen him really rattled is when it’s had something to do with Charlotte. Is there reason for concern? He says, if there were, she’d be the first to know. He will always prioritize Charlotte’s well-being, no matter what the cost. She says she doesn’t doubt that, and we see a sniper setting his sights on her. She tells Valentin that she misses Charlotte a lot, but she does seem to be enjoying her time in boarding school. Probably just as well she’s not in Port Charles right now. Valentin says, that was his rationale, but he’s surprised she agrees, and she says, she knows Charlotte got very close to the Quartermaines when they were living at their house. Now that he’s fighting with them about ELQ, she thinks it’s best Charlotte isn’t here to get caught in the middle of all that. He says, the Quartermaines have nothing to worry about. Under his watch, ELQ will continue to grow, and profit. She says, except he’s maneuvered them to fight with each other (like that takes a lot), and he looks up, seeing the sniper. He grabs Laura, pulling her across the room, and she asks, what the hell is wrong with him?

Marshall says, Curtis told their one and only lead that they suspect him of selling a phone to Esme. That’s a good thing? No. Curtis says, it was a long shot getting this bartender to give them anything. They need proof that he sold the phone to Esme. So people are asking questions, and he’s feeling the heat… Marshall says, bam. He’s going to have some questions of his own for the buyer. Curtis says, and hopefully lead them to him… or her, and Marshall wags his finger at Curtis, smiles, and says, boy… They hear something, and jet around the corner. The bartender comes out of his apartment, closes the door, and leaves. Marshall and Curtis nod to each other.

Portia asks if stress caused any of Diane’s other clients to develop previously undiagnosed mental issues, and Diane asks if Portia is actually concerned Trina won’t be able to handle the pressure of this trial, but Portia says, no. She’s just getting the facts. Remembering when she was in medical school, her psyche rotation. They didn’t really go over stressors. Diane says, anything she’d tell Portia would be purely anecdotal, and Portia says, but the psychological stress of a trial, that could bring about some serious mental issues. Diane says she gets it. Portia’s daughter has been unjustly accused; of course (🍷) she’s worried. But as they’ve already talked about, Trina’s got this astonishing support system, and there aren’t any family medical issues to worry about, right?

Spencer tells Rory, he’ll get them, and gathers up the paperwork. He asks if Rory is here to make another unjustified arrest, but Rory says he’s taking a witness statement. What about Spencer? Spencer says, it’s none of his business, and Rory asks if he’s sure about that. Spencer says he is, because Rory has done enough to insert himself into his life, and Rory asks what that means. Spencer says, forget it. Have a lousy day. He starts to walk away, and Rory says, that’s Spencer’s M.O., isn’t it? He talks tough, but when it comes time to step up, Spencer walks away. Spencer says, sometimes walking away is the best option. Instead of further complicating people’s lives. But Rory wouldn’t know a thing about that, would he? Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kissed Trina last night.

Esme is texting, when Nikolas walks in. He says he’s sorry to startle her, but he was looking for Spencer. She says, Spence had to run out. She doesn’t know where. He asks if everything is okay, and she says, Spence says he’s working on a surprise for her, but she thinks he’s just using it as an excuse to get away from her and deal with his feelings for Trina. Does she sound like a broken record? He says, she sounds like someone in pain (ugh), and she says she suggested they fly off to someplace romantic, but it’s not to be. He says, but she’s still hanging in there? and she says, of course (🍷). She loves Spencer. Nikolas says, that’s all the more reason not to tell Spencer what happened between them, and she says, then there would be no hope of salvaging her relationship. To say nothing of Nikolas’s marriage to Ava, and his relationship to Spence. He says, the fallout would be monumental, and she says, especially as long as they’ve kept their little secret under wraps.

Ava says she’d ask how Trina is, but she thinks she already knows, and Trina says she’s actually feeling a lot better now that Ava’s here. Diane tells Josslyn, once they’re in the courtroom, she has to keep her personal feelings about Ava off her face, and Josslyn says, don’t worry. She’s a pro at doing that by now. Ava says hello to Diane, and asks if she’s joined Trina’s defense team, and Diane says, she is the defense team. Scotty got called out of the country on a family emergency. Portia says, Miss Miller has agreed to take Trina’s case, and they’re very grateful, and Trina asks if Diane is calling Ava as one of her character witnesses. Diane says, no, Ava’s name is not on the list Scotty provided, and Ava says, she offered, of course (🍷), but Scotty was concerned her testimony wouldn’t have the desired effect, given certain elements of her history. Trina says, the important thing is that Ava is in court with them, and Josslyn asks if there’s anything else she can do to help. Trina says, Josslyn testifying on her behalf is enough, and Diane says, the evidence against Trina is circumstantial. No one saw her make the tape; no one saw her post it. So their best shot at convincing the jury that act was completely against Trina’s character. She tells them that has to appear before Judge Young and finalize the attorney substitution, and tells Trina, just remember, all they have to do is prove reasonable doubt. Portia says she’ll walk Diane out; she has a few more questions. Diane and Portia leave, and Ava says, but reasonable doubt isn’t Trina’s only option, is it? Josslyn asks what Ava is talking about, and Ava says, months ago, Trina told her that she has evidence that proves her innocence; evidence that she’s been keeping to herself. Ava thinks it’s time Trina told them what that evidence is, consequences be damned.

Valentin says, sorry. He didn’t mean to manhandle Laura. The sniper tries to get a bead on her again, and Laura says, if Valentin is keeping something from her, and especially if it has to do with Charlotte… He says, it’s just that he’s missing his daughter, and Laura’s phone dings. He asks if there’s a problem, and she says, uch. Yes. Her Deputy Mayor. There was a miscommunication, and she’s waiting for Laura with the hospital Board over at GH, so she has to go. Take care of himself. He says, you do the same, and she leaves. He walks away, and looks up at the sniper, making a cutting motion with his hand.

The bartender goes to Pier 54, and the ferry blows its horn. He practically flings himself onto it, and Curtis and Marshall come out onto the dock. Marshall says, he’s leaving town, but Curtis says, that dock is for the launch to Windymere.

Nikolas tells Esme, let’s hope the truth never has to come out. It happened, it’s over, let’s move on. She asks if there are any updates on her being able to see Ryan Chamberlain again, but he says, sorry. Spring Ridge wasn’t impressed by him throwing the Cassadine name around. She says, so there’s nothing else he can do? and he says, he has some connections on the GH Board of Directors. It’s possible they may have enough sway to override Doc. She thanks him, but he says, it’s a long shot. She says, it’s something, and it means the world to her that he even tried. She throws her arms around his neck.

Josslyn asks Trina what evidence Ava is talking about, and Ava says she doesn’t want to betray Trina’s confidence, but this is too important to keep a secret, right? Ava tells Josslyn, Trina told her that she has proof she didn’t send the tape of Josslyn and Cam to the PCU student body, but by bringing that evidence to light, she would also bring down an innocent party. Trina told her that she’d tell Scotty if her case went to trial. Well, here they are. Josslyn says she can’t believe she’s saying this, but she agrees with Ava, and Trina says, it’s not a magic bullet. It might be just wishful thinking on her part. She touches her throat, and says, oh my God. My necklace; the one my dad gave me on my eighteenth birthday. She wanted to wear it at the trial. She tells Ava that she bets it’s at the gallery, and Ava says she has it; she brought it to Windymere for safekeeping. She’ll go get it for Trina. Trina says she’ll owe Ava a thousand favors in return, but Ava says, just one. Tell Diane what she hasn’t told the rest of them. Ava leaves, and Trina asks Josslyn, what’s that look for? Josslyn says, Trina just very conveniently changed the subject to get Ava to leave. Why didn’t she say anything about finding evidence that could help her? Trina says, because it doesn’t conclusively prove her innocence, but Josslyn asks if she doesn’t think that’s for Diane and the jury to decide. Can it help her? Trina says, it might, and Josslyn says, Trina’s best friends and her family, and everybody who cares about her is going to bat for her, and this is how she thanks them? By holding back? What’s wrong with her? Trina says she has an alibi for when the sex tape was posted. She was with someone. Josslyn asks why Trina didn’t say anything before. Who was she with? Trina says, Spencer.

Rory asks what business it is of Spencer’s what he and Trina do? and Spencer says, it’s not like they tried to hide it. He was crossing through the park on the 4^th of July, and he saw the two of them having a picnic. Rory is such a hypocrite. He comes off as Officer By-the-Book, and then he turns around and kisses a defendant about to go on trial. Rory says, he knows the rules; he’s not breaking any of them. Spencer says, no, just bending them into pretzels, and Rory says, Spencer’s obviously not worried about his career, so this is about Trina. But Spencer has a girlfriend, so why does he care who Trina spends her time with?

The bartender knocks on the front door of Windymere, and Esme opens it. He says, she got his text, and she says, only to say he was coming. What is he doing? He says he wants to know why everyone in town is asking questions about her.

Marshall says, Windymere, isn’t that where Esme Prince is? What are they waiting for? Why don’t they catch up with the bartender? Curtis says, Windymere’s private property. If they catch the launch out there, the guards will tip Esme off that they’re coming. What they need is someone there who can help them out. Ava joins them, and says, going my way?

Josslyn asks if Trina was visiting Spencer at Spring Ridge. She doesn’t understand. There would be a record of Trina’s visit. Why keep something like that a secret? Trina says, because she wasn’t at Spring Ridge, and Josslyn says, but Spencer was still serving his sentence when the video came out, so… Oh my God, that privileged little tool. Trina says she called him worse, and Josslyn says, Spencer wasn’t at Spring Ridge, right? Trina caught him, and he won’t come forward to give her an alibi, because then he’d be busted for violating his sentence, and then he’d probably get sent to Pentenville. God, what a coward. Trina says, it’s not like that. Besides, the prosecution can always accuse her of scheduling the release of the sex tape at the time. She didn’t actually have to physically post it at the time it was sent. Josslyn says, it still gives her reasonable doubt, and Trina says, she’s been sitting on this for months. She told herself she would only use it if it seemed like she was going to be found guilty. Josslyn says, Trina has to use it. This could be a game changer. Portia comes in, and says, what’s the game changer?

Spencer tells Rory, he doesn’t care who Trina spends her time with, but Trina was a good friend to him at one point, so if Rory hurts her, he’ll answer to Spencer. Rory says, last he checked, he’s not the one who hurt her, and walks away.

On the phone, Valentin says, a sniper? Are you insane? He told Victor that he could handle Laura. Victor had his flunky, the assistant mayor, lure Laura out here. That set up was so obvious, he should have hung a banner. Victor says, the situation was well in hand. Valentin should have stayed out of it. Valentin says, killing Laura is the wrong play. How many fires did Victor have to put out when Luke died? Does he think Anna and the PCPD won’t go to the ends of the earth to prove that Victor killed Laura as well? There are other ways to neutralize Laura; ways that don’t involve spilling blood. Victor says, how exactly does Valentin propose they do that? and Valentin says, it’s already done.

Laura sees Nikolas at the hospital, and asks if everything is okay. He says, everything’s fine. In fact, he’s glad he ran into her. He wanted to update her on everything that’s been happening between Doc and Esme. Her phone rings, and she says she has to take this, and steps away. She asks how her mother is doing… What?… Oh my God, no.

Tomorrow, Portia says Stella won’t be stepping anywhere near that courtroom; Ava walks in on the bartender talking to Esme; Josslyn tells Trina that she’s sorry, she can’t; and Sonny tells someone that they brought this on themselves.

Southern Charm

Austen talks to his parents Wendy and Tom on the phone about them moving. In Austen’s interview, he says, they decided to move 45 minutes outside of Charleston, so they’re selling his childhood home in Charlotte. He tells his mom that he hopes to grab some things. He’s been getting daily phone calls from his dad, telling him what he’s found. Wendy says, they have a bin of Austen’s childhood stuff that they can’t throw out, and in his interview, Austen says, it’s tough to say goodbye to the home he grew up in. His first kiss, high school parties he shouldn’t have been having, sneaking out. What doesn’t he think about when he thinks of his childhood home? It means everything to him. He just wants get it done, and not think about Christmas. Wendy says she saw Madison got engaged, and asks how Austen is feeling. Austen says, sorry for the poor son-of-a-bitch, and asks how Wendy feels. Wendy says she wishes Madison well. and Tom says, they’re glad it’s not Austen. Wendy tells Austen to put it in his rearview mirror, and Austen says he’s successfully moved on.

Patricia tells Whitney, it’s that hour. Champagne, please. Whitney says, the whole bar area is a mess, and Patricia says, they need to reorganize. Without Michael, she doesn’t pay attention. Whitney says, their supplies are dwindling, and Patricia says, Venita and Madison are coming over for drinks. He takes some champagne out, and Patricia says, she likes hers in a coupe; they’re more elegant. Since all I know about a coupe is that it’s a style of car, I’m confused. Whitney suggests they go out on the piazza, and Patricia says she should have gotten a bartender. This is clearly beyond. In Patricia’s interview, a producer asks her, how does Whitney fare as a bartender? and she tells them, let’s just say this; we’re a little more casual now. We flash back to Patricia saying, this is the proper way to make a martini, and Michael making one. She says, he has the magic martini touch. Madison arrives, and Patricia remarks on how beautiful she looks, and says, all the women in this town make an effort, and here’s Whitney in a grey T-shirt. He says, who cares? and Patricia says, she does. Venita joins them, and Patricia tells Whitney to look at how beautiful they are. Whitney says he’s the new Michael, and Madison asks where his apron is. Patricia says, it would cover the grey T-shirt. She checks out Madison’s ring, pronouncing it nice and big. In Madison’s interview, she says she knew she was going to lock Brett down as soon as she looked at him. She fell in love instantly. She tells Patricia that Brett planned the proposal with her son Hudson. Her mom always said, when you know, you know. Patricia says she got married after three months, and Venita asks how long it lasted, but Patricia can’t remember which one it was. Madison tells Patricia that she and Venita are doing a joint birthday party. It’s going to be a solo girls event. Super girly, pink and florals. Madison says, the joint birthday party is a true test of friendship.

Taylor rides her bike, while Shep skateboards next to her. They stop at a restaurant for date night. Taylor says, the table looks as barren as her ovaries, and Shep says, they had a scare, but now they’re out of the woods. For three days, he was getting ready to figure out how to change his life drastically. In Shep’s interview, he says, for three days, he was thinking, shoot me, and we’ll see where it goes. It was downright terrifying. He says he thinks she’s being flippant about his emotions, and she says, he didn’t even ask how she felt. He just thought they had a scare. He’s never said anything to the effect that, if things happen, she can trust him to be there; faithful and supportive. He asks where she thinks he’s going? What does she think he’s doing? We flash back to the Reunion, when Shep said he’d exchanged texts with an old flame, and kissed someone. In Taylor’s interview, she says, Shep is clearly not safe bet. If she was pregnant, she’d want the right steps taken, which would be marriage. She doesn’t know if Shep would step up to the bat [sic]. She tells him, that he’d said he didn’t want to get married and settle down, and he says, if he’s told what to do, he does the opposite, but he wants her. She asks, what if she wants those things later in life? and he says, they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it.

Kathryn and Olivia meet for lunch. Kathryn thanks Olivia for being her date; she needs to be with someone who sees her in a positive light. Olivia hasn’t been bitten by the Charleston bug. Olivia says she hopped on some people at Naomie’s party, and we flash back to that, Kathryn thanks Olivia for having her back, and Olivia says, they have to take down the mean girls. Kathryn asks about Austen, and Olivia says, she’s attracted to him since he’s tall, but they’re taking baby steps. Olivia asks how it’s going with Chleb, and Kathryn says, after her party, they got in a big fight, and he was gone for six days. She invited him to dinner, so he could hear what she needed. She was trying to get him to open up about their issues, but it didn’t go over well. We flash back to that, and she says, they broke up. In Kathryn’s interview, she says she’s at a point in life where’s she’s looking for her forever person. She needs someone who’s looking at the big picture with her; the five and ten year plan. She tells Olivia that she needs a partner who can open up to her, support her, and listen to feedback. Chleb reacts like an athlete, and shows no emotions.

Meanwhile, Chleb is with cousin Chelsie, and says he appreciates the last couple of days. Chelsie gives him a drink, and Chleb asks if it’s 1000 proof. Chelsie says, he had to get Chleb right, and Chleb says, he’s concerned. Kathryn is in his head. They haven’t talked for the past few days, and they’d been going out a year and four months; it’s been a minute. He’s confused. In Chleb’s interview, he says, when he and Kathryn started dating, everything was happy. He felt like he was destined to be in her life. He misses her, being close to her, hugging and kissing her. He loves her. He tells Chelsie that he didn’t want to break up, but he has a hard time showing emotion. Kathryn wants him to have a sad face, and thinks he doesn’t care, but he does. He just doesn’t know how to show emotion, and nothing gets settled. Chelsie asks if it’s worth it, and Chleb says he’s trying to figure that out.

Madison calls Kathryn, who says she’s working on Halloween crap for her kids. Madison says her son is a total boy. He wants the scary stuff, and she wanted him to be an elephant. She asks if Kathryn wants to come to a garden party. She and Venita are hosting a party for their birthdays this weekend. It’s going to be super girly; no boys. Kathryn says she’d be happy to come, but does Venita want her to come. In Madison’s interview, she says she thinks the issues Venita and Kathryn have will linger, but it’s a joint party, and she didn’t ask who Venita was inviting. She tells Kathryn, from what she knows, Venita wants a clean slate with everyone, and to just have a good time. Kathryn says, then she’s excited, and Madison says she was hoping Kathryn would ask Olivia. She doesn’t know Olivia that well. Kathryn says, Olivia is awesome. Madison will love her.

Austen meets Craig at the golf range to practice. Austen tells Craig that he has a meeting with Harris Teeter from North Carolina this week, and it will increase the production of his company 10X.  Then he’s saying goodbye to his childhood home. He’s going to need emotional support, and some help moving furniture. Craig says, moving furniture sucks, but Austen says, it’s not a lot of furniture, and Craig says, okay, he’ll come. He says, look at them. They’re both in healthy places in their lives, and business is going well. He’s in a relationship, and he’s happy Austen is over his ex. He is over her, right? It was a terrible time for all of them. Austen assures Craig that he’s over Madison, and Craig says, Olivia is cool. Austen says, she’s also chill. She’s levelheaded and tall. He thinks tall people go with the flow. Short people are angry little demons. He says he and Olivia hang out with Shep and Taylor a lot, but he doesn’t want to fast track anything. Craig says if he’s getting any vibes to the contrary from Olivia, and he says he thinks she’s confused as sh*t by him. He decides to text her about meeting for drinks, and they discuss one sentence for ten minutes. A decision is finally made, and Austen asks if he should put a period on the end, but Craig says, no punctuation, please. It’s worse than emojis in a text. Austen says, they’ll get out of the city for a while, and Craig suggests he tell Olivia how he feels, then run.

Madison gets to the party venue first, and is met with champagne. There’s a gorgeous table set outside, and Madison says, this is perfect. She tells event planner Erica that she did so good. She outdid herself, and Madison is speechless mad. Venita joins her, and sees the place settings for Kathryn and Olivia. Madison says she thinks it will be good; she’s hoping for positive vibes. In Venita’s interview, she wonders, if Madison knows how she feels about them, why invite them and not tell her? Whose side are you on? We see a clip of Venita and Madison discussing the guest list, with no mention of Kathryn or Olivia. They get dressed, and Madison says, let’s party, birthday girl. It’s Libra season. Venita asks what made Madison decide to invite them, and Madison says, Kathryn invited her to her party. She doesn’t know Olivia, but figured Kathryn would want her there. Venita says, it’s fine, and Madison says, Venita can change it if she feels some type of way. In her interview, Venita says, how non-Southern belle. She’s not pulling a Madison on Madison. Madison uninvited Austen to his own birthday party. We flash back to that, and Madison tells Venita that they’re going to have fun, and in Venita’s interview, she says, Madison can push buttons, but it never crossed her mind that Madison would try to push hers.

Outside, Madison and Venita toast each other, and the guests begin to arrive. Everyone gushes over Madison’s ring, and someone asks how Brett proposed. Venita looks left out, and says, like they haven’t heard it 500 times. In her interview, she says, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, making fun of Madison’s ring admirers. She says, it’s my party.

M-m-m… deviled eggs. Leva tells Madison, this looks like the vibe for her shower too, and Madison says, maybe this is her shower, pissing off Venita more. Guests continue coming in, and the temperature reaches 84 degrees. Fans are passed out, and Leva tries to use the analogy, birds of a feather flock together, and says everything but. Venita asks Leva how she deals with Kathryn; the stuff on her heart is still there. She’s thinking of asking Kathryn for a one-on-one chitchat, and Leva says, heal it up.

In the car, Kathryn asks if Olivia is excited about the party, and Olivia says, she’s making more of it in her head. Kathryn says, Olivia had her back, and when they try to take away Olivia’s voice, it makes her feel bad. Olivia tells Kathryn not to get triggered, and Kathryn says she’s not a dramatic person. I choke on my coffee. When they arrive, Venita admits Kathryn kills the theme with her pink hair. Madison talks about her engagement, and Kathryn says, mom to mom, she knows it’s hard to find someone. She’s happy for Madison. Leva tells Naomie, might as well say hi, and in Naomie’s interview, she says she’s tired of being the bigger person. She doesn’t want to be the bigger person. Naomie tells Olivia that she feels like they should chat. There’s unexplained history with her and Kathryn that Olivia doesn’t know. There are three sides to everything. Olivia says, she was trying to make it clear that she wasn’t coming in on sides, but out of decency. Naomie says, she respects that, and also that Olivia didn’t back down. Any problems with Kathryn have nothing to do with her. Olivia says she’s happy to move forward, and Naomie says, now they can move on. But in Naomie’s interview, she says she appreciates it, but sorry, she doesn’t trust Olivia. Marcie asks Olivia how it’s going with Austen, and Olivia says, they had a group date with Shep and Taylor, and they have another date tomorrow. Marcie says she wants to see this transpire. Leva asks Kathryn about Chleb, and Kathryn says, they broke up. Leva says, that’s sad, but Venita suggests they enjoy themselves, and manifest happiness and peace. Leva tells a story about her son playing tennis in a competitive way, then being distracted by a butterfly, and Kathryn says, the innocence of children is refreshing. They raise kids with the same problems they have, and the system works against changing that. In Venita’s interview, she wonders if Kathryn is just saying this for show. Venita is concerned that Kathryn’s small actions might trickle down to her kids, and she asks Kathryn if she’s taught her kids about not using the monkey emoji. Kathryn says, of course she has, and Venita says, that’s refreshing, since in a moment of anger, it’s easy to spread that to children. She wants to get to know Kathryn better, and have a relationship, but she needed to make sure that wasn’t happening. Kathryn says, absolutely not, and Venita says, they can cheers to that. She and Kathryn clink glasses.

Patricia pulls up in her Rolls Royce, with Whitney playing chauffeur, Kathryn tells Olivia that she and Venita talked, but she doesn’t know what to think. Patricia shows Madison how to feature her ring while holding a glass, and everyone sits for lunch. Venita wants everyone to take a second, and open their gifts. It’s a pair of earrings, and Venita says, in case they don’t have garden-themed earrings. Both Marcie and Patricia don’t have pierced ears, and Patricia tells them, her mother always said loose women have pieced ears. Madison tells Olivia that she thinks they’ll hit it off. Venita thanks everyone for coming, and Madison says, there’s nothing better than champagne and cupcakes. Patricia says, her motto is, eat, drink, and remarry, and announces to the table that she’d like to put forth from this time forward, no drama, and a clean slate. She’s never had a clean state, but starting now, here’s to whatever. Because having no drama is impossible, Leva says, there might be people at this table who have issues. So in the spirit of realness, let’s fix it. All these big feelings are being swept under the rug, and they should address some of them. Venita says, let’s do one and done. You first, then you, and she points at Olivia, then Kathryn. Kathryn asks if that’s a challenge, and says, they’re supposed to be adults, and trying to have results. Venita says she’d like to have a conversation with Kathryn second, but would she like to go first? Kathryn says, Venita is being condescending, and Naomie – apparently not learning her lesson from last time – says, Venita didn’t mean it like that. Kathryn  tells her, f*** off, and Patricia says, no F-words, please! Venita says if she didn’t want to fix this with Kathryn, she woudn’t have said anything. What does Kathryn need to get back to this? Kathryn says, she doesn’t need sh*t, and Venita says, got it.

To be continued…

👟 Taking It On the Run…

Have a looksee tomorrow at some soap, what’s in the teapot, things other people said, and something from the music catalog in my mind. Until then, stay safe, stay hungry for more, but not at the expense of others, and stay not panicking. Panic makes poor decisions.